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Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters here that belong to Ranma 1/2. The Ranma 1/2 cast belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Suikoden 3 or any other characters that I put into this story except for my own OCs. Neither do I own any of the character in any of the crossovers I do. I'm just using them in this fanfiction and I have no money so don't bother suing me. You'll just lose money instead of gaining any.
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Chapter 21 – Err, Hi Girls! Meet My New Fiancées! Please Don't Kill Me!
It was a long ago that mortals and God lived together in this world.
God was given a special power, you see.
That special power was to decide the destinies of mortals.
But God became too strict on the mortals.
All he needed to do was to watch the mortals fulfill their destinies out before him.
And God who hated anything that is wrong and evil.
He was unable to forgive the mortals, who sometimes did wrong and evil acts.
The mortals failed to do what God wanted so….
God decided to punish them. As a result, the mortal's lives were filled with suffering and strife.
Many, many years went by. Then one day a man appeared and swore to stop God's tyrannical acts. He carried a sword that was strong enough to kill God.
There was a great battle and the man killed God in a storm of blood.
The blood became fog that covered the ground.
The fog tormented the mortals for a long time.
As time passed new Gods were born from the fog.
These new Gods didn't try to punish the mortals.
Instead, they decided to watch over the mortals so as not to make the same mistake.
They all took special care for those who are called God Hunters. (1)
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In a room made out of gems -
On a bed made of the most comfortable of materials NOT known to mortals a figure awoke from her deep slumber. The woman had a killer body, putting to shame even Ms. Hinako and all the other women that are with Ranma. Her long, lush orange hair fanned out over her pillow. She groggily tried to wake herself until she figured out what it was that woke her up. When she did she bolted straight up, her goddess-like face contorted in anger.
The Goddess Tyr (2) awoke as she felt entities, both originating from her world and not, being teleported in. Feeling out where the source is she found that the people are coming from a world that not long ago had sent a single person through the dimensional walls to her world. In fact, one of the people being teleported in is the very same young man.
In a very un-goddess like way she started cursing and gesturing rudely, throwing around some of the gems, destroying over a million dollars worth of priceless jewels. With HIS return all of her planning and pulling hidden strings from the shadows as she has done since the beginning is all for nothing.
Long ago the Sword and the Shield Runes had fought and destroyed each other, and as a result of their battle created this world and the twenty-seven 'True Runes'. Ever since this world had been created she has made it her own. She has been doing everything in her godly power to maintain this world as she saw it should be, letting many kingdoms and civilizations grow and flourish. Once it had fulfilled her plan for her final goal she would then cause it to be destroyed so that a new one would take its place. She would then have that one fulfill another one of her plans. She had allowed only a few key kingdoms to 'live' as they would do her bidding for her as she manipulated them from behind the shadows. One such kingdom is Harmonia, led by her faithful servant Hikusaak and bearer of the True Circle Rune. She is the Goddess of Destruction and Anger, but unlike her sisters she also deals in Order too, by way of destruction of course. If she did not she would have destroyed this world as soon as she found it.
However, ever since this source of Chaos, whose name coincidentally means 'disorderly horse', came to her world he is changing EVERYTHING. Besides him there is the rogue True Rune user making his plans to destroy everything she has worked for. At first she thought nothing of him (the rogue), thinking that she could use him for her own plans. But as time went on she saw that he is changing things. Thankfully he is the lesser threat, for now anyway.
How ironic that the TRUE Rune of Chaos had chosen Ranma. The two of them are true rivals now. A mere mortal against a Goddess, Chaos Vs. Order, Destruction to make Order Vs. Chaos and Change. Of course he does not know of her, which is all the better.
She would have destroyed him when he started irritating her. However, something, or more accurately a group of SOMEONES, that all of the Gods and Demons fear came to her world, the Hats. Damn that Yuber for knowing even the rumors of the rumors about them!
At first she thought that Fight Hat would kill him. However, instead she was beaten and became engaged to him! There is no way she would be able to make a move against him without angering Dark Hat. He is famous in the heavens for how protective he is of his younger siblings and anyone that they associate with. She also knows that there has never been a God or Demon that has ever fought with Dark Hat and lived. Not even any of the Kami-sama or Hild-sama counterparts stood a chance against him once he is truly angered. He is one of the oldest beings alive, even older than Kami-sama and Hild-sama, and it shows in how much power he possesses. She knew that she would have to wait until she could make her move against him without giving herself a death sentence.
When Ranma tried giving up his life to save his sister she thought she had a way to get rid of him without getting Dark Hat angry with her. But then that STUPID vampire just had to attack just then! He was not even supposed to be there in the first place! He was supposed to be DEAD! How the hell he was there even she does not know. She had one chance to get rid of Ranma, and she took it. When the Night Rune, that was NOT supposed to be there, let out that magic attack to counteract the vampire's magic attack she acted quickly. She had the Water Altar's sealing magic and the two other magic's mix. It was supposed to kill Ranma, but instead the mixed magic sent him back to his own world, which is just as good. But then she saw that the people that were close to the unsealing site were gone too! Including one of her major players, Chris Lightfellow! She had cursed up a storm. Source of Chaos indeed! Even his very disappearance causes problems for her!
What is worse is that the two she should NOT have messed with disappeared as well. Fight Hat and Mind Hat, the latter who was watching them, went along for the ride. Knowing that separating the Hats from each other would cause Dark Hat to become VERY angry she flew back to Heaven as fast as she could to hide in the shadows. While there she learned that Dark Hat was planning something. She would have looked into it deeper, but Kami-sama ordered everyone to leave him and anyone associated with him alone. She is a Goddess, but Kami-sama is THE God.
Seeing that Dark Hat had gone off to do whatever it was he was doing she returned back to her world and started her plans in motion again. Everything was going as smoothly as possible, even without Chris Lighfellow's help. There should have been three candidates for the True Fire Rune, but she had to work with what she had. It turned out not too bad even, almost the same as if Chris had been there. She had begun thinking of getting her replaced by someone else, perhaps that Lilly Pendragon.
Then THIS happens! He has returned and brought even MORE people from his world to hers. He even brought a giant PIG of all things! Is that an ALLIGATOR? Even worse, the two Hats are with him! If Dark Hat finds out his two siblings have returned here he is sure to return as well.
ENOUGH! She will not let all of she has worked for be destroyed!
"Ranma, I will see you suffer for bringing so much chaos to my world!" Tyr shouted as she stared into her magic mirror. She would need to step out of the shadows now, which she had NEVER needed to do before, and get people to do her bidding and kill Ranma once for all. She knows just where to start.
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At Lake Castle -
Lake Castle has grown tremendously since the new master, Thomas, was put in charge. The entire surrounding area is now a boomtown ever since he made it a free trade area and had beaten off the Zexen Knights to put down their 'rebellion' as the trading guild that ran the knights had called it. Granted it is now 'Karayan Territory', but it did not really matter since Lucia pretty much lets him do whatever he wants.
New shops and buildings had been constructed thanks to the help of the castle's resident gadget makers. The new buildings are springing up in front of the castle down the road a bit, making the beginnings of a village (Tyr had not been pleased that it is growing much bigger than what she had planned). The residents of the castle didn't have to fear the Zexens coming back since the person who had defeated the Captain of the Zexen Knights, Chris Lightfellow, supposedly lives there and is a good friend of Thomas. He has been gone for a while now, but rumors say that he is traveling around looking for the 'Flame Champion' and can return at a moment's notice if his home is ever endangered. The Zexens knew to leave the castle and its inhabitants alone. Anyone that even the Grasslanders feared should be treated with caution.
Many of the travelers have been coming to the castle for other reasons besides opening a store, looking to buy things or making homes for themselves. One is the small restaurant by the lakeshore that serves food to die for. The young chef that runs the small but busy restaurant tells her customers that the reason her food is so tasty is that she puts her heart into her work. The same pigtailed person who is so respected by the castle inhabitants also inspires her to put her heart and soul into her cooking while she waits for his return. She someday hopes that he will return and fall in love with her, just as she had fallen for him. They get married and then go traveling around the world so that he can become a great martial artist or whatever he wants to be and she learns to be a great cook and run a 'yattai'. Then they return to Lake Castle to run her restaurant and raise many children together.
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In many other worlds Ukyo sneezed.
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The very cute waitresses that she had hired to take orders helps greatly in the restaurant's popularity as well. That they can kick serious butt discourages males from acting any other way besides perfect gentlemen in their presence.
Then there is the bar at the side of the main house. Run by a stunning young Karayan woman who had also hired cute waitresses the bar is well stocked with drinks of all kinds thanks to all of the traders coming to the castle. To make sure that people do not roughhouse when they drink too much she has made sure that the waitresses she hired are well trained to bring down any brawls that break out. Taking care of the entertainment are the three traveling bouzouki players: Toppo, Nei and Shabon. They play music on the stage of the bar, taking any song requests that the customers asks for. Anne is also waiting for when Ranma comes back, falls madly in loves with her, marries her and helps her open up her own bar.
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In one particular world Tifa sneezed. Her husband, a man wearing a red Chinese shirt, hoped she is not coming down with something. They might have to close the bar down for a night or two if she does. (E)
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The training area of the castle is also doing well, much to the ire of Juan who had to get off his lazy butt to teach classes. After hearing about the fighting style of Ranma, which is a little strange but has taken out everyone that had faced him, many young fighters have been coming for training there. Currently Juan, Emily and her mother Ronnie Bell (Tyr had been very mad when she discovered the giantess) are training students since Ranma did teach them some of his fighting style, though none of his more advanced aerial style or his made up sword style that he had been developing using his broken katana. Kenji has been helping students who needed to get into better shape before they can do any real training since they needed loosen up and build up their flexibility since that is what Ranma's style is mostly about. Emily plans on opening her own dojo one day with her future husband, a certain man with a pigtail.
The shops are also doing great business. Peggi's blacksmith shop on the ground floor of a two story building has been getting a lot of customers thanks to several books being kept in the library. He has been able to make stronger metals by mixing compounds together. He has also found ways of making metals that usually only the rich could afford to have made. He has also been getting some pointers from a fellow blacksmith named, Mose who had trained under Mace, the renowned Master Blacksmith in the Toran Republic, who also has been hitting the books dealing with blacksmithing. Together they have been making all kinds of weapons and armor. Their swords and other weapons are greatly sought after. If either Peggi or Mose ever tempers your weapon you are sure to get quality work.
Dominic's armor shop on the second level has also been getting a lot of business too. Dominic was the old, stubborn proprietor of an armor shop in Vinay del Zexay and later Lake Castle. He is known as a fine craftsman, but he occasionally will sell his customers crap. Really, his contemptness for his customers knows few bounds. He will overcharge his customers if given the opportunity to and will beat them with his gear if they try and steal it. But lately he has been selling armor that is on the same level of armored cavalry units or better. He has armors as good as the ones that were used by the Armored Cavalry of Teo McDohl (B). Dominic has been getting the armor from Peggi and Mose after all and no longer sells crap to his customers.
The item shop is also doing well, even if the owner of the shop is very irritating. Gordon is a 'suave gentleman' who runs the Supply Shop in Lake Castle. He used to be a highly acclaimed actor, but quit for some unknown reasons. Ever since his wife divorced him and took custody of their young daughter he has relentlessly chased after women that he comes across, in particular the ones that come to his shop. He is also very judgmental of other men, only associating with those he considers 'gentlemen'. The women of the castle once learning of the reason why Gordon hits on them all the time got to understand him better, but they still do not like the way he hits on the women that goes to his shop still. One instance of when Emily had gone to his shop is a good reminder for him never to hit on certain women. He came out of the encounter with two black eyes.
Sharing Gordon's building is a new resident of the castle who runs an Appraiser shop. Guillame is a dirty scoundrel who has switched professions from appraiser to petty thief back to appraiser (due to lack of any real skill), cheating people even when he has a respectable job. He would replace items he was appraising with fakes and keep the originals for himself. As a thief he had an operation based out of Vinay del Zexay and the North Cavern where he would sell items to people and then have his bandits would attack them later and bring the items back to him. He used the North Cavern as his stockpile for goods. In trying to cover the operation up he publicly discredited Melville's father, Billy, who claimed he saw a phantom ship in the mountains (which was later revealed to be the ship that's attached to Lake Castle). He tried to discredit him to deter people from heading to the North Cavern to see the ship (the ship is visible from the North Cavern). He also has some skills in using a heavily jeweled trident in fights but is not really much of a fighter since he is a yellow-bellied coward.
He also has an unnatural urge to play with little girls, which scares many people greatly. The women fighters of the castle quickly got it out of his system the hard way, by beating him to an inch of his life and then threatening to cut off his 'thing'. He cannot even so much as glance at one of the younger girls without getting another beating.
The magic shop has been getting tons of customers as well. Jeane the Rune Sage has been getting a lot of guys going to her shop. Jeane is a mysterious Runemistress who usually only wears one-fourth of an outfit or less, showing off a whole lot of her flawless skin. More like she's wearing a black dress that looks painted on her. No one in the castle knows her real age, origin, or past (except for Koroku and the other dogs that live in the castle who knows her true form). Anyone that tries to find out never gets any clues. Those who get too close usually get a strange feeling overcome them for some reason. There are also rumors that she is one of the few women who can fluster Ranma to unprecedented levels, though thankfully nothing comes out of it and she mostly does it for the fun of it.
Hortez VII's Scroll Shop has also been doing well. He and Jeane share the same shop since he needs a rune to make a spell scroll. He is one of the few men unaffected by her charms due to her relationship with his mother, Raura. He considers her a friend of the family and finds all of her flirting funny. He also has the habit of getting lost wherever he goes and has to be led around so he would not get lost for days again. Normally Ranma does this, but since he is missing various residents of the castle take turns leading him around.
The trade business has also been booming because Lake Castle is the only place where one of the hottest selling trading items can be found. The mangas that are reprints of the ones that Ranma had brought with him are selling faster than the sellers can keep up with. Arthur was the one that had them printed, seeing that they would sell big time once they hit the market. He also prints his own newspaper with the help of Kidd who snoops around the castle most of the day. Scott has been selling the mangas in bulk loads to other traders and merchants who stop by the castle. In turn these traders and merchants sell them in other villages, making people want more and more. He sells them only one volume at a time though since there will never be any new ones. Both Scott and Arthur have been planning on having a printing press building set up because the room that they have been doing all of the printing at is too small for all of the heavy-duty work that needs to be done, but is too costly especially when they run out of volumes to sell. Ranma is going to be a VERY rich man when he returns and claims his share of the fortune, seeing that he is the one the mangas came from in the first place.
Speaking of books, the castle library has been seeing a whole lot of people reading the collection housed there. The books hold knowledge that most people never heard or thought of before. The books are from Ranma when he came to Lake Castle, though no one outside of the castle knows of his other dimensional origins. Many scholars and doctors that heard of the strange books and are close to Lake Castle went to check them out. Many have found new ways to look at things and for doctors they found new ways of healing, especially from Tuta and Mio who Ranma had taught Shiatsu to. The doctors have also been trading notes with the castle's resident doctor and his nurse as they had already read all of the books.
Speaking of Mio, she can often be seen looking out into the lake at night sighing forlornly. When asked why she says she misses the one that reminds her of her late husband so much (A). She sees that Ranma has the same soul and believes that he had inherited his spirit somehow. They both have the same fire in their eyes and she could not help but be convinced that her husband had come back from the grave. She wants him and nothing is going to stop her! While she still loves her late husband she knows that he would want her to move on, especially to a man that reminds her so much of him.
The ones that keep the books in order are two of the castle's residents. Ernie, the mild-mannered tutor, does extensive work with the Association of Ancient History at Vinay del Zexay and Greenhill in the City-States of Jowston. She also helps with people learning magic since she is a trained Magic Trainer. She can usually be found lost in a book, doing research and studying up on any subject that catches her fancy. She plans to have Ranma take her around the world when he comes back so she can study all sorts of things.
Then there is Eike, the quiet and shy librarian of Lake Castle who scares most people who meet him. Always lost in his books he will read them in a trance with no awareness of what is going on around him, even worse than Ernie. He even has a secret corner in the winding caverns found underneath Lake Castle where he would now and then retreat to so he can read books in peace. Eventually Thomas, Ranma, Shizu, Cecile and Piccolo had uncovered it. Eike still uses it to hold meetings for his "Silent Reading Society". His sleeping patterns are even stranger. Reportedly he does not turn while sleeping, has his eyes half-opened, and talks in a strange language!
There are also other shops that had opened. One is a Gadget Shop (which got Tyr even more pissed off since it was never supposed to be there) that Belle and her mother Meg (Tyr had cursed up a storm when she found her and the other parents were there) run where they have been making all sorts of things thanks to the books that they took from the library. Along with Gadget Z, who is often the test subject of the new gadgets they make, they have been making a whole lot of new inventions around the castle. One of the new things they had made is a small aircraft. After looking at the picture of a hot air balloon in one of the books they went and made one. The balloon is only a prototype since they still didn't really know how to fly it just yet. They have also been making some nick-knacks too like music boxes and some clockwork toys on the side to make money. The things are selling so well that Meg and Belle did not set a price on them. Rather, they have the customers bargain for them. Meg hopes to one day leave the shop to Belle and her pigtailed future son-in-law.
Then there is the ranch that houses the horse races. Kathy runs the ranch with a little help from Billy and Melville. They keep the horses in shape and looks after the farm animals too that they sell off to Mamie so she can make her delicious foods. They only have one problem, and that is Brego. Brego has been dubbed 'Ranma's Horse' since he never lets anyone ride him except Ranma and also Magic Hat when she was staying there. He is the same horse that made Kathy realize just how important Ranma is to her when he had been able to tame the wild horse when she could not. Ever since Ranma disappeared Brego just stays at the ranch doing nothing. If anyone tries to ride him he throws the rider off quickly and stays away for hours. Kathy just hopes that Ranma comes home soon to help her control the picky horse. She already has a mate in mind for Brego. Coincidentally, it just so happened to be her horse. She also hopes that Ranma would become her life mate one day too.
Futch, Sharon and Milia (again Tyr had been royally pissed off) had set up their own little cove near Kathy's ranch. They had made a home for the two dragons with them, Bright and Trash. Sharon is also expecting her own dragon to arrive anytime soon, her mother deeming her mature enough to have one (again Tyr cursed Ranma's interference). Sharon can hardly wait for the day when her golden dragon arrives and is very much poised to show her gratitude to the man who had helped her grow up enough to get one, Ranma. Oh yes, she can practically hear the wedding bells, and Milia can practically feel her grandchildren in her arms already! She is thinking of giving the True Dragon Rune to her daughter as a wedding present.
The real bright side to all of these travelers to the castle is that Martha, who runs the lottery stand, has been getting a lot of people to buy her tickets. She makes a killing selling her tickets now; unlike long ago when she could not even sell one. The inn is also popular and being run by Sebastian, the castle butler. He has tons of people staying at the inn and sooner or later would have to expand the building. Already he is running out of rooms to put people in.
Little Viki, while still being very serious, seems to have more energy ever since Viki (the older one) had disappeared. While she still has her serious face on she seems to have that extra step whenever she walks that indicates she is excited about something. No one can tell whether she is glad the older Viki is gone or what it is that got her so happy.
There is a bad side to everything. Ranma had left the castle and took along a few others when they figured out that he was leaving and ambushed him that morning. The reason why this is bad is:
1. Ranma has been missing for two whole weeks.
2. Almost all of the young women who live at the castle are in love with Ranma.
3. One of the people missing and presumed to be with Ranma is Fight Hat.
4. She is supposed to be his fiancée.
5. Ranma is out there, all alone, with no female companionship besides Fight Hat and Ayame.
6. Ayame does not like Ranma very much.
7. A lot of the girls are in love with Ranma are trained in martial arts.
8. Thomas did not tell them about their departure until AFTER they had left.
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We now go to the room of the dead-meat… I mean Master of Lake Castle –
Thomas has been spending a lot of his time in his room. It's the only place he feels safe at anymore. Ever since he told the girls about Ranma they have been acting like beasts around him. They are clearly saying with their glaring eyes and snarling mouths that he is dead meat if Ranma ended up together with Tina when they come back. Well, at least he does not have to worry about the girls with their parents here. They help calm the girls down, especially the hotheads Sharon and Emily. No way is he going to survive being eaten by Bright and Trash! Though it sound like it is less painful than the beating he is going to get if Ranma returns 'involved' with somebody.
Cecile has been, as she calls it, keeping him safe from the girls by moving into his room (coincidentally it is the only reason why the girls had not charged in there and beat him to a pulp to relieve stress). When she changes for bed is the first time that Thomas has ever gotten to see her without her armor on. Her sleepwear is a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt that made her looks unbearably cute. For Cecile she very much enjoys seeing that all of that training that Thomas has been doing when Ranma was around is paying off. Thomas is no longer the skinny young man when he first came to Lake Castle. He now has a slight build and had developed a slight tan from staying out in the sun. He still exercises even though Ranma is gone, knowing that it is good for him and oblivious (like most young men) to Cecile's growing interest in him.
Of course their developing relationship just pissed Tyr off even more since it was not supposed to elevate to this level. Nor was Thomas supposed to become even a decent fighter. It gave her more reasons to kill Ranma.
They mostly spend their time playing a card game they found going through Ranma's room. The card game is called Duel Monsters and had a label on it that said:
Dear Ranma,
I thought you would like something to pass the time while you are going around the world. I noticed that you had a lot of these so I thought you might like this one.
Love,
Kasumi
They figured that Ranma would not mind if they used it. After reading the rulebook that came with the starter decks they had gotten the hang of the game. It turned out that in the pile of objects that Ranma took with him is a box of Duel Monster cards he got when he helped out a blonde kid (the Yugi analog of that world, though no Yami) who ran his own game store. Ranma saved his shop from some thugs that were forcing him to buy protection money and made them never want to return again (the Moko Takabisha is a really good way to scare people). Yugi gave him a whole shipment of Duel Cards to show how grateful he is, saying he can always trade it with somebody for something he likes. Ranma forgot that he even had it stored in his Hidden Weapons pocket until he dumped it into the chest in his room along with the books, which just hid them from sight along with Kasumi's present. Ranma remembered Kasumi's present, but not the box full of game cards.
After getting the hang of the rules of the game and opening up the packets full of cards they each made their own duel decks that reflected their personalities. Thomas' deck is filled with monster, magic and trap cards that help the other cards out. However, most of the monsters in his deck are either fairy or light based monsters since he is not really comfortable in having fierce looking monsters in his deck. His strongest card is 'Big Koala' since the card says that that he is a powerful but meek monster.
Cecile's duel deck is filled with cards that are mainly defense oriented since she is always wearing her armor whenever she is outside. Most of her monsters have strong defense points or special effects that increase other monster's defense points. All of her magic and trap card's that increases her monster's defenses or decreases the attacking monster's attack points. Her strongest card is the 'Millennium Shield' card since she always has her father's shield with her. It is her only one left because Mio had destroyed her spare when she was holding it that one time Ranma had smiled at her. She shredded it to tiny little pieces. Cecile still cries about it when someone mentions it to her.
Cecile looked up from her cards and asked, "When do you think that Ranma will be back, Master Thomas?" She had asked this question a couple of times already since Ranma's disappearance.
Thomas put down his own cards and replied. "I don't know. I hope really soon." He wants to be able to get out of his room without having to keep looking back to check if anyone is following him. No, the girls are NOT happy with him.
Cecile gave him a comforting smile when she sensed what he is thinking about. "Don't worry. I'll protect you Master Thomas."
Thomas smiled gratefully in return. "Thanks Cecile." It had become routine for them to say those two lines. However, no matter how many times she says it to him he feels safe and cared for.
The two are surprised when the door slammed open and Muto ran in. He grabbed Thomas and Cecile by the shoulders and shook them vigorously, an excited look on his face. "Thomas! Cecile! Piccolo's back! Piccolo's back!" He raced out of the room, followed a second later by the two teens.
In the courtyard Piccolo is surrounded by all of the castle inhabitants, all wanting to know where he has been. The three pushed their way to the front and saw Piccolo and who is with him.
Accompanying the old man are four girls, three of which are very young. One of them is dressed in a dark green dress and looks to be around ten or so. A few, namely Anne and any other Grasslanders, recognized that she is wearing the clothes indicating she is a member of the Alma Kinan Clan. Martha took much interest in her since it had been years since she last saw someone of the Alma Kinan clan when she was a young girl during the war fifty years ago. She has black hair made into two braids and has a cute and cheerful expression. By looking closely Thomas saw that she could pass for Ranma when he is in his girl form, Ranko. That is, if Ranko was a brunette and a little girl.
The other girl looks to be around the first girl's age. She is a blonde, blue-eyed girl that reminded everyone who has been to the Kingdom of Harmonia of 'First Class Citizens'. Since that they always have blonde hair and blue eyes due to their strict marriage practices. She is wearing a pink ribbon in her blonde hair and wearing a blue dress with a white apron over it. She is also holding a teddy bear and a purple cat in her arms. She also had an air of vulnerability and innocence to her that reminded everyone a little bit of Magic Hat.
The oldest of the girls looks to be around 18 or 19, around Ranma's age. She is wearing a white sundress that accentuated her figure. Her long black hair with two pink streaks is covered by a wide brimmed sunhat. She had a smile on her face that made people's days seem brighter. She had decided to wear her nice clothes today instead of the schoolgirl-like clothes she usually wears. Her beauty awed many of the men.
But what caught everyone's attention is the giant pig that is walking next to her. It is the biggest pig any of them had ever seen! Not even Kathy's pigs are THAT big! Even the wild boars that are around the castle do not come close to its size. On its back it is carrying the two young girls, meaning that the pig would be safe to be around. Still…
The last one is a young girl that looks to be around ten or so with short purple hair. She is wearing a pair of violet colored spectacles and an odd conical shaped top hat of pale colored leather and bits of metal that appeared to be devices of some kind. This got the attention of Meg and Belle since those gadgets are nothing like they have ever seen before. One of the strange gadgets is a glass eyepiece that could swivel down over her right eye. She is wearing orange overalls over a gray shirt and an open white lab coat that almost reaches the ground. She also had a large backpack that was about the same size as she is, but she held it up with no problem. She also has a large shoulder bag hanging on her left side that looks like it is holding a flat box shaped thing in it. The glass eyepiece gave out a small beep as numbers and words appeared when she swept her gaze over the crowd. The expression on her face gave everyone chills down of their spines.
Martha walked right up to Piccolo and gave him a rap on his noggin. "How you doing' you old cot! So, who are these young ladies with you?"
While Piccolo is rubbing the spot where Martha had rapped him Akari stepped forward and bowed. "Hello. My name is Akari Unryuu. This is my pig, Katsunishiki," she indicated the giant pig. "I am Edge's girlfriend, and I hope no one would mind if I stayed here with him," she said with a small blush. Many of the young men groaned in disappointment. Thomas indicated that it is not a problem and said she can stay in Edge's room, making the girl blush even more.
Yun waved enthusiastically from the back of Katsunishiki. "Hi everybody! I'm Yun, Ranma's little sister!" A few fainted while many more waved back with wide smiles.
'Ranma has a little sister! She's so cute!' went through the minds of the women who have a thing for the pigtailed man.
Mind gave them a grin that scared everyone, badly. "The name's Mind Hat, Fight Hat's little sister." Many jaws dropped because of that. Another Hat, and this one is almost as scary as her big brother!
Iris looked at everyone shyly from behind her 'aunt'. "Hello. I'm Iris Jones. This is Jean-Paul," she indicated her teddy bear. "And this is Shampoo." The cat meowed at them and raised one of her paws in greeting from Iris' arms. Her shy introduction got the hearts of many of the people gathered around them. Guillame's eyes turned shiny and he gave her a sinister smile before Ronnie Bell dragged him behind a house and started beating into him not to mess with any of the girls.
Martha nodded to them briefly before she turned back to Piccolo. "So where is Ranma? I don't see him anywhere." She looked around as if he would appear out of thin air. She knows he has the ability to do that.
Iris turned her head to the old woman. "You know papa?" she asked innocently. Akari, Yun and Piccolo groaned while Molly's grin got bigger. They forgot (Molly purposely) to tell her not to mention anything about that.
Things turned deadly silent before everyone shouted a deafening "WHAT!" All the girls who are in love with Ranma and had dreams of a beautiful home with a white picket fence, healthy and beautiful children and one amazing husband (this is the most common dream. It changes as you go from girl to girl with the common theme of amazing husband and children) had it shatter like crystal. Some started hyperventilating, others went into shock, and a few just stared unbelievingly.
The men in the group and the ones not in love with Ranma wisely made themselves scarce, except for a certain lord of the castle who is too frozen in fear to do so.
As the shock faded all at once the girls that are after Ranma turned to the only remaining male, Thomas. He stepped back, seeing the angry glares directed his way. Even Cecile, who promised to protect him, whimpered seeing dark auras coming off of them.
"Everyone, please calm down and let's go inside so I can explain everything," Piccolo asked as politely and pleadingly as possible. "Don't do anything to Thomas since Ranma wouldn't like you beating up his friend. Girls? Girls!" He is largely ignored as battle auras over five feet in diameter came out of the enraged females. Weapons of all sorts are drawn.
Thomas swallowed and backed away slowly, making sure not to make any sudden movements. "I-I-I'll wait inside then." He bolted when he saw them take a step forward.
"TTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAASSSSSS!" The young man's name became a battle cry as the girls charged into the main house after him.
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All through this Iris looked on with a confused expression. "I just asked if she knew papa. Did I say something wrong?" she asked Yun with a confused expression. She had not been told of the girl's love for her father.
Ranma's sister looked on with a sweat drop, along with the others except Iris, as the girls poured into the main house in a stampede. "Err, don't worry about it Iris. Let's just wait until big brother gets back okay." Iris nodded. Piccolo shook his head as Akari directed her pig further into the castle.
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In the Grasslands -
The air is filled with noise as troops, materials and animals went around the huge Harmonian camp. Inside a tent with a symbol indicating it is for the leaders of the army Sasarai and Dios are looking over the maps of the Grasslands, planning for their next move. They have pushed the Grasslander Army from the Chisha Village all the way to the Duck Village. They are planning to attack again as Albert, their Army Strategist, had suggested. He is from the famous Silverberg line of strategists and lives up to the name. He had excelled in his class while studying in Harmonia and now has a high position in the Harmonian Army. His philosophy is starting to become like that of Leon, his grandfather. Soldiers are nothing but pawns and strategists should never be in the line of fire.
"The map clearly shows the Grasslanders have very little room left to fall back to," Albert said to Sasarai and Dios as they stared at the map of the Grasslands. "Once our troops push them back to Brass Castle they will have no place to fall back to. We should attack them now while they are still weak and regrouping. " The map is lightly colored, showing the territories they held as well as the Grasslanders. What interested Sasarai is that there are four colored areas marked on the map. The Grassland Clan's lands are shown on the map as yellow, the Zexen Federation as blue, and they are in red. A fourth color, green, he does not know. The green area took up the upper left side of the map. It is centered at Lake Castle all the way down to Iksay Village and to the borders of the Yaza Plains. Iksay Village is where some of the supplies for the armies come from. According to Albert he is planning on taking those out to halt the supply routes to help in the defeat of the Grasslands.
"What about this green area on the map?"
Albert saw where Sasarai is pointing and explained. "That area is the territory under the protection of Lake Castle. They rebelled against the Zexen Federation and won. The master of the castle is a young man named Thomas, son of Lowma, the head of the Zexen Merchant Guilds, and according to my information is home to a number of powerful fighters and magic users. It's also the home of Ranma, who I believe you already know."
Dios' eyes widened as both he and Sasarai remembered the battle where they had first gotten a glimpse of the pigtailed warrior. After that battle they waited until the rest of their army came before moving again. They saw that they would need their full strength to face the likes of him anytime soon. "Doesn't that mean the Grasslanders can retreat to that territory if they wanted to? He was defending Chisha Village before so he might side with the Grasslanders."
Sasarai is deep in thought. 'There's no way we will be able to get our troops into his territory once they find out that Ranma's home base is there.' He clearly remembers that powerful spell that he used to take out Brute Hat. He knows with a certainty that even using his True Earth Rune's protection spells he would not be able to withstand that kind of power of that powerful spell for long. He has never seen such a powerful spell before that the user still has control over his or her rune. Only when the True Fire Rune that went out of control fifty years ago can match that kind of power. That or the Rune of Life and Death, also known as the 'Souleater'. However, the True Fire Rune had a large area of effect while that 'Dragon Slave' spell can be aimed in any direction. Sometimes controlled blasts are more dangerous than the all around and berserker types.
Albert, knowing what is going through the two men's minds, tried to reassure them. "Do not worry about the Grasslanders retreating to the Lake Castle territory. Ranma does not have a good standing with them. Some time ago the Lizard and Karayan Clans attacked Iksay Village, killing the villagers who happened to be friends with Ranma. In short he killed every attacker in the village. Then he did something that I have never heard of before. He brought back every villager and attacker back to life using that strange rune of his," he said with a totally straight face. If he was worried about it he did not show any signs of it.
"He has the power to bring people back to life?" Dios asked, awed and a bit frightened. Such a power would mean that if he joins the Grasslanders or even makes his own army he could bring the fallen back to life. They would be, in essence, an immortal and unstoppable force.
Albert nodded. "Yes. However, he was stupid enough to reveal that if their heads are separated from their bodies he cannot revive them."
Dios sighed in relief. He will not be facing an invincible army. All he has to do is order his men to decapitate their enemies from now on. "So as long as we do not invade the Lake Castle territory we will not have to worry about Ranma attacking us, right?"
"Yes. They seem to be a purely defensive group so far. As long as we don't attack them or Iksay Village and the other small villages in the area we won't have to worry about Ranma. However, we still must be careful. My information says that he and a small group went into Kaput Forest soon after your meeting with him and disappeared. I have no idea where he is now. For all we know he could just be hiding from us for now."
Dios cleared his throat and changed the subject. "So we attack the Grasslanders again?"
Albert nodded. "Yes. The Masked Bishop is going to be leading the attack." He is about to step out of the tent when Sasarai spoke up.
"So what is the back-up plan in case he shows up?" Sasarai knows that Albert always has a backup plan.
He turned to them. In his usual monotone voice he said, "Do not worry. I have an ace that should be able to handle him." He left the tent, leaving two men to wonder what he has planned.
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At Duck Village –
The Grasslander Army as well as the Zexen Knights are still recovering from the attack on the Chisha Village. It had all started when Hugo and his companions as well as Geddoe's team had gone to the 'Flame Champion Hideaway'. Geddoe, who owns the True Lighting Rune, tried to stop Hugo from taking the True Fire Rune but could not stop the youth. After facing off against a fire dragon born from the rune as a test Hugo fought with everything he had. In the end the True Fire Rune found him worthy and he became the next Flame Champion. Before he could celebrate or even utter a single word Yuber, Sarah and the Masked Bishop showed up to take the rune from him.
It looked bleak for a few seconds with the battle being two against three. Luckily, the seal that protected the rune site let in the others that were waiting at the entrance. Seeing that they were outnumbered the Masked Bishop and his companions departed. Hugo then fainted because he had used the rune to fight off the Bishop before the others came to help. He used the higher-level spells just as soon as he acquired the rune without even letting himself get used to it first.
He awoke in the Chisha Village where the Grassland Army as well as the Zexen Army had come to stop Harmonia's army from invading the Grasslands. Both sides were VERY wary of each other. The Grasslander Army had tried to fight without the help of the Zexens and lost many of their troops. The Zexen fared just as bad, especially since the Zexen Knights were still missing their leader, Chris. While the two sides had been arguing the Harmonian Army attacked them. The Grasslanders were the first to attack since they would not join with the Zexen Army. They fought bravely and with much energy, but with the sheer weight of numbers the Harmonian force had the Grasslanders had to fall back and the Zexen Knights covered them as they retreated to the Duck Village.
Currently Salome, Dupa, Lucia, Apple and Caesar are in the inn talking about what they should do next. Apple and Caesar had come with them along with Wan Fu when they saw the Harmonian Army closing in. The tension in the air is thick as the Zexen and the two Grasslanders glared at each other. However, they have no choice but to accept working together or face defeat to an outside force.
Hugo is outside the inn talking with Sgt. Joe while Lulu is riding on Fubar, flying around the village to spot any incoming attacks. Geddoe, along with his team, are helping with the wounded. All around them are the survivors of Chisha Village and they are helping with bandaging up the wounded soldiers. Sir Mua had ridden off after Hugo had gained the True Fire Rune, saying that he is going to get help for them and they need to keep tight and hold their ground until he gets back.
Hugo keeps staring at his new rune as if it held all the answers in it. "We really need help Sgt. Even with this I can't do much," he said a bit ashamed. He has the power now, but he still cannot make a different like he wants to unless he unleashes the rune's full power. The last time that happened was when the former Flame Champion lost control and killed many from both sides. He cannot afford to do that now.
"I know the area around this village doesn't give us much of a battle advantage," Sgt. Joe said. "However, we must make due with what we have. A real soldier does not whine about what he doesn't have. He makes do with what he has already."
Hugo nodded. You can always count on good advice from him. Sgt. Joe looked in the direction of Lake Castle. "It's too bad HE disappeared. We could have used his help. He might not like us, but he protects the Lake Castle area which is in the way of the Harmonians."
"Tell me about it," Caesar said tiredly as he walked out of the inn. Shouting could be heard from inside the building. "Normally, people would have banded around you, Hugo, since you have the True Fire Rune. However, you are still inexperienced right now. The Grasslanders follow you, but not the Zexens. Both the Grassland Clans and the Zexen Knights would have followed Ranma seeing that he's stronger than any of them right now."
Before Hugo could say that he IS good enough Fubar flew down in front of them. "The Harmonian Army is coming this way!" Lulu shouted, causing all of the troops that could still fight to start scrambling into action.
"They must be using phantoms soldiers again," Apple said as she exited the inn followed by the leaders of the army.
"Damn it!" Caesar shouted as he saw a large group of soldiers on horses riding up to the village. The Mantor riders, flying overhead to give them air support, followed them closely from behind. From what he can see they are positioned to attack first, straight at the wounded soldiers.
The two armies faced off a little away from the village. One army is massive and full of fresh and rested soldiers including fake ones. The other is small and full of wounded and un-rested soldiers, but are cornered and will fight to the last man.
The two groups are about to charge at each other when a loud, repeating sound few of them have ever heard erupted, roaring through the air. Apple and Lucia had both heard this sound before, back in the Zero Unification War and for Apple in the Gate Rune War. The Gun-Knight Clive had used a weapon called a gun that made the same kind of sound. However, this sound is too fast and repeating too many times. Clive could only fire one shot before he had to reload his weapon. By the sound of it whoever is firing must have dozens of those things called guns!
A stream of bullets tore into the charging cavalry unit of the Harmonian army, cutting the troops as well as the horses down. However, most of the bullets simply passed through them, dispelling the illusion and revealing the true numbers of the Harmonian Army.
While still vast the Grasslanders and Zexens are now only outnumbered two to one instead of four to one. The first row of the charge halted as they are torn down, making the second row trip on the fallen bodies, miraculously still alive, of the first row. The soldier's armors were never designed to protect against high-velocity rounds. Then the stream of bullets turned upwards, cutting a line through the air in front of the Mantor riders.
Seeing the damage the cavalry was dealt with the riders flew off as they saw that they would be shot down if they stayed around. The Cavalry Captain tried to get them to make another charge when another volley tore into the front ranks again, this time on the ground in front of them. The remaining soldiers turned their horses around and took off in fright, dragging along their wounded men. Only the captain of the unit remained along with a handful of soldiers that stood by him.
Turning to the one who attacked them they saw a young girl. She is dressed in a light blue uniform that looks like it belongs in some army unit and goggles on her head. She has short silver hair and blue eyes and is about the same height as Hugo is. She held a large lance that is longer than she is and a rapier rested on her side. Looking closely Apple saw gun barrels on the hand guards of the lance. She also saw that the lance blade has a spiral grove on it. Whoever she is they saw that lance weapon she has is a powerful one to face.
"Who are you?" the captain angrily yelled at her. He could not believe that a GIRL, a LITTLE GIRL, had stopped his whole unit and caused the Mantor riders to retreat before they even took any damage. The plan was that his unit would box in the two armies as they have their backs to a lake while the Mantor riders would hit them from the sky.
The girl stood straight, but they could see she is shaking slightly. However, her voice is clear and strong as she replied, "My name is Reni Jones. I was sent here to stop you."
The captain and remaining men saw her shaking and assumed she is scared. "Get her!"
The soldiers charged at Reni. They fully expected her to run away, not to smile at them as they pointed their long halberds at her. Most of the troops of the Harmonian army are armed with long handled halberds that look like axes. Just a few yards from her two blurs came from their flanks. The front row of the soldiers fell down, dead. The row behind them stopped in their tracks to see what had killed their comrades.
The Zexens and even the Grasslanders gasped at seeing who it is. The silver haired woman raised her sword and declared, "No one will harm my daughter!" Chris Lightfellow has returned. She is dressed in the traveling clothes that Salome and the other Zexens Knights last saw her in. However, she had on a female chest plate that has shoulder guards built onto it. The Zexens became overjoyed at the sight of their captain.
Salome and the other Zexen Knights, knowing her the most, saw that she has changed from the Chris they knew before. She looks much stronger and has grown a tiny bit. Of course there is also the part where she had a DAUGHTER! Borus is on the verge of fainting off of his horse, much like many of the others. At the moment he looks like he is having a heart attack. In a way he is, everyone knowing how infatuated he is with Chris.
While the Zexens are looking at Chris the Harmonians and Grasslanders are looking at the other person on the other side of the little girl, and some of the Harmonians are wetting their armor. Ranma is dressed the same as the last time they had seen him, except this time he is wearing armor and a cape and hat (he's dressed the same as when they raided Neclord's base). Those who had been at the battle between Ranma and Brute are shaking with fright. They are hardened and seasoned soldiers, but if you saw a giant taken down by a man less than a fourth of his size you would be scared of the man too. That he is glaring at them for attempting to kill his daughter got them to be really, really scared.
After looking at the two newcomers they then took all three in as a whole. They looked between Ranma, then to Chris, then to Reni, and then repeated the cycle. The girl calling herself Reni has Ranma's eyes and Chris' hair color. At that Borus fell off of his horse in a faint.
One of the shaking soldiers of the Harmonian Army shouted out in a voice full of fright, "It's that guy who beat that giant!" He then turned and ran, followed by the rest of the soldiers. The captain shouted at them to come back, but none of them listened as they ran back to their camp. He snarled and turned around to yell at the ones who had scared off his unit.
He promptly soiled his pants. Ranma has his palm pointed at him and a ball of black energy is forming there.
He ran almost as fast as the soldiers on horseback.
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"Chris and Ranma had a d-d-daughter!" Louis shouted in disbelief since he is the only one who could find his voice. The Zexen Knights all stared in disbelief at their captain. They can see even more changes on her now as she approached the village with her (shudder) family. She is a lot more fit than when she had left and walked with a grace that is almost unnatural. She is also glowing, as in the happy and content type of glowing!
The rest of the people are all in shock as they watched the couple and their daughter walking into the village. Ranma and Chris each had an arm around their daughter as they praised her.
"You did great Reni! We're so proud of you! Not a single one died from your bullets! I'm sure Maria is proud of you too!" Reni beamed at the praise. While she felt sick at having to shoot at people at least she did not kill anybody.
Ranma and Chris are just glad they had spared her from having to kill today. They cannot spare Sakura and the other 'adults' that fate, unfortunately, but at least their daughter would not have to deal with it yet. They are at war, and in war you have to kill. Ranma also felt a bit sick at having to kill, but kept repeating to himself that it had been necessary. Chris is the most used to killing other humans and vowed to help her family cope with what they had to do.
"L-Lady C-C-Chris! Y-y-you and h-h-him a-a-are…?" Percival began, could not find the right words since he is too shocked to say much. Well, at least he is in better shape than Leo and Borus. Leo is imitating a goldfish while Borus had woken up as soon as Louis said "Daughter". Roland looks the same as he always does. However, if you were to poke him with a stick you will not get a reaction from him. Salome saw rings around THAT finger on Chris and Ranma's hands and started hyperventilating, along with Borus.
Chris turned red at the attention her knights, okay, EVERYONE, is paying her. "I'll explain later," she said while holding the hand of an equally red Ranma. She quickly set her mind to battle mode and took a stern position. "Those were just the advance wave. The rest of the enemy troops are coming. Knights, prepare for battle!" This got all the knights out of their shocked positions and they grabbed for their gear. They moved with renewed hopes as they saw they had a chance now with their leader here. That she married into power also had something to do with it as well. The Grasslanders, seeing the ironheads move, also started their own preparations. They will not be outdone!
Okay, so not everyone is out of their shocked positions yet. Chris' main team is still hyperventilating, gapping, etc.
Suddenly appearing out of thin air are five ninjas, three of which are dressed in regular ninja outfits but the other two in skimpy female outfits that caught every guy's attention. One of the male ninjas is dressed in blue and armed with a sword. He has black hair with white streaks and a face hidden by a black veil. The other male ninja is short and wearing a black ninja outfit with a red hood. One of the female ninjas is wearing a regular purple ninja outfit and armed with claws. She has long black hair and a purple veil hides her face.
The other two female ninjas are what all the males in the area are staring at, upsetting many wives and such. They are dressed up in the skimpy outfits and are gorgeous and young, very good combinations. The first one has reddish brown hair that, while a bit messy, is very silky and long. She is wearing white stockings and a blue and white half-cut outfit around her shapely body. The bottom part is cut at the slits all the way to her hips so it reveals her shapely and long legs. Actually, it is more like flaps are at the front and back and that is it. A short sword hung from her back and she is wearing blue boots that are actually ankle guards and blue arm guards. She has a white collar around her neck and a yellow ribbon in her hair. The other one is wearing a tight, legless green leotard and wearing knee high black boots. Around her slim waist is a purple sash that acted as a belt. Her green hair is tied into a low ponytail and has an air of nobility around her, but one of kindness and tranquility as well.
The men who had been drooling at them suddenly turned to other matters when they saw Ranma scowling at them and taking out his sword. The battle aura rising from the two female ninjas also had something to do with it. Of course their wives, girlfriends, etc., are already beating some of them. The residents of duck village are not affected by the female ninjas as they are ducks after all so they looked on as events transpired, some helping to calm the Chisha Village's wives down.
"Ranma, the Harmonian Army is coming again," the taller male ninja reported. "They are in full force and will arrive in about one hour, maybe less."
Ranma nodded with a grim expression, still pissed off at the men staring at Kasumi and Kodachi. "You set the traps?" They nodded.
"We'll go and slow them down as much as we can," the disguised Kodachi said and then they disappeared.
"You have a ninja squad under your command now?" Joker asked with a twitching eyebrow.
"Never mind that," Ranma replied. "Dupa, Lucia, get your men ready for battle. Apple, Caesar, please get every person here who can't fight and take them to Brass Castle in case we can't stop them. Geddoe, please take your people to the rear and take care of any troops that try to circle around us. Once you cleared the area follow Apple's group and cover them from attacks. Hugo, take some of the fighters and find the sorceress that is making the phantom soldiers and take her out. Most of the troops are just phantoms since there is no way they would be able to move that many soldiers here that fast. We'll need to hold them off until the phantoms are taken care of. I'm counting on you to take her out as fast as you can, okay." Hugo nodded resolutely.
"Wait. What about the wounded and dead?" Beecham asked, recognizing that this is not the time to argue on who is in charge and just follow whoever seems to have a plan.
Ranma stared at him, pulled out his sword and began to chant a spell. "Healing Blade!" The entire village is engulfing in a blue light. Geddoe and Hugo's True Runes flared, as if in recognition and respect, and then went back to normal. Everyone that was dead but still had their heads and had died only an hour ago is revived, looking around in astonishment. Those that are wounded had their wounds heal at an astonishing rate.
Lucia looked around in astonishment. 'This is a lot like the Bright Shield's ultimate healing and attack spell!'
"Are there any more questions or complaints?" Ranma himself is a bit astonished. Normally, doing that would make him feel really tired. This time it was not as hard to do as before. He hid his astonishment though. If he had looked at his rune he would have seen that it had undergone a change. Unfortunately his hat hid it from view.
"Ranma, when did you learn to be a strategist?" Caesar asked with a piercing gaze he is not known for. That was a very good strategy, something he would have thought of.
In a gesture he is known for he scratched the back of his head. "Hehe, no I'm not! I'm just doing what I think is good. What? Don't give me that look!" He turned away from Caesar's stare. "Anyway, the others should be ready by now. Everybody, please do as you are told and prepare yourselves." The troops and other people around him nodded and went off to do their duties.
"There are other people with you?" Queen asked. She looked around, but could not spot any newcomers. 'They must be hidden like those ninjas.'
"Yes." Chris replied. "But as my daughter would say (the Zexen Knights twitched) their stage time hasn't come yet. Fight Hat's older sister made most of the plan, and she always plans four steps ahead of time. The others are waiting for the right time for them to show up."
"As my little sister would say, we're just the opening act," Reni said, and everyone gasped again. There are TWO daughters!
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Borus had come out of his stupor and charged Ranma, intent on taking his head. 'He took her away from me! HE took her away from me! He must DIE!' He raised his sword and swung.
Ranma leaned back from the attack. 'Geeze, what is it with enraged people and announcing their attacks anyway?' He ducked under another attack, jumped over another one, sidestepped another swing, and parried one.
"BORUS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" shrieked Chris. She disarmed her subordinate and put her sword to his neck. "How dare you attack him? What is wrong with you?"
Borus stammered. "But, but, he, I…" He could not believe it. How did this happen? How, where, why? She is out of his reach. Tears formed in his eyes and he ran away.
Chris stared as the blonde man ran away. She started to go after him when Salome stopped her. "Do not worry about him. He must cope with what has happened or he will never be able to move on." The other knights went to follow their comrade to hopefully calm him down and keep him from going into a rampage.
Chris looked like she wanted to argue, but backed off after a second. She went to Ranma, who hugged her. It hurt to hurt Borus like that, but she has chosen who she wants to spend her life with. Unfortunately, it was not him. "I'm so sorry Borus. I just couldn't return your feelings." Ranma hugged her tighter when he felt her shaking. Reni also helped by hugging her too.
"Shhh. Don't cry momma," Reni pleaded.
"They really do look like a family," one of the other knights commented. He got many nods in response.
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Somewhere in the Grasslands, earlier –
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Animals are more in touch with nature than humans. Their senses are tuned to be able to detect danger miles away when we only detect it when it is a few feet away from us. That is why all the animals in the area suddenly bolted even though nothing seemed to be wrong. However, a few seconds after all the animals are gone the wind picked up. A dome of light appeared and expanded quickly. It expanded to a great size before suddenly just disappearing, as if it was never there. However, it left a present behind. Where the dome had been now stood a gathering of people. They all looked shaken, as if they had been on a ship that just went through a storm. Three times. Consecutively.
"The first time is always the worse," Ranma commented as he, Tina and Molly are the only ones still standing straight, with Tina and Molly being in best health since they gone through dimensions many times before. The ones that had gone through this once already are the second to worse. The ones who did it for the first time are the worst off.
"My head hurts," Iris said piteously as she tried to shake the bad feeling off. She felt like she went on a roller coaster ride five times, without the usual having to climb up so people can rest for a few seconds part. She felt the need to worship the porcelain king and only resisted it by force of will.
Ranma kneeled down in front of her in worry. "Don't worry. It will wear off pretty soon." He started massaging her temples to ease the pain. He did the same for Reni and then Yun. The others who knew pressure points to relieve the pain went around and helped the others.
Red Bean blew out a breath as she stretched. "I'm glad that's over with." She helped her sister up who felt the same way. Going through a tunnel at a hundred miles an hour while you are weightless is not a good feeling to go through.
Maria looked around their surroundings after getting control of her stomach. "So this is your world." She and the others whose native world is the one they just came from looked around in awe. They took in deep breaths of the clean air. It brought with it the scent of grass and trees with a hint of wild flowers coming from the forest they landed near to. In Kurumi's arms Shampoo also breathed in deeply, loving how the place reminded her of her former home.
Chris and the other natives of this world took in deep breaths as well, relishing the feeling of being home. "Yes. It's so nice to smell clean air again." The other natives of this world are also relishing the feeling of being back where they belong. Even Landis is flying around, apparently happy as can be.
"Wow!" Hinako praised. Having lived most of her life in cities being in a place full of nature is refreshing. Ranma's older sisters looked around with small smiles, remembering times when they had come across places like this during their training journey.
"I wonder how long we've been gone?" Fred asked out loud.
"About a week since that accident. For the ones that came from Lake Castle it's been two weeks since you left," a voice from the sky answered them.
Looking up everyone saw a small, blue-haired girl with a top hat a little younger than Molly sitting on a cloud, just like the one that Ranma and Piccolo have. Everyone that has never met her before felt a warm feeling overcoming them, as if she is giving off some kind of energy or waves that made you feel good.
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In the other world Kasumi sneezed.
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"Sis?" Mind asked in a low and aggressive voice. "What are you doing here?" The bitterness in her voice is apparent. She HATES the fact the when people see her little sister they do not notice her anymore, since her younger sister is so much cuter than she is. She just hopes her growth would go faster since she, like to be like her oldest sister when she has her grown up body. The hot, sexy and smart girl with body and brains gets all the attention.
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In the other world Nabiki sneezed.
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"Oooohhh! She's so cute!" Hinako exclaimed, grabbing Magic off of her cloud and hugging her to her chest.
On the outside Mind groaned, but on the inside she is cursing up a storm that made Tyr seem like she exclaimed "Oh My" when she found out the changes to her world Ranma had caused. She growled out loud when all the females started gushing over her little sister, passing her around as if she is a really cute pet. Magic is actually ENJOYING it too! "GGGGRRRRR!"
"Stop it!" Landis shouted. "Uggg! I can't stand it! Can't stand it! It's too cute!" He clutched his eyes as if they are burning.
"What're you talking about? She's so cute!" Lachette hugged tighter the giggling Magic. Kanna then snatches her out of the blonde's arms and starts tickling her, making her giggles increase.
"Yeah! You don't get more cute than this!" She continued her relentless attack on the blue haired girl, the others joining in.
Landis just about fainted right then and there.
Yun, Reni and Iris, no matter how much they resisted it, could not help but feel jealous. They felt inadequate until Ranma wrapped his arms around the three of them. "Don't worry," he whispered conspiratorially. "This always happens when Magic's around. I'll always think the three of you are cuter than she is." This made the three girls feel better and swarmed more into his embrace.
Tina, who is very much used to her sister's cuteness, asked, "Magic, why are you here?"
Even though she is still surrounded Magic is able to get an envelope from her pocket and pass it to her older sister. "Here."
Tina took it and looked at whom it is from. "This is from my older sister." While she is opening it the others not currently gushing over the blue-haired girl went around her to hear what it says.
"Isn't she the one that can plan everything years in advance Fight Hat-sama?" Sasuke asked.
"Yup." Mind looked bewilderedly at Magic as she is handed her own letter from her oldest sister.
Reading the letter out loud for everyone to hear Tina began to read,
"Dear little sister,
I hope that you and your friends had fun in the world Ranma comes from. I'll be sure to get the details from you later, wink wink. Later on I'll show you how to… (Tina quickly said that no one needed to hear that part and moved on, with her cheeks looking like a tomato) ('Pervert sister,' she thought) (C). If anyone is wondering why only a week had passed since you've been gone you have big brother to thank for it as he had a talk with some people about that. (Attached to the letter is an image of Dark Hat choking a Goddess who didn't get out of the way fast enough and is lifting her with one hand while in front of a control panel of Yggdrasil. He is typing at the controls with his other hand while all the other Gods and Goddesses are keeping as far away as possible) (Everyone sweat dropped). He "convinced" them to slow down time for this world so not as much time passed while you were in the other world.
I know you are reading this out loud so everyone listen up and you will live through what's coming up. First off you should know what has happened while you were gone. Hugo, that boy that you and Ranma met before, has received the True Fire Rune and became the next Flame Champion (Chris felt both relief and disappointment at that). The Harmonian Army has invaded the Grasslands again. You don't have to worry about any of us helping them. That time with little brother was because he was bored. I already told everyone to back off on joining them.
First thing to do is for Piccolo, Yun, Iris, Mind and Akari to go back to Lake Castle. Don't question me why, just do it ("Quite direct isn't she," commented Edge). Iris, I want you to take Shampoo with you ("Meow!" protested the cat, and Ranma shivered uncontrollably). Mind, read your letter and do everything that's on it. Come home when you're done ("Okay").
All of the ninjas, Kodachi, and even the rat looking one ("Hey!" Sasuke yelled) should go out to the fields in front of the Duck Village. Use the Umi-Sen-Ken ("How did she know about that?" asked Ranma.) you learned from Ranma and set up traps. That will slow the army units down a bit.
Landis and Viki should go back to the Alma Kinan Village to pick up three more players there. The playboyish, old but young looking man will still be there. There are also the two magic users there that have been trying to summon you guys back all of this time. I know they're weird even for us Hats. Well, okay, maybe not compared to our brother ("Huh?"). However, their magic is still powerful and their parts in this play aren't over yet. Just make sure not to fall for the lies of one of them.
As for Ranma I want you, Chris and Reni to go over to Duck Village. There I want you two to pose as a married couple with Reni as your daughter since she has Chris' hair and Ranma's eyes ("HEY!") yelled the other girls. Gushing over Magic ended and glaring at the letter started. Tina also started growling and would have ripped the letter up if Fred had not taken it from her and continued reading.). The reason why is that this will help the Zexen Knights to feel that they can trust Ranma since they will see him as their leader's husband and that he has forgiven her for her actions in the Karayan Village. Ranma, Hugo looks up to you, as do many of the Grassland Clans. They respect you as a powerful warrior. Use that to gain their trust. Then together you and Chris get the two groups to trust each other. Your most powerful allies are Hugo for his True Fire Rune and Geddoe for his True Lightning Rune ("He has it?"). Do what you can for them with the attacking forces. Harmonia's army has them pinned down in Duck Village and is facing extermination if you don't help them out.
The rest of the plan will be up to you guys, more specifically you Ranma ("Huh? Me?"), since I have already helped you more than enough. The plan of attack is up to you Ranma. Consider this as part of my test ("Oh shit!"). I don't want to help you out too much since I would be giving the war to you on a silver platter. Where's the fun in that? Ranma, you cannot take the rest of my test if you do not pass this one. Good Luck!
Love,
(A red lip mark is on where the signature usually goes)
Your Big Sister Top Hat"
"HEY! Why does Chris get to play wife with Ranma!" Orihime growled along with the other girls. "Why can't one of us do it!"
"P.S. Deal with it!" Fred read.
Tina revealed how mad she is at her sister with how much her cheeks are puffing out and how white her knuckles are. She especially did not like it when two rings came out of the envelope the letter was in.
"Wow! She's good," Rico praised, then eepped when the glares are turned to her.
Fred read the fine print under the P. S. "I know I am."
"We should just do it. Big sister's plans always work," Mind said without flinching at the glares sent her way. She shrugged. "You don't question sis. You just do as she says. Out of all of us sis is the only one that stands a chance against our big brother in the head department."
Ranma sighed while taking one of the rings. "I don't want to do it like this. It just feels…wrong." He slipped the ring onto Chris' ring finger.
Chris also does not look happy, but she at least tried to be optimistic as she slipped the other ring onto Ranma's ring finger. "We'll have a real wedding some day. For now, you and I are husband and wife." Ranma smiled as he moved forward to kiss her, even with the glares directed at the two of them and the letter. Natsume, Kurumi, Yun, Iris, and anyone else not in love with Ranma applauded.
Tina and the other girls are NOT happy at all.
"Ranma," read Fred as he squinted to read the really fine print. Everyone's attention turned back to him. "I expect your first time to be with my little sister. Don't think that this fake marriage is an excuse to show Chris the night of her life, unless my sister is included of course. I'll be happy to show you a few 'techniques' if you want since you need some skills to deal with two girls at once." Everyone looked over to Chris, Ranma and Tina except Fred who kept reading. "I know it's tempting, but I don't think any of them will appreciate it if you call them tomato face."
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In a dimly lit room –
A very female figure is lying on her side upon a huge pile of pillows, looking into a large mirror and watching her sister and her sister's boyfriend. She has long, flowing bright red hair that went down to her slim waist. Her lively green eyes captivated anyone lucky enough to look into them. Her skin is a healthy tan color and is smooth, soft, and absolutely mind blowing to touch. Her high cheekbones highlighted a painfully beautiful face that could have graced the cover of any magazine. She is dressed in a very form-fitting blue leather body suit that emphasizes her curves. The leather suit left her slim limbs bare. She has impossibly long legs and has a firm muscle tone that only showed when she stretched, not that anyone would still be conscious if they saw her stretching. She has very impressive, ample, over-developed breasts that seem to defy gravity. The body suit is clearly filled out to its very limits, so much so that it looks likes it's painted right on her. It especially looks painted on around the chest and rear areas. She has on a small, opened white jacket that has dome shaped metal shoulder pads. (3) However, her jacket did not cover up much, just makes her already impressive chest stick out more. She has on a matching pair of white gloves, knee high boots and a white top hat. She possesses an aura around her that screams out hot and sexy. She knows it and is throwing it into everybody's faces with her 42-24-36 figure.
There are three other women with her on the bed of pillows. A pearly-skinned, gorgeous and voluptuous female Light Elf with long luxurious platinum hair is lying beside her. She is dressed in a simple white tunic that left nothing to the imagination. It is made out of the finest silk, but is barely enough to cover a tea tray. The garment is snug, very snug, has a plunging neckline and the hem just barely cleared her fanny and shapely hips, giving any interested spectator a very good view of her long, slender legs. Looking down south while not as big as her mistress she but is unusually busty for a light elf. The top of her dress had no sleeves, showing off her slim shoulders. Currently she is giving her mistress back support as the redhead leaned back on her, resting the back of her neck on the light elf's ample chest.
Two other elves are lying on either side of their mistress, stroking her with their hands. Both of them are have dusty bronze colored skin that showed that they are Forest Elves. Both are very nicely built and very busty for elves just as their Light Elf counterpart is. Their white hair went nicely with the black tunics they are wearing and is just as revealing as the Light Elf's outfit is.
Oh yes. The redhead likes her lifestyle very much. Even after so many millenniums of living like this she still loves it.
Currently the four are all watching as the mistress's sister and the others separated to follow her plan. "Yes, sister. If everything goes to plan Ranma will be ready when it's time to face big brother," the woman in the center of the elves said with a devious smile.
The light elf behind her asked, "What are you planning Mistress Top?"
Top Hat tilted her head a little to look at the elf behind her. Of course, tilting her head like that gave the elf an excellent view of her mistress's cleavage. "Oh?" She replied throatily, causing shivers in the woman. "You want to know my plan, Wendy?" She asked sultrily. "It's simple really. I'm making sure that when Ranma fights with Dark he'll be stronger than he is now. Compared to us older Hats he is an ant and needs all the training and experience he can get. While he will never be able to defeat big brother I do want him to be able to at least last a few minutes." She went back to her previous position of using the elf's breasts as pillows.
"Really?" Wendy replied. She studied Ranma's picture on the mirror. "You know, he is very handsome. Maybe we can help train him in endurance and stamina?" Wendy asked hopefully as she rubbed her mistress's shoulders.
"Oh really? Did you two hear that Que, Fern? She wants to help train him." Top's eyes narrowed. However, it narrowed not in an evil way. More like a cat that has found a juicy meal. She is joined by the two dark elves as they got what their mistress is getting at. "He's going to be my brother in law. It took us hundreds of years to find his soul again. We were lucky that Yuber had asked us to come here and coincidentally he was here and was able to beat my little sister. We didn't even know about it until big brother told us just a little while ago. I doubt Fight knows it is him, and big brother told us not to let her know just yet. Now here you are talking about stealing her man away. Perhaps we should show you how we feel about that, hmmm?"
Seeing the look in her mistress's, Que's and Fern's eyes Wendy felt a chill go up her back. "Well, he is very well built mistress," she said as she remembers the naked photos of Ranma. She and the other servants of their mistress spent many a nights with those photos. Their mistress so rarely brings them a man to play with anymore. Oh why did they have to wear out the mistress's last husband? They are still working off of penance for that and that been six millenniums ago. She was most displeased, especially since she was very much in love with him. They are still looking for when and who he is reborn as. Till then they will be working under her without pay, or men.
Top lazily waved her hand. "Yes, yes he is. But he is for my little sister. No, you may not go and ask if she can share. Besides, he's not my type." Oh yes, she likes men very much. She is just VERY particular to what type. They must be like her first husband, and Ranma is not it. She turned her attention away from the sweating light elf to the two newcomers. "What do you have to report Pan?"
The two newcomers bowed to her. One is dressed in a skimpy ninja outfit that looks a lot like Kasumi's, but is colored orange instead. She is 6'11, standing two heads taller than her mistress. Her skin is midnight colored and the elf ears peeking out from her silver-gray hair showed she is a Dark Elf. Her body is a sight to behold as she is built like a supermodel and a weightlifter combined. Her arms and legs showed large, firm muscles that did not slow her down thanks to her ninja training. Her chest is just as large as her mistress's is.
The other elf is much shorter than the Dark Elf, a five-foot-nothing. She has a shapely figure that is not as well built as her friends are. However, looking at her back showed the reason why. A pair of wings on her back with golden feathers and lightly toned skin showed that she is a winged elf. She is wearing a sky blue outfit like the one that her mistress is wearing. A cute face and short blue hair made her look younger than she really is.
Oh yes, Top Hat likes her elves. Ever since her first wife, a Light Elf, she cannot get enough of them.
"Kai and I have done what you asked, mistress. All of the players are positioning for their places in the show," the Dark Elf named Pan reported. "All the others are making the right arrangements for the other part of the show as well."
"Good work," Top praised. "When the others come back we'll have a party to show them my gratitude for all of their hard work."
Kai indicated she had more to report. "The two Succubus sisters have given the three Time Goddesses in the other world your message. However, they were late in doing it and are…" Kai smiled. "…waiting for their 'punishment' from you, mistress."
Top Hat nodded. "Yes, I'll get to that. But first," she smiled, eyeing Kai and Pan to get closer as she pulled Wendy from behind her and shoved her onto the middle of the bed of pillows. Wendy found herself flat on her back with her mistress and four of her fellow servants looking down on her. All of them are smiling as each of them got a firm hold on her body parts. Some began licking their lips. "First, we're going to punish Wendy here for saying that we should steal my sister's husband from her."
"With pleasure!" Pan exclaimed, leering down at the trembling Light Elf. Unlike most other Dark Elves she does not hate having Light Elves around. In fact, she just loves helping her mistress in welcoming any new Light Elves into her service, showing them the ropes.
All Wendy could do is whimper as the five women descended upon her like a pack of lions, or in this case lionesses, about to feast upon a tasty meal. By the time Wendy got anything close to rest the sun is already high in the sky, indicating midday. Two days later that is.
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Meanwhile, at the battle taking place –
Both armies held their ground as they fought against each other to a stand still. Both the Zexen Knights and the Grassland Clans for the first time ever are fighting side by side against a common enemy. Chris and Reni stood together. Reni would shoot any Harmonian soldiers that come toward them, but only crippling them instead of killing them. One of the Zexens or Grasslanders would then step in and kill them while they are down. Her mother stood at her side, not letting anyone near her daughter. However, even with the addition of the Jones family the phantom soldiers took no notice as they fought and pushed forward. When one falls another two takes its place. No one can tell which ones are illusions and which ones are real. Unfortunately, it did not matter since either one can kill them.
Meanwhile, at another part of the battlefield, Ranma is at the front lines as he created a hole in the Harmonian ranks and the rest of the army is following his lead. He is taking the brunt of the Harmonian Army forces. Luckily, the Zexens and Grasslanders agree that if he is killed then the whole war is lost and so are working together to keep him protected. Using his runes and fighting skills he is tearing and going through the attacking troops like lightning through water. However, his progress is slowing down more and more as more phantom soldiers keep on coming. Already his armor is full of dents and scratches and on one side an arrow is sticking out. Thankfully the armor stopped the arrow from hitting his flesh.
Roland sent another arrow at an incoming enemy soldier as he shouted, "Lady Chris! We're being pushed back!"
"Reni, left flank!" Chris shouted to her daughter, seeing an incoming unit of Harmonian troops rushing into the fray. Swinging her lance towards the incoming troops Reni unleashed a volley of bullets, stopping them in their tracks. "Roland, just hold them until all the non-combatants are out of the village!"
Three Harmonian soldiers broke through the lines, charging at Reni as they saw the massive damage that the young girl is doing to their side and planning to take her out. Seeing three men ready to kill her daughter got Chris' blood boiling as she jumped in front of them, swinging her sword and killing them in one blow. However, behind her a fourth soldier broke through the line and ran straight at Reni, lifting up his halberd and swinging it down. Everything seemed to slow down as Chris turned around and saw her daughter distracted and the lone soldier about to kill her. She ran as fast as she could to save her, but knew that she would be too late. Reni turned her head when she heard someone screaming behind her. Her eyes bulged and she tried to swing her weapon to block, but it was already too late.
Leaping up to her aid Lulu blocked the halberd with his knife. He was in the back using his Wind Rune to help with the healing when he saw the soldier charging at the daughter of the man that saved his life before. However, she is also the daughter of the one that tried to kill him before. But he knew he could not just let her die as he rushed to her aid. Besides, nothing is more dangerous than grief stricken parents, which Ranma and Chris will turn into if she is killed.
"Why you!" the soldier yelled as he pushed Lulu away, knocking him into Reni and sending them to the ground. He raised his halberd again.
"Hold it!" Leo shouted as he brought his axe down on the soldier, killing him with one blow to his head. He turned his attention to the two kids. "You two okay?"
"Yes. Thank you," Reni said, looking at Lulu who wondered why she is glaring at him. He did not notice that he is still on top of her and he had his arms around her until she physically threw him off.
Lulu blushed until he noticed something. "Look! The phantom soldiers are disappearing! Hugo did it!" he shouted, seeing that half of Harmonia's army just disappeared.
"This is our chance!" Chris shouted to her knights. "Drive them back! Fight!" The knights fought even harder than before, causing the Grasslanders to become even more zealous in their attacks so they would not be outdone.
The Harmonian troops tried to reform their formation. However, they are blindsided as another group came up from their left rank. Geddoe and his team had finished up with the unit that tried to sneak up from behind them. Joker used his Pale Gate Rune to summon a battle ship, unloading a massive volley from its cannons. Jacques followed suit using his Boronda Hawk Rune, sending a rain of arrows down upon the troops as they tried to regain their footing. Then they all charged into the fray, hacking their way through the enemy lines.
A reserve unit of Harmonian troops on foot came rushing forward, ready to help push the opposing army back. Sakura and the others have been waiting for this and made their move. Sakura and Sumire used their energy blades attacks, sending two powerful blades that halted the front units. Then they charge into the shaken troops hacking their way threw their lines. Maria and Kohran stood on the high ground unleashing attacks as the Harmonia unit charge at them. Maria and Kohran picked out targets in the crowd as they shot at the magic users and archers.
As Sakura and Sumire fought against the reserve troops the last of the girls joined the fray. Red Bean and Green Tea attacked with their combined energy attack, making a gaping hole in the soldier's ranks, and then giving Sakura and Sumire help in their fight against the reserve unit. As one would block with her shield the other would attack with hers. Charging forward as one the twins knocks a column of solders down using their shields as rams. Then seeing that they were surrounded Red Bean grabbed onto Green Tea's free hand and spun while twisting her around in the air, using her legs to kick the soldier's faces giving them breathing room. (4)
The other girls attacked the units fighting with the Grassland Army, making a bee line for Ranma. Orihime dove in, using her break dancing moves as she used her twin whips and fire against the soldiers that took her on. With her dance moves she used her whips in a way that Lucia, who spied the newcomers, wondered if she could teach her some of those moves. Her dancing caused more than one of the soldiers to lose themselves as they watched her graceful movements, some out of awe while most out of confusion. That was what Kanna and Lachette have been waiting for as they hit hard on the dazed troops. Kicking and punching Kanna powered her way through the crowd; grabbing soldiers and throwing them to the other tightly packed soldiers. Seeing that the Harmonian troops did not have much room to move Lachette began throwing her bomb knives into soldiers at random. When the bombs went off the blast knocked down or killed the surrounding soldiers and the Grasslander troops pushed forward. She also made good use of her close-quarter combat skills as she used her combat knives to slice and stab into the weak spots of the armor the Harmonian troops are wearing.
Then Tina's group and the waiting ninjas charged into the fray. They needed to hit the Harmonian troops hard enough that they would need a long time to recover their fighting spirit after this. Tina is easily beating the troops back as she used her full fighting style. Ranma saw her and is in awe, almost getting himself killed due to his distraction. He had never seen her use her full fighting skills before and could not help but feel jealous as he stared at his fiancée decimating her opponents. He can see that not even his great-grandmother's style can compare to hers! Even if he were to get her airborne and use his style to its fullest he would not stand a chance against her.
Many of the troops retreated from the "Green Haired Devil", which only pissed off even more the already furious Tina and making her trash them even more. She is still mad at her sister and being called a devil only made her even madder. Even the more battle-hardened soldiers of both sides winced at the painful screams of the Harmonian troops that fell under her "mercy".
Edge and Fred showed the sword moves they learned from being cooped up with other very skilled sword users by creating air blades, tearing the Harmonian troops into pieces from their attacks. Rico covered Fred's back as she knocked away the attacking troops with her war hammer, swinging it faster than she could before thanks to all of her training. Hinako looked bored as she calmly drained the energies of all the troops near her, then using that energy to blast others. She used some of the energy to create a ki shield around her, one of a few tricks she learned from Tina, to stop any arrows and magic coming her way. Kurumi and Natsume are protecting her from frontal attacks. Kurumi is using her ribbon to grab soldiers with and throw them around while Natsume used her rug beater to send them packing with her wind attacks. Ranko's hair changed from one color to another as she used one spell after another, destroying the formation of the Harmonian Army. Anyone "lucky" enough to get close enough for close-quarters fighting got a taste of her whip and hand-to-hand skills.
Watari and Ayame used their combined attack, killing many soldiers at blinding speeds. Then they went around killing even more soldiers using melee weapons and ninja stars. Kasumi would appear then disappear using the Umi-Sen-Ken, causing confusion among the Harmonians that allowed the Grasslanders to dispose of them. Kodachi is laughing her maniacal laughter, knowing (now anyway) how much it scares people while using her ribbon and powders to stun them for the Grasslander Army to finish off. Sasuke is also using powders, but is riding on top of Mr. Green Turtle (Kodachi ordered her pet not to eat him much to Sasuke's relief). Seeing the giant reptile that many of the troops thought to be some kind of dragon they ran just as a giant roar shook the ground. Chomping down on the troops in front and using his long tail to swat away the troops in the back with enough force to cut an un-armored person in half Mr. Green Turtle is having the time of his life. With his armored hide and Sasuke protecting him from his sides he is a walking tank.
The Grasslander Army charged forward, seeing that the tide has turned and in their favor. The Harmonian Army made a full retreat as more and more of them fell, many running away without being told.
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After the battle –
Sakura stretched while getting up. After the battle had finished everyone pitched in with bringing the wounded soldiers back to the camp. Well, everyone except Chris, Reni, and subtlety Reni's other mothers. Chris is smothering her daughter in hugs, exclaiming how relieved she is that she had not been hurt or killed. The other mothers showed their relief, though subtlety so that no one noticed. They will show their full enthusiasm later, much to Reni's chagrin.
The mothers are smothering the silver haired girl so much that she, Kohran and the others could not show how relieved they are that she is okay. At least they were able to thank the knight and the boy who had saved her. After getting the last kinks out Sakura left the more severely wounded to the doctors and spell-caster. "Hey Ranma, we're done here. I think we should go now."
Near the inn Ranma gave her a nod, and then turned to say his goodbyes to the heads of the armies, Geddoe, Apple and Caesar. "The Harmonia Army won't be back for a good while. It will take some time until the leaders of their army can get their troops to make another attack. We will be taking our leave now."
"It's good to have you back with us," Hugo said in respect, looking up to Ranma as he saw how he fought during the battle. While he still felt irritated that Ranma would not let him kill Chris he still looks up to him. He just hopes that he will be able as good a warrior as him and be able to live up to the status of Flame Champion.
Ranma nodded. "Thanks. Anyway, we better go." He signaled for the others to gather.
Just before he can leave Salome asked him a question. "So you and Chris really are…?" He asked as this is on all of the minds of the people there.
Before Ranma could answer excited murmurs erupted all around him. It seems that the question is being passed around. After a few seconds all sounds except those created by nature stopped. Everyone waited with bated breath for his answer. He can see, more like feel, Chris blushing next to him. He's not much better off himself. The two of them clasped hands as Ranma prepared to answer.
"Yes." All around them gasps could be heard. Among the gasps are the sounds of knuckles popping coming from Ranma's other fiancées, Orihime, Sumire and Lachette. Their signs of anger are lost in all the murmuring and pointing and such.
Percival could only open and close his jaw in astonishment. The other knights are not doing much better. Lucia, not as affected by the news, asked, "How is that possible though? According to our reports you disappeared a week ago in Alma Kinan Village when you tried to stop the unsealing of the Water Altar."
Ranma looked over to her, his blush quickly lessening. "We were transported to another world. Time passed differently in that world. The evidence to that you can see." He pointed at Reni. Everyone nodded, now understanding. Dang, they aged REALLY well.
"Great Warrior," Dupa called out. At first Ranma did not know who he had been talking to until the lizard stood in front of him. "Will you be staying to help us? We know we have angered you with our attack on the village in your territory," Ranma raised one of his eyebrows at that. Territory? "We apologize for our actions, and humbly ask for your assistance."
Much to everyone's surprise he actually got down on one knee. Lucia followed soon after. "Yes. We need your help brave warrior. If you are to work with the Flame Champion I'm sure that we will be able to win this war."
Ranma laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Hey, why are you asking me for help? You got Hugo and Geddoe already." This got Hugo to puff out his chest a bit and Geddoe to look at him strangely. "You don't need me to win this war. You got those two. Now, if you don't mind we have to go home now. We need to go back to Lake Castle and update the others on what's happened here. I suggest you gather your forces before Harmonia comes back."
"I'll be going with my husband. Salome, I leave the knights in your hands." Chris said as she followed Ranma out since he had already left.
"Wait, Lady Chris," Salome said. "Is Ranma still going to kill you?"
Chris stopped. For a few moments she stood there, rooted to her spot. Then she slowly turned around and faced him with sad eyes. "Yes, he will kill me if I do not atone for my sins."
"WHAT?" everyone shouted, especially Apple who shrieked, "BUT HE'S YOUR HUSBAND! THE TWO OF YOU HAD A DAUGHTER, NO, TWO DAUGHTERS TOGETHER! HOW COULD HE EVEN THINK OF MURDERING YOU?"
Chris nodded. "Yes. I know it's strange. I fear and love him at the same time. In the other world he did not have to go through with his promise to kill me as long as we were there." Everyone is glued to her words as Chris related her story. "It looked as if we would never be able to get back here. If we never returned he would not have to go through with his promise. As you can see things progressed for us there." She raised her hand with the ring on it. "However, we found a way to return as you can see. I knew the risks of coming back here. But how will I be able to help all of you if I am not here? I took the risk, knowing that he might have to fulfill his promise if I do something foolish again. Please, do not blame him for my mistakes. You have no idea how much he does not want to go through with it, but he must. Even if he had not made the promise Hugo or someone else would have done the same anyway. I'm sorry, I must go now." As she left everyone could see the sadness and determination in her eyes.
The knights who had been listening in felt their respect for their captain grow to heights unknown. They felt hatred at her husband, but recognized that it is a matter of honor and that he does not want to do it in the first place. They promised themselves to help their captain convince him to take back his promise or help her redeem herself somehow with all of their strength.
The leaders could only look on as she went to catch up with her husband. For once Hugo felt a twitch of pity and regret for being so harsh on her. She took the risk of losing her life to come to their aid, and what does she get in return? His anger. He realized with a jolt that it is partly his fault. 'Oh no! If I hadn't tried to kill her Ranma would never have made that promise!" He felt shame course through him.
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When Ranma left Chris to talk with the others –
Ranko and Kasumi are swinging Ace by his arms and legs, despite his screaming and pleadings not to. They are building up their momentum as they prepared to throw him into the waiting jaws of Mr. Green Turtle who had jumped into the lake. Seeing the huge gator in the water all of the ducks quickly got out. Green Tea had yelled out that he just loves having ducks for dinner.
"On the count of three!" Kasumi yelled to Ranko as they swung the screaming Ace between them.
"NO! DON'T! PLEASE! I DIDN'T MEAN IT!" yelled Ace frantically. His screaming went up a few octaves as the girls started swinging even harder.
"A one, and a two, and a," Kasumi and Ranko chanted. Ace prayed, and yelled, for something or someone to save him.
"Girls? What're you two are doing?" Ranma asked as he approached them.
"PLEASE! HELP ME OUT HERE! THEY'RE GOING TO KILL ME!" yelled a girlish sounding Ace. Everyone who heard his screaming started laughing.
"Oh, just feeding this pervert to Mr. Green Turtle," Ranko and Kasumi answered at the same time while batting their eyelashes prettily.
Ranma tilted his head in confusion. "Err, why?"
"He hit on them," replied Ranma's oldest sister as she approached them.
Queen smiled as she approached the scene, very much enjoying the show along with Aila who's enjoying it as Ace treats her like a little kid. "No big loss, though I do hate that he still owes me some money. Maybe this will cure him of his perverted ways. Do you think your… whatever that thing is eat the thing between his legs?" Ace screamed like a girl as he franticly shook his head no. The laughter around them rose.
Ranma had joined in the laughter. He knew he does not have to worry about anyone hitting on his girls. After getting himself under control he said, "We're heading to Lake Castle now girls. Just drop him." The girls smiled while Ace begged him to stop them. "Not to Mr. Green Turtle. You can deal with him later. Hell, let him hit on one of the Karayan women or something. He'll learn his lesson then." Queen looked thoughtful while Ace dropped the idea on hitting on any of the women that are around and not wearing clothes like the Zexens.
The two sighed and dropped Ace to the ground. He quickly put a lot of space between him and them, shivering and clutching his family jewels to make sure they are still there. Mr. Green Turtle roared with disappointment. Ace took it the wrong way and ran away, screaming. Chris walked up to her 'husband' and took his hand, wondering what is going on. Ranma turned his attention to Landis and Viki as they walked into the village. Following behind them are Nash, Estella and Rody.
Nash went right up to Ranma and Chris. "I thought I would never see you guys again." His relief is apparent on his face.
Estella walked up to them as well with her usual snobbish air. Kodachi felt like gagging for some reason. "I agree with him. I tried many spells, including some that are called the 'Black Arts'. However, I could not find where you were transported to. If I had been given time I know I would have recovered you sooner or later." Kodachi REALLY felt like gagging.
Everyone around the area mouthed 'Black Arts?' (D)
Rody looked at the people gathered around Ranma. "I see that you have picked up some friends while you were gone."
Ranma shrugged. "It's a long story. I'll fill you in when we get to Lake Castle." They are about to exit the village when shouting is heard behind them.
"WAIT!" Hugo came running up to them. "You're really leaving? You're not helping us?"
Ranma gave him a smile and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. When you need help just give me a call. Besides, you're the Flame Champion. You're supposed to save these people, remember, not me. See you around." He summoned the cloud that Magic had given him so long ago and expanded it to accommodate everyone. After everyone got on they took off. Shouts of excitement and delight rang through the air as the passengers relished in the feeling of flying.
'Damn! I didn't apologize!' Hugo mentally shouted.
Jimba, who had been watching the whole time, thought to himself, 'Chris, I hope that you find a way to redeem yourself. I know that Anna is proud of you and is rooting for you too.' He then had another thought. 'I'm a grandfather!'
Everyone wondered what had made the warrior faint with a huge smile on his face. Lucia smirked since she knew who he really is.
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In the vast underground laboratory of Zomba –
"So Ranma has returned. That means that Neclord is dead," the Masked Bishop concluded. Next to him Sarah nodded. She is still mad at the young karayan who had stopped her from creating the illusions.
"It's a good thing that I had gotten him ready for this," Zomba said as he worked at his control panels on his masterpiece. Liquids and magic poured into the holding tank, awaking what is inside of it.
The huge figure in the glass tank began to move as it awakens from its long sleep. It started clenching its fist and there is rapid eye movement under its eyelids. Zomba looked on in glee while under his Mask the bishop looked on with an expressionless face knowing what was being unleashed.
Then something happened that Zomba or the Masked Bishop had not expected. A loud howling rang throughout the cavern, causing many of the monsters in the other tanks to shake inside of their cells as they are overwhelmed by fear. A glowing silver blue two-headed wolf flew into the cave as if looking for something, or someone. It spotted the thing in the tank and flew into it.
'That Rune!" the Masked Bishop mentally shouted. He knows that rune too well. He has never faced it before, but he knows of the power it holds.
The wolf phased right through the glass and went into the man inside. The room burst with silver blue light as the thing in the tank fully awakened thanks to the rune's power. With one final burst he broke out of the tank. He stared at his hands, as if he had never seen them before. He looked himself over. The eye underneath the faceplate glowed a ghostly silver blue.
Then he started laughing. He laughed a maniacal laughter that puts Kodachi's laugh to shame.
"I LIVE!" The shout rang throughout the cavern, upsetting many of the monsters. Even Sarah felt disturbed. The Masked Bishop steeled himself to hopefully control this beast they had just unleashed upon the world.
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At Lake Castle –
Thomas is NOT having a good day. The girls of the castle have been chasing him around the castle ever since they learned that Ranma has a daughter. Said daughter is currently in the room her father occupied while he was there and cleaning up a little. Shampoo helped by using a duster she had clamped in her mouth. Akari is doing the same thing in Edge's room that they would have to share (blush) since the inn is getting a little crowded. Katsunishiki is with the other farm animals at Kathy's ranch. And Mind was off somewhere saying that she has work to do.
The girls finally got Thomas cornered in front of the main building. All of them are holding a weapon. Blunt or sharp, either way is going to cause huge amounts of pain to the one who had sent Ranma away to find himself a wife.
Thomas looked around and tried to think of a way out. Cecile had been knocked out when she tried to calm the girls down. He left his sword back in his room. He has a little hand-to-hand skill, but is nothing against the likes of Emily, who is currently cracking her knuckles threateningly. 'Ranma, where the hell are you?'
As if answering his prayers a shout above them caused everyone to look up. A giant cloud descended on them and Ranma, along with his other companions, got off. Ranma had spotted Thomas from the air and immediately got the cloud to go to him so he could greet his old buddy, not noticing the women intent of hurting him. Ranma went straight to Thomas and clapped him on the shoulders repeatedly. "Hey Thomas! Glad to see you man!"
Ranma finally saw the terror-stricken look Thomas has. "Hey, what's wrong man? Did something happen?" He turned around, and wished he hadn't.
The two groups are now looking at each other. More specifically one group of women are looking at the other group of women. Edge and the males plus Ayame, Molly and Reni had already backed off. The rest are either glaring at the other women (the fiancées, Orihime, Sumire and Lachette), looking at them worriedly (the twin sisters and the other girls who aren't interested in Ranma 'that' way), looking on in amusement (Hinako), or looking around in confusion (the elder Jones').
The other group of females, the natives of Lake Castle, glared at the women who had arrived with Ranma. "RANMA! WHO THE HELL ARE THEY?" They screamed. The two groups gave each other heated glares.
"This is going to be one of those days, isn't it?" Ranma said as he and Thomas shared a look asking why me.
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Next time- Ranma's back at Lake Castle along with the other girls that came with him. But can the two groups stand each other or will they destroy the castle? And the return of the strongest foe that the Suikoden world had ever seen comes back gunning for Ranma.
Author's Notes
1 – This is from Eden's Bowy.
2 – She is from Breath of Fire 1. She is called Myria in Breath of Fire 3. Here instead of being like a kid she is grown up.
3 – Think of the jacket that Excel wears in Excel Saga.
4 – Think of that move Riddick did with Jack in the movie.
Co-writer's Notes
(A) In suikosource it said that she lost her husband when Tuta could not save him.
(B) This is from the first Suikoden.
(C) I hope you don't mind, Gobstopper, that I took this technique from your fic. I really liked how you have people adding in their comments when someone is speaking and decided to use the same thing. Oh, and I love "Ranma's Morning Confession"!
(D) Estella has a big habit of lying about everything.
(E) I've always had the itch to make this kind of fic, or at the very least read one. However, with helping to make Suikoden One Half, the side stories, school, work, etc. I could never find time to write. I might one day if I can get enough time to do it or if people want it. Whatever.
Shampoo's appearance will be explained in the side stories.
Please send all emails when complaining for updates and such to me instead of Madhat as it pisses him off. No viruses and such please! After all, if my computer is down there won't be any updates.
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