Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½, I do not own Tales of Symphonia. If I did, I would be living the rich and easy life and not bother writing fanfiction about it. Since I don't, I have to be content with writing twisted and evil stories about my favorite characters. In other news…

Ranma: Get to the story you baka!

Lloyd: We've been waiting for 3 weeks! Hurry up!

ClanCrusher: Allright already. (mutters) impatient little…

Ranma: What was that?

ClanCrusher: Nothing! Here we go!

Ranma and the Land of Symphonia

Chapter 5: Ranma vs. Kratos

"Man that's big." Said Ranma master of the obvious as he looked at the tower of salvation.

Everyone was silent for a moment until, "If we are done here," spoke Kratos, "I suggest we leave." He addressed Colette, "You have a long journey ahead of you and you should take the next two days to rest and set your affairs in order." He walked into the teleporter and disappeared.

Lloyd looked steamed and was about to go on a rant about Kratos but Colette interrupted him, "Ranma, Genis, Lloyd?" All three looked towards her, "Thank you for coming with me. Could you please come to my house later?"

"Sure thing." Lloyd turned to Genis, "We should be getting back to class. I hope we can get there before the professor finds out that we're gone. You coming?" The question was aimed at Ranma.

-Not like I have anywhere else to go- thought Ranma, "Sure thing." All three went through the teleporter and started walking back towards the entrance. They didn't encounter any monsters.

"You know," commented Lloyd as they were walking, "It must be pretty hard to be an angel."

"Why's that?" asked Ranma genuinely curious. His school of martial arts involved a lot of midair combat and he figured that things like their wings would be a huge advantage in fighting.

"Their wings," he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "They would have to cut holes in the back of all their shirts. You would have a heck of a time changing, not to mention they would always be getting in the way when you sleep and sit down in chairs."

Ranma was at a loss for words at the moment but Genis however, "So how long have you been thinking about this?"

"Hey!" Protested Lloyd. Further discussion was cut off by a new voice as they reached the central chamber.

"MARVELOUS!" Standing in the middle of the room was a woman with silver hair like Genis and dull orange coat and pants. She had her back to them but Ranma noticed Lloyd and Genis pale a bit.

"P-p-professor Raine!" Lloyd stammered

"Sis, what are you doing here?" asked Genis

Raine turned around and Ranma noticed a maniac glint in her eye before her gaze hardened as she looked at Lloyd and Genis.

"And what," she stated dangerously punctuating each syllable, "are you two doing out of class?"

"Uh-Oh." Was all Genis had time to say before Raine had him over her knee. She then delivered several slaps into his rear end. Ranma and Lloyd respectfully turned their backs to them.

When Raine was finished she turned her gaze to Lloyd. He shivered under her gaze, "Your turn." She said.

"Wha…!" shouted Lloyd before Raine executed a perfect kick into his face. He flew five feet back into the temple wall and slumped to the ground.

"Ow sis, that hurt," complained Genis while rubbing his backside. (if you haven't figured it out by now Genis and Raine are siblings)

Ranma closed his mouth that was hanging open. He had seen Lloyd fight and although it wasn't perfect it would still take a lot of strength and skill to knock Lloyd over in one shot.

Raine pulled a staff from out of nowhere and pointed it at Ranma's throat who put up his hands in a warding gesture, "And you," she began but then her expression changed from anger to confusion, "I've never seen you around here before, who are you?"

Ranma gave his classic greeting while putting his hand on the back of his head, "I'm Ranma Saotome, sorry about this."

Raine considered that for a moment then put her staff away. She couldn't his him until she knew him well enough. Oh well, she would just have to get to know ­him better. That wouldn't be so bad considering… her thoughts trailed off on that line of thinking.

"Professor why are you here?" asked Lloyd. Apparently he had recovered from the kick that Raine gave him and was walking, if a bit disoriented.

"The mayor gave me permission to investigate these ruins. It's a great opportunity for someone who isn't a priest or the chosen." As she spoke she seemed to regain that maniac glint in her eye that Ranma first saw on her. She turned back to Ranma with her cold stare in place, "So what exactly are you doing in the temple?"

Ranma was afraid of few things in life. He had faced all manner of wild animals trying to kill him and had been in more life and death situations then he could remember but when Raine turned that cold gaze on him it sent shivers up his spine, "I just followed Lloyd and Kratos into the temple, I'm not really sure what I'm doing here." It was mostly the truth, he had wanted to repay the favor to Colette for saving him.

-Privileged my foot, they'll let any person come in the temple nowdays- thought Raine, "Lloyd, Genis, please go back to the village," she turned to Ranma, "As for you, I don't know who you are but you don't look like a priest. I'm sorry but your not allowed to be in here, I'm not sure what happened but I think that it is best that you left for right now." Finished, she walked into the temple interior.

Ranma was looking a little crestfallen until Genis came up behind his and said, "Don't mind her, she's a teacher and a real stickler for the rules."

"Not to mention a good shot." Grumbled Lloyd while rubbing his chin.

They had gotten to the entrance when they heard a sound from where the professor was.

MUHAHAHA!

"What was that?" asked Ranma

"Trust me," said Genis, "You don't want to know."

The trio walked out of the temple grounds and onto a stretch of field. There were several varieties of animals that seemed to do nothing other than wander aimlessly around the field. Some were even brave enough to attack them. One particular battle…

"Okay," stated Ranma dodging a wolf's charge, "Wolves I can understand," Ranma brought his fist down on the wolf's head, crushing its skull and killing it, "Snakes are also understandable," he continued as Lloyd dodged the snakes bite and chopped it's head off, "I can even go so far as to understand these birds," Genis performed a wind cutter and cut the bird to ribbons.

"But what I don't understand," he said angrily as he dogged his assailants attacks, "Is why the heck these damn rabbits are attacking us!" He dogged another double kick from the rabbit and nailed it with an uppercut sending it into LEO.

"Ya know," said Lloyd thoughtfully as he sheathed his sword, "I never really thought about that."

Genis was looking at the shooting star rabbit, "I think you kinda spliced your shot there."

Ranma sweatdropped.

The party was almost to the village when Lloyd made a sudden realization, "Whoops. I forgot to return the sorcerers ring."

"Moron." Muttered Genis.

"Do I have to give it back?" he asked. The question seemed to be directed at them but neither of them knew quite how to respond.

"You know that you are going to get bored with it eventually." Said Genis

"Not like their going to need it." Ranma said. As far as he was concerned the sorcerers ring was generally useless unless it was used to annoy the hell out of someone, like him.

"Yeah," continued Lloyd, "This thing is so cool!" he shot off another fireball in Ranma's direction who bent over at an almost 90 degree angle to avoid it.

"Watch it!" he shouted while shooting a glance at Genis kendama. Further discussion was cut off as they were hailed by the village guards and entered Iselia Village.

Ranma took in his surroundings as he was trained to do but immediately relaxed his guard. The village was very mundane. Everything was built using wood of various types. Gardens seemed to be commonplace in front of all of the houses. It gave the village a relaxed and peaceful feeling. There were various dirt paths that ran by the houses and several farms with people working on them.

Genis spoke up, "Hey Lloyd can we stop by my house? I need to get something."

"Sure thing."

Genis and Raine's house was larger than most of the others. It looked like an old remodeled storage place, however the inside was well furnished and gave the place a nice homey feel. While Genis was getting his things Ranma looked around and spotted the bookshelf.

The bookshelf contained several thick volumes with titles such as Advanced Math Therom and Great Archeological Finds. There was also a book titled Magic For Dummies.

"Must be hard to find a good book to read living with a professor and all that," commented Ranma.

"Actually those are mine." Said Genis.

Ranma and Lloyd sweatdropped.

The trio was walking through the village when Ranma asked, "Where is your house Lloyd?"

"I don't live inside the village. My mom died when I was very little and I was found abandoned in the forest. I was found there by a dwarf that lived on the surface named Dirk." Lloyd spoke in such a tone that said he had gone through the story many times before.

"I'm sorry," said Ranma in respect for the dead, "Do you know anything about your father?"

"I've never seen or met my father. I don't know if he is dead or alive. I consider Dirk my father."

They finally reached Colette's house near the end of the village. It was obviously the nicest house in the village with a perfect garden out front and neatly cleaned outside. Ranma, Lloyd and Genis entered the house to find that a crowd was already sitting at the table inside.

Ranma noticed Kratos and Colette but there were three other people he didn't know. Fortunately Genis whispered some commentary, "The person with the stupid hat on and the brown vest is the mayor of Iselia village." He indicated a man at the end of the table.

"Does he have a name?" asked Ranma

Genis thought for a moment, "Not sure," he indicated an elderly couple sitting side by side, "That's Frank and Phaidra, Colette's biological parents."

"Dose that mean Colette has two fathers?" asked Ranma

"Hmm, guess so," responded Genis.

The mayor spoke up, "It is decided then. Raine and Kratos will accompany the Chosen on her journey."

"Are you talking about the journey of world regeneration? I want to go too." Said Lloyd

"Yeah I want to see Colette regenerate the world too." Put in Genis.

Kratos looked straight at Lloyd, "You would only get in the way. It is best if you did not come along."

"Hold on a sec Kratos," broke in Ranma, "Lloyd's technique may be self taught but even you can see the potential he has."

"That may be true but the journey of regeneration is not a training journey." Responded Kratos.

The mayor seemed to regard all three of them with disdain, "The journey of regeneration is a serious matter. It is not to be attempted and bungled by children."

Believe it or not, Ranma was actually a decent judge of character. Although he was not on par with some ice cold mercenaries he could tell who could be trusted to watch his back and who would stick a knife in it. The mayor seemed to him like a person full of arrogance who flaunted his position while not actually doing anything.

"We have important things to discuss so please step outside." Concluded the mayor.

Lloyd finally got fed up and after shooting a dirty glare at Kratos, left the house with Genis trailing behind him. Ranma glared at the mayor and followed after Genis. Colette waited a few seconds then excused herself from the table.

Outside everyone was about to head their separate ways when Colette came outside. Unfortunately she tripped on the stairs leading to her house. Fortunately Ranma was already there to catch her before she fell.

"Thanks." She said as she straightened up. "I really appreciated your help today Lloyd and I would like you to come along on my journey."

Lloyd immediately cooled off as he talked to Colette, "I really want to see you regenerate the world too. When do you leave?"

"Meet us at the front of the village at noon two days from now," she responded.

"Will do." Said Lloyd.

"Oh, by the way," said Genis, "Happy birthday! I baked you some cookies." He handed her a package full of cookies.

"Thank you Genis I always appreciate you cooking." She said while smiling.

"What about you Lloyd? Weren't you going to make her a necklace?" teased Genis.

Lloyd put his hand on the back of his head in a very Ranma like manner, "Eh heh heh, well I almost have it done. I'll get it to you… tomorrow, yeah that's it!"

"Thank you Lloyd, and thank you Ranma for coming with me today. And don't worry about a birthday present for me either." She said the last part to Ranma who was just about to apologize for not having a present. She turned and walked back inside.

Meanwhile inside the house, Kratos was also getting fed up with the mayors attitude. If it wasn't for Colette's personal request for Lloyd to stay behind Kratos would have taken Lloyd along. He would have been a good addition to the team because he was a good protector and a close up fighter. Raine was only good for support, a good healer but a bad fighter and even that was limited since she did not have an exsphere. Colette wouldn't be very useful in a fight either so most of the work would fall on him.

Even Genis would have been a good addition to the team. His magic may be weak right now but a mage with the right training could be absolutely devastating in battle. There was only one person who Kratos could rely on to come along.

Kratos made his excuses and walked out the door to confront Ranma Saotome.

Ranma was about to follow Lloyd to his house when Kratos appeared at the doorway, "Ranma," he stated, "Can I have a private word with you?"

"Uh… sure I guess." Said Ranma uncertainly. Kratos struck him as the type of person who would sooner die than ask favors. The fact that he was left Ranma a little off balanced.

"We'll wait for you here." Said Lloyd. Ranma nodded affirmative.

Ranma followed Kratos past the schoolhouse, outside the village and into a wooded area. When they had reached a clearing in the forest Kratos pulled out a bottle from his belt and opened it. A fine white mist emanated from the bottle.

"What's that?" asked Ranma curiously.

"A holy bottle." He responded, "It will keep the monsters away from us so they wont interrupt us." Ranma noticed several monsters fleeing the vicinity.

Ranma got straight to the point, "What do you want to ask me?" He noticed Kratos fingering the hilt of his sword and tensed up.

"I will get to that but first," he drew a practice sword in one swift movement, "We spar!" Both sides got into ready positions and saluted eachother.

"I was hoping you would say that," said Ranma. It was true that Ranma had wanted to spar with Kratos ever since he saw him fight at Martel Temple. Although he hid it well, Ranma was a well trained martial artist and could tell that Kratos was hiding his true strength.

(For those of you who want to, go to and play the "Kratos Final Fight Music" on Tales of Symphonia)

At an unseen signal both fighters ran at eachother, Ranma throwing a series of light blows, testing Kratos defense. Ranma was not disappointed as Kratos deflected each blow with a minimum of force and retaliated.

Ranma knew that Kratos was holding back but he didn't know just how much until he was forced to block a few blows which came at him to quickly to dodge. Even through his gauntlets he was feeling the force of the blows. Ranma tried to dodge more and block less which proved difficult give the speed at which the blows were coming.

Although it was customary for Ranma to yell out insults during a match he knew right away that he would just be wasting his breath. Kratos was the kind of person who would stay calm while someone shouted in his ear. Ranma rededicated his efforts into finding an opening.

Ranma jumped over another strike from Kratos and placed a hand around his blade. He lashed out with his feet in midair and was able to land a double footed kick into Kratos chest. Kratos staggered back half a step but quickly recovered and twisted his blade free from Ranma's grip.

He danced just out of reach of Kratos retaliatory strikes but failed to notice in time that his sword had a white tinge to it. Without warning a Demon Fang was released from Kratos sword which connected with Ranma's chest.

Ranma jumped back a few feet to recover from the blow and approached with more caution. The ki blasts Kratos fired hurt like hell and there was little warning before one was shot off.

Attacking with greater speed and less strength Ranma came in again with a phenomenal speed. He was holding nothing back now going full out against Kratos with good results. Ranma would attack in one place but was gone and attacking in another before Kratos could connect with his sword. After a minute of this Kratos jumped back about 10 feet out of Ranma's range.

"Impressive." He commented showing no signs of the blows he suffered from Ranma, "Let's get serious."

Ranma came in again and was met midway by Kratos who was now matching his speed. Ranma found himself being put on guard as many times as he was going offensive. It seemed that they were evenly matched in speed. Neither side seemed to gain an advantage.

Ranma faked an attack to the front and drew Kratos sword away from his side where he attacked. Unfortunately the sword which had been at his front had continued in a circle, along with his body, so fast that it left a ki trail behind it. He simultaneously jumped into the air creating a spiral type effect. The final result was several hits all over Ranma's body.

Ranma backed off to get some breathing room. -What the hell was that? I've never seen ki used that way before. I didn't have time to try this out but I don't think that I can win any other way-

Ranma jumped into the trees and started tree hopping in a circle around Kratos building up speed until he was to fast to track. Finally he launched himself directly at him twisting in midair to avoid a Demon Fang released from his blade. Kratos jumped to the side to avoid Ranma but he was prepared for that. Cupping his hands together in midair, Ranma shouted "DEMONIC BLAST" and fired off a pure ki blast at Kratos who erected a ki shield just before impact.

Some people would say that Ranma has no mind for academics and they would mostly be right. However, when faced with a martial art challenge Ranma's learning curve was off the charts. Ever since he saw the Demon Fang Lloyd made, Ranma had been pondering how to make a ki blast.

When he brushed Lloyd's Demon Fang at Martel Temple, he felt a surge of confidence, like he could take on the world. When Kratos hit him with his blast, he felt nothing except intense concentrated pain. Then he had the answer. Lloyd was using emotions as a medium to project his ki while Kratos used no emotions. Ranma had tried to produce that type of ki and was finally able to do it with quite a bit of difficulty by blending all of his emotions together. Confidence, Depression, Anger, Joy, Happiness and Sadness formed together to make emotionless ki. It had taken him about 15 seconds to form it.

Despite having erected a ki shield, Kratos still took about 5 seconds to fully recover from the blow. Unfortunately Ranma had drained up a lot of his reserves and his ki supplies were almost depleted from continuous boosting of his speed and his first pure ki blast, his reserves were almost dry, contrary to Kratos who seemed ready for action, if slightly worn.

"Very impressive for your first ki blast," he commented, "But if memory serves me correctly your are pretty worn out right now." He charged forward again attacking with a slightly lessened speed from before.

To Ranma's credit, he was able to take another 10 blows from Kratos and was able to deal a couple before he lapsed into the peaceful realm of unconsciousness, his ki reserves depleted.

Ranma awoke some time later to a campfire which Kratos was sitting at, drinking some tea. Kratos looked to Ranma and handed him a cup, "Drink this," he said, "It will make you feel better."

Ranma accepted the tea and took a long drink. He was surprised at how noticeably better he felt after drinking it, "Wow, where did you learn to make such great tea?" he asked.

"I've had a few years of practice." He stated. Then he got down to business, "You fought well. Your form is excellent, your speed is phenomenal and even your ki is well focused from someone who dose not have much special training in that area. If there is one god thing that I MUST say about Genma, it is that he taught you well."

"Actually I have the sensei of the school of a Thousand Cuts for my speed training. My pop didn't teach me much beyond the basics. I have the sensei's of several different schools to thank for my martial arts skills." Ranma was thinking of bragging but it didn't sit right with Kratos, especially since Kratos just beat him.

His external appearance gave no sign of change but inside he was thinking -With a father like that, Ranma was lucky to be sent to this world.- Instead he said, "Thanks to those Sensei's, you are a very good fighter. What you lack it proper ki and endurance training."

Ranma was surprised that he was not more angry at loosing to Kratos or by being shown his faults. Perhaps it was the fact that Kratos was a true master of the art and ki disciplines and there was no shame in loosing to him. Only one thing to do, swallow the pride and ask. Without hesitation he asked, "If you can, will you please train me?"

-Now to cinch the deal- thought Kratos, "I will train you if you can grant me one request in return." Ranma nodded, "I wish for you to accompany Raine, Colette, and I on the journey of world regeneration."

Ranma was surprised to say the least. Kratos seemed like the kind of person who would suffer rather than ask for help from someone, "Why?" He asked.

"The journey of regeneration is filled with many powerful monsters. I could handle myself in battle with ease but having to watch out for two mages at the same time would be near impossible for even someone of my skills. I need your help in doing this and that is why I wish for you to come along."

In the short time Ranma knew Colette he had immediately liked her. She was kind, trusting, and caring and almost immediately offered friendship to him. When she was happy, it was hard not to be happy as well, she was just one of those people that just radiated cheerfulness so it was of little surprise that Ranma instantly agreed.

"Good." Said Kratos, he withdrew a bad from his belt and tossed it to Ranma. It was full of coins. "I assume that Lloyd has already offered you a place to stay. Go and get some armor and some rest and have the local dwarf make you a key crest for your exsphere. The chosen's party will leave at 10:00 day after tomorrow."

Ranma thanked Kratos for the money and bowed respectfully like a student to a sensei and ran back to the village.

To Be Continued…

Authors Notes:

Back from 3 weeks of summer camp and up with a new chapter of Ranma in the Land of Symphonia, hope you liked it. This was my first blow by blow non-lethal match ever and I don't know how good it was so I would like C&C on it especially. I know that some of you thought that Kratos shouldn't have won, but hey, with that much training…

Anyway, in case you didn't notice, I am having the chosen's journey starting day after tomorrow. This will let me use the next chapter to fit in several important storyline plots and a bit extra such as Ranma at school and his Key Crest.

If you have any questions about the official storyline or things that might give the plot away you can e-mail them directly to me so as not to give away the story to other readers who have not played Tales of Symphonia.

I will try to update more often now that I get to stay home for the rest of the summer and if anyone who reviews my stories wants a review in return then I will be happy to comply.

Just because I have to, school of a Thousand Cuts belongs to Jade Empire.

Tune in next time for:

Chapter 6

Trouble at the Human Ranch