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Ranma and the Land of SymphoniaChapter 10- The Trail We Blaze
There are very few things in the world that Ranma hate. On the top of his hate list would be the ferocious felines known to mankind as cats. Right now, however, the second would definitely be deserts.
Normally Ranma wouldn't have minded a walk through the burning sands and heat of the midday sun, but after an hour (along with his newly weighted clothes that Kratos had gotten him) of trudging through the burning hell of the Triet Desert, Ranma despised deserts.
"Man its so hot," Lloyd panted as he walked.
Noishe whined in agreement.
"Yes Lloyd," deadpanned Raine, "Deserts are naturally hot."
"Don't worry Lloyd, we'll be there soon." Encouraged Colette
"Quit complaining Lloyd, its good exercise," stated Genis
"Easy for you to say, wearing shorts," mumbled Lloyd.
Ranma and Kratos didn't answer. Lloyd had been complaining for the last half-hour and they didn't bother to dignify him with responses anymore.
They had left Triet early in the morning as to avoid the sun but they had still been caught in the sun due to several attacks by animals and other creatures. The snake nest they had accidentally stumbled into had been pure hell, fortunately Kratos had produced several antidotes to the snake venom.
They had also had a run in with another group of bandits who were easily dispatched but they had delayed them long enough for the sun to come out and bask them in scorching heat for the final leg of their journey.
Finally after another 2 hours they came upon a set of ruins. It didn't look like much but Kratos finally said that they had arrived.
"Whew! I am so sick of this desert!" exclaimed Lloyd collapsing to his knees.
Ranma didn't say anything, instead he just collapsed the ground in a dead faint. The combined effects of the heat, weight, and constant battles had taken their toll on him. He had no idea how a simple shirt could weigh so much but the customizers back in Triet seemed to be able to make anything possible if given the right materials.
Kratos sighed and took off his personal pack. Around him the other members of the party did the same thing, "Genis could you give him another?"
Genis, who had been riding on Noishe, hopped off and took out his Kendama, "Aqua edge revised, Water Spout!"
The young magic user had been using Aqua Edges to keep Ranma awake but after several complaints from Ranma about how the hurt like hell Kratos had shown him a revision of the technique.
Genis was briefly surrounded by a blue aura before a stream of water erupted from the end of his weapon and splashed onto Ranma, who woke with a start.
"I didn't do it!" he shouted, looking around in a panic.
"Change clothes Ranma, were in enemy territory now." Kratos was looking about warily, his hand fingering the hilt of his sword.
Ranma struggled to get his shirt off while everyone else was preparing their weapons.
"They come!" shouted Kratos. It was all the warning they got before several floating red ball shaped… things, came out from behind the pillars of the ruins.
The things immediately were surrounded with red auras indicating fire magic. Kratos and company didn't give them a chance to cast. The party waded through the spell casters and cut them down mercilessly (well, okay, so it was only Kratos and Lloyd but still) except Ranma who was still trying to get the weighted shirt off his head.
Unfortunately for Ranma, the group had missed one red element and it was able to fire off a fireball, which hit Ranma just as he finished taking off his shirt, which started to burn his undershirt.
"Gahhh!" Ranma shouted finally getting off the weighted shirt. He immediately dropped to the ground and rolled around to put the fire out.
After a few seconds Ranma got up again, and he looked pissed, "There is only one person who can set me on fire and get away it, and your not him!"
Ranma charged forward with the shirt in his hand and smacked the elemental with his shirt.
The red elemental flew right through two pillars of stone and stopped at a third which crumbled down on top of the thing, killing it instantly.
"Saotome Final Technique, Iron Cloth," said Ranma cockily, flicking his pigtail back behind his head.
Everyone stared open mouthed (except Kratos of course) at the shattered stone pillars.
Finally Genis spoke up, "Just how much does that thing weigh?"
Ranma shrugged and tossed it onto the ground, immediately forming a small crater.
"Man, sucks to be you!" laughed Lloyd.
"You'll get yours tomorrow after we finish here." Stated Kratos simply.
Lloyd immediately stopped laughing.
"We should set up camp here for tonight. It would be unwise to fight the creatures within these ruins today." Commented Raine.
"Say Kratos, why don't you wear any weighted clothes?" asked Lloyd.
Kratos didn't respond. Instead he removed one of his shoulder guards and tossed it to Lloyd.
Lloyd caught the object, and fell over onto his back, "Jeeze this thing is heavy!" Lloyd struggled to lift it for a few moments before Kratos came over and took it from him with one hand.
Ranma walked around the camp restlessly. Raine had given him a huge lesson about the Triet ruins, keeping him awake via water using Genis, who already knew everything about Triet. It amazed Ranma that one so young could be such a genius.
When he had tried to talk to Kratos he was only told him to rest and prepare for tomorrow. He said nothing further to him.
Lloyd and Colette were out like a light. They were unused to traveling long distances and constant fighting and had fell asleep as soon as their tents had been set up.
Looking around, Ranma noticed Raine placing here hands on Genis back, glowing with a white aura and chanting softly. When she had finished her body glowed green for a brief second before entering Genis body.
"What was that?" asked Ranma curiously.
"It's a special technique called charge. Instead of healing the bodies wounds, it restores the bodies energy by using your own energy." She explained, "Sometimes Genis needs some energy to keep him going because of his age."
Ranma, like Ranma, was always interested in new techniques, "That's pretty neat. Think you can show me?"
"Fortunately you don't need to be an expert in magic to do it but it does take concentration."
The technique 'Charge' required the receiver and the giver to be exactly in tune with each others ki. It was easier to do among family members, Raine explained, but if you concentrated hard enough it was possible to do with anyone.
Ranma tried it a few times with Raine and was able to impart a small amount of energy to her one time before the connection was cut off. He tried it a few more times, getting steadily more frustrated until Raine told him to stop and get some rest.
"It takes concentration Ranma, and you cant concentrate when your tired."
"Come on just one more time," Ranma insisted, "Please?"
"Bed. Now." The tone she used allowed no argument.
"Alright fine. Jeeze, you sound just like a mom." It wasn't until he was in his tent before he let himself smile, "Not that that's a bad thing mind you." He spoke quietly to himself. It was nice to have a mother figure, even though she wasn't his biological mother.
Ranma woke up before everyone else, or so he thought. When he went out into an open area to practice he saw Kratos there, meditating. Ranma turned and was about to leave when Kratos spoke up.
"Have a seat Ranma."
Hesitantly Ranma sat down next to Kratos.
Kratos, his eyes still closed spoke to Ranma, "Another important aspect of ki manipulation and control is meditation. Unless you are at least somewhat in tune with your inner self then you will find it difficult and draining to use your ki."
Ranma listened carefully, mirroring Kratos position on the ground beside him.
"In order to become a true master of any art you mind, body, and spirit must be in tune with eachother. The first step is meditation."
Ranma had been to several temples on his 10 year torture er… I mean training trip and had heard much of the same things said by priests and other religious fellows. However, when Kratos said it, it held much more meaning.
Ranma got into the position Kratos displayed and began breathing in sync with him. Genma had thought that meditation was a useless art and that brute force (along with trickery and thievery) could overcome anything. Of course Ranma had written Genma off as an idiot years ago and had, on occasion, tried out some of the meditation techniques taught to him by priests.
The first step of meditation was easy, breathe in for a count of 7 and breathe out for a count of 7. After a while it became second nature.
The second step was the one Ranma had the most trouble with; clearing your mind. It was at this point that every single noise, itch, and minor discomfort would seem to be multiplied ten-fold in an effort to distract you.
'Focus!' thought Ranma harshly, 'I need to focus and stop thinking about anything!'
"Don't try to force yourself, it will come naturally if you let it." Kratos spoke unexpectedly.
Ranma turned to stare at him for a second; was the man psychic? Not making any progress with his current criteria, Ranma opted to follow his advice, calmly emptying his thoughts little by little like water from a hole.
Slowly but surely Ranma was getting to the first stage of meditation. He had nearly cleared his mind when…
"RANMA!"
"Gah!" Ranma cried, immediately flipped to his feet, assuming a defensive stance.
Lloyd put up his hands in a warding gesture, "Woah, hey calm down. Its only me."
"Lloyd, don't scare me like that." Said Ranma lowering his guard, 'Damn,' he thought to himself, 'So close! Oh well.'
"I was calling you for the last 5 minutes, what were you doing anyway?"
"Meditating."
"Oh. I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready."
"Oh thanks. Hey Kratos! Kratos?" Ranma looked over to Kratos only to find that he hadn't moved the entire time.
Breakfast:
"So Ranma, do you cook at all?" asked Genis as he tended to a pot of Stew on the fire.
"Not really. My pop always said that men should never have to learn culinary arts, along with a lot of other things."
"Yeah well your pop is an idiot. What do you do for food when your out on the road?"
"Well I can cook a nice big slab of meat," Ranma said scratching the back of his head.
"Typical adventurers food," mumbled Genis to himself, "Don't see how you can get by."
"And I suppose you could do better then?" Ranma challenged.
Genis offered him a small bowl with some of the stew in it. Ranma, never one to pass up food or a challenge, tried it.
"Man this is good! How did you get to be such a good cook?"
"Experience. I usually cook for me and sis. She is probably one of the worst cooks you would ever meet."
Nerima…
ACHOO!
Akane looked up from her toxic waste… er I mean food and wondered who was talking about her.
After breakfast the party finally set out to explore the ruins. Everyone was tense, they had been attacked twice by various fire elements and some birds that were made of pure flame had ambushed them.
After a few minutes of walking they came upon a slab set in the ground. The rock was a different color then the rest of the ruins and looked very well preserved.
"Well, now what?" asked Genis after a brief moment of silence.
Ranma turned to Kratos to ask what they should when he heard a dark laugh coming from Raine.
"Er… professor are you all right?" asked Lloyd cautiously.
Raine looked up and everyone (including Kratos) stepped back a bit when they saw the maniacal glint in her eye, "FACINATING!" she shouted suddenly.
"Hey teach whats up?" asked Ranma.
"Oh no not again." Genis moaned putting a hand to his head.
Raine ignored them all and ran up to the slab of stone, "This is polycarbonate, and ancient artifact used to defend against magic during the great Kharlan War! Its so smooth."
Everyone in the party was sweatdropping now, "Is she always like this?" Kratos asked.
"Sigh. And I've tried so hard to hide it too." Complained Genis.
Raine stopped her examination of the stone and moved over to a nearby pedestal, not even stopping when she knocked Ranma to the ground. Stepping on his back she looked at it closely.
"Get off me!" shouted Ranma from his position on the ground.
"Hmm. And if I'm not mistaken, this is the oracle stone," she turned to address Colette, "Colette, put your hand here."
"Me? Okay." Colette walked over and (stepping on Ranma in the process) placed her hand on the oracle stone.
The slab of polycarbonate slid away to reveal a staircase leading downwards.
"Will you get off me!" Ranma tried to yell but could barely get it out as a whisper.
"Wow I guess this means I really am the chosen!"
"Yes Colette I think we all know that." Stated Genis
"Hip hip horay for you." Mumbled Ranma, still facedown in the stone.
Following the stone staircase was a stone hallway. Nobody attacked them while they were walking, which only served to make them all the more cautious, well except Raine.
She was busy examining every square inch of the ruins, muttering nonstop under her breath, "I just don't understand it." Said Raine, as she finished her examination, "No words, markings, symbols, or anything!"
"Probably because the chosen is the only one that uses this place." Mumbled Ranma irritably. He was getting quite annoyed with her 'Archeological Mania' attitude but that was mostly because his back was still sore.
Raine looked at Ranma strangely, "I don't believe it."
"Believe what professor?" asked Lloyd.
"Ranma, you actually said something smart for once!" exclaimed Raine, "And here I thought you were just like Lloyd!"
"Heh, thanks." Ranma put a hand to the back of his head in embarrassment.
"That wasn't a compliment Ranma," deadpanned Genis.
Ranma took a minute to think that over.
"HEY!"
The pointlessly long but necessary hallway finally opened up into a large circular room. In the center was a circle like object similar to the one in Martel Temple. Lava was surrounding the circular platform.
As the last person crossed the stone bridge to the platform, the section of stone sank into the lava, cutting off any possible exit. Everyone in the party, including Raine, was now on full alert, constantly scanning the area.
The party, with Kratos in the lead approached the seal in the center of the arena. All of a sudden Genis put a hand to his head in concentration.
"Ther… there's a great welling up of mana!" he shouted suddenly.
"It comes!" shouted Kratos.
A pillar of fire erupted from the seal, followed by two smaller pillars of fire from the lava surrounding the stone stage. The smaller pillars died down quickly to reveal two flaming, disfigured, humanoid, sword bearers. They, however, paled in comparison to the main event.
The big flame finally died down to reveal a gigantic lizard like creature with a flaming body (in case you haven't figured it out, this is kind of the style around here) and spines along its back. The thing gave a roar and leaped to attack the nearest person.
Ranma didn't exactly have a religion but the situation seemed appropriate, "Jesus Christ what is that thing?"
Kratos casually jumped back, avoiding the creatures bite, "I would assume that he is the guardian of the seal."
Genis had already started to cast a spell, while Colette and Raine had retreated to the edges of the platform.
Lloyd had immediately ran up to one of the Flame Warriors and began trading blows with it.
Ranma jumped over to the second warrior and landed a blow right in its chest. The thing just shrugged it off though and retaliated with a few sword strokes of its own. The thing was fairly slow though so they were easy to dodge.
The Ktugach (as Raine had identified the fire lizard) was a bit more trouble. The thing had started to fire of spikes from its body and Kratos was hard pressed to dodge all of them. Every now and then he would take a few swings at his head but it was doing little damage.
A shout of 'Aqua Edge' was followed by a few blades of water impacting Lloyd's flame warrior. In the moment of distraction Lloyd took the opportunity to sever off his sword arm. The creature, undaunted, raised his other hand and shot three small balls of flame at Lloyd.
Unexpected, the attack hit Lloyd right in the chest knocking him over. Fortunately the creature never got to follow the attack up as a metal disc severed the creatures head, instantly dropping it to the ground.
"Thanks Colette!" shouted Lloyd before running off to help Kraots.
Meanwhile Ranma had easily dispatched his opponent. After taking out his sword arm Ranma had hit a blue spot in the middle of the body that had instantly made the thing stop moving.
With the flame warriors gone, the fighters turned towards the big threat. Even with the combined might of Kratos, Ranma, and Lloyd attacking the thing, they just weren't doing enough damage. Ranma couldn't get close enough without getting burned and the spines on the thing made it hard for Lloyd and Kratos to score hits on its flesh.
Ranma jumped over the tail of the beast as it swung around and tried to hit the melee fighters. Kratos tried to get another shot at the head but ended up dodging several spikes instead.
Genis released another Aqua Edge spell that hit the Ktugach right in the head. Unlike the other blows this actually got a reaction out of the thing.
The Ktugach roared in pain and turned to Genis and let loose a stream of fire. Fortunately Ranma pulled Genis out of the way just in time.
"Genis," spoke Ranma quickly, "Do you think you can increase the power of the Aqua Edge?"
"I don't think I have enough energy to get any more power into it." Replied Genis.
Ranma thought for a moment, "What if I was to charge you?"
Genis thought about that for a moment, "That just might work!"
"We need Raine to help us though. Jump!"
Both Genis and Ranma jumped as the tail passed under them again. The creature was facing away from them now and concentrating on Kratos and Lloyd.
"Raine! Get over here!" shouted Genis.
At the head, Kratos and Lloyd were still trying to pierce the creature in a vulnerable spot unsuccessfully. Kratos took a second to look at where the others were and saw Raine and Ranma glowing with a white aura. He immediately recognized the spell and saw who they were doing it to.
Sheathing his sword Kratos shouted to Lloyd, "Keep him distracted and away from the chosen!"
"What? Gahhh!" Lloyd didn't have time to question Kratos as a new set of spikes tried to impale him.
Ranma and Raine were surprised to find a third aura had joined theirs in an attempt to charge Genis but quickly accepted it. Genis was concentrating with all his might on the spell, focusing on his inner energy.
As one, Genis, Kratos, Ranma, and Raine opened there eyes. In eerie unison they all said:
"Unison Attack! AQUA STORM!"
At that moment, the 4 were all in tune with one another's ki. At that moment, there minds and spirits were one. It was at that moment that the combined energy of the 4 was put into that spell.
The end results were hundreds of aqua disks flying straight into the Kutgach and out the other side. The thing gave a final roar of protest before its flames sputtered out and died.
Genis fainted while Raine collapsed to her knees. Kratos remained standing but he was a little shaky on his feet. Ranma merely collapsed onto his back.
"Well… done Ranma," panted Raine, "I didn't expect you to learn the spell… that quickly."
A/N: Ah, another chapter complete. It just gives me such a WAFFY feeling that I have another chapter complete. For those of you who have looked at my profile you can expect another chapter of Smash Brother Ranma before I update this again. Once again I must stress to you the importance of reviews because I always want to know if my readers like my stories.
Oh and by the way, if any of you are wondering why he didn't mention the dream, well think about it like this. What would people think of you if you told them that their world was a video game turned into a real world? Hmmm….
Tune in next time for Chapter 11: The Mysterious Assassin?
