Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Project I: Zero Ranma ❯ The Final Battle ( Chapter 13 )

Author's note: I read some of the reviews, and I had to reply them.

Thank you first to all the people who reviewed my story and either praised or gave me constructive criticism.

Second, the review by Public Mayhem caught my eye, so I would like to direct this to him. Can you please tell me what's wrong with the direction of the story flow? You gave somewhat a vague description and I would really like to know your opinion.

Third, Ranma is in very friendly terms with the Inners and Hotaru. It's very logical they go buddy-buddy with each other... Although Setsuna and the other two won't get the same... Sigh... I wanted Ranma to tie them in bed and... ^-^ It's a secret.

Fourth, I kinda agree with dogbertcarroll so I would most likely add a few more private moments with the characters in this chapter... Sorry, but I'm gonna end the story. This might be the second to the last chapter, so I might make it long... Very long.

Anyway, enjoy the story!

Setsuna woke up with a start as she felt uncomfortable. She noticed that Hotaru, who resided beside her in a separated but similar tank also, had the same face.

(The Time Gate...) she thought.

=Outside the Masaki residence=

A wide blue beam of energy came down just a few meters away from the entrance of the house, and X appeared with Ayeka and Ryoko plus the two Inner Senshis. They had long faces.

A moment later, a grayish red beam went down as well beside them. Ranma, Tenchi, Katsuhito [now an old man again], Nodoka and Makoto appeared as well.

"Did you feel it?" Makoto asked his two friends. They nodded.

Ranma looked around. "Where is Zero?"

X shrugged. "I don't know... Did you meet Sigma? I didn't."

"No," Ranma replied. "Do you think...?"

"No, Ranma," X warned. "Zero might or might not be fine, but it doesn't mean we should assume the worst."

"Maybe he's inside..." Ranma said dejectedly, not believing.

-Omega X Present-

-Project: Zero Ranma Special-

-Chapter 13: The Final Battle-

Ranma and the others walked in, and saw the sad faces of Washu and Usagi and Rei's. They sat on the floor opposite to Haruka and Michiru.

"What happened?" Ranma asked.

Usagi started crying. "He... he was there..."

Rei looked bad, like she was trying to suppress her urge to cry. "I was useless... Zero did most of the job... And we left him behind..."

Ranma looked dejected but still hopeful. "We'll get him back... Don't feel bad guys. Where is Hotaru?"

Washu replied: "In my lab... She was cut pretty bad, but she's all healed up now."

"And it's entirely your fault!" said another voice behind Washu. Ranma looked up and saw Setsuna, standing up with fist closed, shaking. "If you just went away, we wouldn't be facing such Chaos now."

Ranma narrowed his eyes. After she tries to kill him, she still has the nerve to say that he was at fault. He went straight towards Pluto, and jabbed her chest with a finger.

"You have the nerve to say that after all the shit you put me through!" Ranma said in a low but dangerous voice. "I had no control on what happened, and I certainly don't like our situation. You are to blame as well. I didn't affect your Crystal Bullshit!"

"Lies!" Setsuna said in the same menacing low voice. "You are the cause of the chaos that's happening. Because of you, there is no Crystal Tokyo, no peace and if you didn't exist, none of this would happen."

"Listen to me, Pluto, or whatever Planet you came from. Crystal Tokyo is just a dream. Dreams fade and brake at time. It failed! I came from the future, and there is NO Crystal Tokyo," Ranma said, jabbing a bit more painfully at Setsuna. "You're dreams don't bring anything but more chaos."

"You are nothing but a monster," Setsuna said, raising her voice now.

"Look who's talking. The same person who tried to kill me, endanger my mother, my sister, and Kami-sama knows how many more people," Ranma said, his voice rising with his anger. "And if I remember correctly, it was your doing why Sigma has returned. You got no one to blame except you, yourself, and the person you see in the mirror."

"Please stop..." said a voice that broke through the argument. It was soft; almost a whisper, but it got everyone's attention. It was Hotaru.

"Hotaru, he is the threat to our...!" Setsuna still stubbornly said.

"You said only evil things are the threat..." Hotaru said, voice shaking. "But how can Ranma be evil... He stood up for me, and he beat up those guys who still pick on me..."

Haruka who was sitting on the couch looked very serious. "What?! Those bastards! I thought it was over!"

Hotaru looked down. "They did... in school only. Outside, they still..." and she couldn't finish. "Ranma helped me. He defended me, and he was still nice even though he found out I was a Senshi. And when I saw you attack him, I wondered why. You almost killed him!" She raised her head. "And his friend, Zero, helped us to try to destroy Sigma. Zero stayed behind for me and the others to escape," and she took a deep breath, and what happened was unexpected to even the Outers. Her voice became menacing, full of anger and hate. "If you ever try to kill or hurt my friends, I will never forgive you!"

"Hotaru..." Setsuna tried to reach out for her, but Hotaru just ignored her and walked to Ranma.

"I'm sorry... I thought I was good enough..." Hotaru said.

Ranma smiled at her. "Don't worry your pretty little head. I'll get him out."

X entered with the others. "What did we miss?" he asked, watching Hotaru and Ranma, and Setsuna pale and the two Outers still talking about getting the boys to stop bullying Hotaru. Rei and Usagi still had long faces.

Later on...

"So, Sigma powered the Musk, but why?" Ranma asked.

"Beats me... That Bison guy had his `Psycho' Drive or whatever he called it powered up," X replied, shrugging his shoulders. "We saw nothing else that would help Sigma..."

"So do me with the Musk..." Ranma replied.

"So..." X started. "Zero hit the jackpot."

"Yes," Ranma said. "Sigma said he needed Zero, that's why he messed up a few things to attract attention. It worked. You, Zero and Dr. Light came. But what does he want from Zero?"

"Beats me..." X replied. "What do you guys think?"

Washu took a look at Dr. Light who, by some unknown reason, was a bit uncomfortable. "Do you know anything, doctor?"

Dr. Light looked at Washu. "Well, Zero is the best Maverick Hunter, he was one of the people who was able to overpower Sigma. Yet, when we look at his DNA sequence, we can't identify it."

"What do you mean?" Ami asked.

"We can take a few samples from Reploids, and scan them for DNA," Dr. Light replied. "We can identify their abilities with it. Zero, on the other hand, is a complete mystery to us. And truth to be told, so is Ranma."

Makoto and Minako looked at Ranma. "Huh?"

Ranma continued. "X can use the buster. That is one of his abilities. Other than that, he can also `learn' the ability of his opponent. Zero and I, on the other hand, have as much information as a soup full of letters. Random stuff happens, and it's unsure what we might do next."

Ukyou, who was in the kitchen a few moments ago, spoke up for the first time. "Ranchan, it's so obvious. I mean, look. You came back to life, made a few classmates which turned out to be the Sailor Senshi," and her eyes narrowed directly to the Outers except Hotaru, "and the other Sailor Senshi want to kill you. Not only that, you also met your grandfather, who happens to be an alien, and... I mean, there are so many stuff that happens to you."

"I know..." Ranma replied to her, smiling. "Like it was kinda weird that I found out you were a girl..."

Ukyou narrowed her eyes directly, which clearly stated: `I dare you to say that again!'

Ranma began to sweat drop, but his face became serious. "Why does Sigma want Zero?"

Washu began typing on what looked like a holographic keyboard. "Tell me Ranma, is Sigma all powerful?"

"Now or before he came here?"

"Before he came here," Washu replied.

"Very powerful," Ranma said. "He was able to control a ship's core, and that's no easy feat."

"Is his DNA sample like yours? Unidentifiable?" Washu asked.

"Yes..." Ranma answered slowly, beginning to realize where the conversation was going. "Are you saying what I think you're going to say?"

The Inners and Outers looked at both Ranma and Washu. "What is it?" they asked.

"I have a hypothesis," Washu said, "nothing more. It's too much of a coincidence, and I don't think I'm wrong. It seems that the unidentifiable DNA sequence, as Dr. Light calls it, creates like an edge for them. Ranma, if we remember, has enormous power capabilities. What if Zero has the same? As Ranma said before, Sigma was powerful as well."

The Inners looked at Washu.

"Anyway," Ranma said, breaking the tension. "If we are going to go towards Tokyo Tower, we should know what we are facing."

X looked like he was about to protest, but Ranma cut him off. "Look, X, I know and it troubles me as well. We don't know what kind of guns Sigma is going to bring out, all we have to do is wait. If Sigma needs Zero, he won't kill him. I also am curious on Makoto's reaction."

"What reaction?" X asked.

"Well..." Makoto began uncomfortably. "I felt something... bad. You know, like a tingle..."

Ami and the others gasped. "You too?"

All the Senshi nodded.

"That's strange..." Ranma said. "What does it mean...?"

"I felt the Time Gate appear..." Setsuna said. "I felt its power here, for some odd reason."

Hotaru gasped. "What?" Ranma asked.

"He said... that he knew us because he saw through the Time Gate..." Hotaru said quietly.

"WHAT?" Haruka and Michiru shouted. "He can access the Time Gate?"

Setsuna paled. "No... It can't be..." she murmured.

Ranma looked at the emerald haired lady. "What is it?"

"I think... I think he transported the Time Gate here..."

Everyone looked dead serious from then.

=Tokyo Tower=

Sigma looked at the magnificent Time Gate; a powerful artifact from the old Millennia, and the key to his dreams. And beside the Time Gate was a weapon he himself created, and the two things he needed to power the weapon was right there in his hands. Zero, as a base of power, to focus the Time Gate's Chaos Energy to form one of the most devastating beams no one has ever accomplished.

"Let them all know! I'll kill them all! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!" he said. "Fire..." he whispered.

The beam cannon came to life. The wires around the Time Gate glowed bright as the weapon took out the energy from the Gate, and Zero screamed in pain as he felt the energy go through him. The wires around him came to life as well, and glowed as the energy refined by Zero went towards the cannon. The energy build up in the beam was so intense it gave out high temperature, and a white beam of energy came out of the gun which came down towards Tokyo.

The beam sliced through everything like hot knife through butter. Everything exploded in its way. It cut trough all over it's path and what was left was nothing but destruction.

Sigma laughed like a maniac as he saw utter destruction. "Soon, the whole world will cease to exists, and leaves me, the survivor, to recreate it as I see fit! HAHAHAHA!"

He looked around him. He was able to set up computer terminals around, care of Bison of the Shadowloo. (Too bad he didn't survive,) Sigma thought. (But he did his job, and that's what matters.)

Sigma looked at Zero, who looked back with intense rage. "You... won't get away with this..." he said to Sigma.

Sigma laughed. "I just did. Just a fewest moments of time, you'll be remembered as a catalyst of the most powerful weapon on earth. A bringer of destruction as you were used to focus such intense Chaos and Time energy for a beam."

"Ranma will get you..."

"I'm hoping for it," Sigma replied nonchalantly.

=Masaki residence=

Ranma went through a smooth Kata with his fist open, and curled like claws, slashing different types of invisible enemies. On his top, his left, right, jumped up high in the air, slashed more enemies, and landed softly.

The final technique of his Lion-Fist is the most powerful and most deadly when done correctly. It was to combine the fierceness of the lion and the confidence of the wielder. It inevitably all came towards the heart of the one doing the move, since it should be done with the mind and heart connected as one, and the body in its wake.

Ranma sighed. He failed again. It was all in his mind, but he needed his heart as well, and it was heavy for him. His mentor, his friend was with the most feared opponent the world has ever faced, and he can't do anything about it.

Hotaru watched in awe as he moved with grace and speed, but the look on his face made her worry.

Ranma looked at his audience and smiled to see who it was. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yes..." Hotaru said quietly.

Ranma approached her and looked around. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna were hiding behind a tree, watching them. Ranma waved sarcastically at them.

"Sigh... Do they keep on following us?" Ranma asked Hotaru.

Hotaru looked at the tree, and the three women hid their heads at once. She giggled.

"They don't trust me," Ranma whispered, not sounding hurt or angry. "Hell, would you trust someone after you tried to kill them?" and his eyes narrowed. "I don't like them."

Hotaru looked at Ranma and just nodded. Of course she understood. Who would like the people who tried to kill you and almost succeeded? "Ranma... don't..."

"I won't, Hotaru," Ranma reassured the girl again. "I won't hurt them. There are times that I imagine myself tying them in a bedpost, naked, and sprinkle them with itching powder... But if I did, you would turn on me. You and that bad-ass pole you carry around as a Senshi..."

Hotaru grinned. "It's a glaive..." she answered, then, frowned. "I was useless. I only know how to use it with magic... But I couldn't since Zero was too near. I tried to fight him, but he as more skilled..."

Ranma looked at the young girl beside him. "Walk with me. Do you know where the other Senshis are?"

"Yes," Hotaru nodded. "They went to find the Tenchi boy."

"Good. All we need is to find the voice of..." and Ranma was cut off by Ayeka and Ryoko's voice.

"I WOULD RATHER SHARE MY TENCHI WITH THIS MONSTER WOMAN THAN ALLOW YOU ALL TO FLOCK AROUND HIM!"

"YEAH! SO LEAVE HIM ALONE SO I CAN INCLUDE THE ROYAL BRAT WITH YOU AND I'LL SHOW TENCHI HOW A REAL WOMAN FEELS LIKE!"

"I guess that's where the others are," Ranma said, smiling. "Shall we watch?"

Hotaru nodded. They walked towards the clearing and they heard more shouting.

"A REAL WOMAN? WITH THOSE BREASTS OF YOURS?" Ayeka shouted.

"HEY, AT LEAST MINES WIL DEVELOP IN TIME! YOURS ON THE OTHER HAND..." Ryoko said, staring at them. "LET'S SAY ALL YOU NEED IS A CENTURY OR TWO..."

Ranma and Hotaru approached closer and saw a fight which would once again rock the place.

"SAY that again!" Ayeka shrieked, battle aura and all.

"What are you going to do about it, you brat?" Ryoko asked, also hers showing.

"Want popcorn?" asked Ranma, giving a tub of popcorn to Hotaru [hey, if Akane can have a mallet out of no where, why is this different?].

"Sure," Hotaru said, digging in.

The source of the two girls' hostility was there, talking with three of the Inners.

"So," Makoto began. "Does this always happen to you?"

"Yeah..." Tenchi replied. "You kinda get used to it."

Rei on the other hand was chasing Usagi around the Tenchi, Makoto and Minako in a circle.

"Do they always do that?" Tenchi asked the two girls.

"Yeah," Minako replied. "It's been going on like this for centuries..."

"You know, Tenchi," Makoto began, a bit huskily someone might add. "You look like my sempai..."

"There she goes again..." Minako sighed. "Makoto, you said the exact same thing to Ranma!"

"Can I blame it if they look alike?" Makoto complained.

"You also said it to Kyosuke, Batsu, Eiji, who by the way has spiky blonde hair, and..." and Makoto covered Ami's mouth.

"Haha... She's joking!" she said, holding on to Minako's mouth.

A ball of energy came towards them and exploded right in their faces. When the smoke and dust settled, Tenchi and the five inners were covered in black dust.

"What did we say about leaving my Tenchi alone?" Ryoko said, voice low and dangerous.

"Leave our Tenchi-sama alone!" Ayeka screamed at the Inners.

"What the hell was that for?" Rei shouted at the two.

"You ruined my look!" Minako yelled.

"I look ugly! Even my sempai won't recognize me!" Makoto complained.

"My... my book!" Ami looked at her now-torn-to-pieces book.

"WAAAHH! And I haven't finished reading the manga!" Usagi said, looking at the torn comic.

"And it was mine..." Rei said in a low and dangerous voice.

"This should be interesting..." Ranma said to Hotaru, smiling.

"Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"

"Mercury Crystal Power, Make Up!"

"Mars Crystal Power, Make Up!"

"Jupiter Crystal Power, Make Up!"

"Venus Crystal Power, Make Up!"

The Five Inner Senshi faced the two amorous aliens, while Tenchi looked at both sides, sweating now as he was in the middle of the battle field.

"YAAAAAHHHH!!!" everyone shouted.

BBBOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!

"That was quick..." Ranma observed as the fighting stopped almost immediately. He saw the others on the ground, coughing, all black and Tenchi, also black, experienced another explosion and promptly fainted.

"Wow..." said a voice behind them. Hotaru and Ranma looked behind them. "This is great. Inter-galactic unity. It seems that our system is having a nice time with this Solar System..."

"Washu..." Ranma sighed. "If this is what you call Inter-galactic unity and peace, I'll shiver if I see war."

Washu shrugged. She wasn't smiling anymore. "Something's up."

Ranma looked at her face intently. "Is it...?"

"Yes."

Ranma nodded, and looked at Hotaru. "Help me with them. It seems that Sigma made his move..."

=Inside Masaki residence=

"THIS SUCKS!" Ukyou and Nodoka shouted at the same time as Ranma and the others entered.

Ranma looked serious. "What? Is Sigma really that bad?"

X shook his head. He stayed with the two girls and replied to Ranma. "No, the news bulletin just started and it cut off EVA-2."

"Misato was on her way to slice down the last Angel!" Ukyou pouted.

"And Shinji was also there! What the hell will happen?" Nodoka moaned.

Everyone present face faulted.

"Anyway," said Ranma as he stood up first, "Let's see what is in store for us..."

-Television: News 9; with a female newscaster-

"In front of me lays the devastation, created by a beam of white energy which was seen emitted by the Tokyo Tower," said the girl. "A few hours ago, it was clear in this video clip that Tokyo Tower is not anymore a tourist attraction, but a weapon of mass destruction!"

And then, footage of Tokyo Tower firing a beam laser of white energy, slicing through the city landscapes, and then, it went back towards the girl.

"As you can all see, the Japanese Defense Force is now on its way to Tokyo Tower," the girls stated, and the cameras zoomed in towards the sky. Ranma and the others saw as two jet planes flying nearer towards the tower.

"OH MY GOD!" the girl screamed as a white beam of energy came alive and hit one of the jets, but what surprised everyone was the beam moved towards the others as well, blowing them up before disappearing.

"It seems that the laser doesn't hit just one spot, but it can move like a sword. This is Kimberley, for news..." and she didn't finish as the screen went static. The last thing anyone could see was a flash of white.

=Masaki residence=

Setsuna had her mouth covered by her hand. Almost everyone had similar look; a look of shock, surprise and disgust. Hotaru looked paler than normal as she quickly took off outside.

Ranma shook with rage. He never expected this. He looked at his friend X and saw that he too had the same reaction as he did.

"Ranma..." Ami looked at her classmate and became quiet.

"He won't get away from this..." Ranma said quietly. "I'll stop him before this goes out of control..." and he stood up and went out.

Michiru and Haruka looked at the leaving figure; whatever they felt about him before changed now. They had the compelling feeling to help, but without their powers, and broken talismans, what could they do? The other Inners also felt the same way.

Setsuna just snorted. "If Ranma just went away, this wouldn't happen."

X looked at the girl in disbelief. "Did you know that Ranma decided to rescue you when Sigma appeared? He risked his life to distract him so we could escape."

"So?" Setsuna asked again, her voice threatening to rise up. "It all started with him..."

X stood up and went to her, and slapped her. Setsuna looked at X with disbelief in her eyes. "Ranma should have left you alone with your fate. You are nothing but a monster." And he walked away.

Washu walked towards the woman as well. "Ranma was not a threat to your Crystal Tokyo. We heard the explanation of Sigma. He sent chaos energy to empower the Time Gate more, showing you farther to the future. The future where Ranma came from, where there was no Crystal Tokyo."

"Lies..." Setsuna said softly at Washu. "Just like what Ranma claimed."

"You're wrong, Setsuna..." Usagi spoke up. "We heard Sigma. He admitted it with glee..."

All the other Senshis nodded.

Setsuna was a smart woman. Although she distrusted Ranma, the other Senshi, including Sailor Moon were no liars, a little immature, but nevertheless, not liars. She made up her mind.

Setsuna looked at them, and stood up and left. She followed Ranma out.

"You're not going to stab him," Usagi asked the leaving woman. "Are you?"

Setsuna looked at the Inners. "No... I'm going to say sorry."

=Grounds=

"Are you okay?" asked Ranma.

Hotaru just finished throwing up. "No..." she said. "I was so close... I failed, and many people paid the price..."

"Don't say that," Ranma said to the girl. "You did your best. That's what matters."

"I failed him... It matters..." Hotaru said quietly, a tinge of red in her cheeks.

"Oh..." Ranma said, realizing why she was down. "Looks like Zero has another fan..."

Hotaru looked at Ranma, expecting to laugh. After all, who would love a freak like her? But to her surprise, he wasn't. He smiled, but it was clear he looked a bit... proud of her?

"Zero would be glad. He was taken in by Iris as well," Ranma said, sitting beside her. "When Iris said to him that she liked him as a friend only, he respected her decision. They remained in good terms. If he finds out that someone else is taken by him, he might like the idea."

"You don't think it's funny?" Hotaru asked.

"Funny?" Ranma asked incredulously. "Are you crazy? I would even attend the wedding. I never had one, or even attended one in my life."

Hotaru smiled back at Ranma. Ranma grinned. They looked at each other, a question was clear in Hotaru's face, but before she could ask, a voice cut through them.

"Excuse me?" Setsuna asked.

Ranma looked at her. "What do you want?" he asked in a disgusted voice. Setsuna flinched.

"I just want to..." and Setsuna took a deep breath. "I'm sorry..."

Ranma regarded her for a moment, and just nodded. Setsuna slowly approached them, and sat down beside Hotaru.

"I never knew..." Setsuna choked. "They told me..."

Ranma looked at her. Setsuna was about to cry, and that broke through Ranma's cold demeanor more than Sigma's laser could ever hope to imagine. He sighed and nodded at her.

"It's okay..." he said. "I understand... I think."

Hotaru looked relieved. "Thank you Ranma... for trying."

Ranma looked at Hotaru. "Just don't break my friend's heart. Now, what were you going to ask?"

"I was going to ask you to help me with my glaive..." Hotaru said.

Ranma looked at her. "My specialty is sword, but I think I'll be able to help you."

"Thank you..."

Hotaru wasn't the only one who wanted to train. It seems that the rest of the Inners asked Tenchi to train them, not only flirt with him. The rest of the afternoon, the Five Inners went to the grounds to train their magic powers.

Sailor Moon, who had a pathetic attack that can only finish off weak enemies, tried to train her Tiara throwing skills.

Ami trained her water elements for other things rather than freezing.

Minako improved her fighting skills which she picked up during her travels as Sailor V, and practiced her chain whipping which she got in an S&M magazine [which was an accidental find! Honest!]

Makoto went through some katas she picked up in the Amazon village, and Ayeka helped her in her electrical attacks.

Rei, on the other hand, was meditating in the temple.

Ranma coached Hotaru in using her glaive. The way she uses is was like a bo [long wooden stick] but Ranma had sufficient knowledge in weapons to teach her how to improve her style.

The day passed, and Ranma planned what they had to do. Since the Japanese Defense Force were still trying to control the situation, trying to get in a middle of a war zone was something Ranma wanted to avoid.

The JDF sent tanks, jets, helicopters, and even the U.N. helped by bringing in missile turrets, but it seems Sigma was not alone.

Several people, which Ranma recognized as some Musk warriors, with high energy weapons, had lasers which punched through tanks like hot knife through butter. Helicopters and jets were shot down with missiles from around the towers, and the missile turrets tasted Sigma's long range white laser beam, which the JDF dubbed as `The Light'.

Night came; Ranma went to Washu's lab. He discussed some plans in entering the Tokyo Tower, and Dr. Light chipped in as well.

"So..." Ranma started. "It seems that Sigma did need the Musk and Shadowloo for his plan. Those anti-air missiles were products of Shadowloo; X told me what they had in their base. Sigma needed the Musks as troops as defense on his base."

"Yes..." Dr. Light chipped in. "Air for air, Sigma's base is impenetrable."

"Not to mention ground defense..." Washu exclaimed. "Then soldiers he has looked like they were trained. They knew how to use the weapons, and knows it's limits."

"Long range weaponry is no good," Ranma said, finger in his chin. "Sigma will just use his laser cannon..." and he thought about it. "I battled the Musk; we need a distraction. I don't know if those missiles are only for air to air. We need to take out those first."

"Ryoko can take Ryo-ohki and provide with all the air support you need," Washu said, thinking more about their plans. "But from then on, it's up to you."

"The Senshi were training really hard. After the fights they went through with the Musk and Shadowloo and Sigma himself, it seems their powers grew a bit stronger," Ranma replied to Washu. "With X and me on their side, and with air support, not to mention my cousin and Ayeka, getting by the ground is an easy feat."

"Okay," Dr. Light said. "That concludes our attack plan. The only problem is when?"

Ranma went to bed, hearing a few noises outside the grounds, but he was so tired that he didn't have to worry as he just went to sleep before he hit the bed.

The battle waged on the next day, and the JDF obviously are fighting a losing battle. Their tanks lay wasted, ground troops were slaughtered. Sigma didn't take a prisoner; bodies lay in their wake. It seems the JDF finally stopped sending more assaults; no tanks, no planes were sent anymore. It seemed a good time for Ranma to make his own assault.

The afternoon, it seemed the Sailor Senshi were more than capable off going toe to toe to hat they might be facing. The noises that Ranma heard last night were the noises of the Senshi practicing. Weariness didn't stop the pretty soldiers from wanting to kick Sigma's behind.

Hotaru seemed to be able to use her glaive effectively. Usagi mastered her Frisbee lessons, Minako had enough power to back her whip and the accuracy to boot. Now, she didn't need to tie the enemy. She could hit a wooden stick and crack it smoothly.

Makoto went through an advanced kata; it was smooth, precise and hid power. It was more or less, perfect. When Ranma told her this, she beamed, although he did earn a glare from Minako. He shrugged. They were his friends, but they were girls, and girls are what Ranma could never ever understand. It was too damn complicated for him.

Ami's power improved a lot. Her freezing attack almost reached Ranma's own Hyouretsuzan. She was extremely proud of this. Ranma was going to ask her how she achieved this, but he noticed X was there with her. It seems X demonstrated his own ice attack and Ami was able to copy it.

Rei was talking with Katsuhito. It seems that Ranma's grandfather knew the Hino shrine, and that Rei's own grandfather was friends with Katsuhito. It was a small world after all.

"Everyone," Ranma called, getting the attention of the Sailor Senshi, Tenchi, who was sandwiched between Ryoko and Ayeka, who glared at each other with daggers. Ranma was not very surprised.

"I hope you guys are ready..." Ranma started.

"Ready for what?" asked Ami.

"I just watched the news," Ranma replied. "It seems that the Japanese Defense Force gave up. It's a perfect opportunity to strike."

Usagi and the others whispered.

"I know," Ranma said. "It's been only two days since we had fought..."

"Three for me, Rei and Hotaru," Usagi said.

"Okay... three," Ranma replied. "But it was only yesterday that you started training... So, I understand if anyone objects."

"It doesn't matter," Hotaru said. "We trained hard enough. We'll help."

Ranma nodded. "Well, to explain what we need to do... Washu, do the honors please?"

"Okay!" said a voice behind the group. Everyone except Ranma jumped.

"How do you do that?" Ryoko asked her mother.

"Now, now," Washu said. "I discussed this plan with Ranma and Dr. Light last night. I ran it to the computer, and it agreed it was the best plan so far."

A hologram was produced and it showed the Tokyo Tower area.

"Now," Washu said, pointing at the scaffolding of Tokyo Tower. It zoomed in, and everyone could see some small rectangular looking things.

"These are called rocket launchers. It seems they cover the air, but we don't know if they also cover the ground as well," Washu started. "On the ground, it seems that Sigma has a small army of Musks. They have weapons."

"So, what do we do?"

"That's when you come in, Ryoko," Ranma said. "I heard that the cat-looking thingy you have turns to a spaceship?"

Everyone stared at Ryoko. "She's called Ryo-ohki," Ryoko grumbled. "She's a cabit."

"Yeah, whatever," Ranma started.

"A cabit?" "Spaceship?" "Interesting..."

Ranma groaned. "We can all ask Washu about it later," and he turned to Ryoko. "I need you to destroy those missile turrets."

Ryoko just looked at Ranma. Was he joking?

"No, he's not joking," Washu said, reading her mind. "We need those turrets destroyed, and air support if you can give them."

"That will give me, and the others who want to come with me enough force to go in the tower, and either kill Sigma or rescue Zero. But what we have to do is destroy the machine he uses as a weapon." Ranma looked at the others. "Who's coming with me?"

X raised his hands almost immediately, followed by the Senshi. Tenchi looked around and also raised his hands. Ayeka smirked, and looked at Ryoko's direction before raising her hands.

"I'll accompany my Tenchi-sama," Ayeka said gleefully.

Ranma groaned as Ryoko jumped in and they started insulting her. "Would you guys..."

BOOMM!

"WOULD YOU GUYS STOP?!!" Ranma screamed. He and the others were now all black with dust. Ryoko and Ayeka stopped. "Thank you. The plan will commence tomorrow."

He walked away, which was lucky since Ayeka and Ryoko continued their bickering.

=Later at night=

Ranma went through another kata. He was so close. He slashed upwards, and followed his invisible enemy as he continued to slash like he was in blind rage. He was so fast, he slashed so many times, and finally, he landed. It was wrong again, but it was really close.

Ranma wiped the sweat off his eyebrows. He went inside, seeing his mother there, with a vague expression in her eyes.

"You didn't tell me you were going to move tomorrow..." Nodoka said. She sounded annoyed and angry.

Ranma sighed. "It has to be done. I can't let you go for this mom. Hell, I was worried to death when you came to battle with us. No, mom. I don't want anything happening now to you or Ucchan."

Nodoka was about to protest. Her son, who she just reunited a few months ago, was again going to face death. "But..."

Ranma faced his mom and took her hand. "Please, keep this." And he gave something in her palm and walked away.

Nodoka looked at the item in her palm, and her breath was taken away. "Oh Ranma..." she said.

=Next Day, Tokyo Tower area=

Devastation lay in it's wake. Nothing would seem to stop Sigma. All except a small group of people, seemingly waiting for something. Anything.

Suddenly, a spaceship showed itself out of nowhere. It fired of two plasma missiles at the towers. Explosions took place.

The troops seemed to be alert now as they came out in numbers. They aimed at the sky to shoot at the cabit-turned-ship but they didn't realize that they had someone behind them.

Ranma punched one of the Musk and a yellow glowing Frisbee flew towards five Musk soldiers. Mercury threw three big ice towers on the group approaching and Makoto fough a group.

X blasted another one Ranma slashed the one behind Venus.

"Ranma, go and get Zero! We'll handle this!" X shouted.

"Are you sure?" Ranma asked, slashing at another opponent.

"Yeah! We can take care of this!"

"I'm coming with you," Hotaru said.

Ranma nodded and charged with Hotaru. They ran towards the tower. Ranma slashed two incoming troops, and Hotaru used a fancy flip with her glaive to get three.

They continued to run until they saw a big humungous Maverick blocking their way.

"I'll take care of this!" Hotaru said. "Silent Glaive Surprise!"

The weapon went flying, and when it reached the target, there was a big boom. Smoke and dust came up and when it settled, the Maverick was still standing.

"Uh..." Hotaru panicked, but it seemed there was another person who watched them as a big group of missile came towards the Maverick and it exploded to pieces.

Ranma looked up and could have sworn Ryoko was giving him the thumbs up. He returned it and ran towards the teleporter. It seemed the Maverick was guarding it.

Ranma went in first, then followed by Hotaru. They were transported up to a floor almost the top of the tower. They looked at each other, nodded, and continued to dash out the stairs. It seemed everything changed. From the metal scaffolding soft the tower, it changed to what looked like something from cyber space. There was a door there and in front of the door, stood a figure.

The figure smiled at them. He had in his hand, a scythe. He looked like Sigma, but the marking in his face were different.

"A lesser..." Ranma said.

"A what?" Hotaru asked.

"A lesser," Ranma replied. "Like a clone, except that he is much weaker than Sigma."

Hotaru looked at Ranma and the lesser. "Go..."

"What?" Ranma asked.

"Go. I'll hold him off."

Ranma nodded.

Hotaru walked towards the lesser, and her glaive reappeared in her hand. She took her position.

"I remember..." the lesser said. "You suck at that weapon, unless you were throwing it. You have the guts to face me?"

Hotaru didn't reply.

"Very well," the lesser said after a moment. "Let's dance."

Ranma looked at the two figures, and entered the door. Surprise or not, Sigma was there, smiling, and behind him, was the particle cannon with Zero strapped in it.

=Outside the grounds=

The battle raged on as X let loose another charged buster, which cut through the flank of troops in a moment.

Venus and Moon combined their attacks. Venus whipped her chain around, and the empowered tiara was also there.

Mercury froze two more enemies, and Jupiter took out three more.

"This seems endless!" Tenchi said as he slashed down another troop. He ducked as one of the attackers came with a sword and slashed wildly at his head.

Ayeka sent another bolt of energy. "Are you okay, Tenchi-sama?"

=Tokyo Tower=

Hotaru parried another downward slash with her own glaive. She grit her teeth as she tried to force the scythe blade away from her.

The lesser Sigma laughed, as he continued to slash upward and downward, trying to throw the girl off balance. "Die!"

(Ranma...) she thought. She narrowed her eyes as she drove her glaive upwards.

-Inside Sigma's throne room-

Sigma laughed. "Ranma," he said. "How good of you to come..."

Ranma looked at Sigma, then to Zero, and then, all around him. "What are you playing at?" Ranma asked Sigma. "Destroying Tokyo area. Is that what this is all about?"

Sigma laughed. "No. It's about revolution..."

And like a signal, the particle cannon aimed upwards, towards an opening in the sky. It started to hum up with power.

"Ah, about time..." Sigma said, looking at the gun. The computer screens around the room came alive, showing what can only be described as a number. 5:00:00

Ranma narrowed his eyes. "What is this?"

"Ahh... So good for you to ask." And to Ranma's horror, the clock began counting. 4:58:68. "Five minutes... All this weapon needs is five minutes to reach full power... It will fire up in the sky..."

And another computer screen flashed as it showed the world. Around it were satellites, and Ranma watched it with earnest.

"Once the countdown ends..." and the computer showed a narrow beam going to one of the satellites, which reflected the beam towards the other satellites. The focused all those reflected beams downward. The computer flashed another screen, and it showed off the world map, and the targets, which were major cities in the world.

"... YOU'RE MAD! YOU'RE GOING TO KILL MILLIONS!" Ranma shouted in shock.

"Not only that... Once an attack begins," Sigma sneered, "Governments will blame their enemies, and in turn, blame others as well. It will cause a war of billions, an I will be here, watching everything turn to chaos, and when no one is left... I shall rule all!" and he laughed.

Zero opened his eyes, and saw Ranma and Sigma face off. "Ranma! Whatever you do, don't let him speak `fire'! The weapon is voice activated!"

Whether Ranma heard him or not, Zero wasn't sure. All he could do is watch.

<4:45:98>

"Do you think you can beat me before the clock goes down to zero?" Sigma asked.

"I don't think... I know. YAAHH!!" Ranma charged with his sword.

Sigma laughed. In the absence of his scythe, he used his own hands which, to Ranma's horror, had claws and had thick hide that could withstand the slashes he was giving Sigma. He slashed downwards harder, but no use. Sigma used his arm to block it and his other hand lashed out to give Ranma a wicked stab.

Ranma flew towards the wall, and recovered immediately. He dashed again towards Sigma.

=Grounds=

"There are too many!" Ami shouted.

"Damn it... Mercury, gather the others with you, and build up a ice field around you!" Rei shouted.

Ami did as she was told. She shouted at the others to come nearer.

When Rei saw them safely in an ice force field, she concentrated all her thoughts to her ultimate attack.

The Musk saw this as a chance to kill them, after all, they did stop attacking. They made a mistake of their lives.

"MARS FINAL! INFERNO!" Rei shouted and flames sprouted out of her body, engulfing a circular area with a diameter of ten meters. All inside the inferno were all incinerated, all except Rei, and the others inside the ice orb that Ami created. It seems like minutes before the fire finally died.

Rei huffed and puffed. The attack took a lot out of her and she simply smiled weakly before she hit the ground, unconscious.

"Rei!" Usagi shouted as she ran towards her.

"Uh..." Tenchi began nervously. "I don't think it's over..."

There were more Musk coming in, and they were charging at them as well.

=Tokyo Tower=

"ARGH!" Hotaru moaned as she felt the scythe slash her shoulder. She took the moment to back away and check her injuries. It wasn't a deep cut, but it still hurt.

"A break..." the lesser said. "A break before your death. Like it?"

Hotaru gritted her teeth as she launched herself at the lesser. This time, she did a move she practiced last afternoon. "SPINNING GLAIVE ATTACK!" she said, and her glaive turned to a blur as she spun it in rapid succession. The lesser, caught off guard, tried to defend himself, but the sheer speed of the attack was too fast. He jumped back as he felt pain in his shoulders.

"Good..." he said, looking at his wound.

Hotaru went to position again. Unknown to the lesser, Hotaru was able to observe the striking patterns of the scythe, which gave her now a critical edge... (Unless he changes style...) Hotaru thought.

In an unseen signal, both duelers clashed at each other.

-Inside the room-

<3:55:65>

"You can't beat me..." Sigma said as he casually threw Ranma over his shoulder.

Ranma flipped forward and landed on his feet, recovering from the throw. (He's right... He uses his hands and he is much faster...) Ranma thought.

<3:45:34>

Ranma put his Saber in his back, and [like Wolverine in the movie X-Men] he let his claws out.

Sigma seemed amused, and sneered, He beckoned Ranma to approach him.

Ranma roared as he dashed towards Sigma. He slashed fast towards his enemy, this time, Sigma was forced to move. Defying all the records in the Olympics, the two antagonists lashed at incredible speed. Anyone with a normal eye would see nothing but blur.

Ranma slashed with quick succession, and his mind was racing. The last technique. It was so close. Even his body is following the steps.

Sigma cried out in desperation as Ranma's attack finally came through as he was stabbed in the stomach. His thick hide prevented impalement, but like before, it hurt like hell.

"Damn you, Ranma..." Sigma said. He looked at the clock.

<2:03:06>

"All I need is a little more time..." Sigma said. He faced Ranma and wildly dashed at him.

Ranma readied his claws and dashed at him as well.

=Outside Tokyo Tower=

"DAMN IT!" Usagi shouted. "This doesn't seem to end!"

Wave after wave, it seems there were roughly 2000 men around, and they only killed half of them. Mars was too tired to do anything, and Tenchi was wounded, all the others were.

Ami, who saw her friends hurt, unleashed her final spell. "Healing Rain!"

An the sky seemed to darken as rain began to fall over the area where the seven friends were.

"This will heal all your wounds..." Ami began.

"But you can't move to maintain the rain..." Venus finished.

"Sorry..."

"Don't be," Tenchi said. "I'm feeling much better already!"

Jupiter, who's skirt was torn, looked at Usagi. "Let's our final combined attack..."

"But, it takes time..." Usagi replied. "Who knows what the enemy might do. They won't just sit there!"

Ayeka and Tenchi replied. "We'll hold them off."

"I'll do so as well," Venus said.

Jupiter and Moon began concentrating on their combined elemental attack as Venus whipped up her chain and Tenchi, with his sword, and Ayeka with her Juraian powers, they formed a triangular space where they attacked the enemies at their own rate. In the background, you can hear explosions coming in. It seems like there were more enemies and Ryoko and Ryo-ohki were having a hell of a time shooting them.

=Tokyo Tower=

"FINAL ATTACK, DEATH SLASH!" the lesser yelled as he drove his scythe down, fast and hard.

Hotaru yelled as she was stabbed in the leg. She tried to dodge the attack but it caught her leg, and it penetrated her skin.

"AGH! FINAL ATTACK, SILENT GLAIVE STAB!" she shouted over her pain, and her glaive blurred as she drove it up the lesser body. Nothing came out as the glaive came out the other end of the lesser body. Its eyes, from red, became blank white.

Hotaru sighed in relief as the figure didn't move. It seems that the lesser was a robot, and she hit it's power source, or core, she never knew. All she thought was walking inside the room and helping Ranma, but with her leg, she could barely stand up.

She looked helplessly in the room.

-Inside the room-

<00:35:65>

(I can do this...) Ranma thought as he dodged another blow from Sigma. Both went out and the damage was apparent. Sigma's armor showed signs of cracks, and Ranma's helmet was broken, freeing his head. His eyes squinted as he let the blood around his eye flow freely down without disturbing his vision.

"DIE!" Sigma said, laughing.

(I can do THIS!) and finally, the move was unlocked. His mind, one with heart, and his body following it, he slashed hard upwards, and launched Sigma in the air.

Sigma screamed as he felt about 300 slashes around his body in one second before he fell down on the ground, hard.

Ranma felt exhilarated. All his power in one move was incredible. He was still in the air and landed softly beside Sigma. (So, that was the final move... The Wild Lion...)

He took a deep breath and collapsed as well. (Wow... that took a lot out of me...)

"Mwehehehehe..." a voice rang through the room. Ranma's insides went cold.

(Can't be...) Ranma said.

"Pretty move... It hurt a lot! Hehehehe!" Sigma said, standing up. He looked at his chest. It was open, and Ranma looked in disgust as he could see the lungs, the ribs and the heart, still beating.

<00:05:55>

"Too late, Ranma..." Sigma said. "I still win..."

"NEVER!" Ranma shouted as he took his remaining strength to launch himself at Sigma.

=Outside Tokyo Tower=

"HURRY!" Tenchi said. He couldn't hold on any longer.

"Finished!" Jupiter said, and fell down on the ground, dead tired.

"STAR FALL!" Usagi yelled at the top of her voice. The skies opened and something unimaginable happened. Electricity came down like meteors towards all their enemies, and each of them fell on and on.

The waves stopped from now then. The flank was broken to, and the Musk fell, almost a hundred at a time.

"ALRIGHT!" Ayeka screamed. "Sorry..." she said as she saw Tenchi stare at her.

"More people went down. Ami looked at the surroundings and smiled. They won.

=Inside Tokyo Tower, Sigma's room=

The victory of Ranma's friends didn't stop Sigma though. With the timer reading 00:01:01, he prepared his plan. But first...

"NO!" Ranma screamed as his claws were out towards Sigma's neck. It seems Ranma did hear what Zero said about the weapon being voice activated. To his surprise, Sigma just caught the hand an inch from his neck.

<00:00:01>

"Now the time comes! FI -" and he didn't finish, as Ranma smirked. His hand, which was caught with Sigma's hand, transformed to a buster output.

"Eat this..." Ranma said, and fired. The force of the Rail gun made Sigma's head to pull backwards. In instinct, Sigma lashed his hand out, which slashed cleanly through Ranma's socket. Ranma screamed in agony as he didn't feel his arm anymore. What was left of it was a bloody stump. Ranma, newly released, went to the ground, holding the place where his arm was.

Sigma, on the other hand, held his neck. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Ranma hit his windpipe.

"You'll pay for this..." he mouthed.

"At least you can't fire..." Ranma replied, understanding what Sigma lip sync is meant.

Sigma grits his teeth. It was time for his Trump Card. He pointed at the red button on the wall. Ranma saw it, and recognized it. How could he be so stupid? Of course Sigma had a contingency plan. Not only can the weapon fire by voice recognition, but also manually, and that button is the trigger.

Sigma's hand detached itself from his arm, and flew straight towards the button. Ranma didn't have time to think. He took his Saber out, and had only one second to aim. He threw it.

Time moved more slowly as Ranma watched the trajectory. It seems like it was in slow motion... and then, it stopped a second before it was what seemed to be a make-or-break situation. After that, time moved normally. The sword stabbed the hand, and the it flew towards the wall, where it sunk in the metal surface.

Sigma could have screamed no, but he couldn't. Instead, he lunged towards the button, attempting to push it himself. Ranma stood up, and dashed towards Sigma. He tried his kick, and punch. It didn't stop Sigma, but it got his attention. Sigma dodged the two attacks, and retaliated. Ranma ducked and tackled Sigma. He saw in front of him was the Time Gate...

=Masaki Residence=

Nodoka was helping Ukyou wash the plates as Sasami found the news interesting. It seems that the fighting was on National Television. `SENSHI TEAM UP WITH ALIENS TO STOP THE TERRORIST!' was the caption.

Nodoka was going to wash the cup of Ranma. It was a cup that she brought it there with them ever since they heard Ranma was hurt. She was so relived as they packed what they needed and went straight to her father.

Suddenly, the cup just fell out of her hand.

She looked at the broken pieces. (Ranma...) she thought. Finally, she broke and cried.

=Tokyo Tower=

Ranma used all his strength to push Sigma all the way to the gate, and he succeeded. The two figures went in the gate, and they fell down to what seemed like space.

Inside the Time Gates was so weird. Each timeline was presented as a flat plane, spaced from each other. Ranma grit his teeth as he tried to avoid the other timelines as they fell downwards in an empty space.

"Well, Sigma," Ranma said weakly. "It seems this is the end for you..."

Ranma activated his wings and released Sigma. "See you next urk!"

Sigma wasn't going down with a bang. Not just yet. He got his clawed hand and stabbed Ranma right in the chest.

Ranma felt the power draining from him, and to his horror, saw that Sigma was having wings as well.

Sigma smiled, as he continued to absorb more power. A little more, he could fly away from here, leaving Ranma lost in the stream of time. Something much worse than death.

Ranma felt almost depleted. He grit his teeth. It was his last option. Using his still functioning hand, he pushed a button in his upper chest area, where there was a small, almost unrecognizable symbol. Symbol of Alpha.

It opened to reveal a button. He closed his eyes, and smiled. All the memories he has, all the things he did. It was more than enough to carry him on.

(Iris...) Ranma thought.

Ranma smiled, and pushed the button. It was his final act, as he activated his self destruct mode. It was one thing that he asked Washu to put. A Mark Twenty Self Destruct Dimensional Bomb [check Project: Zero Ranma Chapter 09].

=Washu's Lab=

Washu's face had a glint of silver. She cried, ever since the yellow icon of Alpha appeared from view. She steeled herself as it went red. She knew what he was going to do.

"Good-bye, Ranma..." Washu whispered.

=Tokyo Tower=

A loud explosion took place, and the feed back was enormous. The Time Gate cracked, and the connections with it exploded as the view of the Time Gate became white. The particle cannon disintegrated and Zero was released towards the ground.

"RANMA!" he shouted as soon as he stood up. He ran towards the Time Gate, which cracked all around it. "Ranma..."

Zero grits his teeth. "Damn it..." He straightened himself, and with a swift motion, saluted at his missing comrade.

=Masaki Residence=

"NO! That's not true!" Ukyou shouted at Washu.

"I'm sorry... He's gone..." Washu explained calmly.

"No... Not true..."

"It is..." Nodoka said.

"Auntie?"

"Before Ranma left, he knew," Nodoka said. "He gave me this..."

In her hand, it was the object Ranma gave her last night. It was the gold orb which was situated usually in his chest.

Epilogue Next...