Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ So Cold ❯ Without ( Chapter 2 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: xzero 
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Martial Arts | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.23.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 548 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Martial Arts | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.23.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 548 | Status: Work In Progress
"She said that a man with funny hair and blue eyes was coming, and that when he got here, the bad men would come." Akane had never spoken so cryptically, had never looked so afraid. But something drew his attention away from the fear written so plainly across her features; it was a piece of paper in her hand that drew his eyes. He reached out a hand, gesturing absently, and she obliged him.
He studied the drawings that covered the page intently, and with no little amount of weight before finally letting it drop from his numb fingertips. His mind was racing frantically, and he could not find the power to draw more breath than it took to utter a single word.
"Ranma..."
So Cold
By: XZero
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
Chapter 2 – Without
Royal Gardens - Mount Phoenix
"Saffron, this is getting on my nerves, I know you have enough power to hatch from that damn egg, so why don't you?": Ranma was getting irritated, he understood the way that the Phoenix King was communicating, he wasn't sure how he understood, but something in the ki that emanated from the glowing egg told him all he needed to know.
'I lose the knowledge of all my incarnations during the childhood stage of my growth. It is only now and when I mature to my true form that I am able to recall all of my previous incarnations. If I am to be of any aid to you, I must remain as such. I am only glad that you awoke during this particular stage of my development, otherwise, I may not have been able to help.'
Ranma could only nod, that made sense.
"What do you mean though by help, what could you possibly do to help me?" He felt ridiculous, talking to a damned egg. His frustration was externalized by flares across the surface of his body. Kami, what had he become? He couldn't control himself anymore, and that alone was almost unbearable.
To his shame a similar unconscious expression of his emotions had occurred when he had awakened from a nightmare. He could not remember the dream; he rarely could, even before everything that had happened. This time though... He'd been in a bed within the Phoenix King's private chambers, being watched over by a youngish phoenix girl. He could barely remember being awake again before the strange filter slid over his vision. He knew in that instant that he was once again sheathed within a corona of his own life energy. Surprised, the girl had called out, and in turn startled him. Without any thought of the situation he unleashed a wave of ki that knocked the girl from her chair, pinning her to the floor under the weight of his expanding aura. Through his haze Ranma had barely realized what he'd done. Most frightening of all was the strain of keeping the power back, pulling it back into himself again was far harder than gathering every ounce of ki he'd ever gathered before. Trying to reign it all in seemed to be a lost cause, and so he found that restraining it to coating himself was the best that his frayed concentration could manage. Even then, that he was human was barely recognizable.
'No! Ranma, you must relax. Do not force your power to subside. Instead you must pull it into you, as your body is the container for your spirit. Right now you produce more energy than you can hold, and so must deepen your reservoirs to manage this strength, until you can pull it all into you, you will not be able to control it. Your emotions run unchecked because your spirit mirrors your mood. If you are angry you will lash out at whatever is nearest. Your spirit will reflect your ire. If you are to reintegrate this you must first find your center and begin the exercises. I understand well how it feels to have immense power and a control of this that is questionable at best.'
He wanted control of this power, wanted to be human again, but he knew now that it would take time and training to control the immense stores of energy he felt within himself. The energy from the air seemed to want to rush into him as well, and he'd learned that feeling was out of the question, the aura seemed to filter all sensation out of his life, and even now he'd not eaten since emerging from his prison. Energy, spiritual energy from around him fueled his body, or, he assumed it did, since at all times his body was drawing in energy from the air, warmth, he knew. The only sensation he truly could feel was the terrible cold. It filled him, and at times, he lust for warmth drove him to fits of frustrated anger. Those were the most dangerous aspects of him now, his emotions solicited extreme reactions, and so he had to be careful. Saffron's words stayed in his mind, warning him of the danger of his emotions. As much as warmth appealed him, he stayed firmly within the soul of ice most days.
Was this the result of it all? That he could never feel warmth again? The gentle warmth of the spring sun beat on him while he pondered these things, and still nothing but a chill breeze passed his skin. Despair seemed to grow exponentially by the day and with it the danger of something escaping his icy shell. The soul of ice wasn't cutting it; the wall of frost between him and his emotions was thinning as the bitter cold refused to relent to the sunlight against his skin.
It he was sweating, he couldn't feel it. It was disturbing, fatigue was a constant, and every action he took seemed to require more energy than it should. Even the minimalist movements he'd trained to become reflex required great deals of energy.
Why?
Was it because there wasn't truly anything to him beneath the energy? Was his metabolism eating him away without the subconscious draw of energy from his surroundings? It would explain things, like the strange energy that he felt within his ki, something not quite normal. It felt like when he held the staves. The staves! How could he have been so foolish, that was it, the energy, from the staff it must have something to do with his predicament? He knew now what Saffron had meant, and now, he felt he was ready to accept the help the egg offered.
Joketsuzoku Village of the Amazons
Ku Lon nearly tripped over herself in excitement as once again during meditation she felt that familiar spirit become a blaze of power in the distance. She leapt up to her feet and crowed with excitement.
"Yes, I knew it!" She searched the area for her staff and upon finding it hurried away. House husbands scurried from her path as she made the way to her great granddaughter's home. Several fainted seeing an elder of her stature cackling the way she was. It bore ill for them, or so they thought.
The old woman’s fist struck the door of her Great Granddaughter’s home several times. He voice cracking as her excitement was barely restrained. Her eyes were wild and demeanor manic. Disregarding the door she opened it with a negligent shove. She called out again as she entered the building.
"Granddaughter!" The old woman exclaimed, her voice creaking in an awful pattern. It was a weary looking Xian Pu who'd answered her call; a child nestled against her breast. "Yes great grandma?" She responded tiredly, shifting her precious burden slightly.
"He's alive!" The old woman's eyes gleamed with unbridled excitement and joy as she said the words. Her emphasis on the word he was enough to convince Xian of her meaning. The haggard woman's mind went numb, but still she steadfastly held on to her child.
"Great grandma, if Ranma alive..." She could not bring to words the chaos that would ensue if the village found out; they would try to acquire him for the tribe. Ranma had been too powerful at his apparent death, but now, if he was powerful enough to free himself from the Gekkaja's powerful magic, than nothing short of a miracle would save them.
"What do we do?" She asked dumbly.
Musk Citadel - Great Hall
"Mint! Lime! I need you to deliver a message to Japan." He spoke in almost conspiratorial tones, not wanting the information he was going to share to become common knowledge.
"Saotome is alive; you must go to Japan, seek out Ryouga Hibiki and inform him of the news. He will most certainly be doubtful, but inform him that it is from me." Herb was almost ecstatic, his most potent enemy was alive once more, and perhaps this time, they would fight in friendly competition. Ranma was indeed powerful now, and Herb wished to test himself against this power.
A Graveyard - Nerima
A feeling of cold emptiness permeated the hillside on which they stood. Under the shade of an oak the pair said a prayer, and smiled at the pleasant memories they had of the two men whose names were forever locked in stone atop the grassy knoll.
"Saotome Genma Father, Husband, Artist"
"Tendo Soun Father, Widower, Artist"
Such simple words conveyed the sum of their lives. These men had given everything to their life’s work, and despite stumbles that caused them to stray from their path, they steadfastly continued, striving for their dream. Akane missed her father, while Ryouga missed his mentors. Without Ranma both had felt the need to pass on their skills, and Ryouga was willing to take up that cross.
"Don't worry Akane; everything will be fine, you'll see. I'm sure Rei-Chan was just having a dream." His words were comforting to her. Their daughter’s dreams had featured the same pigtailed fighter every night for weeks. It was becoming frightening the visions that the girl was having. Each time she spoke of him her voice was somehow greater than before, as if she were merely the vessel for the words.
"But..." Akane began, until she felt the tips of his fingers brush her lips. Her eyes had misted, but she looked upward, into his own expressive orbs, seeking shelter from her fears, from this nightmare, from the memories.
"I promise Akane, I promise. Everything will be fine." Ryouga took her arm and gently led her from the graveyard after offering a final prayer. It was only moments after they were gone that the headstones they had just stood over cracked.
Mount Phoenix - Northern Training Hall
Parry, thrust, snap, spin. Slash, straight punch, side thrust kick. Even at blinding speeds his motions were controlled, precise. It was inspiring, his energy well was deep, but it hadn't affected the one thing he truly loved, the Art. Snap kick, roundhouse, thrust, slash. He was a storm of power barely held within mortal flesh. Power, yes, he could feel the call of his power. He wanted so desperately to release it, it hurt to contain. No! He wouldn't, control, life was about control of one's self, power over one's base urges. He'd never give up such a core principle of the art, no matter how much it hurt.
His kata ended abruptly, signaled by the twin orbs of life energy he'd whipped outward, flung forth in arcs of aurulent power. He wouldn't give in to the want to release the power, the want to end everything. He would master it, himself. His vision swam as he smiled under the ridiculous strain he'd put on his body. Every muscle burned from his crazed exercise. It would take time, but he'd train his body to master his spirit.
His observer could only shake her head and sigh at his display. She began toward him with a soft chuckle and a shake of her head. He was light enough for her to carry, and glad for it as she gathered his battered form in her arms.
"Can't do anything the easy way can you?" Kiima chuckled as she headed home.
A Cave Somewhere
Within the darkness something changed. Where before the roiling oily darkness had been insubstantial, suddenly it was corporeal, pulsating like a cancerous growth on the Earth's surface. A creature no longer fit to be called human stepped from the mouth of the cave, its twisted grin malignant and awful, spreading wide over wizened cheeks long since sunken. A wheezing breath, bubbled, and eventually formed a cackle like only a banshee could match. When finally the being's laughter ceased words in a voice broken and unsteady issued into the night.
"Finally, the time draws near." After those four words the creature's horrible laughter began anew, this time unbridled. Finally the eyes that glowed sickly yellow in the darkness closed once again.
"Finally, the boy is awakened." The darkness shuddered, and the wildlife quieted as the laughter rose once more.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Sorry this took so long, RL has been hell between getting a new job and trying to deal with the other crap piling up. As always any input you all have would be great. I realize that it may seem like Ranma is going to be a god walking amongst ants, but I promise you, that while he is immensely powerful, people like Ryouga, Herb, hell, even Taro are going to be stronger still. While he is powerful, he doesn't have control over that power, and so, like it was against Saffron in the manga, a precision attack will overcome raw strength. I hope to get the next one out before Christmas.
He studied the drawings that covered the page intently, and with no little amount of weight before finally letting it drop from his numb fingertips. His mind was racing frantically, and he could not find the power to draw more breath than it took to utter a single word.
"Ranma..."
So Cold
By: XZero
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
Chapter 2 – Without
Royal Gardens - Mount Phoenix
"Saffron, this is getting on my nerves, I know you have enough power to hatch from that damn egg, so why don't you?": Ranma was getting irritated, he understood the way that the Phoenix King was communicating, he wasn't sure how he understood, but something in the ki that emanated from the glowing egg told him all he needed to know.
'I lose the knowledge of all my incarnations during the childhood stage of my growth. It is only now and when I mature to my true form that I am able to recall all of my previous incarnations. If I am to be of any aid to you, I must remain as such. I am only glad that you awoke during this particular stage of my development, otherwise, I may not have been able to help.'
Ranma could only nod, that made sense.
"What do you mean though by help, what could you possibly do to help me?" He felt ridiculous, talking to a damned egg. His frustration was externalized by flares across the surface of his body. Kami, what had he become? He couldn't control himself anymore, and that alone was almost unbearable.
To his shame a similar unconscious expression of his emotions had occurred when he had awakened from a nightmare. He could not remember the dream; he rarely could, even before everything that had happened. This time though... He'd been in a bed within the Phoenix King's private chambers, being watched over by a youngish phoenix girl. He could barely remember being awake again before the strange filter slid over his vision. He knew in that instant that he was once again sheathed within a corona of his own life energy. Surprised, the girl had called out, and in turn startled him. Without any thought of the situation he unleashed a wave of ki that knocked the girl from her chair, pinning her to the floor under the weight of his expanding aura. Through his haze Ranma had barely realized what he'd done. Most frightening of all was the strain of keeping the power back, pulling it back into himself again was far harder than gathering every ounce of ki he'd ever gathered before. Trying to reign it all in seemed to be a lost cause, and so he found that restraining it to coating himself was the best that his frayed concentration could manage. Even then, that he was human was barely recognizable.
'No! Ranma, you must relax. Do not force your power to subside. Instead you must pull it into you, as your body is the container for your spirit. Right now you produce more energy than you can hold, and so must deepen your reservoirs to manage this strength, until you can pull it all into you, you will not be able to control it. Your emotions run unchecked because your spirit mirrors your mood. If you are angry you will lash out at whatever is nearest. Your spirit will reflect your ire. If you are to reintegrate this you must first find your center and begin the exercises. I understand well how it feels to have immense power and a control of this that is questionable at best.'
He wanted control of this power, wanted to be human again, but he knew now that it would take time and training to control the immense stores of energy he felt within himself. The energy from the air seemed to want to rush into him as well, and he'd learned that feeling was out of the question, the aura seemed to filter all sensation out of his life, and even now he'd not eaten since emerging from his prison. Energy, spiritual energy from around him fueled his body, or, he assumed it did, since at all times his body was drawing in energy from the air, warmth, he knew. The only sensation he truly could feel was the terrible cold. It filled him, and at times, he lust for warmth drove him to fits of frustrated anger. Those were the most dangerous aspects of him now, his emotions solicited extreme reactions, and so he had to be careful. Saffron's words stayed in his mind, warning him of the danger of his emotions. As much as warmth appealed him, he stayed firmly within the soul of ice most days.
Was this the result of it all? That he could never feel warmth again? The gentle warmth of the spring sun beat on him while he pondered these things, and still nothing but a chill breeze passed his skin. Despair seemed to grow exponentially by the day and with it the danger of something escaping his icy shell. The soul of ice wasn't cutting it; the wall of frost between him and his emotions was thinning as the bitter cold refused to relent to the sunlight against his skin.
It he was sweating, he couldn't feel it. It was disturbing, fatigue was a constant, and every action he took seemed to require more energy than it should. Even the minimalist movements he'd trained to become reflex required great deals of energy.
Why?
Was it because there wasn't truly anything to him beneath the energy? Was his metabolism eating him away without the subconscious draw of energy from his surroundings? It would explain things, like the strange energy that he felt within his ki, something not quite normal. It felt like when he held the staves. The staves! How could he have been so foolish, that was it, the energy, from the staff it must have something to do with his predicament? He knew now what Saffron had meant, and now, he felt he was ready to accept the help the egg offered.
Joketsuzoku Village of the Amazons
Ku Lon nearly tripped over herself in excitement as once again during meditation she felt that familiar spirit become a blaze of power in the distance. She leapt up to her feet and crowed with excitement.
"Yes, I knew it!" She searched the area for her staff and upon finding it hurried away. House husbands scurried from her path as she made the way to her great granddaughter's home. Several fainted seeing an elder of her stature cackling the way she was. It bore ill for them, or so they thought.
The old woman’s fist struck the door of her Great Granddaughter’s home several times. He voice cracking as her excitement was barely restrained. Her eyes were wild and demeanor manic. Disregarding the door she opened it with a negligent shove. She called out again as she entered the building.
"Granddaughter!" The old woman exclaimed, her voice creaking in an awful pattern. It was a weary looking Xian Pu who'd answered her call; a child nestled against her breast. "Yes great grandma?" She responded tiredly, shifting her precious burden slightly.
"He's alive!" The old woman's eyes gleamed with unbridled excitement and joy as she said the words. Her emphasis on the word he was enough to convince Xian of her meaning. The haggard woman's mind went numb, but still she steadfastly held on to her child.
"Great grandma, if Ranma alive..." She could not bring to words the chaos that would ensue if the village found out; they would try to acquire him for the tribe. Ranma had been too powerful at his apparent death, but now, if he was powerful enough to free himself from the Gekkaja's powerful magic, than nothing short of a miracle would save them.
"What do we do?" She asked dumbly.
Musk Citadel - Great Hall
"Mint! Lime! I need you to deliver a message to Japan." He spoke in almost conspiratorial tones, not wanting the information he was going to share to become common knowledge.
"Saotome is alive; you must go to Japan, seek out Ryouga Hibiki and inform him of the news. He will most certainly be doubtful, but inform him that it is from me." Herb was almost ecstatic, his most potent enemy was alive once more, and perhaps this time, they would fight in friendly competition. Ranma was indeed powerful now, and Herb wished to test himself against this power.
A Graveyard - Nerima
A feeling of cold emptiness permeated the hillside on which they stood. Under the shade of an oak the pair said a prayer, and smiled at the pleasant memories they had of the two men whose names were forever locked in stone atop the grassy knoll.
"Saotome Genma Father, Husband, Artist"
"Tendo Soun Father, Widower, Artist"
Such simple words conveyed the sum of their lives. These men had given everything to their life’s work, and despite stumbles that caused them to stray from their path, they steadfastly continued, striving for their dream. Akane missed her father, while Ryouga missed his mentors. Without Ranma both had felt the need to pass on their skills, and Ryouga was willing to take up that cross.
"Don't worry Akane; everything will be fine, you'll see. I'm sure Rei-Chan was just having a dream." His words were comforting to her. Their daughter’s dreams had featured the same pigtailed fighter every night for weeks. It was becoming frightening the visions that the girl was having. Each time she spoke of him her voice was somehow greater than before, as if she were merely the vessel for the words.
"But..." Akane began, until she felt the tips of his fingers brush her lips. Her eyes had misted, but she looked upward, into his own expressive orbs, seeking shelter from her fears, from this nightmare, from the memories.
"I promise Akane, I promise. Everything will be fine." Ryouga took her arm and gently led her from the graveyard after offering a final prayer. It was only moments after they were gone that the headstones they had just stood over cracked.
Mount Phoenix - Northern Training Hall
Parry, thrust, snap, spin. Slash, straight punch, side thrust kick. Even at blinding speeds his motions were controlled, precise. It was inspiring, his energy well was deep, but it hadn't affected the one thing he truly loved, the Art. Snap kick, roundhouse, thrust, slash. He was a storm of power barely held within mortal flesh. Power, yes, he could feel the call of his power. He wanted so desperately to release it, it hurt to contain. No! He wouldn't, control, life was about control of one's self, power over one's base urges. He'd never give up such a core principle of the art, no matter how much it hurt.
His kata ended abruptly, signaled by the twin orbs of life energy he'd whipped outward, flung forth in arcs of aurulent power. He wouldn't give in to the want to release the power, the want to end everything. He would master it, himself. His vision swam as he smiled under the ridiculous strain he'd put on his body. Every muscle burned from his crazed exercise. It would take time, but he'd train his body to master his spirit.
His observer could only shake her head and sigh at his display. She began toward him with a soft chuckle and a shake of her head. He was light enough for her to carry, and glad for it as she gathered his battered form in her arms.
"Can't do anything the easy way can you?" Kiima chuckled as she headed home.
A Cave Somewhere
Within the darkness something changed. Where before the roiling oily darkness had been insubstantial, suddenly it was corporeal, pulsating like a cancerous growth on the Earth's surface. A creature no longer fit to be called human stepped from the mouth of the cave, its twisted grin malignant and awful, spreading wide over wizened cheeks long since sunken. A wheezing breath, bubbled, and eventually formed a cackle like only a banshee could match. When finally the being's laughter ceased words in a voice broken and unsteady issued into the night.
"Finally, the time draws near." After those four words the creature's horrible laughter began anew, this time unbridled. Finally the eyes that glowed sickly yellow in the darkness closed once again.
"Finally, the boy is awakened." The darkness shuddered, and the wildlife quieted as the laughter rose once more.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Sorry this took so long, RL has been hell between getting a new job and trying to deal with the other crap piling up. As always any input you all have would be great. I realize that it may seem like Ranma is going to be a god walking amongst ants, but I promise you, that while he is immensely powerful, people like Ryouga, Herb, hell, even Taro are going to be stronger still. While he is powerful, he doesn't have control over that power, and so, like it was against Saffron in the manga, a precision attack will overcome raw strength. I hope to get the next one out before Christmas.