Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ The Invader and the Emperor ❯ Blow me away ( Chapter 8 )

Author: Another update, another step forward in the story. I enjoyed making it and hopefully the readers will enjoy reading it.

Disclaimer: I still don't own the rights to Ranma ½ or Urusei Yatsura

Time Lines
Ranma: After the Failed wedding and so the end of Ranma nibun no ichi

Urusei Yatsura: Two and a half weak BEFORE the start of Urusei Yatsura(In the previous chapter I wrote a month, but since then some days have passed.)

The story is based on the happenings in the mangas! Events/adventures from the movies, animes never happened.

A little help to the readers (more to come if needed):

„@Writer@”
”Hello.R 21; Speech
”(Hello.)” Thought
”Mouko Takabisha” Attack/ Technique
„[U-chans]” Signs
„/Hello/” Panda signs
„\Hello\” Telepathic
„//Hello\\” Telephone

Part 8: Blow me away

Coming home from the hospital after being unconscious for five days the young Saotome didn't know what to accept from his life. Troubled in his life, he went where no one troubles him, the roof of the Tendo dojo.
“It's so hard to believe… only three years ago I was just a regular seventeen years old martial artist. My only problem was to get food and a roof above my head… since coming to Nerima I gained unwanted fiancées and enemies.” The summary of his life didn't went well with the young Saotome, the real problems that came into his life started when he entered Nerima ward.
“I had to fight enemies no other dared, fought against the Musk prince Herb, defeated Saffron the Phoenix god… and just a few days ago I had to fight my replica.” Ranma wanted to cry at how bad his life was but somehow he couldn't, somehow the insanity that was surrounding him became normal. Normal that he went flying across the town and then survive the landing, every day event that someone tries to take his life.
“\Would you please stop the drama?\” The voice of the ancient spirit echoed in Ranma's head, others would think they were insane but Ranma already knew the owner of the voice.
“(Ranryu about the other day… I didn't mean to say that.)” While the young fighter thought that his view of the world isn't the best it is realistic enough to survive with it. Since his speech with his `mentor' he looked at the world slight differently.
“The world isn't black or white, while it would be good to be that way it's only shades of grey.” A wise sentence left his mouth as he was waiting for an answer from the guest spirit.
“\I forgive you but only because you see clearer now. Believe me that most of the times people have reasons for doing things.\” Ranryu felt proud at his host, while he would have liked that if Ranma's ideals would be the general one, he already faced the world and had seen how it works.

After the little talk Ranryu didn't bothered his host, just appeared at night to continue the training and even then he barely spoke a word.
The first thing Ranryu thought to the pigtailed fighter was telepathy, while it was hard to learn and not many could master it even from scrolls that described the learning process. Ranma learned it in a matter of days since there was someone who already knew how to do it.
“Ranma you have to FEEL your thoughts. Clear your mind of anything else but what you want to tell.”
“(This still sounds like a line from a cheesy kung fu movie…)” The young Saotome wasn't sure about this but if his 'mentor' learned it this way then he could as well.
After many tries the young pigtailed fighter finally cleansed his mind and only the though he wanted to say was in his mind.
Remembering the previous training Ranma tried to send the `message' but he just couldn't transfer the thought no matter how hard he tried.
“Try to make a channel for the message to travel in. When you get the hang of it you should be able to do it with numerous people only in an instant.” The ancient spirit gave an advice to his young host who continued to learn this useful technique.
“(What, if I envelope the message with my ki?)” Ranma conjured some of his ki and as he planed tried to surround the message with ki.
“(He is about to learn it, he did found the easier way but it will take more to speak with someone that way. Let's see how Ranma solves this.)” A smile appeared on Ranryu's lips at observing his host's cleverness.
After enveloping the message Ranma tried to form the channel, but no matter how much effort he put into it he could make the channel and send the message at the same time.
“(Matta… maybe because of the ki, the channel can't send the message. I COULD empower the channel with ki or better make it out of ki!)” The young fighter didn't know where the idea came from but he was lucky to think of it. Ranma forced his ki into his mind and made a channel between Ranryu's mind and his, the finishing move was to send the message.
“AAAH!” The elder male suddenly yelled out fell to the floor and grabbed his head with his hands, Ranma didn't know what happened but it didn't look good.
“Ranryu are you alright?!”
“I think my brain exploded... I'll survive. Next time: DON'T use that much ki alright? It sounded like my head was stuck into a metal urn and someone used a fog horn in there while banging on that shit!”
The young Saotome didn't know to laugh while hitting the ground or face fault, so he did both at once to the dismay of the elder male who couldn't do anything against the mother of all sweat drops that conjured.
After Ranma stopped and calmed down he faced Ranryu who was looking straight at him, his amber eyes burning into his own greyish blue. The young fighter would have felt violated if anyone else would have looked at him like that… not that he didn't now but he knew that his mentor was thinking or observing him.
“What are you planning on?”
“Not much, thinking about what to teach you next… but for now the techniques you learned will be adequate.” The young fighter waited praise or a compliment but neither came, he just got rated into average.
“I won't teach you today anymore. I'll need some time to think and you need to rest.”
“How long will you be away?”
“Don't know… an hour or two perhaps. Depends on how quick I can come up with an idea.” Before Ranma could say anything else he found himself in his bed looking at the ceiling.
“Great.”

“Ranma-kun you should hurry or you will be late from school.” The beautiful and serene voice of the eldest Tendo daughter caught the young Saotome's attention who was in the middle of sparring with his father.
“You're too careless!” The Saotome patriarch cried out and tried to strike his son who was currently looking towards Kasumi. His fist aimed for his son's chin with just enough power to land the boy in the koi pond.
Said boy just turned in three hundred sixty degrees while lifting his right leg next to his head. His father couldn't move in time as Ranma's heel connected with his fist and the older martial artist lost his balance. Before he could have corrected himself, his arm was grabbed by his son and Saotome Genma was thrown towards the pond and landed in the middle of the pond.
“Maybe I overdid there… nah.” With a little smile on his lips Ranma walked towards Kasumi who smiled at him before walking to the kitchen.

When Ranma arrived to school grounds he felt calm, somehow the sight of the educational establishment felt different than a few months ago. Back in those days he didn't wanted to come here, only enemies and trouble greeted him.
“It's still the same… yet somehow I think of this place differently.” Unknown to Ranma he wasn't alone as he thought.
Spotting his class, he jumped up to the window.
“…now everyone turn your textbook on page fifty.” When Ninomiya Hinako sensei finished she heard someone knocking.
“Come in.” The young girl turned her head towards the door but no one came in. Then she heard the knocking again and then realised where it came from. She walked over to the window and opened it, most students in the class didn't know why did she open the window.
“What is your excuse for being late Saotome-san?” Hinako asked Ranma who just stepped into the class.
“Family matters.” While his answer was easy to understand the young teacher wasn't sure if she should accept it.
“Fine, Saotome-san this time I let it slide.” Ninomiya Hinako pulled her hand out of her pockets and resumed teaching. All the while Ranma got glares from the students who arrived late and got sucked out by Hinako.
“\Ranryu do you think we could help her?\” The pigtailed martial artist asked his inner mentor who didn't answer for a few minute.
“\Is solving her problem that necessary for you?\” While said inner mentor probably knew a way or two to help the young teacher he did sound a bit annoyed.
“\Something troubling you?\”
“\The past only, a shame I can't change on it without destroying the present. Not that it would be such a big loss.\” An evil smile appeared on the imaginary face of the elder male. It sent a slight shiver down his host's spine.
“\You know… when you're talking like that, it's quite creepy.\”
“\I like to be praised so don't stop now.\” Ranryu was laying on his stomach legs held in the air his head supported by his hands and a smile adored his face that confused his host.
“(What is with him today? And what is this feeling I just had when I saw his expression?!)”
“\Ranma, are you suddenly turning into a hadema? I don't mind by the way after all I have all the time I need and let's just say I tried out a lot.\” The smile that adorned the handsome face of Ranryu turned slightly lecherous and wicked as he finished.
“\Don't even THINK about going there!\”
“\Your no fun. I can't even tease you without you taking it seriously.\” With a wink he disappeared and the young pigtailed fighter didn't know how to take this new flood of information.
“I'm completely lost.” Ranma didn't realise that he was talking out loud.
“Do you want me to explain it again Ranma-kun?”Hinako surprised Ranma who didn't know where he was for a moment before rubbing the back of his head and started taking notes.

“Finally, school is over for today. Can't wait to get home and…”The young pigtailed fighter just changed his shoes and started planning for the rest of the day.
“Study for a change!” The voice of the youngest Tendo boomed from behind Ranma who was deep in mind and didn't realise that Akane was behind him until he heard her voice. The result of it was Ranma jumped upwards and his head had a painful meeting with the ceiling.
“KUSO…” Ranma could spat a normal sentence as he rubbed away the pain in his head. Akane on the other hand didn't know what to do. It was rare that someone surprises Ranma, it is even more rarer if it is her!
“So Ranma will you learn today?” Akane tried to act sweet maybe then she could lure Ranma back to being normal.
“Sure, sure… it still hurts.” Ranma would give anything if the pounding in his head would go away even to sit down and learn quantum physics while eating Akane's cooking.
“You deserve it for being lazy.” The young Tendo showed a face that spoke about her victory and then helped her fiancé on to his legs.

“(Who would have guessed that I can have a conversation with Akane without her sending my flying?)”
Those thoughts ran through the young pigtailed fighter's mind when he arrived at the Tendo home. After greeting Kasumi and putting down his stuff he went to see what was happening in the house. When he walked into the living room the fathers were playing go this time a change and drinking tea. Spotting the newspaper next to Soun he went to pick it up. Ranma wasn't very interested in the newspaper he still checked it out.
“(Let's see... famine...war... sports... ah! Weather... the rest of the week seems to be clear enough, rain could appear at the weekend.)” The young Saotome almost thanked his luck before seemingly out of nowhere cold water found him in the form of a sprinkler.
“Since WHEN did this house have a sprinkler?!” The now female Ranma looked shocked, pissed before turning towards the fathers where trying to sneak away with the board game.
“GET BACK HERE!”
After the cursed aqua-transsexual ended her chase and returned home it was already night.
“What a rotten way to end a good day. After the sprinkler got me, I ran into Kuno who tried to grope me again. Then Gosenkugi came with his voodoo and out of nothing Pantsuto Taro crashed in yelling that it's MY fault that he couldn't succeed in changing his name!” The still female Ranma went into the furo after getting undressed.
“(I wonder what happened caused this randomness in my life.)” As the young redhead lingered on the idea for a moment before she started to clean herself.
“\You had fun when you fought those fools did you not?\” Ranryu spoke to the young fighter who was ready to get into the furo.
“\Point taken but still coming out of nothing and blaming me with almost EVERYTHING is getting REALLY old!\” Ranma enjoys fighting a lot but now days it's getting boring, especially that his opponents aren't that strong.
“(Just when did I get this strong? A few weeks ago I couldn't take Pantsuto Taro on by sheer power. Maybe the training really pays off.)”
Unknown to the young pigtailed fighter, outside of the Tendo compound a lone soul stood waiting.
“Enjoy your life till you can, tonight will be your last day alive!” The figure had a smile on his lips before he vanished into the night.

Saotome Ranma was deep in slumber at least that was one thought if they looked at him but in reality he was once again training with his inner mentor who didn't know the word mercy. Not far from the young fighter slept Saotome Genma next to his wife Nodoka.
Neither of the three felt when someone entered through the window. The person had a black bodysuit and a black mask on it masking his features.
“Enjoy your dream, you won't wake from it!” The person whispered to himself before pulling out a knife from his shirt.
Before he could have stabbed the sleeping martial artist his hand was grabbed and the invader was thrown across the room.
“I can't believe I can't even sleep without someone trying to kill me.” Ranma sat up holding his head with his right hand while looking straight at the assassin. The moon light illuminated him and just for a moment the attacker saw a ghost like person behind Ranma with an enigmatic smile.
“(Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that bag of chips and drank that bottle of beer after taking that painkiller...)” The attacker shock his head before he targeted the pigtailed boy once again this time he aimed at the chest.
“Would you leave so I could continue to sleep or would you like to finish this?” Ranma got his answer fast because his attacker threw his dagger at the pigtailed fighter who caught it only an inch away from his head.
“DIE!” The ninja attacked with his kodachi at the back of his target. The blade would pierce through the skin and muscle, puncturing the heart and lung. It is a fatal wound and would kill Ranma if he would have stayed there. Once the unknown attacker moved behind him he rolled forwards and bolted outside through the window.
“NANI!?” Said assassin was shocked that his target wasn't there he was supposed to be and looked around when he saw the smiling boy standing outside.
“What is that ruckus? NANI!?” Genma woke up by the noise and saw the blade of the kodachi was deep into his son's futon! The attacker didn't care about the Saotome elder and bolted towards his target who dashed towards the dojo.
“(I'm the one who is on familiar grounds. I have the advantage here.)” Ranma laughed inside as he looked back to see his attacker losing balance on the loosened roof tile.
Mean while the residence of the house had also woken up, Nabiki was questioning Genma of what happened before going inside the guest room to check it out.
“Whoever is here, that person is serious about killing Ranma-kun.” Nabiki saw the hole that blade made in the floor.
“Who could be after Ranma-kun's life?” Dear Kasumi couldn't believe someone tried such shameful act as to kill a person. While the people could list a few people who did, they some why couldn't say it out.
“Whatever is the reason we must find Ranma before he is harmed!” Soun stood dramatically before realising that HE might get in danger as well. Before anyone could have said anything yelling and noise of fighting could be heard from the dojo.
“Let's hurry!” Nodoka gripped her blade and ran towards the dojo.

Only moments after leaving his room, Ranma led his attacker into the dojo. Said attacker was right behind Ranma and readied his throwing daggers.
“Come on. We can fight here all we want.” Ranma taunted his opponent and took up his usual starting pose.
“Nice to know that but this place will still be your grave!” With that he threw the daggers at Ranma who either dodged them or grabbed them.
The two ran, clashed and traded blows before the attacker landed a hit cutting Ranma's chest. The two separated when Ranma kicked the ninja in the gut and kicked him into the other corner.
“(Those are sharp weapons... it barely touched my clothes! I better watch it.)” The bleeding wound brought out a laugh out of the assassin which made Ranma took this fight a hundred percent seriously.
With out a sign Ranma let his aura free and the only thing his attacker saw was a blue coloured meteor flying towards him before the pain registered in his mind.
The attack was quickly over, a few hundred punches to the abdomen, around fifty punches on each rib and sixty hits on the face.
The assassin was on the ground coughing blood and trying to get up as the pain shoot through his body.
“Give up. I don't want to kill you but I will if you don't back down.” The pigtailed fighter didn't wanted to kill the unknown person but he has to accept that sometimes that is the only option one has to end a threat.
“Give up? You must be kidding. I can't do that! My honour and duty prevent me from doing it!” The assassin started laughing and out of nothing a blade appeared in his hands.
“(Why is Mousse after me this bad? Does this means that Ku Lon sent him here... or someone else?)” Ranma could barely register the movement that Mu Tsu attacked with, he knew that the Amazon boy was master of weapons but he never used fighting styles just his hidden weapon style. The swords blade nicked the side of Ranma's face as he moved away and retaliated with a kick to the left shoulder following it with grabbing the right arm that had the sword and throwing Mu Tsu to the ground.
That was Ranma's plan but Mu Tsu kicked Ranma in the chest before he could have grabbed his arm and his sword met Ranma's side, the white muscle shirt Ranma was in now sported a dark crimson spot at his side.
Maybe it was instinct or he just couldn't take the pain without yelling out but the young Saotome yelled out in pain.
“That's it! Make it easy on yourself and let me finish you off!” Mu Tsu dashed towards Ranma ready to impale his target on his sword. His target didn't like the idea as he tried to dodge but the wound on his side made his movements hard and pain flared in his leg.
The wound on his leg wasn't that deep as the one on his side but it will make moving even harder!
“KUSOTTARE! Once I get my hands on you, you will know a new meaning to pain!” The pigtailed warrior let his aura flare again and gathered it for one blast. Mu Tsu wasn't just standing there all the while he jumped to the ceiling and from there catapulted towards Ranma ready to pierce the pigtailed boy's heart.
“Shi Shi Hokoudan... MOUKO TAKABISHA!” The green energy mixed with his confidence and a dark amber coloured orb appeared between Ranma's hands.
Mu Tsu was surprised as the ki orb suddenly burst out towards him and maybe it was luck that he barely got out of the way. The sword that got caught in the blast was destroyed completely, only the hilt of the blade was now in his hand.

“Come on! Ranma is in danger!” Akane cried out as suddenly a dark crimson beam burst out through the roof of the dojo. Even Genma who was used to seeing such blast couldn't think of witnessing one at such calibre.
“What was that?!” Nodoka and Kasumi asked in unity as both of them were afraid for Ranma health.
“I don't know but I won't pay for that!” Nabiki knew that this had to be Ranma, it was just a feeling but when it comes to the young Saotome these feelings are always correct.
Soun ripped the door open and they saw someone standing over Ranma with a sword and poised to strike.
“RANMA-KUN!” The Tendo patriarch cried out and the attacker thrust his sword forward.
“DAME!” Akane yelled out as the blade was pointed towards Ranma's throat.

“(So this is the end, killed by this damn Amazon... I shouldn't have given him a chance to retreat! I should have killed him!)” Ranma closed his eyes bracing himself for the coming pain that would bring his end.
Genma was ready to use the deadly version of the Kijin Raishu Dan if that person kills his son, Soun on the other hand tried to sneak there to rescue the young Saotome.
“Since we have an audience I'll let them see your death before killing them as well, after all I can't leave eye witnesses running around now can I?” Maybe it was the words or the maniacal smile that he saw through the face mask that broke the dam of hatred he felt.
“TOUCH THEM AND I'LL RIP YOUR ENTRAILS TO PLAY JUMP ROOP WITH IT!?” Ranma wasn't the usual when he yelled this time, those who listened closely could have heard a second voice, a deeper and more mature voice.
“How bold words Ranma, coming from someone who is about to die!”
“\Move forward!\” The ancient spirit's voice echoed in Ranma's head as the assassin attacked with his sword aimed for Ranma's throat. Said boy moved forward and tried to move away when the blade pierced through his right chest!
“RANMA!” Everyone cried out at seeing the blade coming out from the young Saotome's back!
“(Kuso!)” The assassin tried to pull out his blade but Ranma grabbed the blade and didn't let go.
“(Fine I'll just cut him up then!)” This plan also failed since the weapon wouldn't budge no matter how hard he was trying to move it!
Blood was seeping from Ranma's mouth and his white muscle shirt was completely drenched in his own blood. The crimson vitae seeped into the wooden floor as the gore grew into a puddle under them!
“Get away from my son!” Genma ran there with a speed never seen before from him!
“Geimon Tessen Shi!” The Saotome father struck out with his hand intending to rip the assaulter's heart from his chest, to his dismay the attacker abandoned the blade inside Ranma and pulled out a dagger and struck.
Genma screamed as the pain flared up in his arm the dagger's blade cut into his left arm before sinking into his shoulder.
“GET AWAY FROM HIM NOW!” Ranma's aura suddenly burst out in a crimson colour that alone should have hinted the attacker that it was time to run but when Ranma pulled the blade out of his chest he still faced the enraged aqua-transsexual.
Mu Tsu wanted to say something but before he could have he found a fist planted deep inside his abdomen, then pain flared up in his upper body as Ranma's hands blurred and with a kick to the face Mu Tsu flew out of the building.
“I won't forgive you for this!” The downed boy yelled towards the enraged martial artist who flew towards his opponent and with a landing broke the still intact ribs of the attacker.
Usually someone would have stopped Ranma by this time but now no one found the courage to stop the enraged boy neither the will to save that assassin.
“I'LL RIP YOU TO A THOUSAND PIECES BEFORE I'LL INCENERATE WHAT IS LEFT OF YOU!” Ranma yelled at his bleeding attacker, his form was enveloped by a dark crimson aura and hands blurred again this time ripping cloth and flesh from his target.
When he stopped his opponent was bleeding from numerous wounds and Ranma was covered in his own and also his enemy's blood.”You went too far Mu Tsu!” Before the attacker could have spoken he found his teeth broken and his mouth was bleeding as Ranma's fist impacted on it.
“(Matta... even if I'm not holding back that hit WOULDN'T have done that to Mu Tsu!)” Ranma ripped down the face mask to reveal who the person was!
“You're not Mousse!” Ranma was shocked, surprised and overjoyed and in the middle of the mix of emotions he froze for a moment to check things out. The man before him even though beaten up looked completely different then Mu Tsu. His eyes were a dark green shade and his hair also sported a greenish black colour. The thing that freaked Ranma out was the HORNS that were on the guy's head!
“What are you?” Ranma whispered not sure if he wanted to know. Before he could have done anything he was kicked in the groin and he keeled forward. His family members had sympathy for the downed martial artist.
“That HAS to hurt.” Nabiki couldn't hold back and had to voice out her thoughts and Kasumi just nodded.
“MATTA! Fuck this hurts...” Ranma tried to yell out but even speaking hurt as the unknown man escaped into the night. The pigtailed boy tried to stand up but with the adrenaline gone his wounds flared up in pain and he fell forward.
“Ranma! We have to get him to a doctor!”

The rising Sun robbed the Tenko-ke's residence of the night and as everyone returned to the daily activities they do, it was one pigtailed boy who couldn't forget the night, forget the pain, the rage and the blood lust he felt when he was about to kill the intruder.
“(Man I have to say apologies to Mu Tsu... well I won't say why cause he would either try to kill me on the spot or he would hold it against me in the future.)”
“\Maybe just saying you're sorry and leaving instantly would be the best option, not to mention seeing the dumb look on his face would be hilarious.\” While the inner spirit's voice calmed down Ranma, Ranryu liked to joke around but he sounded different today. Something was up and the pigtailed fighter knew it.
“\I know you knew something, so fess up!\” The host of the ancient spirit was getting angry at his guest spirit who seemed to take everything half heartedly.
“\You can't make me, but let me tell you that while you were sleeping I found a way to get rid of the Nekoken!\”
“\You have?! What do I have to do?\” Eager to know a way to get rid of the damned fear the pigtailed fighter would beat the denizens of Hell.
“\Nothing Ranma since you don't have the experience or the power to fight on the spirit realm.\”
“\So what will you do?\” The vessel of the ancient spirit while knew that it was needed, he will miss not hearing Ranryu's remarks and encouragement.
“\I will be absent for a while. I don't know how long... might be a year.\”
“\What about the training?\”
“\Your a clever person so be creative while I'm away. By the way Ranma when I'll be back surprise me and be careful, something is going to happen in the near future.\” Ranryu shot a serious look before disappearing. Ranma already missed his mentor and felt alone like never before.

“Are you sure your all right Ranma-kun? The doctor said that you shouldn't move or exert yourself!” Kasumi spoke to Ranma who wanted to get out of bed and do some light training or he will go nuts doing nothing.
“I'm fine Kasumi. I just need some training and I'll be good as new.” The young Saotome even used his smile that usually makes girls blush just to get out of bed. While Kasumi stopped for a moment she pushed him back into bed a moment later.
“Don't worry Ranma-kun, you have something to do and that is to recover. You lost quite a lot of blood.” The kind and motherly Tendo girl wanted the young man to be in full health before he ran into another of his fights.
“(Maybe I should tell her that I heal quickly?)” Before Ranma could have said anything Akane rushed into the room.
“Onee-san you shouldn't worry about that baka! I'll speak with him.” While usually said boy would have liked to talk with Akane the time wasn't the best. Once Kasumi exited the room to start doing her chores Akane shot a glance at Ranma that made him shut up before he said anything.
“Look here, yesterday you had luck surviving those wounds. But for now just lay down and don't make any more trouble!”
“Listen here you... UH!” Ranma tried to stand up but Akane pushed the wound on his left chest and the pain made him fall back and become silent.
“See? You're not ready to be moving around. I'll be going now or I'll be late from school.” When she was sure that Ranma wouldn't get out of bed Akane left the room.
“(Damn that girl! This freaking hurts... why does she have to be such a kawaikune otembo?)” The pigtailed fighter knew that he was alright... well that would be a harsh thing to say but he can at least MOVE!
“(What am I going to do now? I can't train, I can't get up... this sucks!)” Ranting to himself in his mind sleep over took the young Saotome and he fell into a deep slumber.

In his dream Saotome Ranma found himself on a bloody battlefield littered with the bodies of thousands of warriors.
“Hurry, take down that monster!” Ranma turned to the source of the voice and saw a man wearing a strange armour, while it resembled mostly the European knight's armour it didn't look that heavy nor could it be as the man started running quite fast in it.
“(Either the guy is as strong as me or Ryoga or that armour is light weight. Matta... what monster was he talking about?)” His curiosity forced him to look towards where the man was running and what he saw was something that he never wanted to see.
“No...!” What he saw was something he never even wanted to see. A person who wore a different kind of armour stood up on a pile of mutilated bodies, his whole being drenched in gore as the man who just ran there had a giant hole in the centre of his chest.
The man on the hill of bodies walked down crushing what got under his feet, the sickening sound almost made Ranma threw up when the armoured monster crushed a warriors head under his boot.
An evil laugh came from within the armour and another wave of warriors emerged seemingly from nothingness. The evil laughter continued as the warriors came closer.
“(Something is not right...)” Ranma followed then felt a rush of power coming from the laughing monster.
“NO!” As Ranma yelled out a huge energy blast consumed the area, the intense light blinded the young fighter as the explosion pushed away the screams of the soldiers.
When Ranma opened his eyes the battlefield was gone and only a crater was there. In the middle of the crater a column of ground stayed there just like it was meant for a monument for the destruction that happened.
What frightened Ranma wasn't that, but the person who stood on it. At the top of it was an armoured monster, for moments he was looking at the sky before removing his helmet. Terror settled on Ranma's face, it was like he looked into a mirror when he had looked upon the armoured monsters face.

“AAAAH!” The pigtailed fighter bolted up and was shaking.
“(It was only a dream... but... why did I dreamed that?)” Waiting for some kind of a speech from Ranryu but it never came.
“Oh yeah... he isn't here.”
“Who isn't Ranma-kun?” The voice of the middle Tendo girl came from behind Ranma who almost jumped to the ceiling but instead of it turned around faster then what Nabiki could see and when said Tendo realized she was staring into the greyish blue eyes of the Saotome heir.
“You know... you have beautiful eyes Ranma-kun.” Nabiki winked and Ranma trashed to the other end of the room, Nabiki only laughed at his expression when he realised that Nabiki was just playing.
“I can't believe this... big mister martial artist who defeats gods and survives fatal wounds but can't take it if a girl fools around with him! This is just too funny!” The Ice Queen was holding her side as the laughter formed into pain as well.
After a minute or so she stopped laughing and saw the pissed off face of the young man before her.
When Ranma wanted to say out what he thinks, pain jolted through his body and wouldn't leave, the pigtailed man keeled forward and grabbed his chest that started to bleed again.
Nabiki screamed out and regained her self control after a moment or two.
“Ranma! Don't worry! I'll get some help! I can't leave you here! KASUMI! ONEE-SAN!” Nabiki's hands that tried to hold down the pigtailed boy were red since the bandages were soaked with blood. The last thing that registered in Ranma's mind before falling unconscious because of the bleeding was his own name being yelled out by Kasumi.

The world darkened around him as he felt being swallowed up by the abyss just like a ship caught in a whirlpool.
When he finally `landed' he felt tired and the ground or whatever he was lying on was comfortable. His thoughts were cut short by foot steppes!
“Well, I'm not even away for a day and you can't take a trip into your subconscious.” An arrogant voice started mocking Ranma and was about to yell at the person when he realised who the voice belong to.
“So you're already back? There goes the silence I enjoyed so much.” Ranma retaliated with his own remark at which on the elder male's lips appeared a devilish grin.
“Is that so? Tell me then do you remember what I said?” Ranma broke into a sweat when his mentor's words popped into his head.
Quickly jumping backwards to evade a punch that made a crater in the ground Ranma took up a defensive stance knowing that the chance for offensive moves will be scares.
“Not bad... you actually evaded it even though I didn't give any signs. Nah! That must have been a fluke.” The ancient spirit smiled before taking up an unknown stance.
“(Is that a judo, karate or kung fu stance? It looks like a mix of it but I have a hunch it still has something more.)” Ranma was curious of what his training partner was about to do. Without any signs Ranryu dashed forward and Ranma barely had enough time to block the kick to the chest, then the punch to the side followed up by a barrel roll kick that really left a mark on the young fighter's arms.
“My arms still hurt... even though it isn't as strong as it was a few weeks ago.” Ranma smirked and Ranryu looked surprised then Ranma's confidence was shattered when his opponent started laughing. Before Ranma could say anything the elder male lifted his right leg so his shin was next to his head.
“(What is he planning?)” He wasn't sure if what was about to come but from Ranryu's cold and wicked glance he could tell whatever was coming is going to hurt!
“Koroshiya Fungeki!” The elder male screamed out and when his ankle met with the ground a ripple raced towards Ranma leaving a trail of burnt ditch.
Maybe it was on instinct or Ranma actually regained his senses when he jumped to the side evading the attack.
“What was that!?” Fear settled on Ranma's face and wouldn't leave until he saw Ranryu's warm eyes once again
“Looks like I went a little overboard... oh well. I guess that this level of fighting has to wait.” While his features didn't showed it his voice showed some disappointment.
“So did you get your ass kicked that you returned so fast?” Ranma broke the silence that settled but it only rewarded him with a smirk from his mentor.
“Well the cat won't trouble you anymore.” Ranryu then started into a light laughter and his young apprentice didn't understand the joke until a few moments later.
“So I'm cured of the Nekoken?”
“Well... from going berserk and running out of the world by seeing a cat? Yes. Being nervous around cats? No.” A simple but practical answer came from the elder male and sat down as if waiting for other questions.
“Matta... does that means I can use the Nekoken by free will!?” The young Saotome could have jumped out of his skin if it is as he thought but the joy was soon crushed by Ranryu who only shook his head.
“Sorry but you should forget that. Removing the cat spirit resulted in getting rid of the Nekoken as well. Not that it did you much good.” Ranma thought back the times the damned technique helped him... the only time it did him good was the fight against Cologne at the beach.
“(One problem I got rid off... now how to solve the fiancée mess?)”
“Well since you're not up to chat by the looks of it. I might as well leave you for today.”
“Matta! Can you tell me what happened a minute ago? Suddenly I was in pain and I started bleeding and...” Before Ranma could have finished Ranryu held up his hand motioning him to be silent.
“That was one of the signs that the Nekoken has been removed.”
“Huh?”
“Removing a soul has backslashes, for the oncoming few days try to stay out of trouble. Your body will be weakened.” While Ranma didn't searched for trouble the thought of being ambushed again in a weakened state didn't appeal to the pigtailed fighter.
“Now I'll let you on your way. The ladies are panicking so it's your job to comfort and reassure them.” The smile that followed his speech told Ranma what the ancient warrior meant by `comfort'.

“...why can't Toufu hurry it up?!”While Nabiki was normally calm and reasonable, now she was hysterical with right reasons, blood was dripping from her hands, a soon to be family member lying in a puddle of his own blood on the ground and she can't do anything about it!
“He will be here any minute! Try to keep Ranma-kun warm somehow until then! He lost a lot of blood so his body might go cold!” Kasumi tried to stay calm and rational... but even she was shocked about today's events.
The biggest shock came to both as suddenly Ranma sat up his face stopped an inch away from Nabiki's. Said girl couldn't decide to scream, cry out in joy. In the end her brain couldn't handle the pressure so she fainted.
When Nabiki fainted Ranma reacted and pulled her towards him so she wouldn't hit her head, Kasumi was close to following her ototo but somehow she held onto her consciousness.
“Ara! Ranma-kun you should be resting! Your wound reopened and you lost a lot of blood!” Ranma caught the hint of fear in the eldest Tendo daughters voice but he only smiled as he started removing the bloody bandages.
“Don't worry Kasumi. That was my fault. I forced ki into the wound to heal but I guess I over did it.” While he hated himself for lying to Kasumi it was the only way he could explain it to her without blabbering out his secret. When the bandages came off he checked out the wound, it was still red but luckily closed. He touched his chest where the sealed wound was and winced as it was still sensitive.
“Well I hope it won't leave a scar... it wouldn't look good on me.” He tried to lighten the mood by trying a joke and shot his smile. Kasumi felt a little better seeing that there guest was alright but how is she going to get rid of the blood that seeped into the tatami?
“Well since I'm alright now I might as well get out of bed.” The young Saotome moved out of the bed and placed Nabiki down as she was still unconscious.
“Are you sure Ramakun? You should be resting.”
“I'm alright. Just... need some training and I'll be back in a jiffy.” Ranma reassured Kasumi that he was alright and grabbed her hand then placed it where the wound was. While it was still sensitive and he winced as Kasumi's fingers reached it.
“Well if you say so but I still insist that you let Toufusan to check you out!”
“Fine if that is all I would go if you don't mind.” Ranma couldn't wait for a verbal answer so he only saw Kasumi nodding from the corner of his eye.

After a light body exercise in the yard Ranma heard the well known voice of the local doctor, Toufu.
“... I see. So his wounds suddenly opened up by an accident and he lost a lot of blood. Well usually I would say that a blood transfusion was in order but with Ranma he just needs a day of rest without missing a meal.”
“(I would if SOME people wouldn't mess my day up!)”While doing his two hundred push ups the pigtailed boy `overheard' the good doctor talking to Nabiki and Kasumi.
“Why did you call me if he is alright anyway?”
“So you can check him out and to make sure he won't die on us.” Hearing how Nabiki worried about him Ranma finished his push ups and sat into a meditating pose.
“Ranmakun, how do you feel?”
“I'm feeling great Toufusan.” While Ranma could have fooled some people into that he was meditating, those who knew him well could see that he was training.
“Nice to hear that but if you don't mind I would like to examine you.” As the good doctor finished Ranma started removing his shirt and Toufu moved closer.
“(Let's see... quite an ugly wound... this isn't the first incredible thing Ranma did but this is on the top ten list!)” Ranma tensed as Toufu's finger pushed around the wound, the skin felt hot but he wrote it down as ki infused into the blood stream to fasten the healing process, after a few moments Toufu checked out Ranma's breathing and pulse but couldn't find anything that could be a problem.
“Well you are alright. Try to hold back on the exercises, you don't want to reopen the wound again.” Ranma then started buttoning in his shirt but Nabiki wasn't sure he was fine and for the rest of the day she followed him or at least stayed near him.
“(The only thing I hate about Nabiki besides extorting my money is that she doesn't overlooks the details.)” While the day went quickly it was boring, when Genma tried to train his son he was defeated soon but it still took a lot more time it usually did that alone caught Nabiki's attention and she even went as far as to threaten Ranma that if he didn't took it easy for a few days she WILL make his life even worse!

The day was soon over and Nabiki didn't stopped, she still watched over him like he was a fragile piece of art or something like that. Yet even she couldn't watch over him in his sleep as to the outer world Ranma was sleeping soundly but in truth in his subconscious he was training.
“And how was your day?” Ranryu asked his apprentice who blocked a spin kick aimed for the ribs and moved in for a strike.
“Bad... while I don't mind the attention, this level is quite bothersome!” The pigtailed fighter's fist met his mentors palm and had to move back or had to chance a hit. He chose to chance it and ducked under the left hand and he saw an opening to attack, he was about to give of a direct hit into his opponents face when suddenly said opponents head started descending towards his fist and Ranma's fist had a painful meeting with Ranryu's forehead who from the looks of it didn't even felt the hit. Ranma's failed attack made him quickly rethink his strategy before his mentor started beating him. The new strategy was to stay in zero range so his opponent couldn't use all his strength but still be able to attack, while it would work normally his opponent had more experience in fighting.
“(I have to stay low!)” As a strong fist went over his head Ranma aimed for the abdomen then finish the attack with a summersault kick. The plan was nice but it failed at the first strike his fist met air and felt a presence right above and dived forward escaping a hit that could have easily shattered his bones.
“Nice, you're getting better ad at fighting... well your speed sure did improve if nothing else.” An evils smile appeared on Ranryu's lips as he tried to lure Ranma into a trap by leaving himself completely open.
The young Saotome saw the opening but forgot to double check it and only cared about lading a hit. He was in front of his trainer before Ranryu could have blinked and a storm of punches and kicks landed on the ancient spirit.
Seemingly his mentor was bearing a beating but in reality Ranma knew that his attacks NEVER connected.
“(He's moving with the hit!)” The pigtailed fighter realised that he walked into a trap when suddenly his arms were grabbed and the strong grip wouldn't ease.
Before he could have acted Ranryu jumped upwards pulling Ranma along and when Ranma was about to kick his mentor to let him go they started spinning in the air. The grip on his left arm was gone and Ranma was about to use his trademark ki blast when a knee in his back stopped him and they were descending while spinning like crazy.
“(I'm getting sick!)” The Saotome heir was ready to empty his stomach when they suddenly stopped and he met the ground with a larger force then he would have liked.
“That smarts!” Ranma could whisper out before he was caught in a world of pain as his arms were held backwards and he could feel his shoulders giving up, muscle tendon's stretching to the limit.
“You give?” Ranryu emphasized his meaning by pulling harder just a little and Ranma couldn't hold in a scream as his arms felt like they were about to be ripped off!
“I take that as a yes.” As the elder spirit finished he let Ranma go and the pigtailed boy relieved that his arms were intact.
“Was that necessary?”
“No, but I have to get you to bear the pain somehow...”
“You COULD have started with something LESS painful!” Ranma regretted his words when he saw the ancient spirit switch into thinking mode that usually meant bad for him with capital letters.
When an evil smile appeared on said men's face Ranma wished he could run away.

After the painful training in his dreams the young fighter's torments were far from over. He could literally feel that his body was becoming weaker and slowly even breathing that came naturally to everyone felt like a burden on his lungs and chest muscles.
Still Ranma acted like his usual self, baring even the pain and going WAY over his pain threshold and body limits when Kuno Tatewaki ambushed him.
Usually a fight with the Kuno heir lasts for a hit or two that is if he comes with a BOKEN and not with a real blade.
After getting nicked once or twice Ranma knocked Kuno's head into the wall knocking him out as well, after that he was berated by his father for getting nicked. This resulted in Genma facing an angry Nodoka and a slightly pissed of Nabiki and Kasumi.
When Ranma went where no one would bother him for the rest of the day: under the bridge. The Saotome heir slumped down to the ground feeling weak and tired. The thought of letting out the pent up frustration in the form of tears was washed away when the ancient spirit's voice echoed in his head.“\You sure your alright?\”
“\I'll be fine... just have to stay out of fights for a while.\” Ranma lied to save his pride but his body was screaming at him that it needs to rest now!
“Well... at least there is no Ryoga popping up from under me with a new technique.” Just as Ranma finished there was an explosion a good thirteen meter away from him. The explosion left a hole and from it a VERY familiar person's head appeared.
“WHERE AM I?!” The Hibiki first born bellowed while he climbed out of the tunnel, his clothing held together by a miracle or by dust Ranma couldn't tell but the fanged Hibiki heir had seen better days from the looks of it.
“Since when did you become a mole?” Ranma's reflexes kicked in and he instantly threw and insult towards Ryoga who turned around looking curious and then rage twisted his features when he saw who just spoke.
“RANMA!” Ryoga dashed towards the pigtailed fighter who stepped away in the last moment and made his fanged friend stumble forward. Ryoga rebalanced himself and turned around to smack his arc nemesis one when he was suddenly stopped by a palm that he almost crashed his face into.
“Look Ryoga, I'm tired of this, if you REALLY want to fight then issue a proper challenge!” Even with his power lacking the tone of the pigtailed fighter's voice stopped Ryoga and the lost boy considered the idea and realised it might be better to do so.
“Fine, then I'll do it your way.” Before Ranma could blink Ryoga started packing out and set up a portable table with paper ink and even a brush to write with.
“(Don't tell me...)” As Ranma was about to finish that thought Ryoga presented a challenge letter to him.
“I know you won't refuse the challenge so get ready to be beaten tomorrow at three o'clock!” Ryoga smirked and started packing back!
“So I get to choose the location... okay, meet me tomorrow at the Furinkan grounds the rules will be set by an outsider!” With those last words the two separated and went away.
Only after a few minutes did Ryoga realised he made a futile mistake.
“How am I going to get there tomorrow!? Ranma this is your fault!!”

“So you are going to fight against Ryoga-kun? You'd better not bully him again!” Akane was mad at the pigtailed fighter the slight red aura told Ranma to be ready to dodge a hammer strike, in his weakened state who knows if he can survive one!?
“Hey, HE challenged ME! So if he gets a beating that's not my fault.” Before Akane could have pointed out her own opinion Nabiki separated the two.
“Look nee-chan, Ranma-kun is right. In a fight someone gets hurt. Ryoga knew this when he issued the challenge.” Using the cold stare on Akane the younger Tendo quickly became silent for a moment then continued so that Nabiki could see what she was talking about.
“But Ranma always picks on Ryoga-kun!
“I don't! He's the one who appears out of nothing bellowing his desire for my death!” When the pigtailed fighter finished the two girls looked at him like he grew a second head.
“Nani?”
“Since when do you speak such words?” The Ice Queen of Furinkan wanted to satisfy her curiosity, this new way Ranma suddenly started talking was strange.
“That is none of your business!” The answer came quick leaving no place to reply, the two girls were took back by the straight forward answer.
While Ranma felt like he should say he is sorry he had other things on his mind. The duel with Ryoga while is not unusual the powers differ.
“A few days ago I could have ripped Ryoga into a thousand pieces and I still wouldn't break a sweat... I'm still not sure how much my strength vanished.” The pigtailed fighter started regretting that he didn't refuse the challenge but regret is not on top priority now instead of that he needed to test his limits.
Then his eyes caught the answer.”Oyaji... want to spar a little?”

Soon the dojo was trembling from the two fighters who matched skills, power and limit.
“Hah you still hit like a girl!” Genma yelled to his son as his shoulder met Ranma's palm and retaliated by grabbing Ranma's hand and throwing him.
“At least I'm not as fat and slow like a panda!” Before Genma let go of his son's wrist Ranma grabbed onto his father's hand and instead of being thrown he landed right in front of Genma and continued his assault with a high kick following with an heel drop.
The kick was dodged and the heel drop was blocked by the bald martial artist but now with his hands guarding his head his lower body was completely exposed.
“(Now is my chance!)” Ranma struck with a flurry of punches which most have been blocked or parried by his father.
“Ranma don't hold back on me! I see the skill but you're supposed to be stronger than this! You broke my heart!” Genma's words struck Ranma like a thunderbolt. His parent was right about him being stronger then this! Not to mention faster!
“(My body's limits degraded to this level in a matter of days?)” While Ranma was in a state of shock that he might completely his strength for a few days Genma attacked his son. His right fist met with air as Ranma moved out of the way in the last moment but the kick to the chest had a clear way.
While usually a kick from Genma barely counted as a kick to Ranma, the situation was different, the kick had enough power to blow the pigtailed boy backwards clutching to his chest and gasping for air.
The elder Saotome was oblivious that his kick nearly made Ranma topple over in pain as the pigtailed fighter tried standing up Genma was again attacking.
“(Not good! I can match him in skill but my body isn't strong enough to last for long! How will I defeat Ryoga?)” Deep within his thoughts Ranma didn't felt the attack till it was too late to dodge and he was on the ground. A coppery taste filled his mouth and he instantly knew that it was his own blood, maybe a smaller internal injury? Whatever it was Ranma didn't have time to found out since his father's next attack a heel drop aimed at the pigtailed fighters head was dangerously close!
Rolling away before the it would have connected Ranma staggered on his feet to regain his stance.
“(Kusottare! If this keeps up I'll be killed! I didn't want to do this but what the Hell!)” Ranma gathered his ki and soon he regained his vitality, his body being filled with energy.
“Alright let's finish this!” Ranma dashed towards Genma who could barely see his son before a punch landed on his jaw then another one to his belly followed by an axe kick that gave Ranma a hard time breathing when it impacted on his chest.
After that combo Genma winced when he stood up only to get thrown out the door.
“Well that shows you.” The younger Saotome felt like his body was on fire, his muscles were at the end of the threshold.
“\You acted foolish again.\” When Ranma thought that he had some time to rest the well known voice of his mentor echoed in his mind.
“\You just want to argue and lecture me don't you?\”
“\I'm just telling facts. You should have refused the challenge.\” Ranryu's voice didn't sound pleased, his voice betrayed a hint of anger but what made Ranma tremor a little was the power that he started to feel from within himself.
“\Can't you just restore my body instead of ranting and lectures!?\”
“\Sure if you want your body to explode!\” The sudden information came as a shock to the young raven haired man.
“\So I have to face Ryoga like this?\”
“\Seems to me... but I might have a thing that could give you the upper hand.\” Hearing those words Ranma's mood changed and was ready to learn what this new technique was.
“\Tonight, be ready that you WILL get hurt!\” While usually training in a new technique also came with wounds Ranma learned that the elder spirit made sure that it hurt like hell. It seemed like he took a perverse enjoyment in making people suffer!
“(Other words... I'm screwed before the actual fight with Ryoga!)”

The day went away fast, Kuno ambushed Ranma twice! Happosai went out for his panty raids and he was berated by his father for not marrying Akane. After that tiresome day Ranma submerged deep into his dreams to meet his mentor once again.
As the darkness pulled him deeper into his subconscious, it felt like he was drowning as the darkness swallowed him up and fell deeper in the abyss.
When he thought the darkness will NEVER end there was a stray of light! He followed the light till he found himself somewhere that resembled highland plains but plains don't have mountains or hills this large!
As the young pigtailed fighter stood up he was greeted to a sight of Ranryu seemingly doing an unknown kata.
“What's with the rocks?”
“Those will be your targets. I know you already learned on your own how to mix two kind of ki into one earning a very dangerous mix but what if I told you that you could fuse more energy into it?” The flashback about the column of energy that erupted from his hands incinerating everything that it found in to the pigtailed fighter that was THE destructive power but now that there is still a stronger one sent shivers down Ranma's spine. Fear that what one could do with such technique made his knees tremble.
“Do you still remember Ranma? You mixed your depression and sorrow with your confidence, the destructive power came from the two energies trying to subdue each other. Some would say it is an easy technique but on the contrary. You have to do it with the right amount or it will be a regular energy blast of one emotion only it's colour will be different.” Ranma felt lucky that he had just made the right amount at that night he might have died if he wouldn't have been lucky.
“What kind of energy did you think of?”
“The original technique needed two different kind of emotion tainted ki to work but what happens if you spunk it with pure ki?” The playful smile on the elder male's lips froze Ranma for a moment before he started seeing what he wanted to tell.
He repeated the process of summoning and storing the two different kind of ki then pushed it together into and orb. Then came the hard part: summoning pure ki while keeping the orb from collapsing or exploding!
At the first try Ranma summoned his pure ki but as he focused it the orb started to shrink and lost some power before the pigtailed fighter had any chance of grasping control of it. That followed another approach instead of adding it to the orb he started concentrating it inside it.
No matte ing else I should know of?” Ranryu fooled Ranma many times over when he trained him he wanted to learn without being the target of the elder spirit's jokes.
“Well what you just know is what I call the beam version. There is also the orb which has more destructive power but it's speed is decreased.”
Without thinking it through Ranma jumped at it again trying to make that deadly attack again.
“(Well if nothing else his stubbornness can help him out. Maybe I should show him.)” A smile appeared on Ranryu's face as he watched his chosen one trying and failing at such a task.
He summoned his energy and formed a midnight black orb, the power surge caught Ranma's attention and when he came closer to investigate Ranryu fused more energy into the orb. This resulted in the orb's core turning amber coloured.
The power the orb radiated spoke volumes to Ranma, that little orb that fit into his mentor's palm could destroy the WHOLE city! Then as the next energy came in contact with the core stripes of white whirled around the amber core.
“Watch this.” The ancient spirit threw the orb at the farthest mountain and the moment the orb left his palm Ranma's danger sense kicked in and he threw himself on the ground.
When the orb came in contact with the surface of the mountain a HUGE explosion blew it away and in a huge radius everything was reduced to dust.
“That is the power of destruction this technique holds, yet there is a way to counter it.” Hearing the word counter seemed to make Ranma listen like never before.
“Tell me Ranma how can you counter an attack that if comes into contact with ANYTHING it explodes?” Ranma remembered how he stopped Happosai's bombs... the problem is that those didn't explode on contact unlike these.
“Well I can show you if you want. Shoot a Mouko Takabisha at me!” Believing that his inner mentor knows what he is doing Ranma gave all he can and sent his trademark ki blast soaring towards Ranryu.
Just before it made contact with him Ranryu held out his palm and the orb stopped there! Usually if it came in contact with something it exploded like any other ki blast!
“If you don't understand then do it again.” Following instructions Ranma let go another of his golden coloured orb's this one as well stopped right above Ranryu's palm but unlike the first shot Ranma felt a slight amount of ki when it neared Ranryu.
“You used some ki.”
“Well you felt it didn't you. Well then I might as well tell you. This technique is a modified barrier technique. Usually one uses it to protect something but a creative person like me can use it to counter a ki blast.”Ranma started seeing what the elder spirit wanted to say but he still didn't see HOW will this help him in the fight against Ryoga.
“Before you ask, you remember that the lost friend of yours uses his strength or his ki blasts mostly. With this technique you can USE the ki blast against him... and for the strength... you can always use some throwing or grabbing movements.” Ranryu's words didn't helped much this time, while Ranma felt better a little since now he HAS a way to fight Ryoga... but what if the fanged boy attacked with JUST physical power!? Seeing his host being depressed the ancient spirit sat next to him trying to cheer him up.
“There is an old Chinese saying you know. “Even a grain of rice can change the balance of a scale.” Wise words were spoken but it didn't cheer Ranma up much, yet now he felt a drop of hope to win, that night Ranma was learning to master this technique that could give the edge over his opponent.

The next day went slowly... agonizingly slowly. At morning everyone was preparing for the `final' fight as Nabiki advertised it. Before even ARRIVING to school Nabiki was talking to him like he just earned a fortune... mostly because it was SHE who got to set the rules.”(Note to self. NEVER! EVER sit down to play cards with Nabiki.)” Ranma felt like he could kick himself in the head numerous times for letting his pride be his undoing.
His pondering was disturbed by three well known people. One of them was the Ice Queen of Furinkan.
“Well Ranma-kun, you ready to take down Ryoga?” Nabiki had a calculating look in her eyes waiting for a word or even just a hint of being unsure.
“You ready to stop false advertisements?”Instead of a babble or a boast she wanted to hear Nabiki got an answer that made the blood in her veins cool down.
“Nice to hear that Ran-chan is confident, Ryoga was acting strange when we met yesterday.” Ukyo went next to Ranma patted him on his back making sure to keep up his confidence.
“You know what after this fight I'll treat BOTH of you for a snack at my place.” The Kounji girl winked at her childhood friend who already had an internal fight.
“\Well she does looks delicious. Never would have I thought that little Ukyo was into this.\” Ranma's guest spirit was having a ball making Ranma nervous. Even if his ORIGINAL purpose was to calm the boy.
“\Would you STOP THAT!? That is disgusting! She's my pal got it? When did you become a sex maniac? You weren't like this before.\” The internal fight got quickly ugly as Ranryu laughed his ass of on Ranma's account.
“\Well kid for the first question: I got it. For the second: Try being locked away in a crystal for a several thousand years and THEN be locked away in a kid's mind who is still a TEENAGER and is surrounded by hot girls. It's not a good thing you know and they probably couldn't calm my hunger.\”
“\TOO MUCH INFO!\” Ranma started shaking his head to get out the pictures that appeared in his mind, mostly about a naked Shampo, a half naked Ukyo and a lot more girls he walked in on by accident or they walked in on him.
“Is something wrong Ranma?” Akane's voice brought Ranma out of his little problem and thanked her in his mind for helping out even if unknowingly.
“Nothing, just I went too deep in thinking how to face Ryoga.” When the Hibiki heir's name was said Akane's face changed and looked mad somehow.
“I hope you aren't planning to bully him again!” And before Ranma could say anything Akane went back into the crowd taking a seat relatively close to the fighting stage.
“Well Ranma-kun I hope you are ready, since I can see you opponent.” Hearing this from Nabiki the pigtailed fighter looked around to see his eternal rival, bruised, tired.
“Ryoga it's a miracle you got here in that state. You sure you don't want to rest a little?”
“Don't mock me Ranma! I came here to fight you! I don't need your help!” Ryoga threw of his backpack, the ground cracked under it leaving a backpack hole on concrete.
“So WHO did YOU get for to set the rules?” The forever lost boy was burning with adrenaline, now was his chance to humiliate Ranma with a lot of people as eye witnesses.
“That would be me Ryoga-kun.” When Nabiki had a content smile on her lips Ryoga felt like he just walked into a trap.
“Don't worry, you are not the only one who feels that way.” Ranma gave voice to his thought and while Ryoga understood what he meant by it Nabiki looked slightly lost before she realised what was going on.
“Well if you want it that way fine. The rules: the battle ground is inside school territory, meaning everything OUTSIDE of the school wall is a ring out. The match start with a countdown and since NEITHER or you two would give up, if someone is incapable of moving or isn't able to continue fighting OR can't continue before I finish the countdown is declared the looser. Oh! And NO lethal attacks got it?! There IS an audience! Other than that it's an anything goes match.” Keeping the rules in mind the two looked at each other waiting for a countdown. Mean while Nabiki moved to the rest of her `minions' that set up a portable desk and a few portable televisions that had a camera connected to it. This way the `judges' had a view on the WHOLE stage.
As the countdown started the two martial artist's muscles became tense, ready for action. Both prepared to make the first strike a deciding one.
When the zero word left Nabiki's lips the two jumped towards each other and clashed. Ranma barely able to hold Ryoga back who from the looks of it wasn't even giving everything into it.
“The two fighters are at a test of will and power but from the looks of it Ryoga's power overcomes Ranma's will!” Nabiki's witty comment about the fight turned it into a more exciting show for the audience. Unknown to everyone there were two people watching the fight.
“(Great he is holding back and here I am digging my own grave!)” Ryoga smirked as the toll on Ranma started to show.
“Come on Ranma is this your best?! I'm disappointed in you!” Those words irked Ranma to reach into his ki pool and push back the fanged boy who suddenly flew backwards and landed a good ten meters away.
“Looks like Saotome made the first successful attack! Hibiki should pull himself together if he wants to win!” The Tendo girl's comments weren't unheard by the two and both fighters felt slightly disturbed but the fight enjoyed priority before getting Nabiki to stop commenting!
“(Bad idea... my arms won't hold out this way!)”Ranma already felt that his arms were like lead weights!
Ryoga who looked confused for a moment smirked as he looked on Ranma.
“Look's like I already won! SHISHIHOKOUDAN!” The emerald ki blast flew towards Ranma who suddenly started laughing.
Just as Ryoga was about to laugh like a maniac, the ki orb stopped between Ranma's hands to the shock of the audience!
While some people in the audience were trying to find an answer and voicing the theories they thought up Ranma aimed the ki blast towards Ryoga who was petrified when he saw his OWN ki orb flying towards him!
“Looks like the challenger Hibiki got petrified by the events and turned into a sitting duck!” Nabiki commented into her microphone as the ki blast exploded on impact.
After the dust cloud disappeared Ryoga was still standing even if a little bruised by the explosion.
“Nice trick but don't think YOU are the only one!” The Hibiki yelled to his rival and formed another orb of ki but instead of throwing it away he formed a `staff' like weapon!
“\Watch out Ranma, if that thing touches you then be prepared it will hurt like hell!\” The warning came just in time as the staff was evaded instead of parrying and Ranma retaliated with a sweep kick that almost got Ryoga who jumped up and struck down with his ki staff. Ryoga's opponent moved out of range before taking up his own school's stance.
“Finally! It's about time you took me seriously!” Ryoga yelled out and threw the ki `staff' towards Ranma who moved out of the way and favoured and spin kick followed by an palm thrust. The kick was blocked by Ryoga's arm but the thrust pushed him of balance and stumbled for a moment before he retaliated with a few strong hits of his own. The first left hook was evaded but the second hand slice reached Ranma's skin making a small bleeding wound. The combo wasn't over yet after the hand slice he pulled of one of his bandana's and struck Ranma with it.
The bandana sneaked its way onto Ranma's arm and Ryoga yanked him forward to meet his knee. The Saotome heir used his ki to fasten himself up and stepped onto Ryoga's knee, from there he grabbed onto Ryoga's arm and jumped upwards bringing the fanged boy with him!
“What a spectacular move! I wonder how will Ryoga counter this move?” Nabiki could hear the pile of money she will earn with this fight! Good thing she made sure that the fight will be captured on tape!

While Nabiki was having dreams of fortune thanks to this fight Ranma and Ryoga turned up the power level in the fight.
The normal skill based attacks changed into a ki enhanced more and less skilled. As the two were duking it out at increasing speed neither gained ground. Ranma was slowing at an alarming rate and keeping up with Ryoga seemed an almost impossible feat. Yet he was known for doing the impossible.
The two traded blows, a hit to the jaw followed by a kick to the gut or a kick to the shin and a hit at the chest. The audience could barely make it out because of the dust cloud the two caused.
“BAKUHATSU SHISHI HOKOUDAN!” The close quarter combat was ended by Ryoga's emerald ki implosion that blew Ranma into the sky!
The pigtailed boy's trip upwards wasn't too comfortable, his body ached all over from the explosion then there is that his WHOLE body is already at the limit. Even if tired Ranma wouldn't give up and landed on the school roof just to gain a little time to rest.
Seeing that his opponent wouldn't come down Ryoga ran towards the building, jumped onto the wall and ran up it!
“Oh yeah! I can FEEL the cash!” Nabiki was in a euphoric state when she thought about the cash she will land with THIS material. Hollywood CAN'T compare to this!
“Is it me or is Ran-chan acting strange?” Ukyo wasn't too sure about the outcome of the battle, Ryoga seemed stronger and more aggressive then he is usually. Ranma on the other hand seemed tired and unsure about the fight. He didn't even taunt Ryoga yet!
“The bully is getting what he deserves!” Akane too felt that Ranma was acting strange but she wrote it down as he was acting weak so that his comeback will be more glorious.
“I can't understand you Akane. You care for Ranma's health and well being at one moment then you rather see him getting beat up by Ryoga!?”

The two fighters on the roof were trading blows again this time a more brutal and primal form of fighting then the masterful movements they used at the beginning.
Ryoga's fist met Ranma's face followed up by a knee to the abdomen and as a finishing move he grabbed the pigtailed boy's shirt before throwing him across the roof. Ranma was barely conscious... he had a metallic taste in his mouth and from the previous combo he was sure he had internal injuries but he still COULDN'T give up! He still had an ace in the sleeve... even if he didn't wanted to use it.
“Come on P-chan! Is that your best?! You make me laugh!” His legs felt like jelly but he still stood up gathering as much ki as he could to get out of the danger zone if it won't work.
Ryoga saw red at hearing that, he dashed towards his nemesis and was ready to rip his head off when suddenly Ranma grabbed his arm and threw him through the iron fence!
The audience was shocked this was a first time that Ranma used a movement that COULD be fatal on free will!
As the fanged boy descended towards the ground Ranma jumped down as well and used his flying abilities to fasten up his descending. Ryoga landed on his feet but he didn't have the time to evade the incoming Ranma and was tackled to the ground by Ranma's weight.
“Oh that MUST have hurt!” Nabiki winced as Ranma landed on Ryoga's back pushing the boy into the concrete hard!
Before Ranma had the chance to follow up with an attack Ryoga pushed up his opponent and grabbed his leg. The pigtailed fighter was about to kick Ryoga when suddenly he started falling and he flew towards the school's outer wall, crashing into it.
“Is that all? You disappoint me!” Ryoga was having hard time breathing, if Ranma had followed up by whatever he wanted he could have lost his edge over his pigtailed nemesis!
“The wall gave in to the power of the impact and from the looks of it Saotome is under a pile of rubble!” Seeing the all time `champ' as some students dubbed Ranma being beaten was completely new, while he DID lose some times he always came back to become the winner!
“I'll start the countdown! ONE!” Nabiki started counting and Ryoga already had a smile that he FINALLY defeated Ranma on equal grounds!
“(Man being under a pile of rubble isn't good for your health... did Nabiki already start counting?!)” Listening closer for a moment Ranma heart that she was already at number three!
Struggling with the wall pieces that held him back Ranma pushed with all his strength and let go of a mixed ki blast.
“Seven... matta... the rubble moved! Can Saotome return into the fray? Eight!” Nabiki was screaming inside her head. Ranma CAN'T lose now! She put a lot of money on him! Not to mention that Ryoga would be full of himself again! Just like when he beat Ranma with the Shishi Hokoudan!
“Ranma you lost!” Ryoga started laughing like a maniac but it was soon cut to an end before Nabiki could say ten out of the rubble a column of ki burst forth evaporating the concrete chunks. Seeing this spectacle everyone looked to where the pile was. Ranma was kneeling there his clothes were tattered and he had a few scares but the ever cocky smile was present.
The audience, the judge and even the opponent was petrified by show of power.
“(Had he used THAT against me...)” Ryoga felt like he lost at least twelve years but after he shook his head the lost boy felt angry at Ranma for holding back!

“\Man that guy has issues! Even MY opponents who were MORONS didn't felt angry when I didn't use an attack that could easily kill them!\” The inner spirits voice had a positive effect on Ranma as he almost laughed at hearing that.
“\Yeah Ryoga is an idiot... but he is a strong idiot!\” The conversation was cut short when Ranma had to dodge an axe kick and then a palm thrust.
As the two clashed again punches and kicks being traded between them, the spectators were cheering for the two fighters.
“Let's finish this Ranma!” Ryoga screamed and his ki enchanted fist flew towards Ranma's face the pigtailed boy seeing this grabbed Ryoga's arm and threw him onto the ground, the impact making a Ryoga formed crater.
Before the pigtailed boy could move away Ryoga grabbed on to pigtailed fighter's legs and pulled the out of under him.
When Ryoga stood up to unleash his trademark ki blast he saw that only a mere inc away a golden orb hovered before him.
“MOUKO TAKABISHA!”
The blast had the audience drop to the ground and every eye locked onto Ranma and Ryoga. Ranma being tired and from the looks of it the explosion got him as well, Ryoga on the other hand was barely bruised! His shirt was gone and for the first time they saw a strange symbol on his chest.
“(What is that symbol?)” Ranma wasn't sure what it was but he had a BAAAAD feeling!
“\THAT FOOL! You have to knock him out as fast as you can!\” Ranryu's voice echoed in his head, from the way he said it the pigtailed boy knew he was in for a heck of a fight.
“What have you done with yourself this time Ryoga?” The Saotome heir as the smirking lost boy who looked at his chest where the symbol was before looking at Ranma.
“You mean this? Nothing, I met a man who helped me train to beat you! The only thing he asked for is that I will wear the sign of his school!” Ryoga felt unbeatable as he looked into Ranma's eyes, his opponent was afraid and unsure of his victory.
“\He is lying! That sign is a trade. The seal provides infinite power but at the cost of one's life. The more he uses it unconsciously the shorter his life will be!\”Feeling the power coming from Ryoga, Ranma felt wasn't sure he could even SCRATCH the lost boy!
“I have to beat you Ryoga! For you own sake!” With that Ranma dashed forward with his bruised body but before he could have done anything Ryoga appeared before him and met his fist a few times before his view started to blur.
“Saotome is on the ground! From the looks of it he can still move, so I'll start the countdown!” Nabiki's words didn't reach the fallen pigtailed fighter. The last thing Ranma could think of before unconsciousness took over was power.

“(Where is this place?)” Looking around Ranma saw complete darkness, not even Ranryu's realm was this dark. Something was strange and he knew it, when he felt a huge wave of energy wash through him he turned towards the source. When he turned around he instantly had to dodge an punch then a high split kick. After jumping as far as he could Ranma saw that his attacker was Ryoga!
“(How did he get here?)” Seeing that no answer came Ranma tapped into his reserves and shot out his strongest Mouko Takabisha he could. Smirking that this will easily make Ryoga run what he saw was not what he believed would happen. Ryoga held out his hand and the emerald ki orb swallowed up his confidence orb! And with a last smirk Ryoga let it go, the ki orb racing toward the pigtailed boy who couldn't move. He just couldn't find the will.
When the explosion ended Ranma felt empty. Only the voice of Ryoga's laughing made him stand up again.
Tears falling from his eyes, his nails ripped into his own flesh drawing blood!
”Power! I need more power!” He screamed out trying to gather what remained in his reserves, seeing that Ryoga's power made it look like nothing for the very first time Ranma felt utterly defeated.
It was the moment when he saw something make a ripple around him that the pigtailed boy took a step forward.
Between Ryoga and him, a dark wave moved and reached around Ranma.
“Power! I need power!” His own words echoed around him as in the dark energy a black form of his own face spoke.
Hypnotized by the power, the feeling of safety and warmth the dark energy gave made Ranma reach for it. The last words he heard before everything turned dark then into crimson was Ranryu's voice as he yelled out his name!

“Eight!”The audience was shocked... never before had they witnessed such event. THE Saotome Ranma utterly defeated! This time the pigtailed boy couldn't do anything. The only thing that was heard was Ryoga's laughing, even Ukyo who cheered for both couldn't say a word. HER Ran-chan beaten like this!
Akane didn't know what to say, on one hand she was happy that Ryoga won and Ranma finally lost once but on the other hand she always thought that Ranma was the unbeatable martial artist, the one who defeated a god for crying out loud!
Even Nabiki who was the judge thus a neutral party felt her heart was being ripped apart by the sight!
“NINE!”
As she said that word, her heart was bleeding. This wasn't supposed to end this way! The thought of EITHER of the two loosing in such way! When she was about to say ten everyone felt a slight pressure coming from the combatants.
“What are you waiting for?! Say it!” Could be heard from the audience and Ryoga who was about to jump to Nabiki and beat her if she wouldn't say it.
“T...” Before she could say it Ranma moved and stood up, his face hidden by his hair.
“GIVE UP ALREADY!” Ryoga ran towards his opponent and put everything he got into this hit. The hit was about to connect with Ranma's brow when a sudden air current blew Ryoga upwards!
“Kijin Raishu Dan!” Ranma let go three air ripple and all of it connected with Ryoga barely slashing the lost boy. When Ryoga landed on the ground the cut's that he got flared up from the pain.
“(This power... I felt it back at the construction site... I feel it filling my ki reserves!)” Ranma started gathering his ki and before everyone's eyes the wounds on his body healed like they were never there!
“Is that even natural!? How can Saotome do that!?” Many people from the audience yelled out as Ranma gathered a black orb in his hand.
“SHISHI HOKOUDAN!” Ryoga screamed out when he saw the black orb between Ranma's hands. As the emerald energy flew towards Ranma, the lost boy was behind his own orb ready to strike out.
Ranma let go of the black orb to the dismay of Ryoga and the black orb just SWALLOWED up his depression ki! The ki orb connected with his body but it didn't explode, it just rammed into him like a truck and flew towards the outer wall of the school.
“This will smart!” Ryoga prepared himself for the impact but what happened was something he couldn't understand. Instead of the ki ball dissolving it went EVEN further braking through the concrete wall WHILE pushing Ryoga away as well!
“Hibiki is out of the ring! This leaves Ranma as the winner!” Nabiki shouted into the microphone, she was happy for the pigtailed boy inside but she would NEVER tell him that.
“Akane, where are you going?” The Kounji okonomiaky chef asked the Tendo girl who walked away from them.
“I'm going to check up on Ryoga-kun.” Ukyo only shook her head and went next to Ranma who looked like he went through hell five times and was about to go for another round.
“You okay Ran-chan?” Ukyo was the first to reach the pigtailed boy who barely stood on his legs, his breathing was fast and she could see that even the usual light in his eyes were dim.
“Yeah... I'm fine...” Ranma struggled out those words before he's wounds opened and he fell forward and atop of the Kounji girl.
“Ranma! Hurry we have to take him to doctor Toufu!” Ukyo was screaming and Nabiki was already calling the good doctor as the people helped the pigtailed fighter.

 

Author notes:
Well it's been a time since I updated. Sorry for the wait but I'm here and I'm alive even if school takes up a lot of my time. I had to re write this chapter like six times before I felt that I can update it but I'm still not pleased how I ended it. Well I'm not going to change it very soon... once I'm over this writer block then I can rewrite the end of this chapter.
Oh yeah the next chapter ofHistories Strongest Disciple Ranma? is nearly complete, a week or two at worst and you can see what happens to the young martial artist.
By the way this story and that has something in common, I wanted to finish The invader and the Emperor FIRST, at the end of THIS fic I will explain how does these two fic's relate to each other. The hint is my O.C.:D