Opening the two gigantic doors in front of her, Ambyra walked into the throne room. Bowing to the man who was her Lord. "Master, the Senshi live."
"I am aware of this. What I would like to know is why they are still alive?" the man asked, shaking his head to emphasize his disappointment, "Ambyra, did I not rescue you from your prison and showed you the fate of your brother, the prince, and those responsible for his death? Did you not promise to destroy those who are your enemies, as well as mine?" the Master asked.
"All that you say is true, Milord. However, I - " she began, but was cut off.
"I do not wish to hear any excuses from you or any of my other generals. Twice now, you have failed me. That is intolerable! Leave me now while I contemplate what kind of punishment you shall receive for your failures." he commanded her.
Bowing, Ambyra slowly exited the throne room, head held high. Making her way back to her quarters, a voice interrupted her stride.
"What's wrong? Did the Master's pet get rebuked?" the voice taunted her.
"Drop dead, Tanthus. The last thing I need is to hear your grating voice." she snapped angrily.
A figure detached itself from the shadows, revealing a slightly middle-aged man. He was wearing a black robe with strange symbols sewed into the fabric. A skullcap covered his balding head. "What you need is a real man," he stated.
"Like you would qualify as a man. Anyways, Ryo is more of a man than you and all I would ever need."
"So perky after so many failures. He must be doing something right." He waved the comment away. "That was not what I came to talk to you about. I came to offer you my assistance." Tanthus said.
"PAH! What could you give me that I would again find favor in the Master's eyes?" she scoffed and began to stride to her quarters again.
"The location of all the Senshi, as well as the person that interrupted your last pet's fight with the Senshi!"
Ambyra stopped dead in her tracks. She spun around, a look of shock clearly evident in her face. "What do you know of the stranger? How did you come to this information?" she asked.
"I see many things in my studies. I can tell you where they will all be." Tanthus said.
"Why would you do that? What would you gain in return for this assistance?" she asked a little weary of the man in front of her.
"I wish merely to have a chance to perform my craft for the Master. All I need is an ally. Someone who can convince the Master to give me a chance. Who better than his favorite commander?" he said.
"I'll...think about it" she told him and marched off.
Tanthus watched her departure with an ominous smile. *Think long and hard, little one. I will be waiting for you when you have decided.* Staring out into the vastness of space, *So a new player has joined the battle. What will you do Ryo, when you realize who he is.* he thought, and vanished back into the shadows.
-----
Creator of Kings and Lord Talon Proudly present A Crossover of the Biggest Stars of the Anime Fanfiction world! Ranma ½ and Sailor Moon in Eyes of a Stranger Chapter Six
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The characters of Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon was created by Naoko Taeuchi while the characters of Ranma ½ Universe was the sole creation of Rumiko Takahashi. They are licensed to other companies. All materials save the environment and situations are being used without prior authorization. This is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for material gains. If there has been an error in copyright, please email me. I wish not to be sued for expressing my interest in these series.
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Rei held her breath as Ami finished taping her ribs. "There. According to my scans, you have a copy of fractured ribs. Considering the monster that we went against, it could have been worse. Keep the bandage on for a week just to be on the safe side. Your powers should help speed up the healing process." Ami said with a smile and moved on to her other patients. The fight with the Daimon had not gone well. Usagi, Setsuna and herself were the only ones to leave the battle unscathed and were conscious the entire fight. Makoto only had a sprained ankle and some bruises. Haruka and Michiru had suffered similar injuries, when the monster had charged the both of them after they had launched their respected attacks. The worst of them all had been Hotaru.
Somehow the monster had sense that Sailor Saturn was the biggest threat and had deliberately gone after her. The iron golem had walked straight through Saturn's Silence Wall and delivered a fierce combination of punches and slashes that now had one of the Outer and strongest Senshi in a coma. Her list of injuries included several broken ribs, a broken leg, numerous cuts and abrasions, and a mild concussion, if not worse. If the last wasn't the case, Hotaru could have used her talents to heal the rest of the Senshi but she was in no condition at the moment as most of her energy was used in keeping her alive.
"How's Hotaru doing, Ami?" asked Usagi, an expression of sorrow clearly seen on her face.
"Not good. Her injuries demand that we take her to a hospital. She needs a real doctor but we can't do that because the hospital will want to know how she got her injuries." Ami informed Usagi. Looking around, Ami could tell that everyone was tired. Still, Ami wondered where Setsuna was with Hotaru in the condition she was in.
"What about the crystal?" asked Minako.
"Luna?" Usagi questioned her guardian.
"It might work, Usagi, but I don't know. I've never known your mother to use it to heal physical injuries." Luna told her.
"That doesn't mean that Sailor Moon couldn't use it in that way," Artemis added.
"Would it hurt her?" Usagi consulted Luna and Artemis.
"I don't think so but it's best to wait," Luna replied. Turning to the rest of the Senshi. "Artemis and I have been discussing something. We believe the figure that killed the monster is a general of the Dark Kingdom."
"WHAT???" came the reply from all of the Inner Senshi.
"It's true. He was wearing an outfit similar to that of Beryl's four generals." Artemis told them.
At this point the only two conscious Outer Senshi had a look of confusion on their face.
"Four Generals?" Michiru asked.
"During the last battle on the Moon, Queen Beryl and Metallia brought with them their entire force of Shadow Warriors and army. Leading the ground troops were four individuals who we called the Generals. Their names were Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Kunzite. We later had to face them when Queen Beryl once again tried to take over this dimension." Artemis explained.
For some reason, Haruka felt that something was not right when Artemis explained about the four generals. Shaking her head and making a point to look into to it later on, she returned to the conversation at hand.
"Even though we don't have a full recollection of that day, I distinctly remember that man at the edge of the battle field, before Queen Serenity sacrificed herself to send all of us into the future. So, he must be another general!" Luna stated. Somehow, deep down, something didn't feel right. *Five Generals?* When she saw the man, she felt a little resentment as well as the need to be weary of the individual yet did not know why. Anyways at the moment, she considered him a part of the Dark Kingdom.
"I don't know Luna," Usagi said, "I mean, he had a chance to kill most of us and he didn't. I think he might be on our side."
"Usagi, I am positive that he is from the Dark Kingdom" Luna insisted. "It might be a trap. Maybe he was waiting for Tuxedo Karmen to arrive so that he could finish us all at the same time."
"Sure, Luna. Just like I wasn't the Moon Princess, Endymion couldn't be returned to me, and..." Usagi started counting off the mistakes that her advisor had made in the past before Luna cut her off.
"Okay, Usagi. You've made your point!" Luna complained.
"Just be careful. Okay, Usagi? You trust people way too much." Haruka added.
Nodding her head, "Thanks, guys."
"Where is Setsuna?" Michiru asked. Seeing Haruka look at her strangely, she blushed a little in embarrassment.
"So this mysterious man was wearing a grey uniform similar to the generals of the Dark Kingdom you faced then?" Haruka asked.
"Yes," Usagi answered.
"So until we know more, I think we should consider him an enemy." Haruka advised.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Haruka. He was a little hostile towards us, as if he had a grudge or something." Ami said.
"If he is a general of the Dark Kingdom, then killing Queen Beryl would make him a bit mad at us. Don't you think guys?" Rei spoke for the first time.
"But…" Usagi tried to reason with everyone.
"Don't you get it, Meatball Head? He's the enemy." Rei started to get mad at Usagi's behavior at not seeing the evil the man represented.
"How about a fire reading, Rei?" Usagi asked. *He can't be too bad. He did save us.*
"I'm in no condition to do a fire reading," Rei shouted and winced at pain shot through her upper body.
"Wahhhhhhhh!!!" Usagi cried.
"Why don't everyone get some rest. We'll discuss everything tomorrow." Luna said, trying to calm everyone down. Nodding their heads, everyone started to head home with Haruka and Michiru attending to Hotaru.
-----
"What are we going to do?" Michiru asked.
"I don't know," Haruka answered, placing Hotaru down onto the bed. "You heard Ami, she needs medical attention but if we bring her to a hospital, too many questions will be brought up that we can't answer."
"I know. We have to do something!" Michiru insisted.
"Only as a last resort and the princess still has the Ginzuishou," Haruka tried to reassure her love. "Only as a last resort," she muttered again, too low for the green hair girl next to her to hear.
On the bed, Hotaru slept but more importantly she dreamt and remembered of a time long ago.
-----
*What is going to happen today?* Setsuna thought. Guarding the time stream, she had more knowledge of future events than any other person yet she too was still bound by some of its laws. If she knew too much, Sailor Pluto, guardian of time, might disrupt the very thing she protects and tried to prevent. Setsuna had attempted to ask her future self but all she got was, 'The events today will have a lasting impact on the time-stream. Anything else I tell you will disrupt the future we are both striving towards and we wouldn't want that, would we now?' So now she had to attend every single abnormal affair to determine if it was the event she was warned to look out for. The strangest thing was, the future had a smile when she answered her. Walking to the spaceport, Setsuna heard someone crying. On closer inspection, she saw that the person was Sailor Saturn. Walking up to her, "What's wrong?" she asked.
Looking up at Setsuna, "Why is everyone so scared of me?" Hotaru asked, teary eyes.
"Because you wield the power of Saturn, one of the most powerful force imaginable. They're also scared of the prophecy, that a time shall come when the power of Saturn will be unleashed and the world destroyed." Setsuna tried to explain but even that felt wrong. She felt sorrow for Hotaru. The way people treated Hotaru was inhumane. Everyone left her alone since she came into power and were extremely polite to her like she was some kind of monster. If they could not keep a considerable distance from her.
Coughing a bit, one of the soldiers tried to get the two Senshi's attention.
As Setsuna and Hotaru looked up, they saw two Plutonian royal guards flanking a man in his early twenties with long black hair in a ponytail neither has ever seen before.
"Yes?" Sailor Pluto asked the guards.
"Here is the stranger, Princess." one of the guard replied. Bowing to Hotaru, "Princess."
Looking at the two ladies, *Why are they wearing such clothing?* Ran thought, a bit shocked. *Do royalty have so much liberty to wear such revealing clothing in this kingdom belonging to the Moon? Though they both look great in them, especially the tall one.* Looking over at the little girl, *Power of Saturn?*
Seeing the man stare at her with something more than respect, "Why were you trespassing into our space?" Setsuna asked the man in a stern voice.
He tore his gaze from the little girl and back to the lady with dark green hair, "Like I told the lieutenant of that scout ship, I'm looking for my sister."
"No ship has passed by in over six months from outside of this solar system," Setsuna declared.
"All I know is she will pass or have passed through this sector of space. She left her home over 6 months ago in our time," Ran explained.
*Our time?* Setsuna puzzled. "What is your name?" she asked.
"My name is Ran," he replied. *This is getting bothersome but I have to try and stay on her good side.* "Princess," he finally added.
Noting the pause in, "Where are you from?"
"Far away." Ran replied. *My home is gone.* Looking back to the young girl, *She is really depressed.* he realized. "Who might you be?" the tall man with clear blue eyes asked the girl in front of him with a cheerful smile.
"I'm Hotaru, Senshi of Saturn." Hotaru replied. Someone was actually talking to her without a note of fear in his voice. Even with the other Senshi, Hotaru could pick up some nervousness from time to time.
"So you're the one everyone is scared of," Ran stated. "Now I just can't understand how people could be scared of a cute girl like yourself." Seeing Hotaru blush, Ran smiled knowing that he had broken the ice.
-----
Sneaking into the house form the window, a lone man stood near the bed, overlooking a small girl with black hair and pale complexion. "What happened to you, Hotaru? You used to be so much healthier and happier when I knew you." he spoke to the girl.
"Everyone changes," a voice answered him.
Without turning around, "Not everyone, Pluto. Not everyone."
Stepping from behind the shadows, "I'm sorry," Setsuna replied.
"Over a millennium later, after everything I've lost, my friends and duty, all you can say is sorry?" Ran almost shouted but instead sneered.
"I had to. The time-stream." Setsuna tried to explain, hoping that was enough.
"I don't care about the time-stream. Back then, I did what I thought was right whether people wanted to admit it or not. You made me break my oath to certain people to be there for them." the last part Ran shouted. Silence met Ran's outburst. "I'm here to take care of Hotaru, after that I'll leave. At least I can keep this one promise. To protect her or be there for her in her time of need."
"What can you do? You don't have any magic." Setsuna asked. She remembered having this exact conversation a very long time ago.
"There were things you never knew about me," Ran explained, staring intently at Hotaru. A glow started to outline Ran's hands. Placing it over Hotaru's heart, the glow changed from a bright green outline to that of purple before spreading and covering her. For a few seconds, nothing happened. After a few moments, Hotaru's body seemed to absorbed the light around her and was sleeping peacefully, breathing much easier. In the distance, sounds of footsteps could be heard.
"How?"
"I'm a channeler. The last of my kind till now." he said. *This world is filled with surprises.*
Opening her eyes slowly, "Oniisan?" Hotaru asked weakly.
"You're going to be alright, my little messiah," Ran spoke softly and reassuringly, stroking her hair. Getting ready to leap out of the window, Ran turned back to look at Setsuna, "I loved you once, Setsuna. A long time ago in a kingdom that I felt was worth protecting. You destroyed them both." Ran said before disappearing out the window.
"Ran," Setsuna spoke softly and a little teary-eyed. *He finally called me by my name. Does he forgive me?* she thought. *Channeler?*
Bursting into the room, both Haruka and Michiru were ready to face the intruder when they saw Setsuna and a healthy looking Hotaru talking to one another. "You're not going to tell us are you?" Haruka asked.
Shaking her head, Setsuna left but not before Michiru saw the tears that Setsuna was trying to hide. *What happened?*
-----
After finally having finished giving her statement to the police, Sakura started to head home. She was almost raped and killed today but was saved but a tall, dark stranger. It was terrifying yet exciting at the same time. She, being a damsel in distress, was rescued by a knight in shining armor. He didn't have armor on but he was wearing a uniform and carrying around a sword so two out of three was not bad. As she rounded the corner, she stopped dead in her tracks. Someone was approaching from down the street and it appeared to be a man. Having had enough excitement for one night, she started to hide in one of the alleys, breathing heavily from the day's toll, when she finally recognized who he was. *It's the man that rescued me,* she thought. Before, she had only caught a glimpse of the man. She had a much better look at her savior and there was nothing to distract her this time. "He is so handsome," she muttered, not realizing it herself until the man stopped and looked into the same alley she was in.
Sensing that he was being watched, Ran started to slow down and extend his senses in hopes of locating the person before they attacked. With his senses attuned to even the slightest abnormality, he quickly detected heavy breathing up ahead. As he got closer to the sound, he heard someone muttering, 'He is so handsome.' Grinning to himself, *Seems like my opponent is a female,* Ran thought.
Leaping up, Ran started to roof-hop to an area overlooking the alley that he had heard the voice. Stepping off into empty air, he fell completely vertical, right behind the woman without making a sound. Tapping her shoulder, *This should be fun and help lighten my mood,* he thought. "Excuse me, my name is Ran. I'm the handsome man you were talking about." he introduced himself and seeing that she was not a threat, bowed.
Gapping in surprise, it took Sakura a few moments to compose herself and hope that the poor lighting hid the blush that she knew she had. "I'm so sorry. It's just I was attacked a few hours ago and when I saw someone coming, I thought it was another stranger who might take advantage of me again, which you are not, I mean stranger who wants to take advantage of me, though you are still a stranger, but you told me your name so you're not really a stranger and you were the one who saved me from the attack and so you should know about that..." she might have continued to babble had it not been for Ran hushing her up by placing a finger on her lips.
Smiling, "Don't worry about it. A young maiden such as yourself should not have to worry about someone taking advantage of you but the other way around. I mean, we men must be wary or else someone of your beauty and charm might steal our hearts."
Sakura wasn't sure if the shadows could hide the blush that was on her face. "Thank you, kind sir." she answered back, playing along with her savior's way of speech. "I was just wondering where you were heading? Looking to save another damsel in distress?" Sakura asked, with a smile.
"Not really. I'm looking for a place to send the night, truthfully." Ran answered a bit sheepishly. *What kind of hero am I? Can't even find a place to sleep. Should have asked Princess Setsuna more about this time period.*
Making up her mind right then and there, "You could stay at my place?"
"I couldn't impose on you," Ran said.
"I won't be here if it wasn't for you. I insist!" Sakura stated. Taking a hold of one of his arms and dragging him along, *Great muscle definition.* "And a lady won't feel safe traveling alone at night."
"Lead the way, umm?"
"My name is Soujin Sakura, but please call me Sakura."
"Arigatou, Sakura."
-----
"General Ran! The Dark Kingdom is attacking the Palace." an aide shouted while running to meet the General. A man with black hair, tied back in a ponytail, and wearing a combination of silver and gold armor turned his head to look at the source of the disturbance.
Looking at the aide with a little bit of annoyance, "Which one? There are nine palaces throughout the Kingdom." Ran asked as he quickly started to assemble his troops.
Having finally reached the General, the aide took a deep breath before continuing, "It's the Moon. They're attacking the Moon."
"WHAT?" Ran shouted after hearing the news. Trying to calm himself down, a considerable feat at the moment, "Brief me on the situation while I prepare to leave," he ordered, turning sharply around and walking quickly to the assembled troops, his cape flapping from the quick turn. In front of him were men and women all dressed in the same uniform with slight color variations, indicating which planet they originated from. All of Ran's troops came from the nine planets in the solar system and the Moon, three from each. Throughout the Silver Millennium, General Ran's particular outfit was known simply as the Guards. They went where they were needed and were not particularly loyal to any one planet. They considered the entire solar system as their home and that was what they were defending.
"About an hour ago, we received a transmission from one of our scouts. He reported that the Dark Kingdom had overrun Terra and was attacking the Moon. All of the princess from the Inner Planets are there, attending a ball." the aide briefed Ran.
"We lost Terra?" Ran muttered so quietly to himself that only the aide which was beside him could hear the statement, his mind not registering the fact that the princesses were there as well. Of the nine planets, he felt closer ties to Terra than any of the other planets. To take Terra was a considerable feat since the blue marble was considered the fourth most powerful planet behind Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. Ran didn't count the Moon as a planet and personally thought that Terra was more powerful than most people realized and could be third and maybe even second behind Saturn within the power structure, first among the inner planets. Only when Ran went over everything the aide had told him did the fact that all the princesses of the Inner Planets were there as well so shocked was he at the news of the fall of Terra. Suddenly stopping, he turned to the startled aide, "All of them?" Ran asked in a pained voice, hoping that he heard wrong.
"Yes," he replied.
With one simply word, the aide had filled the General with panic that he had not experienced in years. Quickly breaking into a sprint in a blink of an eye, he left behind an even more startled aide. To lose the Moon Kingdom was bad, but to lose all the nobility of the Inner Planets would be catastrophic. With the princesses safe, they could rebuild but without leaders then there was really no hope even if they did win. Shouting orders to one of his lieutenants and close friend, "Ryo, get the troops to the Moon as quickly as possible and protect all the nobility of the Inner Planets." Looking over at his men, "This is what we've been preparing for, people. Move out!" Ran shouted as he passed the troops, startling them as well. It was the first time they've actually seen their Commander display anything other than the calm exterior he usually wore around them when on duty.
"Where will you be, Ran?" Ryo shouted back, a little confused until he figured out what he was just told. *The ball,* Ryo quickly thought. "Getting there first," was the answer he got from the silver and gold blur. Turning towards the assembled troops, "You heard the General, get to the ship. We're heading to the Moon." Ryo ordered. "Just pray we get there on time," he added under his breath.
Having reached his destination, Ran stopped. There was only one way that this catastrophic event could be stopped and that was by the use of the Time Gate. Lucky the Guards were currently stationed on Pluto or else he might not have had the chance to prevent the fall of the Moon. He knew that the Moon did not have the resource at this time to repel the Dark Kingdom. They were just not prepared enough.
In front of the General were two very large doors. They were lined with runes and various other symbols in a distinct purple and gold combination. No Plutonian dared to enter the twin doors which lead to a realm protected by the mysterious Sailor Pluto. Good thing Ran was not considered one. Without even knocking, Ran pushed open both doors and headed inside.
Stepping past the thresh-hold of the double doors, Ran found himself surrounded by mist. Turning around, he also discovered that his means of leaving this place had become one with its surroundings, in other words it was gone. "Setsuna! I know you're here." Ran shouted. Not getting an answer, Ran closed his eyes and stretched his senses as far as they would go. A smile spread across his face as he headed to his right.
Soon he came to another set of doors. As he got closer, he felt a tingling sensation at the back of his neck. Sensing an attack, Ran leaped back with all the experience that he had gathered throughout his life time and avoided being hit by a woman with long green hair wielding a staff. Quickly unsheathing his sword, Ran closed the distance between the two of them before the his opponent had recovered. A staff was a great weapon for distance fighting but nothing really compared to a sword in close combat. Aiming his blade at her throat, "Princess Setsuna or do you prefer if I called you Lady Pluto?" Ran asked, a little anger in his voice for being attacked in thus a manner, at this particular moment, by this particular person.
"Lady Pluto at the moment please, General." Setsuna answered in an air of formality. "Now remove the sword from my throat," she commanded.
Ran knew that Pluto was the keeper of time and thus she would have known of an attack on Terra and the Moon. Without lowering his sword, "Why didn't you warn Queen Serenity and the inner nobility about the attack?" Ran asked.
"It's my duty to monitor and guard time and had I told Serenity about the upcoming attack, the time stream would have been disrupted," Pluto answered.
His anger rising, "There are times when one must disregard duty and honor for the better good," Ran lectured. "Millions will die if the Dark Kingdom wins." Seeing how Pluto would not be moved, "If you won't help, send me there." he continued.
A smile spread across Pluto's face. "Is this usually the way you ask a lady for something?" she asked, her eyes met his for a brief second and then trailed to the point of his sword.
Not wanting to waste any more time, "Yes it is. Now be kind enough to open the gates and send me to the Moon Palace a few hours before the attack. Don't try anything. You don't have enough time to launch one of your special attacks before I cut your throat." Ran stated. *I'm sorry. This is the only way and we both know it.*
Narrowing her eyes, "What can you do? You have no magical powers and are only one man." she asked while slowly opening the time gate under Ran's supervision.
"Strange that someone without any real magical powers can subdue an Outer Senshi isn't it." Ran smiled. Seeing as how the gates were opened, he stepped through all the while keeping an eye on Pluto. Before stepping over the threshold, he saluted the woman that held something of his more powerful than the call of duty.
After the gate closed behind Ran, Setsuna let herself cry for what she was about to do.
Having traveled through the Time gate, Ran found himself overlooking a scene of destruction but before he could do anything a blinding dome of white light slowly expanded from the palace and covered everyone and everything. Right before the dome of energy touched him, "PLUTO!!!" Ran shouted, before waking up in a cold sweat, Sakura next to him. "It's only a nightmare," he explained before donning on his uniform and walked into the night, leaving behind a worried Sakura.
-----
In another part of the city, a female doctor looked into the room that held someone she would call a friend. Shaking her head, "I've never seen a patient recover from a wound that fast, especially from a gun shot wound," Aileen voiced to herself.
Suddenly, the woman in the bed in front of her began to stir. Aileen watched in surprise, as the woman opened her eyes and to look around the room. "Where am I?" She murmured sleepily
"You're in Juuban hospital, Nodoka. You had a run-in with some thugs. The police are looking for them. How do you feel?" Aileen asked.
"Tired."
"You just get some rest. I'll look in on you again in the morning." Aileen promised her.
"Ranma?"
"Is fine, though he is a bit concerned about his mother. I told him not to worry, as a little wound wasn't going to slow you down but he has been maintaining a vigil over your bedside since the attack. Everyday, during visiting hours, he comes by and hold your hand and ..." She looked down to see Nodoka had fallen asleep again but though it was probably a trick of the light, Aileen could have sworn that she saw a smile on Nodoka's face.
-----
While people dreamt of the past, present and future, one individual knew them all and did not dream but guarded them.
-----
Yet another person was out this night. He too did not feel the pull of the Sandman. In truth, he did not wish to dream.
Ranma had resumed his nightly patrols. One more week until the tournament and his mother would not be there to see him. She was still in a coma. There was nothing he could do for her but he could make the nights safer. Ranma so wanted to find the men responsible but so far, but there were no traces of them anywhere. Leaping to the next rooftop, Ranma heard someone shout in terror.
Racing to the source of the disturbance, Ranma saw a man wearing what seems to be a gray uniform, cape, and carrying a sword. He was stalking a man. A woman was on the floor looking at the two individuals.
"What is going on here?" Ranma shouted, leaping down.
Without even looking at him, "Stay out of this boy. This is my affair. This man will be punished for what he has done in the past and what he tried to do today." the man in the gray uniform spoke.
"Help me, please! Call the police or something. He's trying to kill me." the other man pleaded.
"You tried to rape me you bastard. I hope you rot in Hell!" the woman shouted at the man.
Taking the situation in hand, "I can't let you do that," Ranma replied. Thinking of his mother, "I despise those who hurt people weaker than themselves but I will not allow you to kill this man in cold blood."
"How will you stop me?" the man asked.
"Painfully," was Ranma's reply.
Seeing that his prey had disappeared, "I don't pick on weaklings or men without a weapon." Looking at the sword in his hand, Ran tossed it to Ranma. "Practice with that and next time we meet, I'll see what kind of opponent you are." Ran said, disappearing into the night, racing after the fleeing individual.
Before Ranma could follow, he went to check the lady. "Are you alright?"
"Yes I am, no thanks to you. That thug deserves whatever was coming to him. He tried to rape me that %@##@$ !#%#@! @%!#$@#!."
Seeing that there was not reasoning with her, Ranma started walking away until he got a clear look at the sword he was carrying. Shocked that the man had just given him his family sword which he had forgot the night of the shooting, he was soon determined to find out more about the mysterious stranger.
-----
The next day at school, the Inner Senshi were chatting when Haruka and Michiru joined them.
Makoto gave Uranus an evil eye, which spoke volumes. *Just you wait till the tournament,* she thought.
Acting as if she didn't see it, "The most amazing thing happened last night," Haruka informed the Inners. "Hotaru is alright. It's as if she healed herself but that's not possible. What's more, she seems to be healthier this morning than in the past year. It's as if someone just decided that she shouldn't be so sick anymore."
"How?" Ami asked. *Whatever cured Hotaru might be able to cure other people considering the condition she was in after the battle.*
"We don't know and Setsuna won't tell. All I got from Hotaru was that her big brother helped heal her. I know for a fact that Hotaru didn't have a brother during the Silver Millennium or present day." Michiru answered.
"Brother?" Minako asked.
"That's what she told me. The funny thing was that as Setsuna was leaving I could have sworn she was crying." Michiru said.
"Crying?" Rei asked.
"You didn't tell me about this part," Haruka said, a little hurt.
"I was caught up with Hotaru. Sorry." Michiru said.
"You said Setsuna was crying? What would cause her to cry? What did she see in our future that would cause her to shed tears?" Rei asked.
"The monsters have been getting more powerful while we've stayed the same," Ami added.
"I want new powers!" Usagi said.
"Quiet, Meatball Head. Do you want everyone to hear?" Rei shouted to Usagi.
"Hey look. It's Ranma. Is it me or does he seem more depressed than usual." Makoto said.
"Ranma?" Haruka and Michiru asked.
"He's a new transfer student from the Nerima District. He lost his fiancée under some kind of mysterious circumstances that no one knows about and he wouldn't explain, even when I asked him about it." Ami spoke, staring at the figure heading into the school.
"You haven't heard anything about him?" Minako wondered, "He's been the talk of the school for the past few weeks."
"Sorry, we don't listen to gossip. We have more important things to do." Haruka said.
"What may I ask have you been doing?" Makoto asked.
"Training for the tournament so that I can show you who really is the best," Haruka stated.
"Why you!"
"Quit it guys or we'll be late for school," Ami said, hurrying inside.
"Just you wait!" Makoto smiled, "We'll see who is better."
"Anytime," Haruka replied.
As everyone was heading to their individual classes and school, "Do you think that was a bit much?" Michiru asked Haruka.
"What?"
"I'm talking about the way you tease Makoto."
"But Michuru my love," began Haruka, trying to defend herself.
"None of that. Competitiveness is one thing but you two might have crossed the line. Remember, we'll all Senshi here and our duty is to protect the Princess."
"This will just make us better," Haruka gave Michiru a sad look, hoping for pity.
"No. I want you both to calm down or you won't have me to keep you warm on those cold nights."
"Aww, won't you recon…" seeing the stare her love was sending to her, Haruka shut up.
-----
Later that day at lunch, Ranma was sitting down under the shade of a tree, alone. *Why me? Stuff like this never happens to anyone else, not: Ukyou, Ryouga, Shampoo, or anyone else I know. Why do things have to revolve around me? Everywhere I go, something seems to happen. Someone always get hurt and recently the injuries were even life threatening. Akane was dead and his mother in a coma. I'm sorry Akane. Mom. Why can't I protect those I love?* "Why!" Ranma shouted out the last part, unaware of the stares that he got.
"Man, Ranma is really depressed. I thought it was just my imagination." Makoto said to Minako.
"I wish we could help," Usagi spoke.
"We should leave him alone," Ami added her voice into the conversation.
"Yeah. He'll come out of it soon." Usagi agreed, thinking happy thoughts.
"He's been like that for over a few weeks now. I think what he needs is a girl in his life." Minako stated.
All five of the Inners were sitting near the tree Ranma was contemplation under.
"You just want to date the most popular guy at this school," Makoto said.
"So?" Minako asked.
"I want a chance at him too. He's supposed to be a great martial artist, right Ami?" Makoto asked.
"He's a great teacher. I'm not sure how good he really is though. Compared to you and Haruka, I would say that he is at the same skill level as both of you. All I've seen from him are some simple katas, never a real fight. Really though, we should give him some time." Ami answered.
Feeling uneasy at the amount of attention he was receiving, Ranma decided to move to some place with less people. After last night, he really didn't want to talk to anyone. Walking past the baseball field, he remembered the first week after he arrived at the Tendou's. That was when Akane had hit a homerun which impacted him beside the head. Smiling at the memory. The bump he got taught him to pay more attention to things around him, though that did little good around Nerima. *What would I give for everything to be as they use to be. I really wouldn't care if I had four fiancées again.* he thought.
<Crack> The batter had swung and delivered a line drive, down towards the third base. Ricocheting off of the base, it headed straight towards Ranma's face.
"Ranma! Watch out!" Ami yelled, having followed the retreating figure.
Hearing Ami's shout, everyone turned towards Ranma.
Without looking up or breaking stride, Ranma stuck his right hand up at the last moment, catching the hardball. Still walking away from the crowd, Ranma raised the hand that was holding the ball and cocked it. Moving only his right arm and a flick of his wrist, he tossed it back at such speed that would have made any pitcher envious before turning around a corner to a more secluded spot, ignoring what everyone was saying about the display.
"Did you see that?" Makoto said.
"I didn't think anyone could move that fast except maybe Haruka," Rei's eyes were a bit wide.
"He would be a great pitcher with an arm like that. Wonder how fast he could pitch if he had used his entire body and what a body." Minako voiced.
Ami and Usagi just nodded their head.
"Oh by the way, my grandfather was going to visit a fellow priest who resides in the mountain. I was wondering if you guys would like to tag along since I'm going there with him?" Seeing as if everyone was about to make an excuse, "There is a hot spring nearby." Suddenly Rei was swamped with nodding heads.
"I can't go. Sorry, guys. I have to tutor Ranma for the test coming up, in a few days. Usagi, you should study too." Ami lectured.
"I don't wanna!" Usagi whined.
"Well, hope you all have a nice weekend." Ami said, getting ready for her last class and later, he tutor session with Ranma.
-----
"You can do it, Ranma. Just concentrate!" Ami encouraged.
"I still don't know why I'm bothering with this stuff," Ranma complained.
"America is one of the leading nations in the world and also if you go someplace like Europe or a non-Asian country, most likely they will be speaking English than Japanese. Come on, Ranma. Think of this as a challenge."
"If you say so," he said. *She got my number. A challenge huh?* Ranma thought. Taking a deep breath, *Just like when me and Oyaji went hiking through China.* Though Ranma did not advertise it, he knew a bit of Chinese. Who wouldn't with his learning curve.
[Begin,] came the command from Ami.
[Good afternoon. I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome School of Indiscriminate Grappling. My goal is to eventually be the best martial artist in the world.] Ranma spoke in a thickly accented English
"Wow! That was great. You're picking up this language really fast, Ranma. " Ami complimented him. "I think you'll do very well on Haruna-sensei's English test!"
"I sure hope so. This stuff is hard to remember!" he complained. *Too many verbs and stuff keeps changing.*
"Think of it in terms of a martial arts exercise, only the goal is different. Next time you do your katas, as you do each move, speak the English word for it." she suggested. After one month of tutoring Ranma privately, she discovered how devoted he was to what he referred as the True Path of the Fist.
"Worth a try, I guess." Ranma replied. Remembering something she said and he started to smile, "Ami, since you've brought up the subject of katas, it's time for your lesson."
Her face became somewhat pale. "Couldn't we just skip today's lesson?" she asked. *Ranma is such a taskmaster when it comes to martial arts.* After the battle a day ago, she was still very sore.
"Martial arts isn't something you do just after school. It's..." he quoted, and was joined by Ami with the finish phrase,"...full time"
He grinned at her again. "Be in the training hall in 10 minutes. I know how long it takes you girls to simply change." Winking, Ranma dodged a pillow that was thrown his way.
"Just you wait. Someday you men will know what's it like to be one of us females. You should try walking in our shoes for a day."
The smirk Ranma had on his face was lost for a split second before he caught himself. *She doesn't know and if I can help it no one in Juuban will.* "Ha! Females still take too long."
"That's just, so we can look good for our man," Ami grinned and suddenly regretted it as she saw Ranma's cocky grin fade immediately, being replaced by one of pain.
*After all this time, I still miss you, Akane. Never thought that would happen, but I can admit now that I loved you, though it's a bit late in coming.* he thought and smiled a bittersweet smile.
"I'm sorry, Ranma. I didn't mean to bring up any unpleasant memories" Ami apologized.
Ranma smiled at Ami, "It's okay. She'll always be here, " he emphasized his point by placing one hand over his heart, "and someday..." He let that thought complete itself. His cocky grin returned. "You have 8 minutes now or it's double speed katas today!" he threatened.
She stuck her tongue at him, "Slave-driver!" she teased.
"Seven minutes and thirty seconds," Ranma continued to count down.
Ami hurried off to get changed.
As soon as she left, the smiled faded once again. Heading to the bathroom, Ranma stared into the mirror. "She's so much like you Akane. Same hairstyle, same smile and a desire to be the best at something." he muttered. Opening the cabinet, he looked at what was left of the water-proof soap. It was only a mere sliver now. Splashing some cold water on himself to make sure that it was still working, Ranma toweled off and headed outside to meet Ami.
-----
With a cry, Haruka brought the sword down towards the target, all the while visualizing the power of the blade as a mighty waterfall. Streaking towards and across the practice dummy, the second talisman which was in the shape of a sword apparently passed through the inanimate object, without doing any damage.
"It looks like you missed the target, love." a voice from behind the fighter commented.
Spinning around, Haruka Ten'oh came face to face with Michiru, who was smiling from the doorway of the shrine's living quarters. Setsuna had arranged for Haruka to be able to train at the shrine while Rei's grandfather was away. Since Rei and most the other Inner Senshi were also spending their weekend at the resort in the mountains, the shrine was fairly deserted.
Haruka snorted, as a small smile danced across her face. "Look again!" she said and tapped the straw dummy with the flat of her blade. Lines started to appear across the chest of the dummy as it quickly fell to pieces on the ground. Sheathing her sword, Haruka began a series of warm-ups for Kempo.
"Aren't you getting into this a bit too much?" Michiru asked.
"Hmph! With Makoto acting all tough, I could hardly back down. On top of that, the Daimons have been getting tougher to beat, we've got this new Dark Kingdom general running around and we still don't know who is behind all of this. I have to be in tip top condition. Besides," she added with a wink, "I have a good feeling about this tournament. Setsuna is kind of endorsing this thing and she never does anything on a whim, well at least not that I've seen. To think I'm finally going to get some decent competition!" she said.
Michiru just shook her head in amusement, and went back inside. "Hurry up and finish. I made some tea and cookies for you and you'll only get them if you behave." she called over her shoulders.
"Yes, mommy."
"Hahaha, just finish up and go take a shower."
"Okay! Almost done."
-----
Ami took exactly 7 minutes and 31 seconds to get back. Ranma knew this because he had started timing her when she left. He looked at her, but said nothing. However, Ami had worked closely enough with Ranma over the past month to sometimes know what he was thinking. She silently cursed her ill fortune, but all she said was "Hai, Sensei." And she began her workout at double speed. After she had warmed up, the two sparred for a while.
Taking Ami's advice, he decided to show the holes in her defense, by announcing, in English, where he had struck, and with what attack.
Ami had gotten a lot better over the past month, but, she still had room to improve. This was all done at an accelerated rate of speed. Finally, it was time to end the lesson, and Ranma called for a break. Ami was very winded from the workout, but, felt she was making progress.
As she watched, Ranma pulled a Kendo sword from a nearby rack, and began practicing forms. They were, however, unlike any Kendo forms she had seen. There were huge difference between Ranma's and Haruka's form that she didn't know where to start. "What are you doing" she asked him.
Ranma shrugged. "Just practicing for the local tournament next week." Ami 's eyes widened slightly, *That's the same one that Haruka and Makoto will be entering in,* she thought and suddenly and idea came to her mind as to how to determine how good she had really gotten over the past month, training under Ranma's tutorage. As she watched Ranma continue his training, a thought occurred to her about her training and she decided to ask him about it.
"Ranma?"
"Hmmm?" he replied, still continuing his unusual kata.
"Why have you been placing so much importance on speed in my training?" she inquired.
Ranma looked over to Ami, who was slumped on the ground, resting. He saw that it was time to show Ami the reason behind why he was emphasizing the speed aspect of the training he had been giving her. * She has come quite a way in her efforts. Maybe it's time to show her what her training has been all about.* he thought, and laid the bokken down.
Walking over to one of the various practice dummies on the wall. Ranma had held back from revealing anything special since teaching Ami. He did not want people to think there was anything was out of the ordinary about him like they did back in Nerima.
"Watch," he said and turned his back to her.
Ami was curious as to what Ranma was up to. Undoubtedly, Ranma was one of the best martial artist she had ever seen. He moved with grace that Makoto lacked and she wondered many times what would happen if Ranma ever faced Haruka. Returning her attention back to Ranma, she wondered what he was up to. She couldn't wait until the tournament.
Coming up onto the straw dummy, Ranma placed his left hand in front of him to gauge distance and to signify his target. Getting ready, he cocked his right hand back. "This was the first special technique that I'd ever learned. An old woman taught it to me. This particular training is known by the name, 'Kachü Tenshin Amaguriken.'"
"Chest Nut Roasting Over an Open Flame?" Ami asked puzzled.
"It's a speed technique." To make his point, Ranma's right hand blurred for about 3 seconds until the straw dummy had turned to dust. He turned back to a stunned Ami, and smiled. "I'm trying to teach you this technique. It seems suited to you for some reason." Looking down at the pile of dust, "I was also holding back. If I had went at full power, all you would have seen was one punch for a split second, not a blur for 3 seconds. It took me less than a week to master. I think you can learn it in about another 2 weeks maybe, 1 month max." Ranma couldn't help but boast a little.
Had she seen Makoto or Haruka doing something remotely close to this, she might have wondered how they had achieved such speed but seeing a non-Senshi doing something that not any of the Senshi could even come close to replicating shocked Ami. *How? First technique? How many does he know? Who is he really?* Questions started to surface within Ami's head as she got up and went to change. Nodding her head. *I wish I had my computer with me. I want to see what it says about Ranma while he did that. Does he have any special power like Mamoru?*
"Anyways, that's all for now."
"See you later, Ranma." Ami said, walking out, still in a half daze.
-----
"Ahhh! This is the life!" murmured Usagi.
"I know!" added Rei. "Coming here was a really good idea. Especially after all the battles lately."
"Hey Rei? Where's Yuuchiro? I haven't seen him since we came up here." Minako stated.
"You can thank Mako-chan for that! She is so determined to beat Haruka in the Tournament, she has dragged him into being her sparring partner whenever he gets a free moment. He now spends his mornings with Grandpa, his afternoon with Makoto, and at night, he just sleeps. Honestly, why is Makoto doing this to him?" she demanded.
Minako leaned over to Usagi, and theatrically whispered, "Looks like Rei-chan is getting jealous!"
"I am not jealous!" Rei declared.
"Perhaps, but, Methinks she doth protest a truffle much." Minako intoned.
"MINAKO!"
Both Usagi and Minako were stuck in a giggle fit at Rei's antics, when Makoto wandered in.
"Hey guys, how's the water?" she inquired.
"Just fine Mako-chan," said Usagi. "Come on in!"
"All right." With that, Makoto entered the pool that her three friends were currently lounging in. For a while, nothing was said, save for the small sighs of comfort that the hot water brought.
Makoto was the first to break the silence. "This hot spring is perfect for my sore muscles. I feel like I've pulled every muscle in my body, and a few that aren't!" she said with a smile. Makoto had taken advantage of the remote location to do some rigorous training and sharpen her Karate and Judo skills. She had been working out with some improvised weights and she went jogging every morning. All this in an effort to best Haruka at the tournament. It was about at this time, Makoto noticed the glare being sent her way by Rei. "What's wrong Rei?" she asked.
"Oh, don't worry about her, Mako-chan. Rei's just upset because you're spending so much time with her boyfriend." Usagi told her.
"USAGI!" Rei growled at her, which caused Usagi and Minako to giggle all over again.
"Chill out, Rei. Yuuchiro's a nice guy but all he's doing is practicing with me. He's just my sparring partner, Rei. Nothing more!" she promised her friend.
"Like I would care what that idiot does!" she complained but the glare she had aimed at Makoto seemed soften quite a bit.
"Now, if I was going after someone, it would have to be Ranma. He's one cute guy. In fact, he kinda looks like..." she began, and was joined by her friends "...your old boyfriend." they chorused, and they all shared a laugh.
After the laughter had subsided, Minako said "In any case, he is handsome. I'd like to get to know him better myself."
"Me too!" agreed Makoto. Even Usagi nodded, though she reassured everyone that her Mamo-chan was much better looking, just not a lot.
Each was lost in their thoughts of Ranma when suddenly Rei spoke up. "Hey guys! I was just wondering, but have you noticed that all the new monster attacks have started to happen when Ranma arrived?" Rei said.
"What are you saying, Rei?" Makoto asked.
"That Ranma might be the general in disguise."
"No way! Ranma is not a part of the Dark Kingdom." Usagi declared. "The General was also a lot older than Ranma."
"It might have been a disguise like what you do with your Luna Pen," Rei countered.
"I have felt some negative energy from him." Minako said.
"How would you feel if your fiancée died in your arms?" Makoto demanded.
"I'm just saying that it's too convenient." Rei stated.
"Oh sure! Rei, you worry too much!" Makoto stated and splashed her. Rei followed suit, and soon all four girls were engaged in the four way water war, the topic long forgotten.
-----
As the time grew closer to the Tournament, Haruka and Makoto doubled their efforts in training. Haruka added Tai-chi katas to her workouts, and Makoto started speed training. All the while, Ranma kept up his normal routine. Finally, the day arrived, and all the Senshi got tickets to watch their teammates in action.
To be continued:
Special thanks to my pre readers: Murmur the Fallen, Anand Rao, Octavian, David Johnston, Thomas Scroggs, TonyLoco, Jason Liao, EricMcGinnis
The mention of the True Path of the Fist was taken from Rain Man's Winner. Hope he continues it.
Started November 21, 1998
Finished January 8, 1999