Back again with part 7 of The Desire Doll. I hope you've all been enjoying the story so far. It's gotten a bit out of hand for our heroes it would seem. The Doll is in the hands of Sho Kaseru, who seems out to do everyone in. Who knows what his plans for the doll are? The whole cast has been sent....somewhere and Gosunkugi has been brought along as well. The Mazoku will be making appearances as well as other dangerous forces. Will the group survive the tests put before them or will they perish? What will Kaseru do if they do survive? Soun has accepted the engagement of Ryouga & Akane, but will Genma? Will Nodoka? Can Ranma and Genma keep "Ranko" a secret from Nodoka or will she find out? Enough of the suspense building! On with the story!
~The Desire Doll~
~Part 7~
(We fade in to see a large throne room. The room appears to span several miles in length and about half a mile in width. Hovering up at the ceiling are hundreds of spheres of different sizes, each one with a dull pinkish glow to it. The floors and walls are made of polished marble and the throne itself of a single block of carved emerald. The room is silent and peaceful until a greenish-white flash of light suddenly occurs by the throne. In it's wake stands Kaseru, The Desire Doll in hand, smirking to himself. Without turning he sits on the throne and glances up to the spheres. With a gesture of his hand about thirty of the spheres suddenly descend from the ceiling to hover halfway between the floor and the ceiling. They all slowly glow softly an image forming in each one. In one sphere is an image of Ranma. In another is Akane. In a third is Ukyou, and so on until all of the "group" is accounted for. Each image shows just their faces as they all appear to be asleep, or unconscious. Four of the spheres, however, have no images in them. Kaseru turns his attention to those ones.)
Kaseru:Hmmmmm. It appears we are missing a few players. We can't have that.(He says with a chuckle and gestures as three of the spheres glow an image forming in each. One is of Kodachi, who is currently engaged in.....somewhat promiscuous activities...with one Ranma-sama. Kaseru raises an eyebrow at this and chuckles. In the second sphere is a small child in a plain yellow dress. She is currently happily skipping along eating an ice cream cone. In the third sphere is an image of....a mailbox.)Eh?(He narrows his eyes a moment and then smirks.)Very clever disguise young man, but it will do you no good.(He lifts the doll up and concentrates. It's eyes snap open and begin to spark as a sphere of greenish-white light forms around the doll. Three beams shoot out from this sphere and connect with the three image spheres engulfing them in a greenish-white light as well. The light dies down and the three images are now changed. Images of Kodachi, the young girl and what is apparently another girl with long brown hair now occupy the spheres like the others. He nods to himself and chuckles softly.)Much better. Now, for the fun to begin.
(Suddenly the final sphere moves out and down under all the others and grows to about seven feet in diameter. the image of a world forming inside it. The world looks very strange as it appears to be divided into six parts by three glowing green lines which bisect it into equal "slices". Three of the pieces appear to be a medieval world as forests and mountains and castles abound on it. One looks to be modern Tokyo, or at least part of it. Another looks to be....space. Outer space as a matter of fact, with several space ships and part of a space station near where the three lines all connect in the center of the world. The final world looks to be the most strange as a long, apparently golden road, leads out from the center of the world to a large green palace which stands at the end of the road. The rest of the sphere suddenly begin to swirl around until they form a cyclone of spheres. They all begin to glow brightly and then they fly up and then down getting very small and disappearing into the large sphere with the image of the world in it.)
Kaseru:(He smirks softly to himself.)I'll let them wake up first, then explain where they are.(He says to himself and then turns looking over to his left somewhat.)Mazoku! To me!
(Where Kaseru is looking there appears four people. A tallish man wearing white robes and holding a metal staff with six rings appears in a gust of arctic cold wind. The man grins darkly as his crimson eyes glow lightly and his white hair is tousled lightly in the breeze. A small boy looking only to be ten with green eyes and short blue hair appears. He stands looking almost bored, his clothes also blue with white trim. In a swirling of shadows appears a tall woman with long blonde hair and an almost feral, hungry grin on her face. She stands clothed in a dress of black silk, a diamond shape cut out of the chest area. The bodice of the dress hugs to her very feminine curves all the way to her waist, where it then hang in ruffles of black silk. Pink lace and black silk gloves of a sort adorn each of her arms up to just before her elbows and are held on by gold bands, one at each elbow and another at each wrist.. The final person to appear is a man of average height with shoulder length blue hair wearing white robes. Under his arm is tucked a couple of books and in a holder on his belt sits a wand.)
Kaseru:(He bows lightly still sitting and address each one.)Shabranigdo.(He says to the man with the staff who nods back.)Phibrizo.(He speaks to the small boy.)Zelas.(He speaks to the woman.)Dynast.(He says to the other man.)I have jobs for each of you.
Shabranigdo:(Raises a brow.)Do tell, Kaseru-sama.
Kaseru:I need three of you to...test the groups I'll be sending your way. Shabranigdo, Phibrizo and Zelas. You three will go to them. Dynast I need you here to help me with the second part of my plan.
Dynast:Of course Kaseru-sama.
Phibrizo:(He raises a brow.)How do you wish us to test them?
Kaseru:However you like Phibrizo. We are playing "Survival of the Fittest". The rules are quite self explanatory.
Zelas:(Licks her lips slightly.)So we can...enjoy ourselves then?
Kaseru:(A light smirk.)Yes Zelas. You may, just try not to go overboard.
Zelas:(She grins, ever so slightly.)Of course Kaseru-sama. I would never dream of going "overboard".(She says with a small laugh before vanishing in a swirl of shadows.)
Phibrizo:It will be done Kaseru-sama.(He says and sighs softly to himself and bows lightly before vanishing as well.)
Kaseru:(He nods to himself and glances to Shabranigdo.)Do keep an eye on those two would you?
Shabranigdo:I always do.(He says before bowing and vanishing in a gust of arctic wind.)
Kaseru:(He then turns to his left side and gestures calling a sphere down to his face. It glows and soon the face of a man appears. He has an evil face and wears what looks like a general's uniform, only it is blood red and the symbol on his cap is that of a skull with wings.)General Bison.(He speaks to the image.)They are on their way. Proceed how you see fit.
Bison:(He grins darkly.)As you wish Kaseru-sama.
Kaseru:(He nods and banishes the image with a gesture. It is soon replaced with another. Two figures stare back at him impassionately. One is of a tall man with a metal plate covering the right side of his face, a green crystal lens where his eyes would be and short black hair dominates his left side. His skin is tinted greenish somewhat and he wears a uniform, of sorts. The other is small and wearing a simple purple colored frock. His hair is a bright red and his skin is purple tinted as he stands, slightly hunched over.)Breetai.(He speaks to the tall man and then looks to the shorter one.)Exedore. You have your orders.
Breetai:Yes Chief Commander!
Exedore:We shall endeavor to complete your orders to your satisfaction my Lord.
Kaseru:Excellent. As you were.(He says and gestures the image fading and then sphere floating back up to the ceiling.)The other world should take care of the others.(He says to himself and then turns to face Dynast.)Now Dynast. Let's get started shall we?(He says taking ahold of the Doll once again. It's eyes snap open and begin to spark. There is a flash of greenish-white light and when it dies down, sitting on Kaseru's lap is the NanBan Mirror, in perfect shape. He rises and walks over to Dynast handing it to him.)I want the silver used in this mirror to be melted down and take care not to lose any of it's magical properties.
Dynast:(He nods.)As you wish Kaseru-sama.
Kaseru:I will be back soon to assist, after I inform our players of their situation. Now go.(He says and Dynast nods once again and vanishes. Kaseru turns to face the large sphere which holds the world in it. He sets the Doll back on the throne and walks over to the sphere placing his hands on it and closing his eyes.)Time to wake up.
**********************************
(We see the Tendo living room from above and the multitude of people laying on the floor unconscious. The room is divided into sections, as a pie would be, by lightly glowing transparent green walls which extend out from the center of the room. In one section lies Ranma, Ukyou, Akane, Nodoka and Genma. In a second section is Ryouga, Harumoni, Soun, Hinako and Mabushu. In a third section is Akisu, Lina, Tarou and Hikaru Gosunkugi. In a fourth section is Shampoo, Mousse, Lotion, Perfume, Cologne and Happosai. In the fifth section is Kasumi, Keiichi, Lilianpelope and Kanaara. In the final section is Tatewaki, Nabiki, Kotei, Kodachi and Tsubasa. Several of them begin to slowly stir and wake up. They seem groggy and disoriented for a little while.)
Ranma:Where are we?
Akane:It looks like our house but....
Kasumi:Oh my. Who put those glowing walls there?
Cologne:I would say it was Kaseru.
Ryouga:(Seeing a wall between him and Akane he pounds on it with his fists.)Akane!! Are you all right?
Akane:I'm...okay Ryouga.
Nodoka:Kaseru-san? But....he seemed so nice?
Cologne:Kaseru can seem like anything he wants. He is not just a Master martial artist. He is a Grand Master, and as such can easily take the entire lot of us on without even breaking a sweat.
Shampoo:Aiya. Why you not tell us this before Great-Grandmother?
Perfume:Is he....really your step-father?
Cologne:.........Unfortunately yes. He is. He is a dark stain on our village which we have tried long and hard to forget.
Lotion:What....happened?
Mousse:Yeah. I've read just about all the history of our tribe and I haven't came across any mention of him.
Cologne:That is because all records of him were destroyed. His name is forbidden to be spoken inside the village.
Nabiki:He did something that bad?
Happosai:Worse.(He says in a meek voice.)
Akisu:Grandfather Happosai. Why are you so scared of him?
Tarou:Hmph. Serves him right for all the suffering he's caused.
Akisu:Tarou-chan! Please don't say that about Grandfather Happosai.
Tarou:(Blinks for a moment and then sighs, muttering out.)Sorry.
Soun:Come Master! Tell us what this is all about.
Genma:Yes. You've never mentioned anything of him to us in all the years we've known you.
Happosai:It's because I don't like to talk about it!(He shouts at the two and then turns back to Akisu's bosom hiding his face.)
Cologne:Happi has a good reason for his silence on the matter. Kaseru....came to our village about one year after Happi left. You remember the little trip we all made back in time to China with the NanBan Mirror. It was about a year after this he showed up, with Happi along with him. He was greeted with the usual show of force and while Happi cowered in fear Kaseru stepped forwards and within seconds had rendered thirty of our best warriors out cold. I did not even see him move a muscle to do so. He then challenged the Chief Elder to combat, for her hand in marriage. The battle lasted for a full 24 hours, the Elder having been at Kaseru's level of skill. When it was over, Kaseru had defeated the Chief Elder and they were wed immediately. A month later the Chief Elder died, in her sleep. The heirs of the Elder were not fit to take over and Kaseru presented a very strong case for himself. He was named Chief Elder, despite many protests. It was after this that the village came upon dark times. The females of our tribe lived in hell and the males had it even worse. Kaseru trained every male in the village with such ruthlessness that some were crippled from the harsh methods used. The females were then left to care for their husbands. We went to war with several of the "Old Kingdoms". The Musk Dynasty. The Seven Lucky Gods. Even the Phoenix People. They all possessed items which Kaseru felt they should not, so we fought and got them for him. He claimed it was for the sake of the village but I knew he wanted them for himself. Soon he chose a new bride, my mother. He easily bested her in battle and married her. I became his pupil as did Happi, as we were the only two left in the village able to survive his methods. Years passed and we learned quickly everything we could while our village slid further into the darkness which Kaseru brought with him. Happi and I were in our fifties when we finally got enough support from the rest of the village and had learned enough to make a stand against Kaseru. The entire village, as well as the armies of those kingdoms we raided who came to our aid, fought. All against Kaseru. It took three days of intense fighting before he was killed, or so we thought. We put his body in a hut and posted ten guards around it. Someone checked on him every half hour to make sure he was not faking his death. After 15 hours we finally decided he was dead and celebrated. The next day his body was gone and in it's place was a note thanking us for the fun time and for the items we helped him acquire. Our store of tomes and artifacts was lessened by half and all the items taken from the other kingdoms were taken as well. We were not pleased but thankfully, Kaseru was gone. We wiped all mention of him from our village at that time and his name has not been spoken there since.
Shampoo:Aiya.
Ranma:Wow.
Ukyou:So this guy is better than you and twice as evil as Happosai?
Cologne:Yes. And he is intent on us playing his little game.
Akane:So how do we get out of here?
Kanaara:Simple. Me and Sis just take us home, Right Sis?
Lilianpelope:For once, I agree with you.
Colonge:It will not be that simple. Kaseru is not stupid. He has no doubt used the Desire Doll to take us to a world of his own making. Here...he is basically Kami, and you are intruding on his domain.
Lilianpelope:(She gasps at that.)That....that means....
Kanaara:....we're powerless here.(She finishes with a small gulp.)
Kunou:He shall not get away with this! I, Tatewaki Kunou, the Blue Thunder of Furinkin High, do so swear upon my honor that I shall bring the vengeance of heaven upon the foul sorcerer that holds us captive here. Let the beast show himself and feel the blade of my sword!
Nabiki:Kunou-chan. Shut up for now!(She says in a flat tone.)
Kotei:Please do Father. Making our "host" angry will not be the best thing to do.
Lina:Hey guys. Is it just me or have our numbers increased.(She says looking to the still unconscious Kodachi, Miss Hinako and Tsubasa while she kneels by Gosunkugi.)
Ranma:Huh? Oh great! Kodachi, just what we need!
Ukyou:Kodachi!?(She growls and grips her spatula.)That.....nutcase better not try anything or she's going to get it!
Cologne:She is not in your area and I doubt any of us will be getting through those barriers.
Harumoni:(Kneeling down and looking at Miss Hinako.)Is this.....Grandmother?
Soun:(Blinks.)Grandmother? That is Miss Hinako, Harumoni. She teaches at school.
Harumoni:I know that Grandfather, but you're married to her in the future.(She looks back down.)I've just never seen her in her child form before. In the future she had her metabolism cured.....but I forget how. She's an adult all the time then.
Soun:M....M....Married?! But....but.....but.....
Genma:I didn't know you had it in you Tendo!
Hinako:(She stirs a bit and lifts her head blinking.)Where....what happened.?(Her vision focuses and she glances around a bit frantic and sees the people as well as the place there are in. She jumps to her feet, coin out in her hands. Everyone hits the ground ducking.)All right! Who is the delinquent that brought me here! Speak up!
Ranma:Miss Hinako we didn't do it! We're in the same boat as you.
Akane:Yeah! We've all been taken here against our will as well.
Hinako:(She pauses and then lowers her hand.)Oh. Well then....who took my ice cream!! I want my ice cream back!!(She says waving her arms frantically.
(Harumoni, Lotion, Perfume, Kotei and Lina all sweatdrop at the sight.)
Mabushu:(Mutters.)Great. More crazy people.
Harumoni:Shut up! That's my Grandmother you're talking about!
Nabiki:Should we wake Kodachi up?
Kotei:I do not believe that would be wise.
Kunou:My twisted sister would be of no help to us. Let dreamland keep her for as long as it requires.
Tsubassa:(Stirs and wakes up looking around.)What....Ukyou-sama....
Ukyou:Great. Him too.
Tsubasa:(Seeing the situation.)Ukyou-sama!! What happened?! Are you all right?
Ukyou:Yeah I'm fine Tsubasa.(She mutters to herself.)I wonder why he was brought here.
Mabushu:Maybe this Kaseru guy has a thing for crossdressers!(He says with a chuckle.)
Harumoni:(Punches him.)Quit insulting my friends!
Lotion:Uncle Tsubasa!! Hi hi!!!
Perfume:(Shakes his head a bit at Lotion's actions, but waves as well.)Hello Uncle Tsubasa.
Tsubasa:(Blinks in shock.)Uncle? What's....going on? Who are all these people?
Ukyou:We'll explain later. For now all the people our age you don't know are children from the future.
Tsubasa:The....future?(Still in shock.)
Kodachi:(She stirs and wakes up sitting up. She blinks and looks around the area. She suddenly screams.)NOOOOO!!!! Ranma-sama!!!! Why have you been taken from me!?!?!(She breaks down into tears.)
Ranma:Uhhh....I'm...right here.
Kodachi:(Looks at him with a harsh glare, tears in her eyes.)You are NOT my Ranma-sama!! You are a base impostor! My Ranma-sama was...a god.....and now he has been taken from me!!!
Lina:(Nudges her father.)Hey Pop. Wake up.
Gosunkugi:(He stirs a bit and wakes up blinking. His vision focuses on Lina and his eyes widen, basically because a cute girl is so close to him.)Uhhh....uhhh.....hi?(Blushes lightly.)
Lina:(Frowns.)Geez Pop, what's your problem? You usually only get like this around Mom, and even then it's not that often.
Gosunkugi:(He blinks at that and his mind shuts down.)Gah!
Lina:(Frowns more and shakes her head.)Why does my father have to be such an idiot at times. I swear I'm adopted.
Cologne:(Watches as the rest of the conversation begin to break down into chaos. She sighs to herself and lowers her head.)If they do not begin to think, we are all doomed.
Kaseru:(Suddenly his image, transparent blue, forms in the center of the room, at the converging point of all the walls. He chuckles.)Well it seems you are all awake. How nice. I am Sho Kaseru, for those who don't know me and I've invited you all here to play a little game. It's called Survival of the Fittest. The rules are simple. I've created this world specifically for this game. As you can see I've divided you into teams. Each team has a specific course they have to do. All you have to do is get to the end of the course without getting killed. Simple isn't it.
Ranma:What?!
Ryouga:You can't do that to us!(Turns to face Akane who is on the opposite side of the wall he's at.)Don't worry Akane. I won't let anything happen to you.(He begins to beat against the wall with his fists using all his strength.)
Kaseru:(Shakes his head a little.)Useless.
Ryouga:(Growls and pulls his hand back extending his finger.)
Kaseru:Unwise.
Ryouga:BAKUSEI TENKETSU!!!!(He shouts and stabs at the wall with his finger. As soon as it connects the area of contact explodes with a violent burst of greenish energy which arcs all around Ryouga who screams in pain before it stops and he is flung across the space into the opposite wall hard.)
Akane:RYOUGA!!!(She shouts, worried.)
Harumoni:DAD!(She rushes to his side.)
Ryouga:(Growls as he pulls himself to his feet. He grabs his umbrella as his battle aura forms.)Nobody...keeps me....from protecting Akane. NOBODY!!!! AAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!(He shouts and charges the wall as he shouts his battle cry and slams his umbrella into the wall which one again explodes with green energy, except this time his umbrella is piercing the wall, stuck halfway on one side and halfway on the other.)
Kaseru:Impressive.
Ranma:Whoa.
Akane:(Whispers with a small smile on her face.)Ryouga.
Ryouga:Grrrrrrrrrr!!(He growls as he forces the umbrella in more and then suddenly shifts his grips and putting his strength into play he forces his umbrella open, widening the hole. The green energy crackles louder and seems to surround him completely. Suddenly his umbrella begins to glow as he focuses his chi into it along with his anger and depression.)SHI SHI HOUKOUDAN!!!!(He shouts as his umbrella flares to life and a sphere of heavy chi forms and seem to just implode leaving a large man-sized hole in the wall. Ryouga lurches forwards into the other area, the hole quickly closing behind him. He tumbles to the floor in a heap.)
Akane:Ryouga!(She rushes to him and pulls him into her lap holding him tightly.)Ryouga....are you....okay?
Ryouga:(He groans a bit but smiles lightly at Akane.)I'm....fine....now that I'm with you.
Kaseru:(He chuckles.)As sweet as this is I'm afraid I just can't let you stay there.(He snaps his fingers and in a flash of green light Ryouga is gone and back in the area he previously was in.)
Akane:Ryouga!
Ryouga:Akane!(He says going to stand up but slumps to the floor drained.)I'm sorry.
Ranma:Ryouga. Don't worry man. I'll take care of her for you. I promise you I'll do everything I can to keep her safe.
Akane:(She looks back to Ranma.)Ra....Ranma.
Ryouga:(He nods a bit, face grim.)Thank you...Ranma.
Kaseru:Well enough chit chat. Time for the game to start. I hope you all enjoy yourselves.(He says with a smirk as one glowing green portal appears at the outer edge of each section of the house. Almost immediately a vacuum is felt in each area and everyone tries to grab for something to hang on to. Those who don't make it in time are sucked into their respective portals while the others only last a few moments more as the portals power increases. Cologne and Happosai are the last two to go and once their are gone the portals vanish and Kaseru just grins to himself and vanishes as well.)
**********************************
(We see a lightly forested area with several dirt roads cutting through it. At a crossroads a green portal appears and out of it tumbles Ranma, Akane, Ukyou, Nodoka and Genma. The five land in a pile and quickly separate themselves. Ranma looks around the area for any immediate threats while Akane, Ukyou and Nodoka dust themselves off. Genma is standing protectively near Nodoka looking around as well.)
Akane:Well now what do we do?
Ranma:I don't think we got much choice in the matter. We gotta play this game.
Ukyou:Ranchan's right. So where do we go? Do we wait right here?
Genma:I believe we are to head to that city.
(Everyone turns to follow Genma's gaze. Far in the distance just before a mountain is a large walled city with a castle at its center. At the highest castle tower is a glowing green point of light.)
Ranma:(Blinks a bit in shock at his father's idea.)Uhh....what he said.
Nodoka:(Frowns placing a hand on the wrapped bundle she is carrying.)I will have to speak with Kaseru-san when we get out of this. Come children. There is no time for dawdling. The sooner we get started on our way the sooner we will be there.(She says and starts forward heading down the road towards the castle.)
Ranma:(Blinks a bit and then darts forwards in front of his mother.)Mom! It's probably dangerous here. You'd better let me and Pop go first. Okay?
Genma:(Steps up to his son.)Yes dearest. Let us take the lead.
Nodoka:(She pauses for a moment and then smiles.)Very well husband. Girls?
Akane & Ukyou:Yes Mrs. Saotome?
Nodoka:We will have to watch our backs while the boys watch our fronts. Be ready for anything.
(The two girls nods and move into step with the others as the group sets off down the road for the castle. Once they are out of sight of the crossroads where they appeared, a gust of arctic winds blows through the area and Shabranigdo appears with dark grin on his face. He only is there for a moment before another gust of arctic winds blows through and he is gone.)
**********************************
(Into a small clearing in a forest a green portal appears and out of it tumbles Ryouga, Harumoni, Mabushu, Soun and Miss Hinako. Harumoni lands on Ryouga and Miss Hinako lands on Soun while Mabushu lands face first on a large rock.)
Harumoni:Sorry Dad.(She quickly climbs off.)
Soun:(Blinks seeing his position.)Uhhh....are you...all right....Miss Hinako?
Hinako:(She shakes her head a bit and then also notices her position. She glomps onto Soun.)Oh! Thank you so much for saving me Tendo-san!
Soun:Uhhh....yes...well it was nothing.(He laughs nervously as he pries Hinako from himself and rises to his feet.)
Mabushu:(Groans and gets to his feet. He shakes his head and looks at who he's is with.)Great. I'm stuck with you guys. Just my luck.
Harumoni:(Growls.)If you don't shut up you're going to get it.
Ryouga:(Gets to his feet as well and frowns. He lowers his head and sighs.)Akane. I'm sorry.
Harumoni:(She frowns and places a hand on his shoulder.)Dad. Come on. Mom will be okay.
Soun:Yes son. Ranma had vowed to protect her and I know he will do so. Besides, my little girl is very good as defending herself. She will be fine.(He says, to the surprise of everyone there, as he is not bawling his eyes out.)
Ryouga:(Looks up and blinks.)Mr. Tendo.(He pauses and then his face grows determined.)You're right! Ranma is there and Akane can take care of herself.(He glances around.)We have to worry about getting ourselves out of here first.
Hinako:And get my ice cream back from that delinquent!!(She shouts out looking angry.)
(Everyone else just sweatdrops.)
Soun:Yes...well we should get moving. That man did say we had to reach the other end of our area. I believe it is that way.(He says pointing to a mountain, the top of which has a glowing green point of light on it.)
Harumoni:(She grins.)Good going Granfather
Soun:Thank you Harumoni.
Mabushu:Are you sure that's where we are supposed to go. It could be that other mountain over there.(He points to a different mountain right beside the first.
Soun:Uhhh...well....that is.....
Harumoni:(Mallets Mabushu into the ground once more.)Shut up! At least Grandfather had an idea! Hmph!(She starts of stomping away towards the mountains.)
Ryouga:Wait up Harumoni!(He darts after her.)
(Soun and Hinako also quickly follow. Mabushu groans and pulls himself to his feet. He dusts himself off and growls a bit to himself as he watches the retreating figures. He pauses a moment to dig into his pocket and he pulls out a small innocent looking ring. Set into it are three small emeralds, two of which seem normal while the third seems to have a special gleam to it. Almost a magical presence. He stares at the ring as if thinking hard on something and then shoves it back into his pocket.)
Mabushu:No. I promised I'd never use it again.(He then mutters.)No matter how much I'd like to.(He sighs and then takes off in a sprint to catch up to the others.)
**********************************
(We see a single dirt road leading into a forested glade. There is a young woman standing being held up by a group of three men. Each of the men are rather ugly looking and dressed in torn clothes each wielding a sword. The young woman is dressed in an adventuring outfit, sort of, with a cape and adorned with several talismans. She has long black-blue hair which falls down her back.)
Bandit #1:Alright lady! Give us all yer loot and we'll let you live.
Bandit #2:Maybe.
Bandit #3:Har har har har har.
Woman:I...I don't have much money.....but I'll give you what I have.(She says scared.)
Bandit #1:Not much money huh? Heh heh. Well I'll just have to take my satisfaction out of you then.(He says as he advances with a leering grin.)
(Suddenly and glowing green portal appears up in the sky and out of it flies Tarou, Akisu, Lina and Gosunkugi. They fall down, Tarou slamming into Bandit #3, Lina and Akisu dropping onto Bandit #2 and Gosunkugi dropping own head first to collide with the head of Bandit #1. Bandit #1 and Gosunkugi remain that way for several moments before they both collapse unconscious.)
Woman:Oh...oh dear.(She moves to Gosunkugi's side and begins to examine him.)Are you all right sir?
Tarou:(Gets up from the bandit he's on and grunts lightly glancing around.)It appears we stopped a robbery, from the looks of these thugs.
Akisu:(Gets up and glomps onto Tarou's arm and swoons.)Oh. You are so brave!(Giggles.)
Lina:(Still sitting on the Bandit she landed on with Akisu and is staring at the woman and Gosunkugi.)
Woman:Oh dear. He's not waking up.(She places both her hands on his head and closes her eyes concentrating. Her hands begin to glow a light white as she murmurs to herself, chanting. The white glow soon spreads over Gosunkugi's body. After a few moments of this she stops and opens her eyes looking hopefully down at Gosunkugi.)
Gosunkugi:(He stirs and wakes up blinking his eyes. His looks up at the woman who smiles down at him.)What....who....who are....you?(He manages to get out nervously.)
Woman:Oh. I am Sylphiel Nels Rada. Are you all right sir? I thank you for saving me from those brutes.
Gosunkugi:(He blinks and then notices the guy he's laying on. He jumps to his feet away from the man.)Uhhh...oh....uhhh...you're....welcome?(He says still nervous.)
Lina:(She grins a bit and gets to her feet.)Geez Pop! What are being so nervous for? It's only Mom.
Gosunkugi:(His eyes go wide.)What?! Mom? Pop?(He stammers out looking about to feint again.)
Sylphiel:(She blinks a bit frowning lightly looking to Lina.)Miss Inverse? Is that you? Why are you calling me your mother?
Lina:Ahhh...I'm not Lina Inverse, Mom. I'm Lina Gosunkugi and that's my father, Hikaru Gosunkugi, your future husband. You always tell me I look exactly like one of your old friends.
Sylphiel:Mother? But...how?
Lina:Long story short, I'm from the future and I haven't got time to explain everything. We're more than likely going to be fighting for our lives pretty soon. You'd better come along with us Mom. I don't want you getting robbed again.(She starts off down the road heading into the forest.)
Slyphiel:(She blinks a bit but nods slowly, Lina's words making sense.)All right.
Lina:Oh and drag Pop along will ya? I think he's out of it again.
Sylphiel:(She blinks and looks to Gosunkugi who is looking about to feint. She moves to his side and steadies him with an arm around him.)Well....Mr. Gosunkugi. We'd better get going.
Gosunkugi:Uh-huh(He says meekly.)
Akisu:Shall we my love?
Tarou:(Glances to her and then to the others as they head off. He sighs and shrugs.)Why not?(He then moves off Akisu sticking right by his side as they enter into the wooded glade after the others.)
**********************************
(We see a hanger of a space station. There are several hi-tech "planes" sitting at the opposite end. It is empty, save for the few automatic machines doing repairs about the hanger. A green portal appears and out of it is dumped Kanaara, Lilianpelope, Kasumi and Keiichi. They are all clothed differently as instead of what they had been wearing, each of them now have on a flightsuit. They all notice this and blink.)
Lilianpelope:AAAAAHHHHH!! My dress!! My beautiful dress, what happened to it!!??
Kanaara:A flightsuit?(She blinks and looks around spying the "planes".)ALL RIGHT!! Attack mecha!!!(She shouts and is suddenly over at one appearing to be in seven places at once as she furiously looks over the mecha.)
Kasumi:Oh my! She's so energetic.
Keiichi:I wonder if we are supposed to fly those?
Lilianpelope:Kanaara!!! Get down off that mecha this instant! It's not yours! You could break it!(She says heading over to Kanaara and the mecha.)
(Kasumi and Keichii follow, looking around and smiling pleasantly.)
Kanaara:Oh pipe down Sis!(She says as she climbs into the cockpit and puts a helmet on.)Now, how do I start this thing?
Lilianpelope:NO! I forbid you to start that....monstrosity!
Kanaara:Ha! Without our powers you can't do anything to stop me!(She says with a grins and starts flipping switches.)
Lilianpelope:(She jumps up on the ladder and grabs both of Kanaara's hands and the two begin to struggle.)Can't I? You will not play around with this mecha!
Kanaara:Let go Sis! Come on, have a little fun for once!
Lilianpelope:Flying attack mecha is NOT fun!
Kanaara:Yes it is!
Lilianpelope:It is not!
Kanaara:Is too!
Lilianpelope:Is not!
Kasumi:Really so energetic.
(Suddenly alarm klaxons begin to sound and red flashing lights begins to flash all over the hanger diverting everyone's attention.)
Keiichi:Oh my!
Kasumi:It's an alarm.
Lilianpelope:Now see what you did?! You got us discovered! We'll probably be thrown in jail!
Kanaara:I didn't do anything! You're the one making all the noise!
(Suddenly the hanger doors open and a large group of men and women rush inside all spreading out across the hanger.)
Lilianpelope & Kanaara:(At the same time while pointing to each other.)She did it!!
(The men and women ignore them for the most part as several get into other mecha while the rest help launch them out the main hatch. After a few moments several techs come over and begin to prep Kanaara's mecha for launch.)
Tech #1:(To Lilianpelope, Kasumi and Keiichi.)This way please. Your mechs are over here, ready for launch.(He says as several techs begins to escorts them over to their own mechas.)
Lilianpelope:But...but...
Kasumi:Oh my!
Keiichi:How exciting.
(Soon each of them are in a mecha with helmet's on and the canopies down. Kanaara's face suddenly comes on Lilianpelope's screen, along with Kasumi's and Keiichi's.)
Kanaara:This is gonna be GREAT!
Kasumi:We'll be going into outer space?
Kanaara:You bet!
Keiichi:Oh my!
Lilianpelope:Kanaara! Have you even flown one of these before?
Kanaara:Uhhhh....nope! But hey, that's never stopped me before!
(Suddenly all four mechas are catapult-launched out into space.)
Kanaara:YAAAAAAHOOOOOO!!!!!!
Lilianpelope:NOOOOOO!!!!!
Kasumi & Keiichi:(In unison.)Oh my!!
**********************************
(In the middle of what appears to be a Tokyo street a green portal appears dumping out Shampoo, Mousse, Lotion, Perfume, Cologne and Happosai. The six quickly right themselves and look around.)
Cologne:Hmmmmm.
Perfume:It looks like Tokyo.
Happosai:Yes, it does, but with Kaseru what you see isn't always what you get.
Cologne:Indeed. We must be cautious. There is no telling what he'll throw at us.
Lotion:Don't worry Great-Great-Grandmother! We'll be ready for anything!
Shampoo:Like daughter say. We take on anything.
Mousse:So where are we supposed to go?
Cologne:(She pauses in thought for a moment glancing around and then sees stops and pears at something.)There. The top of the Tokyo Tower.
(Everyone turns and looks to where she is looking. Way up at the very top of the Tower is a glowing green point of light.)
Shampoo:Aiya. That very far up.
Cologne:No matter the height, we must go. Come children. The sooner we begin the sooner we will be free.(She says as she begins to pogo off towards the tower, Happosai following closely behind.)
(Shampoo, Mousse, Lotion and Perfume quickly follow behind, their weapons at the ready. Off in a dark alley a large hulking form shifts and brings a walkie talkie up to it's mouth.)
Form:General Bison. They are on their way. Your orders?
Bison's Voice:Excellent. Wait until they reach the halfway point....then spring our first ambush on them. Kaseru wants them...."tested". I'm sure you can handle that.
Form:(A dark chuckle.)Of course General Bison. It will be done.(The form then turns and disappears into the dark shadows of the alley.)
**********************************
(In a very colorful landscape with little houses and bright green grass and large colorful flowers a green portal appears at the center of a spiral yellow brick road that leads out from it's center and then off into the distance to an emerald palace. Out of the portal falls Nabiki, Tsubasa, Kunou, Kodachi and Kotei. They all land around the center and the first noticeable difference is that they are all clothed differently. Nabiki is wearing a innocent blue and white checkered dress and a pair of ruby slippers. Tsubasa is wearing....a dog costume. The others are wearing costumes as well. Kunou is dressed up as a scarecrow, Kodachi as a tin....woman and Kotei as a lion. They all soon come to their senses and notice their surroundings as well as their current attire.)
Nabiki:Well this looks like fun.(She says with a smirk.)
Kunou:What mannery of sorcery is this!(He jumps to his feet, little tufts of straw falling as he begins to rant and rave.)This is an outrage on the House of Kunou, to be forced to wear such degrading attire and dance around like a puppet on a string. I, Tatewaki Kunou, The Blue Thunder of Furinkin High, shall nay be a puppet for anyone!!
Nabiki:(Smirks.)Funny, you making this declaration now.
Kodachi:(Sniffs disdainfully as she rising to her feet.)Yes, brother dear. You really should calm yourself, lest you get your strings tangled up. Ohohohohohohoho!
Kunou:Silence woman!! If I were to wish for your opinion, I would give it to you!
Kotei:(Glancing around at the scenery.)Hmmm....this looks familiar.
Tsubasa:I remember this place.(He pauses as everyone looks at him.)What?
Nabiki:Well aren't you going to fill us in?
Kodachi:Yes, do tell us where we are dog-boy.
Tsubasa:(Frowning a bit.)My name is Tsubasa Kurenai....and if I remember right....it's a place from a gaijin movie. I think it was called "The Wizard of Oz"....so that would make this place Oz.
Kunou:Wizard? I knew it! Foul sorcery is indeed afoot. This wizard is no doubt in the employ of the evil Saotome and seeks to keep me here and away from my Pig-Tailed Goddess!
Nabiki:Give it a rest Kunou-chan. We've got bigger problems than your delusions right now.(She says with a calm gaze and then looks to Tsubasa.)Okay. Any idea why we're dressed like this?
Tsubasa:Well...it looks like we're dressed as the main characters from the movie. You are Dorothy and....I'm Toto and that makes Kunou the Scarecrow....Kodachi the Tin....uhh...Man.
Kodachi:(Scowls.)Woman!
Tsubasa:Right...and...uhh...you the Cowardly Lion.(He says looking to Kotei.)
Kotei:Cowardly?(He smirks.)How interesting...and the name is Kotei Kunou, Mr. Kurenai. Can you remember the plot?
Tsubasa:I think so. Dorothy is taken from home with her dog to the Land of Oz by a tornado which bring her house too. The house crushes an evil witch and Dorothy gets her ruby slippers which are magic. They do something at the end of the movie but I can't remember what it was. Then some little people tell Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to the...uhh....Emerald City to see the Wizard. He can get her home. On the way she meets the Scarecrow, who doesn't have a brain, the Tin....Woman who doesn't have a heart and the Cowardly Lion who has no courage. They all go to see the Wizard together, hoping to get what they want....uhhh...then they have to fight a witch....and that's all I can remember. Oh, there was a lot of singing too, in the movie.
Nabiki:Well then...I guess we are going to see this Wizard.
Kunou:Never! I shall never present myself to the foul Wizard in yonder city for his base pleasures!
Nabiki:(Smirks.)If you only had a brain, Kunou-chan.
Kodachi:Ohohohohoho! Very nicely done Miss Tendo.
Kunou:(Glares at Nabiki.)I despise you.
Nabiki:I'm so glad.
Kotei:(Clears his throat.)Excuse me, but the longer we stay here, the longer it'll take to get home. I believe the other end of our area is the Emerald City.(He points to it in the distance.)Now the sooner we get there the sooner we can leave.
Nabiki:Kotei is right. Let's get going people....and if anyone even thinks of breaking into song I will personally make your life a living hell.(She says calmly before starting off down the yellow brick road, soon followed by Tsubasa, Kotei and Kodachi.)
Kunou:I shall not be moved from this spot!(He remains where he is until the others are almost out of distance and then looks around. He notes several small people peeking out at him from around the large flowers and such. He blinks several times and then takes off after the others.)I believe, perhaps I shall accompany them. They may need my prowess in battle, and Tatewaki Kunou has never let down the weak when they needed me.
**********************************
(Dynast stands on one side of a largish melting pot as a bright blue flame flares harshly underneath it. He is staring intensely at the contents of the pot. A blue glow surround him as he directs his magics into the pot, harnessing the magic of the mirror inside and making sure it retains all it's magic. Kaseru appears in a flash of greenish-white light several feet away. He glances over and nods merely turning and walking across the room. He goes through a door into the Main Chamber where a large bulky man with fire red hair in a pony-tail stands. This man is wearing armor and has the look of a warrior. At his side hangs a huge sword. Standing just to the left of him is Dr. Tofu, looking none too pleased. He glares at Kaseru as he enters.)
Kaseru:Ahhh....glad to see you're awake Doctor.(He looks to the bulky man.)You may go now Garv.
Garv:(He grunts in response and turns striding aware purposefully.)
Dr. Tofu:What do you want with me? I'm just a Doctor. I'm no use to you.(He says with obvious dislike to Kaseru.)
Kaseru:Come come Doctor. You have no idea what use you are to me. Still, I shall get straight to the point. I know that you have in your head the knowledge of something I have been looking for ,for quite sometime. You also possess the skill, which I need.
Dr. Tofu:(Looking a little confused.)What are you talking about?
Kaseru:I am talking about The Chaos Points, dear Doctor.
Dr. Tofu:(His eyes widen in shock.)The...the Chaos Points? But...you can't be serious! Those are the most dangerous pressure points on a human body. If not applied just so the patient will go mad, and even if they are applied correctly there is still a high chance the patient will go mad.
Kaseru:Yes Doctor, I know all about them. You don't have to lecture me. And you needn't worry about me forcing you to use those points on any of your friends. I wish for you to use them on me. That is all you have to do.
Dr. Tofu:On you? You must be crazy.
Kaseru:I suppose living as long as I have does make you somewhat senile, yes, but I am quite in my right mind. I know what the risks involved are Doctor and I am willing to take them, for I have faith in your abilities and in the fact the you will not harm me. Both because you are a doctor and sworn to protect all life and if you do....(He pauses and gestures a sphere floating down and lighting up with the image of Kasumi, smiling happily.)...I will make sure she dies. Will you need some time to prepare, or can you begin to procedure immediately?
Dr. Tofu:(He stares in shock at the sphere and then glares at Kaseru with undisguised hatred. After several moments he lowers his head.)I can begin immediately. You'll have to lay down on your stomach though and I'll need a short time to study your back.
Kaseru:Excellent Doctor.(The sphere pops like a bubble.)You have just ensured the young lady will be fine. Follow me.(He turns with a smirk and walks across the hall to another door, opposite the one he came out, Dr. Tofu in tow.)
**********************************
(Genma and Ranma are walking down the road, a forest on either side while Nodoka is in the middle, her bundle held tightly, yet gently in her hands. Akane and Ukyou are tense as well as they follow behind Nodoka looking back every now and then. They walk along in relative silence, except for Genma whispering to Ranma a few times. Soon they come across a set of crossroads with a small pond just off the road.)
Nodoka:I do not know about you ladies, but I could use a drink of water.(She moves for the pond and kneels, using her hands to get a scoop up water to her mouth.)
(Akane and Ukyou smile a bit and move joining her at the pond. Genma leans close to Ranma.)
Genma:(Whispering.)So far so good boy. With any luck we can get out of this without your mother finding out about...you know what.
Ranma:(Whispers back.)Right.
Nodoka:Husband? Would you care for a drink? You look awfully thirsty.
Genma:(Laughs a bit nervously.)No no dear! I'm fine. I'll just scout out ahead a bit. You all rest here until I come back.
Nodoka:(Smiles and nods.)Very well.
(She turns her attention back to Ukyou, who was talking with her in low hushed tones. Ranma sits down on a rock and groans a bit rubbing his neck with his hand. Akane walks over and sits down next to him watching him for a bit.)
Akane:Ranma.
Ranma:Yeah....Akane?
Akane:(She pauses a moment and then look to him.)Why did you do it?
Ranma:(Blinks in confusion.)Do what?
Akane:Why did you tell your father you didn't want to marry me. You could have made it stick you know. Dad probably would have taken back his blessing if you wanted to marry me. Why did you do that?
Ranma:(He looks at her for several moments and then just sighs and turns his head looking away.)Akane. I...I do...love you.(He laughs a bit bitterly.)Funny how easy that is to say now. Anyways, I love you....and I never wanted to hurt you. Even all the times we fought. You were always so....cute when you smiled. I wanted you to smile all the time but...I just couldn't make that happen. Now, I look at you and Ryouga....and you smile when you look at him. He can do what I couldn't. He makes you happy.(He pauses a moment and looks back to Akane, who is smiling lightly at him.)You remember when we were with Shinnosuke and his Grandfather? Well, just before we all went out to fight the Orochii, Ryouga said something and I remember thinking how right he was at the time. He said, "No matter who Akane chooses, I'll always love her." I feel the same way really. As long as you're happy...I will be too.(He says smiling lightly. He then blinks and turns his head to see Genma, Nodoka and Ukyou standing watching them both intently. He jumps to his feet.)GAH! Don't you guys got nothing better to do!?!
Ukyou:Sorry Ranchan.
Genma:(At Ranma's side.)Ranma my boy! Don't you see, this tender moment only enforces what I've been saying all along! You and Akane are made for each other, now if you two will just....
Akane:(Interrupts Genma.)NO! I don't care about your stupid arrangement! I'm marrying Ryouga, and that's that!
Ranma:(Punches Genma.)Yeah Old man!
Nodoka:(Looking a little stern at Genma.)Husband. I believe you and I have the little matter of Miss Kuonji's engagement to our son to discuss.
Genma:(Gulps and looks around, seeking an escape. He finds none. He lowers his head in defeat.)Yes Dear.
Nodoka:(She nods.)Come. We will discuss this along the way.(She starts off down the road alongside her husband.)
Ranma:(Looks to Ukyou.)You told Mom?
Ukyou:(A small smile on her face.)I had to Ranchan. You're not mad are you?
Ranma:(Smirks a bit.)Naaah. Besides Mom will give Dad something to think about for his stupid mistakes.
Akane:(Grins a bit.)Maybe we should tell her about Shampoo?
Ranma:Uhhh...let's not. Remember....the curse.
Akane:Oh right.
Nodoka:(Calls back.)Children! Don't dawdle now!
Ranma:Yes Mom.
Akane & Uykou:Yes Mrs. Saotome!
(The three rush off after them down the road, the city looming in the distance, closer now, but still quite far.)
**********************************
(Running across a large grassy field we see Harumoni, Mabushu, Ryouga, Soun and Hinako, in her child form. Hinako is being carried in Soun's arms as the group quickly makes ground running as fast as they can. Harumoni has a set of cuffs attached to her wrist and the other end to Ryouga's, to keep him from getting lost. They are about half-way to the mountain now and steadily gaining ground.)
Harumoni:Are you sure this is the right way Grandfather?(She says while running.)
Soun:(He laughs a bit.)I have no idea. We are, however, making very good time!(He laughs some more.)This reminds me of the time Saotome and I were in training under the Master. We did a lot of running back then.
Mabushu:Weren't you guys running from hordes of women whose panties that old freak stole?
Soun:(Coughs a bit looking nervous.)Well...yes. We tried to stop him, but he just wouldn't listen to us.
Hinako:You were so brave to stand up to your Master like that Tendo-san!(She gushes happily from her place in Soun's arms.)And thank you so much for carrying me like this.(She swoons.)
Soun:No thanks are necessary Miss Hinako. It is a martial artists duty to help those less fortunate than themselves.
(The group continues running as the terrain begins to slope upwards into a hill which seems to stretch to either side of them as far as they can see. They quickly bound up the side of it and over the top, only to find the other side made of sand. The group quickly loosing their footing and the whole five go tumbling down the other side of the hill. Coming to rest at the bottom of the hill the group slowly comes to their senses and notices they are now at the beginning of a rather large desert which is spread out in front of them all the way to the mountains.)
Mabushu:Well this is great. I don't suppose anybody thought to bring along some water from that stream we passed a while back?(He says and glances around.)Didn't think so.(He mutters and falls back into the sand.)Why am I always surrounded by such idiots?
Harumoni:(Growls and clenches her fists, raising one as if to hit Mabushu. She just lowers it after a few moments and mutters to herself.)As much as I hate to admit it we need him....for now.
Ryouga:Well there's water out there. Somewhere. You just have to know where to look for it.
Mabushu:(Glances at him sideways.)And you do?
Harumoni:Of course my father does! He's been all over the world and traveled in every climate imaginable. If there's any water out there, he can find it!(She looks to Ryouga.)Right Dad!?
Ryouga:Uhhhh.(Blushes a bit.)I'll do my best.
Soun:I know you will son.(He says to Ryouga while helping Miss Hinako up.)Are you all right?
Hinako:(Leans further into Soun:)I am now....Tendo-san.(Smiles.)
Ryouga:(He pauses for a moment, looking around at the desert, before he nods and points.)I think we should go this way.
Mabushu:Which means we should go this way.(He says pointing in a completely different direction.)
Harumoni:(Punches Mabushu.)Shut up!(Turns to face Ryouga.)Don't listen to him Dad. Lead the way!
Ryouga:(He smiles a bit.)Okay. Follow me everyone.(He says and starts off in the direction he indicated.)
(Harumoni follows right behind Ryouga, their wrists still attached. Soun and Hinako are right behind Harumoni. Mabushu shakes his head and grumbles to himself as he begins to trudge along after them, a little ways behind the others.)
Mabushu:I'm trusting my life to a person who can't find his way out of a wet paper bag to lead me across a desert safely and find us water in the process.(He sighs and looks to the group.)Plus I'm getting abused by his overly-violent daughter.(He pauses a moment and digs the ring out of his pocket looking at it again before sighing and putting it back.)She's making it very tempting to use this. Very, VERY tempting!(He just shakes his head and continues to trudge along.)
(As the group slowly moves off in the distance, getting smaller and smaller, a small tuft of blue appears in the sand. It gets bigger and bigger and soon it's apparent that something is rising out of the sand. A few moments later Phibrizo's head emerges and soon the rest of him. He smirks to himself as he just stares at the receding forms of the group. He holds a hand up forming a ball of darkness in it. The ball moves floating up and then down into the sand at his feet. As it does the sand becomes blackish, almost shadow-like. Then it shoots of at a rapid pace towards the group, gaining ground and quickly overtaking them. It expands until a large area of sand underneath them is black.)
Ryouga:(He stops noticing this and looks around.)Uhhh...something's wrong.(He says narrowing his eyes.)
(Just then the black sand just disappears leaving a large gaping hole in the ground, pitch-black and going down for who knows how far. The group blinks in shock as they hover for a brief moment before gravity takes hold and they all fall screaming into the black abyss. While their screams are still echoing Phibrizo appears at the edge of the hole and looks down into it.)
Phibrizo:Welcome to hell.(He says before he laughs and slowly vanishes from sight.)
**********************************
(Zooming across treetops and over fields we see Lina encased in a sphere of air. A light glow is around her hands as she directs the sphere heading for the shoreline and an island just off the coast. Just behind her in the bubble of air stands Tarou with Akisu leaning into him happily. Beside them stands Gosunkugi looking very nervous and embarrassed with Sylphiel close by. The bubble darts and weaves around the high towers of a city and quickly passes it and it flies off out over the ocean and begins to descend towards the island, which has a glowing green point of light at the center of a town. After weaving down between the buildings the bubble lands and then vanishes, leaving the group standing on a street.)
Lina:(She glances around at the few people on the streets.)Hmmmm.
Tarou:(Looking uninterested in everything.)So. What now?
Sylphiel:Ummm....Lina? Are you sure that I am your mother? Maybe it was just someone who looks a lot like me?
Lina:Hmm? No it's you.(She smiles and then looks to Tarou.)Now, we find that point of light and get us outta here.
Gosunkugi:(Clears his throat a bit and blinks as all eyes focus on him.)Ummmm....perhaps...uhhhh....we could ask around?
Lina:I don't think that'd work Pop.(She says trying not to hurt his feelings.)I mean come on. This guy wants to make it tough on us! We aren't going to find it stopping some local on the street and asking "Excuse me but could you tell us where the glowing point of light is?"(She says with a light laugh.)
(A man passing by stops and blinks.)
Man:Sure thing young lady. You just follow that street there two blocks down and then turn right and keep going till you see it! Can't miss it! Enjoy yourselves!(He says with a chuckle and keeps going on his way.)
Lina:(Blinks. Several times.)Uhhhh
Sylphiel:(Blinks as well.)How odd.
Gosunkugi:It...worked?
Tarou:If you all are through gawking, I suggest we go home now.
Akisu:(Bubbles happily.)Oh, you are so in charge!(Giggles.)
(They all start off down the road and turn right heading down the street looking around curiously. After a time the street lets out into some sort of town square with a huge building in front of them. They all stare at it, but moreso at the big neon-like sign over the doors which state, "Glowing Point of Light Restaurant and Inn".)
Gosunkugi:We....found it?
Tarou:It's a restaurant?
Akisu:I wonder if they have good food.
Sylphiel:I don't think now is a good time to worry about the food they serve. We have to find your gateway home.
Lina:(Drools a bit and then snaps out of it.)What do you mean, not a good time to worry about food?! It's ALWAYS time to worry about food. Especially when I haven't eaten for hours!(She grins at the restaurant.)Look out food! Here I come!(She then breaks into a run leaving a cloud of dust in her wake as she zoom into the restaurant.)
Gosunkugi:Ummm...do we have enough money for this place?
Tarou:I wasn't aware we had money from this world at all.
Sylphiel:I have a little...but not enough for this restaurant. It's one of the most expensive I hear.
Akisu:(She pauses for a moment acting like her old self.)I guess we'd better go and stop her then. Right Tarou-chan?!(She says getting bubbly again.)
Tarou:Mmmm.(He grunts in response.)
(The group sighs to themselves and slowly begins to trudge up the steps of the restaurant while sounds of a battle begin to be heard from inside. Lina's voice then rings out over the area.)
Lina:Listen pal! When I ask for triple portions I expect TRIPLE PORTIONS!! Now haul!
**********************************
(A Zentraedi warship looms ominously in space, surrounded by clouds of battle pods. Suddenly explosions rock a grouping as Kanaara flies her veritech through it, in fighter mode, leaving destruction in her wake. Lilianpelope follows behind her, in battloid mode, and takes out two of the pods "daintily" with her rifle. Kasumi's plane is just hovering there watching. Strangely no missile or beams of energy or battle pods even come close to touching her craft. Keiichi's mecha, on the other hand, is performing feats of flying that even Max Sterling would be in awe of. It is zooming through cloud after cloud, unleashing volley of missiles and firing his rifle as he switches from battloid to guardian mode in mid-turn or while taking out enemy mecha.)
Keiichi:This is so...exciting.(He says a happy grin on his face.)
Kanaara:That's the way to do it kiddo! You're a natural!(She laughs.)
Kasumi:Oh my. Whoever these people are they aren't very nice.(She says somewhat sternly.)
Kanaara:Yeah I know. That's why we're fighting em!
Kasumi:But fighting is so.....violent. Shouldn't we try to talk to them first!?
Kanaara:Talk to them!? Are you nuts!?
Kasumi:No. I don't believe so. I'll bet no one's even tried talking to them.(Suddenly her veritech turns and leisurely flies off and lands on the Zentraedi ship at an airlock. She transforms into battloid mode and knocks gently on the airlock door.)Hello? Hello is someone there?
Kanaara:(Lands beside her on the hull.)Listen talking isn't going to help!
Lilianpelope:(Lands as well.)As much as I hate to say so, she may be right. These people are so barbaric is makes Kanaara look civilized!
Kanaara:HEY! Shut up!
Keiichi:(Lands with the rest and shoots a couple more.)Are we going in!? Do you think they'll be more of those things to shoot inside! This is so....exhilarating!
Kasumi:(Knocks on the door again.)Hello? Is anyone home?
Kanaara:That's not going to get their....(She stops as a an alarm begins beeping on her console.)Incoming missiles! GET OUT OF THE WAY!
(The four pilots hit their thrusters and begin to move away, but not quick enough as a volley of missile slams into both them and the hull. A gaping hole is left where the missile hit the hull and the four veritechs are sucked inside the ship, the hull quickly repairing itself. The four battered and badly damaged veritech are now laying just inside a large chamber. Kasumi, Lilianpelope and Kasumi are all unconscious and Kanaara is fading fast. She lifts her head and looks out of the hole in her veritech seeing three giant hulking forms looming over her.)
Kanaara:We're screwed.(She states before she also passes out.)
(Off in the command center Breetai stands watching a vidscreen with images of the battle, particularly the four veritechs that were piloted by Kanaara, Lilianpelope, Kasumi and Keiichi. He frowns thoughtfully to himself as the images of them being sucked into the ship replay itself.)
Breetai:Do we have them secured?
Exedore:Yes. I believe we have fulfilled the Supreme Commanders orders and as such I think it would be wise to study these micronians. It may give us valuable insight into their thinking processes. Also perhaps Sub-Supreme Commander Dolza would be interested in questioning them.
Breetai:(He gives it some thought and then nods.)Yes. That would be logical Exedore.(He turns to the group of men manning stations below him and the balcony where his chair is and shouts.)Prepare for hyperspace jump back to the main base!
(The men give affirmatives and soon the ship is surrounded by a glowing field of energy as it suddenly winks out of existence and shoots across hyperspace to the Main base, which is currently just a glowing green point of light in the distance of space.)
**********************************
(Cologne and Happosai sit calmly on a table top, each one sipping a cup of tea and smoking a pipe. The table they are on is on the outdoor patio of a cafe and the Tokyo Tower looms in the distance, only about a mile or so away.)
Happosai:Hmmmm....what do you think?
Cologne:I think they are doing rather well. I highly doubt they'll need our help.
Happosai:Yes. I believe you're right.
(Two hulking forms suddenly loom up behind them, arms outstretched. Casually they take a puff from their pipes and they each lightly tap the hand about to grab them. The two forms go flying off in opposite directions two crashes and groans of pain are heard. We pull back from the table to see Lotion, Perfume, Shampoo and Mousse squaring off against eight other men, each of whom already look worse for the wear. Standing off watching the battle are two other men. The first is a thin yet athletic looking man wearing a mask over his face with just two eyeholes. His clothes consist of just a pair of pants with a cloth belt of green. Over his right hand is a metal claw with three long prongs. The other man is a colored one with rippling muscles. He is wearing a blue shirt and short as well as a pair of boxing gloves. The eight men are all dressed alike, in black kimono, each brandishing a different edged weapon. The unconscious forms of about 12 other men are lying scattered around the area. The eight men still standing slowly surround the four children.)
Mousse:Ready daughter?
Lotion:(She nods.)Yup.
Shampoo:You ready, son?
Perfume:As ready as I'll ever be.
(The four facing Shampoo and Perfume suddenly rush forward as one to attack. Shampoo darts forward a moment later along with Perfume, the two going opposite angles from each other, bonbori at the ready. They move like mirror images of each other each blocking a strike from one of the men and leaping back into each other. they seem to pause for a moment in mid air as they press up against each other back to back, their legs bent and feet flat against each other. Then they both push off and flip through the air each between two of the men, their bonbori striking out and connecting with each of their heads. The four men wobble a little as Shampoo and Perfume land on their feet at the same time, and then the men collapse. Mousse and Lotion leap forward like Shampoo and Perfume did, at opposite angles and let loose with several lengths of chain to the other. They land on the sides of buildings grabbing the other's chains and they begins to leap back and forth across the street, wrapping the chains around the four men who suddenly don't know what to do as they are enclosed by a huge chain mesh. Mousse and Lotion suddenly land and pull very hard, the chains tightening and pushing all four men together hard completely bound by the chains. Both nods and let the chains go from their hands. Suddenly a loud screeching of tires gets everyone's attention and they turn to see the other two men standing by a black car, the doors open.)
Masked Man:You are very good, but not good enough to beat me.
Colored Man:Yeah. You are gonna get so busted up when I get to you.
Perfume:If you think so, then let's go.
Masked Man:(He laughs.)In due time. We'll be waiting at the Tower.(He gets into the car along with the colored man and it quickly speeds of into another screech of tires, heading for the Tokyo Tower.
Perfume:Cowards!!
Lotion:(Looking angry.)You come back here and fight!!
Cologne:Calm down children. We will see them again. This was merely a test. The real battle is waiting for us there.(She says pointing to the tower.)
Shampoo:If real battle is there, then that where we go! Yes Great-Grandmother?
Cologne:(She nods putting down he tea and getting up on her staff.)Yes, let us be on our way. We'll have to play by our rules now. Not theirs.
Mousse:(Cracks his knuckles and grins.)Best news I've heard all day.
Cologne:(She cackles and then begins pogoing towards the tower.)Come!
(The others quickly follow and begins to hop from car to car or anything else that isn't the ground. Happosai follows up the group, pausing to raid a few women's underwear shops as he goes.)
(Way up on the top of the Tokyo Tower General Bison stands grinning evilly, the wind whipping his cloak behind him as dark cloud begin to form in sky above. He chuckles darkly as he looks down at the city below him, as if he can actually see the group as it moves towards the tower.)
Bison:Yes. That's it. Come to me. Come to me and feel what real power is. Feel what real torture is. Feel...what death is.
**********************************
(Lying on a bed, of sorts, is Kaseru, his kimono opens and bunched down around his waist, leaving his back open. Dr. Tofu is bent over examining his back intently, a light nervous sweat on his brow. He swallows hard as he trails his fingers across Kaseru's back in a small area, as if looking or feeling for something. He pauses for a moment and then places a finger over a spot on Kaseru's back and again pauses. He closes his eyes for a moment and prays this is the right spot. He then opens his eyes and concentrates for several moments before he applies pressure to the one finger quickly and expertly. He lets out the breath he had been holding and takes a step back looking at Kaseru. For a short while nothing happens and then Kaseru pushing himself up to sitting and begins to adjust his kimono back.)
Kaseru:Excellent work Doctor. You've managed to correctly apply the Chaos Points to me. Your young lady friend is absolutely safe.(He rises and places his hand on the Dr. Tofu's shoulder patting it.)Smile Doctor. you've done something viewed as quite impossible in today's medicine!(He laughs a bit and then shifts his grip lightly.)
Dr. Tofu:Urk!(Is all he can get out before he goes entirely limp and collapses to the floor unconscious.)
(Kaseru chuckles and walks towards the door which opens as Garv walks in and salutes.)
Kaseru:Garv. The Doctor is no longer of use to me. See to it that he is properly taken care of.(He says with a dark grin and walks out past Garv.)
Garv:Yes Kaseru-sama.(He states stiffly and walks towards the Doctor, loosening his sword.)
(Kaseru gestures and the door shuts behind him. He crosses the huge throne room and picks up the Desire Doll which had just been sitting on the throne. He gestures again and the door in front of him opens. He enters just in time to see a bright flash of bluish light, after which we see Dynast reaching into the pot and pulling out silver item on a chain.)
Kaseru:Ahhhh. It is finished?
Dynast:(He turns and nods.)It is finished Kaseru-sama and all of the magic is intact as you have requested.
Kaseru:Excellent!(He reaches out and takes the item in his hands. The item looks to be some kind of locket on a thick silver chain. It is intricately engraved with highly stylized letters "S.K." on the front. On the back is another highly stylized engraving, this on of the symbol for ying and yang, the "white" portion of the symbol being raised and the "black" portion being lowered. Over top of this symbol is the symbol for infinity, the mobius strip, the "circular" parts encircling the dots of the ying and yang. He depresses a small button on it's side and the front opens up revealing a hollow space inside. He nods and look to the doll, whose eyes snap open and begins to spark. In a flash of greenish-white light the hollow space is filled making the item what he intended it to be. A pocketwatch. He nods and then concentrates as one of the eyes of the doll slowly begins to spark more and soon it is glowing a bright greenish-white. The glow detaches itself and slowly floats over and immerses itself into the watch, the face of which begins to lightly glow green. He snaps the pocketwatch shut and lets go of his concentration, the doll's single sparking eye returning to normal.)Now to test my new toy. But how?(He then gets an idea and grins turning and striding off into the throne room again, beginning to laugh as he goes.)
**********************************
(We see a peaceful and serene forest stream babbling along softly. A deer timidly walks out from some bush over to the stream and lowers it's head taking a couple of drinks from the cool water. It suddenly lifts it's head and looks over it's shoulder apparently alarmed by something. It then turns and bolts off into the bushes on the opposite side of the small clearing the stream runs through. A few moments later Genma, Nodoka, Akane, Ukyou and Ranma bound into the clearing and move away from the bushes they just emerged from.)
Ukyou:(Looks to Ranma.)That's the Saotome Ultimate Technique?!?! Running away!!!
Ranma:Hey it's harder than it looks!
Nodoka:We have bigger concerns than that children.(She says unwrapping her bundle revealing the katana that was hidden inside. She unsheathes it and sets herself at the ready.)
(The children nod and looks to the bushes, from which growling is now heard. The bushes begin to rustle and are suddenly torn away as seven large and ugly looking creatures lumber into the clearing snarling and looking general evil. Each of them have a horn on their heads and a mouth full of viscous looking teeth. They only wear a loincloth of sorts and their skin is either all blue or green or even red.)
Akane:What are they?!
Ranma:They're ugly that's all I know!
Genma:Whatever they are they are very tough.
Ranma:Yeah well let's see if they can handle this!(He says and begins to gather his confidence creating a ball of chi in his hands. he grins a bit as the creatures seem to back away a bit.)MOUKO TAKABISHA!!!!(He shouts and thrusts his hands forwards, the ball of chi exploding forward in a beam of bright blue energy which slams into the first creature knocking it back into the others.)
Ranma:Heh. That ought to do it! Huh?!(He exclaims seeing the creature getting back up, the burn mark on it quickly healing.)
(The creature roars and lunges at Ranma swiping the air with it's claws. Ranma dodges nimbly and leaps into the air, jumping off the creatures head sending it sprawling into the dirt. He lands beside his father.)
Ranma:Pop! Chi doesn't even hurt 'em for long!
Genma:Mmmm. Perhaps they can be knocked out?
Ranma:(He nods.)Let's double-team one!
(Ranma and Genma crouch low to the ground for a moment before leaping into the air and striking one of the creatures with a flying kick, one to each side of it's head. They land only long enough to jump again and rebound off of two other creatures to send themselves flying at the dazed creature. Both connect solidly to each side of it's head with a foot with a muted thunk noise. They push themselves off and land beside it as it groans and collapses.)
Ranma:Got it!
Genma:Good work boy!
Akane:Ranma! Look out!!
(Ranma turns just in time to see three of the creatures swiping at him. Genma and him leap back to avoid the claw of those three, only to wind up in the rang of the other three. Those grab at him and Genma, lifting them up and growling as if they are going to eat them. Nodoka suddenly rushes forward in a blur of motion passing all three creatures by, her sword moving as if an extension of her own body. They let out howls of pain and in spasming throw Ranma and Genma away.)
Nodoka:Husband! Son!(She rushes after them.)
(Ranma grins a bit and then notices what Genma has. They are descending very quickly towards the river stream.)
Ranma:Oh no!!
Akane:Ranma!(She covers her eyes.)
Ukyou:Ranchan!
(Realizing the inevitable both Ranma and Genma close their eyes as they fall. A few moments later they splash down sending up two columns of water into the air.)
Nodoka:(Stops at the streams edge.)Are you all right Ran....(She stops in mid word as she sees the young red-headed girl sitting in the stream alongside a big wet panda. She blinks in shock as her mind slowly realizes what just happened.)Ran....ma? Husband?(She says to the girl and the panda.)
Ranma-chan:(She swallows.)Uhhh.....eheheheh. Hi Mom. You know...you're gonna find this really funny when you think about it.
Genma-panda:{I'm just an ordinary panda!!}
Ranma-chan:(Punches Genma-panda.)Shut up Old Man!(Grumbles a bit and then looks to Nodoka who is still staring in shock.)Mom? Mom?!
Nodoka:Ranma?(She says still not wanting to believe it.)
Akane:Mrs. Saotome? We can explain.
Ukyou:Yeah, if you'll just listen.
(Nodoka says nothing, just staring. Suddenly a growl from behind them gets their attention as one of the creatures looms up behind Nodoka claws raised to slash.)
Ranma-chan:(She leaps forwards.)Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken!!!!(She shouts and punches the creature a good three hundred times in a few seconds knocking it down to it's knees gasping for breath. She turns and grabs Akane and Ukyou, one under each arm!)Pop! Get Mom and come on! We gotta get out of here!!!(She says while breaking into a run and heading alongside the stream.)
(Genma-panda nods and grabs Nodoka pausing only long enough to whack the creature that was about to grab her with his sign before following Ranma-chan.)
Akane:(Struggles.)I can run Ranma!
Ranma-chan:(Let's go of Akane and Ukyou who begins running alongside her.)Sorry Akane.
Ukyou:You didn't have to let me go Ranchan.
Ranma-chan:Now is not the time Ukyou.
(The group keeps running the trees thinning out ahead of them while the growling of the creatures is heard following close behind.)
Ranma-chan:Pop! How's Mom doing!?(She shouts while glancing back.)
Genma-panda:{She's doing fine boy!}(He signs to Ranma-chan who turns to watch ahead of her. He then flips the sign around and on the other side it says.){Besides, she hasn't killed us yet like this.}
(Suddenly the forest breaks and the group rush out and onto a vast stretch of barren and rocky wasteland. They pause at the suddenness of it all. A ruined tower stands just a little ways away, seeming to dominate the area.)
Ranma-chan:There! We can hide out in there!(She shouts and takes off for it the others following.)
(As Genma-panda begins running a creatures breaks the forest behind him and swipes barely missing him. He begins to bound away from the creature holding up two signs for it to see.)
Genma-panda:{Don't you know it's "Be Nice To Pandas" week!}{You wouldn't like me I'm all stringy! Eat the three girls!}
(The creatures growls in response, if it actually read the signs at all and gives chase. Genma-panda hurls the signs at it which take the creature in the face and knock it down. He gruffs to himself happily and continues bounding after the others. After several minutes of running from the creatures the reach the ruined tower and quickly enter.)
Ranma-chan:Quick help me shut the doors!(She shouts and turns to see the doors, off their hinges and lying against the walls, with large holes in them.)Oh great!
Akane:Ranma! Here they come!
(The creatures keep advancing towards the tower getting closer and closer until they are almost at the doors. It is then they skid to a stop and look about as if scared out of their minds. They take a few steps back before howling and running away from the tower.)
Ukyou:Why did they do that?
Ranma-chan:I don't know or care. They're gone!
Nodoka:Ranma.(She says her voice stern.)
Ranma-chan:(She turns to see Nodoka standing, holding her katana in her hand looking more than a little angry. Genma-panda is cowering beside her.)Uhhh...Mom listen I can explain.
Nodoka:Explain? Explain what? You lied to me. You lied to your own mother!
Ranma-chan:(She winces.)Mom...
Nodoka:No! Don't say a word. I don't know who to be more angry at. Your father for taking you away from my and getting this to happen, you for going along with him and helping lie to me or myself for letting either of you two out of my sight!(She says her voice hurt as she turns and looks down at Genma.)My husband is a panda.(She says as if it were trivial and shakes her head looking back to Ranma-chan.)You are aware that your father made me a promise before he left.
Ranma-chan:(Her eyes widen and she gulps.)Y...yes.
Akane:Mrs. Saotome! You can't!
Ukyou:(Throws her arms around Ranma-chan.)NO!
Nodoka:(She looks to Akane and Ukyou.)Girls. This is not of your business.(She looks at Ukyou sternly until she removes herself from him and backs away. She then looks to Ranma-chan.)Now, your father promised me when he left with you that he would have made you a "man among men" for when he returned to me with you. You both have returned and now I am faced with a decision. I am faced with a husband who turns into a panda and a son who turns in a daughter.(She sighs softly and looks down at the katana in her hands.)I am faced with a decision I do not to make but I must. Honor must be satisfied.
(Suddenly a dark chuckle echoes through the ruined tower.)
Nodoka:(She lifts her head and looks around harshly.)Who is there?!
(A gust of arctic cold wind blows in and around the tower. Shabranigdo suddenly appears with a dark grin on his face, his robes and hair tousling lightly in the wind. His staff chiming softly.)
Shabranigdo:That would be me, my dear, and I believe you have more important things to worry about than honor. Such as your life.(He grins even more and strikes his staff to the ground. As he does a column of light erupts from underneath Genma-panda, Nodoka, Akane and Ukyou. They all scream for a moment until the light fades showing them each trapped in a clear bubble of sorts. Only Ranma-chan is free.)
Ranma-chan:(She glares at Shabranigdo and stalks up to him glaring even more when he gets close.)Let them go! NOW!
Shabranigdo:I would be most glad to, but I'm afraid only three of them. you see you've reached this far, the halfway point with all of you. So I'm afraid I have to kill one of you now.
Nodoka:What?
Ukyou:Ranchan!
Akane:(She swallows in shock clasping her hands in front of her.)Ryouga.(She whispers thinking she's going to die.)
Genma(Waving a sign frantically.){You can't kill me! I'm on the endangered species list!}
Ranma-chan:You aren't going to kill any of them!
Shabranigdo:You're exactly right.(He chuckles and then his face goes completely serious.)You are.
Ranma-chan:(She takes a step back form the shock.)Wh....what? I am not!
Shabranigdo:Oh yes. You are. you see...you are going to pick one of them to die and if you don't. I'll kill them all!(He grins again.)You can save three of them, by choosing one to die. Who will it be? Your father? He's always got you into trouble. Choose him and he won't be around anymore to do that.
Genma-panda:(Gulps and holds up a new sign.){Son? Son?! You...you wouldn't....would you?}
(Ranma-chan just look to Genma a lightly hurt look to her face.)
Shabranigdo:Or your mother? You haven't seen her for ten years. You hardly even know her and now she wants to kill you and your father. Not a very good mother I'd say.
Nodoka:(Gasps and drops her katana dropping to her knees in the bubble, tears beginning to form.)Ra...Ranma! I....I...(She just breaks down into tears, the truth hurting her quite a bit.)
Ranma-chan:(She winces and looks away whispering.)Mom.
Shabranigdo:Or maybe Miss Tendo. She's always abused you. Hit you tried to poison you. I'm sure you wouldn't miss her too much if she were to....be chosen.(He chuckles lightly.)
Akane:(Looking to Ranma.)Ranma?
Ranma-chan:(She looks to Akane and looks away after a moment.)
Shabranigdo:Or will it be Miss Kuonji? First she wanted to kill you and now she wants to own you. Rather selfish I would think. Without her, your fiancee mess would be a lot more simple.
Ukyou:Ranchan! No....please...(She cries out tears forming in her eyes as well.)
Ranma-chan:Ucchan.(She clenches her eyes shut as well as her fists.)
Shabranigdo:(He raises his voice.)Which will it be Ranma?! Which one will die so the others will live.
(Ranma-chan says nothing. She just stands, head lowers and lightly shaking. The other four watch in tense anticipation, hoping they won't be chosen but feeling bad about that as well. They know if they don't die one of the others will. Suddenly Genma-panda sits up and growfs getting Ranma-chan's attention.)
Genma-panda:{Choose me boy. I've lived a good life and without me you won't be in trouble all the time.}
Ranma-chan:(She blinks a bit but then smiles a bit.)Thank Pop, but no. I won't choose you.
Genma-panda:(Suddenly crying.){Oh thank you son! Thank you thank you thank you thank you....etc.!!}
Shabranigdo:Well which one of them will it be?
Ranma-chan:(Turns and glares.)None of them! I won't choose any of them! you want to kill someone to let the rest go on you kill me!(She shouts angrily and sets herself into a battle stance.)
Shabranigo:(He raises a eyebrow.)How noble. Stupid. But noble. Very well. If that is your choice.(He says casually and then gestures with his hand at Ranma-chan. A dim white glow forms and then it seems like the area around his hand suddenly tilts. The next moment a brilliant column of blindingly white light lashes forward and envelopes a surprised Ranma-chan, whose shadow can been seen inside. It quickly melts away to the horror of the other's watches. He chuckles to himself as the light fades and Ranma's burnt and tattered shirt flutters to the floor.)I shall leave you all...for now. Keep on moving. I'll see you again at the end.(He says and snaps his fingers, the bubbles bursting as a gust of arctic wind gusts through the ruined tower. He vanishes with it.)
(The four fall to the floor but quickly rushes over to the shirt crowding around it.)
Akane:(Tears forming in her eyes.)Ranma....Thank you.
Ukyou:(She is just crying and moaning, unable to think.)
Genma-panda:{I will avenge you. Son.}
**********************************
(We seen a room of sorts, dimly lit from the glowing crystal which are embedded in the walls and ceiling and even the floor in places. Ryouga, Soun, Hinako, Harumoni and Mabushu are all lying on the floor. They all groan and slowly begin to wake up. After a few minutes they are all awake and getting to their feet.)
Mabushu:(Rubbing his head as he stands.)Where....where are we?
Soun:It appears to be a room of sorts.
Mabushu:Thank you so much for that brilliant deduction.(He says sarcastically.
Soun:Don't worry Miss Hinako. There is nothing to be scared of.
Ryouga:(He looks around a bit.)I don't think....we're alone.
(A soft clapping noise emits from off to one side of the room and out of the shadows steps Phibrizo.)
Phibrizo:As the young man would say, brilliant deduction. Welcome to hell. I am Phibrizo, the HellMaster.
Mabushu:(Blinks and cracks up laughing.)A kid?!?(He laughs even more.)Oh this is rich!
Ryouga:(He frowns a bit gripping his umbrella tighter.)I don't think that's a normal kid.
Harumoni:Dad? What's wrong?
Ryouga:I don't know but something doesn't feel right.
Phibrizo:Well enough pleasantries. Time for the fun.(He lifts his hands, palms up, and two black globes form just above them. He smirks a bit and they shoot from where they are and phaze into Soun and Ryouga. Both of them drop limp to the floor.
Harumoni:(Rushes to Ryouga.)DAD!
Hinako:Tendo-san!!
Mabushu:(He frowns a bit and begins walking towards Phibrizo.)Okay you little punk. Playtime's over!(He cracks his knuckles and lunges forward a punch aimed for his head.)
Phibrizo:(He just slides out of the way, afterimages forming where he was for a brief moment before fading away. When he stops he is across the room and chuckling.)Pitiful. Get him.
(Soun and Ryouga suddenly push themselves up off the floor, their eyes blank white. They turn towards Mabushu and then both charge in unison.)
Mabushu:Ack!(He jumps back and begins to run all around the room being chased by Soun and Ryouga.)Hey! Cut it out you guys!! Stop it!
Hinako:You!(She shouts at Phibrizo and stalks up to him pointing a finger at his face!)You! You must be the delinquent that stole my ice cream!!
Phibrizo:(He flinches in shock, his left eye twitching.)What?
Hinako:You stole my ice cream! I want it back!(She says stepping back and taking out a five yen piece.)Or else!(She says with a determined look to her face.)
Phibrizo:Or else?(He smirks a bit.)Or else what?
Hinako:Or else...this!(Holding the five yen between her middle and pointer finger. She begins to trace a circle through the air a golden line of light following the five yen piece.)Good girl exercise #1!!!
Phibrizo:(He takes a step back.)Eh? What?
Hinako:(She finishes the circle and points the piece a Phibrizo.)HAPPO-FIVE-YEN-SATSU!!!!
**********************************
(We see the inside of a pair of large green doors. For several moments nothing happens and then they burst open and in rush Nabiki, Kunou, Kodachi, Kotei and Tsubasa. They screech to a halt and turn, pushing the doors closed again. They all lean back against it breathing heavily.)
Nabiki:The way home....had better be here. I can not take...much more of this place. Living trees, yes. Witches, I can handle. I can even take the fact that we are all dressed up in the most ridiculous costumes I have even laid eyes on.(She says and pauses for a moment to take a deep breath.)But the flying monkeys, I will not take!
Kodachi:I don't know but the concept of flying monkeys is most interesting. Perhaps I should try more experiments....(She says thoughtfully.)
Kunou:You are acting more twisted than usual sister dear!
Kotei:Well I think what we are looking for is up there.(He point to the castle, at the top of which through a window is a bright green glow.)
Tsubasa:Can we go now?(Sounding more tired than the others.)
Nabiki:Sure thing Toto.(She says with a smirk and starts running for the castle.)
(The others follow as they run through the streets heading for the castle. Suddenly spears begins to rain down on them from the horde of the flying monkeys which are circling the city now.)
Kunou:Those foul creatures are persistent and would I but had my bokken I would let them taste my blade.
Nabiki:(Rolls her eyes.)Whatever Kunou-chan. Just run!
(The group winds their way through the city and finally reach the castle doors. They rush up the steps and open the doors enough to get through and one by one they duck inside and shut the doors which begin to take the barrage of spears from the monkeys.)
Tsubasa:Whew! Not what?
Nabiki:(Looking down the long hallway.)I'd say we walk.
Tsubasa:(He groans and looks like he wants to cry.)More walking.
(The others ignore him and they all head off down the long hallway, their footsteps echoing all about them. Minutes pass and more minutes pass and after a time they emerges from the hallway into a huge room, the floor black and shining like a mirror. At the opposite end of the room is some kind a pavilion with a huge ball of flame burning on it. There doesn't seem to be anyway out of this room.)
Kunou:(Steps forward.)Attention whosoever is the one in charge of this magnificent estate. I am Tatewaki Kunou, the Blue Thunder of Furinkin High and I wish to pass through your domain to the gateway we believe is located in your uppermost towers. Have we your permission?
(For several moment there is nothing but silence. Then a deep and grating voice rumbles out one word.)
Voice:Diiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee.
Kunou:(He blinks.)I shall take that as a no.
Nabiki:(Slaps her forehead.)Ugh.
(Suddenly the huge fireball lurches forward and flies at them. All the group turn to dive out of the way, except Kodachi who is just staring in shock. In turning Tsubasa trips on the tail of his own costume and tumbles into Kodachi and the two go tumbling out of the way of the fireball which slams into the ground and poofs out of existence. Kodachi ends up laying on the ground with Tsubasa lying on top of her.)
Kodachi:(She blinks a bit overcoming the shock and stares.)You....you....
Tsubasa:(Swallows.)Umm...don't hurt me I...I just...
Kodachi:(She stares as if awed.)What is....your name brave sir?
Tsubasa:Huh? Uhh...Tsubasa Kurenai.
Kodachi:(She smiles.)Tsubasa....sama.(She glomps ahold of him.)You saved my life!!
Tsubasa:Ack!(He begins struggling to no avail.)
Kotei:(He walks over and kneels by where the fireball hits touching the ground.)Hmmm...not even warm. An illusion.(He looks up at Kodachi and Tsubasa and then to Nabiki.)Should we tell them?
Nabiki:(Smirks.)Why? They make a cute couple.(She glances to where the fireball was and sees a set of spiral steps leading up.)I think we go up.(She says and heads towards the stairs, Kotei and Kunou following.)
Tsubasa:(Sees the other and manages to get free.)Uhh...I really think we should follow them.
Kodachi:(Glomps onto his arm.)Whatever you say my love.
Tsubasa:(Whimpers and follows whispering to himself.)I hope Ukyou-sama doesn't find out.
**********************************
(Kaseru is standing in front of a sphere showing images of Ranma & group's battle with the trolls and with Shabranigdo. The images change showing the battle with Phibrizo. Once again they change showing Lina eating the restaurant out of business. He frowns a bit.)
Kaseru:Hmmm.(He mutters to himself as the images change.)No. No. No.
(Suddenly a small alarm-like sound goes off and he raises a brow and gestures. Another sphere floats down and the image of Nabiki's group entering a small room with a pedestal in the middle.)Ahhh. They got there quickly. Hmmm....(He looks closer at the image and grins a bit.)Well well. This is different. I've always been a romantic at heart. Why not help them along.(He chuckles a bit to himself and looks to his watch pressing the button. It opens the watch face glowing green.)Just in time too.(He says and the laughs out loud at his own joke turning to look back at the image waiting for the right moment.)
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(Into the small room with the pedestal enter Nabiki, Kunou, Kotei Kodachi and Tsubasa. On the pedestal sits the Desire Doll, peaceful and silent it's eyes glowing a bright bright green.)
Tsubasa:This is that...doll?
Kunou:This is the wretched doll that failed to do as I asked!
Kodachi:It did as I asked...but then my Ranma-sama was taken from me....only to have Tsubasa-sama find me!(She smiles happily at Tsubasa.)
Kotei:Well then. Shall we go home.
Nabiki:Yes. Lets.
(The group approaches the doll, all standing around the pedestal. Nabiki reaches out to touch it when the glowing suddenly stops.)
Nabiki:Eh?
(The doll's eyes suddenly begin to spark and then a flash of greenish-white light fills the room. When it dies down the five are standing in the Tendo's living room back in their original clothes.)
Nabiki:We're home.
Kodachi:(Notices Tsubasa is wearing a dress.)Tsubasa-sama? Why are you wearing a dress?
Tsubasa:(He swallows a bit and looks nervous.)Uhhh....well....(Trying to figure out how to explain his preference.)
Kotei:We are home but we aren't alone.(He says looking at something.)
(Kotei's statement gets everyone's attention who all turn to look at what he is, which is a huge ten foot tall robot, or what's left of one apparently. It's left side is without armor, wires and circuits visible. The body is apparently the cockpit as their is a "glass" viewport there and movement can be seen inside as well as the occasional flash of light.)
Kotei:(He clears his throat and calls out.)Hello?!
(The movement stops suddenly and then whoever is inside pokes their head up out of the open top of cockpit. They are wearing a welder's mask which causes everyone to start. The person continues climbing out and leaps off the robot landing on their feet. The person is wearing a school dress over which is a labcoat with the name "Kyoki" emblazoned in bright yellow letters over the pocket. The person rips off the welding mask to reveal a young girl under it. She is about 17 with bright blonde hair done up in a ponytail and bright blue eyes. She stomps over and stands in front of Kodachi and Tsubasa glaring harshly.)
Kyoki:Mother! Father! How MANY times have I told you not to disturb me when I'm rebuilding my mecha!
(Kodachi merely blinks at this. Tsubasa blinks as well before passing out.)
Nabiki:(She smirks.)Things have just gotten more interesting.
Kotei:As if they weren't already?
Nabiki:Point taken.(She pauses.)I wonder how the others will take this.
Kyoki:(She growls frustratedly and turns stomping back to the robot putting her mask back on, muttering all the while.)How am I supposed to get any work done at all if people keep interrupting me. I have to be prepared for tomorrow morning!(She says hopping back up on the robot and clenching a fist.)Tomorrow A-ko. Tomorrow I will destroy you and C-ko will be mine! Ohohohohohohohohohohoho!!!!
~End of Part 7~
Author's Notes:
Whew! Part 7 is finally out after....a LONG LONG time. I apologize to those who have been waiting for so long but now your wait is over! I will also apologize for the excessive use of "Oh my!'s" in the scene with Kasumi and Keiichi.*Bows head.*I know I went overboard and I'm sorry. ^_^ One group is back home with a new addition! Kyoki Kurenai, the daughter of Tsubasa and Kodachi. Ranma seems to be dead but I will give you all the hint that we will see him again. I won't say how or why but you will see him again. Will any of the others meet their "doom"? Will Cologne and Happosai get the Amazon troop past Bison? Will Kanaara get the Zentraedi mad at her? Will Hinako teach Phibrizo the meaning of discipline? Will Nodoka and Genma go on without Ranma? How will it all end? Stay tuned for Part 8 in which we will see the return of Ranma, the escape from Kaseru's Fun World as well as the leaving of Kaseru himself. Also we'll see the doll returned to Cologne and Hinako's....change. Until next time. ^_^ Part Eight Go Back To Main Page
