"Ranma 1/2 : The Call of the Wyld"
by James "Phoenix" Jones
Ryouga walked slowly through the forest, trying to pick his way through the darkness. Despite his best efforts, he tripped over something ever few feet.
<Next time I leave home.> he thought, <I've got to remember to pack a flashlight or something.>
Briefly, he considered using his Shishihokodan, but dismissed the idea. For some reason, he didn't want to hurt anything in the forest. Shrugging, he continued on in silence.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of walking, he found himself in a small clearing with a perfect view of the sky. Overhead, a full moon shown in the cloudless night. The pale light cast by the moon illuminated the clearing just enough for Ryouga to make out three paths leading off in opposite directions.
<Great.> he thought sarcastically. <This is almost as bad as when I went to Ryoganzawa!>
He looked back and forth between the paths cautiously. Each one was as dark as the one he'd just left. Reaching into his pocket, he tried to find a yen coin to flip. Unfortunately, he was broke.
<Now what?> he asked himself. <Hmm... how do the American's do this? Oh, yeah!>
Raising his hand, Ryouga pointed to the tunnel on the left and said, "Eini, Mini, Miny, Mow. Catch a tiger by his tow, if he hollers let him go. Eini, Mini, Miny, Mow."
In the back of his mind, Ryouga wondered who had come up with such a stupid way of picking things, but at the moment he didn't really care. Looking up, he found himself pointing down the center path.
<Oh, well.> he thought. <One path is as good as another, I guess.>
Re-adjusting his backpack, Ryouga began to walk forward. He stopped just short of the dark path. The hair on the back of his neck went perpendicular as a wave of fear washed over him.
The feeling was intense, probably the most powerful thing he had ever experienced. After a moment, he noticed two red lights shining from the darkness.
Immediately, Ryouga pulled out his umbrella and entered a combat stance. From the darkness, echoed a cruel laugh which sent shivers down Ryouga's spine.
"Give yourself to the Corrupter." Said a voice.
Ryouga's brow knitted as he tried to see through the darkness. "What?" he asked.
"Your kind are divided and your precious earth mother is dying." Said the voice. "Give yourself to my master and he will spare you the pain."
Ryouga, unsure of what was going on reacted in his normal way. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" he shouted. "Why don't you quit hiding in the shadows and come face me!?"
Again, the laugh echoed forth. "As you wish."
Immediately, a huge, jet black creature erupted from the trees. Ryouga jumped back in fear and surprise. If it hadn't been for the glowing red eyes, he never would have seen the thing move.
Sizing up his opponent, Ryouga couldn't help but shiver. The "thing" stood at least eight feet tall, even though it was partially hunched over. Long, misshapen, claws formed its hands and feet and bat-like wings protruded from beneath its arms. Its face, which resembled something resembling a bat, sported two blood red eyes and a mouth of razor sharp teeth which reflected the moonlight.
"W- what the hell are you?!" Ryouga asked, too scared to move.
"What is the matter?" asked the creature. "You told me to face you. Thus, I am facing you!"
As it finished, the creature charged and swiped at Ryouga with one of its claws. Instinctively, Ryouga pulled his umbrella up to block the attack. He smiled at the thought of the creature breaking its hand against the umbrella's special bamboo rods. However, as the strike made contact, Ryouga's confidence was blown away like an ice-cube in a blast furnace.
The creature's massive claw moved _through_ the umbrella as if it wasn't even there. A moment later, the umbrella fell to the ground if five distinct pieces. Ryouga stared at it in wonder for a second then turned to run away, only to find that he couldn't. Looking down, he found that his legs were being held by to skeletal hands which protruded from the dirt. He faced forward as he heard the creature turn back to him.
"It would seem," said the creature as it raised its claw. "That killing you will not be as much of a challenge as I had hoped."
Finished, the creature swung down hard. Ryouga brought his arms up to shield his face and torso but, as with the umbrella, the creature's claw moved through him with no trouble. Ryouga screamed as his arms were torn from his body.
"NO!!!!!!!"
Sitting bolt upright in his sleeping bag, Ryouga looked around frantically. He found himself in the same clearing he'd made camp in the previous night. Everything was still in the exact place he'd left it. His pack, was still leaning against a tree and his umbrella, still in one piece, was laying at his side like always.
Reflexively, he patted his arms. They were, of course, still attached but he could feel a very distinct burning in them coming from just above his elbows. Wrapping his arms around his knees, Ryouga shivered in the morning air.
<What's going on?> he asked himself. <What was that dream all about?>
Standing, he stretched and began to do a kata to clear his mind. As he practiced, he let his mind wonder. Half-way through the kata, the answer came to him.
<Ranma!> he thought. <He's got to be behind this!>
The reasoning seemed a little far-fetched, even in Ryouga's mind. However, Ranma had been the cause of everything that seemed to happen to him recently, so it made perfect sense.
<Yeah!> he thought. <I'll head to the dojo, beat the tar out of Ranma and I'll feel a whole lot better!>
With a firm resolve, Ryouga shouldered his backpack and began to walk down the first path he came across. As he walked, he began to whistle an upbeat tune he'd learned in America and entertained himself with ideas of how much he'd make Ranma suffer when he finally found him.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to notice two red eyes watching him from the shadows
[later that day]
"Ranma prepare to die!"
Looking up from his kata, Ranma easily dodged as Ryouga leapt over the wall towards him.
"Hey, Ryouga." said Ranma, comically dodging left to right. "Long time no see."
Ryouga growled and lunged. As he touched the ground he screamed, "Batsaitenketsu!" Immediately, a shower of rock erupted, throwing both Ranma and himself to opposite ends of the yard.
"Ryouga!" yelled Ranma. "You can't just come in here and start throwing out breaking points! You'll wreck the place."
Removing his backpack, Ryouga grinned evilly. "I'm good at fixing things up." he said, laughing. "Besides, working for a few days is a small price to pay if it gets rid of you!"
Finished, he lunged. Ranma, anticipating the attack, moved to one side, casually tripping Ryouga. He hit the ground hard, but immediately swept Ranma's legs out from under him.
"Ahhh!" Ranma screamed as his head hit the ground. Standing, he said, "Alright, Ryouga. That's it!" As he charged, he added, "Now I'm mad!"
Ryouga braced himself and waited. . . about a second too long.
Ranma faked a jab with his right hand and sent his left into Ryouga's chin.. Ryouga stumbled back, rubbing his jaw.
As he did, he slipped on a patch of wet grass and fell backwards. Fortunately, he missed the carp pond, but not the large mud hole beside it. Raising up, he cursed and wiped the mud away from his mouth. Screaming, he charged again.
Ranma looked on and smiled. "Hi, Akane!" he yelled, waving.
"Akane?!" Ryouga yelled in surprise, as he turned toward the direction Ranma had waved in. A moment later, he felt an impact on his face, causing him to sail toward the pond. To his horror, Akane chose that moment to walk out of the house.
<No!> Ryouga thought. <If she sees me hit that water then. . . > he mind swam with images of Akane, pulverizing him, once his secret was revealed. Using all the willpower he could muster, he managed to pivot his body enough to were he fell into the soft mud outside the pond.
"Are you two fighting _again_!?" Akane asked, walking toward the pair.
"Hey, it ain't my fault!" said Ranma. "Ryouga just keeps attacking me!"
"If you hadn't run out on our duel, I wouldn't be attacking you right now!" Ryouga yelled.
Ranma dodged left and right, narrowly missing Ryouga's attacks. <Man, when did he get so fast?> he thought. "I already told you, Ryouga!" said Ranma. "I didn't run out, I was there and you were late."
"No more excuses!"
Ryouga attacked again, but Ranma easily dodged. Using his superior agility, Ranma bounded around Ryouga in tight circles, occasionally poking Ryouga with his finger. After several minutes of this, Ranma sent a chop into Ryouga's back, knocking him into the mud yet again.
"Hmm, does little P-chan like being in the mud?" Ranma taunted.
"Rrrraaaannnmmmaaa!" yelled Akane. "Don't pick on Ryouga like that!"
Ranma knew that tone and he immediately regretted his actions. As he looked to one side, he was greeted with Akane's mallet. The swing impacted his cheek, sending him into the stratosphere. A very large splash echoed out a few seconds later.
Once Ranma was gone, Akane moved over to help Ryouga.
"N- n- no, A- Akane." he stammered. "
Akane smiled sweetly. "He hit you pretty hard." she said. "Let me help you."
"B- but you'll get your dress all m-muddy."
Akane smiled and shook her head. "Don't worry, I was getting ready to change anyway." she said, extending her hand to Ryouga.
Realizing it was futile to argue, Ryouga accepted Akane's help and stood up. "Thanks." he said.
Akane looked at Ryouga's mud streaked face and couldn't help but snicker. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" she asked.
"S-sure." Ryouga answered.
"Okay." said Akane. "Why don't you go get cleaned up while I help out Kasumi?"
"Um. . . where's the bathroom?" he asked.
"Don't worry, I'll show you." she said, taking his hand, she lead him into the house toward the bathroom. She failed to notice Ryouga's nervous swallow.
"Okay." she said. "You take a bath and relax for a few minutes."
"Um. . . yeah. . . t- that'd be great."
Akane smiled and laughed. "Don't worry, I'll call you when dinner's ready."
Ryouga smiled and moved into the changing room as Akane walked away.
***
Ryouga yawned as he walked out of the tub, a hot bath always made him sleepy. Noticeably cleaner, he changed into his spare set of cloths (Akane had dragged his pack in for him) and stretched.
<Man.> he thought. <That felt good. I wonder what's going on down stairs.>
Finished dressing, he threw his towel into the dirty clothes basket and walked out. Keeping his hand firmly attached to the wall, he made his way toward the steps, all the time muttering, "I will not get lost. I will not get lost."
After about ten minutes, he reached the bottom of the steps.
"Oh, hello Ryouga." said Nabiki, looking up from her manga. "When did you get here?"
Ryouga blushed and scratched the back of his head. "Well, I . . . uh. . . kinda got in another fight with Ranma and Akane let me use the bath to clean up."
Nabiki's eyes narrowed. She smelled profit in this somewhere, she just had to figure out where.
"Um . . . where's . . . A- Akane?" asked Ryouga.
"The kitchen." Nabiki said, absentmindedly.
"Where?"
"The . . . oh, I forgot you get lost easy." said Nabiki. Standing, she walked over to him and held out her hand. "Guide fee, five-hundred yen."
Ryouga's eyes widened in surprise. "Guide fee!" he yelled. "That's the stupidest . . . !"
Nabiki smirked and turned around. "Well," she started. "I guess you could try to find it, but don't blame me if you miss dinner."
Ryouga groaned. "Can I owe you?"
"Sure." said Nabiki. "Just remember I calculate interest daily."
<Ranma was right.> thought Ryouga. <Look up mercenary in the dictionary and you _will_ find Nabiki's picture!> "Okay." he said at length.
Smiling, Nabiki took his hand and lead him to the kitchen.
***
"Well hello, Ryouga." said Kasumi, smiling brightly as usual. Ryouga returned the greeting and asked if there was anything he could do to help with dinner.
Kasumi stopped for a moment and thought. "No," she said. "Akane and I have everything well in hand."
Ryouga nodded and began to move back to the living room.
"Wait a moment, Ryouga!" said Kasumi.
"Yes?" Ryouga asked.
Moving next to him, Kasumi handed him a knife. "Could you please cut the vegetable for me?" she asked.
"I'd love to." said Ryouga, accepting the knife. Pulling several vegetables from a basket, he began to cut. Looking to his side, he noticed Akane walk in. Turning to him, she smiled. Ryouga smiled back nervously, forgetting what he was doing.
"OOWWWW!" he screamed.
Akane rushed over to him. "Ryouga!" she said. "What happened!?"
Ryouga dropped the knife and gripped his hand tightly. "I . . . um kinda cut myself." he said, embarrassed.
Kasumi walked over to him. "Here, Ryouga." she said. "Let me see your hand."
Reluctantly, Ryouga opened his hand. Sure enough, there was a deep cut over one side of it.
"Oh, Ryouga!" said Akane. "Let me go get the first aid kit."
Kasumi took the knife and moved it away. Taking a rag, she wiped some of the blood from his hand. A moment later, Akane returned with the first aid kit and began to bind up his hand.
"There you go." she said after a few minutes. "All better."
Ryouga blushed shyly. "T-thanks, Akane." he stammered.
Akane smiled and moved away. Picking up a teakettle, she filled it and placed it on the boiler. "Maybe some tea'll help." she said.
Ryouga nodded.
He was about to stand when a noise caught his attention.
"GET AWAY FROM ME YOU OLD GOAT!!!!!"
Akane, Kasumi and Ryouga all looked up to see Ranma-chan dart through the window. "Hot water!" she yelled. "I need some hot water, fast!"
"The water'll be ready in. . ."
Kasumi didn't get to finish the sentence. Ranma-chan spotted the kettle on the stove and, grabbing it, began to dump the contents on herself.
"Ranma!" yelled Akane. "That's _cold_ water!"
Ranma-chan cursed and, throwing away the kettle, ran out of the kitchen toward the bathroom. Behind her, she heard a scream. Briefly, she wondered what it was. Without breaking, she jumped up the stairs and entered the bath.
"RANMA! WHERE ARE YOU?"
Ranma-chan heard the call and jumped into the bathtub. A moment later, she emerged male. Happosai jumped through the door and was greeted with Ranma's fist. "Take that ya old pervert!" yelled Ranma, as he proceeded to pummel the ancient martial artist.
A few seconds later, Ranma walked out of the bathroom, leaving a small pile of twisted limbs behind him. That was when it hit him. <Oh my god! Ryouga!> he thought, remembering the scream. <He must of got hit with the water. Oh, man if Akane saw that she'll kill him!>
Immediately, Ranma broke into a run and tore back down the stairs. As he entered the kitchen, he yelled, "Ryouga! I'm sorry, I didn't me to . . . what the. . . ?!" He stopped suddenly. Standing before him was a very wet, albeit very _human_ Ryouga.
***
Ryouga saw the kettle of water coming toward him but didn't have time to dodge. The kettle hit squarely on his shoulder, spilling its contents all over him.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and began to stammer. "A- Akane . . . this . . . t-this isn't what it looks like I- I can explain!"
"What are you talking about, Ryouga?" Akane asked, confused.
"W-well I mean I just got hit with the water and I . . . huh?" Ryouga stopped suddenly, his mind catching up with his mouth. Looking down, he saw he was still human. Blinking in surprise, he patted himself down to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Sure enough, it was real.
"Ryouga, are you alright?" asked Kasumi. "You act like you had a curse like Ranma or something."
Ryouga stammered to find an answer as Kasumi and Akane continued to stare at him. Unfortunately, no answer came.
"Ryouga! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. . . what the . . . ?!"
Ryouga turned to see Ranma staring wide-eyed at him. Ryouga could see that his long-time rival was somewhere between confusion, anger and shock. Not a good condition.
<He's gonna want and explanation.> Ryouga thought.
"Um. . . uh. . . Ranma. . . I know what you're gonna say but. . ." Ryouga didn't finish the sentence. Ranma roughly grabbed him by the arm and began to drag him out of the kitchen.
"Ranma, what are you doing?!" screamed Akane, pulling out her mallet.
Ranma turned to her and smirked. "I just want to ask him something." he said evilly.
Akane didn't have time to respond as Ranma lead Ryouga out.
***
In the dojo, Ranma grabbed Ryouga's shirt and slammed him into the wall.
"Okay, Ryouga!" he yelled. "Spill it! Why didn't you change!?"
Ryouga starred at Ranma, ignoring the hand held at his throat. "I don't know!" he said at length. "I saw the kettle coming, I couldn't dodge and. . . well. . . you saw what happened!"
Grabbing Ryouga with both hands, Ranma flung him over his shoulder. "Don't feed me that!"
Sitting up, Ryouga rubbed his chin. "Well, what else am I supposed to say!?"
"You went back to Jusenkyo!" Ranma screamed. "Didn't you!?"
"NO!" Ryouga countered. "I don't know what happened!"
Ranma charged at Ryouga and knocked him into the wall. "Don't feed me that!" he screamed. "We both know that that's the only way we can be cured!"
"I'm telling you I didn't go to Jusenkyo!" screamed Ryouga. He threw a punch, but Ranma easily dodged.
"Yeah right, Ryouga!" Ranma countered. "Man, I never thought you'd sink this low!"
"Huh?"
Without answering, Ranma did a crescent kick and sent Ryouga to the ground. "If I'd have gone to Jusenkyo and gotten cured, I'd have at least brought back some nannichiuan water for you, Mousse and pop!" Ranma countered. "I can't believe you didn't even try to help us!"
"Ranma!" Ryouga yelled. "I'm telling you I _didn't_ go to Jusenkyo!"
Ranma didn't answer and attacked again. Ryouga, now prepared, easily blocked.
"Ryouga, I'm gonna make you pay for this!"
"I didn't do anything!"
The two continued to fight for several minutes. All the while, Ranma hurled accusations and Ryouga continued to deny them.
As the fight continued, Ryouga felt a dull burning in his chest. It wasn't the shivers that usually accompanied his transformations or the tingling that he felt when he used the shishihokodan, that much he knew. This was something new, something he'd never felt before.
Ranma moved in to use his ammaguriken attack. Ryouga saw the attack coming and felt the feeling in his chest spread to his arms and legs. To his surprise, he blocked Ranma's punches as fast as he threw them.
Finally, the feeling reached its peek. Ryouga switched positions and attacked. As his arm moved forward, he drew his fingers across Ranma's stomach before pushing his fist squarely into Ranma's gut. Ranma let out a surprised gasp and Ryouga felt something hit his arm. Looking down, he saw blood falling over Ranma's lips.
<What the hell!?>
Ryouga watched in terror as Ranma's eyes rolled back. A moment later, Ranma slumped to the ground unconscious. Turning his head, Ryouga screamed, "Akane! Kasumi! Mr. Saotome! Get in here!"
A moment later, Akane and Genma rushed into the dojo.
"What happened!?" asked Genma.
"I- I- I don't know!" Ryouga countered. "We were sparring and I caught him in the gut. The next thing I know he was out cold."
Speechless, Akane leaned down to examine Ranma. The front of his shirt had been torn open, four tiny lines were visible on his stomach and blood was slowly trickling out of them. Akane gasped in surprise. "How did this happen!?"
Ryouga stared speechless. Raising his hand to his face, he gazed intently at his fingers. Everything _seemed_ to be normal. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out.
A moment later, Kasumi came in carrying the first aid kit. Seeing Ranma, she moved beside him and began to put a bandage over his stomach. Akane turned to Ryouga, a look of confusion and anger in her face.
"What did you do to him Ryouga?" she asked, her voice cold.
Reluctantly, Ryouga repeated his story (leaving out all reference to Jusenkyo, of course). Akane and Genma listened intently as Kasumi treated Ranma.
"One thing is certain." said Genma, pushing his glass up his nose. "You must have hit him much harder than normal. After all, he'll usually get back up after a gut shot."
Ryouga nodded. The events of the day playing through his mind slowly. He'd had a really bad dream, his curse had apparently been cured and somehow he'd manage to inflict four cuts on Ranma's stomach. There had to be a connection somewhere. Unfortunately, he had no idea what that connection could be.
Suddenly, he became aware of a hand on his shoulder. Looking to his side, he saw Genma.
"Help me get Ranma up to our room." he said coldly. "Kasumi thinks he'll be okay, but we'd better let him rest for a little while."
"Okay." said Ryouga as he moved to help Genma lift Ranma's unconscious form.
As they moved out of the dojo, Genma leaned close to Ryouga and said, "After this, you and I need to have a little talk."
Ryouga nodded, swallowing nervously.
***
Several hours later, Ryouga lay in his sleeping bag trying to relax. His "talk" with Genma had been much rougher than the one with Ranma and he was still sore from it. He'd been tossing and turning for a long time but he couldn't get sleepy. Finally, he crawled out of his sleeping bag and sat against the wall, thinking.
He was overjoyed that his curse had been cured. He didn't know how and he didn't care, he was just happy to be rid of it. Still, he couldn't shake the uneasiness he was feeling.
<What's happening to me?> he thought. <Everything's going even crazier than usual.>
Solemnly, he looked toward the stairs and sighed. Ranma was still out cold but the bleeding on his stomach had stopped. Again, Ryouga looked at his fingers. His hands looked exactly like they always had.
<Nothing, unusual here.> he thought. <But that definitely was unusual betting Ranma that easy.>
He smiled at his own joke. In the time he'd been fighting Ranma, he'd never once been able to bring him down with a single attack. Even when he'd first started using the Shishihokodan, it had taken more than one shot to take Ranma to the ground. He banged his head against the wall slightly, hoping it would give him some answers. It didn't.
<Think I'll go workout for a few minutes.> he thought. Standing, Ryouga walked toward the door . He walked straight to the door that lead to the walkway between the house and the dojo, but somehow he ended up in the kitchen. <Great.> he thought. <Oh well, one exit's as good as another.> Moving to the back door, he opened it and walked out.
Once outside, his gaze was drawn upward. Above him, the full moon shown proudly in the sky. Not a cloud was in sight. Slowly, not taking his eyes off the moon, he began walking. Several minutes later, he found himself in an unfamiliar section of Nermia. Several buildings rose up around him and what few street lights there were just barely pushed the shadows back from the street.
<Great.> he thought. <Now I gotta find my way back.>
"Evening stranger."
With a start, Ryouga turned to face the voice. In the shadows, he could just make out someone leaning against one of the buildings. "Um. . . hello?" he said.
"You new in these parts?"
Ryouga stared intently, trying to get his eyes to adjust. The stranger was apparently female, he could tell that from the tone of her voice, however, he could not _see_ her. It was almost as if the shadows were intentionally hiding her.
"I asked if you were new around these parts?"
Snapping out of his trance, Ryouga stammered, "N-n-no."
"Well, I'm kinda new here." said the woman. "Would you like to show me around?"
This situation seemed familiar, but he wasn't sure why. Sensing danger, Ryouga said, "Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow."
A bellowing laugh came out of the shadows. "That would be nice." came the response. "But you see, I'll be gone just as soon as I take care of you." Finished, the woman moved out of the shadows and Ryouga gasped in surprise.
The woman's skin was a deep, mold gray and covered with strange red markings. Black, unkempt hair fell to her waist and her eyes glowed a luminescent green. She smiled sadistically, revealing two rows of razor sharp teeth.
"What the hell are you?" Ryouga asked, to scared to move.
"You aren't too far off." came the reply. Without the warning, the woman sprang at him. Ryouga was barely able to dodge. Reflexively, he reached for his umbrella but it wasn't there. <Damn! Must have left it at the Tendo's!> he thought.
The woman laughed cruelly as Ryouga moved into a combat stance and her eyes switched from green to red. She growled and lunged. Ryouga dodged, but the woman's fingers raked across his biceps, drawing blood.
Suddenly, the answer came to him. <My God! This is just like my nightmare!> he thought.
"Oh no, young pup." said the woman evilly, reading his thoughts.. "This isn't a nightmare. This is very, _very_ real!" Finished she attacked again.
Ryouga held up his arms to block.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
Hearing the scream, Ryouga opened his eyes and looked at the woman. An arrow protruded from her shoulder.
<What the hell?> he thought. Looking past the woman, he could just make out someone holding a bow. It appeared to be a young man.
"Thanks whoever you are!" Ryouga yelled.
Suddenly, the woman spun away from Ryouga. Snarling, she rushed the newcomer. Ryouga moved to help, but another shape sprung from the shadows and caught the woman across the face with its fist.
"Long time no see, Lacara." said another man, stepping out of the shadows.
Standing, the woman snarled. "Not long enough, Greyfist." she said. Glancing sideways, she pointed at young man. and said, "Deal with him. This one is mine."
Ryouga watched, dumbfounded as two more black shapes emerged from the shadows. Before his eyes, the shapes twisted into large, wolf-like creatures which charged the man with the bow.
The other man, brandishing a cruel looking knife, faced off against the woman. "Help Robert, boy!" called man that had hit the women. "This black spiral is mine."
Ryouga had no idea what was going on but moved to help the young man whom he assumed was Robert. The two shapes attacked simultaneously, knocking the bow from Robert's hand. Pulling a knife from his belt Robert fought back.
One of the creatures turned to Ryouga and smiled sadistically. "A small delay." it said. "You are next."
Ryouga stared for a moment. Suddenly, he became aware of the feeling in his chest rising. He fought it down, trying to muster up enough depression to use his Shishihokodan. Unfortunately, fear didn't work quite as well as depression.
Turning, he looked toward the older man for help, but gasped in surprise at what he saw. Two wolf creatures where fighting, one holding the same knife the man had been holding. Turning back to Robert, Ryouga saw the young man fall, a giant gash in his leg.
"No!" he screamed, rushing forward. As he did, the heat in his chest shot out to the rest of his body, causing it to move on its own. He felt as though his body was changing, but he ignored the feeling and attacked. The black creature, surprised, couldn't dodge as Ryouga lashed out with his hand, cleanly removing the creature's head from its body.
"Damn you!" Ryouga screamed as he attacked the second creature.
A few seconds later, the fight was over and Ryouga snapped back into himself. Looking down, he saw his clothes had been shredded and blood covered most of his body. Around him lay the bodies of his former enemies, both had been torn to pieces. Jerking his head up, he looked back to were the other fight had been.
The old man smiled back at him as he slid his knife into the sheath at his belt. "Well, there's little doubt about it now." he said. "You are definitely one of us."
Ryouga looked back and forth between the men, then looked at the blood that covered his hands and arms. A moment later, he passed out.
***
"Uhhh. . . wha happened?" Ryouga asked himself groggily. Moving around, he found he was laying face down on something soft. <Hmm. . . sheets. . . mattress. . . Hmm. . . must be in bed. Wait a minute! Since when do I sleep in a bed?>
In fear and surprise, Ryouga shot up into a sitting position. He began to feel dizzy and regretted the action, but it passed quickly. Looking around, he found himself laying on a spacious bed in a large room. The walls looked like wood and he assumed he was in a cabin somewhere. On one wall, a symbol, resembling a star-burst, had been painted in varying shades of red paint. The only door to the room was closed. To one side, he saw his clothes laying across the back of a chair.
Throwing back the sheets, he stood and stretched. Grabbing his clothes, he dressed quickly. <How did I end up here?> he wondered. <I remember fighting and. . .> His train of thought ended abruptly as he remembered what had happened the previous night. <That. . . had t-to be a dream. Didn't it?>
Shaking his head to clear it, he walked to the door, opened it and stepped out. Looking around, he found himself outside. Trees surrounded the cabin and a clearing stretched in front of it. In the center of the clearing, huddled around a small fire, sat the two men he had seen the night before. Looking at them, he was sure they were westerners.
"Ah. . . the lost cub seems to have awakened." said the old man in almost perfect Japanese.
Ryouga backpedaled until he was flat against the wall of the cabin. "K- k- keep away from me." he stammered.
The younger man laughed and shook his head. The older man stood and walked to Ryouga, his hands outstretched. "You are among friends, young one." he said.
"Like hell!" cried Ryouga. "Friends don't turn into some kinda monster and they don't kidnap somebody once they pass out!"
"I could not simply leave you there." said the man. "Battles of that type tend to attract much attention and those nearby are questioned unmercifully."
"What were those things!?" Ryouga screamed. "What are you!? For that matter, what am _I_?"
The man waved his hands, signally Ryouga to calm down. "All will be explained young one." he said. "Come, sit, eat and listen."
Reluctantly, Ryouga pushed off of the cabin and moved toward the fire, careful to keep his distance from the man. Once there, Ryouga found a small log upon which he sat. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered how he'd managed to walk straight to it.
"Okay." he said. "Spill it."
The old man nodded. "First of all, allow me to make formal introductions." he said. "I am Merrick Greyfist. Stargazer Philodox of the house of Dawnclearing. Grandson of Baneslayer."
"Huh?"
Merrick didn't answer. "This." he said indicating the younger man. "Is Robert Charlimagne. My grandson. And you are?"
"Ryouga. Ryouga Hibiki."
"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Hibiki."
"Likewise." Ryouga countered. "I think."
Robert laughed, but Merrick's gaze silenced him. Turning back to Ryouga, Merrick asked, "Now, I'm sure you have many questions. Alright. Ask."
Immediately, Ryouga launched into the same series of questions he'd asked earlier. Merrick was hard pressed to keep up.
Finally, Merrick was forced to tell Ryouga to be quiet. "Thank you." he said. "In answer to your first question. The creatures that attacked you are called the 'Black Spiral Dancers.' They had another name once, but it is forbidden to speak it."
"Why?" Ryouga asked.
"Because it is considered bad luck." countered Robert. "Speaking their true name brings their curse upon you."
Ryouga was about to ask another question, but Merrick interrupted him again. "As to what you are and what we are," he said. "We are Garou."
"Garou?"
"Yes, Ryouga." said Merrick. "Garou. In common tongue, we are known as werewolves."
"Werewolves?!" Ryouga screamed. "T-that's impossible! There's no such thing as werewolves!"
Merrick turned and looked away. "That is what is said." he replied. "But we are very much real. You and I are of the few, the once-proud and the dying."
"You and I?" Ryouga asked. "You mean Robert isn't. . . ?"
"No, I'm not." answered Robert. "I'm not Garou, I'm kinfolk."
"Kinfolk?"
"The werewolf gene skips generations." Merrick explained. "Most children born of a werewolf parent will _not_ be a werewolf. However, all children born of werewolves have werewolf blood and thus inherit some of their abilities. Most often, it is simply immunity to the fear caused by the sight of us. Robert is exceptional among kinfolk because he can use some of the gifts used by full blood werewolves."
As Merrick finished, Robert excused himself and walked back to the cabin. Ryouga watched him leave, then turned back to face Merrick.
"Are you telling me that. . . that one of my ancestors was a werewolf?" Ryouga asked.
Merrick nodded. "I don't know what tribe you belong to." he said. "However, after seeing you frenzy last night, I'll be damned if you aren't a full moon."
"Full moon?"
"Yes. An Ahroun." said Merrick. "A warrior. The vessel of Luna's rage."
"But, why me?" Ryouga asked.
"No one really knows _why_, lad." said the Merrick. "All I can tell you is the tale told to all our cubs. If you want me to."
"G-go ahead."
Taking a deep breath, the old man told the tale of the Garou. He told of their beginnings as Gaia's chosen, to the imperginum. The time when they created their own destruction by hunting down humans. He also told of the division of the tribes and the animosity of the Wyrm.
As he finished he said, "Every day, another piece of Gaia dies."
Ryouga could only listen in stunned silence. In his mind, he wanted to deny everything he was being told and run away. However, in his heart, he knew he was hearing the truth.
"Why did they want me so bad?" he asked.
Merrick shook his head. "I do not know." he said. "The only reason Robert and I were there last night was because we were told to look out for you."
"Huh?"
"Three months ago." said Merrick. "I attended one of the rare moots of my tribe. During the moot, I was given a vision by the chimera, our pack totem. In the vision, I was told to come to Japan. Chimera told me that the Wyrm had special interest in an unawakened Garou somewhere in this country. However, as to why you are so important, I am unable to say."
Ryouga sat quietly, contemplating what he'd been told. "So what do I do?" he asked at length.
Merrick shook his head again. "I do not know." he said. "However, I would suggest gathering whatever belongings you have and leaving as quickly as possible."
"Why?"
"The Wyrm has special interest in you for some reason." said Merrick. "When that happens, it spares nothing to kill its prey."
"I can fight it." Ryouga said confidently.
"True enough." said Merrick. "You can fight _it_. However, could you fight your friends? How about your family?"
"What do they have to do with anything?"
Merrick shook his head sullenly. "When the Wyrm sets its mind to something, it does not deviate easily. It will use any means it deems necessary to kill you. That includes acting through your friends."
"You mean, it might kill my friends to get to me?"
"Yes."
<I can't let it get to Akane.> Ryouga thought. <If those things I saw last night are just servants, I'd hate to see anything bigger. Man, I wouldn't even wish one of those things up against Ranma!>
"I can see indecision in your eyes." said Merrick.
"It's just. . . this is all a little new to me." Ryouga countered lamely.
Merrick laughed. "New?" he asked. "Perhaps so. However, you seem to be accepting it much better than a few others I have met!"
Reluctantly, Ryouga told Merrick some of the more "interesting" details about his life. As he spoke, the old man listened intently, chuckling lightly on occasion.
"I see why you accept so willingly." he said. "You've led such a strange life, this seems second nature by now."
Ryouga nodded. "Could I at least say goodbye to my friends?" he asked.
"Of course." said Merrick. "You said your sense of direction was terrible, correct?"
"Uh-hu."
Merrick thought for a moment. "Well, it would seem that the transformation relieved you of your cursed form." he said. "I'll wager even money that it has also, at least partially, cleared up your sense of direction."
"You think so!"
Merrick nodded. "Let me tell you a little more of our kind, Ryouga." he said. "After that, you should probably return to the dojo, gather your belongings and depart. If the people there are as important to you as you say they are, it will not be long before the Wyrm learns of them."
***
Ryouga walked slowly through the streets of Nermia, thankful that it was bright out. After the previous night and morning, he didn't think he could stand any more surprises.
His head hurt from all the information Merrick had pumped into and his stomach grumbled. He deeply regretted skipping breakfast. <Well. . . maybe if I'm lucky, Kasumi'll have something cooked by the time I get to the dojo.> he thought.
Looking up, he was surprised to find himself in front of the gate to the Tendo house.
<Maybe Merrick was right.> he thought. <Looks like my sense of direction _is_ improving.>
Taking a deep breath, he walked through the gates to the door. As he knocked, he began to wonder exactly what he was going to tell everybody.
As he thought, the door opened and Kasumi stepped out. "Hello, may I . . . Ryouga!" she said. "Where have you been?!"
"I . . . um . . . uh. . . that is. . . um . . ." he stammered. Finally, he told her what had happened, minus the parts about his new "curse." As he finished, his stomach growled, causing him to blush deeply.
"Oh, are you hungry, Ryouga?" asked Kasumi.
"Um. . . yeah." he replied. "You don't happen to have anything to eat do you?"
"Of course." she said, moving to one side to invite him in. "Ranma and the others are out looking for you. Lunch will be ready shortly though."
"Um. . . thanks." he said. "Kasumi?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think I could go cleaned up a little?" Ryouga asked.
"Of course." she replied, smiling. "You're welcome to stay for as long as you like."
Ryouga shook his head solemnly.
"What's wrong?"
"Well. . . something's kinda come up." he said. "I've got to leave for a while and I don't know when (or if) I'll be back."
"Oh my!" said Kasumi. "I hope it isn't something too serious."
Ryouga walked to the stairs before answering. "Keep feeling that hope, Kasumi." he said. "I might need it."
***
A few minutes later, Ryouga entered the kitchen. Kasumi was happily humming to herself and didn't notice him for a moment.
Turning she finally saw him and said, "Lunch will be ready in a minute, feel free to sit and wait if you like."
Ryouga accepted the offer gratefully and sat down at the counter. Spying a notepad and a pencil, he picked it up and quickly began writing. He finished just as Kasumi handed him a plate of food. He thanked her and ate hungrily.
Finished, he thanked her again and handed her the note.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Would you please give that to Akane?" he asked. "OhandletRanmareadittoo." he added quickly.
"They should be back soon." she said, placing the note on the table. "Are you sure you don't want to wait?"
Ryouga nodded and bowed to Kasumi, thanking her for the meal.
Leading him to the door, Kasumi bowed back and told him goodbye. She watched in silence as he walked away. In the back of her mind, she wondered what was wrong.
Shrugging it off, she returned to the kitchen and began working on another dish to serve her family. As she worked, she failed to notice the wall shimmer. She also failed to notice a gnarled hand pick up the note Ryouga had left, only to replace it with another a few seconds later.
***
"We're back." called Ranma.
Kasumi walked out of the kitchen carrying a tray of food. Placing it on the table she greeted them. "Did you see Ryouga?" she asked.
Akane shook her head gloomily. "No." she said. "I can't understand it."
"I'm with you, Akane." said Ranma. "I mean, I'm not _really_ mad at him for what happened yesterday. Still it's not like him to just walk off and leave his stuff here."
Akane nodded. "Have you seen him Kasumi?" she asked.
Kasumi nodded. "Yes I have." she said.
"When!?" shouted Akane and Ranma in unison.
"About fifteen minutes ago." said Kasumi. "He came in, picked up his belongings, ate some lunch and left."
"Why?"
"I don't know." Kasumi answered. "He said something had come up. He wouldn't say anything more than that."
"He just left?" Akane asked, glancing at Ranma.
"That's weird." said Ranma, turning to Akane. "Even for Ryouga."
"Did he say where he was going?"
"No." Kasumi replied. Reaching into her apron, she removed the note and handed it to them. "But he told me to give you both this."
Ranma took the note and opened it. He and Akane quickly read over the contents. As they finished, the color drained out of their faces.
"What does it say?" asked Kasumi, worried.
Without answering, Ranma and Akane jumped up and quickly exited the room, leaving Kasumi in stunned silence.
***
Ryouga trudged up the mountain side to where he was supposed to meet Merrick and Robert. He hated leaving, but from what he'd been told, he didn't have a whole lot of choice in the matter.
As he reached the cliff, he sat and waited. After several minutes, his new friends walked out of the tree line. Each one carried a heavy backpack similar to his own.
"Are you prepared?" asked Merrick.
Ryouga nodded. "I couldn't face them." he said. "I gave Kasumi a note to give to them that explains. . . almost. . . everything."
Merrick nodded. "That was probably a good idea, young one." he said. "So, shall we be off."
Ryouga smiled and shouldered his backpack. The trio started climbing the mountains side, but Merrick stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong, Grandfather?" asked Robert.
"Something is not right." he answered. "There should be noise."
Listening closely, both Robert and Ryouga agreed. The forest was unusually quiet. Too quiet.
"This stinks of the Wyrm." said Merrick.
Moving back to the clearing, the three looked in different directions. Robert had drawn his bow, arrow at the ready. Merrick was holding his knife and Ryouga had pulled out his umbrella. Suddenly, they heard a scream.
"What was that?!" asked Robert.
Ryouga stared blankly. <It couldn't have been!> he thought. <I told them not to follow me.>
The three waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, another scream sounded forth.
"That was. . ."
"What?" Merrick growled.
"Ranma!" Ryouga screamed, rushing into the trees. Merrick and Robert cast nervous glances at each other, shrugged and quickly turned to follow him.
***
Ranma and Akane ran as fast as they could. Neither one could believe what they had read.
"I can't believe Ryouga'd go _this_ far!" said Ranma.
"I can't believe it either, Ranma!" said Akane. "But the note spells it all out. Then he says it seems like a good day to die!"
"Maybe he thought he killed me or something!" Ranma countered.
"But . . . Kasumi would have told him you were allright." said Akane. "Wouldn't she?"
Ranma shook his head, not answering. After several minutes, the found the place Ryouga had indicated in the note. Looking around, they couldn't find him. Fear began to rise in both of them.
Immediately, the moved to the cliff edge and peered over it. All they could see was the rocks below.
"Maybe we're in luck." said Ranma.
"How so?" asked Akane.
"Maybe he hasn't made it here yet."
Behind them, a laugh echoed out. Both of them spun around and gasped. Across from them stood several creatures. They appeared human, but all of them were horribly deformed. Extra arms, tentacles and numerous other strange anomalies covered each of them. In the center, stood a man with green skin. He laughed coldly as Ranma and Akane looked on.
"Don't fear for your friend." said the man. "He'll be along shortly."
Finished, the green man motioned to the others. Immediately, they attacked. Ranma and Akane moved into combat stances and tried to defend against the creatures.
After a few minutes, one of the creatures pulled an ax off of its back and chopped down into Akane's leg. She screamed in agony and fell to the ground. Ranma, hearing the scream, stopped his attack and moved beside her. Immediately, two of the creatures grabbed his arms and pulled him away.
He watched as the creatures lifted Akane into a similar position. The green man slowly walked over to her.
"You touch her and I'll kill you!" Ranma screamed.
The green man laughed and ordered the creatures to release Akane's arms. However, before she could fall, the man touched her forehead lightly. Immediately, she flew away from him into a tree. Ranma watched, terrified, as she slumped to the ground.
"Damn you!" Ranma said as he continued to struggle.
The man laughed again and made his way to Ranma. As he watched the man, Ranma could feel anger, mixed with concern for his fiancee, begin to swell up in him.
"What are you?!" Ranma screamed, struggling to break free of the vice-like grip.
The green man moved up to Ranma. "No one you will miss." he said. "When you die."
Ranma fought valiantly to keep from throwing up, the man's acrid breath was horrible. Still, he refused to stop struggling.
"You have spunk." said the man. "Perhaps you will be worthy of becoming a fomor when I am done with you."
"I don't know what your talking about." said Ranma. "But if you think I'll help you. . . you're dead wrong!" Ranma concluded the threat by throwing out a kick which the man easily caught.
"I think you'll make good bait." he said. Moving in close, the man tore the front of Ranma's shirt open. A moment later, he lifted his hand in front of Ranma's face.
Ranma stared at the hand for a moment. Suddenly, he blinked in surprise as the green man's fingernails grew into claws. <What the . . .?> Ranma thought.
"Scream." said the man.
"What?"
In answer, the man plunged one of the claws into Ranma's shoulder. The pain was intense and Ranma had to bite his tongue to keep from crying out.
"Scream!"
Again, the man plunged a claw into Ranma's chest, but Ranma refused to obey the command.
"You're brave." said the man, not removing his claw. "But you _will_ scream."
Finished, the man slowly moved his claw downward, tearing Ranma's skin as he went along. This time, Ranma couldn't hold back the scream of pain. The green man smiled evilly and continued to tear at Ranma's skin.
"Get away from him you bastard!"
Slowly, the green man pulled his claw out of Ranma's chest and turned to face the speaker. Ryouga, Merrick and Robert stood across the clearing, weapons drawn.
"So." said the green man. "The lost cub and his friends have come to play."
"Let him go." said Ryouga.
"Make me, pup." replied the man.
"R-R-Ryouga." Ranma stammered. "Run."
The green man held up his hand and the creatures released Ranma's arms. He immediately slumped to the ground. "Kill them." said the man.
Immediately, the creatures attacked. Pulling back on his bow, Robert fired at one of the creatures. As the arrow slammed into the creature's stomach, it fell to the ground screaming in pain. Merrick growled and shifted into his wolf form. Immediately, he began attacking the creatures closest to him.
Still unsure how to use his transformation Ryouga slammed his umbrella into the creatures as he slowly made his way to Ranma. The weapon wasn't as effective as Merrick's knife or Robert's arrows, but it worked well enough. Finally, he reached Ranma.
Leaning down, he put his arm around Ranma and lifted him to his feet.
"R-R-Ryouga." Ranma stammered. "W-w-w-what's going. . . going on?"
Ryouga took his eyes away from the fight and gazed at the wounds in Ranma's chest. "Don't worry, Ranma." he said, slowly dragging Ranma out of the clearing. "If we survive I'll tell you everything."
"W-what the hell are those t-t-things?"
Ryouga didn't answer. Finally, he made it to where Akane lay. Placing Ranma against the tree, Ryouga quickly examined her. The cut in her leg seemed to have clipped the bone and it was bleeding profusely. She was unconscious, but breathing normally. Pulling off his bandanna, Ryouga wrapped it tightly around the wound.
<Curse them all!> he thought. <How dare they use my friends against me!>
Finished binding Akane's wound, he turned back to Ranma. His wounds still oozed blood, but they were beginning to close. He exhaled deeply in relief.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
At the sound, Ryouga spun in terror. Across the clearing, he saw Robert hanging several feet off the ground. One of the creatures stood behind the young man, it's claws protruding from his chest. To his left, he heard Merrick howl in rage. Grabbing his umbrella Ryouga moved to attack. Suddenly, he felt something grab his arm. Turning back, he found himself looking into Ranma's eyes.
"R-run. . . Ryouga." he said.
"I can't run!" Ryouga countered, trying to break free of Ranma's grip.
"I- I- don't know what's . . . what's going on." Ranma said. "But don't throw your life away too."
Ryouga started at the words. Could it be that Ranma was actually worried about him? Shaking his head, Ryouga said, "This is why I left Ranma, I can't back down now."
Ranma tried to say something else, but Ryouga pushed him (gently) back against the tree. Turning back to the fray, he found himself face to face with the green man.
"Noble sentiments, cub." he said. "But sentiments never slew black spirals!" Finished, the man swiped at Ryouga. Ryouga brought the umbrella up to block, but the man's claws easily slashed through it.
"A feeble weapon." he said. "For a feeble warrior."
Ryouga gazed at the umbrella's ruined handle. "Damn you." he said.
The green man, surprised, halted his attack. "What?" he asked.
"I don't even know what's happening to me anymore." said Ryouga. "I wake up yesterday from a bad dream and I end up in a nightmare."
The green man stared at him, confused.
"You tried to kill me." Ryouga said. "But you couldn't do it."
Annoyed, the green man moved to attack again, but Ryouga continued.
"Then, to get to me, you attack two people who have nothing to do with this." he said. "They don't even understand what it's about. That was your biggest mistake. Because now. . ."
"Now. . . what?" asked the green man.
Ryouga looked up at him, his eyes burning. "Because now, black spiral." he said. "I. . . am. . . really. . . MAD!!!" With a cry of rage, Ryouga attacked. The green man had no time to block as Ryouga slammed his hand across his face, sending him sprawling.
Standing, the green man wiped blood from his mouth. "Come at me cub." he said. "Let us see what you're made of!" With that, the man's body shifted into its werewolf form.
Ryouga, not even trying to calm down, did likewise. The two circled each other for a moment, then charged. The black spiral slashed, cutting Ryouga's arm. Ryouga, twisting his body, raked his claws over his opponents face, causing him to scream. Cursing, it attacked again.
The fight continued for several minutes, neither fighter gaining the upper hand. Finally, the black spiral stabbed into Ryouga's stomach, sending him to the ground in pain. Standing back it admired its prey before moving in for the kill. As it rushed, it said, "Once you are dead, you're friends will follow!"
Hearing the words, something in Ryouga snapped. <Concentrate.> he told himself. Images of Akane and Ranma, both dying at the black spiral's hands entered his mind, the more he thought the more depressed he became. Finally, as the black spiral attacked, the feeling reached its peak.
Holding up his arms, Ryouga screamed, "FULL SHISHIHOKODAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The call came out as a growl, but it had the desired effect.
The depression blast flew out from Ryouga's paws, its power amplified by his new form. The black spiral screamed in agony as its body was blown away. A moment later, Ryouga slumped down, exhausted. Slowly, he felt his body returning to normal. Turning to one side, he saw that Merrick had killed the other creatures and that he was now tending to Ranma and Akane. Crawling on his hands and knees, Ryouga made his way to them.
***
Like most hospitals, the emergency wing of Nermia General was a clean, sterile area painted in gloss white. The fluorescent over head lights cast shadow's here and there across the room and the patients therein. In one of the small cubicles, Ranma sat nervously as the doctor examined his chest.
Outside, Soun wailed continuously at the prospect of his daughter and son-in-law-to-be being seriously injured. Ranma's own father was, as usual, acting much more calmly, but his expression showed an edge of anxiety.
Slowly, the doctor moved his hands over Ranma's chest, assessing the damage. Ranma fidgeted nervously as the doctor worked.
At length, the doctor said, "Well... it appears that you have one cracked rib and a partially dislocated shoulder, but are otherwise alright. The puncture wounds in your chest however are going to require stitches and I'd suggest getting a tetanus shot soon."
Ranma nodded and asked "What about Akane?"
"Who?"
"Ak..." he stopped. "The girl that I brought in with me." He amended.
The doctor shook his head in understanding. "She had quite a nasty laceration on her leg and a whatever caused it splintered the bone, but she's otherwise unhurt." He said. "I had to put a cast on her leg and it'll be several days before she can walk, but she already regained consciousness and will be released in about an hour or so."
Ranma sighed in relief and allowed the doctor to begin stitching the wounds in his chest. The sharp needle hurt somewhat, but compared to what had caused the wounds, the pain was nothing. As the doctor continued to work, Ranma thought back to what had happened not more than an hour earlier.
****Flashback****
Ranma watched in horror as Ryouga's body twisted and grew. As the transformation took place, Ranma was dumbfounded as his long time friend and rival was replaced by a snarling wolf creature.
As Ryouga charged the green man, Ranma closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the sight, but as the sounds of battle escalated, he forced them open again. He watched as Ryouga slashed at the green creature. Watched as the green creature retaliated.
Finally, on of the green creature's attacks struck home, tearing into Ryouga's stomach. Ranma stared in horror as Ryouga slumped to the ground. Gritting against the pain in his chest, Ranma tried to stand but couldn't. The pain was too great.
"FULL SHISHIHOKODAN!!!!!!!!"
Ranma knew Ryougs's battle cry. Jerking his head up, he say the depression blast destroy the green creature. A moment later, he saw Ryouga slump to the ground exhausted.
It was then that he felt the hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Merrick looking down at him, concern filling his eyes.
"Are they going to be alright?"
Looking away from the old man, Ranma saw Ryouga looking at him intently.
"Ryouga..." he began. "What happened?"
Merrick didn't give Ryouga a chance to answer. "I'm not a healer, young one." He said. "We need to get these children to a hospital and soon."
Ryouga nodded. "Leave that to me." He said.
Merrick nodded.
Mustering what little strength he had left, Ryouga shifted into his wolf form. Careful not to worsen the injuries, Merrick tenderly placed Ranma and Akane on Ryouga's back. "Hold on tightly." He ordered.
Ranma had no time to comment as Ryouga sped off into the forest. Quickly, he grabbed hold of Akane with one arm while using the other to hold onto Ryouga's fur.
Several minutes later, they arrived at Nermia General. Ryouga shifted back into his human form and helped move Ranma and Akane to the emergency room door. A young nurse noticed the trio and quickly called the doctor.
As they waited, Ranma held onto Akane tightly, all the while he watched Ryouga with a mix of fear and gratitude. "What the hell are you?" he asked at length.
Ryouga hung his head slightly. "I'm sorry, Ranma." He said. "I should have stayed and told you."
"Told me what?"
"I'm Garou." Said Ryouga. "I'm a werewolf."
Ranma stared at Ryouga, his expression a mix between shock and utter disbelief. "There's.... there's no such thing." He said.
"Believe me, Ranma, there is and I am one." Said Ryouga.
Ranma began to say something, but the sound of several doctors running toward them cut him off. Ryouga looked at the doctors, then at Akane's unconscious form and finally at Ranma. "I can't stay." He said.
"But..." Ranma began.
"Don't argue!" said Ryouga. "I have to go... if... if I stay I'll only put you all in more danger."
Ranma tried to speak, but the words failed him. "Thank you." He said at length.
Ryouga nodded and turned to leave. However, he paused in mid stride and turned to face Ranma again. "Ranma." He said. "I need you to do something for me."
"What?"
"I. . . I need you to. . . . to tell Akane that. . ."
**** End Flashback ****
"Mr. Saotome!"
Ranma snapped back to reality as the doctor said his name. "What?" he asked.
"I said that I am finished." Replied the man.
"Thanks." Said Ranma. "Can I go now?"
The doctor looked him over once more then nodded. "Yes." He said. "Just make sure you stay relatively still for a few hours. I don't want those wounds made any worse."
Ranma nodded and got down off the cot. Thanking the doctor, he and his father exited the cubicle. Immediately, Soun glomped onto him.
"Oh thank you, Ranma." He wailed. "You saved Akane's life!!!"
After a moment, Ranma managed to disengage himself from Soun and bowed, thanking him for the praise. Soun was about to reply, but the doctor called him in to look after Akane. Once they were alone, Genma turned to face Ranma.
"Boy," he said. "I'm glad you were able to get Akane here so fast, but how did you manage it."
Ranma panicked at the question. If he told his father about the werewolves, he would probably believe him ( stranger things had happened after all ), however, he had given Ryouga his word of honor.
"I don't remember." He said.
"Huh?"
Ranma shook his head. "I just... well... I grabbed her and started running." He said. "I guess I just sort of acted on instinct."
Genma nodded silently. He new Ranma was hiding something, but the answer seemed genuine enough so he accepted if for now. He knew his son must have a reason for the lie.
****
Ryouga finished placing the last stone over Robert's grave and stepped back to join Merrick in a quick prayer.
"We must leave." Said Merrick, his voice cold. "The Wyrm knows where we are and will attack again soon."
Ryouga nodded. Picking up his pack, he slowly began to walk away. Suddenly he stopped. Turning, he looked back toward the city.
"Something wrong?" asked Merrick.
"Yes."
"What?"
"I can't leave yet."
"What!?" said Merrick, almost screaming.
Ryouga shook his head. "I can't leave yet." He said. "Not like this. I have to say good-bye."
Merrick placed his hand on Ryouga's shoulder and said, "The Wyrm used them once, do you think it is wise to tempt it twice."
"I fight best when I've got a clear head." Said Ryouga. "And I can't keep a clear head without resolving something first."
"Resolving something?"
Placing his pack on the ground, Ryouga began to walk toward the city. "Where are you going?!" shouted Merrick.
Without turning, Ryouga said, "To the dojo. It's time I settled this once and for all."
"But..."
"Don't worry, I'll return soon!"
With that, he was gone.
****
Ranma raised his hand for the umpteenth time to knock on Akane's door, but stopped himself at the last minute. He hated what he was about to do almost as much as he hated the fact that he couldn't protect her earlier.
<I can't do this.> he told himself. <It isn't right! She should know what happened but... I did promise Ryouga.>
Ranma's emotions continued to wage war inside him as he continued to raise and lower his hand from the door. Finally, after several minutes, he resolved to get it over with and knocked on the door quietly.
"Come in."
Slowly, Ranma opened to door and stepped inside. He wasn't surprised to find Kasumi inside making sure Akane was comfortably settled in bed with her leg propped up on several pillows. As Ranma entered, she smiled and thanked him for getting Akane to the hospital so quickly. Ranma made a quick, albeit appreciative nod and asked if he could talk to Akane alone for a few minutes.
Kasumi smiled and Akane blushed somewhat. A moment later, Kasumi left the room, closing the door behind her. Once she was gone, Ranma moved to the chair at Akane's desk and sat down. As he they watched each other, he tried to find the words he needed to say.
"Thank you, Ranma." Said Akane, interrupting his thoughts.
"Huh?" he asked.
Akane's blush deepened and she shifted a little on her bed so she could face him better. "You know, for getting me to the hospital."
Ranma turned to one side but didn't say anything.
"There's just one thing I want to know." she said. "How did you get away from those... those things!"
Ranma shook his head. <May as well get it over with.> he thought. <Course if I don't do one hell of an acting job, cast or no cast its gonna hurt me.> "Um... Akane?" he said at length.
Akane's face darkened at the words and she felt like something bad was about to happen.
"It... um... it wasn't... it wasn't me who got us out of there." Said Ranma. "It was Ryouga."
"Ryouga!?" Akane asked. Moving her head from side to side, she asked, "Well... were is he?"
"He's..." Ranma began. "He's... he's gone, Akane."
"You mean he's lost again?"
Ranma shook his head.
Akane recoiled in shock and palled. "Oh, Ranma... don't tell me that... that he..."
Ranma nodded sullenly.
Akane could feel tears building in her eyes and after a few seconds she lost her hold on her emotions. Immediately, Ranma moved form the chair to cradle her in his arms.
"I'm sorry." He said. "Ryouga came in and saved us but, one of those things got him. The last thing he told me was to make sure you got to safety."
Akane said nothing, but continued to cry into Ranma's chest. Absently, he began to pat her back and whispered some soothing words too her. Had he stopped to think about it, he probably wouldn't be doing this, but it just seemed right.
After a while, her sobbing began to taper off and the two of them began to talk quietly. Sometime later, Akane finally passed out. Easing his way around her, Ranma made her as comfortable as he could without waking her and pulled the blanket up around her. He started to walk out but stopped for a second. Peeking out the door to make sure no one was watching, he stole back to Akane's side and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. He watched as she smiled involuntarily. Smiling to himself. He walked out.
****
Ranma walked back to his room quietly. His talk with Akane had gone over better than he had expected, but it didn't help the feeling of guilt about the lie he told her. Nor did it help the feeling of pain that her tears had given him.
As he opened the door, something caught his eye. On his bed lay a white envelope.
Picking it up, Ranma saw it was addressed to him. Opening it, he found a small index card which read:
"If you honored your word, meet me at the vacant lot. It's time we settled this once and for all."
--Ryouga
Ranma reread the note-card several times. His mind told him it was probably another trap, but his heart felt it was real. Making up his mind, he walked to the window and jumped out.
****
As he entered the vacant lot, Ranma saw Ryouga casually leaning against a stack of piping.
"I thought you were leaving." Said Ranma.
Ryouga turned to him and smiled. "I was." He said. "But I needed to do something first."
Ranma looked at him, confused. "What." He asked.
Ryouga pushed himself off the pipes and walked over to Ranma. "Do you remember why we fight so much?"
"Yeah, I always got the last piece of bread. You think it's my fault for you turning into a pig. You..."
Ryouga shook his head and told Ranma to stop. "Let's go back to the bread feud, Ranma." He said.
"Huh?"
"I want to finish that fight, Ranma." He said. "I want to finish that fight, _only_."
"What do you mean 'that fight only?'"
Ryouga looked away a minute. "I mean, that everything that happened after that bread feud is forgotten."
"WHAT!?"
"The stuff about P-chan, Akane... and... everything else is gone." Said Ryouga. "I don't care about that anymore. I just want to resolve that one fight."
Ranma stared at Ryouga quietly, absorbing the words.
"Will you fight me, Ranma?" Asked Ryouga. "No tricks, no weapons, no special techniques. Just you and me... like it would have been all that time ago."
After a moment, Ranma moved into a combat stance. Ryouga did likewise. "First one to fall flat on either his stomach or his back loses. Winner takes all, no rematches." Said Ryouga.
Ranma nodded and charged. Ryouga dodged and lashed out with a foot sweep. Ranma easily dodged the attack and countered with a wheel kick of his own.
Ryouga saw the kick and, raising his arm, deflected the blow. Seeing that Ranma was off balance, he quickly pressed the advantage.
The fight continued for what seemed like hours with neither fighter gaining the upper hand. Finally, Ranma ducked one of Ryouga's mule kicks and slammed his hands into the small of Ryouga's back. The blow had the desired effect and Ryouga pitched forward into the ground.
After a moment, Ryouga pushed himself into a kneeling position and surveyed the ground before him. <It's over.> he thought. Standing, he turned to face Ranma and bowed. Ranma did the same.
"Thank you, Ranma." Said Ryouga.
Ranma didn't say anything. Instead, he walked to Ryouga and shook his hand. "You fight good man." He said.
"So do you." Ryouga smirked.
Without thinking, Ranma pulled on Ryouga's hand and embraced his friend, clapping him on the back several times. After a moment, he released him.
"Well?"
"Well what?" asked Ryouga.
Ranma smirked. "You promised you'd tell me everything if we survived. Well... we did."
Ryouga laughed and launched into the abridged version of what Merrick had told him.
Once the tail was finished, Ranma felt like his head was going to explode; it just seemed too unreal. Reluctantly, he asked, "What're you gonna do now?"
Ryouga shook his head. "I don't know."
"Where'll you go?"
"I'll go wherever Gaia needs me." Ryouga answered.
"What about Akane?"
"Promise you'll take care of her, Ranma." Said Ryouga. "I'll sleep better knowing you're looking out for her."
Ranma replied that he would and bowed to Ryouga. Ryouga smiled and did likewise. Turning on his heel, he slowly began to walk away.
"Ryouga!"
Ryouga turned and looked at Ranma with a questioning glare.
"Will... will you ever come back?"
Ryouga shook his head. "I doubt it, Ranma." He said. "My being here will only hurt you and the others."
"What do I tell them?"
"Tell them the same thing you told Akane." Answered Ryouga. "But remember, you can't tell anyone that you fought me here tonight."
Ranma nodded. "Good luck." He said.
Ryouga smiled and turned away to leave again.
"I'll pray for you, Ryouga." Said Ranma. "I may not have acted like it, but I always considered you my friend!"
Ryouga stopped short and turned to face Ranma. "You did?"
"Yes."
"The feeling was mutual, Ranma." Ryouga replied. "Even though it probably never seemed like it."
"Good-bye, Ryouga." Said Ranma.
"Good-bye, Ranma." Ryouga countered, and with that, he was gone.
Ranma stared after Ryouga for several minutes. "Good luck, Ryouga." He said aloud. "I hope you find the peace you always wanted."
Turning on his heel, Ranma slowly made his way back to the dojo.
*****
It was already dark when Ryouga finally made his way back to where he had left Merrick. Looking around, he saw a small pile of rocks topped with broken bow. Robert's grave.
"Merrick!" he called. "Are you here?"
A low growl sounded behind him, causing him to spin suddenly.
"Merrick?"
"Yes, Ryouga."
Ryouga nodded. Turning his head slightly, he looked toward Nermia, toward his home.
"I take it you have said your good-byes." said Merrick.
"Yes." said Ryouga. "Ranma and I finally finished the fight we started all those years ago."
"Who won?" queried Merrick.
"Ranma did. I guess that was how it would have been originally." said Ryouga.
"Does this leaving sadden you?"
"Ranma and I parted friends." Ryouga countered. "I always knew we would eventually."
"But you didn't defeat him."
"I don't care anymore." Ryouga said. "The fight was stupid to begin with. I know I can't beat him."
"Unless you frenzy against him." Merrick said sarcastically.
"I won't get the chance."
"Hmm?"
Ryouga turned away from the view of his home to stare at Merrick coldly. "For better or for worse." he said. "I can't come back here. . . ever."
Merrick nodded. "I know, young one." he said. "All Garou know the pain of leaving their homes. In time, you will learn to accept it."
"It doesn't matter, I'm dead for all they know." Ryouga said. "They'll all forget about me soon enough."
"No, boy." said Merrick. "You live only as long as the last person who remembers you. If you and Ranma parted as friends, you will never die so long as he lives."
Despite himself, Ryouga smiled. "Maybe." he said.
Merrick placed a sympathetic hand on Ryouga's shoulder. "Come, boy." he said. "Luna calls, and the Wyrm grows stronger the more we delay."
Again, Ryouga nodded and turned to follow Merrick. As they walked away, Ryouga felt something hitting the side of his face, looking up, he saw it was beginning to rain. Reflexively, he reached for the umbrella he no longer carried. A moment later, the rain began to pour in full force.
Ryouga stopped and turned to look at his home. A home he probably would never see again.
"Someone you forgot to bid farewell to?" asked Merrick.
"No." said Ryouga, moving to catch up to Merrick. "I was just thinking."
"About?"
Ryouga laughed. "Just thinking that it's kinda funny."
"What is?"
Ryouga continued to walk, but he began to laugh harder. "I used to hate the rain." he answered.
********************************The End?
Thus ends "The Call of the Wyld." I hope you enjoyed it.
I know there is already a Ranma fanfic titled "Call of the Wild." However, you'll notice I'm using the Werewolf: The Apocalypse, spelling of "wild."
Before continuing with the notes:
*DISCLAIMER*
Ranma 1/2 and all characters, special attacks, etc. are the property of Rumiko Takahashi and the company that publishes them. Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and all references to the Garou, Black Spiral Dancers etc., is written by Mark Rein-Hagen, Robert Hatch and Bill Bridges and is the property of White Wolf Game Studio. Both are used without permission and with sincerest apologies to the aforementioned persons.
The Character's Merrick and Robert are just two background characters I came up with for the story.
*END DISCLAIMER*
-This story is a result of watching too many Ranma show's, reading too much manga and playing Werewolf: The Apocalypse for almost twelve hours straight one Saturday. For those of you who are not familiar with Werewolf, it is an excellent game with a mix of gothic horror and modern "punk" themes. I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this kind of game.
-- Some people may think that I advanced this story too quickly and they're probably right. Two or three days time does seem a little quick to find out you're a werewolf, beat up some banes, fomori, black spirals, etc. and get the heck out of Dodge. Blame this on my storyteller. In the games I've played, we always seem to find out our characters nature pretty quick and then move on to the rest of the story.
-- Also, I am currently without my copy of the Werewolf Storyteller's Guide and all the tribe, creature, gift, etc. names are done from memory. If I made any mistakes please let me know and I'll change them.
-- One more thing, just in case anybody is wondering why I picked Ryouga to be the werewolf. Well. . . he's already got the fangs, he's angry all the time (rage) and he can use chi (gnosis). About the only thing that is missing is the claws. The similarities were just too good to pass up.
-- As to his curse being cured, I have no idea whether changing into a Garou would cancel out Jusenkyo, but it kind of made sense, so I decided to use it.
I may have a sequel to this in mind, but I'll be waiting on that till I get some responses to this one and get some revisions done. C&C is requested (please send me some!), but please limit it to story content. Please do not comment on grammar or spelling.
All C&C will be replied to.
Thanks to everyone who read this and thanks in advance to everyone who C&C's. Special thanks to Zen, Odie3100, James Palmer and Don Wang for pre-reading this story for me.
James Jones jace@utkux.utcc.utk.edu.