Ranma 1/2 A Chinese Ghost Story - Chapter 3
By Kahlil Noriega
All rights belong to Rumiko Takahashi and to the creators of the movie "A
Chinese Ghost Story" to which I based this Fanfic from.
*Authors note: This is a Ranma 1/2 alternate universe Fanfic to which some
details may defer greatly from the original - Enjoy!
* [] - Characters thoughts and maybe feelings
{} - Added descriptions, events
< > - Sound effects for events
** This is my first draft for chapter 3, I would like to apologise if some
of the details seem vague. I will give a much more complete version next
time. Again thank you and enjoy.
Chapter 3 - Of Different Worlds (first draft)
{The soft moaning of the wind rustling up a few of the dry leaves. It is
already evening inside the forest.}
The soft hollow voice of the wind flew quietly amid the many trees of the
great forest. Roaming its dark and endless confines, a lone wandering
spirit, empty of thought or emotion. Its hauntingly low voice echoing amid
the greenery as it sped past trees and shrubs alike. Lifting along the way
some of the few dead leaves that settled on the ground as well as plucking
those that were dying in the tree branches as it swiftly passed by.
Stirring up soil and dust alike as they too were lifted up to follow the
wanderings of the wind. While a quiet full moon watched from above, bright
as ever in the dark and clear sky. Giving only a touch of white light to
brighten the darkness of the evening.
Unhindered and alone, through the forest the wind went. Under the single
white eye of the dark sky, the wind flew free and unchallenged. Gliding and
soaring through the grey darkness of the wilderness it climbed over stout
stone steps. A long simple stairway that the leaves took, as it climbed,
tumbled and danced like so many marry children. Scraping their frail little
bodies on the hard unyielding ground. Laughing and crying as they scratched
the rough stone surface then were suddenly lifted up and carried by the
strong arms of the wind to view the magnificent temple whole.
The Lotus Temple - tucked and secure in the protective arms of the great
forest that surrounded it. Its tall stone walls were grey under the light
of the bright moon above. While the winds hollow moan drifted again in the
breeze, this time accompanied by the soft rattling of the myriad of trees.
***
A small brown leaf fell away from the arms of the wind. Twisting and
turning as it tumbled down pass the sentinels of stone that stood and
guarded the corners of a small, rectangular pool. Pagodas - tall, worn and
proud. Guarding a treasure throve of gentle, fragile blossoms. Lotus
blossoms to be exact, white and pure as the brightest pearls and as frail
as a single flake of snow. Their frailty supported only by the cool clear
waters of the pool as they floated aimlessly on the calm surface.
The small brown leaf drifted and then landed in the pools swallow waters.
Stirring and awakening the silent water, making it produce small ripples on
the surface that gradually grew to spread out over the now turbulent
surface of the water. Till finally it settles back in. Reflecting the soft
thin light that came from a small slightly closed window on the second
floor of the temple. Its image all but blurred as it vanished with the
rippling of the water.
***
{Inside the Lotus Temple, in Ranko's room}
The light from a small flickering candle, atop a small wooden table by the
bedside, illuminated the small and quiet room. Its interior a dimly lit as
the light from the single candle flickered and danced, playing small
shadows that graced bare walls. The wind outside picked up strength
producing almost all the sounds inside the room besides from the small
crackling of the fire and the light breathing of its occupants.
Huddled in a small corner of the room sat a lonely figure. Head leaning
against the wall with legs drawn close to him, his forearms draped over his
knees. As the figure sat there silently mulling over thoughts that troubled
him. Ryouga sat there in stoic silence. The heat from the candle hardly
ever touched his troubled spirit. Eyes permanently fixed on the sleeping
form lying on the bed. He closed them tightly, letting memory again assail
him once more of events from the night before...
***
<Flash>
{Rain outside, pounding on the roof and windows}
{Lightning from outside lighting the room briefly only to be followed by
the crash of thunder}
Walking through the door that led into Ranko's room. Ryouga steps in
carrying her still and cold form in his arms as he dared take a quick
glance to see her breath coming in short gulps of air. Her face pale from
the demon's long touch, yet this could not mar her beauty. Worry and
despair crowded on him at once though, making him discard the idea quickly
as Ryouga moved closer to the bed. Gently lowering her down.
Lighting the candle on top of the table he sits down beside her on the
bed. Concern made him take hold of her cold hand as he tried to feel for a
pulse that came to weakly to be felt. And he hesitates on what he thought
he must do. He knew what prolonged contact with spirits was dangerous;
absorbing their life force until all that remained was a hollow shell of
the person victimised. And the consequences after, far outweighed the
absorption of spirit. All of these negative thoughts he forced out from his
mind then weighed all the consequences of his actions if ever he tried to
do this dangerous technique. Need drove and pushed him to take the chance,
but should he fail...No he didn't want to even consider the consequences of
failure.
Gripping her hand, he felt her growing colder as the devils taint seeped
into his hand. And he shook with fear on what he must do. He desperately
wished that his master could be here, but prayer only worsened Ranko's
condition. If he doesn't act soon...["NO!"] he practically screamed in his
mind. Not wanting to consider that it could be already to late.
["Master...What should I do?"] He desperately called in his thoughts as he
felt her pulse slow down as the effect of prolonged contact with the demon
took its toll on her spirit. Ryouga lifts her up and off the bed, need
driving him to do what he must do in order to save her life.
Laying her down gently on the hard wood floor. He sits her up properly
with legs crossed and her back straight. Her arms dangling limply at her
side as Ryouga moved behind her and sat cross-legged. Stretching his arms
on either side of him, Ryouga closed his eyes and focused ki, mind and
spirit for the difficult task ahead.
***
Recalling his Masters teachings he let them resurface once more in his
mind and into his hands. With eyes closed, he cleared his thoughts of all
emotion as he brought both of his palms together before him, focusing his
ki and spirit to the technique that could inevitably, save Ranko's life.
Opening his eyes, he rips the back of Ranko's robe, shoving aside the
thought of seeing her exposed skin before him as he cleared his mind once
again of all the emotions he felt a while ago. And into preparing both mind
and body to the difficult task ahead. Once he started, he knew there was no
going back.
Lifting his right hand he probes the back of her spine, running his
fingers down her skin to the bottom of her ribs as he pushed down hard on
the point flooding it with his ki. Ranko gives out a gasp as she felt the
first surges of power course through her body. ["Open the flood gates of
her spirit."] The voice in his mind told him. ["Two points above, 13th
vital point - press."] His fingers worked methodically as he moved his
fingers in response to the commands in his mind. ["Heart, lungs, liver,
mind each has a point that contributes to the whole"] And Ryouga's hands
move from vital point to vital point, rearranging her metabolism to cope
with the strain of the demon's taint on her body. And through it all he
felt his reserves weaken as the technique took its toll on his body and
spirit. ["Must...contuinue..."] he commanded himself as he felt that he is
nearly done with the process.["The most crucial point!"]
["Awaken the five forces of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Spirit."] The
voice commanded as Ryouga drove his left, palm between her shoulder blades,
focusing his last remaining strength in reviving her spirit. And somewhere
along the bridging of both mind and body, he felt something. ["Odd?
Something's connected to her, but what..."] He couldn't describe it at all
for it eluded him when he tried to even probe it.
All the while, Ranko had her back arced and she lets loose a small cry.
This was the final element of the revival technique, should he fail-
"Aarghhh..." ["PAIN!"] He focused his mind, fighting fatigue and pain as he
coughed out a bit of blood from his mouth from the intense strain on mind
and body.
"Aaahhh..."
And he is done. Collapsing on the hard wood floor, his arms weakly
supporting him as he tried to focus his mind and body to recover from the
technique. His breathing came in huge gulps of air, as blood dripped out
from his mouth. Sitting up properly he tries again to steady himself,
letting his mind clear and his vision adjust from the blinding light from
the candle.
While his mind teetered on the brink of blacking out, nausea hit him.
Sitting there behind Ranko, he tried to recover from the strain of it all.
["It was worth it..."] He thought when he heard her breathing normally. And
he was glad. When he finally regained much of his strength, he gathered her
in his arms and gently laid her on the bed. Placing a soft warm blanket to
cover her as she settled comfortably on her pillow. Her breath, he saw,
rose slowly as she rested in a relaxed sleep. Taking her hand in his, he
felt for her pulse, which came readily to him, strong and warm. And he
smiles in relief.
Standing, he takes one of the chairs at the foot of the bed beside a table
and sits. Relaxing into a comfortable position as he focused his eyes on
Ranko's sleeping form on the bed. His body tired from the strain of
performing the technique drifted off to sleep when it mercifully came.
While the splatter of the rain outside softened its cadence.
<Light...>
Opening his eyes, Ryouga allowed the memory to subside as he tried to
forget the events of the past yet one event always resurfaced. And as much
as he wanted to forget it, it just wouldn't go away. Recalling the events
of that battle. That battle with the demon in the clearing. And even now as
he pondered on the events coming out from memory. He knew he only managed
to escape it barely and with a little bit of luck. ["No, it was luck
entirely"] He thought, stroking his bandaged forearm unaware of this act, a
small cut he received from fighting that demon.
The cut didn't matter to him, it was small in comparison to what troubled
him today. For the first time in his life he was afraid and confused, and
it sickened him beyond belief. He knew he never once doubted his faith for
a moment. ["Why now?"] He thought, the words that troubled him again
rumbled in his ears and in his mind. ["Who will you choose, Who will you
choose, Who will - NO! - No, No, No,No, NO!"] Ryouga ends that trail of
thought as he closed his eyes shut, desperately covering his ears as he
denied the voices in his head.
["Have you abandoned Him?"] The thought finally asked. The drumming and
hammering of the voices ended with this single question, and Ryouga felt
shaken as he tried to deny the accusation the voice said to him in his mind
as he stood up abruptly. Taking with him, his umbrella that was leaning
beside the doorway. He stops as he turned around to look back on Ranko's
sleeping form.
"I will be back..." Ryouga promised softly as he gently closed the door
behind him.
Stepping out into the dimly lit hallway, he makes his way down the stairs
and into the grand hall of the temple. The darkness of the night lay still
before him as a cold wind passed by. Making the few candles in the hall
flicker at its touch. Nevertheless, Ryouga dashes outside; umbrella in hand
as he passed by the small lotus pond that gave the temple its namesake.
While four stone pagodas that lined the corners of the rectangular pool
watched him go as he took the flight of steps two at a time then leaping
off as he ran headed for the heart of the dark forest.
***
{Back inside the room}
Ranko shivered and shook under the covers of her blanket, sweat plastered
her fiery red hair to the sides of her face as she tossed and turned on top
of her bed. Her small soft hands tense and pale from gripping the edge of
the blanket as she crossed her brows, keeping her eyes tightly shut while
the trance like voices continued to invade her dreams...
<Light...>
"...Master. Master?" a voice softly called from outside his thoughts.
Ranma slowly opened his eyes adjusting to the brightness of the day outside
as he looked out into the palace gardens. His face empty of emotions though
his eyes could never have properly hid his troubled thoughts. He withdrew
his hand from the elaborate wooden window, bringing it to his side. The
thought of the many hours he stood there was forgotten ever since this
whole incident ever began.
Unconcerned for the grandeur of the palace he lived in, with its ornately
decorative jade statues and lacquered furniture as well as hand-woven silk
tapestries that hung limply on painted red walls. Silk curtains trimmed in
gold decorations adorned and covered some of the carved wooden windows. All
in all, everything about the palace was very old and dull to him. Even the
finely crafted imperial dress he is wearing was common enough for many of
the young noble lords of the House of Saotome. Such finely crafted
garments were adorned in heavy gold string, which clearly stood out against
his red silk robes. All of this was of little comfort to him, as did
everything else here in the palace - maybe not all though, the gardens
always did bring him a certain peace.
He sighs in regret as the calls of his servant finally pierced through his
momentary reverie, so absorbed was he on the view outside that he didn't
hear him enter at all. That was how good he was he thought. His faithful
servant and long time friend here in the palace...
"Satsuke." Ranma spoke softly as he turned around to face the old ninja
master.
Satsuke always had his long black hair pulled and tied at the back of his
head by a long piece of black string as well as supporting a very short
beard that covered most of his chin and outline of his mouth. His tough
leather like skin was tight around his skull and hard as his eyes, but
right now he saw, they showed a certain gentleness if now concern. Which
was quite a surprise for Ranma. Satsuke has been Ranma's guardian and
teacher when his father was too busy with court and battle that he was not
able to spend enough time with his son.
"Young Master" Satsuke softly replied from where he knelt. Right fist
firmly planted on the ground before him in a form of salute as he waited,
head bowed, for his masters reply.
"What is it Satsuke?" Ranma spoke a bit irritated, but he held back his
anger for being interrupted, this was Satsuke he was speaking to after all.
"Master... My Lord - your father... wishes to speak with you." Satsuke
replied softly and a bit hesitantly. It is no secret around the palace that
there exist a certain tension between both father and son. The knowledge of
this though did not help his situation much, when he knew the news he
brought...
"If it is about the wedding arrangements, I won't go! I will not marry
her!" Ranma spoke loudly enough that Satsuke could not hold his shock at
this reply as his head jerked up suddenly from surprise.
"Bu...bu...But Master -" Satsuke gasped.
"No buts Satsuke. I will not talk to him nor do I want to see him!" Ranma
spoke angrily out of irritation for his father as he turned around to face
the window.
"Bu...but young Master...if your father...I mean...If Lord Genma finds
about this..." Satsuke cringes at the thought of bearing the blunt of his
Lords anger. "...Please... my Lord ...please - at least try to speak to
him." Satsuke begged.
Ranma sighs in defeat. "All right Satsuke...but only for your sake. You've
been a good friend to me for a long time now." And with a bit of hesitation
he continues "...I will do what you ask."
"Thank you my Lord Ranma. Thank you!" Satsuke replied gratefully from where
he knelt on the floor bowing.
"Satsuke." Ranma spoke softly as he turns to look at him. The anger melting
away as he paused for a moment to consider his words.
"Yes my Lord?"
"Is it true what the rumours say?" Ranma asked a bit puzzled.
"What rumours my Lord." Satsuke asked confused.
"You know. About these rumours, that speak of the one that I will marry."
"Yes, what about it?"
"Is it true what they say, that her beauty...that she is very beautiful?"
"Yes my Lord, that's what the people I've talked to say."
"That is what they wish to believe. Satsuke...should I." Ranma asks as he
turns back to stare through the window and outside.
"It is not my right to..."
"I asked you a question Satsuke...should I"
Satsuke sighs as he thought about the question for a moment before
answering. Sitting down, we considered the implications of their marriage
and other equally important issues so that when he spoke, it was with the
calm assurance of a teacher telling a foolish student of his error as he
pointed out the most obvious answer...
"My Lord...young master, your marriage would forever unite the Houses of
Tendo and Saotome and with it, the end of the war. Much is at stake here.
And there is a lot of hope for the union of the two greatest families..."
"Honour again...I know all that. But you never actually answered the
question" Ranma spoke exasperated.
"Yes, I didn't. But that is not for me to decide."
"Satsuke...I don't want to marry her." Ranma said.
Satsuke remains quiet over this as he mulled the implications of the
decision. Though he did feel a bit worried about his choice. Lord Genma
would not be pleased with this answer. And the idea of bearing the blunt of
his anger made him wince at the thought of pain.
"I don't want to marry her by my fathers hand...I'm not yet ready for that
kind of commitment...maybe when I'm ready could I consider even marrying
her...." Ranma continued.
"Then you will consider it my lord?"
"Yes...I guess so. You can tell that to my father at least... My
father...Lord Genma...I...{pauses as if considering again his response} he
could arrange for me to meet with her and if I...."
Silence reigns after that as Ranma looks down at the ground defeated as he
thought of a way to rephrase it, but it hardly mattered anyway with
Satsuke's next reply and he is glad for his friends choice of words.
"I understand My Lord." Satsuke leaves his room just as Ranma turns away to
stare out once again into the majestic settings of the garden he saw
through the window. With eyes focused on the scenery yet his mind empty and
distant, as though he was looking at something else. A vision, probably, of
a coming battle and when he closed his eyes he could hear it, the cries of
the dying and those who would soon later die...
<Flash>
<"Arghh!">
<Slash>
<Clang>
<"Uhh">
<Noises from the battlefield>
Screams and battle cries can be heard in the crisp dry air, as were the
sounds of crossed swords and streaking arrows flying for their mark. And
all along these lines, men died and so did creatures that should have been
dead long ago as combatants paired off in the bloody field. Their sword
fights overshadowed by the burning castle and town in the far horizon.
Warriors of the Houses of Saotome and Tendo battled alongside each other,
each respectively dressed in red and black armour. Their swords dripped
with the blood of their enemies as they held their ground against the
assault the Demon Lord's minions.
Charging through the mass of undead warrior's, mounted men of the House
Saotome charged into the heat of battle. At their head rode a familiar
figure atop a strong white charger, the rider dressed in red trimmed with
gold as his long pig-tailed hair ran the length of his back as he
brandished a wicked long sword stained in black blood. "Rally to me!"
Ranma shouted over the heads of his men as he waved his bloodied sword up
high in the air. Then violently hacking one of the demon warriors that
came too close to his sword arm. Ranma's other arm called his soldiers
forward as they battled with the Demon Lord's minions. Their vigour renewed
at the sight of him as they fought with a savagery that came from fighting
overwhelming odds. Looking over the heads of his men Ranma manages to catch
a brief glimpse of the cause of this infernal war, before his vision of the
Demon Lord was lost amid the burning remains of a battle ravaged wagon.
***
The Demon Lord, mounted on his strong black war-horse, watched in epic
glee as his warriors took delight in hacking off the living flesh of their
enemies. Savouring the warm blood that splashed on their bony hands as they
killed mercilessly. Taking great pleasure in ridding of the enemies of
their infernal Lord and Master whose blood red eyes clearly enjoyed the
slaughter. Sitting contentedly on his dark mount, the Demon with his silver
white hair flowing behind him that left only a shining bald spot on top of
his head smiled.
The battle raging on as the fires of warfare consumed the town that was
under the shadow of the castle. Farmers and women ran about amidst the
burning houses. Screams of frightened folk and children alike drifted in
the air accompanied by black clouds of smoke from the burning houses.
***
In the midst of this furious fighting was Ranma, battling in his scarlet
robes and armour. His face covered in a light cover of ash and sweat yet it
marred little of his handsome face that bore only determination as he
hacked off the head of a demon creature lunged Ranma with its red slicked
blade. The attack left the creature open for Ranma to step aside as he
severed the creature's head at the neck. Always a fight closer to his goal
as the demon king strode by pass a burning wagon slaughtering a man who
attacked him from the side. Ranma doubled his effort to reach him and once
they faced each other, they fought with a savagery like no other, like
lions pouncing and stalking the other till finally their swords crossed
between them. Sparks flew. Their faces only inches apart from bare blade.
***
The demon gives a triumphant smile as its eyes focused on Ranma whose
blade he forced closer to his neck. Ranma pushes on it hard, shoving the
demon aside then following it up with a cross slash which the demon nimbly
avoided with its blade. The demon smiles at him as he through Ranma's blade
to the side then barrelling him with his shoulder making Ranma fall down
flat on the ground. Avoiding the slashing blades by rolling to his side,
Ranma quickly gets up and off the ground as he manoeuvred his sword before
him. His eyes firmly glued on the demon as it shifted its stance to a
higher one, levelling it so that the tip of the blade pointed at him and
was well above the demon's shoulders. They squared off, judging each
fighter for any signs of weakness.
Answering to a mental call, demon warriors ran out from nearby streets
passing their accursed master. Each lunged to attack Ranma who by now saw
the demon lord retreating as he engaged the demons. ["Coward!"] Ranma
cursed in his head as he concentrated his attack in clearing an area for
him to manoeuvre.
***
["Uh...Fire?"] Ranko thought in surprise, as she leaped away to avoid a
falling burning timber that fell on her path. Confusion assailing her as
much as the concern of fleeing the village she called home. ["Home?"] She
thought quite puzzled at the thought of this as being her home. She
discards the idea as she covers her mouth and noise to block the burning
fumes of the black smoke. Smoke stung her watery eyes as she tried to clear
the smoke with her waving hands.
Finally the smoke clears enough to see and she is fear stricken. Striding
amidst the burning remains of houses she sees the demon lord. The gleam in
its eyes held her in place as she tried to move muscles that would not
respond. And the demon lord moved closer and closer. Eyes still locked with
hers even as another burning timber fell and flared on the ground between
them. Through the flames she saw him coming, his image blurred yet the
light from the fire reflecting in his eyes laughter invaded her thoughts,
she was still rooted in place.
Too late was she in reacting that the demon was already upon her, when she
finally tried to escape. Turning around to flee only to be stopped as she
turned to face the demon lord that held her arm firmly. His eyes bright and
red as she sensed epic glee in them. And fear makes her weak.
***
Happosai smiled at the prize he found amid the burning houses of the town.
The beauty he held would prove to be a satisfactory servant to his desires
as he examined her more closely. Her bright blue eyes and fiery red hair
even now has already planted the seeds of lust in him and the fires inside
burns more brightly at the thought of taking her. He pulls back his right
arm up high and then drives it down and through her chest sensing her
essence seep into his hand as he greedily absorbs her life into him. And he
laughs a cruel demonic laugh.
***
Ranko feels her soul being ripped out of her, her cries of anguish
reflecting the intense pain of having her life drained before her as she
gradually felt weaker by the minute. And her agonising cry is lost as
another one takes after it.
***
"AaaaahhhHHH"
<Slice>
Ranma slices off the Demon Lords arm as he followed up his attack by a
quick horizontal slash to the chest and then a kick that made the demon
topple over and away from him. Seeing the girl he held a moment ago, he
rushes to her side cradling her head in the hollow of his arm as he poised
his blade to guard them selves from the demon. That by now was recovering
from the attack as it drew its blade in a ready stance.
"You will be all right." He assured to the wounded girl, unsure whether or
not she understood. He knew only one thing, this battle must end now.
***
She falls to the ground hard then is picked up in strong muscled hands.
Gentle she thought as she looked into the eyes of a handsome youth. He felt
her lay her down gently on the ground, his assurances lost amid the chaotic
sounds of war. Ranko sees his go as they battled each other in the fields.
All image and senses are lost when darkness finally overcomes her.
***
{Inside Lotus Temple}
Waking from the dream shocked and afraid, Ranko sits up on the bed as she
finds herself wet with perspiration and tears. Cradling her head with one
hand, the other steadying her on the bed as she tried to hold back the
onslaught of tears trying to break out. ["No...I mustn't cry".] Ranko tried
to berate herself in her thoughts. ["It was just a dream. Just a dream..."]
Ranko shaken finds that she could not sleep. Tossing the bed sheet away,
she draws her legs over the side of the bed and stands up to leave the
confines of her room and into the main hall below. As she stood there,
leaning on the temples huge open doors. She finds consolation from looking
up into the night sky. And a small teardrop slides down from her eye to
moisten her cheek.
***
{Somewhere in the forests and out of the dream.}
In the dark heart of the wilderness, the wind rattled the dry leaves of
the trees as the branches swayed in the breeze. Its passage accompanied
only by its soft gentle howl as it wandered in the darkness of the night.
As it caressed the soft silky waves of pink-white fabric, which served as
the walls of a simple open hall that, was held by four strong red pillars.
In the middle of this shrine atop a finely woven carpet of intricate
designs lay silk covered pillows. Small candles lighted the hall all
around, atop several long thin metal stands while others were scattered on
the floor.
And in the middle of this lay a very beautiful woman. Her back exposed and
partly covered by her long silky black hair, which barely covered her
exposed smooth skin to the soft caresses of the wind. Her dress of soft
silk white robes lay quietly by her side. Arms crossed on top of one of the
pillows as she rested her cheek on it, eyes closed and partly dreaming. Her
red lips parted invitingly as she smiled.
"Uhh......huhhh...Mmmm"
She gasps in a bit of pain then settles back down again when it passed
then settling back on top of the silk pillows as she turned to look at the
cause of her brief pain to the hands that applied them. Long red nails
moved gently from her shoulder as they took out the needle that was
creating her tattoo of a simple red flower. Blood seeped out from the small
wound that the needle created as another woman of similar beauty lowered
her face to lick the wound clean.
"Ukyou..." the girl gasped at the touch of the girl's moist tongue on her
wounded skin as she turns to look at her with eyes slightly closed and lips
partly open.
"Yes mistress..." Ukyou replied softly from where she sat beside the girl.
Rising up slowly to sit properly as she took the sharp needle away, placing
it gently on the floor beside her.
"How long has it been?" the girl asks softly from where she lay atop of the
pillows as she turned away to look at the darkness outside of the small
shrine.
"About a hundred years now I guess, my mistress." Ukyou replies softly.
"Ukyou, you've been a good friend to me for these past many years and yet
you still continue to call me that. Why?" the girl asked a bit puzzled
still focused on the view outside.
The girl sighs, then smiles as she continued to speak as if lecturing a
young girl.
"Mistress..." Ukyou pauses when she saw the slight frown form on her
mistress lips. And smiles to herself as though laughing at a joke only she
knew as she continued.
"Akane...I know. That's why I haven't forgotten. And besides, it's all I
have left of my former life."
"You have me." The girl said as a matter of fact staring at the black night
pass the fluttering silk curtains of the shrine.
"No - somebody else already has you. Or have you... forgotten already?"
Ukyou asked a bit curious.
"No, I still remember." Akane replied sadly.
"Then... that is good. You still remember then." Ukyou said, not noticing
Akane's silence. "Here let me straighten out your hair."
Akane sits up and lets her comb her hair back as Ukyou arranges it softly
in one hand as she took out a red comb that was lying on the floor near the
pillows.
"Ukyou should I -"
Akane stops as she gets up and so does Ukyou when they suddenly feel a
mysterious presence. A very evil presence that she knew. When from out of
no where appeared a figure, blade bare as he attacked Akane who fended off
the blade by moving out of the way and turning to deliver a blow to the
side of the head. More followed after the first warrior, each appearing as
though at the top of their jump as they landed and immediately attacked.
Ukyou and Akane fought them off with zeal. When suddenly Ukyou was attacked
by the Demon Lord that suddenly appeared out of no where behind her.
Hammering her with a fist to the chest making her stagger back. Akane turns
as she finishes off her attacker as she screams Ukyou's name as she jumped
to engaged the Demon Lord in battle.
"Ukyou!" Akane screams as she blocked an attack from the demon lord.
Ukyou turns around as she manages to free herself from the one she was
fighting, finishing him off, looking then at Akane with those desperate
eyes.
"Ukyou - GO!" Akane screamed as she battled with the Demon Lord and his
men.
"Mistress..." Ukyou called hesitantly a moment before when Akane calls out
again.
"GO!" Akane cried, her voice imploring her to escape.
And with all of the hesitation in her she tore her eyes away as she turned
around to flee. Flying into the darkness of the night not once ever looking
back at the shrine below as tears flowed out freely from her eyes. Tears
she shed for Akane's sacrifice.
***
{Somewhere inside the great forest}
"Ah!"
Ryouga lands on a stout tree branch still determined to hunt down demons.
Anger at their kind boiling in him as the thought of Ranko lying on the bed
made his depression much worse than it all ready is. Leaping off the tree
again he glides in the air and as he slowly descended back down he kicks
yet another branch to remain air born.
["It is my fault that she got hurt. My fault that the demons came after
her, they came after me. It was my responsibility to watch out for her. I
promised. It's my fault!"] Ryouga screamed in his thoughts as he flew,
tears seeped out of his partially closed eyes as he soared in the forest
treetops. His grip on the handle of his umbrella tightened, as did his
resolve to do the deed he came here for. No longer would he wait for them
to strike. This time he would be the hunter.
A scream pierces the night air, a woman's voice he discerned and so were
the sounds of sword fighting. The whizzing sound of a blade as it cut
through the air as did the grunts and snarls of determined fighters was
unmistakable. Ryouga heads in the direction of the noise, his brow crossing
down as the adrenaline of a coming fight excited him in a frenzy that
exploded at the sight of the combatants.
A beautiful long black-haired girl dressed in robes of fine blue silk
battled several demon warriors. Long dead warriors made to serve under the
wing of a demon king. Though why they suddenly appeared eluded him. He knew
warriors such as these seldom come out, but the answer wouldn't come as
battle lust raged inside him. He leaped into the air and landed in the heat
of the battle with umbrella slashing in a tornado of vertical and
horizontal cross strikes as he blocked and parried each attack delivered by
the demons he fought against.
***
{In the clearing}
Ukyou didn't know who this stranger was, but his battle skill was indeed
welcome as she finished off the one she was fighting to stare at the new
comer. Though she wasn't able to dwell much further on who this stranger
could be, for she found herself with a new opponent, she did keep in mind
to thank the stranger later once the fight was over as determination covers
her face.
***
One charged him with blade up high, Ryouga quickly puts him out of his
misery with a lunging stab through the chest that broke through withered
flesh and bone alike. Withdrawing his weapon from the corpse he backs away
then side kicks the corpse off his weapon as he opened his umbrella and
waved it left to right at extreme arcs fending off a combined attack from
his opponents, which he now counted was only four. Leaping off the ground,
he lands on a branch of a tree. Looking down on his opponents who
themselves leaped up after him. He leaps away when one of the attacks
cleaves off the branch he was standing on cleanly.
Hovering in the air he lets loose his umbrella at the attacker. The
umbrella spinning through the air like a top as its edge cleanly cut
through the creature's skull and arm. Ryouga in the mean time kicked off
another tree to remain in the air just as the umbrella turned in an arc
headed towards him. He catches it in mid air and lands on another branch
waiting for another strike. Which he doesn't get as one of the warriors
sliced cleanly the trunk of the tree making it fall. He leaps off of it and
into the air again.
One of the warriors picks up and hurls the fallen tree at Ryouga, which he
avoids as he saw it crash into the other trees.
***
Ukyou sees this too as she fought hand to blade with her attacker were in
one movement manages to steal the warriors sword out of its hand. She then
follows it up by turning around as she chopped the demon's head off at the
back of the neck and then hurling the blade at the one who threw the tree.
Stabbing him in the back thus killing it. She goes after to help him when
an intense pain suddenly racks her body and blood escaped from her open
mouth as she staggers a bit. Turning to find a sword embedded in her side
as it was yanked out by one of the demon warriors. The pull tore a scream
from her as she spun in the air then finally fell on the ground before the
demon swords man.
***
Ryouga turns at the sound of the cry of the girl he tried to save only to
find the dead corpse of the demon warrior the girl had just killed on the
back with a sword. He finds the girl on the ground as he parried the other
warrior's attacks as he tried to make his way to the girl. Who by now he
saw was crawling on the dirt trying to flee with much effort as the demon
stood by her with sword held high to strike.
Ryouga makes no hesitation as he risked jumping high up in the air,
turning around in the air so as he tilted his head up to look down on the
warriors below him. Who were trying to stab him as he twirled around in the
air their strike going no where as he parried each attack on him. Then
landing right before the demon swords man as Ryouga blocked its downward
stroke. Both of them stared into each other's eyes. Ryouga used this chance
to push the others sword away as he followed it up by doing a diagonal
flash aimed for the head. The demon on the other hand backed away as the
other warriors closed up on Ryouga from behind. Ryouga pushes the demon
swords man away as he concentrated on fighting the other two warriors.
Blocking a head strike with his umbrella as he returned with a strike of
his own to the head. The demons backs away out of umbrella reach as Ryouga
swats a clear space before him. The demon swords man between the other two
lesser warriors.
At the signal of the demon swords man the other two move side ways trying
to flank Ryouga on both sides Ryouga on the mean time changed from stance
to stance. Lowering his weapon then bringing it to face level. And as both
warriors flanked him, the one on the right of Ryouga came at him with an
overhead strike followed by the other with a lunging strike for the chest.
Ryouga sides steps to avoid the lunge as he blocked the other with his
umbrella then suddenly pivoting to deliver a back handed slash to the back
of the head of the one that came with the over head strike as he passed by.
The other moving pass him as Ryouga engaged the one he just hit. Trading
attacks at each other neither one scoring a hit when at a critical moment
when Ryouga cornered the other with blade on the neck and his umbrella
pushing on it to make it closer to the others neck. The other attacked from
behind giving Ryouga little time to bring his weapon for a block or to
evade. When his opponent is suddenly caught by threads of hair like a rope.
Wrapping the demons neck and arms stopping the attack as the warrior was
lifted up and of the ground. And torn before his eyes. Head arms and legs
scattered like so many pieces of debris. Ryouga follows the length of hair
to the girl who was staggering jump to stay up as she leaned on a tree. Her
tired and dull eyes looked at his as blood poured out of her mouth.
***
Ukyou looked at him, seeing the confused look in his eyes as he looked at
her. Then it hit her. The markings she took for granted. The scent of his
spirit, strong and clean, holy like a monk. She was looking at a monk. The
shock of the thought sapped all of her remaining strength. Her arms weak
from supporting her now lost all power as Ukyou fell on the ground.
***
Ryouga looked at her as she fell then was snapped back to reality when he
was pushed aside by the other warrior. Making him fall back flat ono the
ground as it and the swords man retreated into the recesses of the forest.
Ryouga was still in shock to find himself still alive. More so to find that
the one who saved him was a ghost. A spirit. As a monk it was his duty to
destroy evil ghosts. Still in shock he tried to Ryouga looked at her as she
fell then was snapped back to reality when he was pushed aside by the other
warrior. Making him fall back flat onto the ground as it and the swords man
retreated into the recesses of the forest. Ryouga was still in shock to
find himself still alive. More so to find that the one who saved him was a
ghost. A spirit. As a monk it was his duty to destroy evil ghosts. Still in
shock he tried to g
She tilts her head forward, bowing as tears seeped out from her eyes.
"Finish it." She said softly. Ukyou tried not to cry. Her spirit she knew
would be dispersed like the stars. Her existence decided upon this mortal.
If she had only the strength to flee...but no she does not. She
acknowledges her destruction at the hands of this youth.
Ryouga is confused at what she said. He didn't want to kill her that he
was sure off. He couldn't move himself to destroy such a beautiful girl
more over the fact that she saved his life. But duty...
"Go" he said. It surprised him.
Ukyou surprised at this turns her head slowly. Confusion evident on her
tear covered face as she looked at the man before him.
"Go" Ryouga said more strongly. "You are...free." Ryouga said as he tried
to battle the tears that wished to flow.
Ukyou could not still believe her ears at what she heard but seeing the
sincerity in the young man's eyes that...
Ukyou slowly rose off the ground, forcing her arms to move which now had
the strength. Leaning on a tree she turned her head to look back at the
man. But only sees his back as he slowly moved away. Using his umbrella
more as a walking staff as he made his way out of the forest.
Ukyou could only see his strong back as he walked away as she tried to
heel herself of her wounds. Ghosts do not die of cuts but are only weakened
to a point that they could not hold their form anymore. They may as well
don't exist at all. She was far from that she knew. As she tried to regain
her strength, she looked at the man again as he slowly walked away. She saw
him smile when he turned around to look back at her. And she could only
smile back in return as he turned to move away again. She can't help but
feel a slight tingle in her chest and a smile on her face, as she leaned on
the trunk of the tree resting.
***
{Somewhere in the forest}
Ryouga is walking slowly back to the temple. Drained of anger and
frustration he slowly makes his way back, the road to it much clearer as he
thought of what he did. And could not help but smile. Clean of conscience
he knew he did the right thing when he released her. And that was all that
mattered. His sorrow didn't feel as heavy as it did before this. And once
he was sure of his strength he ran. Running with renewed strength.
***
{Somewhere deep, inside the forest.}
Akane is walking silently amidst the tall trees. The lake's edge beside
made the ground cold underneath her yet it compared little to what she felt
inside. The knowledge that she managed to escape only spurned the hope that
Ukyou got away also. Looking out pass the edge of the lake, the lake they
used to frequent together as she noticed the slow moving mist that slowly
formed on top of it, which barely covered the small wooden bridge and dock.
Moving softly and gracefully, she made her way to it.
And under the full moons light she began to weave her spell over the
place. Turning and spinning, her hair flying in the air as she spun her
weave around the place. And once the spell was done, she opens her eyes
slowly and joy welled up in her. She had made a new home.
***
{The lair of the Demon Lord}
The sword master slowly made his way back to his Master's temple. With him
was the other warrior who fought with the monk. Fear and worry accompanied
them both as they were immediately escorted to their lord's throne-room
where they fell on their knees before him.
Immediately they tried to explain the outcome of their fight. The Master
looking more and more grim at each word of failure. And in the end they
were devoured by the Master they served. And once the deed was done, he
ordered his warriors out.
Sitting there on his throne, the demon lord rubbed the scar on his arm,
his eyes bright as ever as he recalled distant memories. Smiling as he laid
out his plans. Soon he thought, very soon...and he laughed, his eyes bright
red in the darkness.
***
{Back inside the Lotus Temple}
Ranko is casually walking outside, admiring the temple grounds as they
always did comfort her like no other. The cool, forest air freshened her
more so by the fact that she was partly covered with perspiration. She had
walked out upon waking knowing that to stay longer in bed reminded her more
of the dream. Lightly touching a delicate white flower on a bush, the
moisture on it cool to the touch as did the sweet smell of it brought a
smile on her face. She took the stem off the bush and carried the flower
with her to enjoy its sweet scent and walked around the lotus pond. Turning
to a call of her name, she spots Ryouga running up and out of the forest,
beaming with joy, for what she did not know. But she smiled nonetheless as
he stopped before her. He was smiling with delight as he looked at her.
"Why, what's wrong?" Ranko asked confused wondering if her face was dirty
and he was laughing at her.
"No nothing's wrong. I'm just glad that you're all right." Ryouga said
beaming.
"I'm fine, where were you?"
"Just out." Ryouga said smiling. Ranko looked radiant under the moon's
light.
Then she frowns as she walks closer to him examining the condition of his
dress seeing it torn and dirty with blood. She stops and looks at him in
the eyes with concern.
"What happened?" Ranko asked softly.
"It's nothing...really." Ryouga said.
"Are you sure?" Ranko asked.
"Yes I am." Ryouga said breathlessly as he noticed how close Ranko was to
him. He blushes slightly.
Ranko seeing him blush, realises the awkwardness of their position and her
hand still on his wounded chest. She takes her hand away as though burned
and turns away from him in embarrassment. Ryouga didn't notice this at all
as he was still light headed from the experience.
Walking away Ranko goes to one of the four stone pagoda pillars and lays a
hand on its rough surface. Still confused of her dream yet curious of what
happened when she was abducted by that demon. She turns a bit to look at
Ryouga who was by now a bit tense as though fighting a force inside him.
Puzzled she turns fully and walks around the pool then stops halfway when
he finally spoke.
"I'm...sorry." Ryouga said full of emotion as Ranko looks at him.
"Sorry for what?" Ranko asked confused.
"I'm sorry for tearing your clothes." Ryouga said softly.
"Oh that, I was wonderin-" Ranko wasn't able to finish as Ryouga spoke on
through.
"...There is a town nearby, you could buy a nice dress there, provisions
and maybe even a boat to sail out." Ryouga said in a rush.
"A boat? Provisions? Ryouga, are you asking me to leave?" Ranko asked a bit
worried. First her dreams then the attack then this it was happening so
fast she had to know.
"Leave - Yes." Ryouga said defeated.
"Why? Why do you want me to leave?" Ranko asked in a tone a bit desperate.
Ryouga confused stuttered when he spoke. "Wha...why? - Ranko...you've just
been attacked by demons left for dead. Isn't that enough reason for you to
go?"
"No - Ryouga, I'm already deep in this as you are. I'm not about to abandon
it..."
"Yes you are! Don't you understand...I don't want you here." Ryouga said in
a burst of worry and anger of desperation in a sense as he regretted the
moment he spoke the words.
Ranko shocked at this couldn't give a reply to this as she looked at Ryouga
whose tear filled eyes looked at her.
"I...I'm sorry...I...I...I didn't mean it like that." Ryouga said
stuttering.
"What did you mean...?" Ranko asked softly, afraid of what she might hear.
"I'm just afraid, that with all of this, the demons might hurt you and if
that happens I wouldn't be there to help." Ryouga said turning away.
"Ryouga... Please don't turn me away."
Ryouga inhales deeply thinking it over and drops his head in defeat as he
turns around and shakes his head in acquiescence to her.
Ranko seeing this inhales deeply and smiles as she wipes a tear off her
cheek.
"You'd better get inside, the soup's getting cold." Ranko said smiling as a
laugh escapes her lips.
Ryouga gives a smile too and realising the churning in his stomach gives no
hesitation at all in being led inside the temple.
***
{Inside the kitchen of the temple}
Ryouga is eating a bowl of noodles using his chopsticks to greedily push
food into his mouth as he looked at Ranko pass the bowls rim. Ranko smiled
as watched him eat, amused at how he ate. Ryouga noticed this peculiarity
that she wasn't eating that he offers her a bowl which Ranko politely
refuses saying that she had already eaten. Smiling again, Ryouga continues
eating while an amused Ranko watched him pig out. She laughs a bit at the
thought as she tried to stifle her giggles as she continued to watch him
eat. Ryouga suddenly conscious of her giggling slows down a bit to look at
her. Ranko in the mean time doubled her efforts to stop from laughing. But
when Ryouga finally put on a face of puzzlement, his face dirty with some
sticky rice on his face. Ranko just couldn't help it as she burst out
laughing no longer hiding the amusement.
"What?" Ryouga asked smiling.
Ranko covers her smile with the back of her hand as she tried to hold out
her laughter.
"What?" Ryouga asked a bit more.
"Hasn't anybody ever told you before that you eat like a pig."
"No."
"The way you eat too much we might as well go into town to stock up on
food."
"Hmm...That's a good idea. Why don't we."
"Really?"
"Sure. First thing in the morning."
Ranko smiles happily.
***
{Inside the town}
Ranko is walking slowly in the dust-covered streets of the town, with its
dirty walkways and alleys, and rundown houses that featured all sorts of
banners and fliers that advertised wares and restaurants. Vendors in dull
green sweat covered shirts shouted their wares as their bandannas fluttered
in the air. The crowd was light today she noticed as only a few people were
walking in the streets. Children ran and played chase while angry mothers
called out to them to come home. Buyers arguing with the prices of the
goods while the local black smith shop with its giant bellows and metal
works kept up an unceasing noise with its constant hammering of iron which
echoed openly into the streets. Though not to be out done by the vendors
shouts. All the while Ranko walked by in a small space of her own, a basket
full of fruit tucked in the hollow of her left arm as she passed by the
towns streets. Never paying attention to the admiring glances given by some
of the men around her.
Brushing off a loose strand of hair she walks on stopping by an elderly
woman's shop to but some vegetables.
***
Ryouga is walking somewhere inside the town, deciding a while ago to
explore the town and see some of its many shops. He was not used to the
hustle and bustle of town life. Occasionally bumping into several strangers
when his gaze lingered to long and still walking around, which produced
some harsh remarks to come his way.
He admired the simple dwellings of these people for it is very different
and new when compared to his own life style inside the temple. For the town
itself was a lot dirtier and noisier than he was used to, but it was
understandable because these people never grew up inside a holy temple. And
now that he thought about it, the only real person he could talk to back
then was his teacher and master.
["It's so...different here. - huh... woahhh"]
So absorbed was Ryouga in his thoughts that he couldn't even hear himself
speak as others angrily shoved pass him then leaping aside as he was almost
run over by a horse pulled cart. The driver shouted angry curses at him as
he sped pass, Ryouga didn't understand what he meant or said because he
just wasn't used to curses and such, so he just smiled back at the man.
"Mister, would you like to buy some flowers?" A voice said in the
background behind Ryouga.
Ryouga turns around at the sound of the voice behind him. And is surprised
to find a beautiful girl standing before him. Her hair long black hair fell
pass her shoulders as she was dressed in a soft blue Chinese robe and
matching pants. In her left arm she cradled a small basket filled with an
assortment of beautiful blossoms. Red, yellow and white flowers were tied
to form a simple bouquet, which she held close to her chest as she looked
at him over the gentle blossoms as she waited for his reply. She smiles
when she saw him blush and Ryouga stammers a bit as his mind tried to
register the question again.
"Wha...what?" Ryouga asked stupidly.
The girl smiles again at his reply, stifling a short gigle as she repeated
the question a bit more slowly this time for him.
"I said, would you like to buy some flowers."
"Flowers?" Ryouga asked lamely.
"Mmm Hmm." The girl said as she held up the fragile blossoms in her hand as
she arranged them qucikly though stealing a few brief glances at him.
"Why...yes, please." Ryouga blurted out then smiled.
"How many?"
"All of them..." Ryouga didn't consider his response.
"All of them?" the girl asked puzzled.
"Uh, huh." Ryouga just nods not hearing her question as he continued to
stare at her from where he stood.
Taking his nod as acknowledgement enough she begins to adjust the flowers
of the bouquet then gently hands it over to Ryouga, which he takes
absently. His eyes never leaving her as he took it.
"How much?"
"One silver coin."
Ryouga digs into his pockets looking for the coin and hands it over saying,
"Here..."
"Thanks." The girl replied as she turn around to leave.
"Uh miss..." Ryouga called suddenly when she moved away yet when she turned
around to face him. His mind goes momentarily blank as he was struck once
again by her beauty making him forget what he was going to say.
"Yes?" The girl asked smiling as she waited for him to respond.
Bridging the gap between them, Ryouga considered what he was about to say.
"What is your name?" Ryouga asked, feeling a bit vulnerable as he waited
for the girl's reply.
Akari considered the question briefly then looked back at the man before
her. He seems nice enough she thought. When finally she decides, replying,
"I'm Akari."
"Ryouga. Hibiki Ryouga" He said smiling.
"Its nice to meet you Ryouga."
"You too. Umm...do you always come here?"
"Yes, but only in the morning...Ryouga, I have to go." She said, a bit
reluctantly.
"Why?"
"Well you see. My parents don't usually allow me to talk with boys. They
will get angry..."
"I understand..." Ryouga replied feeling a bit of pain in his heart in
seeing her leave. Her form growing smaller and smaller as she moved farther
and farther away from him. Finally he calls out yet again. "Wait!"
Akari turns to look at him, puzzled, as Ryouga again bridged the gap
between them. "What?" Akari said smiling as she looked at Ryouga whom she
noted was breathing a bit hard from his run. She patiently waited for him
to talk.
"Will I ...will I ever see you again?" Ryouga said with a tinge of hope.
"Maybe..." Akari said, though not too sure, but she also hoped they would.
"This is for you..." Ryouga said as he handed over the flowers he just
bought a while ago.
Akari surprised by this gesture doesn't know what to say or do as she
looked at Ryouga's outstretched hand, which held the beautiful bouquet then
to his sincere face and smile. Akari blushes for his thoughtfulness as she
accepted the bouquet. Ryouga smiles deeply as she took it, seeing her more
beautiful with the flowers in her hand as she gazed upon the soft delicate
flowers then back at him smiling.
"Thank you." She said.
She then plucks out one of the gentle blossoms from the bouquet and gives
the flower to Ryouga saying. "Keep it, it's for you." She said smiling.
Ryouga slowly reaches for the flower, and he smiles back at her.
"Ryouga...I have to go." Akari said hesitantly.
"I understand." Ryouga said a bit lonely.
"I will see you again ok." Akari said as they parted ways.
"Yes we will." Ryouga said finally as he once more looked at the departing
form of Akari as she made her way through the crowd. Turning he walks
unconcernedly, his thoughts full with the images of endless fields of
flowers and her nestled in its center.
***
{In another side of town.}
Ranko is walking quietly in the plaza. Oblivious of the stares she
generated amongst the men, unconcerned of the noise and the bustle of the
now somewhat crowded streets of the town. The plaza itself wasn't that big
just a few hundred sq. meters with roads branching off of it. Neighboured
by huge shops and restaurants with its accompanying stalls and vendors who
tried to interest several passers-by for their goods.
Ranko just walks pass all of this; sometimes curtly refusing some offered
wares to her by some vendors. Thinking all the while of cooking a good
dinner to thank Ryouga for his kindness.
She just left a stall and was walking to the centre of the street when
shouts and screams came from her right hand side. When she turned their was
a large crowd of people hopping to the sides as several horse men with
banners flapping in the air charged pass them. Some even swatted a few with
their horsewhips to those slow enough to get out of the way. Surprise and
fright held Ranko in her place as she watched the charging horse coming
towards her.
***
The rider saw the fear stricken girl cannot turn in time as he yanked the
reins hard causing the horse to rear back standing on its hind legs as it
waved its front hooves in the air. The rider, too busy to keep the horse
steady doesn't see the girl stagger back hard as she fell on to her back.
The fruits she carried in her basket rolling out into the dirt. A minute
of silence washes over the crowd after this when finally the rider steadies
and calms his horse. His comrades stopped beside him still on their horses
as the rider dismounted. Anger burning inside him as he saw the fallen girl
start to rise from which she fell. Supported only by her arms as she tried
to rise off the ground. He takes out his horsewhip and strides towards the
fallen girl. His black robed uniform gathering dust as he marched to her.
Raising his arm high in the air the one that held the whip ready to strike
the girl when he was upon her.
His downward stroke is cut off by a strong grip and he whirls around to
strike the one stopping him. He is thrown back to the ground by a fierce
punch to the face.
On the ground the angry soldier turns and his anger melts away quickly
only to be replaced by fear as he looked up at the man before him.
Silhouetted by the sun on his back. The four swords arranged in an arc
behind him, with bare silver blades pointed to the heavens. His lacquered
black armour reflected back the sunlight as his master's cold brown eyes
looked upon him. And the soldier feels ashamed for what he'd done.
"Would you strike a superior officer of the empire Keishiro?" the man said
in distaste as he looked upon his fallen soldier.
"No...no my Lord Kuno." Keishiro stammered as he bowed before Kuno.
"Get out of my sight." Kuno ordered as he turned to help the fallen girl
who was flatly staring on the ground at her fallen goods.
***
Ranko had no words to express her bitter disappointment as she saw her
work wasted on the ground. Her gift was ruined. She wipes away a tear as
she reached out to pick up the fruits and vegetables, which seemed
salvageable. For every cent she had was spent on this meal she was to
prepare.
She didn't realise someone was beside her until he offered an untarnished
apple to her face. She turns to look at the man before her who was on his
knees beside her. Offering her an apple as he smiled looking at her. Ranko
wipes away her tears with the back of her hand as she gives her thanks to
the man.
"I'm sorry how my soldier treated you." He goes on saying. "I humbly ask
for your forgiveness."
Ranko just listens to him as he spoke this as she gathered up the rest of
the vegetables on the ground...
"I am Tatewaki Kuno of the House of Kuno."
Once done picking the vegetables she rises off the ground. Kuno rises also
with her as both of them stare at each other. Ranko noting Kuno's high
cheekbones and strong chin as well as his long lock of hair that partly
covered his eyes. Kuno did the same, memorising every inch of her beautiful
face.
"Ranko." She answered softly and a bit hesitantly.
"Ranko....again...I am sorry for how my man treated you. Here let me take
this." Kuno takes from Ranko her basket of fruits and He hands over a small
pouch of heavy coins for her to keep.
"Please take this. In return for the fruits."
"But this is too much..." Ranko protested. She was honest by heart.
"Keep it." Kuno replied as he mounted his tall black horse and readied his
men, balancing the basket in front of him on his saddle.
Ranko could not argue back with him as he rode away as the townsfolk
resumed their daily lives again. Seeing the action in its end. While some
felt partly jealous of the rider who is slowly disappearing away as they
once again looked at the girl standing looking on at him.
In a shrouded and secluded corner of a nearby restaurant, sitting under
the shade of its roof a lone watchman watched long and hard at Ranko who is
by now gathering herself as she looked upon her surroundings. Musing over
the event. The man in the meantime just eagerly watched the scar on his
face creeping closely under his eye as he stroked a knife lovingly.
***
Ranko, now partly aware, senses the eyes staring at her. Conscious of
someone looking at her more than anyone else in the town, she turns around
slowly and spots the man. Looking clearly at her as several people passed
by, yet his eyes still remained on her as he stroked his knife lovingly.
Ranko stared at him as he did her, when it hits her and he smiles broadly
as he got up and vanished inside the restaurant. Ranko turns around hastily
as she walks slowly away. Trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. She
knew who the man was, and fear of seeing him again brought her to move
faster. Her head turning every which direction scanning the crowds as she
walked on by. Ignoring the proffered goods to her as she made her way
through the crowd.
Then stops in mid-step, as she gasps in shock.
There before her, several meters away in an intersection stood the men she
met in the inn. The murderers and thieves and in the middle was the man who
led them. She gives no hesitation at all as she dashed through the crowd
behind her, ignoring the curses delivered as she made her way trough them.
The men not far behind her as they too gave chase. The inconveniences Ranko
gave soon forgotten as they were shoved aside to land on the dirt covered
floor of the town, As they could only curse the men who were mauling the
crowd after the girl.
***
Being of small of stature and light, she easily dodged the many passers by
who sometimes turned to look at her and get mauled by the rampaging men
behind her. Who of being bigger and slower crashed with the crowd. Ducking
into an alley she rested on it as she tried to gather her breath as she
risked a peek behind the corner to see the men trying to disentangle
themselves from the crowd. Then flattening herself on the wall as they
passed by. Slipping away carefully she moves on into the crowd as she fled.
***
The men chasing her stopped, as they lost sight of their prey as they
scanned the area. One of them looks behind and calls the others as they all
went to chase after Ranko.
***
Spotted Ranko runs even faster as she sprinted pass stall after stall.
Then turning suddenly to enter suddenly a fairly decorated building were
the cries of laughter emanated. Running up its short steps pass bewildered
men and shouts from the manager, Ranko makes her way pass. Grabbing a
porcelain teapot from the tray a waiter was holding as he called and turned
to Ranko to give it back. Nevertheless, she dashes up a steep decorated and
wide stairway as she made her way through the open isles and into a
curtained room amid the stares and wonders of the men below. Their
curiosity shattered by the grand entrance of the gang men as they shoved
their way pass the customers. The leader, grabbing the manager by the
collar as he demanded to know where she went. The manager held by fear
couldn't give a straight answer as he was unceremoniously dropped to the
floor before the man as he gave out orders to his men for a search of the
rooms above.
***
{Inside the brothel}
Inside the room, Ranko takes out the teapot she stole and pours its
contents on her instantly transforming herself into her other form just as
one of the leader's men barged on through to his surprise. The man who
entered paid no attention to him at all as he looked out of the window he
saw was open. And then back at Ranma who was surprised sat on the bed and
away from him. Shock covered his face as he looked at the man sitting on
the bed. A few moments later the leader ran up to the room.
"They say that the girl entered this room."
"No sign of her here boss."
"You" The leader called to Ranma as he stared at him. Ranma just remained
silent. Worry and fear of being discovered intermixed.
"Where is she?" The leader demanded.
Weakly Ranma held up his arm, pointing to the open window.
Following the mans lifted hand, the leader followed it and dumped the man
he held on the bed he lay on and looked out into the window and at the
empty street below and through the roof tops of the other nearby houses.
"Ting, gather up the boys, we are leaving. She has escaped us again." The
leader said as he gave a final look at Ranma as he walked out and through
the door. The other looked at him also as he filed out then trailing his
leader.
Ranma stands up weekly and fixes his clothing, gathering up his long black
hair as he tied it into a pigtail and moved into the corridor, the men left
as the others looked at them with fearful looks. Then just as they all left
the building the people resumed their business as if nothing at all
happened. The manager, Ranma saw, was busy with his waiters as he ordered
them to clean up and assess the damage as he sighed in sadness.
Ranma made his way out of the brothel quietly amid the short whisperings
and laughter of the patrons.
***
{Inside the great forest}
Walking amid the shrubbery of the dense foliage of the forest, Ranma is
lost and confused if not frightened and very much alone, which the latter
hardly even bothered him. The former only strengthened his resolve to go
further. He had to reach the temple, somehow, that he knew too well.
Besides from seeking shelter, he needed sometime to organise his position.
First, Kuno and that little mishap with that soldier of his, and then that
short chase through town which resulted in my immediate need to transform
to my other self. Plus the fact that I'm slugging it out in here in the
middle of no where and god knows what else is out there.
His thoughts though are suddenly stopped when the first notes hit him.
Soft and sweet like roses in spring bloom. Soft plucking notes followed by
gentle strumming chords. A Chinese love song he thought. [But out here, in
the forest?] Yet there was no denying the soft sweet music that drifted in
the moon lit darkness of the forest was real. It was an enchanting tune, a
spell that drew him towards its source.
Following his ears if not his heart, he trailed the darkness of the forest
seeking for the source of this entrancing melody. His foot falls soft
against the ground as he made his way pass trees and bushes, parting them
ever so gently as not to make a sound less they overcome the gentle caress
the music brought to his heart. Yet his mind could not help deny it. He
wanted to know what has captured him so.
Parting a veil of soft vines that hung from a nearby tree, the curtain
revealed a tranquil lake. And hovering above this were the soft wisps of
white gentle mist, which gathered up the moons soft light. Small ripples
created by the wind, expanded as they moved through the water. Breaking
upon hitting the shore.
As the wind softly blew over the waters of the lake, the mist slowly
parted, unveiling a long, narrow wooden bridge connected on the far side of
the lake before him. Its dark brown railings were discernible under the
light of the moon. Dark hard lines etched in the backdrop of grey-white
mist. And as the wind blew on, colours began to be unveiled as soft reds
and yellows coming from the lanterns brightened up the darkness with its
eerie glow. Accompanied by swirling pink curtains that mimicked the soft
small waves of the sea as it fluttered in the soft breeze.
The shrine sat in the middle of the large lake. Small and secluded, it
stood under the cover of the trees that lined the edge of the shore around
it with the bridge serving as the only way to reach it. Red pillars
supported a traditional Chinese roof and from were Ranma stood, he could
only note that there are no walls around it, just red railings still in
that traditional Chinese design as well as elaborate decorations. The soft
pink curtains served as its walls, moving in gentle waves as the music that
drew him here was now accompanied by a soft sweet voice that touched his
heart even more than the music did.
He walks to reach the bridge with an urgency he never felt before in his
life as he tried to gather up images of what could be producing such
beautiful sounds.
***
{Shrine}
Upon reaching the narrow wooden bridge, he cautiously moves on as his
steps made some thumping noises on the wooden boards of the bridge that led
to the small shrine. Soft silk curtains slowly flapped in the breeze as a
soft mist covered the back of the shrine. When the flaps open fully, he
stops, his eyes lingering at what he saw and his mouth opens as if to
speak, but no sound emerges as he stares on lovingly at the sight before
him.
Seated on a soft pile of silk covered pillows under the cover of the soft
silk curtains of the shrine, sat the most beautiful woman Ranma had even
seen, her long flowing black hair lifted gently at the soft caress of the
wind. Each passing breeze made her soft silk white dress cling to her form
making his cheeks burn red. He tore his eyes off her body just long enough
for him to gaze into her face and it never left there. Her eyes though
partly closed held emotion and feeling. Her slightly parted red lips
inviting as her hands lovingly caressed the strings of the lacquered zheng
instrument before her. Whose strings she plucked softly as she played music
like soft slowing water.
***
The music felt like free flowing water as it finally calmed down as the
song ended. Her eyes softly opens and she smiles letting the echoes of the
final chord ring out into the forest.
And a moment of silence reigns as the final note dies down and the wind
ruffling Ranma's hair as he looked at the beautiful lady before him.
The girl suddenly aware of his appreciative eyes smiles and blushes as she
rose on soft gentle unclothed feet and moves to stand behind a low railing
of the shrine. Turning her head briefly and eloquently as she looked back
at the youth staring at her with evident fascination. She blushes yet again
as she looked out into the waters.
"I'm sorry if I startled you." Ranma said softly, a bit hesitantly as the
girl still continued to look out over the calm waters in the lake.
"It's ok..." she murmurs, still looking out over the waters.
"That music you were playing, it was really beautiful."
"Thanks. I'm glad you like it." Akane replied. "So few people ever hear my
music, even more so than to share their company." Ranma remains quiet at
this.
"Tell me...please, who are you and why did you come here?"
"I'm... Saotome Ranma, I heard your beautiful music while I was walking in
the forest."
"You were walking in the forest?" Akane said with a touch of worry
"Yes. Why?" Ranma asked, a bit confused.
"You must not be from around here then are you? Or you would have known
that there are many dangers here."
"Um...Yes. I am not of this region. Nor am I familiar with some of the
customs. But if there is any danger, let me help you get out of here. I'm
sure you're family must be worried about you."
"I have no family. They died a long time ago. And this is my home..."
"I'm sorry..." he started, then continued in a more passive tone, "I know
how it is to lose a loved one..." Ranma doesn't elaborate on it further and
Akane pushes him no further to go on. The long silence making the situation
more awkward than it already is.
Wishing to break the silence between them, Akane walks over to the shrine,
conscious of Ranma looking at her as she made her way pass the curtains.
She blushes with his scrutiny as he turns away abruptly coughing and
clearing his throat. A small blush creeps unto his face as he looked out
into the night sky. Akane saw this and she smiles as she resumes her move
towards the pillows.
"Its cold there outside. Why don't you join me here where its much warmer."
Akane said as she looked for Ranma's reaction. He smiles at the offering
and moves closer to her. Akane turns around to continue walking to the
center of the shrine when she suddenly turns around at a surprised cry.
Ranma stumbled over a loose and exposed floorboard making him loose his
footing as he bumped and toppled over Akane. Both of them landed on the
soft pile of pillows.
Recovering first, Ranma supported himself with both of is arms. Under him
he saw Akane, looking more beautiful than ever this close to him. He
continues to stare at her.
"Akane." Ranma spoke softly.
"Ranma." Akane said from under him.
Both of them suddenly aware of there positions. The contact and feel of
each other incresing the attraction they already felt for each other.And
neither one makes a move to separate.
["She's so beautiful."]
["Ranma, it just feels so right."]
["I don't want ever to move away."]
[Could this be what love is?"]
["I feel so secure when you're around me."]
["No matter what, I'll always protect you."]
["Us together forever."]
["No I cannot hurt him"]
Akane breaks away from him leaving him confused and hurt as she turned to
look at him, his dazed and confused eyes looking at her, In him she sensed
something more, genuine compassion and care, and maybe love. And she was
touched. And she smiles but no, ["I cannot hurt him."]
"You must go"
"Why?"
"Please... you must go."
"No. I want to be with you." Ranma holds her hand in his.
A tear escapes her eye as she breaks from his hold as she ran towards the
bridge. ["No, I mustn't hurt him."] She thought as she speeding off into
the forest.
"Wait!" Ranma said in surprise as much as despair as he saw her break away
and dash off into the forest. Ranma runs after her.
***
{Inside the great forest}
The forest covered the few trails Akane left as she sped away on familiar
ground, running with a grace she perfected for years as she headed for the
heart of the woods trying desperately to shake off Ranma who was keeping up
with her. Calling out for her to stop if not begging.
["He's still after me?"] She thought spurring her even more to protect him.
***
Ranma barged trough a thick bush, oblivious of the pain it brought, his
mind not registering it as his eyes were glued to the fleeing form ahead of
him. ["Mustn't lose her"]
"NO!"
Ranma stops when he lost sight of her, desperate assailing him as he paced
around the clearing unable to decide where to go. Not wishing to risk
taking any path as the others could prove to be the one she could have
taken. He circled the clearing, looking for signs of passage.
"Akane!"
***
{On one of the branches overlooking the clearing}
High above the clearing, on a lowly branch up top, Akane watches him below
as he paced around trying to decide what path to take when she knew neither
one led anywhere to her. He had found her; he just didn't know it yet. She
smiles as Ranma looked vainly for her. And finally she decides what to do
with him. Takes off a piece of cloth that she kept in her pocket she throws
it, so that it fluttered and was caught by the breeze. Making it fly like a
long white serpent swimming in the wind.
***
Pacing around Ranma catches a glimpse of the white cloth recognising it to
be from the girl he was chasing; He dashes off to get it, finding it
hanging limply by a branch. He takes it in his hands recognising part of
the material as belonging to Akane as brings it close to his face, enjoying
the sweet perfume on it. Looking around again. He finds no trace of her
then looks back at the crumpled piece of cloth in his hands, he smiles as
he tucks it into his robe close to his heart.
***
Akane sees all of this and smiles in satisfaction, then an idea hits her
as she decides to follow this young man back to where he lived. Seeing the
few belongings he had with him, the gourd on his hip, she leaps off from
the branch she was on and flies in the air growing smaller and smaller as
she passed trough and hid inside the gourd.
***
Ranma full of renewed hope, dashes off into the forest, headed for the
temple. His mind and heart racing with the thought of Akane as he once
again braved the darkness of the forest.
"I will see you again..."
-End of Chapter 3-
-Next chapter-
-"Bitter Heart Aches..."-
** Authors notes:
The characters portrayed in this story are much older than they would be in
the original time line of the Ranma universe to better suit the characters
from the movie "A Chinese Ghost Story".
As you may all know, this is a first draft, please check out this web site
for the latest revisions of my work "A Chinese Ghost Story" at
http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/temple/9371 and please send all comments to:
becknkal@addax.bc.ca
I would also like to give my thanks to all those who have helped and
supported me with the creation of this Ranma Fanfic. Thank You!
CAST
Ranma / Ranko:
Ranma / Ranko is a noble young man/woman who seeks real adventure in the
world outside of his native home. Learned and bright he is a scholar of
many talents.
Ryouga:
Ryouga is a young Taoist monk trained in the arts of spiritual war craft.
He is pretty much innocent in the ways of the world and devotes pretty much
of his time in mastering his art and in keeping the line of the realms of
the dead separate from that of the living and vice versa.
Akane:
Akane is a one hundred-year old ghost who died a very tragic death.
Ukyou:
Akane's long time best friend and constant companion, she is a ghost also.
Happosai:
He is a one thousand-year old demon living in the forest.
Tatewaki Kuno:
A young noble lord
Items:
Guzheng / Zheng
This is a Chinese zither, sizes of it vary from 13 to 17 strings and has a
range exceeding three octaves and is tuned to the Chinese pentatonic scale.