* Authors Notes
All characters and rights belong to Rumiko Takahashi to whom none of this
would be possible and to the creators of the movie "A Chinese Ghost Story"
to which I based this fanfic from.
This is a Ranma1/2 Alternate Universe fanfic from which some details
greatly differ from the original (OOC). Nevertheless please enjoy reading.
^_^
Hopefully I've covered most of the spelling and grammar errors, and cleared
up most of it.
* Legend:
[] - Characters thoughts and / or maybe feelings, even to show part of
their dreams.
{} - Added descriptions, events or scene locations as well as others.
< > - Sound effects for the event (s) / scene (s).
*** - Separation / Transfer to another scene.
* Some concepts that are important to this story.
Ghosts look and act pretty much like living people, until they finally
reveal their true form (their powers) The ghosts in this story can be as
physical (body) as they need/want to be.
Ghosts, just like vampires, cannot take the light of the sun. But unlike
vampires that turn into dusts when hit, ghosts can never be reincarnated
again. The result being that they disappear as though they never really
existed. Their soul is instantly scattered and destroyed.
Ghosts in the movie, can 'die' a second time. This is also true for this
story. There are many ways to kill a ghost, holy objects, spell chanting -
killed by other ghosts are some of the common ways of killing them. Dying
by the wounds they receive. And if they die as a ghost, they simply fade
from existence.
If a ghost is wounded by a holy object/ghost they lose a portion of their
power (soul) and become paler as more wounds are received. Coming to a
point wherein they no longer have the power to hold on to any kind of
physical form before they die. They can restore their power with rest and
time.
The whole concept of reincarnation and everything behind this particular
belief is important to this story.
Finally, ghosts in the movie can devour the souls of their victims by using
their tongues. They force it in through their victim's mouth and down their
throat. And once inside, like a snake - their tongue would eat the victim's
heart. For me, this was particularly gross when I first saw this on film. I
had to change this fact for this fic; ghosts in this story can drink the
essence of its victim by kissing its victim, with the victim able to feel
his life slowly draining away or any other way of killing the victim.
(Think of it like the monsters from the anime Sailor Moon)
Well that's about as much as I can tell you guys without revealing too
much�
- Pictures for this series can be found at my sister's page {Just to help
with visualising the character/s}
- This chapter crosses the boundaries between light and dark and back
again.
And with all of that said, without further ado�
A Ranma � Fanfic � A Chinese Ghost Story
By Kahlil Noriega
Edited and Pre read by Kiwi Noriega
Prologue:
The raven�
Cold and black winged, flying against the bright image of a burning sky, a
tiny insignificant dot in the vast heaven. Alone, unmoving, cold and as
unforgiving as the winds that blew from the troubled winds. Which churned
and tossed the restless sea below it. Making it foam and toss, pounding the
shore with an endless tide of white water. Enticing like a lover, beckoning
the other, that they clasp each other in an unending embrace.
The raven, untouched and unmoved, flies onward - pass the burning ball of
fire that is the sun. It's warm light bouncing off the raven's array of
black feathers, like water shunning the touch of oil as it flew on.
Sickened by the sea below it. For it yearned for the sight of land - The
land of its destination that held a certain promise, a promise that lay
only in distant shores of China.
And with a shriek of joy called to the winds, the raven flies free and
farther than before. Its voice heard as it echoed in the vast shadows of
the forests, pass through the grasslands and the myriad of farm fields now
slowly settling below it. Whose fields of wheat, golden as the sun that
shone in the bright unending sky, mirroring the waves of the limitless blue
sea as the grass rustled and swayed to the passing of the breeze.
While the mountains in the far horizon looked out like jagged teeth tearing
the sky open. Blanketed in clear white snow, returned the raven's wild and
restless call.
And still it flies on�
Till finally it sees a small hill with a pocket full of leafless and dry
trees on the top and flanked on either side by tall, dry grass. The raven
circles above it, scanning the far skies for something still unseen, till
it finally glided down and slowly perched on a low branch overlooking an
old and abandoned, dusty road.
A road, which parted and crossed the sea of grass that freely, swayed with
the passing of the wind. It's worn out path, brown and as dry as scorched
soil under the heat of the blazing sun and slowly worn away by the harsh
wind and rain. Littered with an assortment of stones and pebbles, both
large and small as well as an assortment of dry dead leaves that tumbled
and danced in the breeze.
This road led to the mountains that lie far into the horizon and even
beyond it to a fertile valley of lush green forest trees and home. And
home�
All the while, the sky above it, stood empty except for a few patches of
slow moving and drifting clouds.
And the raven, calm and composed as it was, still perched on its wooden
throne, gave a sudden squawk of displeasure for the intrusion of a new
stranger to its domain�
The stranger, like an apparition, slowly rose from the bottom of the hill
on slow sure purposeful strides. His image blurred by the heat of the sun,
making him appear like mirage to the beholder. And only then, when he got
close enough, was the raven able to see clearly this man, for this much it
knew from previous contact with its cold hard master.
The stranger, the raven saw as it slowly rose into view, wore a cloth cap.
Tied in such a way that it formed a rectangle above the forehead which
continued that form onwards to the top and down the back of the head till
it reached pass his shoulders. He also wore a blue long sleeved and heavy
cloth robe that fit snugly on his strong well-muscled chest. Tied at his
waist by a long piece of white cloth, the rest of it hung loosely at his
side over a loose fitting pair of grey pants and black clothe shoes.
All of this was covered by a light coating of dust, which indicated some
hard times of travel by this unusual stranger. A small bamboo
rectangular-framed pack hung limply behind him as he held on to his long
wooden walking staff.
The man paused briefly for a while, once he reached the top of the hill, to
wipe away the sweat that built up on his forehead. His pigtail peeked out
from behind him when it tore lose of the covering given by the cloth cap.
He gave a sigh of contentment as he leaned comfortably on his staff as he
surveyed the surrounding countryside before him. Empty of life he thought.
Save for the birds of the sky and the animals of the field. Not a single
person to be seen - he was entirely alone.
Alone in a desolate and empty field�
And he gave out yet another sigh, not out of tiredness, but of a sudden
longing. For his journey on the road, as he saw it, was now coming to an
end. Looking at the long and winding dirt road ahead of him, confirmed his
belief as much as knowing that it lead to the foot of the mountains in the
horizon. He paused in silent thought of that long journey as the raven on
its high perch, cold as the night that was steadfast approaching, launched
itself into the air in a flurry of feathers. Cutting Ranma's reverie a bit
short as he gazed up longingly at the slowly disappearing form of the black
bird in the now slowly darkening sky as its feathers fell in a slow black
rain.
His attention quickly changes as he felt the first few bites of the cold
and restless wind as he turned around to look back at the clouds slowly
approaching from the north.
"It's going to get dark soon." Ranma whispered to himself as he turned his
back from the slowly darkening clouds.
"A storm is coming�" he sighed.
And with that final thought locked in his mind, Ranma started to walk
towards the mountains, just as the first black feather lands on the ground
accompanied by the thunder of the coming storm.
Chapter 1
"Braving the Storm"
Storm clouds cover the sun in the far horizon. Bathed in crimson and grey
like a wounded animal from a fray. Absorbing what little light the sun has
left to shed, before the moon of the night comes to bring the day to its
end. While the mountains looked on from afar�
Their peaks, like swords, slashing at the slowly darkening sky.
Guarding the fertile valley cradled in its womb, green and pure nestled in
its very heart. The forest grew from the struggles of the elements. The eye
of the storm has long since passed hours ago. And with it the fury of it's
awesome power. Yet a trickle of that power is still evident as the
lifeblood of the storm seeped out from its arms to drench the valley with
its life giving blood a mist like rain. And the forest was thankful for
it�
The cold wet ground, wet from the rain, is still soft. Growing colder by
the minute as the night grew on. While mist slowly rose from the ground,
playing by the suns dying light. Darting in between the trees and rocks
sliding underneath moist branches as it slowly blanketed the ground in soft
white mist. Plants and grass swayed equally alike as the wind that gently
passed by. Lifting in its wake, a few dead leaves on the ground. Making
them tumble and dance as the wind willed them to go. While the sounds of
various animals and forest life, blended in with the soft whispers of the
winds gentle moan and light thumping of the rain.
***
>From a roadway at the base of the mountains' border, one could see the
whole valley stretched out from left to right. The trees, strong and
sturdy, covered the vast undergrowth in a vale of green tender leaves. And
even then this canopy housed various birds and animals that considered it
home as other creatures of the forests fed on the tender grass in the
surrounding fields. In this field of mammoth trees, the inn at the base of
the mountain valley, situated in a small clearing of its own by the road
side, stood out against the backdrop of trees.
>From here it is easy enough to discern certain features, for the inn itself
wasn't far away from where one could see it from the mountain road. With
its hanging windows that remained attached by a single hinge, to the wide
open doors that let some of the rainwater in. Its hard wood panelled walls
painted in deep shades brown as well as green where moss has found itself a
home. It is almost quite surprising that someone actually lived there for
it was quite run down for the smoke coming out of the chimney said as much
as the aroma of food cooking did. There was also a small pen for livestock
at the back of the inn as well as a broken down wagon cart with its huge
wheels lay down beside it, covered by weeds, dust and dirt.
***
>From a distance, one could see a running form emerging from the forest
edge. Her clothes; wet and dishevelled, clung tightly on her small slight
body as the sounds of splattering water echoed in the cold wind. The mild
rumbles of thunder swallowed up most of the sounds of her footfalls as they
splashed on the water, which was followed then by the rain's continuous
drumming a moment later.
Running to escape the rain, Ranko clung hard to her cloth cap as it danced
in the rushing breeze. The wind unrelenting pierced her body with its cold
icy touch, as she awkwardly held on to her long wooden staff as she ran
towards the nearby inn.
***
The inn, like so many of it's patrons was dirty and in dire need of repair.
Its creaking wooden floors mimicked the sounds of mice that freely roamed
the inns dusty interior. While the stench of aged old liquor and rotting
meat mixed in with the sweat of its various patrons wafted freely outside
through the myriad of holes in the inns' walls as dirt and grime settled
over the many tables and benches that lined it.
A small counter lay in a corner of the inn beside the main doors on the
left-hand side. The wall behind it held an assortment of plates, cups and
saucers. Some of which were even chipped and cracked from too much use. An
old greying man stood behind this counter, worn and as bald as the inn he
owned. Wearing only a dull blue Chinese robe over his grey pants and a
piece of black cloth tied around his waist, which served as a belt. White
socks and a pair of black shoes completed his attire as well as his
remarkably long snow white beard that hung over his chest.
After adjusting his black Chinese cap over his head, he surveyed the inns'
fairly lighted interior. Giving only a hint of a nod to what he was
thinking as his hand slowly rubbed his chin. Calling a waiter to his side,
a young man of twelve to fourteen years or so. He asked the lad to light a
few more candles on the tables to illuminate the place a bit, for it was
getting dark outside and it seemed that the storm has not yet passed.
And as the boy left to do his work, only then did he truly see the boy.
Sporting a close crop of black hair and brown eyes with a medium sized
built. The old man thought that the boy really looked out of place in the
inn with its gruff old waiters that seldom smiled. The boy would be a poor
substitute indeed, for a guard if ever a fight broke out, which it often
did when a few men got a little too much to drink. He thought then that he
should talk to this boy about his job here, yet he shoves it aside as he
greets a customer leaving the inn. There would be enough time for that
later he thought.
Waiters clothed in dull white shirts and grey pants freely circulated among
its' many customers, taking their orders and giving them their respective
meals. Always busy serving a variety of farmers that worked and toiled the
fields all day to a group of town drunkards' bent on drowning their
problems in ale. And even on occasion, a merchant or two would join in from
a hard day's worth of trading in the market. While travellers in their dirt
covered robes would sometimes chat and speak of their grand tales to the
folks inside the inn. And through it all, the waiters kept to them selves
looking quietly at their customers with dull lifeless eyes. The laughter
and the noise of the many patrons washing pass them, even though their talk
was clearly audible from outside. So they were quite surprised when a
sudden hush settles over the inns large interior. As all eyes were suddenly
glued and focused on the new arrival standing by the doorway.
Her figure, carved and outlined by the flash of lightning as she stood at
the doorway of the inn, the image all but loss as the light passed only to
be revealed again with the next. Yet the picture of her standing there
still remained vividly in their thoughts, strengthened even more when the
lightning flashed again. Which left them yearning for even more for her
soft sensual curves that her clothes poorly hid because of its wetness from
the rain that made them cling to her skin. The allure of this vixen left
the men in the room with their mouths agape as they continued to stare in
silent worship. The heat of their desire, plain and rising while they
devoured the scene from which this girl walked out of some fantasy.
***
Ranko walks in. Oblivious of the hush and stares of the inns numerous
patrons as she casually seated herself on a nearby wooden bench by the
doors light. The lighted candle on top of the table, danced shadows and
hi-lights on her with its flickering luminous glow. Collecting in her eyes,
making them shine even more in the darkness.
Laying down her bamboo pack and staff gently beside her bench. She pulls
out a piece of white cloth from her bag and gently applies it on her cold
wet body before applying it on her face, her neck, down to her arms and
hands then leaving it on top of the bamboo pack. Her robe, damp and heavy
with rainwater has one side of it dangling under her shoulder. Exposing
pale white flesh. Which gave its viewer, a generous view of her ample
cleavage as candlelight freely danced on her smooth white skin. As a few
audible groans escaped from the lips of a few of the men�
Finding some solace from the heat of the candle, Ranko relaxes for a
moment. Sighing with contentment as the heat of the candle washed away the
coldness of the rain. Its' gentle warmth, brought with it a slight smile to
her face. As she lifted up her arms to undo her pigtail. Letting loose in
the process, a cascade of long red hair, that fell to the length of her
back which she gently gathered in her arms. Taking again the piece of white
cloth, she gently applies it on her fiery hair, drying it with slow soft
strokes as though caressing a kitten in her hand. The men surrounding her
couldn't believe their eyes as they kept thinking of the luck that brought
them such a goddess in there midst.
Piercing blue eyes that cut through the darkness and gloom of the inns'
interior looked out from a perfectly oval face framed by fire, while pale
virgin lips slowly ignited the fires of lust inside the room. Her clothes
clinging to her body even more with every slight movement of her breathing.
Each breath brought with it a few more appreciative eyes.
Recollecting herself, she quickly adjusts her garments, pulling it closer
to her. This action brought with it, a slight chill running up her spine,
which came from the cold water it still retained. The feeling passes
quickly though as her eyes settled upon the presence of a young waiter
standing before her.
" Mistress. " a young man tentatively called her, fidgeting slightly at her
gaze as he tried to avoid looking at her. Afraid that she might see the
blush he hid. As he slowly looked at her, her face surprisingly soft and
reassuring as he continued on.
" Mistress� I've brought you some hot soup. It must be terribly cold
outside. With the rain and all� Here please take it�. It's on the house� I
promise�. " This he all said in a soft rush as he gently lowered the bowl
he held onto the table before her before returning his gaze at the ground
somewhat embarrassed.
Ranko smiles at the simple offering the young man offered her as he stole a
glance to look at her. He smiled in return, glad that he did as she
deepened the smile. And taking that as acknowledgement enough, the boy left
her to her own business to attend to his own chores around the inn.
Blushing every now and then as he left as well as stealing a few brief
glances here and there. Ranko saw him go; though he looked no older than
she did. She thought that it must be terribly hard for the boy to work in
such a dirty place. As she felt a slight touch of pity for the young man as
she thought about his innocence still not yet tinged by life in the real
world. This she knew much when she first saw what it was really like�
Ranko smiles again at the thought, bringing into mind past events of her
life since her accidental dip in the Jusenkyo pool. The thought however
brought a slight frown to her face that quickly passed with the memory.
She smiles again at the thought though.
" You're real pretty! " a gruff voice said before her as she looked up to
see a rough bearded man standing before. His eyes glistened in the
lamplight, held lust clearly in them as she tried to avoid looking at him
from her seated position. Ignoring his comment.
The stench and sight of him however cut through Ranko's reverie a bit
short, just as much as he rudely seated himself on the bench opposite from
hers. Taking with him, her hand to caress as he continued to stare at her
with his toothless grin. Cold black eyes peeked out from behind his unruly
long hair. Held only back by a thin piece of red cloth that covered most of
his forehead. His expression showed utter delight for the smoothness of her
skin. While his friends, a group of four or five men watched the
confrontation from a secluded corner of the inn. All wore an assortment of
smirks and grins. Their manner as well as looks matched the man seated
before her. One of the men in the corner she saw wore an open grin, his
scar crossing the length of his face on his left cheek. He wore a tattered
dull green jade-breastplate over brown and torn robes as he absently toyed
with the knife in his hand. Showing no concern at all what so ever with
what he was doing. The others wore the same, though some brandished swords
while another had an axe strapped behind his back. Yet all had the same
filthy minds in their heads.
" Please leave me alone. " Ranko said pulling her hand free only to be
taken forcefully back again. Her along with it as she faced the man
directly before her. Their faces, only inches apart. Ranko's piercing blue
eyes filled with contempt and hatred was focused on the object of her
disdain. Trying to keep calm as she thought of a way to get out of here.
" I know your kind, " he hissed at her. At the same time slamming down a
bunch of coins as he drew her face in closer to him for a kiss. A slap
rewarded him for his troubles as Ranko stood up to leave. The thought of
what the man said to her still lingering in her mind. Damn the man for
thinking me like that! she thought. The leader still shocked by the slap
for a while suddenly stands up in a blind fury as he shoves away the table
before him letting it crash on the far wall.
" NO ONE DEFIES ME WENCH! " the leader screamed at her as his men drew up
beside him to confront Ranko.
" Master please� " The young waiter said as he drew up beside the enraged
man, deliberately placing himself between them. " There is no need for all
of this - Argghhhhh� "
"SHUT UP!" the leader screamed as he battered the helpless waiter with a
backhanded fist to the face.
The waiter caught by surprise takes the full blow of the punch as he
crumpled down to the floor in severe pain. The leader paid the waiter no
mind as walked over the young mans crumpled body as he strode forward for
his prize.
" Why are you doing this! " Ranko asked as she felt the hard wooden wall
press along the back of her spine. She didn't realise that she was backing
away from the approaching form of the man till it was finally to late.
The leader leaned his body against hers. Trapping her with his body while
his arms outstretched casually on either side of her, resting comfortably
on the unyielding wall. She hastily turns her face away from him as the
leader's friends joined in for a viewing circle around them to watch the
proceedings.
" I don't know why. " He replied courtly in her ear as he continued to
stare at her turned face. Enjoying the feel of her this close to him. "
But I do know this� {Whispering in her ear} You're going to pleasure me all
night�"
The leader smiles a toothless grin at his own reply as he turned to look at
his friends as they shared a malicious laugh. Outraged, Ranko turns her
head to face him as he turned around to face her, lowering his face to
steal a kiss with lips puckered up and eyes closed. Ranko repulsed by his
reply gives no hesitation at all as she deliberately kneed him in the
groin.
The leader folded in half from the pain as well as from shock as his hands
desperately tried to grasp its source. Agony was clearly shown on his face
as Ranko shoved pass him and right into the waiting arms of one of the
leader's men. The leader collapsed to the floor before her, with eyes full
of hate as he rolled from side to side to relieve the pain. While she in
turn struggled to free herself from her captors' strong grip as he laughed
wickedly at her futile struggle to escape.
" You're a feisty one aren't you! " the man holding Ranko said. Clearly
enjoying her struggling in his grip.
`
" Let her GO! " A hard voice suddenly shouted from the back of the inn.
Its call answered by several others who witnessed the scene. Its' abrupt
call, took the attention of the leaders men off of Ranko as they all looked
for the source of it.
" What did you say? " the scarred man said. Brandishing his knife in hand
as he looked upon his audience all tuned on the knife he held. Those men
forced under that stare, fidgeted under the scrutiny as fear of their own
lives over took them.
" I said, what did YOU say! " the scarred man shouted as he pointed to no
one in particular.
" I�no�he said�let her� go� " Replied a fat man who slowly rose from his
seat. Fear clearly etched on his bloated face as his sweat trickled down
his cheek as he swallowed a small lump forming in his throat.
" Why don't you just try. " The man holding the knife said threateningly,
still looking at the fat man.
His obvious threat strengthened by his companions who joined him as they
all looked at the merchant who slowly cowered in the darkness again. While
the rest of the inns patrons just stood there in still silence, watching.
While the old man at the counter, could do little in anyway to help, as he
felt resigned to his fate as an observer.
The leader still recovering from Ranko's blow slowly stands up, yet the
pain in his groin made the attempt feeble, yet he still manages to stand up
with little help from his followers. Anger was a plain mask on his face as
he stared down at Ranko with pure hatred.
" You BITCH! Aarrummph " he screamed as he slapped Ranko hard across the
face making her stagger from the force of the blow as she fell on the floor
before him. A thin trail of blood seeped out from the sides of her mouth as
she felt her cheek burn with pain. Her mind seemingly knocked out of place,
made her feel dizzy that she failed to notice the leader pull out his knife
and level it before him. Its blade glistening in the lamplight.
" NOOOOO! " the young boy screamed as he tackled the leader from behind.
Encircling his arms around the leaders' neck as he pulled them both down to
the floor a small distance away from Ranko. His battle cry was quickly
swallowed by the noise and shouts of the leaders' men each of whom sprung
to the aide of their fallen leader. Ganging up on the small boy, beating
him with their fists so that he'd let their leader free, yet the boy
refused to give up. All the while, the men left Ranko all alone on the
floor as she tried to get up.
"RUN MISTRESS! RUunnahuuhhhhh! Aargghhh!" the waiter screamed before he
began coughing out blood as the scarred man pulled out his bloody knife out
from the waiters' back. Backing away as he gleefully watched the waiter
fall to the ground with his eyes glazing, looking far off into nothing. His
frail death cries diminishing under the fists and kicks of his assailants.
Seeing this, the old man comes rushing in to place his own body over the
boy as he felt the beatings of the men as he tried to plead for them to
stop.
Upon seeing this Ranko runs for the door and into the shadows of the night
to the waiting forests. Her mind racing with her heart making her hear
again the young mans dying plea as he begged her to run. Run as a fawn
might from a hungry bear with fear pushing, urging her even more to leave
everything else, and flee. And she did, as she headed deep into the night,
into the forest that she hoped would shroud her from their cold dark eyes.
Into the cold night she ran. The clouds dry except for their ceaseless
rumble and the pounding of her, own beating heart.
"AFTER HER YOU FOOLS! DON'T LET HER ESCAPE!" the leader screamed at his men
upon seeing Ranko's bolt through the doors of the inn. The men, suddenly
realising this leaves the waiter they were beating and gave chase. Never
seeing nor regretting the act they did as they pursued her into the
darkness of the cold night.
The old man, weak and beaten hefted the head of the young lad in his arms,
as they lay there on the bloodied floor. Tears streaked both his eyes as he
turned to look at the congregation of silent folk that witnessed the murder
of the youth as they tried to hide in the darkness.
***
{Somewhere inside the forest}
"Damn lost her again." The man said as he landed on a limb of a nearby
tree. Frustration and anger clearly etched on his young face as he cursed
the rain and his luck. For again his prey has eluded him and for this he
felt frustration well up in him. White bandannas dancing in the wind
accompanied by the long strips of cloth wrapped around the sleeves of his
forearms. His circular straw woven hat hung limply around his neck even as
he adjusted his footing on the branch of the tree.
Squatting down, with one knee balanced precariously on the limb, he held
out his bamboo umbrella in front of him before he drove the tip of it
through bark and branch for added support. The wind was cold at this
height, and strong. Even though the storm had passed hours ago. Smoothing
out loose strands of hair that covered his eyes, he surveyed the scene
below him. Exploring and memorising every minute detail even though the
moons' light afforded little, as he watched it create small shadows on the
trees and bushes. This only made him more careful.
"I'll get you� Someday." he finally answered to no one as he smiled one of
his toothy grins, reliving a memory only he could see. That he was so sure
of himself - it surprised him.
"But first. I guess I need to find my way bacc�huh?"
Ryouga paused as the sounds of frantic running accompanied by shouts and
screams shattered the stillness of the forest. Cutting all thoughts and
memory as caution and training emerged instantly. Instinct brought him
immediately to the conclusion of examining the cause of this disturbance as
he leaped off his perch. Scanning the forest from the air, the need for
action was unbearable as he readily jumped from tree to tree. In the hopes
of finding the cause that bothered him so greatly.
***
Ranko could feel her own heart beating as the need for air came in short
gulps. Muscles too tired from running, strained with fatigue as her muscles
started to fail her as exhaustion and pain took its toll on her weary body.
Her vision limited by the darkness of the night as well as the slowly
forming fog creeping on the forests' floor slowed her pace significantly.
The fear of the men chasing her as well as the fear of tripping or breaking
a leg would only ensure of her greatest fears. The wind gave no comfort
either for her clothes chilled her with cold even more because of its
wetness as she ran. Yet the shouts and curses of her pursuers brought a
sharper chill down her spine, as it became stronger and audible by the
minute. Her fear rose yet again of what they would do to her when they
finally caught up to her came rushing in a torrent of fearful emotions.
Spurring her even more to run.
***
"When I find that girl, I SWEAR, she will be sorry she ever tried to cross
me again THIS I PROMISE!"
"But boss, what if we don't find her?"
"I don't care if you trip on your face trying! JUST FIND HER! She'll warm
our cold wet bodies till the night is over."
And with that thought firmly lodged in the men's minds, they ran like
wolves trilled with the hunt.
***
The wind swiftly passed by Ranko's sleek form as she dodged pass trees,
roots and branches. Sweat stung her eyes making it even harder to see the
uneven path before her. Her movements faltering under the agony and strain
of sore muscles, yet she moved on as her face took on a portrait of sheer
determination as she fought the pain, yet knowing her own limits, she knows
she couldn't go on much further. And as her mind briefly wandered off from
the trail, she lost her footing as she trips on an exposed tree root that
she failed to see in her sprint for freedom.
Rolling and tumbling pass shrubs and soil; she skids to a final stop in a
small clearing. Pain dulling her senses even further as she desperately
tried to get up. Yet recognising the futility of it, she realised that she
twisted her ankle during fall. Yet even this does not stop her
determination, dragging herself over mud-covered ground, pulling, twisting,
making each and every movement a move forward. And all the while, darkness
lingered in her peripheral vision as it slowly stole her sight realising,
with deep fear, the extent of her exhaustion.
Fear gripped her even more as the thought of being helpless under them
brought tears to her eyes. The sounds of pursuit were getting closer and
closer, as she lay there defenceless on the ground. Waiting for the wolves
to feast upon her naked flesh. Her vision wavered a bit as the extent of
her wounds took their toll on her body. She catches only a shred of a
high-pitched scream and the sounds of metal upon metal as she finally slips
into the waiting arms of darkness.
~ End of Chapter One
Chapter 2
" Lotus Temple "
Dreaming�
In the emptiness of the void, cold as the night and less than forgiving,
and her, floating in the center of it all as a turbulent wind of wrought
emotions swirled around her. Though never actually touching her. Emotions
long kept and hidden - forced back within the recesses of her soul, her one
constant struggle in life. This she knew too well and yet all this time she
felt she was on the losing side of the battle. But now, a new comfort
arose. Surprising - but reassuringly soft and tender, almost welcoming. The
feelings that emerged from this, suddenly warmed her soul and her entire
being, surrounding her like a rushing tide of water that swept her off her
feet and of all senses of the cold - ending the longing�
Soft, gentle and soothing - a touch of warm joy and happiness emerging and
of a lightness she's never felt since her childhood. Of innocence like no
other ever felt in her years of wandering. Like home and of a mother's
reassuring touch, unfamiliar yet welcomed, caressing her skin in soft
gentle waves of heat, and maybe of love. Radiating from the light of a
small flickering candle by her bedside. This she saw as she slowly opened
her eyes�
A small-lit candle flickered as the fire it held it caught a slight breeze
passing by.
Its base so thoroughly melted and spread out unevenly on the hardwood
surface of the table while a long tendril of black smoke snaked its way up
to the clouded heavens. The small luminous, burning flame danced and
flickered with but the slightest touch of the cold wind. And like a the
hand of death, the fire died, consumed by the wind and darkness again
resumes it's death march as the light again faded in the midst of the dying
candle. And unconsciously Ranko struggles at its death, shivering and
shaking out of fear and of the cold. Whose frosty hands once again held her
heart yet the dying of the light that came from the small waxed candle, was
enough even to illuminate even just a fraction of the darkness she felt
with in.
And her eyes slowly closed again as she settled in to dream, as the image
of the flickering fire of the candle dissolved to the darkness within the
mind as sleep came like a misbegotten dream. Yet like a child, all curled
up within herself. Still unaware of all the problems surrounding her as she
snuggled in deeper into the folds of the blanket draped around her. And
frowns unconsciously, but she pays the thought no mind - She knows she's
found rest - A rest she hadn't known for a long time. And she sleeps � and
dreams as innocent as she is, she dreams...
As remembers it all � Lost, in the flashes of the storm...
***
<Flash>
Thunder rumbles in the distance, as Ranko spun around in the darkness of
the forest.
[" Where am I? "]
Lightning flashed around her as she tried to shield her eyes from the
sudden brightness. Spinning around as she tried to piece together where she
was. Her eyes, gradually adjusting to the darkness surrounding her.
[" The forests�"] she thought as she wandered around a bit, jumping at the
slightest touch of a hanging branch as she rubbed her arms, feeling the
cold wind around her.
Darkness as far as the eye could see, here in the forest full of shadows.
Where light from the moon above is but a touch of gray in the thick foliage
of the forest interior. A haven for hells dark denizens to prowl and hunt,
their voices carried by the passing of the cold harsh wind. Which rattled
and shook the bone like hands of the leafless trees nearby.
And where the hands of death mocked those that dared enter, grabbing and
laughing with the wind as its prey desperately tries to untangle itself
from its vicious claws. While the ghost like fog that crept on the moist
soft ground lashed out with its tentacles that reached out from its hollow,
formless core. Spreading its deathly arms to cover those foolish enough to
stray from the path in a shear glimmering-white patch of cold mist.
Blinding anything that dared enter its forbidden cloak. And through it all,
the frantic sounds of a person running where intermixed with the voices of
deaths own hounds. Laughing like the jackals they are as they pursued the
helpless fawn in the realms of their dark master.
Lightning flashed in the heavens again as the rumbling of thunder followed
there after.
["So cold... I feel so cold�"] Ranko thought to herself as she tightened
her robe around her for warmth.
< Rumble >
The sound of a twig breaking alerts her to another presence as she thought
she saw movement within the shadows of the trees. She doesn't wait to find
out what it is as she quickly ran into the forests.
[They're still after me - must get away."]
In the shadows of the trees, whispers can be heard in the shadows�
< Did you find her? >
< No. >
< Where could she be? >
< I think I heard something over there� >
< GO! >
< Hurry! >
***
<Flash> <Rumble>
Running through the forests as the dying storm raged around her�
[" Run� must run. Can't let catch me� "] Ranko thought to herself as she
sprinted on forests floor, the voices of the men pursuing her clearly
audible as it echoed throughout the forests. Thunder rumbled again in the
heavens as she ran.
< She couldn't have gone that far� > the voices said again in the shadows.
< Where is she? >
The sound of a breaking twig sends Ranko's heart soaring as it echoed
throughout the forest.
< Go! That way! > The voice said again, this time much closer than before.
["Oh God! They're coming closer!"] She thought, the clouds in the heavens
rumbling again as she ran.
***
<Flash> {The Fog and Mist}
["Everything is so dark � Ahh�uhhh�Can't see] - <Cough> - <Cough> -
Covering her mouth and nose, as she struggled through the blinding fog.
[Ahh...uhh...t... th... the fog.... ca...can....uhhh umm...can't <cough>
<cough> uhh...umm...breathe."] - <Choke> " uhh�umm. "
***
<Rumble> <Crash><Footfalls on water>
["Must run, must get away.]
" Uhhh...oww!...umm... " Ranko struggled to get her clothes untangeld from
the braches and twigs holding her.
[The branches...ahh....Must get free- So many. Feel like hands grabbing me,
slowing me down. Can't slow down]
" Aaaahhrgg!!!�uhh�uhhh�huhh " Yanks at the clothe as it tears, she runs
away.
[Can't � uhh�let them� catch me!]
" Ahhhhh!...ah�oww...it hurts...ahh...uuhh "
[Muscles aching � NO!...Uhhh...arrhgh]
" The pain� " She said trough gritted teeth.
[It hurts so much!� afraid..."]
In the shadows of the forest trees.
< Ah boss, what if we don't find her? >
< Then don't show me your face ever again! >
< Yeah�I gotcha boss. >
***
<Flash> <Thunder Crash>
"Uhh�" Feeling suddenly faint as she struggled to maintain standing.
<Flash>
{Holds up her arm as warm crimson washes down the length of it}
["Blood - is it mine?]
[It� can't be?]
" Uhh�Ahh... "{bloodied hand to her forehead and shakes a bit}
[�feel� so dizzy�]
" So tired� " she said in a whisper.
[" Must... go on... "]
***
<Flash><Rumble> {Deep in the woods}
["Must run � Shadows? - so many - darting through the trees]
< Can you see her? >
< No. >
< Look for her again. You idiot! She's gotta be here somewhere! >
< Wait, did you hear something? >
< No, wait�over there! >
< Go! >
[RUN! Must get away..."]
***
<Flash><Thunder Clash>
[" < RUN Mistress! > - That voice? {PAIN} ahhrgh! - <Run Mistress!> {Flash
- Boy} - The boy from the inn! � {Blood!} - His blood {A boy falling, mouth
pouring out blood} that face...NO! His eyes, glazing as he fell � <Flash>
{My Shock} <Flash> {His death} <Flash> {as he fell} <Flash> <Flash> <Flash>
{I run...as he came crashing on the inns dirt covered
floor.}<Flash>{running in the forest} - The thought of running was on
impulse - they killed him! � My god, they killed him {tears from her eyes}
- Must run, can't let them catch me..."]
<Flash> <Thunder Crash>
["Voices so close] - <HAHaHaHahauhHaHaHa!> - [cruel and malicious - cold
and full of anger. When they slaughtered him] < Where is she? - Uhh can't
find her - FIND her! > <Over here! This way! > - [The men from the inn. -
They are the ones who killed that boy I met. His death cries still haunts
me in my thoughts... "]
<Flash><Rumble> {Intense Pain}
" Aaarhhgghh!!� " [" Then the pain... - So sharp - I can feel it course
through my whole body "] - <I scream> {Not because of the pain, no partly
because of it, it is the realization that death will come to take me.} [No,
not now!]{Tumbles down in the dirt, rolling and crashing through bush and
leaves} [The world spinning before my eyes till I come to a complete stop -
and all I could feel is the pain..."]
<Flash> <Thunder Clash>
" Uhh�ummm� "
["I can feel the earth under me, so soft and cold from the rain then did I
know that I've stopped]
< Did you see her? >
< Yeah, I think she fell that way. >
< That's a pretty steep fall� >
< You think she's still alive? >
< Well one thing's for certain� >
< What's that boss? >
< I'm going to have my way with her, dead or alive! The things she's put me
through, she'll regret having crossed paths with me. Come on! >
" Uhhhh�aaargh�ahh�uhhh�"
["I try to move but I can't�uhh...umm� ca� can't breathe.]
[Footsteps!]
[I struggle�but to no avail�I feel...]
" Ahhrrghh� "
Pain coursed through her body making her close her eyes as she felt it.
[�I feel fear clutching at my heart as the warm tears streaming down my
eyes � and the hurt...I feel in my soul..."]
[And I close my eyes.]
<Flash>
< Do you see her? >
< No not yet. >
< She's got to be around here somewhere. >
< I'd like to get this over and done now. > The man said clearly worried
about something.
< Why? >
< I don't know. This forest is just giving me the chills. I don't plan to
stay in more than I have to� >
< Nahh�It's just your imagination spooking you. It's nothing. >
< I hope so�>
["Voices!� so close, <A face> - that grin - so dark and cold - NO!"]
***
<Flash><Clash of Thunder>
<Flash>
{The image of a smiling boy}
<Flash>
{A bloodied knife still stabbing}
<Flash>
{Blood everywhere on the inns floor}
<Flash>
{A grinning face}
<Flash><Flash><Flash><Flash>
[" That grin - That smile - That face - NO! - MUST RUN! MUST GET AWAY! "]
" YOUR MINE! " the voice said from the darkness.
***
" NNNOOOOOOOOO! " Ranko screamed within the darkness of her room as she
bolted upright from her soft warm bed she lay on. Shaking and shivering as
she stared at nothing on the far end of the room as wrapped her arms around
her body.
Thunder crackled from outside followed by the flashes of lightning as it
suddenly brightened the whole room where she stayed in.
Sweat covered most of her forehead and her torn clothes showed more than
one dark wet patch as her tears freely ran down her soft moist cheeks as
she cried her soul out of all the pain she felt within. Her tangled loose
hair was matted and covering most of her face as realization puts fear
suddenly in her eyes as she recalled the events of her chase. And with it
the ghost like voices that kept haunting her in her head.
["You're mine, You're Mine, You're mine�"] the hollow voice said as she
cupped her hands over her ears in the hopes the ghosts would go away.
Drumming and hammering her with it's unceasing cadence.
" Stop�please, just stop� please�stop� " She whispered to no one as she
covered her ears tightly with trembling hands, her face buried by her arms
as she sat their stooped over her knees that she drew close to her chest.
While the memory of it all flooded back in, producing a fresh batch of
tears, which she wept openly in her now open hands. Shuddering at the men's
laughter as it echoed again within her thoughts and heart. Bringing with it
a slight chill crawling up her spine. While the thunder and the rain
outside mimicked the coldness and confusion she felt within.
***
The flashes of the storm continued outside as the rain started to pound
hard on the houses slate roof. The noise from it seeming to reverberate
within the room as the stifled sounds of crying slowly died down.
Once all the hurt had been washed away by the tears, and the pain they
brought rendered into a dull throb. Ranko looks around cautiously at her
surroundings as she suddenly recognized the foreign touch of the soft warm
blanket underneath her as well as the one she held in her hand as she
looked at the comfortable bed she lay on. Ranko looks at her body hastily,
feeling herself for any violation and sighs with relief for being alone and
at the sight and feel of having her clothes on, wet as they maybe, but
thankful nonetheless.
Taking the blanket again, she brought it closer, enjoying the warmth and
softness it brought against her skin. She also even found herself with a
few bandages on her arms and forehead. Which brought some concern to her on
who could have helped her. But then dismisses the thought quickly as the
noise from the rain outside, with it's ceaseless droning as well as and the
clash of thunder, brought her to stare at the simple sliding window in the
room she apparently stayed in.
Lightning from the storm, suddenly lit the dark room before dimming it
again at its passing as it was followed by the dull rumble of thunder.
Ranko shivers unconsciously at that as she turned away from window, for it
brought back with it the fear of the chase, as she proceeded to examine the
room she stayed in.
The lightning from outside afforded only minimal light, yet it gave enough
so that Ranko could discern certain details of the room. The smothered
candle, lying on top of a small wooden table by the bed as a slow rising
gray column of smoke shifted and vanished with the slightest touch of the
wind. She gave a slight smile as she stared at the lone candle, which had
brought some warmth to her. After which she began to examine the room even
further as she sat there in the middle of the bed.
Aside from the small table beside her on the right hand side of the bed,
there by the foot of the bed on the far wall there she saw another small
table flanked on either side by a pair of ornately carved wooden chairs. On
this table, she noted, was a small pot with some flowers in it and a small
wooden wash bowl and a neatly folded towel beside it. While above this,
hung a large painting. Its frame made of a mat of bamboo as the picture sat
in the center of it.
Curious, she got up on the left-hand side of the bed, not forgetting to
take with her the soft warm blanket. Which she held modestly to her chest
as she walked over to the picture to look at it.
Gliding to the far wall on soft uncovered feet, she turned to view the
image seen within the frame. Of a beauty whose artist might have been
divinely touched. For long she stared in ecstasy for a long time. As she
saw what the artist wanted to portray.
A girl, washing her coal black hair, by a flowing crystal stream, sitting
under the shade of a cherry tree. Flowers bloomed around her as the birds
did in the air. While flowing robes of silky white matched the color of her
leg as soft as the clouds that danced in the wind. Her robe of woven silk
clung to her form, revealing every curve and line that bespoke of grace
immortalized. Her face held an everlasting sweet smile as did her eyes,
which men would want to drown in.
Not realizing her drifting hand that took to its own course to trace the
outline of the girls rose red lips then as if to caress when it strayed to
her cheek. Ranko blushed at what she saw and did, but she couldn't tear her
eyes off of it. So focused was she on the painting, that she didn't even
realize the shadowed form of a man moving in the background.
" Ohh�So you're finally awake. " a voice said in the darkness, the candle
he carried revealed a slight smile as he stepped into the room. In his
hands was a small wooden tray, which held the candle and a small bowl of
steaming hot soup balanced neatly on the tray.
"Wai?..Wait!�" he called out shocked as he tried to reach out a hand but
realized he held a tray in his hands.
Ranko, surprised at the sudden appearance of the stranger runs away in
haste to the side of the bed. Placing it between her and the stranger. All
the while trying desperately to calm her as he moved to place the tray on
the table which Ranko had just left a while ago. Ranko in the mean time was
backing away from him as far as she could go in the far most corner of the
bed as she openly stared at the intruder, gathering most of the sheets
around her as a make shift shield to cover herself. And if need be a
weapon, though not a very good one she thought.
When the man tried to approach her, his arms extended before him in an open
handed gesture while he stared at her from where he stood�
" Don't come any closer! " Ranko shouted to the man, which he gently
complied with by slowly backing away as he raised his empty hands to show
he was not a threat.
" Do you always show this kind of gratitude to those who happen to have
saved your life? " the man retorts with no hint of mockery to Ranko as he
casually smiled at her. A sharp tooth peeking out from the corner of his
mouth, which gave him a more feral look as she stared at the man standing
before her.
Ranko flashes a bright crimson on her cheeks, surprised at his sudden
reply. Studying him closely she noted the mans fairly long bangs, held back
by multiple pieces of white cloth tied at his temples, he also wore loose
fitting blue robes and pants as well as white socks and black ankle high
shoes. The sleeves of his robe were tied closed with a long piece of rope
tied in a zigzag pattern, the same pattern was also tied on his shins. But
what was striking was that the same kind of white clothe tied around his
forehead, were also tied around his forearms as though it were a bandage
but was clearly not. A white cloth belt completed the entire picture.
Satisfied, she lets her guard down a bit and sits on the bed casually still
looking at him though she was still uncertain as to what to do next. She
missed the crimson glow on his cheeks as she sat there thinking of what to
do, before finally�
" Thank you. " Ranko replied slowly, softly, as it seemed to her only
fitting to give her thanks for being rescued from those men who were after
her.
After saying this, the man relaxed a bit, and so did some of the tension
that was building up since that sudden interruption.
" I�uhhmm�managed to cure most of your wounds and bandage them, but
umm...I couldn't do...uhh...anything about� " The man said clearly
embarrassed by this exchange. So he pointed to Ranko's disheveled clothing,
which revealed more than it should have.
Ranko flashes crimson at the implied statement before replying "
Uhh�umm�Thanks." Ranko replied softly, cutting the man's previous thoughts
as she meekly adjusted her clothing and leaves it at that in silence.
While Ranko did this, the man had moved over to the table beneath the
painting and arranges her meal for her as Ranko watched from behind.
"Where am I, what is this place?" Ranko asks as the man made to move to the
door upon completion of his task. "We'll talk about that tomorrow. That's
if you don't mind, do you? You've had quite an exciting day and you would
feel much better if you had some rest." the man said with a touch of
concern in his voice.
Ranko doesn't reply but understands what the man is trying to say. So she
just smiles in acceptance and said. "Tomorrow then..."
"You should get some rest, and something to eat. I left you a bowl of soup
right there on the table. You will be safe here. I promise. No one will
bother you while I'm around." the man thumps his chest proudly as he said
this then coughs managing only after a weak smile.
"Thank you." Ranko replied smiling.
And with that reply the man walks over to the door to leave.
"Wait!" Ranko called. Letting her outstretched hand fall quickly to her
side as the man turned around to face her. " I�I didn't get your name. "
she said barely louder than a whisper as she smiled at him from where she
sat. Grateful that he didn't see her blush at her sudden outburst a while
ago.
The man looks to the ground, flushing in embarrassment as he smiled coyly
from underneath his calm expression before looking at her firmly again as
he replied, saying, " Ryoga, Hibiki Ryouga. And� I would like to welcome
you to Lotus Temple. " He said, the pride he felt echoing his words.
Ranko smiled as he said this and casually repeated his name, "Ryouga"
before she nodded her agreement and thanks for the welcome he gave as she
stared up at him as she watched him turn around to face the door. Her Eyes
still glued to his back as he opened the door but not before receiving a
gentle smile and a gracious nod of acknowledgement from him as he departs
through the door of her new room.
***
{Outside of Ranko's Room}
Ryouga left the room feeling lighthearted, and a bit confused. In all of
his years in martial arts, his training has never prepared him for what was
to happen today. Never had he been so out of focus towards another person.
Well maybe not all the time he thought, sometimes even half the time when
his master was teaching him about the spirit world.
Maybe, his master could shed some light into the matter. [" But he isn't
due for some time�huh. I guess I could wait until he comes back. "] He
thought.
[" Just hope he doesn't come back soon�wait�that didn't sound right. "] he
thought quite puzzled.
And with that locked firmly in his head he heads down the long hallway and
down the narrow flight of stairs that lead into an open courtyard to do his
evening meditations. Though he did have a hard time concentrating that
evening.
***
{Back in the room}
Ranko watches Ryouga vanish behind the old wooden door as she sat there on
the soft warm bed. Then gives a sigh of relief, as she lay back down on the
bed, snuggling close to the soft pillow that was provided for her. Thinking
quietly all the while of the kindness this nice young man did for her.
Saving her from those nasty bandits and how he kindly treated her wounds
and even fed her if shelter wasn't enough. Now that she thought about it,
in the past, she has met only a few of like him throughout her journey
through China. And even then it wasn't easy enough like this. She thought
of repaying his kindness if she could sometime in the future but turns her
attention back to the picture on the wall. Staring at it long enough it
brought to mind several questions which was floating inside of her head
since discovering the picture. But the thought is silently pushed aside for
exhaustion finally caught up again with her and this time sleep came
decidedly peaceful. While the rumble and splatter of the storm outside
increased their noise was lessened by the sheltering walls of the temple.
Mouthing a silent prayer to the Gods in her mind she settles down deeper
into her sleep as the light from the wick of the candle on the table,
underneath the portrait of the girl, finally burns out. Leaving a smoky
trail that lead to the heavens and on till nighttime as Ranko slept through
the storm.
***
{The next morning}
The sounds of daylight brought with it the cheerful voices of the birds, as
the frolicked in the branches of the stout trees that lined the walls of
Lotus Temple.
Warm gentle light flooded into the room where Ranko lay sleeping on the
bed, from a nearby window. Which found her body resting on its side, her
face to window, covered in the soft sheets of her blanket.
The light of the morning sun shining brightly on her face as she blinked at
its brightness. Rising slowly, her arms supporting her wearily off the bed
she looks at the window briefly, letting her mind settle as she tried to
recall the evening's events. Rubbing her eye softly to clear it, she sits
up to a comfortable position then scans the room briefly, finding the
finished bowl of soup under the beautiful girl in the picture. Which she
remembered, though vaguely, haunted her dreams last night, which made her
blush and smile at herself.
Turning to the side of the bed her feet firmly planted on the wooden floor
she stretches her arms in the air and reluctantly stands up off the bed to
dress. Noting that she had only one piece of clothing and she was wearing
it now, rubbing her nose at it's torn and disarrayed pieces, she tries to
fix what she can and be as presentable in it. Finding the washbowl and
towel she quickly cleans up her face up. Once done, she looks back at her
room and begins arranging the blankets, after all she thought, ["I will be
sleeping here�for a while I guess.]
***
Stepping out of the door that led to her room, she turns to find herself
staring out in a fairly lit corridor. The door to her right leading into
her room with two other doors, spaced away just a few meters apart from
each other, ran along the hallway. Parallel to these doors she noted at the
end of the hallway was an opening and in it a narrow stairway leading down.
Crossing the distance between her and the steps, she walks down and turns
at an opening, she found herself suddenly staring at an open room. Lined on
either side with chairs and tables of antique design and on the far wall
away from her were two tall doors, currently open and pass then was a
garden and beyond it the forest. Opposite these doors, beside her to the
left was a single table. And on it she saw was a small statue of a golden
Buddha and of other various holy instruments used for prayers and rituals.
On the table was a small pot and in it were three burning incense sticks
which were very fragrant as well as a holy sword that lay on it's side on a
small mount right before the golden statue.
Ranko turns her attention from them to the open courtyard for she suddenly
hears some noises of shouts and grunts and of the pounding of feet on
stone. Walking slowly across the room she leans on the open door then
slowly peers out into the courtyard before her. There she finds Ryouga
practicing his martial arts on a clear floor just a few feet away from her.
Shirtless and covered in sweat, still sporting those white pieces of cloth
on his temples and forearms as he moved from stance to stance, and
sometimes leaping and jumping, throwing punches and kicks into the air.
Ranko watched him for a moment noting every precise motion and form till
finally he pauses in a ready stance letting the wind blow pass his face and
lifting the loose ends of the cloth into the air. His face etched to
hardness as he tried to perfect his art of fighting. Then suddenly letting
go of the tenseness then relaxes then turns to suddenly find her facing as
a sudden moment of awkwardness arises the both fall into silence.
Ryouga didn't see or feel her presence till he finally finished his morning
practice that he was still shocked to find her there watching him. ["I
guess it wasn't a dream after all."] He thought. ["Well I'm glad."] He
looks up to face her and gives a smile as she saw her smile at him.
"Hello" Ranko said a bit softly as she looks at Ryouga curiously.
"Hello" Ryouga replies, though a bit unsure then quickly turns to pick up a
piece of cloth which he found on the small steps leading into the courtroom
then quickly cleans himself up with it.
Ranko in the mean time took this opportunity to step down and sit on the
stone steps. Turning to face the garden. ["How different it is from the
inside. Full of flowers and trees, and�look! � {Smiling} � there is even a
pool for water where lotus blossoms could grow."] She thought as she stared
at the rectangular formation before her.
With its four small stone pagodas which occupied each corner of the simple
rectangular rock formation that came to about at 2 feet in height and with
a generous amount of surface above for one to sit comfortably on. It was a
stone bench where people could enjoy the blossoms up-close or if one chose
sleep beside them and still have room for another to sit on.
The interior of the rectangular pool was filled with water and in it were
small golden colored fish that swam freely underneath the blossoms of the
white lotus flowers that covered most of the center of the rectangular
pool. It was a beautiful sight to see and with it, if the pool wasn't good
enough, just a few meters away were trees and flowers of all sorts. And
beyond this, pass another flight of stone steps was the heart of the forest
itself, lush and full of green while birds flew freely in the air and
forest creatures dwelt freely, grazing in the soft green grass. While the
sun above the forests canopy was a bright ball of fire in the sky.
"Its beautiful here." Ranko said unconsciously as she gazed at the
surrounding view of the temple court. Which itself was also a sight to see,
strong stout pillars and dragons of gold and silver lined its walls and
roof and hangings while the sign of "Lotus Temple" hung above the tall
wooden doors of the temple, in gilded letters.
"Yes it is..." Ryouga said a bit unsure cause to him it was what it was to
him, a temple as he sat across from her on the stone bench of the
rectangular pool. He looks at the forest again and back at Ranko who was
still facing away and looking at the forests. He blushes and turns away
looking at the ground before him.
"Lady..." Ryouga called softly, then pauses when Ranko looks at him all a
glow, he coughs then proceeds, saying, "...you must be hungry." Ranko just
nods and smiles, blushing looking down at the ground embarrassed.
"The food will be ready in a few minutes that is if you don't mind
waiting?"
"I don't mind." Ranko replies smiling.
"Good! Ohhh�oh yeah, I almost forgot...uuhhh�umm...wait here." Ryouga said
smiling as he quickly stood up and ran inside the temple, leaving Ranko to
stare as he vanished in it.
A few minutes later Ryouga returns carrying a small bundle and a long stick
which he hands gently over to Ranko for inspection as he sat down beside
her all the while looking at her.
"My pack!...but how did you..."
"Find it...it was easy enough�after I brought you here last night...I...
went back to the place where I found you, I followed the trail you left
behind and it lead me to an inn. There was this old man, he was grieving, I
don't know why, I didn't ask. He was the one who gave me your things......"
Ryouga pauses when Ranko suddenly fell silent, then he fell silent.
"Thank you..." Ranko said softly, as the joy she felt a while ago slowly
vanished only to be replaced by last night's memory of a dream that still
haunts her even when she is awake.
"I�I'm sorry if I brought that up � I didn't mean to..."
"No!�{Smile}�Don't be...I mean...I have much to be thankful for, and if it
weren't for you� then...." Ranko said sadly smiling then stops all
together. The joy she held a while ago fading in those slowly forming
tears, which she gently wipes away.
"Are you� ok?�"Ryouga asked
"Yes�I'll be fine."
"Ok...I guess� I'd better start making breakfast..." Ryouga replies then
stands up to leave.
"Ryouga..." Ranko calls softly before he vanished inside the temple, "If
you don't mind...I'd like to take a bath and freshen up."
"Oh, ok ... umm ... That's if�if you don't mind walking - There is a small
spring situated under a shallow grove over there, just beyond those trees."
Ryouga said as he pointed to the direction of the grove. "Do you� want me
to show you where it is?"
"No�no thank you...I...I want to be alone - for a while..." Ranko said
slowly standing from where she sat on the stone steps which lead to the
temple.
"Ok - So I guess...I'll see you later then,"
"Yes..." Ranko replies softly as Ryouga passes her and disappears inside
the temple.
***
{The Forest}
<Birds singing>
<The slow rustling of the trees leaves by the wind>
Ranko is walking slowly on the soft worn path thinking of the past events
that has happened to her so far since her encounter back at the inn. Those
bandits back in the inn and the chase that followed after, then Ryouga
coming to help her. She wonders then, what next could happen to her in this
life. But then, as she continued to walk peacefully amid the trees and the
songs of the birds began registering in her mind those thoughts were
quickly changed as a sudden lightness lifts up her burden and the mood of
her problems. Only then, did she begin to see the forest in a new light,
and she was happy.
The birds up in the air, singing their soft sweet music while a deer freely
grazed in the distance, the flowers at bloom and the magnificent sun in the
sky. This was why she left home, to be a scholar, to see the world around
her, to explore it. And she was happy, laughing out of pure joy.
***
{Back at the Temple, In the Kitchen}
The heat of the fire wood oven brings the room to a virtual boil, as steam
from the pot's rose, escaping from the few vents in the roof and windows.
Pans hot with boiling oil and frying meat was accompanied by the rhythmic
sounds of the chopping board.
["I made her upset by what I said when I told happened back at the inn? I
should go ask her about it, but�No it is none of my business, not now when
she is sad and hurt."] Ryouga thought silently as he chopped the vegetables
for their evening meal. ["Master could help me then when he arrives, then I
might get some answers as to what I'm feeling right now. There were so many
things that master talked about that I couldn't understand, guess that's
why I get lost most off the time."] Ryouga turns away from the vegetables
to check on the steamed dumplings he was preparing then quickly pulling out
a burned finger when he touched the hot surface, once done with it he
resumes preparing the meal.
["Now what did I forget? Oh yeah, the wine, let me see�ah here they
are�Ahhh."] Ryouga goes to the wine pots on a corner then checks the first
one he sees and discovers it empty. Taking another one, he got the same
result, then a next one and the next until he covered each pot, making no
hesitation to pop the lid to check and each one was empty.
["Damn, no more, better get some quickly for the master when he gets back,
he has this particular skill of arriving when you didn't want him to.
Better hurry though.{looking at through the window outside}] And with that
thought, Ryouga rushes out of the temple carrying only an empty gourd and
some coins to buy wine for his master and new friend. Pausing outside of
the temple on a deserted field Ryouga thought, ["Now...where was that town
supposed to be again?...Ohh yeah...that way." Ryouga heads off into the
forest, leaping from tree to tree heading for the mountains."]
***
{Back in the forest}
Ranko has just arrived at the spot where Ryouga said it would be, and it
was everything that Ryouga said and more, it was just perfect and
relatively secluded. Its clear water rippling under the shade of large
moss covered rocks that in itself was like a small roof over the alcove
while some of it was smoothed over by the water that freely fell from above
in a small film- like curtain which gathered inside the clear pool.
Surrounded on all sides by a thick wall of bushes and trees. While on the
shore grew all sorts beautiful flowers of reds, greens and yellows and the
forest canopy above affording only a small hole for the sunlight to pass
through, bathing the whole scene in a golden shimmer of light while making
the pool itself cool and inviting. Stepping close to the edge of the pool
Ranko steps slowly disrobes her torn and dirty clothes as she willing steps
into the cool clear waters of the shallow pool.
***
{Somewhere in the mountains}
Ryouga is walking slowly back from his trip into town. ["Took quite a while
to get there though�but I did it, the sun is almost high, maybe just a few
more hours or so. Oh well. Though I wonder who she is. Why am I suddenly
thinking of her? Ohhh�I don't know, I don't even know her name, never was
used to this..."] Ryouga stops to look at the surrounding countryside then
pauses to consider his thoughts. ["Hmmm�Now where was I supposed to go? Ohh
yeah...back to the temple...uhh...hmmm�back to the temple�ehh�yeah� that's
the way� right? ...or...uhh...umm...or maybe that..."] After quite some
time Ryouga resumes his walk.
***
{Back in the pool}
Standing waist deep in water in the middle of the pool Ranko is cooling
herself up and washing her body as she thought suddenly of home and of her
adventures. Thinking of her parents especially her mother, how she sang
that sweet lullaby to her when she was about to sleep or when she was
afraid of the ghosts in her room, and unconsciously, she begins to hum that
soft joyful tune that her mother used to sing to her. And she is lost to
the swirl of memories and to the song as she continued to bathe under the
suns gentle light. ["How long must I live this lie? Playing two different
people is easy enough when you have another body. It's just that, I don't
want them to find out my secret."] Ranko thought as she remembered how much
trouble her curse really is in her/his life but just continues to hum that
soft tune and finds her troubles lightened at the thought of home and
before all this.
***
{Somewhere}
["Damn Old man, if only he taught me as well of directions then I wouldn't
be in this damn place!!!�Huhhh�hmmm�huh if only he were here he could help
me out with my problems. And I wish he didn't drink too much also, then I
could be back at the temple and not lost here in the middle of no where!"]
Ryouga thought as he juggled the gourd, now full of wine, in his hands,
bouncing it from hand to hand, tossing and shaking till finally on a miss
toss it fumbles and slips out off his hands. ["Oh No! Please don't break,
please don't break, please don't break�AaaHHHaH"] The gourd goes soaring
through the air as Ryouga quickly dashed to catch it. ["Can't let it
break!"] Running he suddenly leaps into the air and catches the gourd in
his hands. ["Gotcha! � Uhhh � Aaaaahhhhhhhh"] The next thing he knows is
that he is falling and that trees were rushing up to greet him. ["This is
going to hhuuurrrtt!"]...
***
{Back at the pool}
Ranko turns to the sound of the birds suddenly flying in the air and of the
sounds of branches breaking, looking out into the forest to check she
decides it was nothing and resumes her bath.
***
{We find Ryouga flat on his back, covered with a few leaves and broken
branches}
�["Ohh�<groan>� my head�Damn old man, even when he is away - he still makes
my life miserable! Oww...cuts and bruises...luckily no broken bones...damn!
Should have been more careful and ... huh? ... What's that sound?
�Singing...coming from where?"] Ryouga thought as he picked himself up from
the heap he just created a while ago.
Following the sound as though entranced by it, he slowly creeps along the
forest floor, ducking behind trees and tall bushes. Wanting desperately not
to be seen or heard as the yearning to know what has caught his attention
like a hand gripping his throat as he crawled deeper into the forest till
he finally comes before a tall wall of bushes and judging the source to be
near. He cautiously parts a small portion of the leaves that was blocking
his view.
There in the middle of the lake, waist deep in water stood Ranko, bathing
under the shower of sunlight as she slowly and gently gathered water around
her to cleanse herself. Her long red hair undone, wet from the water of the
lake, was held back from her face as the rays of sunlight glistened on the
soft contours of her smooth skin. Her back still facing him and eyes closed
in deep meditative thought, unaware of the prying eyes in the bush as she
ducked underneath the shower of the cool flowing water falling from above.
Letting it slide across her delicate body and into the cool inviting pool.
Once he saw what was behind the curtain of green, he gasps and ducks back
behind surprised. ["It's her! In the pool...and Ulp! ... uhhhh...ummmm..."]
Ryouga thought between gasp but was not able to finish the trail of thought
suddenly immerging from the inner most recesses of his mind. And as much as
wants to end it and apologize his curiosity gets the better of him and
cautiously he looks back at the waiting bush as though deciding on what to
do. Then finally deciding after a while (which wasn't very long) and with
firm resolve he cautiously rises and parts again the veil of leaves and
watches in evident fascination at the beauty in the lake for just one more
quick peek. And then regretfully though dreamily he backs away from the
bush. Looking away and into the forest but glances back at the wall of
leaves still in that dream like trance and still unconscious of the branch
that was caught in his sleeve.
So it comes as a shock surprise when the branch suddenly tore loose from
his sleeve. Recoiling to hit him squarely in the face snapping his
attention back and in pain. He rubs his nose where it hit him and in
evident annoyance looks back at the waving branch before him. Looking at
briefly he pauses for a moment as the branch swayed in the air pointing
directly at him as it moved up and down he looks up at the sky above him,
suddenly fearing devine retribution for his sin. ["Sorry God � hehe � ulp!
� uhmmm � I'll go now."] Ryouga mouths a silent prayer then proceeds to
leave by the same way he came in.
***
{The Pool}
Ranko sat there in the middle of the lake, oblivious to the world around
her as she sat there contemplating on what to do now. She could go on with
her travels, now that she had all her things with her she thought. But she
wasn't sure if that was such a good idea. She frowned at her indecision
then finally concludes in asking Ryouga if it was ok for her to stay even
just for a little while longer just enough time to finish her studies.
The forest she thought would provide enough inspiration for her writings
and that if there is a nearby town somewhere then she could probably sell
them and get some money in return. The problem though was, she thought.
["Where am I going? All this time I've followed my heart and it lead me to
numerous other encounters. Some of which I would like soon to forget. And
who is she? That girl in the painting, why does it feel as though I know
her."] She gave up thinking about it and suddenly turns her head to a
sudden noise in the air. There, in a flurry of feathers she sees a small
black bird disappear in the bright blue sky. ["That's odd, never thought
ravens came this far..."] She shrugs it off and with a short sigh, rises
out of the water to get dressed.
***
{Back at the Temple - Evening}
Ranko and Ryouga are sitting across from each other in front of the temple.
Ranko sat on the stone bench while Ryouga preferred to sit silently across
from her on the stone steps that led into the temple in silent thought, as
to what, Ranko could not even guess. So she leaves him at that as she
slowly rises of the bench and begins to walk around it, a hand on the rough
stone pagoda statue as she stared up at the stars in the bright night sky.
Wondering of the events this passed morning.
The afternoon came quietly she thought a brief tour of the temple and a
nice lunch then Ryouga leaving for his habitual practice and meditation.
Giving the excuse that he had to clear some of his thoughts and reflect,
though what he meant by that she didn't know even then she tried to inquire
as to what troubled him but always she got the same reply - nothing. She
just watched him go into the temple and she on the other hand, left to
pursue some writing done. Then night came easily enough, after they had
their dinner, which was mostly of rise and vegetables, Ranko thought it
would be a good idea to go outside and talk. Though it did cost her to
enough time just trying to convince Ryouga to come, both still not
accustomed to each others company and Ranko thought it would nice to break
the ice some what and was finally glad when Ryouga agreed even though some
what reluctantly.
Ryouga sat there quietly, all this time thinking of what to do or what to
say. ["What would Master do in a situation like this?"] He gave up thinking
on it as he saw her suddenly rise and circle the lotus pool staring up at
the stars in the sky as he followed her gaze at it. Stars... has it been
this long and late already?
Ryouga recalled spending some time in silent thought and meditation about
this all afternoon though it didn't go too well as he hoped it would. And
as an apprentice monk, he should have spent more of his time on studying
the holy books but instead he concentrated more on perfecting his fighting
skill. Which brought some harsh words from his master at his
inattentiveness. ["Should have listened more to the master. Ohh�But what
would Holy Scriptures do me now?"] Ryouga thought again as he glanced at
her again, ["Such grace and movement and her...che..uhhh...umm"] Ryouga
smothers the rest away, muttering in silence of what to do. Then looks at
her again and when their eyes suddenly met she turns away smiling and he
blushing uncontrollably.
"Is it always this peaceful this late at night?"
Ryouga only nods in acknowledgement still unsure of what to say as he sees
her bathed in glow of the moons light and thought that she looked even more
beautiful than ever. Then blushes again at the thought. ["Thank God for the
night's darkness!"]
"When the moon is especially full such as this one, I used to think that I
was the only one here. For I could hear my own heart beat in the silence."
Ranko doesn't comment on this but resumes her silent walk around the lotus
pond and sits on the bench facing him then leans on the pagoda statue as
she rested her feet up on the stone bench. Then sighs in appreciation as a
gentle breeze passed by closing her eyes in appreciation of its coolness.
Ryouga in the mean time just watches as she sat there on the bench. He
looks at the ground before him shortly, then after a while looks at her
again. This time with a short smile on his face as he said,
"All this time you haven't given me your name."
"You never asked." Ranko tells him softly her eyes still closed in thought.
Ryouga smiles in self-amusement then proceeds in asking, "What's your
name?"
At this question Ranko pauses for a moment in silent thought then finally
she looks at him and smiles saying " Ranko, Saotome Ranko"
"Ranko." Ryouga repeats. "That's a nice name."
Ranko just smiles at this. Though she didn't lie - it just wasn't the
actual truth. She just wanted to make sure that Ranma and Ranko were two
entirely different people.
"Ryouga..." Ranko called softly
" Yes. "
"...If...if you don't mind me asking. What happened when you first found
me?"
"About those thugs?"
Ranko nods "Mmm�hhm"
"Well there isn't much to tell actually {he looks at Ranko to see if there
was anything wrong then procedes in narrating}, Well we fought in that
clearing. They were almost upon you when I first interfered, there were
some small talk between me and the leader - well I don't know if he was �
though in the end it got to a fight, and I won when they all took it that
they've had enough. I let them go when they fled, trying to escape in the
forest. I wanted to give chase but then, when I saw your still form there
on the ground - I brought you here."
Ranko just nods sadly.
"Why... is something wrong?"
"No - as much...(a slight pause when she looks at the ground)...as much as
it hurts thinking that they tried to hurt me...I...I didn't want any blood
shed for my sake or any one else's. Ryouga...I�"
"I understand," Ryouga said quite sympathetically.
"Really?"
"Yes�really - You have a gentle heart and I admire that. You could pass off
as a very good monk." Ryouga said smiling.
"No..." Ranko said softly.
After a shared moment of silence between them letting the clouds overhead
slowly drift in the sky which slowly began to cover the bright full moon
with a touch of grayness. Giving the atmosphere in the temple garden a much
darker feel. When Ranko broke the silence...
"I�I wanted to ask you...about that painting - In my room. Who is she? Is
she a friend of yours?"
"No - My master was given that painting...years ago by a friend of his. I
don't know why he gave it. But the girl in that painting...well, the people
in the near-by villages tells of it as a legend. A tragedy of some sort,
that happened over a 100 years ago.
You see... there was this beautiful young maiden who lived in a nearby
village. Well this village was, at that time, at war with another. So in
order to stop the bloodshed it was arranged that she be married to this
very rich man who happen to live across those mountains over there. {Ryouga
said pointing in the distance at the mountains} Their marriage was supposed
to unite those two warring villages in peace.
Well, during their journey to the rich mans house, the people said that the
group escorting the girl was suddenly attacked by demons. And that during
the conflict the girl managed to escape this surprise attack by running
deep inside the forest, but the demon's still pursued her till finally in a
moments desperation, she finally comes across a steep cliff with a running
waterfall and jumped. Some say she drowned while others say that the demons
carried her off to be the concubine of their dark lord, others still just
speculate that she killed herself in some other way. The legend doesn't
tell of this and is very vague though people say, her ghost is still
running away but sometimes when it is late at night, like this one, she
could be seen walking under the brightness of the full moon."
"That's sad..." Ranko said softly.
Ryouga just nods in agreement.
"What does the legend say now." Ranko asks inquisitively.
"Still running I guess, though I'm not to sure, the legends doesn't tell
any of that."
They fall silent at that then Ranko turns away, looking back at the stars
and the full moon in the sky. Slowly being covered by dark moving clouds.
"So you've lived your whole life here in this temple?"
"Yes."
"With your Master?"
"Yes"
"All this time...it must've been lonely."
"No�Not really, the Master treats me all right, and he has been almost like
a father to me. He took care of me and adopted me as his own."
"What about your parents? Don't you miss them?"
Ryouga pauses for a moment then stands, walks to the far corner of the
lotus pool then turns looking at the ground saying "My parents died a long
time ago of a certain illness the healers couldn't cure, I was very young
then. They looked really pale and could hardly even speak to me. When they
passed away, I was given to the care of my Master. It seems that he was I
close personal friend of the father."
When Ranko turns her head to look at him as she listened to him narrate his
story all the while feeling a sense of genuine pain radiating out from him.
["Telling this must hurt him so much. I shouldn't have brought it up�"] she
thought.
" I'm sorry if I brought that up... "
" No. Don't be... I mean. It's all in the past right...I've gotten over it.
"
Ryouga smiled, though some what forced as he sat down on the hard stone
bench, as he fell deathly silent for a moment as he stared at the ground
before him in a somewhat confused manner. Seeing this, Ranko walked over to
him and sat down beside him. Watching him silently from the corner of her
eyes as she tried to sort out her own feelings about the matter at hand.
The wind blew back his long hair as she noticed some moisture seep out from
his eyes which he tried to force away by closing them tight. Blinking away
the tears.
Ranko just sat there sympathetic to his plight as she watched with worried
eyes. Ryouga saw this and tried to compose himself [" No use letting her
suffer for my sake. "]
Ryouga after some time finally composes himself and stands up, turning
around to face her.
"You must be really tired, and it is getting late... " Ryouga offered
softly, leaving the actually unspoken request behind it.
" Are you sure you're going to be alright? " Ranko asked some what
concerned.
"Yes...I will be. You should get some rest."
"Aren't you coming back inside?"
"I'll be in� in a little while. I...I just need some time to think, that's
all." Ryouga said with a forced smile. But Ranko knew it.
"Ok...If that's what you want." Ranko said softly turning to enter the
temple but before she vanished through the doors she quickly turns around
and gives Ryouga a reassuring smile then vanishes inside.
***
Ryouga watches her as she stepped inside the temple, vanishing from sight
yet the feeling that accompanied her leaving brought out a sudden yearning
for her company, a small knot of emotion, which he quickly strangles down.
Turning around quickly to avoid looking at the temple doors, he found
himself gazing up at the stars. ["Why did you leave me?"] Ryouga thought
suddenly, not to sure by what he meant by that then sighs regretfully as he
sat down on the stone bench, leaning on the rough stone pagoda, unconcerned
and unaware of his surroundings as he stared blankly at the ground before
him.
***
Ranko dresses quietly into a soft pink robe. Its worn out sleeves running
up to the length of her elbows while the rest of it came just a few inches
above her knees as a make shift skirt. All the while thinking silently of
the days events as she finally tied it off securely with a piece of white
clothe which served as a belt.
Finished with her clothes, she turns and walks over to the bed and sits
comfortably down, bringing her long red hair around and started to gently
comb back its loose ends. Stroking it carefully as if each gentle brush
stroke eased some of the tension she felt welling up inside her. Looking
blankly at it for a while still in that haven of thought, the light from
the nearby candle beside the bed suddenly flickered in the wind. Playing
shadows on her then suddenly going out in a pillar of rising gray smoke.
Ranko, her thoughts suddenly broken by the blackening of the room, quickly
turns her attention to the candle on top of the table by the bedside.
Seeing this out, she quickly scans the entire room, dimly lit by the full
moon from outside, now suddenly fearful of the unseen eyes. For that much
she felt, for the room itself was a touch colder and less inviting than it
was before. Grabbing a blanket from the bed, she brought it closer to her
chest as she scans the room again briefly before standing up to carefully
go to the candle and light it again.
Stepping softly on the hard wood floor she feels a sudden chill crawl up
her leg as the wind gently passed by. She ignores it though and heads to
the table to light the candle, taking a match out from one of its drawers
to light it with trembling hands. The fire from the match sparked to life
then danced and swayed as a gentle breeze passed by, which she shields from
as she lights the candle on top of the table. Now lighted, she smiles then
lifts it up to chest level, watching the fire dance on the wick then
notices something in a corner of her eye as a small shadow played on the
wall. Turning around she suddenly finds herself staring at a pair of
gleaming red eyes as it lunges her after her, her scream coming out only to
be muffled by a clawed hand as she is suddenly pushed to the far wall. The
candle she held so briefly fell to the ground, bouncing once then twice
then finally resting on the ground. Its fire dead even before it touched
the ground.
***
Ryouga is still outside the temple when his thoughts were suddenly broken
by a loud high-pitched scream that came from inside the temple itself.
"Ranko!" Ryouga said in surprise as he leaped off of his seat and in to a
dead run then through the temple doors headed for Rankos' room, but not
before he picked up his umbrella beside the altar from which he left it.
And once he got there, standing in the long hallway, he barges through the
door and steps inside the room, then stops in mid stride, readying his
bamboo umbrella in front of him as he saw the abomination before him.
The abomination, stooped over Ranko's unconscious form was a man � no not a
man, but a creature that resembled a man, with its long sinewy arms and
legs, packed with muscle and covered in some parts by bandages and what
seemed to be old pieces of armor and rotting cloth. It also wore a conical
hat just like Ryouga wears when he goes out at night, with its unique
circular opening up top where its hair came out, tied in a bun. And when it
turned around to face him, it showed a face more bone than flesh with eyes
as red as blood it that it surely craved. But not now it seemed as it gave
a slight smile to him then turns its attention away to the task at hand as
though Ryouga was of no importance at all what so ever. Brushing him aside
as it inserted both hands under Ranko's unconscious form then cradling her
in the hollow of its arms to take her. Seeing this, Ryouga dashes forward
to stop him, but is stopped dead in his tracks by a sudden force of wind
emanating from the creature as it scooped up Ranko's body in its arms
unhindered as Ryouga desperately blocked its attack with both arms crossed
over his face. His eyes fighting the wind to see the abomination as its
eyes suddenly brightened in the dark in an eerie red glow as it fully
turned to face him, levitating off the ground a cynical smile painted on
its face as he laughed at him. And just as suddenly, the wind force that
held him suddenly died making him stumble forward on his own momentum which
he took as an advantage as he uses this force to lunge after man as it fled
through the wall and with him, Ranko. All the while smiling at him with the
sureness that it already tasted victory as it vanished entirely.
Ryouga stops himself as he saw the abomination vanish through the wall then
quickly looks out the window. And sure enough there he sees it, looking
back up at him with that devilish smile then turns to look at Ranko then
back at him as he completely turns around to run back to the forest. Ryouga
alarmed, wastes no time in launching himself air born through the window
and down to the concrete floor below as he went after the creature in the
dead of the night, headed for the forest and to who knows what.
***
Leaping from tree to tree, he felt along his way for the presence of the
abomination, trying to feel him out in the darkness of the forest as what
his Master taught him to do during his training as a monk. This was what
his Master prepared him for, to fight ghost and monsters, making sure that
they kept to their side of the world as men did theirs, and he was good at
it.
["Should have been more careful. How could I have gotten so careless, I
knew bringing her here would be a mistake, I shouldn't have...I should have
listened to the master more carefully..."] Ryouga thought. But forces it to
end there as he concentrated harder, planning out his rescue. ["...There
was no time to take blames now, there would be time enough when he rescued
Ranko...that's if...NO!"] Ryouga forces the thought out of his head.
["Concentrate�"] Yet the fear made him more desperate as it is, and he
hated that, as he monk, he knew things about the spirit world, the things
that could happen. And death was the least thing to worry about in such an
event did occur. Focusing on the task ahead of him, he kicks yet another
branch to stay air born, seeking out the demon that took Ranko.
Crashing head long into a vale of white as he lands on a branch, looking
out ahead of him to no avail. All he could see was white and the branch
below him.
["Fog?"]
Anger boiled in him as the fog that suddenly appeared surrounded him then
took solid form just as suddenly in the manner of long tendrils of smoke, a
hands width in thickness, that battered and tried to grab him from where he
perched. Leaping off the branch a few seconds away from being batted away
by a log thick tendril, Ryouga brings his umbrella into play. Bringing it
close to his chest to block the splinters from the now shattered tree trunk
as he hovered in the air, slowly descending into the formlessness of the
fog below.
["Damn ghost and your black magic!"] Ryouga thought. As he swatted away an
attack aimed for his head then parried yet another coming straight for his
chest. Each succeeding attack coming in faster and faster as he spun and
parried with the umbrella blocking each consecutive attack. Opening his
umbrella as he descended down into the chaos below. He used the umbrella's
sharp circular edge as a mean cutting blade he sliced his way down until he
finally touches solid ground. Then just as suddenly leaps away from it as a
log thick arm of fog crashed and lifted, to reveal a deep hollow pit where
his body had been. Ryouga, with one knee bent, ready in an open stance with
one arm in front while the other that held the umbrella drew up high over
his head and back as if to throw the thing at the chaotic mass that was the
fogs core.
The fog then explodes in a shower of tendrils that arced over head then
came crashing down on top of him. Leaping aside as he follows up with a
series of cross slashes coupled with blocks and parries as he tried to fend
off the continuous flow of attacks from the fog. Each severing cut he
delivered on it only formed back again to resume its attack. And realizing
this he tried desperately to fend off the attacks as he leaped off the
ground and onto a branch high over head, the tendrils coming after him as
he lifted up into the air. Closing the umbrella as he landed on the branch.
He bites hard on his pointing finger, making it bleed as he used that
finger as a pen to write on his other hand some symbols as he recited verse
after verse of holy scriptures as he finally brought his both palms
together as if to pray. And once the incantations and verses were recited
he opens up both palms outward, directed at the screaming arms of the
formless body of the fog as he hurled burst after burst of white ki energy
at the creature. Each blast exploding and destroying the fogs deathly arms
as it died with a high-pitched scream that blended in with each explosion
of ki energy. Exhausted, he notes that the fog hasn't cleared up yet with
the destruction of the fog beast, yet it was thinner by comparison from a
while ago as he picks himself up off the branch. His breath came in short
quick breaths that he drew in greedily as he looks out into the forest from
where he stood on top of the branch.
"Where are you?" Ryouga spoke softly as he surveyed the area. And once his
breathing normalized did he leap off of the branch then again continued to
survey the scene before him � empty. No sign of the demon anywhere and just
as he was about to move on. His instincts brought his umbrella to block a
gleaming silver sword that would have cleaved his head in half if he hadn't
been paying attention.
The sword with its short thick curved blade and tasseled hilt came swooping
pass his head as he deflected it away. Flew then turned for another pass,
this time aimed for his chest which he blocked it with the umbrella just as
another one came rushing out still directed for his chest. Back flipping to
avoid the coming blade, he collapses his flip to land on his back with legs
straight on top of him as the blade zooms pass on top of him. He then
quickly pushes back hard on the ground with his arms to flip back into a
squat and into a roll ending up into a readied stance, with his umbrella
held like a sword in front of him. Waiting for the next coming strike.
Which did not come. Slowly he rose up to stand still waiting for those
blades to appear from out of the thickets of the forest. That he is caught
of guard when out of the ground, two skeletal hands grabs both his ankles
and drags him under ground as he tried desperately to get free. It was a
hopeless struggle as he was pulled unwilling into the ground and below the
surface.
The quite of the forest was shattered by a sudden explosion as dust and
soil alike were hurled away from Ryouga who rose up straight into the air
screaming. Glad at last to be free of the confines of mother earth as he
lands on the surface to face the demon before him. Studying him carefully
as he noted the creatures imposing form. Dressed in what he noted was a
ninja uniform, a katana was strapped to his back he glared at Ryouga
through the rim of his conical hat. Standing there with his side turned
towards him as well as part of his back. Its eyes glowing bright red in the
darkness of the forest as Ryouga prepared to fight not only for his life,
but of Ranko's as well.
"YOU HAVE INTERFERED LONG ENOUGH MONK." The ninja spoke softly, it voice
echoing within the confines of the forests interior as it continued to
stare at him with those blood glowing eyes.
"Where is Ranko?" Ryouga demanded.
"SHE IS OF NO CONCERN TO YOU."
"She is of concern to me! I brought her here, now where is she!"
"SUCH EMOTIONS ARE UNBECOMING OF YOU MONK, HAVE YOU FINALLY TURNED FROM
YOU'RE GOD? THAT YOU WOULD HAVE HER INSTEAD OF HIM." The demon laughed at
him.
Ryouga, stood there perplexed at this reply. ["Had he abandoned his God?"]
"WE ARE MUCH ALIKE, YOU AND I. COME. TURN AWAY FROM HIM, AND YOU CAN HAVE
HER." He said.
And just as he said "HER", Ranko appears beside him. Dressed in a long
soft, very thin, silk white robe that hid only a fraction of her beautiful
body. Standing there, with hands drawn to her sides as she stood alluringly
still letting the wind form and sculpt the robe around her delicately
curved body. Her face showed a touch of make-up that only enhanced her
features more as her long red hair flew back in soft gentle waves with the
wind.
Ryouga stood there entranced as he gazed at Ranko who slowly walked towards
him, placing a soft hand on his chest when she got close as he continued to
stare at her open-mouthed. Her lips parted slightly as she drew a hand
behind his head as she rose up on tiptoe to draw him closer for a kiss. All
the while the demon stood there smiling at him.
And he wakes up from the trance. There was no Ranko beside him and only the
demon ninja stood there before him. Anger radiating slightly from him. Then
anger boiled in him an anger he directed and channeled as he focused his
attention on the demon ninja. ["How could I have let him place that spell
over me! I will not be caught off guard again, NO! Never�"]
"NO! I AM NOT LIKE YOU!" Ryouga shouts at the demon as he launched himself
into battle. Bringing in forth all the training he could muster into his
assault. The demon abandons his spell on Ryouga as he draws out his katana
to counter Ryougas' attack. Matching him blow for blow, strike for strike
as they shifted from ground to air and ground again. Each looking for an
advantage as they once again crossed each other in mid-air their weapons
clashing as the crossed weapons then retreats back to the ground. The ninja
leaping above for an overhead strike determined to end the fight now as
Ryouga drew his to block the attack. Swords fly out from the shadows of the
thickets to which Ryouga managed to avoid except one. The sword catching
him on his sword arm as it gave a clean cut. Pain shot through his whole
arm just as the demon ninja connects his sword upon the umbrella. The force
of the contact sends his umbrella flying as Ryouga back flips for cover
just as the demon followed up with a horizontal slash to the chest.
Unarmed and wounded, Ryouga backs away from the demon as he took out a few
pieces of his bandannas off his head while the demon just stood there
watching him while Several swords flew all around him.
"WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW MONK?" the demon taunted him.
Ryouga stood there silent as he tried to steady himself, his wounded arm
holding tightly on the pieces of cloth he held while the other gripped his
wounded arm tightly to stop the bleeding which slowly soaked the bandanas
red with his blood. Ryouga recited a few verses from the scriptures,
praying as he gazed into the face of death with stoic determination.
"IT IS TIME!" and with that said, the demon sends forth a rain of swords to
impale him. Gliding with the sureness of thought, controlled by desire, and
filled with hate they flew straight for the heart of Ryouga.
Ryouga on sudden impulse, throws the blood soaked bandanas at the streaking
projectiles coming towards him. Hope flew with those red circular bands of
cloth, which from crimson to his surprise as well as of the demons turned
to brilliant white. Like gleaming angelic halos, that deflected and
destroyed all but one of the piercing swords. There was just not enough to
block them all, that this one got through to slice Ryouga across the thigh.
Making him fall to the ground in pain, the sword that cut him, only inches
apart from his face.
"I HAVE YOU!" the demon said following up on his initial attack with arms
over head and dark blade pointed at him. Eyes gleaming for the kill.
Ryouga grabs the fallen sword beside him and throws himself at the demon.
What followed was a heartbeat of silence as the sword drove forward for the
kill.
Long they stood there, the demon ninja poised over the form of Ryouga whose
sword stuck out from behind the demons back. Who slowly let go of the sword
it held, letting it drop on the ground with him following there after.
Ryouga remained in that pose even after the demon corpse evaporated into
dust then falling himself. Breathing hard and alive. ["Alive!"] his mind
thought out loud as he gathered his strength to rise when the thought of
what brought him here, comes into mind.
"RANKO!"
Scrambling up to his feet, he scans the area for any sign of Ranko and sure
enough he spots her in a small clearing. He quickly runs to her side as
fast as he could go, fearful that he could be too late. For she was deathly
pale and cold as he took her hand in his and tried to feel for a pulse. At
first there was nothing he could feel only his own desperation.
{"Please...please be all right"] he prayed, then slowly he felt it as if it
had coursed through his, own veins. It grew stronger and with it came hope,
and he was glad. Picking her body up off the soft cold ground, cradling her
in his arms, suddenly fearful of letting her go when the voice of the demon
rang inside his head again with that mocking tone.
["Who will you choose?"]
"I� I don't know." Ryouga said as he looked at Ranko whose head lay upon
his shoulder sleeping soundly.
He looks back out into the forests interior then turns around as he made
his way back towards Lotus Temple.
["Maybe I have�"]
~ End of Chapter 2
Chapter 3
" Of Different Worlds "
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 Lotus Temple. 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>
The sounds of the pouring rain outside as it hit the slate roof of the
temple
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 Ranko..." 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 cleaves 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 is caught 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 outside 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 rises 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.
***
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 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, your soup probably cold by now, I'll heat it up
for you..." Ranko said smiling as a small laugh escapes her lips.
Ryouga gives a smiled too as he realised the churning in his stomach as
hunger and gives no hesitation at all at 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.
Akai 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
Chapter 4
" When the first petal falls "
Night time in the forest...
Where the silent empty fields stood idly by at the foot of the mountain�
Quiet. Peaceful, nothing but the emptiness and the wind�
Soft dark-green grass swayed gently in the silent breeze, flowing like the
waves of the sea. Rushing in like a gentle caressing tide, as the wind
swept pass over them. Their bodies silhouetted and masked by the light from
the moon above, playing gently in the stillness of the dark night.
The forest beyond the sea of grass stood silent. And looming in the
distance�
Its leaves fluttering and chatting like so many children, as they swayed in
the branches of the trees. Swaying, as the wind passed underneath them.
Their soft cries, almost childlike in its nature, blended smoothly with the
hollow voice of the breeze. And the leaves cast in the dark, and
silhouetted by the night�
And the wind continued on...
Farther still�
Deeper into the undergrowth�
While the leaves tumbled with the dust that rose softly, willingly, off of
the cold hard ground...
Continuing on into the shadows of the woods...
Over gently flowing waters and streams...
Pass the stoic faces of worn out rocks. Run smooth by time...
Caressing the flowers hanging from the trees. Ripping off their soft
scented petals from their fragile bodies, to move. And flow, unwillingly,
with the passing current of the wind...
Their excitement, rising as the distance slowly ticked away...
Travelling deeper into the night...
Darting over, large stone steps, of an otherwise, almost empty and dark
grey temple.
Past the shadows of the stone pagodas, that lined a small and quiet pool.
Guarding its corners like stone statues, as the waters in the pool stirred
and tossed, in soft gentle waves. Reflecting back the light from the silent
moon above...
And just as suddenly, the calm is disturbed�
The surface broken by the touch of a single leaf that sent out ripples
spreading out from its body. While Lotus petals, soft and white as snow,
rocked in the motions of the clear dark sparkling water. Letting the tides
wash over them, and settle. Till finally the surface is again, still, and
flowing freely.
And once again, the calm silence of the night, resumes�
***
{Inside of the temple in Ranko's Room}
< Darkness >
The hiss of a match sparking to light echoed within the room's hollow
confines. Burning brightly, pushing away the darkness, as it flickered in
the silent breeze. Shielded by a soft quivering hand as it lighted the wick
of a nearby candle. That stood stoic in the face of eternal darkness, for
quite some time. Illuminating the room with soft tones of yellow and red as
well as touch of gold, against a back drop of eternal black.
And as the fire from the lighted candle slowly brightened the room, in its
light stood a handsome young man. Stooped over the flame of the candle, as
he gently gathered it into his hands, and carried it over to a nearby table
that stood by the foot of the bed. And laid it down gently to rest, on its
hard wooden surface.
Ranma stood quietly as he watched the fire flicker and dance on the wick of
the candle. Its light, chaotic in nature, as did the shadows playing on the
walls, yet he felt comfort wash over him nonetheless. The heat from the
candle was a welcome thing. Warming him free of the night's bitter cold.
And he sighed in contentment, as he took a chair from the side of the
table, and sat quietly.
Elbows draped over its hard and rough wooden surface, he cradled his head
in his hands. Trying to recall this night's events. The candle before him,
casting hi-lights on his face and hair, his eyes shining brightly in the
candlelight.
Images flickered and danced in the fire, images he wished to etch inside
his head. So that he could never forget. One by one, each image was
consumed by the fire, only to be replaced by yet another. Following the
other, that each one lead unto the next as if replaying some scene, over
and over again.
And his mind, tried to consume it all, till he could no longer hold on to
fleeting images�
Leaning back against the chair, he stared up at the picture on the wall.
The girl whom he thought a ghost only a moment before was now a real person
for him. As real as his mind wanted him to believe. His mind flashing and
recalling pass images of this girl back in the shrine.
She was real! He knew that now. Even as he closed his eyes, he could still
feel her near him. Touching him, caressing his cheeks, as did he on hers.
As he stared into her eyes once again, as he tried to recall�
Recall it all�
***
{The flame burning on the candle shifted and swayed. Forming images that
compressed and flowed to take shape. Images of the night a moment ago�}
{In another time and place...}
The lake�
With its dark, glassy waters...
Sparkling in the moonlight.
Invitingly cold and serene�
Flowing gently from an unknown source as soft-white mist hovered gently
over its waves.
Shapeless and ghost like in form.
Almost translucent in colour, while the dark green forest loomed in the
background. Standing silently on the shore.
Obscured by the mists�
Yet all too present in the all consuming darkness of the night�
Cold, faceless and empty...
Firelight bathed the surface of the water as soft silken threads freely
fluttered in the breeze.
Rippling like the waters below it. The soft silken sheets danced�
Hanging from a wall less shrine. Where within, more curtains fluttered and
spiralled around a single pair.
Alone and seemingly in love�
And the silken sheets parted before the wind�
Faces so close that it seemed nearly impossible to escape from looking into
each other's eyes�
Her hand caressing his hair� as it slid down to his cheek to rest on his
muscled chest�
As the man smiled down at her. Seemingly in heaven�
And as the rekindling of old emotions she thought long buried in the past
100 years or so.
Lovers both of them though none would admit it. Sitting across from each
other, their faces only a foot away. Her gentle posture bespoke of grace
honed to perfection by time, while her partner bore the blunt of wisdom and
of strength with the endurance and gentleness required.
Her head slightly tilted to he side, her eyes partly closed as if dreaming
and holding a wonder of wonder as well as she gently played with the mans
black hair. Brushing his long bangs to the side and bringing her hand down
to caress his cheek and lay it gently on his strong and muscled chest as
her fingers gently played with the lapels of his collar. As she sat there a
foot away from him, her upper body almost leaning onto him as she supported
her self with he other arm, while her legs were positioned away from them
with one leg bent the other straight out behind her. Her cloth robes,
conforming even more to her body with the slightest of breaths as she toyed
with the ideas playing in her mind.
The man meanwhile sat there on his haunches, legs off to the side with his
torso facing hers as he gently rub the hand that supported her. All the
while gazing at her turned face. The firelight from the candles surrounding
them, cast gentle hi-lights on her cheeks. Making her hair shine, and her
eyes sparkle in the night. His pulse quickening as he suppressed the urges
he felt every time he would look at her slightly parted lips. Red as the
rose was red and even more, as he tried to think what it would be like to
press his lips on her own. The way her body moved, exciting him beyond
belief. The coldness of the night hardly ever mattered when the burning
furnace within him was all he needed.
Ranma couldn't shake the feeling off himself. The joy of feeling her touch
the sparkle in her eyes the redness of her lips to the very scent in the
air whenever she was near.
Akane sat there near Ranma, her hand still playing with the lapels of his
collar as she slowly began to recall memories from the past. Memories she
long thought forgotten, resurfacing as fast as her mind could begin
registering them.
The secret escapes together, to be alone with each other, willingly and not
forced into a marriage by their fathers. When they could pretend that
nothing existed except each other.
Those joyful times spent with each other's company. When all care for
responsibilities didn't matter at all. When they could be themselves...and
with each other.
Quiet times in the fields... flowers all around...Rolling on the green
grass� the soft petals in her hair, as she tried to arrange it back in the
proper place. And her love, moving close behind her, embracing her in his
arms, the touch of his cheek on her hair as he whispered sweet nothings in
her ear. The laughter that ensued they're after. The child play of two
simple people, not the prince or princess, but two people who were in
love...
Those silent walks, through the gardens�
The heart felt talks they shared�
Sitting underneath the shadows of the cherry trees as the moon slowly rose
to make itself twilight in the starry sky.
Holding hands as they rose together, his hands supporting her as she leaned
on his chest. Before they strolled over to stand on a quiet arched stone
bridge, where water freely flowed underneath.
The light shining in his eyes and the small smile he held as he held her
hands in his.
As they shared a tender kiss underneath the moonlight...
We were to be married, you and I�Akane thought
And then the fires came...
The shouts and screams of men�
It was a time of war...
Her father had to go and so did he...
He had to...
And I was...
No! It's not fair! I cried.
It's just isn't fair...
***
{A gentle hand on her shoulder�}
And the memories stopped flowing, and the present seemed much brighter. Her
thoughts stopped coming as she registered only the soft gentle hands on her
shoulders. The soft and caring eyes that looked down upon hers. And the
feeling behind them as Ranma held her close to him, comforting her...and
maybe even more...
And the pain and memories subsided...
As she looked up at him, eyes partly closed as she suppressed the flood of
emotions within her. His smile never wavered, assuring her that everything
would be all right...
And the tears came�
***
Ranma held her close to him, hands on her shoulders as he tried to comfort
her. Brushing a soft hand on her cheek as to wipe away the tears as he
looked at her. Her eyes partly closed and on the verge of tears. Looking at
her pained expression made him feel hurt as he tried to fight his own
sadness, to put on a mask of strength and comfort. When all the while he
felt like embracing her himself.
And she embraces him. Her tears coming out in gentle streams as she shook
with the emotional pain. And Ranma was shocked still for a moment as he
tried to sort out his conflicting emotions on what to do. And slowly, if
gently, he returned her embrace. Sharing her burden as she cried. Stroking
her hair to ease the pain as he said sweet nothings to relieve her of her
fears.
And slowly, she began to disentangle herself from him, wiping away the
tears with her hand as she supported herself with the other. And he felt a
pang of regret the moment he let her go, yet subdues the emotion, he would
not take advantage. She needed him to be strong right now. And he was going
to give it to her no matter what.
Slowly Akane felt an arm encircle her. Drawing her closer to him as he
helped her to stand. His left arm sliding down to her waist as his other
hand gently wiped away her tears as he began to rearrange her hair back
from her tear streaked face as he held a mask of concern on his face.
"Tell me. What's wrong?"
["So like him, but not him..."] she thought.
"May be I could help somehow." Ranma said sincerely as he looked down at
her.
"No...I have to go..." she said softly, a bit hesitantly.
"Go? Why?"
"Please...I have to go..." she implored as she disentangled herself from
his arms, which were reluctant to let go.
"Please tell me...Have I done something wrong?" worry and concern
intermixed with a touch of fear as he gazed into her eyes, pleading for an
answer.
"No. Please� Forgive me..." she said as she broke away and ran to the
forest.
"Wait!" Ranma said in surprise as much as in despair as he saw her break
away and dash off into the forest.
And she was gone.
["No, I mustn't hurt him."] Akane thought as she sped off into the night.
***
{Back in the room, the fire still dancing quietly on the wick}
The images in the flame slowly lost its clarity, as the feelings with in
the room slowly focused into mind.
As memories briefly resurfaced and died�
The scent of her perfume and the moon light on her hair. The softness of
her lips as he gazed into her eyes...She was real! And as quickly, she was
gone�
Gone...fleeing him. But why...
Standing up, Ranma moved over to the closed window and opened it.
The silent wind from outside rushing in to cool off the room as well as his
burning desire. His hair, tangling and flowing as the wind rushed pass his
face like a soft gentle caress as he leaned his hands on the windowsill.
Looking out into the night air, the forest looming far into the horizon
accompanied by the snow capped mountains behind them. Clouds drifting
slowly in the dark evening sky while the moon above stood silent, watching
everything pass by underneath it.
He could hear the leaves rusting in the trees, the soft calls of various
forest animals drifting in the cold night air...everything is as it should
be. And yet he felt lonely... longing for something more...though he could
not explain why.
Ranma stood there quietly. Letting the light from the moon wash over him
like gentle flowing water. Hi-lighting his hair and his face as he closed
his eyes viewing an image only he could see in his mind. Unaware of the
eyes that looked at him from behind. Silent and caring, tender and
loving...and a bit fearful as well�
***
Akane stood silently, one hand on the table, the other at her side.
Silently mulling over thoughts that greatly troubled her as she stroked the
hard wood table softy with her fingers. Unaware of her actions as she tried
to sort out her emotions and feelings. She was with him, since she first
entered his gourd, and stood outside beside him when he first lightened the
candle.
Even then, she felt anxious in seeing him again, though was unsure why.
Maybe a bit frightened of her own emotions as well, if ever she did see him
again. And what if he saw her, what then? Thus before coming out, she wove
her spell. Casting herself invisible to the eye that he could not see nor
feel her, but Akane could still see and feel him. And she felt already weak
kneed as if he were already looking at her...
Ranma standing there. Arms stretched over the windowsill, his strong back
showing his strong physique as the wind freely ruffled his hair. The light
of moon on his strong and handsome face...
She blushes at the thought of seeing him again. And there again she felt
that tiny bit of emotion swell inside her chest, which she hastily pushed
aside. As she turned her attention away from him, to look at the contents
of the room.
Walking to the side of the bed, she ran her fingertips on the soft white
cloth of the bed sheets. Thoughts surfacing unwillingly as a small blush
creeps up again on her cheeks as she rubbed her palm against the hard rough
wood of the bed poles, before examining the short wooden table beside the
bed. Her thoughts silently considering the rooms few belongings but always
straying to the one in which she desperately wished to avoid.
"Akane..."
Her wish to evade however was sadly defeated as her thoughts are turned to
the voice that spoke her name. And her surprise in hearing it was evident.
When her eyes suddenly enlarged and a small gasp escapes her lip, as she
hastily turns her head to look at him. Suddenly fearful that her cloak of
invisibility wore off without her even noticing it.
Relief turns to bitter disappointment though, and she was surprised at that
last knot of emotion, as she saw him still standing there beside the window
with eyes still tuned into the night. Though his head was bowed, this she
saw, as if mulling over bitter thoughts, as an aura of sadness wafted from
him to her.
Slowly, she rose off the bed she was sitting on a while ago, not noticing
that she was sitting on the bed when she first entertained her thoughts.
["What's happening to me?"] She thought as she stood there watching his
back. His eyes seemed to wander, she observed. Though what it could be, she
didn't know or couldn't tell.
However, curiosity overcame her as she slowly walked towards him. And
stopped to stand beside him, though avoiding looking into his face as she
looked out into the night sky. The clouds drifting in the moonlight, as the
wind softly rattled the leaves of the trees. She briefly turns her head to
look at Ranma, who even now was still in that world of dreams as he
continued looking out into the forests in the horizon.
["What could he see in that darkness?"] She thought.
["And what is this that I am feeling?"]
["Does he share what I am feeling?"] She thought quite puzzled and a little
curious as well.
["What am I to do?"] She thought as she bit her lower lip out of anxiety.
So many questions, so little answers. Akane felt helpless in the tide of
emotions she was now feeling. Wondering if he too felt like the way she did
for him. And if so, what to do about it. And as if on answer he spoke�
Unconsciously from his mind though, as his heart tried to voice out its
desires in the formation of words for emotions too vast to understand
completely. Yet simple enough to be felt�
"Could it be that I've met you before� or even seen you before. Maybe even
lov -" Ranma stopped as he stared off longingly at the forest in the
horizon as if seeing an image long forgotten and sighs. A long and
regretful sigh�
["...before�"] Akane voiced out in her mind as she stared up at Ranma. A
sudden sadness overcoming her, threatening to burst into a sea of tears.
His gaze never wavered from the forest before him, she saw�
["What could he be seeing?"]
"You were so beautiful when I first met you. Your eyes�your lips. The way
you graced the shrine every time, with the way you smiled. I can't help
feel something inside me burst alive whenever I look at you. I can still
you in my mind. All locked and treasured in my memory now..."
Akane blushes at what he said. Unable to contain her emotions that she
turned away to stare at the ground as he confessed his heart's true
desires. Unknowingly though, and that thought hurt her the most...
["�What should I do?�"]
"Just a memory now, I guess. One I'll cherish always� I don't know why you
fled so suddenly...maybe I did, maybe I do now...It's just all so
confusing..."
Ranma lowers his head as he stared down at the waters below in the pool.
Shifting and flowing in form, the light from the moon, reflecting off its
cool and almost calm surface. While the lotus petals, soft, pure and white
freely floated in its rocking waves. Almost lulling him to sleep, he wasn't
aware just how tired he was, until now�
"So beautiful...if only it could last forever."
Akane turned her head and stared at him for a long time, unsure of her own
feelings, and maybe unsure of her own thoughts as well. She couldn't put
her finger on what was wrong, yet she felt flattered nonetheless. Could her
own emotions be betraying her, she thought.
["No - it doesn't seem possible..."] A blush creeps up her cheek.
["So many concerns, so little time...oh Ranma...how could I�"] Akane was at
a lost for words in her mind. She felt helpless in the rushing tide of
emotions she now felt. She felt confused and a bit afraid.
Ranma straightens himself off of the windowsill. His eyes still staring far
off in the distance, while the wind gently played with his hair. Akane
turns her attention away from him to look at what he was looking at.
The forests in the distance�
Where they first met she thought� where her own troubles began, and where
she knew they must end. It worried her as her face wore a determined mask.
Concern, mixed with a touch of fear, so tightly packed they hardly seemed
recognisable in the pool of emotions she now felt. She just felt helpless�
["What could it be?"]
Her concentration however wavers as she saw from a corner of her eye�
Ranma's hand slowly lifted up as she slowly turned her head to follow. And
she blushes in seeing him touch his lips, with the tip of his hand. His
eyes shining in the moonlight as the thought of kissing her played in his
mind�
Head bowed. And hand still hovering a few inches from his lips, he
recollects himself as he smiles deeply and straightens to his full height.
Joy and renewed hope filled him to the brim as he stood there watching the
forests from his post.
Akane shakes herself out of the image she saw a while ago.
["He was thinking of�!"]
She could not say it, as she could hardly even suppress the urge to blush
as it rose again without her consent. She really tried to stifle the joy
she felt welling up inside her, but it was no use, as a thought came into
mind and she blushed even further.
["I've seen enough..."] she thought finally. A blush creeping again on her
cheeks.
The image of them actually kissing replayed in her thoughts. She suppresses
the image though and smiled as she gathered her strength and flew out
through the window.
Once outside, hovering in mid-air. She turned around to look back at Ranma,
who was still looking out into the forests. His determined posture made him
look even handsomer as he stood there gazing out into the forest. With the
silent wind blowing back his hair. And his eyes shining in the moonlight.
Looking at him, she felt her cold dead heart, beat with renewed warmth. And
regretfully, she stifled down the emotion, as she turned and flew off into
the night. Leaving behind, a stray tear to vanish into the cold night to be
forgotten�
["It can never be�"] she said finally.
A sudden sadness over coming her. Threatening to engulf her in a sea of
tears as she sped off into the darkness.
["It just can never be�"] she cried in her mind.
***
{Back at the temple}
Ranma continued to stare out into the night sky, long after Akane left him.
With him not knowing, as he brought his right hand inside his robe. And
pulled out a long piece of white cloth and held it before him.
["Her token to me before she left�"] he thought.
And he sighed at the thought of losing her, as he stared at that soft piece
of white cloth he held in his hand. Before turning to look at the still and
empty sky again, feeling the cold bite of the wind along his face. Making
him shiver and feel much colder inside. Much colder as if a void suddenly
opened up inside him. And it hurt.
Turning around so that now he faced the inside of his room. Ranma
regretfully hid the piece of white cloth back inside his robe again, as he
walked over to the table that held a small candle on top of its hard wooden
surface. Spotting the washbowl at the foot of the table, Ranma pauses for a
moment. Considering, as he stared at the cold sparkling water. The light
from the candle separating into different hues and colours as it played on
the waters cool surface.
And with a soft sigh, he takes it in hand and upends it over himself. The
transformation to his female self was over in a few seconds. Indicated only
by a slight tingling sensation on her skin due to the change.
Taking the lighted candle in hand, she blows the flame out and exits
through the door. Heading down the stairs to the inner courtyard of the
Temple and outside. But not before taking one last look behind her as she
departed through the door.
["Akane�"] she whispered softly. Out of longing and of regret, as she
finally closed the door behind her. And headed downstairs�
***
{Somewhere}
The night air...
Cool, crisp and free - a spirited wanderer. Traversing the fields and
plains, making the green grass sway in delight as it mimicked the movements
of the sea. And as a boatman wanders the waters of the ocean so does the
lone man travelling the woodland fields.
Alone - walking under the light of the moon, the sounds of the forest a
distant reprieve to the monotonous terrain of grass and trees.
Long bangs held back by numerous pieces of white cloths tied around his
temples partly covering his brown eyes. His plain woodland garb, unadorned.
With its sleeves wrapped in long pieces of white cloth that served almost
like a bandage to wounds but wasn't. Pants muddied and dull from wear, to
his conical shaped hat that he preferred to wear. Dangling behind him by a
long piece of string tied around his neck.
Ryouga walked silently, as his mind drifted on the image of the girl he met
back in the town he just left several hours ago. It was a pleasant meeting
and she was cute, now that he thought about, as he played with the flower
he was twirling in his fingers for the pass hour or so.
She gave him this flower he remembered...
Still twirling it in between his fingers.
And yet with his image of Akari already playing in his mind, he could not
begin to explain to himself, why he kept on thinking about his other
encounter with that ghost girl he met back at the haunted forest. Letting
her go was one thing, but to feel something entirely too different was
another. Though he could not, as of yet, explain why. He thought and
reasoned that he must have took pity on her condition then again there was
also the matter of her saving his life. It was all so confusing a matter to
him. One in which he wanted to soon forget, but it always turned up one way
or another. But if one thing was for sure, he did want to see her again,
just as much as he wanted to see Akari again.
["ARGHHH! IT'S ALL SO CONFUSING!"]
He sighs and hangs his head down. Just one big problem that he knew he
lacked experience in.
["Wish the master was here."]
He sighs yet again. Girls was one thing, but his Master was another.
["Why couldn't things be much simpler?!"]
He gave up on the prospect of remembering and focused mainly on the terrain
surrounding him, just to forget this whole mess ever happened.
Grassy terrain slowly gave way to woodland, as shrubs became thicker and
thicker as he pushed on. The light from the moon barely passed through the
canopy of the thick forest, which made the interior relatively dim.
Nevertheless he pushed on. Brushing aside vines and branches with his
deceptive looking umbrella as he carved a path before him.
Emerging from the forest, the sight of the temple was a comforting sight to
see. With its tall stone walls standing on the eastside of the temple,
covered in most places by moss and vines with its usual accompaniment of
tall trees and shrubs.
Two sitting stone lions stood guard over the east gate, stoic against the
forces of the night. They are as an effective deterrent as any ward or
spell against the demons that lurked in the shadows. Wide stone steps lay
between them leading upwards to the temple grounds above. Which loomed
several meters from where he stood. The lights from the candles inside the
temple casting a hollow dim glow at the top of the stone steps.
Joy and relief engulfs Ryouga as he took the steps two at a time as he
dashed upward to the temple court. His troubles forgotten as the pounding
of his heart in his chest deepened with excitement and anticipation.
Stopping at the top of the flight of stone steps, Ryouga stood there
silently. A smile painted on his face as the wind gently ruffled his hair
and shirt. His eyes glistening in the moon light as his sweat flew off into
the cold breeze. He stood there staring, eyes locked on the silent form of
Ranko, as she sat there on the temples stone steps. Eyes closed and
seemingly dreaming, what it was, he didn't know nor could he even hazard a
guess. He was just happy to be home.
Silently and confidently he walked up to her and watched from a distance�
***
Ranko was caught by surprise, thankfully the night hid her unease when
Ryouga walked up beside her. She could see him smiling, and couldn't help
but smile back. It was Ryouga after all, her friend, her guardian, and now
companion in this almost deserted temple in these haunted woods.
She couldn't help but feel safe around him. And it nagged her somewhat in
the back of her mind, yet she dismissed the thoughts quickly as they formed
as she turned to stare off into the night sky.
And it saddened her a bit, looking back at that clear night sky and unto
the forests beyond. Thoughts of Akane always resurfacing in the forefront
time and again, and it disturbed her even more when she tried to figure
them out. Yet if one thing was for certain�
["I have to find her�"] she thought.
And wind once again began to gently play, stroking her cheeks and her fiery
red hair, washing away the tensions into the night, as she smiled looking
up finally at the sky.
***
Ryouga stood there silently, unsure of what to make of Ranko's sad
expression. Her gaze, he saw, drifted off to the woods and even beyond that
as if seeming something else that only she could see. And it saddened him
to know that something bothered her and he could do nothing to help her
out.
["Is she sick or something?"] He thought.
Following her gaze, he stared off into the night. Looking directly at the
forests before him. So silent tonight he thought. That it unnerved him just
a little that his enemies might be planning something big. And it scared
and sickened him at the same time at just the thought of it happening. It
was just too quiet...
["A little too quiet�I wonder what's up?"]
And he could not shake the feeling off. Too many fresh memories� And open
wounds.
["Akari, with her sweet gentle voice and soft smile. Friendly and
comforting like a mother I never knew I had. But it goes deeper than that I
guess. She was a friend, a really good friend he could become comfortable
with."]
And even then, as he thought of Akari, images flashed in his mind.
Akari holding a bouquet of flowers with that cute smile, her eyes holding a
bit of mirth in them, he coughs as his thoughts seemed to stray a bit too
far. Making him blush at just the thought of it. And as soon as his mind
was off the path, another formed afterwards. This time though, it was of a
certain ghost girl he could not shake off to forget.
["The pain, and sympathy was all too real and heartfelt. Her tragic death
to live as a ghost and yet somehow remain strong-willed and pure at heart.
I don't even know why I know this, but I felt that much. That you are not
what you seem you to be, something more, maybe not in this life. And she
was also beautiful, as beautiful as Akari. Oh�I don't know! �What should I
do? Should I ?�<sigh>"]
Bowing his head in defeat he turns his head around that he now faced Ranko
again. He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her as well and a bit of
anger for her ill fortune at the hands of those demons. There was just
something about her, that he found so interesting that he knew she needed
him more than the rest. A very troubled spirit indeed. And he just couldn't
shake the need to help her�
["Ranko I don't know what it is about your past that keeps haunting you. I
don't know how I could help, but I'll certainly try. I'll protect you�no
matter what it takes."]
And with that said in his mind he leaned back against the temple doors,
silent as he stared out into the night sky, empty of stars, with only the
moon full into the night.
***
{The heart of the forest}
Within the forest�
The sounds of leaves rustling in the trees like cruel voices that mocked
and scorned. Unforgiving, silently lurking within the shadows. Eager to
inflict pain� where once happiness only reside and suffering an idea in the
mind.
Empty of thought and feeling, as the leaves bent to the will of the wind.
Shadows stalking, darting in and out of the moon light�
Her passing noticed and watched as she glided in the currents of the wind,
physically free, yet spiritually bound to this place of torture. And she
cursed her fate even more.
Long black hair flowed behind her like a steady stream, flowing in the
currents of the wind as she darted underneath the outstretched arms of the
tree branches. Soft white robes of silk trailing behind her as she sped off
in the clear night air. Unconcerned of direction�
Ukyou flew on, troubled by this night's events; separated from her
mistress, her friend and constant companion for these past 100 years and
more, even when she was alive and free�
All those times when one comforted the other, when the pain was simply too
great to contain that it had to be shared. And they did that most of the
time during their 100 years of life as shackled spirits in this place,
never leaving, always bound to return� it was a life she hoped to escape
from.
And to continue on from�
Just the thought of losing her friend brought her to the edge of tears. She
was the only one she even considered as close to family she could ever have
and more. And just as quickly she was taken away from her with her friend's
sacrifice. And she felt afraid and alone, lost and drained of strength just
thinking about it. As thought and perception slipped for a moment making
her land gracelessly to the ground, her clothes torn in several places as
well as several nasty gashes from her previous fight.
Yet none of those mattered. Cloth can be sewn...
And wounds will heal, she just needed to rest and regain her strength. She
felt weak as she lay there on the ground, her mind wandering and fleeting
as she tried to recall voices and images and bring them together into
something she could understand and digest. Scanning and discarding, yet one
image always seemed to be constant in her jumbled thoughts--his voice.
Comforting and surprisingly gentle, if not strong and true�
[" You are free."] He said.
And she cried out of hope and joy as she lay there on the moss covered
ground.
"I'm free�" she cried.
***
{From the base of the mountain border�}
In the distant farm fields�
The clouds drifting slowly in the almost empty sky. Casting a darker shadow
over the fields as it passed by the light of the moon.
The soft tall grass. Swaying gently like a vast flowing river, streaming
onwards to the mountains in the horizon�
And on the road that parted this sea of grass, covered in shadow, he stood
there gazing at the mountains. As the wind picked up in strength and gently
ruffled his loose fitting robes.
Standing there on the road, eyes partly covered by his long silvery white
eyebrows. A thoughtful expression on his face as he rubbed his long greyed
and bearded chin and moustache. Considering the long walk from where he
stood on the road that led to the mountains. Nine dots, arranged in a
perfect square, adorned his baldhead as he looked on thoughtfully at the
mountains. Unconcerned of the biting cold of the night as he held his long
staff in hand. Its heavy tip consisted of four rings that dangled on a
larger one, clicking as the wind passed underneath them.
Adjusting the long wooden box strapped behind him, he paused for a moment
to look at the mountains in the distance�
"I'm finally home."
***
{The forests}
Silence...
The pounding of heavy hooves on the ground rips the silence of the night...
Riders all of them. Dressed in black plated armour. Colours and banners
trailing behind them as they broke through the edge of the forest and onto
the clearing. Galloping at high speed as they tore at the ground in haste.
Speeding off into the distance as they continued riding on through empty
grass that slowly gave way to lush farm fields and onto rocky ground. And
beyond that, on to and through the sandy beach, the ocean a shimmering dark
haze on their left as they raced through the sands.
The leader racing ahead of the pack as they raced through the sands of the
sandy beach spraying behind them a cloud of dust as the moon above cast a
hollow reflection on the troubled waters of the ocean beside them. There
shadows a silhouette from the moonlight as they made their way to the
fortified castle in the distance.
Unconcerned of the elements as a storm hovered over the ocean, lighting
darting in the space between sea and sky as the wind grew in strength,
chilling to the bone. The tides growing higher and higher as the storm
progressed. It would touch ground soon enough.
The fortress�
Its walls built into the mountain stronghold, tall and defiant. Its
battlements lined by huge torches that burned in the night, spreading
darker ash into the night air, as the riders made there way and up the
mountainside.
Slowing down, as they reined in their steeds, shattering the still night
with the cries of their horses as the riders brought their mounts to a halt
in the inner courtyard of the castle. Servants came rushing in to attend
to the horses as riders dismounted in haste and were now scurrying around
to follow orders. All the while the light from the bonfires on the
battlements cast a reddish glow in the courts.
Striding away from the group, the man in charge took off, flanked on either
side by his lieutenants as they entered the castle doors, parted for them
by light armoured guards that looked at them with a mix of awe and fear.
Into the hall of the castle and through a door, the elaborate tapestries
forgotten by blind eyes that saw no need for lavish decorations. Though the
corridors he and his men went, each as stern as the man who led them. Down
the corridor and into yet another hall and down another, words were
exchanged between the guards and the man who led, complying only by nod or
a down casting of the eyebrows as they all walked through corridor after
corridor. Till finally they stop before tall gilded doors, and with a
slight movement of the hand, the men who followed Tatewaki Kuno moved aside
to place themselves beside the doors as guards as the blue thunder as he
was called entered unannounced.
***
{The apartments}
Like the walls in the halls, the fairly lighted chamber of the House Lord
of Chi'ian was heavily decorated. The ornate gold lamps and silk tapestries
adorning the wall. To the lacquered desk and tables that held an assortment
of jade and gold statues. Ancient weapons of spears and swords graced the
southern wall of the room, as well as a fine set of jade armour. The bed
took most of the space within the room, covered in red silk adorned by
gold.
The Lord of Chi'ian himself was also dressed in such finery, red and gold
robes to match the bed sheets, surrounded by ladies in fairly clad
clothing. As they lavished him with affection, feeding his whims and
desires as they laughed when he laughed. The smoke from the opium burner
wafted freely within the room as they continued on with their merriment.
The door burst open suddenly, revealing a handsome youth that stood stoic
in the face of all this fancy decorations. Awaiting a cue from his Lord as
he stood there before the bed. The ladies casting him a speculative glance
even daring to smile invitingly at the youth who ignored their advances on
him.
The Lord seemingly ruffled by the entrance of the man, casting him an
irritated glance as he dismissed the ladies beside him. Who strolled
seductively before the man, even to the point of brushing past him as they
turned and giggled among themselves. Nevertheless, the man continued to be
hard face, determined on his course of action as he awaited his Lord to
speak.
"You might as well come in..." the Lord of the House of Chi'ian said as he
arranged the sheets to cover himself from the waist down as he set aside
various reports that were scattered on the bed to finally look at the youth
in the eye.
"My Lord Fu." he spoke solemnly, strongly.
"Ah yes...Tatewaki Kuno. I've heard a great deal about you."
"And I of you my lord."
"Yes, I'm sure you would have. Would you like some tea?" he said as he
raised his hand to grab a teapot that lay on a nearby table beside him. And
poured himself a cup and drank it.
"No my lord. But thank you nonetheless. May I ask as to why you have
summoned me?"
"Yes, yes. Please, have a seat." he said as he laid down the teacup on the
table.
"Thank you my lord, but no. I prefer to stand."
"Fine, fine. I summoned you here to inquire about your task."
"About the traitor?"
Lord Fu nods in acknowledgement.
Kuno sighed for a moment, composing his speech as he finally turned back to
look at Lord Fu who sat there waiting for his answer.
"We caught the traitor in his own house my Lord. He didn't pose any
struggle or threat when we first confronted him with the accusation. He
simply nodded understanding that he would be trailed. So he came willing
with us, without any trouble at all."
"I see. Has the traitor confessed his crimes to his majesty?"
"No my Lord, he has not. He expresses his innocence on the matter. And that
he had committed no crime to his Majesty nor to the empire whom he serves
whole heartedly."
"And what do you think of the matter?"
"I find myself believing him my Lord."
"You do? Why?" Disbelief painted on his face as he stared at Kuno who
didn't even flinch at the scrutiny.
"He has been a loyal officer in the emperor's courts for quite some time.
And has no criminal record what so ever and as far as I come to know him,
he wouldn't dare try assassinating the emperor. Not if he were crazy, but I
know for a fact that he is still sane. They've been good friends for all
their lives as well. And I've known him since my childhood...I have no
reason to believe otherwise that he could be capable of such a crime
nonetheless he was framed for it."
"Kuno, I know this is already hard for you...it is, for all of us. Don't
let yourself be blinded by your emotions to the facts at hand."
"But my Lord Fu surely you wou-"
"Kuno! ... You forget your place. This matter is already finished."
"I'm sorry my Lord, but as I understand it. You and Lord Soun have been
good friends for-"
"It's all in the past. Times have changed a great deal between us. And I'm
afraid it has done ill fortune for my friend. " He sighs.
"But my Lord, surely you can do something for him..."
"I've done all that I can for him. The decision has already been made. The
High Priest has declared that Lord Soun is a traitor to the empire and to
the emperor. And as a traitor, he shall be executed without delay. It is to
be carried out at the next full moon."
"The next moon! Surely there must be a mistake! Lord Soun is not a
traitor."
"Do you dare suggest that the decision of council is wrong then?"
"Yes! I mean no. Surely he could have been easily framed as you or I. He is
innocent!" he pleaded.
"It was a just and lawful decision, your own father even presided over the
court� or, you doubt you own father as well?"
"My father...No. Surely he would not have stood idly by and let this thing
happen."
"I'm afraid, he was the one who personally pushed the execution verdict..."
"My... father..." he said breathlessly. Unable to think as disbelief and
sadness radiated from him in waves.
"Yes." Lord Fu concluded. Bowing his head.
"No� no� it can't be." Kuno said wide eyed, unable to accept them for
truth�
["Lies, all of them lies, not my own father!"]
Lord Fu looked at the stricken youth for a moment. Concern overcoming him
as he stared at the troubled and angry young lad.
["He is capable of doing such foolishness. This could be bad..."]
"Don't' go and do something foolish and rash, boy. You have been personally
ordered by the High Priest to carry out this order, to bring the traitor to
the execution site. You will be leaving tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Kuno said in surprise.
"Yes, tomorrow at day break. You are to escort the traitor to the
capital... understand?"
"..." Silence for a moment as Kuno mulled over the implications. Anger
slowly building in him, threatening to burst in divine rage and vengeance.
"Do you understand!" Lord Fu shouted out of impatience.
"Yes." With seething suppressed anger he voiced out his agreement. As he
tried to swallow the disgust he felt in saying it.
"Then that is all." Lord Fu said finally, dismissing him with but a flick
of the wrist as he gathered the papers on his bed and began sorting through
them, one by one.
Kuno composes himself for a moment, letting the anger subside a while
longer as he stared at the ground before him. As he willed himself to
unclench his fist and bow before his Lord, before leaving through the doors
from which he first came in.
***
{Back in the room}
Lord Fu looked on as Kuno departed through the door, half expecting him to
burst in murderous rage, before turning to more urgent matters. The empire
is falling, and the emperor ill and unfit to rule. With the heir dead and
the people on the brink of rioting, there was no way the country could
survive much longer. Some have to be sacrificed for the greater good...
The minutes passed by as he dwelled on his problem when a small knock
reverberates within the room coming from the door. Lord Fu doesn't even
look up as he continued to survey the reports given to him as he called...
"Come in."
The door opens to reveals a short and wrinkled old man. Dressed in
elaborate silk robes and a fine black cap. Stooped slightly at the waist as
he placed both ends of his sleeves together before him and bowed to his
Lord and employer.
The old man smiled a slight and devious smile awaiting his commands.
"How goes our young warrior?" the old man asked. Curious as to his Master's
silence.
"He may be a problem." Lord Fu said bluntly as he turned away from his
papers to look at the shrivelled old man.
"Would you like me to deal with him then?" A small smile crept up his mouth
mixed in with a touch of hopefulness, Lord Fu thought.
"No. We might have some further use for our young hero..."
"I understand my lord. I shall keep a close eye on him." He said as he
bowed to his Lord.
"Very well. See to it then." And he too dismisses him.
"Understood."
And as the door finally closed behind the man, Lord Fu began to entertain
and discuss with his own thoughts.
"All will be as it was meant to be," he said as he laughed silently inside
the confines of his room.
["My mistress..."]
***
{The dungeon}
Winding down the steep stairway and into the barely lighted corridors of
the castle dungeons, Kuno strode silently. Troubled by this evening's event
his lord he sought redemption in solitude and meditation. Even then, as it
was before it did little to appease him, not since his tragic loss was he
able to clear his thoughts of the mind numbing pain? Thus he sought peace
in the performance of his duties as a minor lord and soldier to the empire
which he served whole-heartedly.
Down he went and deeper into the dungeons, the torches on the walls barely
lighting the narrow passageways that led to the prisoners cells. The stench
of dirt covered men as well as of faeces and rotting food almost made him
sick to the gut. Yet he managed to control the temptation to vomit then as
the matter of him coming down here took precedence.
Walking among the cells he sought out what he wanted, the person he
personally brought here for treason against the empire. Even now as he
stopped before a cell and looked at the man huddled and dressed in torn and
dirt covered rags could he ever feel any anger, in fact, he admired the
man.
"Lord Soun of the House of Tendo" Kuno spoke with all the reverence
required of the title as he stood there watching the man stir in his cell.
The image he saw jarred with the title's importance.
Lord Soun Tendo, of the great House of Tendo, raised his chin to look up,
his long and dirt covered hair falling on the sides of his face as did his
long moustache and beard. His clothes of torn rags were filthy and smelly,
bearing holes in so many places. He sat there looking at the man who stood
before him. Dressed in the imperial uniform of the empire, the same empire
that betrayed him, and cast him aside regardless of the many deeds he did
for his service. And yet he could find neither fault nor anger to spare on
the youth before him, for this much he thought of the man before him.
Foolish for naming him his titles yet brave and daring to do so.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry my Lord"
"Sorry?"
"Yes, I'm deeply sorry for the ill treatment of my Lord"
"You are sorry for things that you have no fault."
"My Lord, It was I who arrested you, it was I who brought you here. If I
could, I would free you the moment I can."
"No. It is not right. You were under orders by the Imperial court. It is
understandable, I know...how hard it was for you to do this. The hesitation
you displayed when you first arrested me. And please...don't try anything
foolish such as that, I don't want you to experience the same fate as I
have."
"But my Lord, I..."
"No! You are not at fault. And I don't blame you for what has happened to
me," he said this as he turned away to look at the wall.
"But my..."
A harsh stare from Lord Soun silences him. And he swallowed what he had to
say; yet it tasted bitter for him to do so. Lord Soun relaxed as he turned
away again to look at the wall of his cell. Silent as ever as Kuno tried to
gather enough strength and determination to continue on.
"I'm sorry my Lord that I have to tell you this. I've just received new
orders..." And he paused, hesitating if he should continue. It really
tasted sour what he was about to say.
"They are going to execute me," he said casually. As if a man accepting all
with out a care, not even flinching that death came for him. Kuno was
slightly taken aback but composes himself. Again anger burned more
fiercely.
"You don't have to hide it from me. I knew from the very start when you
first took me in."
Surprise.
"Don't be so surprised. I knew what they wanted even before you came. It
was only a matter of time."
"And you knew about this."
Lord Soun nods.
"Why then? Why didn't you flee? You could have ran away."
"And lose my honour? No. It would be wrong to do otherwise. It would not be
honourable to cheat death. And if my death would stabilise an already
fragile country, then so be it."
"But my lord..."
"You who knows more about honour should have realised that from the very
start."
Silence
"There was nothing I could do to stop them, the order came from the High
Priest himself"
"All the more reason to."
"My Lord..."
Pause
"Tell me..." Lord Soun, said as he turned around to look at the youth
kneeling before him.
"Yes my Lord?"
"Are my... daughters safe?" Concern written on his face.
Pause
"They are alright my Lord. I'll see to it personally." reassuringly
Lord Soun sighs of relief and of happiness as if a great burden has been
lifted upon his shoulders as he turned to face the young sword's man again.
"Thank you, you don't know how much it means to me."
"Then my lord, by your leave..."
Lord Soun nods. And at that, Kuno bows to him and Lord Soun acknowledges
his departure.
Silence after a long while
And as the torches in the dungeon slowly burned, the crackling noises. The
growling of the other prisoners from the other cells�
Slumped into further sadness because of memory. Lord Soun sat there...
"My daughters..." Soun spoke softly as he started to weep out of concern
for his children.
***
{Some where in the forests}
Underneath the moonlight�
Through the shadows of the trees�
Through the dark heart of the woods�
The wind churned and tossed the lifeless leaves like so many fine dust and
particles. Swirling and turning them in its turbulent core, as it all
flowed around the branches of a giant tree.
The dark heart of the woods�
With its think branches covering a great portion of land, as did its
mammoth roots buried under and over the ground. Standing like bowed
servants underneath the huge trunk of the tree. Its leaves covered much of
the night sky that almost no light could pass through its thick foliage.
While underneath its roots and shadow, lay jars upon jars of dust covered
urns.
Their sizes varying greatly, from the small to the rather really large
ones. A hollow testament of the lives of their previous owners�
Who unfortunately were burned and buried here. Underneath the shadow of the
dark tree�
Their ashes, always to remain under the heart of the shadow.
Through the tree the wind went. Down into the crevices afforded by the
roots. Into the shadows and beneath the roots, to travel below the surface
and into the realm of the undead�
The temple of the demon, and the evil behind the forest...
The caverns underneath the tree�
Large as it is empty. Empty of life and the remains of lives.
Bones littered the narrow hallway that led to the inner chambers of the
cavern. Leading onto a steep and narrow stone stairway that wound around
the walls of the cavern. And all around, huge stalactites and stalagmites
lined the ceiling and the cavern floor, like large teeth ready to devour
all that dared enter, living or dead. Roots from the huge tree, partly
exposed, hung lazily on the cavern walls. While torches mounted on the
stones lit up the hollow and empty confines of the lair.
Firelight danced and shivered on the dark grey walls as did the echoes of
torture and suffering reverberating on the walls and in the air. The smell
of decayed and rotting flesh drifted freely in the air, as did the souls of
their owners, taken from the lands above to live out their existence in
servitude and pain.
The corridors are vast and looming, dark and almost empty of life save the
sounds of screaming and death. Littered in many places by bones and
crushed skulls, as were a few pieces of armour and flesh. Torches burning
brightly illuminated the place in a deep red tone as darker shapes took
form and disappear in the shadows.
And the wind continued on�
Corridor upon corridor, room after room, each corner upon corner were the
same till at last the wind died down as it approached two gilded doors. The
walls surrounding it painted in deep red blood, as were the bonfires that
lined the passageway. Through the doors and into the throne room, the
sounds of dismal drums playing, pierced the heart and soul of all that
entered the lair of demon.
And the fires burned even brighter�
Fires from the bonfires that led to the dais and the throne lighted the
dark interior of the room. And all the while, shadows crossed and flickered
on the red painted walls as laughter and suffering intermixed with the
beating of the drums.
Bodies of exotic grace danced and turned in wide circle. Dressed in
clinging and torn robes that barely covered their womanhood. Bracelets and
jewellery clicking as firelight glistened on their pale sweat covered ivory
skin. Their long hair swaying from side to side as they all danced to the
beating of the drums.
Long pieces of cloth tied to their wrists arched and turned in soft circles
through the air, Their legs reaching up to the sky as they arched their
backs as they twirled around. Faces of beauty, and grace�
And in the centre of the heavenly scene, she danced�
In the light of the bonfires and through the fire, a soft hand is turning,
sliding down and twisting to hover a generous chest as she turned and
danced to the beating of the drums. Long legs shifting and sliding as she
flowed from step to step in sync with the rhythm of the dance. The girl
danced, her long black hair swaying behind her as she bared every physical
form she had to the demon on the throne.
Her clothes of torn cloth barely covered the essentials. The gold rings on
her fingers, the armlets and bracelets, the thick gold belt adorned by tree
bright blue stones and chains at the side. Her neck latched with a thick
gold collar and a long thin chain at the back. Necklaces and all that,
earrings. The cloth a dull grey draped over her shoulders and low enough to
cover her breasts
And slowly she danced towards him�
Swaying her hips provocatively, enticingly, seducing him as she slowly
raised both of her arms before her. Open handed as if inviting a long lost
lover for a tender embrace. Head tilted a back and a bit to the side as her
lips partly opened as if beckoning him to come. Her eyes partly closed held
lust in them as she licked her ruby red lips. As she raised her hands
higher and above her head, her hands dancing and shifting in the air as she
turned her head to one side. Sweat glistening over her whole body, down her
arms and her chest to her flat stomach and legs. Shifting from graceful
form after form, all the while the other dancers wove around her in perfect
sync with one another, complementing the dancer within their formed circle.
And one by one they wove away, leaving the dancer alone to dance before her
lord and master. Dancing for all that was her and more as the ecstasy of
the dance took control as it all came down to its climactic end and she
lost her balance and collapsed on the floor. The spell broken. Her eyes
losing the lust filled craze as she lay there on the floor. Cheek on the
cold hard ground with her arms above her head and legs crossing each other.
Her breath came in short, hard gulps as she desperately tried to breathe
once more. Her body ached and screamed in pain as did her mind. She
couldn't stop the tears from falling.
His eyes delighted as he stared at the girl before him, a soul he plucked
from the living world above. A daughter of a madman and a sister in her
previous life, so ripe not to pass and her death was all he needed. Her
soul was his to keep and use, as he stared long and hard at the girl who
danced before him. Even as he stared, a face transfixed itself upon hers,
eyes as blue as the sky and hair as fiery red as his burning desire. And
the heat of desire loomed even brighter as did his eyes in the dark of his
throne room. A small smile crept onto his face, as the darkness grew even
deeper and silent laughter echoed inside him and into the corridors of the
lair echoing through the tunnels and into the air, pass trees and grass as
the whole forests laughed with his delight. For the plan he made for the
taking of his new concubine.
And as the dismal drums slowly died away, so did the dancer's moves slowed.
Standing there under the scrutiny of her lord, she stood still and quiet.
Coldness suddenly swept into her heart as pain overtook all senses, a pain
she never felt before taking shape within her, moulding her. And as
helpless as she was, she couldn't and would not suppress, as a single tear
of regret finally fell from her cheeks.
- End of the 4th Chapter -
** Authors final notes:
I kind of hurried this one up, sorry about that for this chapter has been
delayed for quite some time now. There isn't much action as I wanted it to
have, but then at some point I do have to introduce new characters and
build up the others. Some of the characters will be revealed in the next
chapter though, which will be coming out pretty soon. The plot has already
been laid as well as other chapters for this series.
Also, added is a brief preview of chapter 5 for those who want to get an
approximate idea of what's going to happen in the next chapter. It is at
the end of this post.
Anyway...
Please send all comments and flames to: becknkal@addax.bc.ca
And or you could go and check out my younger sisters' web page for updates
of this series at:
http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/temple/9371
Or you could go and check out The Ranma � Library. The RAAC archive's
Again, thanks!
** Acknowledgements
Thank you to the people who helped me with this chapter. First off, my
younger sister of course (Hi lil Sis!) and to a couple of my other friends
as well. And to those who gave me C & C / Flames. All of you helped me in
creating this fic as well as improving it in the future. My pre-readers,
and of course - to the readers of this story, I give my thanks to you.
** Apologies
I know they are really OOC but then at some point in time. They have to put
down their walls and stop being so bottled up. Hiding inside what we all
know already is real love.
To some of those I've not replied to, I'm sorry. It's either because I've
been busy with schoolwork (College) or that the connection with the net was
faulty. Again I'm truly sorry.
CAST
Ranma / Ranko:
Ranma / Ranko is a noble young man / woman who seeks real adventure in the
world outside of his / her native home. Learned and bright he is a scholar
of many talents. Unfortunately, martial arts, isn't one of them.
Ryouga:
Ryouga is an apprentice Taoist monk, trained in the fine arts of spiritual
war craft. He is pretty good in his trade though lacking in other skills
for he was shielded away from the ways of the world in his youth. Devoted
to his training, Ryouga seeks to perfect his art and keep the fine 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 best friend and constant companion for the pass one hundred years.
She is a ghost, who like her friend, died tragically.
Happosai:
A thousand-year old demon living in the forest.
Tatewaki Kuno:
A young noble lord serving the empire.
The other characters will be revealed in other chapters.
Items:
Guzheng / Zheng
This is a Chinese zither, the sizes of it vary from 13 to 17 strings and
has a range exceeding three octaves and is tuned to the Chinese pentatonic
scale.
** The next part is a spoiler so please proceed at your own discretion.
A brief preview of A Chinese Ghost Story - Chapter 5 "As the plow breaks
the Earth"
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
<Snip>
<After the dream�>
***
Waking from the dream she wished to always wake upon...
Ranko's breath came in short gulps as she stared at the far end of the
room. Suddenly fearful of the shadows that lurked in the interior as she
slowly turned to look at the closed window with frightened eyes. A
deepening concern rose within her as she rose off from the bed. And slowly
walked to open the closed windows.
And a slight gasp escapes from her mouth as she stared at the view outside.
Storm clouds hovered over the forests, dark and turbulent. Lightning
criss-crossing in the sky, covering the space between the earth and the
heavens. Flashing in minute intervals, as the wind slowly picked up in
strength. It's unholy messenger, cold and chaotic in its path. And a
premonition of evil she thought, as concern overcame her fear as she
quickly dressed in her robes and headed out into the forests...
One thought in mind as she ran through the trees...
["Akane!"]
***
<Snip>
{Fight scene - Ryouga is losing the fight�}
{A downward final-slash from the attacker.}
{Ryouga stumbles and falls. Tries to stop.}
{But it's too late...}
{Ryouga closes his eyes - "This is the end he thought"}
{CLANG}
{Sword spinning in the air and lands with its blade tip buried deep into
the ground}
{The attacker in a confused state at the intrusion of the stranger.}
{Ryouga slowly opening his eyes and sees an odd face - at first there is
only confusion followed by sudden recognition}
"Well boy! I guess you haven't been skipping out on your training have you!
Guess I came at the right time haven't I" the old monk said smiling with a
twinkle in his eye as he looked at the youth before him.
"Master!" Ryouga shouted.
***
{Meanwhile�}
{Inside the demons lair}
The throne room...
"My Lord." she said softly.
Kneeling on one knee, her body bent on her raised leg and arms resting
comfortably at her side. As she prostrated herself before the man on the
throne. Her hair tied in a ponytail and dangling off to one side, as she
knelt there underneath his cold hard gaze.
"GO MY BLACK ROSE." he said.
"DO NOT FAIL ME."
"I understand my Lord." she said softly, almost a whisper, before she
vanished just as quickly. Leaving behind only the silent laughter emanating
from the throne.
<Black out entire scene>
<Cut Segment>
-End of Preview -
Chapter 5 is already about 70 % done, but the entire story itself is
finished, and is currently being pre-read, it will come out in a week or
so.
The rest of the chapters (6 and 11 might come up to 13) are all in outline
form. And I might consider, cutting off some of the descriptions as to make
it easier and faster to make. I'd like some C & C on this, if I should
continue the way things are or if I should go a little bit easier with the
text. Again thank you.