Ranma 1/2 is the property and invention of Rumiko Takahashi. The
following story is not produced for any monetary or personal gain.
Keep in mind the journey is almost always more interesting
than the destination.
Journey
Part Two: Stepping Out
Chapter 11
Ranma-chan looked up at the canopy of foliage that hung
over her like some surrealistic painting of the Norse World Tree. She
had noticed it as she arrived in Kyoto, but had simply shrugged and
passed through as quickly as possible. The 'tree' stood over a
thousand feet high, spreading it's huge limbs over twice that area. It
was difficult to tell with any accuracy, since most of the limbs were
high above her, but the leaves had to be at least as large as a
human. While it was certainly far larger than even the tallest tree in
Ryugenzawa it wasn't the shear size that was making her nervous.
The whole area radiated a sense of power. Even though Ranma-
chan had mastered the control of her increased chi reserve, this area
seemed to slightly increase the potency of her power. Not enough to
cause the loss of control she had initially suffered, but enough to
cause an uncomfortable bloating sensation. There was also the
creepy feeling that the tree was watching everything she did. With
an effort she was able to dismiss this as paranoia.
Her sense of unease was further enhanced by the fact that
the Emperor was seated across from the temporary table that been
set up on the ground under the tree. Beside him sat a huge man in
black armor which tingled with strong enchantments. A little
distance away Ranma-chan could sense the guards of the Emperor
behind the smaller bushes and trees that were able to survive under
it's greater cousin and among the root system that pervaded the
ground.
"This is sure is a weird...er...interesting place. Big tree.
Really big. Is there an Oroichi around here somewhere?" Ranma-
chan broke the silence before it got too uncomfortable.
"I haven't heard of an...Orochi...in the area. Why do you
ask?" the Emperor responded, seemingly at his ease in the odd
surroundings.
"Well the only time I saw stuff this large was in Ryugenzawa.
And that was because the Orochi had caused some Water of Life to
form. Which in turn caused a bunch of big plants and animals to
grow."
"No, our tree is a singular entity. As far as I know it is the
sole tree of it's kind. As for giant animals, the only ones I've seen
our the Oni who borrow there shape."
"Oh, I guess it's just as well, the Orochi is a menace...and a
pervert. Hey, are those people up there on those branches?"
"Yes. Approximately 150,000 of my subjects live in the tree.
The tree forms dwellings for those that wish to live here."
"You make it sound like it's intelligent," Ranma-chan stated,
slightly puzzled.
"It is. Or at least that is what the priests say. It has acted in
an intelligent manner in the past so we must treat it as such. It has
done great things for our people."
"Done? What can a tree do?"
"Hmm...it gives those worthy artifacts of great power, calms
storms and brings harmony. If enemies approach the city from this
direction the tree has the ability to deal with all but the greatest foes.
It has also healed the many of the people of the land at one time or
another. We owe it a great debt. As we do you."
"Eh?" Ranma-chan asked, startled at the sudden change in
subject.
"Yes. I acknowledge that I owe you my life. Part of the
reason I invited you to this place is to reward you."
"Oh, thanks. I don't need no reward. Helping other people
is the responsibility of all martial artists...and envoys, I guess,"
Ranma-chan ended, slightly less than positive the role of an envoy
included such duties.
The Emperor himself seemed confused by this, before visibly
shaking off the state and continuing. "Never the less, I have a
reward in mind, but if you have any specific desires I can certainly
see if we can fulfil them as well."
"Nah, I don't need anything...well actually...now that I think
of it I could use something. If you have any scrolls describing martial
arts techniques I'm always looking for new ones. I don't need the
original or anything, a copy will do fine. Hmm, actually all I need to
do is read it once. I'm no scholar but if it's martial arts..." Ranma-
chan started showing a little more eagerness at the prospect of
adding to her repertoire of techniques.
"I think we can accommodate you. I can also request some
of the monks and perhaps one of the Tengu to speak with you. They
are an obnoxious bunch but I'm sure they would appreciate sparring
with you and may even part with some of their secrets," the Emperor
said good-naturedly.
Ranma-chan's eyes gleamed at the thought. To her mind
sparring was one of the best ways to learn another's techniques.
You were able to see how the other actually used the maneuver in a
real life situation. Her opponents were always surprised when she
used their own style against them. What else could they expect?
She was Ranma Saotome, and if it had martial arts in it she could do
anything. She grudgingly admitted that Ryouga was almost as good
as she was...but she would never say so where pig-boy could hear
her.
"What's a Tengu?" Ranma-chan asked, shaking herself out
of her happy stupor.
"They are a mostly benevolent race of bipedal avians. Most
of them are also incredibly irritating. They are the masters of an
interesting style of aerial combat. It's very athletic," the Emperor
stated, smiling to himself as he noticed a wide grin on the red head's
face. Ranma-chan was just excited about sparring with someone
else with a similar style as Anything Goes. No matter how many
other styles she integrated into her technique, Anything Goes was
closer to her heart, of course the style was mostly a philosophy that
used any technique that worked, but the Saotome subclass was her
favorite. After all, mid-air combat was a Saotome specialty, it would
be good to add to the school.
"Great! I guess that's all, I don't really need anything else."
"Excellent! As I mentioned earlier, I already have in mind
something for you. I have considered the proposal you laid out for
me just before the attack. I accept. It is simply a matter of finding
an efficient way to transfer goods between our countries."
"Proposal?" Ranam-chan's mind went blank as she tried to
remember what she had said just before the attack. It was
something about chicken teriyaki.
"Yes. You had just started a list of trade goods from Lazlo..."
the Emperor prodded.
"Oh...Oh! That! Yeah right! I talked to Nabiki about that,
and she had a way to transport the goods. She had a teleport circle
set up in one of the rooms that can go to Lazlo. I think she
mentioned that it can go here as well but she needs a receiving
circle to lock in on. She's willing to offer this service for...for...I
think
she said five percent."
"Hmm. I think not. We have mages of our own who are
quite capable of such services...unless...well I suppose of she was
willing to reduce that to one percent and guarantee shipment, with a
deposit for surety, I might find a use for this service."
Ranma-chan started getting nervous. The last thing she
wanted was Nabiki mad at her. The last time that had happened her
life had become a living hell until Nabiki decided that she had
suffered enough. Nabiki was part of the reason a vacation from
Nerima had seemed enticing. Now that Nabiki could follow her with
spells, there was no escape. However letting a deal fall through
because she was afraid to bargain would be to guarantee her wrath.
"Uh...three percent. And she only guarantee the shipment
once it arrives at the holding area until it leaves to go to Lazlo or
wherever you want it shipped," Ranma-chan stated sweat pouring
down her face. She really hated negotiation...unless it was done
with her fists.
"Make it two percent and I will agree to the terms."
"Yes! I mean...that would be acceptable," Ranma-chan
exclaimed, sagging with relief.
"I am glad we could come to an agreement," turning to his
black armored companion he continued, "You can stop frowning
now. The negotiation is done with."
"Trade is beneath you. You should have someone else deal
with such petty concerns," the Shogun stated in disapproving tone.
"Until our court has recovered we must make exceptions. If
this is the worst that I am required to do in this time of crisis I will
thank the kami."
"I understand, my Emperor," the large man stated, only
slightly soothed.
"Getting back to the issue of your reward. I can't have this
transport circle set up in the palace. It would be a security breach
that couldn't be tolerated. I was thinking of combining this with your
reward. One-fifth of a mile in that direction is a small estate. The
previous owners died in the attack, leaving no known inheritors. I
would like for you to accept this land and a moderate title of nobility
from me."
"I...I..."
"It is agreed then. It will be your new home as long as you
dwell in my land. The transport circle will be set up in the basement
of the mansion. This has worked out wonderfully. I assume you are
pleased?"
"I...well...sure," Ranma-chan had the feeling that she had
walked into an elaborate set-up. It was a feeling that she was
coming to be familiar with as she wandered the multiverse. Back
home it was usually only Nabiki and Cologne that made her feel this
way. It seemed that out in the wider world every god, entity, and
Emperor was a con man at heart.
"By the way, who is this Nabiki. Her name seems to be
coming up frequently."
"She's the sister of one of my fianc�e's."
"Fianc�e's? I suppose they do things very differently in
Lazlo," the Emperor stated dubiously.
"It's my Pop's fault he promised me in marriage to anyone
with a bowl of rice," Ranma-chan scowled at the remembrance of
consistently being waylaid by a new fianc�e. "It's a long story and I'll
be dealing with the mess Pop left me for...a long time from now."
"Sounds difficult. We must respect our elders, but they
make it difficult at times," the Emperor nodded sagely.
"Anyway, Nabiki is the business...person of the Tendo Dojo
that I stay at."
"It's good to have family...or almost family connections," the
Emperor turned to a girl who had approached and was apparently
waiting to ask something. "Excuse me, young lady, I don't believe
you belong here. Please leave," he continued in a firm voice, looking
around and wondering why his guards hadn't moved into position
yet.
Ranma-chan just looked in embarrassment at the ground,
then around at the guards who seemed oblivious to the stranger,
then up at the foliage far above. Anywhere except the girl.
"Excuse me. Have you seen...a demon around here? It
looks...well I seem to recall something about red. Yes, it was
definitely red."
As the girl asked this the huge man in black armor whirled
around from where he had been facing, a look of fury on his face.
"You! I don't know how you've avoided my guards until now,
but it ends here!" the Shogun roared in anger.
"Hey, no need to get violent big guy. If you haven't seen
her...it, just say so," the girl stated slightly belligerently, unwilling
to
accept rudeness from strangers.
"I'll show you violence, you little irritant! Guards! This is the
possessed one you were supposed to be searching for. I suggest
you take this opportunity to rid yourselves of her."
From the bushes and trees surrounding the area come a
rustling sound as guards who had been ignoring the situation came
to attention and started to head for the clearing. From the
expression on the approaching guards it was obvious that they were
unaware how the girl had walked past all of them. Attempting to
make up for the apparent lack of vigilance they rushed forward to
confront the source of their humiliation.
"Hey guys, that's not really necessary! She's mostly
harmless without that sword of her's..." Ranma-chan's voice trailed
off as one guard was easily disarmed and laid out on the ground,
armor cracked, in a dazed state. As the other guards were slowly
whittled down and beaten into unconsciousness one by one Ranma-
chan watched in disgust.
"Man, that is pathetic. I mean she's okay, but your guys
need to work on their technique. That blow was obviously a feint.
She doesn't even have that big nasty sword of her's anymore,"
Ranma-chan continued to critique the skills of the guards until only
three of them remained. These were the best of the group and by
working together them managed to keep her at bay.
"This is a little better. See how the guy on left is keeping his
defense up. Hah, nice parry, but he missed that opening..." as
Ranma-chan rambled on her attention absorbed in the martial
display in front of her she missed the Shogun's face slowly turning
beet red in fury.
"Stop the annoying analysis and stop the girl if you're so
superior!"
"Interfere with another martial artist's fight? Why on earth
would I want to do that? I'd be furious if someone tried that with me.
Besides, she may be certified psycho but she never tried to kill
anyone except me," Ranma-chan stated as if all she said was self
evident.
Seeing the Shogun was on the verge of bursting a blood
vessel the Emperor decided to take control of the conversation once
more. "You know this girl?"
"Yep, she chased me through...some province I don't recall
right...and was really a menace with that big sword. Before she got
the sword she was a bit interesting to spar with...afterward, ugh, that
thing wanted my soul. I would have destroyed the damn thing if I
could have," she muttered, an angry gleam in her eye.
"She doesn't seem to have the sword now," the Emperor
stated calmly.
"Well of course not! It was seriously evil. It's a martial
artist's duty to remove that kind of thing from the world."
"And..." the Emperor prompted.
"Oh. I took it away from her," Ranma-chan casually said, her
attention still on the martial display.
"Very interesting. She doesn't seem to hold a grudge. I
would think she would still be after you. She didn't even notice you."
"That's because...hey, nice disarm! If the other guard hadn't
stepped in that could have been the end of it for him. Er...anyway, I
used an ancient technique from China that blocks specific things
from your memory. Very effective, but it doesn't last more than a few
weeks if you're strong willed. She's already starting to remember
things about her 'demon'."
"What brings her here if she can't remember you?"
"I'm not really sure. She keeps finding me, but since she
can't remember that I'm her 'demon' she wandered off again. It's
really embarrassing. I was hoping she'd get tired of walking in
circles by now," she said to herself.
"Do you know she's possessed?"
"Nah, she can't be. I hit her a couple of times already. If
she'd been possessed the Oni would have been driven out. I've had
that happen before. She's just a psychopath," Ranma-chan was
pretty sure about this point, she had experience with psychopaths.
"You hit her so she can't be possessed?" The Emperor
looked in askance to the Shogun, who in turn simply shrugged. "I
think we're talking about a different kind of possession. She is
definitely either possessed or directly under supernatural control.
The Shogun's grandmother was the first to detect it."
"Really? Hmm, let's see," closing her eyes, she focused her
chi senses on the combat. She noted in passing that all the
combatants still standing wore and wielded substantial amounts of
magic. Ignoring the tingling that indicated enchantment she focused
on the spiritual energies of the warriors. She noted that Masayo chi
was tainted, but not to the extent that would prove that her spirit had
been overcome. She was about to come out from her light trance,
when she noted a slight surge of energy that focussed her attention
at the Demon Queller's arm. Opening her eyes she saw the
serpentine bracelet wrapped around the girl's wrist. Her eyes
narrowed in understanding, "Ah! Maybe you're right. So...she's
probably not really a violent, psychopathic macho chick. Weird...I
could have sworn she was just like Akane." Well okay, Akane's not
really that bad, more like Kodachi. Still...I'll have to check her when I
get back. It might explain her cooking.
"So you understand that it is actually in her best interest to
subdue the girl," the Emperor gave the Shogun a warning glance
when it seemed he would object.
"Well...okay. I mean if she's possessed it would probably be
the right thing to do. I just hate fighting girls. Are you sure your
guards won't be upset if I interrupt their fight. It looks like a good
match-up."
"I'm sure they will understand. It is to help the girl."
"Okay, they were starting to use the same maneuvers
anyway." With that last comment she hurled herself over the melee.
Masayo lifted her weapon to guard against what seemed to be an
overhead attack. However, when Ranma-chan didn't close for a
direct attack, actually passing well above to land behind Masayo, the
girl seemed to immediately forget her presence once she was out of
direct line of sight.
Ranma-chan was satisfied. As long as she was limiting
herself by trying not to hurt the Demon Queller, Masayo was good
enough to hold Ranma-chan for an extended amount of time. By
staying out of sight she took advantage of the memory technique
she had used earlier. Ignored by the combatants, Ranma-chan
examined her hunter carefully, selected her targets and quickly
moved her fingers to the correct pressure points.
As expected, the Demon Queller froze. Ranma-chan quickly
grabbed the back of the light armor the girl wore and with a strong
tug pulled the girl away from the guards before any unfortunate
accidents could occur. With the imminent danger passed she lifted
the girl's stiffened arm towards her to better examine the bracelet.
Ranma-chan snorted in disgust. She couldn't believe she
hadn't noticed it before. It seemed to shift color from iridescent silver
to gold. The figure itself was finely detailed down to the smallest
scale. A memory tugged at the edge of his consciousness. Now
where had he seen a snake like this one. It wasn't as if he had come
across too many before.
"Have you found something?" the Emperor asked, keeping a
wary distance from the fallen girl.
"I think this bracelet is the cause of the problem. I've seen
something like this before...I've got it! They were Mephisto's
minions. Strange, I remember them being somewhat larger," she
noticed a slight movement in the enchanted device and looked at the
coiled serpent once more. "I think we should back away, the snake
thing is starting to move."
Sure enough the once immobile figurine seemed to be
pulsing with an inner light and writhing. As it's body twisted it also
gained in size, slowly, almost imperceptibly, then gathering speed.
Within ten seconds it had reached the size Ranma-chan
remembered, twenty feet long and three feet thick.
"Yeah, sure he won't hold a grudge. What is this? A thank
you gift?" Ranma-chan muttered bitterly to herself. The gods
obviously held certain Deevil Lords in far too high esteem.
Sensing a tingling sensation that seemed to act as a
precursor to most enchantments Ranma-chan acted. Guessing
what the spell was by past experience she shouted, "Bean Jam
Blowout". The powerful whirlwind fought briefly for dominance with
the wind summoned by the serpent. The conflict lasted several
moments before both wind funnels were deflects in different
directions. The chi generated wind shot off to the left picking up
several unconscious guards and depositing them several hundred
yards away. The deevil's attack was sent in the opposite direction
simply knocking the Shogun to the ground.
Seeing the Deevil temporarily stationary from the aftermath
of the spell, Ranma-chan took advantage of the opening to level
several Fierce Tiger Domineering chi bursts at it's face. She wasn't
really worried about the creature, she had fought an army of them
before. It had some unpleasant spells at its disposal, but nothing
deadly by itself. She felt another tingling sensation and leaped into
close combat with the entity. Her guess at the effects of the spell
proved to be correct as the area behind her turned in a watery
mixture of sand. At close range she was almost certain that the
deevil's spells would be ineffectual. Behind her she heard shouting
as the three remaining guards were caught in the newly formed
morass.
Her first leap forward allowed her to unleash the Chestnut
Fist at the head of the creature. To avoid retaliation and keep it off
balance, she then leaped over the creature, raking the hide of the
deevil with hands positioned like talons.
Ranma-chan was surprised the creature was still conscious.
It seemed tougher than the others she had fought. Perhaps the
energy rich environment that had benefited Ranma-chan had similar
effects on the deevil. It was time to pull out the bigger guns. As this
thought drifted through her mind she felt a hard impact from the side
as the serpent swiftly twisted in an unexpected direction. Tucking
her feet under her she turned the impact into a controlled
somersault, landing on her feet thirty feet away.
Looking down at her clothes she noted a small tear on the
cuff of her shirt. "You scum! That was my favorite shirt," actually
considering it was actually a part of an enchanted robe of guises that
was presently acting as her wardrobe, it was technically her only
shirt. The robe would repair itself, but it was principle.
Leaping from one tree to another she quickly picked up
speed until she was a blur rapidly rotating around the deevil. The
creature attempted to track the speeding object but ended up
spinning aimlessly around in circle. Several ineffectual spells proved
to the creature that this was a situation it hadn't a clue as to how to
deal with. It rapidly began to retreat from the center of the bouncing
human's path. Ranma-chan took this as the cue to finish the
maneuver.
"Meteor Kick," her form glowed with focused chi as her foot
impacted with the Deevil.
Expecting to see a prone serpent lying on the ground she
was taken by surprise by a battered and annoyed monster
unwinding itself from the ground and moving toward her. "Geesh,
what are you the bionic deevil? I would have been in serious trouble
if you guys had been this tough the first time around in hell." The
deevil itself took advantage of the red head's stationary nature to
cast an appropriate spell. As Ranma-chan found herself sinking into
the ground she cursed herself for her inattention. Grimacing she
took the only readily available option.
"Bean Jam Blowout!"
A water spout formed around the red head composed of
mud, sand and viscous fluids. She shot into the air as if from a
catapult, barely able to steer the funnel enough not to be thrown far
from the battlefield. At the apex of the ascent she vaguely noticed
people shouting and pointing as she passed over the enormous
bough that they stood on. As she landed from the six hundred foot
drop, her feet sank into the forest floor more than six inches.
Snorting in disgust the martial artist looked down at herself to see a
thick coat of mud covering her.
"All right, obviously I've been going way too easy on you! I'd
call this a final attack, but I think you're a bit too tough for that,
Vacuum Blades," Ranma-chan declared while slashing at the air in
front of her. Energy blades formed in front of her traveling rapidly
forward to strike the Deevil in the chest. Although the blades cut
deep, it was nowhere near lethal. "Damn sometimes being right
sucks," Ranma-chan muttered to herself.
To be honest the thing hadn't done much more that bruise
her but she didn't know why it was still up after all the damage she
had dished out. Down on it's own plane it hadn't taken more than
three Chestnut Fists to put down one of the things. Weren't demons
supposed to be stronger on their own plane?
"Fine. This worked on an elemental. No way you're tougher
than that," she said while beginning a spiral pattern. Without an
external heat source she was forced to perform the technique the old
fashioned way, but felt it would worth the effort.
The serpent itself was tired of this battle. It hadn't been
going as well as it had hoped. This world was like bathing in font of
energy, this combined with what Mephisto had empowered it with
had most likely made it the most powerful of it's kind. It was finding
that it wasn't enough. This human had reduced it almost half of
what it was at the beginning of the battle. The one strike it had
connected with on the human had very little effect. It's spells
likewise seemed lacking in results. If retreat hadn't meant death at
the hands of the master it would have left already. As it was the best
it could hope for is a few more lucky strikes or be fortunate to
position the human so it could use one of its less common spells. It
was with this state of mind that the deevil followed Ranma-chan in
the spiral, never quite touching the infuriating human, but close
enough that it couldn't give up.
"Heavenly Dragon Ascension!"
Upon completing the technique the vortex engulfed the
deevil and while rising up into the air began to spread out, forming a
huge funnel that extended far beyond the top of the huge tree, and
in fact showed no sign of diminishing. The creature was shot from
the center of the man made tornado while the raging chi energies
ripped at the vital energies the creature. As it reached the level of
the tree boughs it struck one, breaking completely through the small
limb. The destruction of the branch seemed to signal the beginning
of an apocalypse. The torn limb emitted a large explosion
completely engulfing the already battered deevil before being
absorbed in the funnel. The energy merely added to the destructive
force inherent in the twister, ripping small leaves and twigs from their
place on the monolithic tree. These in turn were swallowed by the
chi phenomenon shaking more leaves and twigs free, causing more
explosions and releasing more energy into the funnel. The deevil
crashed into two more tree limbs, ripping them away from the main
tree body and in turn releasing huge eruptions of force. By the time
the funnel had risen above the Kyoto Tree it was a vast force of
destruction that hovered above the city and slowly moved away,
glowing with its internal energies.
Ranma-chan looked at the destruction that lay in the wake of
the Heavenly Ascending Dragon, mouth gaping in confusion. It had
never done that before, and what was with the exploding tree. That
was a definite hazard if people actually lived up there. Fortunately
the people had sense to run for the nearest shelter once the larger
chi effects had begun to manifest.
"What was that...monstrosity?" she heard the Emperor's
voice call out.
"That was a Serpent, they're mostly servants of Mephisto..."
"No! That hellish whirlwind!"
"Er..." Ranma-chan briefly entertained the idea of saying it
had been the Deevil's final suicide attack, but discarded the idea. It
would be dishonorable, and she'd been told that she had a lousy
poker face anyway. Not that she believed them but why take
chances?
"Well, that was one of my Final Attacks. The Heavenly
Dragon Ascending, it's not usually this big. I think it gathered
energy from the tree somehow. Speaking of which...what's with the
exploding tree? Isn't it kind of...dangerous to live in someplace that
blows up so easily?"
"Easily? The energy release is a self defense mechanism. It
prevents vandals and thieves from taking gifts of the tree."
"I suppose. It is a lot of risk for a bit of firewood..." Ranma-
chan was at a loss at how to respond to a seemingly nonsensical
statement.
"The tree has puissant enchantments in the leaves and
wood. By the way, why is it so cold?"
Only then did Ranma-chan notice that the people around
her were exhaling long plumes of steam and the remains of the
quicksand had frozen over leaving only a thick skin of ice on the
surface.
"Oh, sorry. That's me, it's the first stage of the Heavenly
Dragon Ascending. I'll stop it now," she said, simultaneously
dismissing the 'body of ice' effect. She never noticed the cold, but
this was the first time people had mentioned such severe
consequences. It must be the new area she was in.
"I'm sorry about your tree too, I hadn't expected that big a
reaction. I mean it usually big, but not that big. No one got hurt, I
think," she offered.
"Which is the sole reason we may choose to ignore this
whole debacle," the hoarse voice of the Shogun warned as he
limped towards the group. He grew silent under the warning glance
of the Emperor. The Lazlo envoy was becoming a very valuable
person to have around, despite the collateral damage that seemed to
follow her around. So long as none of his subjects were injured he
saw no need to quibble about the results. The Demon Queller had
been freed and no one had died. He believed the Sacred Tree
would forgive a few rustled leaves and broken twigs.
"Now regarding the sword you took from this young lady," the
Emperor said with a gesture toward the still unconscious woman that
lay undisturbed on the ground near their feet. "It was this lady's
family responsibility to guard the blade. She has failed in this duty
and will undoubtedly spend most of her life atoning for this. Never
the less I need to know the location of the weapon to assure none
will use it again."
"Are you sure. It's pretty safe where it is, and if you can't
destroy the thing, hiding and forgetting about is the next best thing,"
Ranma-chan offered.
"The problem with that solution is that hidden things are
invariably found. Allowing our ignorant descendants to shoulder the
burden would be irresponsible. We must deal with problems as they
occur rather than hand them to others. As someone who must deal
with your father's poor judgement I'm sure you understand."
"Well when you put it that way...okay. I had to deal with my
share of 'lost' artifacts so I guess it makes sense. All right, about a
day out of Kyoto is a big patch of newly turned dirt where the road
should be. You can't miss it. Just dig forty meters straight down
and there it is."
"You buried it forty meter?"
"Hey! I was in a hurry! I wasn't sure when the luni...I mean
the nice possessed person would wake up," she said defensively.
"Ah...that's fine," the Emperor said faintly. He would have to
get used to extremes from this individual.
A chill went down Ranma-chan's spine as she sensed a chi
signature where her other senses claimed there was nothing. A swirl
of air signaled the departure of an unseen force.
Holding up her hand for silence she walked over to where
she had sensed something. In the thawed but still firm ground was
a deep imprint of a clawed foot. "Whatever left this was just here a
moment ago. Do you have any idea who or what it was?"
"This is bodes ill. That is a dragon's track. A benevolent
creature would be unlikely to hide itself from us. I must assume this
particular dragon does not have good intentions. " Turning to his
armored companion he continued, "Shogun, gather the wizard's and
what Demon Quellers are in the area. Go to the location of the
sword as swiftly as possible. Be wary of large supernatural entities. I
believe it will be a race, so be sure to use whatever means the
wizards have at their disposal. It seems there is no end to the
emergencies."
"I suppose I could help," Ranma-chan offered.
"No. This contest will be determined by the speed we get
there. If we arrive first the dragon will not dare contest our
possession of the blade. Such creatures are very powerful, but our
mages will be prepared for battle and there will be many of them.
However, if it finds the site first..."
"It will be gone when we arrive," the Shogun finished grimly,
slapping one of the unconscious guards awake. "Wake Up! Run
ahead and ready the travel room. Hurry!" As the guards staggered
away at a half trot the Shogun strode rapidly after him.
"He is a bit of a grump," the red head growled as the
Shogun left.
"He takes his responsibilities very seriously. Our Shogun is
probably the greatest general in the history of our Empire. I
understand that in the past the Shoguns ruled, either without the
Emperor and or with the Emperor as a mere figurehead. He accepts
his place and supports me in all things. Whether or not he
wholeheartedly agrees with my decisions. He is a good man
despite his moodiness."
"Okay. I can respect that. But he is a sourpuss," Ranma-
chan stated.
"Yes. But he is my Shogun," the Emperor stated simply.
"Well now that the excitement is temporarily over and the
rest of my guards are wandering back or waking up, lets walk to your
estate. It's just outside of the perimeter of the great tree. I took the
liberty of setting up a circle in the basement." Ranma-chan scowled
at the man's retreating back. Emperor or no, she hated being led
around. Deep in thought she didn't notice the branch that was
descending on her until it had impacted her on the head.
Unharmed, but embarrassed she rubbed her head. "Hey! This
place is dangerous! Are you sure it's safe for normal people to live
here?" she complained.
"What? Oh my, you are fortunate. The Tree has forgiven
you for your accident and has given you a branch as a token. When
we get to the house I'll have the wizard or priest see what magic it is
imbued with. By the way the mage will need to speak with your
Nabiki in order to set the proper receiving coordinates in the circle. I
trust you can contact her?"
"Sure," the martial artist stated shortly. She wasn't too
pleased at how the 'gift' had been delivered. Still after the chi attack
had gone out of control like that she was lucky to still be welcome.
Now she would have to go find someplace private and shout at
Anhur again. Maybe Nabiki could figure out a way to contact her
directly.
Perhaps by the time they arrived at the estate the enchanted
clothes she wore would have cleaned themselves a bit. Squelching
slightly as she walked she trudged after the Emperor.
When the Shogun arrived at the designated area, an
excavated vertical column, ten feet in diameter led straight down into
the earth. No sign of sword or dragon was seen except tracks similar
to those seen under the Sacred Tree. The wizards that made up the
party agreed that enchantments had been used to create the tunnel,
and spent most of thier time there arguing the exact method and
magic used. The Shogun was more interested in the present
location of the blade, but no effective means were found to track the
artifact or the creature responsible for its theft.
Chapter 12
Komar watched from the side of the dojo area as the combat
progressed. It was glaringly obvious to her that Ranma-chan was
not fighting to her full potential. It wasn't just the lack of mass
destruction and the fact that the building was still mostly in one piece
that clued her to this. What really underscored the fact was that
Ranma-chan stayed mostly on the ground. There were no
extravagant leaps, somersaults, or other seemingly impossible
maneuvers that had been so common in the fights that she had
witnessed out in the wilderness. Yesterday when she had brought
up the subject in front of the monk she had been sparing with she
had earned a flush of embarrassment and been hushed by Ranma-
chan.
Later that evening, after the slightly disgruntled martial artist
challenger had left Ranma-chan had explained things to her.
"Yeah see Komar...there's actually a couple reasons why I
didn't use all my techniques. The first is that I asked the Emperor to
have these fighters challenge me so I could expand my knowledge of
the modern Japanese Martial Art schools. If I used everything I
know the fights would be much shorter. Of course I'd win...but what
would I learn? So I limit the techniques I use in combat to the
schools of those who fight me. I am challenged by a master of
Ninjitsu, I defend and attack with the same school."
"But you still win. What can you learn from these fighters?"
"Yes, I win but it fight takes much longer. I have pretty
much already mastered most of the traditional martial art schools,
but not all of them. You may notice that when I first fight someone
they usually seem to be doing really well?"
"Sure! I got really worried. I thought you were sick," Komar
answered quietly.
"Well, that happened when I am unfamiliar with his school. I
haven't mastered the offenses or defenses of my opponent yet. They
get a few good hits in. Fortunately even with me keeping my chi
level as low as possible I am incredibly durable in this world so I can
afford quite a few hits," she mentioned in typically modest Saotome
fashion. "As the fight progresses I see more of the style and
integrate into my own. I also get better at pulling them off. Not
everybody is happy with how I learn things. I fought a monk two
days ago who mighty pissed that I was stealing his precious Zanji
Shinjinken-Ryo technique, fortunately he kept attacking me anyway.
He should have fought me in another style if he didn't want me to
learn. That or fight me in the dark. He had some good moves and
even some painful attacks."
"Why keep your chi levels down? Isn't high chi levels
good?"
"If I were fighting for real, sure. Proper focus of chi allows
incredible increases in strength and speed. In this world it also
makes me very difficult to hurt. However it goes back to what I was
saying about learning as opposed to winning. If I was using chi like I
do for a real fight or even back home, the battle would be over in
minutes and I wouldn't learn very much," Ranma-chan continued
thoughtfully. "I been trying to adapt the Way of the Silent Thief to
suppress my chi and aura. It doesn't make me as weak or fragile as
a normal human, but it does...temporarily...partially compensate for
the durability training that I've spent most of my life practicing."
"So the people you fight aren't as good as I thought they
were?"
"Ha! No, they're some of the best the Empire has to offer.
They're good too, even by my standards. Some of them could give
Shampoo or Ukyo a serious run for their money. I'm just really
awesome," Ranma-chan shrugged, causing Komar to dissolve into
giggles. Ranma-chan looked slyly out of the corner of her eye at the
little girl, "It also helps that even with the aura suppression I'm about
five times tougher than anyone I've fought. They do practice body
hardening but it usually just involves being beaten with punches,
kicks, training under a waterfall...you know...wimpy stuff. The
Breaking Point training would seem to be suicide for them. Their
training is enough to stand toe to toe with the oni, but they're at a
serious disadvantage with greater supernatural creatures. They do
have a few decent attacks but...the only one who came close to
putting me down for the count was an old man I fought a few days
ago, Kirinen is his name. He used something he called the
Withering Touch. Hurt like heck," she smilingly reminisced. "It
disrupts the chi to a huge degree. I think it might even kill a normal
person. I think he only used it 'cause we'd been fighting for an hour
and he was confident I would survive it. Man that was a good fight."
"But you won?"
"Yeah, but probably just because he waited till I recovered.
If he'd really pressed his advantage...I might not have won until the
second match," she stated with an impudent grin. "Later I stopped
using the aura suppression technique and asked the guy to show it
to me again. You know what?"
"What?"
"It still hurt like heck. It's probably about as effective as the
Chestnut Fist. It's not very effective through the bigger high tech
armor though. Give me a few weeks and I'll figure how to do it."
"You don't know yet?"
"Gee, I'm good, but nobody's that good. Any mundane
technique or style I can duplicate at a glance. Chi techniques are
different. Unless they're carefully taught to you by a master, they
require careful study and testing to reproduce. You can accidentally
kill yourself if you don't know exactly what you're doing."
"Kill yourself?"
"Sure. I've accidentally blown myself up several times trying
out a new chi technique. I'm pretty sturdy so at my level the real
danger is in manipulating the chi energies the wrong way. Chi is the
stuff of life and spirit, move it the wrong way or expend too much and
you might find you don't have enough left to animate your body. It
gets tricky with the powerful techniques."
Komar's attention returned to the present as Ranma-chan
expertly flipped her opponent over her shoulder and as he wobbly
got to his feet, she gave a slight bow to signal the end of the match.
As the man walked out Komar asked another question. "Why don't
you insult them like you did the oni and the weird girl we meet on the
road?"
Wiping the light perspiration from her face she turned her
head towards the child and cracked a smile. "Have no fear. I ain't
gained no culture or nothin," with a slight snicker she continued.
"Insults have their place in the martial arts. Pop uses them to
motivate his students...er...that actually just includes
me...hmm...maybe he's just a jerk. Nah, I'm sure it was part of the
training," shaking herself out of her introspection she spoke again to
Komar. "Anyway, I tried that method of training and it failed...really
badly. Akane just didn't respond well. Instead of using her anger to
push herself harder she would focus on me. Which helped me with
my own body hardening training but didn't do much for her. I guess
it depends on the person. During battle it can be used to make an
opponent make a critical error or act without thinking. In a contest of
skill the first to make a mistake wins. In a battle of brute force it
often
backfires though. It can be used to focus an enemy's attention away
from something else or simply relieve some stress."
"Sounds great! I'll start calling everyone names right away,"
Komar stated eagerly, only half joking.
"Wait! Let me finish!" Ranma-chan exclaimed, not wanting
to be blamed for creating an obnoxious brat. "There are also times
you don't use them. For example I mentioned the times it backfires,
it also creates strong animosity. Of course that's great when dealing
with a rival or enemy, after all who cares if they don't like you? With
friends...well I insult them, but I'm sure they know I don't mean it,"
she said, only a trace of doubt it her voice. Getting back to the point,
these martial artists came to help me perfect my art. They are not
challenging me for anything else and I'm not challenging them for
anything. It would be idiotic to risk alienating sparing partners for a
fleeting advantage. Not to mention that I don't want them to get
sloppy, the better they perform the more I can learn from them."
"You forgot to mention not insulting the Emperor or nobles,"
Komar piped in.
"If you already knew when not to use them, why bring it
up...hey, wait a minute! Nobles?"
"They can be dangerous...well not as much to you since
you've been given a title by the Emperor and have his favor," the little
girl advised with wisdom beyond her years.
Ranma-chan replied with an equal lack of wisdom belaying
her years, "I ain't going out of my way to insult them, but if they start
something Ranma Saotome doesn't back down," she growled,
already preparing retaliation to imaginary foes. People like the
Kunos really brought out the worst in her. Sure the estate was nice
but not worth cowering over, if that's what was required to keep it.
"My great aunt's a noble, she's pretty nice. She even has
someone escort me here whenever I want. She's really sad since
her husband died in the attack, but me and cousin Kato try to cheer
her up." She still missed her mother and father but had started to
accept other people besides Ranma-chan into her life over the last
few days.
She was happy that she was able to visit her friend and
savior every day. She had even been able to bring her cousin a
couple of times. Although she was alone today, they both enjoyed
watching the martial dance that had been constantly demonstrated
every day for the last week. As Komar left for that afternoon, Ranma-
chan sighed in regret. She was fairly certain she would be leaving
soon and the sometimes sad, sometimes perky little girl was one of
the things she would miss most.
There were other benefits to where she presently lived as
well. Ranma-chan's estate wasn't large, but it was comfortable by
almost any definition of the word. The cozy mansion had an open
garden in the center of the house and in the back it even had a
decent sized dojo, or at least some kind of building Ranma-chan had
been calling a dojo. Several residents were already living on the land
when she arrived. One servant lived in the house, taking care of
cooking and cleaning. Another lived in a modest house some
distance from the main house, he took care of the stables and the
grounds around the house. There were also a small number of
tenants who lived a bit further away. The samurai who had
previously been in the service of the noble had died outside the
palace during the attack on the Emperor.
Although the income from the land was modest it was
enough to support the house, two horses and a pair of servants in
comfort, if not style. There were also guests. Summoners and
wizards trooped down to the basement at all hours of the day and
night to set up the required enchantments for travel and protection.
They estimated the room would be ready in a week.
Ranma-chan had found the days since the Emperor's gift to
be busy. During the day she spared with the martial artists of the
Empire. She felt slightly guilty, since she held the majority of her
skill and techniques in reserve her opponents didn't get as much out
of the fight as she did. They did seem to go away satisfied though.
Later when his mission was over she would come back and maybe
teach some of the lesser techniques she knew in return. The greater
chi techniques could only be given to her chosen students. Those
she learned from Cologne also needed the matriarch's permission
before they could be taught. For now her time was devoted to
learning, at least until it was time for the next step of her mission.
Sparring was an excellent way to gain skills and a few chi
techniques, but she had found the scrolls brought to her
enlightenment as well. In the evenings she looked over the scrolls
for new information. She had invited Kirinen to help with this and
was delighted with the insight he offered in the techniques. In return
she showed him a technique that could be used in this type of
research. Many masters write down their techniques but are wary of
them being stolen or abused so they use a method that hides an
advanced technique within a seemingly simple technique.
Happossai, who was a master at many things, including theft, knew
the ciphers to many such codes as well as a method to create new
ones. The two martial artists stayed up late many nights pouring
over old scrolls.
Although many interesting things had been learned, the one
gem that stood out was an ancient chi technique called the Hadou
Ken. At first Ranma-chan dismissed it as a Fierce Tiger
Domineering wanna be. As she read further she realized the attack
drew ambient chi from the environment around her, making for a
potentially devastating attack. No details were given, only the
traditional vague allusion regarding the method, effects and results.
This was slightly frustrating but not unexpected, most powerful chi
manipulation techniques were written thus. Anyone capable of
taking such a description and realizing it was considered worthy of
the technique. It would be difficult but Ranma-chan gave herself one
month, maybe two if things got really busy, until she had learned the
basics of the attack. She gave the scroll to Kirinen as he left for the
night since she had already memorized it. To be honest she didn't
expect Kirinen to ever master it. He was good, but lacked the
extremely rare intuitive understanding of chi. Ryouga would. In fact
she would lay odds Ryouga would be able to use the technique no
more than a month after Ranma-chan used it on him. If not she'd be
happy to demonstrate as many times as needed. She smiled in
anticipation of the contest.
A slight sound and an imperfectly masked chi signature
brought her attention to the open window that stood high above the
dojo's floor. Without given the spy any forewarning she leaped the
thirty feet to window, leg coiled to deliver a blow. Before she reached
her target there was the creaking of wood, the sound of feathers on
the air and then silence.
Landing in a crouch in the window she extended her senses
into the night. It was risky but when fighting the unseen or well
masked it could prove rewarding to leave them a tempting target and
strike when the attacker exposed themselves. If course leaving
yourself open could end the battle before it began, but Ranma-chan
had faith in her abilities. After a moment of stillness Ranma-chan
was able to locate the foreign body in the darkness. Nodding to
herself she decided to take another chance.
"It's late to be out. If you've the inclination you're welcome to
come in for tea. If course if you've come to fight...that's even better."
The Shikome Kido-Mi sharpened it's claws in a relaxed, lazy
fashion. The dragon lay with it's coils spread on the smooth stone of
it's home. The elongated serpents body was characteristic of the
classic oriental dragon. In the histories most had an aura of majesty,
power, and wisdom. This entity possessed all of these traits in
abundance and one more most of the storybook creatures didn't. It
was evil. Darkness almost radiated from it's soul. Even the most
insensitive romantic would look at this beast and edge away from the
malevolence dwelling behind it's eyes.
Still it was as happy as such a creature can be. In its hands
it played with a small blade the size of its longest talon. Occasionally
it would grunt and delicately move the edge to trim the horny digit or
bring the tiny weapon up to one of it's eyes to admire it. An observer
who was telepathically sensitive may even have noted an odd
seemingly one way communion.
"Yes I can see how you would be glad to be free of your
confinement," the scaly head nodded at the blade, hearing a
response meant for no other.
"Well I appreciate that you wish to bond with me, I'm sure
we could start quite the rein of terror. However, you see there is a
problem. I am a dragon and you are a sword. Many dragons
shapechange but I am not one of them. If I wish to assume another
shape I must cast a spell."
A pause followed.
"No you won't languish in inactivity. I rescued you for a
purpose. If bond with you I will be able to call you back to me with a
single spell. Imagine using lesser mortals to wield you and when
they are inevitably slain in the natural course of events, returning
safely to me to be given to another pawn."
Another pause.
"Yes it is an attractive vision, and you are a very powerful
rune weapon. It is a crime not to allow you to be used. So we have
a deal. With the proper care our partnership could last for millennia."
The dragon nodded it's head again.
"Yes it's too bad about your last wielder. She sounded like a
useful mortal until she was defeated. I wish to talk to you about your
opponent. You may not be aware of this but my race holds the
wisdom of all the martial arts known to this world as well as being
skilled artificers and enchanters."
A moment of silence followed by a coughing chuckle.
"Yes, well our race isn't known for modesty, but I truly am as
talented as I claim. Still the fighter you faced demonstrated many
secrets that have been lost millennia in the past. I even admit to not
recognizing some of them. I sensed a strong spirit under that
irritating overgrown weed of a Millennium Tree and when I arrived,
witnessed a battle that impressed me. The one known as Ranma
could be an excellent tool if she can be tempted by forbidden
techniques. If she can't...well she is far too dangerous to confront
directly. The battle would be too even to make it wise. However by
your intervention I may be able to control or eliminate her as
necessary. After all one of the many useful traits a rune sword of
your magnitude is the chance to destroy the soul of the mortal
enemy every time you draw blood, regardless of skill or power."
A short silence after which the dragon to sharply shook it's
head.
"No. She is too potentially useful to kill out of hand. First I
will attempt to bend her to my will. If I cannot, she may still be a
useful dupe in my machinations. With the Japanese territories in
chaos there is much that could be gained. Especially since very few
seem to be aware of the Otomo Shogunate's duplicity. Only if she
directly opposes my goal can I give you leave to destroy her."
A longer pause, after which the dragon quivered with mirth.
"You certainly do hold a grudge," the serpent stated with a
certain amount of admiration. "Alright, regardless of how it turns out,
you can drink her soul after I'm done with her. I like you. I think we'll
get along well."
"I will take you up on that offer...both of them," an oddly
musical voice responded the Ranma-chan's challenge. A slight
rustle betrayed the movement a moment before a figure leaped from
the tree to the ground level entrance. "Since you seem to be
blocking my usual entrance, I suppose I will make do with the lower
one."
Out in the open under the light of the magical lanterns that
surrounded the building Ranma-chan was able to see the intruder
more clearly. Her first reaction was that she was dealing with one of
the Mount Phoenix people. The entity was revealed as a humanoid
bipedal figure with wings only just folding after the thirty-foot descend
to the doorway. This assumption was in conflict with the layer of
feathers which covered the body of the avian creature, instead of a
human head, a roughly hawk like visage gazed confidently up from
the ground back at Ranma-chan.
"Which do yeah want to do first?" Ranma-chan asked,
unsure if she wanted to fight or talk to someone who seemed to offer
such an interesting diversion in either case.
"My name is Talon. Let us drink and talk. I have word from
the Emperor. After we speak we can engage in a contest. I have
heard various things and I look forward to finding which tales are
true," the avian responded, good humor evident in the tone.
"Okay," Ranma-chan agreed readily enough. She had
heard little from the Emperor since he had escorted her to her new
residence. This must be the Tengu that the Emperor had promised
he would contact. She hadn't really given much thought to the
promise, being incredibly occupied with other concerns.
Considering the aura masking and the sinuous movements, that
bespoke of either extensive training or an incredible native agility,
she looked forward to a match. From what little she knew about the
Tengu they practiced a form similar to the Saotome school of
Anything Goes.
Descending to the ground she opened the door for her
guest, carefully keeping her senses open to detect sudden
movement. Surprise attacks were rare but had their place martial
arts challenges. Once inside she moved to the side of the room
where a kettle and a tray with several cups lay.
"Housekeeper's asleep so this will have to do," heating the
kettle with a small burst of hot chi. The subtle display was not lost
on his visitor, who nodded his thanks as he was handed a steaming
cup of tea. Sitting politely on one of the scattered pillows she looked
at avian.
"China?"
"Eh?" the visitor asked, confused by the unrelated remark.
"Are you from China?"
"No. Why would I be from there?"
"I've...heard of a place called Mount Phoenix where a race of
winged humans lived. Considering all the mutations I've heard of I
thought you might be from there. Are there a lot of your race
around?"
"Quite a few. I live near a monastery just a few miles out of
town. I'm considered a bit too serious for my own good."
"The monks think you're too serious?" Ranma-chan asked
confused, it must be an odd place.
"Heh. No, the monks and I get along fine. Obviously you
haven't met others of my kind. Most humans find they have an
extremely annoying sense of humor. I get along better with your
race myself. I take myself far too seriously," the Tengu said with a
smirk more sensed than seen.
"Well...admitting you have a problem is halfway to solving it,"
offered Ranma-chan with a smirk. "So what's the message?"
"Well it appears the Empire is under attack.."
"What? Let's go kick butt..." Ranma-chan leaped toward the
door, slightly surprised to find her guest already up and blocking the
door. She subtly increased her chi level by a minute amount. It
would allow her to speed up her perceptions slightly. This fellow was
much faster than she had given him credit for.
"No need for that. Our foes aren't outside the door or even
the city. Listen to the rest of the message. It would appear that the
attack on the court was merely the first step of our hidden foe. In the
last few days the Empire has contacted the New Republic. It
appears that they have been attacked as well. Though they escaped
with less grievous injuries. They have also attacked Takamatsu.
Takamatsu wasn't nearly so fortunate and has no government left."
"Takamatsu's the little island across from Ichto and the New
Republic, right? I don't see the connection it has with the others.
They aren't even near anybody."
"True, but they control a gate to another world and have
been using it's tremendous natural resources for trade. Lately their
factories and much of their social infrastructure such as the militia,
transports, warehouse and labor unions have suffered acts of
sabotage. This combined with the recent massacre has left the area
almost defenseless. People are rioting in the streets rather than
accomplishing anything constructive."
"That's...bad, but I don't see how it relates to the attack on
the New Empire you mentioned."
"You need to see the whole picture in order to understand
the parts. The New Empire's border has been attacked and nearly
overrun by oni. Although the attack caused us to start to gather an
army, they have been gathering around Kyoto..."
"Leaving the borders only weakly defended?" finished
Ranma-chan.
"Yes. Meanwhile Takamatsu..."
"...has been attacked by someone else while they were
recovering from the attacks," Ranma-chan finished grimly.
"You seem to know this already."
"I know tactics. Someone attacked the New Empire, the
Republic and Takamatsu. It makes sense that same group would
follow up on their one real hands down victory."
"Well that's jumping to conclusions a bit. Takamatsu's been
taken control of by the Otomo Shogunate. By that logic our border
with the Shogunate would be under attack rather than by border of
the oni."
"Have oni ever formed alliances?"
"You're really reaching here. Only an idiot would form an
alliance with the oni. They have no concept of honor."
"Okay. So they could just be taking advantage of the New
Empire's distraction. I'd keep a watch on your border with the
Shogunate. How have relations been with them?"
"Relations? They've always sucked. We've even had a few
little wars over the last couple of centuries. They use a little bit of
magic, but they spent most of the time doing perverted things with
their technology. But they've always been at war with the oni too.
No it's just a coincidence."
"Even though they're moving on Takamatsu? Have you got
any candidates for the attacks?"
"Well the Otomo Shogunate is on the shortlist. I'm not really
on the inner council or anything, but it's common knowledge that the
Shogun thinks they did it. He would have pressed the Emperor to
take action even without further proof if the oni hadn't attacked."
Ranma-chan was in an uncomfortable position. Thoth had
told her that the oni and the Otomo Shogunate were allied but she
had no proof, and the logic she was using was useless in the face of
someone who knew that no one ever made deals with the oni. The
New Empire may never know the truth until the common New
Empire/Otomo Shogunate border was invaded while all the
defenders were trying to deal with the oni. Chances are the Otomo
Shogunate would let the oni distract the New Empire until the move
into Takamatsu was settled and then make their move.
"What's the Republic doing?" she asked trying to come up
with a plan to help the New Empire. Technically her final goal didn't
depend on whether the New Empire fell, but she felt the need to do
something.
"They're going to Takamatsu's aid...or what's left of it. I hear
they're hoping to keep the Shogunate from reinforcing their position.
They asked the New Empires help. Would have gotten it too if the
damn oni hadn't attacked."
"What if I told you..." Thoth is going to kill me, "...that Lazlo
had sources of information that proved that the oni and Otomo
Shogunate were allied."
The Tengu stared at the red head for a long moment, an
unreadable expression on it's avian face. "I would have to ask why
you didn't tell the Emperor or the Shogun earlier."
"Lazlo didn't know the details of their plans. Only that they
had allied themselves with the oni. I didn't put together with the
attack on the Emperor until you mentioned the attack on the
Republic and Takamatsu. Even, although unlikely, it could have
been someone else except for the attack by the oni. One of Lazlo's
agents died getting the information to my immediate superior,"
normally the earnest expression on Ranma-chan's face would have
been impossible. She was notorious for being unable to conceal her
emotions. The deadly nature of the discussion combined with the
fact that most of what she said was true lent her an air of
seriousness that would have been impossible otherwise.
"This...is disturbing. If this is true the New Empire is in
danger of being overwhelmed from a completely different direction.
Even if it reacts to your warning, the New Empire will have difficulty
dealing with both threats simultaneously."
"Can you get the Emperor to listen?"
"Yes, or at least get an audience. It's difficult in a crisis like
this one, but I do know him on a personal level," a trace of
amusement crossed the Tengu's face, "He takes himself too
seriously too. It's how he got word to me that I might find a worthy
challenge. I will take your words to him. Doubtless he will call you
for more details. This is grim news on a day already replete with
such. You will find little thanks in being the bearer of this news.
Then again...neither will I. Our match will wait until later." With
those parting words the avian leaped up from his stationary position
by the door. Once outside the sound of feathers on air faded rapidly.
"Well, when you screw up, you certainly don't fool around," a
voice from the air caused Ranma-chan to jerk in surprise.
"Hi Nabiki. I couldn't do anything else. This seems to be a
really nice place. It doesn't deserve to be over run by oni and
robots," the martial artist said dispiritedly. She my have aided the
New Empire but she wasn't sure what this would do to her mission.
"Well, to tell the truth I'm not too sad either. I would have
lost a huge amount of money if this deal fell through." Of course it
would have mostly been Cindra's money, but that mattered little to
Nabiki. "Whether they can make use of this information is another
question."
"They are kinda outnumbered. I think they could have
handled either one...but together?"
"Yep. Sucks to be them. You however have a completely
different problem. Time is against us. Thoth said our original plan to
go to the New Republic is way outdated. He detects that a gate in
the Otomo Shogunate to Atlantis is active. Very active. Since you
won't have as much time to build a cover as we thought, you'll need
to borrow one. Fortunately, future brother-in-law, you've built up
quite a bit of good will and trust in the New Empire. We will
shamelessly take advantage of this to insert you into the Otomo
Shogunate directly."
"I don't wanna lie to them!" Ranma-chan shouted
indignantly.
"Ranma, you'll do as required. I've learned a lot since you've
been gone. The Old Ones are a threat that so completely
overshadows the petty squabbling of a few nations that even the
obliteration of the planet you're standing on would be worth the
success of your mission."
"Why you..." exclaimed an enraged Ranma-chan.
"Now calm down. If things work out you'll be in the perfect
position to make a difference to your new friends situation as well as
moving a step closer to tracking down the fellow causing problems
with the Old Ones. No guarantee's but it's better than what you have
now, eh?"
"Fine," the sullen Ranma-chan groused.
"All right, here's the story..." Nabiki continued to elaborate on
the plan into the wee hours of the night. Ranma-chan had to admit
it sounded good. Nabiki's plans always sounded good until she put
them into play.
Chapter 13
The wizened elfish figure stood in his private circle room
awaiting his guest while tapping a large steel staff absently on the
stone floor. Although immune to physical exhaustion as lesser
mortals knew it, he felt some amount of mental fatigue. So much
was happening, so much depended on the mayflies surrounding
him. At times it seemed they had no idea of the consequences their
actions had on the world around them. Oblivious to the greater
dangers while intent on petty power intrigues.
He wasn't sure why he had taken such an interest in
humanity. Perhaps it was the potential that they showed at the most
unexpected times, or the sheer waste of similar potential he had
witnessed in his youth during the cataclysmic final days of the
Elf/Dwarf war. The Western Empire had the potential to someday
surpass the feats of the earlier great civilizations. That was assuming
in didn't decline once more into the morass of chaos, civil war and
back stabbing political intrigue that had plagued the oldest human
country on Palladium since it's inception.
These days were good for the country, the Emperor was
both strong and wily. This was a combination that the Empire had
rarely seen in the long millennia that had witnessed it's steady
decline. Emperor Itomas had proven an excellent leader. In the
twenty years he had been in power the Empire had almost
surpassed all previous successes. The country was richer, more
powerful than ever it had been in memory, perhaps in its entire
history. Of course considering the threats that lay in the future the
power and military resources may be just be adequate for the
challenges before it.
A flicker in the circle caused him to start slightly. A creak of
metal made him wince at his own clumsiness. In a smooth motion
he grasped the steel rod in both hands and straightened it before
turning his attention to the circle once more.
"Greetings Summoner," he stated to the elderly figure now
standing in the once empty circle.
"Who...oh! I greet you Advisor to the Emperor, High Mage
of the Imperial Court and greatest living Wizard of this day and
age..." the crimson robed man stated, a slight bit of awe tinting his
voice.
"Yes, yes, yes let's not waste time on titles Summoner
Garthon, just call me High Mage. While I appreciate the Emperor
honoring me with the title, it's a bit long. We have many things to
talk about before you leave."
"Er...will I be able to speak with the Emperor?" the
Summoner asked timidly.
"No. I'm not sure what you've heard in Arcadia but many
things are happening in the Empire. The most prominent presently
being the rebellion of the Middle Kingdoms. Again."
"House Kaze?"
"Yes, House Kaze is leading the Middle Kingdom to rebel.
Not really a surprise, the Emperor has been expecting, and
preparing for it for quite some time."
"This makes my project even more important! If I can find
the Lost One..."
"I know. I've heard it before. 'It will ensure that the Empire
can sweep it's enemies away and a new age of expansionism will
ensue'. Is that what you were about to say?"
"You doubt, but it's true! Even the priests and psychics
verified the prophecy," Garthon stated indignantly, offended at the
sleight.
"It's largely irrelevant. The Empire has many things on its
plate. The Emperor believes it's the destiny of the Empire to expand
and conquer. That may be the case, but for the next few years his
attention is going to be on the rebellion."
"But after..."
"Afterward he will most likely be dealing with angry hordes of
Trolls, Orcs and Goblins clamoring at the eastern border. It seems
that House Clynn has infuriated the non-human hordes living on the
Old Kingdom Frontier. I would guess that by this time next month
the Clynns will have been executed and another House chosen to
replace them. Though it will be difficult considering that the Old
Kingdom Frontier is on the other side of the Middle Kingdoms.
Hmm. Actually, the Empire will be fortunate if those hordes don't
choose to attack while the Middle Kingdoms draw attention to
themselves."
"Then its even more important now..."
"Oddly enough the Emperor partially agrees with you. He is
a far thinking man and foresees a time where he will once more turn
his attention towards conquest. Despite your past follies, he is
willing to give you another chance."
"Follies? I almost had the Lost One in my grasp..." the
Summoner squawked.
"Yes! Follies! I can understand your first error, who knew
that your subject wasn't a true demon. It wasn't unreasonable to
depend on the traditional protection for summoning. We lost a few
of the Emperor's elite guardsmen, but mistakes happen. Your
second attempt simply boggles my mind with the stupidity involved.
You had no wizards, diabolists, mind mages or other backup
defenses, and sure enough the same thing happened but on a
larger scale."
"I thought for sure I had the correct bindings for a god..."
"You thought the Lost One was a god? No wonder you
failed so miserably. No the Lost One is a demi-god. He merely had
a bit of god's blood in his ancestry," the old elf sighed in resignation.
These scholars couldn't see what was in front of their noses. If his
attempt to summon and control an actual god had succeeded the
provincial capital of Arcadia would have been wiped off the face of
the world rather than just the one of the Imperial mansions. The
whole issue was pointless. The Emperor may be interested in future
conquest but he himself felt confident that other more vital issues
would divert his attention long before such plans could become
reality.
"Have you heard of the earthquakes and tremors in the Old
Kingdom and the Nimro Mountains?" the Emperor's Advisor asked
the Summoner in a halfhearted manner.
"Tremors? No, but only a few monster races and maybe a
few rogue dwarves live there," the Summoner dismissed the events
negligently.
"You should study history, it gives clues to the events that
are happening today. Never mind. Anyway the Emperor has
chosen to divert a resource that he could be using far more
productively elsewhere. Have you heard of rune statues?"
"Why, yes. They are weapons used in the Elf/Dwarf war.
They're a lost art, as is all rune magic."
"Yes. Rune magic is a lost art," and the world is a better
place for that fact, the wizard thought to himself, "but the Empire has
come across one of these artifacts and Emperor Itomas has chosen
to give you the temporary use of it to track your quarry."
"I...I am honored of course, but I thought these rune statues
were similar to the stone golems I used during my summoning.
Those proved ineffective against both the Lost One and his
companion."
"There are some similarities in appearance but little else.
The rune statue is indestructible and possesses a significant
intelligence of it's own. I understand your runaway sacrifice is a
fighter of legendary proportion, thus the native abilities of the rune
device are to be supplemented by magical devices of modern
construction."
"The thing can use magical devices?" the Summoner asked
in confusion. Magical constructs using other magical constructs
sounded like a pipe dream to him.
"Yes. Though they had to be specifically constructed for it.
It will be very powerful, but as all such rune devices it has it's own
limitations."
"Such as..."
"This particular statue can be active three times daily for one
hour each. I understand it's actually very good for this type of
device."
"Three hours a day? How will it even find him with that kind
of time limit?"
"That's where the devices that were made for it come into
play. Come. I will show it to you," the wizard stated as he stood up
from the chair and walked toward the door. The Summoner hurriedly
stood and followed.
"By the way, you won't be returning to Arcadia. Your
province borders on the Middle Kingdoms. Not only will it be too
dangerous to go back to your home at the moment, but you would
be distracted from your work. Besides the Emperor is temporarily
commandeering your home and circle room for the duration of the
rebellion. Considering your actions destroyed the Imperial grounds
he was going to use as a staging point it's only fair." A low groan
from the Summoner was heard.
"Don't worry, as I said, the rebellion won't last more than five
years," the wizard stated soothingly, a grim smile hidden as he
walked away.
After he had sent this idiot on his way he promised himself a
break where he could just lay in his lair and go to sleep for a few
weeks. Dealing with ephemerals was tiring and was requiring more
patience every time he talked to them. He still found it hard to
believe the foolish mortals didn't understand the significance of the
Old Kingdom and Mount Nimro. The Tristine Chronicles clearly
stated that these mountainous locations had their origins with the
Old Ones, perhaps even being the prison of one or more of the
legendary creatures. Well to be honest the Tristine Chronicles
spoke in riddles and veiled references, still a few millennia of
experience and study had prepared him to interpret some of the
writing. The Western Empire and the world in general had more to
worry about than mere conquest.
Nabiki looked at her ledger and allowed a warm fuzzy feeling
to suffuse her. Independence was hers at last. Despite Ranma
screwing up in the bargaining, two percent of all the trade through
Lazlo and the New Empire was enough to make her wealthier than
she had dreamed possible. Her only regret was that Ranma's trip to
the Republic of Japan was to be canceled. Her mouth watered at
the thought of the possible revenues.
The fianc�es were handling Ranma's absence remarkably
well. Cindra was waiting, confident that she was the sole reason he
would be returning. She constantly bickered with Akane and
Kodachi. When Akane wasn't arguing she enjoyed training Jess,
though she would occasionally give a wistful sigh and lapse into a
thought when she wasn't otherwise occupied. Shampoo and Ukyou
had left them mostly alone, considering them not worthy of attention
if Ranma wasn't involved. She had heard from Jess that Shampoo
spent much of her spare time perusing her grandmother's books
trying to find a way to follow Ranma. Obviously they had no clue
about the magic Thoth had given her access to and apparently Jess
hadn't mentioned it yet.
Since Ranma had left she had not had much to do except
study the book Thoth had left to her. Cindra had supplied her with
so much gold that to continue her petty betting pools and other
minor schemes seemed pointless. Besides without the pig-tailed
martial artist to act as a catalyst most of the profitable activity had
dried up. It was clear that her best interests lay in studying Thoth's
book as much as possible and continue to take advantage of the
windfall Ranma's adventure's supplied. She slightly regretted being
tied up as a priest to Thoth, but at present he was the only magic
game in town. After all she didn't have any Arch Mages beating
down her door begging to teach.
A sudden flash of light behind her caused her to whirl
around just in time to witness an elderly man falling off balance
towards her. It had been far too many years since her martial arts
training and she found her reflexes inadequate to prevent the man
from falling on her.
"Oh, dear. Sorry about this. My, you are a fine specimen of
womanhood," the man muttered under his breath. This didn't
prevent Nabiki from hearing since his mouth was next to her ear. As
Nabiki was recovering from the shock of the unfamiliar position she
heard footsteps by the door, followed by a heartfelt curse.
"Balthazar? Damn, I thought I had left you behind, you old
pervert," the dismayed voice of the princess could be heard.
"I could not stay away knowing that you were left to live
without me," he valiantly stated while trying to disentangle his limbs
from Nabiki's. She wasn't sure but she thought there was far more
contact than what was necessary.
"Father hunted you down like the dog you are trying to find
me, didn't he?"
"I wouldn't quite put it that way. Aren't you happy to see
me?"
"No."
"Stop the touching and just get the heck off me. Any more
touchy feely and I'll consider it assault, buster," Nabiki warned the
robed pervert. A moment later the Summoner stiffened where he lay
on top of Nabiki, his hands grasping embarrassing portions of her
anatomy.
"Argh! Get this freak off me!" shouted a very pissed off
Nabiki.
"Well, he's a bit heavy for me to lift. Why don't I get Akane.
She's got more freakish strength than anyone else I know," the
princess said with a snicker, than stiffened where she stood.
"I heard that, you bimbo..." Akane shouted in rage before
her voice was cut off.
I don't freakin believe this, Nabiki thought to herself. We've
had this damn Sanctuary spell up for weeks and they still get caught
in it every day. Jess won't be back from training with Cologne and
Shampoo for hours and Kasumi won't be much help. She'll probably
end up dusting me. Groaning in dismay she tried once more to lever
the man off her or at least remove his hands from their location. A
sudden glow from the air above her made her groan in
embarrassment.
"I say Nabiki, did I interrupt a private moment?" the wry
telepathic tones of Thoth could be heard reverberating in her mind.
"Er...no. Just working out some of the bugs in the
Sanctuary spell."
"I see. Do you still want it?"
"Yes! I mean, sure it just takes some getting used to. Heh,
heh," Nabiki said weakly, finally rocking the man back and forth
enough to tip him off her. "What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"I just wanted to check to make sure you told Ranma of the
change in plans."
"Yes. It's too bad he didn't get a chance to get to the
Republic. It would have been profitable."
"Well he'll be very busy doing other things. Why don't you
have Ryouga set things up for you?"
"Ryouga? I couldn't do that. He's probably either with Akari
or wandering aimlessly through the countryside."
"Actually Anhur tells me he's in the Republic of Japan right
now. I would appreciate it if you kept him busy. Ranma's going to
be in a very delicate position soon. Where he's going it wouldn't do
to have some apparent stranger wander up and challenge him."
"He's in the other Japan? I thought he had those cuffs to
handle his problem."
"I suppose he missed his friend. Whatever the reason,
please distract him."
"Well since you asked...of course I'll do it. Can I rely on your
help to add another set of coordinates to the transport circle. I'll
need to set up a bit of trade...just to keep Ryouga busy, you
understand."
A dry chuckle was heard, "Of course. Just to keep him
busy. Keep in mind that you have just had a highly qualified, if
intellectually and morally bereft, Summoner, er...fall into your lap.
You might make use of him."
Nabiki took a long look at the paralyzed mage, arms still
outstretched, as if reaching or squeezing something. "I'll be damned
as a priest of the Old Ones before I make any use of him other than
fertilizer."
"I suppose that means that I'll be working on the circle. Very
well."
Ranma-chan stood before the Emperor looking around her
at the scenery. It was impressive, the art, and molding reflected the
best styles chosen from various ancient periods and melded together
with a fine sense of taste. She was no art expert but it certainly
looked nicer than the old castle turned museums that she had seen
back home in Osaka and Nagoya. There the insides had often been
so gutted and modernized you may as well have been in an office
building. True, she had been in Toma's and Kirin's castles but her
mind had been on more immediate concerns. Also the monasteries
and villages she and her father had visited on her ten year journey
had been authentic but sorely lacking in proper care and furnishings.
A slight cough from the Shogun brought her attention back
to the people before her. She gritted her teeth in determination.
This conversation was sure to be awkward, but it was unavoidable.
"Greetings, Envoy," the Emperor began formally. Despite
the fact that they were gathered in one of the smaller, more private
audience chambers, there was plenty of room for the ten guards the
Shogun, Masayo, Talon and the Emperor. " I understand you have
some information for us."
"Well, yes. I guess Talon must have told you that I have
some information from my patron..." the martial artist began.
"Lazlo," the Emperor supplied.
"Hmm," Ranma-chan grunted noncommittally and
continued, "I don't really know the details, just that the Otomo
Shogunate is working with the Oni. I didn't think much of it until I
heard they were invading your border and you were ignoring the
Shogunate."
"It seems odd that they would trust the Oni so easily. It's
common knowledge that they are untrustworthy," the Emperor
mused quietly to himself. "If only there was some concrete proof."
"All I can say is I trust my source. He deals specifically in
information," Ranma-chan sweated as she threaded the thin line of
truth and misinformation. "I understand another of Lazlo's agents
died retrieving this intelligence."
"It would explain the timing of the attacks, as well as the
escalation of Oni hostilities we've experienced over the last few
months, my Lord," the Shogun stated quietly from where he stood.
"I suspected they were involved but was completely taken in by the
Oni ruse. It's actually brilliant. As long as the Oni don't attack the
Shogunate as soon as they launch their initiative on us. They may
or may not, they don't think like we do. It's a gamble but if we
followed their plan we would have been almost completely
undefended from that side."
"Yes, if your sources in Lazlo are correct it puts a very grim
face to our affair," the Emperor said faintly, obviously lost in some
inner realm of calculation.
"I...pardon me, your highness, for my boldness," the Demon
Queller looked up from where she had been staring at the ground,
trying to keep as unobtrusive as possible. "I know my judgement
means very little after my actions and I am here for no other reason
but my education, but I owe Ranma so much. From what I have
encountered in the past she has shown incredible mercy to me.
Despite not even knowing that I was possessed. I also have heard
that she saved your own illustrious life and was acknowledged by the
Sacred Tree." Ranma absentmindedly rubbed her head where the
tree's gift had struck her. "I just wish to say that we have every
reason to trust her," she ended in a tiny voice, turning her face
towards the ground once more.
"I do not doubt our envoy, I merely question the
interpretation her information source may have given it," the Emperor
began slowly. "Still, there is no doubt that if taken at face value it
makes the events of the last months take on a grim logic. We are
poorly prepared for this kind of multi-fronted war, especially after our
recent losses."
"We do have one option. I know you rejected it before, but it
seems to be the only option that offers more than a slim chance at
success," the Shogun rumbled.
"Yes, I suppose we'll have to contact the Republic. Our
interests converge more than I previously thought. I'm sure they'd
appreciate knowing the true source of our problems."
"Well they are still attempting to salvage Takamatsu, so I'm
not sure what they could spare for a joint effort, even if it would be a
strike directly at their target."
"I think that between us we could make it very reasonable.
Very well, it is no longer an issue solely for our Empire. We shall
attempt an alliance."
"Er, one other thing. This may be a bad time to mention it,
but I need a favor for Lazo."
"Well the timing is not the best, but if we can do anything we
will," the Emperor assured.
"As I mentioned, Lazlo lost an agent getting that information.
We need to replace that agent with another. Usually we don't send
spies, but my patron says that they're getting, or will be getting
serious supernatural aid. We had planned to slip someone into their
normal recruiting, but that would take more time than we presently
have. Do you know any way you could help?"
"This sounds like it requires more subterfuge than our
normal resources or armies. There are clans that follow the Shadow
path. Although they are mostly independent or attached to various
noble clans as lackeys, there are likely some that would
acknowledge me as Emperor. If I could get their attention."
"Well...umm...that is, my grandmother was known for
consorting with the less savory members of society in her day," the
Shogun coughed with some embarrassment. "I could contact her,
I'm sure she wouldn't mind setting something up."
"Oh, that would be very nice. I have been recalled by my
patron, but they could send the...agent they want inserted. He's
actually...a relative of mine."
"That's too bad. We'll miss you. Be sure to come back
when you have time. Your land and title will be waiting for you," the
Emperor looked speculatively at her. "How old are you?"
"Almost seventeen. Why?"
"Now that you're a noble you should be educated as such.
When you return we'll enroll you at the local school. It will give you
the chance to meet other well to do nobles. You're not married are
you?"
"Fianc�es! I got a bunch of them, remember?" Ranma-chan
desperately shouted.
"Hmm, too bad. Well it will give you a chance to socialize at
least, as well as learn the responsibilities that go with your title," the
Emperor shrugged. "I believe Masayo will be attending as well.
After the she cleared the stain from her family name. I don't think it
will be in session again until the current crises is over anyway."
"Thanks," she whispered. Ranma-chan visualized a whole
school filled with Kunos and shivered. Surely the weight of all the
stupidity and insanity would simply swallow up any such school.
"I suppose we have a bit of work to do! I will contact you
when we have word from the Shogun's grandmother. I remember
her, such a sweet little thing," an odd foreboding shiver ran down
Ranma-chan's back at the Emperor's words.
As she left, the Demon Queller moved to intercept her just
outside the chamber. Ranma-chan looked expectantly at the young
girl.
After a long pause the girl started speaking, "I just wanted to
thank you."
"It's all right..."
"No! Really! Not only did you save my unworthy life, but you
saved my family name. If I had succeeded in my evil actions while
using the sword our name would have been as good as dead."
"Well it was still stolen by a Dragon."
"That is unfortunate, but still not as shameful as a member
of my family committing such acts."
"Well...your welcome," she said slightly bewildered.
Someone was actually grateful for being rescued. She'd heard that
there were people like that, but had never encountered it herself.
When she rescued Akane or one of the other girls all she received
was a huffy 'I could have done it myself'. It always seemed a
reasonable attitude since that was a phrase she herself had used in
the past when people had interfered in her battles.
Ranma-chan was totally unprepared when Masayo threw her
arms around her and gave her an intense kiss. All she could do as
her brain froze was waive her arms feebly about. Masayo released
after a short time and quickly walked away down the corridor, leaving
a stunned pig tailed girl staring after her. A few moments later when
she realized that she was in girl form, a small "Uh oh" erupted from
her throat.
"Well you seem to have an admirer, eh?" the unexpected
voice caused her to whirl about in alarm.
Turning around she saw the Tengu standing before her, an
odd look of amusement on his face. Cursing her inattention she
stuttered out at fragmented greeting.
"Ah, to be young again. Then again I'm not that old. Hah!"
The avian paused long enough for Ranma-chan to gather her
composure. "I wanted to talk about your future development."
"Huh?"
"I can see you are well along in the path of learning you have
chosen. Later, when we spar I will be able to make a better
determination of where you are."
"Er...okay," Ranma-chan agreed hesitantly, not
understanding anything except the Tengu wanted to spar.
"I'll go into more detail later in private. You have a lot of
promise. It would be unfortunate not to see it developed," Talon
stated in a serious tone before also turning around and walking away
down the corridor.
"Yeah. Too bad," she watched the feathered man walk away
still wondering what the conversation had been about.
Please send any question or comments to
daniel.ruth@worldnet.att.net
The newest version of this story can be found at
http://home.att.net/~daniel.ruth