Ranma 1/2: Ranma No More Alternate History By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com (please respond to this e-mail address) Chapter Forty Five The next morning Ran Koh, Ryoga, Xian Pu and La Si are met at the door of the Nekohanten by Ukyo and Msu Tsu. All are wearing school uniforms, and long grumpy faces. They head toward Furinkan High School. They all tug at one part or the other of their uniforms. "Well at least we can control our changing and I won't turn into a guy while wearing a dress." Ran Koh bemuses trying to lighten the mood. "Xian Pu no see why must wear uniform? Xian Pu's clothes much comfortable!" She complains tugging at the collar. All the light warriors agree while they continue the walk to their new high school. Ran Koh watches out of the corner of her eyes as Ryoga and La Si hold hands and walk closely together. She smiles when she sees La Si lay her head on his shoulder. "Is nice La Si found husband, Xian Pu wish she that lucky." Xian Pu tells the sorceress when she comes up beside her. "You will Xian Pu there is someone out there for you, but you have to be open to it and not judge him by his faults." Ran Koh tells her knowing the history behind Msu Tsu and the purple hair Amazon. The group walks in silence which is only broken by the purring of Cali as she plays with Ran Koh's hair. They round the next corner and see the gates to the high school they all stop when they see the horde of boys. They then hear them roar in a single yell. They watch in fascination, as Akane Tendo runs by fists and teeth clinched. They watch while Akane does what she does best, beat up the school's male population. Ran Koh shakes her head in disgust, but can't tell if it is for the horde of hormonal boys or for Akane who fights against those who are not true martial artists. When the battle is over the four Light Warriors and two Amazons enter the school grounds. They quickly walk past the confrontation between Kuno and Akane. They try not to laugh at the stupid soliloquy that comes from Kuno's mouth. "Ahh, my tigress Tendo Akane these fools are a pitiful lot to believe that your heart would ever belong to them when it is I Kuno Tatewaki the 'Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School you wish to give thine heart to!" He tells her with wooden bokken raised. Movement catches Kuno's eye and he turns to have them fall upon Ran Koh and her group. He turns away from Akane and lashes out with his bokken placing it in the path of Ran Koh. She turns and stares coldly at the Kendoist. His eyes widen when the crystal amethyst eyes fall upon him. "The Gods above have deemed I Kuno Tatewaki the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School worthy to send their humble servant an angel to fight at my side." He bows to a confused Ran Koh. Akane watches as Kuno snubs her for a sex changing freak. She storms over and pushes Kuno aside. She stands in front of Ran Koh her aura blazing. Ran Koh looks at her then smiles. She bows then turns and leaves heading into the school. Akane watches with a look of shock then horror when she feels a pair of arms wrap tightly around her. "I knew in my heart of hearts that the fair Tendo Akane was mine alone. Tis to my joy that she shows to me her true love by jealously challenging my angel from the Gods to be my consort." His hands wrap around Akane, while he drones on. His mistake is when his hands fall to rest upon Akane's chest. The students in the windows see the mistake and gasp when Akane flares with a blinding light. The light reflects off the school doors and the group of warriors turns in time to see Akane bring forth a huge mallet and smash Kuno into the ground with it. They watch as Akane makes the mallet disappear. Ran Koh walks up to her with a curious look on her face. "Excuse me Miss Tendo, but may I ask you a question." Akane turns ready to swing a punch at her, but holds herself when she sees Suka and Yuri shake their heads. "_What_?" She asks with distrust showing on her face. "I was just curious as to how you made that mallet appear and disappear? My friend Msu Tsu carries many weapons as he is a Master of Hidden Weapons but he has never seen that technique before." Akane looks from Ran Koh to the young man with long black hair and gray eyes. Akane is confused this is the first time someone has ask that she explain her mallet trick. She does not like the girl in front of her since she is really a boy and a pervert. Why else would _he_ pretend to be a girl, but she also feels excited because someone actually thinks she is good enough to ask about her training. She blushes slightly, while she turns back to Ran Koh. The purple eyes before sparkling in the sun like the crystal they are colored after. She clasps her hands in front of her and looks down to the ground, because of what she is going to have to tell _him_. "I really don't know Ranma, when I get angry it just comes to me when I need it." Ran Koh looks at her with a raised eyebrow then turns to head into the school, she then stops and looks at Akane over her shoulder. "No matter what Genma Saotome tells you Ranma Saotome was killed by him in China, my name is Ran Koh Takashi, call me Ranma again and you will not like the consequences." She then turns toward her friends and heads into the school, leaving Akane in stunned silence, which rapidly turns to anger. She lets out a scream and charges the newest student of Furinkan High, raising her mallet for the killing blow. It never even connects, as Ran Koh turns and spin kicks the mallet from her hands. The mallet flies and hits a tree cracking it in half. The students watch the tree fall over, then turn back to see the new girl and her friends taking a ready stance for a fight. The battle is a short one. Akane charges the young sorceress and is met by a glowing wall of golden white. Ran Koh snaps out and grabs her wrist with one hand then the front of her jumper. Ran Koh lifts Akane off the ground and over her head, Akane struggles to get free. She then spins and throws her out toward the pile of unconscious boys. They hear the warning bell, and the warriors turn to look at the school. Ran Koh walks up to the young Tendo girl who is still on the ground. "A true martial artist would not attack those weaker then themselves." She starts waving to the bodies laying around her. "A spoiled brat would attack someone from behind just as you did. I will tell you this Miss Tendo, I am an enhanced martial artist as is all those that travel with me. Your skill is like that of a beginner compared to us, so be warned I took it easy on you time. Continue this course and you will make me do something I _may_ regret." She then turns and the group disappears into the building. Akane runs in after them and just makes it to class before the final bell. She sees the group standing at the front of the class talking to the instructor. She takes her seat and sees the awake boys drooling over the girls and the girls drooling over the two boys. Akane rolls her eyes in disgust at their behavior. The teacher then calls the class to order. "Class these are our new foreign exchange students from China. This young lady has requested to make the introductions." The teacher points to Ran Koh who steps forward and bows to the class. "Greetings, I am Takashi Ran Koh of the Japanese Amazons, this is my friend and brother Hibiki Ryoga, _he_ is engaged to my sister Amazon from China La Si. This is Msu Tsu and Ukyo they are also members of the Japanese Amazons. This is Xian Pu she is a Chinese Amazon. I know that to you their names sound funny it is because the Japanese can not pronounce them correctly. They have agreed to allow this mispronunciation to make it easier for you." She then bows when she straightens she sees a hand up from a young girl; it is Akane's friend Suka. "Yes you have a question?" Ran Koh asks the girl who nods. "Ranko is Mousse engaged?" Ran Koh stiffens and visibly calms herself as the class gasps at the multi colored purple aura. "First to answer your question no he is not, but he will be too busy to start any relationships at this time, but if he wishes to, _he_ will start them. Second although the Chinese Amazons have agreed to allow you to mess up their names. I did not my name is not Ranko, but Ran Koh my name honors my great ancestor and I would like it pronounced correctly." Ran Koh finishes with a cold stare at the class lingering on Akane. Akane's anger starts to rise; she stands and storms to the front of the class and grabs the tea the instructor brought in with him. She then turns and faces the class with sardonic grin. "Don't lets this pervert scare you _his_ name is really Saotome Ranma and is cursed to turn into a girl _he_ is really a boy, and only wants a cheap thrill when we go to gym in the afternoon." Akane rages, as she turns to face the white hair girl. "I am sorry Miss Tendo but they arr..!" The instructor never gets to finish as Akane throws the tea at Ran Koh. Akane is in a state of shock when Ran Koh did not change. She then reels when a howl can be heard coming from Ran Koh. Ran Koh's eyes flare with lavender fire, she then pulls Cali from her shoulder and the drenched kitten trembles as most of her body is covered with burns. {Momma Ran Koh, poppa Ryoga I hurt, I hurt, make the pain go away please!} The kitten cries to her adopted parents. Ran Koh's eyes flare brighter with anger and Akane takes a step back. The class watches and listens while Ran Koh glows brighter and begins speaking a dialect that has not been heard for eons. The kitten begins to glow a soft golden yellow as does Ran Koh. Ryoga watches her nervously then he glares at Akane promising her great pain if the cat does not make it. The other members of the group put themselves between the Tendo girl and the soul mates. To not only protect their friends but to protect Akane from her own arrogance and stupidity. The instructor watches with fascination, his eyes widen at the ancient dialect, he knows of that old language as his hobbies are the ancient languages from all over the world. The glowing finally stops and the kitten is sleeping soundly in Ran Koh's hands. Ryoga very tenderly picks the kitten up and heads to his chair with the help of his fiancée. They both sit by the window the kitten in Ryoga's lap while La Si fusses over the sleeping animal. "What is that stupid cat doing here anyway!" Akane asking louder then she should. "That Miss Tendo is non of your business, suffice it to say Mr. Hibiki has permission for that cat to be here. You will now stand in the hallway with two buckets of water. I will not tolerate you making unprovoked attacks in my class." Mr. Morboshi tells the girl and points to the hallway. Akane glares at Ran Koh, who stares coldly at her. She begins to mumble slightly under her breath and her eyes flare with lavender fire. She and the rest of her friends sit down near Ryoga and La Si and turn to face the instructor. /*\*/*\ In the hallway Akane stands with two full buckets. She does as she always does she puts the blame for her misfortune on someone else. She decides that this is all Ran Koh's fault. She shifts uncomfortably as the buckets seem to be getting heavier. When the end of the class arrives Akane is leaning against the wall struggling to maintain her grip. The instructor comes out and releases her for her next class. She re-enters the room and takes her seat, glaring at the friends siting by the window, they of course ignore her. /*\*/*\ The rest of the morning passes quickly and Cali is soon up and playing with Ryoga's bandana, when it is time for the warriors to leave. At the last bell they head out of school amongst the multitude of stares. They reach the center courtyard when Kuno who finally returns to school blocks their path. "Ahh, my angel from the Gods has come to look for me! Come to me, my beloved, and show the Blue Thunder the love you have come to give him!" The group stares at the moron with jaws agape, Ran Koh turns to her companions. "_Is_ this guy for real?" She asks pointing a thumb over her shoulder at him. Kuno not liking his angel ignoring him, nor does he like the fact that there are two males with her, makes a grab for her. {Ran Koh watch out kendo boy is making a move.} Just as Kuno's hand touches her waist Ran Koh leaps thirty feet in the air and somersaults over him to land behind him. Akane watches with stunned awe at the abilities of the changed girl. While she watches them from under a tree. Kuno starts to turn when his solar plexus is met with a quick kick sending him back into the wall of the school. Where he slowly sinks down to unconsciousness. "Come we have training to do!" Ukyo tells the group, Akane is even more stunned when she watches the group leave school. "Now I wonder where they're going?" Akane asks aloud of her friends. "Well the scuttlebutt is that they only have to be here for morning classes. They proved that they did not need to take the afternoon elective classes." Yuri tells her with a sigh as she watches Msu Tsu and Ryoga leaving with the others. "_Who_ is that?" Suka asks while pointing at Samuel standing at the gate. "Isn't he exotic *SIGH*" Both Yuri and Suka drool, Akane rolls her eyes but stares at him with a little awe. "AWW, man he is taken by Rank..Ran Koh!" Yuri whines when Samuel takes Ran Koh in his arms and kisses her on the cheek then gives her a hug. The warriors did not notice that Akane and her friends were not the only ones watching. Kuno having come too sees the display and anger flashes in his eyes. The friends watch as Kuno charges out the gate his bokken raised. "I WILL NOT ALLOW ANY TO HAVE THE ANGEL THE GODS HAVE SENT TO ME!" Kuno shouts as he chases after the warriors. The students begin to head toward the school gates, but before any can follow Kuno sails over the wall in frozen heap. He lands face first and skids to a stop in the soft grass next to Akane and her friends. "He has ensnared my golden angel with black sorcery, I shall free her!" Kuno moans through the pain then passes out. /*\*/*\ While the others were in school, the rest of Light Warriors begin to move into their new home. Daniel is given an apartment as well. He takes one of the remaining apartments on the first floor and agrees to share with Dr. Derek Cassia. Nodoka and the others help in moving what little belongings the Light Warriors at school have into their new apartments. Nodoka was not happy that she could not live with her daughter, but she knows nothing will happen between her child and Ryoga, since he considers her his sister above all else. She is also relieved Ryoga will be closer to her in the event that Genma and Soun try something. One of the original six apartments on the first floor is also being decorated for the soon to be newlyweds. Ran Koh deciding once Ryoga moves out she does not want a roommate. This saddens her mother but she tries to understand. She at least is still living near her child. When the students return to the 'Joketsuzoku Village' they are escorted into their new homes. Ryoga and Ran Koh each pick a room and deposit their books. Cali on the other hand has not stopped moving since they entered the apartment. She is enjoying herself exploring her new home. When she rounds the corner into the kitchen she tries to stop but like all cats she has no brakes and slides head first into a visitor waiting in the kitchen. There was a loud crash and a pitiful meow. Before either Ryoga or Ran Koh can investigate Sera saunters into the main room gently carrying Cali in his mouth. He drops the kitten at the feet the wide eye pair, when they hear giggling behind them. They turn to see Martina standing there, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He just showed up while we were moving in. I think he plans on being your room mate especially when Ryoga moves in with his new bride." Ran Koh looks to Sera with a look of confusion, and Ryoga blushes beet red. {Sera, what has happen that you have stepped up my protection?} Ran Koh telepathically asks the ten-month-old Siberian tiger. {During your meeting last night the panda and his friend was in the place of food. They are getting braver, I will be staying with you and poppa Ryoga.} Sera tells them with no room for argument. Ran Koh looks at Ryoga who just shrugs reaches down and pets Sera then turns and heads to his room, Cali following behind playing with the ties that are around his lower legs. Ran Koh looks at Sera and gives him a mock scowl. {You may stay and have full run of the building to help protect the others from those two buffoons also, but only from them and those they may bring with them, alright!} Sera thought for a moment then looks to his momma Ran Koh. {I will also protect you from those who over step their bounds! I will not kill them but, they will not cause you or any of the other warriors you gather trouble!} With that Sera turns and heads into Ran Koh's bed room and lays on the floor next to her full size bed. "Didn't go as you expected?" Ran Koh turns and sees her mother standing there. A smile crosses her lips. "No, Sera has a mind of his own, but it will be fine. He has agreed to protect all that reside in the apartment building, which means at night he will be roaming around, he will also be free during the day. So it will be imperative that he gets to know everyone and any new people that join us." Ran Koh says staring into her bedroom at the sleeping tiger. "That is not all is it dear?" Nodoka asks her daughter, Ran Koh shakes her head. "No, he still considers me and Ryoga as momma and poppa, so if any of the warriors try anything I don't like way he will remind them he is here. I am afraid it will be a very painful lesson for the others." The young sorceress explains as she turns back to face her mother, Nodoka wraps her arms around her worried daughter with a smile. "Well at least he will protect the others too, AAHHH!" Nodoka jumps and Sera runs into the room at full alert. Ran Koh giggles. When the cause of the fright attacks Sera next only to have a large tiger paw placed gently but firmly on her back. Sera leans down to look into the excited face of Cali, who stretches up and licks the bigger cat's nose. Sera jerks his head back up in surprise but never removes his paw. He looks at the two giggling women with confusion but all Ran Koh can do is shake her head and laugh. Sera leans down again and licks the little kitten, leaving a drenched Cali to look shocked at Sera then her laughing momma Ran Koh. /*\*/*\ High on a mountain in the Himalayas on a plateau near the top a black light can be barely seen through the low flying clouds. The boulders on this plateau surround a fairly large lake at its center. In the exact center of the lake is a small island where the ominous black glow resides. Shadowy figures move through the shadows of the boulders. Black energy surrounds the boulders, sparking and crackling while the deformed figures pass. The black glow on the island glows deeper and blacker as the figures approach it. The black lightening begins to shoot from rock to rock and ancient chanting in shrill warble voices speaks out. On the island is a pedestal of black onyx covered with the tanned skin of the evils victims. The shadowy figures are drawn into the black orb feeding it nourishing it. The energy begins to pulse inside the orb as the twelve scared and misshapen monks continue the dance and song of evil. The black lightening begins to shoot out striking from boulder to boulder. The power surging around the silent guards of stone. Once the lightening has connected all the boulders it begins to shoot toward the island's center and the growing black orb. The monks begin to chant faster and hobble quicker, as the lightening strikes at them they grunt in pain then while still moving they turn to the orb in the center and shoot the lightening at it. The lightening courses over the orb as some enters the orb the rest travels down the pedestal, the blackness carrying with it some of the evil from inside the orb. The blackness travels across the small island reaching tendrils of evil into the burrows of small animals and draining the life that was once theirs. The evil reaches the edge of the island then plunges in spreading through the water to the edges of the lake. The blackness sucking the life force out of all that lives in the deep lake. Under the island the lake bursts open and the evil seeps into the new opening. When it retreats from the opening, the black grotesque twisted crystal begins to emerge. It pushes up around the island, making it the center of the black crystal. The growing crystal reaches out and begins to absorb all that is living around it, growing larger as it absorbs more. The blackness retreats back to the island leaving a desolate lake. The crystal pulls in the evil residue helping it to grow. The blackness recedes back toward the orb, it slithers in between the monks and back up the pedestal and into the orb. The black lightening comes more rapidly as the power in the globe grows. It finally expands past the confines of the orb and begins to grow out ward. The monks continue to chant and move on two sets of circles one going clockwise one going counter clockwise. The evil overflowing the globe continues to expand until it finally covers the monks. Their screams would have been heard by the creatures of the island, if there were any left. Deep in the center of the growing orb, a blood red glow can be seen.