Send C&C to: oddball22@hotmail.com Find my stories at: www.geocities.com/kaiphantom2000 Ranma 1/2: New Challenges Minor Disturbances Chapter 10 She had just laid down to go to sleep for the night. Then, without warning she could actually feel `it' descend upon her. She lost all control of her body, almost as she had been paralyzed. She could feel her senses leave her, one by one. She gasped and moaned, but there was no escape. Touch was first as her body went numb. Her sense of smell disappeared next, followed by hearing. The world went black as her sight left her, and all she could sense was her dry mouth, before that too, went away. {You have one more sense.} Miyo realized she did, even as `it' took control... "So you think that's where they're headed?" Tenma asked. Akara nodded. "The fallback point was recently changed to the Kuno estate, if we were ever seperated. If any of the army survived, they would gather there." She looked up at him. Ever since that one night, things had been easier between them, but by no means were all the issues resolved. Miyo asked in fright. If they heard, they didn't show it. "Then we should make haste," Kae agreed. "The House of Kuno is still three day's travel northward from here." The three travelers had been on the move for a couple of days already, ever since leaving the battlefield that once was the camp of Senshin's army. They had pushed themselves hard ever since then, trying to stay ahead of the Dark Shogun's army. Chances were that it was somewhere in the area and they didn't want to risk discovery. Their advantage was that three people could move a whole lot faster than an army, so they hoped to make the Kuno Estate in time to warn them. For most of the trip, they worked in silence, more intent on making good time then idle conversation. Kae had vanished several times, supposedly to recon the area around them, leaving Tenma and Akara alone for long periods at a time. This usually when they talked. In the past few days they had talked a little of themselves, and getting to know each other. Tenma wished he could go faster, but Akara was holding him back some. While in top physical shape and a good martial artist, her endurance wasn't as great as Tenma's, and seemingly Kae's as well. The kunoichi was a mystery. She said little, and refused to open up at all to Akara's probes. The youngest Tendo began to wonder what kind of secrets Kae held. She kept these thoughts to herself, however. Miyo thought, worridly. But in truth, she did. She understood all of what was happening, except how she could be here. Glancing down revealed her hands and the rest of her body, but it was translucent. It was almost like being a ghost, floating in mid- air. She had control of herself, but was unable to control where she floated. It was more like some sort of virtual-reality she was watching. But she wasn't wearing any sort of VR gear now. Instead, she was forced to watch as the three travelers made their way north. Akara scanned the map. "There's a town in that direction." She pointed east. "I remember being there two weeks ago. We could probably barter for some horses and make better time." "Maybe, but it would take several hours to get there," Kae observed. "But we could be there by this time tomorrow if we got some horses!" Akara countered. She turned towards the single male member of the group. "What do you think, Tenma?" Her look said he'd better say yes. Tenma gulped. "Well, I suppose it could be worth a shot." He looked up. "At the very least we lose a few hours. I estimate we're at least a day ahead of the army as it is. But we can gain a full day if do get a few horses." Akara smiled. "Thank you, Tenma." Tenma laughed nervously, disarmed by her gaze. "Uh sure, no problem." Kae frowned. "Very well, if that is your decision, I suggest we get moving. If we're lucky, we can make the town before nightfall." Miyo thought to herself, her fear diminishing some and logical thought returning. {Just watch} Miyo was was so stunned by the voice, she didn't reply. In fact, they did make the town just as the sun disappeared over the horizon. But their hopes were dashed when it looked like the town was deserted. Nobody could be seen and many of the wooden buildings had their windows boarded up. The three walked down what was obviously once the main dirt road through town. "Well, this was a waste," Kae said evenly. Akara was aghast. "I don't get it. This town was lively with people a couple of weeks ago." "Obviously, the townsfolk got scared of the Dark Shogun's army and left," the kunoichi explained. "Quite understandable." Akara's facial features darkened. "The Dark Shogun again! He doesn't even have to show up to cause misery!" With a mighty kick, Akara lashed out at a wooden fence post and snapped in half. "Feel better?" Tenma asked. "No!" she retorted, then stomped off. She stopped after a few yards and sighed noisly. Then she turned back around. "Okay, I'll be better, but we better get going." "We should make camp for the night," Kae suggested. "We've had a long day of travel and we need to rest and regain our strength. We'll leave again at first light." Tenma sighed. "Good idea." He nodded towards a barn-like structure. "I suppose we could stay in that tonight." The kunoichi nodded. "I'll meet you there later. I want to reconnoiter the area." She leapt to the top of a nearby building without waiting for a response, and then was gone. "Coming?" Akara asked, sarcastically. "Or are you going after her?" Tenma noticed his gaze had lingered to where the ninja woman had gone. He quickly turned back to Akara and walked towards the barn. "Whatever. If I didn't know better I'd swear you were jealous." She joined him and they walked to the barn, crossing her arms over her chest. "Me? Jealous of a pervert like you!? HA!" Tenma sighed. "Don't even bring that up again! I told you it was an accident, I didn't mean to walk in on you in that stream!" She rolled her eyes. "Oh sure. You just wanted a good look, like every other man!" "Jeez, you can be so uncute!" "What did you say!?" She stopped, noticing some activity from the top of the barn. "Tenma, look out!" He stopped, too. "What?" He then sensed something approaching from above and instinctively flipped out of the way. A figure was attacking from above and had struck the ground right where Tenma was standing moment before. There was a small explosion when the figure landed, and the dirt flew up, obscuring who it was. Nobody moved for the next few seconds, then the figure emerged from the dust cloud yelling. "Saotome Tenma, Prepare to Die!" Miyo asked. But there was no answer from whatever spoke to her before. Instead, she watched helplessly as the man in the yellow shirt and headband attacked Tenma. "Ryo!" Tenma exclaimed, while dodging the slash from the guy's weapon. "Long time no see, buddy! How ya been?" "How have I been!?" Ryo yelled back. "Is that all you can say to me!?" Akara was aghast yet again as Ryo attacked Tenma with an... umbrella? "Tenma? You know this guy?" The pair exchanged a flurry of attacks. Well, Ryo launched a flurry of attacks and Tenma dodged them. "Sure! Hibiki Ryo, meet Tendo Akara!" Ryo missed yet again with an umbrella swipe. "Quit trying to distract me!" "So why are you trying to kill Tenma?" Akara asked, still somewhat confused but recovering rapidly. Ryo ignored her, but stopped attacking and pointed his umbrella at Tenma. "Why are you here? Did Satsu finally kick your sorry butt out?" "Chill, pig-boy," Tenma said, sobering. "He died." He turned away. Ryo holstered his umbrella on top of the backpack he wore, his face solemn. "He's dead?" Tenma nodded and Ryo snorted. "Figures. I thought you'd be the death of him." "I had nothing to do with it!" Tenma yelled. "There was an earthquake and a rockslide buried him! I... I couldn't get to him in time." Ryo turned back around and headed for the barn. "I won't kill you today, Saotome. In honor of the memory of Satsu." He reached the barn doors. "Oh, you can stay in here for the night if you want." Then he disappeared inside. Akara walked up to Tenma. "Who was that and how do you know him?" "Like I said, his name is Hibiki Ryo. He and I trained under Satsu for awhile together." Tenma sighed. "He was one of my only friends until he left." "Why did he leave?" He shook his head. "I don't really know. He just seemed to grow increasingly unhappy. He said he'd prove himself to both Satsu and I, and then left." Akara didn't say anymore as they entered the barn, and Tenma didn't volunteer any additional information. With the exception of a dark look sent Tenma's way, Ryo was quiet as well while the bed mats were unrolled. Kae didn't say anything either when she returned. Yep, there was a whole lot of silence going on. Akara's mostly asleep mind felt something. Her hand unconciously tried to bat it away, which only worked for a few seconds before the sensation returned. As her brain ascended out of the layer of dramland and into reality, she realized what the sensation was. A tongue was licking her face. So she screamed. The tongue disappeared, so she opened her eyes and saw Tenma sleeping face. Naturally, she came to one conclusion. "TENMA NO HENTAI!" *WHAM!* "What'd you do that for!?" Tenma yelled from the other side of the hole in the barn wall. By this time, the other two occupants of the barn had woken up. "What's going on?" Ryo asked sleepily. Akara was on her feet by now, and fuming. "You were... you were... You were licking my face!" Tenma was back up as well, and back inside the barn. "I was what!? I was asleep! I didn't do nothin'!" "I don't care if you think you are my fiance," Akara said. "That doesn't give you the right to try and take advantage of me!" "Tenma!" Ryo shouted, getting into the conversation/yelling contest. "How dare you try and take advantage of an innocent girl!" "Stay out this!" Tenma and Akara shouted at him in unison. Kae sighed and shook her head. Then she looked up and saw something "Excuse me, but since it seem Tenma-san was asleep at the time, so maybe this is what licked Akara-san." The three teens stopped and glanced at the light brown horse Kae was pointing at. The next sound was of six eyes blinking. "Ah, geez," Tenma grumbled as he proceeded to pack his sleeping mat. "Stupid uncute tomboy." Akara hmmph'ed and walked over to the horse, who tried to once again lick her face. This time, Akara let it. She giggled as it tickled her nose. Ryo laughed. "I guess he likes you. Normally he doesn't like anybody but me." "He's yours?" Akara asked. "Why didn't we see him last night?" "Gaijin doesn't like to be confined, so I let him roam while I sleep. He always comes back in the mornings." Kae blinked. "You named your horse, `foreigner'?" Ryo chuckled. "Yeah. Just because he's not like other horses." "Come on," Tenma said at last, his backpack packed. "We're wasting time, we should go." "Where?" Ryo asked. The gist of the situation was explained to him. "Well, if you need to get to the Kuno castle fast, I could take Akara-san on Gaijin." The youngest Tendo smiled at him. "Thank you, Ryo-kun. You're so nice!" Ryo chuckled nervously. "No problem!" Something unpleasant passed through Tenma's stomach. "That's not a good idea." "Tenma-san is right," Kae agreed. "I doubt your horse has the stamina to carry two people the distance we need to travel. However, if Akara-san could borrow Gaijin and they went full speed, she could make the Kuno estate by nightfall." "But Gaijin won't let anybody else ride..." Ryo stopped as Akara mounted Gaijin barebacked. "Well I'll be..." "A pig's uncle?" Tenma suggested. "Shut up, Tenma!" Ryo snarled. He turned back to Akara and Gaijin. "I guess." He petted Gaijin's nose. "You'll take care of her, boy?" The horse snorted. "Alright, be careful, Akara-san." "I will," she replied, nodding. "Thanks again, Ryo-kun." She trotted up to Tenma. "Thanks for all your help, Tenma, and... I'm sorry about this morning." Tenma sighed and waved her off. "It's ok, Akara. I've gotten hit worse. And I should arrive at the Kuno estate by tomorrow evening, so, I'll see you later." "Okay." For a few seconds, her eyes met his, and it seemed as if a multitude of ideas and feelings passed between them. Then it was over and Akara was giddying Gaijin into action. The trio watched as woman and horse disappeared northward. Miyo asked yet again. But again, there was no answer. The scenery blurred once again, and Miyo's ghostly body was dragged somewhere else. "I still don't think a jerk like you deserves her," Ryo was saying as they traveled northward. Tenma sighed. "That's the 50th time you've said that in the last two hours." "Why is she with you anyway?" "I told you. Satsu sent me to meet with Tendo Senshin, and now I've been roped into helping him. The two old men seemed to have conspired to engage me to Akara." Ryo grumbled. He thought back to their last meeting. `Thank you, Ryo-kun. You're so nice!' "Yo, bacon-breath, snap out of it!" Tenma commanded, waving his hand in front of Ryo's face. "Don't tell me you're falling for the tomboy." "Shut up, Tenma!" Ryo yelled back. "It's none of your business!" He looked around. "Say, where'd that ninja woman go?" Tenma shrugged. "Don't know. She likes to scout around." As if on cue, Kae leapt from a nearby tree and landed on the dirt road beside the two men. "Find anything?" "I think so," she replied, but before she could say more, several dozen men in black samurai armor stormed out of the surrounding forest. The trio found themselves with no where to go. "Who are these clowns?" Ryo asked, drawing his battle umbrella. "Ryo, meet the Dark Shogun's army," Tenma offered. "Or at least a large scouting party." "Actually, they're my personal troops," A new voice proclaimed. The man who belonged to the voice stepped out between his troops and presented himself. His he wore less black armor than his troops, and a black cape flowed from his neck. He also wore no mask. "It's good to finally meet you Saotome Tenma." "Who're you?" the pig-tailed martial artist asked. "Allow me to introduce myself," the man said. "I am Genshi, one of the Dark Shogun's generals. You're capture and detainment has been ordered, so I shall carry it out." "Why me?" Tenma asked, surprise. Genshi shrugged. "The Dark Shogun has his reasons. Now, will you surrender quietly, or do we have to play a little first?" Tenma cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Just try me." He could sense Ryo taking a similar stance to his right. "Very well, if that's the way you want it. Kae, do it now." A split second of surprise was all they had, as the ninja woman lanced out with both hands and struck their necks. The two boys crumpled to the ground. "Very good, kunoichi," Genshi said, coming up to her. "Keep this up and you will have a home in the Dark Shogun's realm." "I live to serve," Kae intoned, her eyes glinting dangerously. Miyo watched in shock as the bodies of the two boys were hauled off. {Watch and learn} But the voice didn't reply. The scenery blurred yet again. Again, night was beginning to fall as Akara reached her destination. She had to take a couple of breaks to let Gaijin rest, but there were no interruptions and the journey was made smoothly. She began to relax when the high walls of the Kuno castle came into view. Situated on a large plateau and surrounded by high walls, the Kuno Estate was a formidable fortress. Only a few small paths led up to the main gates that enclosed a small city within, making sieges difficult at best. Which was good, considering the Kuno army was relatively small. The desire of the people in within to remain free and their belief in their safety from any threat are what pursuaded the Kuno family to ally against the Dark Shogun. It was with in this walled estate, that Akara hoped to find the rest of her father's army, and maybe her family as well. She rode up to the closed gate, and was told to halt by the guards standing at the top of the gate's spires. "State your business!" "I'm Tendo Akara, daughter of Tendo Senshin. I demand to be let in!" "Do you have proof of your identity?" one of the guards called. "Of course not!" She yelled back. "If father or sisters are in there, get them to come. They will be able to recognize me!" The guards took a moment to confer amonst themselves. Then one took off. The other looked back down. "We will shall if you are who you claim to be. In the meantime, you will wait where you are." Akara sighed, but jumped off of Gaijin. She settled down to wait while Gaijin grazed on the grass. It was almost an hour later when the gate was finally opened. Akara walked Gaijin in, but stopped when she saw who was waiting for her on the other side. "Sister!" Akara hugged the older girl. "Kimiko! I thought I'd never see you again after..." Her voice dropped off as a few tears stained her cheeks. "It's alright, imoutochan," Kimiko soothed while the gates were closed and locked again. Gaijin nosed Akara. "And it looks like you've brought a friend with you." Akara pulled herself out of the hug. "Yeah, this is Gaijin, a horse that belongs to one of Tenma's friends." Gaijin whinny'ed happily while Kimiko stroked his head. "Well he certainly seems friendly." Worry crossed Akara's features. "What about Dad and Nayrumi?" Kimiko started to walk down the stone streets and Akara went with her. Gaijin seemed content to follow behind the two girls. "They're fine," she said, but something that flitted across the older girl's face told Akara that something wasn't fine. "They're waiting in Lord Kuno's mansion in the center of town. I suggest you save your other questions for when we arrive. Father and Nayrumi can explain best." Akara knew she wouldn't get anything else out of her older sister, so she let her self be led along wile losing herself to her thoughts. She sighed, and tried to banish the dark feeling she had gotten during her journey here. She looked up at the darkening sky. A short walk later brought the pair to the mansion, and Akara turned Gaijin loose to roam with the rest of the horses. Then they were ushered into the throne room. As they entered, Akara beheld the older man, who was obviously Lord Kuno, sitting on his throne. Her father and other sister were standing off to the left and there was another boy standing off to the right that she didn't recognize. A short man, dessed in dark royal clothes, stopped them midway across the floor towards the thrown. "Who approaches Lord Kuno?" "I am Tendo Kimiko and I bring my sister, Tendo Akara," Kimiko stated. The little man nodded then stepped aside, allowing the two girls to continue. They stopped in front of the throne. Kimiko dropped to one knee and bowed her head. Akara, not knowing what else to do, mimicked the motion. "You may rise," Lord Kuno said, speaking for the first time. The two women stood up, to be joined by their father and other sister. "Indeed Senshin-san, she is most beautiful. What do you think Tateyama?" The boy dressed in a blue hakama standing off to the right, walked a few paces forward. His gaze traveled over Kimiko's gentle features, passed Nayrumi's intellectual gaze, and settled on Akara's face. He smiled and nodded. "Indeed, they are all beautiful, father." "Have you decided then?" the father asked. Akara had a sudden sick feeling in her stomach. "Yes," Tateyama Kuno said at last. "I pick Tendo Akara to be my bride." The sick feeling was confirmed. Lord Kuno nodded. "Very well! The wedding will be held in two days time!" "WHAT!?" Akara screeched, finally finding her voice through the disbelief. "What's going on?" "Mind your manners, woman," Lord Kuno commanded. "In order to gain our help, I have decreed that Tateyam may pick one of Senshin-san's daughters for a bride if he wanted." He chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid the women around here are not my son's type." "I am NOT getting married!" Akara said forcfully. Tateyama reached up to caress Akara's face, only to find it slapped away. "How dare you touch me like that!" "Do you think she may be too much for you son?" Lord Kuno asked. "After, yo may pick another if you choose." His son's frown slowly turned into smile. "No. I like my women feisty. I shall wed this fierce tigress!" Lord Kuno clapped his hands. "So it shall be! Let us make ready for the celebration!" Akara was suddenly surrounded by several more women clothed in beautiful kimonos, and they started to drag her away. As she left the royal court, she could make our the faces of her family, and they all seemed to echo the same sentiment. It was strongest on her father's face. They all seemed to say, "I'm sorry." Miyo floated there, awaiting the next scene, but it didn't come. Instead, blackness descended. There was a flash, and she suddenly found herself back in her bed. She felt drained of all her strength, and yet was still unable to move. She took several long breaths, while she waited for her strength to return and her heart to slow down from it's rapid beating. She blinked and looked around at her room. She did know she was due for another one of those dreams, but she never expected anything like this. She got about two a month, but she didn't have any last month. Then two of the most vivid dream experiences she had ever had, hit her this month, but she was at a loss as to explain why the change occured. One thing was for certain, someone or something was behind this, but she didn't know who or why. All she could do, is hope to weather the experience and record what she learned. Though she'd record this latest experience in her book, she couldn't do it now. She was tired and it was 1 am in the morning. Something told her she'd be missing the dance tonight.