Team Akane

Written By Tony Chen

Begin Ranma 1/2 Z Part 13

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*Cut to Doctor Gero’s base. We see a rectangular pod where Ryoga is held. Attached to his head are a number of small probes. Thin streams of electricity shoots out from the side of the pod to the probes. Images of Ranma, Akane, and all of whom he knew, appeared again and again in his mind since he was brought to the chamber several hours ago. He was haunted by these images, all of which slowly contorted into disfigured and freakish entities, served to crystallize the hatred in his heart. Minutes later, the energy flow from the pod to Ryoga’s probes stopped. The pod mechanically raises itself to be vertical to the floor; at the same time, a cylinder glass shaft slowly elevates from the ground, entrapping the pod. Some mechanical arms attach a mask over Ryoga’s mouth, as the shaft begins to fill up with a greenish liquid. The pod then opens, exposing Ryoga’s body to the fluid, then raises itself up and out of the glass shaft. The top of the shaft closes; the sound of a generator starts itself, and the liquid begins to bubble.*

*Cut to the adjacent room*

Gero: I trust everything has gone smoothly?

Cyborg X: Just as you predicted. Hibiki was at his weakest state of mind, making it easy for me to break his will. He was foolish to believe everything I told him. The Akari Unryuu hologram worked like a charm.

Gero: Yes. We’ll have to keep the real Akari and her pig sedated for now. They still might be useful later on. What is Hibiki’s current status?

Cyborg X: Just finishing process of partial memory erasure and reconstruction. Like you said, he would be a much more powerful fighter with his real body; only his thoughts needs to be changed in order to turn him over to our side. In a few minutes, he’ll be going through the physical enhancement procedure, making him more powerful than if he trained for a hundred years. In a sense, I did give him what I promised. If he met Saotome in battle, Hibiki would undoubtedly win.

Gero: Don’t let overconfidence make you off your guard. My experience with Sun Gokou has shown that time and again you should not underestimate your enemy. It ultimately lead to the destruction of my cybernetic body, by a Cyborg of my own creation. It was fortunate that my main processor was not totally damaged, and was able to slowly assimilate the surrounding metals in what’s left of my original laboratory. It took me years, but finally all the essential systems of my body was reformed, and I was given another chance. I will not let that happen again. I will waste no time making this world mine. When Hibiki is done with his enhancements, I will have his first mission ready.

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*Cut to an outer space scenery (imagine Star Trek). We see a tiny speck of light zooming by. The shape of the object becomes distinct as it gets closer. The main shaft is in a cylindrical shape with a rounded head, and is propelled by what seems to be two rocket boosters attached to it’ sides, only they emit yellow beams of light instead of rocket flames. As the view shifts to the main window of the craft, we can see Trunks toggling with buttons and controls.*

Trunks: Computer, calculate time of arrival on destination.

Computer: 6 hours 54 minutes 27 seconds.

Trunks: Almost there. *Slams on a panel* If I didn’t run into that asteroid field, I’m would have been on Namek by now! Ug, might as well catch up on who’s the guardian there right now, how many wishes and what’s the limitations. *Looks up* Computer, show the current status of planet Namek according to our history database.

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*Cut to the Tendo dojo, still the same morning. Akane is standing on the living room’s opening, blankly staring into space. Someone slowly comes from behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder*

Akane: *gasps and turns around* Ryuu! Oh, it’s you.

Ryuu: Well good morning to you too. What’s wrong?

Akane: *looks toward the ground* He’s...... gone.....

Ryuu: who?...... *thinks a bit* Ranma?

*Hearing the name “Ranma” made Akane twitches slightly. She says nothing, only gravely nods*

Ryuu: Why that..... that jerk! Where the hell does he think he’s going at this time! He can’t just bail out on us! That’s it, I’m going after him. Which way did he go?

Akane: *shakes her head* No, if I know Ranma, he can be stubborn as me sometimes. He’s not coming back. From now on we’ll just have to count on ourselves.

Ryuu: But but.... what can we do?

Akane: *sigh* I don’t know, but if I only learned one thing from being with Ranma all this time, it’s that you can’t give up, no matter what; even though Ranma himself gave up. I’m not going to just sit around while some lunatic doctor from the future is planning to destroy the only world I know of.

Ryuu: *looks somewhat surprised* Tendo Akane, if you’re that determined, then I’ll stick by you all the way. You can count on me.

Akane: *thinly smiles* Thank you, Kumon Ryuu.

*A bicycle bell can be heard ringing from a distance. A few seconds later, a familiar cry of “Aiyah!” can be heard coming from just outside the dojo walls, accompanied by a purple mass of hair in glistening armor leaping over the fence.*

Akane: Shampoo?!

Mousse: *trailing after Shampoo’s entrance, and lands in the yard* Shampoo! Wait for me, my darling! *Runs with arms outstreched*

Shampoo: *turns around* Mousse, why you hugging sticky plant?

Mousse: *jumps up from pain* Ahhhh! Get it off me! Get if off me! *Madly plucking out the spines from his skin*

Akane: Hey! What do you think you’re doing? And what’s with the armor?

*Indeed, Shampoo is wearing a battle uniform that she had worn once previously. It is mostly white in color, sporting golden wristbands for each arm, an emblem of a Dragon on the front and a Phoenix on the back. The belt buckle consisted of a Yin-Yang symbol. A stretch of velvet ran from the belt to her ankle in front and behind her legs.*

Shampoo: Aiyah! This is Miracle Amazon Girl Protection/Destruction Battle Suit. The Yin protects Shampoo from serious hurt, and the Yang makes Shampoo’s attacks stronger! Also make me light as feather, and fast like Ranma.

Akane: *not impressed* so, what you doing here?

Shampoo: Weird dream told Shampoo to help Akane. Don’t know why, but Great Grandmother always tell Shampoo to do what dream says.

Mousse: Yeah, same here. It says you need help against a great evil.

Shampoo: Until this over, we partners, yes?

Akane: {hmmm, having Shampoo and Mousse on my side won’t be that bad, but I still gotta watch out for her tricks} Ok Shampoo, you too Mousse.

*The sky suddenly darkens, as the sun is momentarily blocked by a giant black Minotuar with wings, tentacles, and a tail, descending from the sky.*

Ryuu: Not the freak show again....

*The creature lands, grabs itself a kettle of hot water from the living room, and pours it on himself*

Tarou: what did you call me?

Ryuu: well if I knew your name.....

Akane: Ohaiyo, Pansuto Tarou.

Tarou: Don't call me that!

Ryuu: Pansuto Tarou, is it? *Grins*

Tarou: say that again and I’ll grind you to the ground.

Ryuu: *jumps back* want to try me?

*A voice calls out from roof of the house*

Kirin: Stop this bickering at once, for you are under Kirin’s presence.

*After Kirin comes Toma, Herb, and finally Shinosuke; each with their respective entrances*

Akane: wow, I’m overwhelmed, don’t tell me all of you are here because you had some dream?

*Everyone nods*

Shinnosuke: Akane, how did you know? But that is beside the point. It seemed that we’ve all arrived here for a common purpose.

Herb: but where is Saotome?

*Akane explained*

Shampoo: Ranma... gone?

Mousse: I always knew Ranma was not dependable. {Now’s my chance to show Shampoo I’m better than Ranma}

Tarou: So the half boy half girl finally cracked

Herb: watch who you’re calling half boy half girl.

Akane: *shouts out* just stop it! Just forget about Ranma! He’s gone, and that’s that. We have more important matters at hand.

Shinosuke: Akane, you’re taking this better than I thought...... but you’re right. Besides, with all of us here, we can do just fine without Ranma.

Ryuu: I trust all of you have gone through some training since our last meeting?

*Everyone nods*

Ryuu: good, cause we’ll need it against the type of enemies we’re facing. I know, I’ve fought one of them head on.

Toma and Kirin: as did we.

Ryuu: Then you know how dangerous they can be. None of us alone, except maybe Akane, can possibly hope to take on a Cyborg alone. From this point on, we’ll need to fight like a team.

Shinnosuke: I agree, and as with every team, we need a leader. I nominate Akane.

Akane: Shinnosuke.. m..me?

Shinnosuke: *smiles at her* Of course, we are drawn here to protect you.

Akane: *smiles* Ok, I accept. anyone have any problems with this? Oh, and Kirin, Toma, and Herb, from this point on we’ll be fighting side by side as partners. It doesn’t matter to the enemy that you’re princes, they’ll attack you just the same. So at least for the time being, could you drop the royal attitude?

Kirin and Toma: As you wish, Akane.

Herb: It’s acceptable. Fine, since we’re all in this together.

Akane: Tarou? Shampoo? Mousse?

Tarou: sure, why not, I’ve got nothing better to do.

Shampoo: Shampoo in!

Mousse: you know I’ll never let Shampoo face dangers all by herself, Akane Tendo. I’ll guard her with my life.

Shampoo: *whacks Mousse into the pond* You no embarass Shampoo!

Muu-muu Chan: *climbing out of pond* Quack quack!

Akane: Then it’s settled. *Beams brightly* We’ll show Doctor what’s his face what we’re made of.

Herb: I have an idea, why don’t we all spar for a while, so we could test our abilities and how to utilize it to it’s fullest extent.

Kirin: Agreed. Kirin suggests a Battle Royale where it’s every man for himself.

Akane: Excuse me?

Kirin: *coughs* every person for themselves.

Shinnosuke: No, that’s not a good idea. Since we are working on team work, I say we split ourselves into two teams.

Akane: Good idea Shinnosuke. Alright, now let’s form the teams.

*After some arguing, the teams have formed: Akane, Shinnosuke, Toma, and Ryuu. VS Shampoo, Tarou, Herb, Kirin, and Mousse.*

Toma: we can’t do it here, I do not wish to face the wrath of Akane’s father for damaging his home.

Akane: *nods* yeah, I don’t think our insurance covers this. It specifically states: “In the event of abnormal conditions, such as being demolished by human chi projections, smashed by huge minotuars and the sort; or the wrath of God, this contract becomes null and void.”

Ryuu: then come with me, I know of a perfect fighting spot.

Kasumi: *comes out of the kitchen* Oh before you go, why not have breakfast first?

Soun: Great idea, Kasumi, these brave lads must not fight on an empty stomach.

Genma: I don’t mind having a second breakfast myself.

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*Cut to a huge playground, accessorize with swings, mazes, trees, and a metal pipe structure. Most of the ground is covered with snow from last night’s snowfall. The fighters arrive on the scene, carrying buckets of cold water and kettles of hot water.*

Ryuu: ok, this is good. Now what should the rules be?

Shinnosuke: No deliberate destruction of the surroundings.

Shampoo: *setting up a ramen booth* No scare customers away. Must get great grandmother here before Shampoo fight so she could sell ramen. *Roof hops to the Nekohanten*

Akane: Nothing that would cause serious injury.

Shampoo No fighting all out.

Toma: ok, then lets begin, shall we?

Cologne: *arrives on scene* Be patient for a little while, while I am gathering up everyone that didn’t leave Tokyo here to witness this. It should give them some insurance of staying in Tokyo, so the Nekohanten wouldn’t be out of business. *Motions to Mousse*

Mousse: *takes out a huge speaker and amplifier, and jumps to a nearby roof * Come one come all! Witness the wondrous warriors who will protect Tokyo from any supernatural danger.

*The resident of the house that Mousse is on opens the window, and throws a wooden slipper at Mousse’s face*

Resident: Hey! I’m trying to sleep in here!

*Minutes later, the playground’s borders begin to fill with spectators. The entire population of Furikan High and their family is there. They, having witnessed the powers of such fighters many times in their school, have no doubt in their ability to protect Tokyo. Residents who is aware of the existence of fighters with amazing abilities also joined the crowd. News vans rolls into the scene shortly after the announcement. There is also a long line of people in front of the ramen booth, ran by Cologne.*

Ryuu: *looks around* this is not what I had in mind.

Herb: Hai, but this adds to the challenge of the spar. We’ll have to be careful to not hurt the innocence.

Shampoo: *looks around* Where spatula girl? She usually come and ruin Shampoo business.

Akane: *shrugs* I dunno

Tarou: I’m getting tired of this, let’s begin! *Grabs a bucket and splashes himself*

*The crowd gasps and steps back at the sight of the monster in front of them*

Akane: Alright! *Adopts fighting stance* ready your weapons if you have any. Remember your teams. when I give the word......

*all the fighters become tense, as they prepares themselves. Shampoo takes out her bombori, Mousse brandishes his sharp accessories, Kirin readies his chopsticks, Toma draws out his sword of illusion, Shinnosuke reveals his battle broom, Herb takes off his cape and flings it aside, Ryuu cracks his knuckles*

Akane: GO!

*The two teams collide. Akane goes after Shampoo, who is happy to oblige. Shinnosuke goes after Tarou, being used to fighting oversized monsters. Toma and Kirin faces off. Ryuu jumps at Herb. Mousse throws chains and weapons at all members of the opposing team. Akane breaks a section of the chain, and uses it against Shampoo’s bomboris. Shinnosuke jumps all around Tarou, and hitting him from everywhere. Tarou tries to grab at Shinnosuke with his tentacles. Kirin attacks Toma with his chopsticks, sending a wave of them at him. Toma counters with a slash of his sword, and Kirin hits nothing but air. Ryuu and Herb each trade punches and kicks, admiring each other’s skill. Mousse helps Shampoo out by distracting Akane with various thrown weapons. Akane is forced to the defensive. Seeing her opportunity, Shampoo jumps at Akane. Akane grabs a chain out of mid air, jumps to the side so that Shampoo would collide with the chain. Akane then goes around Shampoo, wrapping her in the chain, and flings her at Mousse*

Mousse: Shampoo! I’ll save you!

Shampoo: *breaks the chain by raw strength, and kicks Mousse down* Shampoo no need saving! *Looks at Akane* you lucky Shampoo promised no fighting all out.

*The crowd oohs and ahhs at the spectacular scene. The camera crew desperately sets up their equipment to capture the action*

Camera Man 1: quick! Put in ultra sensitive high speed tape!

*Mean while, Herb has forced Ryuu near the metal pipe jungle. Herb lunges a punch at his opponent, who sways to the sides, grabs onto a bar, spins around it, and kicks Herb from behind his lunge. It was an advantage for Ryuu, since the armor that Herb is wearing will be a hassle that would slow him down. Ryuu goes after Herb fiercely. Herb blocks all he can; suddenly his shoulder plate is caught between two bars, and Ryuu lands a solid punch to his stomach. Herb gets angry, and releases one of his chi attacks at Ryuu. Ryuu jumps away from it, and sees the jungle bars melt. They resume their fight in the open.*

Ryuu: hey that was cheap! If you want to duke it out with chi blasts, that’s fine with me. *Prepares a fireball*

Herb: *grins* you think you can defeat me in my own field of fighting? How foolish. RYUU SEI HISHOU!

*Herb uses his dragon spirit flight, leaps at Ryuu while surrounded by chi, and two huge fireballs comes out of nowhere and crushes Ryuu in between.*

Ryuu: *gets up* owww... we’ll see. KIJIN RAISHUU DAN!!!!! *Fires his chi blades at Herb*

Herb: easily countered. *Throws a few of his own fireballs.*

*Herb manages to block Ryuu’s blades, but a foreign object that Herb didn’t expect hits him in the face*

*SPLASH*

Ryuu: Let see how good you are now.

Herb-chan: *wipes some water off her face* heh, now you’ve annoyed me. *Throws a single fireball at Ryuu*

Ryuu: what, is that all? *Jumps out of it’s way*

*The fireball is now heading for the crowd, which desperately runs for cover*

Ryuu: *turns around* oh shit! Damn I should have canceled that out!

*Herb-chan tightens the expression on her face, concentrating on something. The fireball suddenly turns skyward right before hitting the spectators, comes back, and hits the astonished Ryuu*

Ryuu: *gets up from the ground* what the? How....

Herb-chan: Know that I am the Master of Chi. Over my training, I have perfected my control over chi, and is now able to control my projectile’s every movement, even after it leaves my body.

Ryuu: Kuso!

*The others have also momentarily stopped their fighting to notice Herb’s feat. Toma was the first one to snap out of it, and lands a flying fist at Kirin’s cheek.*

Kirin: Ugh! *Rubs his cheek* you shall pay for that!

*The two princes continue their brawl, trading jump kicks and punches to each other’s body. Meanwhile, Shinosuke is having trouble with Tarou, and occasionally suffer blows from his powerful arms and tentacles. Just as Tarou was going to smash Shinnosuke to the earth, Akane comes and tackles Tarou with a kick. Shampoo and Mousse follows Akane, throwing out bomboris, chains, mallets, spikes, and blades. Akane jumps over Tarou and the monster takes a multitude of punishing blows.*

Shampoo: Aiyah! Why big stupid get in way of Shampoo’s bombori?

Mousse: Sorry about that.

*With his bruised body tangled in chains, Tarou angrily turns around, and looks at Akane and Shinnosuke with bloodshot eyes*

Akane: Hey, no hard feelings, eh? Common Shinnosuke!

Shinnosuke: Hai, Akane. *Gets side by side with her*

*on the other field, Ryuu is now really getting beaten by Herb, not being able to get pass his chi blasts. Kirin have received a lot of damage from Toma. Toma, with his illusions and teleportation ability, have rarely been touched by Kirin.*

Toma: *looks over to Ryuu* hmmm, he’s really getting burned. Looks like my teammate needs tom help. *Swings his sword over his head, disappears in a flash of light, and reappears next to Ryuu.

Ryuu: *looks at Toma* huh? What...

Toma: How about we trade opponents? I’ll take care of the Chi Master, and you’ll be a much suitable opponent for Kirin.

Ryuu: Deal. *Leaps to Kirin*

Kirin: *wipes some blood from his mouth* So, the coward decides to run away and send you as the replacement.

Ryuu: Shut up and fight

Toma: Herb, let see how does your chi attacks fare against me. HINO NAMI DANSU!!!! *Spins his sword and sends a wave of fire at Herb*

Herb: I know that your tricks are merely illusions.

Toma: Guess again, over my training I’ve perfected my secret arts so that my illusions are no longer just illusions.

*Herb, not realizing his mistake in time, toasts in the fire. But he quickly quenches it down with some chi emissions. *

Herb: For one so young, I must congratulate you for your skill, but now you shall face my wrath.

Toma: Any time. *Stands ready*

*The team battle continues into the afternoon*

Akane: *rests on her knees, with sweat dropping on the grass* That’s enough sparring. *Looks up* Everyone stop!

*The practice drill has finally ended. Tarou turns back into human, revealing he has bruises and bumps everywhere on his body. Shinnosuke’s broom has lost it’s end, and complaining something about his family heirloom. Herb takes some warm water and turns back into a guy, nursing some burns on his skin. Kirin hides his chopsticks, looks over his ragged clothing. Ryuu looked just as tired. Toma sheathes his sword behind his back. Mousse is wearing his fourth pair of glasses, and most of his robe has been shredded. Shampoo stands there, not a piece of her battle suit was damaged, although she appeared quite tired.*

Cologne: *looks up from her customers* So soon?

*The crowd slowly disperses. Some stayed around and cheers the fighters, who heads toward the Dojo to get some rest.*

Akane: *wiping some sweat off her face* So, how does everyone feel?

Shinnosuke: It was exhilarating, I haven’t fought like that since..... ever.

Ryuu: Nothing like a good fight to get your mind off of troubling thoughts.

Herb: Too bad I was not able to test my skill against Ranma.

Akane: *looks to the ground* mmmmm........

Toma: *elbows Herb* be more sensitive, will you?

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*Cut to outer space view. Zoom in on Trunk’s ship*

Trunks: *stares at a tiny green sphere the view screen* Finally, Namek. Now the trouble is to get the natives to cooperate.

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*Back at the dojo*

Kasumi: *looks at the ragged band coming home* Oh my, looks like I’ll need to make a trip to the pharmacy.

Nabiki: No need, sis, I already have a backup supply of first aid stuff. Of course, convenience does come with a price.

*Money is passed between some grumbling fighters and Nabiki, as they received treatment for their injuries.*

Shampoo: *smiles* Shampoo no pay.

*Everyone took turns taking a bath to get refreshed, and discussed each other’s abilities*

Akane: Herb, mind telling us again of how you managed to change the direction of your blast?

Herb: Well, I was training my chi abilities at my homeland. One day while I was making Mint and Lime my practice targets, I accidentally threw a blast headed for the sacred Kaisui-fuu. I willed my chi blast to change it’s course, and turned it back to Mint and Lime. Since I realized that I could master the next step that would make me the ultimate master of chi. I realize that developing more powerful chi attacks is nothing compared to the mastery of control over it. I’ve been training for that ever since, and was finally able to master the technique. What I did earlier was only small sample of my power. Now I am engaging in the study of an even more difficult level. Observe.

*Herb closes his eyes, extends his hands to a nearby cup, and concentrates hard. The cup begins to stir and raises itself above the table*

*Everyone either gasps or show signs of amazment*

Akane: Telekinesis......

Herb: *lowers the cup back to the table surface* No, not telekinesis. I merely extended a portion of my chi, surrounding the cup. The cup became a object of my chi, and since I am able to control my chi, I am able to control the cup’s movement. Mind you this is very difficult, I still have a long way in perfecting this ultimate technique.

Shampoo: Shampoo heard very bad legend about technique. Ancient warrior from Musk Dynasty use it when he was angry; killed everyone in his tribe squeezing their hearts, killed himself also.

Herb: I know of this legend. It was why Mint, Lime, and I are the only survivors of my people. The technique’s secret has been sealed off from the world, but now I have rediscovered it.

Akane: Err, yeah, just keep your power in check, ok?

Herb: *chuckles* Akane Tendo, I promise to only use it when nothing else works. Like I said, I only know the basics of it, there’s no way I could kill anybody with it.

Akane: I noticed you’ve gotten some nifty tricks yourself, Toma

Toma: Oh.... yeah. It’s nothing much, but I can now do very quick teleportations, and I’ve master the sword of illusion....

*A loud knock sounds from the main gates*

Akane: *stands up* who’s there? *Goes outside*

*As Akane opens the gates, a horribly disfigured looking youth falls to the ground beneath her feet, as though he had been in a major battle. His eyes are darkened, his hair looking as if a chicken had danced on his head, his cheeks were puffing, his shirt looks as though it had been burnt off, exposing his body full of black and blue spots.*

Everyone: *in unison* Ryoga!?

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-End part 13.

Sorry it took so long for this to be done, but this is the only free time I’ve had in weeks. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’m sorry Ukyou still haven’t appeared yet, but I promise that in part 14 she definitely will show up! It’ll come out in one week (hopefully) See ya there! And don’t forget, mail me!

Tony Chen
(Ranma Nibunnoichi)

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nibun@hotmail.com