Tragic Warriors

Written By Tony Chen

Words in brackets shows thoughts {}

Begin Ranma 1/2 Z Part 12

======================================================================
=============================================================================

*It is late evening in Tokyo. The view slowly closes up on the Nerima District, then shifts downward until its directly over a familiar estate with a small pond surrounded by rocks and a traditional dojo, encircled within the confines of a wall. We closes up on a lonely figure standing upon the doorway of the main room. Her attention is directed to the outside, where snow flakes were descending and drifting aimlessly from the sky. Her eyes seemingly hypnotized by the complex yet soothing dancing array. Laying beside her near a fire is young figure marred by dark bruises and tattered clothing accumulated from a previous battle.

Akane: *in a thin voice* Ranma.....

*The fallen hero merely quietly chokes in reply*

*A sudden noise coming from the main gate signals that the rest of the family has returned. Soun, Genma, Nabiki, and Kasumi comes into view, each wearing heavy jackets and stocked with gift-wrapped boxes of Christmas presents.*

Soun: Todaima!

Akane: *looks up* Oh! Okaeri nasai, otou-san.

Genma: Ha ha! Is this the best deal we ever had or what? All things at the mall were from 70 - 90 % off!

Nabiki: Really, Mr. Saotome? Hmm, I think you got ripped off.

Kasumi: Now Nabiki, I don’t see how the prices of things could get any more affordable.

Nabiki: Onee-chan, you have so much to learn when it comes to business. All you’ve got to do is be a little more persuasive, and you could get anything you want for free. As for me, *grin* I bargained with that hapless store owner until he agreed to PAY me the price of his colognes in order for me to buy it.

Soun: It is strange how this is possible, especially during the holiday season.

Nabiki: Oh daddy, don't you know? The people are all afraid of some big disaster hitting the city, so all the businessmen are forced to sell as fast as possible. You should be able to tell that from the news.

Genma: Well, we shall certainly not be forced to move out of this city, the way of the Flawless-In-Any-Form martial arts is to stand against any opponent.

Akane: *sigh* I think you guys should be more concerned about Ranma than quibbling over such things.

Soun: huh? What do you mean, Akane?

*Akane stands aside, Soun and Genma gets a full view of Ranma’s condition. A look of terror overcomes their faces, as they drop their goods to the floor*

Genma: *rushes to Ranma and begins shaking him* Boy! Speak to me!

Akane: *kicks Genma into the wall* You trying to kill him?!

Soun: Poor Ranma-kun. How did this happen, Akane?

*Akane thinks for a moment. She takes a deep breath, and begins her tale of the true events that happened since the first day they met Trunks, leaving out some details. We observe a moment of silence as Akane finishes her oration, and her audience develops look of understanding combined with disbelief.*

Soun: *finally breaks the silence* So..... this time we are up against an enemy far more advanced than any we have ever seen....

Genma: This will certainly test the limits our abilities.

Akane: Otou-san, I didn’t want the family to get involved in this, much less the rest of the city. Trunks figured we could take Dr. Gero out before he does any major damage.

Nabiki: Future and time machines eh? *Her eyes sparkle with money and endless possiblities* Ooooo, imagine what I could do!

Akane: *vein slightly pops up* Onee-chan, you’re unbelievable!

Kasumi: *grabs a med-kit conveniently located nearby* Well, the first thing to do is to nurse Ranma-kun back to health.

*A new but familiar shadow enters the room*

Ryuu: *nurses a bruise on top of his head* Where.... where am I?

Nabiki: Looks like army boy finally woke up. *Turns to Ryuu* You’re in my house, and as long you’re staying here, you’ll have to pay a rent. *Grins*

Akane: Nabiki! *Looks at Ryuu* Glad you’re ok, but our last battle didn’t turn out for the best....

Ryuu: *looks at Ranma* I see, looks like he’s been roughen up some. Guess I’ll stick around in case anything happens, just to return the favor.

Akane: *somewhat smiles* Arigatoo, Ryu.

Soun: With Trunks gone, we’ll have to develop our own strategies against this maniac.

Akane: *holds out a pendant* Oh, he said he can still talk to us through this, but I don’t know how it works.*

Genma: Maybe it’s one way.

==========================================================================

*Cut to a totally remote region in Japan. The view shifts to a nearby waterfall, where a floating form is meditating in the middle of the fall. Our view closes in, and we witness a large, evil looking and aged monster. He bears a large oversized skull, with two antennas protruding through his wrinkled forehead, and pointy ears on his sides that would put a Vulcan to shame. His crossed arms are characterizes with symmetrical patches of lined pink muscle; attached around his neck is a flowing cape stirred by the waterfall behind him. Partly hidden from view by his arms is his trademark insignia: Ma (which stands for “demon”). He was known to his counter part as Piccolo Diamaoh*

(Authors note: This is Piccolo in the very beginning, he’s appearance is very old, until later where he spit out an egg and transferred his spirit into a younger body. Refer to the Dragonball Archives page for further details)

Piccolo: *opens his eyes* What? I sense something very disturbing, something that will threaten my supreme domination over this planet. Is this my worthless counter part’s doing? Grrrr..... I must investigate.

===========================================================================

*Cut to a view high up in the clouds. A distance bowl-shaped object is coming into view. Zigzag patterns make up the outline at the edge of the bowl, and as it curves downward toward it’s lowest pole, we observe other patterns that makes it seems like a work of art. The view shifts along the flat surface on top of the bowl. We see lines of trees surrounding a structure so elegant it would make the Taj Mahal seem disgraceful. Two figures are seem walking out of the structure. One is short, flat, and dark. The other is tall and has features similar to those of Piccolo. The only difference was that his robe is white, not black, and the emblem at his chest area is “Kami” (which means “God” to a lesser extent)*

Kami: Mr. Popo, it would seem that this world is in peril far earlier than I have imagined.

Mr. Popo: *solemnly nods* It is a shame; this world’s savior is not due to arrive until many generations after this. Do you think Earth will survive that long, Kami-sama?

Kami: It would seem that Earth is without hope. But we will see as events fulfill their destiny. *Looks out at the world beneath him*

============================================================================

*Cut to Dr. Gero’s mountain base*

Dr. Gero: Are the units repaired?

Cyborg: Yes Doctor.

Dr. Gero: Then quickly send them to find the rest of the dragonballs.

Cyborg: Doctor, may I ask why? Our forces are enough to completely eradicate earth’s population, we don’t need help from the dragonballs.

Dr. Gero: That is true. I am only collecting the balls as insurance of my goal. I have experienced the awesome and annoying powers of Sheng Long. As long as the dragonballs exists, there’s still a chance that my plans will be thwarted.

Cyborg: *inputs commands into the main computer* It’s done, the new units sent, along with the information about the dragonballs’ location. I must also inform you that our resources for producing more cyborgs are exhausted.

Dr. Gero: Yes, that is unfortunate. However, our resources for producing fully mechanical robots are virtually limitless. I suppose in this situation, it would be wise to settle for quantity over quality.

Cyborg: may I get back to producing a hundred more robot units to add to your army?

Dr. Gero: Not just yet, I have another task for you, concerning Hibiki.

Cyborg: As you wish. I know exactly what to do. *Grins*

===========================================================================

*Cut to an uncharted wilderness. It is night, but a shining crescent moon gives just enough light for our vision. We see a path of destruction that leads up to a bandanna wearing figure.*

Ryoga: *punches another tree out of his way* Argg!!!!!

*A fast flying figure approaches*

Ryoga: *turns around* hm?

*The figure descends to the ground. He is wearing a high-tech looking blue and white armor. His shoulder is guarded by smooth curved blades, attached to a sleek chest armor. The armor curves slimmer as it gets near the waist area, outlining the fine built of his body. His upper legs are laced with rendered poly-carbonate titanium alloy, and staring below his knees are a pair of economically and aesthetically designed boots. A dangerous looking blaster-cannon is attached to his right arm. His head seemed to be only part of his body not guarded by armor, allowing us to see his streaking blue hair, which partly covers his right eye.*

Cyborg: Greetings Ryoga, you may call me Cyborg X.

Ryoga: *turns around, but looks at the ground instead of the cyborg* Back..... off.

Cyborg X: *slightly taken aback by Ryoga’s dangerous tone of voice* I didn’t come here to fight you.

Ryoga: Then you should feel lucky.

Cyborg X: My, aren’t we grouchy. I suggest you hear me out.

Ryoga: You have 1 minute.

Cyborg X: Listen, I actually want to help you out. I know how you are feeling right now. Your hopes had just come crashing down on you, and your spirit have been destroyed.

Ryoga: 50 seconds

Cyborg X: I also know who’s been the one that’s been inflicting you with so much pain. I give you a chance to satisfy your vengeance once and for all.

Ryoga: *a though shoots through his head* Ranma.......

Cyborg X: *smiles at Ryoga’s reaction* Remember how Ranma ruined your life since the very beginning?

Ryoga: How can you know? Cyborg X: Oh, I have my ways, not one bit of information is inaccessible to me. All I have to do is to put in a little effort. But that’s not the point. Isn’t Ranma the one that has always humiliated you and made you look like a fool?

Ryoga: .......

Cyborg X: All those times he toyed with your emotions.

Ryoga: *Thinks about when Ranma disguised himself as Yoiko, his sister, and ruined that evening with him and Akane, then the time Ranma dressed up as his housekeeper and ruined his date with BOTH Akane and Akari* Ran........ma!!!!! *a kaleidoscope of images concocted by all instances he faced humiliation from Ranma swirled in his head*

Cyborg X: You know I’m right. Only revenge can quench your thirst. But oh, you’ve tried many times, and each time the same thing happens. Ranma has always been one step better than you, and no mattered how hard you tried, you just can’t defeat him.

Ryoga: *bursts out* YES I CAN DEFEAT HIM! I’LL DEFEAT HIM IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO!

Cyborg X: Whoa now, calm down. If you are that determined, then join us, and we’ll make you into the perfect warrior.

Ryoga: what? Join you! That.... that can’t be right.

Cyborg X: I see you’re still affected by that Tendo girl. She’s the only barrier that keeps you from using the full extent of your powers.

Ryoga: a... Akane?

Cyborg X: You see? You’re still under her power. Don’t forget, she’s also partly to blame for your misery. You know that’s the truth.

Ryoga: no.....

Cyborg X: She’s the one that’s causing you all this confusion in your mind! If it wasn’t for her, you’ll accomplish your life long goal long ago!

Ryoga: but without Akane...

Cyborg X: Without Akane you’re life would have been much clearer! Look! Isn’t your life torn between her and another girl that truly loves you?!

Ryoga: What?!

Cyborg X: That’s right! Akari Unryuu, the girl that’s been waiting for you like you’ve been waiting for Akane.

Ryoga: Akari? Where.... where is she?

Cyborg X: she’s safe, in Dr. Gero’s base. If you don’t believe me, here! *Shows Ryoga a device with a screen, with Akari and Sumo Pig waiting in some room, tended to by robots who bring her food and other services *

Ryoga: Akari! You have better not done anything to her

Cyborg X: relax, we’ve done nothing to her accept to make her feel happy. I’ve also told her that you’ll be joining her soon.

Ryoga: ......

Cyborg X: Maybe things didn’t turn out that bad after all eh? At least now you won’t ever have to be concerned over Akane Tendo. You know it’s hopeless to continue that illusion, she’ll never be able to return your love. You should feel lucky to know that at least you’ve still got Akari. Other guys don’t get backups like that.

Ryoga: you, shut up.

Cyborg X: yeah, maybe I should. Anyway, that’s beyond the point. Just think about it, if you join us against Saotome, you’ll be able to defeat with your own hands, then you can live happily with Akari.

Ryoga: I..... don’t know.....

Cyborg X: I’m not asking you to do anything against your will, no one would be commanding you to do anything. It’s not like we are going to turn you into a cyborg, that’s for inferior fighters. Dr. Gero and I have the means to train you into the ultimate fighter, so that you can do what you’ve longed to do. We’re doing this for you....

Ryoga: ......

Cyborg X: I promised Akari I would bring you to her.....

Ryoga: *still being undecisive*......

Cyborg X: *sigh* Ok, I guess I’ll go. It sure pains me to disappoint her like that. *Turns around, and walks away*

*Ryoga thinks for a moment, as Cyborg X prepares to launch himself into the sky*

Ryoga: *with a sudden confidence* Wait, I’ll go.

Cyborg X: *turns head toward Ryoga, and smiles* glad you finally see through, Ryoga. Now common. *Takes off into the air*

Ryoga: *to himself* Good bye, Ryoga Hibiki. *Takes off after Cyborg X*

=============================================================================

*Morning the next day. Angle in on Tendo Hall, where sheets of snow covered the roof and the ground. The snowing had stopped, for now. We see Soun playing a game of shogi with Genma-panda, Kasumi juggling with various kitchen devices to cook a warm breakfast, and Nabiki counting the money she made. Kumon Ryuu is standing near the door, apparently serving as a guard.*

Akane: *comes downstairs* Ohayo.

Kasumi: Good morning Akane, did you have a good night’s rest?

Akane: *yawns a stretches* Hai, onee-chan.

Soun: *moving a piece on the board* Sometimes I envy you Saotome. If I could have the warm skin of a Panda on a day like this....

Panda: (sign) This curse has its advantages

Nabiki: *looks up* You know daddy, I know of a guy that sells Panda skin coats. *Grins and looks at Genma*

Panda: *jumps back against the wall, sweating and shaking his head* (sign) To say such a thing! *Flips sign around* This is “be good to animals” week.

Akane: I should go check on Ranma.

Kasumi: That’s a good idea, Akane.

*Akane walks to Ranma’s room, slides open the door, and sees Ranma’s body laying in the futon. Bandages cover various parts of his body. She notices the grimace on his face, as he periodically twitches from one position to another. Akane walks over and sits down near him, her arms around her legs and her chin rested on her knees*

Akane: *sigh* {What will happen now? Ryoga’s gone, Trunks’ gone.} *Looks at Ranma* {you’re the only one left. I wonder what’s he dreaming about that’s making him twitch like that}

Ranma: *rocks his head back and forth in his pillow* no.... no.... cyborg....

Akane: {Maybe I should snap him out of it, whatever’s he’s dreaming has got to be a nightmare*

Ranma: *muttering* Ukyou.....

Akane: *repressing her urge to kick Ranma out through the roof* That dolt! *Sigh* looks like he’s at his senses again.

Ranma: *jumps out of bed* yahhhhhh!! *Gasping*

Akane: *jumps to her feet* Ranma!

Ranma: *looks around* Akane? Huh? *Slaps himself* This is driving me nuts.

Akane: Ranma, are you ok?

Ranma: *collects himself* Yeah, I... think so.

Akane: *smiles for the first time in days* You’ll be even more ok if you take a bath a have breakfast.

Ranma: *stares astonishingly at Akane* hai.

*20 minutes later*

Ranma: *comes out to the living room, with a new set of his usual clothing* That feels great.

Kasumi: Sit down, Ranma, I know you must be starved.

Ranma: Arigatoo gozaimasu, Kasumi. *Starts cramming rice into his mouth, in a way that’s anything but graceful. Food flies out of the path from his mouth to the dishes on the table*

Kasumi: Ranma, you’re eating it as though it’s the last time you eat.

Ranma: Oh, gomen, Kasumi. *Eats with more care to avoid sharing his food with the floor*

*A few minutes passed as Ranma cleans out the entire pot of rice*

Akane: Yup, back to his old self.

Ranma: *puts his bowl down* that was good, thank you Kasumi. *Looks around* Where’s Trunks, and Ryoga?

Akane: Ranma, Trunks went somewhere, and Ryoga, just... left.

Ranma: *spirit drops* Oh..... *remembers the fight with Ryoga* It’s all my fault.

Akane: *looks at him* Ranma, usually I would blame it on you too, whether it’s your fault or not. But this time, it’s not your fault.

Ranma: why do you always contradict me, Akane?

Akane: Ranma, this is no time to argue. We have to make plans to fight Dr. Gero.

Ranma: That’s what I need to talk to you about. Come with me, Akane. *Goes to the dojo*

*at the Dojo*

Akane: Ranma, what is it? What’s wrong?

Ranma: *sigh* I can’t believe I’m saying this, but..... *looks at Akane seriously* I can’t fight.

Akane: *slowly digests Ranma’s words* What... what do you mean?

Ranma: I don’t know how should I explain this, but did you know how I was able to break Dr. Gero’s control on me?

*Akane shakes her head*

Ranma: It’s like this. That thing they put at the back of my neck, it somehow blocks all of my responses to things, and changes it into whatever Dr. Gero wants it to be. I couldn’t do anything to stop it.

Akane: so how.....

Ranma: I finally figured that they didn’t prepare a response when my thought was to hurt myself. It threw them off track for a few moments, but I knew they would quickly come up with something. During those few moments, I kinda figured out how the gizmo at the back of my head works. I waited for the exact moment when they opened a channel from the main computer to the gizmo, and was going to sent me a new command. I was one step quicker, and sent a procedure for the main computer to send me the important information in the computer. I figured that would drive the Doctor nuts, so he would let me go.

Akane: And it worked.

Ranma: Yeah, but now I’m sorry I did it...

Akane: Why?

Ranma: The things I got from the computer.... mostly were files about Cyborgs, about how they were made, how they work; all the stuff I don’t understand. The worst thing is, I also got the procedures on Cyborg personality and main objective: To kill.

Akane: *gasp* Ranma!

Ranma: Yeah, I know. That’s why I was having those nightmares when I was sleeping. I’m like a walking time-bomb. If I’m not careful, I could let those cyborg thoughts take over and instantly become like one.

Akane: Ranma, you can control it, can’t you?

Ranma: That’s what I’m afraid off, I might be able to control it for now, but if I let loose even just slightly, I don’t know what would happen. That’s why I can’t fight. If I get real angry, it’s the perfect chance for the cyborg personality to take over, and if that happens, I can’t stop it. But worst of all, is if I get angry and transforms into Super Saiyajin, THEN the it takes over. I think you know what’ll happen.

Akane: Ranma, ...I’m sorry.

Ranma: I’m the one that’s sorry, Akane. I can’t fight, I’m useless. The only thing I can do now is to prevent me from contributing to the destroying the city. But even more than my fear of me destroying the world, I’m afraid that....

Akane: what, Ranma?

Ranma: *looks at Akane* that I might hurt you.

Akane: *looks at him* Ranma.....

Ranma: *turns away* I’ve thought this over, and...

Akane: hmmm?

Ranma: I have to leave. I’m sorry Akane.

*Ranma’s words echo again and again in Akane’s head, who’s heart stops beating for a period of time*

Ranma: Akane, please understand.

Akane: *snaps out of her trance, as eminent tears hung in her eyes* Ranma, you.... Can’t! I... WE need you.

Ranma: *looks at Akane again* Akane, please don’t cry, you know I hate it when you cry.

Akane: *exerts her energy into holding back tears* Ranma.... I... won’t... cry.... But you can’t go!

Ranma: *forces in his own tears* I gotta, Akane. It’s.... for everyone’s own good.

Akane: But the world needs you!

Ranma: Akane, I can’t save the world, not this time, and no one else can either. If you knew what we’re up against, like I do, you would understand. What we’re trying to do is impossible, all I could do is to control myself from....

Akane: *cannot restrain herself any loner* Ranma! *Rushes him with tears flowing* Baka! *SLAP*

*Ranma’s entire body turns with the impact of the slap*

Ranma: *regains his equilibrium* Akane.......

Akane: The Ranma I knew would never convince himself that something’s impossible until he’s tried it. He wouldn’t give up just like that. If you have any of your old senses left in you, you’ll find a way get around that cyborg personality.

Ranma: but even then I still can’t stop Dr. Gero.

Akane: Maybe not, but you can sure as hell try! You won’t know until you tried it!

Ranma: Akane.....

Akane: *turns around* Usee! (Shut up) Just go! You..... COWARD! *runs away with tears flowing*

Ranma: Akane.... *his cry fades in the distance*

*In keeping with his original plan, Ranma immediately breaks out of the dojo, and in one major leap jumps clear of the district, leaving behind a trail of tears shining off the morning sun.*

==========================================================================
============================================================================
-End part 12.

Well, finally got that out of my head! This is the only part of Ranma 1/2 Z that has absolutely NO fighting, but I’m still very proud of this part ^_^. Next part: All the fighters appear again, and this time, they’re here to stay (like Ryuu). As for Ukyou, *grins* all will be explained when she makes her re-entrance. I hope this was worth the long wait! Thanks for all your support!

Tony Chen
(Ranma Nibunnoichi)

Return to main page

nibun@hotmail.com