Title: A Legend reborn
Author name: Trugeta

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Rumiko Takahashi and VIZ as well as Akira Toriyama and many others. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Note further that I don't own any of the trademarks mentioned in this story.

This story takes place after Movie 10 of Dragonball Z and at the beginning of the Ranma series. It's an AU, and reviews are welcome and appreciated.

Chapter 20: Enter Happosai

It was a stormy and rainy night, one of the stormiest in over twenty years; it was raining cats and dogs, and an unrelenting wind pushed thick grey clouds over the horizon. Lightning flashed in intervals of minutes, and it gave the whole atmosphere something eerie. Twenty kilometres outside Nerima, imprisoned in a forgotten cave, something bided its time, something that had been thought dead and forgotten.

The creature had been imprisoned an eternity ago, or so it seemed. Its captors had left it for dead when they had been convinced that it had been killed by the dynamite they had used. But it hadn't been killed, for it, or rather he, Happosai, the Grandmaster of the Anything Goes had always been notoriously hard to kill.

Though he had to admit, the plan of his students Genma and Soun had been well though-out; they had made him drunk as a lord, had waited until he had keeled over into delirium, had tied him in chains, put him in a barrel and had tied up said barrel. Then those losers had thrown him in a convenient cave, blocked the entrance with a boulder and had waited until the dynamite in the barrel had detonated. He had survived the explosion due to his ki-shield, but hadn't counted on something quite ingenious his disciples had come up with: they had placed anti-evil wards all over the boulder that had blocked the entrance, probably to be on the safe side.

Any try to remove the boulder on his part had resulted in unimaginable pain, and sometimes he feared that he would never escape his prison. But he held onto hope, and he hadn't survived this long for nothing; surviving without decent food had been a challenge, and he counted himself lucky that those idiots hadn't conducted a search of his body. Thus they had missed the bras and panties he had had on him, and the ki stored in them had helped him greatly.

The ki he had been able to draw from the silky darlings had been a life-saver, and this in addition to the water he was provided with any time it rained, plus the convenient rat that strayed into his cave had ensured his survival. Apropos water-supply, it seemed as if apocalypse was approaching, gauging from how much rain-water was dripping from the ceiling. That had to be one heck of a thunderstorm out there!

Then, suddenly, it happened. Multiple flashes of lightning hit the ground outside the cave, and not a few hit the boulder which blocked the entrance. Happosai was thrown backwards by the force of the explosion that that created, and only his ki-shield protected him from serious injury as he bounced off a wall. When his vision had cleared, he saw something he thought he would never see again: daylight.

His eyes gleaming red Happosai stalked towards the now unblocked exit of his prison of ten years, multiple flashes of lightning announcing his return to the world.

-.-

Ranma awoke from a relaxing slumber, feeling better and more energetic than ever. One glance at the alarm clock told him that it was still early in the morning, not later than 5.30 a.m., but his body and mind had apparently rested enough. Deciding to start the day rather than lying in the Saotome youth got up and left his father be, threw himself into training gear and went downstairs. Knowing that no one, not even Ryo-chan would be up for at least another hour Ranma went outside. Carefully stretching he sniffed the cool morning air and enjoyed just how fresh it smelled and felt. It had apparently rained last night, which was evidenced by the dew on the grass, and it had served to cleanse the air.

Smiling to himself about the wonders of mother Earth Ranma threw himself into a high-energy-kata, careful not to utter too many noises so as not to disturb the rest of the others. He finished the complex kata faster than ever and noticed that he had barely worked up a sweat. In fact, even his most taxing kata was nothing in comparison to a spar with Vegeta, and he would have to adapt his set of katas according to his increased abilities. Shrugging to himself he began to mix the moves of his two most difficult katas, and increased the intensity of his spar against his invisible opponent steadily. He moved so fast that he began to blur and leave afterimages, and a surprised gasp brought him out of his concentrated state unexpectedly. He whirled around, already in a defensive stance.

"Easy, man. No need to blow your top." Ryoga said. "I woke up early and decided to work out, and you had obviously the same idea."

Ranma relaxed and nodded. "Yeah. Wanna join me?"

"Sure." Ryoga said, "If you go easy on me."

"Oh yeah, its training day for your birthform. I forgot." the pigtailed Saiyan said. "You know what would be cool, if your birthform had the same abilities as your other one." he mused, throwing a relatively slow punch at Ryoga which the other boy blocked.

Ryoga nodded, aiming a kick for Ranma's head. "Yeah, that would really be great. You know, I like being a boy seeing as I have been born as one, but the power that comes with that female Saiyan body is downright addictive."

Ranma had deflected the kick with ease and countered with a leg-sweep which Ryoga narrowly avoided. "I know what ya mean, bud. Would I change I would be hard pressed to summon the will to change back at all. The power and strength this body offers is phenomenal."

Ryoga snickered, avoiding a slow low combo and countering with one of his own. "Wow, Ranma, I'm impressed. You using big words and all."

Ranma snorted, blocking and dodging with ease. "I was never as dumb as I presented to the outside world. I learned a lot on my travels, Ryoga, and you have no idea how hard it was to hide it from pops. Jusenkyo gave me a chance to come out of the closet, to take charge of my own life, and I took it."

Ryoga nodded, pressing his attacks. "I understand. I'm trying to do the same, take charge of my life, you know. Before, my life was easy; I just blamed everything that went wrong on you, and felt good." Kick, Block, Punch. "Well, not exactly good, but I always had someone I could blame for my own mistakes. It took a God to make me see the error of my ways. So far had I been gone, Ranma. I had deluded myself and would still do," High Back Fist, Outer Forearm Block, "had it not been for Dende and you."

Ranma understood what Ryoga tried to say, and the Saotome youth smiled. "Yer welcome. But not that ya go soft on me, Ryoga," Inner Forearm Block, Mid-section Punch, "I need my sparring partner and pal at his best."

Ryoga was surprised for a second or two. 'He really thinks of me as a friend. And here I persecuted him with my want for revenge for something that wasn't even his fault. Damn, that sucks.' he thought as he blocked a Front Snap with his forearm. A grin appeared on his face. "Me losing my touch? Never, Ranma! Prepare to lose!"

Ranma grinned too, and soon blows were exchanged at a respectable pace. The sparring session became something more of a challenge when Ranma's father joined them at 6 a.m., and the pigtailed Saiyan got a decent workout when they double-teamed him.

Ranma was careful not to sent Ryoga into the koi-pond; his father was fair game, and seeing as his panda-form gave him advantages in regards of combat-weight, strength and attack-range both father and son were okay with this.

Their training had already lasted an hour when Kasumi stepped out, a smile on her face; the young woman wore very tight training gear that hugged her figure like a second skin and left little to the imagination. Her look lingered on Ranma as she traced his sweaty body appreciatively, and the Saotome youth smiled back and reciprocated what Kasumi did, a decidedly hormonal expression in his eyes. To their credit, neither of them blushed, but the others caught on to what was going on anyway. A glint appeared in Genma-pandas eyes, and Ranma would have rolled his eyes had he seen it, for it was a classic 'get-the-priest-look'.

"Good morning, Ranma. I see you also decided to use this marvellous morning for training" Kasumi said with a still deepening smile, and their gazes held contact for several seconds.

"Good morning to you too, Kasumi-chan. Yeah, we did use the time, and it pleases me ta see you did the same. I'm really proud of the progress ya made, luv."

Ryoga grinned. 'He's a goner.'

Kasumi smiled radiantly at Ranma. "Thank you, love." she replied with a love-filled look.

Several moments later she managed to pull herself together as remembered why she had come outside in the first place. "Good morning, Mr. Saotome, Ryoga." she said, and handed the kettle she had brought with her to Genma-panda, who promptly changed back.

Two 'good morning!s' rang out, Genma's a bit delayed due to his change, and Kasumi switched to her serene and oblivious smile for camouflage. "Breakfast is ready. I'm sure you fighters must be very hungry."

Ranma's eyes lit up at the mention of food, but he wasn't the only one who nodded vigorously. Kasumi's smile deepened. "I thought so. Now go wash up; we wouldn't want you to stink now, would we?" she said, turning around in a what Ranma thought very sexy move.

"Is it just me or has something changed about Soun's oldest?" Genma mused.

"Doncha even think 'bout trying something, pops!" Ranma gruffed, "Now less talk, more food."

"Don't forget what she said; washing up first. You wouldn't want her angry at you, do you?" Ryoga teased.

"Whatever do you mean?" Ranma inquired.

"Oh, nothing. Heh heh." Ryoga said as he walked into the house and said something that suspiciously sounded like 'pussy-whipped' under his breath.

Ranma pretended not to have heard it as he walked towards the house, but vowed that Ryoga would 'pay' during the next sparring. No one called him that without paying for it, and to that end he'd make Ryoga's training hell...

Genma grinned to himself as he trudged behind his son. It seemed as if he would have to adjust his plans for the joining of the schools to the new situation.

-.-

The Saotome patriarch watched the byplay and exchanges between his son and the girls during breakfast like a hawk, and came to the conclusion that his observations had been correct. There was definitely potential there for a relationship with Kasumi, but Nabiki seemed to be equally interested in his son; Akane treated the boy rather like a sensei with a hint of behaviour one would show a friend, but it seemed indeed as if the joining of the schools would be much easier if he let things develop naturally.

It seemed as if the boy was already making good progress, and he was sure that Ranma would do the honourable thing. Hmm, if the boy kept up the training of the girls things might work out as well as they might have had the engagement between Ranma and Akane taken place. With a satisfied grin Genma helped himself to third helpings; life was good, he just had to lean back and help his boy occasionally.

He glanced at Soun, and found that his oldest friend looked as satisfied as he himself must look; things were going well indeed, and for once Genma would let his son handle the situation. Yes, even considering the contract the boy had forced upon them, the future of the schools had never looked brighter; Ranma was getting stronger and better seemingly every day, the master was dead, may he rest in pieces… err, peace, and two of Soun's daughters were interested in the boy. 'Yes, we have good reason to celebrate. Should convince Tendo to get the sake out tonight.' Genma thought with a grin.

Ranma on his part saw how good the mood of his father was, and normally that meant nothing good for him; but seeing that he was thoroughly enjoying breakfast and the company of Kasumi and Nabiki he just didn't care. Nothing could spoil his mood today.

-.-

Up till afternoon Ranma's belief held true; he'd been challenged by Kuno three times, and he'd dealt with the idiot swiftly each time. The effects of their campaign were already showing; only one quarter of the original hentai horde stood by their leader, and even those seemed to be strongly reconsidering the wiseness of their actions.

Not only did it hurt to be bowled over by an Akane who seemed to be steadily improving in the Art, but their fellow students had begun to question their sexual orientation for clinging to the morning fights. After all, if Kuno had used the fight to hide his own prefs, it was not too farfetched that those fifteen odd boys were doing the same. What no one remembered was that it had been a casual comment from Nabiki that had started the public questioning of prefs, and the Tendo girls and Ranma still couldn't believe how successful this strategy had been. Today had only furthered its success, and Ranma expected the Hordes' numbers to decrease even further.

Thus it was a decidedly happy Ranma who walked towards the Tendo Dojo, anticipating to catch up to the girls he'd sent ahead seeing as he had to tend to the boys from the kempo-club who'd asked if he wanted to join them, which he had declined.

Shaking his head about wasted time, especially since he had had to fight their sempai to get them to lay off he just turned around the corner as his keen hearing picked up screams. Female screams. If he wasn't very much mistaken Akane's yells were among them. 'Yep,' he thought with a cringe at the sheer volume, 'that's definitely Akane in true form.'

Switching into a jog he hastened his step, because the assumption suggested itself that Nabiki was with Akane; and no one attacked Nab-chan without paying the price! Rounding another corner Ranma took in the situation. What he saw surprised him verily, and he'd seen a lot of odd things in his life. A tiny figure that looked like a maroon-clad ninja was attached to the bossom of a girl of a sports group, and Akane was yelling at the figure to let go.

"Akane, help me!" the girl whose bossom was being currently clinged to by the strange ninja yelled.

The pervert whirled to Akane. "Akane?" he asked.

"You know that pervert, Akane?" one of the girls asked.

At the same time the strange ninja jumped straight at Akane, who raised her satchel to block him. "No." she said as he slid to the ground.

"B-but Akane! You can't have forgotten me!" he wailed and unmasked. "I'm grandfather Happosai, don't you remember?"

"One moment... no, I don't remember you. You, Nabiki-oneechan?"

Nabiki looked as blank. "Nope. No idea."

"You're all so mean! Everyone has forgotten me... now I only want one thing... to cry at your well-developed bossom, Nabiki!" Happosai exclaimed.

"Not a chance!" Ranma exclaimed, who had seemingly materialised right in front of Nabiki; the pigtailed Saiyan downed the tiny man with a single punch and held him down with one foot.

"B-but I only wanted to hug the poor dear! Is there a law against hugging people?" Happosai exclaimed innocently, or so he thought.

"Yes there is," Nabiki said deathly calm, "if your so called 'hugging' is equal to sexual molesting, 'grandfather'. So, if you don't want to get the authorities involved I would suggest you spill the beans. Who are you, 'grandfather', and what do you want?"

"It's not as if the authorities would ever get their hands on me, but I'll answer your questions because you asked so nicely. Before I do, would you mind telling your muscle-mountain to let go of me? This is getting uncomfortable." Happosai said.

Nabiki nodded at Ranma who nodded back and removed his foot. "No tricks, old geezer, or you'll find yourself in a world of pain." Ranma said and let his eyes flash teal.

Happosai had been about to wave the warning off, but the eye-trick threw him off. "Of course." he said, deciding to play it safe until he knew more. "As I said before, I am Happosai, and I had thought you would remember me, Akane, Nabiki. I know your father very well and stayed often at the dojo until ten years ago."

"You know our father?" Akane snorted in disbelief. "Why would daddy know someone like you?"

"Why don't you ask that your father, Akane?" Happosai queried with a smirk.

Nabiki smirked right back. "Actually, that's a good idea. Come, this I want to know."

-.-

"Daddy, we're home!" Akane called.

"Yes, and this old man claims that he knows you." Nabiki added.

The Tendo patriarch carefully peered over the rim of his newspaper and found his worst fears confirmed. All over the day little incidents had happened; the family altar had broken down, cups had broken and such. Individually they were nothing more than nuisances, things that happened in a household, but altogether they made for one bad omen. Genma had even joked about the ‘demon’ breaking free, and it seemed as if his old friend had tempted fate. Their ‘demon’ had obviously broken free…

Soun barely dared to lower his newspaper, seeing as he had a very good guess at who the 'old man' was. He started to sweat and desperately tried to find a way out of this mess, but the clearing of a throat made his plans run afoul. Soun knew this sound all too well, even after ten years.

"Hello Soun." a wizened old voice said calmly. "Long time no see."

Soun swallowed his fear and finally lowered the newspaper. As he did so he schooled his features into one of utter surprise, which he then forced into an expression of tearful joy. "Master!" he exclaimed, hurrying over to embrace the tiny man. "How good to see you! I thought we had lost you!"

"Master?" Nabiki asked suspiciously. 'Why has daddy kept that titbit of information quiet? Because he didn't want to be associated with this pervert any more? Intriguing. I'll have to watch the situation very carefully. This old perv might be a danger to us, and if he is he’ll be treated as such.' she thought.

Ranma on his part was as surprised; however, a nearing ki prevented him from asking any questions of his own. The Saotome youth got a brief glimpse upon his father who threw them a stealthy look, panicked and turned himself into a panda. He shook his head at his father’s antics. What could be so dangerous about this old geezer?

The pigtailed Saiyan chose to ignore his father and focussed his attention on the going-ons in the living room where the old man was currently engulfed in Soun's hug. "Yes, yes, I'm feeling splendid, can't complain." the old man cackled.

Just at that moment Soun tried a sneak-attack, but the punch aimed at the old mans' face was blocked by said old man, and with one finger to boot. A second later Soun went flying out of the living room and ended up in the koi-pond with a huge splash.

'Not bad. This 'master' is either really good or Soun is really weak. Gotta watch that old fossil.' were Ranma's thoughts.

Happosai had wandered outside in the meantime, and when his eyes fell upon the pandafied Genma a smirk grew on his face. "If that isn't Genma Saotome. You haven't changed at all, Genma."

Genma the panda shook his head violently. # I'm just a simple panda. # read his sign.

Soun, who had just reemerged in time to see this exchange, scowled. "I'm not going to carry the can for this on my own, Saotome!"

Ranma snickered at the comical look on his father’s face, something which prompted Genma to try and teach his son some respect. In an instant he'd thrown Ranma towards the koi-pond, hoping that an impromptu dunking in the foul-smelling water would be effective at teaching the boy a lesson. # That will teach you to laugh at your father’s plight, boy. # he signed.

However, shortly before Ranma would have impacted the watery surface he executed a gravity-defying manoevre and seemed to use the pond-surface as a springboard, landing safely on the opposite shore of the pond. "What was that, pops?" he smirked. "Did you say something?"

While Genma groffed in annoyance Happosai surveyed the pigtailed young man with a speculative gleam in his eyes. "Is that your boy, Genma?"

# Unfortunately yes, master. # Genma signed.

"I see. He's got some potential. Too bad he isn't a girl." Happosai muttered.

"Why that, master? I'm really happy that Ranma here is a boy, or our plans to join the schools would have gone up in smoke. I admit I was really worried when Nabiki mentioned that the name 'Ranma' could also be that of a girl, so you can imagine my relief when he turned out to be a strong, young man."

"Oh yeah, he's a hunk and a half." both Nabiki and Kasumi sighed, blushing.

Akane just shook her head in despair. "I really hope it isn't contagious..." she muttered.

Happosai looked at Soun. "With No-chan as his mother he would surely have made a gorgeous girl. What a shame." the old master complained. "But alas, thus is fate. At least there're enough gorgeous girls here to give an old man what he needs. HOTCHA!" he exclaimed and shot right at Nabiki.

"No, master!" Soun exclaimed, but it was already too late.

Ranma, who was standing a hundred metres away, saw red when one of his mates was about to be groped by the old fossil. Without thinking Ranma shot forward, his aura fully raised. Happosai would normally have reacted to the presence of such an enormous powerlevel, but he was too absorbed with reaching Nabiki. Suddenly a growling Ranma appeared in front of Nabiki, and Happosai collided with him with force.

"Oof!" the old master exclaimed. "Where did this funny-shaped wall come from?"

"Oh no!" Soun exclaimed. "Master, are you alright?"

# Boy, what have you done? # Genma signed.

Ranma glared at the fathers, his blue eyes hard. "No one attacks one of my mates." he growled.

This statement made the old men forget their fear for the moment. "Did you hear that, Saotome?" Soun asked joyously.

# Yes, Tendo. The schools will be joined! The schools will be joined! # Genma-panda signed, dancing a happy jig.

"Maybe I should rent him to a zoo. They're always searching for dancing bears." Nabiki giggled, revelling in the warm and fuzzy feelings Ranma's actions and words had evoked in her.

"Boy," came Happosai's indignant voice as he jumped to his feet, "How dare you deny your master his well-deserved joys!"

# Oh, oh, boy, better make a run for it! # a sweating Genma-panda signed, his celebratory mood gone like the wind.

"Master," Soun pleaded, "He's young, he didn't know!"

"That doesn't change a thing." Happosai said sternly, crossing his arms over his chest. "The boy has interrupted my fun, and now I'm angry."

"Oh no!" Soun lamented. "Ranma has raised the masters' ire!"

# Son, apologise this instant! # Flip. # Or we're facing a catastrophe! #

"No." Ranma replied sternly and with force, making the father’s facefault. "This old fossil was about to molest Nabs, and I won't stand for it. If someone gotta apologise its him. To Nabs."

"You insolent whelp! You'll bow to your master yet!" Happosai exclaimed.

Ranma scowled in response. "You ain't my master, old man. And I bow to no one!"

"Ranma, what are you doing? You don't make the master angry, you just don't!" Soun exclaimed, only a hairsbreadth away from a coronary.

# Boy, you have no idea what terrible fury the master can unleash upon you! # Flip. # Swallow your pride and apologise! #

Ranma glared at his pandafied father. "No way. This freak was about to grope Nabs, and that's something I can't forgive. I sure as hell won't apologise for something that's his fault!"

"Yeah!" Akane exclaimed. "No straight-thinking person would apologise for such shit. Daddy, what has gotten into you?"

Soun turned towards Akane with urgency in his eyes. "You don't understand, Akane-chan. The power the master wields is terrible, and I don't want to see it unleashed on any of us."

Happosai looked smug for a moment, until his gaze fell upon Ranma, who didn't look impressed at all. "You haven't seen the power I wield yet, Mr. Tendo." came a growled statement from Ranma.

# Boy, however strong you think you are, the master is stronger! # Flip. # Compared to him you're a novice! I know how good you are, but the master is better! # Flip. # Listen to your father and give in. #

"No." Ranma stated clearly. "I have come this far in my strivings to become a honourable martial artist, and I won't sully my honour or that of my friends through apologising for a dishonourable deed that hasn't even been committed by me. I won't take the blame for this shit, and I sure as hell won't kowtow to that old geezer!"

"Fine, boy." Happosai stated with a glare. "Have it your way. You could just have apologised and everything would have been forgiven, but no, you decided to play stubborn. Don't hold me accountable for the lesson I'm going to have to teach you."

Ranma glared right back. "Do your worst, ya dried up old fossil." he said and cracked his knuckles. "I'll even give you the first shot." he added, pointing to his cheek.

"You asked for it, arrogant boy! HAPPO-DAI…"

"No, master!" a freaked out Soun exclaimed. "Don't do it!"

# Please master, spare the stupid boy! # Genma-panda signed.

"Hey!" Nabiki exclaimed indignantly. "Ranma isn't stupid, you oaf!"

Said Ranma was presently looking at Happosai with something akin to expectance. "Now? Are you 'bout to show me the error of my ways? Or do ya need to take your vitamin pills beforehand, oldtimer?"

"Grrrrrr… you just wait! For the love of… how did this stupid technique work again? Damn, I forgot!" the old pervert exclaimed, scratching his head.

"Well, that's just too bad for you." Ranma stated calmly, and suddenly his fist lashed out in vicious right hook. The punch hit the surprised perverted Grandmaster squarely in the jaw, and its force blew him straight into the wall, from which he bounced off like an odd handball due to his ki-shield.

Happosai got to his feet glaring. "This one was for free, but I won't underestimate you again!"

"Good." Ranma said and began to walk towards Happosai calmly, using some of his ki to walk across the watery surface of the koi-pond.

"What the hell!" Soun and Genma exclaimed in unison, and even Happosai looked surprised for a moment.

Nabiki smirked at her father. "It is as Ranma said, you haven't seen anything yet. Oh, I so hope he does what he did against Gohan!" she exclaimed giddily.

"Oh yes, I agree!" Kasumi gushed. "He looked so… manly!"

Akane shook her head in dismay. How could any sane woman swoon over a… boy? And how could she be sure that it wasn't contagious? ‘Hmm, I wonder if wards would help?’ she thought to herself. She'd have to give it a shot, seeing how her oldest sister had apparently been affected by that strange affliction that made girls fall for Ranma…

-.-

Said Ranma just came to a halt five metres away from Happosai, and the combatants surveyed each other with hard looks, both trying to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Happosai decided to start big, and began to bring out his fear aura slowly and deliberately. Soun and Genma, who knew this technique from long and hard experience both shuddered as they felt the effects wash over them.

# Poor boy. Now the master has nipped him in the bud. # Flip. # Why couldn't the stupid boy just listen to me? #

"Because he doesn't do what's easy, but what's needed." Nabiki said, drawing everyone's looks. "And that's what I like about him so much."

"Yes," Kasumi added, a dreamy look on her face, "me too. Father," she then said, fixing Soun with a serious look, "if I remember one thing from my lessons in the Art, then that the true martial artist doesn't pick just those fights he knows he can win. A true martial artist especially fights the fights that are important to be fought and won, even if one might lose. The true martial artist doesn't back down, he fights the fights that have meaning and are worth to be fought for without hesitation. Ranma is fighting such a fight at the moment, for he fights to protect the honour of the women of this house. And he would never back down from it, even if he was completely outclassed by your master. If neither of you realise this then you don't know Ranma very well at all, which is sad in your case, 'uncle'." she finished, making Genma wince.

"True." Nabiki added after recovering from the surprising emotional speech of her sister, a speech that had obviously rattled the fathers. "Ranma is currently facing the master you two so dread, and he does it head-on. He knows if he would allow this perverted old man to have his way that your 'master' would sully our honour by touching us inappropriately, maybe worse."

"The master would never do that!" Soun protested. "Maybe stealing your underwear…"

Nabiki's glare shut her father up. "Do you think I would want to have my underwear stolen from me, dad? Your so-called master stole the panties from girls who still wore them! Do you really think I would consent to that just so that you two won't have to face your master and risk his ire? Dad, has it come to your mind that Ranma is presently fighting the battle you two should have fought long ago? But what do you do? Grovel before this perverted old man and beg his forgiveness! That's pathetic!"

"You tell them, sis!" Akane exclaimed, furiously glaring at the fathers. "That freak tried to fondle me at least three times today, and what would you have done about it, daddy? Asked him for forgiveness because he didn't succeed? Ranma is doing your job over there, and you have the gall to reprimand him for standing up to that perverted old man? Honestly!"

"B-but Akane-chan…" Soun protested.

"No, father. The time for buts is over. Instead of reprimanding Ranma you should have honoured his courage for standing up to someone you are obviously terrified of, but blaming others masks ones own mistakes so well, doesn't it?" Kasumi nearly spat.

"K-Kasumi!" Soun exclaimed in shock.

"What, father? Cat got your tongue? Honestly, I'm sick and tired of holding back for the families sake, and I won't do it any more. Do you have any idea how long I have bottled up everything in me, my feelings, my hopes, my dreams, anger and frustrations? For over ten years! Ten damned years! I functioned so that the family could continue their lives, but my life fell by the wayside. Well, not any more!"

"Sis, not that I mind, but what brought that on?" Nabiki asked, and Akane nodded vigorously.

"Ranma." Kasumi stated simply. "From him I learned that one doesn't gain anything by being passive. He's so full of life, and I want to take part in this. It's long overdue that I started living, and I'll start by asking if he wants me after this fight is over." she finished with fierce determination.

Predictably, this little bombshell threw everyone for a loop, but moments later, once the surprise had died down the two fathers exchanged grins. This was even better than they'd ever dreamed of! Both older daughters were interested in Ranma, the joining of the schools was practically assured!

The only one who wasn't too happy with the situation at all was one Nabiki Tendo. It really seemed as if her older sister was serious, and taking her considerable charm, beauty and prowess in the kitchen into account she was the toughest competitor she could think of. She had dismissed Kasumi at first due to her peaceful nature, but it seemed that her sister was somehow returning to how she had been before mother's death. That Kasumi had taken up the Art again should have been a warning sign. Yes, she would have to do her utmost to win Ranma over, no way in hell would she let go of her hunk!

Akane for her part sighed dejectedly. Now it was confirmed, the 'Ranma-virus' had found another victim.

-.-

Ranma was facing one of the biggest challenges yet. He had a vague idea what Happosai was doing and how he was doing it, and he couldn't deny that he was slightly affected by the strange aura. Had he been human he'd likely been paralysed with fear; yet he evoked exactly this impression, and once the old geezer attacked he'd be in for a nasty surprise. Though he had to admit, the ki-reserves the old fossil had at his disposal were nothing short of gigantic; he didn't know how it was possible, but the 'master' was 3/4 of his full power in normal form. All in all, a veritable challenge. Ranma would've smirked had that not given him away.

'There. He's about to attack... now!'

The Saotome youth had just finished the thought when Happosai shot forward, intent on delivering the knock-out blow. Ranma raised his own aura in literally the last second, and his uppercut shot a surprised Happosai high into the air.

"Impossible!" he heard Soun say. "No one, no one has ever overcome the master's fear aura!"

"Oh ye of little faith." Ranma muttered to himself, smirking. “Ya should know better by now.”

"See, didn't I tell you? You have seen nothing yet." Nabiki said, and he could hear the smirk in her voice.

"Oh, I hope he turns golden. That makes him look so... manly." Kasumi gushed.

Ranma's smirk grew, and as he watched the master's descent it nearly split his face. The old perv was directly headed for the koi-pond, and from this height the fall was bound to hurt. However, Happosai erected a ki-shield around his tiny body to protect himself, and Ranma nodded appreciatively. The man knew what he was doing, but hell would this fall into the pond irate him.

Seconds later Happosai landed in the koi-pond with a huge splash.

"Oh no! Master!" Soun exclaimed. "I hope you drown." he added so quietly that only Ranma could hear him.

Ranma smirked, and his smirk widened when a sputtering old man emerged from below the surface of the pond, spitting out a mouth of pond-water. Fury was etched into his face, and his eyes blazed as he jumped out of the pond. "How dare you treat your master this way, insolent whelp!" he growled.

Ranma's smirk vanished and gave way to a look of anger. "You ain't my master, ya old fossil. Ya can dry up and die for all I care!"

Happosai glared. "Boy, I'm the grandmaster and founder of the Anything Goes, and as the master of your father I'm also your master. Now pay me the respect I'm due and apologise, or I'll ban you from using Anything Goes moves forever!" he threatened.

Ranma began to laugh a rough, barking laugh. "Nice try, geezer. That would impress me if I would use the Anything Goes style, but seeing as my father never taught me more than the basics of the different styles that ain't the case. I have developed my own style, one you'll make acquaintance with if ya keep on annoying me. And I repeat, if anyone gotta apologise it’s you, to Nabs."

That threw Happosai momentarily for a loop, but he recovered fast. "Be that way, boy. All you would have needed to do was to apologise, but seeing as you're too prideful and stubborn you... have to face the consequences!"

The old grandmaster of the Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu put all of his speed into his attack as he shot forward, confident that he would be much too fast for the young upstart. The ki-energy he had absorbed from all the pretty ladies had replenished his reserves more than sufficiently, and he was determined to use this energy to teach the insolent youngster a lesson he would never forget.

In one swift, fast motion Happosai aimed his pipe at Ranma's solar-plexus as his initial attack, confident that he would score a painful blow that would sent the boy into the wall. However, the old pervert experienced a rather big surprise when Ranma sidestepped the attack as effortlessly as if he, the great Happosai had moved in slow-motion. A hard glint entered Happosai's eyes as he began to use more of his power, and he thrust his pipe at Ranma faster than the young man should have been able to dodge.

But Ranma dodged and weaved around the blows with casual ease, his smirk mocking the old grandmaster, virtually urging him to take the kids' gloves off. Happosai snarled and drew on even more of his ki, his battle-aura becoming visible for all to see.

"Kami-sama above, I have never seen the master so enraged before!" Soun exclaimed. "It has been ages since his aura became visible in a fight, and that can't be good. Ranma had better be careful."

"Don't worry, daddy. Ranma is a big boy who can take care of himself. And while he is at it, he'll also take care of your 'master'." Nabiki said confidently.

Ranma heard Soun sigh as he dodged repeated strikes to his vital points, or rather to where his vital points would have been had he still had his old body. He was in his element; dodging and weaving made the 'master' increasingly angrier, and anger led to mistakes. Besides, it was just plain fun to irate people like Happosai.

"He shouldn't take the master too lightly, daughter. The master knows dark secrets that are only hinted at in the vilest of books. Terrible techniques, which would render even Ranma helpless. Master Happosai is no opponent to be taken lightly, and who ever makes this mistake… well, it will be his last."

Ranma had heard Soun's comment full well due to his keen hearing, and if it was true that the 'master' had such techniques at his disposal it was about time that he stopped fooling around. Dodging an insanely fast open palm strike to the chest Ranma's own fist lashed out fast and furious, and before Happosai had had a chance to blink said large fist had made painful acquaintance with his face. The force behind the blow was so great that the old man was literally catapulted through the Tendo wall, leaving a pervert-sized hole in it.

A cry filled with anger could be heard seconds later. "I have had it! You asked for it, boy," Happosai exclaimed as he landed on the wall, "and you'll get it!"

Happosai lit his pipe and puffed, then he extracted something from his gi and threw it into the pipe, apparently burning whatever it was. Obviously satisfied with his efforts Happosai went into the offence, and it was obvious that his ki fuelled his speed seeing as he got ever faster, the pipe-strikes only narrowly missing Ranma.

Said pigtailed Saiyan quickly grew bored of just dodging and weaving around the blows, and fired a rapid punch at his opponent that would have sent him through the wall once more. Would have, due to the fact that Happosai had blocked the blow expertly with his pipe, which gave him the opportunity he had waited for. His next pipe-strike made contact with Ranma's right pectoral, but instead of being blown away like he had expected he felt an odd burning sensation.

Not feeling any worse for the wear he looked at Happosai strangely. "I expected better from a grandmaster, 'master' Happosai. I have blown you through the wall twice, and only one of your attacks made contact. Quite a bad score, ne?"

Happosai simply smirked in reply. "It's not the quantity of attacks that decide a match, boy, but the quality. And as far as I am concerned I just managed to land the mother of all quality attacks." he crowed. "That burn you just received is not an ordinary one, oh no. Your own arrogance made you a victim of the ultimate weakness moxibustion!"

Ranma stared at Happosai for a moment, and his momentary consternation gave way to doubt. "Ultimate weakness moxibustion, huh? So this burn shall have weakened me? Well, let's test this theory, shall we?" he asked, cracking his knuckles.

Happosai grinned. "Be my guest, boy."

Not needing any further prompting Ranma shot forward with a growl. His right fist lashed out, and seeing that Happosai was confident that Ranma was as weak as a newborn he made no attempt to dodge the blow. Which turned out to be a mistake, seeing as the punch sent him right through the wall once again.

Soun and Genma both stood with their mouths agape. Both had heard rumours of the ultimate weakness moxibustion, of what terrible effects it had, and here was Ranma, apparently completely unaffected by it. Incredible!

However, one look at Ranma's face showed them that not everything seemed to be to his liking. "Hmm," the heard him say, "he's right, I am weaker. Odd."

"What do you mean, Ranma? It looked to us as if the attack had no effect on you!" Nabiki called from her position on the porch.

Ranma turned his head. "It seems to be affecting me alright. Looks as if I'm about as strong as I was before I fell into the spring." he mused.

# That's not good, boy. The master is stronger than you were at that time. # he signed, concern obvious on his face.

"Oh, I have some tricks up my sleeve to handle that. Besides, it offers for a great training opportunity. Just imagine, me training with this natural dampener. Cool." he said with a grin.

"Boy, if you're finished talking, we have something to settle here." Happosai said from atop the wall. "Apologise now and I won't hurt you too badly."

"Not a chance in hell, ya old perv. I fully intend to pay you back for that sneak attack, and I'm gonna pay ya with interest." Ranma returned with a snarl.

"Very well. I gave you many chances, so don't run to your mommy crying that the evil old man beat the living daylights out of you. Now let's rumble, boy."

Instead of answering, Ranma flew forward giving up any pretence of holding back. His vicious uppercut caught a surprised Happosai square on the chin, and seeing as Ranma had calculated the trajectory carefully he was quite certain that the old man would land in the empty lot behind his high-school. The Tendo dojo was not the place for a fight like he had planned. The time of fooling around was over.

to be continued…

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