Nerima, 7:45 AM. One may look at this day and shrug, thinking it to be a normal one for Nerima. Normal, meaning either a toss up between a Poison Copter or a frequent spat between Ranma Saotome and his infamous Fiancee Akane Tendo. Today, it leaned towards the RS/AT side as we see the pair headed to school. Ranma, dressed in his habituable red chinese shirt and black trousers, reflected that at least he was able to wear red. After his escapades of shapeshifting, the school council had given him the disposition to wear his clothes, lest something went wrong. IE, Sex-changing. Akane, dressed in her school uniform, watched the other as he walked along the fence. After that mess with Jusendo, he had become less insulting and less hardheaded. He even wanted to marry her for crying out loud! But the idiot wasn’t saying IT. Baka. “NIHAO!” Akane rolled her eyes. Here they went again, Shampoo would glomp him, she would hit him and everything would blow up in a fight. Without warning, Ranma jumped over the Bike of Death, pitching Shampoo into the canal. A pink furred cat dragged itself out of the canal, surprised with wonder. To Akane, this wasn’t normal. It was almost as if something else was on his mind. <><><> Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Fist of Destiny written by Shaun Garin The author would like to thank Ellen Brand once again for support. And for “Kenko” for writing Paragon. Otherwise, the prologue would never have been written. <><><> Episode 2 : Clash of the Martial Artists <><><> “...to this extent, the writings of William Shakespeare are here for a purpose.” Miss Hinako Ninomiya was saying as she wrote on the board. “Can anyone tell me their reason for the writings?” “To make Akane play the men’s parts?” Yuka asked, emitting snickers and giggles from the assembled class. Akane fumed. “No. Anyone else?” Hinako turned to see Ranma watching intently. A change from his usual mid-english nap. “Ranma?” Ranma cleared his throat. “In the mid Rennasance, William Shakespeare wrote several plays, sonnets and poems. To this extent, they all portray several ideals of friendship, love and fun, as attributing to Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” All eyes swivelled towards him, many doing a creditable fish expression. Miss Hinako looked stunned. “Why, that’s right Ranma. Thank you for staying awake.” He waved it off. “No problem.” Ukyou and Akane were having similiar thoughts along the lines of “Ranma Attentive” to “The End Of The World.” Each vowed to speak to him later. <><><> Ranma yawned and stretched during lunch period. After devouring his thankfully Nadoka-made lunch, he had retired to the rooftop. Staying awake made it much more tiring, but then again, Zordon had encouraged good grades in school. As he laid back on the roof, he stared up into the clear blue sky, the moon still visible even in broad daylight. Up there sat the most powerful meanace to this world had ever seen. Rita Repulsa. An Evil Sorceress, the same one who had trapped their mentor within the timewarp. As he rested, a familiar six tone beeping, made as if it was on a synthisizer sounded. Biting back a curse, he pressed the button on his communicator. “Go ahead.” It was Alpha 5’s voice that came through the speakers. “Ranma, come to the Command Center immediately. It’s an emergancy!” “On my way Alpha.” Looking back and forth, he found it was clear before tapping the button on his communicator. Dissolving into red light, he zoomed off half a second before Akane and Ukyou came up to the roof. <><><> “What’s wrong Zordon?” Ranma asked. “Another attack?” “Behold the viewing globe Rangers,” the ancient sage rumbled. Behind the assembled teens, the globe flickered to life. The picture showed a terrible monster. Looking like some sort of freakish paroidy of a bull with tenticles, it was something that a young girl would scream in fright of. “An unknown monster has appeared in upper Nerima, destroying everything in it’s path. You must stop it before Rita Repulsa gains control of it.” Despite it’s grany appearance, Ranma recognized it immediately. “Zordon, that’s Pantyhose Taro!” A blink was heard in the Command Center as Tenchi turned to his leader. “Something you forgot to tell us Ranma?” Ranma sighed. “That is Pantyhose Taro, a guy who fell into the Spring of Bull-riding-yeti-while-carrying-snake-and-eel. With Tenticles.” “Eew, looks like someone’s having a bad day,” Hikaru commented. “Someone better head off the senshi. Upper Nerima is close to Juuban. They may try to dust your friend,” Mamoru commented. “He’s no friend of mine,” Ranma snorted, “But your right. We’ll morph, and Nuku and Mamoru will head off the Senshi. Tenchi, Hikaru, you’re with me.” Ranma stanced as he called out, “It’s Morphin Time!” <><><> “That monsters coming this way!” Sailor Mercury called out, turning to the other Senshi. “Get ready.” But before the inner senshi could react, two beams of black and yellow appeared before them. Black Ranger held up his hands as he stared into the face of a Flame Sniper. “Um, we’re the good guys, really.” Sailor Moon looked at him. Dressed in black spandex with a helmet styled to be a Mastadon, and beside him was a girl with obvious talents, in yellow with a tiger styled on her helmet. “Do...do I know you?” Black Ranger kept his voice level as he shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” Yellow stepped into the conversation at that moment. “We need you girls to keep out of the fighting. The monster really isn’t in your juristiction.” Jupiter’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, ‘Not in our juristiction’?” “It means that this monster isn’t one of yours,” Yellow replied. “It is actually a person cursed to become that thing.” “Now, if you’ll excuse me, we have to get back.” Laying a hand on their belts, they dissapeared. Venus watched them go as she commented, “Wish we could do that on a whim.” Sailor Moon looked a bit thoughtful as she asked, “Anyone seen Tuxedo Mask anywhere?” A chorus of “no’s” were heard. Just then, the aforementioned Masked man jumped into view. “Did I miss anything?” Jupiter raised and eyebrow. “You’re sure late this time.” “Traffic was terrible.” <><><> “HAPPOSAI!” Taro bellowed in his collection of grunts he called a language, “Come out and face me!” The aformentioned pervert was currently buried within a mound of panties, and was too preoccupied to notice the giant fist coming down upon his head. Yeah right. In a lightning fast move, the ancient shrivelled gnome leapt away and started to taunt Taro. “Whatsa matter Pantyhose? Can’t keep up with a feeble old man?” As the Rangers happened upon the scene, they discovered that the powers acted as Translators. As fortold by the screaming of Pantyhose Taro. “You worthless son-of-a-bitch, come back here and change my bloody name!” Another building toppled. “We’ve gotta stop him Ranma!” Hikaru exclaimed. “He’s toppling every building in sight!” “Hikaru’s right,” Tenchi added. “Let’s take em down.” “Right. First, get rid of the Pervert. Tenchi?” “Got it covered.” “Hikaru and I’ll take Pantyhose. Lead him out of the city and try to calm him down.” “Break!” <><><> “Nya nya nya nya! Hey old fart, want this?” Blue Ranger ran around the pervert, waving a daring teddy over his head. The pervert stopped, looked and bellowed, “SWEETO!” Blue Ranger dodged to the side, letting the old man grab the teddy before punting him, the withered gnome nuzzling the teddy all the way into LEO. Meanwhile, Hikaru and Ranma had confronted the monster who was raving, “Get out of my way! You ruined everything!” “We won’t let you destroy this city in a quest for some old man!” Hikaru said, frowning. “So please, leave and find him somewhere else for your quest, or whatever you’re doing.” Taro pulled his head back and roared, his tentacles unravelling wildly. <><><> Meanwhile, up on the moon, Rita Repulsa watched in interest. “Hmm, a monster? And not one of mine...heh. FINSTER! MAKE ME A SQUADRON OF PUTTIES!” She screeched. The furry white monster bowed and set to work. Within moments, a group of putties burst from the monster machine. Then, they were sent down to earth by Rita. Rita watched and smiled. “Excellent.” <><><> As Hikaru danced around an attack, she caught a blubbering sound from behind her. She ducked into a roll just as a attack that would have taken her head off cleaved the air above her. “Putties!” She shouted, stancing. Tenchi looked around, “Rita’s sent in the artillery!” “Spread out, Divide and Conqour!” With a kiya, Ranma launched himself into the fray, bowling Putties everywhere. When observing the Rangers in action, one may notice several different types of styling. Red Ranger, not once drew his Blade Blaster, relying heavily on his hands and feet, cutting into them like a red comet. Yellow Ranger was a cannonball, bouncing from one attacker to another, sometimes landing on their shoulders and bashing their heads in. Blue, Black and Pink, all heavily relying on their Blade Blasters and Kendo skills were keeping Putties at bay with slices, thrusts and the occasional energy blast. Taro, immediately found himself surrounded by Putties, being protected. This puzzled him immediately as he had not heard of Rita and her machinings to take over the world. Thus, the Putties dogpiled him. In a rage, the monster burst from the confines of the group and started to slam his way through the press of creatures. Soon, the Putties had either fled or were destroyed at the hands of the Rangers. As they grouped around, warily eying Taro who had seemed to have taken out his rage on the Putties, Taro grumbled and spoke, the Ranger Powers acting as translators. “My thanks to you, whoever you guys are.” “We’re the Power Rangers, defenders of this world. And those guys who jumped us are Putties, sent by Rita Repulsa, a Galactic Witch that wants to destroy the world. We’re here to make sure she doesn’t do that.” Taro shrugged. “I see. But next time, stay out of my way, the old Perv is mine.” “I see. But next time, can you keep from destroying the city when you’re doing so?” Taro chuckled. “I guess so. So, you won’t interfere with my Pervert hunt next time?” “Count on it.” The Rangers placed their hands on their belts and dissolved into beams of light. <><><> “Ranma?” Ranma looked up from his perch on top of the Tendo roof. His mother was climbing up. Offering a hand, she waved it off. “I’m fine. But you’re not. Mind telling me what’s wrong?” Ranma shrugged and sighed. “I guess nothing’s really wrong. It’s just that...well...” Nadoka nodded. “The whole Wedding Fiasco, Jusendo. The problems don’t seem to go away, they just multiply, right?” “Yeah, they do mom,” he replied. “I wish there was something I could do to make it better.” She smiled and hugged her son. “I have something. A friend of mine, an old friend lives up in Nippon. I’d like you to go and relax at his shrine.” The martial artist turned over his mothers words. Friend. Nippon. He took a chance. “Mom, this guy, runs a shrine, the Masaki Shrine? Is this Katsuhito Masaki?” “Why yes, do you know him?” Ranma grinned. “I’ve met Tenchi.” Nadoka smiled, matching her son’s grin. “Then this will be a good time for you to catch up.” “When do we leave?” “Tommorow.” <><><> RING RING “I got it!” Tenchi ran down the stairs and picked up the phone. “Hello, Masaki Residence.” The voice on the other line was unexpected as a familiar voice said, “Hey man.” “Ranma!” Tenchi blinked. How’d Ranma get his number? “What’cha calling for?” A chuckle. “Mom wants me to come up for the weekend. She and your grandpa are old friends.” “Oh really? That’s great! I’ll tell dad.” “Cool. Say, Tenchi, how’s things there at the shrine anyhow?” Tenchi laughed. “Same as ever. “What about your girl problems? Anything cooled off yet?” “Nope, not even. You?” “Not even.” “I see. I guess I hafta go, gotta pack. See you tommorow Tenchi.” “See ya. Bye.” Tenchi hung up. Just then, a explosion rocked the room as Ryoko and Ayeka came blazing through the room. “AYEKA!” “RYOKO!” Tenchi sighed as he turned to clean up the mess, and dodge energy bolts at the same time. Things never changed. <><><> “Ranma should go with his Fiancee,” Soun said, wilting under Nadoka’s glare. “No, he should not. This is a relaxation journey. I do not want you to bring any of the troubles associated with the fiancee mess.” “But dearest, I don’t even know where this Katsuhito is!” Genma said. How was he going to keep his hold on his son? Already, he was breaking away from the ‘True Martial Artists Path’ by studying! “That’s exactly the reason. You two and everyone else will stay away from Katsuhito’s. I have already spoken to Miss Kounji, Cologne and Nabiki and they all agree that Ranma needs some time off. They will deflect any and all attempts if you try and follow him and I.” “When are you leaving?” Genma asked. “Right now. Come along Ranma.” Ranma came bounding down the stairs, holding a backpack. “Coming mom.” Outside, a Taxi was waiting as the two piled in and drove away. Soun turned to his friend and grabbed him by the front of his gi. “Genma! Now the schools will never be joined!” “I know old friend, but we must hope for the best,” Genma patted the sobbing man on the back as Nabiki watched them go. Turning into the house, she encountered Akane who glared at her. “Where did that pervert go?” She demanded. “None of your buisness. He needs a vacation and this is the best thing for him.” Nabiki picked up a backpack of her own and said, “I’m going to visit Shinobu. I’ll be back in a week.” Then, she was gone too. Akane’s hopes fell. If Ranma had left, there was no telling when he was coming back. <><><> “We go and look for Aerin, yes?” Shampoo asked hopefully for the umpteenth time. Cologne sighed and said, “Son-in-law needs a vacation. We should honor Nadoka’s wishes. Besides, your grandfather and I did not part on good terms.” “Ayia, Mr. Masaki, Grandfather? Why not tell me?” “It’s a long story Shampoo. Sit down and I’ll tell you....” <><><> “TENCHI!” “RANMA!” The two Rangers hugged and clasped hands. “Good ta see ya,” Ranma said. “The whole trip was terrible!” “Bad train?” Tenchi asked, leading him into the house. Ranma shook his head. “Naw, it was a good train. I just felt jumpy that someone would follow me here and cause a riot.” “Ha! I know how that feels!” Tenchi turned and swept his hand. “These are my friends, Ayeka, Ryoko, Sasami, Mihoshi, Kiyone and Washu-chan. Dad’s at work and Grandpa is at the Shrine.” “Pleased to meet you Ranma-san,” Ayeka said. “Likewise,” he said, returning her bow. “Say Tenchi, how about a Match?” “You’re ON!” <><><> “I don’t get it,” Ryoko said, watching as Tenchi and Ranma leapt to the poles. “Tenchi hasn’t gotten any better lately. And he’s more powerful than Bruce Lee Juinor over there.” Washu and Katsuhito hid smirks. They were the only two who Tenchi had confided the secret of being a Ranger to and they knew that Ranma was a Ranger as well, as told by their color coded clothing. Washu suspected that Sasami knew from charting the laundry, and Katsuhito was shown the Morphin Grid a long time ago by Tsunami. “Ranma may surprise you Ryoko,” Katsuhito said, coughing into his hand. “He may be a match for Tenchi.” When the match started, Tenchi surprised everyone save for Ranma by tossing away his bokken and leaping to attack. Ranma parried the attack and a whirlwind of attacks became known. Kicks, punches and throws, all matched by the two Rangers were thrown everywhere. “He’s good!” Sasami exclaimed. “Good as Tenchi!” “Wow. Hey Ayeka, you’re drooling.” The Jurian Princess closed her mouth and muttered, “Am not.” The fight ended when the pair decided on a rough and tumble fight and ended beating each other on the ground. Tenchi sat up and shook Ranma’s hand. “Good fight.” “You’ve improved,” Ranma said. “I’m willing to bet that you could take a putty squad on bare handed.” “I guess. Hopefully, we don’t have to test out that theory.” The pair shared a laugh as they returned to the house. <><><> “Wow, look at all the food!” Ranma exclaimed. “Mom, you’ve really out done yourself!” Nadoka smiled. “I had a good helper,” she said, indicating Sasami who blushed and smiled. “Hope you like it everyone!” Sasami proclaimed, smiling happily. <><><> Meanwhile, in the tower of despair... “FINSTER! MAKE ME A MONSTER!” The small monster walked out and bowed to his queen. “My queen, I have some terrible news!” Rita felt a headache coming on. “What is it this time Finster?” “Well, it seems that the Monster Matic has gotten a couple of bugs in the last round. Probably because it hasn’t been used for a long time!” “Perfect,” Rita griped. “Although, I do have some Putties already prepared and ready for use. And I have finished adding the spell to the Sword of Darkness.” “Excellent!” Rita crowed happily. “Goldar! Get the Green Power Coin!” As the gold monkey shuffled away to do his queen’s bidding, she looked down on the earth and started to scan it. “Hmm...not that one...not that one...YES! THAT ONE!” <><><> From the grounds of a small house, a teen dissapeared as he looked over a girly magazine. <><><> “Him? This is going to be the new evil Green Ranger?” Baboo asked, skeptically. “He has no training for the job whatsoever!” “Pacience, I senced out one of the most potent Evil Hearts in the area, next to that Aged Pervert.” Rita lifted her staff and started to chant in an arcane language as the teen huddled into the corner, in shock. <><><> “Tencccchiiiii!” Came a sultry voice, floating in the air. Tenchi blushed and ducked under the water. “Tell Ryoko I’m not here,” Tenchi bubbled from under the water to Ranma. Just then, the cyan haired woman phased through the wall and wrapped her arms around Ranma who stiffened. “Ranma,” she asked, “where’s Tenchi?” “Well, he’s....um....oh my, isn’t that Godzilla?” He said, pointing to the transparent wall. Ryoko turned and blinked. “What? That’s not Godzilla! But a fair approximation!” “A Zord! Tenchi! Get out now! We’ve got company!” Tenchi burst from the waters. Drying off, and dressing, the pair dashed out of the baths, leaving Ryoko to watch in bewilderment at the Dragon Robot. <><><> Mamoru Chiba sat with his girlfriend, Usagi Tsukino when his watch let off a certian six tone beeping. He turned and said, “Um, Usagi? I need to call someone about my...Term Paper.” “Mmm, go ahead Mamo-chan.” Mamoru extracted himself from the grasp of his beloved and dashed out the door, into an alley way. “Mamoru here.” “This is Tenchi,” came the voice. “We’ve got problems. Teleport to the shrine.” “Right.” In a flash of black light, he dissapeared from view. <><><> “I’m on my way,” Nuku Nuku said as she dodged a missile. “Just as soon as I loose Arisa and Kyoko.” <><><> “On it.” Hikaru exited the phone booth and entered a alley way and instantly transported in a flash of Pink. <><><> “Good, you’re all here. We’ve got company!” From out of a dust storm, came a figure in green spandex armor. His helmet was shaped like a dragon, golden armor was over his shoulders and he walked with the cool stride of a hunter. “Rangers,” he rumbled. “It’s time to rumble.” Tenchi cast a glance behind him as the Masaki Home residents were watching with interest. Ryoko and Ayeka had already powered up and Mihoshi and Kiyone had their blasters out. “This is as far as you go man!” The Green Ranger chuckled darkly. “We will see. Come and face your doom!” “This guys full of it, I say we get em!” Mamoru said, cracking his knuckles. “Good idea. IT’S MORPHIN TIME!” In five flashes of light, they were cloaked in their armor, helmets gleaming in the sunlight. “Time to rumble,” Ranma promised as he threw himself into a fierce battle against the Evil Ranger. They weaved in an intricate dance of fists and legs, punching and parrying with the dance similar to a deadly ballet of attacks. The Green Ranger drew his Dragon Dagger and slashed him across the chest, sending him tumbling head over heels into a tree. “Blade Blasters!” Blue cried out, drawing his weapon, laying down a blanket of energy which the Green Ranger dodged with phenominal agility. Dagger met Blade Blaster as the evil Ranger fenced back and forth with Black and Yellow, Pink and Blue laying down energy blasts like they were going out of style. Without warning, the Green Ranger leapt from view and snarled, “Enough! Time to die Rangers!” He raised the Dagger to his mouth and played the notes that summoned the giant Dragonzord. “Dinozord Power now!” <><><> “Oh my, I hope Tenchi’s okay,” Sasami mummured as the two titanic Zords battled it out high above the Shrine. Just then, Ayeka came rushing in, all panicked. “Sasami! Get inside this instant!” “But it’s just getting good!” Sasami whined as Ayeka forceably pulled the younger princess into the house. <><><> “He’s good, unpredictable.” Red Ranger turned to Blue Ranger. “Any ideas?” He winced under his helmet as a shower of sparks threw the Megazord about. “Give me controls.” Tenchi turned to the rogue Ranger and grit his teeth. “Okay, let’s see if you like this!” His hands shimmered. <><><> Katsuhito adjusted his glasses as the light from the three glowing wings that surrounded the Megazord. “Well now, Tenchi has learned to channel the Wings of Light Hawk through the Megazord. Interesting. And is using Jurian Sword play too.” With a tremendous crash, the Dragonzord crashed to the ground. <><><> “It’s over,” Red Ranger said, firing his Blade Blaster. The Sword of Darkness flashed once and discintigrated. Then, the green energy lifted from the teen who lay still for a second. Pink Ranger leaned over and poked him. “Is he okay?” Suddenly, the teen leapt to his feet with surprising speed and glomped Pink Ranger, shouting, “PRETTY LADY!” Immediately, Red Ranger bashed him to the ground. “Whoa, now that was wierd,” Black said. “You’re right. Morphin Rangers Power Down!” In flashes of light, the group de transformed as Ranma poked him. “Hey, it’s Ataru Moroboshi! Wierd!” “Oh well, I guess we can keep him,” Mamoru said with a small smile. “Preeetyyy.....lady....” <><><> “You know the rules Ataru,” Ranma said with a grin. “Welcome to the Rangers.” Ataru looked at the band on his wrist. A gold watch with a green band. He smiled a bit. “Thanks for accepting me. And besides that...” He suddenly appeared behind Nuku and glomped her. “Now I can work with two pretty ladies!” Nuku Nuku blinked. “Ano....what’re you doing Ataru-kun?” she asked as Ataru fondled the girl. Mamoru and Tenchi dragged the teen away as Ranma sweatdropped. Hikaru giggled and cleared her throat. “Nuku, let me tell you some things about Ataru you may find interesting....” The End...or is it?