"The outer shell appears to be in disrepair, however the interior of this training facility is in much better condition," noted Ranma.
"Hmph," hmphed the heavily overweight martial arts sensei. "You sure you got that check?"
"The money is prepared, as per our agreement, the longer the fight goes - the less money. If you actually lose, I will withhold payment and look for someone else," said Professor Tomoe. "I just hope you're better than the last two."
"Analyzing," said Ranma. "His apparent sloth and girth are misleading. He is actually in good physical strength and health for someone of his age."
"Hmmm," hmmmed Genma, sizing up this youth and coming to his own conclusions. Maybe agreeing to that deal based on his assessment of the "dad" was not one of his better ideas. "What styles do you practice?"
"I have assimilated the basics of Shinmei-style Karate-do and Yamato-dake Naginata-Ryuu," responded Ranma. "Will use of my Power Key Staff be allowed or is this strictly weaponless?"
"Weaponless," said Genma automatically - not wanting to give any advantage away.
"Very well," said Ranma, tossing the staff to the side, his eyes flicking to the doorway as the sensei's wife came to the door. He noted that his apparent inattention had precipitated the attack. Flight mode activated - anchoring position. Defense field active. Blocking.
Genma struck with the force of a wrecking ball, propelling his considerable weight across the floor and smashing into the boy. Oh, the boy had blocked but simple mass vs mass would send him out of the dojo and that money would be his!
Except the boy hadn't moved an inch and was now regarding him with those eerily blue eyes.
"Whoa," said Professor Tomoe as the shockwave sent dust flying away from the point of impact.
Bouncing away, Genma went full out with a series of strikes. That money was enough to pay the bills accumulating AND pay for a tour of the local bars! He could even contact Tendo and they could get together for an evening or two. He could NOT lose!
The boy blocked, retreating every so often but only a single step and Genma had this feeling that it wasn't in response to what he was doing. Then there was that stare - as if the boy didn't even need to blink.
"Pattern established," said the boy. "Beginning counter."
Genma was glad for the warning, otherwise he thought that slash-kick might have removed his head. With the boy now attacking instead of just blocking, he was forced to reconsider his evaluation. That deal had DEFINITELY not been in his best interests after all. He'd have to call on reserves and manuevers he'd not used for years.
Professor Tomoe stepped next to the sensei's wife, took out a little box, and flicked a switch. The air shimmered around them.
"What's that?" asked Nodoka, curious.
"Force field projector, one of my initial attempts at developing new technology," said the Professor almost dismissively. "Drains the batteries something awful."
"DEMON KING RETRIBUTION!"
"Looks handy," said Nodoka as a lantern bounced off the shimmer and impacted a wall.
"Not perfected though," said the Professor sadly.
"Technique acquired," said Ranma. "Vaccum blades created by chi infusion, air element marker."
"Let's go have tea, shall we?" said the Professor. "I wanted your husband to go full out, hence the arrangement with him, but since Ranma is having fun - it's only fair."
"Thank you," said Nodoka, bowing.
Genma awoke, blinking as he realized he was looking at the ceiling of his dojo. What? Hadn't that exploded?
"Ah, you're awake, husband," said Nodoka from nearby.
Raising a head that seemed to weigh in tonnage, Genma regarded her. She was sitting in the seiza position, a teaset sitting nearby. "What? The dojo?"
"Professor Tomoe and his son were quite impressed, husband," said Nodoka in her quiet and dignified manner. "Ranma insisted on rebuilding the dojo after your match."
"Ah? Is that why the roof has armor plates?" asked Genma letting his head lower back into position.
"You saw? I thought the wood veneer covered them quite well," said Nodoka. "For some reason, Tomoe's son rebuilt using Navy-grade armor and shipbuilding materials."
"The money?" asked Genma hopefully.
"You lost, husband," said Nodoka. "However it was sufficient that Professor Tomoe felt some recompense beyond rebuilding was 'fair' in this case. Also something about how his daughter would be cross with him if he took advantage of the situation somehow."
"Ah," said Genma. Somehow he didn't want to get up and spend it as much as catch a nap right now.
Ranma practiced the non-special-technique moves over and over again, making sure that they were in reflex-memory.
The Professor was happy, researching some of the devices from the prison-cavern. Hotaru was happy, she had her big brother watching over her. Ranma was... satisfied. Happy might have been a stretch. Content, maybe.
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(Posted Thu, 20 Apr 2006 20:57)
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