Ranma Saotome never gives up.  That's why he always wins, right?
There's a logical problem with this.  Ranma isn't the only and is
perhaps not even the most determined martial artist in Nerima.  Ryoga
has tried many time to defeat Ranma, but he's never managed a lasting
victory.  The question this story asks, is what would happen if he did.
These events take place after volume 38 of the manga, although certain
characters may be conspicous in their absence.

  Now for some information about my other projcts.  The first chapter of
the sequel to Crossed Wires should be out soon, the first draft is done.
I'll also be continuing An Unlikely Couple.  I know I said I wouldn't,
but a number of private responses changed my mind.  Don't expect it any
time soon, though

Disclaimer:  I'm just borrowing these characters for the story.  They
are the creations and property of Rumiko Takahashi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mask of Victory, Face of Defeat
A Ranma Nibunnoichi Fanfic
by Kent Hyam

     Ryoga bowed to the old man who'd done so much for him.  "Thank you,
sensei.  I won't forget what you've taught me."

     "Be sure you don't.  You have mastered the techniques I've shown
you, but I fear they may not prove as useful as you hope."

     "You're wrong.  I know that I'll finally be able to win now."

     The old man looked at the figure of his latest student descending
the mountain and almost called out after him.  He didn't though.  Some
lessons could not be taught, only learned.   Realizing something else,
he blinked abruptly.  "Wait, you fool!  Tokyo isn't that way.  I'll draw
you a map."

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

     Ryoga sighed wearily and crumpled the map he was holding into a
ball.  Apparently, being a wise and venerable teacher didn't mean
someone was an expert cartographer.  Over a week and he still hadn't
found Nerima.

     "Yo, P-chan.  What are you doing?"

     Ryoga turned hesitantly.  Perhaps he'd been too hasty.  "Ranma, I
was just looking for you."

     "You want to fight, huh?"

     "Something like that."

     Ranma rolled his eyes and assumed a casual stance.  "Well, what are
you waiting for?"

     "You go first this time."

     Ranma paused suspiciously.  Ryoga was being awfully confident.
Even now, he was just standing there, completely out of position.  "If
you insist."  Ranma rushed forward and aimed a simple punch at Ryoga's
head.

     Ryoga didn't make any effort to block, but Ranma stumbled
in surprise when his blow seemed to pass right through Ryoga's
position.  Before Ranma could recover, a crushing blow from his left
side hurled him to the ground.  Ranma instinctively went into a roll to
absorb the force of the blow and sprang to his feet.

     "Lucky shot, P-chan.  This time I won't go easy on you."

     "Go ahead and try, Ranma."
 
    Ranma covered the distance to his opponent quickly, executing a
graceful flying kick and Ryoga again seemed to vanish just as the attack
would have connected.  As Ranma landed from his attack a sharp blow to
his kidneys caused his vision to blur from the pain.  Whirling around he
saw only the blur of Ryoga's fist racing towards his head before
darkness claimed him.

     Ryoga looked down at the unconscious boy lying at his feet.
Beating Ranma had been even easier than he'd thought.  It hadn't been
very satisfying though.  He'd wanted to savor his victory and prove that
he was a better fighter than Ranma to everyone.  Ryoga smirked as the
solution occurred to him..  Hastily scribbling out a note, he placed it
gently on Ranma's chest.

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

     Dejectedly Ranma entered the Tendos' house clutching a piece of
paper in his hand.  He was greeted by Kasumi at the door.

     "Oh my.  Ranma, what happened to you?  Are you all right?"

     "I just had a little fight with Ryoga.  I'm fine though."

     "Are you sure?  That's a nasty bruise.  Your right eye's almost
swollen shut."  Kasumi produced a damp cloth and started to dab at the
bruise.

     "What's that boy?  You let Ryoga beat you?  You're a disgrace to my
training."  Scowling, Genma reached out to grab Ranma's arm.
 
    "I'm a disgrace, Pop?"  Ranma grabbed hold of his father's
outstretched arm and performed a legsweep that sent Genma to the floor.
"Ryoga just had a new trick.  I'll beat him next time."

     "You know, Ranma, you shouldn't be so overconfident.  By my count
Ryoga's beaten you almost as often as you've beaten him."  Nabiki smiled
lazily from the entrance to the kitchen.

     "He's managed to surprise me a couple of times, but I always
come out on top in the end.  Besides, this new trick of Ryoga's is
nothing like the Shi Shi Hokodan.  It's some kind of illusion that lets
Ryoga seem to be somewhere he's not.  I figure it just affects sight, so
now that I know about it, I won't have any problems."

     "I assume you've got a rematch lined up then."

     "Yep.  Ryoga left me a note.  He said he'll meet me in front of
Furinkan High in one week.  Since he's already in Nerima, I guess he'll
probably make it."

     "A big public match?  He must be sure of himself."

     "With a week to train, I'll beat him no problem.  I'm heading for
the furo now."

     Nabiki considered the situation.  Ranma's confidence grated on her,
but he was probably right.  Cologne was the only person she could think
of that had managed to beat Ranma twice in a row.  On the other hand, if
she hyped up Ryoga's win and spread a few rumors, she could get almost
everyone to bet on him.

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

     For the next week, Ranma's attendance at school was even more
cursory than usual.  He'd not only intensified his usual training, he'd
started studying blind fighting techniques as well.  They ranged from
sparing with his father while wearing a blindfold, to meditative
techniques designed to allow him to sense an opponent's ki.

     Nabiki watched his progress with satisfaction.  Her own efforts
proceeded apace.  Almost everyone in Nerima knew about the upcoming duel
and that Ryoga had already defeated Ranma once.  Strangely, news about
Ranma's training regimen traveled far more slowly.

     Meanwhile, Ryoga had begun the long and arduous to Furinkan High.
According to the reports Nabiki received, he was last seen heading in
the general direction of Kyoto.

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

     Ryoga scowled angrily.  He was supposed to be fighting Ranma and
instead he was hopelessly lost.  Perhaps this wasn't unusual, but it was
still frustrating.  There was no help for it, he'd have to swallow his
pride ask for directions at one of the nearby houses.  Sighing, he
selected a house at random and walked straight to a neighboring
structure.

     Knocking briskly, Ryoga waited until someone answered.  "Hello.  I
was wondering if.... Kasumi?"

     "Hello, Ryoga.  I'm afraid everyone else is off watching you fight
Ranma.  Have you finished already?"

     "Um, not exactly.  Actually I'm sort of having a little trouble
finding Furinkan High.  I was wondering if you could give me
directions."

     "Oh, don't worry.  I'll walk you there myself.  I'm sure that Ranma
would miss you if you didn't show up.  The two of you always have so
much fun playing together."

     "I don't know about Ranma, but I'm going to enjoy this."  Ryoga was
smiling, but it didn't reach his eyes.

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

     "I might have known that P-chan would be late."

     "Ranma, I don't know why you can't be nicer to Ryoga," Akane
remarked, testily.  "The way you insult him, it's no wonder he's always
fighting you."

     "Relax, Akane.  Ryoga can't hear me.  He isn't here.  Even though
he had a whole week."  Ranma's last words were delivered to softly for
Akane to make them out.

     "Ranma, isn't that Kasumi waving at us?  I think there's someone
with her."

     Ranma searched the crowd in front of Furinkan for Kasumi.  Finally
he located her and an unlikely companion.  "Hey, Ryoga's with her.
Lucky pig.  I guess he made it after all."

     Confidently, Ranma sauntered out to meet his foe.  "I hope you're
ready to get beaten, Ryoga.  Things aren't going to go so easy for you
this time."

     "Good.  I hope you manage to put up a bit of a fight this time."

     Ranma noticed Ryoga stood in the same unconcerned pose he'd
affected in their previous match.  If Ryoga thought his trick
would work again, he'd be disappointed.

     Ranma tuned out the distraction of sight and struck where he sensed
Ryoga's presence. Ranma's attack, a vicious ax kick met no resistance
and continued onward to gouge out a small crater in the ground.

     "What?"

     "That was pathetic, Ranma.  Maybe you'd better try again."

     Ranma clenched his teeth.  He didn't know how Ryoga had done that,
but he wasn't about to give up.  Maybe it was some form of
teleportation.  Ranma had seen stranger things.  He aimed a punch at
Ryoga and immediately followed with another attack at where he thought
Ryoga would appear.  Neither attack landed, but Ranma continued his
attack.  Each blow missed by a smaller margin, but Ryoga was being
forced backwards.  His strategy apparently working, Ranma decided to
follow it to it's logical conclusion.

     "Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"

     In the space of a few heartbeats, Ranma threw several hundred
punches.  Feeling his blows connect solidly, he redoubled his efforts.
When fatigue forced Ranma to halt, he was shocked by what he saw.

     Ryoga was standing before him the only sign that he'd been harmed a
slight trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.  The
bandana clad boy didn't even seem to be winded.

     "H-How?" Ranma gasped.

     "Not bad.  A few of your punches even slipped through my guard
there at the end.  But, it's my turn now."

     Ranma was almost overwhelmed by a blizzard of punches.  He could
barely manage to block them let alone try to dodge.  Blows began to slip
past his defenses more and more frequently.  Ranma's vision became
nothing more than a red blur as he pushed himself to keep up.

     "Ryoga, stop!"

     Ryoga stepped back from his opponent, looking at the girl racing
towards them.  "Akane, what are you doing?"

     "Don't you see that Ranma can't defend himself.  If you keep going
he'll be seriously hurt."

     Ryoga bit back the retort that immediately sprang to mind.
Somehow, telling Akane that he wanted to hurt Ranma didn't seem like a
good idea.

     "I don't need your help, Akane.  I can fight my own battles."
Ranma was staggering forward, gasping for breath, but plainly willing to
continue.

     "No.  She's right.  I shouldn't pick on someone too weak to defend
themselves."  A strange expression crossed Ryoga's face and he turned to
leave before Ranma could reply.

     Ranma shook off Akane's efforts to support him and tried to
follow.  He had to pause after only a few steps, too exhausted and hurt
to continue.

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

     The walk back to the Tendos' home was a grim but hardly silent
affair.

     "I can't believe you let her interfere in a man to man fight, Pop."

     "You should be grateful she stepped in.  I know I am.  Since you
didn't actually lose, I don't have to pay out," Nabiki replied, before
Genma could speak.

     "Even if I was losing, I don't need a girl to protect me!" Ranma
snapped.  After a short struggle to calm himself, Ranma continued,
"Ryoga may have managed to learn the Amaguriken technique but, I'll
still find a way to beat him."

     "That wasn't what Ryoga was using, boy," Genma said.

     "What're you talking about?"

     "You were too close to see, but Ryoga only used one arm to block
your attack.  He wasn't using illusions either, he was dodging so
quickly you attacked his afterimage."

     "Ryoga?  There's no way he could get that fast."

     "You're wrong.  It's almost like Kirin, except it's Ryoga's whole
body that can move quickly."

     "Well, then it has to bea gimmick.  Like that time Ryoga had the
invincibility tattoo."

     "What tattoo was that, Ranma?" Akane asked.

     Ranma gave no sign that he heard her and continued walking.

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

     "Ryoga, wait up!" Ukyo called.  She wondered how some one who got
lost so easily could cover so much ground.  Actually, thinking about it
there was probably a connection.

     "What are you doing here?  I guess I'm still in Nerima."

     "I followed you, idiot.," Ukyo said, ignoring the rest of Ryoga's
statement.  "I was wondering why you're so down.  I thought you'd be
happy that you finally beat Ranma."

     "I don't really want to talk about it."

     "Look, why don't you come to Ucchan's for some okonomiyaki and tell
me about it there?"

     "I'm not really hungry."  Ryoga's stomach chose that moment to
rumble loudly.  He'd skipped a few meals trying to get to the duel on
time.

     "Sure you aren't, sugar.  Come on just follow me."

     Ryoga muttered something under his breath, but when Ukyo turned he
walked alongside her.

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

     "So come on.  Tell me what's wrong."

     Ryoga stared glumly at his empty plate.  "I don't know really.  I
just always thought that beating Ranma would make my life better.  It
didn't though."  Ryoga paused and looked at Ukyo.  "Say, aren't you mad
at me for beating up Ranma?"

    "Why would I be?  Ranma isn't really hurt and losing one fight won't
kill him.  Anyway, you've devoted almost a year of your life to beating
Ranma and when you finally do it it doesn't mean anything to you?"

     "Longer.  Ranma and I started fighting before he came to Nerima.  I
suppose I'm proud that my skills have improved so much, but actually
beating Ranma didn't accomplish anything.  Akane still doesn't love me,
I still have a horrible sense of direction and I still....  Well I guess
I don't need to talk about that."

     "You really thought that beating Ranma would make Akane love you?"
Ukyo asked.  She seemed to be faintly amused by the idea.

     "Heh.  No not really.  I just sort of thought that she'd be
impressed or something.  What a joke.  I just made myself look like a
bully."

     For someone who didn't want to talk Ryoga sure had a lot to say,
Ukyo reflected.  "It was a fair fight, Ryoga."

     "Maybe.  But, I knew that Ranma didn't stand a chance before I
fought him the first time.  One thing I never liked about Ranma was the
way he flaunted being just a bit better than me.  I'm not really any
different though am I?"

     "Hey, Ranma has his faults, but he's a nice guy.  You're really not
that bad either, Ryoga."

     "Thanks for the praise," Ryoga said, a sarcastic edge to his voice.

     "Maybe you'd better stay here for a while.  You're really too
depressed to be wandering around."

     "I don't feel depressed.  Just numb."

     "You can still stay."

     Ryoga shrugged indifferently.  "Why not?  I don't have anything
better to do."

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

     A new day was dawning at the Tendo dojo and Ranma was awake to
greet it.  Though, perhaps not for long.

    "Are you sure you're ready this time, boy?"  Genma Saotome gazed up
at the strange harness his son was strapped into and felt unfamiliar
feelings stir.  True, the lief of a martial artist was dangerous, but
this seemed to be a bit much.

     "Yes I'm sure.  Now do it."

     Genma released the rope he was holding and watched the huge boulder
swing towards his son.  Even he winced when he heard the sickening thud
it made when it connected.  The other spectators reacted a bit more
strongly.

     "Oh my.  Maybe there's more to learning the Bakusai Tenketsu than
being slammed into a giant boulder."

     "Idiot.  I told him that when Ryoga learned the technique, he used
a smaller rock.  Cologne didn't let it swing as far either."

     Genma had lowered Ranma to the ground and pried open an eyelid.
"Girls, maybe we'd better call Dr. Tofu.  I think Ranma's unconscious
again."

     "Ungh.  Don't bother, Pop.  I'm not going to learn the Bakusai
Tenketsu this way."
     "Well, maybe if you started with a smaller boulder."

     Ranma shook his head impatiently.  "No, I need to be tougher than
Ryoga.  I'll go to the Nekohanten.  Cologne knows how to teach the
technique.  In fact, the old ghoul can probably teach me something
better or even tell me about the gimmick Ryoga's using to get so fast."

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

     "Ranma come to visit Shampoo?"

     "Not exactly.  I gotta talk to the old ghoul.."

     "Shampoo get Great-grandmother for Ranma."  As Shampoo dashes off
to the back of the restaurant, Ranma seats himself at a table.  After a
brief wait, Cologne hops out balanced on her staff.

     "What can I do for you, son in law?"

     "I'm not your son in law!"  Ranma quickly realized that this
probably wasn't the best time to press the issue and continued in a more
reasonable tone of voice.  "Anyway, I have a few questions for you."
Ranma quickly outlines the events of yesterday's duel and waits
expectantly.

     "Hmm.  I believe I recognize the technique you've described.
Somehow, Ryoga has learned how to control his time sense."

     "What does that have to do with anything?" Ranma asked, confusion
visible on his face.

     "Time is subjective.  By controlling the rate at which he
experiences events, Ryoga can accelerate his actions to an enormous
degree."

     "Great!  Once you teach me this technique, I'll beat Ryoga easy."

     "I'm afraid you weren't listening.  I've heard of the technique,
but I don't know it myself."  Cologne chuckles at the expression of
shock on Ranma's face.

     "What?  There's got to be something you could teach me."

     Something probably intended to be a smile takes form on Cologne's
face.  "There are a few things I could teach you.  It's too bad that
they're Amazon secrets and I'm forbidden to teach them to an outsider."

     "Hey!  That's never stopped you from helping me before," Ranma
protested.

     "I like you, but there are limits.  Now, if you were married to
Shampoo things would be different."

     Ranma glares at Cologne in disgust.  "No thanks.  I've gotta be
going now."

     As Ranma leaves the Nekohanten, Shampoo bounces up to him and
catches hold of his arm.  "Why Ranma sad.  Marry Shampoo and
Great-grandmother teach many powerful techniques."

     Ranma didn't reply to that.  Instead he carefully disengaged
Shampoo from his arm.  "Look, I really do have to go now.  I'll talk to
you later, okay?"

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

     After he returned from the Nekohanten, Ranma announced the results
of his conversation with Cologne.  Unfortunately, neither Genma nor Soun
knew anyone who might be able to teach the technique.  After listening
to some rather absurd ideas on how to counter Ryoga's advantage, Ranma
retreated to the dojo and began grimly training.

     "I'm sorry that Cologne wouldn't help you, Ranma," Akane said,
entering the dojo.

     "No you're not.  You never liked me spending time around Shampoo."

     "You're right, but I'm a martial artist too.  I know how important
this is to you."

     "You a martial artist?  Don't make me laugh.  It's just a hobby for
you."  As he spoke, Ranma used his Amaguriken attack to reduce another
training dummy to splinters.

     Surprisingly, Akane did nothing more than frown in displeasure at
Ranma's words.  "I was wondering if you'd like to come to Ucchan's with
me."

     Ranma surveyed the debris that had resulted from his training
efforts.  "I suppose so.  It's not like I'm accomplishing anything
here."

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

     "You!"

     "You!"

     Ranma stood in the doorway of Ucchan's, staring at a young man
holding a broom.  "What are you doing here, Ryoga?" Ranma growled.

     "Sweeping.  Ukyo let me stay here last night, so I thought I'd help
out a bit."

     "I'm surprised that a pig like you didn't try sneaking into her
bed."

     "Ranma, you don't need to start a fight with Ryoga," Akane
desperately said.  Her efforts to cheer Ranma up were falling apart
before her eyes.

     "I don't want to fight him."  Ryoga seemed calm and unconcerned by
Ranma's insult.

     "Too bad.  I want to fight you," Ranma shot back.

     "Take it outside, boys.  Nobody wrecks my restaurant."  Ukyo
stepped out from behind the counter hefting her spatula.

     "I don't have any problem with that."  Ranma opened the door and
stepped back outside.  Ryoga winced slightly, but followed him anyway,
Akane and Ukyo close behind.

     Outside Ucchan's Ranma and Ryoga faced one another, separated by
less than two dozen feet of pavement.

     "Any time you're ready, Ranma."

     "I'm ready now."  Ranma cupped his palms together and began to
focus his ki between them.  Once Ryoga saw what Ranma intended, he began
to respond in kind.

     "Moko Takabisha!"

     "Shi Shi Hokodan!"

     The two attacks were nothing more than pale reflections of their
usual power.  Still when they met the shock wave was enough to crack the
Ucchan's window.  Even as Ukyo groaned at the sight, Ranma prepared to
repeat his attack.  He never got the chance.

     Later, Akane would swear she never even blinked, that Ryoga had
simply appeared in front of Ranma.  She didn't see the kick either, just
Ryoga lowering his leg and Ranma flying down the street.  Numbly, she
realized that Ryoga had drawn out the second fight, that he'd been
playing with Ranma.  It wasn't a good feeling to know that he'd do
something like that.

     "Wow.  Maybe you'd better take Ranma home, Akane.  I'll talk to
Ryoga."

     "That's probably a good idea."

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

     "You've gotten a lot better, Ryoga.  How did you improve so much in
such a short time."

     "I was off training in the mountains, like usual, when I met this
old hermit.  He never did tell me his name, but he taught me a lot."

     "Care to give me an example?"

     "The main thing was the ability to control my perception of time.
That's how I seem to move so fast.  There were a few others though.  One
of them is the ability to influence the direction and intensity of
flames.  It's pretty neat, but not much use in a fight."

     "Not unless you're fighting in a burning building."

     "I never though of that."

     "Say do you think that you could show me how you learned that speed
technique?"

     "Why do you ask?  Planning to tell Ranma?"

     Ukyo flushed.  "Sorry.  I guess I was being kind of obvious.  I
just wanted Ranma to pay attention to me for once."

     "I suppose that's why you bombed the wedding.  Hey! Don't get
angry.  I've done some pretty stupid things to get Akane's attention."

     "We're quite the pair aren't we.  I don't know why we don't just
give up."

     "I did.  For a while anyway.  Things didn't work out though"

     Ukyo noticed that Konatsu had been hovering in the background
listening to the conversation.  For some reason this made her slightly
nervous, and she hurriedly rose.  "I've got to get back to work now.  We
can talk more later."
     "Sure."

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

     "Why Ranma, it certainly is helpful of you to clean up Grandfather
Happosai's room while he's away."

     "Well, you know me.  Always willing to help around the house."

     Kasumi declined to comment on that claim, and instead picked up a
pile of feminine undergarments.  "I'll just take these to the laundry."
    "Thanks.  That'll make things a lot easier.  Say, if you find
anything that looks like a scroll of secret techniques show it to me."

    "I'd be happy to."

    After Kasumi carried out her final load, Ranma continued his
methodical search of Happosai's belongings.  Several hours later, Akane
poked her head into the room.

    "How are things going, Ranma?"

    "Not so well."  Ranma gestured at a huge pile of scrolls and books
heaped to one side of him.  "Half of these are in Chinese, the ones
Happosai wrote are illegible and most of the rest are either perverted
or useless. "  Ranma pointed at a slightly smaller pile of esoteric
items on his other side.  "I'm sure that some of these are magic, but I
can't tell which ones, let alone what they do."

     Akane eyed the huge piles skeptically.  "In all this there's
nothing useful?"

     "Nothing that I can recognize.  I'll just have to come up with a
way to beat Ryoga on my own."

     "Ranma, why don't you just forget about Ryoga for a while?  Just
until you've had a chance to train some more."

     "You don't think I can beat him," Ranma challenged.

     Akane couldn't meet his eyes and her voice was barely a whisper
when she spoke.  "No.   I don't think you can."

     "You're wrong and I'll prove it.  Ranma Saotome never gives up."

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

     Events over the next several days fell into a pattern.  Ranma
continued his solitary training , the sheer intensity of his efforts
discouraging his father from participation.  He seldom spoke to the
other inhabitants of the house, despite efforts by Akane to mend the
rift between them.  Ryoga had left Ucchan's, but remained camped
nearby.  It's hard to say how long this might have continued, but life
in Nerima is never predictable.

     "Ranma, there's a letter for you."

     After a short pause, Ranma emerged from the dojo to take the letter
from Kasumi.  Opening it, he quickly scanned the contents.  "It's from
Mousse.  He's been training in China and he wants to fight me in three
days."

     "Does he say why?"

     "Something about proving himself to Shampoo.  It doesn't matter."
Ranma turned and walked back into the dojo, his mood lifting slightly
for the first time in days.  "This'll be a good chance to test some
ideas that I have."

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

     "You seem to be quite happy, Nabiki."

     "Of course.  I only had to set the odds at five to one in Ranma's
favor to get people to bet on Mousse."

     Kasumi frowned slightly.  "Then you don't think Mousse can win?
I'm worried about how Ranma will feel if he does."

     "Set your mind at ease.  Ryoga's always been a serious contender,
Mousse is mostly an annoyance.  Plus, Ranma's improved a lot training to
fight Ryoga."

     "I hope you're right.  Ranma isn't taking things well.  All Akane
did was wish him luck and he started arguing with her."

     "Shush.  I think they're going to start."

     The usual crowd was standing far back.  Mousse's poor vision and
penchant for thrown weapons were a dangerous combination for bystanders.

     Mousse confirmed their fears by throwing a barrage of knives and
blade tipped chains in Ranma's general direction.  Ranma avoided the
projectiles with little effort and charged to meet Mousse. As his foe
approached, Mousse produced a set of spiked brass knuckles   However,
Ranma leaped into the air avoiding Mousse's blow.  As Ranma soared over
Mousse, he twisted to deliver a kick to Mousse's head.

      Ranma watched in amusement as the Chinese boy regained his feet,
spitting out a clod of dirt.

      "Your tricks won't defeat me this time, Saotome!"

      Producing a pair of curved swords, Mousse began to slash wildly at
his opponent.  Ranma retreated slightly with each attack, inflaming
Mousse further.  As a result he overextended himself, allowing Ranma to
connect with a flurry of punches.

     Staggering back, Mousse drew several small packets from his sleeve
and hurled them into the ground.  They burst on impact enveloping him in
a thick white cloud.

     Coughing slightly, Ranma looked wildly about until he sensed
movement above him.  As he looked up, a red battle aura formed around
Mousse, taking the shape of a huge bird of prey.

     "Descending Eagle Strike!"

     "Shi Shi Hokodan!"

      The crowd of onlookers was surprised to see a ball of brilliant
blue light form between Ranma's hands and fly upwards to strike Mousse.
When it came into contact with the aura surrounding Mousse it seemed to
hesitate briefly and then contract, continuing onward.  When the smaller
blast struck, Mousse was blown backwards.  He landed heavily, his aura
flickering into nothingness.

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

     Nabiki entered the dojo and coughed softly.  After waiting in vain
for Ranma to pause in his training , she spoke.  "I heard you tell your
dad that you're planning on challenging Ryoga again."

     "Why do you care, Nabiki?"

     "I'm not completely heartless and you're starting to act like
Kuno."

     Ranma turned around to face Nabiki.  "What are you talking about?
I'm nothing like Kuno," Ranma said, anger beginning to creep into his
voice.

     "Then why this obsession with beating Ryoga?  Kuno's the same way
about you."

     "That's different, Kuno has no chance of winning against me."

     "And you can't win against Ryoga."  Seeing Ranma's glare, Nabiki
qualified her statement.  "At least not yet."

     "Come on Nabiki, you know me.  I never give up and I always find a
way to win."  Some of Ranma's old confidence seemed to seep back into
him as he spoke.

     Nabiki snorted in disgust.  "There isn't any law that says you
always have to win, Ranma.  Up until now you've been lucky."

     "Luck has nothing to do with it.  I win because I'm good."  Ranma's
posture became more belligerent and his eyes narrowed.

     "That isn't what I meant.  Until now, it didn't matter how strong
your opponent was.  It was just a matter of learning a technique or
finding a weakness to exploit.  There was always something."

     "Ryoga isn't invincible.  It's just a matter of time until I win."

     "You haven't listened to a word I said, have you?  I don't know why
I bothered.  You really are as bad as Kuno."  Scorn and incredulity
warred for supremacy in Nabiki's voice.

     "I don't know why either.  I don't need some money grubbing
mercenary to insult me."  Ranma's temper had taken control and he was
almost shouting.

     "I was trying to do you a favor.  For some reason Akane doesn't
want to see you beaten to a pulp again" Nabiki, retorted with glacial
chill.

     "Akane put you up to this?  You can tell her that I'm not the one
who'll need protection!"

     "She didn't have anything to do with it.  And don't worry, no one's
going to step into save you next time."  Nabiki turned on her heel and
stalked out of the dojo, ignoring Ranma's incoherent protests.

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

     Ryoga stood alone in the vacant lot.  Taking several calming
breaths, he began a complex kata.  At first his movements were slow but
sure.  Ss he continued his speed increased until his actions were a
lightning blur almost to fast to see.  As he finished he heard someone
moving behind him, and whirled to confront them.

     "Hello, Ryoga.  I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

     "Don't be ridiculous, Akane.  I'm always glad to see you."  Ryoga's
heart lightened at the sight of Akane, this time she had come to see
him.

     "It's about Ranma.  I was wondering um... that is, I mean."  Akane
fell silent and apparently developed an intense fascination with her own
shoes.

      "What is it?  You can tell me, Akane."  Ryoga was filled with a
mixture of hope and dread that almost paralyzed him.  Whatever Akane had
to say was important.

      "Iwaswonderingifyoucouldlethimwin."  The words rushed out of
Akane, almost as if she was trying to finish before she could stop
herself.

      When Ryoga deciphered the statement, he took an involuntary step
backwards.  "I-I don't think I can.  It wouldn't work anyway."

      "What do you mean?"

      "Ranma's pride wouldn't let him accept something like that.  I
couldn't make it convincing enough to fool him."

      "You're right.  I knew that.  I was just trying not to think of
it.  Ryoga, do you mind if I ask you a question?  Why are you still
here?"

      "I don't have anywhere else to go."  Ryoga tried to appear casual,
but a trace of bitterness underlay his words.

      "What about Akari?" Akane asked, gently.

      "We broke up a while ago.  She wanted me to settle down and help
on the pig farm."

      "That doesn't seem like much of a reason.  Maybe you could try to
work things out."

      Ryoga's expression grew pained.  "Akane, could you imagine
yourself living on a pig farm for the rest of your life?"

      "Well, no.  Not really."

      "Then why does everyone think I could?  I didn't mind that Akari
liked pigs, but it's not me.  I've spent almost my whole life studying
martial arts and I'm not giving that up for anyone."

      "You deserve someone though."

      "I shouldn't have to give up my dreams for them.  Ranma's ...
lucky to have you."  Choking out the last four words was the hardest
thing Ryoga had ever done.

      Akane was puzzled.  For some reason, what Ryoga had said seemed
far more important than it should.  It almost seemed like Ryoga was
about to cry, but that couldn't be right.  He was as reluctant to admit
to weakness as Ranma.

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

    "Do you really think you can win, Ranma?"  Genma knew the answer to
that question.  He was also fairly sure his son was wrong, but he had to
ask.

    "I'm sure.  The Moko Takabisha didn't work because I wasn't
confident enough.  I won't have that problem with the Shi Shi Hokodan.
It's more powerful anyway, since depresison is a more destructive
emotion."

     Genma nodded as if he believed his son's words and allowed him to
step out onto the field.

     "There's no way I can talk you out of this, is there?" Ryoga asked.

     "You know there isn't.  Let's do it."

     As Ryoga moved forward, it seemed that Ranma intended to meet him
head on, but this was nothing more than a feint.  Ranma abruptly hurled
himself backwards lashing out with his foot as he fell.  The wind from
Ryoga's punch rushed over his head, even as he connected with glancing
kick.

     Ranma rolled to his feet, blocking the rain of nearly invisible
blows for the second he needed to jump clear.  As he landed, Ranma felt
a sharp twinge in one of his ribs.  Ryoga must have managed to land a
punch.

    Ryoga was astonished by Ranma's success, although he understood how
Ranma had done it.  He'd compensated for Ryoga's speed by beginning his
counters before the actual attacks were launched.  The only reason Ranma
had managed it was his detailed knowledge of Ryoga's style.

    "Shi-"

    A faint blue glow seemed to form around Ranma.  Ryoga felt more than
saw the heavy ki begin to collect between Ranma's hands.  It seemed that
Ranma had at least one more trick up his sleeve.  He'd have to act
quickly.

    "Shi-"

    Ryoga drove his fist into Ranma's abdomen, doubling the pig-tailed
boy over.  He easily deflected the weak punch Ranma attempted and
countered with a heavy blow to the other boy's temple.  A simple kick
sent Ranma crashing to the ground, ending the fight.   Ryoga almost
wished that Ranma had managed to win, somehow.  At least he'd have known
what to do then.

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

     Ukyo watched as Ryoga packed his gear, with the ease of long
practice.  She didn't really know why she'd guided him back to his camp.
"Leaving again?"
 
    Ryoga managed a weary smile for Ukyo.  The lost boy seemed to be
hiding some inward pain, though.  "Yes.  There's no reason for me to
stay."  His smile seemed to become bitter and mocking.  "I would have
left sooner, but there's no where else for me to go."

     "What about, Akane?  You said that you hadn't given up on her."

     "She asked me to let Ranma win the fight."

     Ukyo winced.  "I guess she really does like him.  You will come
back to visit, won't you?"

     Ryoga raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

     "It's just that I don't have many friends."  The statement seemed
to embarrass Ukyo, so she hastened to explain.  "Between running my own
business and Ranma, there just isn't time."

     "I'll be back.  I don't have many friends either.  Ryoga's smile
seemed to grow slightly more genuine.  "Ranma and I were friends once.
Maybe we'll get another chance."

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

     Akane entered Ranma's room and sat on the futon beside him.
"Ranma, will you look at me."

     "Go away."

     Akane almost sighed in relief, that was the most response she'd
gotten from Ranma since he'd woken up.  "I understand how you feel."

     "How could you know?"  Despite his words, Ranma raised his head and
seemed slightly curious.

     "Ranma, Ukyo could probably beat me in about thirty seconds."

     "So?  It's about time you realized that."

     "Who trains more, Ukyo or I?" Akane asked, through clenched teeth.

     Ranma frowned briefly as he considered.  "I suppose you do.  I
mean, you spend a lot of time working in the dojo."

    "And Ukyo hasn't trained seriously since she arrived in Nerima.
It's even worse with Shampoo.  With Cologne training her, she could be
almost as good as you.  She just doesn't have any real drive."

    "You can't expect to beat them though.  Ukyo spent ten years
training to get as good as she is and Shampoo was trained by Cologne."

    "I know, Ranma.  Sometimes, just wanting to be the best isn't
enough."

    Ranma let his mind drift, considering Akane's words.  "I guess I'm
lucky it was Ryoga that beat me.  I don't think I could stand losing to
someone who didn't feel the same way about the art as I do."

    "That's the way I felt about you.  You wanted it so much more, I
couldn't blame you."

    Ranma and Akane sat silently for a time.  Eventually, Ranma spoke.
"You know, I could give you a few pointers, Akane."

    "I'd like that."

    Ranma placed his hand on Akane's.  He'd still beat Ryoga, but it
could wait.

End.