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Saffron sat at his throne studying his aid as he reported the night's events. The winged man had seen better days as he sported huge bags under his eyes from the lack of proper rest. His posture was that of a tired man, but his expression revealed otherwise. He seemed like he was ready to take on the entire Amazon army by himself. The Phoenix God didn't have to go out and see his other men to know they felt the same way. "So there's no sign of any attack being formed by the Amazons?" Saffron asked rhetorically as he already knew the answer.
The soldier shook his head. "No, Lord Saffron. All the commotion caused by the small attack seems to have destroyed their morale. The last reports inform us of many retreating Amazon warriors. They are probably headed back to their village."
Saffron nodded. "We don't know that for sure, but it seems like tonight there will be no attack to our lines. Report to Captain Krain and tell him to let two thirds of the troops go have some rest. He's at liberty of choosing who will remain in the front line. Also, tell Samando to go to the war room when he's done attending his patients for tonight. I'll be waiting for him." Saffron said as he stood up.
The aid was surprised by this decision concerning the troops. "My Lord..."
Saffron silenced him with a gesture of his hand. "Most of our troops are tired and need rest. You already informed me the Amazons don't seem like they are going to attack." He started walking towards the door. "We'll have to take the chance. We can't hold up like this forever. If for some reason there is an attack I will personally deal with it."
If the aid was surprised before his jaw now nearly hit the floor. "Lord Saffron..." He knew the Phoenix hadn't taken part in the fight to be at full strength when Herb decided to attack himself.
Saffron stopped and turned his head over his shoulder. He was smiling. "Don't worry, Kodei. Herb won't attack us anytime soon knowing Saotome is back."
Kodei bowed to his king with the intent of fulfilling his liege's orders. "The Warrior has returned." He said as he turned on his heels and rushed out of the throne room.
Left alone, Saffron considered his aid's last words. *The Warrior.* It hadn't been too long since Saotome came to Phoenix Mountain for the second time, and yet he was already part of the legends of the people. 'The man that slew the Phoenix.' 'The fighter who saved our men.' *And most important of all, Kima's husband.* Even if he had seen it coming from the time he knew the full story of what happened in Jusenkyo, Saffron was still surprised with the way things turned out. Kima seemed to hate Ranma with all her heart, yet she had fallen for him. Ranma returning the feeling was another surprise. When he learned that Kima was pregnant he nearly fell off his throne. The Phoenix people weren't a particularly fertile race, yet Kima was pregnant in the first couple of years of her marriage.
The king shook his head and continued walking to his war room. As he advanced through the halls, he noticed how there was a feeling of excitement in his people. They all stood straighter, held their weapons more firmly. The change was obvious to anyone.
Minutes after he arrived at the war room to study the map of the mountain, Samando walked in. "You asked for me, my Lord?" He asked in a tired voice.
*And does he have reason to be tired.* Saffron thought as he looked at the weary form of his doctor. The man was barely able to stand straight. Some people thought that the worse part of war was in the front line. But in truth a war was hard on everyone. Samando had probably missed sleep for the past couple of days tending to the injured. Saffron tried to look casual as he asked. "Yes, Samando. I wanted you to inform me what is the state of Lady Kima and Saotome?"
Samando noticed Saffron's concern, but gave no sign of it as he answered. "They are both healing with in their usual rate since they mastered the Neko-ken. They still haven't recovered consciousness, but will in a matter of hours."
"Meaning?" Saffron asked, wanting to know from an expert for how long he would be without them.
Samando continued with a smile. "Meaning they will be up and back at the front line in a week at most. Their injuries were quite serious this time, and they lost a lot of blood." He paused for a second and recommended. "It is my professional opinion that you should order Lady Kima to away from any conflict."
"You fear for her pregnancy?"
Samando shook his head. "No, but she shouldn't risk herself when she's carrying another life within. Even if she's capable of staying alive, that's a risk she shouldn't take."
Both men stood in silence there for a full five minutes. Saffron was considering Samando's recommendation and the doctor patiently waited for his King's orders. Finally, Saffron turned to the map on the table. "I will command Kima to stand as a strategist till her baby is born. Even if she fights unlimited the risk is too high." Life was precious, particularly when Phoenix women could only have two or three children in their whole lives.
"They weren't unlimited, Lord." Samando stated.
Saffron turned to his doctor as if he had grown another head. "There are reports of dozens of slaughtered amazons dropped on the field of battle. There's no way they could have done that with the limiters."
Samando didn't relent. "I know my patients. They haven't released their true potential."
The Phoenix King frowned deeply as he turned back to the table. *I can't believe this! There must be some kind of mistake either from the reports or Samando's judgement.* He studied the doctor by his side. Even if he was tired, Saffron didn't have a doubt about his capacity. That could only mean maybe the reports were exaggerated. His guards could have been taken by the elation of seeing Ranma was back. "You and I both know they shouldn't be able to fight against so many Amazon Warriors and survive if they're limited." He straightened and said. "Give commands to have Saotome's parents and Taro brought to my presence. Also, in case there is no mistake..." He didn't finish, knowing Samando would understand.
Samando bowed. "I already started my research, your Majesty." With that he turned on his heels and hurried out to follow his orders.
Saffron placed his hands on the table and started talking to himself. "Why do I know there is no mistake?" No one heard that question. And even if someone had, that person wouldn't be able to answer.
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Taro snarled angrily. "I tell you there's no fucking mistake. That damn fem-boy is out of his mind." He was extremely pissed with Ranma, particularly for his broken ribs.
Saffron frowned at the language Taro was using, but let it slide. He knew the boy wouldn't change. The Phoenix God turned to Nodoka and Genma and asked. "So Ranma and Kima didn't release their limiters before the fight?"
Taro snorted at Saffron for ignoring him, annoyed that he needed confirmation of something he had already said. He kept silent though. He knew what Saffron could do if he was pissed.
Nodoka and Genma shook their heads. "Ranma didn't do it. I'm surprised because he recklessly charged into the Amazon forces." Genma said clutching his still aching shoulder.
Nodoka continued. "Kima didn't either. She just said something about knowing it was Ranma and started running. The next time we saw her was when Mouse and Pa Fum brought them in." Taro frowned deeply at the mention of the female Amazon. She had appeared out of nowhere to help them. It turned out she is Mouse's cousin, and is willing to fight against her village for Mouse's sake. Somehow he didn't buy that, but remained silent. He would simply keep a wary eye on her.
Saffron sat back on his chair and let the information settle in. *So they weren't unlimited.* He thought long and hard about it. After hearing from the Saotomes that Ranma and Kima had been losing their temper easily, he didn't have a doubt it had something to do with the limiters. But what to do?
Genma, Taro and Nodoka waited for Saffron to digest the information. They themselves were worried about the couple, in their own way. They remained silent for several minutes until the King finally broke the silence. He stood up and said. "Samando is currently researching in our library for any information on Saotome's and Kima's condition. In the meantime they are both forbidden to take any kind of action in the conflict." He noticed Genma's and Nodoka's looks of 'Are you serious?' and smiled. "I know it will be difficult to keep those two out of the war, but it is for their sake. Even before knowing this I had given orders for Kima to remain away from the action. She's carrying a life within her and shouldn't expose it to any unnecessary danger."
Nodoka nodded, but Genma interjected. "My boy won't stand by your decision." It wasn't a challenge, but a statement.
Saffron nodded. "I know. But we don't have a choice. Let's just hope Samando gets some answers before Ranma is well enough to walk." He dismissed everyone with a wave of his hand. Nodoka bowed to take her leave, while Taro and Genma pridefully turned on their heels and followed her. The Phoenix God smiled at their antiques.
Just as Nodoka opened the door Kodei burst into the room breathing raggedly. He didn't waste any time in walking towards Saffron and bowing his head low. "My Lord." He said in between gasps for breath. This show stopped the leaving trio as they remained in the room to hear the news.
Saffron stood straight as he said. "Forget the formalities, Kodei. What's the matter?" He could see his aid was very distressed and prepared himself for the worse. The 'worse' being a surprise attack by the Amazons.
Kodei straightened and said in one breath. "Ranma and Lady Kima just left their chambers."
"WHAT?!" Saffron, Genma, Nodoka and Taro all chorused. Kodei nearly fainted at the power behind the exclamation. He wondered briefly if one's power affected in screaming as well.
Saffron was the first one to compose himself. "Explain yourself, Kodei." He commanded still obviously shocked.
Saffron's aid answered as soon as the order left his liege's lips.
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Kodei was returning from giving instructions to Krain. He was impressed with the tenacity of the troops. When they heard Ranma Saotome was back, and injured, they all decided to crush any attack that might come. Their determination was so strong that the fatigue had been discarded. Now the troops were working on adrenaline alone. When Krain instructed the troops about Saffron's decision, they all offered to remain right there and cover for others. Krain had to select from all of them the ones that would rest, and then had to force them to leave.
Incredible how things changed for the Phoenix Army. Most of the soldiers hated Ranma with all their beings after his victory over Saffron. But after the King accepted him as a friend and they all had a chance to know him... Now Ranma was respected as a good friend by all. Even if he was a noble by marriage he didn't treat anyone as an inferior. Not that Lady Kima did it either. She only gave commands and used her position when dealing with important matters. Any other day she was as friendly and good natured as her husband.
Kodei was taken out of his thoughts as he heard a commotion coming from down the hall. *What's going on?* He asked himself as he approached the source of the noises. His eyes widened when he recognized the voices.
"I told you to let us pass." Kima said forcefully. She was standing on the door, Ranma just behind her. They were both wearing clean clothes that didn't completely hide the many bandages that covered their wounds.
The guards looked at each other nervously. One of them willed enough courage and shook his head. "We can't let you leave. You're still recovering from your wounds." *Hell. You got treatment just a few hours ago.* It was about three in the morning, the same night of the attack.
The soldiers looked at each other again, and nodded. They would stop Lady Kima and Ranma from doing anything reckless again. They shouldn't be too much trouble with the injuries they suffered.
Kodei winced in sympathy at the way Kima and Ranma handled their would be guards. He decided to go inform Lord Saffron of this before either Kima or Ranma noticed him.
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"And that's what happened." Kodei finished.
Nodoka's expression was that of worry, while the other three were somber. Saffron turned to his aid and calmly said. "Thank you, Kodei. Please go have some rest. We'll handle this."
"By your leave." Kodei said as he bowed low. He could read Saffron's mood perfectly, and knew not to disobey or even question him on times like these. He turned and walked out of the room.
"Let's go." The King said as he exited the room and went down the hall towards the front line. Genma and Nodoka took the opposite direction towards Kima's chambers. Taro remained in the room a few minutes longer.
"Assholes. I'm going to sleep." And with that he did indeed leave to his room to have some rest. Not that he didn't worry. But he knew Ranma and Kima would be fine.
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"Where could they be?" Nodoka asked. Worry and a little fear evident in her tone of voice. They had been looking for the couple for two hours now, and still there were no signs of them anywhere. The sentries hadn't reported any activity near the mountain, so they hadn't left it. That could only mean they were still somewhere inside. Where? Saffron, Genma and Nodoka were still looking and no luck.
Genma fixed his glasses and thought seriously about it. Ranma had been eager to see Kima for weeks. He was so eager that he charged into a camp full of Amazons just to go in a straight line. Now that he was with her, where would he go? Where would they go? His glasses flashed suddenly as an idea occurred to him. "The terrace." He said confidently. Nodoka and Saffron turned questioning glances his way. "The terrace where Kima and Ranma had their first kiss. My son is a romantic, he'll want to be there after meeting his wife again." He explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Romantic?" Nodoka and Saffron asked at the same time. Where did that come from? Genma simply ignored them both and headed to the upper levels. He knew from Ranma's narration of the event that the terrace was one of the highest places of the Mountain.
Sure enough, when the three of them arrived they saw two shapes in the night. Genma stood in the doorway while Nodoka and Saffron stayed behind him. They all lost their breath at the scene.
Ranma and Kima were fighting it out. It wasn't one of their usual sparring sessions either. They were fighting seriously, with the intent to win. Feet, fists and sword clashed in a dance of death that made the night seem more tenebrous.
Ranma jumped over a sweep and turned over himself, delivering a kick that would break Kima's neck had it not been for her ducking under it. As he fell he had to drop back to avoid being stabbed in the chest by a forward thrust from his wife's sword. He barely managed to avoid the attack, though his shirt wasn't so lucky. The rip on it showed everyone that it was Kima's real sword.
Kima pressed her attack twisting her wrist and continuing her attack with a downward slash meant to hit Ranma on his right shoulder. He deflected the attack pushing the flat of the blade with his fingers. The sword imbedded itself five inches into the stone floor, sparks illuminated the scene briefly to reveal wide smiles on both their faces.
Ranma was stomped on by Kima's right leg. She didn't get away unscathed as he managed to deliver a powerful punch to her sword elbow. She jumped back, managing not to let go of her sword, as he rolled back as well.
There was a short moment of respite before the fight resumed, even more violently than before. Ranma received a knee to the gut. Kima was rewarded with a head-butt.
To the untrained eye it seemed like they were both delivering blows at random, but it wasn't so. Genma, Nodoka and Saffron could see this was beyond normal martial arts. It was purely a fight on instinct. What one did the other countered. The other would try to counter the counter and so on. There was a fluidity to it all that made the fight seem beautiful and deadly at the same time. There didn't seem to be an end to it even if both fighters received insane amounts of damage.
Genma also noted something else. His son was stronger than a few weeks ago, when he sparred with Taro. He was very well versed in his son's fighting skills, and noticed it as clear as the sun. Such progress in so little time was something beyond anyone's capacities, yet Ranma and Kima managed it. He also had studied Kima's style from her previous fights with Ranma in the Saotome yard, and knew she had greatly increased in skill as well.
The three spectators decided not to interrupt the fighting couple. There was something that could be felt as they fought. Even if the fight was brutal there was a sense of love that emanated from the fighters. This fight, this deadly dance, was time spent by two lovers. It was more intimate than kissing or embracing each other, almost as much as making love. For they both walked the line between life and dead with every attack, and they did it together.
Saffron shook his head and left the place, intent on getting some sleep. His mind tried to ask him how was it possible for Ranma and Kima to fight like this with their current injuries, but he decided to worry about it tomorrow.
Genma and Nodoka watched their son and daughter-in-law a little longer before leaving as well. They wanted to spend time together as well after the separation, but they would do it in a safer way.
Out on the terrace, Ranma and Kima didn't notice anything out of the fight. Their entire being focused on their opponent. The needs of the body meant nothing. The outside world mattered little to them right now. They only cared about this fight.
They didn't notice when the Sun illuminated the skies other than to use it to partially blind their opponent. Yesterday had been hard for them both. Tomorrow would be hard as well. But today was their time. Nothing else mattered but them.
And so, the fight continued for longer than any of them could remember. Both warriors in the middle of a war. Husband and wife having a moment dedicated to love.
END PART 10
Author's notes: Another short chapter out. This one leaving a great doubt. 'What's wrong with Kima and Ranma?' Sorry for it being short, but it came out rather quickly. And it prepares things for the future. Hope you liked it.
See you in part 11! |
