Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma½, The Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen (as minor as its part might be), Inu-Yasha... or whatever else might end up in this fic. That's simple enough, isn't it? …And if it isn't? Well, I could mention that I improved the bear traps with poison coating and upgraded the shotgun into a flame-thrower. Good for roasting those slippery buggers; lawyers…

Warnings: Blood, death and other such disturbing materials… for some at least.

The Knight of Shadow

Chapter 4 – Demonic encounters of the Third Kind

By: Azrael's Wing

Ranma was no stranger to trouble, and after running into too much of it for his liking he had certainly begun to expect the unexpected, but this sight that greeted him in the distance was a bit too much for even him to stomach. It was really that it was starting to feel like he was getting out of the frying pan and right into the good old meat grinder all the time.

Also, at this point another encounter with more than likely to be hostile demons was not something he was looking for, but even so, he just couldn't walk away from it. He had too much curiosity in him for his own good, and that forced him to take a closer look. Perhaps there really was something to the age-old saying about curiosity and the cat. It would certainly apply to him now, wouldn't it?

Even so, he figured that caution might be in order and thus collected that which now passed as his life force and then made it into the form of Umisenken cloak. That's what he hoped for anyway, remembering far too clearly his last attempt at using his Ki. Unfortunately, right now he really didn't have much of a choice.

For a moment he feared that it didn't work after all, but then he felt it happening… but it wasn't the same. Instead of simply disappearing from sight, it was as if he was melding into the surroundings. In essence he had become a chameleon, hiding in plain sight but unseen nonetheless.

It was quite curious but he didn't have time to wonder about it now, as there would be time for that later. Now however he started to move closer to the action, hoping that he could remain unseen by the demons. After sneaking a few more strides forward, he could see the whole grand melee in its gruesome glory, but at closer look it wasn't as chaotic as it had first seemed. It was as if there were two sides in this conflict, both quite eager to kill each other. The proof for this division of forces was surprisingly simple to see now, as chaotic as the battle was, and it made him even more curious of what was going on.

One side of the conflict seemed to consist of a relatively random group of beings with no real common characteristics amongst them; but then again it was the other side that fascinated him. Unlike the mixed up collection of forms their opponents had, this group was strikingly similar in appearance. Aside from slight physical differences, compared to the others that is, they wore clothes and armor of the same style, they had the same kind of pointed ears, and they simply gave off the kind of impression that they were kin to each other.

This showed up even more clearly in the fact that where as their enemies attacked then as individuals, they defended themselves as a group and supported each other. It was clearly this that had enabled them to fight evenly against their enemies so far, enemies that had significantly greater numbers on their side.

But even so, things weren't going well to them and they were clearly starting to become tired of fighting. As it battle went on and on in front of him, Ranma started to feel sympathy for them, for unlike their opponents they at least had honor and fought for each other. Regardless of that however, his musings might have gone on even longer had not one demon managed to creep behind the groups' leader.

At that moment things seemed to go in slow motion for him, and as the insect like demon prepared to strike he had a decision to make. To intervene or not… In the end his sympathy did win the struggle and he charged in to intercept the demon, his mind still doubtful of the logic and feasibility of this action.

Damn, I hope this works better than the last time I dealt with demons, and they'd better appreciate this, whoever or whatever they are!

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We're so screwed…

That was the one single thought that ran around in circles in Kouga's head right now. It wasn't because he lacked imagination for more, nor was it any lack of desire to curse. No, there simply wasn't enough time to curse out loud, or for that matter in his mind either. He was right now far too busy fighting for his and his pack's lives.

The day had begun well enough as they had traveled with a long time ally of theirs. The funeral had been held a year ago and the time of mourning had passed or so it seemed, as he had received an unexpected message requesting his presence in his domain. Even though it had been a long time since he had visited this area, he certainly hadn't expected an ambush. There was supposed to be peace these days, or at least as much peace as their kind could ever manage. It seemed that he had been greatly mistaken.

The ambush had been carefully laid, almost as if they had known of their coming, and their numbers were almost twice as great as theirs. The situation stank like week old carrion but he had little time to complain about it, there would be plenty of time for that later…if there was any later on for them.

Dodge. Slash. Dodge. Grab and slash. Dodge. The fight went on with no respite in sight and he could feel lethargy slowly seeping into his limbs. If he was starting to feel tired, in what kind of condition would the rest of the pack be in? If this were to go on they'd be goners soon and he had no way to stop that.

Suddenly he felt a presence behind his back and tried to turn to face it, but he knew it was too late. He could only look as the hooked arm of the demon flew at him, aimed straight at his heart. He already resigned himself to his fate but suddenly something stopped his attacker. It shuddered for a moment, and then a blood-covered hand came out of its chest holding it's still beating heart.

Everyone seemed to pause as the hand pulled back and the insect demon fell dead to the ground. For a moment he could only see a floating bloody form of a hand, but then the air seemed to shimmer and a figure appeared in front of him.

It was dressed in a white hooded robe with the hood pulled up to cover its wearers face. The only thing he could see of it was two glowing blue eyes, like pieces of glittering ice. Kouga opened his mouth to demand his identity, but he could only get as far as, "Who are…" before it answered him.

"A friend, I hope… Explanations can wait until we're safe! Defend yourself!" The male demon, at least he assumed so, yelled at him before charging at their opponents.

Whoever he was, he was right. He didn't have time to be puzzled. Perhaps now they would have a chance to survive, and right now he could only feel grateful, seeing the stranger split one of their enemies in two with his strangely glowing claws.

Whoever or whatever he is, he's powerful all right. A friend eh? I sure as hell hope so, 'cause if my hunch is right we're going to need them…

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When racing to defend the other demon, Ranma's attack had been in many ways instinctual. He had trusted his instincts, and the apparent result had been quite surprising; he had used the Neko-ken without going berserk. He did not know why. Perhaps it was due of his new feline nature, or perhaps simply because of the demonic life force he seemed to have now, but the results were nonetheless the same.

He was killing demons from left to right, and they could do nothing to stop him. A small part of him was horrified of the carnage he was making amongst his enemies, but it was only a small part. The rest of his conscious mind was divided between clinical observations and rising bloodlust. This was the first time he was in true battle since his transformation, as the village didn't really count as a major fight, and in truth it was giving him frightening insights into his new nature.

Not for the first time he wondered what he was truly becoming, and that small part of him wanted nothing but to get as far from this nightmare as possible. However, the rest of his mind resisted that impulse. It smacked to him of cowardice, and that was something he would never succumb to. Whatever else he was, he was still Ranma Saotome and he would never run away. It was still his mind and soul and he still had his honor, as tarnished as it might have been. He would never lose to this!

Now, while this battle had been raging within his sub-consciousness, a battle in the real world had been fought as well. Unlike the one within his mind, this had been relatively easy and since his intervention the situation had been turned upside down. The assailants couldn't deal with Ranma's attacks fast enough and were becoming demoralized, and whatever plan they might have had being thrown away in the due process.

In the end, there was nothing left but corpses and pieces of bodies scattered all around. At ground zero stood Ranma, his hands… no, claws dripping blood. For a brief moment it seemed as of he would continue to fight, regardless of his opponent, but then his tense shoulders relaxed and he simply turned around to face those that he had come to save.

Looking at them he could see that they were wary of him, which was understandable to an extent, but they weren't overtly hostile towards him. The one he had saved, their leader he guessed, was looking at him intently and was obviously trying to see beneath the hood. He had no reason to hide his identity from them, and perhaps it would ease their nervousness, so he pulled it down and showed them his face.

Their reactions were curious, especially that of their leader. There seemed to be something on his face that had shocked them, but he didn't know what. The silence remained between them for few more moments until their leader finally spoke to him.

"I thank you for your assistance, but I'm curious of your motives… and of your identity. I am Kouga, the leader of this pack. Who are you stranger?"

Though it was simply a question it came to him like a demand, and he had to contain himself so as not to bristle at the tone of voice. Even so, he had to answer, but what to say? He wanted answers as much as they did, but would they be willing to give them? In the end he decided that he didn't have much of a choice, but even so he formed his answer carefully.

"My name is Ranma, and as for my motives… Let's just say I'm in need of information and you seemed more inclined to give that than your enemies do. There are other things as well, but perhaps I could explain them later on. I don't think you want to stay here any longer than I do."

Kouga seemed to think about his vague answer a bit longer than was comfortable but finally he answered. Curiously enough, his answer was another question, "Before I answer that, tell me… does the name Naraku mean anything to you?"

"Naraku? Who or what is that, some friend of yours?"

The disgusted look on Kouga's face told Ranma enough. Who or what he was, this Naraku clearly wasn't a friend, but more likely he was the one behind all those dead demons lying around them. However, Kouga's answer wasn't very forthcoming with information.

"Nothing… If you don't know, then it doesn't matter I suppose. Well, I guess you'd better come with us then. I'm sure there're plenty of things you'd like to tell us once we settle down, don't you agree?"

"Yeah, sure…" Hmm, he doesn't trust me that much it seems. Can't blame him I guess, I wasn't exactly a fount of information for the guy. If only I knew what the connection is with these guys and my late night dinner. I sure as hell hope it wasn't any relative of theirs…

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As others were making the camp, Kouga was deep in thought. It had taken decades, but eventually even his hair trigger temper had to cool down a bit, and in times like this he was truly glad of that. He dreaded to think how his old self would have handled a situation like this… Probably head and claws first into the trouble, and likely to his death as well.

This stranger, Ranma as he called himself, was a wild card. Though he was a Hanyou by appearance, his strength was far too great to be just that. His skills were also too much for someone of his apparent age, but even so he seemed strangely uncomfortable in his body. The facts just didn't add up. There was something strange going on, and he had better find out whom or what Ranma really was. He had a hunch, but it was to be true… it would change a lot in the balance of power between the demon factions…

And finally, there was his way of speech… and how it reminded him faintly of Kagome. The language seemed different coming from him; perhaps less than with her, but it was notable nonetheless. Perhaps they should check the bone-eaters well once again… even though it hasn't been functioning ever since Inu-Yasha and Kagome disappeared.

Where are you Inu-Yasha, and whatever happened to you Kagome? Have you passed away like the rest of our mortal friends? If Naraku is really coming back after all these years, then I'm not sure we can make it without your help…

Bah, it doesn't matter how much I'd wish them here, or how much I wonder whether they're dead or alive. I have a responsibility here, and it's time to find out what our stranger really is.

It took him few moments to find Ranma standing in the shadows of a nearby tree, and as soon as he noticed him he was seen as well. Figuring the cat was out of bag he walked next to him and asked, "So, now that we're settled down, perhaps you could tell me your story?"

He tried to make the question as reasonable as possible, but still make it sound more like a demand instead of a request… for that is what it really was. Now he would see how the stranger would react, and against all the odds he was hoping for the best.

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He had known that this was coming, but he still had no clue of what to do. To tell the truth, as much as was necessary at least, or to lie. The problem was, he still couldn't lie to save his life, which was probably at stake here, but the truth might not be that much healthier to him. It would all depend on how 'his' kind dealt with each other, and of that he had no clue at all. Well, I guess this is it… I'll have to say something, but what? Hmm, perhaps…

"This might a strange question, but do you know what I am?" I wonder how he will react to that. Better be ready in any case. Ranma thought as he prepared for the worst.

"What you are? Why would…" Why would he ask such a question. Shouldn't he know what he is, hanyou that is, already? It doesn't make sense, unless… There are some legends of humans becoming demons by other means, and of course there was Naraku, but I thought they were otherwise just that… legends. "You are clearly a hanyou or half-youkai as they're also known, but why would you not know what you are. Unless… how long have you been… what you are now?"

Somewhat relieved by the simple curious nature of the question, Ranma answered still warily, "As far as I can tell a day and a half."

A day or half! How is that possible? I don't think he's lying either, or if he is lying then he's a master at it. "…All right, you'd better tell me what has happened to you, because this is starting to sound really strange."

Now this really is it… Ok, here goes nothing!

His decision made, Ranma told him almost everything related to this. The only thing he left out was how his patron deity fit into this. He told him that he was simply a ronin who had far too many troubles at home, which was the plain truth, and how he had traveled and finally made his way to the filthy little village. How he had taken the job he had been offered, without knowing it, and how something had ambushed him in the cave. He told of waking up on top of the demon and eating its heart and everything else that came after that. Finally Ranma finished his story and looked at Kouga, not knowing what kind of a reaction to expect from him…

Even though his face didn't show it, Kouga's mind was reeling after hearing the story. It would have been easy for someone to think that the whole thing was a lie, and he was sorely tempted to do so, but the facts remained. Ranma was here, he was a hanyou and he had the symbol of North upon his forehead. Now if only he'd know what to do…

"Damn, that's one strange story, and if I wouldn't see you in front of me right now I really wouldn't believe it. However, I have no other choice now, have I?"

"You believe me and don't call me a liar? Wow, there's a first time for everything I guess. Then again, I suppose you're wrong gender for that."

"What the…"

"Oh, never mind that. Let's just say that I had quite a few troubles at home, and leave it at that. Perhaps I'll tell you about it later on."

"chuckle I'll hold you to that you know. It sounds like an intriguing story to me. I wonder just how many of those you have…"

At this moment one pack member came by them with a mug of water… which unsurprisingly flew on Ranma when he tripped. The end result was just what might expect, shocked Kouga staring at 'her' with his eyes the size of dinner plates. Ranma just sighed and finished the conversation they had started, "Quite a few I'm afraid."

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That evening, after giving even more explanations and demonstrations to Kouga and the pack, he sat by the camp fire, basking in the warming glow of the fire. They had taken his curse in far better than most he had encountered before, apart from Tatewaki perhaps, and why not? Hah, he was a human become half demon through a dinner treat from hell. How shocking could a simple gender changing curse be?

On the other hand, some of the younger pack members had looked at his female form with a looks he had come to recognize. Strangely it didn't disturb him nearly as much anymore. Partly perhaps due the strange numbness in what he felt these days, but there was something else as well. Even before his change his thoughts had from time to time turned into directions he could have hardly imagined back in Nerima. Now, combined with his new detached attitude on most matters, he had started to think that some experimenting wouldn't be such a bad thing. The only thing missing was the opportunity for that, and perhaps he wouldn't have to wait long for that…

In the mean time he had other things to do. Now that he finally had some peace and quiet, he took time to examine the scrolls he had taken from that slaver. Some were useless, like inventories and balance books of his business, and were used to feed the fire next to him. The more arcane looking texts were put aside with Cologne's scrolls for later study, left for the time when he'd at last have enough time to really study the magic in them.

What finally was left of the pile after the sorting was a scroll that seemed to be Saionji's journal. Scrolling absently though it, Ranma at first figured he'd let it burn as well, but then something in the writing caught his eye. It was an entry dated few weeks ago, detailing a dream he had had.

…and then it appeared before me, a vision of a beast and man that was neither and both. Its appearance wavered between that of a huge ape and handsome young man, but they both shared the same burning eyes that seemed to look straight into my soul and seek to devour it.

"Do you wish to have power Saionji, enough power to fulfill your every dream?" it asked, and I felt compelled to answer the question, feeling as if this was more than just a dream.

"Y-yes I do. I desire power to do whatever I please, whatever the consequences may be." I said, surprised at my own vehemence in the matter. It was as if I was compelled to tell what truly was in heart to this… thing.

"Very well then, I will tell you how to obtain it…" it said and gave me specific instructions to follow. Finally everything started to waver and I begun to wake up. Just before everything was gone a question came to my mind, for my own benefit were this to be real in some way, and I yelled it to my mysterious benefactor, "What should call you?"

"I am Naraku, remember that…" I heard just before I woke up, and I shivered as I remembered the malicious way the words had been said…

Ranma's eyes skipped trough much of his irrelevant musings but were caught once more at another part of the journal…

Once more none of the men I've sent to the cave have returned unscathed, and neither have they managed to do my bidding. Of the last group I sent in there, only half are still living and even they are grievously injured. None of my servants are willing to venture into the cave of Shinkoneko anymore, no matter what the prize or threat.

With every failure Naraku has become ever more annoyed with me, and I have begun to dread falling asleep and facing him. Thankfully, I still have one plan left. I have hired archers and given them poisoned arrows. Hopefully they can kill it, or at least weaken it enough to let someone else do it…

In the final entry Ranma found reference to himself, and how the things had soured even further between Naraku and Saionji.

This is my last chance, and of that I have no doubt. I have sent that ronin to his doom in hopes that his fame isn't just made of hot air. His skills are famous throughout the region, and I can only hope that he could at very least harm the demon so that I could finish it off finally.

I don't know why Naraku is so intent in seeking to kill it off, but I have no choice but to obey. Whatever thrall he has put upon me, I cannot work against it no matter how many mystics I have spoken with or how many arcane scrolls I managed to accumulate. If this doesn't work, I fear that the next time I go to sleep I will not wake up.

Even so, I can't help but to wonder what was it that Naraku was grumbling about when he made that threat? It was something about a council that mustn't meet… I think? Does it have anything to do with my troubles…?

Naraku? Hmm, I wonder has this anything to do with Kouga's troubles. Perhaps I should show this to him. "Hey, Kouga! Come here for a moment!"

Hearing the yell Kouga walked to Ranma, curious of what their possible ally might have to say to him now. "What is it Ramna? What's the matter?" Kouga asked as Ranma gestured at the scroll on his lap.

"Well, you asked about someone or something called Naraku, right?"

"Yeah… What, did you remember something?" Kouga asked eagerly, as this might the first clue on what was going on he could get.

"Err, not exactly remember, as more like read…"

"Huh, what do you mean?"

"See this scroll? Remember when I told you about that bastard Saionji? Well, this is his diary, and it seems that he had some dealing with that acquaintance of yours… in his dreams at least. Maybe you could figure out what the hell is he writing about here…?" Ranma said, handing the scroll to the other demon.

"Hmm, interesting… Mind you if take this for a while to read on?"

"Nah, no problem. It's really nothing I need, but if it helps you, you can have it." Ranma said, yawning profusely. "And now, if you don't mind, I'll have some rest for a while. Damn I'm tired…"

And that said and put bluntly, Ranma collapsed next to his backpack and started to snore, happily oblivious of whatever might be happening around him.

"Well I'll be… Heh, that's the fastest I've seen anyone to fall asleep. Oh well, he did put up quite a show fighting those bastards earlier. Perhaps I could get some more info from tomorrow once he wakes up. I've got a feeling that he still has plenty of secrets to share…" Kouga muttered as he walked back to his spot around the campfire, Saionji's diary tightly grasped in his right hand. But right now he had some reading to do…

TBC…

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AN: Well, originally I thought to continue this chapter further, but since I've been writing vise dead as a door knob for a while, I figured that updating something was in order. There you go then… another chapter finally complete, and it sure didn't take time sarcasm directed to self. Hopefully future chapters won't to nearly as long to appear…