Title: Masters of the Neko-Ken Prologue
Author: DC James abyssinian_fujimiya@yahoo.com
Pairings: Possible Ranma/Xian Pu in the future
Type: Ongoing
Warnings: Serious, slight humor, self insertion, slight OOCness, and possible alternate
universe.
Description: Ranma went neko mode and hurt Akane. Now he's faced with the option of
completing his Neko-ken training.
Website: Coal and DC's Anime Area http://www.angelcities.com/members/coalandblue/
Author's note: This takes place sometime in the series, no real specifics, but everyone
knows about the Neko-ken now, so I'd say up to Volume 10. Yeah, everyone's sorta
acting outta character, but this is _my_ fic and that's how I want the characters. If ya
don't like it, don't read it. 'Nuff said.
Revised on: 9/6/00
Complaints and comments are welcomed.
* * *
Masters of the Neko-Ken
Prologue
* * *
Standard Disclaimer: All rights and privileges to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko
Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Communications, Inc., and associated parties. The
characters of her series are used without permission for the purpose of entertainment
only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or profit.
All original characters are the creation of the author. All copyright privileges to these
characters are reserved for the author and may not be reused without permission from the
author.
* * *
Text:
"[]"= Speaking in Chinese
::= Thoughts
**= Characters in non-talkable forms
_ _= Exaggerated words
* * *
Guilt proceeded to eat away at Ranma's conscience while he sat in the dojo, alone with
his thoughts. He had enough. The fiancés, the fights, the dangers were wearing down on
him. His blue eyes narrowed angrily, :Stupid Ryoga... if he-: He cut off from that line of
thought, chuckling humorlessly to himself. :No use blaming Ryoga. Ain't his fault he
could get lost in a closet.: He swallowed hard, a depression settling deeper into his mind.
Akane's pet piglet was missing for longer than usual, and worry had made her travel into
a humane society. Ranma was dragged along with the rest of the household, despite his
protests, and while searching around, locked himself in a room full of caged cats.
Terrorized, he proceeded to bang and shout and do anything to get free. He was too
panicked to consider blowing the door off or ripping it from the hinges, and slowly the
neko-ken ebbed through his defense and demanded release.
He awoke female with an angered Genma over him. Soun was weeping more than usual
while Nabiki called Dr. Tofu. Kasumi was beside her youngest sister, tending to a
wound as best she could. Horror and an unnamable fear tightened in his chest. He had
injured Akane.
Thankfully, it wasn't serious. A mild concussion with deep gashes in the arm. Lucky she
raised her arms to shield her face while Ranma-neko slashed out. Ever since, an uneasy
silence followed him throughout the house, even Akane refused to look at him,
murmuring she was fine. She said she forgave him, but there was that underline of fear
in her voice that didn't go missed. He hated it, and hated himself more for his lack of
control.
He barely registered the fact that the dojo door slid open silently. An aroma of Chinese
food filled the small room, giving away who it was. He closed his eyes, hugging his legs
tighter to his chest, "Hey, Shampoo."
"... Nihao, Ranma." she whispered, though with sympathy instead of fear. He heard her
light footsteps cross the dojo floor and a plate of his favorite food placed before his feet.
He turned his head, giving the Amazon a smile, "Thanks."
She returned the smile with a gentle one, strangely befitting for the young face and at the
same time unusual. She sat beside him, resting her head against the wall, "Xian Pu hear
of accident."
"Yeah, with Nabiki, I'd bet all of Nerima has. Kuno'll probably come here and challenge
the 'foul sorcerer' and then Ryoga'll come ta kill me-"
Xian Pu put a hand on his own, squeezing it reassuringly and making him pause in his
rambling. The purple haired girl shook her head, "Xian Pu had Pi-Ryoga at restaurant.
He lost again, silly pig-boy, and Xian Pu to lead him here after deliveries. We heard at
same time. Ryoga mad at first, but he also worried about Air..." she paused, blushing, "...
also worried about Ranma. He no fight you now, too worried about Akane. But he say
you no blame yourself for stupid Panda mistake."
Blue eyes blinked in surprise as they met maroon, "Ryoga said that?"
"Yes. Pig-boy not _always_ think of killing. Unhealthy." She giggled softly, getting a
chuckled response. Shaking her head, she continued, "He outside... or was when Xian Pu
came in. Think hear Nice Girl come take him inside."
He lowered his head, meeting the food again. "Shampoo... aren't you afraid of me? I
mean... I'm dangerous! I nearly killed someone today!"
Xian Pu's gaze turned serious, "Martial arts always dangerous. Always chance something
go wrong, always possibility between life and death. Xian Pu worried, yes, but trust
Ranma. Ranma no mean go in catroom. No mean get locked in. And no mean get
Akane hurt."
He sighed, shaking his head, "I just..."
"Ranma." The authority in her tone was gentle but demanding. Turning his eyes, he saw
the Amazon's own eyes coming closer as she pressed her forehead into his. "Ranma,
Ranma, Ranma..." She grinned softly as she repeated the name. "Martial arts wonderful
power, yes. But must have responsibility and know how to use. One wrong move always
leave consequence of death. That why control so important. Ranma, no blame self.
Learn from mistake. Train. Get more control."
Ranma tried to laugh, but it came half-hearted and ended harshly, "Where in the world
am I supposed to get control for the Neko-ken? No one else practices it, at least, no one
known! And ya don't just go up to someone and ask if they've gone under the Neko-ken
training!"
Xian Pu pulled away, taking a deep breath, "Great-grandmother know. Xian Pu know.
Ranma not know, because Ranma not ask."
Silence filled the room, and the pigtailed boy comically opened and closed his mouth in
shock. He snapped out of it, leaning to the Amazon, "You... _know_ where someone
who knows the Neko-ken is?! Why didn't you ever tell me!?"
She shrugged, "Ranma never ask. Xian Pu know should tell, but Neko-ken very sacred to
practicers. Xian Pu not know much of history or such, but know practicers. Fellow
Amazons. Xian Pu never lie to Airen, have never seen cat fist actually practice to eyes.
But Xian Pu know. Would Ranma like to know?"
Ranma stood up, nodding, "Yes, I would."
GROWWWWWWWLLLLL!!!
The Saotome heir blushed, holding his stomach, "Er..."
Xian Pu huffed, but the smile took away any anger that could have been there, "What
Airen do without Xian Pu? Here," she picked up the plate, "eat."
* * *
:I can't believe the little pervert hurt me! He actually attacked me and hurt me! That
JERK!: Akane gripped her pillow harder, her knuckles turning white, :Then he has the
gaul to come up here and apologize?! Like that's going to make it all better?! HAH! I'll
_never_ forgive him for this! And what's worse...: Her expression darkened with rage
entering her brown eyes, :that Chinese hussy's been alone with him for a good ten
minutes! Ooh, I can just see it now...: Unpleasant thoughts came to her mind as to what
was going on in the family dojo, and they only proved to fuel her anger, :That... that...
THAT JERK!!!:
A shy knock on her door diverted the youngest Tendo's attention. Turning with a smile,
she called out, "Come in."
The door opened and Ryoga popped his head in, concern in his hazel eyes, "Akane-san?
Are you all right?"
:Ryoga! He'll agree with me for sure!: "It doesn't hurt, thank you for asking." She sat up,
patting the spot beside her on the bed. He smiled, walking over and taking a seat. She
sighed, "You know how this happened?" She asked, gesturing to her covered fore-arms.
Sadness covered his features and he nodded slowly, "I heard it was from Ranma while in
cat mode."
"You bet! Oooh, he's such a jerk! That was all a lie about him not hurting _girls_!
Hmph! I bet his motto's changed to 'but tomboy's are an exception'!" she sniffed angrily,
glaring out the window again.
Ryoga worried his lower lip, careful with his fangs that could shred his mouth easily.
"Akane-san... is there anything I can do to help you?"
"... no, I'm fine right now. Be careful, I don't want him to pick on you." She chided him
motherly.
The bandanna'd boy blushed softly, :Why is it that she always thinks he's picking on me?
Do I really act that frail?: "I won't bother Ranma."
She blinked in surprise, "You won't? But why not?!"
Now he was confused, "But... you just said to be careful of him."
She huffed, "That jerk deserves to be beaten up good. I could have been seriously injured
back there and all he's done is grumble he's sorry, go sulking in the dojo, and taking
'comfort' from that Chinese hussy! Don't sound like he's too guilty to me!"
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, :I can't believe I'm actually going to do this. I
can just read the headlines now. Hell has frozen over.: He locked his gaze with his
crushes, adding the best firm tone he could to his voice, "Akane-san, Ranma didn't mean
to hurt you. When Ranma goes cat, you gotta think of him as a real cat. He was caged
and afraid and he wanted to get out despite who's in his way. He didn't mean it, I'm sure!
Look how often his cat side's protected you!"
"Are you siding with that aquatransexual?!" She shrieked.
Ryoga winced, averting his gaze, "Akane-san...." He shook his head, "Despite the fact
that he and I fight alot, we're still... um... friends, I guess you could say. I care a lot about
you too, but it's not... not _right_ to accuse him like this when it clearly wasn't his fault."
Humphing, she turned her gaze from the brown eyed boy, crossing her arms despite the
sting it gave her, "Fine then. Be that way."
"... would you like me to bring you up some soup?" Ryoga asked quietly.
The blue haired girl was silent for many minutes, but finally decided it was _Ranma_ she
was mad at, not Ryoga. She turned with a forgiving smile, "Ryoga, you're probably the
sixth person to ask me that in the last hour! Why does everyone think that soup is a cure-
all? Heheh. No, thank you, but it was a kind offer."
He beamed at her, standing, "Then I guess I better go and let you get some rest." He
turned to the door and paused, eyes glancing around the room. He grinned sheepishly,
"Which door is it out of here?"
She pointed to the exit, grinning, "Good luck."
Nodding, he exited the room, making his way down the hall to the steps. He came to a
dead end. Huffing, he turned to walk the other way and wounded up in the bathroom.
Still firm with determination, he made another turn and found himself in Nabiki's room.
The middle Tendo looked at him oddly, then shrugged, "For five thousand yen, I'll help
you out."
"I don't have five thousand yen so I'll get out myself." He grumbled, turning to exit a
door. He found himself surrounded by darkness. Stumbling around, he could have sworn
he heard exotic creatures warning him off. He threw his hands up, "Where am I
_now_?!"
"Ryoga-baby, you're in my closet." Nabiki's muffled voice reached his ears and light
flooded his vision as the door was opened. He ducked under her arm, exiting another
door and walking down the steps. He found himself in the kitchen, greeted Kasumi, and
finally found the front door. He kept his eyes firmly locked on the dojo ahead of him,
and made a bee-line to it. Opening the door, he saw his pigtailed rival eating the food
Xian Pu brought with her, and the Amazon sitting quietly beside him.
Ranma beamed at the bandanna'd boy, swallowing his mouthful, "Yo, Ryoga! Wanna
join us?"
"Sure, why not?" He closed the door behind him, sitting in front of the other two martial
artists. "Akane's doing better, just very, very angry."
Ranma's pace slowed to a stop and he shrugged, "I kinda figured that..." Blue eyes met
brown, "Hey, Ryoga, man-"
"I don't blame you so don't apologize." Ryoga cut him off with a raised hand.
The pigtailed boy grinned at that, nodding, "Thanks, Ryoga. Ya don't know how much
that means to me."
Ryoga sighed, turning to the purple haired martial artist, "So, when do we head back to
the Nekohatten?"
Xian Pu gave a smirk, poking Ranma in the ribs, "As soon as forgetful Airen finishes
meal Xian Pu cook. Silly didn't eat before now."
End Prologue
Author's Note: How many times will I have to correct this stupid story and keep
changing little details?! ARGH!! Damn my short attention span! Here is the (again)
revised prologue. How many of you people bet that it'll be at least until 2004 before I
actually finish this story.
Author: DC James abyssinian_fujimiya@yahoo.com
Pairings: Possible Ranma/Xian Pu in the future
Type: Ongoing
Warnings: Serious, slight humor, self insertion, slight OOCness, and possible alternate
universe.
Description: Ranma went neko mode and hurt Akane. Now he's faced with the option of
completing his Neko-ken training.
Website: Coal and DC's Anime Area http://www.angelcities.com/members/coalandblue/
Author's note: This takes place sometime in the series, no real specifics, but everyone
knows about the Neko-ken now, so I'd say up to Volume 10. Yeah, everyone's sorta
acting outta character, but this is _my_ fic and that's how I want the characters. If ya
don't like it, don't read it. 'Nuff said.
Revised on: 9/6/00
Complaints and comments are welcomed.
* * *
Masters of the Neko-Ken
Prologue
* * *
Standard Disclaimer: All rights and privileges to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko
Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Communications, Inc., and associated parties. The
characters of her series are used without permission for the purpose of entertainment
only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or profit.
All original characters are the creation of the author. All copyright privileges to these
characters are reserved for the author and may not be reused without permission from the
author.
* * *
Text:
"[]"= Speaking in Chinese
::= Thoughts
**= Characters in non-talkable forms
_ _= Exaggerated words
* * *
Guilt proceeded to eat away at Ranma's conscience while he sat in the dojo, alone with
his thoughts. He had enough. The fiancés, the fights, the dangers were wearing down on
him. His blue eyes narrowed angrily, :Stupid Ryoga... if he-: He cut off from that line of
thought, chuckling humorlessly to himself. :No use blaming Ryoga. Ain't his fault he
could get lost in a closet.: He swallowed hard, a depression settling deeper into his mind.
Akane's pet piglet was missing for longer than usual, and worry had made her travel into
a humane society. Ranma was dragged along with the rest of the household, despite his
protests, and while searching around, locked himself in a room full of caged cats.
Terrorized, he proceeded to bang and shout and do anything to get free. He was too
panicked to consider blowing the door off or ripping it from the hinges, and slowly the
neko-ken ebbed through his defense and demanded release.
He awoke female with an angered Genma over him. Soun was weeping more than usual
while Nabiki called Dr. Tofu. Kasumi was beside her youngest sister, tending to a
wound as best she could. Horror and an unnamable fear tightened in his chest. He had
injured Akane.
Thankfully, it wasn't serious. A mild concussion with deep gashes in the arm. Lucky she
raised her arms to shield her face while Ranma-neko slashed out. Ever since, an uneasy
silence followed him throughout the house, even Akane refused to look at him,
murmuring she was fine. She said she forgave him, but there was that underline of fear
in her voice that didn't go missed. He hated it, and hated himself more for his lack of
control.
He barely registered the fact that the dojo door slid open silently. An aroma of Chinese
food filled the small room, giving away who it was. He closed his eyes, hugging his legs
tighter to his chest, "Hey, Shampoo."
"... Nihao, Ranma." she whispered, though with sympathy instead of fear. He heard her
light footsteps cross the dojo floor and a plate of his favorite food placed before his feet.
He turned his head, giving the Amazon a smile, "Thanks."
She returned the smile with a gentle one, strangely befitting for the young face and at the
same time unusual. She sat beside him, resting her head against the wall, "Xian Pu hear
of accident."
"Yeah, with Nabiki, I'd bet all of Nerima has. Kuno'll probably come here and challenge
the 'foul sorcerer' and then Ryoga'll come ta kill me-"
Xian Pu put a hand on his own, squeezing it reassuringly and making him pause in his
rambling. The purple haired girl shook her head, "Xian Pu had Pi-Ryoga at restaurant.
He lost again, silly pig-boy, and Xian Pu to lead him here after deliveries. We heard at
same time. Ryoga mad at first, but he also worried about Air..." she paused, blushing, "...
also worried about Ranma. He no fight you now, too worried about Akane. But he say
you no blame yourself for stupid Panda mistake."
Blue eyes blinked in surprise as they met maroon, "Ryoga said that?"
"Yes. Pig-boy not _always_ think of killing. Unhealthy." She giggled softly, getting a
chuckled response. Shaking her head, she continued, "He outside... or was when Xian Pu
came in. Think hear Nice Girl come take him inside."
He lowered his head, meeting the food again. "Shampoo... aren't you afraid of me? I
mean... I'm dangerous! I nearly killed someone today!"
Xian Pu's gaze turned serious, "Martial arts always dangerous. Always chance something
go wrong, always possibility between life and death. Xian Pu worried, yes, but trust
Ranma. Ranma no mean go in catroom. No mean get locked in. And no mean get
Akane hurt."
He sighed, shaking his head, "I just..."
"Ranma." The authority in her tone was gentle but demanding. Turning his eyes, he saw
the Amazon's own eyes coming closer as she pressed her forehead into his. "Ranma,
Ranma, Ranma..." She grinned softly as she repeated the name. "Martial arts wonderful
power, yes. But must have responsibility and know how to use. One wrong move always
leave consequence of death. That why control so important. Ranma, no blame self.
Learn from mistake. Train. Get more control."
Ranma tried to laugh, but it came half-hearted and ended harshly, "Where in the world
am I supposed to get control for the Neko-ken? No one else practices it, at least, no one
known! And ya don't just go up to someone and ask if they've gone under the Neko-ken
training!"
Xian Pu pulled away, taking a deep breath, "Great-grandmother know. Xian Pu know.
Ranma not know, because Ranma not ask."
Silence filled the room, and the pigtailed boy comically opened and closed his mouth in
shock. He snapped out of it, leaning to the Amazon, "You... _know_ where someone
who knows the Neko-ken is?! Why didn't you ever tell me!?"
She shrugged, "Ranma never ask. Xian Pu know should tell, but Neko-ken very sacred to
practicers. Xian Pu not know much of history or such, but know practicers. Fellow
Amazons. Xian Pu never lie to Airen, have never seen cat fist actually practice to eyes.
But Xian Pu know. Would Ranma like to know?"
Ranma stood up, nodding, "Yes, I would."
GROWWWWWWWLLLLL!!!
The Saotome heir blushed, holding his stomach, "Er..."
Xian Pu huffed, but the smile took away any anger that could have been there, "What
Airen do without Xian Pu? Here," she picked up the plate, "eat."
* * *
:I can't believe the little pervert hurt me! He actually attacked me and hurt me! That
JERK!: Akane gripped her pillow harder, her knuckles turning white, :Then he has the
gaul to come up here and apologize?! Like that's going to make it all better?! HAH! I'll
_never_ forgive him for this! And what's worse...: Her expression darkened with rage
entering her brown eyes, :that Chinese hussy's been alone with him for a good ten
minutes! Ooh, I can just see it now...: Unpleasant thoughts came to her mind as to what
was going on in the family dojo, and they only proved to fuel her anger, :That... that...
THAT JERK!!!:
A shy knock on her door diverted the youngest Tendo's attention. Turning with a smile,
she called out, "Come in."
The door opened and Ryoga popped his head in, concern in his hazel eyes, "Akane-san?
Are you all right?"
:Ryoga! He'll agree with me for sure!: "It doesn't hurt, thank you for asking." She sat up,
patting the spot beside her on the bed. He smiled, walking over and taking a seat. She
sighed, "You know how this happened?" She asked, gesturing to her covered fore-arms.
Sadness covered his features and he nodded slowly, "I heard it was from Ranma while in
cat mode."
"You bet! Oooh, he's such a jerk! That was all a lie about him not hurting _girls_!
Hmph! I bet his motto's changed to 'but tomboy's are an exception'!" she sniffed angrily,
glaring out the window again.
Ryoga worried his lower lip, careful with his fangs that could shred his mouth easily.
"Akane-san... is there anything I can do to help you?"
"... no, I'm fine right now. Be careful, I don't want him to pick on you." She chided him
motherly.
The bandanna'd boy blushed softly, :Why is it that she always thinks he's picking on me?
Do I really act that frail?: "I won't bother Ranma."
She blinked in surprise, "You won't? But why not?!"
Now he was confused, "But... you just said to be careful of him."
She huffed, "That jerk deserves to be beaten up good. I could have been seriously injured
back there and all he's done is grumble he's sorry, go sulking in the dojo, and taking
'comfort' from that Chinese hussy! Don't sound like he's too guilty to me!"
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, :I can't believe I'm actually going to do this. I
can just read the headlines now. Hell has frozen over.: He locked his gaze with his
crushes, adding the best firm tone he could to his voice, "Akane-san, Ranma didn't mean
to hurt you. When Ranma goes cat, you gotta think of him as a real cat. He was caged
and afraid and he wanted to get out despite who's in his way. He didn't mean it, I'm sure!
Look how often his cat side's protected you!"
"Are you siding with that aquatransexual?!" She shrieked.
Ryoga winced, averting his gaze, "Akane-san...." He shook his head, "Despite the fact
that he and I fight alot, we're still... um... friends, I guess you could say. I care a lot about
you too, but it's not... not _right_ to accuse him like this when it clearly wasn't his fault."
Humphing, she turned her gaze from the brown eyed boy, crossing her arms despite the
sting it gave her, "Fine then. Be that way."
"... would you like me to bring you up some soup?" Ryoga asked quietly.
The blue haired girl was silent for many minutes, but finally decided it was _Ranma_ she
was mad at, not Ryoga. She turned with a forgiving smile, "Ryoga, you're probably the
sixth person to ask me that in the last hour! Why does everyone think that soup is a cure-
all? Heheh. No, thank you, but it was a kind offer."
He beamed at her, standing, "Then I guess I better go and let you get some rest." He
turned to the door and paused, eyes glancing around the room. He grinned sheepishly,
"Which door is it out of here?"
She pointed to the exit, grinning, "Good luck."
Nodding, he exited the room, making his way down the hall to the steps. He came to a
dead end. Huffing, he turned to walk the other way and wounded up in the bathroom.
Still firm with determination, he made another turn and found himself in Nabiki's room.
The middle Tendo looked at him oddly, then shrugged, "For five thousand yen, I'll help
you out."
"I don't have five thousand yen so I'll get out myself." He grumbled, turning to exit a
door. He found himself surrounded by darkness. Stumbling around, he could have sworn
he heard exotic creatures warning him off. He threw his hands up, "Where am I
_now_?!"
"Ryoga-baby, you're in my closet." Nabiki's muffled voice reached his ears and light
flooded his vision as the door was opened. He ducked under her arm, exiting another
door and walking down the steps. He found himself in the kitchen, greeted Kasumi, and
finally found the front door. He kept his eyes firmly locked on the dojo ahead of him,
and made a bee-line to it. Opening the door, he saw his pigtailed rival eating the food
Xian Pu brought with her, and the Amazon sitting quietly beside him.
Ranma beamed at the bandanna'd boy, swallowing his mouthful, "Yo, Ryoga! Wanna
join us?"
"Sure, why not?" He closed the door behind him, sitting in front of the other two martial
artists. "Akane's doing better, just very, very angry."
Ranma's pace slowed to a stop and he shrugged, "I kinda figured that..." Blue eyes met
brown, "Hey, Ryoga, man-"
"I don't blame you so don't apologize." Ryoga cut him off with a raised hand.
The pigtailed boy grinned at that, nodding, "Thanks, Ryoga. Ya don't know how much
that means to me."
Ryoga sighed, turning to the purple haired martial artist, "So, when do we head back to
the Nekohatten?"
Xian Pu gave a smirk, poking Ranma in the ribs, "As soon as forgetful Airen finishes
meal Xian Pu cook. Silly didn't eat before now."
End Prologue
Author's Note: How many times will I have to correct this stupid story and keep
changing little details?! ARGH!! Damn my short attention span! Here is the (again)
revised prologue. How many of you people bet that it'll be at least until 2004 before I
actually finish this story.