A Surviving Mau

by Usagi-Hasano

During Galaxia's reign of destruction, a mortally wounded Sailor Mau had managed to escape the now dead planet Mau. Finding herself on Earth, she meets a young sixyearold boy with a slight aversion to cats. Life fading, she decides to rely on him.

6. Scratching the Surface

A Surviving Mau

Ranma ½, Sailor Moon, and any other series used in this fanfic are owned by their respectful owners. I do not own anything about them at all.

Thanks to CyberSkaarj for pre-reading

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

/Chinese/

//Cat speak//

Chapter 6

Many Amazons who were going about their business noticed a small blur shooting past them. On closer inspection, they were able to see that the blur was actually a boy of six-years-old with raven-black hair, blue eyes, and a white gi. If they were to have taken a closer look, they would have seen a myriad of emotions playing across the boy's eyes. The most prominent of these emotions plastered upon his small face was the common emotion known as anger. Of course, those who didn't know what was happening wouldn't really understand why the young boy was running or angry.

The young raven-haired boy had finally found himself at the area of where the commotion was taking place, and his azure eyes looked on upon the scene that greeted him. His bespectacled father was currently being restrained by a few angry Amazon women who had various weapons aimed at him, and were daring him to move. A few others seemed to also be nursing an arm, leg, or had various small cuts upon their person. His father -- a fake smile upon his face -- was attempting to try and get out of the situation he currently found himself in.

"Now is there any reason for the hostilities? I was just testing out your defenses is all, and you can't blame a guy for finding out that they aren't all that good. I mean, if one man could get through it all, then it just shows you need more training." Genma stated with a nervous laugh as he began sweating bullets. 'I didn't think a bunch of crazy women would be this good.' "It was only a few minor treasures, and I didn't mean to be too rough on your warriors, who seem to be just novices." Of course, his speech fell mostly upon the deaf ears of those who couldn't speak Japanese. Although there were a few who did speak that language, and those few were not the least bit happy.

The older Saotome's attention was brought towards the direction of a small noise. Turning his head towards the sound, he spotted his son rooted to a spot. Ranma's emotions seemed to be schooled as the young boy looked directly at the larger man. "Don't just stand there boy, help your poor and innocent father out here. This is all just one big misunderstanding, and you know that, right?" The man knew the boy would buy it, and that the boy would start begging them to let his 'innocent father' go. That odd charm he seemed to have with people would work just wonders. Now, if only he could figure out how to get the boy to use it a lot more.

The young cat-boy's features remained the same as he slowly walked up towards the large man and stopped just inches from him. The Amazons around the area were curious to see just what would happen between parent and child. "You broke your promise." The child merely stated as his features turned into a frown. "You told me you wouldn't do anything bad anymore, but then you do this. You tried to steal things from these people, and you also hurt some people." His blue eyes looked towards the warriors who had injuries. Looking back towards the man he thought he respected, he uttered one thing. "Why?"

"Why what, boy?" Genma asked as tried to refrain from sweating. This wasn't going according to plan, and he couldn't figure out why. He had planned it a few days ago, and figured it would be a piece of cake. His son should have tried to pour on the cute and innocent charm by now, and these women should have started to fawn over him and give the bespectacled man a way to freedom while they were distracted.

The frown deepened on the young boy, and everyone could almost feel the air around them turn cold and very heavy. "Why did you do something bad again, damn it!" He asked in a louder voice. "Was it all just a lie?" The young Saotome had never felt this much anger before. The closest thing to it was when he found out about the stolen yattai.

His father put up a forced laugh. "Come on, boy!" He announced with a stern look. "I'm helping you build character. I'm just showing you that staying around these women who had a hard time capturing someone like me will make you soft and weak. I don't think your mother would ever appreciate a weak son who turns into a girl. She wanted you to get strong before she saw you again." Using Nodoka as bait for the boy had worked several times as well in the past. "I do know where she is, and if you do become a true man, I'll help you get in contact with her."

There was a slight crack in the young boy's emotions at the mention of his mother. "I don't need your help. I found where she lives in your pack and had Cologne-baasan to help make a letter to her, and we sent it a few days ago." He saw the pale look on his father's face. "What?"

"Y-- you didn't mention the curse, did you?" At his son's nod, he grew frightened. "Stupid boy, do you realize what you've done?! Your mother will kill us both!" He shouted while shooting a glare towards the boy. At the child's confused look, he went on. "Remember when I had you finger paint on that paper before we left? That was actually a seppuku contract, boy." The young Saotome's eyes widened. He had heard what seppuku was once or twice. "I made a promise to turn you into a man amongst men. If I failed on that, then we'd all have to commit seppuku! What the hell is wrong with you boy?! We're going to die because of you!"

Ranma backed up a couple steps at what his father had just said. Would his mother really… no, she wouldn't really do that. A mother wouldn't do that to her family. "Mama wouldn't do anything like that." He said defiantly.

"You're a fool if you think that, boy." Genma stated with a continued glare. "Family honor is very important to her. If only you weren't so weak as to fall into that spring. Oh woe is me to be cursed with such a weak and ungrateful so--" He didn't get to finish before a small fist smashed into his face with enough force to knock him backwards onto his back. "Wha-- what?" The bespectacled man asked as his eyes looked upon his son. A sweat-drop formed when he saw that the boy's eyes had taken a cold and cat-like quality to them, and he was flexing his 'claws' while baring his fangs. The sight of this had actually shocked the Amazons who had been interested in watching the family squabble. "N-- now boy, there's no reason to g-- get angry."

"Mama would never do that… JACKASS!!" Ranma shouted as he leapt for his father and proceeded to give the older restrained martial artist the most severe beating that he had ever had since training under Happosai. The witnesses to the one-sided battle actually wondered if they should try and help, but found the sight of the fat fool getting the snot beaten out of him whilst chained enjoyable. They did slightly wince when the man was knocked headfirst into the wall though.

/Ranma, stop!/ Khu Lon shouted as she made it to the scene along with another matriarch -- this one was about 50 years younger with pale orange hair and not shriveled up. The elderly matriarch looked upon what was going on and became shocked. The young Saotome boy actually seemed to be lost in a cat-like rage as he continued to maul his father. Rushing forward, she attempted to press the sleep pressure-point on the cat-boy. Before she could even press the point, he jumped out of the way and landed on all fours. 'It's almost like he's lost in the Neko-ken.' The silver-haired woman thought as she looked at the boy who was on all fours and staring at her. She then watched as the child took a look at his thoroughly trashed father and took off past the shocked elder and becamelost in the village.

After a moment, the diminutive woman had regained her composure. Pointing to a few Amazons, she gave a command. /You four over there! Take the fat fool and lock him back up in a cell with chains on him!/ She then pointed her staff to a few others. /You over there, help me find the young child who ran away from here so he doesn't get hurt. It's possible that you might also find him in the form of a young girl with red hair. Just look for a cat-tail -- and maybe ears -- and you wouldn't miss./

After watching the assembled people leave, the younger matriarch next to Khu Lon gave a wry smile. /Well, it looks like there'll be interesting times ahead for this village./ She received a glare from the smaller woman. /Surly you agree with me, Elder Khu Lon. Two children who act like cats, your great-granddaughter finding herself a rival, and you know what it means for that fat fool now that he defeated a few of--/

/You truly want to send some young and promising Amazons to a fate worse than death, Xiao Lu? I'm sure many of those girls will go on to say that they were only injured, and not defeated. Even the ones who will admit to being defeated would probably rather slit the man's throat than try and claim him for marriage. From what I caught, it also sounded like he was married./

/I feel sorry for the poor woman who married that useless sack of bones./ Xiao Lu stated with a shiver. Both elders heard a noise and turned around to spot Mu Tzu, Xian Pu, and Miki. /I'm afraid you have missed your friend. The child started acting like a crazed lunatic cat and ran into the village somewhere./

/Xiao Lu!/ The smaller woman shouted. /I swear, you younger matriarchs have no tact when it comes to these things./ She grumbled and sent a glare towards an innocently whistling pale orange-haired woman. Shaking her head, she turned back to the trio. /It seems that Ranma ended up getting upset and angry enough at his father to go into a slight rage. We currently have no idea where he is, and that is why I have sent some Amazons to look for him./

Miki seemed to have gotten an odd look on her face as she put a hand to her chest. /I think… I feel him./ The pink-haired cat-girl stated. This earned her a look from the people present. /I can feel what Ranma feel. Lots of… anger and feeling of betrayal./ Azure eyes became slightly glazed as the young girl turned around and started to slowly walk. The group looked at each other before following the neo-cat-girl. They seemed to follow her for about five minutes before they arrived at a group of trees near a wall. Making her way around the tree, the cat turned human spotted her friend. /Ranma?/

/He complete jackass-nya./ Ranma simply stated as he looked up at his friend. The raven-haired boy was currently sitting on the ground in front of the middle tree with his legs pulled up close to him. /Can't believe ever trusted him. I hate him./

His friend sat down next to him and put a hand on his shoulder. /I hated him from start-nya./ She stated with a smirk. /You know that though./ She managed to at least get a chuckle out of the boy. Miki was at a slight loss for what to do. She wasn't too familiar with human emotions, and she was too young to know how to solve a situation like this. All she knew was that she wanted to help her friend somehow. /Don't worry, I here for you… brother-sister./ The girl finished with a twinkle in her eyes. /Who needs fat fool?/

The young Saotome started to feel a little better. /You right, who needs jackass? You better family than he./ Something else filtered into his mind. /You really think my mother kill me?/ It seemed almost impossible to think of in his mind. /What if send letter was bad idea-nya?/ The thought started to depress him again. /I not know if-- OW!/ He shouted in pain as he turned his head to see Xian Pu standing there.

/Feh, just like a weak outsider. You get a little emotional, and then it's all over./ The purple-haired girl stated with a large frown. /You're not even worth my time, gender-changing freak./

Ranma stood up quickly and grabbed the girl by the collar. /You take that back, coward!/ The nerve of this girl. She didn't even have the least bit of sympathy for him. /I not weak, and I better than YOU. You the one not worth my time!/ The two glared at each other for a few moments before Xian Pu smirked.

/Then prove it, outsider. I dare you. Forget about that fool of a father and become better than he is./ Her gaze hardened. /You are not better than me. I am and will be the greatest Amazon warrior ever./ The girl stated with her arms crossed.

/Hah! I'll become better martial artist than you. You think I lose to you?/ The two sent off another intense glare from each other before turning around and not looking at each other.

'Never underestimate the true power of a rivalry.' Khu Lon thought with a cackle. 'I'm actually glad I never put a stop to it. The boy would probably still be out of it if it wasn't for that kick-start from my great-granddaughter.' Her expression turned into a frown. 'Now, what to do with that foolish panda?' Her mind also ran over the little info she gained about the Ranma's mother. 'For your sake, Nodoka Saotome, you better not think of trying to have a child commit suicide.'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nodoka blinked when she found the name and address on a letter that she had just received. The return address of the envelope read: Ranma Saotome, Joketsuzoku Village, Bayankala Mountain Range, and Qinghai Province, China. Of course, only one thing entered her mind as she read that address. "It's from Ranma?" With gusto, she tore open the envelope and began to read.

'Hi mama! It's me, Ranma. I have help writing this letter from a matriarch elder from the Amazon village I'm staying at in China. You won't believe it, but papa got in trouble a little and is currently being held by the Amazons.'

That caused the auburn-haired woman to wonder just what her husband had done to warrant being held captive by them. She really hoped it wasn't anything too stupid.

'The Amazons are nice, and I've also made a friend named Mu Tzu. He can't see very well, but he's good at a martial arts style called Hidden Weapons. There's also another person I met that I don't like. Her name is Xian Pu, and she's a friend of Mu Tzu's. She's just a big meanie. We always seem to argue and annoy each other.'

That actually caused Nodoka to giggle at that thought. The thought of her son and a young Chinese girl arguing and trying to get under each other's skin just sounded so cute. Well, at least the way it was put down. It was also great that her son had managed to make a friend in a foreign country. At least he wouldn't be alone over there.

'Before we came to this Amazon Village, we stopped at a place called Jusenkyou. It's a place that is also known as the Valley of Cursed Springs. If someone falls into one of the springs, then they are cursed to turn into anything that drowned in the spring last. Hot water changes them to normal, and cold water turns them back into the cursed form.'

"Cursed springs?" The woman thought in worry. She wanted to think of it as just make-believe, but something in her was telling her that it was all true. "Why would Genma go to a place like that if it's cursed?" The thought filled her with dread, and she thought that maybe they ended up getting cursed. As she continued to read, she found that her question had indeed been answered.

'Papa tried to get me to hop onto the bamboo poles to train. I didn't want to because the place felt bad. It felt like a lot of bad magic, and my cat senses felt terrible as well. Miki thought so too! Papa didn't listen, grabbed Miki, and jumped onto the poles. It was hard to do, but I managed to follow. I almost fell into a few springs before the bamboo pole papa was on snapped from under him and caused him to fall into a spring. He accidentally tossed Miki as he fell. I was able to grab her, and we both fell into a spring.'

Now that caused a serious sense of dread within the Saotome Matriarch as she stopped for a second. She wasn't sure if she should keep going or not. They could have transformed into any number of terrible things. Like a demon, a slug, or maybe even something obscure like a Yeti-Riding-Bull-Carrying-Crane-and-Eel. Working up her nerve, she read on.

'Papa fell into Spring of Drowned Panda, and so now he becomes a large panda with cold water. Miki and I fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl. I now become a girl with cold water, and Miki becomes a human girl at about my age as well. It doesn't seem too much different to me that how I usually am though, except for the red hair and red fur on my ears and tail. Miki's human form has pink hair with small black highlights also.'

'A girl?' Nodoka thought with a frown as she closed her eyes. 'Genma failed before he even really started. Well, it could be worse.' She thought with a light smile. 'What am I going to do now, though? The seppuku contract is for family honor, and Genma failed to uphold it. Family honor is important beyond anything else.' Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't notice that there was something else that had come with the letter. Picking it up, she noticed that it was another photo. In the photo was an image of two children. The one on the left had crimson-colored hair, blue eyes, and crimson-colored cat-ears and tail. The one on the right looked to be about the same height as the redhead. She had pink hair with black highlights and azure eyes as well.

'That must be Ranma and Miki.' The auburn-haired woman thought with a sad look. Upon closer inspection of her son turned daughter, a small smile formed on her face. 'She looks a lot like I did when I was a child.' It was almost like looking into a mirror. The two neo-girls also looked so innocent, care-free, and adorable. After a moment of staring, she tore her eyes away and began to read the rest of the letter.

'I really do miss you mama, and I was so excited when Miki and I discovered your address in papa's traveling pack. It was your photo that made me remember since Miki can't read and I sometimes have trouble reading myself. I was sad when I remembered I couldn't write very well, but then Khu Lon-baasan offered to help me. I miss being near you, your hugs, your cooking, your voice, and many other things. Papa never talks about you, and I hope I'll get to see you again soon. I'll keep your picture close so I don't forget you.

Bye Mama

Love, Ranma Saotome.'

As she finished reading the letter, Nodoka could feel the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. How could she even consider killing a child-- her own even? Here she was trying to figure out ways to salvage family honor when her own baby was almost alone in a foreign country and had missed her since he left. 'Why does this have to be so complicated?' She asked herself as she held her head in one of her hands. Upon another inspection of the letter, she noticed that there was a mailing address for the area her son was staying at. Perhaps -- for right now -- she could put this whole contract aside and try to get to get in contact with her child. They could always revisit the problem on hand at a later date. After she got to know her son again was a good idea. 'It's not going away; I'm just putting it off until later.' She said to herself as she got a piece of paper and began to write.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After Xian Pu had 'talked some sense' into him, Ranma decided to mostly forget about his father try to get to know the area of Joketsuzoku a little better. Sure, he had decided to visit his father at the man's cell about two times a week, but that was mostly because the man was still his family. His respect for the older Saotome hadn't gone up very far after the incident a few days ago, but the man deserved a little company. Besides, the raven-haired cat-boy had discovered something that could cause his father to nearly pop a blood vessel. It had been discovered quite by accident as well.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Flashback)

An Amazon standing guard at the prison building spotted a certain redheaded girl coming in her direction, and she was able to recognize said girl by the cat-tail that swished behind her. With only two children in the village who possessed the ears and tail of a cat, it was hard to NOT know who they were. /I take it you're here to meet your father, Ranma?/ She asked curiously. At the child's nod, the woman bowed. /Please go on right ahead./

/Thank you./ The cat-girl stated as she walked into the building and made her way with the inside guard to where the cell containing her father was. It seemed as if the man wasn't going to let being confined stop him from his martial arts, and that was one of the few things that Ranma still admired about the guy. "Hey there, pops. I see that you are deep in training?"

There was a snort from the older Saotome. "Feh, if you think I'm just going to sit in here and lose my edge, then you don't know me very-- WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WEARING!?!" The bespectacled man shouted as he pointed towards his child. The question confused the redhead, but the man elaborated further. "Why the hell are you wearing a dress, boy?!"

Realization dawned on the boy turned girl. "Well, I'm currently a girl, and I don't see anything wrong with wearing girl clothes as a girl." She tapped on her chin for a second. "This is also a dress used for training, and there's nothing wrong with wearing proper clothing to train, is there?"

"You're a boy and you should dress like one. I don't care if you are in girl form, take that dress of now!" It seemed that Genma really was threatening to burst a blood vessel at the sight of it. "Quit dressing like a weak girl!"

Ranma blinked at this before her eyes widened. Clapping her hands, she figured something out. "Say pops, me dressing like this annoys you, doesn't it?" She asked with a sly grin. The look on the man's face only confirmed it. Giving a giggle, she waved and turned around. "See you later, pops!" She ignored the older Saotome's shouts as she started to walk out of the building.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (End Flashback)

Ranma didn't know why it bugged his father so much, but it just seemed to make sense. If he was going to train as a boy, he'd use boy clothes. If he was training as a girl, he'd use girl clothing. Whatever he/she wore, it was always tons better than that old and smelly gi. He was finally glad to be rid of that stupid thing and into better clothing. It was a mystery how the older Saotome could stand to always wear those things.

Miki was slowly making progress in her own training. The two cat-children had spoken to Khu Lon about their tails, and how the pink-haired girl's tail needed to be toughened up to avoid coming under extreme pain. The matriarch had frowned and stated that for removing the weakness, the only method that seemed to work well would be the pulling and squeezing method. For strengthening the tail, however, they wouldn't need to hang from a tree with a weight pulling on their tail. They could have a weight band fashioned for them that could be worn on the tail. The weight could be started out low, but gradually increase. Not only would it be easier than the previous way, but it would be easier to get around. As for pulling and squeezing, the cat turned human would only allow Ranma to do that, since the Saotome child knew how it felt and could relate better than anyone. The raven-haired boy didn't want to, but knew that it was the only way.

The raven-haired boy had also discovered something about his kitten form that disturbed him greatly. It was a few days ago when he was trying to figure out a little more about his full feline form and he had run into a couple of children his own age.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Flashback)

Neko-Ranma stretched as he looked around his surroundings a little before he started to walk somewhere. He was currently attempting to train his feline form in martial arts again. The raven-furred kitten could hop around, kick, punch, and several other things while on his back legs. He still couldn't stand for long periods of time, but he was getting better at it. /Hey, check this out, Chu, Koriko!/ A young girl announced as she walked up towards the young Saotome. She had dark green hair and black eyes. Coming up to her was a boy with short red hair and amber eyes. On his forehead were a couple of band-aids. There was also another girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.

/Hey, you're right Asahi. This cat really is something. It's really weird, and that spot on its head is freakish as well./ The boy, Chu, stated as he flicked Ranma on the ear and laughed.

/Idiot./ Ranma stated in annoyance. Jeez, who did these kids think they were? All three stared at him in big eyes before deciding they were just hearing something. The boy gave a weird grin before he took the bandages on his forehead off.

/Come on, hold the cat down. I want to see him run around like crazy trying to get this off./ As if complying, Koriko and Asahi attempted to grab the blue-eyed kitten, but he jumped out of the way and landed on Asahi's head. He was too slow, however, to dodge from Chu. The amber-eyed boy then quickly slapped the bandages onto Ranma's forehead.

/Henya!/ The boy turned kitten blinked before he attempted to talk gain. /Nyaa, nyah, nyao!/ This was starting to freak him out. He couldn't talk, and it had to be because of those bandages. He couldn't take them off with his paws though, and he couldn't even transform back to human. Looking up, his blue eyes could see the children laughing. /You will pay when I get back to normal./ He thought as he turned around and ran.

Ranma had to dodge around feet of passing people as he attempted to look for Miki. She could help him the most out of everyone. Looking around frantically, it seemed as if he had looked for almost 10 minutes before he spotted Xian Pu. With hope, he ran up to the purple-haired girl and jumped into her arms. /Nya, Nyaa, Nyao!/ He frantically shouted trying to get her attention.

The young Amazon looked at him and blinked for a moment. It looked like Ranma's kitten form, but the boy was able to talk as a kitten. Her logic went on to say that this couldn't be her rival. /I'm sorry kitty, but I have no time to play./ She said as she set the kitten down. /Go off and play somewhere else./

//Wait, it's me, Ranma! Get back here Xian Pu!// The raven-haired feline shouted out as he followed the girl. It seemed the great-granddaughter of Khu Lon ignored him as she continued on her way. It was five more minutes until Ranma called out again. //Xian Pu, please help me!!// Blue eyes watched as Miki came into view and the two girls greeted each other. With full hope in his chest, the boy turned kitten ran up to his friend and jumped into her arms. //Miki, please help! Some kids put bandages on my golden mark, and now I can't talk or transform!!// He shouted with tears threatening to flow out of his eyes. //I don't know why Xian Pu wouldn't help me…//

/I don't know why, but that cat has been following me for several minutes./ The young Amazon stated while she scratched the back of her head in confusion. She noticed the glare on her friend's face. /Wh-- what did I do?/

/It's ok, Ranma. I'll help you./ The pink-haired girl stated as she pulled the bandages off. What she said shocked Xian Pu. /Can you talk or transform again?/ She asked as she set her friend down. The boy turned kitten closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated. His form then started to shift, and pretty soon he was in his human form. /Are you ok, Ranma?/

/I-- I think so./ The raven-haired boy answered back with a shiver. He never wanted to go through that again. Turning his head, azure eyes met with Xian Pu's eyes. /Why didn't you help me, Xian Pu?/

The purple-haired girl had a hand over her mouth in shock. /I-- I'm sorry about that, Ranma. I didn't know it was you./ She put a hand on the boy's shoulder. /I knew you could talk as a kitten, and so I didn't really think that was you. I'm very sorry./ To be stuck helplessly in his kitten form without the ability to talk must have been terrible. Both girls then watched as the boy stood up. /What are you going to do, Ranma?/

The cat-boy narrowed his eyes. /Getting back at the kids who did it to me-nya./

/Oh! Count me in, Ranma./ Xian Pu stated with a feral grin. /I won't allow anybody else to harm my rival but me!/ The young Saotome blinked at her for a few moments before shrugging. /So, what are their names?/

/Chu, Asahi, and Koriko./

/Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!/ The great-granddaughter of Khu Lon shouted as Ranma and she started going on a hunt for three certain kids. Miki watched them leave and almost felt sorry for the other kids… almost.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (End Flashback)

After the aforementioned incident, nobody really knew what had happen to the three. All that was known was that the three were completely scared of Ranma and Xian Pu, and that the three smelled of rotten fish heads for two whole weeks. The only people who knew the true story wouldn't talk about it. Three wouldn't talk because they were petrified to say, and two wouldn't say because they didn't want to. Khu Lon had tried to figure it out, but not even she could get the story out of anybody.

The event actually brought Ranma and Xian Pu closer. They weren't exactly friends, but they weren't enemies either. They had a grudging respect for each other that they wouldn't admit. If one was in trouble, or in need of help, then the other would step in to help and 'complain' about the other giving them problems. When someone mentioned something about them being friends, the two would stare at the person as if they were crazy, and then they would insult each other. This would usually lead to a small scuffle that would end with each having a bruise or two.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ranma ducked under a punch that was aimed for his head. Lashing out with his leg, he watched as Xian Pu jumped over and tried to come down with a kick of her own. Rolling to the side, the pony-tailed boy proceeded with a leg sweep that knocked the purple-haired girl off her feet. What Ranma didn't expect was to be kicked in the chest as his opponent fell onto her back. The kick knocked him back a little, but he managed to regain his footing just in time to catch his opponent's punch and sent a palm strike to her forehead. Not wasting a second, he proceeded to send several quick punches. Some were dodged, but some struck their target.

Nursing her arm a little, Xian Pu leapt forward quickly and dodged another punch. With this dodge, the purple-haired Amazon turned around and spin-kicked Ranma's shoulder and knocked him towards the ground. With the grace of a cat, the cat-boy turned and landed on all fours. As he landed, Ranma dodged to the side to avoid a kick to his head. Turning around, he grabbed Xian Pu's leg with his tail and proceeded to pull her towards him. When she was close, he used his claws to scratch her a couple times on the arm before tossing her to the ground. The raven-haired boy soon found himself yanked by his tail and kissing dirt as well. /You forget that your tail can be both a weakness and weapon, outsider./ Xian Pu stated with a smirk on her face. She still found it interesting how the cat-boy could move around so fluidly when he was on his hands and feet.

Tail whipping behind him, Ranma ignored her as he flexed his hands. A smirk played across his face as he rushed forward. When he was just a few feet in front of the purple-haired girl, he activated his transformation and turned into his cat form. Running between her legs, he transformed back and gave her a couple of scratches before kicking her to the ground. /The same can be said for my cat-form, brat-nya./

/That was no fair!/ Xian Pu shouted as she stood up and glared at her opponent. /Since when were you able to transform quickly like that?/ Usually it took a few moments before the pony-tailed boy could shift between forms, but that… that took just a couple of seconds. /You shouldn't be able to do that in a fight!/

Ranma stuck his tongue out. /In a fight, any advantage should be used. Turning into a cat can be my advantage. You're just whiny because you can't do it, brat./ The smirk on his face only made Xian Pu even more red in the face as said girl stalked up to the boy. When they were a few inches apart, they proceeded to glare at each other. After a moment, the Amazon brought her hand up and flicked her rival on the nose. /Hey!/ The young Saotome shouted as he gave the girl a small slap upside the top of her head. Glaring at each other some more, the two leapt back and got into their ready stances.

Their fight was interrupted by a loud noise not too far from where they were. Deciding to -- reluctantly -- cut it short, both six-year-olds turned and raced for the area where the noise had come from. After they arrived at the scene, both martial artists had to blink at what they were seeing. /What… is that thing?/ Ranma asked as he looked upon the creature that was causing problems. The thing was about three feet tall with claws that where half the size of its own body. It was also floating in mid-air with its golden eyes scanning the area as its elf-like ears twitched at any sound. The thing looked towards him and Xian Pu and bared its sharp teeth. Rushing forward, he proceeded to try and swipe at the two, but Ranma jumped and pushed the purple-haired girl out of the way. Looking at the marks that the thing's large claws created in the ground, the cat-boy figured it would be a good idea to transform. "Mau Planet Power, Henshin-nya!"

One quick transformation later and Ranma was standing in front of the creature as several Amazons arrived to watch and see just how good the boy was. Deciding it was best to not waste words, the Senshi of Mau jumped forward and slashed at the monster with a claw. The attack was blocked by the creature's own large hand as it proceeded to try and grab Ranma with its other hand. Leaping over it, the pony-tailed boy landed on the hand and ran up its arm. Leaping over the other hand that tried to knock him off, Ranma came down with a kick to the thing's head and knocked it back.

Expecting it to charge at him, the Senshi of Mau was surprised -- as well as annoyed -- when the monster taunted him by sticking its tongue out and running away. "Hey, get back here and fight!" He shouted as he ran after the thing as it knocked people over and made its way out of the village. Ranma didn't know where it was going, but he knew that he had to do something so it wouldn't come back to try and truly harm people. After a few minutes of running and being taunted, the six-year-old finally got fed up. Raising his gloved hand, he proceeded to cast an attack. "Mao Yarn-Ball!" The yarn-ball shaped energy appeared in his hand. After tossing it, he gave a shout of 'entangle'. The raven-haired cat-boy was happy when the attack managed to hit.

Pointing a hand towards it, he gave a shout of 'explosion'. The wrappings of the yarn-ball attack glowed vividly a second before the explosion happened. When the dust cleared, it revealed the monster to be fully charred. "Well that was kind of simple-nya." Ranma stated to himself. As soon as he said that, he found himself on the receiving end of an attack to the back. Picking himself up, he turned around and sweat-dropped. "I shouldn't have said that." Cursing to himself, he jumped another attack and looked around. From what he could see, there were about 15 different monsters of various shapes and sizes. Apparently, the one that he chased led him into an ambush of some kind.

With a nervous chuckle, Ranma raised a hand. "Um… hi?" After that was uttered, the cat-boy had to dodge several attacks of claws, magic, bites, scratches, and various other things. "Ok, that's it-nya!" Raising his hands, he charged towards the closest ones. "Cat-Scratch Frenzy!" He shouted, and he proceeded to become almost a blur as he scratched the things from various angles by use of his hands and feet. He didn't get to finish his attack due to one of the other monsters managing a solid hit upside his head that knocked him a few feet away. The three that he did manage to attack were all scratched up and about ready to fall, but they managed to stand. "Dang it, I should have switched to my girl form." Ranma grumbled out as he thought about how his magic was stronger in that form. 'Maybe carrying hot and cold water would be a good thing.' He thought as he dodged a few attacks and tossed a few of his own yarn-balls to tangle up a few and blow them up.

He soon found himself knocked into a tree via a sneak attack from behind. Shaking the dizzy feeling out of his head, Ranma jumped and pushed himself off of the tree to dodge a large claw. Looking around, he found himself to still be outnumbered. 'I'm not going to give up.' The cat-boy thought with narrowed eyes and a smile. For some reason, the thought of it being outnumbered was fun. "Cat-Scratch--"

A loud roar interrupted the boy as something charged through the remaining monsters and started decimating them. When Ranma could see what was attacking the creatures, his eyes widened. The thing attacking was a five-foot tall bipedal bull with crane wings and an eel-like tail. 'What in the heck?' Was all the cat-boy could think as he watched the muscular creature punch, stab with his horns, bite, claw, and virtually destroy each of the creatures that were giving Ranma problems. When it was all done, the bull monster glanced towards the boy and gave a snort. "Um… thanks?" Ranma asked hesitantly with a raised hand. His answer from the creature was a fist upside the head before it flew off to into the sky and away from the area. "Ow-nya…" The Senshi of Mau stated as he rubbed the side of his head. "Just what the heck was that for?!"

Obtaining no answer at all, the pony-tailed Senshi got up and walked back towards the village. As he walked, he complained about 'idiot bulls' and 'pounding them into the ground the next time they met'. 'At least he helped me, but there was no reason to hit me and run off!' That was his only thought as he continued on his way towards the Joketsuzoku.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

/You mean you're actually going to teach Miki and me some Amazon techniques?!/ Ranma asked in complete shock, surprise, excitement, and glee. After he had returned from that ambush, Khu Lon had pulled the young cat-boy -- along with his friend -- aside and proceeded to lay down a few things. /When can be do it, Elder Khu Lon? Can we do it now? Huh, can we? Can-- OW!/ The Saotome child shouted as he rubbed his head after being whacked upside the head by the elder's cane. Xian Pu gave a small snicker at what had just happened-- until she too was supporting a bump of her own. Miki remained quiet so that she wouldn't find herself with a bump of her own. Mu Tsu was off somewhere arguing with various inanimate objects.

/Do not interrupt an elder when they are explaining things, child./ The diminutive woman stated with a small glare. /As I was saying, I have decided that it would be a good time to teach you THREE,/ she pointed to Xian Pu/In some of the more advanced Amazon techniques. I can only teach you a few things at the moment due to you all being so young, but I believe you are capable of handling those few things./ The gray-haired woman pointed her staff towards Ranma. /Another thing is that you, Ranma, will have to be in your girl form for this. Also, you and Miki will have to swear that you WILL NOT, under any circumstance, teach Joketsuzoku martial arts and skills to anybody outside of the Amazons. The only way I'll be able to teach you is that if you swear to that and become honorary Amazons./

The young Saotome child tipped his head. He didn't see any problem with having to be in female form, and he understood the part about not letting the secrets get out to those who should not know. Coming to his decision, he began nodding his head vigorously. /I swear that I won't give out the secrets, Elder Khu Lon-nya!/ He announced with a fist in the air and an excitable look upon his face as his tail swished around excitedly. Turning around, he ran to an outdoor faucet and splashed himself before returning. Anybody looking at the newly transformed cat-girl could see a wide-eyed look of happiness that was due to the idea of learning new techniques and skills.

Miki merely gave a small nod. /I swear that I won't inform non-Amazons of what I am to learn either-nya!/ Both cat-girls stood and watched as the aged matriarch studied them intently for several moments before giving a nod

/I believe that we can now begin training. The first on the list is something that Xian Pu has been wanting to learn for a long time./ Said girl's eyes became wide in excitement. /You three shall be learning the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken, and you will also be working on light meditation to get a feel for your inner energies./ Noticing the questioning look on the two cat-girl's faces at the name of the technique, Khu Lon motioned the three of them to come with her. It wasn't too long before they came to a clearing with what looked like the materials that would be used for a small fire. Lighting the fire, Khu Lon brought out a handful of chestnuts and tossed them into the roaring flame. /Now Ranma, Miki, watch as I demonstrate why this skill is also known as Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire./ Taking a small breath, the old woman tossed her hand into the fire and pulled out a couple chestnuts. The motion was quicker than anyone could see, and her hand held no injury from the fire. /The purpose of this is to become quick enough so that the fire can't touch you./

/Hey, that reminds me a little of my Cat-Scratch Frenzy attack as Sailor Mau./ Three pairs of eyes glanced in her direction at the wide-eyed redhead. Said redhead seemed to be getting even more excited. /I'll be able to do something similar when not changed-nya!/ Maybe she could even combine her claws with the skill for extra damage. /When do we start, Elder Khu Lon?!/

The matriarch pointed her gnarled staff towards Xian Pu. /Xian Pu will start attempting to learn this skill first. You and Miki will work on meditation in order to prepare your mind and bodies./ Xian Pu gave a victorious smirk towards her frowning rival. /Now, you two go over there and start meditating./ The silver-haired woman whacked Ranma upside the head to stop her from grumbling about 'old ladies and favoritism to great-granddaughters'.

Reaching the spot where they were told to go, Ranma and Miki sat down on the ground and crossed their legs. They proceeded to close their eyes and attempt to control their breathing as their tails gave a random twitch every once in a while. To someone sparing just a quick glance, they would assume that the two were calm and steady. On a closer look, however, one could see that both of them were restless as their eyebrows twitched quickly. /Why can't I do the Kachu thingie-nya?!/ Ranma finally screeched out in annoyance with her fists raised in the air. The answer to this came when a small rock impacted against the side of her head.

/Meditating will help you regulate your body's energies and allow you to think clearly, child./ Khu Lon simply stated. /Xian Pu has already learned how to properly meditate. With constant meditation, you would be able to use the energies within your body easier. So sit down, close your eyes, empty your mind, and go with the flow./ The elder finished before going back to check on Xian Pu. /And no gloating from you, Xian Pu. If I hear any more, you'll have to punch a tree 1,000 times!/ There was a faint 'yes great-grandmother' from the purple-haired girl.

Ranma and Miki glanced at each other and -- with their eyes -- silently communicated how boring it was. With a final sigh, they closed their eyes and attempted to clear their mind and 'find their center'. After much trial and error, the redheaded cat-girl found herself calmed as her mind cleared of the world around her. Ranma had no clue what to do next, and so she just sat there and stayed as she was.

"Going somewhere, Sailor Mau?" A dream-like purring voice seemed to echo throughout her mind. All of a sudden, a vision of ruined buildings, fires, corpses, and several other things filtered into her mind. These, also, were completely dream-like. The view changed to center on a woman dressed in a form-fitting fuku that seemed to be made of rubber with a line of bells on the front of her outfit. This same woman's tail seemed to be waving happily behind her as a catty grin was plastered onto her face.

Ranma found herself talking to the woman, and she could hear some thoughts running through her own head. 'Nyanko' and 'Sailor Galaxia' filtered through 'her' head as 'she' ran through the demolished city and buildings. The thought of 'getting away to find help' raged through 'her' mind.

/Ranma/

Despair at not being able to find a teleportation crystal, relief at finding one still intact, and then the horror of finding herself attacked and near death…

/RANMA!/

Azure eyes snapped open and stared into the twin azure eyes of Miki. The pink-haired girl was looking on in both curiosity and worry. Turning her head, Ranma also saw that Khu Lon and Xian Pu -- massaging her burnt hands -- were studying her in curiosity as well. /What's wrong-nya?/

/You were talking to yourself like a crazy person./ Xian Pu provided with a smirk. /At least we now know that you're crazy-- ow!/ She shouted as a staff whacked her upside the head.

Khu Lon took that moment to start talking. /You were shouting about odd things such as 'Galaxia', 'Nyanko', 'Getting Away', and other such nonsense./

/I was seeing things./ The redheaded cat-girl simply stated to the blinking eyes of those around her. In fact, she remembered 'seeing things' a couple times before. That time with the Gambler King was a good example. /I think they are memories of the one who turned me into Sailor Mau. I think it was right before she died. There was fire, dead bodies, and other things./ Ranma shivered at recalling those images in her head. It was disturbing and gruesome, and that woman named Nyanko caused a feeling of anger for form within her. /What could this mean, Elder Khu Lon-nya?/ She asked as she held her tail in her hands for comfort.

The elder's eyes closed as she began stroking her chin. /I think that what it means is that you have access to the memories of the one who gave you your powers. They must be buried deep within your mind, and meditating can help you get a hold of these fleeting images. Perhaps this memory that you just witnessed will help you prepare for if you ever come across the person in your vision, and maybe this so-called Sailor Galaxia./ Her aged eyes watched as the redhead shivered as she fiddled around with her tail. The vision must have been disturbing to watch. /Perhaps other memories will come to you if you meditate. I think it might be a good idea to work on meditating. You might come across helpful bits of information that you could put to use./ Ranma seemed to show a slight reluctance at the thought. /I believe that it is now time for you to try and learn the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken, Ranma./

The redheaded cat-girl's face instantly lit up as she leapt to her feet. /Yeah! This won't take long. I'll learn it in just a few days-nya!/ She shouted as she ran for the fire. A moment later, a shout of 'hot' could be heard.

A cackle managed to escape from Khu Lon's mouth. /Well, she certainly is excitable when it comes to martial arts./ The two six-year-olds could only nod as they watched Ranma vigorously stick her hand into the fire before dancing around in pain and sticking her hand into a bucket of water. /Watch out, Xian Pu, I think she might actually learn it before you./

/Like heck she will!/ The purple-haired child shouted with a frown upon her face. /I will not have myself be outdone by her!/

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Later that night -- with hands fully bandaged to heal, -- Ranma sat down in a meditative stance. She decided that maybe doing what Khu Lon said to do would be a good idea. Learning a little more about the one she was replacing would require at least a little knowledge of the person and the experiences that they had. 'I just hope I won't have to worry about something like I saw earlier.' Tossing the thought away, she proceeded to cross her legs, close her eyes, and attempt to empty her mind. It was still a hard thing to do, but she finally managed to do it after several minutes of trying. There she sat in complete silence. After several more moments, she was about to give up when images began to play in her mind.

"You are so cool, Sailor Mau!" A childish voice rang out. The vision focused on a young child that appeared to be around eight-years-old with golden-colored eyes, raven-colored hair and tail, and several golden bells on her clothing. "It must be so cool to be a Sailor Senshi. I wish I could be one!"

Ranma found 'herself' giving off a small giggle as a gloved hand reached out to pat the young girl on the head. "Maybe you will someday, Nyanko. There's no telling when the powers of a Senshi will be born to a person." The face of the young girl scrunched up into a pout.

"I know that I'll never take your job, though. Senshi live so long, and you're still young and strong even though you are over 900-years-old!" The pout turned into a smirk as the young Nyanko crossed her arms. "I'll become a Senshi someday, though. I'll become one, and then I'll be better than you. I'll become the best there is, and nothing will stop me from it!"

"Nyanko, being 'the best' and 'greater than me' are not things you should strive for. You should strive for protecting people and doing what's right." It was almost as if she could feel 'herself' smiling brightly. "Now, I need to go do a little training. I've been trying to learn how to fire energy claws from my own hand with my own ki, and not magic. I can't get it right!" She announced with a grumble as she started walking off.

Nyanko gave a vigorous wave. "I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out, Sailor Mau. By the way, can you come over for dinner tonight again? I asked my parents to see if it was alright if I could ask and they said it was ok." There was a strong look of hope that turned into a victorious shout as Sailor Mau nodded her head. The young raven-haired cat-girl ran up and gave a hug to the Senshi. "From now on, you shall be my older sister! You hear me, Mau-neechan?"

Mau gave off a giggle. "I guess this is what I get for hanging around you since you were a baby." A catty grin was the answer from the eight-year-old. "Alright, Nyanko-imouto, I'll be your older sister. Now, go home before your parents start to wonder where you were." Sailor Mau leaned down and gave the young Nyanko a small kiss on the forehead.

"YAY, SISTERS FOREVER!!" The young girl shouted as she jumped up and down before she skipped off. Before moving out of view, Nyanko turned around and waved. "Someday I'll become a Sailor Senshi like you. Then we can fight evil side-by-side. Someday both of us will protect this planet together." She then turned around and vanished from view. The vision also proceeded to vanish from view as Sailor Mau turned around and started to walk off.

Ranma's eyes snapped open as she fell backwards. Lying there, her mind started to go into overdrive. 'Sailor Mau and Nyanko used to be as close as sisters?' The idea was hard to believe. If they were that close, then why did Nyanko turn against Mau and do all those horrible things? Two people who were almost like sisters, and then one of them turns around and tries to kill the other and everyone else on the planet. 'How can someone do such a bad thing and not feel terrible for it?' The redheaded cat-girl felt a couple of tears fall from her eyes from thinking about both visions. Ranma wondered what could have ever happened as she slipped under the covers of a futon and closed her eyes to sleep.

'There has to be some reason.' Was her last thought before drifting off to sleep.

xxA.Nxx

The chapter is finally finished.

Now, should Nodoka attempt to make a trip to the Amazon village, or should she and Ranma just communicate through letters until Genma manages to get out and kidnap Ranma and Miki from the Amazon Village?