Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Ranma ½.
Three individuals could be seen walking in the wilderness in Mainland China. One was a young man in his mid teens with long black hair styled in a loose ponytail, blue eyes and dressed in an off white martial arts gee. The second individual is a short portly man dressed in a brown uniform with a red star on his hat. The third individual is a large panda, strange thing about the panda is that it too is wearing martial arts gee and is walking on its hind legs. "I told you it was a bad idea to train there," the teenager said in Japanese.
"Growl" the panda responded and held up a sign saying, "How was I suppose to know about it was cursed?"
"I told you that's what the guide book said," the young man answered. "Or you could have asked the Guide or maybe learned Chinese yourself. But no you just had to prove you were better than me by doing something incredibly stupid once again. And now look where it has gotten you. Stupid Pop."
"Growl!" the panda held up another sign, "Show so respect to your father Boy!"
"I will when no if you ever do anything worth respect!" the young man snapped. "Now as soon as we see what these Amazons have to say we're going home and you're telling me where Mom lives." The panda looked like it was about to pull out another sign but the young man stopped him, "Oh and if you try or even suggest we go somewhere else I might just develop a taste for panda meat." The panda began to sweat and put away its sign.
"Honored Customers we soon to Amazon Village," the Guide informed his companions.
Before young man could say anything or the panda write anything both of their stomachs growled rather loudly. "Don't suppose these Amazons would have any food would they?" the young man asked. "We haven't eaten since about a day before we arrived at Jusenkyo and even then it wasn't much more than camp rations."
"Yes Young Customer," the Guide answered. "Amazons have much food this harvest." The young man nodded while the panda started to salivate at the thought of large amounts of food that was sure to come his way very soon.
After an hour of walking later the three come to entrance of the walled off village. As they enter the gates the guards, two extremely attractive young women, openly stared at the young man entering the village. Said young man does not seem to notice as the Guide was speaking to him, "Oh Sirs! You have luck today. Amazon have year tournament Amazon best warriors fight to decide champion."
"Sounds interesting," the young man comments. "I'm always interested in seeing new techniques and styles."
"Growl," the panda holds a sign, "Who cares about weak girls? Where's the food?"
"They both this way Honored Customer," the Guide said leading his companions to the center of the village where a large crowd is gathered watching two people fight on a suspended log.
At the center of the village the Matriarch of the Amazons watched as her Heir prepares to fight her last opponent when she senses a peculiar and powerful yet highly focused aura enter the village. "I've never felt anything like this before," the Matriarch thought. Taken into account her experience was measured in centuries this thought was very significant. Knowing that an unknown element entering the village could be great threat the Matriarch moves away from the tournament towards the strange aura.
When she arrives at the source of the odd aura her sight immediately focuses on a young Japanese boy talking to the Jusenkyo Guide. Her first assumption is that the boy is under a Jusenkyo curse, maybe more than one. That would explain the oddity of his aura because the Jusenkyo Curses are often random and chaotic in nature. But after seeing a male member bring a pot of water right by the young man and him not getting splashed she rules out that idea. It is well known that part of the Jusenkyo magic is that the victim draws water to them like a magnet. Moving closer to get a better look at the outsider she takes note that he has not only drawn her attention but that of several of the Elders as well. Apparently they too have noticed the strange and powerful aura from the young man. "So Ku Lon," and extremely aged voice speaks in Mandarin from the Matriarch's side, "What do you think of the outsider?"
"Hard to say Lo Xian," Ku Lon answers. "His aura is unlike anything I've felt before. It is hard to judge his character from it."
"I agree," Lo Xian answers. "Looks like we'll have to do this the old fashioned way." Lo Xian glanced around for a brief moment, "I wonder if we could get him to challenge some of the young fighters. We're not the only ones that have noticed his arrival."
Ku Lon glanced around herself noticing several of the young unwed fighters of the village, which were not watching the final match of the tournament, were leering at the outsider with open attraction. "I suggest we hold off on that until we determine what kind of young man he is. Even if we cannot determine his character from his aura the fact that it is so powerful yet still very focused shows he is an experienced warrior." The other Elder nodded in agreement. At this point it would not be wise to take action of any kind other than gather information about the new arrival.
Back at the young man and the Guide, the Guide was explaining that they would need to speak to the Elders about their third member's curse. Unknown to them the very subject of the Guide's explanation had wondered off the moment they entered the village after he saw a large table with lots of food on it. "So where do we find these Elders, Guide?" the young man asked.
"We are right here young man," an extremely old voice answered in Japanese. The young man and Guide turn to see four very old and very short women come up to them. "Greetings on behalf of the Joketsuzoku Amazons I welcome you to our village. I am Cologne Matriarch of the Amazons, and these are my fellow Elders, Lotion Lore Master, Mascara Chi Master and Balm Master Healer. What brings you to our village young man?"
"Greetings Elders," the young man bows low in a gesture of respect. "I am Saotome Ranma Heir to the Saotome Dojo and this is my Father…" he looks behind looking for the panda and when he sees his father not present asks, "Now where did that idiot get to?" The answer to his question came from a loud scream from the other side of the crowd.
The Guide, Elders and Ranma turn to the scream and saw a large panda being yelled at by a young beautiful purpled haired girl near a table filled with food. "Danm it Pop can't you control your stomach even once?" Ranma wondered out loud and before anyone else can act he runs at incredible speed over to the panda.
At the center of attention the new village champion was getting ready to bash the rouge panda over the head and get a new rug, for it had just eaten nearly half of her prize feast when a blur shot across her vision and knocked the panda in the gut sending it flying several meters. When she focused her eyes, the new Champion sees that a handsome outsider was the blur that punched the panda. The Champion then watches as the outsider stomps over the panda and picks him and starts to yell in Japanese. Because she can only speak a little of the language she can only make out, "Pop you do now?"
The panda surprisingly seems to respond by waving a wooden sign and pointing at the table. The Champion did not understand what was happening but was quite upset that not only her prize had been eaten but also an outsider had interfered with punishing the animal responsible. So she angrily yells as best she can in Japanese, "Outsider why you stop Shampoo? Is your Panda? Him eat my prize!"
Ranma after giving the panda another punch to the stomach turns to the girl that looks about his age. He notices her poor Japanese and responds in broken Mandarin, "Him no panda. Him My Father, Jusenkyo. I sorry he take food, him stupid no can read sign." He then bowed low hoping to calm the girl down.
Thankful that the outsider could use passable Mandarin Shampoo replied a little calmer. "Your Father still must be punished for stealing my food and dishonoring my victory! Hand him over!"
Ranma's response was puzzling to Shampoo and those that had gathered. As he quickly spun around and knocked the panda out with a spin kick to the head. "There him punished," Ranma said. "I Ranma, sorry for this."
Now so confused she forgets her anger Shampoo can only say in Mandarin, "I was suppose to punish him not you."
"I punish him," Ranma said. "Like you say."
Before Shampoo could try and correct Ranma again the Elders arrived interrupting the conversation, "Shampoo stop!" Cologne said in Mandarin. "We were greeting this young man when your yell interrupted us."
"I'm sorry Great Grandmother," Shampoo said. "But the panda was stealing my food and when I tried to punish it he intervened."
"Yes we are aware child," Cologne returned. "Because he does not speak Mandarin very well he misunderstood your words. He thought you were telling him he needed to punish his father, who is under a Jusenkyo curse, instead of handing him over to you." Shampoo nodded at the explanation now understanding the mix up. Cologne then repeats her explanation to Ranma and he again apologizes for his mistake and his Father's actions. "Now because he has stolen from us your father must be punished for his actions," Cologne tells Ranma in Japanese so he can understand fully.
"I understand Matriarch," Ranma replied. "And I agree he must be punished for his crimes. But please also understand that I still need him for he has information on the location of the rest of my family. Perhaps there is someway I can make reparations for the lost food."
"It is not only about the lost food," Cologne informs. "By taking the prize without my Great Granddaughter's permission he has dishonored her title as Champion. That punishment is quite severe."
"I am afraid I cannot allow that," Ranma countered. "Is there some other way to redeem the honor lost?"
Shampoo following as best she could speaks up, "You fight me." She had been watching Ranma since she first laid eyes on him and liked what she saw. Add to the fact that, from what she saw, in his brief periods of fighting he is rather skilled in Martial Arts made him prime husband material.
"If you insist then…" Ranma began but Cologne stopped him.
"Wait," Cologne interrupts. "That will not be necessary." Shampoo looks like she is about to protest but a glare from the Matriarch as well as the other Elders stopped her. "I am sure we can find another alternative to satisfy the honor at stake that is if you are willing to discuss them."
"Of course Matriarch," Ranma responds. "While I do enjoy a good fight, I would rather try and use it as a last option when solving a disagreement."
"We will of course have to hold your Father in the mean time until we come to a decision in this matter," Cologne told him.
"I understand," Ranma conceded and stepped aside while two Amazons carried his father off. "Now where shall we discuss this?"
"Please follow us," Cologne gestures to the other Elders, "You come along as well Shampoo." Shampoo nodded wondering what her Great Grandmother was doing.
In the center building where the Elders come to speak about governing the village Ranma took the green cushion at the center of the room. They were in with the Elders Council Chamber, with the Elders seated on raised platforms in front of him with Shampoo sitting below them. "Now that everyone is settled we can discuss other options to satisfy the dishonor," Cologne stated.
"And what options would those be Matriarch?" Ranma asked.
"One would be for you to marry Shampoo," Balm spoke up. She was Cologne's younger sister and if they were to get Ranma into the tribe she wanted it in her and Cologne's family.
"I am afraid that is not an option Master Healer," Ranma apologized.
"And why is that?" Cologne asked seeing an opportunity to find out more about Ranma. "Do you already have a wife?"
"No Matriarch," Ranma admitted. "And while Shampoo is a very beautiful young woman I cannot marry her." Shampoo understood enough of Ranma's comment to blush at the praise and gave him a small smile.
"Care to explain why?" Lotion inquired.
Ranma gave each of the Elders and Shampoo a penetrating gaze for several moments, slightly unnerving Shampoo and making the Elders curious. "Very well," Ranma agreed. "I am certain that you are aware that my aura is very different from other people. You have been scanning my aura ever since I arrived here, correct." The Elders conceded this point by nodding their heads. "Well there is a reason for that. Tell me Elders have any of you heard of a technique called the Neko-ken?"
"Yes we have," Mascara answered. "And we have encountered a person with it before and your aura is not like that poor soul's."
"That is because the Neko-ken is only part of the reason my aura is so different," Ranma explained. Taking a deep breath to recount certain memories he did not wish to explore, Ranma continued. "As you know the Neko-ken is a forbidden technique as the only way to master it is to make the user insane. Well I was trained in this technique when I was six years old by my father." Even the normally stoic and controlled Elders of the Amazons gasped at this news. For a parent to teach their child that technique was grotesque in their minds.
Shampoo curious about what was being discussed asked, "Great Grandmother what Neko-ken?"
"The Neko-ken is a forbidden technique that causes a person to behave and fight like a cat," Cologne answered. "If the person can learn it they become nearly unbeatable. The last time one arrived in the village it took three of us Elders to stop and kill the poor child. A person can only be taught the technique by being a child younger than ten and wrapping them in fish products and lowering them into a pit of starving cats until they either die from the wounds the cats give or learn the technique."
Shampoo became shocked at this and turned to Ranma, "And you no want him punished?"
Ranma snorted at that, "First he has been punished for that. Many times in fact. You must understand my father Genma is an idiot. He did not even read the last page where the warning about the effects of the technique were until after I learned it." The Elders began to bristle in anger at Genma's stupidity. "After I came out of it with the aide of a kind old woman Pop set about trying to find a way to reverse the effects. After years of searching he came across a fighting style that appeared to be the polar opposite of Neko-ken called Kailindo."
"What is Kailindo?" Cologne asked. She was certain she had heard of nearly all Martial Arts forms and if there was one opposite in nature to Neko-ken then she was certain she would have heard of it.
"I am not surprised you have not heard of it," Ranma answered. "It is a style originating deep in Mongolia that is only taught to a very select few individuals. How Pop learned of it I have no idea." Ranma sighed shaking his head. "I have never underestimated his capacity to do anything foolish. I cannot tell you how Kailindo is taught because I was sworn to secrecy to never reveal it practices. But one thing I can tell you is that the truth of Kailindo and Neko-ken. Neither technique was meant to be taught to humans. Only the Henge-oki or shape shifters can learn them."
"We are familiar with Henge-oki," Mascara informed Ranma. "We have encountered them in the past."
"Well the Neko-ken in its true form is to be taught to those of feline decent and Kailindo is to be taught to those of a very special wolf decent and the two should never be mixed," Ranma then shivered at the memories this discussion had brought up. "It was a one in hundred chance that I survived either of the techniques and it was nearly a one in a million chance that I was able to survive the combine effects. However I did survive and the combined processes turned me into a Henge-oki, a very unique Henge-oki. One that is part feline and part wolf." He then stood up and as he did his body began to grow changing him from a human into a blue wolf with black spots and cat like eyes standing on two legs.
"Oh my," was the only thing the Elders could say as they stared at the most unique creature they had ever seen.
Ranma looked around and saw a rather familiar look from Shampoo. It was one of pure lust and Ranma knew the reason for it. As quickly as he changed Ranma changed back into a human. The look from Shampoo went away and one of confusion replaced the one of lust. "The Henge-oki taught me how to control my transformation and taught me how to harness my power properly. Ever since then my Father has been insistent on trying to prove he is my better. That is the reason we went to Jusenkyo. He heard it was where high caliber Marital Arts trained in the past. He wanted to prove he was better than me by training there."
"Well this just confirms your statement," Cologne replied. "He is certainly an idiot." She then looked at her Great Granddaughter and noticed Shampoo was still giving Ranma a look of confusion. "Is there something wrong Shampoo?"
"Shampoo no know," Shampoo admitted. "When Ranma change, Shampoo felt…warm."
"I can explain that," Ranma said his face red with embarrassment. "When I change I sometimes give of pheromones that are rather strong. Especially to young woman nearing their cycle."
"Oh," Shampoo said while her cheeks turned red as well.
"Now about who I can repay for the dishonor my father caused to Shampoo," Ranma said taking the conversation back to the original topic.
"I believe I may have a way you can make up for your father's actions," Mascara said. "It is considered a rare privilege to train with a Henge-oki among us. If you are willing to stay and train with some of our warriors, including Shampoo of coarse, that would make up for the dishonor your father caused."
"A fine idea," Lotion agreed. "An opportunity to train with a Henge-oki only come once every fifty years, and that is if we are fortunate."
"Do you agree Shampoo?" Cologne asked.
"Shampoo agree," Shampoo nodded.
"Are you willing to stay and train with some of our warriors then Ranma," Cologne asked.
"I have no objections," Ranma said. "However I do not wish to remain for very long. It is often the case the longer my father remains in one location the more trouble he draws. And I am anxious to return to the rest of my family, especially my mother."
"Then it is agreed," Cologne said. "You shall train with Shampoo and a few other select warriors for two weeks and the debt of honor shall be repaid."
"Now would it be too much to ask…" Ranma did not get much farther before his stomach let out a growl of hunger. "if I could get something to eat?" Ranma asked sheepishly.
Cologne let out a hearty laugh and turned to Shampoo. "Child show our guest where he will be staying and take him to the banquette that has been delayed by all the excitement."
"Yes Great Grandmother," Shampoo nodded leading Ranma out of the room.
The next day Ranma was summoned to the Elders once again. There he met three other Amazons close to Shampoo's age. Perfume, a black haired young woman that was Mascara's Great Grandniece. Rink, a tall red head that was Lotion's Great Great Granddaughter. And Soap a purpled haired girl that was a distant cousin of Shampoo. After introductions were made and what was to take place Ranma and the Amazon warriors left the room with Cologne following them. She would oversee the training and make sure no mistakes, Kiss of Marriage, would occur. As they were leaving one of the Amazon men watched from a nearby house. He had thick glasses on and wore several layers of robes. As he watched he thought, "There is no way I'm going to let that Outsider have my Xian Pu!"
A couple few days later Ranma, in human form, was sparring with all four of the Amazons. And even though his human form was weaker Ranma's speed strength and reflexes were still superior to a normal human. And while he had the superior physical abilities the Amazons had the strength in numbers and were all quite skilled at the Art as well. This meant that both sides were receiving a fine workout during the training sessions. "That is enough for now Young Ones," Cologne announced. The five stopped all breathing heavily and nodded in understanding. "You four head back home, and Shampoo would you please start dinner?"
"Yes Great Grandmother," Shampoo answered. "Bye Ranma." Ranma waved and the Amazons returned to the village proper.
"We were watched again today by that same guy," Ranma commented.
"That is Mousse," Cologne replied. "He has an obsession with my Great Granddaughter even though she has no feelings for him. He is probably angry with you for spending so much time with Shampoo. He may try and attack you."
"I'll be careful," Ranma assured. "Now to change the subject I must say that those techniques they were using were quite impressive. Even with my abilities it is hard to avoid some of them especially that Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken that your Shampoo used on me last."
"Just one of many techniques we Amazon's have developed over the last three thousand years," Cologne said with a trace of boasting in her voice.
"Well I need to head back as well," Ranma said. "I need to get cleaned up and make sure Pop didn't do anything stupid. I'll see you tomorrow Cologne."
On the way to the hut Ranma and his father were given for their stay in the village he felt someone trying to sneak up on him. He already knew who it was and began to move away from everyone not wanting to risk others getting injured. Not more than five minutes later a cry of, "I won't let you take my Shampoo!" several chains came from behind Ranma.
Ranma easily jumped out of the way and turned to his attacker, "From what I have been told she is not yours to begin with, Mousse." This seemed to make Mousse angry and started throwing several knives and other throwing weapons at Ranma. Ranma again was easily able to dodge the attacks. Mousse seeing long range was not working pulled out two Chinese Broad Swords and attacked Ranma once more.
Ranma waited for his opening and just as Mousse made a double cross slash he bent backwards and brought his right leg up kicking Mousse in the chest knocking him back several yards. When Mousse stood up he glared as best he could through his thick glasses, "You won't escape my next attack!" he then charged forward as fast as he could and called out, "FIST OF THE WHITE SWAN!"
When Mousse approached Ranma made a sweeping motion with his right hand and those watching noticed four red energy trails followed after the swipe. Next thing anyone was new was the sound of mettle hitting the rocks on the ground. When Ranma looked down he was some what shocked by what he saw, "You attacked me with a training toilet shaped like a duck?" Ranma shook his head, "Now that is just pathetic." And turned and walked off leaving a completely humiliated Mousse behind.
After Ranma left Cologne hopped up beside Mousse. "Attacking a guest of the Elders is a serious crime Mu Tsu. You will be punished quite harshly."
After the incident with Mousse Ranma had not been bothered by him again. He did not know what happened to the near blind Amazon male but he figured that it had something to do with why Cologne was not present one day for the training. Soon the two weeks passed and Ranma and Genma were about to leave. While Ranma was packing his bag a knock at the door to the hut alerted him to someone wanted to see him. When he opened the door he saw Shampoo was on the other side. "Shampoo come to say good bye," Shampoo said. "Shampoo miss Ranma. Ranma Shampoo friend."
"I'll miss you too Shampoo," Ranma replied. "As soon as I find out where my mom lives I'll right you. And if you ever find yourself in Japan you'd be more than welcome to stay with me." He then turned to Genma whom was in panda form, "That wouldn't be a problem right Pop?" Ranma's tone made it clear that Genma had no say at all in that.
Genma held up a sign that said, "Of coarse not!"
After Shampoo left Ranma and Genma left the Amazon Village. As they left Ranma spoke to Genma, "As soon as we get back to Japan you will tell me where Mom lives." Ranma held up his hand and displayed his Ki Claws to show what would happen if Genma did not comply. Genma feeling a shiver of fear run up his spine nodded frantically in response.
"Of Course Boy," Genma said. "Once we reach Japan we'll find your mother." Silently he added, "After I get you married to one of Tendo's daughters."