A Surviving Mau
Ranma ½ and Sailor Moon are owned by their respectful owners. I do not own anything about them at all.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
/cat talk/
Chapter 3
Nodoka gave an exasperated sigh as she gathered up the mail. It looked like it would all be bills and junk mail. The Saotome matriarch idly wondered why junk mail was sent out everywhere. Didn't those people realize that nobody even WANTED the stuff at all? That was unless there were suckers out there who enjoyed this crap. The auburn-haired woman had to give a small laugh at that thought as she continued to look through the mail in her hand.
"Well, it looks like there's nothing of interest again toda--" She stopped in her speech when she noticed a letter that had actually been from her husband. He usually did send a letter each week to detail her on how their training trip was going. Nodoka may not have been able to be there to watch her child grow, but at least her husband was considerate enough to send cards and letters. Tearing open the letter with gusto, she began to read the current events that were happening with her 'displaced' family.
'Dear Nodoka
The training trip has been going well without a hitch. Ranma is slowly becoming the martial artist that I hoped he would. He has even managed to master a martial arts technique that apparently not many could. This just goes to show much potential the boy has. The technique known as the Neko-ken had a couple odd side-effects, but it's nothing too major. There's a picture included of the side-effect so you can see it's nothing truly bad.'
The part where it said 'odd side-effects' had put a little fear into the Saotome Matriarch's heart. Quickly grabbing the small and poorly taken photograph, her eyes blinked when she saw her son with a pair of cat-ears and a tail. They actually made him look really adorable. She idly wondered if having cat features would work that dreaded contract, but she tossed it out of her mind and wondered why she ever agreed to it. A small part of her at the moment really wished she could hold her son and fiddle around with his cat-ears. Shaking her head, the Saotome woman looked back at the photo to see her son holding a small pinkish kitten, and he was also standing next to a young brown-haired girl.
'The boy managed to get a hold of a small kitten, and apparently he can also communicate with cats now due to the training he went through. I told him the cat would only distract him from the art, but does he listen? Not at all! He just uses his damn Neko-ken abilities to scratch and threaten me to not take her away. Such an ungrateful child! By the way, the kitten is named Miki, and the girl standing next to him is a friend of his he made named Ukyo.'
Nodoka had to let loose a small giggle at her husband's complaining. The thought of a large and grown man being cowed by a young six-year-old cat-boy was both hilarious and cute at the same time. It was also great that her son found something to be responsible for, and it meant he'd probably grow into a good man. Then she was also glad that he made a friend while on the trip, and hopefully he wouldn't be too lonely. "I do hope he makes a lot of friends."
'Our son's mastery over the Neko-ken was just enough incentive to completely throw away several other plans I had for if it didn't work. This will actually allow me to take him to other places that I planned on waiting a little while longer for, but I think the boy might be ready. In a few days, I am planning on taking our son to China. I've heard about a few good training areas that were over there, and taking him there would be good enough.'
The thought of her son going all the way to China actually shocked the auburn-haired woman. That meant her son would be somewhat alone in a completely foreign country. Why couldn't they just stay here in Japan and finish the whole trip? "Why do I feel like this isn't a good idea?" She asked herself in slight worry. Genma would be with Ranma, so there would be no reason to worry.
'There's no reason to worry about us. We will both be perfectly fine and safe. I'll be with the boy after-all, and we both know I can handle anything that would come our way. Well, this is the end of the letter, Nodoka. Hope you are doing well, and we'll see you when the training trip is over.'
A frown formed on the Saotome matriarch's features as she read the last part of the letter. 'Why did I agree to all of this in the first place?' She asked herself as she pulled out the contract that her son had signed with his hand-print. 'It's because I want him to grow up and become a strong and capable man. Become a man who is capable of knowing right from wrong, and is willing to help those in need. That is the true definition of a man among men.'
But was she really going about it the right way? Was a seppuku contract to make sure this was realized really the right thing to do? 'I am sure my husband will manage to do the right thing.' A small smile graced her features. It had been stated by family and friends alike that her sense of honor was a tad bit skewed, and this contract would only fortify those claims. 'I don't know what to do.' She thought as she looked down at the paper in her hands. Honor was important, but so was family. Where did one draw the line?
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma ducked under a projectile spatula as he ran towards Ukyo. It had been a few days since the two Saotome's had stopped to stay at this place for a little while before getting back on the road. The young cat-boy could sense that there was a little restlessness in his father, and he figured that they would probably be leaving soon. It was something that happened a few other times before this. They'd stay in a spot for a little while, and then they would have to leave.
Jumping over another spatula, he landed in front of the brown-haired girl and sent a light punch her way. It was about four days ago when this little game had been first initiated. The game was actually training to help Ukyo get better in her skills, as well as allow the pony-tailed boy to get used to his reflexes. There had even been a smaller part to the game added. If Ranma won the little match, then he would get to have an okonomiyaki as a prize. If Ukyo won the match though, then Ranma would have to let her hold and carry him around in kitten form.
The young Kuonji had found out about her friend's ability to turn into a kitten a few days ago when she was sneaking around and spotted him transforming. It had become yet another thing about the young Saotome that she adored. Of course this info had also gotten out to the fathers as well. Genma had been fully convinced that it had been another effect of the Neko-ken, and that there could be so many uses to that form.
On the day of the six-year-old girl learning about the kitten form, she practically begged Ranma to stay in it for the whole day and allow her to carry him around and baby him like a real kitten. Needless-to-say, Miki had a real kick out of it and laughed her kitten butt off. The raven-haired boy wouldn't admit it, but there was something about it that he liked. It was similar to when that one girl carried him around that night.
"Hya!" Ukyo yelled as she blocked the punch and attempted to send one of her own towards her friend's forehead. The young Saotome bent backwards to dodge the punch and grabbed hold of the girl and gave a toss that sent her flying. The okonomiyaki chef-in-training landed on her stomach, but managed to jump to her feet in time to dodge a kick from the blue-eyed boy. Her next move was an elbow attack that managed to clip the boy on the shoulder.
A wince escaped Ranma as he took the blow, but he managed to shrug it off and grab hold of the arm and jump behind the Kuonji girl. Holding the arm behind her back, he put a finger to her neck. "Do we keep going, or do you want to give up, Ucchan?"
Ukyo knew that if she tried to keep going, her friend would be able to act faster with her in this position. "Fine, you win." She stated with a grumble. So far the win/lose ratio for this game was Ranma: 3 and Ukyo: 2. The raven-haired boy got a little confident during the first day this game started and decided to challenge her again, but he ended up losing. It wasn't too bad of a total, considering that it was hard to beat the boy with his cat-like reflexes.
The cat-boy gave a small cry in joy as he ran towards the yattai and accepted an okonomiyaki from the older Kuonji. Mr. Kuonji had actually been happy to give him free food. Due to the young boy hanging around so much, his small business was actually booming. Many of the people who stopped by and saw him couldn't resist the urge to buy an okonomiyaki. There was just something about Ranma that attracted people like that.
The oddest thing happened about three days ago though. The large and serious captain of the Osaka Metropolitan Police stopped by and had a little interest in the young Saotome.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Three days ago)
Police Captain Yusuke Hikosho glanced curiously at the young boy who seemed to have cat features. It fully reminded him of the young hero with the same features about him. He was determined to get to the bottom of this, and so he walked up to the Kuonji patriarch's yattai and struck up a conversation with him. "Excuse me Kuonji-san," he began in a gruff voice, "but I was wondering about the little boy over there."
Looking at the large officer in a little confusion, Ukyo's father decided to ask the question. "What is it you were wondering, officer?"
"I was wondering if you ever noticed that boy using any kind of special skills, and if you knew how he got those ears and tail." It was most likely a shot in the dark, but it was worth a try anyway.
Kuonji thought for a few moments before answering. "I'm sorry officer, but I haven't noticed any special skills other than the boy being a martial-artist-in-training." He did wonder what was going on. Maybe it had to so something with the small footage on the news about that mysterious cat-boy hero. The okonomiyaki chef actually found himself wondering if Ranma and the cat-boy were one in the same. There were many similarities, but there were some things that just didn't seem right about it. "As for the cat features, they are due to a martial arts training exercise involving cats that his father, Genma Saotome, put him through. In fact, I believe I still have the manual here." Genma had actually forgotten to take the manual back, and so the bearded chef had the pleasure of showing it to the captain.
Yusuke blinked as he found out that it seemed to be the truth. He then decided to read more into the pamphlet, and his face became increasingly pale as he read the procedure to learning the skill, and the page that had previously been stuck together. His pale face turned an interesting shade of red as he looked up at the chef. "That man actually did this a few times to a six-year-old boy?"
Kuonji gave a sage nod and also pointed towards the small kitten that Ranma was holding. "That little kitten Ranma is holding was also one of the cats that were starved and trapped in the dark pit. Apparently from what I heard the child say, all the cats looked sickly and about ready to fall over when he saved and fed them." The man's smile was hidden behind his beard as he watched the police captain seethe with pure rage.
"It is not looking too good for this Genma Saotome fellow. He's already crossed the line with his willful child endangerment and animal cruelty." The reddened man stated as he turned around and took out a whistle. Putting it to his lips, he gave a loud blow. It wasn't too long before over a dozen cops appeared on the scene. "Gentlemen, I want the entire police force to look for a man named Genma Saotome. Bring his ass in by force if you have to."
They all gave a salute and a loud confirmation before they commenced on their search for their prey. Yusuke, meanwhile, decided to walk up and talk to the young boy who piqued his curiosity. "Excuse me," he began a he knelt down, "but would you happen to know anything about a young cat-boy super hero?" If this boy really was one in the same, then it would be easy to get a confirmation. Little kids were known to blurt out big secrets and all.
Ranma looked up at the man and tilted his head. He recognized the large and muscular guy from the group of police that he met not too long ago, and the guy was apparently asking about his Sailor Mau form. "Oh yes police-san." The young Saotome stated with big eyes. "I saw a picture of him in a paper. He looked so cool and strong. I wish I could be just like him." He hated to lie, but both Miki and he knew that keeping this a tight secret was very important. "Oh, do you know who he is?"
The captain of the O.M.P gave a small smile and closed his eyes. Either the child was very good at trying to keep it a secret, or there was no way they could be one in the same. Looking back at the azure eyes full of curiosity, he found himself wanting to just grab hold and hug the boy. That would, however, be a little on the weird side. "No, I don't know who he is, but I was hoping you would be him."
The raven-haired boy tilted his head again. "Why would I be him? I'm just a martial artist who'll be the best in the whole world some day." This was actually kind of fun. "Oh, maybe the cat-boy is actually an alien or something, police-san." It was really hard to keep this all a secret, but it was something he had to do.
A chuckle escaped the large man. With all the curiosity that this child seemed to have over the mysterious cat-boy youth, then there was no way they could be one in the same. There was a possibility that he wasn't giving this child enough credit, but he was only six-years-old. "Maybe he is an alien. Now tell me Ranma, what does your father look like? He did something bad, and he needs a small talking to."
'Why is papa in trouble?' The raven-haired cat-boy asked himself as he tried to figure out what he could have done. 'If he really did to something bad, then I should tell the police. It is their job to punish people for bad things.' With his mind made up, the untransformed Senshi gave a smile. "He's a big fat man in a white gi and bandana. He also has glasses and has just a little black hair."
Yusuke gave the boy a pat on the head. "Thank you for your help, Ranma. Now, maybe you should stick close to Kuonji-san and his daughter for a little while." If they did manage to capture the boy's father, then he'd be in jail for quite a while.
"Ok, police-san"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Present)
Kuonji gave a small shake to his head as he thought about it. They hadn't seen the boy's father since, and so they had decided to have Ranma and his kitten sleep over at their house. It was quite cute to see all three sleeping in the same bed. What really troubled the okonomiyaki chef was how Ranma mentioned that this had happened a couple times before. His father would anger a few people -- monks, priests, police, and similar -- and have to run away without picking up Ranma first. The boy would then be cared for by those people until his father came back a few days later after the coast was clear to take him and run.
It was enough to make one wonder just how the boy would be able to survive on this so called 'training trip' with a man like that. Maybe the Kuonji patriarch could try and do something for the boy. Ranma apparently didn't know where his mom was, or if he still even had one. 'Hmm… would that even work? Maybe I could try something like that.' He thought to himself as he got an idea. Looking down, he noticed the child in question was waiting for an okonomiyaki. Giving a small chuckle, he put one on a place and handed it to the pony-tailed boy.
"Thank you, Kuonji-san!" The young Saotome announced as he turned around and made his way to where Ukyo and Miki were stationed. Sitting down, he claimed a third of the food, while the girl and kitten each claimed a third of their own. It was really good this time for some reason.
"So Ranchan," the brown-haired girl whispered with a side-long glance, "do you think I could ever make it as your side-kick?" That question caused her friend to almost choke on his food before looking at the Kuonji girl. It had been another thing he was careless about around the girl two days ago.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Two-days ago)
"Come on Ranchan, I'm hungry." Ukyo complained as she watched her friend clean up around the camping area Genma and he had previously used. Since Ranma was currently staying with the Kuonjis, they thought it would be a good idea to pick up the camping equipment so nothing would get stolen.
Dragging both traveling packs behind him, the young Saotome gave a smile. "Alright Ucchan, let's go." It was slightly difficult to carry two packs at once as they dragged against the ground, but it wasn't impossible. As the two were walking back to where the yattai was, they heard a little commotion on the other side of the bushes. Poking their heads through, the boy, girl, and kitten watched as three people seemed to confront the Kuonji patriarch. "Who are they?" The pony-tailed boy asked curiously.
"They look like Yakuza." The brown-haired girl answered back with a frown. She noticed the look of confusion on her friend's face. "They are bad people." Making her way out of the bushes, she ran up to the yattai and glared at the men. "Hey ya jackasses, get away from my father!" She yelled while holding a couple mini spatulas.
"Ukyo, get away from them." Her father snapped before turning his attention towards the men in black suits and sunglasses. "I apologize for my daughter's energy. I must say, though, that I have no need for your 'protection' services or anything." The Kuonji patriarch finished with a frown.
One of the men pushed up his glasses. "Are you sure about that, Kuonji-san? You are aware that bad things can happen to those in business at times. Our protection would help you for if something bad ever happens. All we ask would be a small fee from your earnings." The guy finished smoothly with a smile. Sometimes he loved this job.
"Daddy doesn't need you, so get out of here." Ukyo snapped with a glare. Who did these people think they were? They just couldn't come here and demand things out of the blue and all.
"You should really learn to control your daughter's energy, Kuonji-san." One of the other men with purple hair in a pony-tail stated as he grabbed the girl by the arm and pulled her close. "Anybody could possibly swoop down and take an uncontrollable girl like this. Then where would you be?" The young Kuonji struggled against the grip and started calling the men a few colorful names. "The girl needs to really learn some manners." The purple-haired man stated with a frown as he pushed the girl into the Yakuza with blonde-hair. The blonde man picked Ukyo up by the collar of her top and held her in the air in an attempt to scare her a little.
"Alright, you win, I'll agr--" The okonomiyaki chef didn't get to finish what he was going to say as a blur jumped out of the bushes and landed in front of the three men. Everyone looked to see the cat-boy who had been rumored about in the news. On his swishing tail was a small gold bow.
"Trying to get someone to agree to something by force through harming a young child are signs of true cowards." The young boy stated with a finger pointed to the group. "In the name of bravery and truth," a small pose was made with his hands positioned as claws, "you are the mice that I will devour-nya!"
Everyone around the area stopped what they were doing and gained a small sweat-drop at the sight of the small cat-boy in gold and black. "He… really is adorable." They all said at once. The news media had reported about it, but the images and footage weren't really good to look at.
Not waiting for anyone to get back onto their mental footing, Ranma shot forward towards the man with blonde hair and gave a kick against his knee. The Yakuza dropped Ukyo and the Senshi of Mau caught her in his arms and jumped several feet away to set her down. "Are you alright, Ucchan?" He asked in concern.
The brown-haired girl was about to nod when what the boy in front of her registered in her mind. "Did you just call me Ucchan?" Sure she had a couple friends at school who called her Ucchan once in a while, but they were girls. The only boy who called her Ucchan was… "Ranma?" She whispered out? The boy in front of her also had the same cat-ears, tail, hair color, and azure eyes as her friend. If he wouldn't have called her by her nickname Ucchan, then she wouldn't have thought about it.
"Dang it." The Senshi let out. There went the whole super secret super hero thing. "Please Ucchan; you have to keep this secret-nya." Getting a nod from his friend, he smiled and turned around. Leaping off the ground, he hovered a little in the air as he began to chant his attack. "Mau Yarn-Ball Entangle!" He shouted out as he tossed the ball of yarn. The energy yarn managed to capture all three Yakuza since they were grouped together. Pointing a hand forward, the raven-haired boy then gave a shout of 'Explosion'. The result was a small explosion that managed to knock out all three men.
As she watched it all, sparkles formed in Ukyo's eyes. 'Wow, Ranma's so cool! He's actually a super hero!' She then watched as her friend made an escape away from the area. It was then just a moment later when he popped out of the bushes with Miki and dragging both packs in his normal gi. Smiling wide, the okonomiyaki chef-to-be ran up to the boy. "Ranchan, I need to talk to ya."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Present)
"Well," Ranma began, "you might be able to if you trained a little more, got a costume, and some other stuff." A small frown came to the boy. "But like I said, my powers came from an alien cat-lady and all. I don't know how you'd ever be able to get any."
A look of determination came to the brown-haired girl. "I'll find a way someday, Ranchan. Someday we can both fight crime side-by-side. Maybe I'll be the Spatula or something." She proceeded to shake her head. "If I used any of the skills I have, I'd be figured out immediately." She stated with a pout.
Ranma pat his friend on the back. "Don't worry Ucchan. You're smart, and I'm sure you will figure it out-nya." The use of 'nya' caused his friend to bust out giggling. "When transformed I say it a lot, but not transformed I still do it sometimes." The young Saotome stated with a blush.
"I think it suits ya, Ranchan." Ukyo stated with a bright smile. "Ya are part cat, and it would be weird if a cat didn't meow or anything." She actually wished she could have ears and a tail of her own. It would be so interesting if they could be mouse-ears and a tail. Then they could be a fun little pair. The raven-haired boy gave a reluctant nod as Miki went to sleep in his arms. "Ranchan, the Autumn Festival will be starting tonight. Would ya like to come?"
"The Autumn Festival?"
"Yeah, it's a festival where people can play games, eat snacks, and all kinds of other things. It'll be really fun." The young okonomiyaki lover remembered going to the festival last year and having so much fun. "Come on, it'll be fun."
Ranma thought about it for a small second. He'll be able to have all kinds of snacks at that place, and the thought of games sounds fun. "Alright, I'll go with you." It has been a long time since he had been to a festival. He could vaguely remember what they were like.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ranma looked around in awe as he made his way around the festival. Miki's eyes were also wide as she looked around from her perch on Ranma's head. The pony-tailed boy was currently munching on some dango. They were so good on his taste-buds that he almost wanted to purr.
He was glad that Ukyo's father had given them each a little money to use for snacks and games while he decided to work at his yattai for the festival. Of course, he had used most of the money on snacks and food, but that was inevitable with him. It was almost like nothing could spoil the moment.
"Ranchan!!" Turning around, the pony-tailed boy watched as his friend ran up to him with tears in the corner of her eyes. "Ya have to help me, Ranchan. There's some jackass taking money and things from kids. I tried to help the kids, but I lost all my money as well as my daddy's yattai."
The sight of his friend near tears angered the cat-boy. "Alright, leave it to me. I'll get everything back. Just lead me to where the person is." Whoever the guy was, he would pay.
"Alright, but I have an idea." Ukyo stated with a smile as she dragged her friend off. She knew her friend could do something about it.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Step right up children, the Gambler King accepts all challengers of the child variety. Try your luck at winning against me, but I should warn you all, I have never been beaten." A man shouted as he sat on a small box. Surrounding him was all sorts of valuables and money that he had taken from children. There were also other forms of games stationed as well. Kids were mulling around the guy whose face looked like the one of the King on a card.
It was at that moment in which Ukyo stepped up to the area. "You're going to lose, Gambler King." She said with a look of determination on her face as her arms were crossed.
"Ohohohoho, so the spunky young girl who lost it all thinks she can beat me?" He started to shuffle a deck of cards. "Did you not learn from your earlier experience, my dear?"
A smirk played across the brown-haired girl's features. "Oh, I'm not going to be the one challenging you." She gave a wave to a person standing just a little away from her. "He's going to be the one to challenge you."
The King's eyes looked over to see a young cat-boy dressed in black and gold, and he recognized him immediately from the boy who has been the talk of the media. "Well, well, well, it looks like my exploits have even reached the mysterious cat-boy hero." The proclamation had caused several people around the area to stop and watch as the boy in black and gold stood there. Many whispered on about him being incredibly adorable. "So, what will the game of choice be? Old Maid?"
Ranma gave a small nod as he sat down on a cardboard box and accepted the cards. Internally he was panicking. He had no clue how to play this game, and no clue how to get any of the stuff back. 'What am I going to do? What am I going to do?' He kept thinking to himself. He frowned as he looked down at the cards and looked at the surface of each one.
It was at that point -- after sitting down, collecting the cards, and looking at them -- that something in his mind clicked, and various images, information, and memories flooded his mind. The young Senshi was able to identify it all as belonging to the former Senshi of Mau. As he observed the small bit of information that he had gained, he came to one conclusion. 'The cat-lady was a good gambler.' He thought to himself as the information upload stopped and he looked down at the cards.
Looking up at the odd-looking man, the cat-boy gave a feral smile. "Ok, let's do this, Gambler King-nya." Taking a little money out, he put it on the ground. "I will be playing for Ukyo's okonomiyaki yattai-nya!" The King nodded and motioned for the game to begin by saying that the boy had no hope at all.
Immediately, Ranma noticed that he had the joker in his hands. Using a little of the knowledge he just got, he pushed the card up just a little bit. The large man's hand came in and picked up the card as planned. Now the young Saotome's turn, he reached over to take a card from the man. He thought it a little odd that the man's face became a little happy. Switching to another card, he saw the face become sad. Smiling a little, he grabbed that card and found out it was a two. That made a pair of twos that he would be able to toss to the ground.
The game went on for a few moments. The young Senshi managed to always dodge the joker by watching the face of his opponent closely. The guy apparently didn't realize his emotions were dooming him. In the end, it was the Gambler King who had the joker, and Ranma won Ukyo's father's yattai back. "It looks like you lose-nya."
"N-- No, it c-- can't be. I've never lost a game before in my life!" The odd-looking man stated in disbelief. "It must have been a fluke! I challenge you to another game." He put down the money he stole from Ukyo. "You won't win this time."
It was several moments later during which the outcome of the game turned out to be the same as the previous one. Ukyo squealed and glomped onto her friend. "Thank you so much Sailor Mau!" The use of that name caused many people to murmur. They finally knew the name of the mysterious cat-boy.
"Humph, so your name is Sailor Mau." The Gambler King stated in annoyance as he shuffled the cards again. "Fine, I challenge you to a little game of poker this time." This time he put a large teddy bear that he 'obtained' from a young girl down as a prize. "Let's see how good you are with this game!"
The outcome was the same, and this time the prize went to the little girl who lost the bear in the first place. Next came a toy airplane to a boy, some money, a 'deed' to a car, several 'deeds' to various things of interest, jewelry, more money, and the final thing happened to be the clothes off the Gambler King's back.
"Y-- you little b-- bastard." The man stated as he stood there shivering. Pulling out some cards from somewhere, he tossed them ar Ranma like shrunken. The Senshi of Mau used his claws to shred the projectiles and gave a feral smile towards the man who had lost everything.
"A man who takes advantage of children because he can't face those of his own age is dishonorable." The raven-haired cat-boy picked up a few cards in his hand. "In the name of children and the innocent," he gave a toss to the card which hit the King's hat and knocked it off to reveal dozens of cards, "you have lost your hand-nya." He then showed a royal straight flush to the large shivering man who fell to his knees in rage and anguish.
There was then a round of applause from the gathered spectators. "Bravo Sailor Mau, bravo." Ranma turned around to see Police Captain Yusuke walking up to him. "Your sense of justice is a refreshing thing to see in the youth of today." He smiled as he extended a hand. "Captain Yusuke of the Osaka Metropolitan Police."
The young boy returned the smile with a bright one of his own. "I'm Sailor Mau of the Planet Mau-nya." His expression turned into one of sadness. "But everybody on Mau was killed by an evil woman named Sailor Galaxia." He gave a small pout as he thought of it. He had had a small nightmare a few days ago where he watched both the planet and Sailor Mau being attacked.
Many people had to resist trying to give the boy a hug. Even pouting he seemed so adorable. "I'm sorry to hear about that, Sailor Mau." Yusuke stated with a sad look on his face. He knew that the loss of lives was a sad experience himself, and it also shocked him that the boy did indeed come from another planet. "Say, maybe the Osaka Metropolitan Police could make a spot for on our police force. With the way you handled the guy with the bomb and those Yakuza men, I'm sure your skills would be a welcomed thing."
Ranma's expression brightened considerably. "Really?!" He asked in shock and awe. He'd be able to help the police in getting bad guys. There was something else that crushed the idea though. "I'm sorry Yusuke-san, but I'm traveling and will only be staying here for just a little while longer." He knew that as soon as his father got back, they'd be gone.
"That's a real shame." The large police captain stated with a frown. "The offer will always be open for if you change your mind though, Sailor Mau." The boy's abilities really would have been a good asset.
"I'll remember that, Yusuke-san-nya." The pony-tailed boy turned his head to look at the kneeling Gambler King. "What about that man who attempts to take and cheat money and items from kids. I caught him cheating many times-nya."
Yusuke's expression became a smirk. "I think I know a proper place for this guy."
The King of Gambling sent an intense glare towards the young Saotome. 'Just you wait, Sailor Mau. I will remember this little insult, and I will pay you back for it some day.'
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a day later in which Ranma found his friend looking over a piece of paper, and around her were various different ingredients and a large jar. Curiously, he walked up to her and looked at the paper. "Whatcha doing Ucchan?" He asked as he tried to look at whatever it was.
"It's my father's secret sauce recipe. I kind of took it out of the house without him knowing." The brown-haired girl stated with a small blush. If her father knew the stole the recipe, she'd be in big trouble. "I have to follow the recipe exactly like it says." She proceeded to add the ingredients to the jar. The young Saotome didn't really understand a thing of what she was doing. All he knew was that she poured stuff in, measured things, and added them together. It was kind of boring to watch, but he still found himself sitting there and observing her.
Finally, the budding okonomiyaki martial artist and chef placed a seal over the top and stuck it in the bushes. "Now it just has to sit and ferment for 10 years. It's going to be so great, Ranchan. It'll really show how much of a chef I am!" Turning around, she began to run away from the area. "I'll be right back, Ranchan. I need to take this recipe back home before daddy notices."
After watching his friend leave, the pony-tailed boy walked up to the jar and began to sniff it a little. The slight odor coming from the jar smelled so good, and he also wondered how it tasted. He was sure his friend wouldn't mind if he took a small taste, right? It would only be a small taste, and there would be no harm in it.
/Stop right there, Ranma./ Miki commanded with a small frown. The command stopped the Saotome from reaching for the top of the jar. /Didn't Ukyo say it had to sit for 10 years?/
"Well, yeah she did, but I want a taste now." The six-year-old whined with a small pout as he looked at his cat friend. "Would there really be any harm in taking a small taste?"
/What if you accidentally spilled the sauce? How would Ukyo feel after she worked so hard in preparing it? Would you really want your friend angry at you?/ The pinkish kitten didn't think the boy could handle his only human friend being angry. /Maybe you'll be able to try it in 10 years. It might be worth the wait./
Ranma hung his head as he stepped away from the jar. "You're right, Miki. It wouldn't be right for me to try and steal a taste. I might drop it and make Ucchan mad at me." A slight smile appeared on his features. "In 10 years I'll be able to try it."
A bright smile appeared on Miki as she jumped into the boy's arms. /I'm sure it will turn out to be the greatest sauce ever. Ukyo is going to be a chef someday, right?/ It only made sense for a chef-to-be to get good at something.
"That's right; I bet Ucchan is going to be the best okonomiyaki chef in the world." The pony-tailed cat-boy stated with his own bright expression as his tail swished around. The two waited for a few more moments until they heard the steps of somebody running towards them.
"I'm back, Ranchan!" The brown-haired girl stated as she skidded to a halt next to her friend. "Oh, and I saw your father too."
"Really, what's he doing?"
"I think my father wanted to have a small talk with him or something. I'm not sure what was going on." The older Kuonji had that look he got in his eye whenever he had a small plan going on. When he got that look in his eye, it meant he was up to something. 'Would it be bad for Saotome-san?'
Ranma gave a small shrug at the information. It wasn't like it was anything really important. Grabbing his friend's hand, he pulled her along. "Come on, let's go play on the swings." He received a smile in return as the girl followed him.
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Ranma watched with a hint of boredom as Ukyo's father was showing her some of the proper ways of throwing a spatula. The target they were using was a normal circle target. Next to the young Saotome was his father who seemed to be slightly fidgety for some reason. The blue-eyed boy decided that maybe he had to go to the bathroom or something, and it was hard to hold it in.
"So boy, which do you like better? Okonomiyaki or Ukyo?" The overweight Saotome asked in a whisper.
"I like Ucchan, and it would be great if we never had to leave." The pony-tailed boy stated with a wide smile towards his father. "I don't want to leave."
As he continued to watch his friend practice, he wasn't aware of his father's fist slowly rising into the air, nor was he aware that the fist was heading his way. He was aware, though, of the pain that he felt on the back of his head before darkness claimed him and he crumpled to the ground. /RANMA!/ Miki yelled before she was picked up by the scruff of the neck.
Hearing the loud noise of the pinkish kitten, Ukyo and her father turned around to see Genma pick up his unconscious son and the small kitten. He then placed them on the okonomiyaki yattai and started speeding off away from the area. "Hey, come back with Ranchan and Michan you idiot!!" The brown-haired girl yelled at the top of her lungs. When the man kept on going and fading off into the distance, a few tears started streaming down her eyes. "I didn't want them to go, daddy!" She cried to her father.
"I can't believe the bastard took the cart!" The Kuonji patriarch shouted in outrage. Looking down at his daughter, he gave a small smile and pulled out a piece of paper. "Take a look at this, Ukyo. Genma was kind enough to actually sign this when I treated him a bar yesterday."
With tears still streaming down her eyes, the six-year-old girl took a look at the paper and started to read. "I, Genma Saotome, give up my legal rights as guardian and parent of Ranma Saotome to Toshiro Kuonji." There was a bunch of other stuff there, but she couldn't understand it. "What does this mean, daddy, and why did you do it?"
Toshiro gave a wide smile. "What it means is that if we ever find Ranma again, he would effectively be almost like a brother to you." The wide-eyed look his daughter gave him was so cute. "As for the reason I did it. Well, after hearing about what that man puts his son through, I wanted to take him away and give him better."
Ukyo jumped into her father's arms. "You're the best daddy in the whole world!" She cried out with a look of glee. "Do you think we'll ever find Ranchan though?" The girl was also worried about Miki as well. There was no telling what could all happen to them.
"I'm sure we'll find him someday, Ukyo. Now I just need to figure out what to do now that I don't have my damn Yattai." The older Kuonji grumbled out in annoyance. "That jackass will pay for what he did."
"Yeah, teach that jackass he's wrong!"
"Hey, watch your mouth."
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Ranma groaned as he woke up from his punch-induced nap. Looking around, he noticed that they were nowhere near where Ukyo and her father were. That didn't make sense though. The okonomiyaki yattai was right there, although his father was pigging out on the food. "What happened?" He asked softly as he sat up.
"Ah, Ranma, you're awake!" Genma announced as he pushed a small plate of okonomiyaki to his son. "The Kuonjis were nice enough to give us this cart as a parting gift, so eat up. There's plenty of food in this thing." He wouldn't tell his son the truth about it though.
/Don't eat it, Ranma!/ Miki shouted from next to the boy who was about to eat. /Your father stole the cart from Ukyo and her father. When he knocked you out, and grabbed the cart and ran away while Ukyo yelled after us and telling your father to bring us back. I also managed to look back and see her crying./
As soon as the kitten finished the explanation of what happened, the six-year-old went as stiff as a bored. "Papa stole the cart from Ucchan and her father?" This caused the older Saotome to slightly stiffen. "Ucchan was crying because papa took us away along with the cart he stole?" Ranma's body began to tremble a bit. "Papa, why did you do it-nya?" He was also losing slight control of the use of 'nya' due to his emotions.
"Now look here boy. This yattai was a gift, and Ukyo was only sad to see you having to leave. Miki is just saying a bunch of nonsense because she's a stupid cat. Now help me eat up the food we won't be able to carry." The man winced when he saw the look in his son's eyes.
"Papa… I can sense that you are lying, and Miki is not a stupid cat. She knows a lot of stuff-nya." Azure eyes suddenly narrowed into an almost predator-like state. "You knocked me out, stole something that Ucchan's dad needed, made Ucchan cry, called Miki stupid, and lied to me-nya." He began to flex his claws as his body trembled with uncontrollable anger and sadness. "Like Ucchan said, you are a JACKASS-NYA!!" Bolting from his seating position, he lunged at his father. "She was the only human friend I had-nya!"
"Wait-- no-- not the face-- NO TEETH!! What are you doi-- don't kick me there-- GAHH!!!" Miki winced several times as she watched Ranma's rage take over as he unleashed it upon his father.
'Ranma's scary when he's angry.' She noted to herself with a shiver. The young kitten never knew the boy even had it in him. 'I don't think Ranma will be able to forgive him easily for this.'
After taking out his rage on his father, the pony-tailed martial artist took a few deep breaths to calm himself and wipe the tears from the corner of his eyes. Turning around, he took off running and started to climb a tree until he got to the first branch. Sitting down on the branch, he shook his head. 'You are a jackass papa-- no, father.'
xxA.Nxx
Whee, another chapter finished. Next up on the way is the trip to China.
I am also thinking that when it comes to Ranma's Senshi forms between birth and cursed form, that his male Senshi form would focus more on magically induced melee and a few projectile attacks, while his female Senshi form would focus more on magical attacks with a little melee.