From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! Their travel rucksacks are always packed and ready to go. [ ] indicates Chinese or other languages < > indicates thoughts * * indicates italics -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter One: Stumbling Into Town -------------------------------------------- Ranma trudged through the mud, following her father and the Chinese guide through the Bayankala wilderness. She really hated the mud, the way it squished between her toes, the way it hid sharp stones and twigs, the way it was *everywhere*. Considering that the groundwater levels in the area had to be high to keep the springs at Jusenkyo going, Ranma understood that there would be a lot of mud. She just wished it didn't have to be all over her feet. Not that her shoes would have helped her any. Right now, they were about seven sizes too big, thanks to the Spring of Drowned Girl. The dunking in Nyannichuan made all her gi too large, too, but at least she could tighten the drawstrins on her pants and readjust her jacket. She couldn't readjust her toes. It had take a good day to get over the initial shock of her change. Ranma had spent the first few hours raging against her father, chasing him around the springs and across the surrounding mountains. Genma had been the one to knock her into the cursed pool, and it had been his idea to seek out the legendary training grounds to begin with. After she had pounded the panda man into pulp a few times, she turned her anger towards the Jusenkyo guide. The overweight caretaker was not a martial artist, however, and Ranma refused to fight the weak. And the man *had* tried to warn them about the springs' too-too tragic tales. The Saotomes had ignored him, though, eager to spar atop the bamboo poles jutting from the hundreds of pools. No, Ranma could not remain upset with the guide. Instead, she'd headed up to Mount Quanjing to meditate and come to terms with her anger. When she returned to the guide's cottage that evening, Ranma's control was back in place. That didn't mean she had accepted her curse, however. A haunted, pained look etched her face, and shock and anger had given way to depression. The brash, cocky youth had been replaced by a withdrawn, haggard young girl. Even Ranma's infamous appetite was gone, which was just as well, for the sweet-and-sour pork the guide had promised for dinner never materialized. The little redhead simply sat on a stool in a corner of the kitchen, every now and then looking down at her transformed body in misery. ***** Once his honered guests had turned in for the night -- both having oddly refused his offer of hot water -- the guide sat up alone, preoccupied. As he puffed on his pipe, he considered the curses that had come into play that day. He was not worried about the older man. For some reason, taking the shape of a giant panda seemed almost ... natural for the elder Saotome. They shared they same bulky physique, after all. The guide was certain that the low-key, lazy ways of a panda would suit the low-key, lazy Japanese man. No, he was not worried about Saotome Genma at all. The younger Saotome, that was a different story. It was evident that Ranma's masculinity was central to his self-worth; it was the cornerstone of his identity. Now that it had been stripped away, the youth had lost his grip on who -- and what -- he was, and he was sinking fast. If he wasn't helped soon, Ranma might very well follow the path several other male Nyannichuan victims had taken over the years: the path of suicide. Tapping his pipe out, the guide reached for his telephone. Although it was approaching midnight, he knew that the person he was calling would still be up and would welcome the opportunity to help the cursed boy. She was the only one who *could* help him. Several minutes later, the caretaker thanked his friend and hung up. There would be help for Saotome Ranma tomorrow, thank the spirits! Now, if he could only help that boy who'd been cursed to turn into a piglet ... ***** "Sirs, we are here." Ranma heard the words, but their meaning evaded her until she walked smack into the solid black and white wall ahead of her. Losing her balance, she toppled backwards into the mud. "Browr?" the wall asked, turning back to look at the fallen redhead. Ranma sighed and ignored her father. Climbing back to her feet, she looks at her mud-covered hands and slowly wiped them on her gi pants. A week ago, she would never have considered doing something like that; a gi was a symbol of the martial arts, accorded the same respect as one's dojo. Today, it no longer seemed to matter. she thought bitterly to herself. The Jusenkyo guide looked at the dirt-covered teen and the giant panda. "Sirs, we are here," he repeated. "These lands belong to Joketsukozu. Very strong, very ancient tribe of Amazon warriors. This village ahead is Nyuuchezu. I have very good friend there who waits to help you." He smiled encouragingly but noted no reaction at all from Ranma. None from Genma, either, although his current panda state *did* limit his ability to communicate. Shaking his head sadly, the guide started walking towards the village, checking back every few minutes to make sure his charges were following him. ***** Like other Amazon villages, Nyuuchezu was well laid out. The only entrances -- from the east and from the west -- were guarded at all times by a trio of armed warriors. The outermost buildings housed the assorted markets and services found in any sizable town. These also served as the village's first line of defense, where invading forces were usually annihilated before they could advance any further. Next came the shops belongs to the weapons crafters, the herbalists, the weavers, and the tanners, establishments far more crucial to the Amazon way of life and much more difficult to replace than the post office or bakery. A wide band of open space separated these structures from the rows of tidy cottages the Joketsukozu called home. At the very center of the village stretched a lush green park, landscaped with flowering trees and ornamental grasses. While it had once been the site of bloody battles in millenia past, the peaceful park now served as a meeting place, where Amazons gathered for festivals, dances, and other community events. The school, hospital, and Council Hall nestled on the grounds testified to the park's status as the heart of Nyuuchezu, one any Amazon would die to protect. Fortunately, that had not happened in decades, due in part to the reputation of the Joketsukozu but also because the village borders were patrolled 24 hours per day by teams of warriors. One of these teams intercepted the Jusenkyo trio as they approached the village. Recognizing the rotund guide, they escorted the three travelers to the guards at the eastern entrance. Keeping watch with the guards was an older woman with waist- length hair the color of an afternoon sky. Her silver robes set off her lively grey eyes and draped elegantly over her slim, athletic figure. She smiled upon seeing the caretaker and bowed in welcome, her hair ornaments tinkling musically with her movements. [Your journey was quick, old friend,] she said as the Jusenkyo guide bowed respectfully in return. [Honored elder, the time passes swiftly when one's companions don't have much to say,] he replied ruefully. The woman looked past the guide and nodded in agreement. [I can see that the panda might not have spoken much, but what about the child?] The guide gave her a sad look. [He is worse.] [Then there is no time to waste, my friend. Introduce me to your companions and we shall get started at once.] Stepping past the portly man, the woman went up to the Saotomes and bowed. "This Pao Da, respected elder of Nyuuchezu," the guide explained to his two charges. "She very very knowledgeable lady, help many with Jusenkyo curse." Ranma's eyes suddenly sparked to life. "You can cure me?" she asked almost desperately. Pao Da shook her head sadly. "No, child, I cannot cure you," she replied in perfect Japanese, "but I *can* help you." And before Ranma could cry out, the Amazon elder gently touched the cursed boy's neck. Ranma crumpled limply into her arms, unconscious. Carefully removing Ranma's rucksack, Pao Da turned to the elder Saotome. "You'll need to carry her from here," she instructed the panda. "Please follow me." With a nod to the warriors on duty, the Joketsukozu woman bowed to the guide and headed into the village, leaving Genma struggling with Ranma's dead weight and his almost equally heavy pack. ***** Jab. Cross. Roundhouse kick. Spin side kick. Jump inside crescent kick. Side kick. Ranma repeated the simple drill over and over, starting slowly but building rapidly to an almost blinding speed. After several minutes, he added a series of leaps, flips, and mid-air kicks to the exercise, hovering effortlessly above the ground as he executed each move. Next, he launched himself into his most difficult kata, a grueling combination of strikes, blocks, and stances that displayed his strength and agility, his precision and grace. Ranma finished his morning workout with a succession of brick and log breaks, each chop cleanly splitting the objects in half. With a grin, Ranma mopped the sweat off his face, noting idly that the back and underarms of his gi were drenched. Untying his belt, he started to strip off the uniform top ... and froze when he saw his chest. Gone were the broad, well-defined pectorals. Instead, two large, perky, and unquestionably female breasts jutted out from his ribs. Ranma screamed. "You're awake," a soft contralto voice came somewhere from his right. Opening his eyes, Ranma realized he'd been dreaming. Sighing with relief, he sat up ... only to see the breasts from his nightmare as the blankets fell away. Ranma screamed again. "Child, another shriek like that and you'll rouse the dead," the voice told her, amused. Ranma turned and saw the woman from the village gate seated in a carved wooden cahir to the right of her bed. "How'd I get here?" she asked, mystified. She looked at her surroundings. She seemed to be in a small, sparsely furnished bedroom. Her pack leaned against the far wall, beneath an open window. Sunlight streamed in through the glass, giving the room a warm, golden glow. "I had your father bring you here, child. You were ... overwhelmed by your recent experience and needed to rest quite badly," she replied, smiling at the disoriented youth. Ranma considered this. She did feel much better, and guessed the nap had helped. she sullenly thought to herself. "Is this your place?" she asked the Amazon. "Yes, child. I did not feel it would be appropriate to house you with the men in your current ... condition." Ranma nodded, althought she really didn't understand. She'd stayed with Pop and the Jusenkyo guide the previous night, and it wasn't like either of them were going to try anything. The thought turned her stomach. "So where's my old man now?" Pao Da steepled her fingers together. "I cannot say for certain where he is, but at this hour yesterday he and some of he village men were in the outer park playing mah jhongg. It is possible he is doing so again today." Ranma looked out the window. The sunlight and sky color suggested it was early in the morning ... but when they had arrived it was almost dusk. "H-how long have I been asleep?" she asked the older woman. "About two days." "TWO DAYS?!!" Ranma screeched. "H-h-how?" Pao Da pulled her chair up next to the redhead. "Child, it was necessary. Your body and your mind were both still in shock from the traumatic nature of your change. Your reasoning was eroding fast, leaving you susceptible to any impulsive notion. This is why the guardian brought you here, before you consciously or subconsciously harmed yourself." The cursed youth mulled this over and decided the Amazon was right. Although Ranma would never back away from a challenge, the fact that she was now a girl could have sent her over the edge. After all, Ranma Saotome, heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, had been raised to be a man among men. The concept of having to wear frilly pastel clothes, sigh over idol singers, and giggle over ice cream tore her soul. She suppressed a shudder. Pao Da noticed, however. Taking Ranma's hand in hers, she looked straight into the girl's eyes. "You have spent the last 10 years away from any constant female presence, child, and as such have undoubtedly developed ... interesting notions about females and femininity, notions you find you must apply to yourself, correct?" Ranma nodded reluctantly. "Child, I am going to help you see past these views," Pao Da explained gently. "My task is to help you accept, if not embrace, your curse. More than that ... I am going to help you see beyond this female shell, to show you that no matter what you see on the outside, inside you remain unchanged. You remain Saotome Ranma." "Why would you want to help *me*?" Ranma asked morosely. Pao Da smiled and, keeping hold of the teen's hand, guided her to a mirror mounted on the back of the bedroom door. "Tell me what you see," she instructed. Ranma looked at her reflection. "I see a short, chesty redhead in a pair of boxer shorts." "You see nothing else?" Pao Da asked. Ranma peered at herself a little longer. "Waist's a lot smaller," she noted. "Hips are wider. Face is fuller." "Is that all?" Ranma squinted at the mirror. "Eyelashes are different," she murmured. "Eyebrows, too." The Joketsukozu sighed. "Do you know what I see?" The redhead shook her head, perplexed. "What?" "I see Saotome Ranma." The Amazon elder faced the cursed teen. "I see *you*. But all you saw were body parts. All you gave me was a description of what the mirror reflected." Before Ranma could reply, Pao Da produced a small stoneware flask from within her voluminous robes. Unstoppering it, she dumped the contents over Ranma's head. The change was instantaneous -- the mirror now reflected a tall, broad-shouldered, and definitely male martial artist with glossy black hair. Ranma gaped. He immediately started patting down his chest, his eyes widening in disbelief as he felt lean, strong muscles ... and nothing else. Tentatively, he pulled out the elastic waistband of his boxers, letting out a whoop when he saw what was there. "I'm me! I'M ME! WOOOHOOOOOO!" He began dancing around in joy, abruptly stopping when he came face to face with Pao Da. "Waita minute ... I thought you said you couldn't cure me," he said accusingly. The elder shook her head. "Child, didn't the guardian offer you hot water during your stay at Jusenkyo?" Ranma scratched the back of his neck. "Well, yeah ... but I wasn't in the mood for tea, so I didn't take him up on it. Why?" Pao Da managed not to roll her eyes. "The curse of Jusenkyo is reversed by hot water, child. That is why the guardian offered it to you." "Then ... that's it?" Ranma asked excitedly. "You poured that hot water on me and the curse was reversed?" When the elder nodded, Ranma sweeped her up into his arms and swung her around the room. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The Amazon tolerated the boy's antics for a while, then had him set her down. Collecting the shreds of her dignity, she led the overjoyed youth back to the mirror. "Child, tell me what you see now," she said. "I see me! One hundred percent guy! Completely, totally, absolutely ..." SPLASH!! " ... male," she finished lamely. Wiping the water out of her eyes, Ranma looked at her reflection dejectedly. "I don't understand," she finally said. Pao Da moved to stand behind the dripping girl. "Hot water only reverses the curse of Jusenkyo, child. It does not cure it. When cold water douses you, the curse comes forward once again." "Then there really is no cure," Ranma said, her hopes dashed. The elder turned Ranma to face her. "Child, cure or no cure, you are still you, no matter what shell of flesh encases your soul." Anger clouded the redhead's features. "But I'm a GUY!! No way am I ever gonna be a girl by choice!" She looked around the bedroom. "Where can I get more hot water?" Pao Da cupped Ranma's chin in her hand, forcing the martial artist to look her in the eye. "I will provide you with hot water, child. But!" She pulled Ranma back as the girl began heading to the door. "But ... I must ask you to consider this. Will you always have a source of hot water nearby? What happens should you be splashed in a marketplace? In a schoolyard? In the middle of a battle?" "I ... well, I'd ... uh ... hmmmmm." Ranma hadn't given those possibilities any thought at all. I'd be stuck as a girl," she finally conceded. Pao Da smiled gently. "No, child. You would still be *you* -- but in a different aspect, one that with time you will hopefully accept as your own." Ranma scowled. "What good is accepting THIS gonna do me? I can't fight, I can't do anything! And I'm sure as hell not gonna put on a frilly apron and start bakin' cookies!" The Amazon laughed, her hair ornaments jingling in harmony. "Child, do I look the type to wear 'frilly aprons' and 'bake cookies'?" Suddenly, a hard glint came to her eyes and her softness was replaced by steel. Ranma blinked. "N-no," she stammered. Pao Da smiled, and the warrior vanished as quickly as she had appeared. "Good. You know, I don't think I have ever baked a cookie in my life," she noted wryly. "No matter. Let me get you some clothing, and we'll get under way." "Under way?" Ranma asked. The woman reached for the door. "Yes, under way. I'm going to help you get in touch with your ... feminine side." -------------------------------------------- Chapter Two coming soon! C&C welcome at saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com. No flames, please ... I'm as sensitive as Tendo Soun! From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: After falling into Nyannichuan, a dirty, cursed, and dangerously depressed Ranma is brought to the Joketsukozu village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Her goal: to help Ranma accept his female side as just another aspect of himself. -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Two: The Sacred Cow -------------------------------------------- Ranma's mud-soaked gi was still being laundered, so Pao Da lent the cursed youth a red silk shirt with frog-style closures and a pair of black pants. After years of wearing rough cotton weaves, Ranma found the silk to be light and far less cumbersome than her martial arts uniform. The pants, which tied with drawstrings around the waist and ankles, were surprisingly comfortable. she thought. She quickly went through a few kicks and stances and, satisfied the clothing wouldn't hamper her mobility, ventured out of her room. The elder awaited her in the hall. "Not bad," Pao Da commented, echoing Ranma's thoughts. "Dressed like that, child, you could easily pass for Joketsukozu!" Ranma soon saw what the blue-haired Amazon meant. As the two made their way through town, the teen observed many villagers dressed almost identically to her, varying only in shirt color and sleeve length. The townspeople always stopped whatever they were doing to bow reverently to Pao Da, continuing their activities only after the pair had passed them by. After the 13th or so such show of respect, Ranma's curiosity got the best of her. "Why does everyone bow to you?" she asked her companion. Pao Da blinked. "Because I am one of this village's elders, child." "You don't look elderly to me." The Amazon laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said. "Each Joketsukozu village is ruled by a Council of Elders. I am one of the five elders who serve on the Genjudi Council. As such, I am entitled to wear Council robes." She indicated the voluminous length of silver silk draped about her. "It makes us much easier to identify." Ranma thought but kept to herself. "So ... where're you takin' me?" "I have arranged for you to join the young women of the village in their classes today," the elder informed her. Ranma almost swallowed her tongue. Her shoulders slumped as she envisioned herself spending hours learning to prepare dim sum, embroidering Confucian proverbs onto wall scrolls, and practicing that mincing walk she'd heard well- bred Chinese ladies used. Shuddering, she trudged after Pao Da, who led her to an immense green at the center of the village. Approximately 20 girls sat in a row on the grass, whispering quietly amongst themselves. Pao Da indicated to Ranma that she should join the girls. Sighing, Ranma did as she was told, although she sat a ways apart from the rest. she thought morosely, glancing at the group to her left. Shaking her head, Ranma caught a glimpse of her own scarlet locks. ***** Once Ranma was seated, Pao Da approached a stocky woman who stood at the edge of the park, limbering up her muscles. Seeing the blue-haired Amazon approach, the woman bowed deeply, [Honored Elder.] [Greetings, Sei Lin. I have brought Ranma.] Sei Lin looked back at the waiting girls and had no trouble identifying the solitary redhead. [He ... she seems rather unsociable.] [Wouldn't you be, if *you* were stuck as a male in a class of young men?] Sei Lin grunted. [You're right, of course.] She scrutinized the Japanese teen, giving her the once-over. [You say Ranma has had martial arts training?] Pao Da nodded. [Yes, the Saotomes have been on a training trip for the last 10 years.] [Really.] Sei Lin gave the elder a crooked smile. [So I am to treat him ... her ...] [Her.] [Her ... as I would the other students?] Pao Da nodded. The stocky Amazon cracked her knuckles. [With pleasure, Elder.] ***** Ranma did her best to ignore the Amazon girls' whispering and furtive glances in her direction, pretending to be very interested in her feet instead. She had been, for a few moments -- her girl's feet were much smaller than her regular feet, dainty even, and didn't have nearly as many callouses. But feet could only hold her attention for so long, so Ranma decided to meditate to relieve her agitation. Thus she didn't notice when the other girls jumped up and stood quietly at attention. She *did* notice when a pair of thickly muscled legs halted a few inches away from her face. "You, Ranma. You stand now, yes?" The authoritative voice jolted her out of her trance, and Ranma scrambled to her feet. The husky Amazon standing in front of her eyed her gruffly. "Girls start morning exercise now. You do, too." With that, Sei Lin faced her students. She barked a series of commands, and seven girls stepped out of the line. As one, they performed an intricate T'ai Chi Chuan kata, stretching their muscles and getting their blood pumping. Finishing the routine, they bowed and rejoined their classmates. Sei Lin called out the next seven, and these repeated the exercise. Ranma was impressed with the grace in which the Chinese girls moved. When the second set of students completed the form, the burly instructor summoned the remaining six girls, then crooked a stubby finger at Ranma. "You, Ranma. You do now, yes?" Her dark eyes glittered in challenge. Ranma smirked at the Amazon and took her place alongside the other six. Without hesitation, she launched herself into the form, flowing easily from one stance to the next, matching the girls movement for movement. All seven finished together. Bowing, Ranma returned to her spot on the grass, but not before giving Sei Lin a smug smile. The Amazon instructor nodded her head curtly in approval. The outsider was good. She had performed the exercise flawlessly, even though she had never seen it before in her life. Sei Lin smiled to herself. ***** Pao Da stood on the porch of the Council Hall, watching Sei Lin's class practice broadsword techniques. From time to time throughout the day, the elder had come out to enjoy a cup of tea and keep an eye on the warriors-in-training's progress. She was surprised that Ranma had been able to keep up with the Amazon girls, no matter what style of combat Sei Lin drilled them in. The youth either already knew what was being taught or simply observed a technique once and memorized it instantly. In fact, Ranma's skill level surpassed that of all the girls in the class, Pao Da admitted to herself grudgingly. Perhaps surpassed even that of Sei Lin. the elder thought, then smacked herself mentally. She sighed regretfully. ***** On the training field, Ranma parried a blow with her broadsword, easily disarming her opponent with a twist of her wrist. Flipping backwards, she caught the flying weapon and brandished it jauntily in the air before handing it back to the open-mouthed girl in front of her. "Xie xie," the girl mumbled, envy evident in her voice. Sei Lin's eyes were wide with disbelief. Fa Seling was the class' most promising swordswoman, yet the outsider had defeated her in less than five seconds! Just as she had bested No Xema in spear and Su Kopu in tiger fork. Poor Li Suterin had to be taken to the healers after Ranma had misjudged distances and thrown the hapless girl into a tree. The redhead had even beaten Fu Lozu, and *no one* had *ever* eaten more at lunch than that plump Fu girl. Sei Lin suppressed a laugh upon remembering Fu Lozu's stunned face; somehow, Ranma had not only inhaled her own rice and pork but Fu Lozu's as well. In fact, Fu Lozu's expression had looked a lot like Fa Seling's right now. Jolted back to the present, Sei Lin signaled to two other students. Suddenly, Ranma found herself surrounded by a trio of sword-wielding Chinese girls. Catching Sei Lin's eye, the cursed teen grinned. . Ten seconds later, Ranma waved four broadswords in a mocking salute to the Amazon instructor. [A most impressive display, wouldn't you say?] Sei Lin sprang several feet into the air, not having heard Pao Da approach. Recovering hastily, she bowed to the amused elder. [Ranma exceeds all of my students in skill, Elder] she reported. [I must admit, I did not expect this from ... well, from someone like *that*.] Pao Da chuckled. [It is a blow to our Amazon pride, isn't it? One almost wishes we could test her skills against our proven warriors.] The instructor blanched. [You aren't considering ...] [No, no, although it would be interesting to see how Ranma would fare against the likes of Ka Mei or Xian Pu]. [I don't believe either of them are looking for a husband right now, Elder] Sei Lin commented. Smiling, Pao Da watched Ranma return the captured broadswords to her opponents before signaling them to come at her again. This time, the redhead merely dodged the young Amazons' attacks, encouraging them to strike and leaving openings for them to take. Sei Lin also observed the quartet, grimacing whenever her students missed the targets Ranma presented to them and holding her breath whenever it seemed Ranma danced a bit too close to the razor-sharp blades. In the end, the result was the same, although this time the Japanese teen bowed respectfully to the women instead of waving the swords at them. The two Amazons acknowledged Ranma's gesture, Pao Da with a bow of her own, Sei Lin with a brusque nod. As the redhead returned the broadswords to their rightful owners, the combat instructor turned back to the village elder, an eyebrow quirked questioningly. [Respected Elder, do you feel any need for Ranma to continue with her ... lessons?] Pao Da grinned. [I suppose not. It has been a most ... enlightening day, wouldn't you say?] Sei Lin hmphed. [I just hope the girls learned that being an Amazon doesn't necessarily mean being the best]. [As I hope Ranma has learned that being a girl doesn't necessarily mean one cannot be a warrior] the blue-haired woman replied. >From within the Council Hall, a pair of large, aged eyes watched in silence. ***** "So, what're we gonna do now?" a now-male Ranma asked as he walked with Pao Da down a Genjudi street. He'd been surprised when that bulldog of an instructor had suddenly dismissed him from class -- he'd just started getting warmed up! Pao Da explained that Sei Lin had to review certain rites the girls had to undergo before becoming full-fledged warriors ... rites he as an outsider was not permitted to see and remain amongst the living. Ranma wasn't convinced, but he wasn't about to challenge Pao Da's explanation. Instead, he had politely bowed to the combat instructor and followed the elder out of the park. "You will see once we arrive," Pao Da replied cryptically. "Tell me, child, what did you think of your classes this morning?" Ranma snorted. "Sure beats Home Ec," he said. Upon seeing the Amazon's perplexed expression, he elaborated. "Back home, girls my age learn about cooking, sewing, managing a household. You know, girl stuff." Oblivious to Pao Da's scowl, he continued. "I ain't ever heard of girls spendin' the whole day learnin' how ta fight. I didn't know there were places that did that." The elder smiled. "Those girls are our village's eldest students," she told the pigtailed youth. "Once they undergo their right of passage, they will take their place amongst the warriors of Nyuuchiezu Genjudi." "Do they keep trainin' after they graduate?" "In a different manner, child. They will not have organized instruction as they do now with Sei Lin, but they do continue training. And our village often holds tournaments that allow us to test our skills against each other." "So when do *I* get a chance to test my skills against one of your official warriors?" Ranma asked. "I mean, I had a nice workout and all but it was nothin' compared to what Pop and I do every morning." Pao Da blinked and studied the young martial artist, but there was nothing in his expression to suggest bragging or exaggeration. she thought in amazement. "Tell me, child ... some of what you did with Sei Lin's class you could not have possibly seen before, yet you executed each move perfectly. How can this be?" Ranma grinned. "It's all part of Musabetsu Kaketo, the school of martial arts Pop and I practice. Anything goes, so we're used to adapting different styles and making them our own. I usually only have to see a move once or twice before I master it. That way, I can handle anything that comes my way." "It sounds as though martial arts is the focal point of your life," Pao Da noted, watching Ranma carefully. The boy shrugged. "I've been studying the Art ever since I could stand," he told the Amazon. "I'm the heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, and Pop and I are hopin' to unite our school with a dojo in Tokyo run by Pop's old trainin' partner." Ranma paused for a moment. "I guess you can say that martial arts is my life. It's a good thing I love it, huh?" Pao Da's mind whirled. The elder shook her head fiercely. The Amazon noted that Ranma was looking at her oddly, and she quickly composed herself. "It's always a blessing when one loves one's life work," she quickly remarked. "Not many are thus blessed." Turning a corner, she slowed her pace down. "We are here." There was no need to alert Ranma, though. He had already caught sight of the dozens of men stretching and doing basic kata. Unlike the girls' class, the ages of the men ranged from slightly younger than him to just older than Genma. There didn't seem to be any kind of structure, or even an instructor. It looked more like a bunch of guys getting together to work out ... which suited the pigtailed youth just fine. "All right! Now we're talkin'!" he exclaimed, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. The unknown voice caught the men's attention, and they turned in curiosity to see who had spoken. The sight of Pao Da standing just feet away had everyone scrambling to their feet and bowing to the elder. A slight smile flickered across Pao Da's face as she returned the bow and gestured to the men to carry on. "Man, are you popular or what?" Ranma commented, a sardonic grin on his face. Pao Da laughed. "It's not often a village elder comes to watch the men train," she explained. "Now that they know I am here, they'll be pushing themselves even harder, in an effort to impress me." She led Ranma to a shady spot beneath a tree and gracefully sat down beside him. "I would like for you to watch, child, and see how our men compare." Ranma opened his mouth to protest, but Pao Da held up her hand. "Don't worry, child. You may join them in a moment, but first observe, and learn." Not wanting to be rude, Ranma did as he was told, although he was itching to join in and get some real practice in. After a few minutes, his eagerness turned to puzzlement. Keeping her eyes on the men before her, Pao Da was nonetheless able to discern Ranma's consternation. The teen was clearly stunned that the male Amazons' skill level was so rudimentary. She knew he'd expected them to be more advanced than what he was currently observing. As for herself, Pao Da was impressed that the men had advanced this far. "How ... how long have these guys been trainin'?" the Japanese boy finally asked. "Many have trained all their lives," Pao Da told him. "Others, a handful of years. They train whenever duty permits them." "And you rely on those guys to keep your village safe?" Ranma asked in amazement. Pao Da's eyebrows shot up in disguise. "Of course not, child. The warriors do that." Ranma looked confused. "Then ... who are these guys?" "Those are some of the males of our village." "Oh, I get it! The rest of the guys are out on guard duty and stuff." Ranma smiled, pleased with his deduction. Pao Da just stared at him. "Child, you *are* aware that this is an *Amazon* village, are you not?" Ranma nodded. "Well, yeah, the guide told us that when we got here." "What do you know about the Amazons, child?" Ranma scratched the back of his head. "Uh, not much, really. You're all Chinese. Some of you have really funky hair colors. Ummm .... you keep your town clean ... you dress well ... and your girls know how to fight." Satisfied with his reply, he smiled at the elder. "How'd I do?" Pao Da looked as though Ranma had suddenly sprouted three extra heads. "Child," she finally managed to say, "haven't you wondered why there were no males in the park, or by the school, or on the streets?" Ranma frowned. "Well, yeah, but I figured they were all out on patrol or somethin'." The Amazon sighed. "No, child. Amazon men do not serve as guards or warriors. Only the women do that." Ranma's jaw hit the ground. "You mean ... you're telling me that all your warriors are GIRLS?!!" Pao Da nodded. "The Amazons are matriarchal, child." Noticing his blank look, she explained. "We are a female- dominant society. Our elders are all female. Our warriors are all female. Our healers, instructors, and guards are all female." Ranma's eyes were as large as saucers. "But ... but ... what do the guys do, then?" he spluttered. "They manage the households, work in the shops, serve as craftsmen, father our children." Ranma face-faulted. Oblivious, Pao Da continued. "Occasionally, a few show exceptional strength and coordination. These we send to Jaoyong, about a day's walk to the west, where they study to become proficient in the art of Hidden Weapons." The elder shook her head sadly. "We lose more men that way." "HUH?!!" Pao Da looked at Ranma's shocked face. "Oh, no, no, no, child. While training in Hidden Weapons is ... vigorous, none have ever died learning it," she reassured him. "No, what usually happens is that instead of returning to Genjudi, these males choose to forsake their Amazon heritage and leave us behind for more modern pursuits." Pao Da pursed her lips in thought. "I do believe we have two or three youths at Jaoyong now, and if I'm not mistaken, they should return within a week's time." Ranma reclined against the tree, trying to absorb everything he'd just heard. Suddenly an idea came to his mind. "D'ya think maybe I could go to Jaoyong and learn some of this Hidden Weapons stuff?" he asked. Pao Da regarded him speculatively. "It would require you to stay in Genjudi indefinitely," she said. "The Hidden Weapons training has never taken less than four years." Ranma scoffed. "Feh. All they'd have to do is show me the moves a few times and I'd have it down." Recalling the teen's performance that morning, Pao Da didn't doubt it. "I will investigate this, child, but I make no promises." Ranma grinned at her. "No problem! So, is it okay if I show these guys how a *real* man's supposed to fight?" On a nearby rooftop, someone cackled in amusement. (to be continued) -------------------------------------------- Acknowledgements: Thanks to Gary Kleppe for his insightful feedback, and to everyone who took the time to read my tale! Arigato ... xiexie! Author's Notes: The Joketsukozu vs. Nyuuchiezu conundrum having finally been solved for me (thanks again go to Gary Kleppe), readers will find that the Amazon village's name is now Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, which roughly translates to "Amazon Stronghold." Yes, I admit it -- I have an Azusa-like tendency to name things! And it's such a kawaii village, too... Shan Pu vs. Xian Pu. Some people say "Shan" is canon; others say "Xian" is. After having a friend from Beijing translate the kanji characters (thanks Ke Len!) and after pouring over a Kanji dictionary for a good hour or so, I came to this conclusion: it's my story, so I'm using what I want... Anything Goes Martial Arts Fanfic Writing!! Besides, "Xian" (first, immortal) seems so much nicer than "Shan"(mountain, hernia). Disclaimers: Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! Their travel rucksacks are always packed and ready to go. -------------------------------------------- Chapter Three coming soon! C&C welcome at saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com. No flames, please ... I'm as sensitive as Tendo Soun! From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: A dangerously depressed and newly cursed Ranma is brought to the Joketsukozu village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Pao Da begins helping Ranma accept his female side and lose his sexist beliefs by having him train with both the Amazon girls and men. However, the elder had not expected Ranma to be such a talented martial artist ... -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Three: Visions in Her Head -------------------------------------------- That night, once Ranma was asleep, Pao Da left her cottage and headed for the Council Hall. When she and the cursed youth had returned from their afternoon with the village men, the elder had found a note summoning her to the Hall as soon as her guest was settled in for the evening. Pao Da chuckled as she remembered Ranma's dismay upon hearing that he had to revert to his girl form. Pao Da had explained that it was simply unseemly for her, a village elder, to have a young male staying with her unless he were her husband. Ranma had practically thrown himself under the faucet when he'd heard that. Pao Da had been too amused to be offended. . As she reached the path leading to the Council Hall entrance, a small figure stepped out of the shadows. Pao Da bowed. [Respected Elder]. The short woman inclined her head. [Pao Da. We have much to discuss. Follow me]. Turning, she led the taller female into the Hall, hitting the light switch with a flick of her gnarled staff. Pao Da took her customary seat at the council table and waited until the Chief Elder had clambered into her chair. [What is it you wish to discuss with me, Respected Elder?] CLONK!! Pao Da winced, rubbing her head where the wooden staff had struck her. [Don't play coy with me, girl. You know perfectly well you're here because of the boy. What is his name?] [Saotome Ranma, Elder]. [He's not like the other Jusenkyo cursed you've helped in the past, is he?] Pao Da shook her head. [He is extremely skilled in the Art, Elder. I haven't seen him demonstrate his abilities to the fullest, but from what he has told me, and from what I've seen, he should be very formidable indeed]. [He could wipe the floor with that girls' class and have Sei Lin for lunch. I observed him, with the girls *and* with the men, Pao Da. The boy is a true warrior]. [Elder, he asked if he could train in the Way of Hidden Weapons]. The Chief Elder cackled. [Did he now? Interesting. He would certainly give Mu Tsu a run for his money]. [With that boy's eyesight, I sincerely doubt he could run anywhere, Elder]. [True, true]. The two women sat quietly, Pao Da waiting for the Chief Elder to continue, the elder Amazon mulling things over. [How do you feel he is adjusting to his curse?] the old woman finally asked. Pao Da arched an eyebrow. [It is too soon to tell. In male form, he seems confident, inquisitive, almost full of himself. As a female, well, he will do better once I dispel his rather chauvinistic notions]. The Chief Elder sighed. [One of those, is he?] [Unfortunately. It seems he was raised with the notion that women are weak, meek homemakers. He was certainly shocked to learn that Amazon warriors are women]. The old woman cackled, remembering the pole-axed look on Ranma's face. [That he was!] [I am going to continue exposing him, in his female form, to our ways. I believe it will do him a world of good to realize that women aren't helpless. Once he accepts that, I feel he'll start accepting his curse]. [He didn't have much difficulty adapting his moves to compensate for his shorter, fuller, female form,] the Chief Elder noted. [No, he has a remarkable ability to adapt,] Pao Da agreed. [He claims that adaptability is key to his style of martial arts. However, I believe his skill at adapting to change has more to do with him than with his school.] [I would like to see what he is capable of]. [Shall I have him work with one of the married warriors tomorrow, Elder?] The wizened woman shook her head. [No. Have him train with his father, so that he doesn't feel the need to hold back]. Pao Da's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. [In the park, Elder?! We would offend a lot of warriors if the Saotomes trained there!] [Not if they only saw a girl and her pet panda, Pao Da]. The younger Amazon nodded slowly. [I will arrange for Saotome Genma to meet with us tomorrow morning, then]. [It will certainly be interesting to watch these two -- not to mention entertaining]. Pao Da grinned. [It will certainly be that, Ke Lon]. ***** Something was tickling Ranma. She'd been dreaming about springtime in Japan, and sitting beneath a tree, watching the sakura blossoms drift gently to the ground. One must have landed square on her nose, because the petals were making her nostrils twitch and wriggle. Sleepily lifting a hand to brush it away, Ranma jolted out of her dream when her fingers encountered something solid. Opening her eyes, she found herself nose to nose with a giant panda. "AAAAAAAUGH!!!" The redhead vaulted out of bed, her fingers extended in surprise. The panda pulled out a wooden sign. "Nice to see you too, boy," it read. Ranma climbed down off the curtains and sat back on her heels. "What's with the sign, Pop?" Genma flipped the wooden sign around. "It's how I communicate," the other side read. Ranma reached out and turned the sign back around. "How're you doin' that?" she asked, examining the writing scrawled across the wood. Genma pulled out another sign. "Very quickly," it read. Pao Da entered the room to find Genma and Ranma whacking each other on the head with signs. A pile of splintered signs lay discarded in a sloppy heap next to the bed. Shaking her head, the elder cleared her throat, stopping the two in mid-squabble. Ranma smiled at seeing her hostess and bounded over to her, bowing politely. [Ni ha ma, Respected Elder]. Seeing Pao Da's eyes widen in surprise, Ranma laughed. "Well, I *did* hear practically everyone say that to you yesterday," the teen explained. Pao Da chuckled, her hair ornaments tinkling. "That's true, isn't it? For a moment, I thought perhaps you had been holding out on me." Ranma grinned, then jerked a thumb back at Genma, who was retrieving his signs from the floor. "So what's with the panda-man's signs?" she asked. Pao Da inclined her head in greeting at the giant panda, who immediately whipped out a "Good morning, Elder Pao Da" sign. "Your father has been staying at the home of Mao T'wazhe, one of Nyuuchiezu Genjudi's carpenters," she told the curious redhead. "Mao T'wazhe thought it would help your father if he could communicate while in his cursed form, so he assembled some signs for him to use." Ranma slowly circled her father, poking at his fur every now and then. "Okay, I give up. Where's Oyaji keepin' 'em?" "Wouldn't you like to know?" read the sign Genma held up. Several seconds later, Genma nursed a goose egg between his furry ears. Pao Da shook her head in amusement. "Mao T'wazhe once studied the Way of Hidden Weapons," she told the cursed youth. "My guess is that he taught your father how to store his signs so that they could be recalled at a moment's notice." "Bingo!" Genma's sign proclaimed. Ranma narrowed her eyes. "Hidden Weapons, huh?" she said, looking at her father, who suddenly found the ceiling light fascinating. "Child, bludgeoning your father with his signs will not cause him to reveal what he knows," Pao Da remarked. "He has undoubtedly been sworn to secrecy, anyway." Genma nodded his head vigorously. "Anyone who has ever studied the Way of Hidden Weapons is sworn never to reveal what he knows," the elder told the disappointed teen. "It simply wouldn't do to have masters returning home from Jaoyong and teaching the techniques to just any village male. We'd lose a lot of village males that way." Ranma frowned. . "So why'd *he* get to learn?" she asked, jabbing a finger at the giant panda. Pao Da rubbed her chin pensively. "I can only assume Chief Elder Ke Lon granted Mao T'wazhe permission to instruct him in this one technique," she ventured, looking to Genma for confirmation. The elder Saotome nodded. "D'ya think the Chief Elder'll let *me* learn?" Ranma asked hopefully. "I informed her of your request," the Amazon replied. "She would first like to see what you can do. She's expecting us at the park in an hour." Taking Genma by the paw, Pao Da handed Ranma a bundle of fresh clothing. "We'll be waiting for you in the dining room," she told the teen as she left the bedroom, tugging the panda behind her. "Incidentally, you *are* sworn to secrecy upon the pain of death, so don't even consider teaching the child your sign-stashing technique," Pao Da warned Genma as they headed down the hall. "Browr?" the panda replied in all innocence. Ranma snickered. ***** Sei Lin sat with her students on a lush stretch of grass, watching the spectacle before her. Despite her best efforts to remain professionally aloof, the combat instructor couldn't help being captivated by the level of skill on display. Well, that and the panda. Several feet away, Ranma and Genma were going through kata after kata, each more complex than the one before. The lithe teen flowed through the forms with the grace of a dancer, her strikes precise and powerful. After a while, Genma bowed out, his cursed form lacking the agility needed for the highest kata. Ranma continued alone, spinning and jumping, blocking and kicking, wrapping the exercise up with a tension move that showcased her remarkable balance. Backing up, the pigtailed girl turned to face the giant panda. As one, they bowed and assumed fighting stances. Sei Lin gawked, her mouth hanging open in amazement, as the Saotomes leapt into the air, exchanging several punches and roundhouse kicks before landing and jumping right back up. Ranma and her father seemed to hover above the ground, trading blow after blow in mid-air. Ranma appeared to be constantly airborne, rebounding off of tree trunks, park benches, even the walls of the Council Hall. The redhead flipped and twisted with practiced ease, handspringing over the panda's head and sweeping his legs out from under him. Grabbing a paw, the girl hip-threw the panda over the stretch of grass where the Amazon and her class sat. Ranma then launched herself after her father, landing a flying sidekick squarely on his massive chest. Genma glared at her but accepted her outstretched hand, allowing Ranma to pull him up before sending her flying with a cross punch. The spectators winced as Ranma impacted against a tree, but Ranma just bounced right back into the match. "Kuso oyaji!" she snarled, leaping into the air. "This time you're stayin' down!" Two minutes later, Genma was out cold on the ground. Ranma bowed to her unconscious father, although the self-satisfied smirk on her face belied the formality of her gesture. Pao Da turned to Ke Lon as the little redhead trotted over to them. [The child shows much skill,] she commented. The Chief Elder snorted. [You have always been one for understatement, Pao Da. We will discuss this further later today]. Hopping onto her staff, the aged Amazon pogoed back into the Council Hall. "Who was that ... person?" Ranma asked, watching the shriveled figure disappear into the building. "Our Chief Elder, Ke Lon," Pao Da replied. Ranma's jaw dropped. "*That* was the leader of your village?" Pao Da gave the stunned martial artist a level look. "Well, when 300 years old you reach, look as good you will not," she said. "Don't be so quick to judge someone by their appearance, child. Would you want people to dismiss you and your skill just because you look like a girl?" Anger flickered through Ranma's sapphire eyes. "No." The blue-haired Amazon smiled. "I didn't think so. Remember, child ... what a person looks like does not change who or what they are, whether they're an Amazon matriarch or a martial arts master." She placed her hand companionably on the teen's shoulder. "Now let's go get your father before Sei Lin's students adopt him as their class mascot." ***** Ranma emerged from Pao Da's cottage in a fresh silk top and carrying a basket. The elder had village matters to attend to for the rest of the morning, so Ranma was free to explore the town. It was Pao Da's hope that the cursed youth would observe -- without her prompting -- that women were not decorative second-class citizens but strong, capable, and respected members of society. She'd provided Ranma with a packed lunch and two canteens, one with hot water and one with cold. Her only stipulation: that Ranma remain a girl for at least half the morning. To Ranma's surprise, she hadn't protested the Amazon's condition. She chalked it up to free eats, free time, and the fact that the hot-water canteen was ready and waiting, but deep inside, a part of her wondered if perhaps she was indeed getting used to her new ... look. Not in the mood for introspection, Ranma squelched the thought and headed out the door. "C'mon, Pop, let's go check out the town!" she called out to the bulky panda, who'd curled up in the shade beside the cottage. The odd pair meandered through the village streets, Ranma taking in everything she saw, Genma grumpily shuffling behind. In the decade since their training trip had begun, the Saotomes had stayed in an actual town less than half a dozen times, since Genma claimed camping in the wilderness made a martial artist stronger. Ranma suspected the real reason was that her father simply didn't want to fork over the money for a hotel. They'd actually rented a room from a sweet elderly lady a year or so ago, in a town in the foothills of Mt. Fuji, but Ranma knew that their extended stay was due only to Genma's having to work off the damages to a storefront he'd accidentally demolished. Still, it had given Ranma a chance to attend school and even become friends -- well, sort of -- with a classmate who lived nearby. Nyuuchiezu Genjudi was the first town they'd been in since they'd left for China, and Ranma was interested in seeing the sights, as limited as they were. The teen quickly bypassed the various tanners' shops, the strong smell of fresh hides threatening to bring up her breakfast. The musty scents at the herbalist's weren't much better, but Ranma tolerated them enough to poke around the store. Her Chinese was nowhere near good enough to decipher the labels on the hundreds of jars, pots, packets, and pouches; she *did* recognize the yuan symbols, though, and she almost swallowed her tongue upon seeing how much some ordinary-looking soap cost. Smiling nervously at the approaching shopkeeper, Ranma quickly backed out of the store before the language barrier made her the new owner of who knows what expensive and exotic spice. A nearby weaver's caught her eye, and Ranma headed in that direction, dragging the panda behind her. Having worn plain cotton gis almost all her life, Ranma'd never given much thought to fabrics, or clothes for that matter. What she saw in the window completely captured her attention. A middle- aged man sat at a loom, his fingers flying back and forth along the massive frame. As if by magic, intricately detailed golden dragons appeared on the red silk the man almost effortlessly wove. A nearby loom displayed silver pagodas on royal blue silk, while bolts of completed fabric lined the shelves of one wall. Squinting, Ranma could make out elaborate phoenixes, nightingales, and chrysanthemums on the rolls of silk, and she nodded her head appreciatively. Ranma recognized a master when she saw one, even when the art practiced wasn't martial. A furry paw slowly snaking its way into the basket she held brought Ranma's attention back to her father. She slapped the paw away, turning to glare at the giant panda. "Kuso oyaji," she grumbled. "If you wanted somethin' to eat, you coulda just asked!" "I DID ask!" Genma brandished a sign. "But you couldn't hear my sign," read the flip side. Rolling her eyes, Ranma tossed the panda a pork bun and helped herself to one as well. "C'mon," she told him, "There're still plenty of things to see." She started down the street, absently munching on her bun and completely missing the "More?" sign Genma forlornly held up after polishing his snack off in one gulp. ***** [I would like you to train Ranma]. Only Pao Da's well-honed control kept her jaw from hitting the Council Hall floor. [Train him, Elder?] Ke Lon's large eyes locked with Pao Da's silver ones. [Yes, Pao Da, train him. Did you not notice something about the boy during this morning's exhibition?] The younger Amazon replayed the demonstration in her mind. [The child is extremely talented. His agility, speed, and abilities are beyond what one would expect from even a warrior of Sei Lin's skill]. Ke Lon narrowed her eyes. [Do you know why?] She watched as realization came to the junior elder. [But ... how is that possible? Only a handful of Joketsukozu can do that ...] [And Ranma can, as well. The difference is that Ranma taps into his ki subconsciously to boost his abilities, instead of accessing it on purpose. This is why he must be trained. Without an experienced teacher showing him how to actively manipulate his life force, who knows what harm the boy could do to himself ... or to others]. Pao Da's mind reeled. Never had an outsider learned Amazon techniques and lived. What Ke Lon was asking her to do was unprecedented. [Will he be forced to remain in Genjudi, then?] The Chief Elder shook her head. [I am well aware that he has a life and a future awaiting him in Japan. That is why it is imperative for him to learn to control his ki -- to ensure that he *has* a life and future]. [His life force is that great?] Pao Da asked, stunned. [To be able to accomplish what he can do without actively channeling his ki? Yes, his life force is that great. Greater than any I've encountered, anywhere. It's clear he is destined for some sort of greatness. It is *our* destiny to help him reach his]. Pao Da nodded, accepting her assignment. [Simple ki exercises, aura control, self-healing techniques ...] [No ki attacks. Should he choose to develop these on his own in the future, that is his prerogative. There are only so many of our secrets I wish to share]. [I will begin immediately, Elder]. With a bow, Pao Da excused herself and left the Hall. Ke Lon remained in her seat, watching the azure-haired woman stride into the park. [There *are* only so many techniques I wish to share with an outsider,] she thought. [But once Saotome Ranma realizes that his destiny is with us, then I myself will train him to be the greatest warrior the Joketsukozu have ever known!] (to be continued) -------------------------------------------- Acknowledgements: Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my tale! Arigato ... xiexie! Author's Notes: So what has Genma been doing all this time, besides learning that nifty sign trick? He's been sleeping, eating, and playing board games. What else would he be doing? Disclaimers: Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! Their travel rucksacks are always packed and ready to go. -------------------------------------------- Chapter Four coming soon! C&C welcome at saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com. No flames, please ... I'm as sensitive as Tendo Soun! From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: A dangerously depressed and newly cursed Ranma is brought to the Joketsukozu village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Pao Da begins helping Ranma accept his female side and lose his sexist beliefs by having him train with both the Amazon girls and men. However, no one had expected Ranma to be such a talented martial artist. After viewing a vivid display of the teen's skills, Chief Elder Ke Lon orders Pao Da to teach Ranma to channel and control his ki. Meanwhile, Ranma and his panda Pop become better acquainted with the Amazon village. -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Four: Plans for Everyone -------------------------------------------- Ranma-chan hauled her father away from the weapons store, her face brick-red from embarrassment. Stopping in a small clearing, she rounded on the giant panda. "You just couldn't help yourself, could ya, Pop?" she shouted, her small hands balled into white-knuckled fists. "Did it ever cross your furry little mind that just maybe panda paws weren't built to handle wushu weapons?! I can't believe you even tried that move!! What on earth were you thinking?!!" "Browr... " Genma replied, shuffling his feet in the grass. Ranma shook a finger in his face. "I don't want you touching anything that remotely requires fingers!" she railed. "You are *so* lucky that pudao went flying into that wall hanging instead of into the storekeeper's face. Just a few inches over and you'd have been his family's new panda-hide rug... and I'da helped them skin ya!!" Fuming, the redhead stomped over to a nearby tree and threw herself down beneath it, glaring at her father. she grumbled to herself. Although Ranma preferred hand-to-hand combat, she *had* trained with various weapons, including her mother's favorite, the katana. For her, browsing a shop specializing in nothing but weapons was like taking a small child to a candy store -- so many different kinds, some she'd never even seen before. Ranma sighed. Grinning wickedly, Ranma pulled out the canteen of hot water and unscrewed the lid, setting it on the ground beside her. Genma saw the steam rising from the open container and quickly sat down across from the cursed youth. "Tea, please!" his sign said as he put on his best "I'm just a cute panda" face. Ranma smirked. "Oh, I'll give ya tea," she said, pouring the hot water into a disposable cup. She held it out to her father, but when Genma reached for it, Ranma quickly snatched it away and upended it over her head. The panda promptly fainted. he thought. ***** When Ranma returned several minutes later, he found Pao Da sitting beside his unconscious father, snacking on some dumplings. She looked up at the pigtailed youth and grinned. "I see nobody has explained the effects of hot water on a Jusenkyo curse to your father either," she noted wryly. "Serves him right," Ranma groused. "He practically killed the owner of the weapons shop trying to reverse his grip on a pudao." Pao Da chuckled, visualizing an armed Genma-Panda clumsily twirling the bladed wushu weapon. "I'm surprised Bu Leidu even allowed him in the shop. He is notoriously picky when it comes to his customers." Ranma harrumphed. "No kiddin'. I just went back in as me and he practically chased me out of the place." "Of course he did, child! Did you actually believe he'd allow a male outsider to get a look at Amazon weaponry?" The teen grimaced. "He didn't have any problem when I was in my girl form," he complained. The blue-haired warrior polished off her snack. "That is understandable. Your girl form has become the subject of much discussion in Nyuuchiezu Genjudi," she explained. "Plus, it's well known that you are under my protection. However, very few have seen your male form in my company." She watched Ranma's shoulders droop slightly. "It's for the best, child," she added gently. "It simply wouldn't do for one of the Elders to be seen training a male outsider." Ranma nodded in resignation, then realized what the Amazon had said. "You're gonna train me?" he asked, incredulous. Pao Da nodded. "Our Chief Elder, Ke Lon, has requested this of me, and I agree with her reasons. The choice is yours, child, but before you choose, there are several things you should know." "Such as...?" Ranma prompted. Pao Da held up a finger. "First, never has an outsider -- male or female -- been trained in Amazon techniques. What you learn here you may not teach to anyone else except members of your own family." She glanced at the unconscious panda beside her. "Of course, that part is up to you. "Second, Amazon techniques are combat techniques, developed and sharpened throughout 3,000 years of history. These techniques are not meant for show. By choosing to learn them, you agree that you will not flaunt these moves or use them for anything other than to devastate a deadly opponent." Ranma nodded. "Those don't seem too unreasonable," he said. "Anything else?" The Joketsukozu woman's expression became stern. "Only this: the reason Ke Lon asked me to accept this undertaking, child, is that somehow you have managed to accomplish something that perhaps a dozen warriors have managed in the last century. Somehow, you are tapping into your ki and using it to augment your already formidable skills." Ranma blanched. "I... I am?" Pao Da nodded. "Yes, child. You are unaware that you are doing this, and this is why we seek to teach you. Untrained, you might expend too much energy, endangering those around you. Or worse, you might deplete your life force to the point that it can no longer sustain you." She paused to allow her words to sink in. "Our training is rigorous, child. What I have seen from you tells me you are more than up for the challenge. Will you accept, and allow me to teach you?" Ranma's mind reeled. He finally understood why he was able to leap so high, strike so fast, punch so hard. And now, he was being given an opportunity that had never before been offered to a non-Amazon. Grinning, the youth placed his hands on the grass and bowed to the Genjudi elder, touching his forehead to the ground. "Shall we begin, Sensei?" ***** Genma was having the strangest dream. He was lying beneath an ancient oak, enjoying the afternoon sunshine and the fragrance of the nearby flowers. Actually, that part of the dream wasn't so unusual for him. What was strange was that the flowers' scent seemed to be drawing some really humongous insects, huge brightly colored creatures that bounced between the blooms and buzzed along the rooftops. The bugs hadn't tried to sting him or anything, but they were still, well, bugging him. "Are you ready for what comes next?" a husky and very feminine voice breathlessly asked. The middle-aged martial artist smiled in his sleep. "Just show me what you want me to do," a young, sultry, and unmistakably female voice replied. "GROWF!!" Genma shot up, almost swallowing his tongue. Blinking, he saw Pao Da and Ranma -- in girl form -- staring at him in alarm. Realizing the voices in his dream belonged to them, he blushed... as well as a panda could blush, that is. "Yo Pop, what's the matter? You have a nightmare or somethin'?" Ranma asked, her hands on her hips. Pao Da looked on, concerned. Genma found his paws very interesting all of a sudden. Ranma shook her head in disgust. "Oyaji no baka, goin' and scarin' us like that!" She turned back to the blue-haired Amazon. "So, whaddya want me to try now?" Genma's eyes grew wide as he watched the Joketsukozu elder leap straight up, landing nimbly on the Council Hall roof. From there, Pao Da dashed to the edge of the eaves and jumped, touching down on top of the hospital -- more than 15 meters away. Spinning gracefully, she launched herself back in the air and retraced her path back to the Saotomes. "Browr! Browr browr browr!" Genma said in amazement. Ranma ignored the flabbergasted panda. "Gotcha, teach!" she said. Furrowing her brow in concentration, the redheaded girl flexed her knees, sprang to the top of the hall, and followed the route Pao Da had just taken. "Excellent, child. You're learning very quickly," the elder noted with pride when Ranma was back on the ground. "Now, are you up for a game of tag?" Before Ranma could answer, Pao Da planted a palm strike on the girl's sternum and leapt up, retreating across the rooftops. Ranma steadied herself and shook a fist at the escaping elder. "Oh, no you don't!" she hollered, following quickly in the Amazon's footsteps. Genma watched as his child and the Chinese woman bounced from building to building, flitting from the park to the rooftops at high speeds and with total disregard for the amount of airspace they were crossing. The gravity-defying display was just too much for his panda mind to handle. he thought as he retreated to the less mind-boggling haven of unconsciousness. ***** Pao Da raced through Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, her silk robes billowing out behind her. The early morning air chilled her cheeks, tinting them a healthy rose, and her silver eyes sparkled in merriment. She'd long given up on her hair, which had started out in a tidy trio of braids but now streamed loosely down her back. Casting a look over her shoulder, she laughed and quickened her pace through the village. Several meters behind her, Ranma noticed the change in the elder's stride and increased her speed accordingly. The young martial artist wasn't anywhere near exerting herself -- she was to accustomed to daily jogs to break a sweat. What differed about this morning's run, however, was that she was sprinting across the village rooftops rather than along the roads. she wondered idly. She'd been a little hesitant when the blue-haired Amazon had suggested the rooftop run as a morning warm-up. The last thing Ranma wanted was a bunch of angry Joketsukozu chasing after her with repair bills. Pao Da had assured her that the village's most elite warriors built up their speed and stamina this way, however, so Ranma finally agreed. She was glad she had -- the view of the sleepy town and the nearby mountains was stunning. Noting that Pao Da had paused on top of the village bakery, 25 meters away, Ranma tapped into her ki and propelled herself through the air, landing neatly beside her instructor. Pao Da grinned. "Excellent, child. You've gotten the hang of ki-enhanced leaps down quickly. It's now time to move on to something else." "Would that be breakfast?" the cursed teen asked, the aroma of freshly baked breads making her stomach grumble. "Not quite yet," the Amazon replied, her eyes twinkling. "There's something I want to show you." "Okay, Sensei, but I gotta warn you, working out makes me even hungrier," she informed Pao Da with a grin. The Amazon laughed. "My treat, once we're done with this. Deal?" "Deal!" "Good," Pao Da commented. Turning sideways, she pointed to the stone wall behind her. "Now tell me what this is." Ranma peered at the massive stone structure, then at her instructor. "It's a wall." She smiled brightly. "We done now?" Pao Da gazed at her steadily. "Cute. Anyway, yes, this is the wall that surrounds our village. It's approximately 5 meters high and has a sentryway built into the top. I want you to run around the village once, using the sentryway as your path." Ranma smirked. "Is that all? Piece a' cake!" Tapping into her ki once again, Ranma leapt the 30 meters between the bakery and the top of the wall... and lost her balance the instant her foot touched the stone. Flapping her arms frantically, she plummeted backwards, landing flat on the grass below. "Ouch," she whimpered weakly. Pao Da nimbly jumped down beside her. "You should know this by now, child," she tsked sympathetically. "Never judge someone -- or something -- by appearance. The village wall seems well fortified... and it is, being a full 2 meters wide. Except for the very top of the sentryway, where it's only 5 centimeters thick. That's where you'll be running." The Japanese teen sat up, her hands supporting her head. "I musta really landed badly," she complained. "I coulda sworn you said I had to run on a 5-centimeter wide path... " Pao Da crossed her arms. "Nice try, child," she commented. "How about this -- while you're running around the village, I'll go in and buy some breakfast pastries for us." Ranma responded by jumping straight off the ground onto the skinny stone landing above. Bowing, she winked at the Amazon. "Be right back!" she called out, sprinting away at a good pace. When Ranma made it back to her starting point, she found Pao Da standing by the wall, a bakery box in her hands. "Again," the elder told her. "Again?" the teen echoed, stunned by the command. Pao Da looked at her coolly. Ranma set off once more, at an even faster clip than before. When she'd circled back again, Pao Da had the bakery box open and was about to bite into a freshly baked custard bun. "Again," the Amazon repeated, sinking her teeth into the pastry. Fuming, Ranma dashed off. "Again." This time, it was a glazed lemon twist. "Again." A lotus-nut roll. "Again." Cinnamon bread. "Oi, Sensei! When exactly am I gonna get to eat?" Ranma griped, glaring down at her instructor. Pao Da smiled. "New deal. One more lap, and when you get back you can have whatever's left in the box." She held it open so the redhead could see the half-dozen remaining treats. "You're on!" Reaching deep within, Ranma charged her legs and lungs with ki, blurring from view as she sped around Genjudi. Racing the morning breeze, she was back at the bakery in a matter of minutes. Pao Da sat on the grass below the wall, daintily wiping her fingers on a paper napkin. An empty bakery box was at her side. The redhead's jaw hit the ground. "AAAUGH!!" she cried out in disbelief. The blue-haired woman stood up and adjusted her robes. "Ah, nothing hits the spot like Fu Laru's breakfast rolls," she sighed happily. "I can never get enough." Ranma face-faulted. "But where were we, child?" the Joketsukozu continued. "Oh, yes. You managed to access your ki to increase your running speed. How did that feel to you?" Ranma scratched the back of her head in thought. "It felt... like time was standing still, and I was running right through it," she finally said. Pao Da gave her a big smile. "Excellent. And I'll bet you never gave another thought to how wide or narrow that surface you were running on was, correct?" The pigtailed girl started in surprise. The elder watched Ranma's reaction. "We use that narrow bit of sentryway to teach our most formidable warriors how to keep their footing while in battle conditions. It's a balance exercise more than anything, but I find it effective for building speed, too. And now, as a reward for doing so well... " She reached into her silk robes and pulled out another bakery box. Ranma's eyes lit up and she quickly hopped down to the ground. "Xiexie, Most Respected Elder!" she declared, hungrily reaching for the box. Pao Da pulled it away at the last moment. "Wait! I totally forgot about the second part of that training exercise!" she exclaimed, her voice heavy with mock-regret. Ranma quirked an eyebrow. "And just what would that be?" The blue-haired woman smiled mischievously. "One more lap... carrying me." Ranma's face fell, and she eyed the elder, then the empty bakery box at her feet. "Just how many of those pastries did you eat again?" she asked morosely. ***** As the cursed youth suspected, Pao Da's promise of one more lap stretched into yet another lap, carrying the Amazon with nothing except her hands, and another lap after that, carrying not only Pao Da but the full bakery box as well. As if that weren't enough, the Joketsukozu woman kept reaching into the carton and pulling out a pastry, waving it just inches from the famished teen. "Hurry up, child," she told Ranma, "these baked goods don't have all morning, you know." Ranma grunted and sped up, thoughts of custard, cream, cinnamon, and pineapple spurring her on. An abrupt cry from Pao Da jarred her from her sugary reverie, however. "HALT!" Ranma skidded to a stop and looked around wildly, expecting to see armed invaders coming over the horizon. "What?! What is it? What?" she cried, trying to identify what caused Pao Da to shout like that. A finger tapping her shoulder brought her attention back to the elder, who was regarding her with amusement. "Just how many more laps did you plan on running, child?" Pao Da inquired. "You've raced past the starting point twice now." Ranma stared at her blankly, then realized that she was still hefting the Amazon -- and the box of baked goods -- in her hands and barely feeling the weight. "I did it again, didn't I?" the redhead asked, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "Yes, child, and incidentally, you can put me down now." Ranma flushed and, jumping down to the ground, set Pao Da carefully on the ground. "Still, you had to be goaded into accessing your ki instead of tapping into it at will. That will be of no use to you if your enemy isn't taunting you with food. You need to be able to use that energy effortlessly, in a controlled manner, at the drop of a hat." The criticism wiped the smile off the young martial artist's face. Seeing her student's shoulders droop, Pao Da tipped Ranma's head up to look her in the eyes. "Don't be so down, child. What you accomplished today has taken many an Amazon weeks to achieve. Yet here you are, progressing at lightning speed. You should be very proud of yourself." Ranma searched Pao Da's eyes for any signs the elder might simply be consoling her, but nothing reflected in those silvery depths except the truth. Satisfied, the teen grinned and held her hands out for her reward. Pao Da laughed and handed over the carton. "A breakfast well earned, I might add," she told the redhead, who quickly sat down and stuffed a cream horn in her mouth. "Just stay here, eat, and rest up a bit. I have to go arrange for your afternoon training." Ranma's eyebrows shot up. "Huh?" she mumbled around a mouthful of pastry. The Genjudi woman chuckled. "Child, believe it or not, I *do* have responsibilities to this village. I should be done about sunset or so, but for the rest of the morning and this afternoon I'm going to have you train with another Joketsukozu." Ranma wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Will they have permission to work with me like you've been doin'?" "The authorization came from the Chief Elder herself," Pao Da assured her. The cursed boy considered this. "Okay, but it'll be weird workin' with someone I don't know," Ranma finally said. "It'll be fine, child, believe me. I put my utmost faith in this person," the elder said. "They'll be here momentarily." Bowing slightly, Pao Da strode off, her silver robes flashing in the morning light. Ranma watched the Amazon leave and, shrugging, carried her box over to a nearby tree and plunked herself down. Selecting a plump red bean bun, she leaned back against the trunk and started working her way through the assorted treats. The sound of a throat being cleared nearby startled the redhead just as she was polishing off the last pastry. Jumping up, Ranma assumed a loose ready stance. "Who's there?" she called out in challenge. A tall figure stepped out from behind the bakery and approached her slowly. "Stand down, Saotome Ranma, I'm not here to hurt you. Pao Da sent me to work with you today." It was the master weaver ... and he was holding a canteen of steaming hot water. (to be continued) -------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who has read and continues to read China Girl. Your interest in my fic means a lot to me! A pudao -- the weapon that Genma-Panda mishandles -- is a broad, curving blade set on a pole-like handle, with a metal ring at the opposite end of the handle. Definitely high on the ouch scale. Disclaimers: Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! I don't mind, as long as you remember to feed them. -------------------------------------------- Chapter Five coming soon! C&C welcome at saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com. No flames, please ... I'm as sensitive as Tendo Soun! From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: A depressed and newly cursed Ranma is brought to the Joketsuzoku village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Pao Da begins helping Ranma accept his female side and lose his sexist beliefs. However, after viewing a vivid display of the teen's martial arts skills, Chief Elder Ke Lon orders that Ranma's lessons include ki-control techniques. Pao Da begins working on enhancing Ranma's balance, speed, and strength, but brings in a surprising mentor to finetune Ranma's ki techniques. -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Five: A Man Who Wants to Rule -------------------------------------------- Ranma blinked and slowly relaxed her guard. "I know you.. " she began. The weaver quirked an eyebrow. "Really? And here I'd thought it was just my silks that captivated you." Seeing the redhead flush, the Amazon man gave her a genuine smile. "I'm *joking*. Are all Japanese girls this sensitive?" Reaching into a trouser pocket, he drew out two small cups. "I'm not --" "Thirsty? That's a shame. I'm known to brew a mean cup of tea." The man deftly poured some of the fragrant beverage from the canteen and extended the cup to Ranma. "You sure? You might be thirsty after all that sugar." He nodded towards the empty pastry box at the cursed youth's feet. Ranma, however, cast an almost wistful look at the steaming canteen. "I thought --" she started. "That I wouldn't share? That would be downright rude of me, now, wouldn't it? Especially if I'm to be your zhidaoyuan today." He gestured at her with the tea and flashed her another smile. Ranma accepted the cup. "What's a zhid --" "Zhidaoyuan. Instructor. I believe your word is 'sensei'." The weaver looked at her quizzically. "Well, aren't you going to try it?" he asked, sipping from his own teacup. Ranma followed suit and found that the Amazon hadn't been exaggerating. "Oi, this *is* --" "I told you it would be, didn't I? It's a hobby, I guess. Blending tea leaves and spices to get just the right taste is a lot like combining threads of silk to get just the right pattern." He drained his cup, then noticed that Ranma was glaring at him. "What's wrong?" The teen thrust her empty cup at him. "Are you ever gonna let me get a word in edgewise?" she demanded, exasperated. The weaver laughed. "Probably not, Saotome Ranma. I'm also known for my talking. It's something Pao Da gets taken to task for rather frequently, I'm afraid." Ranma looked at the man, carefully examining his features. Bright grey eyes twinkled on an ageless face, and the faint laugh lines surrounding his mouth attested to a light-hearted nature. His glossy black hair, hanging loose and somewhat mussed, shone cobalt in the morning sun. "Are you Pao Da's --" Ranma began, only to get cut off once again. "She and I are close relatives," he answered. "Too close, some would say, for an Amazon elder and a mere male," he added wryly. "My name is Ta Lekhu, master weaver extraordinaire and resident big mouth of Nyuuchiezu Genjudi." With a flourish, he bowed, Western style. Ranma couldn't help but grin. She returned the bow, although in the traditional Japanese manner. "Pleased ta meetcha," she said, then paused in surprise. Ta Lekhu had actually let her finish a sentence! "Always keep them guessing," the weaver told her with a wink. Ranma snorted. She and Ta Lekhu were going to get along just fine. Except... "Hey, I thought you Amazon guys didn't really do martial arts. How're you gonna trai --" "Oh, don't worry, Saotome Ranma," Ta Lekhu reassured her. "Pao Da has shared much of her knowledge with me. And besides... " Reaching into his shirt, he pulled out two canvas folding chairs. "I have a few tricks up my sleeves." Ranma gaped, speechless, as the Joketsuzoku opened one of the chairs and gestured grandly to it. Realization suddenly dawned and she pointed at him excitedly. "You're one of those Hidden Weapons masters, ain't ya?" Ta Lekhu gracefully took his own seat and grinned. "Always keep them guessing," he repeated. "Now, shall we get started?" ******************** Genma was busily wolfing down another moon cake when something bright flashed to the rear of the bakeshop. He didn't give it much thought, chalking it up to a malfunctioning traffic light... until he remembered that the Amazons didn't have cars, much less street signals. Slowing his eating speed down to an almost human level, he kept his face neutral, watching for the flash out of the corner of his eye. There. A golden-white light, shimmering slightly, illuminated the trees just behind the bakery for a few seconds, then faded out once again. Genma wracked his mind, trying to figure out just what the light's source might be. Strobe... lighthouse... mirrored dance ball ... none of these were very likely. When the golden-white glow flashed again -- holding for a full minute this time -- Genma's curiosity won out over his appetite, and he went to investigate. What he found behind the bakery made his eyes practically pop out. His daughter -- his *son* -- sat on a folding chair across from a middle-aged Chinese man. The man seemed to be instructing Ranma, encouraging her while sipping from a cup of tea. Ranma had her eyes closed and seemed to be focusing intently on... something, Genma couldn't see what. As he watched, however, that golden-white glow appeared again, coalescing around the teenaged martial artist and surrounding her with an almost tangible power. Ranma was learning a ki technique. Dumbstruck, Genma slowly approached the seated pair. The only person he had ever seem manifest a controlled aura was his old master, Happosai, who used his ki to create gigantic -- and terrifying -- images of himself. Master Happosai had attempted to teach this technique to his two disciples -- Genma and Genma's training partner, Tendo Soun -- but hadn't quite succeeded. Soun managed to manifest a giant demon's head, but only when he was angry. Genma couldn't even do that -- he could glow bright blue, but, like Soun, only when infuriated. Neither of them could produce a visible aura at will. And here was Ranma, channeling enough ki to light up a forest. Torn between pride and jealousy, Genma finally found his voice. "Ranma!" The unexpected cry surprised Ta Lekhu, who spun around to face the intruder, splashing him with the cup of now-cooled tea. As Genma blurred and shifted into panda form, he quickly learned a painful lesson: never startle a student just learning to manipulate ki. Ranma looked down at the unconscious panda, smoke and steam rising from his singed, wet fur, then stared at her extended hand, still glowing with golden power. "Whoops," she said. Ta Lekhu quirked an eyebrow. "That's one way of putting it," he remarked dryly. ******************** [He blasted his father with a ki attack?!] Pao Da grimaced and averted her eyes, choosing to face the floor rather than the incredulous Chief Elder. [It was... unexpected.] [I'll say!] Ke Lon pogoed over to stand directly below the younger woman, forcing Pao Da to look her in the eye. [Never in 3,000 years of Amazon history has anyone ever managed a ki attack the very day they begin aura control, not even me! And he did it on his own, without instruction!] Pao Da's shoulders slumped. [I am sorry, Chief Elder. I'll put an end to his training at once.] *CLONK!* [You'll do nothing of the kind,] Ke Lon intoned as Pao Da rubbed her injured skull. [Did I not tell you this might happen, that the child might do unintentional harm to himself or to others? We are fortunate that he was already learning controlling techniques, or his father might no longer be with us.] Pao Da smirked. [I'm not entirely convinced that would be a bad thing,] she commented. Upon seeing Ke Lon's puzzled expression, she explained. [Saotome Genma seems uniquely driven by self interest. Although I'm certain he loves his son, I get the distinct impression that Saotome Genma sees Ranma more as a martial arts puppet more than as a flesh-and-blood boy.] [Or girl,] Ke Lon cackled. Pao Da said nothing. [Lighten up, child. It's not the end of the world. We simply underestimated young Ranma, once again.] Hopping back to her Council chair, the old Amazon sat back, pondering this most recent development. Seeing Pao Da glance out the window at the hospital next door, she sighed and came to a decision. [Continue his training as we previously discussed. But!! Have him perfect that attack of his. And see if you can get him to channel that ki of his into other techniques as well.] Pao Da blinked. [Which techniques, Elder Ke Lon?] The ancient Amazon stroked her chin thoughtfully. [Splitting Cat Hairs for once, since it's an advanced aura generation technique. You're working on ki-enhanced speed with him, correct?] [Yes... he can run at enhanced speeds, but needs to work on his focus so that he can do so at will.] Ke Lon nodded. [Yes. Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken will provide him with the focus he needs for *all* of his ki techniques. Be sure to teach him that, as well.] Pao Da's jaw hit the floor. The Chief Elder chuckled. [Come now, Pao Da, would you teach a running child how to crawl? If this is what it takes to help this young man to harness his energies, then teach it we must. Go with the flow, I believe my great-granddaughter would say.] The silver-eyed Amazon smiled. [She will be home soon, won't she?] she asked. [She will indeed,] Ke Lon confirmed . [Her reaction to our guests should prove quite... interesting.] Pao Da laughed. [And you say *I'm* the one with the knack for understatement?!] ******************** The first thing Genma felt when he woke up was his head, painfully heavy and but dizzyingly light. he noted to himself. The second thing he felt was the fist pressed up against his nose. "Kuso oyaji," Ranma snarled. "Whadja go do that for? I almost fried ya! Dontcha have any brains at all in that thick skull of yours?" "Browrf?" Genma woozily replied, still dazed and not at all certain why the redhead was ranting. Ranma pulled her fist away and glowered at the confused panda. "C'mon, Pop, you ain't *that* dense. You should know better'n to spook me when I'm learnin' a new technique, especially *that* kind of technique!" Genma's eyes widened as he remembered almost being turned to toast by his son's errant blast. "Browr rowr ro rowr browr rowf!" he said excitedly. The pigtailed girl looked at her father with disgust. "Oh, like I'm supposed to understand panda!" she retorted, pouring herself a cup of tea from the pot on the nightstand. "If you wanna talk to me, try changin' back first!" With that, she hurled the contents of her cup at her father. "Ranma m'boy, you're going to learn some respect for your betters!" a now-human Genma growled. The older martial artist jumped up into a fighting stance and managed to take one step toward the petite redhead before his spinning head sent him crashing to the floor, out cold. Sighing, Ranma hefted the heavy-set man up and tossed him back onto the hospital cot. "Stupid oyaji," she muttered, pulling the bedsheet back up over her father. "Never think before you act, do ya?" "That may well be, child, but his actions *do* help you learn your lessons." Ranma turned to face Pao Da, who stood near the ward entrance, her arms folded across her chest. "Oh yeah? How so?" The Amazon elder sauntered over to the foot of Genma's bed and regarded the unconscious man. "Your father easily outweighs me, wouldn't you say?" Ranma blinked, confused by the sudden change in topic. "Huh?" Pao Da gave her student a self-deprecating smile. "Well, so much for my feminine pride," she remarked, then pointed at Ranma's hands. "Do you often go about lifting your father like he were made of feathers?" Ranma scratched the back of her neck. "Uhhh... " Pao Da shook her head, exasperated. "*Think*, child. How did you get your father off the floor so easily?" Ranma looked from Genma to the floor and back again. "I dunno. I just picked him up and... OH!" The Joketsuzoku woman watched as comprehension finally kicked in and Ranma stared at her hands in wonder. "You used your ki, child, and you not only controlled when and where you wanted it but also how much you needed." She cocked her head. "A couple of days ago, you told me you usually only needed to see a technique once or twice before mastering it. I thought perhaps you might have been exaggerating, but you were telling me the truth, weren't you?" Ranma met her gaze dead on. "There ain't no honor in lyin'," she said in a flat voice. Pao Da looked at Ranma, reading what the cursed youth wasn't saying out loud. she noted to herself. She nodded once, then smiled broadly, breaking the tension. "You'll have plenty of opportunity over the next couple of days to prove me wrong again and again, child," she said, placing her hand on the redhead's shoulder. "I've been given the go ahead to up your training." Ranma's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! Even after what happened with Pop? You ain't kiddin', are ya?" Pao Da's silver eyes twinkled mischievously. "There's no honor in lying," she replied. "Let's go now, child. You've a lot of work ahead of you, and your father needs his... rest." ******************** Over the next few days, Ranma learned more about the mental and metaphysical aspects of martial arts than she had in her entire life. She literally spent hours sitting across from Ta Lekhu, channeling ki to whatever body part he called out, making her hands, feet, elbows, and even index fingers glow with golden-white light. She knelt on the ground until her knees ached, producing sphere after sphere of luminous ki in her hands while the weaver tumbled and capered about, doing his best to break her concentration. She stood, immobile, her entire body outlined in energy, as Ta Lekhu hurled insults at her, recited heartbreaking poetry, and told extremely off-color jokes in an effort to shatter her control. The Amazon man seemed inordinately pleased that her aura had remained strong and unwavering throughout that particular drill. Once she had mastered these ki exercises, her training with Pao Da quickly fell into place. Both instructor and pupil were pleased with Ranma's ability to enhance her speed and strength at will. An afternoon of roof hopping and leaping to increasingly higher tree limbs verified the teen's aptitude at enhancing her jumps as well. Ranma also rapidly learned to use her ki to buffer her falls when Pao Da teamed up with Sei Lin and a slightly vengeful panda to repeatedly toss her off the roof of the Council Hall one drizzly afternoon. Pao Da also enlisted Sei Lin's class of soon-to-be-warriors for an elaborate predawn game of hide and seek. Ranma was designated "it" and the 19 Joketsuzoku girls, Sei Lin, and Pao Da scattered throughout the village, leaving the Japanese youth to search for them in the darkness, using only her ki to recognize them by their auras. To Ranma's surprise, she discovered that each aura had a distinct feel or flavor to it. Sei Lin's aura was sharp and cool, much like the swords she wielded. Su Kopu, Li Suterin, and Fa Seling had light, almost minty auras, while the rest of the girls gave off airy, quivering auras that reminded Ranma of the giggles. The redhead located the combat instructor and her class within the first 20 minutes of the exercise, but the Amazon elder eluded her. Finally, as sunrise streaked the town with rosy light, the frustrated teen felt a familiar presence behind her. "Don't get discouraged, child," Pao Da told her kindly. "After all, I *have* been trained in techniques used throughout our history to disguise and mask ki signatures. While I hardly expected you to find me, I am quite impressed that you uncovered the others in so short a time." Ranma listened to what her sensei was saying, but her focus was not on the Amazon's words. ******************** The young man squinted up at the clock on the training hall wall, then peered out the window expectantly, as if waiting for someone to appear on cue. He *was* waiting for someone, actually, and time could not pass quickly enough until she arrived. It had been four long, arduous years since he'd had contact with the outside world -- his martial arts style strongly discouraged interaction with anyone besides his instructor and fellow students -- but he had now completed his training. He was now a master. He could now go home. And she was leading the party sent to escort him home. Oh, he knew that he wasn't the sole reason for the expedition. They'd undoubtedly spent time exchanging news with the elders at Nyuuchiezu Chengbao, and had probably done surveillance at Shan Fenghuang and along the outskirts of Musk territory. But now they were coming to Jaoyong, to retrieve him and return with him to Nyuuchiezu Genjudi. Where they would welcome him with open arms as one of their rare Hidden Weapons adepts. Where they would finally admit his bloodline would strengthen and benefit the tribe. And where, just maybe, she would finally acknowledge his love and accept him as her husband. The young man squinted back at the clock again and absently ran his fingers through his long black hair. He wondered how much she had changed during his absence. As a child, she'd been the cutest of all the girls in her age group... and one of the most talented fighters. He had no doubt that she'd fulfilled -- no, surpassed -- her potential, to become the fiercest, most beautiful warrior in all of Genjudi. No, of *all* the Amazon lands. He could just see her now, her thick, lavender hair cascading in waves down her back, her lush, feminine curves straining voluptuously against her silk top, her fathomless maroon eyes glittering dangerously, her graceful hands deftly wielding a pair of deadly bonbori... *CRACK!* [Stupid Mu Tsu, why are you staring at me like that?!] His vision suddenly full of stars, the young man rubbed his aching head and squinted at the now-blurry figure standing before him. [Xian... Xian Pu??] The purple-haired Amazon glared down at the Chinese youth, her demeanor and voice icy. [I thought four years at Jaoyong would have matured you, but I see I was wrong. You're still as ill mannered and persistent as ever.] The Amazon girl turned on her heel and stalked off, presumably to make arrangements for water and other supplies needed for the trip back to Genjudi. Mu Tsu watched the blur that was his lifelong love head off, cursing himself silently for not having sensed her presence. What kind of martial arts master was he, to let someone silently approach him like that? he acknowledged ruefully to himself. That this wasn't necessarily a good thing dawned on him when he heard the hushed whispers at the other end of the training hall. Taking a deep breath, Mu Tsu began patting the floor around him in a blind attempt to locate the eyeglasses Xian Pu had sent flying. After a few minutes of increasingly panicked scrabbling and decreasingly muffled laughter, the severely myopic youth felt something thrust into his hands. [Here, Mu Tsu,] a deep, abrasive voice told him. [It's good to see you again, even if you can't exactly see us at the moment.] The Amazon youth flushed in embarrassment and, recognizing his glasses, quickly slipped them on and turned back to thank his savior. Fortunately, his Hidden Weapons training had sharpened his control or he might have visibly gagged upon seeing her. Just in case, he inclined his head in gratitude. [Thank you, Ka Mei. It is good to see you, too,] he replied politely. [To see all of you,] he amended, looking past her at the entire entourage of warriors. He noted with embarrassment that some -- no, make that most -- of the women were eyeing him appreciatively. Swallowing nervously, Mu Tsu returned his attention to Ka Mei, who, to his dismay, had a hungry gleam in her eye as well. [I don't know what Xian Pu is talking about, Mu Tsu,] the Joketsuzoku girl said, her gaze roving appreciatively up and down Mu Tsu's body. [It looks to me like you've matured very well, and in all the right places.] Grinning cockily, she sauntered out of the training hall, the rest of the Amazons following. Mu Tsu waited until he could no longer hear their footfalls before releasing his shudder of disgust. It was bad enough that he'd gotten off on the wrong foot with his beloved Xian Pu, but Ka Mei's interest in him made things much, much worse. Not only was she Xian Pu's chief rival, but the horse- faced girl just gave him the creeps. With her stocky, muscular body, ultrashort haircut, and masculine features, Ka Mei gave the distinct impression of being a Nannichuan victim. Puberty hadn't done her any favors, either. Quickly analyzing his prospects as lover and beloved, Mu Tsu wondered if it were too late to stay on at Jaoyong for another four years. (to be continued) -------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who has read and continues to read China Girl. Your interest in my fic means a lot to me! zhidaoyuan: instructor, teacher Nyuuchiezu Chengbao: Amazon Fortress, as opposed to Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, Amazon Capital. Shan Fenghuang: Mount Phoenix I know, I know, Genma knows how to manipulate his ki -- that's evident in the Forbidden Techniques. But... he is not at all competent at generating an aura, other than the occasional blue glow. In the entire anime series, he only managed to manifest a gigantic aura version of himself once, and that lasted not even one minute... Disclaimers: Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! Their travel rucksacks are always packed and ready to go. 08/21/01 -------------------------------------------- Chapter Six coming soon! From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: A dangerously depressed and newly cursed Ranma is brought to the Joketsukozu village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Pao Da begins helping Ranma accept his female side and, with Chief Elder Ke Lon's approval, starts training the teen martial artist in ki techniques. Meanwhile, an Amazon party led by Xian Pu is en route back to the village after several weeks of surveillance. In tow: a newly minted Master of Hidden Weapons named Mu Tsu. -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Six: Loud as Thunder -------------------------------------------- Ranma stole into Ta Lekhu's shop, carefully positioning her feet so as not to make a sound as she stepped. Although the morning sun was streaming through the window, the weaver was nowhere to be seen -- an ideal situation for the teen, who wanted to test her aura perception skills and see if she could track the man down. She closed her eyes and focused her ki outward. There... toward the back of the stockroom, a faint shimmer. Smirking, the redhead advanced, her hands up in a misleadingly casual guard position. As she passed through the doorway, however, Ranma's danger sense started screaming in alarm. Whirling to her right, she dropped into a defensive crouch, her eyes widening briefly as she saw a sphere of golden-white energy speeding her way. Instinctively, Ranma shot back her own ball of ki, watching with satisfaction as the two energy missiles collided, canceling each other out with a dazzling light display. "Pretty good, Saotome Ranma," Ta Lekhu noted as he stepped out of the shadows. "You waited just long enough before launching your own counterattack, and then you only used as much ki as needed. Your control has greatly improved." Ranma scowled. "You couldn't think of a dif--" "A different way to test your reactions?" the weaver supplied. He scratched his temple thoughtfully. "I suppose I could have, but it wouldn't have been as enjoyable." Ranma's jaw dropped open. "But... but you could've burnt your shop down! And what if I'd missed? And what if--" The Amazon man smiled. "What if. The world is full of what ifs, did you know? Saotome Ranma, if you spend all your time worrying about what if, life will pass you right by." "But your silks--" "Are just things. And things are meant to be used, then replaced. Why does that bother you so much? It doesn't worry me." Ta Lekhu looked at the Japanese teen, curiosity evident in his eyes. Ranma racked her brain for an answer. "It's just that... well, you work so hard... I mean, they're really good, and I wouldn't wanna burn 'em or nothin'," she finished lamely. Ta Lekhu's grey eyes sparkled with amusement. "Really, now? My thanks, Saotome Ranma. It's not often that I receive such honest praise. When my time as your zhidaoyuan draws to an end, I will gift you with a bolt of silk just for you." He narrowed his eyes speculatively. "In fact, I believe I know just the one." Ranma flushed with embarrassment and pleasure. She hadn't received many presents in her life, and certainly none so costly as embroidered silk crafted by a master weaver. Words failing her, the petite redhead bowed deeply in gratitude. Ta Lekhu chuckled. "Why so silent, Saotome Ranma? Cat got your tongue?" He clapped the pigtailed girl companionably on the shoulder and headed towards the front door. "Let's be off... we've got much work ahead of us today." Had the Amazon looked back at Ranma just then, he would've been shocked at the sudden change in his student. Gone was the brash, confident martial artist; instead there stood a trembling, white-faced girl. "C-c-c-cat?" she repeated, her voice quavering. ******************** Genma was bored. Really, really bored. Since his release from the village hospital, he'd found himself accompanied by one if not more Genjudi men around the clock. It didn't take much for him to figure out they were under orders to keep him occupied and therefore away from Ranma. All right, he didn't mind Mao T'wazh too much... the carpenter *had* made and taught him to use his panda-speak signs, after all, and he played a mean game of go. And some of the others provided him with a challenge in mah jongg. But Genma had no intention of spending his days doing nothing but sitting at a gameboard, not while his son, the heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, was learning to channel his ki! He *had* to see how far the boy had come... had to see if it was time for him to step in and begin Ranma's training in their family's own secret techniques. While Genma had never mastered aura projection or ki blasts, he was far from inept at manipulating his life energy. In fact, he'd been the one to develop the Yamasen-ken and the Umisen-ken, incorporating his recurring need for stealth in the powerful techniques. Unfortunately, he was also the sole practitioner of these highly advanced moves, unless he counted that irritating Kumon fellow from that ramshackle dojo in northern Honshu. Genma had been waiting for the day that Ranma could begin learning these techniques and, judging from that ki blast that had almost incinerated him, that day had arrived. If only he could just get to the boy. He couldn't simply change into panda guise and slip away -- all of the Joketsukozu males knew of his Jusenkyo curse, and they weren't about to let an outsider male, even in panda form, roam the streets unaccompanied. Grumbling to himself, Genma reached down and shifted a mah jongg tile, doing his best to look engrossed in the game. He grimaced as his opponent made his move, deftly turning the game against the Japanese man. The Amazon looked up at Genma and smiled. Genma nodded his head with false enthusiasm. Blinking, Genma paused and replayed his last thought. Of course! Why hadn't he thought of it before? He would have smacked himself in the forehead if he'd been able to. Quickly schooling his features into a semblance of polite regret, he held his hand up to draw his opponent's attention. "Dozo," he said, "Cha, kudasai?" He mimicked holding a small teacup, lifting it to his lips and sipping. No hand signs were necessary, though, as cha meant tea in both Chinese and Japanese. The Amazon smiled again and, bobbing his head, left the room, presumably to brew some of the hot beverage. Genma smirked. Turning his ki inward, the bald martial artist vanished immediately from sight. ******************** Ranma stumbled back to Pao Da's house, thoughts of a shower and a nice, comfortable bed the only things keeping her weary body moving. Ta Lekhu hadn't been kidding when he said thee was much work ahead of them. Or rather, ahead of *her*. After getting over her brief moment of panic, Ranma had caught up to the weaver, only to spend the next hour fending off the Amazon's ki blasts. The wily teacher constantly varied the intensity of his blasts and the trajectory they took -- straight, curved, spiraling, serpentine -- so that Ranma was never certain where the next blast would be coming from or how big it would be. When she'd complained, he'd merely grinned and replied, "Always keep them guessing." Ranma had nearly clobbered him. Satisfied that Ranma had her ki blasts under control, Ta Lekhu had called for a break and, with the teen in tow, had returned to his shop, where he handed her a glass of ice water and told her to have a seat. Grateful for the rest period, Ranma had plopped herself down on a stool and greedily gulped the water down. She'd looked at her empty glass dejectedly, earning her a laugh from Ta Lekhu, who shook his head in amusement and handed her the entire pitcher and a couple of pork buns. He then sat down at a loom and began to weave. Ranma watched, once again enraptured by the Amazon's skill. She could barely make out his fingers as they flew across the loom, weaving an intricate design in red, white, and blue silk. Within minutes, he had created a square of fabric about one meter wide. Ta Lekhu spun around to face the captivated youth. "Well, what do you think?" he asked, standing up to let Ranma have an unobstructed view. "It's grea... HEY!!!" Ranma leapt to her feet and stomped over to the loom, where the newly woven fabric featured an image of ... herself. Herself, with beady blue eyes, an enormous hooked nose, and a long tongue sticking out of a mouth with fangs, of all things. "What, you don't like it?" Ta Lekhu asked, his voice tinged with amusement. Ranma just glared at him. "Ah, well. I suppose you'd like to destroy this wonderful creation of mine, hmmm?" Ranma nodded once, slowly. Ta Lekhu grinned. "Well, be my guest!" he said, gesturing grandly at the loom. "But... you're going to take it apart my way." Ranma raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "And that would be...?" "One thread at a time." Ranma face-faulted. "Come now, Saotome Ranma," Ta Lekhu scoffed. "If it only took me three minutes to weave this, it should take you only about that long to unravel it." "Oi! It ain't like I'm a weaver, y'know!" Ta Lekhu nodded in agreement. "No, you're not. But you *are* a martial artist with ki-enhanced speed, are you not?" "Yeah, but--" "Then simply channel that ki to your hands and quickly pluck out the threads." The weaver cocked his head to one side. "Or is this too much of a challenge for you?" That did it. Ranma straightened her back and poised her fingers over the wooden frame. "No challenge at all, " she sneered back. Narrowing her eyes, she lashed out, grabbing the loose ends of the silk and starting her attack on the unflattering portrait. Seconds later, she pulled her hands back. "ITE!!!" she hollered, bouncing around the room and nursing her bloody fingertips. Ta Lekhu watched Ranma's antics with a wry grin on his face. "Oh, did I not tell you to watch for the loom wires, Saotome Ranma?" the weaver asked mirthfully. "They're quite sharp." Ranma glared at him, her lips clamped tightly around an injured finger. Suppressing a chuckle, Ta Lekhu held his fingers up for the redhead to see. Ranma could just barely make out dozens of fine white lines, evidence of the Amazon's own battles against the loom. "You *will* heal, and you *will* cut yourself again. It is part of the learning process, Saotome Ranma." "What exactly am I supposed to be learnin'?" "Well, more than how to unravel one of my masterpieces," he told her. "Watch this." Making sure he had her attention, Ta Lekhu shot his hands out and in less than a minute had a pile of silk threads heaped on the floor in front of him. Ranma gaped -- if she'd thought his fingers were fast while weaving, they positively blurred while unraveling. "That's... that's... " she sputtered, trying to put her thoughts into words. "A waste of good silk? Yes, I know," Ta Lekhu noted, picking up the spent threads rather wistfully. "That is why the sooner you learn this technique, the better." Tossing the threads into a small wastecan, he sat down on his stool once again. "Tell me, Saotome Ranma, can you see the potential of what I am showing you?" The cursed youth stood silently, scenarios playing out in her mind. Herself, in front of the loom, rapidly demolishing another unflattering caricature. Herself, grabbing food off her father's plate faster that he could eat it. Herself, repeatedly punching her father at lightning speed when *he* tried to steal food off *her* plate. Ranma blinked. Repeatedly punching at lightning speed... "This is an attack, ain't it?" she queried, her eyes wide with realization. Ta Lekhu's lips quirked in a half smile. "Good. *Very* good. Yes, this technique can be used as an attack. On the flip side, it can also be used to block. It's a very powerful technique, handed down through three thousand years of Amazon history." He grinned. "The Chief Elder claims that it struck fear in the hearts of emperors, but I have my doubts." Ranma nodded at the loom. "You can use it to we--" "To weave? Most definitely. Do you have any idea how long I'd be sitting here if I had to work the loom at a traditional pace? With this technique, I accomplish in hours what would have taken days. It frees my time for... other endeavors." Ranma nodded thoughtfully. . "So, what's this technique called, Speedin' Hands Assault or somethin'?" The pigtailed girl was surprised to see color rise in Ta Lekhu's cheeks. "Ah. Well. I suppose it translates as 'Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken'." Ranma face-faulted again. "Sweet chestnuts roasting in a fire?" Ta Lekhu snickered. "The name comes from the way it's usually taught. Build a fire, toss a dozen sweet chestnuts in, then pull them out without burning yourself. After a few dozen scorch marks, you learn to move fast." Ranma stared at him in horror. The Amazon man laughed. "Worry not, Saotome Ranma. I prefer *my* way of teaching the Amaguriken. I tried to convince the Council to change the name to Utatte Hataorikiken and teach it my way, but Chief Elder Ke Lon pointed out that Genjudi has a limited number of looms, while fires are easy to come by." Ta Lekhu sighed, then suddenly perked up. "*You* can call it the Hataorikiken if you'd like." Ranma silently mouthed both names and made a face. "I think I'll stick to Amaguriken. Hataorikiken's kinda long." Ta Lekhu shrugged. "Ah well. At least cuts heal faster than burns." He grinned, then cocked his head, regarding the redhead with a curious expression on his face. "Hold up your hands," he directed her. Ranma did as she was told. The weaver took her hands and, turning them palms up, scrutinized her fingertips. Clicking his tongue, he released her hands. "Well, well, well, aren't we full of surprises." "What? Whad'I'd do?" Ta Lekhu folded his arms across his chest. "You use your ki to speed your healing. Were you not aware of this?" Ranma shook her head slowly. "I just thought I always healed quick." "Well, now you know. Ke Lon *was* right... you *do* use your life force unknowingly. One can only wonder what else you do with it." Ta Lekhu spun his stool around to face the loom once again. "Seeing that you're healed, we may as well continue the lesson!" And for the next two hours, the Joketsukozu man wove silken portrait after portrait of the Japanese teen: Ranma with her eyes crossed. Ranma with a finger up her nose. Ranma with big buck teeth. Ranma with a humongous runny nose. Ranma sucking her thumb. And each time, Ranma's speed increased... and the number of cuts on her fingers lessened. When she finally managed to unravel a caricature without nicking herself once, Ta Lekhu ended the training session. "You've been using your ki non-stop for almost five hours now," he explained when she had protested. "Your reserves are undoubtedly very low... what you need now is food and rest. We will continue this tomorrow." And with that, he shooed the redhead out of his shop. Ranma had turned to shake a fist at the weaver when a dizzy spell sent her stumbling. . By the time she reached Pao Da's house, all Ranma could do was kick her shoes off and totter towards her room. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow. ******************** Genma thought to himself as he combed the town, trying to locate Ranma. He'd already checked by the bakery, the weapons shop, and the men's training field, and had come up empty-handed. He'd poked around Pao Da's house, to no avail. He'd tried tracking the blue-haired elder, heading into the central park where he and Ranma had demonstrated the Saotome ryuu, but the only ones there were those teen Amazons and their bulldog of an instructor. Frustrated, the elder Saotome was ready to call it quits when he noticed the building directly across the grass from him. . Squaring his shoulders, Genma quietly strode to the Council Hall and slipped inside. He waited for his eyes to adjust to the darker interior, then slowly crept forward, checking each doorway as he passed by. Suddenly, a thick staff came whistling through the air, aimed directly at his head. Cursing, Genma dropped out of the Umisen-ken with a thunderous boom and rolled, jumping up in a fighting stance facing his attacker. "So. It appears that prowess at ki manipulation is not limited to the Saotome son." A short, wrinkled figure stood perched on the very staff that had almost bashed Genma's brains in. "Very interesting indeed." The Japanese man gaped. "How... how could you tell I was there?" he finally managed. The old crone cackled. "One can detect even the slightest use of ki, if one knows what to look for." She pogoed over to Genma until she was eye to eye with him. Genma stared at her. "I remember you... you came to watch Ranma and me in the park a few days ago." He narrowed his eyes. "What on earth are you?" Ke Lon smacked him on the temple with her pipe. "Insolent man. Your question is, undoubtedly, *who* am I. I am Ke Lon, Chief Elder of Nyuuchiezu Genjudi. *My* question is, what are we going to do with you?" (to be continued) -------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who has read and continues to read China Girl. Your interest in my fic means a lot to me! zhidaoyuan: instructor, teacher Yamasen-ken, Umisen-ken: the Saotome Forbidden Techniques, created by Genma and locked away because of the danger their use poses. Yamasen-ken translates roughly as 'Mountain of 1,000 Fists,' while Umisen-ken translates as 'Sea of 1,000 Fists.' They are also known as 'Noisy Thief' and 'Quiet Thief,' respectively. Ite: Ouch! Utatte Hataorikiken: Ta Lekhu's preferred name for the Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken. Translated roughly, it means 'Fist of the Singing Loom.' Disclaimers: Ranma 1/2 is a creation of Takahashi Rumiko. All rights belong to Takahashi-san, Shogakukan, Kitty, Viz, and countless other entities with the power to sue me for borrowing them for a little while. Please don't -- I'm a starving, penniless otaku! All original characters belong to me... if you'd like them to visit your fanfics, just ask! Their travel rucksacks are always packed and ready to go. 09/10/01 From: saotomeranchan@allaboutranma.com (Ana Maria Wagner) China Girl A Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction by Saotome Ranchan SaotomeRanchan@allaboutranma.com http://www.allaboutranma.com/fanfics/China_Girl/ [ Chinese ] < thoughts > * italics * Author's notes, acknowledgements, and disclaimers to follow. Who wants to read that first when there's a story waiting? What's happened previously: A dangerously depressed and newly cursed Ranma is brought to the Joketsukozu village, Nyuuchiezu Genjudi, where he is given into the care of Pao Da, an Amazon elder highly experienced in aiding Jusenkyo victims. Pao Da begins helping Ranma accept his female side and, with Chief Elder Ke Lon's approval and the assistance of village weaver Ta Lekhu, starts training the teen martial artist in ki techniques. Meanwhile, as Xian Pu's warrior party approaches the village, Chief Elder Ke Lon learns that Saotome Genma also has a few tricks up his sleeves. -------------------------------------------- Book One: Learning to Accept Chapter Seven: Hearts Beating -------------------------------------------- "Wake up, child... child, wake up! Ranma?" The persistent voice slowly penetrated the fog enshrouding Ranma's exhausted brain. Cracking one eye open, Ranma peered at who hovered over her and quickly yanked the sheets over her head. Pao Da chuckled. "I'm afraid not, child. I've set up a training exercise, and --" Ranma groaned loudly. "Geez, not *more* trainin'!! Ta Lekhu practically ran me into the ground with that chestnut loom thing of his." The Amazon elder smiled slyly. "Ah, yes. I understand you didn't care too much for his err, depictions of you." Ranma bolted out of bed. "You can say that again! Man, and here I was just startin' to think this was a kinda cute body." She looked down at herself, then caught Pao Da's amused expression and burst out laughing. "I can't believe I just said that." Her silver eyes twinkling, Pao Da gently guided the redhead down the hall and out of the house. "Don't fret about it, child. It just shows you're starting to accept your new... look." She held up a hand to hush Ranma's protests. "Enough on that subject now, however. I must get you ready for your exercise." Ranma sighed. "What am I gonna do now? Carry you and Ta Lekhu in my arms while hoppin' blindfolded along that wall?" The Amazon grinned. "Not exactly, but you *will* be blindfolded." She held up a large square of silk and waved it at Ranma, who blinked and turned red. "Hey! You ain't blindfoldin' me with that!" Pao Da innocently looked down at the silk. "Why, whatever is the matter, child?" Ranma snatched the square out of Pao Da's hand and snapped it taut. "Whaddya think's the matter?" Pao Da glanced at the silk, then at Ranma. "But child, it's a most remarkable likeness," she noted with suppressed mirth. Ranma glared at the cloth, which scowled right back. Ta Lekhu had masterfully portrayed Ranma with a grim mouth, blazing blue eyes beneath tightly knit eyebrows, and an angry flush -- a humorous caricature of the calm Ranma, but an almost perfect match for the annoyed Ranma that held the silk. "Hmf," was all she could think of to say. Pao Da plucked the fabric out of the teen's hand and quickly folded it into a thin strip, then tied it around Ranma's eyes. "Look at it this way, child: You won't be able to see the picture with it folded like this." "I won't be able to see *anything* with it folded like this," Ranma grumbled, tapping the cloth over her eyes. Pao Da grinned. "That's the idea, child. I don't want you to use your eyes... I want you to use your ki. Project your ki outward and let it guide you." "Guide me where?" "To the village wall, of course." Ranma turned her head towards the Amazon's voice. "You ain't makin' me run on that wall blindfolded, are ya?" "No, no. I have something much more entertaining planned," Pao Da assured her. Ranma griped to herself as the two slowly started forward. ***** [Are we there yet?] Xian Pu abruptly shot her hand into the air, bringing the troop of Amazons to a stop. Nonchalantly, she strolled down the line of warriors, halting beside the one who complained. [Is something wrong, Mu Tsu?] she asked sweetly. Mu Tsu blinked, peering at the lavendar-haired beauty through mud-speckled glasses. [Ah... eh... no, my darling Xian --] CLONK! [I am NOT your darling Xian Pu,] the young Amazon barked through clenched teeth as she lowered her bonbori. [You were my childhood friend, and *that* is the only reason your head is still attached to your neck. Do you understand?] Mu Tsu hung his head dejectedly. [Yes, Xian Pu.] Xian Pu flashed him a brilliant smile icy enough to freeze blood. [Your years at Jaoyong have made you forget your homeland, Mu Tsu. Look ahead and you will see the grasslands that lead to Nyuuchiezu Genjudi. We have perhaps an hour left to travel. Now, can you handle that or shall I find someone to carry you?] [I can manage,] the Amazon youth quietly replied. [Good.] Spinning on her heels, Xian Pu returned to the head of the column, pointedly ignoring the looks of pity aimed at the young master of hidden weapons. [Does anybody else have anything to say?] she demanded, not bothering to look back at the warriors. When silence ensued, Xian Pu nodded once and resumed the march, albeit at a slightly faster pace to spite the weakling male among them. Fortunately for her, the entire entourage separated her from Ka Mei, who guarded the rear and whose venomous look could have quite possibly curdled Xian Pu's blood. ***** "In all my years, I don't believe I have ever met anyone with such a capacity for food, Saotome Genma." Genma paused briefly in mid-munch to glance at the amused Amazon seated across from him, then swallowed and helped himself to another pork bun. "The life of an itinerant martial artist is fraught with peril... and devoid of food," he explained. "When the opportunity to eat presents itself, I don't let it pass by." "Obviously," Ke Lon cackled as the heavyset man popped the entire bun into his mouth. "Is this 'rule' one you teach your son?" The elder Saotome nodded. "Absolutely," he said around a mouthful of food. "Ranma knows that luxuries like food, clothes, and shelter aren't always part of our daily lives. All that matters is the Art, and the Saotome School." Ke Lon frowned. "You haven't neglected the child's needs, have you?" "Of course not!" Genma replied indignantly. "Wherever we've gone, I always made sure we found a dojo to train in, a new technique to learn." "I see," the Chief Elder commented, mentally rolling her eyes. "Humor an old woman for a moment, please, but why exactly do you train Ranma this way?" "Hmm?" Genma grabbed a handful of dumplings and popped one into his mouth. "Well, he's heir to the Saotome School. He needs to be strong and tough in order to carry on the family ryuu." Ke Lon nodded. "And your family ryuu, this Saotome School...?" Genma's chest puffed up with pride. "It is a style of martial arts unique to my family, specializing in mid-air combat and incorporating elements from many other disciplines. Ranma and I are the only ones who practice it." The wizened Amazon absently sipped from her teacup. "And did you develop the ki technique which you used to sneak into the Council Hall?" The elder Saotome flushed. "Well, err... I didn't mean to sneak in here. I was just looking for the boy." Ke Lon made a dismissive gesture with her hand. "Yes, but did you develop that technique, or did someone teach it to you?" "I developed it myself. It is part of a group of techniques involving stealth and ki usage to surprise an attacker. I call it the Umi-Senken." The Chief Elder nodded. "Such a powerful technique... the manipulation of ki to so completely cloak you shows a level of mastery that many would envy. And you learned this all by yourself?" "Well, no. My friend Tendo and I learned about ki manipulation and aura projection from our old master," Genma explained. "I wasn't that good at projecting demon heads and huge versions of myself, so I applied what I learned in another direction." He popped another dumpling into his mouth and chewed slowly. "I did pretty well, if I do say so myself." Ke Lon, however, had stopped listening to his ramblings, focusing instead on one part of his story. "Your master... he was capable of projecting a large version of himself in order to terrorize opponents?" "Mmm-hmm." Narrowing her eyes, Ke Lon stared at the Japanese man across from her. "Would your master's name have been... Happosai?" Genma nodded, swallowing his mouthful. "Yes... have you heard of him?" Her eyes glinting like steel, Ke Lon nodded curtly. "Oh, yes, Saotome Genma, I know of Master Happosai. I know him well indeed." ***** "Okay, so what do I do now?" Ranma stood atop the sentryway on the village wall, perfectly balanced and awaiting further instructions. She'd made it all the way through Genjudi without stumbling or accidentally walking into something, and she was now relying solely on her ki to "see" for her. "Now you wait," Pao Da instructed her. "Over the next hour or so, Sei Lin's class will be approaching you, one by one. Their goal is to grab your blindfold. *Your* goal is to use your ki to recognize each girl's signatures and identify them before they can reach you. Once you call a name out correctly, that girl is eliminated from the exercise." Ranma grinned and cracked her knuckles. "So... it's kinda like a reverse hide n' seek, huh?" "Yes. This should be no different from our exercise the other day, except that this time they'll be coming to you. Remember, there are 20 girls, plus Sei Lin." The petite redhead nodded and assumed a casual ready stance. "Bring 'em on!" But Pao Da had already disappeared, leaving Ranma alone on the wall. ***** Xian Pu raged silently to herself as she stomped her way through the field outside her village.