Cat Fist Fury Disclaimer: Please don't sue. I think that says it all. < >: Thoughts Chapter 23 Preliminary to Battle Cologne sighed as she and her great-granddaughter prepared to close up the Nekohanten for the night. It had been several weeks since she or anyone in Nerima had heard of any news concerning Ranma or rather Kojiro. Her rival Mascara had departed with her husband-hunting group to go search for new candidates for inductance into the tribe. Cologne knew that it was lie. She suspected that Mascara and her party was actually searching for Ranma. She had told Mascara that Ranma had left out of cowardice, though both elders knew that she was trying to get Mascara to forget about snaring him. As of now, Cologne and Shampoo were actively listening for any sign or news of Ranma and keeping a close eye on the one called White Claw. The three hundred-year-old martial artist gave Shampoo strict orders not to challenge White Claw. She sensed a power within him that dwarfed her own and she was certain that he could not be controlled if he was a member of the Amazons. It was then that she felt a chill and whirled about to see White Claw himself leaning against the open front door. "I'm sorry but we are closed for the day." Cologne said after mustering her courage. The raw power she felt from him was overwhelming and she could detect the faint emanations of recent bloodletting. This person unnerved her. He was like a powerful predator with a presence that made itself known to all not to get him angry. "Please come back tomorrow." Shampoo said as she gazed over the Felinar's well-muscled form, which reminded her of her Airen. White Claw smirked as he shook his head. "Oh, I am not here to order. Actually, I want to give you some information, Elder Cologne of the Joketsuzoku." "You know of me?" Cologne asked. "Why yes. I have access to vast resources and I know about your tribe, due to my clan's association with a certain Happosai." "Happy!" Cologne hissed. She still carried a grudge against him after he had stolen the treasures of their village three centuries back. "What is your connection to him?" The kohlinjar shrugged as he responded. "Well, like your tribe, my clan had their treasures stolen by him. However..." White Claw smirked. "Unlike you, we got them back and taught Happosai the error of stealing from us. Now I am certain that you wish to retrieve the items that he stole from you, and get your revenge, correct? I know that you have been having problems, due to Happosai's skills as a martial artist and his... shall we say, talent for getting out of the most elaborate of traps." Cologne reluctantly nodded. "Well then, I bear good news for you." White Claw said cheerfully. "Your hated foe is now HELPLESS! I had seen to that! You will find him at the hospital in downtown Tokyo in room 240B." "What did you do?" Cologne inquired, hardly believing her ears. "Let's just say, that he won't be able to get very far in the shape he's in! Oh, please forgive me. I haven't introduced myself. I am White Claw, kohlinjar of the Felinar Clan." "Aiyah! Great-grandmother! HE is one who defeat Airen!" This really caught Cologne's attention. So this was the one who defeated her future son-in-law. Now she could understand how Ranma lost to him. The Neko Ken she had sensed within Ranma was as nothing compared to White Claw. The raw power within him made the aged woman's head spin as she thought about how the tribe could benefit from such a strong bloodline. She then pushed those thoughts away as she also felt a darkness and cruelty within him. His power was enormous, but so was his evil intent. Unlike Ranma, he would not be so easily manipulated and that would make him far more trouble than he was worth. Cologne looked at White Claw and could tell that he wasn't lying about Happosai. Her thoughts became evil as she thought of all the things that she had wanted to do to Happosai, since he stole from the tribe. Due to his formidable martial arts skills, taking revenge on Happosai was not a simple task. If what White Claw had told her was true, then the perverted master of the Anything Goes shall finally be brought to justice, Amazon Style! Still, despite this information, Cologne was suspicious of White Claw. "Though this is very good news, just why are you telling me this? What is your stake in informing me?" "Oh, just getting the ball rolling for my own amusement." White Claw replied as he looked at her with a calculating gaze. "And speaking of amusement, I was wondering why the Amazons had not challenged me as of yet. From what I can see, you Cologne are the equal to that of Happosai. Would you care for a match? Or perhaps your lovely great-granddaughter would like to test her skills, hmmm?" Shampoo gasped a bit as he looked in her direction. Cologne thought very carefully on this. Though she had no doubt that White Claw could defeat Shampoo with relative ease, thus becoming her husband by Amazon law, there was something about him that still unnerved the matriarch. He had defeated Ranma and therefore, was far more powerful. Such power was unpredictable and difficult to control, if it could be controlled. If White Claw had defeated Happosai and left him crippled, then it was a safe bet that Cologne would only have the slightest of chances of defeating him. Since his appearance in Nerima, Cologne had been doing some research, delving deep into the ancient texts of Amazon history. There had been some mention of encounters with unbeatable warriors that possessed catlike powers. There was even a name mentioned: Felinar. Those ancient legends were usually dismissed as fairy tales and such, but after witnessing Ranma and his powers, and now meeting up with an actual member of that clan, Cologne knew that the stories about them were true. Forcing White Claw to become part of the tribe could result in disaster for the Amazons. In her eyes, the kohlinjar could likely slay three-quarters of the tribe and perhaps half of the Council of Elders. If he called in other members of his clan, then the Amazons would stand no chance of survival. Though they were a proud people, the warrior women knew when not to fight, especially against a foe that could annihilate them. No, the consequences were too high to attempt a bid to get White Claw. Ranma was the safer choice, since he was not a part of the Felinar, yet he possessed the power of those warriors. Though little did she know that Ranma had already been inducted into the clan. Though this hurt her pride, Cologne knew that accepting his offer for a challenge was comparable to suicide. She swallowed hard and said with great reluctance, "Thank you for the offer, but with this news that you bring us, we must now prepare to take our revenge on Happosai." "Pity." White Claw said with mock sadness, though he was enjoying the expression on Cologne's face. He knew that she must be gnashing her teeth at backing down. He then shrugged his shoulders. "Ah well, perhaps another time then? Good day to you." He then left the Nekohanten. As soon as he was gone, Shampoo turned to her relative. "Great-grandmother, why you no accept challenge from White Claw." Cologne sighed as she sat down. "The reason why I turned down his offer, was because? I would have lost." Shampoo couldn't believe her ears. Her great-grandmother was actually admitting that someone was better than she was? Cologne looked up to Shampoo. "Child, do you truly believe that I am invincible?" Shampoo nodded. She had seen Cologne perform many amazing feats and defeated warriors that were far younger and stronger than she. "In this world, I consider five or so people as either my equal or better in the mortal realm." Cologne paused for a moment in thought, then continued. "With Happosai no longer able to fight, that number had been whittled down to four. Now however, that number has increased? to six." "Six?" Shampoo said in surprise. "That person who just left here was the fifth. And as for the sixth? I hope that he returns for he may be the only one who can defeat him." Cologne was worried as White Claw was now starting to take an interest in the Amazons. She had already heard about the troubles he was causing for the Tendo family, which resulted in permanently crippling Happosai. She could tell that White Claw was just tormenting them to amuse himself and the matriarch did not want any part of that. She had suspected that Ranma had disappeared to train for a rematch and she hoped that he would return in time before the kohlinjar decided to make the Amazons his new playthings. Back in China, Ranma kneeled as he was receiving the final instructions from Bastet. He had defeated Red Fang in fair combat. The old Felinar, though he was still in exile, retained the right to induct any outsider who knew of the Neko Ken into his branch of the clan. Bastet had checked up on him as he was recovering and he had informed the cat goddess that Ranma was now officially part of the Felinar. As such, Ranma now had all the rights, privileges and access to their resources. With this inductance, Ranma also gained a new name. "Your Felinarrrr warrior name shall be? SABERRR CLAW! Rise my avatarrrr!" Saber Claw now rose to his feet and Bastet made a sweeping gesture. His tattered clothes suddenly glowed with a bright light and reformed. His pants elongated and a new gi top appeared on him. Ranma found himself wearing a from-fitting gi that was made of jet-black silk. The tunic was sleeveless and had a V-shaped opening in the front, showing off some of his muscular chest. On the back was a stylish insignia of a tiger's head in a white and gold silhouette. His arms had simple bracers on the wrists and his bare feet had black bandages around the ankles and part of the shins like a kickboxer's. His long hair was retied in a simple, lush ponytail with scarlet band. Ranma looked down at his new outfit, then nodded. He shifted to his hybrid form, and noted that the new clothes simply expanded accordingly so that they were still comfortable, but not skin-tight like Brittany Diggers clothes. The werecheetah was forced to buy clothes that were several sizes too large for her human form so that they'd fit her in her hybrid form. "Now, go forth and return the Felinarrrr to its true path, Saberrr Claw." Bastet gestured to a portal, which opened up beside her. Ranma nodded and entered it. In Japan? "You sent for me sir?" The aged servant asked as he approached his master. White Claw nodded. "Yes. I have received word from my spies that certain associate of Kojiro had gone to meet with another friend of his. A Shaolin priest named Tung Kwai." "Sir?" The servant didn't understand. White Claw handed him a small envelope. "Red Fang had ignored the laws when he spared Tung Kwai all those years ago. He thought he could hide the fact from me that an outsider knows of the Cat Fist and that he neither ended his life, nor inducted him into the clan. As such, Tung Kwai? must die." At the Shaolin Temple, few hours later? "How are you tonight, Kuonji-san?" Tung asked. "Fine, thank you." Ukyo replied as she walked with the aged priest up the stairs toward the main temple building. As the sun moved toward the horizon, the young okonomiyaki chef wondered if her Ran-chan, correction, her Ko-chan would ever return. It was then that she saw some dark shadows suddenly dart out and land in front of her. She then saw three figures standing before them as they reached the front of the temple. They were all dressed in black and she didn't recognize any of them as they took stances that were strangely familiar. She then realized that they were taking poses that Ranma had used during the No Holds Barred tournament. "Who are you?" Ukyo asked as she tensed up. One hand went up to grasp the handle of the battle spatula she carried on her back. "What do you want?" The first person ignored her as he directed his attention to the priest beside her. "Tung Kwai?" The old man nodded. "I am. And who are you?" The leader was taller than the other two and had straight, black hair that went down past his shoulders. The other two were identical twins and each sported reddish-brown hair cropped in a short, style. The leader assessed Tung and nodded. "Our names are not important. The kohlinjar of the Felinar Clan sends his greetings? and I am sorry to say, his farewells!" Without warning, the three suddenly sprang forward with inhuman speed, Before Ukyo could even begin to react, she received a hard kick to the midsection and was sent sprawling. She managed to roll with the blow and grasped two throwing spatulas on her bandoleer. She then hurled them at her opponent while getting up, but was shocked to see the one she was fighting casually make a sweeping gesture and slicing the projectiles into metal confetti. "You know the Cat Fist?" Ukyo gasped. "Know it?" The Felinar said flatly. "We ARE the Cat Fist!" As Ukyo was being distracted, the other two Felinar members attacked Tung Kwai. The old priest wasn't as strong as he used to be, but he was far from helpless. Well-versed in Kung Fu and a few other fighting disciplines, Tung managed to hold his own against his attackers. However, like the cat that liked to play with a mouse before the kill, the Felinar were holding back much of their abilities as they wanted to confirm that the Shaolin priest knew of the Cat Fist. The old priest as his side received a glancing swipe, which tore at his robes and bit into his flesh. He retaliated with a straight kick, but the two easily danced out of the way. "Not bad." One of the Felinar said. "You have some considerable skills." The other nodded. "Indeed, yet you still have yet to show us your true power!" The two Felinar upped the ante by slashing a few more times at Tung's chest and arms. The priest winced as his attackers drew more blood. Despite his skills in the martial arts, Tung knew that he was no match for the sheer ferocity of his opponents. He was tiring fast and his attackers were not letting up for anything. A few meters away, Uyko was swatted aside like a fly. Her battle spatula was slashed into two. She hit the ground hard and rolled to a stop on her face, moaning. "We have no business with you." The third Felinar said as he turned his back to her and watched his comrades as they prepared to finish off Tung. They had backed Tung up against the temple and were now preparing for the final lunge. It was then that Tung decided to go all out. As one Felinar charged forward with a diagonal slash, followed by a roundhouse kick, Tung reared back with a hand. He bit down as the pain of the slash and kick connected, then lashed out. The Felinar cried out in pain and staggered back while clutching his right shoulder. Blood was dripping from where Tung's slash had hit. "So, you DO know the Neko Ken." The second one said as he tensed up and his extended claws glowed with chi. Tung was feeling woozy due to the loss of blood and knew that his life was about to end. The one he had injured was now recovering and about to join his comrade in a final charge. Ukyo looked up from where she was and gasped. "No! Please! Don't?!" The Felinar charged? and then were sent flying backward as another black shadow suddenly darted out of nowhere and slammed into them with a hard kick. "KO-CHAN!" Ukyo cried out as she saw him stand between Tung and his attackers. She almost didn't recognize him with his new clothes. He seemed a lot harder looking than when she saw him last. He had been a broken soul that only wanted to be left alone after his defeat. Now he seemed absolutely confident and sure of himself. He had also become much more muscular and radiated power that seemed almost primeval. He took a stance and addressed Tung without taking his eyes off the two Felinar, who were just getting back to their feet. "Are you all right, Master Tung?" "I'll? be fine." Tung assured as he backed out of the way. The two Felinar glared at the interloper who dared interfere with their duty and took stances. The third Felinar watched on with interest as Ranma prepared to take on his opponents. As the twin Felinar began slashing and kicking, which Ranma easily parried and countered, the leader then noticed a small pattern inscribed on Ranma's right shoulder and gasped. "STOP!" The other Felinar abruptly stopped in their tracks and looked back to their leader. The third Felinar then pointed to Ranma and said, "Look to his right shoulder." The two did so and they too recognized the pattern. They immediately knelt down and bowed their heads to a confused Ranma. "Hail, chosen one of Bastet." Both Felinar said at the same time. "Forgive us for attacking you!" "What the??" Ranma became very puzzled as to what was happening. First these guys were ready to rip into him and now they were bowing? The third Felinar walked up to Ranma and bowed to him as well. "What is your name, chosen one of Bastet?" "Me?" Ranma said, still in confusion. "Your name?" The leader urged. Ranma became silent and then replied. "I am Kojiro Shinkara, but Bastet called me? Saber Claw." The two other Felinar got to their feet and stood behind their leader. The lead Felinar nodded to them and then addressed Ranma. "Greetings Saber Claw. I am Night Stalker, though you may also call me Pantheron. These two are Cutter and Quick Slash." "Why did you attack Master Tung?" Ranma glared at the two Felinar. Pantheron held up a hand. "It is our duty to carry out the orders of the kohlinjar. He ordered the death of Tung Kwai since he knows of the Cat Fist!" "No! I won't let that happen!" Ranma snapped at him. Pantheron shook his head. "Though you are the chosen one of Bastet, we must still obey the kohlinjar. We do not wish to end an innocent's life, yet we have no choice. It is our law and our duty is clear. Stand aside." "If you want to kill Master Tung, then you'll have to get past me!" Ranma took a stance. Pantheron sighed. "As the chosen one of Bastet, we will not fight you in honor of our goddess, but we must still obey the kohlinjar. Even if you were to defeat us, others will come to carry out White Claw's orders." Ranma grimaced as he realized the situation. He couldn't keep protecting Tung forever. There was only one way to solve this problem and perhaps get some of those damned laws changed. And it would also ensure that anyone else that was close to him would be safe from White Claw or the Felinar. "So you must obey the kohlinjar?" Ranma asked in a cold tone. "Yes." Pantheron replied flatly. "Though I wish that White Claw was not the kohlinjar. Many of the Felinar do not agree with his ways as well. We would gladly accept a new kohlinjar, but no one has been able to defeat White Claw." "Night Stalker! Don't say things like that about the kohlinjar!" Cutter said in shock. Pantheron snorted. "White Claw already knows of my despising of him. He takes pleasure in sending me to kill poor fools and innocents who attempt to learn the Neko Ken. He disgusts me but he knows that I can do nothing against him." "Well, maybe after he is no longer kohlinjar, you can tell him what you REALLY think of him." Ranma said. "What are you saying?" Ranma's expression became dead serious. "Take this message to White Claw for me. SHASH MASHA ADARI FOKAN KOHLINJAR!" All three were taken aback by the words as Pantheron paused for a long time before replying. "It will be done. The Combat Challenge has been issued and we recognize you as Felinar. The death warrant for Tung Kwai shall be suspended until the challenge is over. We shall bring the message to White Claw." Without another word, the three turned around and walked off. Ranma's rage began to cool down as he ran over to help Tung and Ukyo. Some time later in Japan? Akane was walking home with her friends as she thought about what had happened to Happosai. She had never seen anyone get that hurt before and it scared her. She had also gone to visit Ryoga, but the lost boy was still heavily sedated and restrained in his bed. She sighed heavily as she continued to walk home. "Akane, what's wrong?" Yuri asked. "Nothing." Akane lied while still deep in thought. She was still trying to figure out how to get out of the mess that her family was in. Two chances remained to get the dojo's sign back. Happosai was permanently crippled. Her father and that fat friend of his were wailing nonstop about how the Anything Goes was doomed and that the schools would never be united. As soon as she thought that, that nagging feeling of doubt came back to her as Nabiki's words rang in her head. Flashback? Nabiki: You can break as many bricks and training dummies as you like, but that won't make the slightest difference against a fighter like him! Akane: I'm a martial artist too! Nabiki: So? Do you think White Claw cares? Do you honestly believe you can beat him and his Neko Ken when you couldn't even beat Ranma? Even if you train all your life, you still wouldn't come close to hitting him, let alone defeating him. It's time for you to swallow that martial artist's pride of yours and realize the truth. The dojo is dead. Then Nabiki's final statement came to her. Nabiki: Is your life really worth risking for a piece of wood? End of flashback? Akane shook her head in frustration. She was the best martial artist in Nerima before that damned Ranma had shown up and ruined everything. Now her family was about to lose their legacy and it was all his fault! They didn't even have confidence in her abilities any more. Her father and Genma were still hoping that Ranma would return and win back the sign, but she'd show them! She'd show them all that Akane Tendo was the one to carry on the Anything Goes and not some FREAK! Akane's fists clenched as she said goodbye to her friends and walked into the house. She soon began her training regimen with intense rage and fire. She'd show them all! Back in China? "I thought I told you not to follow me, Ucchan." Ranma said as he applied a cold compress to Ukyo's head. "I couldn't stay away Ran-cha? I mean, Ko-Chan." Ukyo replied as she gratefully took the cold pack. She had managed to survive the encounter with the Felinar with only a few bruises. "Well, it is good to see you again." Ranma said as he gave her a hug, which she eagerly returned. "So what's been happening in Japan since I've been away?" Ukyo began explaining what had been occurring since he left. She told them about the Tendos losing their dojo's sign to White Claw and their failed attempts to get it back. She told him about her encounters with Genma and the promise he had broken ten years ago. She had also told him of the trouble that was stirring up and how it was going to affect everyone if Ranma would not return. Ranma sighed and nodded after Ukyo had finished with her tale. It was just as well that he was coming back. He missed his friends at school and wanted to get on with his life as soon as this battle was over. At least, things couldn't get worse. A few days later in Nerima? "WHITE CLAW! I CHALLENGE YOU!" The kohlinjar had just looked out his window and saw Akane Tendo in her gi waiting for him outside. He smirked as he nodded and pointed to the empty lot. Three days ago, he had received the challenge from Ranma after Night Stalker and the twins had contacted him. He was now eagerly awaiting his return and decided that Akane's challenge would be the last chance he would give the Tendos or Genma Saotome to get their sign back. The final opportunity would be reserved for Ranma. He chuckled as he went to meet with the short-tempered heir of the Tendo dojo. Nightfall? "Where's Akane? I didn't see her at school today." Nabiki asked. "I haven't seen her either." Kasumi replied. "I saw her leave for school this morning. Are you saying that she skipped class? That's not like her." Nabiki wondered why Akane would cut school, then her blood became cold. "Oh no. You don't suppose??" Kasumi also became pale. "But? Father had forbidden her to challenge White Claw again! She wouldn't?!" That was when the phone rang and Soun went to get it. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! AKANE!!!" That night at the hospital? "She was very lucky. She only suffered minor fractures to her arms and legs." Dr, Tofu said. "The cuts and bruises she received looked worse than they were and she's recovering nicely. However?" "However?" Soun asked nervously as he, his family and Genma were standing outside of Akane's room. "She received a very nasty cut across her face and it's going to leave an ugly scar." That's when Soun's waterworks started. "Akane! Akane! Akane!" Kasumi was too shocked to say 'oh my!' Nabiki was stunned. How could Akane could be so foolhardy? Genma was out of it. That was when Dr. Tofu handed him a piece of paper that was found on her when she was bought in. It read: Nine down, one to go. White Claw The message was written in Akane's blood. To be continued? Author's notes Well I guess this chapter was a bit on the dark side, but now the main event is here! Next chapter? IN THIS CORNER, dressed in white, the Kohlinjar of the Felinar Clan, and the one who holds the future of the Anything Goes Dojo in his hands? WHITE CLAW! IN THIS CORNER, dressed in black, formally known as Ranma Saotome of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts, now going by the name of Kojiro Shinakara. Also known as the Tokyo Tiger? SABER CLAW! LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!