Cat Fist Fury Disclaimer: Where oh where has my disclaimer gone? Oh where oh where can it be? < >: Thoughts << >>: Eye of the Tiger Chapter 24 Part 1 Finally... the Rematch! Monday? "Ko-chan, are you okay?" Ranma turned his head to the girl sitting beside him on the plane. "Huh? Oh, I'm fine Ucchan." "Are you sure? You looked like you were a million miles away. Are you thinking about... the fight?" "Yeah, I suppose that would be obvious." Ranma replied. "Don't worry about it, Ko-chan. You're going to win! I just know it! You didn't go through all that training for nothing!" "Yeah, well still..." "Still what?" "Still, I've been getting the feeling that this fight is more than just taking on White Claw again." "What do you mean?" Ukyo said. "I have a nagging feeling that this fight is not just between White Claw and me. I... just have this feeling that the outcome of this fight is going to affect a LOT of people. Mind you, I'm NOT fighting for the sign of the Tendo Dojo." "I know that." Ukyo said. She didn't really have anything against the Tendo family, except for the fact that Ranma's jackass father was trying to get her Ko-chan to marry Akane. As far as she was concerned, Kojiro was HER fianc?e. Genma had taken her dowry and spent it. That and all the other crimes he had committed had invalidated the promise he made to the Tendos. Furthermore, Akane had already stated that she did not want Kojiro and called him a freak. Well that was fine by Ukyo. Akane didn't know what she was rejecting and that was her loss. The daughter of the Kuonji clan was now the top contender for Kojiro's affections and she was going to make certain that she stayed in that position. Ukyo then remembered the talk she had with Tung Kwai. She realized that she was getting possessive again and took a deep breath. The aged priest had her pegged all right, but she just couldn't help it. Her Ko-chan was now more muscular and better looking than she remembered the last time she saw him. His human form was fine looking, but his exotic hybrid form was downright gorgeous! Even so, she could still see the Ranma Saotome she knew from her childhood in his eyes. She could see in those gray-blue depths that he would never do anything to hurt her. She could also see the same reluctance to get close to anyone else and decided to take the Shaolin priest's advice and give her fianc?e the space he needed. After all, she had waited ten years to be reunited with him. What was a little more time? "It'll be good to see Shang and the others." Ranma said. "Yeah. They're good friends." Ukyo replied. "By the way Kojiro, do you think Master Tung will be all right?" "He'll be fine. The wounds he received from the attack weren't serious. He'll be all right for now. Although that death warrant on his head has to be removed. The only way I can dissolve it is to prove that White Claw is unworthy as kohlinjar and defeat him in battle. The orders he gave out would no longer be valid if he wasn't the enforcer any more. Plus, there's the fact that you and the others are also in danger by being close to me. With White Claw after me as well, you, Shang, Kai and all my friends would become targets. If he was willing to put the Tendos through hell to amuse himself, then there's no telling what he might do to you. I HAVE to take him out!" "So you're fighting White Claw not only just to beat him, but for your fiends and me? Aw, Ko-chan, that's so sweet!" Ukyo gave him a very cute smile and just barely restrained the urge to hug him. "Uhhhh... yeah..." Ranma said nervously as he saw the mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well anyway, by the end of this week, things are going to be settled, one way or another." Back in Japan... "Go away!" Akane said as she lay in her bed at the hospital. Kasumi sighed as she knocked on the door again. "Akane? It's me, Kasumi." "I SAID GO AWAY! I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE!" Kasumi was about to turn and leave, but then decided that this was the time in which her sister needed her family the most. She opened the door and stepped inside. Akane was on the bed, dressed in a white hospital gown, and looking miserable. Both her arms were set in casts as well as her legs. She also had several bandages wrapped around her midsection. However, the part that caught Kasumi's attention the most, was that her head was wrapped around her right side, obscuring the horrible cut she received in her last fight with the kohlinjar of the Felinar clan. "DON'T LOOK AT ME!" Akane cried out as she tried to turn her head away from her older sibling. Kasumi took a deep breath and slowly approached her. When she got to the side of the bed, the elder Tendo gently placed a hand on Akane's cheek and stroked it. Akane's eyes were shut tight, trying to stop the tears from flowing. Looking at how red and puffy they were, Kasumi could tell that Akane had been crying for some time. "Please Kasumi... just go away!" Akane pleaded, but her sibling continued to ignore her and leaned forward. Kasumi quietly embraced Akane and shushed her. "Shhhhhhh. It's all right Akane. It's all right. I'm here for you. Let it out. Let it all out." Akane tried to resist the urge to cry again, but failed as she let loose with a flood of tears that would have put Soun's emotional outbursts to shame. "I... failed, Kasumi. I failed our dojo. I failed our family. I... failed everyone." Kasumi held onto her sister even tighter as Akane continued to soak her blouse. Tuesday at Himoto High... "Kojiro! You back!" "Hey Shang. How's it going?" Ranma warmly shook his Chinese friend's hand as he and his friends crowded around their newly returned classmate. "Man! Where have you been?" Kai asked as Kosho and the others crowded around Ranma. "Taking care of some... personal business." The Cat Fist fighter replied. "So how are you guys?" "So far, nothing really exciting has been going on, except for one thing." "What's that?" "Did you hear the news? Akane Tendo is in the hospital!" "What?" Ranma wondered what had gone on since his absence. "Yeah. Did you hear about the Tendo dojo losing its sign?" Kosho asked. "Yeah. Ukyo told me about it. White Claw challenged the school and beat Akane. So?" "Well, here's something that she didn't know when she left to look for you." Kai responded. "White Claw gave the Tendos ten chances to get the sign back. The first try, Akane got trashed in the rematch, but that was nothing compared to what she got later. Then her father and his friend then got pounded." "Go on." "Well, do you remember Happosai? The pervert that steals underwear and stuff? Well he tried to beat White Claw several times, but even he couldn't lay a hand on him. Things got so desperate that Happosai got that Ryoga guy involved. Rumor has it that he trained Ryoga in the Neko Ken." "Are you sure?" "Well, there have been some strange rumors about some guy that acts like a cat in the hospital." "If that was one of the dangers you were talking about when you said you wouldn't teach the Neko Ken to anybody, then I can understand." Kai said, to which Ranma nodded and urged him to continue. "Well, despite any training he went through or what kind of techniques he learned, it didn't mean squat to White Claw. He tore Ryoga and Happosai apart! Ryoga gone badly messed up, but Happosai was the one that got the worst of it. They say that he's crippled now." "Crippled?" "According to what my sources says, he's been paralyzed from the waist down. The news hasn't hit everybody yet, but when it does, there are going to be a lot of angry mobs outside the hospital." "You mean..." Kai nodded. "Well, that freak had POed a LOT of people in the past, and they'll be out for his blood, now that he can't run or fight. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes." "I see. Well, it's not like he didn't have it coming. But you mentioned something about Akane getting something even worse?" Kai nodded. "That's the reason why she's in the hospital now. A couple of days ago, she challenged White Claw again for the sign. She lost again and this time... her injuries were a LOT more serious." Shang nodded. "Tatewaki Kuno now on rampage, when he hear of Akane being hurt." Kosho agreed as he mimicked Kuno's voice. "Now he's swearing some kind of 'heaven's vengeance against the foul demon that dared to mar the beauteous angel that is Akane Tendo.' He's really gone off the deep end now." Ranma became a bit pale at Kosho's words. "Excuse me? Did you say MAR?" "Oh yeah. Rumor has it that White Claw gave her a really big scar on her face." Kosho replied. Ranma winced a bit but urged Kosho to finish his explanations. "Now the Tendos are down to their last chance to get their sign back. It doesn't look good for them." "I see." Ranma said thoughtfully, then shrugged. Though he did feel a little sorry for them, it was NOT his concern. He still remembered how Happosai had set Pantyhose after him. Also he recalled how Genma and Soun had ambushed him and tried to drag him off to the dojo to force an engagement onto him. In addition, he wanted nothing to do with a certain wannabe martial artist named Akane Tendo. She had no one but herself to blame for her current predicament. As far as Ranma was concerned, his upcoming match with White Claw was personal and he couldn't care less what happened to the dojo's sign. Firewood came to mind though. "What about the Amazons?" The Neko Ken martial artist asked. Shang shrugged. "Oh, most Amazons leave after Kojiro leave. No reason to stay. Shampoo, Mousse and Cologne are only ones left. They not challenge White Claw, since he beat Happosai." Ranma frowned. Though he was glad that some of his Amazon problems were gone, there was still Shampoo, her unwanted suitor and her great-grandmother to deal with. Despite all the troubles they caused him, he had respect their good sense in not challenge someone as lethal as White Claw. "So Kojiro. Are you going to face White Claw again?" Kai asked. Ranma took a deep breath, then nodded. "I have to. Even though he hasn't gone after you guys or Ukyo yet, I can't take that chance that he won't do so eventually to get to me. Also, there's a friend in China that is in danger of being killed if I don't face him." "Killed? What do mean?" Kai and the others blanched at hearing this. "Let's just say that it's a little complicated. In any case, I HAVE to face him again. It's the only way to save him and protect you guys and Ukyo, since you're all in danger just being close to me." "Hey! We're all friends here!" Kosho said. "Yeah, you helped us out and whatever happens, we'll always be there for you!" Kai affirmed. "We your friends!" Shang added. Ranma smiled. "Thanks guys." "So when's the match?" Kosho asked. Ranma shrugged. "I sent the challenge three days ago when I was still in China. He should have received it by now. All I have to do is wait for his reply." At that moment, in a large council room far away, a group of individuals were quietly discussing about an event that may forever alter the Felinar forever. "My fellow Felinar. We are gathered here to today to discuss the validity of the challenge that was issued to our current kohlinjar, White Claw. Are you certain that was what he said, Night Stalker?" The Felinar warrior nodded as he faced the council table where his masters sat. "Yes. Shash masha adari fokan kohlinjar. Those were his exact words, Lord Cheetoran." Cheetoran was a man that was in his late fifties to early sixties. He had yellow hair that was streaked with gray and a few dark spots in it. The Felinar Clan was mainly related to saber-toothed tigers, but genetic manipulation and intermarriages to other humanoid cat species had made the race diversify into a wide variety of hair/fur colors and patterns. The branch from where Cheetoran came from had merged with several members of cat people that were similar to werecheetahs. The only differences were that they did not have a special vulnerability to silver, nor were they affected by the phase changes of the moon. "Very interesting. What do you think, Pumasa?" He turned to a female that had orange-brown hair. "I say that it's about time that someone challenged White Claw." The Felinar female said. "I have read the reports that Red Fang had been giving me. This Kojiro, rather Saber Claw, shows much promise." "Red Fang?" Lynxara said. She was another Felinar female of the High Council and had yellow-brown hair that in a frizzy hairstyle, with slightly pointed ears in human form. "I thought that he was in exile." "He still is." Pumasa affirmed. "However, the terms of his exile only prevent him from coming back to the clan. There is nothing against his keeping in contact with us and alerting us of any other outsider that possesses the Neko Ken." "Yes, I too have read the reports." Bengara said. He had the appearance of a man in his late thirties and had white hair with thin black streaks. "Having this Kojiro as the new kohlinjar may be just what this clan needs." "Now hold on a moment!" Lionnalla said. She was one of the High Council members that sided with White Claw. She had fiery red hair and a temper to match. "This Kojiro is an outsider! Besides, White Claw has done much for this clan. His connections with the Yakuza and other organizations have provided us with much wealth and power!" "And at what cost?" Cheetoran asked. "We are now engaging in criminal acts that greatly affect the lives of countless innocents. And speaking of innocents, I have reviewed the records of how White Claw has dealt with outsiders who know of the Neko Ken. So far, no new blood has been added to our ranks since White Claw defeated the previous kohlinjar and took his place. He has killed many innocents who had unknowingly gained the Neko Ken." "What do we need MORE outsiders for? The Felinar are strong enough as we are now!" Kitteron said. He too was another supporter of White Claw's. He had dark brown hair and was about as old as Pumasa. The argument began to heat up as the High Council of the Felinar debated as to whether or not Kojiro's challenge to White Claw was valid. It was then that the head of the council, a gruff old man of over seventy years, clapped his hands twice, signaling for the rest to become silent. He then turned his attention to Night Stalker. "Is there anything else that you have to tell us about Saber Claw, Night Stalker?" Pantheron was about to mention that Kojiro had the Mark of the Chosen, but decided not to. Some of the members of the Council could use him to further their own position or even warn White Claw. He decided to keep that information to himself for now. His two subordinates, Quick Slash and Cutter, had already sworn not to tell anyone of what they saw. "No Lord Jagular. That is all." The leader of the High Council gazed at Night Stalker for a long, minute, then said, "Very well. You are dismissed." After Night Stalker left the council chambers, Jagular called the attention of his fellow Felinar. "My friends, it seems that we have a decision to make. To either allow Saber Claw's challenge to White Claw to be valid, or dismiss it." "I say that he is one of us and that his challenge to combat is valid!" Pumasa said without hesitation. "Red Fang has affirmed that Saber Claw, though he is an outsider, is still considered as a Felinar. The law clearly states that only a Felinar can issue the Combat Challenge to the kohlinjar." "I too agree with Pumasa." Bengara said. "It might be in the clan's best interest if White Claw was no longer the kohlinjar." "Bah! I see no reason why we should consider this outsider as one of us, let alone give him have a chance to join us!" Kitteron said. "I agree! His challenge is NOT valid!" Lionnalla concurred. Lynxara sighed. "As much as I'd like to agree with Bengara about the clan needing a change, I must agree with Lionnalla and Kitteron. I'm still a bit unconvinced that Saber Claw is a Felinar." "I trust Pumasa's judgement and side with her." Cheetoran said. Jagular then assessed the situation. It was up to him to break the tie. He thought for a long time before finally reaching a decision. "Saber Claw shall battle White Claw. The challenge issued to the kohlinjar is valid." Lionnalla and Kittoran were about to protest when Jagular cut them off. "Red Fang may be an outcast now, but I trust his judgement in concerning our laws. He rebelled, yes, but only against the will of this council, not against our laws. If he is certain that this Saber Claw is a Felinar, then we must trust in his assessment of him. Saber Claw has spoken the words of the Combat Challenge, 'Shash Masha Adari Fokan Kohlinjar,' and as you know, White Claw cannot refuse it from a Felinar. The law is clear." Jagular gave the other council members a look that brooked no argument. He then gestured to an aide and instructed him to relay a message to White Claw. The match was to be in five days. A little later, Pantheron was called to Jagular's private chambers. "Tell me Pantheron. Was there something else you neglected to mention to the council?" The Felinar elder was sitting in his chair as Night Stalker stood in front of him. "W-What do you mean?" Night Stalker became a bit nervous at the glare that his superior was giving him. "Don't try hiding it from ME, Night Stalker. You're not very good at it." Jagular's features softened as he said in a lighter tone, "Do not worry Pantheron. What you say here will not be reveled to the other council members. This is just between you and I. Now I'll ask you again. Was there something that you neglected to mention before?" Night Stalker felt as if he had just been strapped into the electric chair and the executioner was about to throw the lever. He then said in a quiet voice while bowing his head. "I saw the Mark of the Chosen on Saber Claw." Jagular was taken aback by this news. He slowly asked, "Are you certain?" "Yes sir." "It could have been just a coincidence or a fake." "No sir, it was the True Mark of the Chosen. As soon as I saw it, I recognized the symbol from the ancient texts. So did my subordinates, Quick Slash and Cutter. As you know, only my family possess the ancient scrolls and know of their contents." "I see. Well, then it is a good thing that you did not tell the others. We shall keep this information to ourselves. Is that understood?" "Yes, Lord Jagular." Pantheron bowed to him and then left, leaving the old Felinar to think. For some time now, many Felinar had expressed a desire to become more involved in the outside world. The arguments that support this ideal were valid. New blood was needed for the clan and they could benefit from the technological advances of the modern world. The werewolves and other lycanthropic races have already made appearances in America and such. However, there were also the arguments against going public, primarily the Cat Fist. There have already been several individuals who had been driven by greed and ignorance that have attempted to learn the technique, with disastrous results. That was why the laws concerning those fools were created, although those laws were made with more humanitarian reasons behind them. If a person driven mad by the Neko Ken could be saved, then he or she had the chance to become part of the Felinar and new blood would be added to the clan. If the person could not be snapped out of the madness, then that individual would be given a merciful end. Lately though, White Claw had been systematically eliminating anyone who had attempted to learn the Neko Ken, regardless of whether or not they could be saved. The rate of new additions to the Felinar plummeted to zero. Though the last RECORDED attempt to master the Cat Fist was over fifty years ago, White Claw and his branch of the clan had killed hundreds of innocents and hid their disappearances behind a shroud of secrecy. Though they maintained that they were merely carrying out their duty, Jagular didn't buy it. Something was happening and it was going to erupt soon. Jagular was curious that the kohlinjar had spared this outsider named Kojiro. From what Pantheron had told with him and the reports from Red Fang that he read from Pumasa, this person who calls himself Saber Claw was probably the only outsider with the most proficiency at using the Neko Ken. Surely White Claw would not allow a foreigner to attain a level of mastery that could threaten him, would he? And now this Kojiro Shinkara had invoked the Combat Challenge, one of the Felinar's most sacred pacts. No doubt about it. Something was up. However, Jagular and the other members of the High Council had no choice but to see it through. In their own chambers, the other council members were deep in thought as they prepared for bed. In Lionnalla's chambers, the female Felinar fumed at the thought of White Claw being removed as the kohlinjar. Though she also loathed him as many others did, she still saw him as a useful pawn and a way to assert control over the rest of the clan. White Claw was the most powerful fighter that the Felinar ever produced and his ideals mirrored her own. He was instrumental in her bid to become ever more powerful and perhaps usurp Jagular's position as head of the council. Now this newcomer might upset her future plans. Kittoran was also angry that the challenge was made valid as he had some prejudice toward outsiders. However, Jagular's decision was final and he could do nothing but hope that White Claw would not be defeated. The rest of the council also puzzled over this development and wondered what Saber Claw was like. Was he really a Felinar? Did he have the strength to defeat the dreaded White Claw? And if he did, what would happen to the Felinar afterwards? Many members had been petitioning for the clan to become more public as they wished to see more of the outside world. New blood was certainly needed, as White Claw's extermination policies over the past few years had thinned down likely candidates that were eligible to become part of the Felinar. However, like all societies, when old values and customs clashed with new deas and concepts, there was bound to be some friction between the traditionalists and the ones who were more open-minded. One thing was for certain. After the match, the Felinar would never be the same again. Wednesday... Ranma looked down at the letter that he had found in his apartment. Though he had no idea how White Claw had figured out where he lived, that wasn't his main concern. What was important was the message that he received. It simply read that his challenge had been accepted and a time and place was written at the bottom. At the hotel where White Claw was staying at, the kohlinjar sipped the cup of tea that his servant had handed to him after being informed that his opponent had received the message. "The match is set at noon this Saturday, master." "Very good. You are dismissed." White Claw said. After his manservant departed, the Felinar enforcer was deep in thought. White Claw chuckled. The High Council was usually so secretive, even to their own clan and they were rarely, if ever out in the open. Only an event such as a challenge to become kohlinjar would draw out the entire council. It was their duty to witness the battle and name a new kohlinjar if the current one was defeated. For some time now, White Claw had become dissatisfied with the ruling group and their foolish notions of becoming more open to the world. Though he did have a certain influence over Lionnalla and Kittoran, and a substantial following among the warrior caste, White Claw still saw himself as a lackey of those pompous fools and that the time was ripe for a change. He already tasted power with his secret alliances with criminal organizations like the Yakuza and the Triads. He liked instilling fear in those weaker than he. Bullying the Tendos had been fun and he began thinking about torturing Ranma's friends and such. Sending Pantheron to kill Tung Kwai must have certainly upset Kojiro and he could imagine that the Neko Ken fighter was now fuming with rage and eager to tear into him. In addition for his lust for power, White Claw was also addicted to battle. However, the downside to being the best is that it is very difficult to find a decent challenge. No one in the Felinar could defeat him in one-on-one combat, and White Claw was therefore forced to look for new opponents outside of the clan. In the past few years, the kohlinjar had faced off against many other fighters and several different styles. He had even gone up against Amazons of the Joketsuzoku. However, since the Neko Ken was among the most powerful fighting styles that existed, (it was created by Bastet and Sekhmet after all), even Amazonian Wu Shu was nothing compared to the fury of the Cat Fist. All those battles ended the same with his opponent perishing before he could work up a sweat. After the battles, White Claw would take steps to ensure that his opponents' demise would remain a mystery, so that no one would know the truth. After countless victories, White Claw realized that he could only truly get a challenge if he faced off against a user of the Neko Ken, who was as skilled as he was. He had the hope that some outsider would be able to master the Neko Ken enough to give him a run for his money. So far, all he found were pathetic wretches that weren't fit to give him more than a moment or two of amusement, much less an average workout. He didn't even consider them eligible to join the clan, though many of them could have been saved. All were eliminated without any remorse. Now Kojiro, he was DIFFERENT! White Claw had sensed it in him when they first met and after learning that he had fallen into the Spring of Drowned Felinar in Jusenkyo, White Claw had found a rare opportunity. It would have been child's play to kill the inexperienced Felinar, but the fact that Kojiro managed to hurt him showed that he had great promise. White Claw also saw this as his chance to gain more power and control over the Felinar. The High Council was very secretive and did not make many appearances. In addition, they were usually heavily guarded and did not expose themselves that often. Though White Claw was the undisputed champion and considered the best warrior of the warriors, he wasn't stupid enough to take on the Council on his own. No, he had to get them out into the open and in a position to eliminate them. Only an event such as a Combat Challenge would draw out the entire council and give White Claw this one opportunity to be rid of them. Then, as he would be the only one left with any authority and power, plus the Felinar who were loyal to him, White Claw could take control of the clan and thereby gain ever more power. He had considered sparing Lionnalla and Kittoran, but decided that they were too set in their ways to accept him as the new leader. Furthermore, they could not be trusted, as they probably had their own plans concerning him and the rest of the Felinar. White Claw smiled as he finished his tea. The plan was a daring one and highly risky. The gains were enormous, but so were the dangers. He could not only lose his title, but also his very existence. But what was it all for, if not for the risking? White Claw wanted excitement and come Saturday, he would get it. He had done much to get Kojiro to follow his plans and now, all of his efforts would come to fruition. He would finally face a worthy opponent and his hunger for battle would be slaked. If he won, he would become the supreme leader of the Felinar and have a victory worth savoring. If he lost, then he shall meet his end as befits the kohlinjar, in glorious battle! Either way, Saturday was going to be anything but boring. It was at that moment that his manservant approached him. "What is it?" "Master, there is someone outside who is demanding for your attention." "Who is it?" "He says that he is the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High. Someone by the name of Tatewaki Kuno." Thursday? Nabiki returned home from school, her face showing signs of agitation as Kasumi greeted her. "Why hello Nabiki. Welcome home." The eldest Tendo then noticed her sister's expression. "What's wrong?" "What's wrong? Nothing really if you don't count your best source of income of being in the hospital." Nabiki replied with sadness. "What are you talking about?" "Kuno is in the hospital." Nabiki said, her mouth becoming a firm line. "When he heard about Akane being hurt, he decided to take on White Claw and?" Her voice trailed off as she shuddered at what had been inflicted on the insane kendoist. When she heard that her greatest source of income had become incapacitated, she had sent her flunkies to determine what had happened. The reports were not pretty. Kuno had suffered a severe concussion, nearly all of his ribs had been broken, his internal organs had been damaged and he now sported several large cuts across the face. Though unlike Akane, Kuno could afford the plastic surgery. As soon as she thought of Akane, Nabiki winced again as she looked up to Akane's room. Inside her room, Akane lay on the bed. Yesterday, she had been deemed well enough to be cared for at home, but she was never the same since she left the hospital. She had casts on both her arms and legs and couldn't move around much unless she was in a wheelchair and Kasumi was pushing her. To be reduced to relying on others for something as basic as general movement, had been a big blow to her self-esteem. A week ago, she had been a martial artist, and the envy of all the girls at school, with hordes of boys chasing after her. Now she shunned any contact, though she had a good reason. When the bandages on her head came off, Akane demanded for a mirror. What she saw in her reflection made her blood run cold and had her wishing that White Claw had killed her. A long, jagged line now ran diagonally from above her left eye, over the bridge of her nose and down her right cheek. She had taken one look at the mark and hadn't stopped crying since. To her, the scar made her look like a freak, just like what she called Ranma. She had taken great pride in her appearance and skills but now, it was all over. She was scarred and broken. Since the Tendos could not afford the plastic surgery to remove that mark, it was possible that Akane would carry that facial scar for the rest of her life. Even when her arms and legs would eventually heal, Akane would feel no desire to continue her martial arts training. The scar was a constant reminder at how futile her efforts had been. All those long hours and countless training dummies and bricks that she had shattered. All those times she fought Kuno and those morning mobs. All those times when she had believed she was second to none as a martial artist in Nerima. The pride she felt as being the heir to the Tendo Anything Goes Martial Arts. All of it? was nothing but an illusion. She now had reality shoved into her face each time she gazed in the mirror. For the umpteenth time, Akane wept. Friday? Ranma and Ukyo sat together on a bench in the park that evening. During the week since they returned to Japan, Ranma had been training nonstop, preparing himself for his rematch with White Claw. The okonomiyaki chef had been by his side, giving him support, and helping out as much as she could. Following the advice of Tung Kwai, she did not mention anything about engagements or getting close, knowing that Ranma needed to be totally focused on the coming battle. "So tomorrow's going to be a big day." Ukyo said, trying to strike up a conversation. She and her Ko-chan had been silent ever since they decided to take a walk in the park. "The biggest day of my life." Ranma replied without looking at his friend and continued to watch the sunset. "You know Ucchan? this may be the last sunset I'll ever see." "Don't say that!" Ukyo said angrily as she looked at her fianc?e. "You're going to win! I know it!" Ranma smiled and sighed. "Thanks for the support Ucchan. I can always count on you to be on my side." "Always, Ko-chan." Ukyo's features softened a bit as she leaned a bit closer to him. When he didn't pull away, Ukyo snuggled up and enjoyed being close to him. Nothing more was said as the two watched the sun dip toward the horizon. Friday evening? As Ranma and Ukyo watched the sunset, certain things were going on. At the Nekohanten, Cologne received a strange letter that said: If you wish to witness the true power of your son-in-law, come to the location indicated below, well before noon. Bring your lovely great-granddaughter as well. White Claw At the Tendo dojo, Soun also received a note and began whooping with joy. "At last! The houses will be joined! The school will be saved!" He went off to tell Genma the good news. Sometime around 8:00 PM, Ranma was at the place where he and White Claw were to battle at noon on Saturday. It was an abandoned World War II airfield near the outskirts of Tokyo. The derelict buildings gave off haunting shadows in the darkening field as a few of the runway lights that were still working blinked in the evening. The irony of this battlefield was that this place was where kamikaze pilots were stationed at before going off on their one-way missions. In a way, Ranma's upcoming battle was a one-way trip, one in which he hoped would end in victory and not in death like those suicide pilots of more than half a century ago. The Cat Fist fighter continued to look about and surveyed the area. He saw that part of the airfield had some loudspeakers mounted on some pylons, probably used during the war to alert pilots to battle stations. On a whim, he decided to check out the system. He was a bit surprised that the wiring was still intact and followed them toward the crumbling tower. He then found that the old equipment though badly corroded, was still usable after all these decades. He then looked out toward the field and saw that if the speakers still worked, any sound that was transmitted over them would be heard easily throughout the airfield. "Are you nervous, my avatarrrr?" Ranma jumped and whirled about into a defensive stance. He then saw the Cat Goddess Bast standing before him and quickly knelt down. "Bastet! I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon!" Bastet smirked as she said, "Rise Saberrr Claw. I just wanted to check up on my avatarrr before the battle. That is all." Ranma rose and took a deep breath to calm down. "So are you going to be here tomorrow?" "Yes, And I have also given Felicia the location of your fight so she will be attending as well. I have also invited Brittany Diggerrrs and her family as well." "Really? That's great!" "Just remeberrrr, that we cannot interfere with your fight." "I know that, but having you all cheer me on is more than enough." Ranma said. He then paused for a moment before asking the deity. "Um, Bastet? Would it be all right if I brought along someone? I know she isn't part of the Felinar or the other cat races but she's gotten really important to me and, uh? well, I'd?" "Yes. You may bring Ukyo Kuonji." "Really? I mean, it's allowed? I mean, how did you know??" Bastet nodded and gave him a smile. "I'm a goddess, remember? I shall allow it, so the Felinar will allow it. Do not worry." "That great!" "For now, it is time that you return home my avatarrr. You must be well-rested forrrr tomorrow. Sleep well." With a wave of her hand, Ranma disappeared from sight and was transported back to his apartment. As the Cat Goddess stood alone in the airfield, she looked at the old speaker system and got a mischievous idea. Bastet then vanished from view. Saturday, 11:45 AM? The Tendo family and Genma got off the train and followed the road that led toward the airfield. Akane was being pushed in her wheelchair by her father and was still despondent. Her head was bowed down and she wasn't thinking about anything in particular. "What's going on Daddy?" Nabiki asked. "Why are we out here?" Soun and Genma gave each other silly grins as the Tendo patriarch said, "It's a surprise for all of you. Oh happy day!" Nabiki shook her head in disbelief as her family neared the edge of the airfield. She and the others saw that a large crowd was forming around an open area near the old command tower and she wondered what was going on. When they reached the area, on old man greeted them and bid them to follow him. Leading the Tendos and Genma through the crowds, they came to an open area that was ringed by bleachers and stands, which were already being filled up by spectators. It looked as if some kind of sporting event was being held here. When they approached one side of the arena, Soun and Genma gasped as they saw who was waiting for them. Akane also gulped and turned pale. "White Claw!" Soun and Genma yelped and tried to initiate the Final Attack of the Anything Goes. Running away. However, ten very large and muscular men blocked their escape route as White Claw chuckled from behind them. "Oh do not worry! You shall not be harmed. I have summoned you here to bear witness as my guests." "Guests?" Nabiki said. "Why yes." White Claw smiled at the mercenary daughter. "The last member of the Anything Goes has challenged me. I thought you would like to be here to witness it." "Ranma? He's here?" Genma began to frantically look for his son. "He will be in few minutes. Until then, why don't you all take a seat over beside the Amazons?" He gestured to a booth where Mousse, Shampoo, and Cologne were sitting, having been escorted there earlier. As the Tendos were being led toward the booth, Akane shuddered as White Claw gave her an evil look. He then made a gesture with his index finger, running across his face as to where Akane's scar marked her face. He then made a line opposite to what he drew before and gave her a wink, as if promising to make another mark on her again. The youngest Tendo daughter shivered in fear and wished she were somewhere else far away. White Claw then went off to prepare for Ranma's arrival. On the other side, the High Council members entered the makeshift stadium and took their places near a kind of judge's booth. To another side, a small group came onto the scene. Pantheron came up to them with his subordinates and barred their way. "Halt! What is you business here?" Dr. Theodore Diggers nodded as he handed Pantheron a paper. "My party and I are here on invitation by Bastet." "Hah! That's a likely story! I?" Night Stalker's eyes became wide as he saw the unmistakable mark of Bastet on the invitation, then saw Stripe of the Kyrn. Brittany smirked as she shifted to her hybrid form. He bowed to them. "Please forgive me for my rudeness, honored guests. This way." Pantheron then led Dr. Diggers, Gina, Brianna, Brittany and her husband Stripe to some seats near to the council booth. After setting them down at their seats, Pantheron quickly went to where Jagular was sitting and whispered into his ear. The leader of the Felinar Council glanced at the group and bowed his head to Stripe, whom he acknowledged as the leader of the Kyrn. Stripe returned the gesture. At the booth where the Tendos and the Amazons were sitting at, Kasumi looked over to Cologne. "Oh my. Were you invited to this as well? Do you know what is going on?" Cologne looked up at the eldest Tendo daughter and nodded. "Yes. We were brought here to witness history in the making. I suppose that Happy has told you about the Felinar Clan?" "Yeah. He told us about them." Nabiki affirmed. "So what does that have to do with??" Nabiki stopped as she took another look at the spectators. She then caught sight of Brittany and Stripe. "You mean, that they're all??" "Yes child." Cologne affirmed. "They may look human at the moment, but make no mistake. They are the Felinar. We have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here. Besides that group over there, we're the only outsiders to ever witness the Combat Challenge of the Felinar. "Combat Challenge? You mean Ranma??" Genma asked nervously. "Yes. Son-in-law has challenged the kohlinjar to a rematch." Cologne's senses were almost put on overload at the raw power being emitted here. The Amazon matriarch quickly put aside those thoughts. The Felinar was too powerful to try and get into the Joketsuzoku. However, Ranma was another story. He would be the link they would use to access the power of the Neko Ken, once he married Shampoo. And when he finished with his battle with the kohlinjar, he would become the key for the Amazons to achieve greater glories. As Cologne began scheming to get Ranma, Soun and Genma were also plotting. Ranma was finally coming back and they now had an opportunity to get him. Ranma would defeat White Claw, win back the sign of the dojo and marry Akane! It was perfect! Now all they had to do was figure out a way to drag Ranma back for the ceremony. 11:55 AM? The crowds became silent as the time for the Combat Challenge drew near. Jagular stood up from the podium and addressed the crowds. "My fellow Felinar, honored guests and council members. We are here today to bear witness the Combat Challenge in which to decide whether our kohlinjar, White Claw is worthy of his title." He gestured to the center of the arena where White Claw confidently strode out. There were loud cheers from the crowds as his followers gave off roars and whistles. The kohlinjar held out his arms and gave off a roar in acknowledgement. When the crowd became silent again, Jagular motioned for them to wait for the arrival of White Claw's opponent. The last few minutes were agonizingly slow as everyone watched the sun climb towards its highest point. On the sidelines, a small white cat with a blue plume of hair on its head, took a seat near the Tendos booth. It too also waited. 11:58 AM? No sign of Ranma? "Where is he?" Soun asked. "Do you think he might not show?" Shampoo asked fearfully. "He will come." Cologne said solemnly. Noon? Up in heaven, a certain Norn of the future, by the name of Skuld, was making the final adjustment to a device. She then popped in a cassette. "Thank you Skuld." Bastet said as she came up from behind. "No problem Bastet. So where is he?" Bastet looked into a viewing portal and then gestured to a point in the distance. "Right over there." "Right." Skuld then punched a button. As the sun reached its zenith, there was suddenly a booming sound as music began to play from nowhere. The crowds looked around in surprise as the music began to pick up the tempo. Then someone shouted out. "Over there!" In the distance they could make out a black dot as it ran toward them. That was when the first lines of the song rang out. <> <> <> <> The dot became nearer as people began to make out a shape and something on top of it. <> <> <> <> The shape became closer as the crowds saw that is something running at them with someone riding it. <> <> <> <> Kojiro, in his saber-toothed tiger form let off a roar as Ukyo rode his back. <> <> <> <> Kojiro neared the arena and began to slow down. <> <> <> <> As he reached the edge of the arena, he stopped and allowed Ukyo to dismount. <> <> <> <> Kojiro, still in his tiger form began to slowly make his way to the center of the battle area with Ukyo walking beside him. <> <> <> <> When Kojiro faced off against White Claw, he sat down on his haunches, let off another roar and triggered his transformation. Ukyo stepped back a bit, as Ranma became human again. He was dressed in the clothes that Bastet gave to him. <> The music faded away into nothingness as White Claw assessed his opponent. The crowds cheered at the arrival of the other combatant. "That was quite an entrance, Kojiro? or should I call you Saber Claw?" Ranma said nothing as he looked around and saw Brittany Diggers and her group. He waved to them, then addressed Ukyo. "Ucchan. Go sit over there. Don't worry, they're friends of mine." "All right. Good luck Ko-Chan!" Ukyo leaned forward and gave him a peck on the cheek before joining Dr. Diggers and his family. Ranma placed a hand on where she kissed him then turned his attention back to White Claw. "All right, White Claw! Let's get started!" Ranma took a ready stance. White Claw smirked. "You ARE a different man since I last saw you. I am GLAD I let you live! Come! Entertain me!" White Claw also went into a ready stance. On the sidelines, the Tendos were in shock. This had been the first time they saw Ranma transform and there were mixed reactions all around. Nabiki was thinking about the money she could make profiting off Ranam's abilities. The fact that he was also handsome and more muscular than she remembered also didn't hurt. Kasumi was wondering why she was feeling a bit warm today. Akane glared at Ranma and though, Soun and Genma were overjoyed at the return of Ranma and were already planning the wedding. On the other side, Ukyo was getting acquainted with the Diggers as Jagular stood up and announced in a booming voice. "The rules to the Combat Challenge are simple! NO INTERFERENCE! NO TIME LIMT! NO MERCY! BEGIN!" Ranma and White Claw powered up their battle auras and then leapt at each other. To be continued? Author's Notes Well, here it comes! I know I'm a stinker for doing this to you, but this chapter was so long, I had to break it off somewhere. And so Ranma begins the fight of his life.