Last time found Sora, Riku and Kairi competing in the first of the final rounds of the tournament. Sora and Riku easily won their matches, but when Kairi faced the Amazon, Shampoo, she wound up losing, but also wound up winning a friendship. Ranma also won his match, as did the other Nermia weirdo's and the other martial artists that our heroes had become friends with, except for Ian who lost to Tom Smith, the Heartless disguised as a human.

At the same time, Aiden made friends with Miley's brother Jackson and her estranged boyfriend Jake, while becoming gambling rivals with the diabolical little creep Rico.

On another note, our heroes learned that Adam, Kyle, Felicia, Ian, Jean-Louise and Julia all encountered Heartless several months before. 'Nuff said, on with the show!

Chapter 6: The Second Round

"Mother of mercy!" said a shocked Kyle.

"Le ciel aide nous tous!" said Jean-Louise, "heaven help us all!"

"Those things we fought six months ago," said a deeply disturbed Julia, "those horrible dark creatures, they were real people once?"

"Unfortunately, yes," said Riku. He, Sora and Kairi had just finished telling Adam, Kyle, Ian, Julia, Jean-Louise, Felicia, Ranma, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse and the Kuno siblings about The Heartless; what they are, how they come to be and what they do. Also there was Nodoka and Cologne, while Aiden had just arrived as his friends finished their story.

"To think that there be monstrous creatures that emerge from the darkness within the human heart," said Tatewaki.

"And there are people who use these creatures to further their own evil gains?" Kodatchi asked, "And they say I am mad."

"Power corrupts," said Kairi, "and those whom have darkness in their hearts see The Heartless as another source of power."

"This sounds like something the old pervert would use," said Ranma, "if it would make Happosai stronger, he would use The Heartless."

"Well I'm glad that old freak is out of our hair for good," said Ukyo as she worked in half of the hotel kitchen she commandeered, preparing a feast of Okonomiyaki. The other half was occupied by Shampoo as she prepared a wide variety of ramen dishes.

"You're saying that you've been fighting these creatures for some time now," said Adam, "and that they destroyed this world?"

"They covered it in darkness," said Riku gravely, "one star in the universe went out that day."

"Impossible!" said Ian, "we're still here! How can the world be destroyed if we're still here?"

"When we sealed that first door to Kingdom Hearts," said Sora, "all the worlds in our universe that were covered in darkness were restored, including ours. Nobody remembered what happened, as if it didn't happened."

"They nearly destroyed my world," said Aiden, "and so many others, but we saved several worlds from the darkness."

"To think that I actually defeated someone from another world," said Felicia, "and that someone has battled more of those things, these Heartless."

"You just got lucky when you knocked me out of the ring," said an annoyed Aiden, "if that idiot hadn't flashed his camera at that second, I would have won, end of discussion."

"Sure you would have," said a sarcastic Felicia.

"Let me get this straight," said Ranma, "there are creatures of living darkness, called Heartless, made from hearts that were consumed by darkness. They seek out other hearts to fill them with darkness and make more of them, and they also seek out the hearts of worlds so they could be filled with darkness as well."

"So far so good," said Sora.

"And you guys," said Ranma, pointing at Sora, Riku, Kairi and Aiden, "you go around destroying Heartless and saving worlds from darkness," he pointed at Kairi, "you were from another world," he pointed at Aiden, "and you were from another universe."

"Still right," said Kairi, "I'm from a world called Radiant Garden, though I haven't back there since Sora rescued me from The Heartless over a year ago."

"We'll go there someday," said Sora, "I'd sure like to see how Leon, Yuffe, Cid, Cloud, Merlin and the others are doing."

"Isn't Cid still working on the Gummy Ship?" Riku asked.

"He must have fixed it by now," said Sora.

"Is this all true, mom?" Ranma asked Nodoka.

"I've never had any reason to doubt Sora, Riku, Kairi or Aiden," said Nodoka, "trust me when I say this; The Heartless are a real threat."

"I believed you blokes from the beginning," said Julia to Sora, "what with that thing, that Neo Shadow you called it, that attacked me six months ago."

"We were all attacked by a singular Heartless six months ago," said Adam, while Kyle, Jean-Louise and Ian nodded in agreement, "yet we all managed to defeat them."

"But not without difficulty," said Jean-Louise. She pulled up the cuff of her jeans and revealed a long scar across her left shin, "cette abomination, that thing that attacked me did this when I was one second too slow to respond. It cut me, but I kicked its head off."

"I got the one that attacked me in a choke hold," said Kyle, "and smashed its head against a brick wall. That blew the bugger away for sure." He then revealed a scar on his right shoulder, "but not before it did this to me."

"I was ambushed while walking home from a training session," said Felicia, "It tried to get the jump on me and did this," she held up her right forearm, revealing a scar, "but I showed that freaking monster a thing or two as I bashed its freaking brains in."

"I was out at Ayers Rock," said Julia, "if there's one place in the world where you can feel comfortable being alone with your thoughts, it's the Outback. Anyway, I was sitting on The Rock, thinking about what I would do during the tournament, when this thing, this Heartless, tried to claw me eyes out," she indicated the scar below her left eye, "I threw it off the Rock and it dissolved into smoke when it hit the ground below."

"I was at home when I was attacked," said Ian, "I sensed that I wasn't alone, but I was too late to stop it from doing this to me," he showed a scar on the back of his neck, "but I wound up pinning that abomination to the floor and breaking it in half."

Andrew then showed a scar on theback of his right hand "I was too was at home when I was attacked," said Adam, "the creature struck while I was meditating, and it came close to destroying me. I admit that I was afraid, terrified, by this living darkness that seemed to hunger for my soul. I was backed into a corner and the thing nearly had me, but then I remembered what my teachers said about fear, that you can either allow it to destroy you, or you can face and master it. I chose the later and destroyed my would-be executioner."

"Such fantastic tales," said Tatewaki, "if anyone else were to speak such words, surely they would be declared lunatics."

"At the time I thought I was going mad," said Kyle.

"You're just as sane as the rest of us," said Kodatchi.

"I don't find that very reassuring," said Kyle.

"We all doubt our sanity at some point or another," said Jean-Louise, "yet what happened to us was very real."

"I'd believe you more if I saw those things, those Heartless, myself," said Mousse.

"It'd be easier if you'd put your glasses on first," said Aiden.

Mouse did put his glasses back on and realized he was talking to a fish tank.

"Anyway, you fought off those things by yourselves?" Aiden asked Adam and the others, "without Keyblades?"

"What are Keyblades?" Ukyo asked as she and Shampoo brought several large plates of mouthwatering food in. All conversation stopped as the Okonomiyaki and ramen were served, with a rousing chorus of "Itdakimaus!"

Several minutes later, Sora, Riku, Kairi and Aiden sat back in their chairs after finishing several serving and bowls of Okonomiyaki and ramen.

"Who would have thought that a pizza cooked like an omelet would taste so good!" said Ian after finishing off a third helping of Okonomiyaki.

"And this beef ramen is superb!" said Adam after finishing his fourth bowl, "my compliments to the chef."

"Adam is too kind," said a slightly blushing Shampoo, "is simple family recipe."

"Well I know a guy who's a fanatic about ramen," said Kairi, remembering Naruto, "I'll have to introduce you to him someday, you could share notes."

"Shampoo will keep in mind."

Sora then saw that Ranma had just finished his eleventh helping of Okonomiyaki and his thirteenth bowl of ramen.

"Man, how can you eat so much and not throw up?" Kyle asked.

"I just need to eat a lot," said Ranma, "I've always been this way before."

"I've seen some strange things in my time," said Adam, "but to see someone with such an appetite and still remain is perfect shape, it's astounding."

"Bizarre," said Jean-Louise

"We've met someone with a bigger stomach and an even bitter appetite," said Sora, remembering Luffy.

"Maybe we can get them together someday," said Ukyo.

"Eating contest?" Shampoo asked.

"Maybe," said Ukyo, "I can imagine the ticket sails for such an event. But that's for later, so, what are Keyblades anyway?"

"We'll show you," said Sora. He, Riku, Kairi and Aiden stood up, "you've seen the wooden swords we used in the tournament."

"I saw how well you used them," said Ranma, "my mom really did teach you?"

"When I say that they're my favorite students," said Nodoka, "I meant it."

"Well," said Kairi, "we're more than outstanding sword masters," she and the boys then summoned their Keyblades.

The room was then filled with cries of surprise and startled exclamations.

"So that's where you got the designs for such fabulous swords," said Jean-Louise as the assembled martial artists settle down from their shock.

"Where did you acquire these divinely crafted blades?" Tatewaki asked as he eyed Sora's Keyblade enviously.

"They chose us," said Riku as he held up his Keyblade, "only a person with specific qualities can wield one of these."

"And once you're chosen," said Aiden, "you're stuck with it, I'll show you want I mean," he held out his Keyblade to Ukyo, "let's see what you make of this."

Ukyo took the Keyblade from Aiden, while Sora held out his Keyblade to Tatewaki, whom took it.

"It hardly weighs a thing," said an amazed Ukyo as she gave the Keyblade an experimental swing.

"Perfectly balanced," said Tatewaki as he admired Sora's Keyblade, "in the hands of a master, this weapon would make him nigh invincible."

"I don't know about being unbeatable," said Sora, "but…" he and Aiden then summoned their Keyblades back from the hands of Ukyo and Tatewaki.

"Incredible!" said Cologne. The ancient Amazon matriarch had been silent so far, listening intently as Sora, Riku, Kairi and Aiden told their stories.

"Great-grandmother?" Shampoo asked in a concerned tone.

"Truly," said Cologne as she hopped on her walking stick to Sora and the others, "these four young warriors are an exceptional breed whom have been chosen by destiny to stand against the darkness."

"That's what I've believed all along," said Nodoka, "when I first began teaching Sora and Riku years ago, and when I saw Kairi, I knew that they were meant for great things, and I felt the same thing when I met Aiden."

"But what does it mean?" Ranma asked, "why is all of this happening?"

"And why did we get attacked by Heartless?" Felicia asked, while Adam, Kyle, Ian, Julia and Jean-Louise nodded in agreement.

"I want to know if there'll be more of them buggers," said Kyle.

"There may be," said Riku, "but not in large numbers."

"When we came home after defeating Xemnes," said Sora, "we found our worlds' Keyhole and sealed it. We're safe from the darkness."

"The Keyhole was right under our noses all along," said Kairi, "it was in a cave we played in when we were kids. All along, that strange door a few feet away from where Sora, Riku and I doodled on the rock wall would be the cause of so much terrible trouble."

"Well, at least everything's alright," said Ukyo, "I mean, we're safe from The Heartless, right?"

"We managed to defeat those Neo Shadows with only a few wounds to remind us of the fights," said Adam, "some visible, some not. But…I'd rather not imagine what would have happened if I wound up facing more than just one of those abominations."

"I probably would have taken out thirty of those freaking things before the end came to me," said Felicia, "maybe forty."

"At least fifty with me," said Julia.

"Fifty-five," said Ian, "and you can take that to the bank."

"Don't cash your checks just yet, boyo," said Kyle, "I most likely would have sent sixty-five of those things back to where they came from."

"I'd rather not count," said Jean-Louise, "but if I were forced to fight a lot of those monsters, I'd do the very best I could and try to stay alive, pour où il y a la vie, il y a l'espoir."

"'Where's there's life, there's hope,'" said Kairi in an agreeing tone. "The best anyone could do is to fight to stay alive."

"I agree," said Adam, "but, if someone else was there, someone who was in danger of being consumed by the darkness, I would have fought with everything I could to save that innocent."

"I too would have fought with every fiber of mine being," said Tatewaki, "to save the life and heart of an innocent."

"Especially if the innocent was a pretty girl?" Kodatchi teased.

"Just as thee would hath saved a handsome boy," said Tatewaki.

"Just point me in the right direction," said Mousse, "and I would have ripped through them like crap through a goose."

"You'd certainly know all about geese," said Ranma, "or at least ducks."

"Oh shut up," snapped Mousse, "before I tear you a new one."

Ranma was about to reply with something snappy, when Shampoo grabbed onto his left arm adoringly.

"Shampoo know Ranma protect her from Heartless!"

Before Ranma could do anything to shake off the purple-haired Amazon, Kodatchi grabbed onto his right arm.

"My darling Ranma will defend me from the darkness! Me and only me!"

"You're both delusional!" said Ukyp as she threw her arms around Ranma's neck, "we're going to protect each other!"

Sora could tell that Ranma was feeling exceptionally miserable to be treated like this by three extraordinarily cute but demanding girls. But before he, Riku, Kairi or Aiden could do anything, Adam stood up and walked over.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you ladies to stop this," Adam said in a calm but serious tone "please remove yourself from his person, now."

"No!" snapped Kodatchi as she clutched Ranma's arm harder, "Ranma darling and I are destined to be together, forever!"

"Shampoo is to be Ranma's bride!" said the purple-haired Amazon as she too clutched harder on Ranma.

"This has gone too far!" said Kairi as she stood up and walked over, "I've seen you three," she pointed at Ukyo, Kodatchi and Shamppo, "treat Ranma like he's some sort of collectable. Well he's not some object you can collect! He's a human being for crying out loud! And you three ought to be ashamed of yourselves for not treating him as such."

:You go girlfriend!: said Namine.

:I'm just getting started,: said Kairi.

The three girls were stunned by Kairi's rant, but then Kodatchi broke the silence, "how dare you!" she snapped angrily, "just who do you think you are to even try to come between me and my darling Ranma!"

"I'm someone who's standing up for the basic human rights of another," said Kairi, "you may think you're better than everyone else, Kodatchi Kuno, but if you were to truly look at yourself in the mirror, you'd see a girl wrapped up in so many delusions about herself that it's a miracle she knows which way is up."

Kairi then looked at Shampoo, "then there's you, a girl who loves her people and culture and is willing to stand up for her way of life. But you've allowed your people's traditions to go too far. There are some things that go beyond tradition and honor, and one of those things is the right of a person to live as he or she sees fit. You've used all sorts of dirty tricks to get Ranma to fall in love with you, but if you'd really think about it, you'd realize that all you'd get in return was an empty love that would only lead to heartache."

The purple-haired Amazon tried to justify herself, "but…but Ranma… he is one Shampoo loves."

"But does he love you back in truth?" Kairi asked.

Cologne then hopped over to Kairi, "you have a lot of guts to do this, young one, I admire that. But your efforts are in vain. My great-granddaughter will marry Ranma. The traditions of our tribe which has lasted for over 3,000 years must be upheld."

"Not all traditions are meant to last forever," said Kairi, "if you think that just because you're an honored elder with many years of experience behind her that you can just walk over the rights of another human being, then we defiantly don't see eye to eye.

"And if you have a problem with my defying your people's traditions, if you have a problem for standing up for Ranma, then we can settle this after the tournament, any time you're ready."

"I do have a problem with you defying 3,000 years of Chinese Amazonian traditions," said a calm but still angry Cologne, "but I am willing to wait until after the tournament."

"Any time you're ready," Kairi said again. She then looked at Ukyo, "and then there's you, the so called best friend."

"I am his best friend!" snapped Ukyo, "I love Ranma with all my heart, and I certainly treat him like a human being, unlike some others I know."

"If you truly love him," said Kairi, "If you truly are his friend, his best friend, then you'd let him make his own choice in life. And if you truly are his friend, then you'd be happy with whatever choice he makes."

"Are you done?" an irate Kodatchi asked, "is there anything else you have to say?"

"No," said Kairi, "there's a lot I'd like to say to Akane Tendo, but she's not here right now, so I'll stop for the time being."

"I'd like to say something," said Kyle. He stood up and looked at Kodatchi, "you, my dear, are clearly insane and should be locked up with the key thrown away. Other than that, I think you're a beautiful lass with a lot of talent. If you'd just get over this irrational fixation with a certain boy, you'd be on top of the world."

"I'd also like to say somethin'," said Ian. He stood up and walked over to Ukyo, "I see here a wonderful person who's also got a tone of talent. The only thing I can see that's wrong with you is that you don't know when to let go of something. You clearly care a lot about Ranma, and he likes you, but you need to realize that he's never going to see you more than as a friend."

"And if I may get my two cents in," said Adam as he walked over to Shampoo, "when I see this lovely young woman, I see a person who is so blinded by tradition that she fails to see the beauty of the world around her. I see a girl with so much potential, yet that potential is wasted," he looked Shampoo in the eyes, "surely you must realize that the more you try to make Ranma fall in love with you, the greater the chances he will someday come to hate you."

The purple-haired Amazon was shocked by this, "Ranma no hate Shampoo! Ranma never hate Shampoo!"

"He will come to hate you," said Adam in a solemn tone, "I should know. I've seen it happen when one person in a relationship tries to make the other fall in love. Forcing love can only lead to heartache and hatred."

Adam then spoke to Ukyo, Kodatchi and Shampoo, "all of you need to realize that the harder you try to make Ranma love you, the harder he will push you away. As Ian said, if you truly love Ranma, then you would trust him to choose for himself."

"How can I possibly let Ranma choose when these whores are constantly trying to take him away from me?" demanded Kodatchi.

"Only whore here is you, psycho girl!" snapped Shampoo.

"You both are whores!" shouted Ukyo.

At that Aiden stood up and shouted "Fingers On Lips!" while holding his hand in a 'shushing' position.

This sudden outburst got everyone's attention and things quieted down.

"It's clear that we're not going to get anywhere talking to you idiots," Aiden said to Kodatchi, Shampoo, Ukyo, Mousse and Tatewaki, "so, I'll talk to the one whom you are making so miserable."

He then looked at Ranma, "you shouldn't let these morons make you so miserable. Nobody should have to put up with so many people either trying to get you to fall in love with them or trying to kill you. If it were me in your shoes, I wouldn't take any crap from anyone. I'd fight back with everything I had, if only for my own wellbeing."

"If I may interrupt," said Felicia, "I believe that the reason Ranma has suffered so much isn't only out of honor. This is what is known as the Sanction of the Victim. Ranma, you're willing to suffer because deep down in your inner self, someplace in your subconscious, you see yourself as having done something wrong and should be punished for it."

"You're willing to be the sacrificial lamb," said Jean-Louise, "you feel honor bound to endure the actions of those who either hate or are obsessed with you. You're willing to allow those who would do you harm to inflict that harm, instead of standing up for your basic human rights. You're willing to let evil have its way with you."

"But it doesn't have to be that way, mate," said Julia, "evil only exists if you let it exist. Evil is like a parasite that feeds off of good, but only if good tolerates that parasite. But if you take action, then that parasite is destroyed before it can do any further harm. True, the damage is done, but at least you're still alive, and where there's life there's hope."

"So what's it going to be, Ranma Saotome," said Adam, "are you going to continue your present course in life where morons and lunatics have their way with you, eventually resulting in your own self destruction? Or are you going to take charge of your life and stand up for yourself?"

"Just who the hell do you people think you are?" snapped Mousse, "how dare you try to come between me and my darling Shampoo!"

"We're people who are looking out for the wellbeing of a fellow martial artist," said Felicia.

"Same with us," said Sora, while Riku, Kairi and Aiden nodded.

Kodatchi then snorted with disgust, "well I've always looked out for Ranma darling's well being."

"Oh please," said an annoyed Ukyo, "how many times have you used various poisons to get him to be your human doll?"

"Shampoo never abuse Ranma."

"Don't make me laugh," said Ukyo, "just how many times have you and the old bat blackmailed Ranma into going on dates?"

"I knew I forgot to mention something," said Nodoka. She then spoke to Sora, Riku, Kairi and Aiden, "Cologne and Shampoo have often enticed Ranma with 'cures' to his curse, as payment for going on dates with Shampoo. They've also used various Chinese Amazonian magic items and potions to get him to fall in love with her."

At that Kairi glared angrily at Shampoo, "you used magic to get him to love you? Don't you know anything about magic?"

"A certain Genie once told me that you can't use magic to make people fall in love," said Sora, "you can cause a strong attraction and desire, but never true love."

Mousse then straightened his glasses to see that Shampoo was very upset by Kairi's outburst, "you dirty tramp! I'll make you pay for upsetting Shampoo!"

"Sit down and shit up, four-eyes!" snapped Felicia.

Kairi still had more to say to Shampoo, "what respect I had for you as a friend and a fellow martial artist is starting to fade. I'm starting to regret that we ever became friends in the first place."

"You are rapidly approaching a line that you truly do not wish to cross, young lady," said an irate Cologne to Kairi, "the law of the Chinese Amazons is clear; Ranma and Shampoo will wed, no matter the cost!"

"Even if the cost is Ranma's life?" Riku asked, "or Shampoo's? Because a forced marrige will only end in tears. If you force them together, it's more than likely that one may try to kill the other."

"You're talking about Ranma and Akane," said Ukyo, "if those two do get together, then they'll definitely put each other in their graves."

"And what of you?" Ian asked, "what will you do to Ranma?"

"I'd trust him to make his own decisions," said Ukyo. "You guys are right, Ranma isn't some toy to collect. He's a human being with rights that cannot be taken away," she glared at her rival fiancées, "despite what some of us think," she then glared at Tatewaki and Mousse, "and none of us have the right to hurt him just because he appears to be an obsticle in the way of an irrational goal."

"My love for Akane Tendo and the Pigtailed Girl is not irrational!" snapped Tatewaki.

"You just keep thinking that," said Ukyo, "see where it gets you. But as for me, I'm done being an idiot," she looked at Kairi, "you're right, I'm Ranma's friend and as his friend, I want him to be first and foremost happy. I love him enough to let him choose his own path, and if I'm not on that path, then at least we'll still be friends. And our friendship is something I would never want to lose, even if it means that's all we'll be."

"Ucchan," said a startled Ranma.

"Looks like we all got through to at least one of them," Aiden whispered to Sora.

Sora then saw that Shampoo had been sitting in a contemplative manner, like she was dealing with a serious matter of her heart. Finally, the purple-haired Amazon stood up, "Shampoo think about it, and Shampoo realize that Kairi is right, and so is others. Ranma like Shampoo, but he no love Shampoo. Shampoo love Ranma enough to let him choose for himself."

"Granddaughter!" snapped Cologne, "the law! Remember the law!"

"Screw the law, old woman!" shouted Mousse, his bespectacled face bright with hope, "if Shampoo is willing to renounce her claim on Ranma, all the good for her."

"And then we have you," said Felicia, "another freaking idiot. It doesn't take a genius to realize that you're head over heals in love with Shampoo, but clearly you did something to her that's seriously turned her off. You need to get it trough your freaking head that no matter what you do, no matter how many times you do it, you're never going to get her to love you back."

"And there is this pathetic excuse for a human being," said Jean-Louise as she looked at Tatewaki, "while being rather good looking, he is also a chauvinistic pig who has no grasp of the word fidelity. You say you are an honorable man, Tatewaki Kuno, well, I spit on your so called honor!" she then spat at Tatewaki, the spittle landing between his feet.

"If that is a challenge," said Tatewaki as he stood up, "then so be it. We will meet on the field of honor. If thou win this challenge, thou may date me."

"I wouldn't date you with a ten foot pole," said Jean-Louise, "and I will only fight you if we are matched up in the tournament, in which I will fight for only myself and the championship, and with that I bid you a good evening, sir!" she then stood up and left the room.

"I think I will take my leave as well," said Kyle, "we all have a lot to do tomorrow, so I think I'd better get ready," he stood up and left.

"I'd better get ready for tomorrow as well," said Felicia, "goodnight, everyone."

Ian and Adam also left, but Julia stayed, "I'm nowhere ready for bed, mind you."

"I think we all should call it a night," said Nodoka, "some of us have some thinking to do."

"That we do, Nodoka," said Cologne, "that we do," the Amazon matriarch then glared at Kairi, "we will settle this at another time, young lady." With that she hopped out of the room, while Mousse Shampoo also followed.

"It would seem that the only to settle this once and for all would be in the arena," said Tatewaki, "Saotome, I offer you this proposal; whomever wins the tournament shall have both Akane Tendo and the Pigtailed Girl."

"Whatever makes you happy," said an irate Ranma.

"Then I bid you a good evening," said Tatewaki, he stood up and bowed, "until tomorrow then," and left.

Kodatchi was still silent from the last round of shouting as she stood up and followed her brother out of the room.

"For a moment there I thought a war was going to start," said Sora, "especially with the Amazons."

"It may just," said Nodoka, "if I know anything about Cologne, she will not let this down. I still don't know why she's so hell bent on my son marrying Shampoo, but it goes beyond tribal law." She looked at her son apologetically, "I'm so sorry, Ranma, I just wanted you to be able to stand up for yourself and regain your passion for life. I asked Sora and the others to help inspire you and to help get your rivals and fiancées to back off, but now things have been blown all out of proportion."

"It's alright, mom," said Ranma, "I'm really okay with this. If the old ghoul wants to start a war, I'll give her a war she'll never forget," he then looked at Sora, Riku, Kairi and Aiden, "I get what my mom was trying to do, and thanks. I do feel like I'm more like myself again."

"So you've regained your reason to live?" Aiden asked.

"Who said I lost it?" Ranma said in a denying tone, "but I did feel really down and out before you guys showed up. And thanks for helping me with those other idiots."

"We only started the ball rolling," said Riku, "Adam and the others helped expose the Kuno siblings and the Amazons for what they are."

"It weren't nothing, mate," said Julia, "we just did what any self-respecting human beings would do for another. Those two Amazons, Shampoo and Mousse, they're decent enough, but them Kuno's, now they're defiantly a whole different species."

"And what about me?" Ukyo asked, "what species am I?"

"You're a good person who just needed a kick in the head," said Ian as he walked back to collect his jacket that he forgot.

"I did need to get my thoughts in order," said Ukyo. She then looked at Ranma, "I'm sorry I was such a pain, Ranma Honey, I shouldn't have been so possessive. It's just that I want you to be happy, and I know those other idiots are completely wrong for you, and now that I think about it, so am I."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Ucchan," said Ranma, "you're a wonderful person, and a really great cook to boot, but I'm just not in love with you, and I don't want to be in love with you. I'm not saying I hate you, but I don't want to lose our friendship either."

"She is a fantastic cook," said Ian between bites of Okonomiyaki.

"Thanks," said Ukyo. She then looked at Ranma, "I don't want to lose you as a friend either," the two of them then hugged like the friends they were, "but I certainly don't want to see you lose yourself to someone who will only make you miserable, like that idiot, Akane."

"She is an idiot," said Ranma, "and an un-cute tomboy to boot."

"What did you say!" shouted Akane as she stood in the doorway, a look of rage twisting her face. She then realized that Ranma and Ukyo were still hugging. Enraged, Akane picked up a nearby table and held it over her head.

"Holy crap!" exclaimed Aiden, "what monstrous strength!"

"And I thought Sakura was scary when angry!" said Riku,

"Ranma, you jerk!" shouted Akane as she threw the table, aiming for Ranma and Ukyo. Instead, her rage-clouded vision disrupted her aim, sending the table headlong towards Kairi.

"Look out!" shouted Sora as he dove at Kairi, pulling her out of the way just as the table hit the floor were she was standing.

"Are you alright, Kairi!" a frantic Sora asked.

"I'm alright," said Kairi. She then saw Akane, who was looking like she had only now realized that she had tried to crush the wrong person.

"That idiot tried to kill me!" said Kairi.

"I…that is…I mean…" said a shaken Akane, "I was trying to…"

"You were trying to kill my son and his friend," said an irate Nodoka as she glared at Akane, "but you nearly almost killed my student. You've done some moronic things in the past, Akane Tendo, and this is the latest in a long list of idiocy. Well I've had enough. I will still honor the agreement my husband made with your father over the arranged marrige, so long as my son is willing, but know this Akane; if you ever try to hurt my son, his friends or my students again, I will make you regret it."

"But it wasn't my fault!" pleaded Akane, "it was Ranma and that slut Ukyo. I didn't mean to hurt your student, Auntie Nodoka!"

"I'd be most appreciative if you didn't use that term of affection any more, Akane," said Nodoka, "is that understood? Or do I have to get your worm of a father involved?"

Akane was speechless. Sora could tell that Akane wasn't used to being talked back like this, especially with Nodoka involved. Finally, Akane shouted, "I hate you, Ranma! I hate you! I hope you die!" and she ran out of the room crying.

Two seconds later Miley walked in, looking very confused, "who put the burrs in her britches?"

"That would be me," said Nodoka, "though I had help from others tonight."

"You got my text," said Kairi to Miley, "you almost missed the start of a war."

"Glad I did miss it," said Miley

Sora then introduced Miley to Nodoka, then to Ranma, Ukyo, Ian and Julia.

"So you're Kairi's teacher?" Miley asked Nodoka, "and you taught Riku, Sora and Aiden?"

"She taught us everything we know," said Sora, while Riku nodded in agreement.

"And she helped me improve a lot," said Aiden, "oh, Miley, you were right about good things happening to good people. Hannah sent me a letter with a VIP ticket for the tournament."

"She did?" an amazed-sounding Miley asked, "that's awesome!"

"What's even more awesome was that I sat next to this really cool guy," said Aiden, "this really cool actor, Jake Ryan."

"You sat next to Jake Ryan?" Julia asked eagerly, while Ukyo also had an eager look on her face.

"There was also this rotten little creep who kept trying to make bets with me," said Aiden, "and there was this guy who was really nice, but boy was he dumb."

"I think I know who you're talking about," said Miley, "were their names Rico and Jackson?"

"I think that's what their names were," said Aiden, "you know them?"

"I'd be lying if I said no," remarked Miley, "but that a whole other kettle of corn. What about that girl who just ran out?"

Sora and the others then gave Miley a summarized version of the overly complicated relationship between Ranma and Akane.

"Wow," said a stunned Miley, "I've met some strange people before, but that Akane Tendo is definitely a girl who flip-flops more than a catfish in a moon bouncer."

"You have no idea," said Ranma.

"Huh?" asked a confused Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Ukyo, Ian, Julia and Nodoka.

Miley sighed, "ya'll definitely wouldn't last two minutes in Tennessee."

"I'm partial to agree with you, ma'am," said Ian, "and I'm from Texas."

"Well," said Miley in a deeper Tennessee accent, "from one good ol' southerner to another, I'd like to say that you are a gentleman among gentlemen."

"And you are truly the belle of the ball," said Ian.

"Alright, enough cute talk," said Miley in a more serious tone, "anyway, I saw you all fight today, you were awesome!"

"You thought today was great," said Sora, "wait until tomorrow. I'm gonna wipe that smug look off that Kuno guy's face."

"Wish I could do it for you," said Kairi. "You saw how I lost today, Miley."

"Talk about bad luck," said Miley. She then looked at Ian, "and I'm really sorry you lost too. You were good."

"But the guy I faced was better," said Ian, "and creepy. I'm telling ya'll that there's something wrong about that Tom Smith character."

"You said it," said Aiden, "I could tell all the way from the audience that he was rotten. Call me a coward if you want, but I'm glad that I'm not fighting him at all."

"But Shampoo is," said a concerned Ranma, "she's facing that guy tomorrow. I know that Shampoo has done a lot of mean things to me, but I still care for her, if only for her well being, and the last thing I want is for her to get hurt at all."

"She was strong enough to beat me," said Kairi, "maybe she'll win."

"I hope so," said Riku, "for Shampoo's sake. I've got a bad feeling that that Tom Smith was holding back a lot, that he was only using a fraction of his fighting prowess today."

"If what he did to me was only a fraction of his power," said Ian, "then the rest of us are in for one raw deal."

"Those losers are in for one raw deal when they end up facing our champ!" said Hades as he, Ursula and Tom Smith, stood on the roof of the hotel, "that Amazon girl is gonna get her head ripped off!"

"And I believe that we've found quite a few dark hearts," said Ursula, "over half the fighters who entered the tournament are nothing more than bullies and thugs who only fight so they can beat people up. Ha Ha! Perfect fodder to be turned into Heartless!

"And let's not forget the poor saps who were eliminated from the top 32. Nearly all of the 16 that lost are full of anger towards the winners, the only exceptions being that Texan kid and that wretched former Princess of Heart, Kairi. I'm surprised that she, as a Keyblade Wielder, lost."

"Give her some credit," said Hades, "she's still new at this whole hero razzle-dazzle business. But at least she's out of the way so we can deal with her later," the flamed-haired god of the underworld eyed Tom Smith, who was gazing up at the stars, "she wouldn't last ten seconds against this weirdo."

"Remind me again why we have to keep such a tight leash on our pet?" Ursula asked, "it would seem to me that if our wonder boy were to remember more of who he was, if we let him remember more of his personality, he'd be that much stronger."

"He'd turn on us the microsecond we let our guard down," said Hades, "this maniacal soul was born rotten to begin with, a real sociopath and a psychopath all in one human-sized package. He betrayed his best friend and went on a rampage, then wound up putting a curse on himself that gave him near immortality, but it later cost him his body.

"His head was still in one piece, so he took over the body of his would be killer, his best friend no less. It took him a hundred years to get used to his body, all the while trapped underwater, but he came back fully restored, and with a weird power no less. But he wound up getting blasted to pieces in the end by the descended of the guy he betrayed in the first place."

Hades glared at Ursula, "this guy was so messed up, so vile and dispeciable, the underworld of his universe kicked him out and he wound up in my underworld."

"You told me that already," said Ursula, "but he looks harmless to me, to us that is," she looked at Tom Smith, "isn't that right, champ?"

Tom Smith then looked at Ursula and smiled, "whatever you say, mistress."

"See?" Ursula said to Hades, "we've got nothing to worry about."

"Heartless aren't supposed to talk," said Hades.

"So this one can," said Ursula, "so what? As long as he gets the job done," she looked at Tom Smith, "you do know what your job is, right?"

"Destroy the Keyblade Wielders and win the tournament," said Tom Smith, "is there anything else you wish of me, mistress?"

"If I think of anything," said Ursula, "you'll be the first to know. But first I have some sore losers to visit, and some deals to offer."

"Overconfident sea cow," muttered Hades, "the sooner I'm free of you, the better."

…New Hollow Bastion…

"I'd say that, given the circumstances and the time we've been allotted," said Reddik, "I'd say we've come up with a decent plan. That old man that Maleficent is so hung up about is as good as captured."

"Remind me again why Maleficent wants this Happosai so badly?" a disgruntled Konrad asked, "seems a waste of time and our efforts to bring back a useless old peasant."

"Why do you always call everyone peasants?" Erika asked in an annoyed tone, "you even call us that, and we're all the elite of the Hakonian race."

"If we're the best of our people," said Rakel, "how come we're in this mess, where if we screw up one more time, we'll wish we were never born? Tell me that."

"It's all the fault of those Keyblade brats!" snapped Konrad, "if Ulrik had just destroyed those meddling children when he had the chance, we wouldn't be in such dire circumstances."

"If blaming the deceased would solve our problems," said Reddik, "then I'd curse our ancestors who allowed The Doctor to destroy our empire. But cursing the dead never did anyone any good, so all we can do is make sure that we, that includes you, Konrad, and Erika, and you too, Rakel, don't screw this up. Otherwise what Maleficent did to us before is going to seem like paradise compared to what she'll do to us next."

"Then we'd better not fail," said Rakel as she opened a Dark Corridor to Earth, "for all our sakes."

"Ladies first," said Reddik. Rakel and Erika went in first, followed by Konrad, and Reddik went last, with the Dark Corridor closing up behind him.

The day of the second round of the finals dawn bright and clear. "Okay then," said Sora as he met with Riku for breakfast, "today's gonna be a lot harder than yesterday."

"You don't have to tell me twice," said Riku, "I'm going to face that Mousse guy. I think last night we managed to help Shampoo realize the truth of her relationship with Ranma, but Mousse is still hung up over her. But I may be able to knock some sense into him during our match today."

"I just hope I can do the same thing with that Kuno guy," said Sora, "but then, he has to have a bran to have some sense knocked into first."

"True," said Riku.

They reached the breakfast buffet, where Kairi and Aiden were already at a table with Nodoka.

"So, you two are ready?" Nodoka asked.

"Ready as we'll ever be," said Sora.

"All we can do is try out best," said Sora.

"I'll be cheering you both," said Kairi, "even though I lost yesterday, I'll still be able to watch with the others."

"And I'll be cheering from the VIP seats," said Aiden. He patted his full pockets, "I've got more than enough gold to cover any bets that rotten little creep, Rico, has to offer."

"We'll do our best to help you line your pockets," said Riku.

"You know," said Kairi, "I feel like we've really made some progress yesterday with Ranma. He's got Ukyo off his back about marrying him, and I think we helped Shampoo see the light, or at least showed her where the light is."

"If only we can get her great-grandmother to back off," said Riku, "then we would really be making progress. And then there's that psychopath, Kodatchi."

"And there's the rivals," said Aiden, "Mousse and Tatewakia re still hell bent on killing Ranma, and that Ryoga guy is still missing in action."

"Those are problems to worry about later," said Nodoka, "but I do believe that things will work out in the end."

After breakfast they had a while to relax before heading to the arena at 9:00. In the area for the fighters Ranma, Ukyo, Adam, Julia, Jean-Louise, Kyle and Felicia, were already there. Ryoga was nowhere to be found, and only Ian was there from the fighters who were eliminated yesterday.

"I tried to find out what happened to those who lost," said Ian, "but they must have skipped town last night at some time or another."

"You'd think they'd stay to watch the rest of the tournament, don't 'cha know," said Kyle.

"Maybe they're just sore losers," said Ukyo.

"Maybe," said Sora.

Just then Tatewaki and Kodatchi walked in. The male Kuno nodded in acknowledgement to Sora, "I hope thou art prepared to face thyne crushing defeat today."

"As I also hope you are prepared to face unbridled humiliation in front of the whole world," said Kodatchi to Felicia.

"Let's get one thing straight," said Felicia, "well, two things. One, you're a freaking psychopath, and two, I don't care if I lose in front of the whole world, there'll be other freaking tournaments. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna give it my all. Far from it, I'm going to try my very best to break your freaking head open, maybe that'll cure you of your insanity."

"I doubt it," said Tatewaki, "my sister, though she be my closest blood kin, she is beyond hope." He then eyed Kairi, "but the fair Kairi, do not despair, for I shall defeat the vile charlatan who hath stolen thy heart, and then we shall be together, forever!"

"You leave Kairi alone!" snapped Sora, "and what did you call me?"

"He called you a poser," said Riku.

Kairi meanwhile was glaring intensely at Tatewaki.

"Why are thou gazing at mine self with such passion?" Tatewaki asked, "is it that thou art in a state of unbearable desire for the Blue Thunder, the Rising Star?"

"If you had half a brain," said Kairi through gritted teeth, "you'd realize that I'm glaring at you, not gazing. I'm trying to see if I have the power to burn a hole in your head with my mind." she sighed and sat down, "no such luck."

:You don't need that power,: said Sora, :you were magical enough even before we got chosen by the Keyblades.:

:You want me to come out and make that jerk forget he ever saw you?: Naminé asked.

:Don't waste your magic on this sleazebag,: said Roxas, :he doesn't even have the brains for you to work on.:

:You're probably right: said Naminé.

Just then the three Amazons, Shampoo, Mousse and Cologne, came in.

"Son-in-law," said the Amazon matriarch, "I've have a long conversation with my great-granddaughter last night. She clearly is willing to defy 3,000 years of Chinese Amazon traditions, all for the sake of friendship. Even if it means disgracing herself in front of her people."

"Shampoo does love Ranma," said the purple-haired Amazon stubbornly, "and Shampoo know Ranma no love Shampoo back."

"Be as that may," said an annoyed Cologne, "You entered a binding contract when my great-granddaughter gave you the Kiss of Marriage, son-in-law, and the law is the law. I'm sure that once you two are married, you'll grow into happiness."

:I can't believe this old idiot!: Kairi snapped.

:To hell with the tournament!: said an irate Riku, :I'm going to give this old bat a piece of my mind.:

Sora was about to agree with his friend, but he was interrupted by the myopic male Amazon.

"Well I'm happy now," said Mousse as smiled while cleaning his glasses, "I've realized that I've made a fool in front of Shampoo too many times for her to ever fall in love with me, but I'm okay with it," he put his glasses back on, "I've found someone I know I can be happy with," he smiled at Felicia, and she blew him a kiss back.

"When did that happen?" Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Ranma Ukyo, Adam, Ian, Julia, Kyle and Jean-Louise asked.

"Last night after everyone left the restaurant," said Felicia, "I went to his hotel room to apologize for calling him four-eyes. He asked me in for a nightcap, I said yes. He talked about his life as a male Amazon and all his wild escapades, and I told him about growing up in Boston and my training trips to The Philippines. One thing led to another, and, well," she blushed at that, "let's just say that after I told Mousse that I regularly wrestle water buffalo, we got really close for a while."

"We were close," said Mousse as he sat down next to Felicia, "really close, close enough to want to stay close." The two of them then kissed.

"Guess wrestling water buffalo is considered attractive in some cultures," said Aiden.

"Nope," said Shampoo, "only Mousse, but Shampoo didn't know until just know."

"Who would ever thought he'd wind up with an American," said a shocked Kodatchi, "it's a scandal!"

"I could care less what you and your blue-blood peers thing of me, psycho," said Mousse as he held Felicia's hand, "I'm the happiest I've ever been in a long, long, long time."

"And I've never been as happy either," said Felicia.

"This is kinda awkward," said Julia.

"I know," said a stunned Ranma, "I'm so used to Mousse wanting to kill me, and now…"

"Now Mousse no longer obsessed with Shampoo," said the smiling purple-haired Amazon, "Mousse has gown up."

"He's become a man at last," said Cologne.

"It's more than that," said Kairi. "a friend once told me that the signs of true love can be seen if you know what to look for. From what I see," she looked at the new couple, "these two soul mates have finally found each other."

Mousse then got up and looked at Ranma in the eye, or rather, his forehead, "I may have found my soul mate, Ranma Saotome, but that doesn't mean I like you now. I still want to beat you, but for the right reasons now. I want to prove to the world that I'm the best, that my style of martial arts is the best, and I'm going to do it by winning this tournament, by defeating you, Ranma."

"I'll be waiting," said Ranma.

"He'll have to wait for a long time," said Riku, "you and me, Mousse, we've got a match today, and believe me when I say I won't hold back just because you've found your soul mate."

"I don't want you to hold back," said Mousse.

"Good," said Riku, "because I won't. And don't hold back on me just because you've found your soul mate."

"I won't," said Mousse.

"And don't expect me to hold out when we fight," said Felicia to Kodatchi, "Just because I've found the man of my dreams, doesn't mean I'll go easy on you, you freaking psychopath."

At that Kodatchi laughed, "I would expect nothing less from one whom had fallen in love with a barbarian."

"I am not a barbarian!" snapped Mousse, "and you need to get your head professionally shrunk."

"My thoughts exactly," said Felicia.

"Well," said Sora, "that's one problem solved. Mousse is no longer a serious threat to Ranma."

"And we may be close to solving another problem," said Kairi, "if we can just convince Cologne to let the laws of her tribe be broken this one time, then that'd be one fiancée down for sure," she looked at Ukyo, "two definitely."

Ukyo, meanwhile was looking at Ian in a contemplative manner, and he was looking back.

"It must be her cooking," said Riku, "I saw Ian eat more of Ukyo's Okonomiyaki than everyone else, except Ranma."

Just then something caught Sora's eye, "uh-oh, looks like another problem just walked in."

At the entrance to the fighter's area was Akane, wearing a yellow gi, and with a black piglet in her arms. The piglet had a yellow and black neckerchief around its neck, and a very sour expression on its face, an expression that was glaring death at Ranma.

"Oh, Akane," said Ranma, "glad you're here, 'cause we need to talk, and P-chan needs to here it."

"That's P-chan?" a confused Sora asked.

"Don't let Akane know," said Ukyo, "but P-chan is really Ryoga."

"How'd that happen?" a surprised Aiden asked.

"He's also cursed," said Mousse, "fell into a Jusenkyo spring, just like me and Shampoo."

"Lost boy Ryoga fall into Heitowennīchuan, 'Spring of Drowned Piglet," said Shampoo, "Mousse fall into Yazunīchuan, 'Spring of Downed Duck,' and Shampoo fall into Maonīchuan, 'Spring of Drowned Cat.'"

"How many cursed springs are there in this world?" Aiden asked.

"More than you would be comfortable with," said Cologne, "fortunately they're all confined to Jusenkyo, in the Qinghai Province of China."

"I'll have to avoid Qinghai Province then," said Aiden.

Sora then focused on the conversation between Ranma and Akane. All the wile Ryoga, as P-chan, kept glaring death at Ranma and was tensed up, ready to leap at Ranma and attack.

"So you see, Akane," said Ranma, "I've done a lot of thinking last night, and I just want to say that things are never going to work out between us, ever."

"What do you mean, Ranma?" Akane asked, while P-chan looked rather confused.

"I mean that this whole arranged marriage our dads made just isn't worth the effort," said Ranma, "even though we've been living in the same house for a long time, we're still don't really like each other. You have your differences, I have my differences, and I just don't see either of us getting over those differences any time soon, so let's just call it a wash before someone gets seriously hurt."

"You mean…" said a still confused Akane, "you want to call it off? Not be engaged anymore?"

With those words, everyone intensely listened to the conversation, especially Tatewaki and P-Chan.

"That's exactly what I mean," said Ranma, "even after all we've been through, all those wild adventures where I'm constantly saving you from some menace or another, you still don't trust me to be faithful, and I'm not feeling anything towards you other than a strong friendship, which I think is the most we'll ever be; really good friends," he held out his hand, "and if it's okay with you, I'd like us to still be friends."

"NO!" exclaimed both Genma and Soun as they ran into the area.

"I forbid this, Ranma!" snapped Genma, "you and Akane will marry, and that's final!"

"The future of the 'Anything Goes' style must be preserved," said Soun, "the two schools must be joined by marriage."

"Why?" Kyle asked abruptly, "what's the point of joining the schools, when there's really only one?"

"What are you talking about?" Akane asked.

"Well," said Kyle, "from what I've seen, only Ranma's been practicing a serious style of martial arts, where as you, Ms. Tendo, all I've seen you do is beat the crap out of your opponents. Oh sure, you're strong in many ways, you have to be strong if you want to survive in this mad, mad world of ours.

"But from what I can tell, you've only managed to make it through the preliminaries by sheer guts and brutality aimed towards your opponents, which by some twist of fate have all been boys."

"So what?" Akane asked in an irate tone.

"It means that you only made it this far because you've faced mostly bullies and thugs," said Ranma, "but now you're about to face a real martial artist. I know you've worked hard, Akane, but all you did for training back home was break bricks and demolish practice dummies. Now you're about to face a real fighter, one who puts his heart and soul into his style, and I don't think you'll last long."

"I won't will I?" demanded Akane. She alternated her glaring between Ranma and Kyle, "we'll see how long I'll last when I break each of your heads open!" With that she sat down in a huff, all the while holding P-Chan so tight it was a miracle he was still breathing.

"But…but what about the arranged marriage?" Soun asked, "what about the schools?"

"I think we should leave that aside until after the tournament," said Nodoka, "the younglings have enough to worry about as it is."

"Good idea, Nodoka," said Genma as he grinned eagerly.

"Don't think you've come out on top just yet, husband," said an annoyed Nodoka, "we've got plenty to discuss after the tournament as well, you too, Soun. When things calm down, we're all going to sit down and have a nice long chat about the future of our children; our children whom are now old enough to choose their futures for themselves."

At that both Genma and Soun started sweating nervously.

Sora then saw Jean-Louise looking at the clock, "the matches are about to start soon, and I'm up first."

"I'm sure you'll do great, darlin'," said Kyle.

"Oh I know I'll do my best," said Jean-Louise, "but I'm worried about the other guy. I'm fighting that bandana boy, Ryoga. If he doesn't show up soon, I'll win by default, and I don't want to win by default. I came here to fight, not automatically win because someone," she eyed P-Chan, "was too busy making a fool of himself in the arms of a girl who might as well not know he exists."

At that P-Chan squirmed out of Akane's arms and jumped to the floor. He then ran towards the mens' room like a pig out of hell.

"P-Chan!" Akane called after him, "come back!"

"He'll be back," said Ranma, "sooner or later. He always comes back"

"I'm confused," said Sora.

"You're not the only one," said Aiden. He then looked at the clock, "but you'll tell me what you learn later, I got to get to my seat. I've got a rotten little kid to wring money from."

"We'll make sure you clean up real nice," said Riku.

"Thanks," said Aiden as he left the area and headed for the VIP seats.

"So what's with Ryoga?" Kairi asked.

"From what I heard," said Nodoka, "while as P-Chan, he was adopted by Akane, who has absolutely no clue that her pet and Ryoga are one and the same. As P-Chan, Ryoga was 'privileged' to be with Akane in some rather compromising situations, if he were human that is."

"He sleeps with her in the same bed," said Ranma in a hushed tone, "and has seen her without her shirt on several times. All in all, Ryoga's hopelessly crushing on Akane, but he's too much of a coward to admit it to her. He made me promise not to tell her, and he's exploited my trust a lot ever since."

"I'm disliking Ryoga more and more," said Riku.

"You and me both," said Kairi.

Just then Ryoga, back in his human form and fully dressed, and with damp hair, rushed out of the men's room, "I made it!"

"Just in time," said Jean-Louise. She then whispered to Ryoga in an angry tone, "if you ever do that again, if you ever threaten my pride and honor as a martial artist again, all so you can spend more time in the arms of your 'owner,' I'll rip you in half, from the bottom up. Comprenez-vous ?"

"What are you talking about?" a nervously sweating Ryoga asked.

"Don't play the idiot, mon ami désespérément perdu," said Jean-Louise, "I know your dirty little secret."

Ryoga then gulped nervously, "and what dirty little secret would that be? And what did you call me just now?"

"One would think you'd learn to speak français on your aimless travels," said Jena-Louise, "never mind. I called you 'my hopelessly lost friend,' and the secret," she whispered into Ryoga's ear, "is that you and that little black piglet Akane is so fond of, are one and the same."

At that Ryoga's face went three shades pale, "how did you know that?" he demanded in a hushed tone.

"When in your little form," said Jean-Louise, "your facial expression matches your human form perfectly. And then there's the fact that you wear that same bandana round your neck. Only an imbécile would not make the connection," she then looked at Akane, "which doesn't say much for our choice in women. So, here's my offer; you swear on your life and your love of it that you will make a conscious effort to be punctual, and I will swear on my life and my love of it that I will remain silent on the other subject in question. Avons-nous une affaire?"

"If you're asking me if we have a deal," said Ryoga, "then we have it. Akane must never know that I'm P-Chan. It'll break her heart."

"I'm more concern what she'll do to you physically if she finds out," said Jean-Louise, "but that is something we may never know. So, permettez-nous de conclure nos affaires à portée de la main, let us conclude our business at hand."

"Alright," said Ryoga, "I swear on my life and my love of it, I will from now on try to be on time. But I can't guarantee that I'll be able to keep that promise. This problem of mine where I keep getting lost, it happens on its own."

"As long as you try," said Jean-Louise, "and now for my end of the bargain. J'en jure sur ma vie et mon amour, je wil gardent ce secret jusqu'au jour je meurs. I will keep this secret until the day I die."

"Then we have a deal," said Ryoga. The two of then shook hands.

Just then one of the tournament officials walked up to say that the matches were about to start.

"It would seem that we have more business to conclude, mon ami désespérément perdu," said Jean-Louise to Ryoga, "we'd bet not keep the audience waiting, allons-y!"

"Ladies first," said Ryoga as he strapped to his back a bamboo umbrella, one of his trademark weapons.

"There you are," said Aiden as he reached the VIP seats. Already there was Jackson, Jake, and a very smug-looking Rico, "I've got the gold," he pulled out several gold pieces and separated them into two piles, each equivalent of $5,000. "I'm covered, are you?"

"I'm always covered," said Rico as he pulled out a large wad of cash and counted off two stacks of $5,000.

"How can you throw money away like that?" Jake asked.

"He's got way more than that," said Jackson.

"Too bad you'll never see a dime of it," said Rico.

"Too bad you're about to lose the bets" said Jackson, "I've been watching the clips of the prelims." he looked at Aiden, "I saw how good Sora and Riku are. They'll win without a doubt."

"Oh really," said Rico in a mischievous tone, "well I've been watching the prelim fights as well. I saw how good that Kuno guy is, and that Mousse guy." he looked at Aiden, "I think your friends are about to get their clocks cleaned."

"We'll see about that," said an irate Aiden. He then focused on his powers, concentrating as hard as he could in hopes that his friends would hear his thoughts, :Sora, Riku, you'd better win, or I'll make you regret it!:

"I think Aiden is thinking about us," said Sora, "for a second there, I almost heard him in my mind."

"Me too," said Riku, "I think we're getting stronger in mind as well as body, all of us."

:Looks like our private chats won't be private much longer: said Kairi.

:Having Riku and Aiden to talk to this way will make up for it: said Sora.

But then the roar of the audience blocked out all further psychic communication as the second round of the finals began.

"Alright boys and girls!" said Hank into the microphone, "we're here at Day 2 of the Tournament of Light finals!"

"Only sixteen fighters remain from the thousands who entered!" said Lisa, "and only eight will advance to the next one, but only one will take home the gold!"

"Things are gonna be a little different today," said Hannah, who was wearing a sparkly green and white top with designer jeans and high-healed sandals, "in this round, each match will last 10 minutes. Each fighter has that long to win, and I've got my picks for who wins today right here."

"Who do you think's gonna win?" Hank asked.

"Well," said Hannah, "this is just my lill' old opinion, but…"

"But we'd all love to hear it," said Lisa, "so, I'll deliver today's lineup, and you'll give us your opinion on the outcome. Sound good, Hanna?"

"Sounds great," said Hannah.

"Okay then," said Lisa, "in the first match, we have the 'Femme Fatale' Jean-Louise D'Arch, vs. 'Iron Defense' Ryoga Hibiki."

"My money is on Ryoga," said Hank, "according to his bio, he's survived more horrors in the world than I've had nightmares. I say he'll win."

"But Jean-Louise has speed on her side," said Lisa, "Ryoga may have the higher defensive prowess, but how can you defend if your enemy can get behind you faster than you can react?"

"I agree," said Hannah, "my money is on Jean-Louise."

"Well we're about to find out, folks," said Hank, "the fight is about to start."

"Okay, you cool cats," said the referee as Ryoga and Jean-Louise met each other in the middle of the ring, "you know the rules. I want a good clean fight. Obey my commands at all time, and most of all, do your best."

"I intend to do so," said Jean-Louise as she bowed to Ryoga, "bonne chance, mon ami."

"You're the one who's going to need the luck," said Ryoga as he bowed in return, "I'm gonna wipe the floor with you, then I'll be one step closer to facing Ranma."

"Nous verrons," said Jean-Louise as she took up her fighting stance, while Ryoga did the same, "we shall see."

"Let's get it on!" said the referee, while the big bell rang.

Immediately, Ryoga took the offensive as he rushed forward and tried to punch Jean-Louise in the face. She dodged it, then sidestepped and kicked Ryoga in the back. He shrugged it off and tried to punch Jean-Louise again. She dodged that and kicked him on the other side, but he barely flinched.

"We're seeing two complete opposites here, boys and girls!" said Hank, "Jean-Louise is fast, but Ryoga's tough."

"It's all a question of who wears the other out first," said Lisa, "Jean-Louise can dodge Ryoga all day, but he can endure her attacks as well."

"Hold still already!" snapped Ryoga as he threw another punch at Jean-Louise and missed.

"I'll hold still when you start clutching your belly in agony!" said Jean-Louise as she kicked Ryoga in the midsection again, but to no avail.

"Let's see if you can handle this!" said Ryoga as he drew his umbrella from his back and use it as a rapier, trusting and slashing at Jean-Louise, forcing her to keep her distance from him.

"She'd better be careful," said Ukyo, "that umbrella is heavier than it looks. It can do a lot of damage."

Jean-Louise jumped out of the way of an especially vicious umbrella thrust, which caused Ryoga to overbalance and he nearly tripped and lost hold of his umbrella. It rolled off the ring and hit the ground with a loud thud.

At that Jean-Louise laughed, "I guess that will teach you not to use weapons that will cause you a disadvantage."

"Don't laugh at me!" snapped Ryoga, his teeth gritted with rage, "You won't like me when I'm upset."

"Oh no!" said an unnerved Ukyo, "he's not going to pull that out already, is he?"

"With Ryoga, you never know," said Ranma.

"What's going to happen?" Sora asked.

"Something terrible," said a deeply shaken Kairi, "I can sense Ryoga's emotions all the way from here. His heart is so heavy with darkness, it's a miracle he hasn't turned into a Heartless. No, wait! It's like he's purposely filling his heart with negative energy, energy being caused by deep depression."

"It's his Ki," said Riku, "he's making it heavy on purpose. But what's he going to do with it?"

"Just watch," said Ranma, "and be ready to duck, just in case."

Ryoga had stepped back to one side of the ring and crossed his arms over his chest, all the while his body was emitting a dark aura.

"What the hell are you doing!" a confused and slightly frightened Jean-Louise asked.

The dark energy surrounding Ryoga's body began condensing as he held out his hands, forming it into a sphere, "Take this!" shouted Ryoga, "Shishi Hokodon!"

Shishi Hokodon= Lion Roar Shot

The dark energy in Ryoga's hands blasted forward, heading head long at Jean-Louise. She barely managed to avoid the worst of the blast, with part of it grazing her shoulder. The rest of the blast shot towards a fortunately empty area of the arena, demolishing part of the wall.

"Sweet mama on a Sunday!" exclaimed Hannah, "what was that?"

"That was a Chinese Ki attack," said Hank, "and a reckless one at that. This has got to be against the rules!"

"Ryoga should be disqualified for using a technique that could have endangered the audience," said Lisa, "but that's for the referee to decide."

The referee saw that nobody in the audience was hurt, then saw that Jean-Louise was getting up with only minor burns on her shoulder, "Can you continue, Ms. D'Arch?"

"I think so," said Jean-Louise as she carefully felt her shoulder, wincing slightly at the pain.

"Then I'll allow it!" said the referee.

Ryoga stood there looking emotionally drained, but still willing to fight, "had enough? Or are you thirsty for more?"

Jean-Louise looked at her scotched shoulder, then at the demolished wall, then at Ryoga. She looked as if she had just witnessed something, "you can do that again?"

"And again and again and again," said Ryoga, "as many times as necessary."

"You are insane to use such a terrible technique," said a shocked Jean-Louise, "and I'd be insane to pit myself against it again, while also risking the safety of the audience. Je concède l'échec, I concede defeat."

It took the audience a few seconds to realize that the fight was over. They clapped enthusiastically for both Ryoga and Jean-Louise.

"Didn't see that one coming," said Hannah.

"Nobody saw it coming," said Lisa. "I still say Ryoga Hibiki should be disqualified for reckless behavior. And why'd Jean-Louise give up so easily?"

"It wasn't easy for her," said Hank, "that's for sure. And so after a blazing, and potentially illegal technique, Ryoga advances to the quarter finals."

"Why'd she give up like that?" Kairi asked, "now that she's seen what that blast could do, she could avoid it."

"But it would also further endanger the audience," said Riku, "and I don't think Jean-Louise was feeling so confident about trying her luck any more."

"She's a true martial artist," said Cologne, "in this case she's the more honorable fighter, for a true martial artist knows when to stop."

By then Jean-Louise had made it back to the fighters area, still clutching at her wounded shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Kairi asked as she examined Jean-Louise's shoulder.

"I'm hurt in more than the physical way," said Jean-Louise. She glared at Ryoga as he made it back to the fighters area.

"Just what the hell was that that you just used?" Riku asked Ryoga.

"I'll tell you what it was," said Ranma, "that was the Shishi Hokodon, the Lion Roar Shot. It uses heavy ki generated by depression and other negative emotions."

"In other words it uses the darkness in one's heart," said Riku. He glared at Ryoga, "don't ever use that attack again!"

"Excuse me?" Ryoga asked in an insulted tone.

"We're the ones asking the questions here," said Riku.

"I have one," said Jean-Louise as se glared at Ryoga, "are you even human? For no human in their right mind would ever use negative emotions as a weapon. That is something a madman or a villain would use."

"What does being a human being have to do with this?" an irate Ryoga asked, "if I can learn to use a technique, why should I not use it? And I'm as sane as the next guy."

"That's as if you're standing next to Charles Manson," said Felicia.

"You shouldn't use that technique if it fills your heart with darkness, Ryoga" said Sora, "it'll destroy you."

"Thou hath missed quite the conversation last evening," said Tatewaki, "we spoke of many things; of other worlds and strange creatures made of living darkness."

"Heartless," said Kairi, "which is what you will become if you keep filling your heart with darkness."

"Why should you care about my heart!" Ryoga snapped, "nobody cares!"

"I care," said Ranma, "even after all the crap you've put me through, Ryoga, after all the times you've tried to kill me, all for stuff that isn't even worth getting upset over, I still think of you as a friend."

"And you've always been my friend," said Ukyo, "if what Sora and his friends say are true, then you could end up destroying yourself, Ryoga."

"I honestly don't know what all this stuff about Heartless and other worlds is all about," said Akane, "but if these guys are saying that using the Shishi Hokodon is unhealthy for you, Ryoga, that it could kill you, then you shouldn't use it anymore."

"But it's one of my strongest techniques," said Ryoga, "I can't just give it up."

"Then permit me to be perfectly frank with you," said Jean-Louise, "you will never use that technique again, ou j'arracherai vos globes oculaires et viol de crâne vous avec une brindille irrégulière!"

"What'd she say?" Ranma asked.

"Trust me," said Ukyo, "you don't want to know.

"Something about ripping his eyes out," said Kairi, "after that it gets a little too graphic for my taste."

Just then one of the tournament officials walked over, "what's going on here? Sounds like you two are going to keep fighting," he said to Ryoga and Jean-Louise.

"I have no intentions to do that," said Jean-Louise.

"Just an argument," said Ryoga.

"Well, keep it quiet," said the official. He then looked at Sora and Tatewaki, "you two are up next."

"At last," said Tatewaki as he eagerly stood up, "we shall see whom shall have the honor of dating the living goddess that is Kairi."

"I'm gonna make you regret every thinking about Kairi," said an irate Sora.

"Just calm down, Sora," said Kairi, "he's not worth getting upset," she then spoke telepathically, :but nothing would make me happier than for you to take this poser down a few notches.:

:Your wish is my command,: said Sora. He then spoke out loud to Tatewaki, "let's go."

"Alright," said Hank, "after an explosive first match of the day, we're ready to start the second match; 'The Blue Thunder, The Rising Star of Kendo,' Tatewaki Kuno!"

"Ya' think he's got enough nicknames," said Hannah.

"Well here's one that needs no introduction," said Lisa, "Sora. Here's one who came out of nowhere and flew through the preliminaries."

"He's got my support," said Hank, "according to his profile, he was taught by Nodoka Saotome, one of the best sword masters in the world."

"Well that should count for something," said Lisa, "but my money is on that delicious hunk, Tatewaki. He may not be the brightest star in the cosmos, but never lost an official Kendo tournament. If it comes down to swordsman vs. swordsman, he'll win."

"Well, I'm picking Sora," said Hannah, "I was wrong about the last match, but this is what my gut says to pick."

"Ready to lose $5,000?" Rico asked.

"That's something you should ask yourself," said Aiden.

"You can forget about ever touching Kairi!" said Sora as he and Tatewaki bowed and took up their fighting stances, "she and I are together, and nothing you or anyone else can say or do can ever break us apart!"

"We shall see!" said Tatewaki, "We shall see!"

"Let's get it on!" said the referee as the big bell rang.

Sora and Tatewaki rushed at each other and met in the middle of the ring, their swords clacking against each other loudly as they tried to break past each others defenses.

"Good Golly Aunt Dolly!" said Hannah, "they're fast!"

"I can't tell who's winning!" said Kairi.

"From where I'm standing," said Ranma, "they look about equal!"

"You're pretty good!" said Sora as he blocked a thrust aimed at his head, then countered with a spinning strike at Tatewaki's left side, which he blocked.

"I hath trained with a sword since I was able to stand," said Tatewaki as he again tried to strike Sora on the head, but was blocked, then had to block a side strike aimed at him, "thou art no slouch either!"

"I had a great teacher," said Sora as he feinted to the left, then aimed for the right. But Tatewaki saw past the bluff and blocked Sora, then tried again for Sora's head.

"They both seem to be on an even level, folks!" said Hank, "from where I'm sitting, it looks like they'll go the distance."

"But if they don't land any solid hits when the time runs out," said Hannah, "how will the judges determine who is the winner?"

"If they're out of time and there's no clear winner," said Lisa, "then the match will go to sudden death. Whoever drops from exhaustion first is the winner."

"In that case," said Hannah, "this could go on all day."

Both Sora and Roxas sensed the predicament they were in, :If you don't figure out how to end this soon, it might never end. You'd better stop pulling your punches and start taking this seriously.:

:I've been taking this seriously,: said Sora, :but you're right. It's time to pull out the stops.:

"Alright, Blue Blunder," said Sora out loud, "let's see what you make of this!" he then High Jumped over Tatewaki. He landed behind the bewildered swordsman and struck him on the back, upsetting Tatewaki's balance.

"Incredible!" said an astonished Hank, "Sora just jumped over Tatewaki and finally delivered a solid hit!"

"Where'd he learn to jump like that?" Ukyo asked Riku.

"From experience," said Riku, "and from vanquishing countless Heartless and thousands of Nobodies."

"What are Nobodies?" Ranma asked, "you didn't talk about them last night."

"Long story," said Kairi.

Tatewaki had then recovered and tried to rush at Sora again. Sora jumped over Tatewaki, letting the swordsman continue to run forward and nearly trip over the edge of the ring.

"Is that all you've got?" Sora asked, "'cause if it is, well, then there really isn't much to say about you, is there?"

"I shall smite thee, infidel!" exclaimed Tatewaki. He ran at Sora headlong, his sword raised high to bash Sora's head in.

Sora used the Quick Run ability to get behind Tatewaki and smack him on the bottom with his wooden Keyblade, knocking Tatewaki off balance enough to send him flying out of the ring. He landed on the floor head first and stuck there completely upside down while balancing on his head.

"Out!" said the referee, "the winner is Sora!"

The audience went wild.

"I certainly did not see that one coming, folks!" said Lisa, "Sora pulled off a blazing display of speed and the Blue Blunder wound up landing on his inflated head."

"I thought you liked him," said Hannah.

"I still do," said Lisa, "but I'm just doing my job."

"Leave some of the heckling to me," said Hank, "and with that, boys and girls, Sora advances to the quarter finals."

"You okay?" Sora asked as he jumped down from the ring. Tatewaki was still on his head, a look of confusing on his inverted face.

"How can this be?" Tatewaki asked, "how could I have lost to a mere child?" With that he fell facedown on the floor.

"I'm almost 16," said Sora as he helped Tatewaki stand up, "and if you paid attention from what we talked about last night, then you'd know that I've got more than my fair share of experience under my belt."

At that Tatewaki sighed, "then thou art truly a master swordsman. I acknowledge thy superiority."

"I'm just lucky," said Sora, "lucky to have had my friends with me, and lucky to have had a great teacher. Now, about you dating Kairi…"

"Say no more," said Tatewaki, "thou hath proven thy self to be a worthy lover of the red-headed warrior. I shall not press the issue further."

"Then we're friends?" Sora asked as he held out his hand.

"Friends we shall be," said Tatewaki as he shook Sora's hand. At that the audience went wild again.

"Pay up, small fry!" Aiden said triumphantly, "Sora won his match, so that's $5,000!"

"No big deal," said Rico as he passed Aiden the stack of money, "so I lost one measly bet. There's still one more to be settled."

"You might as well give me that cash now and save yourself the trouble," said Aiden, "Riku's gonna win his match without a doubt."

"Are you sure about that?" Rico asked slyly, "want to make it even more interesting?"

"Double or nothing?" Aiden asked, "$10,000 on Riku's match?"

"I was thinking triple or nothing," said Rico as he pulled out another wad of cash and counted off another $10,000 so now there was $15,000 in front of him, "this way I get back what my own and clean you for everything, all in one shot."

"Assuming Riku loses," said Aiden as he pushed his winnings and his original gold forward, "alright then," he pressed his wrists, "let's do this! Triple or nothing on Riku vs. Mousse!"

"There's still a few matches first before they fight," said Jake.

"Alright," said an eager Jackson as he saw who was fighting next on the tournament brackets, "Girl on girl throw down!"

"Next up we have two very talented ladies," said Lisa, "Ukyo Kunoji, a highly acclaimed okonomiyaki chef who has successfully adapted spatulas as weapons."

"Her opponent will be the dame from down under, Julia Eckhart," said Hank, "a Muay Thai adapt with a killer cobra punch!"

"My money's on Ukyo," said Hannah, "she's gonna serve Julia for lunch. I hear that when cooked right, snake can be pretty tasty."

"Well I think we're all about to be served one heck of a fight," said Lisa.

The referee had explained the rules to Ukyo and Julia. Julia was using the minute before the fight began to perform her pre-fight ritual of the Ram Muay dance, while Ukyo stretched and limbered up.

Finally ready, the two female fighters bowed to each other.

"I'm gonna cook you alive!" said Ukyo confidently as she took up a fighting stance with two of her smaller spatulas in her hands, while her larger spatula lay slung across her back.

"You'll have to catch me first," said Julia as she took up her fighting stance, all the while smiling confidently.

"Let's get it on!" said the referee as the big bell rang.

Ukyo started off by throwing her spatulas at Julia, then drawing another pair from her shoulder bandolier. Julia dodged the spatulas, then tried to rush in to attack, her left elbow raised to smash Ukyo's face in.

Ukyo blocked the elbow strike, then swung her right-hand spatula at Julia, who dodged it. Julia then tried to punch Ukyo, but she blocked it with her spatulas.

Julia then tried a low kick aimed at Ukyo's left leg to set her off balance. Ukyo blocked the kick with her left-hand spatula, then tried to hit Julia with the right-hand spatula, which she blocked with her right forearm.

Julia then tried to hit Ukyo with a devastating uppercut. Ukyo blocked it with her spatulas, but they got knocked out of her hands.

Ukyo jumped out of the way of another elbow strike and drew her big spatula from her back and swung it at Julia. She dodged it and tried to aim a kick at Ukyo's midsection, but had to get out of the way of another spatula swing.

"We're at an impasse here, people!" said Hank, "Julia clearly has the edge on speed and striking power, but Ukyo has the better defense."

"All that power is useless if Julia can't get close enough to attack," said Lisa, "she has to get pass Ukyo's spatula."

"Talk about going nowhere fast," said Hannah.

But then Ukyo overbalanced from a spatula swing and nearly tripped. This was the opening Julia was looking for. She moved in and delivered an elbow chop to Ukyo's left arm, forcing her to drop the spatula. Julia then delivered a knee kick to Ukyo's midsection, followed by an elbow strike to Ukyo's forehead, then stepped back to have enough room to deliver a devastating cobra punch that dropped Ukyo like a ton of bricks.

The referee then began counting, "one!…Two!…"

"Ukyo, get up!" shouted Ryoga.

"Get up, Ucchan!" said Ranma.

"Three!…Four!…"

Ukyo then began to get back up, but then tripped over herself and wound back up on her back and didn't get up again. The referee then declared it a TKO, making Julia the winner.

The audience went wild.

"How's that for home cooking folks!" said Hank.

"I honestly didn't see that coming," said Hannah, "I thought Ukyo would win with her spatula."

"Even the best of us are wrong," said Lisa, "and so Julia leaves Ukyo burning on the stove and advances to the quarter finals."

"You alright?" Julia asked as she helped Ukyo up. She held up her hand with three fingers showing, "how many do you see?"

"Umm…?" said a still dazed Ukyo, "I'm still trying to decide how many of you there are."

"You'll be alright," said a grinning Julia, "you're lucky, not many blokes manage to stay awake after one of me cobra punches."

"Well, your cobra hisses more than she bites," said Ukyo, "or maybe I'm look then I tougher." she blinked in confusion, "I'm hoping that soon off wears."

At that Julia laughed heartily, "you're okay in me book."

"You're so bad yourself not," said Ukyo. With that they both laughed shook hands while the audience applauded loudly.

"You sure you're alright, Ucchan?" Ranma asked as Julia helped Ukyo back to the fighter's area.

"A dizzy I'm little," said Ukyo as she sat down, while two medics checked her over to make sure there wasn't any danger from her injuries.

"It's a mild concussion," said one of the medics after scanning her head, "but nothing life-threatening," he then used the healing device on Ukyo's head, "Just make sure you stay off your feet for a while and you'll be alright."

"Thank goodness," said Ian. Sora then saw the Texan relax in his seat. Sora then realized that Ian had indeed been tense all during the fight, his hands clenched in nervous anticipation.

"I didn't know you cared, Ian Donovan," said a smiling Ukyo.

"Well, I…that is…" said a blushing Ian, "I just didn't want you to get hurt."

"Sure you did," said a sarcastic Ukyo.

"Looks like someone has a crush on your best friend," said Kairi to Ranma.

"I'll tell you this, mate," said Julia to Ranma, "your friend is in good hands. Ian's an honest bloke if there ever was one." She then looked at Adam, "and this one is just as honest."

"We're up next, Ranma Saotome," said Adam, "a little earlier than I thought; I had hoped we would meet in the final round and make our battle that much more spectacular. But now is as good as any time to see which of our arts is the better."

"Your Shaolin Kung Fu vs. my Anything Goes," said Ranma as he grinned eagerly, "no reason why we can't make things spectacular now."

"Indeed," said Adam, "and I will make this promise to you now, a promise between men; our battle will be an honest and honorable one. I swear I will not use any dirty tricks or subterfuge to win," he suspiciously eyed Kodatchi, Ryoga and Mousse, "unlike some people I know."

"What are you talking about?" Kodatchi asked in an insulted tone, "I always play by the rules!"

"Yeah right," said Sora, Riku, Kairi, Tatewaki, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse and Ryoga.

"That's really decent of you," said Ranma to Adam, "It's been a long time since I've had a real, honest battle without any crazy rules or with the other guy using some weird style against me. And it'd be really nice if I didn't have to worry about dirty fighting."

"Since when have I ever fought dirty?" Mousse asked, "I always stay true to my art."

"Ignore them, darling," said Felicia, "they're just trying to psyche us out."

"Speaking of psyching you out," said Riku, "you'd better win your match against the lunatic," he eyed Kodatchi.

"And why would you want me to win?" Felicia asked.

"So I can win in my match," said Riku, "and face you in the next round, so I can avenge my friend, Aiden."

"Is he still sore about my beating him in the last round of the prelims?" Felicia asked.

"It'll make him feel better if I knock you out of the tournament," said Riku.

"You'll have to go through me first," said Mousse, "no way am I letting you fight my soul mate now that we've finally found her!"

"But if you beat Riku," said Sora, "and if Felicia beats Kodatchi, then you'll have to fight each other in the next round."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," said Felicia.

Just then one of the tournament officials walked up to say that the next round was about to start.

"This is it," said Ranma. He looked at Adam, "you promised me an honest and honorable fight. The only thing I can do is promise the same."

"Let's also promise to do our best," said Adam.

"Agreed," said Ranma.

"And now we've got one of the most anticipated match-ups of this round, people!" said Hank, "Ranma Saotome of the Anything Goes style vs. Adam Callahan of Shaolin Kung Fu."

"Both use styles that are highly adaptable to whatever situation the fighter is in," said Lisa, "and both are relatively equal in speed, offense and defense."

"I honestly don't know who will win," said Hannah, "but all we can do is watch."

Adam and Ranma were in the ring and had just bowed to each other. They took up their fighting stances.

"Let's get it on!" said the referee while the big bell rang.

Adam and Ranma rushed forward and met each other in the middle of the ring and began exchanging a fury of punches and kicks. Both fighters managed to block the majority of the others attacks, but they both managed to get a few solid hits in.

"These guys are going at it like two raccoons after the same apple!" said Hannah.

"But it looks like they're having the time of their lives," said Lisa.

"You have to see it to believe it, folks!" said Hank, "Ranma and Adam are actually smiling as they beat the crap out of each other!"

"They promised each other a fair fight," said Riku, "and they're enjoying it."

"These two are a rare breed indeed," said Cologne in an appreciative manner, "both Ranma and Adam are true lovers of martial arts and are able to fully immerse themselves into their arts. A truly stunning sight, to see such people."

"But they're hardly using their full potential," said Nodoka, "I know my son is capable of so much more, and I could tell from before that Adam has much more potential. Right now they're just sizing each other up."

"But Sensei!" said Sora, "the round is only 10 minutes long! At this rate they'll run out of time before they really start to get serious."

"I think Adam's about to get serious right now," said Kyle.

"You're a far more complicated person than I believed you to be, Ranma," said Adam as he and Ranma continued to exchange blows.

"You're deeper than you look too," said Ranma.

"I'd love to go all out with you," said Adam, "but then you'd go all out as well, and by then the fight would have run out of time. I'd really like to see you at your full power, Ranma Saotome, but this match is running short, so give it a spectacular ending that the people will love!"

He then jumped back a pace, "Take this! No Shadow Kick!" he then began kicking Ranma in the torso so fast that the movements were barely a blur. Ranma was completely bowled over by the ferocious barrage from Adam, knocking him to the ground, which earned a wild cheer from the audience.

"Sweet nutty niblets!" said Hannah, "That's gotta hurt!"

"Unbelievable!" said Hank, "Adam just blew Ranma completely away!"

"He's not out of the fight yet!" said Lisa.

Ranma managed to get back onto his feet before the referee counted to 2. He then told the referee that he was okay to continue.

"That was awesome!" said Ranma to Adam as they circled each other cautiously, "you really are great!"

"You are great as well," said an impressed Adam, "not many have been able to get back up again after my No Shadow Kick."

"Well, I guess I'm special," said Ranma, "and speaking of special attacks, wanna see one of mine?"

"You have more than one?" Adam asked, "wait, of course you have more than one, any martial artist worth his salt should have more than one special attack."

"I'd like to see more of yours," said Ranma, "but it's time I showed you mine! Take this! Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"

Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken= Chestnuts Roasting Over An Open Fire

Ranma began punching Adam so fast that Adam couldn't block Ranma's fists at all.

"So fast!" said an awed Riku.

"Fast enough to grab a roasting chestnut out of an open fire without burning his hands," said Cologne, "I should know, I taught Ranma that technique."

The sheer barrage of punches Ranma was throwing at Adam knocked him to the floor with enough force that he didn't get up until almost to the count of 8.

Adam told the referee that he was alright and the fight went on.

"Unbelievable, people!" said Hank, "both fighters have used their special attacks and both are still standing! This is what martial arts is all about! Two fighters giving it their all!"

"I can't risk blinking!" said Lisa as she held her eyes open.

"Me neither!" said Hannah.

"Incredible!" said Adam to Ranma, "that had to have been the most punches I've been hit by at any given time. How did you get so fast?"

"It's a long story," said Ranma, "maybe I'll tell you about it when you tell me how you could kick like Wong Fei Hung."

"I might just do that," said Adam, "but right now we have a match to finish, and we're running out of time."

"Then let's give the people what they want!" said Ranma He and Adam then backed up to opposite ends of the ring, "one all out rush!"

"I'm game!" said a ginning Adam.

"Then let's do it!" said Ranma as he also smiled eagerly. The two of them rushed at each other, but then jumped in the air and met in the middle above the ring and unleashed their special attacks.

"Wúyingjiao!"

"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"

They then landed at opposite ends of the ring and stood there for a second or two.

Ranma then stumbled and clutched at his side, feeling a fractured rib or two, but Adam doubled over in pain and collapsed to the floor. The referee checked him over and declared a knockout, causing the audience to go wild.

"And there you have it, boys and girls!" said Hank, "after a brilliant display of fighting abilities, Ranma Saotome has emerged the victor and advances to the quarter finals!"

Ranma helped Adam stand back up. Adam was more than a little dizzy, but he was able to keep his footing as they both bowed to each other. Adam smiled and held up Ranma's arm, acknowledging him as the winner to the thunderous applause of the audience.

They both then headed back to the fighters area.

"Ranma Darling!" shouted an overjoyed Kodatchi, "I knew you'd win!"

"Shampoo had no doubt," said the purple-haired Amazon.

"No contest," said Ukyo.

Akane just stood there, looking like she had no idea whether to be happy, sad or angry that Ranma won.

"You were awesome!" said Sora to Ranma.

"How'd you do that?" Kairi asked, "punch so fast?"

"I'd like to know that myself," said Adam as he sat down and let the medics check him over.

"What happened there?" Kyle asked, "you so had this match!"

"I was sure your No Shadow Kick would be the superior technique," said Jean-Louise.

"So did I," said Adam, "but apparently Ranma had the edge the whole time. Even though neither of us were able to bring our full potential to the battle, it was clear he was in control."

"How so?" Riku asked.

"Speed," said Cologne, "while Adam had a slight edge in striking power, an edge that only an experience martial artist would have noticed, Son-In-Law was much faster, and that speed is what made him win."

"Truer words couldn't have been spoken, honored elder," said Adam, "I was fast, but Ranma was faster."

"Don't count yourself out so easily," said Ranma, "you were pretty fast yourself. If you were just a bit faster, we'd both be on the ground."

"You may be right," said Adam, "one day we will find out the truth, when we both have the time to fight again at our full strength, then we shall see who is truly the best."

"That would be me!" said Kodatchi.

"I beg your freaking pardon?" an irate Felicia asked.

At that Kodatchi laughed cruelly, "my dear friend from Boston, the winner of this tournament is right before you, for only a delicate but lethal flower such as myself has any right to win."

"Is that a fact," said an irate Felicia, "well let me tell you something, sister, I'm gonna tear you a new one!"

"How can you do that," said Kodatchi in a mischievous tone, "if your hands are broken during the battle? And who knows what may happen before the fight? After all, accidents happen."

"Don't even think about it, sister!" snapped Tatewaki, "thou woulds be disqualified if thou were to employ thy usual trickery."

"Whatever do you mean, brother dear?" Kodatchi asked in an innocent tone.

"He means you're a dirty, rotten cheater," said Felicia, "and if you think you can get away with pulling a fast one so I'd either lose of forfeit, you've got another freaking thing coming! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go sit somewhere where you can't try to poison me or something like that." she then sat as far away from Kodatchi as she could.

"Is my reputation that soiled?" Kodatchi asked in a hurt tone, while crocodile tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

"Without a doubt, you crazy witch," said Mousse as he and Riku headed for the arena.

"And now we're up to the fifth match of the day, boys ad girls!" said Hank, "Riku another student of Nodoka Saotome, vs. Mousse of the Chinese Amazons!"

"Riku's performance during the preliminaries displayed a fierce attacking style," said Lisa, "while Mousse's prowess in Slight of Hand martial arts makes him equally ferocious."

"Call me crazy," said Hannah, "but both are equally magical in their own styles."

"This is it," said a grinning Aiden to Rico, "get ready to lose a whole lot of money."

"Maybe so," said Rico, "and maybe, just maybe, you're the one who's going home with his pockets empty."

"I'm the kind of person whose pockets don't stay empty for too long," said Aiden.

"Really," said an intrigued Rico, "what's your secret?"

"I'd tell you," said Aiden, "but then I'd have to kill you."

"Yeah right," said Rico.

"Oh whatever!" said Jackson, "just get your money straight already! The fight is about to start!"

"I'll make a pact with you," said Mousse to Riku as they stood in the ring, "whomever wins this match will give it their all in the next round, no matter whom their opponent is. I know Felicia would never forgive her opponent if he didn't give it his all."

"Agreed," said Riku, "but what if Kodatchi wins the next match?"

"Then one of us would be honor bound to kick that psychopath out of the tournament," said Mousse.

"That I can promise with all my heart," said Riku as he and Mousse took up their fighting stances, "that maniac needs to be taken down a notch."

"Let's get it on!" said the referee as the big bell rang.

Mousse pulled out from his sleeves several plastic shuriken and threw them at Riku. He blocked them with his wooden Keyblade, but then had to dodge more plastic throwing stars and other plastic throwing weapons. Mousse seemed to had an endless supply of such weapons up his sleeves.

"What is this?" Hannah asked, "a martial arts tournament or a magic show?"

"The hand is quicker than the eye," said Lisa, "but is Riku fast enough to keep up?"

"And what else does Mousse have up his sleeves?" Hank asked.

"You can't attack me if you can't get close!" said Mousse as he threw more plastic blunt objects at Riku.

"You can't attack me either if you just throw stuff at me!" said Riku as he blocked another set of shuriken, "we're gonna waste the round this way!"

"You're right!" said Mousse, "time to get serious!" from up his sleeves he pulled out a rubber chicken.

"That's your idea of getting serious?" a dumbfounded Riku asked.

"Hey, every magic act should have an element of slapstick," said Riku, "so here's the magic!" he then threw the rubber chicken at Riku, but halfway it changed into several egg-shaped water balloons. Riku wound up getting drenched when one of them got past his Keyblade. "And that's the slapstick!"

"You have a really weird sense of humor," said Riku as he brushed his soaked hair out of his eyes.

"And now for the really serious part!" said Mousse. He then pulled out a wooden staff that had a large fist at one end, "I'm gonna knock you senseless!"

"Come and get me!" said Riku as he hefted his Keyblade.

Mousse charged at Riku with his staff held high. He then swung the staff down fist-end first, aiming to bash Riku on the head. Riku blocked the staff sling and rushed forward to strike Mousse on the side of the head.

Mousse blocked Riku's attack, but then Riku swung his Keyblade up, disarming Mousse of his staff. Mousse then held his arms out and a pair of plastic blades exploded from his sleeves, "Two is better than one!"

Mousse was about to rush at Riku, but then he slipped on some of the water on the floor and landed on a water balloon that didn't break with Riku blocked it. But when Mousse fell on the balloon, it broke then and soaked him. In the blink of an eye, Mousse had transformed into a slightly wet and very angry duck.

"Something-something-something say what?" said a shocked Hannah.

"I've heard of being mad as a wet hen," said a dumbfounded Lisa, "but this takes the cake."

"Well it looks like the fight is over, people," said Hank, "ain't no way Mousse can continue like this."

But then Mousse angrily quacked and began throwing more plastic shuriken and other blunt objects at Riku that were hidden within his feathers. It was all Riku could do to avoid getting hit by the furious barrage of throwing items.

"I'll allow it!" said the referee.

"Then it's time I got serious!" said Riku. He then used his Dark Shield to block the items Mousse kept throwing at him.

"Riku's using some sort of force field to defend himself!" said Lisa, "talk about magic!"

"This is one of the craziest things I've ever seen," said Hannah, "and I've seen crazy, believe me."

"Oh I believe you," said Hank, "but as for this fight, is a force field even allowed?"

"No fair!" said Rico, "no way they're going to allow that!"

"They let Mousse continue when he got turned into a duck," said Jake, "so it's only fair that they let Riku use this force field of his."

"Admit it, Rico," said a grinning Jackson, "this is one bet you've lost."

"I should just taking my winnings now," said Aiden, "save you the trouble and humiliation of handing them over."

"It's not over yet," said Rico, "we don't even know if this move is legal."

"Is that shield part of your fighting style?" the referee asked Riku.

"It is," said Riku.

"Then I'll allow it!" said the referee.

An outraged Mousse then flew straight at Riku and began pecking at him with his bill. Riku managed to swat Mousse aside with his Keyblade after a few seconds of this.

Mousse recovered in midair and flapped back down to the floor. He then pulled out a thermos full of steaming hot water. Using his bill, he opened the thermos and prepared to dump the hot water on his head, thereby turning him back into a human.

But then Mousse slipped again on the water already on the floor, accidentally throwing the thermos into the air. It landed smack dab on his head and dumped the hot contents all over him. Mousse was human again, but knocked completely unconscious.

"He's out!" said the referee, "Riku is the winner!"

The audience, confused over this turn of events, still applauded Riku nonetheless.

"Well this was certainly the weirdest match we've had yet, people," said Hank, "Mousse gets turned into a duck and winds up knocking himself out, and Riku advances to the quarterfinals by default."

"I've got a feeling that things are just going to get weirder from here on out," said Lisa.

"Ya think?" Hannah asked.

"And that's two for two, small fry!" said Aiden triumphantly to Rico, "Pay up!"

"But Riku didn't really win," said Rico, "Mousse knocked himself out. The bet didn't say anything about that."

"But Riku is in the next round of the tournament," said Jake.

"Sorry, pal," said Jackson with mock sympathy, "looks like you've been taken to the cleaners."

"Oh yeah," said a very happy Aiden as he counted his winnings, "this will definitely count as a down payment of my dream house."

"So you're looking to buy a house," said a sly sounding Rico. He then pulled out more money, "care to try for the complete payment?"

"No thanks!" said Aiden as he stuffed his winnings into his pockets, "I know when to press my luck and when not to. I'm calling it quits before you try to pull a fast one on me."

"Now why would I do that?" Rico asked innocently.

"Because you're a greedy little monster with no sense of human decency," said Jackson.

"And you're short," said Jake.

"I said he was little," said Jackson.

"Well he is," said Jake.

"That wasn't exactly how I hoped to win," said Riku as he helped Mousse back to the fighters area.

"Luck of the draw," muttered Mousse as he searched his pockets for his glasses, "oh man! I must have left them in the ring.

"Don't ever say I never did anything for you," said Riku as he handed Mousse's glasses to the myopic Amazon.

"Thanks," said Mousse as he put his glasses on.

"You okay, darling?" Felicia asked as Mousse sat down.

"Nothing hurt but my pride," said Mousse. He then felt his head where the thermos hit him, "well there's that too."

"Oh poor baby," said Felicia. She kissed his head, "there, all better?"

"Much better," said Mousse as he kissed Felicia.

"If you're done making fools of yourselves," said Kodatchi as she stood up, "we have a match up next, Ms. Valentine. I hope you are prepared."

"Prepared to make you look like a fool all over the world," said Felicia as she stood up, "let's get this show on the road!"

"Be very careful around her," said Mousse to Felicia, "Kodatchi isn't one to be taken lightly."

"Neither am I, babe," said a smiling Felicia, "remember, I wrestle water buffalo!"

"Next up we have another pair of girls ready to duke it out!" said Hank, "Eskrima user Felicia 'The Butcher of Boston' Valentine, vs. Rhythmic Gymnastic martial artist Kodatchi 'The Black Rose' Kuno."

"Just when you think they couldn't come up with more vicious nicknames," said Lisa.

"You should hear what my daddy and Uncle Earl call each other when they fight over the last slice of pie during Thanksgiving dinner," said Hannah, "talk about things getting ugly."

"Isn't that the girl who beat you in the last round of the preliminaries?" Jake asked.

"That's here alright," said an irate Aiden. "But I honestly don't know who to cheer for; her or the psychopath."

"Psychopath?" both Jake and Jackson asked in a worried tone.

"Yeah, that one," said Aiden as he pointed at Kodatchi as she and Felicia stepped into the ring, "that psychopath. And from what I heard, she's a cheater to boot."

"Oh," said both Jake and Jackson in relieved tones. Aiden looked at them suspiciously for a second before focusing on the fight.

"Alright, ladies," said the referee, "this fight has one extra rule; no cat fighting. If I see either one of you trying to claw the other's eyes out, you'll be out of here faster than you can blink!"

"I have no need for such callous tactics," said Kodatchi as she stood with one hand holding a gymnastic club and the other holding her ribbon.

"Me neither," said Felicia as she stood with her sticks held out, "let's get it on!"

"Only I get to say that!" said the referee, "now, let's get it on!" with that the big bell rang.

"You my be strong, for an American," said Kodatchi as she and Felicia circled each other, waiting for an opening, "but let's see if you can handle," she dropped her ribbon and drew out another club, "A Thousand Clubs!" she then began thrusting her hands so fast that it seemed that there were a thousands clubs.

Felicia managed to block the clubs with her sticks, "is that the best you can do, psycho?"

"You have yet to see my best!" said Kodatchi. She threw her clubs at Felicia to as a distraction, then drew out a hula-hoop and threw it.

Felicia blocked the clubs and hoop, then rushed at Kodatchi to bash her in the head with her sticks.

Kodatchi gracefully lept out of the way and threw a large red ball at Felicia. Felicia blocked the ball, but this was only a distraction that allowed Kodatchi to jump behind Felicia and grab her around the waist with her ribbon.

Showing an incredible feat of strength and aerobic skill, Kodatchi used her ribbon to throw a surprised Felicia out of the ring.

"Out!" said the referee as Felicia hit the floor several yards away, "the winner is Kodatchi Kuno!"

The audience went wild.

"What an flashy performance, boys and girls!" said Hank, "in a dazzling display of rhythmic gymnastics, The Black Rose has defeated The Butcher of Boston and advances to the quarterfinals!"

"If I didn't know any better," said Lisa, "I'd say Kodatchi Kuno did cheat. But that's for the officials to decide, and if Felicia wishes to protest."

"Doesn't look like she's in a protesting mood to me," said Hannah.

"Looks like you've got your revenge after all," said Rico to Aiden.

"I wouldn't wish that psycho witch on anyone," said Aiden, "Felicia Valentine deserved to win this match, not that maniac Kodatchi. Felicia may have knocked me out of the tournament, but she's a much better person than that cheating psychopath."

"I'm with you on that one," said Jake.

"Are you alright?" Mousse asked as he helped Felicia back to the fighters area, a dumbfounded look on her face.

"How?" Felicia asked as she sat down. She wasn't hurt, but she looked like she had just 'seen the elephant.' "How could I loose to a freaking psychopath?"

"You simply underestimated her," said Riku in a sympathetic tone, "a freaking psychopath can be really unpredictable."

"But…but I wrestle water buffalo," said Felicia.

"Well, nobody's perfect," said Mousse, "even Hannah Montana knows that."

At that Felicia smiled appreciatively.

Kodatchi meanwhile was strutting around like a peacock in front of Tatewaki, "aren't you going to congratulate me on my victory, brother dear? I thought that, having you yourself lost, would at least be glad that one member of our family will still win the tournament."

"At least I deserved my failure," said Tatewaki in tone full of contempt for his sister, "where as you hardly earn anything."

"I agree," said Ian as he walked up, "I don't know how you did it, I don't know how you fooled the referee or the tournament officials, but you cheated, Kodatchi Kuno. I may not be able to prove it, but you did."

"How dare you!" snapped Kodatchi, "I won this match fair and square, and my darling Ranma would agree with me to the living end," she looked at Ranma in a hopeful manner, "right, Ranma darling?"

"I'm not even gonna get involved," said Ranma.

"But I am," said Riku as he looked at Kodatchi, "I'm facing you tomorrow, and believe me when I say that your dirty tricks won't work."

"Whatever do you mean?" Kodatchi asked as she ran her fingers through her hair seductively.

"It means you can turn off the mojo," said an irate Riku, "I'm immune. An I'm also immune to your dirty tricks. Tomorrow will be a fair fight, whether you like it or now."

"Is that a fact," said Kodatchi, "well then, we'll see who is in the right tomorrow." with that she sat down next to her brother, but Tatewaki stood up to go sit somewhere else.

"That there is a whole lot of woman," said Kyle as he looked at Kodatchi, "crazy as a loon, but cute as hell, don't 'cha know."

"I'll admit it," said Riku, "she is cute, but not my type."

Just then the tournament official walked up to say the next match was about to start.

"Oh," said Sora. He and the others then saw that Tom Smith was there with them, "I almost forgot he was there."

"He's so creepy," said Kairi as Tom smith walked past them without looking at them, "but I'm not sensing anything from him, just…emptiness."

"It's like he's not even there," said Riku, "what's with this guy? Wait, I think that emptiness is there on purpose, that it's only there to block something else."

"To mask something worse," said Kairi, "but what?"

"I don't know," said Sora, "but it can't be good."

"I don't like this strange fighter either," said Cologne. She looked at Shampoo, "granddaughter, be careful. That man is dangerous."

"Shampoo be careful, great-grandmother," said the purple-haired Amazon as she held her bombori war clubs, "Shampoo win this and be back before you know it."

"Those brats are starting to suspect that there's something going on," said Ursula.

"Relax already," said Hades, "by the time they even come close to realizing that we're here, it'll be too late. Our champ is gonna tear this town apart once he wins the tournament."

"Speaking of which," said Ursula, "is the other problem fixed? Are we going to have a repeat of yesterday?"

"Give it a break already, toots," said Hades, "I've got our guy completely under control."

"And here's fight number 7 of the day, folks," said Hank, "Shampoo of the Chinese Amazons, a very cute girl if I say so myself, vs. the mysterious and insidious Tom Smith."

"Both have shown outstanding fighting abilities in the prelims," said Lisa, "and both are well balanced in speed, offence and defense. But in this match, my vote goes to Shampoo. Tom Smith will be at a disadvantage going against those war clubs of Shampoo."

"She's got my vote as well," said Hannah.

The two fighters faced each other in the ring while the referee explained the rules.

Shampoo was a little unnerved by the silent expression displayed by Tom Smith. He then looked at her and the emptiness in his eyes chilled her to the bone.

But then her Chinese Amazon heritage asserted itself as she confidently took up her fighting stance, "Shampoo not afraid of quiet fighter. Shampoo win this easily!"

All Tom Smith did was smile, and that unnerved Shampoo again.

"Don't let this guy freak you out, Shampoo!" shouted Kairi, "you're so better than him!"

"Kick him inside out!" said Ranma.

This restored Shampoo's confidence again and she smiled, "I ready!"

"Let's get it on!" said the referee as the big bell rang.

Tom Smith rushed at Shampoo and tried to kick her in the head. Shampoo blocked with her left club, then countered with her right, aiming to bash him in the head. Tom Smith blocked the club, then aimed to punch Shampoo in the face. She dodged it and tried a leg sweep, but he jumped over it and aimed a kick at her torso, which she blocked.

"This are really heating up in here, boys and girls!" said Hank.

"These two fighters are too evenly matched to call it, people!" said Lisa.

"It's like two wildcats after the same mouse!" said Hannah.

But then Tom Smith seemed to make a mistake as he put too much effort into one punch and overbalanced. Shampoo took this as an opening and swung her left club dead on at his head with enough force to break through a brick wall.

"Sweet Niblets!" said Hannah, "That's got to hurt!"

But Tom Smith withstood the blow as if it were a caressing feather.

"Sweet niblets is right!" said Lisa, "I think Shampoo is in trouble."

"It's not over yet!" said Hank.

Shampoo then swung her other club at Tom Smith's head, but it did nothing as it hit him. She then kicked him in the head, but he just stood there like nothing was happening.

"No way!" said Sora.

"Inconceivable!" said Mousse, "Nothing can take that kind of punishment from Shampoo and still be standing!"

"Nothing human that is," said a grim-faced Riku.

"I'm beginning to agree with you, young one," said Cologne in an equally grim tone.

"I think you should end this before Shampoo gets hurt," said Kairi, "you're her trainer as well as her great-grandmother. I'm sorry, but I think it's best that you throw in the towel."

"I agree," said Nodoka, "end this, Cologne, before something both you and Shampoo will regret happens."

"I can't do that," said Cologne, "it's against the creed of the Chinese Amazons for a trainer to force her student to give up. I understand that this situation may get out of hand, but there's nothing I can do. Besides, my great-granddaughter would never forgive me if I interrupted her fight."

"Not even if her wellbeing was on the line?" a frantic Adam asked.

"What's gotten the burr under your saddle, man?" Ian asked.

"Just the undeniable sensation that something terrible is about to happen," said Adam.

Shampoo was still trying to knock the unmoving Tom Smith down, but he refused to budge an inch. Even after Shampoo broke her clubs on his face, Tom Smith still wouldn't even flinch.

"Is that all you've got, little girl?" Tom Smith asked an a voice that reverberated with pure malice that broke through his emptiness.

"He can talk!" said a shocked Kyle, "the bloody bastard can talk!"

Shampoo merely stared at Tom Smith as if she had just heard the devil himself speak.

"This is bad," said a very worried Kairi, "this is very bad. Now I'm starting to feel like something terrible is about to happen."

"I sense that too!" said Sora, while Riku grimly nodded.

"Stop the fight, Cologne!" said Nodoka, "before it's too late." But the ancient matriarch defiantly ignored her.

"The Shiatsu, granddaughter!" shouted Cologne, "use the Shiatsu Techniques!"

Shampoo nodded as she heard her great-grandmother and took up a stance with her fingers outstretched.

"She's got a chance now," said Ranma, "if Shampoo can touch that guy's head, she can mess up his memory and make him forget. She'll win by default!"

But Tom Smith had other plans, "oh, you're going to try and make me forget why I'm here, aren't you? Well that won't work on me."

In the blink of an eye, Tom Smith crossed the length of the ring and grabbed Shampoo by her wrists and squeezed them, "it's useless to contend with me! Useless!"

By now he was crushing her wrists hard enough to begin breaking bones. Shampoo tried to struggle away from Tom Smith, but his grip was too strong, "Useless!" he shouted as he squeezed harder, causing Shampoo to scream in agony.

"For the love of god, Cologne!" shouted Nodoka, "throw in the towel!"

Colonge then rushed at the ring and shouted, "we forfeit!"

"Fight's over!" said the referee "it's over!"

"It is?" Tom smith asked, "already?" he casually released Shampoo's mangled wrists, causing her to collapse to the floor. "And I was just beginning to have fun." He jumped down from the ring and walked over to the disguised Hades and Ursula.

Ranma, Kairi, Sora, Mousse, Felicia, Ukyo, Adam and Nodoka ran up to the ring just as a pair of medics were examining Shampoo. The prognosis wasn't good.

"Her wrists are completely crushed," said one of the medics, "even with the healing devices, there'll still be some permanent nerve damage. She'll never hold a weapon or fight at all again."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," said a defiant Kairi. She took a step onto the stage, but Sora tried to stop her.

"Half a billion people are watching," said Sora, "you sure you want to use your powers in front of the world?"

"Do I look like I care about who's gonna see me?" Kairi asked in a very serious tone.

"I don't think so," said a slightly dumbfounded Sora.

"Good," said Kairi. She then walked up to Shampoo. The purple-haired Amazon was in unimaginable agony, for her pride as a warrior had her refuse any pain killers, "just hold on for a minute, Shampoo," said Kairi as she carefully placed her hands on Shampoo's ruined wrists, "this won't take long, I promise."

Kairi then used her healing magic, the white light penetrating Shampoo's injuries and fully restoring her mangled wrists in less than a minute. Surprised that the pain was suddenly gone, Shampoo was equally surprised to find her wrists back to normal.

"How'd you do that?" a shocked medic asked.

"Magic of course," said Kairi.

"You save Shampoo's wrists," said the purple-haired Amazon. She then flung her arms around Kairi and kissed her on the forehead, "Kairi is Shampoo's friend forever!"

"Goodness!" said a startled Nodoka.

"What was that?" Ranma asked, while Sora looked rather confused.

"Young Kairi has just been given an incredible honor," said Cologne, "when a female outsider willingly helps a warrior of the Amazon tribe, the warrior is question is honor bound to help her in return someday. As partial payment of this kindness, the warrior gives the outsider the Kiss of Friendship, making the outsider an honorary Amazon."

"Well how do you like that?" said Felicia to Kairi, "you're an honorary Chinese Amazon."

"If that's true," said Sora to Kairi, "then you can never let Riku beat you when we spar, otherwise you'll have to marry him."

"In that case," said a grinning Kairi, "I think I'll let you win the next time we spar."

By now the audience had gotten over the multiple shocks of the past few minutes and was cheering loudly, mostly for Shampoo's recovery and the sudden display of friendship.

"Well this is one for the record books, people," said Hank, "after a brutal ending to a bizarre fight, Tom Smith advances to the quarterfinals."

"But the real winner here is Kairi," said Lisa, "who ends up helping Shampoo and becoming an honorary Amazon. This is something they'll be talking about for a long time."

"And I thought this kinda thing happens only in the movies," said Hannah.

"I thought you said you had this under control!" Ursula hissed at Hades as they and Tom Smith headed for the exit, "your so called champ started acting all high and mighty there just now!"

"Alright already," said an irate Hades, "I made a mistake and allowed another part of his original personality to wake up. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Tom Smith, "I'd be most appreciative if you left my mind alone."

"Don't try to get smart with me, tough guy," said Hades, "I'm the one holding the reins here. Did you forget so easily? Your own universe kicked you out and sent you to mine, which makes you my property. If I say you'll be a mindless dog, you'll be a mindless dog, and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

"We'll see, old man," said Tom smith, "we'll see." With that he walked out of the arena.

"Who's he calling old?" snapped Hades, "I'm not old, I'm a god for crying out loud!"

"But they do get a little gray around the gills," said Ursula as she walked out.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hades asked as he also walked out.

"Never mind," said Ursula, "we've got other things to worry about than our champ. I say let him have his memories and personality back, as long as he remembers who the bosses really are."

"As long as he remembers who the boss is," said Hades, "and you're right, we've got bigger things to worry about, like how are we going to handle thousands of disgruntled tournament losers who are just itching to be bullies and thugs for the darkness."

"They've already turned their hearts to the darkness," said Ursula, "all we've got to do is get them all over to New Hollow Bastion, then they're Maleficent's problem."

"Well, me dear," said Kyle to Akane, "it looks like we're the last ones left to fight today. Let's just give it our best and have fun, okay?" he held out his hand.

Akane glared contemptuously at Kyle and brushed pass him as she made her way to the ring.

"What's her problem?" Kyle asked.

"She hates men in general," said Ranma, "I still haven't figured that out. There's a lot about Akane that I don't get, like why is she such a terrible cook? Or why hasn't she ever taken the time to learn how to swim? Or why is it that she's always ready to believe the worst about me, even when the truth is clearly in plain sight?"

"Who is John Galt?" Kairi asked.

"Huh?" Sora, Riku, Ranma, Mousse, Shampoo, Ukyo, Ryoga, Tatewaki, Kodatchi, Ian, Adam, Kyle, Julia, Jean-Louise, Felicia, Nodoka and Cologne asked.

"Am I the only one here who's read Atlas Shrugged?" Kairi asked.

"That big thing you were so hung up about before this whole mess with The Heartless got started?" Riku asked, "no thanks. I'll stick with books that I know I can finish."

"I got bored after reading only fifty pages," said Sora.

"But you have to read all of it," insisted Kairi, "it's a great story with many great lessons behind it; the biggest of which is that evil only exists if it's allowed to exist."

"True enough," said Nodoka.

"Alright, boys and girls!" said Hank, "this is it, the last match of the second round! Kyle O'Harra, pankration extraordinaire, vs. Akane Tendo of the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts!"

"Both have made it through the prelims and the first round of the finals easily enough," said Lisa, "but both are completely different fighters. Kyle uses takedown and submission holds backed up with careful thinking, while Akane seems to like just plain brutality."

"My money's on Kyle," said Hannah, "I mean, what good are muscles if you use them against someone who can outthink you? Am I right?"

"Let's just have fun, shall we?" Kyle asked as he and Akane stood in the ring. They bowed to each other, but all the while Akane glared hatefully at Kyle.

"Get this straight," said Akane as she took up her fighting stance, "I'm not here to have fun. I'm here to win, got it?"

"Well excuse me for showing good sportsmanship," said Kyle as he too up his fighting stance, "don't get mad at me just because you got up on the wrong side of the bed today."

"Let's get it on!" said the referee as the big bell rang.

Kyle and Akane rushed at each other. Akane tried to punch and kick Kyle but he was too fast. He then grabbed Akane by the wrist and threw her over his shoulder, smashing her to the floor. Kyle then grabbed her other arm and bent it back hard enough to make her yelp in pain.

"I'd submit now if I were you, darling," said Kyle as he added more pressure to the arm lock, "any more and you'll be sorry!"

Akane then shouted in rage rather than pain as she pushed Kyle off of her. She then picked him up like he was a rag doll and held her over her head.

"Don't touch me, you pervert!" shouted an enraged Akane.

"Put me down, ya' flaming banshee!" shouted Kyle, "and who are you calling a pervert?"

Akane responded by throwing him out of the ring. He landed hard on the floor twenty feet away.

"Ring out!" said the referee, "The winner is Akane Tendo!"

It took the audience a few seconds to realize that the fight was already over. They applauded Akane's victory, but it was half-hearted, for they were expecting more.

"Sweet momma, she's strong!" said Hannah.

"And ill-tempered," said Lisa, "she had no right to call Kyle a pervert. All he did was use legal moves. He didn't touch her in any way that was inappropriate, right?"

"I didn't see anything that would result in a lawsuit," said Hank.

"I thought so," said Lisa.

"Well folks, with that display of monstrous strength," said Hank, "Akane Tendo advances to the quarterfinals, and that's the end of the second round, boys and girls. We'll be back tomorrow with the quarter finals of The Tournament of Light!"

"You okay, man?" Ian asked Kyle as a medic looked him over and said there was nothing serious.

"I landed on me head after this she-bear of a girl picked me up like I was a flaming doll," said an irate Kyle as the medic handed him an icepack to put on his head, "of course I'm not alright! I'm flaming mad. Just who does that witch Akane Tendo think she is? Calling me a pervert like that."

"She thinks every boy is a pervert," said Ranma as he watched Akane stomp out of the fighters area and out of the arena, "the slightest whim can set her off, believe me, I know how mean she can get."

"Well I'm glad you realized just how wrong she is for you," said Kairi, "I've never met anyone with a more complicated personality. If anyone needs professional help, it's Akane Tendo."

"I'm glad you've decided for yourself as well, Ranma," said Nodoka, "I had hoped that Akane would change for the better, but now I think it's for the best that the two of you remain friends and at a distance."

"NO!" shouted Genma as he and Soun ran up, "Ranma and Akane are engaged and they will be husband and wife!"

"The schools must be joined!" said Soun, "it's their duty."

"Like you'd know anything about duty!" snapped Ranma. "look, Mr. Tendo, pops, I'm not going through with your stupid arranged marriage and that's final. You've got a problem with it, deal with it! I'll be free to settle it once and for all once the tournament is over."

"But you have to marry Akane," said Soun as tears threatened to fall from his eyes, "it's your duty to continue the family line and martial arts style."

"I blame myself for raising such a dishonorable son," said Genma in a distraught tone.

"Oh give me a break," said an irate Riku, "you only want Ranma and Akane to get married so that they'll be able to take care of you two."

"It's true," said Ukyo, "all day long Mr. Tendo and Mr. Saotome do is play Shogi and eat. Occasionally they'll get involved with whatever whirlwind adventure Ranma and Akane are up to, but that's it."

"Seems to me that you two are the ones who need a lesson in honor and duty," said Nodoka, "Soun, Genma, as Ranma's mother I have to look out for his wellbeing, since it's clear that the two of you are unable to handle that responsibility. ThereforeI am forced to take action. As Ranma's mother, I'm dissolving the arrangement you two made. Ranma and Akane are no longer engaged, and that's final!"

"But…" said both Genma and Soun.

"No buts about it!" said Nodoka sternly, "if I have to, I'll call my attorney and have him fly out to L.A. post haste and we can settle this in court. My son is not marrying that un-cute tomboy of a girl."

"But…" said both Genma and Soun.

"If you're worried about finding her a husband that much, Soun," said Nodoka, "there's plenty of other boys who find her attractive," she looked at Ryoga and Tatewaki, "talk to these two, I'm sure one of them is interested in the job. Now if you'll excuse me, it's been a long day and I'd like to enjoy some time with my son, if he's interested in touring the city with his mother that is."

"I'd like that, mom," said Ranma. With that they left together.

"At least we've helped them get closer," said Sora, "every kid should be close to their mom."

Just then Aiden ran up to them, his pockets even fuller than before "you guys were awesome!"

"Looks like you did well yourself," said Kairi as she eyed Aiden's overstuffed pockets.

"You better believe it!" said a very happy Aiden, "I took that Rico creep to the cleaners today. He wanted to place more bets, but I'm smart enough to know when to stop."

"Good for you," said Riku.

"Well, today's been a real pleasure," said a Felicia as she and Mousse headed for the door.

"At least we didn't louse too badly," said Mousse.

"We'll fight again for fun someday," said Riku.

"I'd like that," said Mousse, "just as long as you don't lose to that psychopath tomorrow."

"She's as good as lost," said Riku.

"And don't you lose to Ryoga either," said Jean-Louise to Sora, "that reckless boy is going to get someone hurt someday, so somebody needs to teach him a lesson."

"I'll try my best," said Sora.

"You should," said an irate Jean-Louise, "ou j'aurai votre tête entre deux a fumé des petits pains!" with that she left for the door.

"What'd she say?" Sora asked as he, Riku, Kairi and Aiden headed for the door as well.

"Something about having your head between two steamed buns," said Kairi.

"Oh," said Sora.

Outside the arena they were met by Miley as she ran up to them. "I saw you guys fight! It was awesome!"

"You were in the audience?" Sora asked.

"I didn't see you at all," said Riku.

"Yeah," said Miley in a hesitant tone, "I was halfway up to the nosebleed section, so you probably didn't see me."

"What about Lilly and Oliver?" Kairi asked, "were they there also?"

"Yes, they defiantly were there," said an all too cheerful Miley, "they were right next to me all the time, cheering you on! I mean, we couldn't have cheered any louder." In truth, Lilly and Oliver were there at the other end of the VIP seats as Lola and Mike, but that was something Miley wasn't ready to talk about.

Just then Miley received a text, one that she didn't like at all, "oh sweet niblets!" she looked at Sora and the others apologetically, "I got to go."

"You'll watch us tomorrow?" Sora asked.

"I'll defiantly watch you fight," said Miley, "that's a given!" With that she ran off.

Miley met Robbie Ray at the limo on the other side of the parking lot. "Where were you, Miles?" Robbie Ray asked as Miley jumped into the limo and it drove off, "and why'd you get out of character?"

"I was talking to my friends, dad," said Miley as she sat at the other side of the backseat and a privacy screen rose and she changed back into Hannah, "Roxy was close by, so I was safe."

"Well just so long as you're careful," said Robbie Ray.

"I don't mean to sound rude, Kairi," said Riku as our heroes reached their hotel, "but your friend Miley, she's a bit unusual."

"She is a bit strange," said Kairi as they crossed the lobby and waited for the elevator to come, "but that's part of what I like about her."

"She is strange," said Sora, "and who says things like 'sweet niblets?'"

"Her family," said Kairi as the elevator arrived and they went in, "Miley's from a family that doesn't like to use dirty words, so they make nicer-sounding words up."

"That's cool, I guess," said Aiden, "and original. I've never heard anyone say sweet niblets before."

"I know someone else," said Riku as the elevator stopped at their floor and they got out, "at the party for the top 32, Hannah said it."

"That's right, she did," said Sora.

Just then Aiden stopped in his tracks as if a huge revelation struck his mind. "It can't be," he said as nervous sweat began to pour from his brow, "it just can't be!"

"What's wrong?" Sora asked.

Aiden then looked at Kairi with frantic intensity in his eyes, "do you have a picture of Miley with you?" he asked.

"Uh…yeah," said a confused Kairi, "we emailed each other our pics the day before the flight to L.A. so she'd know who to look for."

"Bring it," said Aiden, "and meet me in my room." he then hurried to his room.

"I'm starting to worry about him," said Riku.

"Maybe it's Post Traumatic Stress," said Kairi as she went to her room to get the photo of Miley, "a delayed reaction from what happened to his parents."

"I hope not," said Sora.

They met Aiden at his room and he locked the door behind them, "did you bring the picture?" he franticly asked.

"What's this all about?" Kairi asked as she handed Aiden the photo of Miley, "are you all right?"

"The only thing that's wrong with me is the possibility that I'm wrong about this horrible idea that popped into my head," said Aiden. He placed the picture of Miley on the bedside table and then placed next to it his autographed picture of Hannah Montana, "and it looks like I'm right after all," he said in a grave tone.

"What are you talking about?" Sora asked.

"Miley," said Aiden as he pointed at the two pictures, "I'm talking about Miley Stewart. She's Hannah Montana!"

The end of chapter 6.

Next chapter finds our heroes dealing with this potentially world-shaking revelation as they get ready for the quarter finals. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!