Just to let you all know, I'm still alive. I'm just having a bit of problems right now, with house renovations, and devianArt.

Still trying to flesh out the next chapter, so here's yet another preview of what's to come...

In the darkened streets, Soun, Genma, and Akane moved about.

"The authorities were helpless against the mysterious attacker, so it's up to us as true martial artists to put an end to this!" said Soun. He had recalled from the last town meeting discussing the happenings going on and said he would take care of it, despite his low standing at the moment. He had seen this as a way to regain his status standing and show that the Anything-Goes is reliable.

"I agree, Tendo! It is a martial artist's duty, after all!" said Genma. Actually, he was only doing it in hopes of getting a reward of some kind.

"Whatever. Let's just find this assailant and be done with it!" said Akane. She thought this to be a good chance to show that she's good for something and gain recognition like she always would not b overshadowed by some gaijin sluts!

"Okay, so here's the plan." Started Soun. "We'll try to bait the attacker with a target it can't resist. Once it comes, we all jump and subdue it."

"But how, Dad? From the reports, it only targets young men." Said Akane.

No sooner than she said that, Genma was dressed like a punk rocker complete with a blonde wig. "Secret technique: Rocker Disguise!"

Akane could only face palm. Suddenly, she was glomped from behind by a certain kendoist.

"Oh my darling Akane Tendo! You shouldn't be out at this time of night while that assailant is out! Allow I, Tatewaki Kuno, to be your escort!"

He gets a response in the form of having his face planted into the pavement. "WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?"

"Well, in any case, let's carry out the plan!" said Soun.

It was then Akane had an idea. "Hold on, Dad. I don't think Mr. Saotome would be a good target. However, we got someone else…"

They all look at the sprawled out Kuno. They figure since he's there, he may as well make himself useful.

Kuno was instantly placed under a dimly lit street light while the others hid.

"Perhaps I shall escort thee later…" Kuno muttered as he slowly got up. As he did, he heard some noises. "Who goes there?" Kuno held his bokken at the ready as he scanned the area. "Show yourself, coward! Lest you incur the wrath of the great Tatewaki Kuno!"

A fast wind blew by, and in the next instant, Kuno's bokken had been reduced to wooden chips. The street light then went out as Kuno screamed in pain followed by growls that sounded to be in… disgust?

"Quick! Get the flashlight out!" said Soun.

Akane got it out and turned it on, pointing it in the direction of the noise. What they saw was Kuno sprawled on the pavement with a glazed look on his face.

"The boy never stood a chance…" Genma commented.

"Now where did it go?" asked Akane as she shone the flashlight about, hoping to catch whatever it was in the act.

"GAAAH!"

Akane was startled when she heard Genma yell behind her after getting slammed into by a blur and into the nearby shrubs.

"Saotome! GUAAAHHH!"

Soun was also slammed by a blur and vanished into the shrubs, leaving Akane alone.

"Dad! Mr. Saotome!" She looked about to find where her attacker was at. "I'm not afraid of you! I'm a martial artist! Why don't you come on out and fight!? Or are you just too scared to face me head on!?"

Akane stopped her rant as she heard a low hissing noise behind her. Slowly turning around, she caught a glimpse of two pairs of glowing eyes in the darkness before they lunged at her. She could only scream.

To be continued...

Happy to still hear from you readers out there, old and new!