Disclaimer: The creator of Ranma 1/2 got me into this mess, so let her disclaim!

italics: Thoughts

Chapter 27

End of Some Problems, Start of New Ones

"No really, you don't have to." Ukyo protested as several Felinar servants came through the front door of the Ucchan's. All of them were females and of course, able to transform. They were of varying heights and figures, but the majority of them had slender, athletic forms. They were dressed in kimono-style robes and sandals. The supervisor was a petite brunette with green eyes and her hair tied in twin, lush tails.

"It's our duty to serve you, Lady Ukyo. I am Liaka, but I also go by the title of Mother Cat." The head servant said as she directed the rest of the staff to begin cleaning and polishing the tables, wipe the countertops, sweep the floors, and reorganize the storeroom. "The kohlinjar's shoka had instructed my staff and I, to free you of all unnecessary burdens as you prepare to undergo the rite of the Surek Nihan."

"Shoka?" Ukyo then remembered what the word meant and whom it referred to. "Oh. You mean, Pantheron told you to help me in my business?"

"Yes, Lady Ukyo. He should be arriving soon to inform you of what is required of you to be officially accepted by the clan leaders. I am certain that you will pass. Our new kohlinjar would not have chosen you if he had any doubts, and I hear that the great Bastet herself has great confidence in you."

The Felinar then gave her a polite bow as she went to join her co-workers. Ukyo found herself overwhelmed by this sudden act of pampering and was rendered speechless. In just a few weeks, she had gone from being a lonely and distraught girl that dressed as a boy to hide her family's shame, to the fiancee of her very handsome, powerful, and extremely wealthy childhood friend. Every possible want had been catered to, and it seemed that her life of hardship was to be rewarded. If this was all a dream, then she hoped that she'd never wake up.

At the Tendo Home...

Nabiki was hoping that this was some kind of nightmare and was desperately wishing that she'd wake up. Her father, Soun Tendo, had not stopped bawling since coming home from that last encounter with Ranma Saotome, who now went by the name of Kojiro Shinkara. Though it seemed that her family did come out of it well with a huge sum of money, some more of Soun and Genma's thoughtlessness had come back to haunt them. The pledge to unite the Schools of the Anything Goes had been totally obliterated, but another arranged marriage that her father had conveniently forgotten had arisen.

Picolet Chardin III, heir to the School of Martial Arts Dining, had sent Nabiki, Akane, and Kasumi notices of his imminent arrival and betrothal to one of them. This of course, did not go very well when they questioned their father.

"Just WHAT is this all about?!" Akane shouted.

"Who is this Chardin person?" Kasumi asked.

"Out with it, Dad." Nabiki said with irritation.

Soun took one look at the letters that his daughters were holding, turned a sickly pale color, then rushed out of the dining room. The Tendo girls then saw their father in the backyard, pulling a huge travel cart that was loaded down with supplies and various pieces of furniture.

"And just where do you think you are going?!" Nabiki cried out.

Soun replied nervously. "Er, come along girls. I just remembered that we have to move to China."

The Tendo patriarch wasn't the only one who had become agitated. Genma had been trying to think of a way to get his hands on the two million dollars that his ungrateful son had given to the Tendos, when he started hearing police sirens in the distance that seemed to be heading this way. At first he thought that the authorities were after someone else, but when he looked out the window and saw several police cars stop in front of the house, he began getting a sinking feeling. As Kojiro had promised, all the crimes that his former father had committed was about to boomerang back onto the panda.

Meanwhile...

Happosai knew that he was in BIG trouble as he sat in his wheelchair. As the transformed Tarou towered over him, the old lecher knew that he was not going to be able to stop his Jusenkyo-cursed godchild from turning him into a bloody smear on the pavement. With his spine still severed, his legs remaining useless, and chi levels at their lowest, there was only one thing he could do. To think that the great Master of the Anything Goes Martial Arts would be reduced to surrendering.

"All right, Panty... Tarou. You win. I'll change your name."

At that moment, several other people showed up. And when Happosai saw the newcomers, his chances of survival were now down to nil. The Amazons had just arrived.

At the Ucchan's...

"Pantheron." Ukyo greeted as Kojiro's right-hand man came through the front door of her business and took a seat at the counter.

"Greetings, Lady Ukyo." The big man said as he pointed to an item on the menu. The okonomiyaki chef nodded and began pouring out some batter. "I trust that Liaka and her staff are making things easier for you?" He asked.

"Uh, yeah. It's great, especially during the lunch rush. So are you here to tell me about this... what did you call it again?"

"The Surek Nihan. Yes, I am here to inform you about what is expected from you in order for you to join the clan as Saber Claw's kohlinshor."

"Is it some kind of strength test or something?"

"In a way." The big Felinar nodded a bit. "However, it is not the strength of body in which we are interested in, though being a fighter is an asset. It is the strength of spirit that all Kohlinshor candidates must face."

"What?"

Pantheron nodded again as he began explaining. "The Surek Nihan is a test of not only your devotion to our Kohlinjar, but also your willingness to accept the Felinar Clan as your family."

"But... I thought that I was already acknowledged as Ko-chan's, er I mean Kojiro's fiancee."

"The fact that Saber Claw has chosen you and that our great goddess Bastet has given her consent will work in your favor. However, tradition must be followed. You must prove to the Council that you are worthy of the Felinar. Do not worry, I am certain that you will fulfill what is expected of you."

Back at the hospital...

"THERE HE IS!"

"GET THE LITTLE PERVERT!"

"DESTROY THE ENEMY TO ALL WOMEN!"

"HE OWES US MONEY!"

"HANG HIM!"

"HE'S MINE!"

"YOU CAN'T HIDE!"

"YOU'VE STOLEN YOUR LAST BRA!"

"YOU WILL PAY!"

"HAPPOSAI, PREPARE TO DIE!"

The crippled master of the Anything Goes knew that he wouldn't survive if that mob caught up with him. At the moment, he was racing along on his wheelchair at speeds that were thought to be impossible, as he furiously pushed the wheels with his hands. (Hey, Cologne is able to move pretty fast on that cane, right?) However, the angry group, mostly composed of women, was steadily reducing the distance between them. Just about all of them were brandishing a sharp or blunt object in their hands, like brooms, shovels, pitchforks, rakes, knives, swords, and so on.

The only blessing that Happy could count was the fact that Tarou and the Amazons were too busy fighting each other to give chase. As soon as the warrior women had arrived, they had immediately charged in for retribution. However, his cursed godson had gotten in their way, preventing them from carrying out Amazon justice. It wasn't that Tarou cared about the old lecher's safety. He interfered simply because if Happy was killed before he could change Pantyhose's name, then the boy would be stuck with that embarrassing moniker for the rest of his life. Of course, the female fighters were none too pleased at being denied their long-awaited vengeance and the two sides began brawling. When Happosai last saw Tarou, he had been holding his own in his Jusenkyo form, but the Amazons had the advantage of weapons, numbers, and several experienced Elders, including Cologne. It wouldn't be long before Tarou would be overwhelmed. Then the females would come after his godfather, provided that he managed to elude his current pursuers.

However, Happosai continued to speed along as he desperately tried to lose the group that was after his head.

The Tendo Home...

"GET HIM!" The lieutenant shouted as he and his fellow officers began chasing after Genma.

No sooner had the police came to the door and showed the arrest warrant, the fat martial artist bolted, assaulting two officers in the process as he attempted to flee. However, before he could make it to the backyard wall and freedom, he was immediately dogpiled by four policemen. One man managed to snap a pair of cuffs to his right wrist and ankle and another brought out a tazer.

ZZZZZAAAAPPPPP!

Genma was out like a light as he was immediately hauled up and dragged to the waiting police van. The authorities had planned the capture well in advance and had been informed of Genma's ability as a martial artist. They had been waiting on the other side of the wall, should the first team fail to stop him. They were taking no chances as Ranma's former parent had his wrists and legs bound with more cuffs, then he was locked into the back of the van.

Soun came running up to them as his longtime friend was being put into the vehicle.

"Now see here! What are you doing to my friend?"

The head officer turned and held up the arrest warrant. "Genma Saotome has been charged with more than three HUNDRED counts of petty theft, sixteen counts of breaking and entering, fifteen for assault, and twelve for aiding and abetting a known criminal named Happosai. As of today, we can add two more charges of assaulting police officers, one for resisting arrest, and one for attempting to escape."

"Ridiculous!" Soun denied, though he found himself sweating a bit. "You have no proof! Let my friend go this instant!"

"Oh, we've got plenty of proof back at headquarters. In any case, I'd be worried about yourself if I were you, Soun Tendo."

"W-W-What do you mean?"

"Harboring a known felon can also warrant an arrest."

At this point, Soun began denying any knowledge of ever knowing Genma.

The Ucchan's...

"So what exactly do I have to do in this... what did you call it again?" Ukyo asked.

"The Surek Nihan." The large Felinar replied. "It is a test of not only the body, but also of the mind, the heart, and the very soul. I cannot tell you the exact details of the ceremony, for the trial is different for each kohlinshor candidate. However, I can tell you that your mind and spirit will be taxed to their limits. Therefore, I have seen to it that the next few days will be free for you to prepare. Spend the next week as you see fit, but make certain that your mind is clear of all doubts."

"That... doesn't give me much to go on."

"It wouldn't be a TRUE trial, if you knew what was going to happen."

Somewhere else...

I'm dead. Happosai thought as he found himself in a dead end alley with an angry mob closing in on him. With his legs permanently paralyzed and him being confined in a wheelchair, retribution for all of his crimes seemed to be at hand. However, the old pervert was nothing if not stubborn. If he was going to go, then he'd go down fighting. He began channeling the last of his chi reserves for one final massive burst, but then...

KABOOM!

The crowd went scattering when the explosion occurred, their thirst for vengeance against Happosai forgotten as a huge form appeared and began thrashing about. Relief flooded though the old lecher's body, but that feeling quickly passed when he saw his 'savior.'

Pantyhose had looked better, relatively speaking. His cursed form was still as imposing as ever, but it was now littered with gashes of varying sizes and depth. The hulking brute moved far more slowly and each step seemed to generate more pain. The transformed Chinese boy was bleeding profusely from dozens of wounds and he wasn't thinking straight. All he was focused on was to reach his godfather and strangle him to death, or force him to change his name, or both. (Happy was betting that it was choice number three).

However, the fight with the Amazons had taken its toll, and the huge monster fell forward, making a loud, thunderous noise on the pavement. A moment later, Pantyhose lapsed into unconsciousness, only a scant three feet from where Happosai was. Happy again breathed a sigh of relief, which was short-lived when he saw a certain group of people come around the Jusenkyo-cursed individual and cornered the former Grandmaster of the Anything Goes. He gulped as he saw who was at the front of the Amazons.

"Er... heh, heh, hello Cologne."

The Elder and her peers were anything but friendly as Cologne glared at the enemy to all women. "I told you before Happy, you were going to answer for ALL of your crimes. Your ally has fallen and there is NOTHING... that can save you now."

The streets echoed with the anguished screams of a certain someone who was subjected to a long overdue act of final justice.

When the Amazons were done and gone, all the authorities found was barely enough to identify.

The Tendo home...

"Ah, so these are the trois mademoiselles, in which I must marry one?" Picolet Chardin said in delight as he and his entourage came through the door.

At first, Nabiki had begun considering that a marriage with this man might not be so bad. He was good-looking and came from a very wealthy family...

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!"

Then again, after seeing him greet Akane with a kiss, who could marry a man who swallows up your whole head?

Later...

Soun was drowning the floor of his home with his tears. His lifelong dream was a shambles, his old friend was going to prison, and now this...

"Mr. Tendo, what are your comments to have been harboring the infamous Underwear Thief?"

"What kind of a martial arts school has a master who steals women's underwear?"

"I have a bill for nine hundred thousand yen for all those times that little weasel stole from my restaurant! Since you were the one hiding him, you're the one who's going to pay!"

"Were you and your best friend really accomplices to all of those thefts of women's lingerie, merchandise, and food items?"

"Were you forced into helping your master commit those crimes, or did you SHARE in his perversions?"

"How can such an upstanding member of the community take part in such crimes and harbor two known felons?"

"You will pay for all those meals your friend ate!"

"Not until AFTER he pays for all those things that he stole!"

"Did you know that the Anything Goes Martial Arts School is now being banned, and is punishable by law to anyone trying to learn it?"

"What will you do, now that your dojo is being shut down?"

"How do you feel now that no one will learn your school's fighting style?"

Soun did NOT need this. After being informed of his master's end, he had been initially ecstatic. However, that was when the reporters had stormed in after news of Happosai's demise and the arrest of Genma had been made public. That and more than a hundred shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and vendors, who were demanding payment for all the times the master and Genma had stolen from them. The two million dollars that Kojiro had awarded to his family would be all gone by the end of the day. That meant that Akane... would be scarred for life.

In her room, Nabiki had tabulated the cost of paying off all of those people, the house bills, and expenses such as lawyers and other court fees. She frowned at the final estimated total. Even with that two million dollars, they would be dangerously in the red, and that didn't include Akane's plastic surgery.

The middle daughter shook her head. This would not do. The entire Tendo family was being punished for the crimes of one perverted master, and his two disciples. Even if they were to come out of this mess, the reputation of the Tendo Dojo was already ruined. No one would want to learn under her father and be connected to the infamy of Genma and Happosai. Best thing to do was to sell the dojo, though whatever money they would receive would still not make a dent in the debts that had been incurred.

Only one good thing had come out of this. With this unwanted publicity, the Chardin family had immediately withdrawn their claim on the Tendo girls, saying that their lineage must not be sullied with the blood of such criminals. Problem was, they now demanded Soun to pay for the meal that he and Genma had eaten all those years ago. With interest, the expensive French food came to quite a sum.

No, the only way she could think to get out of this predicament was through Ranma... er, Kojiro. He certainly had enough money and resources to make all of her family's worries vanish. Problem was, with the agreement that he and her father had made with the two million-dollar payoff, he had washed his hands clean of them. She had initially considered the Chardin route and had weighed the pros of having access to their wealth, against the cons of having a husband with an oversized mouth and a froglike tongue. However, that option was now unavailable. She had also considered marrying into the Kuno line, either with herself as the bride or using her sister Akane. However, Akane would more than likely refuse, and Nabiki was not too certain she'd want to be married to a nutjob like him. Furthermore, the Kuno family fortune was considerable, but it still wouldn't be enough to make all of Genma and Happosai's debts disappear. Kojiro had resources that Tatewaki didn't have and power that Nabiki could certainly make use of. The question was how could she do it? She thought for a few minutes, then remembered that she still had the book of Felinar Laws that she had gotten from Happosai before his demise. She knew that there just had to be a loophole in there somewhere. For the sake of her family, there must be!

As she flipped through the pages of the old tome, one particular section that concerned outsiders caught her eye. It was an old and faded page, but she was certain that she could make out the details. It was a translation of the Felinar language, which included the alphabet, grammar, sentence structure, and pronunciations. She smiled as she skimmed the section's contents and began to get an idea.

This could work! Nabiki thought as she continued to read.

Later...

Ukyo waved goodbye as Pantheron and the Felinar females made their leave for the day. Mother Cat and her staff had informed the okonomiyaki chef that they would return the next day to continue helping her as the date of the Surek Nihan drew near. As the brown-haired girl prepared to close for the night, she did not notice that a new set of eyes was watching her from a secret location. The newcomer took note of all of Ukyo's features and movements as the Ucchan's closed its doors. When the kolinshor went inside, the watcher nodded and skulked away to return later.

The Tendo Home...

"Sho... har... in... cur... anto... sha!"

Nabiki gritted her teeth as she repeated what seemed like gibberish to her. The Felinar language had some odd inflections and some words were very hard to pronounce. However, she was determined to master these lines if her plan was to work. When spoken correctly in their native tongue, the Felinar could not refuse certain demands and the middle Tendo daughter knew that she had come across a way for Kojiro to help her family. With the right phrasing, she was certain that he would have no choice but to yield and get the Tendos out of the fix they were in. She momentarily lost herself in a dream, as mountains of obscene wealth and such surrounded her, once Ranma, er Kojiro gave in. She then shook her head back to reality and continued trying to learn the key phrases that even the kohlinjar would have to pay heed to.

"Sho harincur antosha... Sho harincur antosha... mar... inda... pre."

What Nabiki didn't know as she continued to attempt to master the Felinar tongue was that she had neglected a certain section of the book, which dealt with some revisions to the laws. She would soon learn of them, though.

Later...

"How many more of these customs do I have to learn?" Kojiro groaned as Pantheron continued to instruct his new kohlinjar in the ways of Bastet's followers.

"Quite a few more." The larger Felinar replied as he watched his clan's new enforcer sit at a desk and ponder over several large tomes. "Normally, a kohlinjar is usually educated in our ways from childhood, but since you were not born within the clan, you must be trained."

The Cat Fist fighter sighed as he continued to read the ancient scriptures. He took on a puzzled look as he flipped the through the next few pages. "Hey Pantheron, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"What is it?" Night Stalker inquired. "Is there something that you do not understand?"

"No, it's the other way around. What I don't understand is how I can read this stuff. How come I can understand this writing? I've never seen Felinar writing before and when Kitton and Kitall were talking to each other, I understood every last word they said."

"Ah, that is simple, Kohlinjar. As you are the Avatar of the Great Bastet, you have been given gift of comprehending not only the language of cats, but also those who are deeply connected to them, such as we Felinar. You'll also be able to understand the language of the Cat People, like Felicia."

"Is she part of the clan?"

"No, actually she comes from an ancient race that had its origins on this world. Remember that the Felinar were part of the Kyrn. You can think of the Felinar as a separate species of felines, in which we have our own customs and language. Our native tongue is actually a derivation of the original Kyrn language, with several modifications. As such, it is very difficult for outsiders to learn to speak and read it."

"Will Ucchan have to learn the language?"

"She will be trained once she has passed the Surek Nihan and officially becomes your future kolinshar. It is difficult for humans to speak it, but possible. However, he or she must be careful on how the words are phrased." He pointed to a section in the book Kojiro was currently reading. "A simple phrase such as this can easily become this with one slip of the tongue." He then indicated a different sentence.

Ukyo's fiance nodded as he read the two sentences. "Ni sokan shiash nisanna. Ni sokon shiash nisanna." He looked back up to his teacher. "Whoa. That WOULD be a problem. I pity the person who says that."

The Tendo Dojo...

"Ni sokon... shiash... nisanna."

Nabiki smiled after mastering a key phrase, in which Ranma would have no choice but to accept. Their problems would be over!

However, what she did not know was that the writing had been slightly smudged and she had misread the sentence. She would soon learn the consequences...

To be continued...

Author's notes

Whoa! When was the last time I updated this? Well, now that I'm getting back to my older series, I thought that this one needed some attention so here we are. It's not much of an update, but at least it's better than nothing.

The ending was a bit rushed but I needed somewhere to break off and get the creative juices flowing again. CFF and a few other fics are reaching their ends so I might as well finish them off.

Please read and review!