I know... another Ranma 1/2 fanfic with tigers, the Neko-ken, and other
cat-related things!

Blame it all on "Hearts of Ice" by Krista Perry and "Neko-phobia" by David
Eddy -- two terrific stories that started my obsessive interest in the all
this neko-stuff.  ^_-  You guys are too damn good, it's positively
depressing. <grin>

Anyway, this is the first installment of my fanfic.  It's a rough draft
(although it's been through one round of pre-reading -- many thanks to my
pre-readers!) so I'd appreciate any C&C (public and/or private).

BTW, this isn't supposed to be a darkfic or sadfic, although things may get
quite grim at times.  Personally, I hate depressing endings....
   
If anybody's interested, I'm still looking for a few more pre-readers for
upcoming sections.  

====================== 
  TIGER CLAW 
====================== 
A Ranma 1/2 fanfic 

	All rights and privileges to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko Takahashi or her
licensees.  The characters of her series are used without her permission for
the purpose of entertainment only.  This work of fiction is not meant for
sale or profit.                
	All original characters are the creation of the author.  All copyright
privileges to these characters are reserved for the author.
  
Author's Notes:
	This story is based primarily on a slightly modified version of the manga
and takes place several months after Vol. 38.  The main change involves the
events surrounding the attempted wedding in the last issue.
	I only have summaries of the later manga volumes (the ones that haven't been
published by Viz Comics) so if my interpretations are inconsistent with the
manga, please bring it to my attention!
	Regarding knowledge of the Neko-ken - I'm working on the assumption that
only a limited number of the main characters have actually SEEN the Neko-ken
(the Tendos, Genma, Shampoo, Cologne, Gosunkagi (or Sasuke), and Kuno).
 Although others may have heard about it, it's one of those things that's
easy to underestimate unless you experience it in up close and person.  ^_^
		 		
Text Conventions
	*  *  -> thoughts
	_  _  or all caps -> stressed words

	Curse forms are denoted by suffixes such as -chan or -neko

================
Part 0: Prologue 
================

	In a dank, underground chamber of an old stone temple, a slim, beautiful
woman dressed in black stood calmly waiting for her employers to arrive.
 Yonoko carefully tucked a stray strand of her short russet hair back into
place and smiled to herself.  She thought, *Finally, after nearly two years
of waiting and watching, it's time to make our move.  And soon, I'll be able
to finally wash my hands of the entire Funada clan, especially those annoying
heirs.*

	As if Yonoko's thoughts had summoned them, a young woman stormed through the
doors of the chamber with a young man lazily trailing behind her.  Both were
in their early twenties, with long black hair and bright green eyes.  The
woman was petite and quite pretty, but her spoiled, petulant expression
detracted considerably from her looks.  She wore a tight-fitting, glossy silk
dress of scarlet which was heavily embroidered in golden, mystical designs.
 The man was dressed in the same exact shade of scarlet but his clothes, a
high-fashion version of a karate gi, borne a fanciful flame and sword motif.
 He was of medium height and had the sleek build and grace of a trained
martial artist. 

	In sharp contrast with her flamboyantly dressed employers, Yonoko wore a
plain but elegantly tailored black dress suit and looked the very picture of
a modern female executive.

	"This is ridiculous!" The numerous metal bracelets around the young woman's
wrists jangled noisily as she slammed a thin report folder down on the table.

	Yonoko patiently replied, "Lady Haru, the report clearly indicates the
strong possibility...." 

	"Come on now, Yonoko!  We've nearly got our hands on that onyx tiger statue
but now you want to go chasing after some obscure martial art style which
hasn't been practiced in hundreds of years?  And the basis for your request?
 The eyewitness accounts from a bunch of half-witted high school students!"
 She grabbed up the folder and thumbed through it.  "Especially this
'Tatewaki Kuno' character...what an idiot he is!"

	Yonoko raised a delicate eyebrow at that judgement but simply said, "It's
not just any 'obscure martial art style'...." 

	"It's just another weird kung fu cat ... thingie!"  Haru waved her hand
dismissively, sending her bracelets clashing like cymbals.

	The young man drawled in bored tones, "That 'cat thingie', my _dear_ sister,
is a rather formidable fighting technique." 

	Yonoko gracefully acknowledged the man's remarks with a slight bow of her
head.  However, she thought to herself, *That's understating the matter
considerably.  The Neko-ken is one of _the_ most formidable martial arts
techniques ever to exist in this world.  Or in many other worlds.*   

	The young man continued in a smug tone of voice.  "It's no match for our own
clan's Flame Blade style, of course, but rumors say that it's highly
dangerous." He paused briefly.  Then, in a voice filled with mock remorse, he
added, "Alas, forgive me, sister.  I quite forgot that you're hopelessly
ignorant about the martial arts!" 

	Lady Haru snarled, "I'd rather concentrate on much more important things
such as my mind and my magic, thank you!"  She tossed her head and smirked at
him.  "But it's really no wonder why you waste all your time and effort on
that absurd physical junk, brother dear.  It's the only thing that you're
remotely capable of doing!  You _certainly_ don't have the brains for any
other activity!" 

	"Foolish woman!  How dare you forget that the glorious history of our clan
was built on the martial prowess of our noble forefathers!" 

	"And see what that great fighting prowess has gotten us, Kakuji?  The Funada
clan used to be a noble house of the land and now, we're just a family of
common criminals, creeping about and lurking in the shadows!  Nothing
but...." 

	"I am NOT common!" shouted her brother.  

	Before the entire discussion could degenerate into one of their usual
childish shouting matches, Yonoko coughed a bit loudly and politely asked,
"If I may continue?" 

	The siblings glared at each other but shut up for the moment.  

	"As to why I feel it's necessary to locate a master of this 'obscure martial
art style' or 'cat thingie' as you put it,... You are both aware that your
esteemed father has approved of Lady Haru's plan to summon up the demon Ebon
and to use the entity to regain the power and status so rightfully due this
clan." She waited to get some sign of acknowledgment from both siblings.  

	Haru preened a bit while Kakuji muttered, "Just get on with it, woman."

	"Of course, my lord.  To successfully carry out this plan, we need two
items."  She held up one elegant finger.  "First, we need the special onyx
tiger statue which will allow us to summon and control the demon.  As you
have stated, Lady Haru, we are very close to acquiring that statue."

	Yonoko then held up another finger.  "Second, we need a suitable host body
for the demon.  A very _special_ body.   To be precise, we need the body of a
master martial artist who uses the Neko-ken." 

	Lady Haru sullenly muttered, "Why is it being so picky?  After being locked
up for a couple of centuries, you'd think that Ebon would be grateful for any
damn body it can get!  And even if the demon has a taste for martial artists,
I don't see why we need to go chasing after _this_ particular one."  She
jabbed a long, blood-red fingernail at the folder.  "Our own clan has plenty
of expendable martial artists."  Lady Haru glared pointedly at her brother.

	Yonoko ran through a quick patience mantra before replying. "Not just any
martial artist will do, my lady.  Ebon is a very powerful entity and the host
body has to be able to handle that power.  Otherwise, the body will burn out
and became totally useless in a very short period of time." 

	"Then we'll get the demon a new one!"  

	"It's not like changing a pair of shoes, my lady.  Possession, in Ebon's
case, is a very complicated process.  It won't be available to do your
bidding if it has to waste all its time and energy constantly switching
bodies...." 
	 
	"All right!  All right!  ALL RIGHT!!!" Lady Haru threw herself into a chair
and pouted.  "Not only do we need the onyx tiger but we also need to have a
master of this stupid cat-style.  _FINE_.  And you're trying to tell me that
a seventeen-year-old boy is this great martial artist?" 

	Her brother laughed mockingly.  "Seventeen?  A mere seventeen-year-old boy
is supposed to know something as powerful like the Neko-ken?  That's quite
absurd!"

	"Actually, he's almost eighteen, my lord.  He might be young, but his
physical abilities and martial arts skills would be considered extraordinary
for a person of any age.  I assure you, if any living person is capable of
learning and using the Neko-ken, it would be Ranma Saotome." 

	Yonoko mused to herself.  *And to think that he had the strength of soul to
survive learning the Neko-ken at the tender age of six!  But then, that
strength is the precise reason why he suits Lord Ebon's needs so perfectly.*
 

	Lady Haru drummed her talon-like nails impatiently on the tabletop, then
stopped as a gleeful expression crossed her face.  "So, you're telling me if
we have both the statue and this martial artist, nothing can stop us from
making Ebon carry out my... _our_ slightest wish and command?"   
	
	"That is so, my lady."
	
	Kakuji sniffed in contempt and turned his back on his sister.  "Dealing with
demons is no way to restore our clan's status and honor!"
	
	"Oh?  And training an army of ninja is that much better?" Haru asked in a
scathing voice.
	
	He spun around and shouted, "But at least we are warriors following a
warrior's code of honor!  There is _nothing_ honorable about demons!  I find
it most unseemly that a woman of our house should stoop so low as to actually
study matters of the occult!  The only reason that I have not stopped this
absurd project of yours is because of our father's express wishes!"

	"As if you could!  It galls you to no end that Father approved of _my_ plan
instead of yours, doesn't it?"  
	Haru gave her brother a venomous stare and thought, *Act the noble warrior
all you want, brother dear!  Once I have Ebon's power in my hands, both you
and that senile old bastard we call a father will be _praying_ for death!*  

	As soon as Haru finished that thought, she suddenly flung her head back and
started to howl with wild, maniacal laughter.  

	"...." Yonoko looked away and winced ever so slightly.  

	Finally, Haru ran out of air and had to stop laughing.  Gasping for breath,
she primly straightened her clothes and said, "Yonoko, order our men to grab
this Ranma Saotome and bring him here."  She smiled mockingly at her brother.
 "Why don't you consider it a training exercise for your precious ninja
warriors, brother." 

	Yonoko politely droned, "Excuse me, my lady.  As you yourself so
intelligently pointed out, we have very little solid evidence that Saotome
actually knows the Neko-ken.  May I respectfully suggest that I personally
confirm his knowledge of the technique before we divert any of the clan's
resources away from the acquisition of the onyx tiger?" 

	There was little question in Yonoko's own mind, of course.  She eyed the
very thin, highly edited report lying on the table and compared it to the
actual report she had received from her operatives and other sources in
Nerima.  The original report had consisted of five large boxes of papers,
photographs, and videotapes -- nearly two years worth of constant
surveillance, starting from the first incident at the high school auditorium
and continuing to the present day.  She had found the video of the great
white shark getting dragged up and chased around the beach particularly
convincing.  

	Lady Haru grandly announced, "Very well, Yonoko.  I give you official
permission to investigate the matter fully." 

	"Thank you, my lady.  Within a week, I will be able to determine whether a
true master of the Neko-ken walks the earth in Nerima." 

	"Naturally, we'll reward you greatly if we judge your efforts worthy." 

	Yonoko bowed deeply.  "I'm stunned by your generosity.  Rest assured that I
will spare no effort in this matter."

	Kakuji frowned and said, "Perhaps I should accompany you.  After all, only a
superior martial artist would be able to properly assess this boy's skills,
such as they are." 

	Yonoko respectfully bowed her head but her thoughts had quite a different
tone.  *Ha!  You won't last a minute against someone like Saotome.*    

	He added, "I'm also rather curious to see how the Neko-ken compares to the
Funada clan's Flame Blade style."  He absently flexed his muscles and
clenched his fists.

  	Yonoko's polite smile developed a faintly sinister edge.  *You want to
personally test the power of the Neko-ken?  Not even I, Yonoko the Tiger
Lily, a sorceress AND martial artist for nearly 200 years, would be willing
to try that!  I would _love_ to let you come face-to-face with the
Neko-ken,... but unfortunately, I need you alive and intact for a _little_
while longer.* 

	She hurriedly said, "But Lord Kakuji, I wouldn't want you to interrupt your
rigorous training schedule!  And I do believe that I have sufficient
experience in the martial arts to allow me to make a reasonable evaluation of
Saotome's skills."

	He shrugged.  "Ah well, at least you can appreciate the importance of
constantly honing one's fighting abilities.  Unlike some people I know who
take refugee in believing in all sorts of mystical rubbish...." 

	"HOW DARE YOU CALL MY STUDIES 'RUBBISH'!?" 

	Yonoko tuned out the familiar argument.  As she gathered up the papers
scattered on the table, she carefully scrutinized the young Funadas.  In
spite of their emotional immaturity and their glaring personality flaws, the
siblings were actually quite good in their respective areas.  Their skills
would have been more than adequate in a normal situation.  Unfortunately,
very little about Nerima promised to be 'normal'.  Haru definitely had enough
power and training to qualify as a middle level sorceress but she was no
match for someone like that Amazon Elder from Joketsuzoku.  Kakuji was an
excellent martial artist but mere excellence was simply not good enough when
facing the likes of Saotome, Habiki, Mousse, or other martial artists in
Nerima.

	Noticing that the siblings' argument was now escalating into physical
violence, Yonoko murmured, "Lord Kakuji, Lady Haru.  If you will excuse
me...?"
	
	The two Funadas totally ignored her.  Yonoko stepped out of the room and
firmly shut the door just as Haru whipped out a magical ward and Kakuji's
hands filled with reddish energy.  As she moved down the hall, several loud
rumbling explosions went off behind her and Yonoko idly wondered if the
Funada and the Kuno families could possibly be related.   

(to be continued) 

---------------------------------------
  
madamhydra@aol.com    /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/:E