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Chronicles of B-Man: Wolf Saga-Part 1 of 3

Authors Notes:

Hello all and thanks for reading this, as you can tell this is about my role-play character B-Man, this first volume tells the story of his early years before becoming a Neko Protector, this volume includes a series of firsts in his young life, continuing on towards his current status.

This is has been written in a sort of Roleplay style. just condensed to the main points of the story. This was done when I first started to role-play so I have tried to fix up any errors etc.

Hope you enjoy.

Prologue: -Fade in-

Rubble littered the area where a hospital once stood; it was dead silent except for several raging fires that had consumed parts of the remaining structure. Galin was a powerfully built man standing six-foot wearing a brown cloak over standard martial arts Gi. his steps were slow and cautious, looked through the fallen iron girders and walls there was a faint sound coming from the a remains of a room, slowly he entered the tattered walls two bodies lay sprawled out, a male laying on the floor badly burned and a woman in a fallen bed burned as well

A low cry filled the room, scanning the area he spotted a small arm with a tiny band around under a fallen garter, it quickly he ran over and lifted the fallen beam then stared in disbelief at what he saw. A child wrapped in its mother's blanket for protection against the elements that surrounded the newborn. The man slowly turned looking back at the destruction then looked back down to the child and smiled " Don't worry, everything will be alright." He picked up the child. "This place won't stand up for much longer". He thought, the child reached up as if tiring to the man then gurgled some. Galin chuckled but his smile turned into a look for worry as he looked back at the spot where the two bodies lay could they have been the parents?. "I promise you that much little one." he paused a moment and looked at the band around the Child's arm "Brandon". The roof suddenly gave in but Galin had vanished well before then.

"Master Galin?" A voice said from the tree line close to where Galin had reappeared, Galin turned around looking at the blackened outline of a wolf standing like a human. Slowly the wolf moved out, dressed in the same outfit as Galin. "Master?" the wolf said softly as he watched another part of the hospital go up in a yellowish white fireball. Galin turned and nodded to the wolf " ah Night good to see that you've come" Behind the two they heard shouting of the firefighters and policemen trying to control the situation, Galin started to walk at a quickened pace into the forest. " We must leave quickly and get Brandon to a safe place" "Brandon?" replied Night puzzled as he began to follow his master confused then his ears shot up into the air as Galin turned to face Night showing the child in his arms.

-Fade out-

Part 1:Comrades

-Twelve years later-

The sun shone brightly over Galins features as he stepped into his dojos training area, his eyes looked over his fresh-faced students. Taking in a deep breath he turned his attention to he centre of the room, several large punching bags were strung up to the roof rafters going down the length of dojo. Galin stepped down from the raised rose wood platform to the padded area where his students stood waiting. "Today my students, we are going to practice the method of gathering Chi, and..."Galin paused for a moment seeing two opens spots. "Has anyone seen Brandon and Sky?" some of the older students started to redden with nervousness. a small kitsune child stepped out from the row of students and spoke"' master, they went to twain wike you and master Night does in the mountains" she slapped both paws over her muzzle blushing, an older kitsune jabbed the small one " Snow you weren't supposed to say anything!" , Galins features went slack then shot a glance at Night "Go after them" Night nodded bolting out of the training area in hot pursuit.

"Come on B, if we can just go up a little more we'll be able to see where master Galin and Night train." Sky stared down at Brandon and smiled, his tail twitched with excitement. Sky was a nekojin standing at roughly five feet; his short fur was a mix of white and cream coloured brown while his ears were dark brown as well as his hair. "Yeah if we don't get caught!" Brandon shouted back but followed a little unsure, Brandon was just a little taller than Sky at five foot one, his skin was a lightly tanned and his hair was a dirty blonde and styled as if he had combed it over, unlike Sky who let his grow out like most nekojins.

The two were a team ever since the start of their training with Galin, they were like brothers playing, training, and even getting into trouble but through thick and thin they stuck together, even their uniforms were the same. The standard Gi but died lightly blue with black undershirts, arm and ankle bands and even the technique symbol placement. "How much further? Brandon shouted up to sky starting to pant. " Not much longer I can see the top!" Sky shouted back. The duo finally made it to the top of what looked like a flat area of stone that had been carved out long ago by a long gone stream or waterfall of sorts.

Sky jumped in the air for joy but Brandon stood there blinking. "This is it?" he said confused. " A flat place on a mountain...I came all the way up here for a flat mountain top?!" Sky pounced Brandon, his tails fur on end with excitement. " I know it's great for one on one matches!" Sky scampered off to a cave that was close by while Brandon got up and began to dust off his uniform. " Why do you always have to pounce on me?" he blinked and saw Sky stopped frozen at the mouth of the cave, quickly he ran up to Skys side. "What's wrong?" Sky only pointed with his tail at a pair of red eyes in the darkness of the cave.

Night winced feeling a slow energy build up he started to speed up. "Don't do anything stupid you two" Night knew Sky and Brandon could last up in mountains but if they were in the area where he himself and Galin trained would be too intense for any of the students at this point in time of their training. Night disappeared in a vanishing burst of speed.

"RUN FOR IT!" Brandon yelled at the top of his lungs as a massive spiked arm lashed out at himself and Sky, the two both ducked as fast as they could flattening themselves towards the ground. From the cave a massive minotaur pitch-black fur with blood red eyes standing over nine feet tall stomped out. Sky got up quickly and took his defence stance, both arms in an X while B-Man did the same soon after as a gust of wind hit the two causing them to slide back several feet.

B-Man looked up from his blocking arms seeing the Minotaur getting ready to charge. " Hey, Sky maybe we can fake that thing out" Brandon motioned some to the rock face behind the creature, Sky nodded and then two took off in a run headed right for the creature. " NOW!" Sky yelled and the two shot off, Brandon right and Sky left, just as the Minotaur tried to head butt the two, jumping a few feet away from the rock face they shot into the air and made contact with the rock, Sky pushed off first aiming low and Brandon seconds while aiming high. "YAH!"

The next they knew they had fallen to the ground hard, Brandon on his head while sky fell on his stomach, Brandon sat up and started to rub his head furiously "ow ow ow ow ow ow ow that hurt!" Sky rolled onto his back spitting up some pebbles. " Eww! That jerk" clenching his fists he got back up, and then blinked seeing Brandon starting to take off his arm and ankle bands, his ears perked up and then he grinned. "Yeah we'll get him now hehehe."

The two removed their weighted clothing consisting of a couple of wrist and ankle bands followed up by a tank top from under their Gi's. then took their attack stances. B-man grunted "Lets get em Sky!" "YEAH!" They took off in a sprint at the Minotaur yelling in usual martial arts fashion. This time Brandon jumped up and attacked high with a flying side kick to the Minotaurs face, while sky went for a sidekick to its gut.

Night slid to a stop in front of the sloped edge of rock going up to training area then began to rapidly climb, faster and faster, his ears flattened against his head as he felt the rock tremble in front of him. " No" he thought starting to jump instead of climb, he wanted to will the trembling to stop but as he reached the top he was surprised at what he saw.

The Minotaur fell to the ground and before Nights eyes were B-man and Sky in mid air attack form. The two landed and took of again not giving the creature a chance to come up with a defence, they attacked like mirror images of each other. First a critical hit to the creatures ribcage with the Hien Shipuu-Kyakuu attack, then a severe blow to it's stomach finally a KoHo-Ken rising uppercut to it's face sending it staggering back close to the cave entrance.

Brandon and Sky landed beside each other yelling. "KOU-KEN!!!" blue electrical energy danced over Brandon's right while the same happened to Skys left, combining the energy then trusted their arms out in a lower swing like fashion and fired two basketball sized energy balls that fused together just before slamming into the Minotaurs chest sending it flying back into the cave in a roar of pain.

"We did it!" Sky laughed happily, Brandon didn't say a word, Skys celebration was cut short by a loud roar of anger, they froze and looked to the cave seeing the red eyes again. "uh oh..." Out from the darkness the creature charged faster than before. The two of them got ready for the worst by blocking and shutting their eyes, but it never came, Brandon opened one eye and blinked in surprise then sky looked and shouted in delight. " Night!"

Night was in front of them holding the Minotaur by the horns with one hand. " You two have a lot of explaining to do" Night quickly disposed of the creature with a simple toss into the cave then fired off a small energy blast to seal the cave up via landslide, slowly he turned to them, their smiles soon faded.

"What were you two thinking?!" Galin strode by Brandon and Sky his features shadowed with anger. Night stood to the side looking at the two young fighters in their exhausted state. Sky spoke up "Master it was my fault. I" Galin cut in abruptly " I don't care Sky, and you Brandon I'm very disappointed, mostly for going on such a foolish trip" Brandon nodded slowly looking down. Galin walked back to his desk and just stood there back turned staring out a window looking over the general training area infant of the dojo.

"One month kitchen duty, now go." Brandon and Sky bowed, turned and sulked away. "Sifu?" Night spoke up when the two left Galins office. "Yes Night?" Galin replied, " Sir I saw them fight the Minotaur, and..." Night paused a moment."begging your pardon sir but I think they are not going to learn anymore from just general training." Galin slowly nodded then sighed heavily. " yes...I felt their energies, . He paused again. "was...Brandon holding back again?" Night looked at Galin straight in the eyes"I.. think you already know that answer sir...-Galin thought for a moment and the response was something Night did not expect. "but we don't have the funds to purchase the equipment for the proper training."

Galin watched Sky and Brandon head down to the lake with buckets in hand. "what about the fields to the north?" Galin turned to night his eyes widened slightly in amusement " the Neko villages?" Night nodded "that area would be a good start for training, that would help greatly so they are prepared for the martial arts tournament, there is nothing to lose sir" Night stepped back and sat down on old wooden chair. Galin stood there for a moment contemplating then he made up his mind. "...start packing..."

The early morning air was cool and crisp when B-Man, Sky and Night exited the sleeping area of the students. Brandon yawned as he saw that Sky and Night were unaffected by the early morning waking. " aren't you guys the least bit tired? I mean it's not even five o'clock yet " The rest of his sentence was stopped in a long hard yawn. Night looked at Brandon then shook his head forgetting that he was human and needed at least eight to ten hours of sleep "We'll take a break" he said coming to a stop with a small river with some large rocks and fallen trees.

Sky smiled at Brandon and understood why they had stopped. " you just rest B I'll get some firewood to make some breakfast" the young neko trailed off not too far looking for some wood while Brandon sat down and yawned again closing his eyes for a little. But only for a little when his stomach growled , wincing a bit he opened his eyes a little. " Uh I guess I'll get some water for us..." B-Man paused for a moment seeing Night coming with water in three canteens "o..kay then..." after a few more minutes he fell asleep not really wanting to but not for long it seemed.

The sweet smell of fruits filled the air as well as pleasant smell of cooking beef, Brandon yawned as he sat up rubbing his eyes, a plate with lowered in front of him with a fork and a knife he looked up seeing Night who held it out with a slight smile on his face " ya better eat up sleepy head" B-Man took the plate gently then looked down at the food. "Looks good, I've always liked your beef patties Night" Brandon started to eat slowly as Night looked over to Sky next watching the neko inhale the food "Sky don't eat so fast it's not good for you" Sky looked up and gave a cheeky smile " But it's just so good" The three of them ate but Night noticed B-man seeming to have something on his mind.

"Night, how come you don't become a chef?" Night paused in mid chew , quickly swallowing he looked at Brandon and let out a light chuckle. " Well for one who would look after you two scoundrels, and second I don't think anyone would really like having a wolf as their chef in the large cities" Night set his plate down on the ground and leaned back on a rock. Sky spoke next " But why didn't you ask Master Galin to help?" Night reached out and rubbed Skys ears a little causing him to start purring " because Sky when I cook for all of you students I feel like I'm really making a contribution to your lives, after all remember during the winter when it was too cold to train and the heating when down in the sleeping area?" Brandon nodded some " yeah and you had some hot food and drinks for us to keep us warm all night" Night nodded and looked at the two " I felt happy right then and there like never before so I stayed and trained so I could keep myself and most importantly all of you happy"

After they ate B-Man cleaned up and put the fire out " well when I grow up I'll be a fighter like Sifu Galin and a great cook like you" Sky packed up the cleaned plates and cutlery " Not if I do it first hehe" he flashed a toothy grin then looked over to Night who was already a few feet away "Hey wait up!" and with that they set off again.

Evening rolled in when the three made it to the out skirts of the valley that led to the fields to the north , they began their decent down the lightly rocked path , light grey clouds began to form overhead , Sky looked up as they walked from time to time " Sky what's wrong?" Brandon asked as he continued to walk, Sky looked back to Brandon his ears flattened against his head " I hate it when it rains..." he let out a low growl as a large raindrop landed on his nose. "Not much further now you two" Night said upfront.

The path began to darken as the valley closed around them into a narrow space large de rooted trees littered the route making for a difficult trip but not impossible. Night and Sky climbed the trees and rocks with ease while Brandon jumped off each obstacle to the next, but darkness was coming faster than Night had expected due to the coming storm, so they decided to set up camp for the night. Sky and Brandon flopped down hard into the rocky earth panting lightly not used to such a long journey.

Night looked down at them shaking his head chuckling some. " What's so-" Brandon's voice was cut off by some hard panting "what's so....so funny?" Night smiled sitting down as well "that you two lasted this long" Lighting suddenly shot across the darkening sky, the raw energy slammed into the valley side sending down a large slab of rock. Night growled loudly and fired up a energy blast that pierced a hole through the slab shattering it into smaller pieces.

Sky covered his ears and ducked for cover as the remaining pebbles landed near him, B-Man the other hand was watching something in the caves and cracks of the valleys rock walls. "Umm...Sky?" He said in a shaky nervous tone. Sky responded just as he was bushing out the rock dust from his bushy hair "Yeah B?" Sky turned around and saw Brandon frozen looking at several large red eyes in the darkness, he froze himself instantly.

The two slowly began to back away as a monstrous red leg of a spider drove outwards driving it's spiked tip into the hard earth in front of them, It let out a deadly hissing sound as it fully emerged from the darkness, over fifteen feet tall and blood red the spider spewed out thick strands of webbing at the Sky. From behind Night arms shot out grabbing the two under their arms and pushed off hard sending them into the air.

Sky yelped in surprise as the web caught a bit of his right foot but felt it snap sending the three hurtling out of control onto some rocks with an air gasping thud. Night got up first but collapse from taking most of the impact and the weight of the two boys, "It's no good." He winced "I think my legs are broken. Sky? Brandon? Can you hear me?!" B-Man answered with a weak "yes" but Sky didn't. From behind them came the same ear splitting hiss.

B-Man jumped to his feet as fast as could turning to meet his opponent head on, the spiders red eyes bore into his but out of no where it seemed came an arrow hitting one of the spiders eyes causing it's contents to spew out. The spider hissed in pain and tried to get away as a barrage of arrows followed it's path, the creature faded into the darkness. B-man stood there dumbfounded as he looked around for their saviour.

High above in a row stood several humanoid figures in cloaks, each with a bow and arrow ready to fire again. Slowly the rain began to fall around them, everyone froze. Then B-man smiled and waved and took a step foreword but watched in surprise again as an arrow shot down and impacted into the ground front of him causing him jumping back he took his stance.

The figures fired several more arrows then slid down what looked like a thin line, they landed gently, B-Man stepped back to protect Night then blinked as one of them removed their hoods. A Neko with a bright smile on her face " hello, are you the warriors from Galin?" B-Man nodded as he slowly let down his guard. "yes we are, but who told you that?" the neko-jin slowly stepped out more into the dimming light, She was like an angel. Standing at five feet eight inches, her Blue eyes like the summer sky but white fur and hair of winters snow.

B-Man found himself staring at her before he realized it, then it hit him. "Oh no I forgot about Sky! Sky?! Can you hear me?!" he shouted a little more then blinked seeing Sky hanging upside down from a tree limb, ears back with an annoyed twitching of his tail. "Of course I am, Get me down from here!" After a few minutes Night was put onto a make shift stretcher and was carried into a tent near by.

Sky grumbled in his usual way as he looked at his upper uniform which was now soaked "I hate water." B-Man shook his head and laughed some "You hate anything when it doesn't go your way" B-Man blinked and looked over seeing the white neko was staring at him now puzzled. " is something wrong?" he asked hanging up his shirt to dry as they waited for the heavy rains to pass, the neko blushed a little " no it's just...I've never seen a creature like you before, what is your name?" "it's Bran..er... B-man, and I'm a human" he smiled and sat down next to her " What's yours?" she replied with one word "Winter"

She slowly got after being called, B-Man sighed some "she's pretty..." he fell over as sky tail smacked him upside the head, "Earth to B, She's a neko! Your not how could she like you!" B-Man blinked getting back up "what are you talking about? I just said she was pretty that's all" he rubbed the spot where Skys tail hit him, a small lump forming. " You know what I'm talking about B." B-Man blinked a few times, he watched the tents cloth entrance for a little then looked over at sky " Your jealous aren't you." Sky blushed his eye darted left to right then he quickly lay down in his sleeping bag " n...no I'm not. I'm umm I'm asleep!" B-man rolled his eyes and lay down in his own sleeping back, slowly he slipped into a deep sleep thinking about the creature that had attacked them.

Next morning he awoke finding that he was alone, slowly he got up and got his uniform on then stepped outside bumping into Winter. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that" Winter only smiled "It's alright" she giggled softly then gently she handed him a small pack then started to walk off where the others were waiting. Night resting in a stretcher while Sky and another neko helped out as well.

Night chuckled some seeing Brandon walking out of the tent " Nice bed head there" quickly Brandon lay his left hand down over his head feeling some of his hair sticking up at an irregular angel " Ha Ha... very funny" grumbling Brandon followed everyone in the direction of the neko village. During the whole trip each of the nekos kept staring at him, and each time he tried to confront them, they would look away and ignore him or speed up in their pace.

Brandon sighed some as he took over to help carry Night, at this point in time he never thought his appearance would really matter in life but so far it did. Night looked up at Brandon and raised an eyebrow, " Why so glum?" he said was genuine concern " it's nothing...really is isn't, How are you legs?" Night shrugged some " I don't think they are broken just sprained I should be already in a few days.." but during the whole trip Night kept a close eye on B-Man. Meanwhile Sky was having the time of his life. "Hey Sky doesn't your family live in this village?" B-Man looked over to Sky seeing him nod several times in rapid succession.

"Yup my grandmother, sometimes my dad and mom stop by to see me since I'm usually training at the dojo, hehe my dad says "you lack discipline!" Sky started to go into a giggle fit after putting on a German accent to imitate his father, Night chuckled some as well "and he was right about that" both of them laughed except B-Man who was trying his best to keep some tears from escaping.

Night blinked then motioned Sky to stop knowing they hit a bad cord, but Sky asked the one question that might set B-Man off " Hey B what about your mom and dad?" B-man didn't reply for a few seconds. " they...-" he paused a moment "they died a while ago...just as I was born..." Night frowned suddenly remembering that day from following a strange energy to the hospital where they found B-Man.

Skys ears lay flat on his head, his tail slowly moved between his legs " I'm sorry B... I didn't know..." he moved over and patted B-Man's back some. " it's ok Sky...i didn't know them anyway besides no one really asked me that before.." they both blinked as they came to a stop , Sky ran up ahead to see what was going on, then came back. " hey B I'll need your help" "why what's up?" B-man looked over to the nearest neko and motioned to them to take the stretcher, then took off with Sky

Brandon blinked as they came to a stop seeing what caused everyone to stop. " WOW! That's one heck of a rock slide!" in front of them was a large open area that was littered with sharp jagged rocks and large slabs of rock, in the distance he was Winter coming back from the area in question, Sky spoke up first "well how bad is it?" she replied just by shaking her head.

Brandon snapped his fingers " I know!" the group looked at him puzzled "Hey Sky how about the Haou Shoukou-ken?" Sky grinned, but Night on the other hand was surprised, but before Sky could answer Night spoke " When did you two learn that? No one learns that attack until they have fully mastered the use of Ki." Sky chuckled in response "we were kind of spying on you and master Galin." Night rolled his eyes" I should have known." With a sigh Night motioned them to go on " well go on, we haven't got all day. Everyone get behind something for cover"

Night still wondered how the two of them were able to create that blast, their energies weren't strong enough. B-Man and Sky took the usual stance, one leg front of them, Sky right and B-Man left they then yelled out in rhythm. " HAOU!" Night watched then blinked understanding now, Winter moved close to Night as a blue glow filled the area " Sir. What are they doing?" she was in wonder Night replied as the energy started to form a ball in the boys cupped hands. "What they are doing, in concentrating all of their Ki, or Chi was you know it, into one spot of their body, then when it is built up enough they release it in an attack form in this case and energy blast...but the problem for them is that they don't have that much energy like I do...so they might not be able to get enough power to form the blast Let alone the proper form when releasing it. "

Sky and B-Man generated as much power as they could, but still it wasn't enough but then, they shifted their hands and both of their energies converged into one spot, Night watched then smiled in approval Winter on the other hand was still amazed to the fact that these two children had any power at all. Night watched on" good...good. Yes that's it...combined your energies..." then they fired "SHOUKOUKEN!"

They both did mirror movement, thrusting their arms outward then spreading them at forty five degree angles opposite to their arms , a ball of energy shot outward and grew to have a diameter of five feet, they both ducked for cover as the energy slammed into the rocks making a trail then exploded at the end kicking up a dust storm.

Slowly B-Man and Sky rose up from the dust cloud to see their handy work. "YEAH! We did it Sky!" the two of them jumped up and gave each other a high five then landed looking over to the group then blinked a few times seeing the nekos staring at them now , ears and tails twitching. "uhhh have we done something wrong?" Winter walked out into the open looking at the cleared path they made. "my goodness...I knew your master told me you two knew energy attacks but nothing like this!"

Night lay still smiling. " very good you two. Very good." Sky looked over to Night and grinned then put his attention back to the matter at hand. "so I guess it's just a small stroll down to the village now?" Winter nodded slowly half hearing sky since she was still staring at the path made. "I uhh yes...I should think so now" she snapped out of it as the group was already entering the path. " Wait for me!"

Part 2: The Village

B-Man and Sky pushed through the thick brush of bushes and trees then stepped out onto a older path, they paused and watched in awe. "Wow..." B-Man exclaimed, The neko village was placed next to a lake with a waterfall, it was crystal clear, smoke rose slowly from chimneys and small fires by the lake side, it all looked like it out of a fantasy story book.

"wow what?" Sky stepped up beside Brandon with an eyebrow raised. "This place looks like it's out of a...oh never mind..." he replied still looking at the sight. Soon they were walking into the village, various nekos and other mystical figures flooded the walk ways as the group entered. " Princess!" a another Neko the same colour as Winter but only a male slide to a stop infant of them. " Your mother and father have summoned you to the castle.

Winter shushed the neko with a single hand gesture. " Please don't call me that. Not in front" she turned to look at the group "of them" she motioned too late at the now astonished look of Brandon and Sky they both burst out. " PRINCESS?!" Sky shot up towards her with immense speed, " Why didn't you tell us?!" Winter blushed as her ears flattened against her head " I .. umm pardon me boys.." as she started to walk with the other neko.

Brandon watched as she left but his stare was cut off as Sky tackled him into a hay patch, sky looked at Brandon in his usual excitement "B! Can you believe it!" "Yes now get off me!" he replied a little annoyed at sky. Sky got off of B-man then helped him up. "come on B I'll show you around" he nodded then started to follow Sky.

As they walked more people looked at B-Man curiously, as each minute passed he felt more and more uncomfortable. "Umm Sky were are we going anyway?" "My grandmothers house where else?" he replied then stopped " oh yeah...I forgot...my grandmother works in the castle hehe" B-Man sighed shaking his head "can we just go I'm getting hungry." Sky nodded and they headed back to the castle.

In a few minutes they were lead into the main hall of the castle. "So Sky what does your grandmother do?" Sky looked at Brandon and smiled "she the Queens personal maid hehe" He nodded then stopped seeing Winter coming down the main staircase in a white dress that caused his mouth to go dry from her beauty.

Winter strode by him smiling ever so slightly, then she winked at him before disappearing into the main chambers where the King and Queen sat waiting for her. "is that her?" he pointed to an older looking neko, the same colour as Sky but her hair was a silver grey and done up in a long pony tail, her clothing was the same as Winters but black with rings of white around the bottom, waist and collar.

B-Man watched as they spoke but couldn't hear what was going on until Skys grandmother motioned them to come foreword, they entered the chamber in awe of the massive room. "Come over here Sky" Winters father spoke up and he stood at attention in an instant and shot over to the steps where the king and queen sat. Sky stammered "y...y... yes sir?" the king rose from his seat then motioned sky to come up "I want to thank you for helping my daughter."

Sky blinked in surprise , as did B-man who was further back."thank you sir." Sky went to one knee bowing as the king placed a hand on Skys head then sat back down. "would you like to join us for dinner?" Sky nodded once then looked over to Winter, She blushed. B-man then saw her figure in full, she was at least eighteen years of age or what looked like it. His heart sank but it didn't show in his emotions.

Later on B-man went to see Night , he knocked on the door and Night answered "Just a moment...come in" he slowly entered the room and looked around, Night motioned B-man to come in more. "hmm? ah Brandon, what's up??" he said, but B-man just shook his head. " I just came to see if you were alright" Night nodded then tilted his head to one side as he watched B-man leave the room.

As he left Nights room he quickly tried to find a way out of the castle so he could be alone, he found one on top of the castle. "What did happen to my parents?" he asked himself, he stayed their till the moon came out. Laying back he looked at the stars then slowly he fell asleep long after he name was being called for dinner.

Meanwhile Sky was eating slowly wondering where his friend was, but then he felt a gaze on him, Winter was staring at him with a puzzled look on her face. "What happened to your friend? She asked as she took another folk full of her grilled salmon. Sky looked at her after swallowing. "I don't know myself really, maybe he just wants to be alone." Winters ears flattened against her head " but why?" Sky shrugged " I Guess it's because he is the only human in the area, well except Master Galin but he's to old for B"

Winter looked at her father and mother then paused, her father and mother nodded to her and she got up to look for B-man, worried about him being alone she thought she could cheer him up, but she couldn't find him. In the end she gave up and went back to her chambers but stopped seeing B-man laying on the roof at the opposite end of the castle alone and asleep. Slowly and carefully with her cat reflexes and silence he went out to him.

She sat down beside B's sleep form, she was startled as a strong hand came onto her shoulder, It was Night. "Oh...you startled me, but...maybe you can help answer some of my questions" Night tilted his head to his side and sat down " such as?" she looked down at B-man and gently ran her hand through his blonde hair starting to purr softly delighted to keep the human child company, then she looked back up to Night. "Why is he alone?" Night shook his head then began to tell the tale. "well it all started twelve years ago..." some time passed but In the end Winter had new respect as to why B-man felt so left out.

Next morning he awoke in bed, he sat up quickly finding himself in shorts and a t-shirt he slid out of bed quickly then spun around hearing the door open, quickly out of instinct he took a fighting stance. Winter stepped in with Skys grandmother holding a tray of food, slowly he stepped out behind them. "uh good morning?" Winter spun around in her usual graceful manner and smiled "Good morning!, I brought you some breakfast" B-man nodded then blinked. " Um if you don't mind me asking...But how did I get here? I was on the " Winter giggled "the roof?" she then sat down on the bed gently "Night helped out with that" slowly he nodded then looked over to Skys grandmother and nodded to her.

The doors suddenly flung open and a blur shot past the two nekos and slammed into B-man tackling him onto the floor. "B! where have you been?!" It was Sky in his usual fashion, His grandmother set the tray down onto the bed then walk over and picked up Sky off of brandon. "Sky, how many times do I have to tell you to stop pouncing on people?" Skys ears drooped. "sorry B..." "Now. Let him have something to eat, while you and I go and check on Night" Sky nodded and with some resistance he went with his grandmother.

Winter started to roll on the bed laughing at what had just happened " he likes doing that huh?" she wanted to say something else but it was cut off in more laugher. he shook his head as he got back onto his feet," yeah...a lot, one day I might just side step and let him slam into something" he grinned then moved over to the bed and took the tray with one hand and moved over to a table , he sat down and started to eat. " I hope those pancakes are to your liking, Chefs first time actually thanks to Night." Brandon nodded as he swallowed "Bang on" he took another mouth full then blinked some seeing Winter frown slowly.

"Night..." she paused " Night told me what happened when you were a child." he slowly swallowed the next mouth full, then put his fork and knife down. " Really...Is this why your taking more notice of me?" Winter looked away, quickly he finished his food and got up "I see, well it was along time ago a hour or so after I was born so I didn't know my parents. It doesn't matter now, all I have left is the dojo I train in, and my friend." B-man got up slowly and looked for his uniform just as he found it winters arms moved around him in a gentle hug but, she was crying.

He paused then slowly turned to her " Please don't cry...please?" Winter caught herself and stepped back. " I'm sorry I can't help but think of it happening when I have children... look at me I'm about to get married and I'm-" B-man shot to attention as the door opened again. In stepped a very muscular black Neko with green eyes and well groomed hair and fur in some parts of his body that he could see . Winter smiled leaned up and kissed the neko softly on the cheek, then turned back to see B-man but he was gone. Winter blinked and looked around "Where did he go?" the neko blinked. "Where did who go love?" Her ears drooped then she turned back to her lover. " nothing Shadow...nothing... come lets go and get the arrangements ready"

B-man found Sky later on , then laughed watching him doing the dishwashing by hand." I thought you hated water?" Sky looked back at B-Man then growled some." It's my punishment for pouncing you." B-man couldn't help but laugh more then walked over and started to help " Hey Sky, why did the king want to talk with you?" Sky looked over "well he was thanking me for helping out Winter a little while ago when he wasn't here." "oh?"B-man looked over at sky with a raised eyebrow. " What did you do?" Sky set down the dishwashing cloth then drained the water from the sink. " I protected her from some bandits when she went out to pick some flowers while you were sleeping" B-man nodded and put some dishes away.

Finished they went outside, but B-man stopped noticing some nekos with out fur. " uhh Sky. Why do those nekos have fur...and those don't?" Sky laughed "the ones with fur are Neko-jins like me, and the others are a mixed breed, Nekojins have more skill then them." B-man nodded again trying to figure it out but failed at it. shaking his head he sat down under a near by tree watching people walk by, but then he noticed something. "Hey B?" Sky ask now in a worried tone, "Do you think Master Galin will be able to keep the dojo? I mean there isn't as many students has there used to be" B-man shrugged some as he looked over to Sky.

The two headed further out of the village but then by the lake their was a high pitched scream. Sky's ears perked up " that was the princess!" Both of them took off running at top speed and were at the lakes edge in few seconds, to B-mans surprise nothing was happening. Winter was being held in the arms of her future husband with diamond tail ring on her.

Shadow and Winter looked over seeing the two, they blinked in confusion then laughed little. "We heard a scream!" Sky bolted up stopping almost on top of them, Shadow fell over with Winter on him blinking in surprise "you're a fast little one aren't you...and a little hyper" Winter burst out laughing uncontrollably then stopped seeing B-man already jogging towards the forest line.

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "What's up with him?" Sky shook his head in return. "He's the only human here and he feels alone...at least that's what Night told me." Winter frowned then looked at her soon to be husband and gently kissed him on the cheek "I think we shouldn't get involved, come it's getting late." She did a ballerina twirl out of Shadows arms then came to a stop a few feet away. " we have a busy day tomorrow." Shadow nodded then looked once more in the direction human boy had went then headed off with winter.

Sky eventually found him by the waterfalls on the other side of the village practicing his Kou-Ken energy ball blast, close by boulders marked where B-man had been because of large chunks missing from certain areas. "Hey B, it's getting late we should go back!" Skys ears perked up when he heard a sigh being let out, tracing it he found him sitting on fallen tree, slowly he moved over to his friend and sat by him.

"Hey B, are you alright?" he didn't answer he just sat their staring at a small pond under them, showing their refection. Brandon finally spoke his voice showing a small hint of sadness "I feel so alone...and out of place here..." Skys ears lay flat on his head " but your not alone when I'm around B" he placed a hand on his shoulder then blinked finally understanding. " ooh...someone that likes you like me?" Brandon nodded. " yeah...someone like you that doesn't care about how someone looks, but I doubt that will happen..." B-man sighed once more then got up. " come on we'd better get back before Night gets worried..." Sky nodded and got up as well, they both headed back for the castle.

Two massive castle doors opened the next day and confetti flew everywhere, bells rang like mad as Shadow and Winter ran down the steps to their awaiting white chariot, which took off as soon as they entered. Meanwhile overhead on the castles roof B-man, Sky and Night watched as the chariot disappeared into the distance.

"Well, There they go." Night said turning away with Sky but B-man kept watching "B what's wrong?" sky walked back to his friend. "something's wrong...I can feel it...their in trouble..." Night looked back at Brandon "how can you know? They only juts left a few minutes ago- blinking then his ears perked up feeling two life forces drop down. "You two lets go!" B-man and night took off and sky followed in confusion.

As they ran Night glanced at B-man a few times two things were on his mind. the first and most important was the safety of Winter and Shadow..but the second that crept up was "how in the hell did he sense that? ....Brandon.. what are you hiding from us?"

Several minutes later they came to a stop in front of the chariot which was now laying on his side, the horse had been torn limb from limb but Winter and Shadow. " Oh no...please no" B-man stopped afraid to look, the doors to the chariot had been torn open like paper. Sky bolted over and looked inside " No blood, but it looks like they put up a tough fight." A loud scream could be heard only to be muffled out by a hiss, B-man instantly knew what it was. " It's that spider!" Night stepped in front of the two boys before they could charge in " I'l' take care of the spider, you two look for Winter and Shadow" but B-man had another idea. " Night your still weak after the last time you saved us you and Sky should look for them, your hearing is better then mine you can you find them faster, I'll hold off the spider!"

Before Night or Sky could stop him he was out of sight heading in the direction of the hissing. Sky stood there for a few seconds watching his friend run off "be careful B" then headed off with Night to find the missing couple.

Sky and Night followed the life forces of Shadow and Winter as far as they could into a dark part of the forest. Sky growled "I don't get it I can sense them but I can't see anything..." Sky felt a tap on his shoulder, Night stood there horrified. There before them hanging up in mid air with web cocooning them were Winter and Shadow unconscious. "My gods" Night exclaimed but he heard a cry from Sky as the neko disappeared into the darkness " Sky?! " feeling a hard tug on his legs he fell to the ground then darkness overcame him.

B-man slid to a stop feeling Skys and Nights life force lower to almost nothing. "Oh no...not them too" slowly he walked along seeing the area becoming darker, he winced some feeling a presence behind him, spinning hard he blinked. " SKY?! , what happened?! Where's Night?!" Sky didn't answer his eyes were lifeless and his face showing no emotion, B-man stepped back "s...sky what's wrong?" He blinked as the Neko took his attack stance" Sky what's wrong?!" the blow was to sudden for him to block, taking a hard roundhouse kick to the face B-Man staggered back but before he fell he bumped into a that felt like a wall, as he turned to look he was staring into the eyes of Night now, with the same lifeless look as Sky.

"W..What...what's up happening to you two?" but before he could react he was struck again by Night causing him to fall to his knees coughing. "what's wrong you with two?" he said wheezing, he winced and felt a warm glow from overhead, quickly he reacted and pushed upwards launching himself into the air only to be brought down again by sudden change in the gravity. "why am I so heavy?" he thought still rolling to the side to put some distance between the double gangers Brandon thought as he got up to face them head on.

Acting quickly he started to take off his arm bands, each band slammed into the ground causing the dry earth to crack ever so slightly. Next were his ankle bands each did the same as well. Finally his undershirt which was the heaviest of all he never thought it would have to in matters like this, usually he wouldn't take on several fighters at once but now he didn't have a choice, as the shirt fell to the ground he took his stance. "Here goes nothing..."

Part 3: Inner Demon

Winter phased between consciousness and unconsciousness as she hung in what she thought felt like a spider's web, finally she awoke her eyes darted back and forth to see what was holding her in a upside down position. Something caught her eye it was her husband Shadow who was from what she could tell was alive. A loud hiss was let out from behind her quickly she closed her eyes but opened one a little to see what was happening.

It was the same demonic spider from the valley, and it was spinning it's web again and to her surprise it was Night and Sky but as the two were hung up as well, a bluish black mist formed over their bodies. To her horror a copy of each of the two fighters were formed then disappeared and as they did Winter thought "Brandon."

"Lets go!" instantly the copies took their originals stances perfectly, B-man winced as he watched unbelieving that copies like these could imitate his friends so well, there had to be flaws and he was going to find them. "Only one way" he thought "fight it out" his muscles tensed preparing to attack full force with his mind open for any errors the copies made.

The Sky copy seemed to know what was going though his mind and attacked with a full on run towards him, acting quickly B-Mans defences went up as the copy attacked with a blur of punches and slashing. B-man instantly started his blocking and dodging pattern, forearms to the punches and low sideways ducks for the slashes but in all of the commotion he never noticed Night come in from behind, the attack was too swift too hard as he found himself coming out of a barrel roll slamming into a old tree trunk which splintered instantly on impact, the force knocked the air out of him.

It didn't stop there, before he could even get up one of the copies dealt a blow to his stomach sending him into the air where he was slammed down again into the rock hard ground then back into the air where the final blow send him like a fired bullet into the top of a tree. The copies retook their stances waiting for B-Mans next move but nothing happened.

Meanwhile Sky was just coming too, whimpering lightly he looked up seeing a light webbing strung over the tree line. He tried to move but he couldn't, looking around he saw more strands of the webbing over his arms and some of his torso and knowing his legs would be as well. He tried again to move but the web stuck fast, so instead he looked around with what head movement he could manage.

Beside him tied with the same substance was Night, as well he noticed a pair of bite marks on the wolfs left shoulder, quickly he checked himself but saw nothing at least with what movement he had, but there was a slight stinging sensation on his tail. His ears swivelled as he heard a whisper "Psst, Sky, Sky" he couldn't see who the voice belonged too but he knew the scent. " Princess Winter? Is that you?" "yes, Is Night with you? can you move?" "yeah Night is next to me but he looks like he was bit and No I can't, this...'Stuff' is holding me down, what about you?" there was a light hiss from below and Sky knew why, down below them was the demon from before.

It's beady blood red eyes were looking straight ahead at what looked like a small pool of water, his various legs were twitching as if they were in a uncontrolled muscle spasm, Sky did his best to look with out making a sound. At the corner of his eye he could see in the pool a faint image of himself and Night before a numbing sensation took hold of his body causing him to go limp then black out.

B-man hung on the higher branches dumbfounded at what had just occurred "I can't believe it" attempting to right himself he blinked slowly as he felt the spots where the two attacked him. There was pain but not so great, then it clicked " their fast but they lack the strength to do much damage..." the branches under him started to slowly give way, he thought quickly and came up with only one. First he would have to attack them both with the usual manner but with less energy then increase his speed and strength in fast but short bursts, the second half of his plan would be to take Sky out first as quickly as possible then go after Night.

The branches finally gave way and he fell once more but landed on his feet in his stance, the copies were right on him. B-man came out with a hard uppercut as Night came first but winced as the copy fazed right through him, Sky came up next but they had him again, the Sky copy came up and slugged him hard in the face then a tail lash to his side making him go into a spin again, the Night copy took hold of right arm and swing him back into Sky where it kneed him, finally Night kicked him off in the direction of another tree.

B-man was in a helpless spin or so it seemed, until the last second, quickly he righted himself as the tree just came up. Using momentum he grabbed the first branch he could see and used it to spin himself up and back in the direction of the copies with even more speed then they had sent him. Instantly he was in front of the Sky copy which he had hoped for, quickly he came out with a flying side kick going right for the copies face, landing from the attack B-man knelt down ready to jump which he followed though backflipping as the two copies attacked hitting Sky first sending him in Nights direction but this time he used his Lighting Legs Knock Out attack sending Night into the air "HIEN-SHIPUUKAKYU!"

Instantly the Sky copy was back up and ready to attack B-man from behind but only fall face first into the ground. he had back flipped and just as the copy had got to him, continuing the back flips to gain a few yards between the copies , already gathering energy "HAAAAAOOOOU!" . The Night copy landed on top of the Sky copy, both struggled to get up from the attacks they had received. Bright blue energy crackled around B-mans cupped hands, electrical energy scorched the ground as he forced the energy into a ball, then he fired " SHOUKOU-KEN!"

B-man regarded the energy ball he had fired, it was not as large as the one Galin or Night could fire nor as powerful but it was fast enough to slam into the copies with enough force to burn some of their clothing away and bits of their fur. The resulting explosion was almost beyond deafening it sending bits of dirt and rock into the tree line , then all was quiet. B-man ran over quickly to the crater, the copies were gone at least for now, staggering some from the large use of energy made his way back at a sluggish pace to where Night and Sky had headed.

Nights first impression of death was that is was very cold and damp and it smelled like a mud pit, but if he were dead he wouldn't feel pain which he did. Opening his left eye he looked in the direction of Sky who was now coming around as well , he could see bite marks on the nekos tail just a few inches away from the tip. Letting out a low growl Night shifted slightly to get a better look at the situation, from what he would tell the demon was going to consume them for food in the typical spider fashion, cocoon them and ether wait till they died or just keep them at bay till it was hungry.

Sky came around soon after, Night whispered " Sky, are you alright?" " yes...but my tail is kind of numb...I can't sense B anymore" Night nodded slowly but kept quiet as the spider demon came back into the opening, it's leg twitching had stopped and it looked rather unpleased. Then Night noticed something a red slash at it's back, it somehow looked familiar but he couldn't place it, the demon hissed again as it leaned over the small pool.

Sky winced as he fought to stay awake, he hated the fact that he couldn't sense his best friend, had he died? No, he refused to think that B-man had to be alive he had to be. Sky noticed Night was trying to gather energy to break free but the webbing seemed to hinder or absorb the energy, he tried as well but to no use. Sky looked on as the demons skin seemed to change shades from it black and red to white and blue, something was a miss.

It's body grew a little and it's head seemed to shift upwards as if it were on a torso, but then it returned back to the dark form, Something was a miss. Night winced as the demon started to move towards them its attention on Night mostly, the Primal hunger in it's eyes was frightening for Sky. It moved upwards hanging onto the tree as it climbed, it's maw opened up and moved over Nights head for the fatal bite.

Suddenly it hissed and shrieked in pain a cold mist sprayed about as it thrashed then fell from the tree, the demon slammed into the cold ground, Night looked and grinned as he saw Winter free, bits of webbing blew away in a blue flame of energy , then for Sky soon after. Night ripped the webbing from his body then slid down the tree. Skys webbing was blasted off as well, the blast didn't seem to have an origin, Sky instinctively looked up and smiled broadly at what he saw " B!!"

In free fall B-mans hand was smoking from the discharge of the energy ball blast, he fell to the ground panting still drained from the large attack before hand. Night, Sky, and Winter ran to his side " Are you alright?!" Winter for the first time actually sounding like she was panicking but all B-man said in a drained voice was " Your husband...? Is he... alright?" Winter shook her head slowly. " He has gone for help..." Sky looked at her rather confused "huh? You mean he ran?" Winter shook her head " no...I forced him, in my own little way " she grinned.

With the help of Sky, B-man was soon on his feet just in time to see the spider demon shift forms again. This time it was a full upper body of what looked like a Neko, female almost the same features of Winter. Night winced at the sight "Winter, what is that thing anyway!?" she froze for a moment " I...I don't know....but...I remember something about it...but I can't put my finger on it..." the spider wallowed in pain but it returned back to it's previous shape, and this time it's eyes were an even brighter shade of blood red.

B-man managed to take his stance to Nights bemusement, Sky soon followed as well as Night. " Brandon, are you sure you are up to this?" "if I said "no" can I go home?" Sky growled in anger as he tore off his weighted clothing " no one hurts my best friend and gets away with it!" Sky charged the demon growling as he ran up then jumped into the air laying on a flying side kick aimed right at the demons face.

The attack was strong but not strong enough Night noted as the demon staggered back only lightly, he followed up next with a energy blast " Kou-Ken!" -the basketball sized energy ball hit the demon square on one of it's leg joints but it soon retaliated by thrashing wildly. One hind leg hit Sky in the back as he landed, then a web shot directed at B-man and Night where it caught onto B-mans lower leg. Night managed to jump into the air sending him over the demon onto it's back where he spotted the red slash marking again.

Night landed on the demons back and went to strike with a claw slash but was soon bucked off but didn't fall to the ground like the youngsters. Sky was soon up in his stance, so was B-man getting ready to fire another large energy blast with his last bit of energy "HAOU!". Night winced and motioned Sky over "Get over and help Brandon!" Sky nodded and moved swiftly over to B-man, Night each cupped their hands at their right side.

The demon hissed loudly and started to charge towards the three as they gathered energy but it was to late , the demon slammed into Brandon first sending him flying. It continued it's thrashing as Night was thrown away next, then Sky flinging him into the air. Sky kept going up but turned slowly his hands cupped at his side, blue energy started to gather in small bubbles then crackled as it formed a solid ball. Night got up slowly and charged up the same though his was much larger.

From over head an ice beam shot down and collided with the demons legs freezing each in place "Hurry!" winter shouted from overhead in the trees. Night ran forward and fired his Haou Shoukouken blast straight into the demons face making it's ice in cased legs breakout sending it flying upwards, sky landed from free fall and fired as well as the demon came towards him. The blast slammed into the spiders main body sending it towards B-man.

B-man didn't think he just did, kicked off hard sending himself head on towards the demon as it flew towards him, righting himself he attacked with a flying side kick yelling as he did so " WAACHAAHHH!!!". His heel hit hard and dug deeply into the red slash like mark in which the demon hissed in pain, but in turn B-man was shocked by red energy and was flung back in the direction of Night who caught him.

Sky growled instantly at the sight of his friend being flung back from the energy discharge, then he noticed it once more. two of the demons eight legs were now a pearl white, "that mark...it's a weak spot..." Skys ears perked up. " THAT SLASH IS IT"S WEAK SPOT!" Night growled as he lay B-mans limp form next to a tree then as one sky and Night attacked.

Night went for the demons legs to disable it's movement while Sky went directly for the mark. Picking up speed, Night jumped slightly then slid under the demon from behind then clawed at three of the darker coloured limbs making the demon topple over to it's left side. Sky was instantly going through the air using his lighting legs knock out. "Hien!!" Skys heel dung in sharply but this time there was no shock of energy, as he spun around to deal the final blow the mark started to shift as if it were alive. "Shipuu Kyaku!!" Skys spun around with a hard roundhouse kick making the demon scream in more pain.

Night rose up from under the demon too fast for Sky to see, he heard Night howl then looked up seeing blood on Nights right fist as it was in mid air. Night growled " Koho!!" in one final shriek the demon rolled for a few meters towards the small pond it was looking in then stopped. Night landed in his stance ready for what might happened next but, nothing happened.

Winter on the other hand was by B-mans side as he awoke. "It's alright" she spoke calmly, suddenly a shaft of blue and white energy shot upwards from the ground engulfing the demon, it screamed once more but the demon was out cold, Night blinked then gapped in surprise along with Sky as the spiders blackened skin was now turning into the same pearl white, it was as if a gentle flow of water has been poured over it, then the scream came back as a red and black energy split away from the spider.

B-man winced " w...what is that thing?" winters ears folded back " a possessor of living beings...I've heard of this in stories and in our old texts but I would have never have thought it was real." the evil cloud shot off into the forest where it disappeared into the night. The spider to everyone's surprise was now getting up but there was a moaning. Night ran over ready to attack then froze at what he saw, the head of the creature was now an upper torso of a Neko female, she looked up at him and smiled.

"Thank you warrior for freeing me..." she rose slowly then flexed her body " it's so good to be myself again...well.. almost" she paused for a moment as she saw the fallen human, then the blackened almost lifeless forest. " oh my....have I caused this?" Night shook his head " it wasn't your fault, you were possessed by...a demon" Night paused for a moment as if coming to terms " a demon..." Night shook his head. "come on we'd better get back to the castle"

B-man winced pain as he tried to get up but was totally drained " no good ...I can't move...I think my ribs are broken..." the now freed creature moved over to B-mans side and knelt down " it's alright, I am a healer my name is Norinda" the female moved her right hand down and gently placed it gently over B-mans stomach who grimaced in pure pain. Her hand glowed with transparent white energy , it streaked out tracing the parts of his body that were in pain.

B-man blinked as he felt all pain leave his body in one swift second, Norinda moved back smiling " do you feel better?" B-man nodded " much...wow I...I feel great!" suddenly from behind them there was the thudding of hooves on hard ground, Winters husband was riding in with a small army, the first horse stopped and Shadow jumped off running to Winter scooping her up in his arms" Dear god! Winter are you alright?!" Shadow drew his sword as he ran then stopped in mid stride seeing Norinda " who...is that?" winter smiled " her name is Norinda...but we should get back to the castle now" as the group left with Winter in Shadows arms while B-man, Sky, and Night stayed back.

Night shook his head " boys, it looks as if our training will be more important than ever before..." Sky sighed " Your gonna tell master Galin about this huh?" Night nodded " that demon can posses anyone, myself, the master, you name it. Even your best friends or family..." Night looked at the moon that was now showing in the clear night air " Boys...you two go on ahead..." Sky and B-man blinked then nodded and made their way out of the forest following the group.

Night stood there contemplating on what he should do, first he walked over to the spot where the demon had vanished then using his wolf senses he sniffed about, Nights ears shot up in surprise. " No...it can't be, not him!" Night growled " Why does it have to be him...of all people." at this moment he didn't care if someone heard him, all he knew is that he had to tell his Sifu...and soon.......

Part 4: Final Days

It was late when Galin got a letter from Night. Galin shook his head as he read the letter that Night had sent him, "Wolf..." Galin crumpled the paper in his hands remembering the one called Wolf. Wolf was another student of Galins with Night but several years before B-man had started to train and before Sky had been taken on, Wolf had saved Galins and Night lives by absorbing a evil energy that turned Wolf into a uncontrollable demon that would use other living beings as a host.

Galin sat down at his desk and started to reply with a single sentence "prepare for the worst, and that goes for Brandon and Sky as well. God speed." the letter was sent and he knew that Night would agree even if the boys were young but in this time none of them had a choice. " Wolf..." Galin shook his head then made his way to bed.

Winter shouted at Night " Their just children!" Night shook his head calmly " but they have no choice, I need them to be ready for anything." Winter sat down almost crying , Shadow sighed " Winter he is right...if this demon can possess any of us we all have to be strong ...but that is also the dangerous part of it too" Night nodded as he turned his attention to the doors where B-man and Sky slept after the hard battle with the possessed Norinda.

Norinda entered the main bedroom " oh... am I disturbing you?" Winter stopped and wiped some forming tears from her eyes " No it's alright, please come in" Winter rose and walked over to Norinda and smiled weakly " what's wrong my child?" Norinda gently hugged winter like a grandmother to a granddaughter " it has been so long winter since I last saw you..." Winter wanted to just cry " oh grandmother" Night blinked as well as did Shadow. Shadow spoke first "grandmother?" winter nodded slowly " yes...she is a guardian and a healer but she is like this well. it's a long story and a sad one, but what does it matter?"

The four of them sat in the room contemplating, thinking, then Night spoke up " tomorrow we start training for the tournament that's in the city next year, and while we train we will stay and protect the village as long as possible." Winter sighed nodding slowly " alright Night...I wish you three luck" and with that Night bowed then walked out of the room, as he did they watched a Sensation of hope, but fear washed over Night as he walked into the boys room and stood there silent. " boys...rest as much and as well as you can...for tomorrow you both will go through hell..."

The next day after a large breakfast, B-man, Sky, and Night were making their way to a open field south of the village. As they made their way Sky whispered to B-man "hey B...does this make any sense?" B-man blinked confused "what do you mean?" Sky replied leaning in closer " Nights all tense, Winter and Shadow are acting all weird like were going to be hurt or something" Night suddenly broke in " I can hear you two...and yes you both will be hurt from this training, like any other training we have done before." B-man nodded shrugging " I guess they don't know what it's like to train like us"

Night sighed " if only you two knew what awaited you in your futures..." the three came to a stop in a large clearing with short green grass in a perfect circle at least a good eighty meters in diameter, at the edge were large slabs of stone that sat under large trees for shade , B-man remembered some pictures he had seen about places like this, it was a sort of naturally formed arena of sorts.

Sky's tail started to tremble in excitement, then bound into the middle of the arena " This is awesome! Just like that cliff!" Night suddenly growled "Sky smarten up!" he spoke loudly and with a sternness that Sky and B-man knew too well, the fun just ended it was time to get to work. " Now...this training will differ for the normal...in most cases it shall be the same but to get stronger you both will have to become stronger then Master Galin and myself." B-man and Sky blinked in surprise, B-man stuttered " s...stronger then you two?" Sky looked at B-man then Night " I guess we don't have a choice B..."

Night nodded " your right, you don't." Night walked several meters away from the boys then looked at the two again " have you two warmed up yet?" they shook their heads " no? good...now you will learn how to fight without a moments notice...like this!" Night suddenly flung his arm out back fisting Sky first then kicked B-man in the chest sending them both flying then skidding on the ground as they landed. Sky was up instantly attacking with several punches then a series of kicks at Night but since he wasn't warmed up his kicks weren't as high or precise, B-man soon followed up with the same tactic. The training had begun and it was about to become more intense as the minutes passed.

" Time up!" Night bellowed At high noon, B-man and Sky collapsed panting hard, bordering almost on hyperventilation. Night was standing over them with a toothy smile " good. You two did well on your first attempt, tomorrow will be the same...now rest and eat something then after lunch physical training will start." Night walked off to the castle to bring the boys something to eat and drink. "man" B-man panted as he spoke " I've never. Thought. Fighting would be. Like this" Sky got onto his hands and knees struggling to get up from his exhaustion. " B. I think. It's going to be. 'Like this' " he fell to the ground again "for a while"

The two managed to move themselves to one of the stone benches and sit down just as Night returned with a basket of food and drinks, he sat down with them then paused a moment. " well, Looks like we have an audience." he motioned slightly to the tree line, there were nekos of various heights and colours, their ears swivelled as they all watched the three martial artists as they ate. Soon they had finished and cleaned up, B-man rose slowly rubbing his cheek where a dark blue bruise was starting to form, Sky chuckled "hey B, it's to bad your not like us." B-man looked back blinking "oh?" Sky grinned "You can't get out lying that you haven't been in a fight, everyone can see your bruises" Night couldn't help it, he laughed along with Sky but paused a moment " but Sky, Brandon here has one advantage over you." the young neko looked up questionably. " what?" Night grinned" No real chance of fleas...or fur balls." Skys ears drooped as he looked at B-man rather annoyed at how right Night was " yeah yeah..."

The training had continued and by the end of the day B-man and Sky were feeling as if their bodies were like refried rubber bands, Night smiled at the two proud at how fast they adapted but still wondered from the fight before he could clearly see B-man trying to gather energy for the Haou Shoukouken the ball of energy was as bigger than Galins "what sort of monster do I have on my hands?..."

Night Smiled "you two have done well, tomorrow we begin on your energy gathering abilities." Sky fell over almost as he started to walk back in the direction they had came, B-man as well " I've never felt so drained before Sky, what about you?" Sky could only nod, but in turn gravity won, the two fell to the ground out like a light. Night walked over slowly shaking his head as he picked the two up under his arms, during the trip he thought of how the two were like himself and Wolf during their early training.

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months in this time the boys training had grown more intense but they had managed to survive to the final test, Night stood before B-man and Sky. Their uniforms were torn and tattered but they had grown stronger. Skys hair was now at least a foot longer and was tied back in a pony tail, B-mans on the other hand was still in it's usual combed over look since he had asked to get it cut more often, Night walked over to them. " now boys...one final task, to the west there is said to be dam that has sprung a leak, I want you to go in and stop it." Skys ears perked " water?... " Night nodded then smirked as he watched the neko squirm nervously.

B-man laughed "oh come on, it's only water" Sky winced " yeah...and it's wet...I hate getting wet...and it's cold too..." " ah come on Sky it will be fun both of us" B-man rose up from his spot under a tree " no Brandon, YOUR going into town, this is Skys final test he has to make sure no one is around before the work starts, and yours on the other hand is a different one you have to get the materials, now move" B-man nodded and ran off to town while Sky reluctantly headed east. Night smirked " Sky...West is in the other direction" Skys ears flattened " uh no I think it's the other way!" Night growled loudly. Instantly Sky about-faced and took off running to the west.

As B-man stepped out of the shop he felt a slight tremor in the ground then spotted a dust cloud rising up from the west. His senses instantly felt Skys energy increase, as soon as he paid he shot out of the shop in a blur. He didn't stop his mad dash out of town with the supplies strapped to his back, In the time he had spent here with the Neko he had grown attached to them as if they were family so in turn he would be damned if anyone was injured while he could prevent it, Sky himself even felt the same so together they had helped many Neko as they trained.

Hissing, Sky dove into the water and started to swim to help a trapped Neko in the Centre of the flood, the Neko was an older female with several shocks of grey fur on her body and hair line she had a sort of demented smile on her face " I've got you!" Skys arm reached for the woman then gasped as the woman faded into a shockingly familiar black shadow ' WOLF!" the woman appeared again on what could be the shore line, still grinning she spoke. " we meet again...but not for long...your time will come Sky, so shall Nights and your master." Sky floated in the chop anger in his features "Never!" Wolf grinned now splitting away from the woman "and your best friend too"

B-man appeared soon after atop of the shattered dam, he could see Sky attending to a fallen Neko woman. " Sky! What happened?!" Sky shouted back "It was Wolf!" Sky picked up the lifeless Neko and took her to safety, the ground rumbled and bucked B-man off the ledge to the ground, but he landed gently on both feet, turning back quickly he winced as the dam was beginning to crumble even more " I'll stop this you go and help the village!" B-man quickly ran over to some large trees then lashed out with several snap kicks causing the trees to snap cleanly at the base of the trunk, Sky blinked as he saw Norinda appear her massive webs holding a majority of the water at bay further down the river. She smiled " I thought you two boys would need some help." Sky smiled then ran off to help B-man.

Norinda spun several hundred more webs in various directions to widen and strengthen the wall she had made before hand then set off to the village. Meanwhile B-man and Sky were finally able to get ahead of the wall of water that was heading for the village before the webbing Norinda had made, Sky yelled from the opposite side of the large river "hey B! I think I've got an idea!" he began to move his arms to cup his hands to the side for the Haou Shoukouken blast B-man mirrored but the ground rumbled again was what left like an explosion. But that didn't stop Sky.

Skys energy ball slammed into the river bed causing it blow apart in a mushroom like cloud of water and dirt, the wall of water faltered slightly but it wasn't enough. B-man shot foreword into the smaller wall of water that was ahead of Norinda's webbing, he went as fast as he could his leg muscles burned but he couldn't give up. "Haou!" having his hand cupped instantly he spun back after jumping up slightly then fired his own blast. "Shoukouken!" the energy ball was joined by another energy blast the same size from Sky combining, a much larger mushroom cloud appeared and soon the wall of water was now nothing more then several small streams looking like veins, B-man and sky slid to a halt both panting.

Minutes later Norinda had joined them both eyeing the damage, soon all three of them were rushing down to the village but B-man stopped several metres before the village " um you guys go ahead...I don't think those nekos have seen a human..." Norinda and Sky blinked then understood and went on ahead, B-man moved back then looked at the small amount of water that had finally made it down to the village area, he began to head back up river to rebuild the dam.

An hour or so later Norinda and Sky had found B-man piling up rocks and tree trunks to make room for the building supplies, another hour later Winter, Shadow, and Night joined them, Night gawked at the damage " I heard the dam was in need of repair but a full rebuild?" Sky yelled in a burst of anger his hands were clenched in fists "It was Wolf, Night! He did this!" Night paused his voice caught in his throat from the sudden knowledge, B-man meanwhile didn't say anything he was busy laying out the building supplies now.

Winter walked over to him " Brandon...are you ok?" B-man looked away " I will be...I..I just want to be left alone right now, this dam won't be built by itself." Shadow looked at Night then to Norinda and Sky "this is getting serious...Wolf is a real threat and we have to kill him some how" Night growled "don't you think I know that?" the two started to argue about ways to kill the demon then B-man spoke up almost bent on tears " Shut up! I had enough of all this talk of Killing! I hate it! You don't' have to kill to stop someone from doing bad things!" he threw down a pickaxe he had been working with then ran off into the woods. Winter walked over to Shadow and Night , her voice was ice cold "if you two want to argue then go someplace else, and I understand you least of all Night" Night froze as he looked at Winters intense gaze "you want to pit two boys against a demon who was your friend. Wolf most likely knows your secrets and Galins" Sky looked between the two adults then moved back frightened by Winter, he hid behind Norinda slightly.

Winter growled lightly then walked off heading back the way she came, Shadow soon followed. Night looked over at Sky who came out slowly from hiding behind Norinda, he sighed and looked over in the direction where B-Man had ran off. Norinda spoke " Night...you know, you should give Sky and Brandon some slack, you can only prepare them for so much at this point in their lives. They still are children. Constant fighting isn't healthy." Norinda walked off into the forest in search of B-man, Sky looked up at Night then ran after Norinda. Night stood all alone in the clearing contemplating his next list of actions "if you had first hand of what I witness...you would do the same thing..." Night turned around and headed back to the village.

Several hours had gone by as B-man and Sky had finally rebuilt and repaired the dam with some help from Norinda, B-man had done most of the work out of what she could tell was anger, Sky was almost the same but he was mostly trying to keep up with B-man. Both had finally fallen asleep so Norinda spun some web into make shift blankets and gently placed the two boys on her large back and gently placed the webbing on them, She sighed slightly wishing things weren't like this. She started to walk back walking slowly to let the two sleep soundly, she felt as if she was back in time when she had not been taken over by Wolf.

Winter was pacing in her chambers with Shadow watching he thought at any moment she would start walking on walls. " Winter are you alright?" she looked at him sharply " yes!.. I mean no. well I don't know. Ever since those two came I've been doubting myself in some areas..." she made her way over to Shadow and sat gently in his lap, a light purr started from her chest as she snuggled gently into her husbands arms. "I just hope everything works out." Shadow smiled " don't worry, it will. besides from what I hear they are leaving in another day for that tournament in the city. Do you want to go?" Winters ears perked up and she smiled. " Are you kidding?"

Part 5: All Out

B-man stood in the street looking up at the huge Skyscrapers- "...t...THATS HUGE! - Sky covered his ears some- "not so loud B!... wow you've never been to the city before?" -B-man shook his head some then looked around again amazed at what he saw, humans, wolves, nekos, all different spices were busy making their way around the downtown Toronto area. Some were setting up shops others were busy putting up posters for the tournament.

Night glanced down at the two boys- " well, since we are already registered we can go and grab something to eat, and do some sight seeing hmm? maybe watch a movie? hmm? B? Brandon? Brandon!? now where did that boy run off too?" -Sky was looking around as well- "where did?..oh ! there he is!" -off to one side of the street they could see him looking at a poster on a old theatre in bold lettered it read "Screening: Enter the Dragon 1973 cult classic! Bruce Lee At his best!"

B-Man looked mesmerized- " Bruce Lee? who is he?" Night jogged up then blinked- " hmm? ah I remember this movie. I saw it when I was just a pup. not bad for the 70's" -Sky blinked looking up at Night ears twitching- " you were a Pup??" -Galin broken in suddenly- "Yes he was and a very cheeky one at that" -B-man turned- " Sifu! I thought you couldn't make it!" -Galin smiled- "And miss my two best pupils fights? not for all the tea in China, come on lets get to the hotel" -as the group moved on B-man took once glance back at the poster-..."Bruce Lee....I wonder what he is like..." -he soon found his answer-

The hotel room was rather basic by any standards, but for B-man and Sky it was something out of the future- "this is great! hey B!" -Sky bounced on the bed excited that the two had their own room for the first time- "yeah.. it's really great Sky..." -B-man was looking out the window at the street below, watching the street cars travel past the sparks once and awhile flickering at the car changed points, people were going about their business, then there was a knock at the door-

Night stepped in- " I see you boys are settling nicely, well I managed to get the movie on the T.V. here" -Sky bounced off the bed landing on the door- "What movie? that Bruce Lee one? "-Night nodded, but Sky rolled his eyes- "Meh, old stuff it is just a movie" -B-man turned back to look at Night- "well I will watch it alone then, Maybe I can learn something" -Sky rolled his eyes as Night set the T.V. to the proper channel as the movie Enter the Dragon began to play-

Sky couldn't have cared less at the film, Night was watching B-man more than anything- "it is just a movie yet he is watching it as if it's instructions...hmm...do i tell Sifu?.." -he made his choice- "I will be back in a minute I'll get us some popcorn" -Sky nearly yawned out of boredom, while B-man glanced at Night and nodded-

Galin blinked- "are you pulling my leg? -Night shook his head as he bushed some popcorn bits out of his fur- " I wish I was Sifu..he finished watching that movie more than a couple of ours ago, but I think he is trying to find out the attacks, I didn't have the heart to tell him it was just "Movie magic" -Night shrugged some as Galin paced a bit- "....let me see the movie" -Night nodded as he set the T.V. up again. After watching it Galin understood clearly what caught B-man's eye.

"Single hits, fast motions finishing off in a full out blow" -Galin muttered under this breath, Night nodded- "it can be done but it isn't your usual method for hard blows, tensing your body at the right moment is hard enough but if he is going to try such a thing it could prove to difficult" -Galin rubbed his chin- " I think we may just see it in this tournament Night...we.....-Galin paused...Nights ears twitched- "..did...you feel that Sifu?.." -Galin grimaced- "but why here?.. and now?.." -Night growled- "he was watching us the whole time we trained...he must have" -Night opened the window shades, the suns as just going down but they could feel dark energies rising from the tournament stadium- "Do we go?..." -he asked as Galin not really wanting to go through with it- "We Don't have a choice...don't wake the boys up.."

Minutes later Galin and Night landed on the upper ledge of the stadium, it was darkened with only a few lights on but at the arena was a mist of black energy with streaks of red here and there, two blood red dots were staring up at them- "Is it him?" -Galin asked but didn't take his eyes off the form- "Yes...I know that stench anywhere" -Night nostrils flared for a moment, the two split off as they made their way down to the arena-

" GALIN!, NIGHT!, So good to see you again! -the demonic voice broke into the silence of the arena as the energy vanished around Wolfs body- " Can't say the same Wolf, What are you doing here?" -Night responded holding back his emotions as best he could- "Wolf, not here and not now, if you want a fight lets take this out of the city" -Galin jumped up into the arena along with Night encircling Wolf- "ah same old Galin.. always looking out for the ones who could get hurt...and it fucking pisses me off..." -sparks of red bio energy danced in the arena along towards Galin and Night but was stopped a few feet away by their own energies-

Night almost sounded like he was pleading- "Wolf, there is no need for this. We can help you just..." -his voice trailed off as Wolf turned to him.. leaning to one side, head cocked over as if inspecting a slab of beef, and wondering which cut would be the most tender- " he isn't going to listen..." -Wolf grinned looking back at Galin- " Oh I am...I heard every word...those two brats...you want them to fight..." " Wolf Stop! -Night grabbed Wolf shoulder...then roared out in pain as his right bicep was slashed, if he did not react as quickly as he did it would have been far worse, the wounds were at least a half of a inch deep. Night growled- "..that does it..." -Galin and Night both took their stances and began to ready themselves. B-man awoke along with Sky "..thats....Sifu...and Night..." -B-man winced and started to get dressed as quickly as he could, Sky hissed as his ears folding back- " I can feel it.. it's Wolf. and they didn't wake us up!?" -the two bolted out of their rooms and without thinking smashed through a window leaping to the nearest roof top. By the time they reached the stadium Galin had hot Wolf full force with a Zanretsu-Ken multi punch attack that finished off with an Uppercut, as Night lashed out with a Haou-Shoukouken. Wolf staggered back bloody with fur missing in sections of his exposed body from his Karate Gi.

B-man looked at Sky- "lets get him!" -Sky hissed angrily - "I never thought you'd ask!" -they leapt down charging up their own attacks, Wolf Spun looking up at them licking his chops, Night caught on- "Oh gods no.. BRANDON! SKY! DON"T COME DOWN HERE!" -Wolf howled lashing out with a one handed energy beam that turned into a sort of energy whip that slammed into the two boys sending them in different directions, in mid spin B-man managed to fire off a Kou-Ken that grazed Wolfs shoulder. Sky using his feline reflexes landed with ease on his feet then pushed off going head on at Wolf- " You hurt my friend!" -Galin yelled- " Sky! backdown!" -Sky was about to disobey the order when Wolf turned ready to fire off another energy blast at point blank-

Night lashed out with a full out corkscrew punch at Wolf face sending him off balance sending him staggering towards Galin- "Kyokugen-Ougi!" -Galin was far to fast for anyone a part from Night would could just barely see his Sifu, whom attacked with a fury of punches and kicks totally overwhelming Wolf before he jumped back, hands cupped - "Haou-Shikouken!" -the blast was far wider than any of his students attacks, the white energy ball collided with Wolf sending him flying upwards into the air just missing the stands as it exploded in mid air. all the while they could hear wolf howling in rage and pain.

B-man sat up slowly from the pile of seats that were strewn over him from his hard landing just in time to see the explosion- "holy cow...S...Sifu can do that?" -Sky landed by B-mans side- "hehe, when master gets serious he is amazing" -Galin helped up Night- "how is your arm?" -Night growled- "never mind that where is that bastard?" " gone for now I believe.. I can't sense him... hmm can you walk? -Night nodded- 'I'll be along give me a minute go and check on the boys." -Galin nodded the look of worry on his face" -Night looked up at the sky, was it over?...no this was just far from the beginning, he turned to see Galin checking over B-man, for a brief second Nights eyes flash red."

Part 6: the Winner is?

Winters ears twitched in anger- " he.. is here?" -Night nodded- " yeah.. Sifu took him out but.. I think this is the end of it" -Shadow narrowed his eyes at Night- "Wolf has gotten stronger hasn't he?" -Night nodded some as Galin came over with Sky and B-man they had lunch trays in hand, Winter smiled at B-man- " Hello B.. er.. Brandon" -B-man blushed, Sky blinked in shock tail tensed- "she.. called you B..." -Winter giggled a bit- " well you kept calling him that when you were training so it sort of rubbed off" -the group too their seats, as everyone ate Winter couldn't help but notice how nervous B-man appeared-

Various spices were making their way around the lunch room which B-man couldn't help but notice, some of the fighters participating were huge almost ten feet in height- "I... I don't think i'm cut out for this" -Galin swallowed his food, he had heard this before. " Brandon you just need to try your best, this is a good experience for you and Sky" -B-man didn't respond he seemed far to deep in thought, Shadow chuckled- "pre fight jitters, he will be alright when he get into his stride." -Night laughed as well- " I'm sure B will do just fine" -she blushed realizing how she said his name again-

Sky smiled- "I'm going to win this" -Galin blinked- " a rather bold statement, what makes you think so? " -Skys tail twitched- "well because I won't be fighting B thats why" -Sky smiled innocently, but Galin smirked slightly- " oh yes you will, it is all one division by age." -B-man looked down at his food, he suddenly didn't feel like eating anymore. Sky on the other hand was now grinning from ear to ear, but he was trying to joke about it- "GOOD! Then I will just need to clean out B as well! Eh B I.. hm? where did he go?" -even Galin was taken aback for a moment, B-man was no where in sight and he couldn't even sense the boy-

Night shook his head slightly as he sipped his tea- "He knew it all along, but Sky was too excited to listen" " I was not!" -Skys tail twitched a few more times- "ohh....yeah.....sorry.." -Winter let off a soft sigh- "part of me thinks he never wanted to do this in the first place did he..." -Night frowned- "the money is one thing but none of us expected to take that monster on" -the group fell silent just then the P.A. system came alive- "Will Contestants for the junior devision please begin to make their way to the arena, first match starts in 10 minutes"

-Sky took a deep breath then slapped his face cheeks a few times- "well here I go!" -Winter smiled- " good luck, and try not to over do it" -Sky turned back grinning-" I'll try not too" -the young neko ran off, Night shook his head- " he is going to play a bit I think... some felines do that with their prey before attacking" -Shadow chuckled- "says the wolf" -Winter could just spot from the corner of her eye B-man making his way with the other fighters-

Winter rubbed her chin slightly- "I wonder who will win?" -she looked at Galin square in the eyes- "it is difficult to say at this point" -Winter nodded some still wondering, Galin turned to look at the exit to the arena- "Will you hold back again Brandon? Like you normally do to not attract attention..." -Galin rose from his chair- "well let us get going shall we? this will be a interesting time to see whom has had better success in the training" -Night rose as well but winced slightly from his arm wound- "that bastard, I'll rip him apart limb from limb." -He didn't show it, but Galin was surprised he had never heard Night speak this way before, maybe it was Wolf just getting to them-

The next few matches had gone just as Galin and Night had predicted, Sky every once and while would fool around with his opponent not because he was good, but he wanted to make sure his opponent would know it. While B-man went for the quick method of taking his opponents out with single hits at vital points just to knock them out. "They are like night and day..." -Shadow shook his head some still marvelling at the two boys- "Sky is the night, full of fun when the job is over." -Winter spoke her mind as she watched Sky make his way in the dug out to the water cooler- " while Brandon is the day, getting right to the point to get the work done"

The fights were going by faster than usual, some fighters even dropped out after watching Galins pupils go at it. Galin was proud of them right up until it came down to their own match against one another, two styles that were identical would cause problems since it all boiled down to each knowing the others movements. Night growled slightly "this is the moment i've been waiting to see, sparring is one thing but now they need to go all out." -Winter held her hands together seeming to be preying- "Sky has him at an advantage...being a Neko, Speed, Stamina, and Agility" -she looked at B-Man- "What will you do about it B?"

Both boys entered the ring for the final match up, B-man was clearly nervous while Sky was in the heat of the moment having never felt so alive. " This fight is mine B!, I'm going to win that prize money for the master" -B-man looked at the crowd then turned to Sky, he really did not want to do this- "We'll see about that fur ball!" -Sky blinked- "f...Fur ball?...Fur ball?!" -the Ref stepped into the ring- "alright you two keep it clean, take fighting stances and when the bell goes you may begin" -both nodded then went into their fighting stances, both were identical-

Shadow whistled- "wow, I can't see any openings in their poses" -Night nodded- " very good indeed" -Galin looked on- "no, Sky is too tense ready to move on a moments notice, Brandon is a bit looser...he is expecting a full out attack" -the gong went Sky charged at B-Man then it all came crashing down on Sky, as B-man right arm shot out snapping into a full force back fist into Skys jaw. the young Neko crashed into the ground sliding several feet behind B-man dumbfounded- " h... How did?..." -Sky got up quickly as B-man backed off-

Night said what was on everyones mind- "Did...he just do what I think he did?" -Galin couldn't believe his eyes for a moment- " it doesn't seem to be movie magic anymore Night..." -Sky hissed then came at B-man once more, the two began to fight in usual fashion, punches and kicks flew for the next few minutes none stop- " it seems it was a greeting between the two" -Shadow ears twitched slightly still amazing at the two young ones- "...these two are just children?..."

Then Galin noticed it, B-man was starting to back off his movements were getting a bit sluggish, but was it physically a problem or was it a mental?, Night shook his head- "there he goes, Sky's stamina is winning out on this one." -Skys right fist collided with B-mans jaw sending him into a spin which was faster than Sky had expected as B-mans right heel collided with the side of Sky's face sending the neko flying to the edge of the ring-

The crowd sat there in stunned silence as B-man landed unsteady before taking his stance once more, Night blinked several times- " He used the attack as a sort of err..." -Night was at a loss for words, Shadow pitches with the only word he could come up with-"recoil" -Galin narrowed his eyes- " I never taught him that...Night?" -Night looked back at Galin just as confused- " Don't look at me Sifu" -Winter looked embarrassed- " Actually, he would go out at night and practice something, I never understood what he was doing until now"

-Sky staggered slightly from the impact and was barely able to stand up, the right side of his face was beginning to swell slightly- "w.. WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT B?!" " try and hit me again and you'll find out!" -Sky growled, it had all happened far too quickly to capture anything. "yeah well..." -he couldn't make a come back to that one, so he did the next best thing he attacked with everything.

Ten minutes passed by the two boys were beginning to slow down having fought each other at their limits. Galin watched on curious there had been a few moments where B-Man had the chance to knock sky out of the ring and yet he didn't take it, the others seemed oblivious to the fact. Night glanced at Galin. " These next few seconds will seal it" -below in the ring the two boys moved further away from each other then pushed off going into run.

Both leapt up at the last possible second in flying side kicks, the angle was perfect along with the timing but who would hit first? Sky was slightly taller than B-man so the end could be sooner than expected. Galin suddenly yelled he didn't know why he did it- " BRANDON!" -energy sparked between the two boys in mid flight, was there a hit? it didn't look like it, on the way down time seemed to slow but it was B-man who crumpled first crashing into the arena but his momentum sent him over the edge and out of the ring, Sky landed landed just the same but dug his claws into the stone of the arena floor stopping himself.

Sky gasped looking up noticing he was alone in the ring- " I... I won?...I won!" -Sky got up much to quickly as he fell to the floor again. Night smiled- " Not bad. Brandon put up a good fight" -Winter nodded slowly - " well come on lets go and see how they are doing" -Galin got up before them and made his way down to the arena before anyone could say anything. B-man was slowly getting up bruises were beginning to form on the impact spots.

Part: 7 Long Road:

Sky had never been so happy in his life- "Yahoo! now we can keep the Dojo open! and I'm the world junior champ too!" -Galin nodded- " that just means you need to train harder than before to keep that spot" -Sky nodded then turned looking at B-man, the impact in the arena had ruined his karate Gi almost every part was frayed. " I lost fair and square" -B-man shrugged some before turning to Winter, and Shadow- " well i hope you have a nice trip home" -Winter nodded holding her husbands hand- " you as well B.. er.. Brandon..." -she giggled- " that is a bad habit, Goodbye everyone safe trip!"

the group watched the royal couple head off into the distance. " Well I think it's time we were off as well" -Night said picking up his duffle bag, Galin nodded- " you two go on ahead I just need a word with Brandon" -Sky blinked- " ooooo B's in trouble" -Galin looked at Sky- " No he is not. now run along before I make you do a full work out" -the nekos ears flattened- "yes master..." Galin made sure the two were out of ear shot then looked at B-man who was trying to not make eye contact with his Sifu- "...you lost on purpose didn't you"

-B-man blinked then looked up at him in shock- " y...you saw what I did? " -Galin crossed his arms over his chest- " You angled your head and body to get hit first, then fell that way to fall out of the ring before Sky could..." -B-man looked down - " I.... I didn't want to win...I don't have a reason to. I just..." -he trailed off trying not to cry now, Galin put a hand atop of the boys head- " I know,... you didn't want to attract attention to yourself." -Galin sighed thinking of those times when he saw the two sparring- "you don't want to hurt people do you"

B-man shook his head- " he is my friend..." " But what did that cause? do you think loosing will help him? did you think that over Brandon? ... I am going to tell Sky what you did after we get back to the dojo." -B-man looked up at him in shock- " N.. No please don't do that Sifu" -Galin silenced him with a glance- " that is enough...I have made my choice now lets go home" -B-man nodded sadly, picked up his own bag and began to walk.-

The journey home was uneventful, rain clouds were just starting to roll on as they reached the last kilometre stretch to the dojo. "boy I can't wait to get home B, I am going to sleep in for a change" -Sky looked at B-man- " I know why don't you come to stay with me for a while with my parents?" -Galin chuckled- " You both are worn out from the tournament and the trip so I will allow it" -Sky leapt for joy, B-man on the other hand didn't seem to keen on the idea- "um, Sky maybe I should wait a bit."

Galin smiled- " Yes you should, I mean Sky after all needs to think about what he will do with his prize money" -all three turned to Galin, Night was puzzled- " But Sifu, I thought you said the Dojo needed the money? don't... please don't tell me you sold it" -Galin shook his head- " no no no, nothing like that. that young Neko Winter helped out. I won't go into details but we will be alright" -B-man smiled slightly at the thought, being able to stay at his home and not have to move somewhere else-

a few hours later the group ate a large dinner together and were finally relaxing by the fireplace in the dojo living quarters. Galin went into a few more details about how the Dojo was going to be rebuilt with more modern training facilities. Night whistled impressed- " wow, thats a pretty big undertaking." -Galin nodded- " well we will need it for the new students, the Nekos in the village want to be like the Neko Protectors they saw" -B-man almost spat up his water, while Skys tail stood on end-" Who?" -B-man asked trying to stop himself from coughing-

Night couldn't help but laugh- " I didn't tell you two? thats what they are calling you two now. you didn't think all those kind acts would go unnoticed did you?" -Sky grinned- " well they have someone to look up to now I am the purrfect role model" -B-man on the other hand was embarrassed- " I.. really didn't do that much...I mean I just" -he was cut off as lighting shot down followed by a roar of thunder- "hmm that moved in quickly" -Galin said - " you two run along and make sure the usual areas won't get flooded" -B-man and sky got up nodded then ran off-

Galin sighed softly- " They have really surpassed all my expectations I wonder what this year shall bring" -Night didn't respond right away- "well, if all goes well...it will be their deaths...." -Galin paused then turned- " what?" -the blow came to quickly for Galin to react in the position he was in, as life left his body he could see two red eyes staring down at him from above- "..Wolf"..

Something snapped in B-mans senses as he dropped the metal bucket- "...w...what was?..." -Sky blinked a few times- "..B.. w.. was that?..-Sky began to tremble in fear and repressed anger as Galins life force dropped to almost nothing then Nights voice broke in- " Brandon! Sky! Hurry! get out here!" -Both boys rushed out into the open as the wind started to pick up. it was going to be one hell of a storm, Night was leaning on the doorway blood dripping from his previous injury to his arm- "Sky.. Brandon....it's.. Galin he.. he was attacked" Night staggered out leaning on a near by tree panting-

B-man rushed in looking at the crumpled bloody form of Galin- " no... Not now!" -Sky hissed- " I can smell him that jerk is around here somewhere!" -just then Night howled out in rage and pure pain, the boys spun only too late as they were send through the back doors of the living area smashing them to bits, B-man slammed into one of the porch support posts causing it to crack, while Sky tumbled on the ground skidding to a stop-

Nights form slowly moved out, eyes a blood red as he stepped out into the dimming light the boys watched the struggle for a few seconds. "B! It's Wolf!" -B-man looked up in horror as Night stepped close but lurched- "G.. Get out of me Wolf!" -Wolfs voice took over- "But I Like it here!" -it wasn't just Nights eyes that had started to change it was the colour of his fur as well- "you...when did you do this?" -B-man looked up as Wolf glared down at him a horrible smile on his features before he tapped his right arm where Night's body had been slashed- " it was all a matter of time, what better way then a Trojan Horse" -Sky hissed- "Lets get this guy B!" -Wolf stomped down at B-man who pushed off managing to dodge the attack, landing in the long grass he started to take of this weighted clothing as did Sky.-

Wolf watched them a bemused look on his face- "really now, weighted clothing? you didn't think I would know what you have up your sleeves?" -the boys got ready but were hesitant, how could they hurt one of their friends. was this going to be like fighting Norinda? was there a week spot? there were so many variables too maybe in fact for the young ones to wrap their heads around. "Sky......Brandon...you,..have to kill him..." -the boys jerked their heads in the direction of the voice, it was Galin who had crawled to the edge of the ruined doors-

Wolf howled with laughter for a brief moment-"this is the last time I shall call you my Sifu, but" -he never took his eyes off the boys-"you are right, this is nothing like the little minions I had, Night is MINE" -B-man tensed- " no.. I won't let you take him... thats.... thats it!" -he charged towards Wolf, Sky took off as well instantly the two started to change positions to mix things up.-

Sky lashed out as hard as he could- "Hien! ShipuuKa-" -but was cut off as Wolf came at the Neko first slamming his fist into his stomach making him slid backwards clutching his stomach- "Kou-Ken!" -B-man thrust his right arm out as the energy ball just formed firing only to kicked in the back sending him flying foreword, landing on his stomach sliding- " You boys are totally out classed" -Wolf grinned landing from the mid air kick-

-B-man got up then came out going full force at Wolf who nearly dodged with such ease it was infuriating. Sky soon joined in but the result was the same, both boys were hit with something they couldn't tell since the attacks were so fast, too accurate, sending him flying backwards landing on the ground a gasp- "B.. I.. I don't know if we can win this..." -B-man got ready but was hit this time with several punches and kicks totally helpless, Sky went to attack but was swatted away with Wolf tail.

Wolf turned to the two- "So, now do you know the difference? you two never had a...a...." -Wolf growled then howled in pain, Nights voice broke in- "...d...Do it! hurry! I.. I don't know how I .." -Wolf took over- " your body is mine!" -Night took over- "h.. hurry!" -B-man and Sky got up then charged in both yelling- "KyoKugen-Ougi!" -the boys attacked as one, punches and kicks followed up by a rising uppercut, but Wolf had regained control, he dodged B-man's fist but hit Sky sending the neko flying into a dead tree trunk. Sky passed out on impact being lodged inside- "you little BRATS!"

B-man landed prepared for the worse, but charged in anyway. Wolf blocked and dodge the boys various combinations before driving B-man into the ground then lifted him up by the neck and threw him to the side.- "Keep this up and you will" -Wolf growled again as his eyes shifted back to Night's- "H.. hurry.. B......I know you can ARGH" -B-man got up then took a run at him then leapt out of frustration towards wolf with a flying side kick-

"Towaaah!" -time seemed to slow for that moment, the range closed. The timing was perfect if it connected he could hit Wolf heel first right in the neck, ten feet, eight feet. "Surprise..." -Wolf fist started to glow, B-man tried to alter his path to make himself a smaller target but it was too late. At the right moment Wolf shot upwards fist a glow of red black energy, B-man was at an angle moving to block.

"Ko-oh!" -it wasn't Wolfs fist that caught B-man but the energy that surrounded it, first starting at lower left of B-mans stomach by his abs, then rose upwards. The pain B-man felt caused his eyes to glaze over, clothing shred, his skin tore as wolf fist traveled upwards over the centre of his stomach. Wolfs eyes fix on B-mans expression as his jaw dropped to let out a silent scream of pure agony.

The attack ended up just over B-mans right pectoral, blood sprayed outwards only to be vaporized by the energy. B-man flew backwards in an arc, blood and shredded clothing followed in the path as B-man slammed into the ground in total shock, his mouth was gaped open, eyes wide- " B!" -Sky was up as Wolf landed from the uppercut- "w... what did you do to him?! You Monster!" -Sky tried to attack but was grabbed by the tail and thrown into the dojos walls, the dry boards instantly splintered.

Wolf growled- "little pieces of excrement" -Wolf turned then grinned looking at Galin who was crawling along the dojos porch to try and reach B-man- "..Brandon...no.. please .. you.."-Galin gasped as Wolf stepped hard onto Galins back- "Old man can't you just die" -Galin groaned he tried to move but stopped fixated on something- "Galin, Galin, Galin. no witty come backs? i was expecting more from a master of... hm?" -a small blue translucent sphere of energy rose upwards- "trying to gather energy won't help you, you're already a waste of.."

Several more spheres of energy rose upwards, Wolf blinked confused then turned blood red eyes fixated on what was causing it- "what in the, is this some sort of trick?" -B-man was standing but lurched over as blood ran down his upper body onto the grass, the spheres of energy were growing in number. "oh please...-Wolf raised his hand and let off an energy blast that slammed into the boys body, but it only made him stagger slightly- "B.. Brandon..." -Galin gasped in pain-

Wolf growled- " come on then.. try it " -a demonic smile slowly spread over Wolfs face which turned in fear as B-man cupped his hands- " HAAAAAOOUUUU!" -bio electric energy sparked over his body burning the ground, the spheres of energy gathered into his cupped hands. "b.....Brandon..." -Sky gasped pulling himself from the rubble but stopped watching his friend gather the energy-

Wolf grunted getting ready but stopped feeling what the child was doing. "this power of his, how is he generating it. the brat is already on the verge of death!" -Wolf stepped foreword - " Just try it! You are nothing I" -Wolf stopped seeing B-man's eyes. his pupils were a glow, B-man had plenty of the "fighting spirit"- "HIT HIM!" -Galin yelled at the top of his lungs, Wolf growled- " it won't even" -Wolf gasped as Night yelled in his mind- "You have met your match Wolf"

"HAOU!" B-man thrust his arms foreword spreading them out at the usual forty five degree angle yelling- "SHOU-KOUKEN!" -a wash of bright blue energy engulfed Wolf who screamed out in agony from the impact, Galin was blown to the side as Wolf was pushed violently through the remains of the dojo into the air before the ball of energy exploded-

Further down range Winters ears perked- " we.. we must go faster!" -Shadow grunted then motioned to the small army they had massed- "Keep it going!!" -he turned to Norinda who seemed to be preying- " can you still sense them?" -tears began to form at her eye lids- "only two are left, the other is fading quickly" -Winter looked at her grandmother whom some how had sensed what had happened- "I am not sure we are" -she was cut off as bright light appeared in the sky over the dojo-"Lets go!" -Shadow shouted -

Sky was a gasp at what his friend had done- "B..." -he snapped back into focus then rushed over to his master- "Sifu!"-he turned Galin over, his master was smiling faintly- "you...two..have..surpassed me...-blood trailed down to the corner of his mouth-"hurry....check....Brandon.." -the sounds of horse hooves battering the ground could be heard- "Sifu please hold on help is coming!" -Galin reached up and rubbed Sky's head- "my...journey has come to an end...yours.. is.....just.....begin...ing.." -just then B-man let out a cry of pain, Sky looked over - "B! Just hold on!" -he turned back, Galins body was limp in his arms-

Winter cried out- "healers hurry!" -Shadow leapt off his horse and ran over with a few others soldiers, swords at the ready- "Sky?! What happened here?!" -Sky hissed- " it.. was Wolf.. he.."-tears filled his eyes as the few moments that had past were now burned into his soul, then Winter let off a crying scream before passing out into Norinda's arms-

B-mans body was on a stretcher being taken over to the near by carriage, Sky eyes widened in shock at the wound- "he made a pretty big mess that Wolf" -having witnessed what just happened Sky had a feeling he should keep it to himself, it was all becoming clear to him- "B..you were holding back on purpose" -tears ran down his cheeks stinging the cuts on his face- "You let me win just so you wouldn't..." -Shadow put a hand on the young nekos shoulder- " come on.. lets get get to the castle" -Sky looked back, Galins body was being loaded up onto another carriage -

Part 8: New Beginnings Almost a week had passed since the fight with Wolf, Galin had been buried along with the remains of Night, Sky had pretty much recovered at least in body. He entered the hospice where B-man was being cared for. Nordina was keeping on eye on the young human. "How is he doing?" -Sky walked in slowly as if on holy ground, he tried his best to keep himself as quiet as possible, Norinda motioned to the spider portion of her body for Sky to sit with her- "He had been in and out of consciousness bit only for brief moments"

Sky nodded slowly as Norinda reached over to check if B-man had a fever, thankfully it had dropped- "so...did you want to talk about what happened now?" -Sky tensed slightly- "I...I'm afraid to talk about it" -Norinda smiled slowly, then reached back to softly stroke one of Sky's ears, but he didn't purr. "I didn't know how strong he was until then." -Norinda raised an eyebrow in puzzlement- " what do you mean child? -Sky looked at her tears welling up- "he... stopped Wolf with one blast, I don't know if it was him really doing it or just...-tears streamed down his cheeks as he hugged Norinda balling his eyes out-

Winter slowly stepped in- "Sky?" -she padded over resting a hand gently on Sky's back- " I know sweetie, I know it hurts" -sky wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand- " I... I feel so.... so angry at myself for not trying harder...Sifu was like a Father to B..and now.." -B-man groaned faintly, Sky was instantly at his bedside- " B?.. can you hear me?" -B-man looked up at Sky puzzled-.. "Sky?.. you've been crying" -B-man looked around seeing the others- " where is everyone else? " -he gasped remembering- " Wolf! He was" -norinda moved in quickly as B-man tried to get up - "Don't you move, You've been badly injured and could start bleeding again"

B-man looked puzzled- "...Sky? what happened?" -Sky looked down then explained, after he finished B-man leaned back- "but... I don't remember anything...I tried to hit Wolf but all i saw was him coming up at me and it just went blank" -Winter moved over trying not to cry again- " just rest B, You have done more than enough. But I bet you are hungry since you have been asleep for almost a week" -B-man blinked- " A WEEK?! Argh.." -he reached up holding his chest feeling the bandages-

"What ever you were hit with almost went down to the bone in some spots, take it easy alright?" -Shadow sat down by Winters side- "so...I am..Alo-" -but Sky never let B-man finish the sentence- " No you are not alone, you have us..." -things were sinking in finally for B-man as he looked up at the ceiling- "so...Sifu is...and Night too?" -everyone nodded slowly- "..can I see his grave?..." -Norinda frowned not wanting to have him moved but by the way the boy looked at him. no not a boy anymore a man-

" child?" -Norinda looked at Winter- "Can you prepare a carriage?" -Shadow blinked then sighed- " I will get it ready M'Lady..." -Sky watched on as Norinda helped B-man get dressed into some fresh clothes, then motioned for Sky to help her put him on her back- " now just be good Brandon and we will be there in no time" " alright I know, I won't cause trouble"

The trip back to the dojo didn't take very long, at least thats the way it seemed to B-man- "It is so peaceful..." -Winter glanced at him every now and then- "yes it is..." -there wasn't much chit chat, they soon arrived to the outskirts of the dojo, B-man stepped out on his own, the healers ready just incase of he took a fall.

Sky looked on thinking of when he first arrived himself a few years back- "B...are you sure about this?" -B-man nodded- " yes." -his answer was to the point as he already was making his way down the slope towards ruins of the building. The storm that hit right after the fight had caused the remaining damaged structure to collapse in on itself.

the group came to the clearing the battle marks strewn the area still, either blackened by energy blasts or from impacts which had been filled by water from the storm. "Why, why couldn't this all just be a dream where we could wake up from it and be in my own bed" -Sky looked at the ruins- " B, I'm going to keep training" -B-man nodded slowly- " I am as well, I want to enter those tournaments again." -the two made their way down to the gave markers, one was Galins, the other was Nights. Neko script along with english was on them.

The two paid their respects- "B?" -B-man looked over at Sky- " yeah?" Sky looked uncomfortable as he asked- "Do you think we will ever run into someone like Wolf again?" -B-man looked back at the sunset contemplating his future- " I don't know Sky" -he sat down on the grass- "this might only just be the beginning..." -the neko sat down with his human friend- "of?" -B-man thought for a second then looked at this friend with a smile- "of a Happy ending" -the two looked ahead at the future, what ever came up they would face it together.