The Lioness

by John Stang

Part 3

   

Anne spun around. "I have questions for you Liz. That is the only reason I wanted you to stay. Tonight you will sleep on the floor in my room but it will not be a slumber party. Tomorrow morning I will ask my questions. Now get to the house," she ordered while pointing to the house.

The house was quiet that evening. With one more girl in the house Rachel had to stay at the house so Joshua slept on the couch and gave his bed to Rachel. Anne never warmed up to Liz. It almost seemed she was keeping her prisoner.

In the morning Anne woke up two hours before sunrise. She decided to try something. She pulled a pair of green cargo pants and a black t-shirt. Anne laughed as she put back the outfit thinking she might get sued by Disney. Instead she an old pair of Jonathan's camo pants from when he was in the Army. True it was a little large for her but cinched up the waist with a belt. Then she legs to length then stuffed the in a pair of hiking boots. She threw on a tight fitting blue t-shirt. Then she sneaked past Liz.

Joshua knew Anne's schedule. "Are you going to work out in that danger girl?"

"It a necessity for today. Do me a favor and make sure Liz stays."

"Sure. Can I ask you what is going on?"

"I'll tell you in time but I'll tell you this much if my suspicion are correct she is dangerous. Do not try to us physical force to keep her here."

"Gotcha covered," he replied as he picked up the automatic pistol from the floor.

Anne raised an eyebrow. "How did you find that thing?"

"Let's just say that Lee character made me so nervous I just knew where it was."

"Do you know how to use it?"

"Anne, do you remember I was in the military too?"

Anne did not answer but left the house instead. As she jumped the back fence she saw a black car park down the street. Instantly she knew it belonged to the FBI. Sheesh don't they know those black cars are corny and a dead give-away? Anne continued to the cliff.

Once there she started doing her kata. When it was done the sun was just stared to appear in the horizon. Anne then remembered the cheerleader move Liz taught her on the island so she started doing them. Instead of doing them one at a time as Liz had taught her she proceeded to do them all at once. Half way thru them she knew these were not cheerleader moves but a martial arts kata instead.

She then tried to place the form. All at once it came to her-the Snake's Talons Fist. By now she was used to the impossible so she did not question that Liz knew the form. For the first time she became scared of Liz. The practitioners of the deadly form are the enemies of her form.

If she was to confront these practitioners she had to come up with some new moves but what. Then she remembered her fight the third lion. No one she heard of have ever fought a creature and lived. She remembered how it moved. Anne bet she could devise moves based on that creature fighting style. She set out to work on it. It took her a couple hours but she not devised move but also incorporated them into he own martial arts. Hell while she was at it she even incorporated some of the Snake's Talons Fist form.

It was nine a.m. when Anne jumped back over the fence. She noticed Liz sitting on the porch. She noted she in black work out cloths.

"My, don't you look tough."

"Could you help me with my cheerleading moves Liz?"

"Love to Anne." Liz came off the porch and stood next to Anne.

Suddenly Anne threw a kick to Liz attacking her. Liz easily deflected it and counter attacked. For the next few minute they fought. One thing came clear to each of them. They were both highly skilled martial artist. "I knew it. You've didn't show me any cheerleading move yesterday but the Snake's Talons Fist instead."

"And you Anne know Tiger-Crane," stated Liz as she pushed Anne back.

"Not any more Liz." Up until this time Anne used strictly her original Tiger-Crane form. Now she changed to her new form and very quickly pushed Liz.

"That is not Tiger-Crane. Where did you learn…"

"QUIET!" order Anne as she landed a punch that knocked the breath out of Liz. Anne quickly tackled her. Liz could not counter Anne's new style. "Who is your master Liz?" asked Anne while on top of Liz.

"Fuck you."

Anne used her new lion paw to slap Liz. This slap was much harder than Anne received from Liz two days ago. Liz looked up at Anne. Anne's Aura now was just like her uncles now. Her uncle was lethal as he proved when he killed Jonathan's old master.

"Up until now I have been using my non-lethal moves on you. If you do not answer me I'll start using my lethal moves." By that time the entire house hold was on the porch watching the fight.

"If I told you that my uncle will kill her."

Anne laughed. "You have just told me. My master told me the Snake's Talons Fist was only taught within the immediate family and women of the family were forbidden to teach their children. Without realizing it you just told me your mother, Kathy, taught you. By the way did you know if Lee suspected you knew the form he will kill you too." For the first time true fear formed in Liz's eyes. Surprised Anne got off Liz. "I see. He knows already." Liz nodded. "What did you tell him?"

"That I studied his move and copied them. I see now that was not enough."

"Did you ever spare with him?"

"Yes."

Somberly Anne helped Liz to her feet. "Your moves are too precise to be self taught, Liz. Lee knows your mother taught you just as I knew someone trained you. For him to not kill you on the spot means he was using the both of you until he had no further use for you two."

"Will you protect me and my mother?"

"That depends on the answers for my next two questions." Liz asked if they could go back inside. "No. Here in the yard. Someone is listening inside." Everyone gasped when Anne said that. They had no idea but evidently Anne believed it to be so. "First question: Did your mom order you to try to break my ribs Saturday?" Liz nodded.

"That bitch!" Rachel exclaimed.

Anne raised her hand to silence her mother. Since Anne knew something she did not she allowed it just this once. "Did you know of the Mountain Lions?" she asked Liz.

Liz looked at Anne with tears in her eyes. "I was in danger too."

"I'll take that as a no." Liz made a good point. The only people on the island at the time were her, Liz, and some kids. "Joshua, May I please use your cell phone?"

Joshua quickly threw his phone to Anne who dialed a number. "Daniel, Hi."

"Anne is Liz safe?"

"Yes she is safe. Who proposed the boat trip down the canal yesterday?"

There was a short pause over the phone. "Kathy did. Anne Are you saying…."

"Can't talk now. The line may be tapped." Anne hung up.

"Kathy let those Lions loose on the island. She first distracted everyone with a proposed canal boat trip. Those lions Liz was meant to kill us both. I have no doubt if you went with them yesterday you will not be alive today." Liz callapsed. Anne however had to remain strong. "Mom?"

Immediately Rachel went down and hugged Elizabeth. She felt sorry for the poor girl. It is not everyday a young girl finds out her mother tried to kill her. "Liz. As of this moment you are under our protection."

As everyone assured Liz what she said was correct Anne walked into the house with purpose. Everyone noticed this and walked inside after she did. No one said a word since Anne had made it clear the house was bugged.

"Attention Members of the FBI!! unless you want me to jump up and down on the hood of a certain black car parked nearby and scream 'FBI are in this car' over and over you will come to the house for a talk," Anne ordered to apparently no one. A minute later there was a small knock at the front door. Anne casually walked over to the door and opened it.

"Hello Anne. My name is Special Agent FaMing of the FBI. I believe you wished to have a chat."

The special agent in front of Anne was a young man around twenty years of age. He was obviously of Chinese origin. Anne was at a lost for words. FaMing was very attractive. She did not understand why she kept staring at him with her mouth open. Having another daughter Anne's age Joshua knew why. "Come in Agent FaMing," he greeted pushing past Anne.

"Thanks but I don't have much time. I came here for two reasons: to question Anne and to answer any of Anne's questions."

"Well I don't think you will be able to question Anne yourself. Do you have another agent? I think you are too handsome to get any straight answers out of her."

"DADDY! You are being crude."

"And you Anne just got star struck."

Agent FaMing got out his walkie-talkie and ask his partner to come in. The front door open and a woman of Hispanic decent entered the room. She was about thirty years of age. "What is the problem Alan?"

"You were right about me not being the right person to question Ms. Hart."

"Is it the crush principal again?"

"Exactly. Anne, this is Special Agent Sanchez. She will be the one you need to talk to."

Anne was not listening however. She was too busy cursing herself for wearing the too baggy BDU pants. Rachel and Liz looked at each other then went out the door. Liz knew of a store that had pants that would be perfect for the look, feel, and function Anne was looking for from those pants. The major difference would be they would be for girls and fit her perfect.

While they were gone Agent Sanchez just barely got out of Anne her version of what happened on the island from when she first set foot on the island till she left on the Coast Guard Cutter. Joshua was flabbergasted that his ex-brother now his daughter could be dumb struck by a boy. Agent Sanchez was just used to it after spending the last six months with her new young partner.

Suddenly the front open and in walked Rachel and Liz carrying some bags. "Agent Sanchez, You mentioned before I left something about the crush principal. With your partner I suppose this situation happened before?" asked Rachel.

"It happened more times than I can count actually. I was thinking about applying for a new partner."

"It will be such a same to waste a good looking young man like that."

"It would be indeed Liz. Agent Sanchez, if you wish the shoe to ever be on the other foot grab my dumb struck daughter and follow us."

"The name's Lisa," announced Agent Sanchez as she grabbed Anne's hand and led her in the direction Rachel and Liz went. A minute later Lisa came out and went to the Bureau's car trunk and came back in with something in a bag. An hour later, Lisa walked out and sat down next to her partner.

Liz and Rachel walked out and stood at either side of the doorway and bowed. Anne came out then. Agent FaMing was sipping on some ice-tea before Anne made her entrance but when Anne entered the glass full of tea dropped out his hand. Lisa laughed as she was prepared to catch the glass.

Anne had on a brand new pair of black mesh army boots, tiger striped camo BDU pants, her original tight fitting blue t-shirt under a small FBI assault vest, a blue beret the exact same shade as her t-shirt, and black fingerless assault gloves. The major difference between this outfit and her previous one was everything was fitted for her figure. She looked spectacular with her hair in a ponytail. She was also ready to do some major damage fighting wise. She was pleased that she did some major damage to a handsome FBI agent who now was the one with an open mouth.

"Lisa to Alan. Come in Alan," Lisa joked.

"He'll be alright in a minute Lisa," stated a confident Anne.

"Anne, you finally found your voice," joked Elizabeth.

"Alright, enough with the jokes. The reason I requested you in Agent Sanchez is to ask you why you are watching the house?" asked Anne.

"Hey that's an official FBI vest. I thought only FBI members can only wear them," stated Agent Alan FaMing in a questioning tone.

Everyone turned to Agent Sanchez. "The FBI overnight found not only the knives Anne used on the Cats but a huge stock pile of weapons that recently stolen out of an Army Armory. Since Jonathan owned the island then transferred ownership to Anne we thought there was something suspicious going on. After hearing the third degree Anne gave Liz we were convinced no one here had anything to do with those weapons. We now suspect Lee Shang-La. It turns out he placed a bid on the Island when it came up for sale but was out bid quickly by Jonathan. We think he is using the island as a base to smuggle weapons out of the country."

"What about the vest?" asked Joshua angrily.

"Alan's right. Only members of the FBI can put on that vest. I made a call and made a recommendation based upon Anne's highly developed skills. The FBI authorized Anne to be an interim trainee to the FBI. It's all bogus. ALL it means when we have need of her she can help us. We need her help with Lee if she wants."

"I might like working with Agent Fami…" Anne got a faraway look in her eyes.

"Anne, what is it?" Rachel asked.

Anne's eyes narrowed. She walked over to where Alan was sitting rather in an angry way. Lisa moved when Anne got within grabbing distance to Alan. She grabbed Alan's necktie and brought his face within an inch of her own. "Listen you, snap out of it. My former master name is Andrew FaMing. Any relation?"

"He was my grandfather," replied Alan.

Anne released him and in shock stumbled backward. If it weren't for Liz quickly catching her she would have been on the floor. "Was?"

"Yes-was my grandfather. I can't prove it but I know Lee killed him and my father at the same time last year."

"Both on the same day?"

"He toke them both on at the exact same time and then killed them."

Anne could not believe what she just heard. Master FaMing was the Grand Master of the Tiger Crane Style. No one was his equal. Everyone said his son was just like him in skill. Yet both were defeated by Lee Shang-La of the Snake's Talons Fist.

"Anne, I have seen your practice this morning. You know the principal of the Snake's Talons Fist. You've mastered the Tiger Crane Style. I believe you are even more powerful than my grandfather was. Now you've even created a style of your own I believe combines both styles as well the way those mountains lions fought. I think you are the only one that could defeat Lee," declared Agent Alan FaMing.

Anne blushed from all this flattery when she realized something. "Hold on. You were spying on me you jerk."

"I followed you to protect you then watched you in awe of a superb martial artist."

"I went up there to be alone."

"And you could have been killed up there alone."

"Did you find anything dangerous when you were watching me?"

"Yes. Your beauty, your martial arts, and now your attitude."

Everyone else had moved to the back deck while Anne and Alan argued. It was clear to all that they were engaging each other. They were complimenting each other by the things they said while arguing. About fifteen minutes later they came out to the deck looking for the others.

"Look guys. The lovebirds are done arguing," said Liz sarcastically.

Irritated Anne tackled Liz off the deck into the grassy backyard. Playful Liz fought back. Quickly things turned more serious and they started an all out sparing match. When Anne noticed Liz using the Snake's Talons Fist she used her new form to send Liz to the ground hard enough that the match ended.

"Liz, if you want to live then you must never use the Snake's Talons Fist ever again."

"But Anne that form is the core of my martial arts. I love the martial arts."

Anne thought about it. "I know I'll teach tiger-crane."

"You can't. Women in my clan are forbidden from teaching the family form to anyone," said Alan FaMing.

Anne thought about it further then came up with a solution. "Can I teach her the Mountain Lion Fist?"

"Yes. That is your own form you created. You have the right to tell who can learn it and who can not," reassured Alan.

"Elizabeth Rutland, I hereby offer to teach you the Mountain Lion Fist. Be forewarned that refusal might cost your life by your own family. As my pupil your fights are mine and I will protect you."

Jonathan's cell phone rang. Jonathan answered it. "Hello. Anne, It's Ruth from California."

Anne started to run toward Jo to get the phone. Just then something popped in her head. Ruth did not know this number. There is only one way she would have this number. She took the phone. "Ruth, did he hurt you?" Everyone stood still at that question except for Lisa and Alan who immediately jumped on their phones to have the call traced.

"No Anne. But he promises to change that if you don't cooperate."

The phone went dead for a second. "And I will too if you don't."

"Lee you sick fuck. When did you have the time to learn about Ruth?"

"Dr. Crushing did a complete background check on JoAnne Hart for us. Do you really think teaching Liz another art form will save her life? Just ask her deceased mother."

Anne's eye's popped open as she looked at Liz. She then motioned for her mother to stand behind Liz. "How dare you kill Kathy?" Anne spat angrily. Liz then broke down crying knowing her mother was dead. "How did you know I offered to teach Liz my new art form and how did you know I even know another one. You are watching the house aren't you?" Anne immediately began to look around but saw nothing. On a lark Anne looked directly at Agent Sanchez. "Do you have hidden cameras as well as microphones hooked up?"

"Yes we do including the backyard." Agent Sanchez got Anne's meaning. She got on her cell and ordered the feed from and the power to all the microphones and cameras terminated. When it was done she gave Anne thumbs up.

"You figured it out Anne. I knew you were smart."

"What do you want Lee?"

"I want the FBI to withdraw from 'mountain lion' island by tomorrow night leaving behind all the weapons. Then I want you to tie up Agent Alan FaMing and put him in your boat. Then you and Liz will take the boat to the island alone beside the tied up FaMing. Then I will release Ruth. If my requests are not met by sundown on the third day Ruth dies. Am I clear?"

"Very. Now you here to me if anything happens to Ruth your life is forfeit." With that Lee hung up. Anne walked over to Liz who was crying on the bench as Rachel trying to sooth her. Anne knelt down in front of the poor girl. "Liz, I am truly sorry." Anne looked straight into Liz's eyes sympathetically.

Liz looked at her friend and got so angry she punched her in the face hard. "I don't want your sympathy. A short time ago you indirectly called my mother a monster." Liz screamed as she got up to tower above Anne. "What I want is to see that bastard I have as an uncle pay for it one way or the other."

Anne looked at the Liz's blood shot eyes and knew what she really wanted vengeance. "Would killing him bring your mother back? Your mother taught you the Snake's Talons Fist knowing if she was found out she would die. She was willing to die to make you happy. I can tell you if you kill Lee. You will never be truly happy for you will be a hunted fugitive for the rest of your life. That is not the kind of life your mother would have wanted for you."

"But she made my life just that when she taught me the art."

"No. You chose that life. When you first asked your mother to teach you what did she say to you?"

Liz searched her memory then her eyes popped open just before she hung her head down in shame. "She told me no for to teach me would put me at great risk. I then told her it was my risk to take. I kept pestering her until she relented. How did you know this?"

"Because on day years back Daniel was very distressed that you had managed to convince your mother to teach you something she herself was reluctant to teach."

"Daddy knew I never realized."

"Speaking of him how will he feel if he knew you were considering taking a life?"

"Dad taught to respect all life a precious even the bad one. He will no doubt be very disappointed in me right now."

"And I am." Daniel said as he walked out of the house onto the back deck.

Everyone jumped in surprise except Anne. "He got here while I was talking with Lee. He stayed just inside the door listening to everything."

"Then you know that bastard killed mom?" Daniel nodded. "Dad, then you know why I have to kill him?"

"All I know if you do that then you will be just like him. Is that what you wish? To be just like the person who killed you mother," asked Daniel.

"All right I will not kill him or anyone but I still wish to help you get Ruth back."

"I welcome the help of a strong martial artist such as you, Liz." Anne said. "I don't like going into such an obvious trap. We need to surprise him before he heads to the island. I think he has a compound near the island." Anne got a map and plopped it down on the kitchen table.

"There is," stated Daniel. Daniel came up and pointed to a peninsula about a mile from the island. A high cliff face surrounds it.

"I never saw anything there when I rode past it in the past," noted Anne.

"There is a cave at the base of the cliff just big enough for his boat to go through. The entrance is hidden via an optical illusion. If you were not aware of it you will never find it," Daniel replied.

"If he has that then why does he use the island?" asked Agent FaMing.

"The cave is unsuitable for the huge ocean going vessels he uses to transport the weapons. He transports the weapons by land to the citadel then transports them to the island in his boat. About once a month a transport ship goes to the island to load up for shipment to his current buyer."

"You know a lot about his operation, how come?" Anne asked in an angry tone.

"I became aware of his smuggling weapons off the island when Liz turned eleven. That was about the same time he became aware of Liz's talent for his style. He made me aware that his family rules stipulate he should kill both Liz and Kathy but if I kept quiet about his operation he will let them live."

"So he basically black mailed you into silence." Daniel nodded to Agent Sanchez.

"Daniel, do you have any combat training?" asked Anne.

"I was in the marines."

"Liz, have you ever been to this citadel?" asked Anne.

"I almost grew up there."

"Perfect. Daniel, get your Jet Ski and meet us at Ocean Park. Well put in there. Daniel will lead us into the citadel. Once inside he will guard the watercraft. Lisa knows the way from there. She will lead Lisa, Alan, and I to where she thinks Ruth will be kept then she will escort Ruth back to the watercraft where they are to ride Daniel's Jet Ski out. Agents Sanchez and FaMing and I will continue to the heart of the citadel to arrest Lee Shang-La. Any questions?"

"Just one-Who the hell made you the chief agent in charge," snorted Agent Sanchez.

"And my daughter is not going anywhere nears that place or forget about me leading you into it."

"Fine, Lisa and Daniel, If you do not play this my way you can count my help out; Lisa, good luck on capturing Lee before he kills Ruth; Daniel, you better make funeral arrangements for Liz here," said a very angry Anne.

Lisa and Daniel looked at each other. "I'll authorize this plan with on one condition. If I can alter it by having a FBI Strike Team poised to move in once Liz and Ruth clear the citadel."

"Okay," agreed Anne.

As Agent Sanchez got on the phone to get a strike team set up Daniel spoke up. "Why does Liz have to go along?"

"First she is a brilliant martial artist. I know this after fighting her twice. I would not have offered to teach her the Mountain Lion Fist if she was not so gifted. Secondly and foremost she can lead us to where Ruth is, Can You?"

Daniel looked at hi daughter with pride from what Anne had said. He then looked down in shame. "She can come."

"Good. Daniel you better get your Ski ready. We leave at nine p.m."

"It would be better to leave tomorrow morning at daybreak. It's getting dark now."

"I thought you were a smart man Daniel. What would happen if they saw us coming? I think I better rethink who is going to be the trustee to my trust fund." Daniel got the point then left to get his Ski ready.

"Yes she said we leave for the citadel at nine tonight. The team will be ready. Good. She-demon out." Agent Sanchez hung up the phone.

"I take it the strike team will be ready by then." Lisa nodded. "What is the she-demon part all about?"

"It's my code name. Everyone in the Bureau has one," replied Agent Sanchez. Anne glanced down at the vest she was wearing then looked back up at Lisa with a questioning expression. Lisa laughed as Anne realized she now had a code name. "Yours is Lioness."

Anne busted out laughing. "That is so corny. Did a computer assign it to me?"

"I came up with it and requested it for you," said a very angry Lisa.

Anne stopped laughing and looked at Lisa in shock. "You…you did. I'm sorry. May I ask how you came up with it?"

"Let's see first there are your actions on the island. Instead of leaving to save your skin or sacrificing yourself you chose to fight to protect the others even if you should die in the process. A true lioness will fight an impossible fight if she is protecting her cubs. Your hand to paw fight with the last lion is another. Then there is your uncanny way you feel for those close to you. And lastly is your fighting style. You fight like a lion."

Anne blushed redder than she has before from all this flattery Lisa just said. "Thank you. And thank you for the code name. I am honored to be the lioness."

Up till this time Joshua and Rachel had stayed quiet. However that changed when Anne got up to head out the door a eight thirty. "I have not given my permission for you to leave young lady."

"Dad you know what is at stake. I have to go."

"Nowhere but to your room." Joshua added in a no nonsense tone.

Anne thought about this for a minute. "Can I at least drive Liz to Daniel? He should be at Ocean Park putting in about now."

Joshua looked from Liz to Anne. "Alright but come back immediately afterwards."

"Can I take the Mustang? I haven't driven it in a while."

"Sure. I just gassed her up today."

Anne halted. "Did you use premium?"

"Sure did but why do you ask?

"The engine tends to run roughly if it is not premium."

As Anne, Liz, Lisa, and Alan left the house Lisa began to call someone. "What are you doing Agent Sanchez?"

"Calling off the strike team since the operation is a bust."

"Who said it's a bust? I think it's still a go."

"But your Dad had forbidden you to go."

"Then he gave me permission to give Liz a ride in my amphibian mustang to her Dad. You can come if you like and bring weapons. I think we are going to need them."

"You are sneaky, Anne," said Alan.

"Thank you. Now please hand the phone to Liz so she can phone Daniel and tell him to leave immediately for the island. We will be there shortly." Liz made the call and Daniel said that her life vest was in the bed of his truck. Lisa and Alan took of in the bureau's car to Ocean Park while Anne and Liz entered the garage. In it were the Escalade, the rental car, and Jonathan's mustang.

The Mustang was a nineteen sixty-nine Mach 1 with a 351 Cleveland modified motor. The color was yellow and white with a white convertible top. It had all white interior except for the black dash and the mahogany wooden steering wheel. The car was in perfect mint condition.

Liz looked strangely at Anne as she got into the classic car. "This car is an amphibian," stated Liz as if she didn't believe Anne.

"Just trust me. Have I yet to lie about anything?"

Liz shook her head no as she sat down in the passenger seat. Anne used her remote to open the garage door and cranked the car on. The car rumbled to life. When she put the headlights on she saw Rachel standing there.

"I know where you are going," stated Rachel

"Are you going to stop me?"

"Unlike Joshua, I know Ruth and wish no harm to come to her. As much as I love you I know her best chance for survival is in your crazy plan. I also know what this car is capable of. Bart is an excellent bloodhound as well as an attorney."

"I repeat are you going to stop me?"

"No but I like you to take these weapons from your stash that you thought were hidden. You will find that I even modified some of them to suit your new body." Rachel picked up a black backpack and gave it to Anne. "Now I have a couple of request. The first one is no matter what you do not kill anyone."

"That's going to be hard to not do."

"Just do not kill its just that simple. Second, no matter what you must come back alive."

For the first time since this mess started she actually loved this woman as her mother. True she obeyed her as a daughter should and the woman has helped her as a mother should, none of that mattered to her until know when this woman showed this amount of trust in her. Anne crouched upward and hugged her mother with all the love in her soul. Then casually she sat back down, put the car in gear, and speed of at a high rate of speed. Rachel watched as the daughter she loved disappeared instantly into the distance.

"She's going isn't she?" barked Joshua who had heard the car peel away.

"She's headstrong. That is the reason why I love her."

"How the hell is she going to reach the citadel? She did not take the boat."

"That car is not the original Mustang you remember. It is really a very impressive amphibian that cost Jonathan a small fortune to have built." Joshua's eye's shot open in astonishment. "I know you blame your brother for a lot of things but I also know you love him a lot. That is the reason you are becoming protective of Anne. Don't you see that Anne is so much different from your brother? You brother may have gotten rich but look at how he did it. He was lazy and arrogant. Anne is not lazy. She loves working out now. Jonathan might have sat back and not did anything about Lee but Anne is rushing off to battle him. Jonathan would not hurt a fly but Anne have fought and killed three fierce lions to protect others. She has become just like the lions she killed-a fierce lioness. Right now I feel sorry for Lee."

Joshua could not say anything. There was nothing else to say. Instead he went into the garage to fetch a few life jackets. "Joshua, where are you going?"

"Jonathan and I are going out in the boat to see if we can help her."

"It will take you at least two hour to reach the island in this light and there is no way of knowing where the cave is unless you know exactly how to get there."

"That's the reason Jonathan's going. His link to Anne may be our only hope in finding her. Jonathan's is checking the boat right now. Will you please get some blankets? Also prepare some coffee. Those thermoses there should keep two batches warm for about six hour. Plus get a change of clothes for everyone including Anne, Liz, and yourself. Put them in waterproof plastic bags."

"You want me to come?" questioned Rachel.

Joshua nodded. "You are Anne's mother are you not? I will be getting some secret items I hidden here a log time ago." A short fifteen minutes later, Rachel and Jonathan was loading up with food, water, coffee filled thermoses, blankets, and clothes when Joshua walked up carrying to huge black canvas bags.

He preceded to hand Jonathan items out of the bags. To Rachel's surprise they were filled with weapons such as grenades and guns. Joshua stated it does not hurt to be too careful. Rachel remembered what she had given to Anne. She wondered if the house should be better listed a an arsenal instead of a beach house.

Anne pulled into Ocean Park about twenty minutes after she left the house. She noticed that both Lisa and Alan were wearing FBI vest just like hers. They were also wearing black combat fatigues. Anne pulled up to the boat launch where they were waiting. She noted on the ground by their feet were four black backpacks similar to the one her mother gave to her. Anne knew what were in them.

"Why do you have four backpacks full of weapons?" Liz's eyes buggered out at Anne's question.

"One for the four of us," answered Agent Sanchez.

"In case you forgotten Liz is not FBI." Lisa looked at Alan who picked up one of the packs to put it back in the bureaus car. Liz then asks if they happen to have a pair of black BDU pants in her size as well as a pair of boots. They said no problem. Anne wondered how much stuff the FBI jammed into that small black car.

Liz went to the other side of her father's pickup to change. She then grabbed her life jacket from the truck's bed. The vest was gray and black. Liz opted to keep her lime green work out shirt on. When she came back every noted how good she looked. She wished she had a cap but the one Lisa and Alan had been for FBI only. Anne tossed her an old camouflage cap Jonathan had lost under the seat shortly after the car was delivered. The camo cap went with her shirt perfectly.

They all got into the car. After Anne made sure everyone was buckled and wearing a life vest she started for the water. Lisa wondered why Anne was being so cautious after all amphibious cars hardly ever move fast in the water. Liz knew why though for she heard Jonathan talking about such an amphibian about five years ago.

Once in the water the car did float and the back wheel seemed to propel it thru the water. Anne the opened a secret hatch in dash to reveal some switches which she start to press. Suddenly marine boat lights appear in the appropriate places on the boat and the tires were cover up. Gauges suddenly appeared just above the dash.

Anne moved the gear shifter to a position previously missed by Joshua. Just past the 1 one the automatic shifter was an 'm' meaning marine. A small hatch seemed to open in the aft underside of the boat. Then vessel seemed to move more freely but it still moved rather slowly in the water.

"I knew it was mistake to take this car. Amphibians are never fast," claimed Lisa.

Suddenly Liz laughed. Lisa wondered what she was laughing at. "We are still in the no wake zone Lisa," clarified Liz. When the signs appeared indicating it is safe to resume full speed Liz looked back to Lisa. "You better brace yourself or you might get whiplash." Anne smiled. She remembered the day she had talked about having such an amphibian. Liz was only eight at the time but somehow she remembered it.

Anne punched it. Agent Sanchez knew then what Liz meant. Instantly they were going about sixty knots. Most boats of this size can only do a maximum of forty knots and that was pushing it. Lisa crawled up to gaze safely at Anne. She noticed the accelerator for the boat half was the same for the car half and she also noticed that the accelerator was not floored. "What the hell is this?"

"About ten years ago I came across a company that makes amphibian cars using Jet Ski technology. They were fast and highly maneuverable. About that same time I totaled out my original Mustang. I was heartbroken. When I had the money I contacted the company and paid a shit load of money to do two things: bypass their waiting list and to have them design one looking exactly like my dearly departed Mustang. It was highly unusual so I threw them even more money until they agreed to do it. This amphibian car is the result of my pleading. It was delivered about two years ago."

Twenty minutes later they pulled up to the island where Daniel was waiting. Daniel was not surprised when he saw the amphibian for he too remembered Jonathan talking about it. "It's about time you took that thing out of the garage. You do realize if you had brought that thing up here instead of your boat you would have been the envy of everyone up here."

Anne looked Daniel in the eyes. "And envy leads to jealousy, jealously leads to hatred, I wanted to be well liked by just about everyone not hated."

"Lee hated you."

"And Kathy?"

"She actually loved you. Don't ask me why but she did. And one more thing, I am convinced that Lee was the one that let the lions on the island not Kathy. All she did was followed Lee's orders so Lee would not harm Elizabeth."

Anne digested the information. It made perfect sense. Lee could have dropped the lions off from his citadel after the others left for the canal boat trip. From what she remembered of Kathy she thought it strange she would on purpose let three deadly predators on an island where her daughter was. Lee however was totally different. Another thing she knew the feelings Jonathan felt for Kathy was not one sided. Now Anne was pissed. "He will pay?"

"And he will, Anne, in a court of law."

"We both know Alan that criminals can run their organizations from behind bars. In most cases it even makes them more deadly?"

Liz was alarmed by Anne's outburst. "Do you plan to kill him?"

"Yes."

"That is not how the FBI does things. We are not murderers,"

Anne looked down at the vest she wore. With resignation on her face she peeled off the vest and offered it back to Agent Sanchez. Alarmed for her friend Liz rushed between them and snatched the vest out of Anne's hand. Furious Anne tripped Liz to the ground before she could get away. Then she towered over her. "Give that vest to Agent Sanchez," she growled.

The growl was very lion like and that scared Liz a lot. "Or what Anne? Will you hurt me? You told me earlier that I will be just like Lee if I killed him. You asked me this so now I ask you the same: Is that what you want for yourself-to be just like him?" she asked nervously.

Of all the things Liz could have said to Anne she chosen the one that truly have stopped her-throwing her own words back at her. "May I please have the vest, Elizabeth?" she asked calmly. Liz looked up at Anne and saw her smiling down at her. After she got off the ground Anne gave the vest back to Anne who carefully put it back on. Anne looked over to Lisa. "Lee shall face justice but not by my hands."

Agent Sanchez had one more surprise for Anne. She reached into the FBI backpack meant for Anne and pulled out a radio unit and tossed it to Anne who caught it. "What's this?"

"It's a transmitter only federal agents use. It has an effective range of five miles." Anne's eyes lit up with possibilities. "Before you think of using it, be forewarned that it is monitored and recorded 24-7. In most cases it is even recorded

Daniel led the way to the mouth of the cave. The cave was too narrow to go in with any kind of wake or the backsplash would sink them so they entered slowly. Anne wondered if the car could handle going faster if the top was up and the windows shut with the bulge pump working. She pushed that thought into the back of her mind for she doubt Daniel could have handled the wave she would create.

Inside the cave about fifty feet in, they entered a huge cavern. It was highly developed with piers, storage sheds, lights, and ladders.

Docked at one of the piers was Lee's boat. On further inspection Anne noticed it had three mercury 600 outboards making it a fast boat despite its size. Anne surmised that it could possibly be faster than her amphibian mustang.

After they docked and climbed onto one of the piers Anne looked around and busted out laughing. Liz knew Anne was aware they were in a dangerous situation so she had to ask "What is so funny Anne?"

Anne turned to Liz. "Come on Liz. You should already know this. Think about where we are, who we are, and how we got here."

Liz thought about it then she too busted out laughing. "You are right. This whole situation is too corny."

Agent Lisa Sanchez could not leave well enough alone. "How do you mean?"

The two girls look at Agent Sanchez and continued to laugh then one at a time they explained as they laughed.

"Secret underground citadels."

"Teenaged cheerleaders who are heroes."

"Teenaged cheerleader who is inducted into the FBI."

"Highly advanced amphibian car."

"Secret martial art forms."

"Storming the citadel wit the FBI."

Even Agent Sanchez busted out laughing. "I know girls it seems to be the worst class b movie in history."

Daniel watched close by and understood what they meant. He also understood they were bonding. Wishing to bond as well he stated, "All that's left in a corny plot like this is…" Anne and Liz knew what he was about to say and tried to stop him. "…for the bad gut to let us know he knows we are here and for about a hundred men to appear from nowhere."

"Well I don't wish to disappoint you Daniel." Lee's voice came over from speakers as about a hundred men rushed into the cavern surrounding. Ten men staged themselves behind Anne and Liz who looked at Daniel rather angrily.

Daniel noticed their stare. "What?"

They both tensed. "YOU HAD TO SAY IT DIDN'T YOU?" They spat in unison. As is choreographed both girls launched into battle quickly incapacitating the guard around them. Everyone took the cues from the girls and a massive battle ensued. Daniel and Agent Sanchez relied mostly on guns while Anne and Liz used their highly developed skills in martial arts to not only repel the men but to drive them back.

Agent FaMing was truly spectacular though. He used a combination of martial arts and weapons to move very quickly through the men to the stairs. He paused and waved for Anne and Liz to join him. Soon the three stormed through the many hallways of the citadel incapacitating everyone who got in their way.

When they got to the prison portion of the citadel Liz was surprised to see that it was empty. "Come now, did you really think I would leave such an important asset in that hellhole. If this is a classic class b movie where would she be?"

Anne was getting fed up with this. "TO THE THRONE ROOM!" she growled as she ran out of the room. Anne did not need Liz to lead her any more. She paid very close attention to how they got there. Then she briefly studied a map of the citadel that was on the wall in the prison area. She did need her to help her get through the mountain of guards that Lee was throwing at them.

Once they reached the throne room they stopped dead in their tracks. The throne room was nothing but an arena and they were in the middle of it. Up above them were the seats. A portion of the seats were caged of literally.

Lee was standing behind a tied up sitting Ruth. "Ah there you are my precious Lioness." Anne glared at him with a scolding expression. "That's right I know your codename. It fits you. For that reason I have picked a special way for you to die. But first I must see to my other two guests. Agent FaMing, unless you wish to see this young lady here dead you will throw your weapon thru the doorway you entered from."

Alan looked up as Lee he prepared to snap Ruth's neck. Quickly he threw all his weapons thru the doorway just as a sliding door shut. Another door immediately opened. "Now you and Liz will enter thru that door which will lead you to the cage up here." Alan and Liz followed his orders to the letter. When they entered the cage the door behind slide shut.

"Sliding electric doors. How much cornier can you possibly get Lee?" smirked Anne.

This remark made Lee very angry. "This much more corny," he announced as a sliding door open in the arena letting in three huge Mountain Lions.

Anne looked at he beast before her then at Lee. "You're kidding right. You already used Mountain Lions to attack me...Daniel's right. It was you that put those lions on the island."

"Bingo."

The lions sprang into action. Anne was not about to go so easily. She sprang into action as well. She used he new art form against these critters. At first it seemed all she could do was avoid them. Anne was taking the time to study their movements. She then corrected her own form as time went on.

Lee did not expect the fight to last more than ten minutes but it was now going on twenty. He was about to jump in to end things when he noticed something unexpectedly started happening. Anne was driving the cats back. She was now fighting with a ferocity that surpassed all three cats combined. Then an amazing thing happened, Anne's battle aura manifested for the first time. Standing above Anne was a powerful looking lioness and this lion breed was of the fiercest-the African lion. The lions started to paw at the sliding door until Lee opened it to let those cowardly lions get out of his sight.

Anne was so intently watching the lions she missed when Lee did a flying kick to her head knocking her unconscious. Ten minutes later she woke up to see Ruth lying on the ground next to her. There was no need to check for a pulse for her neck was clearly snapped. Anne gazed upward to see both Alan and Liz fighting Lee together. Lee suddenly knocked Alan unconscious and sent his sleeping form into the arena. He quickly overpowered Liz and was about to snap her neck.

Anne could not take anymore. With all the power she had she jumped up and tackled both Lee and Liz before he could harm her. As the trio began to get up Anne and Lee faced each other. "Liz, you and Alan get the hell out of here now." Anne kicked the nearby control panel thus opening up all the electric sliding doors.

Liz jumped down to the waking Agent Alan. "What about you Anne?"

"Don't worry. I will be along shortly with Lee as my captive."

"Think again girl." Lee struck at Anne. Lee's attack however was easily countered as Anne counterattacked.

Down below, Liz and Alan watched the combatants go at each other until they noticed the three lions coming at them. This alarmed them until they saw them move past them. The lions were trying to escape too. It seems that Anne did more than she bargained for when she kicked the control panel. The pair immediately started to follow the lions realizing they instinctively would know the best way to escape.

Back at the arena Lee was having a tough time fighting Anne. He was using all the techniques he knew but all was being deflected by Anne. He then realized she was just toying with him. He had to make his escape and somehow gain the upper hand once more. He took off running down one of the doors.

Anne took off after him. The hallway was a shortcut directly to the docking cavern. Anne noticed Lee had not only boarded his boat was taking off at top speed. He must have had plenty of practice leaving thru the cave at top speed with the splash coming back on him. "Lee, you will not get away."

"But I am already my precious Lioness."

Anne flinched when he called her lioness like he meant affectionately. As Lee's boat disappeared into the cave Anne ran to the Mustang. She jumped in it then at on a lark yelled back, "Everyone, you had better escape now while you can. Remember what happens to the enemy's liar in a class b movie after it has been stormed." Anne noticed the guards went into the storage shack all around and brought out inflatable boats. They even gave on to Daniel since his last Ski was destroyed somehow in the firefight. When Alan, Liz, and the lions got there they were given two-one for humans and one for the cats.

Anne closed the convertible top and windows then punched it thru the cave tunnel at full speed. As she thought very little water came into the cab compartment. She could not see behind her at all for water splash filled the cavern and she barely saw what was in front even with the windshield wiper going full blast. When she exited the cave the car was shot out like a rocket where it landed just ahead of Lee's boat.

Lee was surprised to see the car fly ahead of his boat. He instinctively knew who was piloting it so he jammed his boat into full throttle. He would rid himself of the lioness one way or the other. True this way is a coward's way but if worked who would know.

It took Anne a second to get her bearings after the harsh landing but there was no mistaking the boat coming straight for her at a high rate of speed. With no time to think she quickly floored the accelerator and just avoided being hit. So that's the way Lee wants to play she thought.

She needed to get him off that boat which can be faster than the he amphibian car. Lee could have escaped if he thought about it but he was blinded by his need to see the lioness dead so he slowly turned his boat around to set up for another pass. Anne noted that Lee's boat has a wider turning radius. She was not above using it to her advantage.

But the boat was still faster and if he decided to run there was no stopping him from doing so. Anne at that moment remembered the third FBI backpack which still was in the car along with the backpack her mom gave her. Quickly she scanned the FBI backpack and found a grenade along with guns which was meant for her to use. She had to have a talk with her FBI supervisor about the weapons chooses she was given. Still the grenade was her best chose to slow down the speeding boat.

Anne quickly let the Convertible top down and rolled down both windows. This took a little time so she had to gun the accelerator once again to avoid being hit from then on she tried to accomplish her objective. However because each had objectives similarly and both vessels where different and superior to each other in different ways neither one was able to accomplish their objectives.

Lee somehow figured out his boat was faster in the water than Anne's Mustang so he decided to escape. He set a straight course toward open water at full throttle. This was the break Anne was looking for. She was just ahead of the boat. She turned and headed straight for the approaching craft. Le thought she was playing chicken with him. So be it-it would be her grave.

Anne was not so foolish to play chicken with Lee. She knew the impact would crush the Mustang but leave no scratch on Lee's vessel. Instead she passed by him. Lee thought better luck next time lioness until he noticed her pulling a pin out of a grenade as she passed. Anne timed her turn perfect and threw the live grenade at one of the boat's Mercury 600 outboard motors. Then she gunned the accelerator. Lee had only just enough time to hit the deck before the blast.

BOOM!!!!

The blast destroyed the starboard motor and damaged the center one. Lee got up and checked himself and the boat. His ears were ringing a little but otherwise he was fine. The boat however had seen better days. It was not sinking but with the starboard motor gone and the center running at half capacity the boat started to drift starboard. He had to compensate by steering it different and by cutting the port engine power in half. Plus with one motor down it was clear to Lee what the bitch got what she wanted-to slow down his boat enough so it will no longer be faster than her Mustang.

Still both knew that the boat's gas tank was vastly bigger than the amphibian's. All lee had to do was outlast Anne then he was home free. Anne could not let that happen. She knew her Mustang was more maneuverable and now faster than the boat but that still was not enough to stop such a huge vessel.

She glanced toward the FBI backpack for answers but found to her horror it was missing. The only backpack she had now was the one her mom gave her. The other backpack must have got knocked overboard at the time of the blast. She quickly glanced thru the remaining backpack and found it would help only if they were fighting on land. Then Anne smiled wickedly.

She remembered a time when a supposed buddy got so mad at Jonathan he went and did something about it. Jonathan was in his boat and he was in his Jet Ski. The dude proceeded to create huge splashes against Jonathan's boat. So huge were these wave and splashes that it affected the boat's course ever so much. By the time the guy was finished the boat was going down a canal posted as a no boat area. By the time Jonathan figured it out and retreated out of that canal the deed was done. The game warden was right there to give Jonathan a very stiff fine.

Anne put the convertible top back up. She then buckled up after rolling up the windows. Anne remembered the amphibian used Jet Ski technology. That meant just that-it was a huge Jet Ski. Anne had a particular destination in mind for Lee's boat and one way or another she will make sure it got there.

Lee smirked as he saw the cars pathetic run toward his boats forward port bow. That smirk dissipated quickly when Anne turn violently at the last second and punched the accelerator. The swell and splash she created was over thirty feet high. Quickly Lee steered the boat away form the splash. It worked just as Anne hoped but even she was surprised at the size of the splash she created.

Anne had to keep it up for she did not want Lee to get wind of what she was doing. Every few seconds she glanced as here GPS computer to make sure the boat was target. Lee up on deck was getting more aggravated as Anne made huge splash after another. After the tenth huge splash against his bow he could not take anymore.

"Are you a crazy bitch?" he screamed. Anne heard that. After checking the GPS and found the boat was going to much to port she then proceeded to create the biggest splash yet but this time at the starboard aft-drenching Lee in the process. "Is that the reply you're giving me to my insult? Come my lioness and show me what you are made of."

Anne heard that too and thought what the hell. She opened the convertible top and pulled along side Lee's boat. After putting on the cruise control to match her speed with Lee's she stood up and faced him. Lee glanced down at the teenager. She then pulled off her beret and took her hair loose from the ponytail. Lee's face was priceless as Anne's long blond luxurious hair flapped in the wind. Then Lee noticed she was smiling at him but her eyes showed a sparkle of shrewdness. Anne arms were crossed. How Anne's Mustang maintained a straight course was beyond him. Just then Anne gave him the pointed upwards index finger sign-flipping him off.

Lee got immediately pissed. He quickly decided to get her out of his misery as he reached for a nearby pistol. When he turned and pointed the gun at Anne he noticed she was pointing and looking straight ahead with concern written in her face. Lee looked up and immediately got the expression of a deer trapped in headlights. Dead straight ahead were rocks and there was no way he could avoid hitting them. He looked back at Anne who smiled back at his dreadful stare then jumped back in her seat and punched the accelerator to avoid calamity.

As the boat crashed into the rocks Lee was knocked down. The gun he had in his hands flew into the water. A few seconds later a banged up Lee got up. With out a gun his upper hand over Anne was gone. Then he remembered he had other weapons on board. They are more traditional but in his hands they were even more deadly than the gun he lost. He reached and grabbed a pair of Kamas and a duffle bag from a compartment. Then he made his escape onto the rocks before the boat sank into the water.

Anne watched as the boat sank out of sight. Her ploy worked and she had fun in the process. She noted that it was a dramatic to pull along side him those last few seconds before the crash just to flip Lee off but she liked being dramatic even if it is a little corny.

She saw Lee climbing the rock face. He will notice soon he is on an island-The Island. Anne raced to the other side. Being an amphibian she betted that is can come up the beach and park it as a car. Anne found out she was right.

Turning off the car she jumped out and looked toward the woods. It was dark. Her eyes took a second to adjust to the darkness. She knew it would take a few minutes for Lee to make his appearance.

Turning back to the car she reached for the backpack her mom gave her. In it was the leather armor Jonathan made for himself a long time ago. He made not only for show but functional as well. She noticed it was smaller than normal. In a fluke she tried it on. It fit perfectly. She remembered her mom mentioning she had it modified to suit her but how did she do this? She will ask her later. It was a good thing she had fore she also saw Lee getting some weapons- sickles she thought but then Anne remembered they are called Kamas.

She then put on each piece of armor on reverently. First came the padding. Pads were necessary for the elbow and knees are going to be covered by metal. A simple blow to those two regions and they will shatter if pads were not worn under the metal. Next to go on was the shoulder harness. This is to hold up the weight of the greaves which covers the legs and knees. In this case they are made out of stainless steel. As Anne put on each greave she remember the days Jonathan spent cursing because stainless was so hard to work with. Jonathan had polished his to a mirror finish but these were painted a flat black. Anne thought perhaps these were not the same ones but she knew they were.

After putting on a black sweatshirt her mom must have thrown in extra she put on the forearm and elbow guards. Anne made sure the pads did not move under the shirt. The elbow guards were a beveled piece of polished stainless steel. Riveted to that was a thick of leather. This piece of armor originally was buckled all the way but she noticed the forearm guard now was laced up while the elbows still had buckles. Anne also noticed that stainless steel metal strips were now running up and down the forearm guard riveted in place.

Up till now every thing was exactly what he made just modified. The last piece was brand new fore Jonathan never got around to making a breastplate. It was black leather. First you lace the back had two long panels Anne found were long enough to go around her torso to lace it just under her breast. That's after she poked her head thru the head opening. It then snaps on the sides. What caught Anne's eye was what was one here chest not-a female lion's head-a lioness. She wondered how many others thought of her as a lioness.

After donning the armor she noticed her prize Sais. Jonathan had them made at a high price but the old mystic had made them for a woman's strength and size. They proved too light and too short for him to use. Now as Anne they were just perfect. Anne wondered if the mystic lady knew if this situation would happen. One day she will have to ask her but tonight they will serve her well. The last thing in the bag was shin holsters for the Sais.

Anne walked to the center of the clearing. She remembered what happened when she was her just a short forty-eight hours before. She remembered the volleyball game. She remembered Kathy telling her she knew her being Jonathan. Anne just had an epiphany. Liz probably did not tell her mother about her. There was no time. Kathy knew already. Kathy was the one to tell Dr. Killian. Lee mentioned Dr. Crushing had done a complete check on her. Kathy had to learn everything from Dr. Crushing. But Peter would not tell anyone about her unless they were close to him or they could help him. There is no need for Peter in Lee's organization so Dr. Crushing and Kathy was an item.

"That snake Peter and Kathy an item. Pewee."

"That's what I said when they first hooked up. At least with you it made some sense," said Lee as he appeared in the clearing in front of Anne. "Nice bit of armor."

"Thanks. I made it as Jonathan then my mom had it converted over into Anne's sizes."

"Aren't you a little hot?"

"Why yes Lee. I do think I look hot as well." Anne smiled coyly.

"That's not what I meant."

"I know. I know. Aren't we supposed be in the middle of a huge fight right now?"

"We are fighting!"

"You know what I meant."

"I know. I know." Anne frowned as Lee threw her smart-ass remark back at her. "You already kicked my ass once, my precious lioness. Do you think me eager to fight you when you are all armored up?"

"You are going to give yourself up then? In that case drop the Kamas and step away with your hands up."

Lee smiled. "That's not what I said. Jonathan was very noble. Are you just as noble?"

"Maybe, why do you ask?"

"If you give me a few minutes to put on my armor I brought in this duffle bag we can have our great last battle." Lee put the duffle bag on the ground between them.

Anne looked down at the duffle then back up at Lee. "Why didn't don the armor back there in the woods before coming out to face me?"

"I was but then I saw you in this armor looking all hot and bothered I just could not keep you waiting my precious lioness."

Anne got red-faced. "I am not your precious lioness and you are making me wait."

Lee angrily grabbed the duffle and went into the shadows to change. Anne heard a lot shuffling. As curious as she was in what his armor looked like and how he put it on she however had no interest in seeing his body if he had to strip anything. When Lee reappeared he was dressing in full Japanese battle armor in a reddish tint. In his hands were the Kamas.

Lee attacked and Anne evaded. "What gives Lee? Your form is as Chinese as you are but your armor is Japanese."

Lee attacked again but this time Anne was able to block the attack using her Sais. "I am Chinese-American. I hold no loyalty to china. I merely took the best armor available for the region." The two seemed they were dancing while they attacked and counterattacked each other neither giving ground. At this point of time they were really testing one another but if they were fighting a lesser skilled foe they would've failed the test long ago.

During this phase Anne saw two things. Despite being quite excellent at yielding these weapons Lee has huge gaps in his defenses that she could make use of. The other is that Lee likes to brag and ramble. Anne also knew that they really only have Lee on maybe two counts of murder. Lee was guilty of so much more but she needed proof and a confession would be ideal.

Anne knocked Lee down during the next volley then ran into the shadows. She checked her radio transmitter and lock it were it was transmitting constantly. "Lioness to strike team."

"Strike team here Lioness. What's you locale?"

"Mountain Lion Island. You recording this trans?

"Yes"

"Then listen and record this."

"Why do you hide Lioness? Do you now fear me? You have nothing to fear. I will make your death quick and painless," spat Lee. Unknown to Lee he was now being recorded. Anne quickly hid the transmitter in her armor.

"That is unlike what Kathy tried, setting those lions loose on Elizabeth and me." Anne started to goad Lee.

"That twit could not harm a flea. I let those lions loose here and yes I meant for you and Liz to perish. All that Kathy had to do was get nearly everyone else of the island."

Anne sensed Lee was closing in on her position so she used the crouching evasion technique of her new mountain lion fist to elude him some more. "Is that why you killed her, because she was so loyal?"

"I ripped her heart out because it was too big for her own good and because she was no longer useful to me." Suddenly Lee slithered right up to her. He was so quick it took her by surprise enabling him to knock her to the ground. With an overhead swing he brought the kames blades crashing towards her head. Anne barely blocked them with her Sais. "Careful, my precious Lioness. One scratch from these blades is all it takes to kill. Just ask you dead Masters."

Anne looked at the blades in front of her fearfully. "Masters Andrew and Don?"

Lee saw the fearful look in her eyes. "That's right. Those two nearly had me beat but they did not know I poisoned these blades. One nick was enough to kill them. I call them the Snake's fangs."

Elsewhere on a FBI cruiser the head of the strike team got concerned for Anne. "Junior Agent Smith, do we have on board the horn from the confiscated gun running ship?"

"Yes Sir."

"Find a way to blow it."

On Mountain Lion Island, Lee was pressing the Kamas down toward nicking Anne. She desperately let go of her precious Sais in order to grab the Kamas handles. Anne was in a desperate situation. She had allowed herself to become overpowered and as a consequence she may die now.

Suddenly Lee heard a familiar ship's horn. "The transport ship? They are early." Distracted he loosened his pressure on the Kamas. Anne used this to her advantage by kicking Lee hard where it counts. Then she tossed him aside.

"You had better hurry and prepare Kathy's weapons for shipment big boy."

"They were my weapons. All Kathy did was gather info about Jonathan from that buffoon Crushing and get close to Jonathan. When the switch was made she became less useful."

"Lioness to Strike Team, Did you get all that?"

"Strike Team to Lioness, sure did. That is enough to ensure Lee is put away for the rest of his life."

Lee got up to kneeling position and looked up to a now standing Anne. "What?" he asked not sure of what he just heard. Anne pulled out her FBI transmitter and showed it to Lee while smiling at him. "You bitch!" he cursed as he realizes he just been set up.

Lee lunged at Anne. "That is the second time you called me that." Anne had enough of Lee so she lunged as well. Lee had the superior strength and reach but Anne now had a great sense of strategy. Somehow she managed to get under him and attacked upwards sending Lee flying backwards. Lee got up and attacked with his Aura hence the entity. Anne fought back with her aura.

When the Strike Team landed on the beach they saw to giant balls of light fighting it out up ahead. One was shaped as a disgusting creature Anne referred to as the entity and the other a fierce lioness. Each Aura creation was over twenty feet high and bright enough to be seen in the darkest of places. It looked as if they were evenly matched until the lioness tackled the entity. A haunting scream erupted when the lioness bit into and tore the entity to pieces. A fifteen year old warrior came into sight dragging an unconscious Lee behind.

"Strike Team, my codename is Lioness."

A fifty year old man walked to face the girl. He was about six feet tall in excellent physical condition and sported a neatly trimmed silver beard. He was dressed in the same FBI gear as Agent's Sanchez and FaMing wore to the citadel. "Lioness, I am Senior Special Agent Commander Phillips." He looks down at the unconscious Lee behind her. "Is he dead?"

"No but I did not realize the damage of destroying his aura creature would do to him. Would you please arrest this butthead?"

Commander Phillips ordered two agents to take Lee into custody. They immediately roused him so they can read him his rights then handcuff him. Before he was placed in one of the boats Jonathan's boat pulled up.

It was Joshua who got out first to tie the boat up. "Dad, I am so glad to see you," said a very happy girl as Anne rushed into his embrace.

"I am happy to see that you are safe," stated Joshua as he hugged her back. "But that does not mean that you are not in trouble for lying to me." He then pointed to the parked Mustang on the beach.

"But I did capture Lee in a way that he will not bother anyone ever again," stated a very nervous Anne.

"And where is Ruth. Is she safe as well?" asked her mother Rachel.

Anne turned to face her mother with tears in her eyes. Rachel knew before her daughter said a word. Anne knew that her mother Rachel guessed the truth. "I am sorry, Mother. I did my best to prevent it." Rachel went and gave Anne a huge hug.

Jo walked up. "Jo, I've defeated the entity finally. Now we can reenter the spiritual plane safely," stated Anne as she ran and gave Jo a hug. Lee who heard it all started to laugh hysterically. "Hey you. Stop that insensible laughter."

Lee looked up at the little girl with wide eyed hatred filled eyes. "You think my aura beast was on this spiritual plane. Don't be ridiculous." Lee was getting pushed by the agent towards a security boat.

Anne leaped and landed in front of them. "I have a few more questions for this slime ball." Commander Phillips waved his hand indicating he will allow it. "Thank You Commander. Lee, you just said your aura beast never was on the spiritual plane but I saw just a beast there before Jo and I got our bodies switched. In fact this entity caused this whole affair."

Lee had listened carefully but began to laugh again hard. Anne looked at the agents surrounding Lee who took several steps away from Lee. Lee continued to laugh while Anne did a roundhouse kick to his face sending him flying. When he landed Anne flew on top of him with a fist raised ready to strike. Lee stopped laughing as he noted her fist was glowing with energy. "Now that I have your attention answer me this. If you did not cause our predicament-who did?" asked Anne very harshly.

"DR. PETER CRUSHING!" Lee snarled. Commander Phillips who heard everything got on his radio. Anne was not finished with Lee. She punched the said next to his head sending the sand flying all around.

"Now listen to me. You have killed people who I care about and hurt others that are close to me in a vain attempt to control me. You fear me don't you? If you don't wish your fears to come into reality then you will plead guilty to every one of the charges against you and never ever disturb me or the ones I care for again. If I ever hear anything about you again you will not live another day." Anne looked at the agents around her as she got up. She then pointed to Lee. "Get this trash out of my sight."

Anne watched as the agents quickly loaded Lee into a waiting boat. As it sped away Commander Phillips walked up to Anne. "We found Dr. Crushing over an hour ago in his office. He is in a vegetative state. The agents at the scene found some research papers pertaining to you, Jo, and this spiritual plane you are mentioned. I am having that data uploaded to the FBI terminal and you should be able to view it in a short bit."

Anne looked up to the Commander. "You know of the predicament don't you?"

"I know you used to be Jonathan Harris before you somehow got your body switched with JoAnne Hart. We figures you had nothing to do with the switch and now it seems you may have a clue on how to switch back."

Anne turned back to Jo/Jonathan. "I am sorry…'Uncle'…it appears we will have to wait a bit longer before we can sort this out."

"Anne, like I said before, I am happy as things are now if it means a possibility of losing you." Anne hugged him tightly.

Off in the distant the first of the raft from the citadel was emerging onto the surf. The citadel blew up at that particular moment. Anne rushed to the mustang to go back for the others meaning Alan, Liz, Daniel, and Lisa. Joshua was right there and took the keys out of here hands. "Give those back," she ordered.

"Why? So you can go back and look for those you left behind."

"That's right. I left them behind so it is my responsibility to see they make it."

"Young miss, while I applaud your loyalty you might want to check the first raft coming on shore," Commander Phillips commented. Anne did just as he suggested and discovered it to contain the people she was concerned about.

"Liz, Daniel, Lisa, Alan. I am happy to see you." The girl ran toward them as they got out of the raft and hugged them into a four-way hug. A growl soon erupted thru the nighttime air. Anne glanced over and saw the raft the quad was on dragged another which carried the three mountain lions that originally attacked Anne in the citadel. Anne looked at Lisa questionably.

"Don't look at me. It was Daniel's and Alan's collective idea."

Puzzled she turned to the men. "I knew you would want them safe but did not know where to put them," replied Alan.

"I figured the same thing then had the brilliant idea of the island. I like to think you will approve," added Daniel. Anne smiled at them confirming they did the right thing. While Agents Lisa Sanchez and Alan FaMing got debriefed by Commander Phillips, Daniel pulled the by the rope the raft containing he three cats closer to shore. When it was close enough both Daniel and Joshua proceeded to try to help the cats to shore.

However their adoptive docile nature wore off as they resisted all attempts of help rather nastily. They were quickly going back to their wild nature and the surrounding agents drew their pistols to put them down. Anne watched all this and got furious. Everyone backed down including the cats when Anne projected her aura beast the lioness out toward them.

What happened next could only be described as interspecies communication. Anne communicated to the lion they could live on this island freely if they follow the rules Daniel and her lay forth. The first one is they can not hurt any humans or their pets. Anne suggested they may come to like being petted by a few of them. Rule number two was if they come across any human that is scared of them they had to avoid them at all cost.

Daniel as trustee came up with rule number three. It entails the cats must be docile and allow a vet to give them periodic check-ups on the island. Of course this meant the woods have to go and in its place a club house would be built which would contain a small vet clinic. Another portion would be where the cats can go to rest and be by themselves.

Anne looked at Daniel and said that he will miss the wooded area but perhaps it is time to make some changes to the island in retrospect to what Lee used it for without his knowledge. She then said she trusted Daniel and will leave further decisions about the island in his hands as long as the cats can stay and the basic integrity of the island stays intact. Daniel hugged her and said not to worry for it will be better than ever as long as she will be willing to spend a little money and keep the island public.

Alan walked up to Anne. "We have the upload of Dr. Crushing's files and I think you might like to take a look at them. Anne followed Agent FaMing back to a launch which houses a computer uplink. After examining the files several facts became quite clear. The good Doctor was also gifted however he never knew how to handle his gifts until Jonathan came around his clinic several years ago. Thru Jonathan's sessions the Doctor finally knew how to harness his own talents.

However Peter's goal was different than Jonathans. He wanted to become very powerful in the spiritual plane so powerful he could exist on it and let his body expire. Dr. Crushing had fully documented his experiences in the plane. It seems he was able to get to the plane years ahead of Jonathan. He further describes how he was able to steer lost souls away from their intended destinations. One haunting entry says he did two things steered some souls into hell when they were meant for heaven and worse yet his aura beast had actually consumed some of the souls.

One thing more came clear to her he had to be stopped. The last few entries dated a week ago had scared her to the core. It described the how Peter knew Jonathan was experimenting into entering the plane. The entry concerning the night she and Jo got switched angered her the most. The entity turns out to be the good Doctor attempt to defeat her by sending him to hell. It was Jo's presence that saved him from that fate. It also seems Dr. Crushing was scared of the Jo and Jonathan combo on the plane.

Everything started to make sense. He taught Lee about aura ability to try to even the odds. Then he told them all about Jonathan. He must have realized who he was dealing with from the very beginning. Peter hoped that Kathy and Lee could kill Anne so nothing would stand in his way.

"Commander, you said the agents at the scene found him in a vegetative state right?"

"Correct Anne plus his condition appears to e fading according to the hospital."

"He's on the plane right now and must have been there for days." She turns to Jo. "We must stop him. We are the only one that can."

Joshua steps forward. "Anne, let the almighty take care of him. You do not have to."

"Dad, Brother, do you not remember that he only helps those who helps themselves. If we allow Peter to feel the almighty direct involvement then we all will fell his wraith. Let's not forget the last time he directly got involved with a situation like this. It created hell literally."

Joshua thought about it for a second but could not bring up any argument against this insane plan. "Just be careful please. I don't wish to loose you."

Anne hugged Joshua tightly. "Sure thing Dad. We need to prepare an appropriate site for this. Would you please help Daniel gather as many tiki torches to the center of the clearing?" Both men looked at the young girl then went to accomplish this feat.

The island hand a fire pit. Anne had the tiki torches placed in a circle around the fire pit. Anne explained only Jo and her were the only ones allowed inside the circle after the fire was lit. Daniel lit the fire then Daniel and Joshua lit the torches. Anne and Jo sat on mats across from each other on opposite sides of the fires. Everyone sat in chairs outside the circle of torches.

"How do we do this Anne?"

"Remember the guards we developed out of necessity."

"Yes?" Jo said as more of a question than an answer.

"We have to drop them and link our minds as if they are one. You have the mental abilities and I have the experience to control those abilities. I know its sounds scary. I know we will know everything there is to know of the other but we have little choice in the matter."

Jo and even Anne flinched when Anne said that but neither knew any other way. Silently they closed their eyes and began to undo days of hard practice on their blocks. One might think that since they only began to form their blocks only about a week ago they would not be very strong. But the pair has formed some very impressive blocks and they barely know now they are doing it. In fact as soon as Jo lifted one block he felt Anne inch her way in and her mind automatically threw up the same block he just lifted.

Finally the two had successfully unblocked each others minds. They did not even need to go to the next step because they already went into a trance while dropping their safeguards. Suddenly it was done. Their minds where one yet it was clear they were two separate entities.

In that state of consciousness it was Jonathan who saw the plane. It seems that they projected who they originally were once in this state. Jo's essence now looked like her original female body and Jonathan's essence resembled somewhat what his original male body would look like if it was in shape. Jo took not e of that and was impressed.

"What now Jonathan?"

"We are too distracted by our own thoughts. I am thinking about my perfect male self and you are thinking about your own body. That is the reason we appear this way. We must now clear our mind. Try thinking the emptiness on a clean sheet of paper."

Neither of them knew that when they had communicated like that both their bodies spoke aloud the exact same words at the exact same time. Everyone who watched was spooked. But the spookiest thing was yet to come as every torch and even the fire pit change from burn a hot red flame to burn a cool bluish-purple flame. This is what some people call a mystical flame. It marked the pair crossover to the spiritual plane.

On the spiritual plane the pair barely knew they were on it until they say familiar things they saw the first time they were there. Jonathan wanted to go to the gates of heaven for a chat but was stopped by Jo. "Why are you stopping me Jo? We could get back to our original bodies."

"Did you forget our purpose for coming here?"

"No. Our purpose is to get things to the way they were."

"Wrong. We came here to stop Peter."

"Hey, we are communicating verbally. That is something we could not do when we were here before."

"Maybe we are stronger now. You were stronger physically than I was before. Anyhow how do we find Peter or this entity he may appear to be?"

"Well last time Jo he found us but somehow I do not think we be quite as lucky this time."

"O I wouldn't say that." Suddenly the entity appeared before them and slapped the astral projections of both Jo and Jonathan. In the physical world their perspective bodies slammed into the sand as well. Their bodies' physical pain was felt in the spiritual plane. As their astral selves got up so did their physical bodies.

Jonathan looked at the entity with hatred. "You bastard. Why don't you show yourself Peter? We all know its you."

"HaH. You have not yet figured out that we appear as we see ourselves. Anyone can appear as they see fit here. I simply have chosen this form."

"And it seems our bodies feel the blows we feel here which causes them pain which only adds to our pain here as well."

"Ah. So this is the dead bitch I had the pleasure of resurrecting the last time. How does it feel to owe your life to me young slut?"

Jo got into a fighting stance before looking around but as she did an idea came to her. Suddenly she flew at high speed around Peter's entity creating a vortex of energy before flying off. Making a u-turn she slammed into the vortex with all the force she could muster shattering it. By then the energy vortex had combined with the entity's energy. When Jo shattered all that energy it also shattered the entity causing Peter a great deal of pain.

"Never Ever call me a bitch or a slut."

Jonathan watched as Jo did this in awe. He vowed never to make Jo made at him ever. Peter did however deserve what Jo did. Jonathan knew it was over. Jo had used the one power Peter was afraid of-the power Jonathan had if he had fully developed his mind. In the physical world Commander Philips received a report that Dr. Peter Crushing suddenly died. In the spiritual plane both Jo and Jonathan watched as a new energy ball formed were the entity was but this time it headed towards the gates off hell then entered it.

After the energy ball entered hell other balls of light formed from the region were the entity was. These souls were a part of the entity before Jo had released them. They surrounded Jo making feel warm before heading to perspective destinations. Sadly not all the souls were destined for heaven.

Jonathan used Jo's distraction to get to the gate of heaven. However this action was not missed by Jo fore she flew lighting fast to get in front of Jonathan.

"Jonathan no!"

"I have to Jo. If we go back now you very possibly will go back to being Jonathan and me Anne and that is not fair considering what you just did for those previously trapped souls. Besides I love you and would gladly risk my life to see you get back to the life you once had."

"That life would be meaningless without my sibling whom I've grown to love in such a short period of time."

Jonathan wanted to say something but was interrupted by the open of the gate to heaven. Neither one however was not pulled into it. Instead ten huge balls of energy came out of it and surrounded the pair. Jo and Jonathan were speechless until they formed human shapes with wings. Their brilliance is what continued to impress them fore they were almost blinding.

"Jonathan, they appear to be…"

"I know and they are. They're angels and not ordinary angels. There're ten of them."

"You mean as in…"

One of the angels floated forward. "Although we number ten we are not the ten disciples but rather the angels that watch over them. I bid you greetings from the almighty. Jonathan you have been granted an audience with him."

Jonathan fell to his knees. Even there was no ground he found someway to display his humbleness. "My Lord, an audience will no longer be necessary unless of course you demand it. Your emissaries can, I trust, answer on your behalf. I do not need to speak with the head person when he has others that work on his behalf. I will abide by any decision they make on this matter for I know they will not do anything that is not your will my Lord."

The lead angel looked back to the heavenly light shining forth out of the gate then back to the kneeling Jonathan. "Well said Jonathan. The audience is because you were so insistent in speaking with him. We know why you are here and can assure you that once you go back down you two will be in you original bodies."

"I thank you my lord for Jo's sake but…"

"You wish to remain as a fifteen year old girl. You realize you have wasted so much of your life until now and fear that if you go back to being Jonathan you will still be a waste and your relationships you forged as Anne will cease."

Jonathan had tears in eyes as the angel hit the mark. Jo had pondered all this from the sidelines and could not remain quiet any longer. "Forgive my impudence but this is unfair. I get my body back but she gets nothing back as a reward for her loving nature she has shown."

"Young girl I know how frustrated you may be. You feel like we are taking away your sister. That is the only reason you keep referring to Jonathan in the feminine rather than the masculine sense."

"It is not only that." Jo moved over to hug the now crying Jonathan as his self image slowly changed. "As much as I want my original body I do not want to lose my relationship with…" Jo gazed over and saw a mirror image of herself. "…Anne. If we were to go back down now to our original bodies there will be several tortured souls down on earth and I can not believe that is what God wants."

"Jo they all know this already. Did you skip out on the part that God is all knowing," said Anne.

"So true Lioness. God does have a remedy for this situation but would not perform it until you fully recognize yourself in the feminine. You are almost to the solution. Jonathan you need to project out you natural feminine look. Reach deep down inside you mind. You have seen her image a dozen times in your dreams but never acknowledged her. When you acknowledge her the solution will reveal itself and you two will no longer be on this plane but on earth in your true original bodies. Jonathan before you set everything into motion God wants you to know he loves you and that this is your reward from him for the courage and love you have shown these past few weeks."

Anne looked deep within her to find the little girl he once knew was in his heart. He hid her deep. As a teen he thought thinking this was weird beyond comprehension. He did however develop empathy for the women he went to school with even though he did not date any of them. Heck their boyfriends were not even jealous of him even if he was tall and more handsome than they were. She hid her deep but somehow the events these last few weeks allowed her to reconnect with that little girl.

Anne then embraced herself-embracing the little girl. A light came forth out of Anne that enveloped the group. When the light cleared they were no longer on the spiritual plane but asleep on earth.

In the morning Jo woke up first and found that she was in her original body. She was still inside the circle of tiki torches but they were out. She remembered what the angel said they would be in their true original bodies. She thought that phrase was strange so she looked across the now dead fire to where she as Jonathan sat and screamed in shock. She was staring at a naked girl about her age.

Anne woke up at that time with the screaming and all. She looked over and saw Jo in her real body screaming in her direction. "Pipe down will yah Jo. I just woke up."

Recognition fell upon Jo. "Well excuse me Anne but I am not accustomed to seeing a newborn naked girl where a fully clothed man once sat," Jo spat bluntly.

Anne looked puzzled. "What are you talking about?" A loose strand of long brown hair fell across Anne's face which she noticed. Then she looked down. Now it was her turn to scream. Anne however screamed loud enough to wake everyone up around them.

"What is the hell is this racket about?" yelled Joshua as he wiped his eyes.

Jo laughed as Anne squealed "eeeepppp" the quickly dove under the matt as she tunneled into the ground faster that a hedgehog. Jo also quickly took of the breastplate she wore and tossed it next to the matt. The chest armor was quickly grabbed up by hands from under the matt..

"This only solves the top half my problem," a voice said from under the matt.

"What problem is this Anne?" Liz asked Jo not realizing the situation. Quickly Jo whispered into Liz's ear who she was and the current situation. When she was finished Liz got red-faced. "Attention! I need all the men to go to the beach area immediately. That includes the sleeping ones." Liz said this so sternly that it naturally rebuked no argument. After the last man left Liz went to the matt. "There little one it is safe now."

"You are enjoying this too much Liz aren't you. Just wait till I get out of this." A thought came over Anne. "Liz did you happen to bring the outfit you changed out of at Ocean Park last night?"

Elizabeth did not answer but sprang into action instead by running to the Mustang to fetch a backpack that she put her normal cloths in. Upon returning Liz tossed the pack on the ground next to the matt.

Rachel had just waked up when she saw hand from beneath the matt snatch the backpack up. "What's going on Anne?" she asked while looking at Jo.

"I'm not Anne."

"JO honey. I am relieved you are back yourself again but where's Jonathan?" Both girls pointed at the matt. "Don't be absurd. No one can possibly be under that flat matt." Jo quickly summarized what happened on the plane and this morning. Rachel listened earnestly. She walked over to the matt. Jo had never lied to her but the matt looked absolutely flat on the ground. "Anne, are you there?"

"Yes I am mother."

"But this matt looks flat on the ground."

"Necessity is the mother of invention after all. Um. Could I please have a little privacy here?"

"Very well but you do realize we have a great many things to discuss together and then with Joshua."

"That's putting it mildly. We also have to find a way to get paperwork for a person who doesn't exist," reported Anne from beneath the matt. (Jo, please get mom out away from me for a minute.) Anne waited for a minute after she telepathically tried to talk to Jo. (Jo?) Still nothing happened. Anne was getting frantic. "JO DID YOU HERE ME TELEPATHICALLY?"

Jo rushed over to the matt. "No Anne. Why?"

Anne calmed down a little. "Nothing. Would you two please give me a little room? The way I am dug in means I have only one way to get out and unfortunately you are standing in front of my exit."

As both Jo and Rachel stepped back Jo tried to telepathically insult Anne in a way to guarantee a physical response and to her amazement none came. She smiled at Anne as she emerged from beneath the matt. "It appears that we have broken our telepathic link."

Anne searched her mind and found no trace of any barriers or of Jo for that matter. "You're right. Even the blocks are gone. But somehow I feel alone in this shell," Anne said with a sniffle.

The three women gather Anne into a three way hug. "You are not alone," said Rachel. Then Rachel took a long look at Anne. Not a bad looking in fact cleaned up she could be absolutely lovely. Then Rachel remembered that Agent Alan FaMing was among the men at the beach area. "Elizabeth do you have any makeup here?"

"Yes they are in my backpack." Liz went to the matt and lifted it and stared in awe at the seven foot cavern Anne had apparently dug in a hurry. "I am not going in there to get it," she stated in the same tone she used to get the men to the beach. Then she glared at Anne while pointing to the pit. Anne reluctantly went down again to fetch Liz's backpack.

Rachel went thru the makeup in the backpack. "There is not enough here and I know that mine and what Anne originally brought in Jo's bag is not enough. By the way Jo you might want to touch up your makeup. Your purse should be somewhere in the mustang."

As Jo went off searching her handbag Liz had an idea. "My mother always had a full set of makeup on the island and I doubt she got off before Lee killed her." Liz said the last part very somberly. Anne realized she missed her mother even thought the true horror of her death has yet to sink in. Anne gave her a huge hug then took them to Kathy's tent which was the hugest on the island.

The tent was an army surplus mess/command tent. When Kathy first showed up with it took everyone on the island just to put it up. Jonathan and Daniel both questioned her on why she wanted such a huge tent but she said nothing. Then Kathy added some very good pieces of furniture such as a queen sized bed. In time the tent became a haven for the women of the camp especially in the mornings.

When they go to the tent Liz went around back to crank on a gas motor. As they entered the tent they found out she turned on a generator as the lights were on. The tent on the outside resembled an army mess tent but the inside was anything but that. It was spectacular. The room was decorated in Asian style with some western influences. There was a huge vanity nearby with a full range of cosmetics. They wondered how some of them did not ruin in the heat. A sofa was nearby at the foot of the queen size bed in Ming style. A Ming style dresser was opposite the vanity with a Chinese privacy screen in the corner by it. A small wash basin was in the corner near the vanity also in the Ming style. Everyone liked the way the room looked.

Both Anne and Jo used the wash basin to clean themselves up. "Couldn't you have been a little more careful when you were in my body Anne?"

"I'm sorry. The next time I am fighting for my life in your body remind me to hesitate some and let myself be killed just so your body would not get so dirty." Both girls began to laugh as both Liz and Rachel viewed them suspiciously.

When Anne sat before the vanity she was awestruck. This is the first time she had a chase to view the new her. Her facial characteristic had some influences of his masculine one but somewhat softer and more feminine. Her eyes and skin tone had an Asian influence while her hair showed neither. It was long almost down to her butt and while brown it had some streaks of red in it. It almost had a touch of Irish influence in it.

This made sense to Anne now that she thought about it. Anne/Jonathan was adopted as a baby. After Jonathan became rich he hired the best lawyers in the country to unseal his birth records that was sealed by his birth mothers expressed wishes. It seemed that money talks even though it took a good hunk of money to unseal the records.

His father was an Irish-American and his mother was a Chinese national going to college in the U.S. for a short term. They met each other in the spring semester and had sex which resulted in her getting pregnant. He however did not want to have anything to do with the baby and dropped her. This disgraced her family and told her she could not come back with the child. She contacted the state department for she did not wish to terminate the pregnancy. The state department set her up in a safe house until she had the baby after which she placed it in the state department's hands to put it up for adoption. The mother only asked for the records to be sealed. Jonathan had a dickens of a time getting around the department's barricades but he thought it was worth it in the end. Now Anne was glad he did for if he didn't her new features would baffle everyone.

Anne remembered as everyone did her makeup and hair of Jonathan's trip to Ireland to visit his real dad who gave up his American heritage to live with his clan in Ireland. It seemed to him that he wronged his birth mother and he wanted him to suffer for it. It was an explosive introduction to his birthfather but Jonathan planned it well.

His father never married but had somehow gained a great deal of respect with the clan. He barged into a closed clan meeting. The chief was about to have him dejected when he announced he was part of the clan. The clan chief asks for him to explain and Jonathan was only glad to along with the proof he had. He further explained how he could never approach his birth mother for the dishonor his birth father had caused her family. The chief asks what he wanted. He only said he wanted him to feel the shame she felt years ago and probably still do. The clan believes in family first and foremost so the dishonorable actions of his father came back to haunt him as he was banished from the clan. But to Jonathan's dismay that in having his father banished he was also banished as well being his son.

Without warning Anne jumped up and out of the tent. She was in tears. Anne looked around for a hiding spot to cry and choose the woods. She did not notice that Jo was on her heels the whole way. When Anne finally stopped she knelt down behind a tree to continue to cry. That is how she was when Jo walked up to her.

"Anne, What is it that has you so upset?"

Anne wrapped her arms around Jo who knelt down to comfort her. "That is just it Jo. I am not Anne but Jonathan a man at least until now," replied Anne while still crying. "I had expected to be Jonathan after this was over and not a 16 year old girl."

Of all the people on the island Jo is the only one that can sympathize with her. She had thought maybe she might be herself again but the one main difference between them though is that Jo got to be herself again. Still Jo knew how Anne felt. "I know dear. I know. You do realize as Jonathan you would not be crying."

That crack shut Anne up and earned Jo a scowled look from Anne through her tear strained eyes. Jo is right. Jonathan hardly ever cried even when he felt really sad. Anne cursed her new hormones her body was producing. "Now Anne, I think we had better wash those tears out of your eyes with the water out of this bottle and go back to the tent to put some and put on some clothes before the guys see us."

In that instant Anne realized that in her haste she forgot that she was nude. Jo was naked as well since she gave chase as soon as Anne ran out of the tent. Both girls then realized that making it back to the tent without being seen was impossible as they saw the men approach the center of the camp.

"CRAP!!!! LOOK AT THE MESS YOU GOTTEN ME INTO NOW SIS," shout Jo in hush tones as not to gain them any attention while they hid in the brush just inside the tree line.

"ME. I DID NOT ASK YOU TO RUN AFTER ME LIKE YOU DID," replied Anne angrily in hush tones. Then she caught something Jo had said. Anne softened her features while looking Jo straight into her eyes and softly said, "I do appreciate it." She paused for affect, "Sis."

Jo did not miss what just happened. She remembered calling Anne Sis a second ago while in jester. But when Anne said it to Jo she meant it as a claim. In essence they will claim each other as sisters if Jo does not correct Anne. She thought hard on what to say next for it will be life changing. But as she thought only one reply became clear to her. She softened her own features while looking straight into Anne's eyes whose stay fixed waiting for an answer. "Anytime, Sis, anytime," replied Jo softly.

Anne's smile was matched by Jo. They slowly hugged each other until they thought they might squeeze the life out of each other.

Suddenly Liz walked up. "Ah, that was a beautiful scene you two just made."

"Liz", exclaimed both girls.

"Hush! Keep your voices down and put on these clothes before those guys over there see you two," she ordered while hading them some clothes.

As Jo put on her regular clothes Rachel had brought a thought crept into mind. "Liz, Just how much did you see?"

Anne stopped dressing as she too wanted an answer. Liz did not like the scrutiny both Anne and Jo was giving her. She decided payback was in order. "Let's see. Do you mean when you two claimed each other as sisters or when you two hugged each other bare-ass naked?" asked Liz with a raised eyebrow. Totally mortified, both Anne and Jo went silently back to the task of getting dressed.

After they were dressed, Anne however got upset again for a different reason. "You got to be kidding. I can't go around dressed like this."

"Sorry Anne but we are limited to what we can find for you on this island," stated Liz.

"But just think of who I look like." Both Liz and Jo glared at Anne and started to laugh. Liz could only come up with for Anne quickly was a black tank top and green cargo pants. Now those clothes with Anne's now red hair made her look like an infringement with Disney's copyrights. "IT'S NOT FUNNY" exclaimed Anne angrily.

Both girls laughed even harder as Anne's exclamation only deepened her resemblance to the famous Disney character. "I sorry Kim I mean sis," stated Jo in between laughs.

Anne groaned and started stomping off in disgust. Jo and Liz laughed even harder for is seemed all of Anne's jester's now were reminder of the famous Disney character Kim Possible. Anne looked back in disgust at the two girls who followed her. No sooner she turned back forward than when she had to come to a halt for she was about to run right into Rachel.

"Jo, you know better than to laugh at another girl like that."

"I'm sorry mom but look at her. Doesn't sis resemble the Disney character Kim Possible?"

Rachel scrutinized Anne's appearance. "While I agree that your sister does indeeeee…When did you start calling Anne your sister?" asked Rachel.

"Since we kind of claimed each other as sisters," answered Jo in an innocent shy why.

The blush on Anne's cheeks left no doubt that Jo has spoken the truth. "Are you okay with this, Anne?"

"It was my idea after Jo called me sis in jester. I was kind of hoping you can fill the bill as my Mother," stated Anne with a smile on her face while a tear of joy ran down her cheek. The hug Anne received from Rachel left little doubt that she had a new Mom now. She had a mom as Jonathan and she still remembered and loved her very much. But she had passed away years ago and like or not she realized that a sixteen year old had to have a Mother or be thrown into foster care. Besides she had grown too attached to Rachel to let her go.

The FBI was instrumental in getting new identity documents for an Anne Rachel Harris. Rachel was honored by Anne's choice of a middle name. She was confused by Anne's choice of last names until she asked Joshua to be her father. Joshua had a trust fund set up for Anne as well. While that trust fund was set up with the previous restriction he alleviated Jo's trust fund of those same restrictions.

As for her relationship with Agent Alan FaMing…That is a story for a later time.

The End?

  

  

  

*********************************************
© 2007 by John Stang. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, and compilation design) may be printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without the express written consent of StorySite and the copyright holder.