The palanquin bearers carry a large metal box onto the bridge with small holes dotted along its upper half. Then they slid open the metal lid.
Suddenly, a massive snake erupts forth from the box. It had a spiked crest and two large horns, as well as glowing yellow eyes and a neon purple coloration which has a subtle luminosity like that of the other Reptilians.
The Cat Clan gazes up at the fell beast in utter shock.
"Oh my Leo! What is that thing?!" MacLeod cries out.
The Python lets out a terrible hissing roar. It then coils and lunges towards the cat army like a loaded spring. Terror overcomes the feline warriors. They break ranks and begin to scatter.
"This is bad," thinks Ricci. "That giant snake has to be dealt with or else any chance of victory will be lost."
So Ricci sheathes his sword back into its scabbard and gets on all fours, then races straight towards the Python.
"Ronin, what on earth are you doing?!" shouts MacLeod.
Ricci stands before the snake and takes a wide stance. He stares down his enemy, waiting for the right moment. The Python slithers speedily towards him with gaping maw, eager for its next meal.
But just before the serpent could snatch him into its jaws, Ricci dives to the side. He does a shoulder roll, lands back on all fours, and runs to the right. The Python's face smashes into the asphalt and its coils tumble over its head. Now enraged, it quickly untangles itself and chases after Ricci.
As the creature is being diverted away from the Cat Clan army, MacLeod suddenly realizes what Ricci is doing.
"Soldiers! Hold the line," he commands.
The scattered cats regroup and close ranks, successfully holding off the Reptilian horde. Meanwhile, the Python continues to chase down Ricci as he begins to turn in a circle. Until he reaches the tip of the Python's own tail and starts to run up its backs.
The Python slithers up its own body forming a helix. Ronin continues to scamper up the snake, like ascending a scaly spiral staircase, until he reaches the top of the snake's head.
He stands in between its draconian horns and unsheathes his sword. Then points the blade down towards the back of the creature's cranium. He holds on to the hilt with both hands then puts his feet on the crossguard and puts all his weight on the sword, allowing gravity to drive the blade through the python's skull.
The python's head crashes to the ground and its coiled body unravels. The sword pierced through its entire head and into the ground. The Cat Clan looks on in amazement. Ronin pulls the sword from the python's skull and raises it into the air triumphantly. The cat army erupts with cheers.
Among the crowd, one cat shouts, "Hail our champion, Ronin the dragon slayer!"
The remaining Reptilians were astonished at the heroic feat.
"He killed Python, run awaaaaay!" they cried in terror as they fled the battlefield.
The Serpent Sorcerer angrily shakes his staff and yells, "Get back out there and fight you cowardsss!"
He turns around and sees MacLeod standing in front of him, pressing the tip of his sword under the snake's chin.
"What was that you were saying about making us your slaves?" MacLeod asked ominously.
Terror fills the eyes of the Serpent Sorcerer and he slithers away screaming, "Wait for me! Get out of the way, you slimy lizard! Make room, don't leave without me!"
Felix throws his switchblade at the snake and says, "Hey, don't leave just yet."
The snake looks back and screams as he sees the sword twirling towards him. The blade pierces through the snake's chest and into a nearby traffic cone.
"Why don't you stick around a while?" said MacLeod.
Ricci and the Cat Clan rolled their heads back and roared with laughter.