Chapter Eleven
"Ken, you may want to see this," Aidan said, solemnly, pointing to his computer screen before him.
Ken walked over to the screen and saw Tai's police cruiser coming into view. Only Tai wasn't driving it. Ken recognized the rough features of the man driving it, but said nothing, as he also noticed a badge pinned to the man's chest.
"Tai must be in trouble. Aidan, bring up the Ruler Farm cameras and locate him. I'm still trying to track Ruler down," Ken said.
"Right, I'm working on it now," Aidan replied, hacking away on the computer keypad.
Ken had noticed how efficient the young soldier was with computers. Perhaps that would explain why Alex had personally chosen the young soldier to be a part of his platoon back in the day.
"I believe Tai is angry," Aidan said, breaking the silence again.
"Bring it up on the projector," Ken replied.
"Alright, But be warned, the cameras are lagging. This may have taken place as long as twenty to thirty minutes before we receive the image," Aidan said, "When this is all over, I'm going to replace Mr. Ruler's cameras with a state of the art set,"
The image that projected on the wall had no sound, but it was Ken needed to see. Michael Goforth was back in town. He and Tai had been heated rivals growing up and he returned after giving up martial arts, he decided mixed martial arts was his strengths. Whatever Goforth had said to Tai, had royally pissed him off. Ken could sense just from the images, that Tai had opened his mind and his senses enabling him to use a technique their teacher called Mapping. Tai had sworn to never use it, because he wanted to be a Dragon Style champion who didn't rely on it. We all took that oath. Alex would never use the Tiger Style's Glare Technique, I would never use the Ape's Slam technique, and Tai would never use Mapping or Feinting, Ken thought, Goforth had to have had to pushed Tai over the limits or Tai just lost himself.
Ken watched the video as Goforth's rapid combinations kept Tai on his toes until something was discussed between them that really caused Tai's anger to go overboard. Tai used The Dragonic Combination, an elbow to the chest, a palm to the chin, and an over the shoulder throw. Then Ken cringed as Tai broke Goforth's neck.
"Run a scan upon Tai's cell. Find him," Ken said, "NOW!" he snapped.
"On it," Aidan said.
At that moment, Vinnie entered the office. He threw a backpack full of firearms to the desk and looked at Ken.
"Manson! Git yer ass ready," Vinnie said, "Tai explained to me 'at Leons has men coming to kill yun's all. Better git with da program,"
"Do your job, and help us prepare for the attack then," Ken said, "If you're wearing the badge, it's your duty,"
"Got Damn it, Manson, I am doing my fuckin' job," Vinnie shouted, "I was told by Kwondo to warn yun's all 'at Leons was preparing fer war,"
Ken and Aidan both stood in awe. Vinnie sat down and removed a flask from his boot. Turning it up, Vinnie sighed as he found the flask empty.
"I'm sober. I'm doing my job," Vinnie said, sitting down. "Kwondo may be needing assistance. I am going to take his cruiser and go help him,"
After he finished talking, Vinnie stood and left. Just as he was leaving, Ken cleared his throat.
"You'll want to know that Tai isn't in any immediate danger. He finished the fight with Michael Goforth before you returned to the station. You can stay here until we contact Alex. We'll receive further instructions from him," Ken said.
"So Kwondo isn't in any trouble?" Vinnie asked, stopping in his tracks. "What can I do to help you as he requested?"
"You can begin by monitoring the street cameras. I've got them set up on a separate computer screen for you to monitor," Aidan said.
"Alright," Vinnie said, walking over to the computer Aidan was working on.
Since his conversation with Brutus, Alex had found himself walking through a seemingly empty portion of the compound. He had entered the cafeteria area, a small drug lab, and was now approaching something called "The Neurology Experiment Research and Development Lab" Alex could only assume that the research inside was the illegal kind. He checked his surroundings to ensure that no one was around before stepping into a nearby janitor's closet and using his cell phone. Three rings and Ken answered.
"Ken," Alex began, "I need you to run a check on my Mom's cell phone, Alyson's cell phone, Maggie's cell phone and Serrita's Cell phone, and make sure they are out of town. Some weird shit is going around tonight. Do not attempt to contact me after finding this information for me," Alex said.
"Aidan ran the checks. They are all safely in Goldburg. Ruler, what are you doing?" Ken asked.
"Taking back my town," Alex said before hanging up.
Continuing his trek down the empty corridor, Alex found himself starring at Tommy's face plastered on a door. This must be the place, Alex thought. He kicked the door open and stepped inside. The lights flashed on and Alex saw the room was sterile and white just like a hospital room. Only brighter, almost a void. Clapping was heard as he saw Tommy and Brutus standing atop a raised platform.
"So nice of you to join us, Sheriff," Tommy said, "I would hate for our guess of honor to miss his Homecoming Party,"
"And his farwell party as well," Brutus laughed.
Tommy stepped to the right and revealed a person had been behind him. This person was drapped with a black clothe and bound.
"This little fishie was delivered to me tonight. Unless you want her dead, you'll do exactly as I say," Tommy explained, revealing the person beneath the tarp.
"Christina!" Alex gasped, "Let her go, Tommy. This between you and I!"
"You will disarm yourself, Marine, and face Brutus here in a fist fight. Should you survive, you'll get to face me," Tommy said.
"Alex! Please do as he says!" Christina shouted.
"Christina, Remain calm. I'll fix this, I swear," Alex vowed as Brutus jumped from the platform and landed before Alex.
"I will now avenge my brother," Brutus said.
"Vengeance is not the answer to everything, Brutus," Alex said softly, removing his gun belt and the blade hidden beneath his shirt sleeve.
"Vengeance is always the answer," Brutus said.
Brutus swung at Alex with a right hook aimed at the Marine's jaw, but Alex blocked with his left forearm and retaliated with a right knee to Brutus's mid-section followed by a right thrust palm that sent Brutus crashing into the platform he had jumped off of. Alex smiled and looked up at Tommy.
"Bagwell, your brother put up more of a fight than that," Tommy shouted.
"I ain't got started yet," Brutus called, surprising Alex.
Brutus leaped into the air, coming down with a wicked roundhouse punch. Alex rolled forward to evade the blow. Brutus Bagwell is considered the greatest cage fighter in all of North Carolina, Alex remembered his father saying. Cage fighting, eh? No wonder he thinks vengeance is the answer to everything. Time I show him why I'm the tiger style champion. Alex thought.
"You know, Ruler, I always thought that I could never beat anyone who studied the five legendary fighting styles of the martial arts. The Tiger, The Dragon, The Snake, The Crane, and The Monkey, I've beaten all challengers who stepped inside the cage with me. That means my Cage Fighting Style is way better than your martial arts," Brutus said, as he and Alex circled each other.
"First off, Loogie Lips, Cage Fighting is not a style of fighting. Second off, Dung For Brains, The Tiger Style has only one true champion. As does each of the other fighting styles. Defeating some whack job who claims to have mastered the style is nothing compared to fighting someone who knows he has never truly mastered all aspects of the fighting style," Alex said, as a flashback hit him.
Flash back!
An elderly man bearing the legendary KMAA logo upon his long cloaks stood before three people in the middle of a fairly new martial arts school. Alex recognized the school as being The Kwondo Martial Arts Academy. The old man was an extremely older version of Tai. That meant the young boys were Alex, Tai, and Ken. "My sons, each of you has chosen to pursue the fighting style of your choice. I warn you, each style has a special technique you may find useful. No one has ever successfully been called a master without using these techniques. With the exception of Tai's Dragon style, there is but one technique to each style. The Tiger Style offers the Glare Technique. Glare differs with each user. The most common result of Glare is paralysis to the opponent for an undetermined amount of time. For the Monkey Style, The technique is called The Ape Slam, which offers both a defensive and offensive technique. By slamming the ground, you create a wall of dust as well as stopping any movements from anyone within a five foot radius. The Dragon Style offers Feinting and Mapping. Feinting allows a user to hide their ki, Mapping allows you to pinpoint opponent's ki," Master Kwondo spoke. Alex remembered that day like it was yesterday. The three of them vowed to never use the techniques unless the situation was dire. "Mastering the techniques within these scrolls without using the hidden techniques, will be difficult but not impossible," Master Kwondo had said. Alex realized the memory came back to him because the situation was now dire enough for him to break the vow.
Flash back ends.
"First, I'll show you what I know about the Dragon and Monkey Styles. Like this, Dragon's Bane Technique!" Alex shouted, drawing two slender extendable metal poles from pockets on his pants legs.
Extending the poles, Alex grasped the hilts and held the extended portions of the poles behind him. Tips almost touching, he dashed forward with increased speed. Just before reaching Brutus, he entered a spin that made him look like Tazz from Looney Tunes. Each pole struck different points on Brutus's arms, legs, and abdomen. Stopping the spin, Alex threw the poles to the ground and flipped backwards, landing five paces back.
"Mad Monkey Technique!" Alex shouted, dashing forward, reaching Brutus with one lunge and striking with a sharp roundhouse hook to the jaw the sent him crashing to the ground. "Those are two techniques that tie Ken and Kwondo to myself. Our bond of friendship ensures that we can use each other's favorite moves. Now time for my hidden technique, this will ensure that you are finished," Alex said, as his eyes glazed over with a bright red color.
To Brutus, this seemed strange, but he couldn't help himself from looking. Ruler's eyes just started glowing like he was possessed by a demon. Attempting to shake off the image, Brutus tried to dash forward while Alex was posing.
"What kind of socerery is this?" Brutus asked, "I can't move my body, Tommy! You've gotta help me!"
"This is your fight, Bagwell. You are the Undisputed Cage Fighting Heavyweight Champion aren't you?" Tommy sneered.
"I've never dealt with anyone who can possess demonic powers and paralyze you," Brutus shouted.
"Demonics? This isn't demonics, Brutus. This is control over the natural ki each and every person on the face of the earth contains within their body. By working with my master, I was able to unlock the gates that barred my mind from allowing me to control this ki. Only three students in the history of Polkville have been able to reach this degree of training," Alex explained. "Now, I end you, so Tommy and I talk business,"
Alex lashed out with his signature thrust kick that sent Brutus sprawling to the floor, unmoving. Alex turned to Tommy as the color faded from his eyes. He smirked.
"Well done, defeating the Undisputed Cage Fighting Heavyweight Champion. This makes you worth money. Very well," Tommy said removing his wallet. "How much do I need to pay you so you'll turn your head on all the activites my camp of friends and I have been doing?"
"I just defeated your prize champion and you're offering me a bribe?" Alex asked. "Some balls you've got man,"
"I know that I can handle you any day of the week. I'm talking about the illegal activites: kidnapping, invasion of privacy, mass production of drugs, solicitation of sex, mass production of moonshine, and assault on a public official?" Tommy asked, pointing to Christina when he mentioned kidnapping, and the entire building when he spoke of the other charges, then to his leg when he mentioned the assault charge.
"Let's not forget Rape, Assault on a female, and damage to private property," Alex growled.
"Rape? Assault on a Female? Damage to Private Property," Tommy repeated shocked.
"Don't play dumb. I saw the film on your computers. Your goons, including Mark, rapped Alyson, blew up her house, and beat her," Alex said.
"I don't like your attitude," Tommy retorted. "I think I need to beat you into taking my offer,"
"You just witnessed the Tiger Style in full effect, and you still think you can beat me?" Alex asked.
"Sure, Sure. You drained yourself of that much need Ki using those last three techniques. I'm not stupid either, Ruler," Tommy said.
"Apparently," Alex said, smiling, "You truly are if you believe that those three techniques drained me. All those techniques required for me to do was open the gateway blocking my brain from using the ki, not actually use it,"
"WHAT?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, pal. This shit is about get heavy in here," Alex said, taking a fighting stance, "I'm going to make you feel every ounce of pain you've caused to this community,"
"You don't know what true pain is, Ruler," Tommy spat.
"They shall live through me," Alex shouted.
The two enemies squared off, each one testing the other with beginning strikes that were easily blocked. After five minutes of stalemates, Alex smiled.
"Tommy, this is all completely off the record. And it goes against my code of fighting, but what do ya say we cut the shit and get straight to the chase? There's a movie coming on tonight I wanna watch and I forgot to set the DVR," Alex taunted.
"Are you getting cocky?" Tommy asked. "I thought Martial Artists never got cocky,"
"It ain't cocky if you do it and you can't back it up," Alex retorted.
Tai walked slowly into Jason's garage, stumbling due to being drained from using The Dragon Style's hidden technique. The garage was pretty big for a private owned shop, but Tai knew Jason would be able to contact Ken. Jason was working on the remains of Alex's car when Tai stumbled and fell, landing beside the man, as he worked beneath the car, removing unusable exhaust pipes.
"Kwondo! What in the hell happened to you?" Jason asked, seeing Tai's beaten and bloodied face.
"I ran into an old friend," Tai managed to say.
"With friends like him, who needs enemies?" Jason asked, climbing from beneath the car to help Tai into the house. "Krista! Get the first aid kit. Tai's injured," Jason shouted.
"Jason, contact Ken. Tell him I'm here but I'm lying low," Tai said.
"Will do. Krista will be here in a moment to clean your wounds. I'm going to call Ken and get back to work on the car man. I had a break through," Jason said, "I'll explain everything later,"
Chase looked out the windows of the hardware store. Everything had been silent since he and the others had shut off that device. He looked to his grandfather, who nodded.
"Alright guys. I'm taking initiative. Who wants to volunteer for perimeter sweeps?" Chase asked, seeing almost every hand in the room go up. "Alright, I'll send out teams of five in separate directions. Mr. Bingham, we need to borrow some items from the shelves…is that cool?"
"Use whatever you need Chase," Frank said.
"Alright, team one will get to use baton staffs. These were used by shin obi of the highest caliber. Use them well if needed," Chase said, tossing the first five people before him straight poles used as broom handles. "Team two, will be using these," Chase said, handing team two chains, "and Team three will be equipped with throwing stars from my personal collection. Team one, take North side of Main Street. Team Two, you're searching Park District. And Team Three, you're going to The Green Lamp District. Team Four, you're staying here with me and the store. Preparing for the next strike, if any from Tommy's goons," Chase instructed.
"Right," everyone said simultaneously, before leaving.
"Any word from Uncle?" Chase asked.
"Not a word. Ken says Kuro and Keitaro have taken over the mill," Mr. Ruler explained.
"That's two things going right for us tonight," Chase said, slumping against the counter.
"That's no way to be, Chase. I'm sure your Uncle is working as hard as we are," Frank explained.
"Remember, he's doing this for the entire town, so he's probably making sure he doesn't screw up," Mr. Ruler said.
"Yeah, we all know how Alex can screw up, don't we?" Frank asked.
Sensing a trip down memory lane, Chase scooted to the back room. He could think in solitude back here. Clearing his head, Chase realized one flaw in their plan. They only knew about Tommy's first team coming to town. Tommy could have already had a second team in place. But if he had a second team in place, they would have shown up by…Chase's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of glass breaking.
Staying quiet, he crept to the edge of the back room's door and listened. The sound of five heavy footsteps echoed. He heard the distinct sound of a bullet entering the chamber.
"The other teams out patrolling the streets will be dealt with accordingly. Right now, I want everyone in this building, face down on the floor. Or else I get to go trigger happy," a deep commanding voice said.
Chase quietly climbed into an opened locker in the backroom and closed the door. He knew the men would do a perimeter check. If he remained calm, he would be able to figure out a way to overcome this setback. Sure enough, fifteen minutes passed, a stranger dressed in black walked through the back room. He carried an M-15 Assault Rifle with extended clip. Chase watched him through the slots in the locker door. Then suddenly, Chase's cellphone was ringing and man turned, firing on the locker.
Kuro and Keitaro looked at each other smiled as all of the workers began falling asleep in the cafeteria. They had overheard some people talking about a black book full of information and Keitaro suggested they find it. Kuro would be the first to leave and search for it. Using maps sent to him by Aidan, Kuro would know the layout pretty well. Keitaro nodded at Kuro signaling him to start the search. Keitaro had locked all other exits using logging chains and locks he found in an old tool shed just outside the cafeteria exterior exit. Now he drew his blade, the very blade he had thrown at Tommy, and placed it horizontal in front of him as he sat cross legged on the floor, hands folded together as if he were praying. Focusing his mind, Keitaro saw the blade and remembered all of the teachings he had learned concerning the blade. His mind would do the training his body could not do.
"HEY WEIRDO WITH THE BLADE!" a voice called from the back, "I GOT SOME BAD NEWS FOR YA!"
With that Keitaro stood up, and sheathed his blade. He walked to the man who held up a radio. The transmission coming through the radio was from Leons Black Ops Security Group.
"Mad Hatter to White Rabbit, this Mad Hatter Come In Over," the voice on the other side, Keitaro nodded for the man to respond.
"Mad Hatter, this is Cheshire Cat. No word from White Rabbit in over four hours. What's the status of your mission, Over?"
"Cheshire Cat, We have over thrown the brats in the Hardware store, over," the voice said, but Keitaro heard a sound he hadn't hoped to hear.
"Ask him if you heard gunfire! And what type of weapon it was," Keitaro commanded.
"Mad Hatter, did I just hear gunfire, over?" the worker asked.
"Yes, Cheshire Cat. We found one of the brats hiding in a locker. His id says Chase Davis, over," the voice replied.
"What type of weapon, Mad Hatter? Who fired it, over?" the worker asked.
"M-15 Assault Rifle. My Second-in-command. The kid is assumed dead, as he's not moving at all. But strangely no bullets hit him, over,"
"You probably gave him a heart attack from firing on him, over," the worker said.
"Cheshire Cat if you hear anything from White Rabbit let him know we have concluded his plans. Mad Hatter over and out," the voice said as the worker closed the connection.
Keitaro immediately pressed a button on his ear piece.
"Ken," Keitaro said, fighting back the anger. "We've got a problem. You are the closest team. Go to the hardware store. Chase has been killed,"
"WHAT?" Ken's voice replied back over the earpeice. "Alex is going to kill me,"
"Calm down. Kuro and I will be over to help out as soon as we can," Keitaro said, "Don't make a move without checking with me first,"
"You're not my boss," Ken said.
"Damn it, I'm moving this mission to Code Black. This means I'm your boss," Keitaro said.
"Code Black?" Kuro's voice came in. "Ken, Keitaro's right. He's the boss now,"
"Damn it," Ken said.
"Kuro and I will be on our way momentarily. Just observe the situation before engaging. I repeat, do no engage the enemy," Keitaro said.
"Roger that," Ken said.
Tai woke to the steady dripping of a faucet. Looking to his right, he saw the faucet and was confused. He didn't remember passing out in a barn. Racking his brain, he felt a sudden pain as he tried to force the memories to the surface. Placing his hand over his eyes, Tai saw the IV. Suddenly a woman entered the room and began speaking in a language Tai didn't understand.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't understand you," Tai said weakly.
"Oh, I am sorry, sir. You suffered blunt force trauma, and a minor concussion, you will be able to return to action shortly," the lady said.
"Krista!" a familiar voice called from outside.
"Is that Jason?" Tai asked.
"Yes. I'll fetch him for you," the lady said.
Tai closed his eyes, breathing a sigh of relief. Jason would be able to explain things to him. Jason entered the small room inside the barn.
"It's about time, sleepy head. You passed out yesterday. Took a beating from someone. I'd hate to see the other guy. Especially if you went all out on them," Jason said.
"When did I come here?" Tai asked.
"Right after your encounter with who ever you fought with. You showed up, and passed out. Krista and I moved you in here, and set up a makeshift doctor's office," Jason said. "We can't get into town. It's on lockdown. No one can go in or out,"
"Come on, Jase, you know better than that. We grew up in this town, we know every shortcut in or out of town. No matter who shut the town down, they can't possibly have every single location into the town," Tai said, rubbing the back of his head softly.
"What do you have in mind?" Jason asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Look at the map over there," Tai said pointing to the faded old map on the wall, "Didn't your grandfather own this barn?"
"Yeah. But Tai, that map was drawn during the earliest years of Polkville. The town has grown significantly since then," Jason said.
"Right but there is one way into the town that no matter who closed it down, they can't close it down," Tai got up and walked over to the map, "There!" Tai said laying his finger atop a small symbol that looked like a train.
"The Mill's Train," Jason said calmly. "If your going in through there, we're going to need an army,"
"We will need ammunition and weapons, but Alex, Kuro, Aidan, and Keitaro should have shut down the mill," Tai said, checking his watch. "I don't know the details of the plan, but It should have happened,"
Jason smiled before revealing a small chest beneath a bale of hay. Tai raised an eyebrow this time. Jason opened the chest and removed two attache cases.
"Weapons are always present," Jason said, tossing one of the cases to Tai.
Ken and Aidan stood silently across the street from Bingham's store in the remains of an old church that had fallen in. Aidan continually pressed buttons on his wristop computer and checking his binoculars for something across the street.
"Wanna share something with the rest of the class?" Ken asked.
"I'm just calculating some possible entry points. Keitaro will be expecting the results of my calculations upon his arrival. Kuro will then include some abstract numbers to challenge my theories and then we'll act," Aidan explained. "I'm not sure the four of us will be enough to regain control,"
"What do you mean?" Ken asked.
"I've been running every possible protocol known to me for a four person team to counter act six armed men within a building this size and all of them are failing," Aidan said.
"That's when your captain, my boss, and our friend would say Screw Protocol," Ken said smiling.
"Kuro, go help Aidan and Ken. I think I should go find Tai," Keitaro explained.
"Alright. Take Raymon with you," Kuro said.
The two comrades in arms had just encountered the deputized mechanic who explained everything that he knew. Kuro would be heading off to help Aidan and Ken, while Keitaro and Vinnie would set off to find Tai. Kuro hurried off through the woods to reach the center of town. Keitaro checked his gear before heading off in the direction of The Ruler Farm. Along the way, he opened his cell phone.
"Tai," Keitaro said as the phone rang three times, "Pick up!"
"Hello?" Tai answered.
"TAI! Where are you? We've got a major situation!" Keitaro said, "I wanna see you in person to explain the details,"
"I'm at Jason's farm outside of the city limits," Tai replied, "We're gearing up to make it into town using an alternate route,"
"Text me the location and I'll be there," Keitaro said as they hung up.
Seeing Tai's text message, Keitaro turned and headed back towards the mill.
Alex breathed out deeply. He was winded, and nearing exhaustion. His clothes were in tatters, hanging from his shoulders, revealing his bare skin and the only other tattoo he had gotten. The kanji for "Tiger" and "Fire" were seen brightly stacked with "Tiger's" kanji beneath "Fire's" kanji. Alex's left eye bore a dark ring around it, a result of the multiple poundings the left side of his body took. Blood dripped from various wounds across his body, staining the barren white void permanently.
Across the void, standing between Alex and Christina, Tommy wasn't in any better condition. His clothes were tattered, revealing the skin beneath. His right leg was severly damaged to the point that he couldn't put weight on it. Blood dripped from his mouth and a large wound on his arm. Grimmacing in pain, Tommy looked up at Alex.
"You pack one hell of a punch, Ruler. No one has ever pushed me this far," Tommy stated weakly.
"To be honest, my body is at its breaking point. I've never been push this far myself. No one I've ever face before has put up this much of a fight," Alex said.
"Your body is at its breaking point? Does that mean you'd like to give up?" Tommy asked smiling.
"Not on your life," Alex shot back, with fire in his eyes. "I'll fight until my body totally shuts down,"
"That can be arranged. I haven't just been fighting you, Ruler, I've been studying you as well. I have noticed just how much slower your moves have gotten since your fight with Bagwell," Tommy said. "I'm a student of the game, just like yourself. How do you think I've managed to stay on top of all my businesses?"
"I can't argue with you, Leons, you know your stuff," Alex said.
"Are you ready to stop holding back?" Tommy asked.
"Me? Hold back?" Alex asked astonished, "I am ashamed of you, Leons. How could you believe I was holding back?"
"Because I've only been giving you thirty percent of my true strength," Tommy said.
"WHAT?" Alex shouted, shocked.
"That's right, fighter boy," Tommy said, "Thirty percent. You've been barely handling me. How would you fair against maybe fifty percent?"
With that Tommy smiled, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. He raised his right arm to chest level and pushed the remains of his sleeve up to reveal a bright red wristband with a small faceplate that held a fractioned number. At that moment, the number was at 30/100. With a sickening smile, Tommy laughed as the number rose by itself to red 50/100.
"You think cheap parlor tricks are going to stop me from winning?" Alex asked, ignoring the sick feeling he was getting in his stomach. "You have some guy in a central control room raising that number for you,"
"Got it all figured out, eh, Ruler? How about you watch a demonstration of the increase of my strength?" Tommy asked.
Tommy walks over to the raised platform where Christina was stilled tied up. He calmly placed his hand on the flat portion of the platform. He pushed with his single hand and the platform moved across the floor. Alex's jaw dropped at the sight of the display of strength. His strength has increased, but I'm not sure about his stamina. I don't know what kind of equipment can increase your strength like this, but I'm going to need to control the pace of this fight until its finished. Alex thought.
"The funny thing about all this power, Ruler, I've never known the satisfaction of using one hundred percent," Tommy explained as he and Alex circled each other once more.
It's like all the damage I dealt out earlier had no effect on him either. He's not even limping. This is some kind of machine. I have to learn more before I continue the fight, Alex thought, gripping his fists tightly. Tommy laughed.
"Trying to figure out how I did it eh?" Tommy asked, shredding the remaining rags that were left of his shirt.
Alex saw that Tommy's entire body was normal. The only oddity was the wristband.
"I saw the fight you and the other two martial arts champions had last in The World Grand Prix Championship. The final moments of the fight, the fighter that Tai fought against pulled off some type of bizarre technique that blast Tai, Ken, and yourself across the fighting platform. Do you remember that technique?" Tommy asked.
"The Echo Burst," Alex said softly. "I haven't encountered the technique since that day. Only one out a million can learn that technique. It's way too advanced,"
"Yes, The Echo Burst requires an enormous amount of concentration and very finely tuned senses that enable one to tap into their ki reserves and explode it outward. For that guy to be able to that technique on the fly, it was sheer domination. I studied that footage for years. Had my team of fighting specialists and scientist perfect a system that would allow an average joe to perform any ki based technique he wished to use. This brought forth the Talisman System 1.0. Version One had a few rough patches, much like a cellphone. I could only use it in certain places. My science team discovered a way to eliminate that problem and it led to Talisman System 2.0," Tommy explained. "I discovered through trial and error that the new system had one fault and one fault only,"
"What was that?" Alex asked, interested.
"That it only increased the user's strength and speed, but never increased the user's defenses," Tommy said, "Which led to,"
"Let me guess version three which increase speed, defense, and strength?" Alex asked.
"Not quite. Version Three only allows me to choose which stat I want to increase. Today, for example, I increased strength. Tomorrow, I could increase speed. The downside is, there is a twenty-four hour recharging period due to the strain on my body, I can not change but one stat," Tommy said.
"I don't care what you increase or decrease, Tommy. I will overcome you," Alex said. "For Frank Bingham and his family, for the families of those you murdered when you blew up DeRisi's Garage'N'Shop, for Bobby DeRisi, for Alyson, for everyone within Polkville who have hidden in fear of you. For Chase and Amy, and for Alhan Davis. I will overcome you in their place,"
"Are you going to use some ancient Chinese ritual to summon their strength?" Tommy laughed.
"No, I had something better in mind," Alex said, crouching low and spreading his feet apart. "If you watched the World Grand Prix from '98, you might recognize this fighting stance,"
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?" Tommy asked.
"Ah, you didn't pay attention as well as I thought," Alex stated. "Unlike when I fight against experience martial artists, I'll give you a little bit of a warning,"
"Wh-What?" Tommy said.
"Siberian Tiger Style, Enraged Tiger's Pride!" Alex called out, moving forward, quickly, in a zigzagging motion that caused Tommy's eyes to nearly cross.
Alex lashed out with a sharp right opened palm, followed by a staggering knee, and ending with a double rear kick. Tommy blocked everything except for the rear kick. Alex's feet were planted firmly in his chest. Tommy stumbled backwards, falling over his own two feet.
Tommy kicked off his shoulders and landed on his feet. He took a fighting stance that Alex had seen before. That's the Reflecting Crow stance. The opponent stands like a scarecrow before unleashing the same technique their opponent just used against them. Alex thought.
"ARRRGH!" Tommy shouted, repeating Alex's previous technique.
Alex deflected the palm, blocked the knee, as he tore a strip of his shirt off to tie up Tommy's legs when Tommy struck with rear kick. Alex still took recoil damage from Tommy using the technique, and ended up sprawled on the floor, unmoving. Tommy sneered as he looked towards Christina.
"Guess he just wasn't strong enough," Tommy said, looking to Christina.
