Chapter 24: Time of destiny
On South Town, the police department received some bad news coming from Kyoto, Mary was the first one to learn about it, the destruction of a building, for the rest of the departments sound like not a big deal, for Mary of course it meant one thing
-A dojo destroyed… I need to talk with Terry as soon as possible.
Moments later and on his apartment, the hungry wolf heard everything while sitting on a couch
-It seems like a bomb destroyed the place; authorities are still trying to figure out what exactly happened
-So, the time has finally come, are there any news about Mai?
Mary negated it -I'm trying to continue the investigation, but it is possible that she is on the hospital right now.
-So, there is no time to waste, let's call whoever we can.
…
Rock and Jan were training on a park, the young one was doing some exercise but then Rock witnessed Terry approaching
-Ey Terry, hello.
-Time to go Rock but Jan, I know that you're not ready for what is coming next, so you need to stay safe, you will stay on Riho's house.
He nodded -Understood but, what is going to happen?
Terry then said -A war.
….
On the Kyoukugenryo dojo, Mary was talking to Ryo Sakazaki, behind him, Takuma and Robert were hearing everything
-So, we need as much help as possible, you were training with Terry, Andy and Joe all this time, and we need you right now.
While Ryo was hearing all of it, Takuma took the word -Of course we want to help, I just have a question, how much time we would be out?
-Just some days, don't worry for the dojo.
-Understood.
Robert said something -Yuri and King are still on Kyoto, of course that we have to go to help them.
-Then there is nothing to think about it, dad, Robert, let's go to Kyoto
…..
And on Rio de Janeiro, Guerreiro on one of his visits to the health office on the mayor's lawn, received the news of what happened on Kyoto
-A dojo destroyed?
Lucio told to him what he knew -As much as we know, the only dojo on Kyoto was property of the Shiranui.
-So, Mai is in danger… time to travel I suppose
…..
But on Kyoto, King and Yuri were on the hospital room in which Mai was resting, she was awake and being analyzed by the doctor
-Everything is ok Mai; you will be discharged on some hours- the doctor said while leaving
-Thank you, doctor.
Then silence again, Mai asked -How much time I was asleep?
King answered -More than two day, thankfully you were just tired.
-I see- she sighed -And Genzo sensei?
-He's still unconscious and on another room- said Yuri -And Ryoma celebrating his victory.
-Celebrating? - Mai asked
King smiled -He thinks that he killed both of you, he doesn't know that you are on the hospital, we made for sure that it remains like that.
-Thank you, but you see…. I don't know what to do now, even if I survived, once Ryoma realizes it, he will attack the hospital…
-Oh Mai- once Yuri said that, Shina appeared from outside the room -Miss Shina hello, did you managed to ask?
-Yes, Ryoma's fortress is not far from here, in fact we can see it from here.
Shina pointed to a window, in between of all buildings that were visible, there was one that, even if it was not the tallest one, at least was really recognizable
-No one wanted to approach there for obvious reasons, there is a belief that Ryoma has at least 3000 soldiers inside of it.
-3000, that's a huge number- Yuri said
-But if those are as strong as the 260 that we already beat up… No, what am I thinking, we need at least another army to win, as Ryoma Suzuki is there- King said -So now…
-Even if our friends come…
But when Mai was saying that, someone interrupted her
-Well, we came.
-Terry?!- the ladies said
-I'm not alone.
From the outside, Ryo and Andy came, Yuri hugged her brother
-You're here, those are good news!
-Of course we are, I couldn't stand the idea of leaving you here anymore- he said, and then he approached to King -How were you going?
-Pretty well until two days ago- she said -Thanks lord you came.
But then everyone was on silence, Andy tried to say something to Mai, but he didn't know how to start
-Mai, speaking about what happened months ago… well, I don't know how to say it…
He was interrupted with a kiss coming from the kunoichi, surprised by it, Andy was left without words
-King and Yuri told me everything, I knew that it was difficult for you to do all of that, but you just wanted to protect me.
-Yes, that's what I wanted to say- then he hugged her -Thanks for being like that.
Then everyone else entered: Joe, Robert, Mary, Rock and Takuma
-We're here, everyone that was able to come- Rock said
-Well, 11 is not a bad number at least- Shina said
Takuma noticed Mai's mom, surprised as he didn't know her, so he approached
-Greetings, miss.
-Greeting, I'm Shina Shiranui.
-So you're Mai's mother- she nodded -I'm Takuma Sakazaki, father of Ryo and Yuri.
Then she smiled -You're a great father, Yuri is a great girl.
Hearing them talking, made Yuri to say something to Mai on the ear -Ey, look at them.
Mai answered -I think that they will be really good friends.
But then Terry asked -Well, do we have an attack plan?
Mai sighed -We know where Ryoma is now, but if we want to win this battle, we have to beat an army of 3000 warriors.
-3000?- that number surprised everyone -That makes 285 against one, is insane- Mary said
-Is there someone else that can help us with that? - Robert asked and Mai negated it -So is only all of us.
Rock said something -Maybe anyone on the city?
Yuri answered that -Everyone is so afraid of Ryoma that the relied on us to beat the army.
Without any hope, a nurse approached to them -Aammm, excuse, a weird guy wants to talk with Mai Shiranui, but the hospital didn't let them to enter.
-Why?- she asked
-Because that guy was followed by a lot of people with spears and wearing strange clothes…
Mai realized something on that moment, and she rapidly stood up and run -Is Guerreiro, he must have traveled here with his tribe!
After hearing her, everyone followed Mai downstairs, the kunoichi was alright, with his people outside, Guerreiro and Diane were waiting with them
-You're here, Guerreiro, Diane!
Joe also extended his hand to greet both -It's a pleasure to meet you again.
-Joe and Mai, the pleasure is ours- Diane said
But then Guerreiro continued -You helped our people, you deserve help to be returned, all the Zuzocks are here, count with 100 warriors at your disposal… Attaya!
-Attaya!
After hearing all of that, Mary said -Well, 111 versus 3000, that's better.
-It already gives us a better chance against Ryoma's army- Yuri continued -But still is looks pretty difficult
-No, we can win this- Mai said -Lets convince the downtown, if they watch us going to Ryoma's fortress, at least some of them will join us on the fight, then victory for sure will be achieved.
Her mom asked -Do you think it will work?
-With everyone here, of course it will work- but then she realized something, so she talked to everyone -You need some time to rest after your flights, I need to do something before the attack… Mom can you come with me?
-Where?
-To the tailor's office, Genzo sensei told me that my Shiranui Master suit must be ready by now, but before wearing it, we need to do the ceremony of ascension, Andy, can you also come with me?
He nodded -Of course.
Then Mai said something else -Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible.
…
Moments later on that office, the old man who was preparing something, received the trio
-Welcome, Genzo told me that you will come.
Shina said something -It is ok if we do something here? It will be small, don't worry.
He nodded -For the ones that will save us, everything.
Shina then took some incense out of a pocket -Fortunately we were able to find some on a store.
The tailor gave Mai a bag, she looked on the inside, everything was there -The fitting room is at the bottom.
-Thanks- but she gave the sleeveless red jacket to Andy -For the ceremony I need someone to put this to me, please Andy.
-Of course- Then Mai went to the fitting rooms
While inside, Shina lit on the incense and put them on a table, then both her and Andy closed their eyes while the lady started to pray
On the inside, Mai started to change her clothes, similar to the ones that Genzo used, but with red colors, black belt, and black sleeves that were used only on the forearm, inside new Kacho Sen, as she lost the metallic ones on the fire, it was another set of 3 pieces, once outside, she approached to Andy, while Shina started to say
-Today, an ascension is happening, today the student must become the master, the fire on her hearth must become stronger than before…- while saying these words, Andy was putting the jacket on Mai -Today, to finish the ceremony, the student must defeat a master, today the student will be a Shiranui Master…
….
No more than 30 minutes, that's what took Shina, Andy and the new Shiranui Master, Mai, to arrive back to the hospital, with those new clothes she looked very different, not as the happy kunoichi she was used to be, but more of an elegant warrior
-Sorry for making you wait, but Genzo sensei wanted me to use these for this battle.
-Understood, it shows your improvement over this year-Terry said -So, now to the downtown.
Mai nodded -Follow me.
Moments later, the downtown citizens were astonished of looking the group of 111 warriors, led by that girl that everyone considered a maniac at first, coming to them ready for the fight of their lives, with the entire neighborhood paying attention, Mai started to gasp
-I… don't know what to say-
Yuri approached -You can do it Mai, is now or never.
-Have confidence, this is the day in which this city will finally rest- King finished
Mai closed her eyes, she needed some time to think on what to say, then she decided just to open her hearth
-Citizens, almost one year ago I came here just as an stranger, it was just only days ago that you opened your doors to me, to my friends, because of something that I was able to find, that you are losing your fear to the tyrant, to that monster that isolated your city, because of what he was doing to all of you, to all of you, and I understand it…
Again silence, Mai had her doubts of what to say
-You see… I'm not a leader, I don't want to pretend I am, I'm like any of you, a girl who only wants to be happy, but it was here that I understood that it was not that easy, before I just took everything by granted, that everything would be fine even if I didn't achieve my objectives but that's not true anymore…
Andy took her by the shoulders to give her more confidence -Continue Mai.
She smiled -But is thanks to them, to my friends… my family, that I was able to continue up to this point… my training has officially finished, and is our objective to assault that fortress, and take Ryoma and his army down for good!
Some people started to talk between themselves, no one was really confident on what they were saying
-But you see, even if we are powerful, we are still on a number and tactical disadvantage, we need more help, and with a weak police department on Kyoto, the only ones that can help us on this situation are all of you- then absolute silence -Yes, the ones that were directly affected by Ryoma, the considered weaklings, the ones that suffered, the ones treated like shit, and I don't think that you're like that, I just think that you needed someone to push you to do what is needed to do, to stand up and fight!
Again, she took breath, even for herself it was incredible what she was saying, a year ago Mai wouldn't imagine that she would lead a rebellion on that level
-Don't be afraid, we are here to resist, it is now or never, if we don't join forces, Ryoma will crush your hopes once more, if you want to be free, if you want your families to be reunited once more, this is the chance, I'm not the one that is giving this to you, is everyone here, all of you can take this opportunity… let's defeat this mafia, forever!
Some seconds passed without any response, leaving the 111 with less hope but then one gangster appeared, followed by his group, no more than 10, but the gangster extended his hand to Mai
-Count with us.
Looking that gesture, more people were getting out of their houses, some with different weapons, and more and more, just the kids were on the insides, and then a big group of teenagers and adults were surrounding the group, it meant one thing, hopes were bigger than never before
-We can do it, we can win- Yuri said
-Daughter, you did it, you convinced them.
-Yes… I did it- but then Mai face changed to a serious one -Is time for the final battle.
…
-SIR!
Guldo appeared on Ryoma's office, the mafia boss wanted to relax -What do you want?
-Sir, terrible news, a huge group is coming to the fortress.
-What, how many? - Guldo pointed to a window, from the outside Ryoma was able to watch it -Impossible, is a rebellion.
-It is believed that they're at least 1000 of them- Guldo said
-Well, they asked for it, they want a war, the have a war, give the alarm, for everyone to get out of the surrounding buildings, prepare the turrets to shoot them all!
Outside and with the South Town warriors on the front, the Zuzocks just behind them and the downtown citizens at the very back, they stopped in front of the fortress
-It is really big- Rock said
-I don't know how we are going to destroy all of this- Robert continued
-But somehow, we have to- Mary added
-Well, are going to attack now or what? - Ryo said
But Terry noticed something, two turrets -They can shoot us from there, we need protection.
Guerreiro then added -Nature Manipulation can produce shields, once they realize that attacking from there is futile, we can prepare from an attack.
-Perfect- then Terry went to talk with Mai -Anything else to say?
-Can you give some words to our army? Hate to say it but other than an attack order, I wasted all my words before.
-You did it fine on the downtown, but if you want I can say something- Mai nodded, so Terry started to speak -Ok everyone listen, the enemy has the advantage of 3 against 1, if you have trouble against any of Ryoma warriors, don't doubt on trying to find us to help, but our objective is the top of the fortress, there is the final boss of this war, and we have to take him down.
Mai looked at that direction, there he was, Ryoma Suzuki, waiting for her, Terry continued
-We need to get sure to put as much people as possible against him, but the priority is to take the majority of the enemies down.
Yuri and King approached to Mai, the blonde one said -If you want, we can help you against him.
-Thanks for that, I will be glad for receiving that help but… his henchmen, the big guy and his secretary are not a joke, if you can take them out first and then to come to help me…
-Are you sure that you can fight him alone until then? - Yuri asked, receiving a smile from her friend -Wait you have a plan.
-If it doesn't work, I'm happy to have you with me, but I have faith on my last resource.
Terry then finished his discourse -Ok, everything set, time to attack.
And again, everyone advanced, but then the group noticed that the turrets were having activity
-They will shoot! - Diane yelled
Guerreiro ordered -Zuzocks, Kiaram!
Rapidly everyone with Nature Manipulation, even Shina and Mai, created energy shields that protected them and their army from the bullets incoming, hearing the bullets crashing, made everyone to laugh at it.
Because of that, Ryoma, who was watching everything from his office, gave a change of orders
-Forget attacking from the turrets as it doesn't work, make a classic attack, and Guldo.
-Yes sir?
-Make for sure that Mai Shiranui comes to my fighting ring on the terrace, I'll be the one who kills her for good, because I'm totally sure that she's between the rebels.
-Of course, sir.
As the bullet hell stopped, it meant that the rebels can advance more, but then they looked at the huge iron gate being open, and from there, an enormous group of warriors, dressed almost like soldiers, using weapons of all types, were in front of them, silence for some seconds… everyone looking to the other group… and then with everyone wanting to raise hell, Mai screamed full force
-ATTACK!
With that, everyone charged full speed to their enemies direction, from one side and the other until both sides clashed, punches and kicks, attacks with staffs, clubs, swords, with anything that people can find, but against the ones that had guns, it was turn for those who had powers to get rid of them
Specially counting with the Zuzock shields, it was an advantage for the rebels, specially the Fatal Fury and the Art of Fighting team who were using their powers as much as they can
But on one moment, as those groups were advancing to the inside of the fortress, Yuri, Ryo and Robert had to stop
-Haou Shohouken!- with a triple blast the trio were able to get rid of some enemy soldiers, but as the situation was demanding, they had to separate
Yuri yelled at the distance -Go to the inside, with more people there, more will be the possibilities to win this fight!
-Thanks for all Yuri! - Mai yelled
But as the group were separating, the trio were being surrounded by the gangsters, on that moment Takuma separated from the other group to help
-No one hurts my beloved family!- with a triple kick, he took out of some enemies
-Thanks for the backup dad- Ryo said
-No time for distractions, we must give enough time for the others to enter to the enemy fortress.
The entire team went for everyone that started to surround them, once the others were near the door, Shina had to stop, as more enemies were approaching
-This is when I step back to give you more time, guys, take care of each other, ok?
Mai, Joe, King, Mary, Andy and Terry nodded, the kunoichi said -Thanks mom, take care.
-And you beat the shit out of Ryoma- Shina used her staff and her powers to beat the crap out of the soldiers
Without losing more time, the 6 warriors went inside of a large corridor, then upstairs
-It is strange, while outside is totally crowded, inside is totally empty, it has to be a trap- Mary analyzed the situation
Once they were on the 2nd floor and ran for some seconds, they arrived to a big room, inside there was Guldo, with at least 50 soldiers
-Where are you going? - the big guy said
-Oh shit, Mary was all right- Andy spitted on the floor
-Don't worry, the soldiers are not that strong- King said
-Ha, but don't underestimate me, do you think that I will let you pass? - but then he pointed to Mai -Aside of you.
-Me?
-Yes, mister Ryoma wants to get rid of you personally, at one side of this room are the stairs, you can go there if you want.
Something that was a total relief for the kunoichi -Perfect for me.
-Wait no, Mai, don't you think that it is a trap? - Andy asked -Where is the other woman? I believe that Laura was her name.
-Oh shit, you're very clever- Guldo started to laugh -That doesn't change anything, soldiers!
-Hurricane! - Joe expelled very strong winds that disoriented the mayority of the enemies -King, Mary, go with Mai to the next floor, this is our fight!
The ladies nodded -Take care then- King said
-Have success, Joe, Andy, Terry.
Once Mary said that, the three girls went to the next stairs, and when Guldo wanted to intercept them, the Fatal Fury Team blocked their path, the trio were really fast
-You three, you're outnumbered- as Guldo was saying because the soldiers were recovering
-Yeah, we don't care about numbers, but about power- Joe said
-He, like on the good old times, right Joe, brother?- Both nodded and the three went on guard
-Geese, Krauser, and now this guy is on the list- Terry had a pretty evil smile, but he was feeling his blood boiling -Come on.
-Beat the crap out of them!
As the soldiers were pointing them with guns and preparing their meele weapons, the Fatal Fury Team were lots of times faster
-Hurricane Kick!
-Zanei Ken!
-Burn Knuckle!
Guldo intercepted them but went to fight Terry first, hitting him with a very powerful and fast tackle
-Fight me little dog!
-OK!
…
As the blonde warriors and Mai were going to the third floor, they noticed that it was similar to the previous one, looking to the sky was Laura, waiting for their opponents
-My order was only to let Mai Shiranui to go upstairs, so you two are fighting me.
-How strong is she? - King asked
-Kind of strong, but I can't really estimate her power.
-I'm the second in charge behind mister Ryoma- Laura said without hesitation -So I believe that I will put a fair challenge against two of you.
-Like we are going to follow your plan- Mary then told something to King -Go with Mai, if you two fight against Ryoma, you will have more chances.
-But what about you? – King asked
-I don't know about me, but I will try my best to cope with this girl, Go!
The two friends went immediately to the next stairs, but Laura pointed at them with her hand
-Like I will allow you to do something like that.
And shoot a little ball of energy, one that King noticed
-Mai move!
King backwards and Mai forward, but the two avoided the attack, moment of distraction for the secretary used for Mary to use her speed and kick her
-Are you two ok? – after that question coming from Mary, King nodded
But Mai realized that it was it, the destiny wanted her to fight Ryoma alone, to have the fight of her life, on that moment she was a little nervous, but King yelled at her
-Do it Mai, you can do it, he is not stronger than you and it is your battle, beat him and show everyone what you're made of!
-Cec… King…. Thank you, go and with Mary, defeat that psycho!
Once said that, Mai went upstairs and King sighed while clenching her punches, once she put her eyes on Laura direction, who was already fighting Mary, she went to fight her
-Here we go!