Hello my friends! I am happy to announce the beginning of Day 4, or as I like to call it, "Act 3" of this epic Kumite sequel. The stakes are gonna get higher, the battles BIGGER and WILDER. Just you wait and see. It's gonna get cuhhh razy!
As always, thank you all for your tremendous, and I mean TREMENDOUS support! You all made this possible. This story is poised to become my greatest statistical accomplishment. I wasn't sure this sequel could measure up to the original Ultimate Grand Dream Kumite, but it has... and to see you all so invested in it brings warmth to my heart. Thank you all. Really. You guys are what keep me going during hard times.
Thank you all for the reviews, and I'd like to take a moment to address hyperomegasonic. My friend, you are a fierce reviewer, and your insight runs deep... but we're not at the end yet. This tournament is going to run its course, from the quarters, to the semis, to the final two themselves.
And now, for this chapter. People... strap yourselves in. This is going to be the CRAZIEST chapter of the fic yet. I mean it. Think about the previous Kumite, back when all those clones came out and ambushed people in the street. This is gonna be like that: a montage of violence like you've never seen. THIS. CHAPTER. IS. BONKERS.
Please enjoy. 40 chaps! We've come a long way!
As the darkness reached its terminus, before welcoming the rising sun... a black crow with beady red eyes flew over the skies of Munich, Germany...
8 AM: BATTLE ROYALE ORIENTATION
The start of the fourth morning in Munich commenced much different than the previous days: Allianz Arena was vacant, not a spectator to be seen in the desolate stands. The only conclusion could be, the events of the day were to start at a much later hour. Maybe the afternoon? Maybe evening?
But if that was the case... why the heck did Rose call them all here?
"Gather 'round, gather gather!" Rose beckoned them all to a concentrated formation, where she could address them all at the same time. Silber was absent, probably on guard detail of the wounded Adelheid, but Krauser was flanking Rose's left. The purple giant was her acting bodyguard, and could probably do just as well, if not better, a job than his predecessor.
As for the fighters themselves, all of them had attended... with a few exceptions.
Kim and Jhun were gone, summoned back to their native South Korea.
Angel was absent.
Chris and Yashiro were absent, but the rest of the Hakkeshu were there.
Mary was in the hospital, and Terry refused to leave her. Andy and Joe would act as liaisons for their third companion.
Adelheid was nowhere to be found... but the truth was, he was receiving special medical treatment in the confines of the Sky Noah, where most of Rose's security force, Silber, and the ninja crane maid Iroha, were there to guard him.
But besides that, they were all here... even Shermie, who wisely stood at a fair distance from the likes of Chizuru, Saisyu, Benimaru, Athena... all who leered relentlessly at her. Mature and Vice were flanking Iori, like usual, and Yamazaki was chilling with Mr. Big and crew.
As for the rest, they had predictable responses.
"Where is everybody?" Andy opened the can of inquiries.
"Read the promos much?" Jenet informed. "It says the action doesn't start until 4PM."
"So why the hell are we here so early?" Big griped. "I could be snoozing, dreaming about my feet on the neck of Southtown... 50 cigars in my mouth...which reminds me, does anybody here want to join Big's Cr-"
"OOH! Are we having a party?!" Shingo eagerly jumped in.
Krauser scoffed. "No, we're not! As bad as you guys have wrecked my castle-"
...But it was too late. The brown-haired kid of questionable brain fortitude had his blue overshirt above his head, whilst gyrating his hips to an unknown beat. "OOOT OOOOT!"
"Will somebody shut him up?!" Krauser bellowed.
Benimaru literally picked the kid up, straightened his clothes, and set him back down.
After peace was restored, the hostess herself took a step forward. Clearing her throat and avoiding eye contact with anyone in particular (Women Team), she began to speak:
"Ahem! First of all, congratulations to the 12 valiant contestants who have made it to Round 3! Give yourselves some applause!"
Nobody even cared enough to applaud themselves... except Kula, who offered a perhaps sarcastic series of claps to herself.
Rose continued. "As for those of you unfortunate enough to have been eliminated at this point... I offer you now, a shining ray of hope!"
Those were the first words of the morning to actually perk some ears. Many, MANY of the fighters... good and bad alike... started to listen in a bit more carefully to this next part.
"You see, the tournament cannot continue with only 12 contestants. The brackets simply won't match up! Therefore, I am forced... to bring four previously eliminated fighters BACK into the competition!"
Now, EVERYONE'S attention was piqued, if not for different reasons. Many of them seemed to jump at the idea.
"Hell yeah!" Shen Woo.
"Another chance to prove myself..." Hotaru murmured.
"So I can still get them sweet mils? Ho yes! Kensou might be out of the water yet..." Malin grinned.
Kasumi felt her resolve start to harden... how fortuitous! Just last night, she'd thought all was lost... and now...
Shermie, in particular, was utterly delighted at this news, as evidenced by her full red lips curving upwards with a menacing grin... if her eyes could be seen, those eyebrows would surely be upwards.
Other fighters, however... the ones who KNEW better, and knew the risks that came with such a power play... were officially terrified.
"R-ROSE YOU CAN'T!" Chizuru stammered. "The Hakkesh-"
...She ceased her sentence, aware that the group was present there with her. But her eyes couldn't stop themselves from cutting over towards Shermie... who gave her a playful wiggling of fingers.
"Excuse me, Madame Kagura, but I can do whatever I want." Rose grinned. "This is MY tournament. Now then... here's the way we play."
Abandoning all sense of fear and self-preservation, Rose stepped forward, away from her bodyguard, towards the group of somewhat 48 fighters that all had mixed feelings about her. With a sharp clearing of her throat... she thrust her finger.
"Commencing this afternoon, there will be a BATTLE ROYALE! Right here, in the middle of the field, where a giant ring will be air-dropped as your combat venue. You will all return here after lunch, 2PM, for an evaluation. If you're approved, your name will be dropped in a ballot box. Only 14 names will be drawn. Fighters eliminated in Round 1 will have one slip put in. Those eliminated in Round 2... your names will be entered TWICE."
Mature and Vice cut smug eyes at each other, sharing a devious grin, before turning and speaking.
"What about me~?"
"And me~?"
"We may share a bicycle..."
"...But we're still two different riders~"
Chizuru looked at Rose, horrified. Rose smiled back, before turning towards the ladies. "Sorry, but your tricks won't work on me. As you were eliminated in Round 2, you are worth TWO slips... no more."
Mature and Vice pouted. Iori groaned in annoyance. Shermie giggled.
"Now then, if you're all clear on the instructions... by all means, go back to your business! Enjoy your day! See the sights!"
Rose raised a warning finger. "BUT... I suggest you stay healthy, and stay out of trouble. Come evaluation time, Mr. Krauser will judge who is fit to compete, and whose second chance flies out the window. Buh bye~!"
With this nuclear bomb of a revelation dropped on them, the 48 (give or take) fighters walked away from the Stadium, a new sense of vigor awash in them... their throats parched with the thirst of glory once again. Now, there was truly no limits: anybody could throw their hat in the ring. Anybody could potentially make it to Round 3.
"This is MY moment!" the King of Dinosaurs, formerly known as Tizoc, boisterously proclaimed. "I am more experienced in Battle Royales than anyone! ANYONE! My domain, my natural habitat... who else but I can rule this battlefield, and establish myself as the top predator I'm destined to be? MY TEETH CRAVE BLOOD!"
Benimaru ran a hand through his hair. "They might as well reserve me a seat in Round 3. I'm getting back in this, no matter what."
"Brother... I'll make you proud." Hotaru held her fists close to her chest. "I'm going to get back in, and we'll go to the finals... together..."
"I'm so stoked!" Joe pumped his fist. "The chance to make Round 3 for the second year in a row! How bout you, my friend?"
Andy shook his head. "You go ahead and have your moment, Joe. I think I'm done with this-MMMRPPPHHHH...!"
But while Andy didn't seem to have the fire back in him, the pair of breasts he was being smothered between belonged to a fiery kunoichi who WANTED her second chance.
"ANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! I'm getting back in this thing, you hear me?!" Mai squealed. "I want another shot at those Hakkeshu bitches! I can't let King and Chiz have all the fun? Okay Andy? Okay? Andy?"
"Mmrrrrmpphhhmrrrpmmmrrrmmrrrrphrrrmmhhhphhh..." Andy's muffled voice was indiscernible between her breasts.
While most of the fighters had started to clear out and get back to their morning of leisure... a select few weren't leaving just yet. In particular, one Chizuru Kagura, who was DEFINITELY on the war path. Despite Saisyu's hesitation, Chizuru had no qualms about marching right up to Rose and laying into her.
"Do you have any idea what you've just done?!"
Rose smugly put a pondering finger to her own cheek. "Wellll let's see... I do believe I've killed two birds with one stone. Not only have I solved the problem of ending up with indivisible brackets... I've bought my dear brother an extra day and a half to recover."
"You could bring Yashiro, Chris, Mature and Vice back into the tournament!" Chizuru spat, clearly having lost composure. "Do you even COMPREHEND the risk you've put us all at?!"
To Chizuru's annoyance, Rose gave a dismissing laugh. "Ohohoho, ahh Miss Kagura, what are you so stressed about? You're fighting a wonderful contest. In two fights, you have yet to take a single hit. You're a massive betting favorite. The fans love you! Despite what you may think of me, I do want to see you do well."
Chizuru slapped her own hips. "It's not ABOUT that! With me... it never is."
Her voice finally started to lose its heat, as it dimmed down to a more somber tone. "It never can be. Hostess, contestant... my duty is to a higher calling. Always. I don't get the luxury of fighting for a cash prize."
Rose swished her dress. "It's a burden you put on YOURSELF...Madame Kagura. I've told you time and time again, my brother and I have things handled. I've arranged your matchups accordingly, because I don't want to see a single gray hair on that beautiful raven head of yours. But you... you're just impossible. Even now, after I stopped the serial killer terrorizing Munich, after your foes fell one by one... you still persist in trying to disrupt my tournament with your never-ending doomsday forecast. You're... you're really serious about it, aren't you?"
Chizuru's face hardened. Eyes narrowed, until they were piercing icicles. She took a step forward... Rose, intimidated, took a step back.
"No more games, Rose. I want Shermie in Round 3... and I MEAN IT. It's time for you to quit pussyfooting around, and do your part to eliminate the threat. Whether you believe in it or not."
Now face to face, a tense silence was shared between them, as Rose's own eyes began to narrow, until they matched Chizuru's in sharpness. With a deep, visible breath from her chest, she spoke.
"You'll have my answer soon enough."
Rose flicked her dress as she spun around rapidly, turning her back to Chizuru without fear. She walked over to Krauser, who also turned away, as the two of them began to depart from the field.
About this time, Chizuru's allies had at last flanked to her side. The situation finally alleviated, Chizuru allowed her tension to fade... as she turned to Saisyu with solemn eyes.
"Do... do you think I got through to her? Finally?"
Saisyu folded his arms. "Hard to tell. But whether we fight jobbers, or the Heavenly Kings themselves... we win. That's how we save the day. We win."
Chin Gentsai took a hearty swig from his wine pot. "The scent of darkness has significantly weakened since yesterday, thanks to your victories, and the apprehension of that deranged killer. But I imagine, as soon as the others receive news of the potential comeback, and worse, if they DO get back in... the scales could tip once more."
"We can't let that happen." Saisyu folded his arms. "But at the same time, we can't do anything about it... damn..."
"At the very least, we have allies we can convince to help out." Chizuru assured.
Another swig, this time even bigger, as liquid dribbled down Chin's lips. "AHHHH! I'm too old for this nonsense! Hic! I trust you 'chosen ones' to handle this. I'll be watching... and cheering... and possibly drunk."
Outside the Stadium, a congregation of scoundrels was gathering. The head scoundrel: a stylish Frenchwoman named Shermie, was handling the recent news with utter delight.
"Heheeheheheheheheeee ohhh how fun!" Shermie was bouncing up and down, clapping and giggling with child-like wonder.
The only other person there to entertain her at the moment was none other than her fellow Round 3-ist: Ryuji Yamazaki.
"Looks like a real opportunity to get back on the scoreboard. Hey, where is everyone anyway?" the black-clad thug shrugged.
Shermie knelt over a bit, really emphasizing the cleavage that dress attempted to contain. "My boys can't come out to play right now, they're all tuckered out. But that's okay... it only takes two to tango~"
Yamazaki rolled his eyes. "Sorry, my dancing shoes are all worn out. So what do you need me to do?"
Shermie giggled. "Ryuji my sweet... will you be a doll and use that bald nitwit you've been palling around with~?"
Yamazaki leaned in closer, a cheeky grin on his face. "What exactly do you want me to do, Shermster? Spell it out for me."
Shermie leaned in close, in turn... until their faces were but inches apart, his eyes locked on her absence of eyes.
"I want you to do what you do best, you rotten, sidewinding snake... to get our people out of timeout and back in the playpen~"
MUNICH: AROUND LUNCHTIME
Mr. Big put on his most dramatic, exaggerated, astonished face. "Ryuji Yamazaki! That's got to be the most vile, disgusting, DEVIOUS thing to ever come out of your mouth... I think I'm in love!"
Yamazaki let out a good-natured cackle. "Well Big, I stand around you so long, your greatness can't help but rub off on me."
Big reached onto his plate, taking a bite of his Bavarian beer hall pork shanks. Like any other crude rogue, he talked with his mouth full. "This is perfect! Heheheheheh! That stupid hostess just gave Big's Crew a golden ticket back into this competition! Just think it: you, me, three of my other guys... that's at least 30% under our control!"
Yamazaki nodded. "Just keep in mind, you all got toasted in Round 1. Your best chance of getting in is to hit the Round 2 people."
Big couldn't contain it; despite food in his mouth, he nearly choked himself with how forcefully he drew his head back and cackled.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Brilliant, Ryuji, brilliant! Assemble the troops! I'll take my old buddies, you take the four noobs. We move out ASAP! OOOOH I'M SO GIDDY!"
"Yeah, your bald head is glowing." Yamazaki deadpanned.
And thus, an operation went into play... a mission so dastardly, so despicable, so dirty... only the likes of Mr. Big could execute...
TARGET 1: PSYCHO SOLDIERS
"So, are you SURE about this Athena?" Kensou questioned her for what must have been the umpteenth time, as they walked through the lush greenery of the Englischer Garten, a popular tourist attraction in Munich.
Athena, this time, sighed with annoyance. "Kensou, BELIEVE ME when I say, I've had enough tournament drama this year. Yes, I went down in Round 1, but I like to believe I won a lot more than I lost. You're free to try and re-enter, but I doubt Krauser is going to approve you for the Battle Royale."
"He's gonna have to!" Kensou whined. "I need this!"
"...Why?" Athena rubbed her head.
Kensou froze. Crap, she didn't know. And she didn't NEED to know.
"Uh... well... ah..."
"You know, we haven't even talked about Malin yet." Athena got settled into a stern stance, fists on her hips, and Kensou knew he was about to have a serious confrontation.
"Ummm... ehehehe... what about her?"
"Didn't you say she was the one who rigged the brackets?"
"Mmmmmmaybe...?" Kensou tried to feign ignorance in every word he spoke.
"And what did you give her in return?"
CRAP. Athena was getting closer and closer... damn her intuition. She didn't even need psychic abilities.
"Well I... ah... promised her a... ummm..."
"WAIT."
Athena's focus broke. She started looking around, in all directions. Kensou didn't quite get it at first, but when he finally took a moment to scan his surroundings... he realized it as well.
"...Bao and Momoko. Where are they?!" Athena blurted.
"They were just with us!" Kensou stated the obvious.
"I KNOW that, and now they're not!" Athena grumbled. "Darn it, I thought this baggage was all behind us! Now look what happens when you and I lose our focus and start bickering!"
"Hey, YOU brought it up!" Kensou fired back.
"Will you can it and just look around? I'll go that way."
Without another exchange, Athena ventured off into the garden, leaving Kensou to search alone. He breathed a sigh of relief; he certainly wasn't happy they were missing, but he was secretly relieved that their disappearance distracted Athena from the situation.
"Yoohooooo... Baoooo... Momo... Baaooo-ARRRRGHHHHHKkkkkhhh...!"
The next thing he felt was his shirt collar get snatched backwards, fabric clinging against his throat. He tried to suck in air... but he felt a hard impact crash into his stomach, and only an agonizing cough rang out.
"Arghhghkkkk.. cough cough cough! OUUUGHhhh...!"
A second fist came. His shirt was released, and he collapsed to his knees. He struggled to get up... the third rush of pain came, in the form of a boot to his leg: the exact spot where he had been wounded in Round 1.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh!" he cried out in pain as he hit the ground, a defenseless mess, turtling up to try and protect from any other impending attacks. He finally managed to put his eyes forward, long enough to see the identity of the attacker: Ryuji Yamazaki.
He never had a chance to utter the thug's name, as a series of kicks started raining into his stomach, robbing his lungs of the ability to suck air, much less produce speech. All he could do was lay there... and take it... and pray for it to end.
...And end it did. Without warning, the attacks ceased. Kensou, a twitching, groaning mess, was helpless to get up or offer any resistance. He just laid there, as the psychopath leaned in close, and spoke:
"Sorry, my guy. I gotta make sure you don't clear. And don't worry about the two kiddies, we'll give em back in a few hours."
Those were the only words spoken, as Kensou saw the shadow start to walk away... but it came back a second later, with another statement.
"Also, Malin says pay her."
TARGET 2: RAMON, VANESSA
"Isn't this ROMANTIC, V?" Ramon cooed from across the table. "Just you and me, some light lunch, a couple beers..."
"Heh! More than a couple!" Vanessa laughed, having already downed her fifth mug of suds. "And I dunno about romantic, but you can keep trying your luck and keep the drinks rolling. I won't say no."
Ramon took the jab well, propping his cheek against his fist, continuing to stare with his one good eye. "Ah Vanessa... you are beautiful when you're buzzed. But the truth is, I'm just happy to do this with you. It feels like... we haven't been able to have this yet, this week."
"Yeah, cuz you're busy going gaga over that Latina bitch." Vanessa spoke boldly, perhaps on account of the beer.
Ramon's one eye narrowed. "Vanessa... you just don't get it. None of you do."
"No, I don't." she agreed. "The girl badmouths you, walks all over you, beats you badly... and you still want to give her chances."
"Because I see something in her that apparently nobody else is capable of!" Ramon retorted.
Vanessa rolled her eyes, rising to her feet. "Well, you keep on seeing it then, with your magical all-seeing eye. I'm gonna go take a leak."
The situation was thankfully allieviated, before it got any bigger, as the boxer walked away to find the restrooms, leaving Ramon alone. The one-eyed luchador let out a sigh... he hadn't even seen Angel since yesterday morning. He wondered, worried about her, even when the whole world told him not to.
"Hey buddy, this seat taken?" a gruff voice snapped him out of his lull.
"Que?"
Ramon looked up: the massive Chang Koehan grabbed the table and threw it aside, complete with all their food and drink.
Ramon immediately sprang to his feet... but by the time he was upright, he was snatched up by two arms hooked underneath his armpits, sustaining him in mid-air.
"Hold him, Raiden!"
Before Ramon had a chance to utter a word of protest, Chang drew his fist back and crashed into the Mexican's stomach.
"Agghhhh...?!"
Another punch came. Another. Another. A kick followed. Ramon could do nothing, not even turtle up. He just hung there... flailing in agony, as he was forced to take the full brunt of the blows.
Finally, after 10 unanswered strikes, Raiden let go of the smaller wrestler... and he flopped to the ground, motionless.
About this time, Vanessa had walked back to the table. When she saw what was going down, her face went through a series of shock, worry... and fury.
"HEY! What are you bastards...?!"
"KEEEEEEEEEEE!" Choi leaped atop her shoulders from behind, placing his hands over her eyes. Vanessa yelped, as her whole world went dark; unable to see what was coming. Unable to utilize her fists in the direction she wanted.
Hwa Jai rushed in and drilled a heel into her stomach. Choi pounced on her, putting her on her knees, and Hwa Jai rained on the hurt: a knee to the stomach, a second knee, a third knee... before delivering two brutal elbows across her face.
"LET'S GO! HURRY!"
The four thugs fled the scene, leaving Ramon and Vanessa laying on the messy restaurant floor, rolling in pain.
TARGET 3: XIANGFEI, MAY LEE
Li Xiangfei was going about her business, as any normal girl would. Well, not that she was EXACTLY normal... the average person probably didn't stop by half a dozen restaurants for lunchtime.
"Let's see... where should I hit next?"
Xiangfei was none too concerned about any danger, as she was walking down the street... but when shadows began surrounding her, a warning light should have finally gone off.
"Hungry, little girl?" a deep, gruff voice spoke. Xiangfei jumped, as she turned to see whose body the giant, looming shadow nearby belonged to... her eyes popped when she saw a humongously obese guy, clad in denim, blowing bubblegum bubbles.
"How about a knuckle sandwich from Jack Turner?"
Xiangfei immediately got into fighting stance. "My appetites lie elsewhere!"
"FLYING ATTACK!"
...But she never saw the rear assault coming, until it was too late. She was only able to take one step forward, before John Crawley came flying at her, his body spinning in a rapid typhoon of supercharged chi... he tore through her in an instant, and Li Xiangfei was floored.
"Good shot, John." Jack flashed a thumbs up to his old crime buddy.
"Let's go see how Mickey's doing."
A few blocks away, Mr. Big and Mickey were currently engaged with the self-proclaimed agent of justice, May Lee. Despite her early loss, the blue-haired Korean was holding her own against the tall tree of a boxer.
"Circle her, Mickey! Slip the jab!" Big tried to coach. "Cmon, light on your feet! Lighter! Sting like a butterbean, or... whatever that saying is!"
Mickey stepped in with a straight left, but his strikezone was much different, being taller than the girl. May Lee easily dodged it, going airborne with a lift kick into his face.
"I STRIKE AT THE NOSE OF EVIL WITH THE BLOODYING FOOT OF JUSTICE, SO THEY MAY SNEEZE THE VILLAINY FROM THEIR PUTRESCENT NOSTRILS!" May Lee boasted, as her kick stumbled him back a few steps.
Checking his nose, Mickey went back in. He pumped a jab; she dodged it, and attempted to sweep his leg. Unfortunately, his leg was too thick, too tall... her foot only bounced off it.
"BURNING UPPER!" he finally unleashed his chi-fueled uppercut, sending his crescent projectile soaring into the Korean's body.
"Agghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!" May Lee was blown backwards into a wall, and the Korean hit the ground... she looked quite done. However, a second later, she struggled back up...
"Urgh... ugh... justice must prevail... for heart and Seoul..."
"I'll take this." Big grinned. "KEYAHHHH!"
Big soared at May Lee with his Cross Dive, plowing into the Korean like she was headed for a touchdown. His larger body crashing into her smaller one finally put her away for good.
TARGET 4: KASUMI
Raiden insisted on taking this one himself: a question of pride. Hwa Jai at least opted to go with him.
...What a poor decision by the burly wrestler, as Kasumi was not in the right mood or state of mind to be screwed with.
The Japanese girl was taking a walk of self-reflection, when the two old Geese lackeys decided to converge upon her. Raiden, overly eager to get his revenge for last year, came out of nowhere with a MASSIVE splash. Kasumi sensed it from a mile away; a quick roll, and Raiden's body hit the concrete.
Her instincts told her Raiden didn't come alone: she circled around, just in time to parry a huge roundhouse from the bald Thai fighter. He tried to close in on her with a left hook, followed by a right elbow... she swatted the fist aside, and managed to lock her arms around his elbow, just as he was about to curve it towards her temple. She redirected his body around, draped a leg over his knee for leverage; she torqued on the leg and brought him down to a single knee. His base lower, She managed to lift her leg up, over his head, bringing the back of her foot across his throat... in one fell swoop, she dropped her body weight down, taking him to the ground with her. Her leg now draped over him, both arms locked around his elbow... she pulled back on the arm, straightening it out.
"AHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I GIVE I GIVE I GIVE I GIVE!" Hwa Jai yowled in pain as the armbar threatened to break his appendage in half.
"Good. Now leave me alone."
In a SURPRISING show of mercy, given her recent circumstances... Kasumi actually let him go. Returning to her feet, smoothing out her clothes, her hair, her headband... the Japanese girl went about her day, as if that little intrustion never occurred. She had other things on her mind, anyway.
Back to consciousness, Raiden limped over to Jai and collected him. "Huff... huff... we shoulda brought Yamazaki with us..."
TARGET 5: RALF, CLARK
"You two take Ralf. I've got the grinder."
Ralf and Clark sprang into action, prepared to tackle any oncoming threat. "CONTACT FRONT!" they shouted in unison.
Chang gave a mighty bellow, as he stepped forward, merrily swinging his iron ball. "I MISSED THIS LIFE! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
He unleashed his iron ball towards Ralf... but the Ikari Warrior had other plans.
"GALACTIC... PHANTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"
Taking a step back, charging his chi... and unleashing the mightiest haymaker of all, Ralf smashed into the Iron Ball and sent it right back at Chang. The weapon soared back into him, knocking the huge Korean backwards.
Choi, scampering from behind, made his move. "Kekekekekeke!" With a cackle, he launched himself at Ralf, ramming into the backs of his knees with a drop kick.
"Agh!" Ralf yelped, as his knees gave out, and he collapsed... Choi seized the advantage, pouncing on top of Ralf's back, wrapping his arms around his neck, and putting him in a chokehold. He fell backwards, taking Ralf the rest of the way to the ground, as the Ikari Warrior's clock was now ticking to pry the little cockroach loose.
Meanwhile, Yamazaki was staring Clark down. The soldier's sunglasses shimmered ominously, perhaps a reflection of his malicious thoughts towards the thug.
"Cmon, soldier boy." Yamazaki provoked. "Cmon. Shoot on me."
Clark obliged. Taking a step forward... a second step... arms wide... he suddenly changed levels, and shot at Yamazaki's knees with a double-leg.
...Yamazaki timed the arrival of his face, and kicked him square in it. Clark's takedown attempt was an utter failure, as he found himself laid out, head spinning.
The thug didn't stop there. Approaching the downed soldier, he scooped him up with one hand; with a snake-like swish of his arm, he flung Clark into a nearby wall. The soldier, on jelly legs, rebounded backwards, right back into Yamazaki's hand; the thug grabbed him by the face and used his momentum to slam him down.
Gripping his face, head flat against the ground, Yamazaki cackled, as he got into a running start... he dragged Clark's entire body across the ground, giving the soldier a truly bad "carpet burn", until he was right back to the wall, upon which Yamazaki snatched him up and slammed him against it, holding him there, legs dangling.
A knee to the body. A second knee. A third knee.
And finally... Yamazaki's right hand emerged from his pocket, brimming with a monstrous dark power. A single thrust of his fist, into Clark's stomach, and the Ikari Warrior gave a pained, pathetic rasp of a breath... before losing consciousness.
"You guys done yet?" Yamazaki called out to Chang and Choi.
The thug turned around... Ralf was now back up to his feet, holding a flailing Choi above his head.
"Get OFF ME, you little bastard!" He threw Choi across the room until the tiny man landed in Chang's face.
"You picked the wrong guys to ambush!" Ralf threatened, before charging at Yamazaki. He closed distance, drew his head back... he slammed his cranium into Yamazaki's own.
The thug recoiled, looking to be in great pain... but a second later, a smile spread across his face, utterly confusing Ralf.
"HYAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" his own head suddenly rushed forward, a counter headbutt, right underneath Ralf's eye. The Ikari Warrior yelped, as he was completely caught off guard, vision now compromised.
Yamazaki snatched him by the vest and kept the headbutts coming. One, two, three, four, five... finally, one more well-placed skull bash, with EXPLOSIVE chi... and he let Ralf crumple to the floor.
"That's how you headbutt."
TARGET 6: YURI, ROBERT
"I'm telling you, Robbie- HHF! Something was really wrong with her-HNNF!"
Yuri was attempting to simultaneously have a conversation with her boyfriend and soulmate, Robert, whilst also engaging him in a tennis match at some local courts. Unfortunately, her stitches, coupled with the stress of her recent altercation with Kasumi Todoh, had left her off her game.
Robert returned the ball once more. "HNF! And you're SURE you didn't do or say anything to offend her?"
Upon hearing that question, Yuri stopped. The ball sailed past her, bouncing into the foreground, until it hit the fence.
"That's love 45." Robert noted, with poor timing.
"Robbie!" Yuri flailed her fists. "Why is that the first thing you go to? Me offending Kasumi? She's my friend!"
Robert shrugged, tennis racket in hand. "Yuri... you KNOW she's very, very sensitive to some subjects. Her father, Kyokugen Karate... and don't forget, she got offed in the first Round, which may still be very raw for her."
"Well, that's not my fault!" Yuri argued back. "She's being a damn brat is what she's being, and I'm not about to put up with-OOOOOF!"
Their conversation was cut short in an unpleasant manner; Yuri was mid-sentence when the tennis ball suddenly flew back into play... and conked her in the forehead, dropping her on her back.
Robert spun around, in furious defense of his girl. "WHO THE HELL?!"
...His mouth dropped when he saw the face of the offender: one smirking Mr. Big. He was flanked by most trusted man, John Crawley.
"Sorry to interrupt your game, my dear old ass thorns." he sneered. "But I'm here to make sure you don't make it to Round 3!"
Robert was already taking a step forward, prepared to jump the net. "Oh that's it, Big, you just f-"
...But Yuri was already on him before Robert even made it halfway.
"YURI, NO!"
Big grinned. "I got this, John. Watch my 6."
Yuri charged at Big with reckless abandon, forgetful of her previous injuries. She went airborne, glowing with the awesome might of her pink chi...
"RAIOU KEN!" she yelled as she flung her hands downwards in a spiking motion, sending a fireball soaring down like a falling bomb.
"Hehehe!" Big chuckled menacingly as he did a smooth combat roll, avoiding the explosion of the falling projectile.
Yuri landed right in Big's zone, and she ran up to him with fists cocked. She threw an angry 1-2: Big produced his Eskrima sticks, and parried each punch as it came. Yuri had to stifle a yelp; the feeling of her knuckles hitting wood stung like hell.
After an easy parry, Big punished her: a straight jab of the right stick to the ribs, following by a curving of his left hand, conking Yuri in the forehead with the left stick.
"Aghhh! Yuri groaned loudly and sucked in air, clutching her head in pain as she stumbled backwards, before finally collapsing on her butt, burying her forehead in her hands to try and rub the pain away.
"BIG! YOU SON OF A-"
Robert was spitting mad now. Frontflipping over the net, he charged at Big and went airborne, into a massive leaping kick, spinning 180. Big had to bring both sticks tight to his body to absorb the impact of the hit, and even then, he had to take several stumbling steps back.
Robert pressed forward, thrusting his hip into a massive roundhouse, so wide he would surely put his body off balance with it... a mistake Big capitalized on, as he ducked the huge kick, hooked his sticks around Robert's stationary leg, and pulled back, sweeping Robert off his only foot. The Raging Tiger hit the ground with a curse, but scrambled to his feet in no time.
...Unfortunately, as soon as he was up, Big had his super move ready.
"BLASTER WAVE!"
"Urrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Robert let out a long grunt as he took the full force of Big's mighty electrical attack: a huge lightning beam, zapping him in the stomach, sending him yards backwards... until Robert hit the net, and it slingshot him forward onto his face.
"Good hit, boss!" John flashed a thumbs up.
"Thanks." Big grinned. "Now, we can have some real fu-"
"Oh shit, BOSS!" John pointed out to the distance... where two angry figures were closing distance fast, and climbing the fence.
"YURI! ROBERT!" Ryo called out their names with worry.
"BIG YOU LITTLE... THIS BETTER NOT BE ABOUT ME SAYING NO!" King angrily accused.
Big was already in retreat mode, headed for the opposite end of the court. "Ahh snap... fun's over. John, hold them off!"
By the time the bald kingpin was out of there, King and Ryo had hopped the fence, and were now angrily staring down a single John Crawley, vengeance on their mind...
John tried his best to maintain a tough facade. Good thing he was wearing shades. "Ehehehe...hehehe... COME GET SOME, BITCHES! FLYING ATTACK!"
Ryo got in a defensive stance... but King put a hand over him, blocking his path. "F*** you, John. TRAP SHOT!"
The two specials collided... but King's, by rule of being an anti-air, and unleashed second, won the exchange, as her backflip kick knocked John out of his Flying Attack... and the relentless volley of kicks afterwards put him away.
Not bothering to pay attention to the fallen foe, Ryo and King raced over to their downed friends, where Robert was already back up, helping Yuri to her feet.
"Are you guys okay?" Ryo jumped in, grabbing Yuri as a crutch, and doubling as a hug. King got her other side.
"I'm fine... urgh... he didn't hit me too bad." Robert groaned. "Yuri! You okay?"
"Gah... my forehead hurts." Yuri rubbed it a few times.
"You've got a huge welt on it!" Ryo exclaimed.
"That son of a... he's gonna pay for this!" King declared, clutching her fist violently.
TARGET 7: SHINGO
Somehow, Benimaru knew he was destined to make it further than he did. He KNEW... something would happen. Something, to get his name back in the picture. Losing in Round 2? He didn't do that. Not Benimaru Nikaido, the second-best fighter in Japan.
When he lost, did he go off and sulk? No. The fibers that comprise him were jumping like fleas, begging to get back in there and rematch Terry, to right the wrong. Even now, as he walked a lonely path down the street... the sparks in him burned with a violent yearning.
...As Benimaru was walking his uncharted path, he suddenly stopped. Squinted his eyes... something was going down, in the distance. One body... three bodies... some kind of scuffle?
He drew closer... the figures suddenly came into view... that's when he saw it.
"Ah!"
Brown hair... blue uniform... that was...!
"HOLD HIM TIGHTER, JACK! HOLD HIM!"
"Urrgh! Urrgh! Ouuughh...!"
Benimaru's feet moved as fast as the aura of his birthright. He could see it, plain as day: a big fat biker guy was clearly holding Shingo in place, while some incredibly tall dark-skinned man was raining punches on him. One to the body... another... one across the jaw...
"SHINGO! SHINGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Benimaru cried out his name, getting the attention of the two thugs immediately.
"Shit, there's another one!"
"It's Nikaido! Perfect!"
Benimaru stepped into their vicinity, just in time for them to drop the softened Shingo to the floor... and turn their attention to him.
"Cough cough cough... urrghkk... cough cough... am I still pretty enough for my mama to kiss me...?" Shingo groaned with a weak humor, as he wriggled on the asphalt in pain. Blood was dripping from his mouth, further expelled with every word, every cough.
...It triggered instantly: the sizzling, lashing, violet-blue aura of his electrical might, enough to course through his fingertips, to turn his irises bright neon... even his blonde hair was now standing fully erect, as threads of electricity coursed through it. This was it: every rage-filled emotion he'd tucked away for the greater good, every selfish inclination of aggressive retribution... now he had a reason to channel it.
"Glad you took the bait, pretty boy." Jack Turner laughed as he started to approach, cracking his knuckles.
"You're just the catch we're looking for." Mickey Rogers seconded, also approaching... already in a boxing stance with his powerful, long arms.
Benimaru approached them both, fearless... and enraged. A terrifying combination, as his fists glowed and crackled with a frightening hum.
"You two just f***ed up so bad, there's not even a unit of measurement for it."
TARGET 8: HOTARU
For two who had formed a friendship based on comfort and understanding, their free time was spent how all little girls' should: at a shopping mall. They hit clothing, makeup, movie stores... with all the money K' and Seirah had won in past tournament victories, a certain ice girl's wallet was well-stuffed.
Hotaru, on the other hand, had very little to her name: being alone in this world, she did the best she could with odd jobs, enough to sustain herself. This lifestyle had hardened her... and taught her to have an overwhelming sense of humility.
"No thank you."
"I'm good..."
"N-none for me..."
This was the same answer she'd been giving all day, as they had ventured in one of Munich's prime shopping malls. It annoyed her new friend to no end, enough that in some cases, Hotaru lost the battle and was FORCED to accept Kula's hospitality (especially at the ice cream vendor).
"Y-you go on ahead, Kula-chan." Hotaru said with a smile. "I'll just wait out here~"
"Hotaru... why do you keep doing this to me?" Kula disapproved. "If you're worried about money, I have plenty-"
"I-it's not that!" Hotaru shook her head. "It's just... I can make do... with what I have. I... I always have... ehehehehe..."
Kula looked deep into those humble eyes... but she could see past the shell, see the somber soul within. She knew Hotaru was hurting. Empty inside. Lost...
...With determined eyes, Kula walked into the clothing store. "That's it. I'm going to get you something nice, and you'll have no choice but to say yes, because I'll have already bought it. Wait here!"
"K-Kula-chan...!"
But it was too late; Kula had already raced into the store.
Hotaru looked down at her feet. "Y-you don't have to..."
A little yellow friend sprouted from Hotaru's collar: her beloved pet Itokatsu. Once he made himself known, and started nuzzling her cheek, she spoke to him:
"She sure is sweet, isn't she? Tee hee hee! I'm grateful... to have a friend like her. Maybe this tournament wasn't such a bad thing after all~"
Minutes passed. Five become ten. Which evolved into twenty.
Still, Hotaru waited. "Boy, Kula-chan must really be..."
...Her sentence halted in her lips. She peered into the distance: a figure, approaching. He looked familiar... was he staring at... her?
She looked to his left: another figure, this one much fatter than the skinny guy beside him. Dressed in wrestling spandex... wait a minute! They were...!
"G-gasp!"
Two more. One, giant. One, small as a shrimp, riding his shoulders. They were all walking in tandem... getting closer... closer!
"I-Itokatsu..." Hotaru trembled. "I think those guys are coming for... me..."
"...Right you are, sweetie."
"EEEEK!"
Hotaru spun around with a shriek; somehow, Ryuji Yamazaki had managed to get behind her, complete with a maniacal slasher smile.
Hotaru's instincts kicked in; she quickly backflipped to a safe distance... but there was nowhere to go. The more she backed up, the tighter their formation got... until they were all standing in front of her, forming a wide offensive line that was impossible to evade or break through.
"Got the rope, baldy?" Raiden spoke to his 'partner'.
"Yeah, if you can manage your fat arms to catch her and hold her down!" Hwa Jai traded banter.
"Relax, kid, I won't slash you to pieces! KEKEKEKEKEKE!" Choi cackled.
"Yeah, we just have a nice, cozy little place to store runts like you until the Battle Royale is over..." Chang chuckled evilly.
"Just shut up and take her." Yamazaki ordered.
Hotaru backed away... every step, shaking, wobbling... she prided herself on her fighting skills, but this was just unfair! Five goons, surrounding her, intent to kidnap her... it was like something out of a nightmare! Already, scared tears were forming in her eyelids, threatening to break the reservoir and spill over...
All she could do was what any scared girl would do: cry out for someone they loved.
"G...Gato... please help me...!"
..Three shopping bags hit the floor. A series of rapid footsteps. The next thing Hotaru saw, was a hero of a different kind; a friend, she had grown to care for deeply in but a few days.
"Leave her alone... NOW." Kula's command was brief... and as cold and sharp as the ice she commanded.
...All five of them turned to the ice girl, the brunt of their attention now on her. Kula's face didn't flinch one bit.
Yamazaki leaned in, his face cracking with eerie dimples from his powerful eyes-wide smile. "You gonna take all five of us, little girl?"
...Kula's hair went blue, her eyes red. She extended a single hand, as her icy chi manifested.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!"
A series of screams rang out as five icy pillars shot across the floor, launching several targets sky-high.
Eventually the bodies started to drop: one thud... two thuds... three thuds... four...
The only one who landed on his feet was Yamazaki, hand sheathed in his pocket. All around him, the bodies of his colleagues lay unconscious, groaning in the throes of their violent slumber.
"...You were saying?" Kula asked, cockiness dripping from her voice like moisture from a popsicle.
Yamazaki's lips curved wide... so wide, his eyes seemed to quiver from the intensity of his face muscles. He took a single step back... a second step... a third step... before finally giving a two-finger salute, turning tail, and running.
...Kula wasn't letting him get off scot free. Already, she had her palm raised, as ice swirled in her fingers, manifesting, taking solid shape... it hardened into a long, thin ballistic object, with a needle tip.
She aimed her hand outward, matched the movements of the retreating thug... and fired.
WHIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
...Yamazaki kept on running, until he finally rounded a corner and disappeared.
"Crap, I missed."
Thus ends what has to be the CRAZIEST chapter I've written in this story yet. I've been looking forward to this chap for a long time, and I'm pleased to finally bring it to you all. It was a load of fun. I don't think I've had this much fun since writing the previous Kumite. This is what it's all about: beautiful chaos.
NEXT CHAPTER: The Battle Royale is here! What will be the consequences of the Lunch of Hell? Whose names will be drawn? Who is even LEFT to put their name in? Who is going to win, and who's advancing to Round 3? Find out all of this next time... hopefully. : )
