Midori the Phoenix
Chapter 22: Fight Club
~Some months prior~
"Hmmm? Fight Club?" Karma questioned as she moved her piece on the Shogi board. "So Rappa is a former MMA fighter?"
"That's right," Kai Chisaki, aka Overhaul, confirmed. He tapped his fingers on his knee, gold eyes shifting across the board before deciding his next move. "I knew in order to make my goals a reality I needed some powerful allies… or game pieces as you will." He flipped his piece over, promoting it. "You of all people should know that there's only so much you can accomplish on your own."
"True enough… so?" She motioned him to continue the story.
"I used some of my connections to figure out where the black market was located. There I asked around, and put out some feelers. I picked up the occasional simpleton just to add to my numbers, but I wanted some really powerful pieces. It was there I discovered the underground Fight Club."
"So what's the difference between the normal MMA to the underground?" She asked curiously.
"For starters, you're not penalized if you kill your opponent. You win by any means necessary. Oh your opponents are free to forfeit and plead for their lives, but if you decide they're too dangerous, or maybe you just don't like their face, you're free to dispose of them." He clicked a tongue as Karma took one of his pieces. "Secondly the money you're paid is more than worth risking your life, providing you have a sponsor in the club who gets their own portion."
"I take it that's why you're not involved in Fight Club?"
"I had plenty of people asking to be my sponsor… but you know how much I hate getting my hands dirty." His sharp eyes lifted to hers. The tone of his voice shifting to something dark and ominous. "...and this place is truly filthy."
~End of Flashback~
Midori snapped out of her daze as a body crash landed against the gate near her face. Her heart jolted into her throat and she swallowed hard as shouts and cheers echoed around her. Behind her, Yuichi and Max whom had insisted on coming with her, went green.
"I think I'm gonna be sick." Max felt his stomach roll. "I've never seen someone's leg bend that way… it'll be a miracle if he can walk again."
"Midori I really think this is a bad idea." Yuichi grabbed her shoulder. "This place is dangerous, you're gonna get yourself killed."
"If you can't handle it then go home…" Midori spoke with some bite, fighting back her own fear. "No one asked you to come."
"Come on, Midori, don't be like that." Max took her other shoulder. "We're just trying to-"
"I know what you're trying to do," she turned around, facing them both with a steely look in her eyes. "...and I'm telling you right now I need this. Not only will it give us the money we need to get the hell out of dodge, but it's gonna give me the training I need to get my quirks back in check without arousing suspicion from the heroes."
"Oi Phoenix!" The guardsman at the gate opened the cage, the medics hefting out the limp and groaning carcass of the previous loser. "You're up next."
"Here goes nothing…" Unzipping her sweatshirt she shoved it at Max. "Make sure this doesn't get dirty."
"Uh, right…" he helplessly stared as Midori walked to the cage. They'd found some uniforms and support items back at the base that would give her some edge, but both Max and Yuichi wondered if it would be enough to protect her. The black spandex-like material was fireproof, and fit tight like a glove on her, despite being too long in the leggings. She'd cut the edges off, and shoved on some boots made from the same material that were a little big, but the calf zipper held her feet firmly enough to compensate.
On her hands, she adjusted a pair of gloves, with iron knuckles. She'd need the extra protection for the hand to hand as her body wasn't used to fighting. She tugged her hair up and out of her face and to keep her identity a secret, borrowed a plague mask that the Hassaikai was known for.
"Oi, oi, oi… is Rappa serious?" Some of the spectator's laughed. "It's just a kid… and a girl on top of it."
"His first time being a sponsor, and he chooses someone like this?" The man next to him snorted in agreement. He then cupped his mouth around his hands. "Oi, kid this ain't no playground. You're gonna die!"
"Ugh my stomach…" Yuichi clutched his stomach.
"Ugh I know, right?" Max groaned and put Midori's jacket over his face. "I can't watch this shit go down. Tell me when it's over."
Midori heard the hoots and taunts from the audience, but shut her eyes and ears to it. She was all too familiar with people underestimating her. She wouldn't let it break her focus.
"Hey, kewpie doll, just cuz you're a tiny girl doesn't mean I'm gonna go easy on yah." Her opponent grunted, and cracked his knuckles loudly. Slowly opening her eyes she took a full head to toe assessment of him. The guy had a heteromorphic quirk, his reptilliant body reminded her a lot of spinner, but his clawed hands and feet, and wide mouth of sharp teeth were far more deadly and intimidating. "Prepare to die."
"Sorry, but I've already died once." Midori clenched her fists and brought them up into a fighting stance. "I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon."
"Fighter's ready?" The referee held his hand between them, looking back and forth between the two "Phoenix vs. Komodo…" When he got a nod from both fighters he sliced his hand down and quickly bolted for the exit. "BEGIN!"
Komodo hissed out with his long tongue and went right for the kill. His massive maw opening up and his deadly claws protruded out ready to slice her skin to ribbons.
Midori didn't hesitate… she removed her glove and held out her palm unleashing a burst of fire that engulfed her opponent in a brilliant display of blue and black flames. Komodo screeched and wailed as he rolled on the ground trying to cool himself down. His face was scorched, his eyeballs burnt and blinded by the attack.
"With a name like Phoenix…" She put her glove on, stepping up to her wailing opponent and put her foot on his neck applying pressure. "You should have seen that one coming." She felt him tremble under her, and tried to fight back the pity she had for him. "Concede… and I'll let you live. Try to fight me…" she lay her hand over his head and her young sweet voice became threatening and intimidating. "I'll roast you on a spigot."
"I concede! I concede!" He shouted and slapped the ring with his palm to indicate his defeat. The bell sounded and both Yuichi and Max shouted with glee as Midori exited the cage victorious.
"You did it! Holy shit you did it!" Yuichi plucked Midori up and spun her around. "That was amazing!"
"Don't be so happy, that was hardly any practice for me at all…" She complained but hugged him back and accepted her sweatshirt from Max. "Thanks."
"What kind of a fight was that?" Rappa complained. "You didn't even use your fists!"
"He was a lizard man with razor sharp claws, and a mouth that could literally swallow me whole. What did you expect me to do?" She snapped back at him and shrugged into her jacket. "I pick my battles, Rappa. I didn't come here to die."
"Tch, coward." He tossed her, her winnings. "Here kid, your cut."
"Whoa… nice!" Max peeked over Midori's shoulder as she counted out the bills. "Dinner's on Karma-OW!" max rubbed his stomach. "Geez what was that for?"
"Don't call me that, especially out in public you dumbass." Midori shot back at him. "If you're gonna call me by a codename, use Phoenix."
"Alright, alright… geez." He continued to rub. "Can we get out of here, now?"
"No way…" Rappa pointed a finger at Midori. "I signed her up for two more bouts. She's not leaving until I see some real action."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" Yuichi and Max shouted but Midori held a hand up.
"It's fine guys… if the majority of the fighters here are as dumb as Komodo, then I'll be fine." Midori's face smiled behind the mask.
"Well, sure, but what if someone breaks your mask and you get recognized?" Yuichi put in.
"Take a look around, kiddies." Rappa motioned to the walls, clippings of Karma, and the league of villains were posted all over the place. "These guys are all supporters of the league. Even after you said her name a few moments ago, no one batted an eyelash. All we care about is seeing a good fight. Trust me, no one's gonna notice or care if Karma makes a surprise appearance."
~Meanwhile~
Giran flashed his pass at the gate and motioned to the two kids behind him.
"They're with me."
"Seems we've got a special on kids today… go on in, Giran. You already missed a pretty heated battle. Wouldn't want you to miss the next piece of action." The guard grinned and motioned them all inside.
"What the hell did he mean by that?" Kota, going by Leviathan, sneered. His costume had changed only slightly. He still had the trench with the wave print displayed on the back, but often when shirtless underneath like he'd seen the Yakuza do often. The muscle mass he'd put on, as well as his height was something he took pride in, and liked showing off as much as he could. His hair had grown out and he tugged it back into a short stubby tail to keep it out of his face. The mask he'd chosen had a painted dragon on it in rich sapphire colors to keep the water theme of his costume.
"Fight Club gets the occasional youngster who thinks they can tough it out with these battle hungry maniacs. Usually they're looking to make a quick buck, but the majority of them don't last very long." Giran said bluntly and walked them down the stairs. The next fight was already in progress. The violence of it had Eri making distressed noises.
"How horrible… Why do people enjoy watching this? All they're doing is hurting each other." Eri, her face hidden behind a geisha mask, made a face. Her loli-style costume stood out amongst the rough and ready villains that resided here.
"Who the hell knows. We're not here to speculate their stupidity, Shirohime." Kota grunted, calling her by the villain name she'd chosen. "We're here to recruit new members."
"I guess you're right…" She swallowed hard and folded her hands together in a praying motion.
"Come on, and stick close. People around here get rough, and I will not be responsible if you two get hurt." Giran motioned them to follow.
"I can take care of Shirohime and myself just fine." Kota spat back and proved it by reaching back and snagging one of Eri's hands, pulling her along. Behind her mask Eri's eyes went wide and dazzled and she squeezed his hand in response.
"That sweet sentiment of yours doesn't belong in this crowd." Giran warned them, leading them up a flight of steps to continue watching the fight from above. There he tugged out a new pack of cigarettes and tapped one out.
"Giran!" A chubby, balding man walked up with his arms held out. "Long time no see, old friend." Behind him were two buff and intimidating guards. "What brings you here today?"
"Hello, Byron," he lit his cigarette and blows out the smoke before motioning to the two behind him. "My clients here are in the market. I thought I'd show them the best place in town to recruit."
"Ah, I see…" he eyed the two and tried not to snicker. If these brats were rich enough to pay Giran's fees then he's hold his tongue. "What type of people are you looking to take on?"
"We're just looking for some talented brawlers. Our leader expects we'll be doing combat relatively soon with the recent events that have played out, and we need more capable fighters."
"I see, I see… no particulars then?" Byron rubbed his hands together, wondering who he could pawn off on a couple of kids.
"They have to be in full control of their quirks, and fully capable of going against top tier heroes." Kota explained. "I want no weaklings."
"I see, I see… well I do sponsor quite a few star players myself." He turned to the cage and pointed downward. "There's one of my guys now… he'll be facing against one of our newbies, but she's proven to be a firecracker so this should be a good example of the kind of people I work with."
Kota turned his eyes to the cage, and scowled.
"You guys should put an age limit on these fights. From what I hear just about anyone looking for cash can enter and get themselves killed." He complained.
"We're not called the underground fight club for our morales, good sir." Byron laughed and rubbed his palms together. "You only need to follow three important rules here. One, a fighter must have representation in order to participate. Two, they must never reveal the location of our base to any law enforcement or outside member unless recruiting new fighters. Three, all fighters must be willing to put their lives and reputations on the line."
"Humph, stupid." Kota scowled and crossed his arms. The girl in the ring couldn't have been much older than him… and yet she stood with such confidence and determination. Lifting his chin he boldly spoke up. "I bet 10,000 yen that the girl takes him down."
"Say what?" Byron looked to Kota surprised and a bit insulted by his boast.
"Leviathan…" Eri snagged his sleeve. "What are you doing?"
"You heard me… you guys do side bets don't you?" Kota pulled out the wad of bills. Touya had given him the money for food and emergency use, but his competitive spirit was kicking in.
"Heh… you sure are bold for a punk kid. Alright…" he nodded to his guard who pulled out a notebook and marked it down. "If the girl wins, you win. If she loses, you lose and can take a hike."
"Deal." Kota slipped the money back in place and leaned forward on the railing.
"Leviathan…" Eri started to protest, but Kota reached up and pat her on the head.
"Relax, Shirohime." His eyes turned back to the cage as the Ref approached both fighters. "Somehow… I've got a good feeling about that girl."
~Meanwhile~
"Your fire quirk isn't gonna work on me, precious." Tank announced, his entire body turning to stone and he beat his rock-like fists together. "Bring it on!"
"Huh… interesting." Just like Kirishima, Midori admired and bounced on her toes. "This one may actually give me a bit of a work out."
"You can do it, Phoenix!" Yuichi encouraged from the sideline. "Kick his ass!"
"Come on, Tank, clip that bitch!" Another spectator called out from the other side of the ring.
"Fighter's ready?" The Referee called out, looking between the two nervously. Knowing both these fighters had a pretty hefty quirk he was anxious to get the hell out of the fire zone. "Tank Vs. Phoenix… BEGIN!"
This time Midori took the initiative. She rushed forward, her hands glowing with the black and blue flare of her power. While testing out her powers she'd found a way to mix Sentient Aura, and cremation together in a powerful aura that burned magma hot against anything it touched and put an extra layer of protection against her fists.
She swung her fist, a trail of blue following the path of her hands as they went for the direct attack. The more experienced tank easily blocked and dodged, laughing as anything she landed did little to hurt him.
"That all you got, kid?" He brought his leg up looking to round house kick her in the face, but she ducked low and use the opening to send a punch right into his gut. The hit startled him some as he felt the surprising force behind it, but didn't really damage him. Before Izumi could pull away, he snagged her by the wrist keeping her in place.
"Shit!" She cursed and squirmed as she tried to avoid his next attack. She kicked up off the ground, pulling her body up high and thrust her feet up under Tank's chin. The hit forced him to let her go, but didn't slow him down. As she righted onto her feet, his own leg came up and caught her in the side.
"Gah!" She coughed and skidded across the ring. Shaking her head she quickly got to her feet. Her quirk fortitude saved her from a serious blow, but the power behind his kick was enough to make her ears rings. He couldn't take many hits from this guy, or she'd be in trouble. Lucky for her the guy relied heavily on his quirk for protection. He wasn't fast or swift and it left him open to a lot of attacks. If she could wear him down, she'd be able to land a solid hit, and score the win.
"Huh…" Byron rubbed his chin as he watched Phoenix go head to head with one of his top fighters. "Gotta give the girl credit… she's good, really good. Not many kids her age have the experience to handle a fighter like Tank. Who's her sponsor?"
"Hmm," his guard flipped through his notebook and read off the name. "It says Rappa is the one who recruited her."
"Rappa huh?" Byron laughed. "Well I'll be damned. I never thought the guy would be interested in sponsoring anyone. He must like the kid's spirit."
"Did you say, Rappa?" Kota questioned, the name piquing his interest.
"That's right… do you two know each other?" Byron asked.
"I met him once a long time ago, though I doubt he'd remember me." Kota narrowed his eyes on Phoenix again. "I see… that explains the mask. She must be connected to the Hassaikai somehow. I knew there was something different about her."
"I don't recognize her though… but I didn't know many people aside from the ones Overha-" Eri started to speak but Kota squeezed her hand shaking his head. "Ah… never mind, best not to talk about it."
Midori cried out as the next hit sent her flying again, and her body smacked hard against the cage. She felt that one, and she actually stumbled to get to her feet. She cracked an eye open, grateful her vision was still in tact and she wasn't seeing double. She thought about conceding, but then noticed that the skin of Tank's chest was starting to soften down.
Bingo.
"Ready to start crying mommy, kid?" Tank panted and cracked his knuckles again. His smile was wavering though. He hadn't expected the kid to land such punishing hits. That quirk of hers was really powerful, and the hits he'd been delivering hadn't been doing much damage to her at all.
"Far from it…" She stood tall again, cracking her neck as she moved it side to side. "In fact…" she put up her fists and went for the kill. "I'm just getting started!"
Tank watched Midorii bend her legs as if preparing to jump. He tried to toughen up his quirk and folded his arms across his face knowing she was going for a high kick. He would take the blows she delivered, and used them so he could land a solid hit.
Instead of jumping, however, Midori used her propulsion to dive between his open legs. Now behind him, she saw his back was completely open and her grin spread wide behind her mask.
"Checkmate…" she murmured to herself, a bit of Karma's sadistic nature coming out as she placed her hands over his back and unleash an explosion of fiery energy from her palms that engulfed Tank.
"RAUUUUGH!" Tank stumbled forward, wincing and wheezing. He turned around, dazed and hurt, looking for payback but Midori was already in his face, her fist cocked back and shooting forward like a shot gun. The metal on her glove smashed into his cheek, his quirk unable to protect him and he took the full force of it and collapsed in a knockout.
"Knock Out! Phoenix is the winner!"
"WOOO YEAH! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Rappa punched his fists in the air, excitement bubbling in.
"Yeah!" Max did a jig of his own. He couldn't deny that that fight had been exciting and awesome to watch. "Way to go, Phoenix!"
Midori came out of the cage puffing, and gratefully accepted the towel and bottle of water Yuichi put in her hands. She unclipped the mask to wipe away sweat and guzzle down some water.
"Whew, that one was a work out."
"Yeah, but you handled it like a champ." Max snagged her around the neck and dug his fingers into her hair. "Keep this up, and we can buy a condo in Paris."
"Nah, a Cabin in California… all those rocky mountains and fresh air…" Yuichi took a deep breath. "I can just smell the grass and mossy earth now."
"Settle down, guys…" Midori laughed and replaced her mask. "You're getting ahead of yourselves. I've still got one more fight to win, and who knows what my opponent will be like."
"Oh come off it. I heard from one of the spectators that Tank over there is one of the top fighters in the club. If you can take him on, there's no one who could outmatch you."
"I wonder about that…" Byron spoke up from behind them and had the kids turning. "Hello there, Phoenix, congrats on your win. My name is Byron Sakamoto. I am the owner of the club, and a sponsor to many fighters including Tank whom you just defeated."
"Oops," Max swallowed hard and rubbed the back of his head bowing. "Sorry, didn't mean to insult yah there, sir."
"Not at all, my dear boy." Byron laughed. "I too think that Phoenix here has proven capable of handling any fighter I send her way… which is why I've come with a proposition."
"What kind of proposition is that?" Midori asked raising a brow.
"I've some clients who are looking to hire some rough and ready fighters to join their cause. I initially intended to have them recruit Tank, but after your brilliant display of power against him, the client wants you instead."
"I see…" Midori put a hand on her hip and lifted the other. "Well you can tell them, I'm flattered, but I'm not interested. I only came here to earn some money for my own crew, and I'm not looking to follow anyone's orders."
"Is that the way of it then… I guess the Hassaikai hasn't changed much." Kota spoke up, walking over with his hands in his pockets and his mask hiding his identity.
"I beg your pardon? I'm not with the Hassaikai." Midori eyed the boy who was the same height as her. He had nearly the same muscle mass as Yuichi, but he wore it far better, standing with pride and gusto.
"Sure you're not… listen Phoenix I'm gonna be blunt. Your talents are being wasted, and you'll be much happier under the command of my superiors."
"Happier, huh?" Midori's eyes lit with challenge and she turned to face him fully. Something about this kid was rubbing her the wrong way, and his voice was ringing alarm bells in her head. "If that's the case then what's in it for me?"
"I've seen the Hassaikai facility, and I can tell you that dump is no paradise. The environment in which my sister and I are in is far more hospitable, and nurturing of our talents. You can become powerful, and use that power to help those that need it."
"Humph, is that so?" Midori felt Karma's personality wanting to come out again, but instead of reeling it back she let it unfold. "If that's the case, then show me this so-called power." She jerked a thumb at the ring. "I've been signed up for a third fight… I'm sure Mr. Byron here could arrange it to where you are my next opponent. If I beat you, then you can take your proposition and shove it where the sun don't shine."
"...and if I win?" Kota clenched and flexed his fingers, excitement bubbling up.
"Then I'll seriously consider it. I can't make any guarantees because I've my own responsibilities… but if you want me to hear you out then you gotta put your fist where your mouth is. Agreed?"
"Alright…it's a deal" Kota held out his hand and once hers clasped it he squeezed down on it. "Rest while you can, Phoenix… because when I fight, I fight for keeps."
"Good…" Impressed by his firm grip, Midori's smirk spread behind her mask. "I'm really looking forward to it."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I've never really been good at battle scenes, but this with some research and inspiring music I found myself enjoying it.
Next Chapter: Phoenix Vs. Leviathan