In the mansion, an injured Yamabuki raced up to the stairway. Surviving her battle with the demonic Saya Kisaragi, Yamabuki Suou, injured and all, finally arrived at a dark stairwell, leaving Farra and Cassandra behind, as they were exiting the mansion. If you remember last time, Yamabuki and Cassandra survived their battle with the sword-wielding vampire, Saya Kisaragi, only to lose Rook and Yoko.

She then thought, "Miss Nevins and the others, what's left of them, should be on their way to stop this vampire… or that man, Nevins… I want the latter. How dare he use my emotions and revenge on hurting those I love… My foot hurts like hell, but Cassandra's an all-purpose fembot nurse. But I am not going to wince in pain, a second longer. I can easily hop or walk upwards, but I can't think about the pain, right now."

She went closer, only to be stopped by a haunting female voice.
"Yamabuki Suou… Welcome… I have been expecting you…"

Yamabuki turned to up the stairway, and then spotted a busty woman in long black hair and shiny alabaster skin. She was wearing blue denim pants with a black sleeveless blouse and a faded cyan vest. Her hair was done in a wavy style, and is wearing a green headband.

Yamabuki smirked, "MIO! At last."

Yamabuki was in the presence of the vampire android, harboring the body of Stephanie McMahon – MIO. The ninja girl was finally face-to-face with The Gang's final goal. She was the first of our heroes to see her, as the remainder of The Gang's friends is close by. As they stared down, Yamabuki spoke, after a long silence, "MIO… So, we finally meet."

MIO applauded, as she said, "Congratulations, Suou… You avenged your fallen friend and managed to travel all the way here from the Far East."

Yamabuki said, grabbing the curtains, "Look, spare me the praise. If you're giving a prize, then give me one! But just so you know, my only prize is your head on a platter." She then spat blood, from her previous battle, onto the linen, and jeered, "This is proof, you skank!"

MIO chuckled and said, "Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh… You entice me, do you not? Then I'll give you a chance to rethink. Go down two steps from where you stand, and not only will you live, I'll let you serve me again… However, take these two steps forward, and your life is forfeit."

Yamabuki remained, as she hissed, "When I first heard about you, from Steven Nevins, the man that recruited me to your harem, I succumbed to the bottom of my heart to your spell of fear and immense evil. I lived with no desire but to do your bidding. As a ninja, I am only forced to take orders from someone who hires me, even if it means life or death."

She then glared at MIO, "But now, I'm not afraid of you, at all. I fear you, but not anymore. All your soldiers that squared off against me… they fell. Ever since I met The Gang and Miss Nevins, my urge to fight reignited, and those 45 days I endured, through the death of my friends, have shut off my feeling of fear, like some emotionless android, like you."

MIO licked her lips and said, "My, aren't we confident? But just so you know, my android body is dispersed. I have a brand-new body, one that may live forever, if needed. And I hear you want to grope these melons, right? Then climb these stairs, and face me, ninja girl, to show me what bravado you have left! Ascend!"

Yamabuki growled, as she prepared to walk, feeling a bit injured. She then thought, "As much as she read my mind about her boobs, she can forget it. The only things I want to grope are her heart and brains; and they will be groped and ripped off!"

She took a step forward, and suddenly, she was still in place. MIO smirked, "Well? Are you moving yet? It looks like you're going down. You still wish to side with me and Steven Nevins, do you?"

Yamabuki gasped, as she was looking down. She was one step below, farther from MIO. She stammered, "But how? I was walking up!"

She raced upwards, but she returned to the spot she moved. She cried, "WHAT THE HELL? I KNOW I TOOK A STEP UPWARDS!"

MIO jeered, "What's the matter, Suou? You're losing that composure that you have? Whatever happened to that Ninja Instinct that you had? Doesn't one lose her composure, when she is afraid? Or maybe it's because, deep in your heart, you know you must climb up, but terrified that your body is, it subconsciously did the opposite, wrestling your brain from control, and made you descend down the stairs!"

Yamabuki cried, "Impossible! I know I went upstairs, two steps forward, you said!"

She ran up the stairs, but magically returned to the spot. And then it hit her, as she realized, "Wha-? Is she tricking me? This… No… I get it now… This is her doing! Not by evil magic or android powers… but her Stand!"

She finally figured it out. MIO's Stand caused Yamabuki to stay back in place, from where she was moving. Yamabuki gasped, "No… It… It's not true… MIO's Stand… THE WORLD!"

[MIO – Stand: The World]

Yamabuki was stunned, as she thought, "It's not true… So, this is MIO's Stand, The World… What am I supposed to do now?"

Episode 40: MIO's World (Part 2)
Chapter 3: Unleash THE WORLD!
MIO Emerges!

MIO said to Yamabuki, "Suou, have you ever considered why humans wish to live? Humans attend to live from anguish and fear, and attain peace of mind."

She walked to her throne and continued, "Seeking fame… conquering worlds… and acquiring wealth are all done to achieve peace of mind. Marriage and friendship are also pursued as means of attaining peace of mind. When humans say what they wish for, or that a thing is done for love and peace… it's all merely to give themselves peace of mind. It is a goal in all mankind to achieve peace of mind. Now, given the chance, what anxiety could you possibly feel towards serving me? Any other peace of mind will come easily, as they do. Doesn't challenging me, even knowing that it may lead to your death, bring you anxiety?"

Yamabuki growled, as she thought, "Damn her! Am I being outwitted, by subconsciously submitting to her?"

MIO grinned, "Very capable you are, as a ninja and a Stand User. It's a shame to kill you. Why not sever your ties with Nevins, and live as my right-hand, once again? I can promise you, forever a peace of mind, starting now."

Yamabuki seethed, "I can't do this… but I have to… Rookie… Yoko… Give me courage!"

She roared, "THAT'S ENOUGH! I WON'T JOIN YOU, YOU BITCH! I've already submitted to you once! And I won't submit myself again, not unless I figure what your Stand does! You speak too much, you vampire!"

She unleashed Ninja Chariot, leapt forward, up the stairs. She boomed, "Now… REVEAL YOUR STAND, MIO! I'll find out what your Stand does, whether you like it or not!"

MIO smirked, "How disappointing… Well, it seems I am left with no choice…"

She stood up, as a golden figure appeared, appearing from behind MIO. MIO boomed at Yamabuki, "Very well, Yamabuki Suou! Death awaits you!"

Yamabuki hollered, "SO THAT'S THE WORLD! BRING IT, MIO!"

MIO cackled, "MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!"

Both Stands prepare to fight, as MIO unleashed her Stand. But as the battle progressed on…

SMASH!
The walls bust open, revealing sunlight. And from the sunlight, Peter, Michelle, Heather, and Chazz appeared from the light. Michelle called, "There's no need to worry! Yamabuki, we came to rescue you!"

Yamabuki gasped, "Miss Nevins! You guys!"

MIO was shielding herself from the light, as she grinned. She hovered away, as they all shouted, "MIO!"

Michelle yelled, "THAT WAS MIO, WASN'T IT? AFTER HER!"

They raced up the stairs, but Yamabuki cried, "NO! WAIT! Before you go after her, listen to me!"

They stopped, as they turned to Yamabuki, who spoke about it, "MIO… She… In one split-second, I've experienced her Stand. It wasn't so much of an experience, though… It was completely beyond my understanding! But I know what it did! I walked up those stairs, in her view, and as I walked towards her, I was back down where I stood. I'm sure you think this is crazy, but believe me. It's true! And even I didn't know, either! It was like I lost my mind. MIO's Stand… It wasn't hypnosis, superspeed, or magic… I've experienced something that is much more terrifying than I ever had before."

Chazz then asked, "Where's Rook and Yoko?"

Peter then added, "And for that matter, where's Cassandra?"

Yamabuki held her tears, and sniffled, "They… Cassandra's fine, but… … … on the way, Rook and Yoko… They died, saving me…"

They were stunned, as Yamabuki added, "But Cassandra's okay, except she is badly injured… Farra is with her, leaving the mansion, to meet with Steven Cooke and Miss Riley."

Michelle was torn, as she whispered, "I understand…"

Heather said, "The sun's setting… Come on. We have to hurry… Michelle, we have to go."

Michelle nodded, "Right…"

Scarlet appeared, as she called, "Hey, wait up!" as she grabbed a tied-up Nimrod in her arms, "Do you know how heavy this nimrod is?"

Yamabuki asked, "Huh? What are you doing here?"

Scarlet moaned, "I'm in this, more than you! And I am sorry, but we cannot mourn over Rook's death! I could care less about the cat!"

Mundy stated, "She does care."

Scarlet stomped onto Nimrod, as she said, "This guy here will take us to MIO. So, this is the body-snatcher that Matt Hardy gave her, right? Memory serves me, Matt Hardy killed Stephanie McMahon, and plunged her corpse into MIO's area, deep in the ocean!"

Michelle nodded, "All correct, Miss Riley."

Heather leaned to Nimrod, "Well, Nimrod… What's up there?"

Nimrod moaned, "Ungh… a tower. It's a tower. Lord MIO rests there, during the day. In another room, that's where Master Nevins hails in, whenever he trains."

Asahi asked, "Is there any other way up? Like a shortcut?"

Nimrod said, "No, I'm sorry. It's the only way up."

Heather called, "In that case, lead the way!"

They rushed up the stairs, as they were heading to get to MIO. They made it to the tower, and spotted a huge casket. It was similar to a mortuary, but with lit candles and no windows. Peter ordered, "Scarlet, Asahi, you stay back."

He unleashed Darkness Devil and smashed a hole in the wall, "ORA!" and produced a new window, emitting sunlight. Nimrod crawled out of the way, avoiding the sunlight. The others looked at the coffin.

Michelle said, "So, that's her. MIO… Our paths met before, but I have known about her, for as long as I can remember. How could I NOT remember this woman? The thought of her etched into my mind haunts me, since that grave day… Same for the lads. During their two-year training, she was the cause of this great turmoil, causing the deaths of Tohka Yatogami, Ayame Kajou, Kyo Sohma, Subaru Mikage… even my father, Clifton Nevins… We hoped this day would never come, to fight off against MIO."

Heather said, "And now, Reginald Hadigan the 3rd and Yoko is part of her body count…"

Michelle thought, "It's been a long time coming. We all wanted to destroy MIO. Because of her, The Gang, Princeton, Suou, Miss Riley, and myself, we were all brought together by fate, in her own cold and calculated malice. She brings back bad memories… The Nevins Family Bloodline is destined to do battle with her. Unfortunately, I'm the only Nevins able to fight her. My brother, a twisted traitor, sides with the demonic force."

Heather thought, "I have no regrets… Be it our journey thus far, or whatever will happen next… I regret nothing of this."

Yamabuki thought, "I've got a feeling in my gut… and it's telling me I'm on the side of light. I always am… since I have friends at home. But I have new friends in The Gang. MIO is darkness, and they're the light. Even though I'm injured, I'm always siding with the forces of justice! Virtue and light purified my soul even further."

Michelle ordered, "Lads, surround the casket! We'll attack MIO, once the lid is open, but be careful… There's no telling what tricks she has up her sleeves."

Michelle, Steven, Peter, Heather, Chazz, & Yamabuki surround the casket, while Scarlet, Mundy, & Asahi step back. Mundy held his rifle up, as he was aiming at the casket. Scarlet ordered, "Now, Nimrod! Open the coffin!"

Nimrod shivered, as she bowed to the casket, "Lord MIO, I swear that this isn't betrayal! They forced my hand into this, against my will! I only led them here, because I believed in you to easily defeat them! But the eyes of these mortals… Eyes of hawks! Please understand, as much as I am about to piss myself, you will forgive me! Please, make sure these idiots die, through pain, suffering an-."

Scarlet roared, "SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH AND OPEN THE GODDAMN COFFIN LID!"

Nimrod chuckled, "Heh-heh… As you wish… But remember: You're asking for it…"

He opened the coffin lid slowly, as he said, "Lord MIO… Forgive me… But kill these bastards softly… for me!"

Michelle whispered, "Get ready, everyone…"

A shadow appeared from behind, as Steven sensed it. The coffin lid opened, revealing to be… Nimrod?

"ME?!" Nimrod gagged, as he was bounded by rope and bloodied, and his jaw was unhinged, "I'M SURE I OPENED THE LID! HOW DID I GET HERE?"

They all gasped, as Peter cried, "That's impossible!"

Michelle said, "Scarlet, you saw Nimrod, did you?"

Scarlet gasped, "I DID! How the hell did that happen?"

Mundy said, "Did any of you saw Nimrod go into that coffin?"

Yamabuki replied, "No… I was watching him, the entire time! But he appeared inside, before I could tell what happened!"

Heather said, "Yamabuki's right! This isn't meddling tricks or super speed…"

Chazz said, "Good grief. Is he playing games with us?"

Steven sensed the shadow, as he saw it. A huge tiger roar was made, as Steven cried, "NO! I know what happened!"

Michelle ran off, "RUN!"

The Gang made a run for it to the huge hole in the wall. Yamabuki was stunned, as she whispered, "NO… That man… He, too?"

Michelle latched Hermit Ghost onto Yamabuki, and pulled her out, "YAMABUKI! QUIT STALLING AND RUN!"

Yamabuki screamed, as she was being dragged away, "LET ME GO!"

They were flying in the air, as Heather said, "What in the world was that? I couldn't see a thing, but I felt something much more powerful than any Stand or Spirit Caller that we've ever seen! It was like a huge roar of a lion, about to strike!"

Michelle said, "I felt it too! Cold murderous intent! Steven Cooke may be right! If that dark presence is what I think it is… he would've killed us, for sure!"

Farra swooped in the sky, grabbing Scarlet. Asahi cried, "CHAZZ! GRAB ONTO ME! MECHA POWER!"

She pressed the blue button, as Chazz latched onto her waist. Asahi became Mech-Asahi, and carried Chazz downwards, hovering to the ground below.

Yamabuki, Heather, Mundy, and Peter grabbed onto a small wooden pole. Steven landed on the ground below, feet first. He landed safely, and growled, "Steven Nevins…"

Michelle, who safely landed, using Hermit Ghost as a rope, spoke. "So… MIO would never do this, at night… Which means…"

XXXXX

The Gang regrouped, as the sun was setting. Farra growled, "This is bad… Very bad… Steven Nevins was about to kill you, after that Nimrod loser was planted in the coffin?"

Scarlet asked, "Where's Cassandroid?"

Farra said, "I dropped her off at the local hospital. She's done for the battle."

Michelle growled, "And it's almost sunset… Damn it! We're out of time, and the sun's already setting towards the horizon!"

Heather said, "MIO will finally arise and go on her rampage of blood. Of course, when she's out at night, she will have the advantage in the dark; but we have her in a disadvantage. There's now 10 of us and 2 of them."

Yamabuki barked, "Don't tell me we're going to sit on our asses, until sunrise! I'll make it simple, Miss Nevins! There's NO WAY I am running now! I'm finishing this!"

Heather said, "I agree. We have to see through this, to the end."

Michelle stated, "I want this over with, as well, but the situation has changed… We now know that BOTH MIO and me brother have The World. And my brother, being of a tiger roar… means he unleashed his Spirit Caller. Which means…"

Scarlet nodded, "…MIO's The World is a Stand!"

She stated, "I know it's her Stand, but not up-close, we still had no idea what the powers of The World are. If you climb a mountain without knowing with route to take, or where the summit is, you'll eventually get lost. MIO is definitely coming after us! She wants us ALL dead, before sunrise! Our only option left… is to kill the bitch! Moreover, we're going to find out what their powers are! We need to map out a plan to-!"

Yamabuki shouted, "NO WAY! I'm NOT going back on my word! Rookie and Yoko died for me, saving my life, and Cassandra risked hers to help me! I won't die, until she is extinguished. But I won't run away! I want to end this, myself, even if it means I perish along with them! I WON'T RUN AWAY AND HIDE, UNTIL SHE IS DEALT WITH! BUT I AM RUNNING AWAY, SO I CAN DEAL WITH THIS BITCH, PERSONALLY!"

She dashed off, as Michelle cried, "WAIT! Yamabuki!"

Peter said, "Leave her. She knows what she's doing. But it's not like she'll listen, since she's in the zone."

Heather replied, "You're so right… But this is your wife, Mizuki, after all… What are your thoughts?"

Peter walked to the edge, and then said, "She will fight MIO in pursuit. We'll fight her in retreat. This will be The Gang's patented Pincers Move."

Scarlet agreed and said, "Good."

Suddenly, a huge arrow whizzed by. Farra caught it, nearly impaling Scarlet. Scarlet squeaked in fear, as Farra looked at the arrow. She said, "Uh… Guys… None of us are helping Yamabuki…"

She showed the arrow, as it has a small white paper on it. She pulled it out and read it.

"It's a note," she explained, "Attention, Steven Cooke…"

The note continued:
"I don't know how you did it, but you've done me proud, stopping my master's army. You really are Awesome Forces. But the war's far from over… MIO will destroy you all, one-by-one, but leave my wife out of this. I want her alive. My only concern is YOU, Steven Cooke, Fist of the North Star!
While it is true that you possess raw power and strength, after your long training regime, three years ago, I think it's time we settle the score, once and for all. WHO is the true leader of The Gang: The Original British Superman, or the lowly American Snob?
Choujin Power vs. Hokuto Shin Ken – We'll see who prevails, tonight!"

Farra continued reading, "Meet me near the pyramids of Giza at nightfall. Come alone, if you must. Your friends may come, if they wish. From, Steven Nevins.
P.S. – To show you I am not kidding… turn around…"

They turned around, as Mundy was lying on the ground, badly hurt and bloodied. His chest was bruised heavily, and he was coughing out blood. Scarlet shrieked, "OSKY! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Michelle seethed, "BASTARD!"

Heather cried, "No way! How did that happen? We were all standing here, and it happened!"

Michelle said, "Just like before, when me brother throttled that loser boy!"

Scarlet helped Mundy up, as Farra growled, "Mundy's our Eagle Eye… but it seems Steven Nevins knew us, too much… He planned this!"

Mundy groaned, as he was choking, "Ungh… … …Nevins… That man… … urk…"

Scarlet sobbed, as he hugged her fallen boyfriend. Michelle snarled, "That monster… He won't give up… until he wants us dead…"

Steven growled, "Enough of this… Boss, take Mundy to the hospital! Farra, Asahi, we leave, now!"

Asahi whispered, "But…"

Chazz said, as he held her hand, "It's fine. Just keep an eye out for any of the Old Man's tricks. The Old Hag and I got this…"

Michelle said, "Peter, the Pincers Move is the best idea we got. You and Chazz join Yamabuki in pursuit. Heather and I will go on retreat."

Peter nodded, "Right."

She added, "As for me brother, Steven, I accept the matter… and you want to accept his challenge. I'll allow it. Farra, Asahi, you're going with him! Make sure you girls survive, as well. He may need help."

Farra replied, "Right."

Peter said to Steven, "It's alright, bro. We'll handle MIO. This is your fight with Mr. Nevins."

Steven said, as he was angry, "Peter… For Mizuki, Rook, and everyone that fell… I'm going to make sure that Steven Nevins knows my name… Steven Cooke will make sure he understands… HOW! I! FEEL!"

His aura shone in a dark blue coat, as Farra flew off, with Steven Cooke riding with her. Michelle then said, "Scarlet, it's not safe here at night. Take Mundy to the Cairo Hospital. Cassandra's already there. DO NOT leave the building, at all."

Scarlet said, as she felt uneasy, "I understand… I want that bastard, so much… He hurt my Osky, killed Rook… and…"

She roared, "NO! I'm going with you! Osky may need me, but that bitch is the reason why I want Broken Matt!"

Michelle yelled, "HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT, IF HE'S NOT IN CAIRO? IF YOU GO OUT THERE AND FIGHT EITHER MIO OR MY BROTHER, YOU'LL DIE!"

Scarlet yelled, "I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE IN THIS FIGHT! CASSANDROID AND OSKY ARE INJURED, ROOK AND THAT PUSSY ARE DEAD, AND STEVEN COOKE IS GOING TO FIGHT THAT A-HOLE THAT WOUNDED MY LOVE! I AM THE BOSS OF THIS GANG! DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

Her voice was breaking, as she cried, "What… that man did… to my Osky… I want retribution… for what he did! Even if it wasn't him, I don't care! NOBODY HURTS MY BOYFRIEND! Him, the so-called righteous Gang Leader… Him, and his vampire slut! They can go to hell! ALL OF THEM!"

She pointed at her and yelled, "YOU! You couldn't even defeat her, completely! And this is the mess you got us into! Three years ago, The Gang left to train, after being double-crossed by Kanade Jinguji, being used as her sick tools of malice! I was used by Matt Hardy, portrayed of being a criminal, but these guys saved me… and what happened, during my time of being a damsel-in-distress? Your father died, your brother turned on you, your allies died in your arms, and your niece destroyed Kagura Sohma, who was your brother's arch-foe! Not to mention the fact that you caused hell, by unleashing MIO to the DNC, and to the World Government! If anybody's an enemy to The Gang right now… IT'S YOU!"

She hollered, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, MICHELLE NEVINS! Your father died… Yatogami died… Kajou died… Beth's friends, Kyo & Subaru, died… Rook died… and that cat died… and it's all because of you… You led us here to die, is that it? You caused all this! DIDN'T YOU? DIDN'T YOU?"

She bawled and cried, as Heather whispered, "That… That is not true…"

Asahi cried, "Scarlet, you're going too far at her! Michelle didn't do anything wrong!"

Heather growled, "You're wrong."

She protested, "That is NOT true! This is Nevins Family issues here. And YOU are not a Nevins! My husband may be a traitor, but without conclusive proof, I don't believe that Michelle is at fault here! My daughter, Beth, is just like her father… And I know so. My husband, Steven Nevins, was righteous, through and through!"

Heather approached her and said, "Scarlet, you can boss me around all you want… but…"

SLAP!
She slapped Scarlet in the face, as her slap echoed all around Cairo. She barked, "You leave my family OUT OF THIS!"

Asahi yelled, "HEATHER!"

Peter snorted, as Chazz sighed, "Whatever… She's such a bitch…"

Scarlet felt her face, as Michelle said, "That's enough, Heather. She has gotten the idea now. I'm not the one at fault, Miss Riley. I caused all this, because I knew stopping MIO was right… But I wasn't the one that started this ordeal, three years ago. I only did what was right, when MIO brought in a Power Core that once belonged to my mother… and planned to kill Father, if given the chance. My father is dead, after he risked his life to protect me. Steven knew of it, since he was there. He understands, too! Heather and I believe that he has some good left in him. If not, we'll have to kill him…"

Scarlet bowed her head, and then whispered, "You're right… I'm sorry… I had no idea…"

Peter said, "Michelle's right. You have to stay in safety. Need we remind you that you lost a hand?"

Scarlet looked at her prosthetic hand and thought, "Broken Matt Hardy… … …One day, maybe our paths will meet… so I can answer some questions…"

Michelle said, "I'm sorry, Miss Riley, but for your safety, leave it to us. Asahi, get out of here and join Steven and Farra! Peter, take Scarlet and Mundy to the hospital. Chazz, join Yamabuki in pursuit. We'll meet you guys tonight."

The sun was setting, as The Gang had one more plan. MIO is about to emerge from her slumber, and appear at night. Meanwhile, Steven Cooke, aided by Farra & Asahi, was heading to the Giza Pyramids. Mr. Nevins was in a huge octagon-shaped ring, at about 50 feet wide. He was waiting in the middle, and said, "A-Fist… The man that ended some dark forces… Tell me, Steven Cooke… Will the fists of death stop the fists of a Choujin?"

He waited, as the final battle was closing in.

[Oscar "Sniper Mundy" Gooden – incapacitated, unable to continue]
[Scarlet Riley – forced to withdraw]

Episode 40 – The End

And now, with only Michelle, Peter, Chazz, Yamabuki, and Heather remaining, will they be able to stop MIO, once and for all? And what of Steven Cooke vs. Steven Nevins? What will the showdown between these two powerhouses prove?
Don't miss the FINAL Episode of Act 3, in the next exciting chapter!

To be continued…