Chapter seven: Vs. ???
Malon gulped as the helicopter flew into view. The Rescuer Team had just defeated the Youth Team in the finals, winning the tournament. The quartet of Malon, Billy, Joe and Choi were now supposed to fly in the helicopter to an unknown location to fight the founder of the tournament. Currently, the Rescuer Team was standing in the middle of the stadium, waiting to be picked up. Malon looked at Billy.
"Are you sure we can do this?" Malon asked.
"Yes, Malon." Billy reassured. "I know we can."
The helicopter landed, and the four members of the Rescuer Team stepped in. As the helicopter lifted off the ground, the announcer shouted "Good luck, Rescuer Team!" through the speakers.
Five minutes passed. The helicopter had arrived at the 'unknown location', which turned out to be a ship floating in the ocean not too far away from the shore. The helicopter landed on the landing pad. The Rescuer Team stepped off and looked around.
"This looks very familiar." Billy said. Joe and Choi agreed.
"Well, we might as well find the founder." Joe said.
"Good luck, guys." The helicopter pilot said. "I'll be waiting here for you to come back."
Joe and Choi walked forward, and Billy was about to follow, but he was stopped by Malon, who planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Billy looked at Malon with wide eyes.
"For luck." Malon said with a smile.
Billy smiled back as the two walked forward together.
The Rescuer Team entered the ship via a door, and continued walking. The team walked down a long hallway, which had large windows on either side, overlooking the ocean.
Finally, the Rescuer Team ended up at a door at the end of the hallway. Joe pushed open the door as the team walked through. The room they found themselves in was a very large, circular room with strange machines leaning against the walls.
Suddenly, the team heard a strange laughter that seemed like it was coming from all directions. The team looked around for the owner of the laugh, but saw no one.
"Whoever you are, come out and show yourself!" Billy challenged.
"As you wish." A man replied as he stepped out of the shadows. He was tall, and had blonde hair with a black mustache. He wore a red coat with black trim, and his pants were coloured the same way. He wore black, neatly polished shoes.
"Rugal Berenstien." Joe growled.
"Wait a minute!" Billy said. "No wonder Geese wants to know so much about you! Whenever you come into play, you have a plan that involves Orochi, which is something Geese has always wanted to know about!"
"You're very right, my friend." Rugal said. "And this time, my plan to revive Orochi won't fail!"
"Why? What are you up to THIS time?" Choi asked.
"And why are you wanting to REVIVE Orochi? All you've ever wanted was to control it." Joe said.
"What is 'Orochi'?" Malon asked.
"Orochi is a very evil power. Only a selected few hold it." Billy explained.
"Well, I've been asked by a friend to revive Orochi. I don't know why he asked me to do it, but he promised me Orochi power if I did it." Rugal explained.
"What did you do?" Joe asked.
"Let me quiz you and Choi for a second." Rugal said. "Remember back in 1994, and all the teams were standing in my arena, waiting for me to arrive and challenge the Hero Team?"
"Yeah." Choi said.
"And suddenly, a dart shot from the shadows and nailed one of the fighters in the shoulder?"
"Yeah. Brian was the one who was struck." Joe said. "And up until this day, we've never found out what was in that dart."
"Well, you're about to find out." Rugal laughed. "You aren't going to fight me. Well, not yet anyway."
"What are you getting on?" Malon asked.
"Behold! My new soldier!" Rugal said as he pointed towards another door.
The doors opened, and a shadowy figure stepped into the room. Everyone's eyes widened, with the exception of Rugal.
"Brian Battler?!" Malon asked.
Indeed, it was Brian. But instead of his normal look, Brian's eyes were solid white. His pupils and irises were gone. He was also growling like a dog.
"Now I see!" Billy said. "That dart contained Orochi blood!"
"But that means that Brian's now an abnormal Orochi!" Choi cried.
"And from the looks of things, he can also go Riot of Blood!" Joe said.
"What is 'Riot of Blood'?!" Malon asked.
"It's something that several people with Orochi blood can go into uncontrollably." Billy said. "Once in Riot of Blood, the person becomes a bloodthirsty maniac."
"Brian! Destroy them!" Rugal said.
Brian roared as he charged towards the heroes.
"Looks like we have no choice but to fight Brian." Malon said. "Maybe if we defeat him, he'll snap out of it."
"At least that's the hope." Choi said.
The Rescuer Team charged at Brian, who had his shoulder stuck out, attempting to plow them over. Joe, the one in the lead, blocked Brian's attack while the rest of the team surrounded Brian and unloaded his or her attacks on the abnormal Orochi. Malon, standing behind Brian, thrust her fist into Brian's back. Billy, standing to Brian's right, thrust his staff into the football player's side. Choi slashed Brian's left arm a few times, drawing a little blood. Brian rolled out of the way, holding his wounded arm. Brian got to his feet and swung his arms, attacking Billy and Choi with a small shock wave. Joe quickly lashed out his arm, sending out a typhoon while Malon zoomed behind Brian, leapt into the air and knocked Brian towards the incoming typhoon. Brian was lifted into the air as Billy leapt into the air and struck Brian with his staff.
Suddenly, Brian's shoulder flashed. Brian charged forward, shoulder first. Billy and Joe leapt out of the way, and Choi blocked the attack. Malon, however, wasn't prepared. Brian's shoulder plowed into her stomach. Once Brian finished, Malon was sent back thirty feet, and she would've kept going had she not collided with the wall.
Malon lay on the floor, using one of her arms to prop herself up. Judging by the taste in her mouth, Malon could tell that her mouth was bleeding. Malon slowly got to her feet, holding onto her stomach. She looked forward and saw her three friends fighting Brian. After recovering from a slash attack from Choi, Brian had collided heads with Billy.
Malon charged forward, towards Brian. Malon leapt into the air and tackled Brian, knocking him to the floor. Malon quickly threw her fists into Brian's face while he was on the floor. Brian quickly kicked Malon, knocking her off him. Brian shot to his feet and leapt into the air, landing a flying kick to Malon's face. Brian then thrust his fist out, catching Choi in the stomach.
Joe jumped into the air and thrust his foot into Brian's head while Billy plunged his staff into Brian's stomach. Choi slashed his claws at Brian's arms while Malon thrust her foot into Brian's back.
"Stand back, guys!" Billy shouted. "I'm gonna finish this!"
Joe, Choi and Malon stood back as Billy's staff flashed. Billy's staff multiplied as the worrier leapt into the air and swung the pile of staffs, attacking Brian. Billy slammed the pile of staffs down on Brian's head. As the staffs reverted back to one, Brian collapsed.
"We did it!" Malon said in triumph.
"Not yet." Choi said. We still have Rugal to take care of."
The rest of the team was silent, realizing that Choi was right. The Rescuer Team turned around to face Rugal, who was grinning evilly. Almost as evilly as Geese. Rugal slowly clapped his hands in amusement.
"Very impressive." Rugal said. "You managed to take down the new Orochi." He then got into a stance. "However, your winnings end here."
"Bring it on, jerk!" Joe shouted.
Rugal pulled his hands behind his back. "Very well. You're askin for it."
Rugal lashed out his arms, firing a large ball of electricity at the heroes. The four friends leapt out of the way as the ball of electricity hit the wall.
Billy leapt towards Rugal, attempting to attack him with his staff. However, Rugal leapt into the air and kicked Billy, countering the attack. The rest of the team used this to their advantage. Joe lashed out a typhoon, which stopped Rugal from attacking Billy. When Rugal landed on the ground, Choi's claws flashed. Choi charged at Rugal and spun around countless times, slashing Rugal before the man had a chance to get up. As Rugal got up, Malon zoomed past him and thrust her foot into his back.
Suddenly, Rugal charge forward, leaving only a blur behind. Rugal charged past Billy and Joe, attacking them several times. However, Malon and Choi used this distraction to dish out a few attacks on Rugal.
Meanwhile, Brian slowly sat up, rubbing his head.
"Oooooh...Man, what happened?" Brain asked himself. He looked around. "And what am I doing here?" Brian suddenly noticed the Rescuer Team fighting Rugal. "Hey! That's Rugal Berenstien!" Brian's face darkened. "It's all coming back to me. That guy injected me with Orochi blood!" He stood up, despite the pain flowing through his body. "That guy's gonna pay!"
Brian concentrated on his shoulder as he ran towards the battle.
After getting attacked by Joe, Rugal managed to grab Choi by the neck and lift him off his feet. Rugal grinned evilly as he tightened his grip on Choi's neck.
Suddenly, everyone heard a battle cry. Everyone, Rugal included, turned to the battle cry, and saw Brian charge towards Rugal, shoulder first. Brian plowed his shoulder into Rugal's stomach, making him drop Choi. When Brian stopped, Rugal was sent reeling.
"Good to have ya back, Brian!" Joe said.
"Likewise!" Brian replied. "Now let's cream the punk!"
"YEAH!" The Rescuer Team shouted in unison.
Rugal slowly stood up, and when he did, he pulled his arms back, preparing to fire another ball of electricity. Choi grinned.
"You guys get ready to block!" Choi said. "I've got an idea!"
As Rugal fired the projectile, Choi's claws flashed. Choi darted underneath the projectile, which wasn't hard because of his height, and grabbed Rugal. Choi slashed his claws countless times until the super move finished.
"Better get out of the way, Choi!" Billy said as his staff flashed. Brian had stood in front of the projectile and blocked the attack.
Billy spun his staff around in circles, igniting it on fire. Billy lashed out his staff, firing the wheel of fire at Rugal. Choi saw the move coming and moved out of the way. Rugal, however, was attacked. Once again, Rugal was sent reeling.
"Let me finish this!" Malon said as she stood in front of Brian.
Suddenly, Malon's hands flashed. She charged forward and grabbed Rugal.
"I must do something!" Malon cried as she leapt into the air and kicked Rugal in the face several times, pushing off Rugal's face with every kick.
Malon kicked Rugal in the face one last time before landing on her feet. That was enough to make Rugal collapse to the ground.
"Yeah!" Billy said. "Rugal is history!"
"Nothing can beat us!" Joe shouted. "We're invincible!"
"Helping people feels...Good!" Choi said. "I could get used to this!"
Suddenly, Rugal stood to his feet, and began laughing.
"Fools!" Rugal laughed. "You may have defeated me," Rugal pulled a remote control out of seemingly nowhere. "But I shall have the last laugh!"
Joe's eyes widened. "He's gonna blow us up!"
"Let's scram!" Brian shouted.
The five fighters turned around and ran out of the room, running like they had never ran before. At the same time, Rugal jammed the button on the remote, starting a countdown. Rugal laughed maniacally as he ran out of the room via a different door.
Billy, Malon, Joe, Choi and Brian tore down the long hallway, trying to get back to the helicopter, where the pilot was still waiting.
As she ran, Malon squinted. She could see the final door which led to the helipad. They were almost safe.
However, Malon's feelings took an immediate turn as a glass barrier suddenly shot across the hallway, forming a barrier. Joe, Choi and Brian managed to make it past the barrier before it sealed, but Billy and Malon weren't so lucky. They were now separated from the rest of the team, and now had no chance of making it to the helicopter.
"Billy! Malon!" Choi cried.
"Guys! Get out of here!" Billy said. "Malon and I will find another way out! Take the helicopter and get off the ship before it blows!"
"...Sorry." Joe said as he, Choi and Brian turned around and continued running.
Malon and Billy looked around the hallway. "How are we going to get out of here?" Malon asked.
Billy looked around until he spotted a large window. He quickly turned to Malon. "Can you swim?"
"Excuse me?" Malon asked, not fully understanding.
"Can you swim?" Billy repeated, holding out his hand.
"...Y-Yes." Malon said as she took Billy's hand.
As soon as Billy had Malon's hand, he turned around. "Then let's go!"
Billy charged towards the window, with Malon in tow. Billy lunged forward, breaking through the glass window, pulling Malon out with him.
"Billy!" Malon cried as she and Billy took a fifty-foot drop into the ocean.
Both fighters hit the water, and went under. Under the water, Malon tried her hardest to hold her breath as she and Billy swam to the surface. It seemed like it took forever, but Malon finally poked her head above the surface of the water, savoring the taste of fresh air. Billy arose beside her, and as soon as he had, Billy grabbed Malon's hand and started swimming.
While swimming towards the slowly approaching beach, which had just appeared in her sights, Malon looked up, and saw the helicopter containing the rest of the team flying overhead. Malon smiled, knowing that everyone was alright.
Suddenly, Malon heard a loud explosion. Malon and Billy looked back and saw Rugal's ship explode into a ball of fire. Billy's eyes widened.
"That's gonna create a huge wave!" Billy said. "We'd better hurry!"
Billy and Malon swam faster, if that was even possible. However, a large wave was quickly coming behind them. Try as they might, Malon and Billy couldn't escape the approaching wave, and were pushed deep under the surface of the ocean.
Under the water, Malon tried to swim to the surface, but her legs were already weak. She suddenly felt her vision blurring. She knew that she hadn't taken in a lot of air when she was pushed under, as the wave hadn't taken her completely by surprise. The last thing Malon saw before blacking out completely was Billy desperately trying to pull her to the surface with him.
Billy shot his head out of the water, pulling the head of an unconscious Malon up with him. Billy swam as fast and as hard as he could towards the shore, which was now coming into view better.
Ten grueling minutes of swimming later, Billy was now close enough to the shore to make out three figures standing on the beach: The unmistakable figures of Joe, Choi and Brian.
It took him another two minutes, but Billy had finally gotten close enough to the shore to touch the bottom. Dragging the unconscious Malon behind him, Billy rushed towards the shore, where the three other fighters were waiting.
After what seemed like an eternity, Billy finally got onto the shore. He quickly laid Malon on the sandy beach, silently praying that she wasn't dead. Joe, Choi and Brian gathered around her.
Suddenly, the group heard a light cough come from Malon. Malon quickly rolled onto her stomach and propped herself up with her arm. Malon coughed up some water before slowly standing to her feet. Once she was standing upright, she turned to look at Billy.
"Billy...Y-Y-You just saved my life!" Malon said, in total disbelief. She then cracked a warm smile. "Now that's something Link has NEVER done."
Malon was taken by complete surprise when Billy grabbed her by her shirt and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. While this surprised her, Malon was glad Billy did it. The thirty year-old woman made up her mind about Billy right then and there.
"Uh...Guys, I hate to interrupt the moment, but we still need to save Lilly." Joe said.
Billy and Malon broke the kiss. "Oh, man! That's right!" Billy exclaimed.
"We'd better get to the airport if we're going to get back to Southtown!" Choi said.
"I'll go with you." Brian said.
"No you can't." Joe said. "If Geese found out that you're now Orochi- blooded, you wouldn't know WHAT he'd do!"
Brian agreed, but said that he'd go to Southtown anyway. As Joe, Choi and Brian left, the beach, Malon turned to Billy. "Billy?"
Billy turned back to Malon. "Yeah, Malon?"
"I've made up my mind." Malon increased her smile. "I love you too."
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Hours later, the Rescuer Team arrived in Southtown. During the flight, Billy wasted no time in writing down the information Geese needed. Billy didn't write anything about Brian, so as not to endanger him. The quartet of fighters quickly raced towards what Joe called the 'Howard Tower', the skyscraper belonging to Geese Howard. Currently, the team was in front of Geese's office, waiting to be allowed in. the bodyguard at the intercom to the office turned away from it and looked at the team.
"You may go in." The bodyguard said.
Billy shoved the doors to Geese's office open and stormed inside, followed by Joe, Malon and Choi. Inside the office was a man sitting at a desk, with a bodyguard on either side. The blonde-haired man sitting at the desk saw the Rescuer Team coming and smiled.
"Ah, Billy!" Geese said. "You've finally arrived." The team stopped in front of Geese's desk. "Do you have the information?"
Billy reached into his jacket, pulled out a folder and threw in on the desk. Geese picked it up and looked at the contents. After a while, Geese snickered.
"So THAT was what Rugal was up to." Geese laughed. He then turned to Billy. "Billy, did Rugal say he was experimenting this formula on someone?"
"No." Billy lied.
"Now," Joe said before slamming his hands onto the desk. "Where's Lilly?!"
"Yeah!" Malon said. "Billy kept up his end of the bargain, now you keep yours!"
"And don't even THINK about double-crossing us, Goose!" Choi said, pointing one of his claws at Geese.
"It's 'Geese'." Geese said.
"I don't care."
Geese was silent for a few seconds. "I may be a crime boss, but I AM a man of my word." Geese pressed a button on his intercom. "Bring her in, boys."
The doors to Geese's office swung open, and two men walked in, dragging a young girl behind them.
"Let me go, you big oafs!" Lilly said as she struggled against her captors grips. She suddenly saw Billy and Joe as the men released her. "Billy? Joe?" Lilly asked, her eyes starting to form tears of happiness.
Lilly rushed forward until she reached her brother and her boyfriend, who quickly took her into their arms.
"It's alright, Lilly." Billy assured. "It's all over."
As Joe led Lilly out of the office with an arm over her shoulder, Billy spun around and slammed his staff on top of Geese's desk, leaving a staff- shaped dent in the desk. "That's for betraying me and kidnapping Lilly!" Billy shouted. "And here's some more news: I QUIT!"
Billy turned around and stormed out of the office. Choi scurried ahead of him, while Malon walked out of the office alongside Billy.
"I'm proud of you, Billy." Malon said.
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A few days passed. Kim had taken Choi back to Korea, where his training was to resume. Link and Zelda had moved into a house on the same street as Billy and Lilly, and Malon had moved into her own house next to Link and Zelda. Now that he had worked with Joe for a change, Billy had felt a little less concerned about Lilly going out with Joe. Currently, the gang was going out on a triple date. Link and Zelda, Joe and Lilly, and Billy and Malon. Malon, in a flowing, red dress she had bought, was waiting in the Kane household, waiting for Billy to get ready.
Billy came into the room, wearing a black tuxedo and without his bandana.
"You ready?" Malon asked. "The rest of the gang said that they'd meet us at the restaurant."
"Yeah, but I want to show you something first." Billy said.
Billy took Malon by the hand and led her into the living room. Billy took Malon over to a table, where a small object was laying: A small, wooden cross. Billy picked it up and handed it to Malon.
"This is the most important thing Lilly and I have." Billy explained. "Our mother told me that it was passed down from generation to generation, all the way back to when it was made. I've decided to let Lilly give it to her children."
Malon stared at the cross with wide eyes and an open mouth, the shocked expression on her face completely visible. She wasn't staring at the cross itself, but rather at the small word etched onto the side...
'SARIA'
END
Author's note: Well, that's another fic finished! Thanks for all the reviews! (mysterious laughter) The way I ended the fic, you can bet that I'll end up writing a sequel to this sometime. Please read and review.
Malon gulped as the helicopter flew into view. The Rescuer Team had just defeated the Youth Team in the finals, winning the tournament. The quartet of Malon, Billy, Joe and Choi were now supposed to fly in the helicopter to an unknown location to fight the founder of the tournament. Currently, the Rescuer Team was standing in the middle of the stadium, waiting to be picked up. Malon looked at Billy.
"Are you sure we can do this?" Malon asked.
"Yes, Malon." Billy reassured. "I know we can."
The helicopter landed, and the four members of the Rescuer Team stepped in. As the helicopter lifted off the ground, the announcer shouted "Good luck, Rescuer Team!" through the speakers.
Five minutes passed. The helicopter had arrived at the 'unknown location', which turned out to be a ship floating in the ocean not too far away from the shore. The helicopter landed on the landing pad. The Rescuer Team stepped off and looked around.
"This looks very familiar." Billy said. Joe and Choi agreed.
"Well, we might as well find the founder." Joe said.
"Good luck, guys." The helicopter pilot said. "I'll be waiting here for you to come back."
Joe and Choi walked forward, and Billy was about to follow, but he was stopped by Malon, who planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Billy looked at Malon with wide eyes.
"For luck." Malon said with a smile.
Billy smiled back as the two walked forward together.
The Rescuer Team entered the ship via a door, and continued walking. The team walked down a long hallway, which had large windows on either side, overlooking the ocean.
Finally, the Rescuer Team ended up at a door at the end of the hallway. Joe pushed open the door as the team walked through. The room they found themselves in was a very large, circular room with strange machines leaning against the walls.
Suddenly, the team heard a strange laughter that seemed like it was coming from all directions. The team looked around for the owner of the laugh, but saw no one.
"Whoever you are, come out and show yourself!" Billy challenged.
"As you wish." A man replied as he stepped out of the shadows. He was tall, and had blonde hair with a black mustache. He wore a red coat with black trim, and his pants were coloured the same way. He wore black, neatly polished shoes.
"Rugal Berenstien." Joe growled.
"Wait a minute!" Billy said. "No wonder Geese wants to know so much about you! Whenever you come into play, you have a plan that involves Orochi, which is something Geese has always wanted to know about!"
"You're very right, my friend." Rugal said. "And this time, my plan to revive Orochi won't fail!"
"Why? What are you up to THIS time?" Choi asked.
"And why are you wanting to REVIVE Orochi? All you've ever wanted was to control it." Joe said.
"What is 'Orochi'?" Malon asked.
"Orochi is a very evil power. Only a selected few hold it." Billy explained.
"Well, I've been asked by a friend to revive Orochi. I don't know why he asked me to do it, but he promised me Orochi power if I did it." Rugal explained.
"What did you do?" Joe asked.
"Let me quiz you and Choi for a second." Rugal said. "Remember back in 1994, and all the teams were standing in my arena, waiting for me to arrive and challenge the Hero Team?"
"Yeah." Choi said.
"And suddenly, a dart shot from the shadows and nailed one of the fighters in the shoulder?"
"Yeah. Brian was the one who was struck." Joe said. "And up until this day, we've never found out what was in that dart."
"Well, you're about to find out." Rugal laughed. "You aren't going to fight me. Well, not yet anyway."
"What are you getting on?" Malon asked.
"Behold! My new soldier!" Rugal said as he pointed towards another door.
The doors opened, and a shadowy figure stepped into the room. Everyone's eyes widened, with the exception of Rugal.
"Brian Battler?!" Malon asked.
Indeed, it was Brian. But instead of his normal look, Brian's eyes were solid white. His pupils and irises were gone. He was also growling like a dog.
"Now I see!" Billy said. "That dart contained Orochi blood!"
"But that means that Brian's now an abnormal Orochi!" Choi cried.
"And from the looks of things, he can also go Riot of Blood!" Joe said.
"What is 'Riot of Blood'?!" Malon asked.
"It's something that several people with Orochi blood can go into uncontrollably." Billy said. "Once in Riot of Blood, the person becomes a bloodthirsty maniac."
"Brian! Destroy them!" Rugal said.
Brian roared as he charged towards the heroes.
"Looks like we have no choice but to fight Brian." Malon said. "Maybe if we defeat him, he'll snap out of it."
"At least that's the hope." Choi said.
The Rescuer Team charged at Brian, who had his shoulder stuck out, attempting to plow them over. Joe, the one in the lead, blocked Brian's attack while the rest of the team surrounded Brian and unloaded his or her attacks on the abnormal Orochi. Malon, standing behind Brian, thrust her fist into Brian's back. Billy, standing to Brian's right, thrust his staff into the football player's side. Choi slashed Brian's left arm a few times, drawing a little blood. Brian rolled out of the way, holding his wounded arm. Brian got to his feet and swung his arms, attacking Billy and Choi with a small shock wave. Joe quickly lashed out his arm, sending out a typhoon while Malon zoomed behind Brian, leapt into the air and knocked Brian towards the incoming typhoon. Brian was lifted into the air as Billy leapt into the air and struck Brian with his staff.
Suddenly, Brian's shoulder flashed. Brian charged forward, shoulder first. Billy and Joe leapt out of the way, and Choi blocked the attack. Malon, however, wasn't prepared. Brian's shoulder plowed into her stomach. Once Brian finished, Malon was sent back thirty feet, and she would've kept going had she not collided with the wall.
Malon lay on the floor, using one of her arms to prop herself up. Judging by the taste in her mouth, Malon could tell that her mouth was bleeding. Malon slowly got to her feet, holding onto her stomach. She looked forward and saw her three friends fighting Brian. After recovering from a slash attack from Choi, Brian had collided heads with Billy.
Malon charged forward, towards Brian. Malon leapt into the air and tackled Brian, knocking him to the floor. Malon quickly threw her fists into Brian's face while he was on the floor. Brian quickly kicked Malon, knocking her off him. Brian shot to his feet and leapt into the air, landing a flying kick to Malon's face. Brian then thrust his fist out, catching Choi in the stomach.
Joe jumped into the air and thrust his foot into Brian's head while Billy plunged his staff into Brian's stomach. Choi slashed his claws at Brian's arms while Malon thrust her foot into Brian's back.
"Stand back, guys!" Billy shouted. "I'm gonna finish this!"
Joe, Choi and Malon stood back as Billy's staff flashed. Billy's staff multiplied as the worrier leapt into the air and swung the pile of staffs, attacking Brian. Billy slammed the pile of staffs down on Brian's head. As the staffs reverted back to one, Brian collapsed.
"We did it!" Malon said in triumph.
"Not yet." Choi said. We still have Rugal to take care of."
The rest of the team was silent, realizing that Choi was right. The Rescuer Team turned around to face Rugal, who was grinning evilly. Almost as evilly as Geese. Rugal slowly clapped his hands in amusement.
"Very impressive." Rugal said. "You managed to take down the new Orochi." He then got into a stance. "However, your winnings end here."
"Bring it on, jerk!" Joe shouted.
Rugal pulled his hands behind his back. "Very well. You're askin for it."
Rugal lashed out his arms, firing a large ball of electricity at the heroes. The four friends leapt out of the way as the ball of electricity hit the wall.
Billy leapt towards Rugal, attempting to attack him with his staff. However, Rugal leapt into the air and kicked Billy, countering the attack. The rest of the team used this to their advantage. Joe lashed out a typhoon, which stopped Rugal from attacking Billy. When Rugal landed on the ground, Choi's claws flashed. Choi charged at Rugal and spun around countless times, slashing Rugal before the man had a chance to get up. As Rugal got up, Malon zoomed past him and thrust her foot into his back.
Suddenly, Rugal charge forward, leaving only a blur behind. Rugal charged past Billy and Joe, attacking them several times. However, Malon and Choi used this distraction to dish out a few attacks on Rugal.
Meanwhile, Brian slowly sat up, rubbing his head.
"Oooooh...Man, what happened?" Brain asked himself. He looked around. "And what am I doing here?" Brian suddenly noticed the Rescuer Team fighting Rugal. "Hey! That's Rugal Berenstien!" Brian's face darkened. "It's all coming back to me. That guy injected me with Orochi blood!" He stood up, despite the pain flowing through his body. "That guy's gonna pay!"
Brian concentrated on his shoulder as he ran towards the battle.
After getting attacked by Joe, Rugal managed to grab Choi by the neck and lift him off his feet. Rugal grinned evilly as he tightened his grip on Choi's neck.
Suddenly, everyone heard a battle cry. Everyone, Rugal included, turned to the battle cry, and saw Brian charge towards Rugal, shoulder first. Brian plowed his shoulder into Rugal's stomach, making him drop Choi. When Brian stopped, Rugal was sent reeling.
"Good to have ya back, Brian!" Joe said.
"Likewise!" Brian replied. "Now let's cream the punk!"
"YEAH!" The Rescuer Team shouted in unison.
Rugal slowly stood up, and when he did, he pulled his arms back, preparing to fire another ball of electricity. Choi grinned.
"You guys get ready to block!" Choi said. "I've got an idea!"
As Rugal fired the projectile, Choi's claws flashed. Choi darted underneath the projectile, which wasn't hard because of his height, and grabbed Rugal. Choi slashed his claws countless times until the super move finished.
"Better get out of the way, Choi!" Billy said as his staff flashed. Brian had stood in front of the projectile and blocked the attack.
Billy spun his staff around in circles, igniting it on fire. Billy lashed out his staff, firing the wheel of fire at Rugal. Choi saw the move coming and moved out of the way. Rugal, however, was attacked. Once again, Rugal was sent reeling.
"Let me finish this!" Malon said as she stood in front of Brian.
Suddenly, Malon's hands flashed. She charged forward and grabbed Rugal.
"I must do something!" Malon cried as she leapt into the air and kicked Rugal in the face several times, pushing off Rugal's face with every kick.
Malon kicked Rugal in the face one last time before landing on her feet. That was enough to make Rugal collapse to the ground.
"Yeah!" Billy said. "Rugal is history!"
"Nothing can beat us!" Joe shouted. "We're invincible!"
"Helping people feels...Good!" Choi said. "I could get used to this!"
Suddenly, Rugal stood to his feet, and began laughing.
"Fools!" Rugal laughed. "You may have defeated me," Rugal pulled a remote control out of seemingly nowhere. "But I shall have the last laugh!"
Joe's eyes widened. "He's gonna blow us up!"
"Let's scram!" Brian shouted.
The five fighters turned around and ran out of the room, running like they had never ran before. At the same time, Rugal jammed the button on the remote, starting a countdown. Rugal laughed maniacally as he ran out of the room via a different door.
Billy, Malon, Joe, Choi and Brian tore down the long hallway, trying to get back to the helicopter, where the pilot was still waiting.
As she ran, Malon squinted. She could see the final door which led to the helipad. They were almost safe.
However, Malon's feelings took an immediate turn as a glass barrier suddenly shot across the hallway, forming a barrier. Joe, Choi and Brian managed to make it past the barrier before it sealed, but Billy and Malon weren't so lucky. They were now separated from the rest of the team, and now had no chance of making it to the helicopter.
"Billy! Malon!" Choi cried.
"Guys! Get out of here!" Billy said. "Malon and I will find another way out! Take the helicopter and get off the ship before it blows!"
"...Sorry." Joe said as he, Choi and Brian turned around and continued running.
Malon and Billy looked around the hallway. "How are we going to get out of here?" Malon asked.
Billy looked around until he spotted a large window. He quickly turned to Malon. "Can you swim?"
"Excuse me?" Malon asked, not fully understanding.
"Can you swim?" Billy repeated, holding out his hand.
"...Y-Yes." Malon said as she took Billy's hand.
As soon as Billy had Malon's hand, he turned around. "Then let's go!"
Billy charged towards the window, with Malon in tow. Billy lunged forward, breaking through the glass window, pulling Malon out with him.
"Billy!" Malon cried as she and Billy took a fifty-foot drop into the ocean.
Both fighters hit the water, and went under. Under the water, Malon tried her hardest to hold her breath as she and Billy swam to the surface. It seemed like it took forever, but Malon finally poked her head above the surface of the water, savoring the taste of fresh air. Billy arose beside her, and as soon as he had, Billy grabbed Malon's hand and started swimming.
While swimming towards the slowly approaching beach, which had just appeared in her sights, Malon looked up, and saw the helicopter containing the rest of the team flying overhead. Malon smiled, knowing that everyone was alright.
Suddenly, Malon heard a loud explosion. Malon and Billy looked back and saw Rugal's ship explode into a ball of fire. Billy's eyes widened.
"That's gonna create a huge wave!" Billy said. "We'd better hurry!"
Billy and Malon swam faster, if that was even possible. However, a large wave was quickly coming behind them. Try as they might, Malon and Billy couldn't escape the approaching wave, and were pushed deep under the surface of the ocean.
Under the water, Malon tried to swim to the surface, but her legs were already weak. She suddenly felt her vision blurring. She knew that she hadn't taken in a lot of air when she was pushed under, as the wave hadn't taken her completely by surprise. The last thing Malon saw before blacking out completely was Billy desperately trying to pull her to the surface with him.
Billy shot his head out of the water, pulling the head of an unconscious Malon up with him. Billy swam as fast and as hard as he could towards the shore, which was now coming into view better.
Ten grueling minutes of swimming later, Billy was now close enough to the shore to make out three figures standing on the beach: The unmistakable figures of Joe, Choi and Brian.
It took him another two minutes, but Billy had finally gotten close enough to the shore to touch the bottom. Dragging the unconscious Malon behind him, Billy rushed towards the shore, where the three other fighters were waiting.
After what seemed like an eternity, Billy finally got onto the shore. He quickly laid Malon on the sandy beach, silently praying that she wasn't dead. Joe, Choi and Brian gathered around her.
Suddenly, the group heard a light cough come from Malon. Malon quickly rolled onto her stomach and propped herself up with her arm. Malon coughed up some water before slowly standing to her feet. Once she was standing upright, she turned to look at Billy.
"Billy...Y-Y-You just saved my life!" Malon said, in total disbelief. She then cracked a warm smile. "Now that's something Link has NEVER done."
Malon was taken by complete surprise when Billy grabbed her by her shirt and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. While this surprised her, Malon was glad Billy did it. The thirty year-old woman made up her mind about Billy right then and there.
"Uh...Guys, I hate to interrupt the moment, but we still need to save Lilly." Joe said.
Billy and Malon broke the kiss. "Oh, man! That's right!" Billy exclaimed.
"We'd better get to the airport if we're going to get back to Southtown!" Choi said.
"I'll go with you." Brian said.
"No you can't." Joe said. "If Geese found out that you're now Orochi- blooded, you wouldn't know WHAT he'd do!"
Brian agreed, but said that he'd go to Southtown anyway. As Joe, Choi and Brian left, the beach, Malon turned to Billy. "Billy?"
Billy turned back to Malon. "Yeah, Malon?"
"I've made up my mind." Malon increased her smile. "I love you too."
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Hours later, the Rescuer Team arrived in Southtown. During the flight, Billy wasted no time in writing down the information Geese needed. Billy didn't write anything about Brian, so as not to endanger him. The quartet of fighters quickly raced towards what Joe called the 'Howard Tower', the skyscraper belonging to Geese Howard. Currently, the team was in front of Geese's office, waiting to be allowed in. the bodyguard at the intercom to the office turned away from it and looked at the team.
"You may go in." The bodyguard said.
Billy shoved the doors to Geese's office open and stormed inside, followed by Joe, Malon and Choi. Inside the office was a man sitting at a desk, with a bodyguard on either side. The blonde-haired man sitting at the desk saw the Rescuer Team coming and smiled.
"Ah, Billy!" Geese said. "You've finally arrived." The team stopped in front of Geese's desk. "Do you have the information?"
Billy reached into his jacket, pulled out a folder and threw in on the desk. Geese picked it up and looked at the contents. After a while, Geese snickered.
"So THAT was what Rugal was up to." Geese laughed. He then turned to Billy. "Billy, did Rugal say he was experimenting this formula on someone?"
"No." Billy lied.
"Now," Joe said before slamming his hands onto the desk. "Where's Lilly?!"
"Yeah!" Malon said. "Billy kept up his end of the bargain, now you keep yours!"
"And don't even THINK about double-crossing us, Goose!" Choi said, pointing one of his claws at Geese.
"It's 'Geese'." Geese said.
"I don't care."
Geese was silent for a few seconds. "I may be a crime boss, but I AM a man of my word." Geese pressed a button on his intercom. "Bring her in, boys."
The doors to Geese's office swung open, and two men walked in, dragging a young girl behind them.
"Let me go, you big oafs!" Lilly said as she struggled against her captors grips. She suddenly saw Billy and Joe as the men released her. "Billy? Joe?" Lilly asked, her eyes starting to form tears of happiness.
Lilly rushed forward until she reached her brother and her boyfriend, who quickly took her into their arms.
"It's alright, Lilly." Billy assured. "It's all over."
As Joe led Lilly out of the office with an arm over her shoulder, Billy spun around and slammed his staff on top of Geese's desk, leaving a staff- shaped dent in the desk. "That's for betraying me and kidnapping Lilly!" Billy shouted. "And here's some more news: I QUIT!"
Billy turned around and stormed out of the office. Choi scurried ahead of him, while Malon walked out of the office alongside Billy.
"I'm proud of you, Billy." Malon said.
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A few days passed. Kim had taken Choi back to Korea, where his training was to resume. Link and Zelda had moved into a house on the same street as Billy and Lilly, and Malon had moved into her own house next to Link and Zelda. Now that he had worked with Joe for a change, Billy had felt a little less concerned about Lilly going out with Joe. Currently, the gang was going out on a triple date. Link and Zelda, Joe and Lilly, and Billy and Malon. Malon, in a flowing, red dress she had bought, was waiting in the Kane household, waiting for Billy to get ready.
Billy came into the room, wearing a black tuxedo and without his bandana.
"You ready?" Malon asked. "The rest of the gang said that they'd meet us at the restaurant."
"Yeah, but I want to show you something first." Billy said.
Billy took Malon by the hand and led her into the living room. Billy took Malon over to a table, where a small object was laying: A small, wooden cross. Billy picked it up and handed it to Malon.
"This is the most important thing Lilly and I have." Billy explained. "Our mother told me that it was passed down from generation to generation, all the way back to when it was made. I've decided to let Lilly give it to her children."
Malon stared at the cross with wide eyes and an open mouth, the shocked expression on her face completely visible. She wasn't staring at the cross itself, but rather at the small word etched onto the side...
'SARIA'
END
Author's note: Well, that's another fic finished! Thanks for all the reviews! (mysterious laughter) The way I ended the fic, you can bet that I'll end up writing a sequel to this sometime. Please read and review.