28. First Loss
"That's the end of round 1. Hinata Wakaba beats Shingo Yabuki and will go on to face the next fighter on team C-1."
Hinata stared at the fallen body of her opponent, Shingo. Her match was a bit longer than usual, but she still managed to win with no problem. A smile eventually crossed her face.
"This is great! By the rate that we're going, we should be undefeated in no time!"
As the next fighter made his way to the ring, Sakura S. looked at her twin on the sidelines and asked, "Do you really think we'll be able to go undefeated? I mean. we have this team, not to mention Yusuke's next. They all are experienced."
"Hey, so are we," the lighter Sakura responded. "As long as we get in the finals, I'll take a few losses."
Sakura S. smiled at her sister's comment and looked on. Next was Benimaru Nikaido, and he was right in position to start. He had his hair down and looking at her with a cute look on his face.
"Round 2 has Hinata vs. Benimaru. Ready? Fight!"
Hinata went into her fighting stance. but Benimaru just blew a kiss to her and asked something that totally confused her.
"Are you in love with me?"
Hinata sweatdropped and stood up straight, staring hard in his eyes.
"What? Don't you think this isn't the right time to say things like that?"
Benimaru smiled. "No. I just caught a glimpse of you looking at me. and I could see it in your eyes. You and I were made to be, baby."
"That's what YOU think!" she shot back. "I don't have time to talk about a love relationship with someone that I don't even know, let alone someone I should be fighting. Let's go!"
"Fine. have it your way, baby," Benimaru responded, blowing another kiss before pushing his hair to stand up on end. "After this. how about I take you out on a night on the town?"
"Sure. if you aren't some type of pervert."
Benimaru smiled before jumping into the air. At the peak of his jump, he came down while spinning, ready to kick her in the face. Hinata just dodged Benimaru's drill kick from the air and countered it.
"Moutei!" she cried out as she hit Benimaru with her Shouyouken. He fell on his back, but safe fell and landed on his feet. Hinata rushed in to capitalize, but Benimaru swept her off her feet. Hinata didn't safe fall this time. After lying down for a second, she rolled to her left and kicked out while getting up. Benimaru blocked it and threw a punch to her face that was barely dodged.
Hinata flowed with the action by giving a kick to the side of his head that Benimaru ducked and returned with a knee to the stomach, knocking Hinata out of her momentum. He took this time to charge up while she was stunned.
"Raijinken!" he called as he threw his fist forward, letting an electric sphere of energy hit her two times before sending her reeling. Her body was covered with electricity, momentarily paralyzing her for Benimaru's next attack, another strong knee to the stomach.
"Springboard Kick!" he called out as he followed with a rolling sobat move, then a flipkick, covered in electricity. Hinata gasped loudly as she fell to the ground, every nerve set a blaze by the energy.
"Whoa." Darrell mumbled. "I didn't know someone could handle electricity like that."
"Yeah. that's Benimaru for you." Sakura K. said. "I know him from the other two tournaments. but I never fought him. I heard he was pretty good. and a pretty boy. I guess it shows by the way he was flirting with Hinata just now."
Hinata slowly got to her feet, shaking off the electricity. She saw Benimaru come in with a knee and evaded.
"Enbukyaku!!"
Benimaru met her burning spin kick and fell to the ground fully. He got up quickly afterwards, but met Hinata's heel kick to the back of his head. He face-planted in the canvas.
"That's it, Hinata!" Sakura K. encouraged. "You got him. Keep it up!"
Hinata waited as the announcer counted up to 4 while Benimaru got up. He got to one knee. then performed a sneak attack.
"Shinku Katagemoa!!"
Benimaru used his right hand to support himself as he spun his body like a top, sending Hinata all the way across the arena. She skidded to a stop, her legs over her head. then they flopped down to their natural position. Benimaru could hear her groans as he walked over to her.
"You okay?" he asked. "I hope I didn't hurt you too much."
Hinata put her hand on her head as she tried to get herself together. She slowly got up, trying to get back into stance, but she was seeing stars.
"You." she murmured as she leaned over, putting her right hand on her knee. Benimaru shook his head in pity at Hinata's condition.
"Poor thing. Let me end this fast so that I don't hurt you so bad that we can't go out."
Benimaru ducked down while charging up. then rushed into Hinata's body, electricity trailing him. As soon as he made contact, he disappeared.
"SPARK!!!"
Benimaru reappeared behind Hinata, leaving behind a large shockwave of electricity that surged all throughout her body. She gasped. then fell to her knees, her eyes dull.
"What. happened.?" she asked in a light voice before falling back to the ground.
"Hinata!" Sakura K. yelled out as the announcer started his ten-count. It was clear that Hinata wasn't getting back up. As the announcer reached 10, she stood up, ready to go in.
"That's the end of round 2. Benimaru overwhelms Hinata and ties up the series at one a piece. Will the next fighter come up?"
"Yeah."
Sakura K. made her way in after helping her K.O'ed friend out the ring. As soon as she stepped in, Benimaru turned his attention to her.
"Hey. is this whole team made up of lovely young ladies? I can see that you're just like Hinata. Maybe I'll take you out to dinner also."
"Sorry. If you're looking for a threesome, then I'm not part of it. I'm already taken."
Benimaru raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? You already have a boyfriend? He can't be as good as me."
"You wanna bet?" Sakura countered. "You don't have any idea what he's done for me. I don't think you can top that. That's another issue, though. Let's start this fight."
"Sure." he replied while sharing another blow-kiss before the announcer started.
"Okay. round 3 has Sakura Kasugano vs. Benimaru Nikaido. Ready? FIGHT!"
Benimaru started by running up and doing a kick like he was the kicker in a football game. Sakura easily evaded and followed by nailing Benimaru in the side of the head with her fist. He reeled from the blow, but recovered to block the upcoming Shouoken special move. As Sakura went up, Benimaru charged up a fist. A ball of lightning energy covered his fist.
"Raijinken!" he yelled as he aimed upward and nailed Sakura with his special move. Sakura fell on her back, trying to safe fall, but the electricity stunned her body and she landed on the back of her neck. It took until the count of 4 for her to recover and get back into stance. As she shook her head then rubbed the back of her neck, Darrell shouted some encouragement.
"Don't worry about that, Sakura. It's a minor setback. Just make sure you beat him!"
Sakura K. nodded as she charged up her own energy in her hands.
"Hadouken!"
Benimaru ducked Sakura's blast and retaliated with a familiar move of his own.
"Shinku Katagemoa!"
"Not this time!" Sakura yelled as she jumped his breakdance move and launched her mid-air Hadouken. It connected and Benimaru was automatically sent to the ground. Sakura landed and instantly went to another move as he was getting up.
"Shunpukyaku!"
Sakura was within an inch of Benimaru's head before he did something unexpected. First he parried the kick, letting Sakura try to recover. then he grabbed her.
"Elec-trigger!!!"
Benimaru unloaded a huge current of electricity into Sakura's body, making her scream so loud that even those sitting on the far reaches of the stadium could hear her. Darrell could sense Sakura's vitality drain away at a steady pace and started to sweat.
{He's strong. I might have to fight him next if Sakura can't take him.}
Benimaru finished with one last shock, blasting Sakura to the ground. Her entire body was covered with Benimaru's electricity, twitching periodically as the announcer started the count. As that happened, Benimaru blew a kiss.
"Don't worry, Sakura." he said in a passionate tone. "You'll be fine. The electrical paralysis should wear off soon."
"A little sooner. than you think." Sakura's weak voice squeaked as she sat up, the electricity around her vanishing at the count of 7. Benimaru smiled.
"So, you're back up, baby? That's cool. I guess a good fight is good for me before a date."
"You know. I would think you're full of yourself. but I guess I can't."
Sakura didn't wait for him to reply as she charged in, getting ready for another move, but Benimaru anticipated and countered with a rolling sobat kick. It hit her face. throwing her balance off. It was a critical point for Benimaru.
{Haven't used this in a while. but I hope this will impress her.}
"Here I go! Gei'ei Hurricane!!!"
Benimaru stroke a pose. and another Benimaru rushed out of his body and nailed Sakura. He did another pose. and the same thing happened. After about 8 more Shadow attacks, Benimaru finally followed up with his own speedy kick, finishing his super move. and Sakura. As she fell back, Darrell twitched.
{He's VERY strong. There HAS to be a way to beat him. That's it. I'm going up next.}
He tuned back in to the announcer's count, which just ended.
"Benimaru beats Sakura K. quickly with his super move, the Gei'ei Hurricane. The series is now 1-2 with 2 fighters left on both sides. Let's see how C-8 comes back from this one."
Benimaru blew another kiss to Sakura's fallen body.
"I hope you like that. I finished you off in the most impressive way! You're sure lucky!"
{Is he. flirting with her?? Okay, pretty boy. You're getting a fire sword right where the sun doesn't shine!}
Just as Darrell got up, a hand on his shoulder held him down. By the looks of it, he knew who it was.
"Darrell. Don't worry. I got him."
"Heh. I guess so, Sakura S. Be careful. Benimaru's no pushover. He beat the other 2 pretty quickly. with those electric attacks."
Sakura S. nodded before going in to fight Benimaru. As usual, Benimaru threw a kiss to her and smiled.
"Another one, huh? By the looks of it, it seems as if you're the other's sister. Are you taken?"
The darker Sakura shook her head. "No. but I really don't intend. Wait a minute."
Suddenly, she had an idea. It was a longshot, but she decided to try it anyway.
"You know. maybe I do intend to."
This caught Benimaru's attention.
"Oh. looks like I have an admirer. Well then. maybe I'll go a little easier on you then. I really don't believe in hurting my fans too much."
{Yeah. and that will be your downfall.} Sakura S. thought as she got into her fighting stance.
"Round 4: Sakura Satsu vs. Benimaru. Ready? Fight!"
This time, Benimaru waited for Sakura to do the first move: a slow Hadouken that was blocked easily. It exploded. and when it cleared up, Benimaru didn't find a trace of his opponent.
"Huh. A diversion??"
"Behind you."
Benimaru spun around. and got decked in the face by Sakura's black handguard. Instantly he stumbled backwards, holding his face.
"No!!! How could you! Why hit me in the face of all places?!"
Sakura S. gave a 'tch!' "All pretty boys can't stand being hit in the face. You're no exception, Benimaru."
Before she went on, she dashed in. and nailed the Haru Ichiban on him. After 18 hits, Benimaru plummeted to the ground, K.O.'ed, with Sakura S. following him.
"Like Darrell used to say. You can't be a true fighter without knowing how to take a hit. There's no way I'd let someone as. vitally weak as you be my boyfriend. That's why Darrell is my sis's boyfriend. He's strong. not worried about his looks. and cares for her. If only you were the same."
"After a good hit, Sakura S. defeats Benimaru with her Haru Ichiban. Now C- 1, who has only lost once, only has one other fighter to protect their status. Can he do it?"
Sakura waited patiently for the last fighter to show up in the ring. After about 5 seconds, he finally stepped in. It was none other than Kyo Kusanagi.
"Round 5 is starting now!" the ring announcer yelled. "Kyo Kusanagi is taking on Sakura Satsu. Fighters ready? FIGHT!"
Oddly, both didn't start the match automatically. Kyo stared at his opponent for a while.
"I remember you. You're the girl that has the same moves as Ryu. sort of. What's with the skin change?"
"Where you watching the other matches, Kyo?" she answered with her own question. "The last fighter your friend, Benimaru, beat was Sakura K., the Sakura you speak of. I'm her sis. Get it straight."
"Humph! I guess it won't matter in a few minutes. You'll only be another fighter who feels the flame of the Kusanagi clan."
"Are we going to fight or talk all day?"
Kyo smirked. "Ikuze."
Sakura started with a Shunpukyaku that Kyo blocked. After she landed, she followed with a fierce punch to the face. Kyo blocked that also. Sakura S. changed up and started to sweep Kyo, but as soon as she threw her leg out.
"Oriya!!"
Kyo threw his elbow into Sakura's body, causing a circle of flame to surround him and ignite her. He went up into the air and sent Sakura a far. She safe fall and used her Satsu aura to get rid of the fire on her. As she did this, Kyo stood in shock. slightly.
"That aura. it's not normal. It feels evil. but it doesn't suit her. That's it. No more holding back!"
Kyo charged towards his opponent and threw a few punches that were blocked. The last punch was parried, pushing him back. Sakura used that opportunity to deliver a roundhouse kick. At the point of impact, Kyo turned his body so that she nailed his back, but he rolled off the attack like Darrell would do and nailed a flaming punch to her head. He followed with backhand, still flaming, and ended with a jumping elbow, flooring her.
As he landed, Sakura rolled towards him and kicked out while getting up. Her kick connected as he landed, making him reel back more by surprise than by the actual attack. Sakura S. used this opportunity to use her favorite super move.
"Midare. ZAKURA!!!"
Eighteen hits and a Shouoken later, Kyo was on the ground while the dark Sakura was landing. She stood on guard, ready to counter a sneak attack. Good thing, because as Kyo was getting up, his left fist threw out a streak of fire that almost burned her cheek if she didn't dodge it. She countered by using her Ashura Warp teleport to go right behind Kyo to nail him in the back of the head. This was a bad move.
"Haaaaaaaaaahhhhh.!"
Sakura S. realized too late as Kyo's whole body erupted into flames. The flames hit her up and above Kyo, who was still charging up his super attack, the Serpent Wave. Just as she was about to land, Kyo collected all his fire.
"THIS HAS ENDED!!!"
.and threw all of it at Sakura. Even though Sakura S. was a being of Satsu, no even she could withstand the heat. She was K.O.'ed long before she hit the ground. At this time, it would be expected that Darrell would get very worried. Instead, he stared at Kyo while thinking.
{Weird. This match. is going by a lot faster than the other ones. Kyo's team. goes all out after a short period of time. I've got to use that to their disadvantage. That's why everyone on my team was taken out so quickly: they never expected them to use such a tactic. Well then, Kyo Kusanagi. you better prepare yourself for one long battle.}
With that thought, Darrell, the last person on C-8 able to keep their winning streak going, got up and walked into the ring.
----- -----
"SHAKUNETSUKEN!!!"
Kyo watched as Darrell's fists went up in flames. It wasn't anything new to him. He can control flames at will. The thing was. this round was going on for over 10 minutes and he didn't win yet. He was starting to lose his patience. Darrell on the other hand, was running out of energy. and fast. It was a close bout, but Kyo had the advantage throughout it all. Kyo kept wearing him down. and unless he could think of something, he would lose.
"Come on." Kyo said while waving a finger, a small flame resting on the tip of it. "You should know better than to use same trick over and over again."
"Yeah, yeah. I don't have time for your advice!"
With that Darrell rushed in, his golden aura flaring as he delivered punch after punch. Some connected, but of the most part Kyo warded it off. Eventually, Kyo used his Fire Ball special move, the rising flame elbow, to knock Darrell down to the ground. Immediately, Darrell's fists turned to normal as he lay on the canvas, breathing through his mouth and moaning slightly.
"Oh. is it too hot for you?" Kyo taunted. "You handle flames, but can't take flames. Interesting."
"Sh. shut up."
Darrell slowly got to his feet at the count of 8. He knew he was cutting it close. and he only had one option. He stood back, charging up his vigor at his side. Kyo instantly knew what he might throw.
"He couldn't.! That's Ryu's move!"
"Shaku.netsu. Shinku."
The red fireball appeared, ready to fire.
"HADOUKEN!!!"
Kyo ran straight towards him as Darrell fired. As the blast started to connect, Kyo sidestepped... something Darrell didn't know until his voice called out behind him.
"I'll show you."
"HE DIDN'T!" Darrell yelled out as he spun around. and was earthed by a huge column of flame. followed by over 9 fast punches from Kyo. then. then finish.
"THE FIST OF KUSANAGI!!! ORIYA!!!"
Kyo finished with an overpowered Fire Ball, sending Darrell to the ground in a flaming blaze. Even after landing on the ground, the flames still ate away at his clothes as the announcer went into his frenzy.
"Wow!! That had to be big damage right there! Kyo pulled out his strongest super and probably jeopardized C-8's undefeated win streak. Without further ado. 1.. 2."
"Heh. he shouldn't bother counting. He's out." Kyo smiled a bit. "Victory is mine this time."
"7. 8."
Just then, Darrell's body started to struggle.
"No. no way. I. won't lose. Kyo."
As Darrell very slowly got to his feet, Kyo just shook his head in pity.
'You should really give up," he tipped. "You have nothing to fight on. You're finished."
Darrell fully got to his wobbly feet. and it was clear that Kyo was telling to truth. Darrell's vigor was completely depleted. Kyo was too strong.
{No. I've got to keep going. Huh!?}
Without warning, Kyo rushed up to him and rammed his elbow into Darrell's stomach. hard. Darrell's eyes instantly lost its spark and he let out weak gasps as Kyo used his hand to pick him up by the neck. and raise him up high. He smiled as he looked at his battered opponent.
"Oh, is it bedtime already?" he taunted. "If this hurts. then it ain't my fault. You shouldn't have gotten up."
Kyo waited as Darrell slowly looked down at him with dull, defeated eyes.
{I. don't believe it. I lost.}
Then Kyo yelled out.
"BURN!!!!"
A huge explosion came out of Kyo's hand and Darrell's cry was heard all over. When the fire cleared, Darrell was laying on his side, his eyes closed and his entire body burned. The announcer took a look at him. and immediately knew that the match was over.
"That's it, ladies and gentlemen! Kyo pulls through and ends C-8's undefeated streak, pulling both teams to a 4-1 ranking. The rookie team fought well, but couldn't get into a groove to get their big moves out. Now then, can we get some assistance?"
---- -----
"Darrell. Darrell!"
"Ugh. wha.? Sakura K.? What. happened?"
"Simple. we lost."
".damn. Our first loss."
Darrell was in his hotel bed with his girlfriend sitting on the side of it. It was an hour after the end of their match and the entire team was recuperating from the beating. Both Darrell and Sakura were still in their tattered clothes, Darrell's burned and Sakura's torn by electricity. Darrell sat up and rested his head on his right hand.
"I guess. we had to take our lumps sometime. I had a good plan going. but it just didn't pull out."
"I wouldn't get depressed. we're still in the top 5 team rankings for the tournament. I'm not bitter."
Darrell looked up to Sakura. "How could you say that you're not bitter? Wait. I'm not either. Just tired."
"Yeah. me too. I just woke up 10 minutes ago and I'm still wrecked. Benimaru's electricity really zaps your energy out of you."
Darrell shook his head hard to get rid of a small hint of dizziness before asking, "So. now what? We've got Yusuke's team 2 days from now. Thank God there's a break. Then again, we're gonna need it. Yusuke's team in NO pushover."
"I know that. They're one of the only teams that are still undefeated. Plus, it's the match before they start eliminating teams for the semi- finals. We can't slack off here."
Suddenly, Sakura stopped talking as a thought went into her head.
"Darrell. we've got to talk to Yusuke about something tomorrow. It's important."
"Like what?" Darrell asked quizzily.
"It's about Akuma. They're helping us out. so they need some details."
"Yeah. I guess."
End of Chapter 28
"That's the end of round 1. Hinata Wakaba beats Shingo Yabuki and will go on to face the next fighter on team C-1."
Hinata stared at the fallen body of her opponent, Shingo. Her match was a bit longer than usual, but she still managed to win with no problem. A smile eventually crossed her face.
"This is great! By the rate that we're going, we should be undefeated in no time!"
As the next fighter made his way to the ring, Sakura S. looked at her twin on the sidelines and asked, "Do you really think we'll be able to go undefeated? I mean. we have this team, not to mention Yusuke's next. They all are experienced."
"Hey, so are we," the lighter Sakura responded. "As long as we get in the finals, I'll take a few losses."
Sakura S. smiled at her sister's comment and looked on. Next was Benimaru Nikaido, and he was right in position to start. He had his hair down and looking at her with a cute look on his face.
"Round 2 has Hinata vs. Benimaru. Ready? Fight!"
Hinata went into her fighting stance. but Benimaru just blew a kiss to her and asked something that totally confused her.
"Are you in love with me?"
Hinata sweatdropped and stood up straight, staring hard in his eyes.
"What? Don't you think this isn't the right time to say things like that?"
Benimaru smiled. "No. I just caught a glimpse of you looking at me. and I could see it in your eyes. You and I were made to be, baby."
"That's what YOU think!" she shot back. "I don't have time to talk about a love relationship with someone that I don't even know, let alone someone I should be fighting. Let's go!"
"Fine. have it your way, baby," Benimaru responded, blowing another kiss before pushing his hair to stand up on end. "After this. how about I take you out on a night on the town?"
"Sure. if you aren't some type of pervert."
Benimaru smiled before jumping into the air. At the peak of his jump, he came down while spinning, ready to kick her in the face. Hinata just dodged Benimaru's drill kick from the air and countered it.
"Moutei!" she cried out as she hit Benimaru with her Shouyouken. He fell on his back, but safe fell and landed on his feet. Hinata rushed in to capitalize, but Benimaru swept her off her feet. Hinata didn't safe fall this time. After lying down for a second, she rolled to her left and kicked out while getting up. Benimaru blocked it and threw a punch to her face that was barely dodged.
Hinata flowed with the action by giving a kick to the side of his head that Benimaru ducked and returned with a knee to the stomach, knocking Hinata out of her momentum. He took this time to charge up while she was stunned.
"Raijinken!" he called as he threw his fist forward, letting an electric sphere of energy hit her two times before sending her reeling. Her body was covered with electricity, momentarily paralyzing her for Benimaru's next attack, another strong knee to the stomach.
"Springboard Kick!" he called out as he followed with a rolling sobat move, then a flipkick, covered in electricity. Hinata gasped loudly as she fell to the ground, every nerve set a blaze by the energy.
"Whoa." Darrell mumbled. "I didn't know someone could handle electricity like that."
"Yeah. that's Benimaru for you." Sakura K. said. "I know him from the other two tournaments. but I never fought him. I heard he was pretty good. and a pretty boy. I guess it shows by the way he was flirting with Hinata just now."
Hinata slowly got to her feet, shaking off the electricity. She saw Benimaru come in with a knee and evaded.
"Enbukyaku!!"
Benimaru met her burning spin kick and fell to the ground fully. He got up quickly afterwards, but met Hinata's heel kick to the back of his head. He face-planted in the canvas.
"That's it, Hinata!" Sakura K. encouraged. "You got him. Keep it up!"
Hinata waited as the announcer counted up to 4 while Benimaru got up. He got to one knee. then performed a sneak attack.
"Shinku Katagemoa!!"
Benimaru used his right hand to support himself as he spun his body like a top, sending Hinata all the way across the arena. She skidded to a stop, her legs over her head. then they flopped down to their natural position. Benimaru could hear her groans as he walked over to her.
"You okay?" he asked. "I hope I didn't hurt you too much."
Hinata put her hand on her head as she tried to get herself together. She slowly got up, trying to get back into stance, but she was seeing stars.
"You." she murmured as she leaned over, putting her right hand on her knee. Benimaru shook his head in pity at Hinata's condition.
"Poor thing. Let me end this fast so that I don't hurt you so bad that we can't go out."
Benimaru ducked down while charging up. then rushed into Hinata's body, electricity trailing him. As soon as he made contact, he disappeared.
"SPARK!!!"
Benimaru reappeared behind Hinata, leaving behind a large shockwave of electricity that surged all throughout her body. She gasped. then fell to her knees, her eyes dull.
"What. happened.?" she asked in a light voice before falling back to the ground.
"Hinata!" Sakura K. yelled out as the announcer started his ten-count. It was clear that Hinata wasn't getting back up. As the announcer reached 10, she stood up, ready to go in.
"That's the end of round 2. Benimaru overwhelms Hinata and ties up the series at one a piece. Will the next fighter come up?"
"Yeah."
Sakura K. made her way in after helping her K.O'ed friend out the ring. As soon as she stepped in, Benimaru turned his attention to her.
"Hey. is this whole team made up of lovely young ladies? I can see that you're just like Hinata. Maybe I'll take you out to dinner also."
"Sorry. If you're looking for a threesome, then I'm not part of it. I'm already taken."
Benimaru raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? You already have a boyfriend? He can't be as good as me."
"You wanna bet?" Sakura countered. "You don't have any idea what he's done for me. I don't think you can top that. That's another issue, though. Let's start this fight."
"Sure." he replied while sharing another blow-kiss before the announcer started.
"Okay. round 3 has Sakura Kasugano vs. Benimaru Nikaido. Ready? FIGHT!"
Benimaru started by running up and doing a kick like he was the kicker in a football game. Sakura easily evaded and followed by nailing Benimaru in the side of the head with her fist. He reeled from the blow, but recovered to block the upcoming Shouoken special move. As Sakura went up, Benimaru charged up a fist. A ball of lightning energy covered his fist.
"Raijinken!" he yelled as he aimed upward and nailed Sakura with his special move. Sakura fell on her back, trying to safe fall, but the electricity stunned her body and she landed on the back of her neck. It took until the count of 4 for her to recover and get back into stance. As she shook her head then rubbed the back of her neck, Darrell shouted some encouragement.
"Don't worry about that, Sakura. It's a minor setback. Just make sure you beat him!"
Sakura K. nodded as she charged up her own energy in her hands.
"Hadouken!"
Benimaru ducked Sakura's blast and retaliated with a familiar move of his own.
"Shinku Katagemoa!"
"Not this time!" Sakura yelled as she jumped his breakdance move and launched her mid-air Hadouken. It connected and Benimaru was automatically sent to the ground. Sakura landed and instantly went to another move as he was getting up.
"Shunpukyaku!"
Sakura was within an inch of Benimaru's head before he did something unexpected. First he parried the kick, letting Sakura try to recover. then he grabbed her.
"Elec-trigger!!!"
Benimaru unloaded a huge current of electricity into Sakura's body, making her scream so loud that even those sitting on the far reaches of the stadium could hear her. Darrell could sense Sakura's vitality drain away at a steady pace and started to sweat.
{He's strong. I might have to fight him next if Sakura can't take him.}
Benimaru finished with one last shock, blasting Sakura to the ground. Her entire body was covered with Benimaru's electricity, twitching periodically as the announcer started the count. As that happened, Benimaru blew a kiss.
"Don't worry, Sakura." he said in a passionate tone. "You'll be fine. The electrical paralysis should wear off soon."
"A little sooner. than you think." Sakura's weak voice squeaked as she sat up, the electricity around her vanishing at the count of 7. Benimaru smiled.
"So, you're back up, baby? That's cool. I guess a good fight is good for me before a date."
"You know. I would think you're full of yourself. but I guess I can't."
Sakura didn't wait for him to reply as she charged in, getting ready for another move, but Benimaru anticipated and countered with a rolling sobat kick. It hit her face. throwing her balance off. It was a critical point for Benimaru.
{Haven't used this in a while. but I hope this will impress her.}
"Here I go! Gei'ei Hurricane!!!"
Benimaru stroke a pose. and another Benimaru rushed out of his body and nailed Sakura. He did another pose. and the same thing happened. After about 8 more Shadow attacks, Benimaru finally followed up with his own speedy kick, finishing his super move. and Sakura. As she fell back, Darrell twitched.
{He's VERY strong. There HAS to be a way to beat him. That's it. I'm going up next.}
He tuned back in to the announcer's count, which just ended.
"Benimaru beats Sakura K. quickly with his super move, the Gei'ei Hurricane. The series is now 1-2 with 2 fighters left on both sides. Let's see how C-8 comes back from this one."
Benimaru blew another kiss to Sakura's fallen body.
"I hope you like that. I finished you off in the most impressive way! You're sure lucky!"
{Is he. flirting with her?? Okay, pretty boy. You're getting a fire sword right where the sun doesn't shine!}
Just as Darrell got up, a hand on his shoulder held him down. By the looks of it, he knew who it was.
"Darrell. Don't worry. I got him."
"Heh. I guess so, Sakura S. Be careful. Benimaru's no pushover. He beat the other 2 pretty quickly. with those electric attacks."
Sakura S. nodded before going in to fight Benimaru. As usual, Benimaru threw a kiss to her and smiled.
"Another one, huh? By the looks of it, it seems as if you're the other's sister. Are you taken?"
The darker Sakura shook her head. "No. but I really don't intend. Wait a minute."
Suddenly, she had an idea. It was a longshot, but she decided to try it anyway.
"You know. maybe I do intend to."
This caught Benimaru's attention.
"Oh. looks like I have an admirer. Well then. maybe I'll go a little easier on you then. I really don't believe in hurting my fans too much."
{Yeah. and that will be your downfall.} Sakura S. thought as she got into her fighting stance.
"Round 4: Sakura Satsu vs. Benimaru. Ready? Fight!"
This time, Benimaru waited for Sakura to do the first move: a slow Hadouken that was blocked easily. It exploded. and when it cleared up, Benimaru didn't find a trace of his opponent.
"Huh. A diversion??"
"Behind you."
Benimaru spun around. and got decked in the face by Sakura's black handguard. Instantly he stumbled backwards, holding his face.
"No!!! How could you! Why hit me in the face of all places?!"
Sakura S. gave a 'tch!' "All pretty boys can't stand being hit in the face. You're no exception, Benimaru."
Before she went on, she dashed in. and nailed the Haru Ichiban on him. After 18 hits, Benimaru plummeted to the ground, K.O.'ed, with Sakura S. following him.
"Like Darrell used to say. You can't be a true fighter without knowing how to take a hit. There's no way I'd let someone as. vitally weak as you be my boyfriend. That's why Darrell is my sis's boyfriend. He's strong. not worried about his looks. and cares for her. If only you were the same."
"After a good hit, Sakura S. defeats Benimaru with her Haru Ichiban. Now C- 1, who has only lost once, only has one other fighter to protect their status. Can he do it?"
Sakura waited patiently for the last fighter to show up in the ring. After about 5 seconds, he finally stepped in. It was none other than Kyo Kusanagi.
"Round 5 is starting now!" the ring announcer yelled. "Kyo Kusanagi is taking on Sakura Satsu. Fighters ready? FIGHT!"
Oddly, both didn't start the match automatically. Kyo stared at his opponent for a while.
"I remember you. You're the girl that has the same moves as Ryu. sort of. What's with the skin change?"
"Where you watching the other matches, Kyo?" she answered with her own question. "The last fighter your friend, Benimaru, beat was Sakura K., the Sakura you speak of. I'm her sis. Get it straight."
"Humph! I guess it won't matter in a few minutes. You'll only be another fighter who feels the flame of the Kusanagi clan."
"Are we going to fight or talk all day?"
Kyo smirked. "Ikuze."
Sakura started with a Shunpukyaku that Kyo blocked. After she landed, she followed with a fierce punch to the face. Kyo blocked that also. Sakura S. changed up and started to sweep Kyo, but as soon as she threw her leg out.
"Oriya!!"
Kyo threw his elbow into Sakura's body, causing a circle of flame to surround him and ignite her. He went up into the air and sent Sakura a far. She safe fall and used her Satsu aura to get rid of the fire on her. As she did this, Kyo stood in shock. slightly.
"That aura. it's not normal. It feels evil. but it doesn't suit her. That's it. No more holding back!"
Kyo charged towards his opponent and threw a few punches that were blocked. The last punch was parried, pushing him back. Sakura used that opportunity to deliver a roundhouse kick. At the point of impact, Kyo turned his body so that she nailed his back, but he rolled off the attack like Darrell would do and nailed a flaming punch to her head. He followed with backhand, still flaming, and ended with a jumping elbow, flooring her.
As he landed, Sakura rolled towards him and kicked out while getting up. Her kick connected as he landed, making him reel back more by surprise than by the actual attack. Sakura S. used this opportunity to use her favorite super move.
"Midare. ZAKURA!!!"
Eighteen hits and a Shouoken later, Kyo was on the ground while the dark Sakura was landing. She stood on guard, ready to counter a sneak attack. Good thing, because as Kyo was getting up, his left fist threw out a streak of fire that almost burned her cheek if she didn't dodge it. She countered by using her Ashura Warp teleport to go right behind Kyo to nail him in the back of the head. This was a bad move.
"Haaaaaaaaaahhhhh.!"
Sakura S. realized too late as Kyo's whole body erupted into flames. The flames hit her up and above Kyo, who was still charging up his super attack, the Serpent Wave. Just as she was about to land, Kyo collected all his fire.
"THIS HAS ENDED!!!"
.and threw all of it at Sakura. Even though Sakura S. was a being of Satsu, no even she could withstand the heat. She was K.O.'ed long before she hit the ground. At this time, it would be expected that Darrell would get very worried. Instead, he stared at Kyo while thinking.
{Weird. This match. is going by a lot faster than the other ones. Kyo's team. goes all out after a short period of time. I've got to use that to their disadvantage. That's why everyone on my team was taken out so quickly: they never expected them to use such a tactic. Well then, Kyo Kusanagi. you better prepare yourself for one long battle.}
With that thought, Darrell, the last person on C-8 able to keep their winning streak going, got up and walked into the ring.
----- -----
"SHAKUNETSUKEN!!!"
Kyo watched as Darrell's fists went up in flames. It wasn't anything new to him. He can control flames at will. The thing was. this round was going on for over 10 minutes and he didn't win yet. He was starting to lose his patience. Darrell on the other hand, was running out of energy. and fast. It was a close bout, but Kyo had the advantage throughout it all. Kyo kept wearing him down. and unless he could think of something, he would lose.
"Come on." Kyo said while waving a finger, a small flame resting on the tip of it. "You should know better than to use same trick over and over again."
"Yeah, yeah. I don't have time for your advice!"
With that Darrell rushed in, his golden aura flaring as he delivered punch after punch. Some connected, but of the most part Kyo warded it off. Eventually, Kyo used his Fire Ball special move, the rising flame elbow, to knock Darrell down to the ground. Immediately, Darrell's fists turned to normal as he lay on the canvas, breathing through his mouth and moaning slightly.
"Oh. is it too hot for you?" Kyo taunted. "You handle flames, but can't take flames. Interesting."
"Sh. shut up."
Darrell slowly got to his feet at the count of 8. He knew he was cutting it close. and he only had one option. He stood back, charging up his vigor at his side. Kyo instantly knew what he might throw.
"He couldn't.! That's Ryu's move!"
"Shaku.netsu. Shinku."
The red fireball appeared, ready to fire.
"HADOUKEN!!!"
Kyo ran straight towards him as Darrell fired. As the blast started to connect, Kyo sidestepped... something Darrell didn't know until his voice called out behind him.
"I'll show you."
"HE DIDN'T!" Darrell yelled out as he spun around. and was earthed by a huge column of flame. followed by over 9 fast punches from Kyo. then. then finish.
"THE FIST OF KUSANAGI!!! ORIYA!!!"
Kyo finished with an overpowered Fire Ball, sending Darrell to the ground in a flaming blaze. Even after landing on the ground, the flames still ate away at his clothes as the announcer went into his frenzy.
"Wow!! That had to be big damage right there! Kyo pulled out his strongest super and probably jeopardized C-8's undefeated win streak. Without further ado. 1.. 2."
"Heh. he shouldn't bother counting. He's out." Kyo smiled a bit. "Victory is mine this time."
"7. 8."
Just then, Darrell's body started to struggle.
"No. no way. I. won't lose. Kyo."
As Darrell very slowly got to his feet, Kyo just shook his head in pity.
'You should really give up," he tipped. "You have nothing to fight on. You're finished."
Darrell fully got to his wobbly feet. and it was clear that Kyo was telling to truth. Darrell's vigor was completely depleted. Kyo was too strong.
{No. I've got to keep going. Huh!?}
Without warning, Kyo rushed up to him and rammed his elbow into Darrell's stomach. hard. Darrell's eyes instantly lost its spark and he let out weak gasps as Kyo used his hand to pick him up by the neck. and raise him up high. He smiled as he looked at his battered opponent.
"Oh, is it bedtime already?" he taunted. "If this hurts. then it ain't my fault. You shouldn't have gotten up."
Kyo waited as Darrell slowly looked down at him with dull, defeated eyes.
{I. don't believe it. I lost.}
Then Kyo yelled out.
"BURN!!!!"
A huge explosion came out of Kyo's hand and Darrell's cry was heard all over. When the fire cleared, Darrell was laying on his side, his eyes closed and his entire body burned. The announcer took a look at him. and immediately knew that the match was over.
"That's it, ladies and gentlemen! Kyo pulls through and ends C-8's undefeated streak, pulling both teams to a 4-1 ranking. The rookie team fought well, but couldn't get into a groove to get their big moves out. Now then, can we get some assistance?"
---- -----
"Darrell. Darrell!"
"Ugh. wha.? Sakura K.? What. happened?"
"Simple. we lost."
".damn. Our first loss."
Darrell was in his hotel bed with his girlfriend sitting on the side of it. It was an hour after the end of their match and the entire team was recuperating from the beating. Both Darrell and Sakura were still in their tattered clothes, Darrell's burned and Sakura's torn by electricity. Darrell sat up and rested his head on his right hand.
"I guess. we had to take our lumps sometime. I had a good plan going. but it just didn't pull out."
"I wouldn't get depressed. we're still in the top 5 team rankings for the tournament. I'm not bitter."
Darrell looked up to Sakura. "How could you say that you're not bitter? Wait. I'm not either. Just tired."
"Yeah. me too. I just woke up 10 minutes ago and I'm still wrecked. Benimaru's electricity really zaps your energy out of you."
Darrell shook his head hard to get rid of a small hint of dizziness before asking, "So. now what? We've got Yusuke's team 2 days from now. Thank God there's a break. Then again, we're gonna need it. Yusuke's team in NO pushover."
"I know that. They're one of the only teams that are still undefeated. Plus, it's the match before they start eliminating teams for the semi- finals. We can't slack off here."
Suddenly, Sakura stopped talking as a thought went into her head.
"Darrell. we've got to talk to Yusuke about something tomorrow. It's important."
"Like what?" Darrell asked quizzily.
"It's about Akuma. They're helping us out. so they need some details."
"Yeah. I guess."
End of Chapter 28