7: All in Good Fun
Hanging up the receiver, Rouche felt a sudden warmth exhume from his body. Breathing deeply, he felt his lungs swell with pride, as if trying to stretch the very essence of his being. In one massive rush, he exhaled this pride and set a great grin upon his face. So today is the day I get to meet the others! He thought. Now we shall discover the strengths of your so-called friends, Rouche. I sense a great strength from the one you call Gado. Yes, I feel it also, but let's not dwell on that now. I want to meet these new people and possibly learn new things about our zoanthrope form; its strengths, its weaknesses. Very well Rouche, let us not make haste, as it may affect your new friends judgement. Nodding his approval, the zoanthrope stood, examining the figure that stared back at him. Liking what he saw, he left his sanctuary, heading onward to new and unknown experiences.
Greeting the warmth of the sun, he smiled at his delightful behavior. He felt happiness overcome even his darkest emotions as his heart rejoiced. Striding with great pride, he began to see the world in a new light. No longer was this the world that feared his existence, the world that shunned him into dark corners. This was now a world of light, or power, the very power emanating throughout the urban jungle in ways incomprehensible. People looked different to his eyes. They no longer stared at him as he had tried to hide his face from the world. He now voraciously craved to envelop everything in his vision, taking in as much of the world he knew so little about. Spotting a figure leaning up against the wall he recognized as the sparring building, he knew that this person could only be waiting for him.
As he closed the distance between them, the figure raised its head. Under shadowed eyes, it took in his appearance and reared its head back, replacing the dark complexion with that of joy. A bright smile shone upon its face, and he realized that this was Alice. She ran toward his with open arms, overjoyed that he could make it. He returned her affection, glad that he could see her again too. Walking inside, he saw others had attended this great occasion too. He swept the room, surveying just how many people were in attendance. Jane, Gado, Yugo.., he counted, but who are the others that are here? As he thought this, Jane walked up to him.
"So you've finally made it huh?" She asked, a small smile playing on her face.
"Yea.. Haven't kept you all waiting long have I?"
"Always the joker I see.." She said, jabbing at his ribs. "Well… I'm assuming you're wondering who the rest of these people are, right?"
"Heh, yea.." He responded, sheepishly looking at the shadowed floor beneath him. Now we will be able to 'size up' your opponents, as you humans say. Draedgo put in. From what I see before me, the one called Gado appears to have the most strength. However, Rouche, strength can often be a downfall if not used properly with speed. How so?, Rouche asked of his beast, as Jane began introducing him to the other zoanthropes.
"This is Kenji Ohgami, the younger brother of Yugo over there." She said, jerking her head in the wolf's direction. Appearing deep in thought, the young boy slowly raised his head as if his name alone had brought him out of his trance-like state.
"I have heard much about you," He started, "I am greatly pleased to finally have the honor of meeting you." Graciously bowing to this new acquaintance.
Take the boy for example. He appears small and frail, an easy opponent in one's eyes. But no, his small frame gives him the advantage, as he uses speed to defeat his opponents. Spoken as if the beast truly possessed great knowledge, Rouche took this into account, calculating different ways in which he would be able to use his size as an advantage.
After returning the gesture, they moved on to the nearest person, as they all had dispersed about the room. This next one seemed more lively and full of energy, hopping around without a care in the world. This amused him as he remembered times when even he had acted this childish.
"I'd really appreciate it if you would stop running around!!" Jane yelled, scowling at the young girl. Wiping her palm down her face, she slowly released her anger, trying to gain her composure once again. "This hyper little girl is Uriko. She's Alice's little adopted sister." Turning in all directions at once, she seemed peeved that she couldn't locate the energetic teenager.
Bounding upon his back, Uriko dropped Rouche to the ground, laughing hysterically. After the child had removed her presence from his back, Rouche pushed himself up in one fell swoop, not realizing his own strength. Slightly amazed that his muscles had developed without exercise, the beast explained it as an added zoanthrope ability. Uriko had now run up to Kenji, desperately trying to get some emotional response out of the young boy.
"Come on Kenji!! You know we like each other, so why won't you just show it!"
The young boy merely stood, solemnly staring at the ground. Seeing that he would not be of any sport, the young zoanthrope moved away from her prey. However, when she tried to cause more mischief, she found that it was hard to move. Turning to see what could possibly hold her back, she noticed that Alice was holding her arm. Frowning at this turn of events, she reluctantly slumped over to Jack, bowing her head in apparent shame, though to her it was sadness in her fun being stopped.
"I'm sorry Mr. Rouche.. She," Alice said, jerking at Uriko's arm, "tends to have a bit too much energy. You could have hurt him you know!" She fumed, rage imbued in her eyes.
"I-I'm sorry sir.." She said, looking up slightly, only to notice that Alice was still angrily staring at her.
"It's OK Alice, I'm alright.." He reassured her, giving a slight chuckle.
Looking sideways to the floor while folding her arms to her chest, she merely shrugged her indifference.
I'll have to watch that one, Rouche thought, she could be a dangerous opponent.
Giving a sigh of relief for passing Uriko, who advanced toward the mole yet again, they moved onward.
"This is Long, a deadly master of the martial arts." She said, emphasizing the word 'deadly', while maintaining an intense focus upon the tiger's eyes.
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Rouche. From what Jane had told me, it would have seemed that you would have been far worse, facing her wrath." He replied, cocking his eyebrow at the leopard.
Responding to this, she jabbed his right arm, playfully toying with the tiger zoanthrope.
Hmm… they seem to be intimate with each other, though they look like they would rather not show it. He pondered as to how they could attract each other, as Jane was the ever-indulgent fighter, and Long seemed to be the pacifist. As his mind grew more puzzled, he was relieved when they moved toward another fighter, this one a slim blonde of gorgeous figure. HAS to be a model, He thought.
"This is Jenny Burtory. Don't let her looks deceive you, as she is quite an adaptable fighter." She told him, taking extremities at avoiding eye contact.
"Nice to meet you Miss Burtory. From your looks, I take it that fighting is merely a pastime for you?"
"Hmm… Quaint." She started, smiling with a small laugh. "Yes, I don't take fighting as seriously as most of them do, but that doesn't take from my expertise."
"That's all fine and dandy, but let's go Rouche. I'm sure you won't want to make the others wait, right?" Jane asked, not wishing to stay near Jenny much longer.
I'm guessing they've got some issues between them, so I'd do best as to not intervene. Thought Rouche as he surveyed the room, wondering if anyone else was to be his acquaintance. Looks like no one else is here, so what's first on the agenda?
Before Rouche could form a mental list, Jane motioned for all the zoanthropes to gather near the center mat. Certainly a surprising mix, but I can't say I was expecting anything special. Though young and old, Rouche considered each zoanthrope both friend and deadly foe. He knew that he had little fighting experience backing him, and this group obviously had some fights under their belts. Do you have any guidelines I might follow Draedgo? Rouche asked of his beast. When you transform, do not try to exert all your power, for that is the downfall of most fighters, as speed is just as essential as strength. Try to learn your opponent's moves and techniques before blindly pursuing your goal. That is all I can support you with at this moment. Giving a curt nod to himself, Jack moved his glance back towards Jane, who was thanking everyone for attending.
"Well…. are you ready Rouche?" Jane questioned.
"Mmhmm… I'll give it my best shot. Heh, I have no idea how long I'll last though" Rouche answered.
The zoanthropes laughed along with the newcomer, glad that this one had a sense of humor along with his bestial powers.
"So who's up first?" Jane asked, looking around the room for volunteers.
"I wish to test this young one's abilities for myself before he exhausts himself." Replied Gado, uncrossing his massive arms from his chest.
Uh-oh.. Ummm….. Do you have any suggestions on this one Draedgo? I mean, I understand what you told me earlier, but this is Gado I'm gonna face. Rouche thought, a hint of worry glazing his tone. The beast merely kept quiet, hoping that Rouche would figure things out on his own. Only when he felt that his counter-part would need guidance would the beast chirp in his suggestions. Rouche, however, felt vexed that he had not gotten a response out of his mentor, still wondering as to Gado's real reason for choosing to face him first.
Quietly they entered the ring, each testing the resistance of the mat as well as the tightness the coiled ropes held. The first thought that Rouche had was rhythm, as he knew that it was required for a good fighter to excel. He searched his archives for an appropriate song to base his fighting on. Lifting his head to examine his opponent, he noticed that Gado merely stood tall, eyes closed, thoughts on techniques probably running through this veteran's mind.
However, Gado had thoughts other than what this newcomer was thinking. He, on the other hand, was wondering as to how another branch of the Tylon organization had slipped from his sight. He had chosen to go first to see as to their success, as well as test his zoanthrope powers, as Jane could not stop talking of them to him. Supposedly this one held more power than could be felt, somehow surpassing the lion himself. This he could not believe, as he had seen more zoanthropes than he had let known, and none were stronger than he.
"Shall we commence this little bout of ours?" Gado asked.
"If you so wish, we will proceed." Rouche responded.
Surrounding the ring, the other zoanthrope merely watched as the two had finally decided to start the match.
Now we'll see if I'm right in my assumptions. If he really is that strong, then we'll have no problem persuading the UN in shutting down all Tylon related zoanthrope experiments. Gado'll be happy about that. Jane thought, keeping a slight distance from the ring, as she knew that these two would be emanating massive power.
"Whenever your ready young one." Gado said, attempting to anticipate this unknown man's stratagem.
"Okay, let's get this started!" Rouche replied, not wishing to disappoint his peer.
Music flowing through his mind, Rouche attained the tempo and rhythm he required. Moving to the mild yet powerful beat of 'Mr. Roboto' by Styx, he moved toward his query. Knowing to keep his distance from this feared fighter, he moved cautiously while reading Gado's body movements, also attempting to read his opponents moves.
Not wishing to let this newcomer bask long in his momentary glory, Gado moved forward, knowing that a good kick to the midsection would test Rouche's endurance for pain. If it was high, he would have a slightly hard time beating him, as he knew that those types chose to never give up, even after savage beatings. Attempting to sidestep whatever move he had in store for him, Gado delivered the kick, hearing a low grunt from Rouche. To his dismay, Rouche had not moved as far as he had planned, and was not prepared for the sharp fist that connected with his exposed chin.
For Rouche, however, the blow knocked the wind out of him for a couple moments, but he quickly recovered and found a lull in Gado's attack. Delivering a sharp uppercut to his opponents chin, he hoped to phase him in some way. Moving back a few steps, regaining his tempo, he watched as the lion slowly lowered his head to view his assailant.
Not being prepared for the blow, Gado felt rage building up within his beast, as pain like that had not been felt for so long. As the stinging sensation subsided, he prepared for to use his Tomahawk Basher move. Knowing that it wouldn't phase him long, he was prepared to transform if necessary and use the Heat Blaster Double Claw followed by his G-Cannon special. If somehow Rouche survived, he was prepared to stand his ground if he transformed.
Rouche took the force of Gado's moves, feeling a strong blatant pain occurring within his chest. Seeing him transform, he knew he wouldn't survive unless he did the same. Preparing his body for the new strain it was about to face, he summoned his beast forward.
For the other zoanthropes, however, this was more than a mere fight; it was a veteran versus an amateur, who was somehow holding his ground. From Rouche's direction, they all felt a strong presence building within him. Noticing the light fade from Gado's direction, they all knew he was prepared for anything this newcomer could throw at him. All except Jane were shocked as they witnessed Rouche transform into his beast.
Unlike the first true transformation, this one took much shorter to complete. Massive wings unveiled from his latissimus dorsi, as well as a tail sprouting from his rear. Pale green scales shone against the fluorescent lights. The most distinguishing feature that was unnerving to the sight was the cold crimson red eyes that stared toward Gado.
Although shorter than the lion zoanthrope, his physical attributes made up for this loss. As the light faded from sight, all eyes were viewing the massive muscles that bulged from Rouche's form. They could sense a large power building within him, but what shocked them more was his bestial form. Never before had any of them seen a zoanthrope such as this. It resembled a lizard yes, but the wings separated it from that species. And still, none could get over the blood red eyes, still trained upon Gado, as if their stare alone would bring his downfall.
Gado saw this new beast in all its magnificence. Utter awe coated his thoughts, as he was still taking in this new form, trying to determine exactly what it was, as well as how to defend against it. He had not anticipated what Jane had been saying to be exactly true, but he had not ruled it out as a possibility. Not wanting to seem unprepared, Gado quickly composed himself, presenting a defensive posture.
Rouche, his inner beast surging forth, had the sudden instinct of rushing his opponent. Before his human psyche could resist, he rushed towards Gado with unbelievable speed. However, his attack was pure rage, and Gado took quick advantage of that, doing a backflip while slamming his coiled legs into Rouche's chin, sending him flying back into a steel post.
As he finished his flip, Gado reared backward to view the whereabouts of his foe. As the pole slowed its vibratory state, he saw Jack lying against it, head slumped to one side. Fearing he might have hurt him more than he had intended, he cautiously edged toward him. Many a time had his enemies played possum, using his human sympathy against him.
WAKE UP!!!! COME ON, WAKE UP DAMN YOU!!! HOW CAN YOU BE BEATEN SO BADLY FROM JUST ONE HIT!!!! Screamed Rouche, furiously attempting to awake his beast from its unconscious state. COME ON!! I CAN SENSE HIM GETTING CLOSER, SO WAKE THE FUCK UP YOU DAMN BEAST!!!
As Gado edged ever closer, Rouche's beast regained consciousness, rolling its massive head back and forth, trying to get a sense on its bearings. As Rouche took control of it once more, forcing it back into the dark recesses of his mind so it could not take control once again, he struggled to get up, still showing signs of pain from the blow.
Blood trickled down upon the mat, a line of red opening on his scaled-covered snout. As the red stained the mat, Rouche knew that he would have to use cunning and speed to even faintly try to beat this incredible opponent.
Restoring his posture to its natural upright position, Jack drew from what strength he had left, as signs of fatigue were beginning to set in. Preparing for one final attack before he succumbed to the slumber his body so sorely craved, he began summoning his remaining bestial strength forward.
Gado sensed this, noticing a faint glow of gold glimmer about his body. The other zoanthropes also noticed this, and watched in awe as it began to grow larger by the minute. The dragon zoanthrope was collecting power for what they could only guess as a beast drive of sorts. This seemed strange though, as they all performed theirs in one fluid movement.
Strange, Thought Long, he shows signs of fatigue, yet he continues on. His determination is truly admirable. While I have never had the privilege of seeing this beast form, I am certain we all can teach him to become stronger in his techniques.
Glancing at the other zoanthropes, Jane noticed Long intently staring at Rouche. True, she was awed by his power and form, she still couldn't help but wonder what was on her tiger's mind. Sooner or later, one of them would have to reveal their true intentions to her father, but she felt now was not the right time nor place.
The light shone immensely, causing the others to shield their eyes from the glare. As his power neared completion, Rouche closed his eyes and let his beast take over, although still keeping control over its berserker type attitude. Without warning, the intense light that shone like the sun began condensing towards Jack's chest. Pulling his claws inward, he pushed the raw energy away from his chest, aiming it at Gado. As the energy still amassed upon itself, all time seemed to stand still. Rouche could sense everything around him as if he alone had the privilege of nature's glory. His senses sharpening with each passing moment, which felt like an eternity to the new zoanthrope, he knew his moment was at hand.
Gado lurched forward, quite dumbfounded as to how he was summoning so much energy. It didn't make any sense to him, for he knew he wasn't even an amateur fighter. Somehow he had to either stop him from unleashing such devastating power or opt for the defensive once again. He only hoped he could survive the blast…
Opening his eyes with blind fury, Rouche sensed his peak and released the power with unrelenting rage. Watching with reddened vision as the blast moved toward its target, he wished for victory, as powering up this move had drained all his energy out of his physical body. Reverting to human form, he slumped to the ground, the last thing he heard being a great explosion as well as a body colliding with the mat. Heh….. he slurred, I…. think….I.. won….. With his vision fading to black, he fell into the comfortable sensation of slumber.
Blinded by the intensity of the blast veering towards him, Gado attempted to duck roll away. However, his move was not completed in due time, and the force of the blast knocked his bestial spirit well below what was required to sustain it, so he too fell to the mat after reverting to human form. But Gado was able to stand even after sustaining such damage from such an immense force. As it had not made full contact, he was only slightly scathed near his chest and abdomen.
As Gado lifted Rouche up off the mat, throwing his limp, lifeless arm over his shoulder, he proceeded to drag this dead weight out of the ring. As the other zoanthropes parted away, leaving Gado room to move, the first one he stepped up to was Alice, asking her help in his recovery. Disregarding her worry at his wounds, he silently headed for a bench, lying down upon the stiff board, as if asking for nothing more than support.
The other zoanthropes all stood, heads bowed, as they each reviewed what had just happened. For every one of them, the experience they had just witnessed was beyond belief. Not only had an inexperienced fighter held his own with the great Gado, but also the power he exhibited was astounding. The only question was, did he bring it of free will, or had it been spontaneous? None could answer this question until Rouche awakened. Only he could tell them what had happened. So they all stood patiently, hoping their new friend and zoanthrope would awaken soon, as the lights above flickered dimly in the ominous silence…