Chapter One - The Alliance
Disclaimer – I don't own anything, don't sue me because all characters are owned by other SNK or Capcom.
Dramatis Personae
The Alliance
Saisyu Kusanagi - Kusanagi Clan Patriarch
'Blue' Mary Ryan - Ex-Officer
Ken Masters - (so far) 2 time US Martial Arts Champion and heir to Masters Corp.
Shizuka Kusanagi - Wife of Saisyu Kusanagi, ex-archer/mercenary
Angel - ex-NESTS Assasin
Rose - Fortune Teller/half of M. Bison's soul
K' (Kay Dash) - Mercenary
Maxima - Mercenary
Kula Diamond - Mercenary
Diana - Mercenary
Eiji Kisaragi - Ninja for hire/Mercenary
Benimaru Nikaido - Narcissist, 'Shooting' Muey That Warrior
The Military Forces
William Guile - US Air Force Colonel
Charlie Nash - Us Air Force 1st Luitenant.
Heidern - Ikari Commander
The Prisoners
Geese Howard - business tycoon, criminal kingpin, Haikyokusseiken Fighter
Wolfgang Krauser - Strolheim noble
Vega - Spanish noble/Shadaloo member
Ryuji Yamazaki - Gang leader
Zangief - Russian Government agent/Shadaloo member
Sagat - Muey Thai Emperor/Shadaloo member
Mike Bison - Shadaloo leader
Rugal Bernstein - Super Terrorist
Balrog - Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion/Shadaloo member
The Kusanagi Clan and the Masters Corporation are two of the biggest companies in the world, not only for their wealth, but for their power. As huge world players, one particular event in the US could topple the already strained world balance. When both the Masters and the Kusanagi realise the US can't possibly contain this new problem, they feel it is up to them to pool their resources and gather warriors that could be the only thing stopping the world falling into chaos.
From Italy, the psychic fortune teller Rose, who senses that her fued with Bison and her battle to retain her part of their combined souls could mean very little when she feels through her Soul Powers that an even grater threat looms ove rthe corner. Unconsciously seeking out the Alliance, Rose is an eagre member of the Alliance.
From Japan, the ruthless ninja Eiji Kisaragi. Eiji is a ninja for hire who disregards the age, sex or position of his targets. His one weakness - promising a favour for Shizuka Kusanagi for the pleasant tea he had back in '96. Shizuka has called in the favour - Eiji must join the Alliance.
From Southtown, the legendary Officer 'Blue' Mary Ryan, recently out of work due to the corruption of the New Southtown Police Department. Mary sees her membership as a way to continue her life's mission - to uphold Justice.
From the ashes of NESTS, the survivors of Igniz's self-destruction. K', Maxima, Diana and Kula, all with the training and power to make them all deadliest of enemies. Since the destruction of NESTS, these four have been living as bounty hunters. With the offer of a worthwhile job and good pay, the ex-NESTS soldiers join the Alliance.
From Japan, Benimaru Nikaido, world reknowned warrior, Muey Thai hero, and fiercly narcissistic. With the news that Kyo Kusanagi is gathering the greatest warriors from around the world, Benimaru jumps in and joins. Benimaru is not one to pass off a chance to prove his superiority and beauty.
And from the remnants of NESTS, Angel. Next to nothing is known on this enigmatic young assassin. One thing is certain, beyond the happy-go-lucky exterior is a hardened and experienced killer, with motives too sinister to understand.
These diverse warriors have been brought together in the Masters HQ., the new base for the Alliance and their activities. And it is here in the war room that Ken Masters is showing his guests exactly what has brouht them all together.
1 week ago - Nevada - Area 51
Colonel Guile and Commander Heidern inspected their captives. Gathered before them was the who's who of super terrorists. It was a miracle that all of them actually managed to be caught, and in truth, it was by chance all of them had been apprehended.
A certain warrior had challenged every one of them to a fight and had defeated them all. After every opportunity, US Officers had taken each of them into custody. Every single one of them were far too powerful to be imprisoned securely in a regular prison, and so the US had sent them to their new power dampening complex in Nevada, to be hidden away with all of the Area 51 conspiracies.
It was felt that only the technology at Area 51 could possible stop these powerhouses from using their skills to escape. However, the truth was twofold. The fact of the matter was that the prisoner's captivity had to be completely covered up.
Some of them were high profile people with international status, power, wealth and a few even were considered nobility. If news got out they were imprisoned without trial . . .
Each of the captives was imprisoned within a mana dead zone field. Genetic and biological research was not enough for the US. During the 2nd World War, the US had secretly started developing magical research and weapons, and since the existence of magic was preposterous to most minds, hardly any countries had any form of defence against it.
If there were ever another war on American soil, the enemies of the US were going to be in for a frightening surprise. For now however, the magical technology was implemented so that the prisoners were unable to use their ki or psycho powers against their captors.
A few were far too powerful to completely suppress their powers, but it dampened them enough to the point that they would never stand a chance against the guards' guns.
"Lieutenant Charlie Nash, please call the roll for Commander Heidern here, I'm sure he wants to be absolutely certain every one of his new friends is present and accounted for," Guile ordered his friend and teacher.
Despite Charlie being far superior in skill to Guile, Charlie still went against orders in the batte against Shadaloo. While Guile was promoted in rank, Charlie was the same as ever, despite personally teaching Guile his trademark moves.
Charlie Nash walked up to the first prisoner and read the information displayed on his datapad. "Balrog, former world heavyweight boxing champion. Guilty of crimes including genetic tampering on self, member of militant group Shadaloo and accomplice to super terrorist M. Bison. Captured during raid on Shadaloo's main headquarters in Thailand by US forces led by Col. William F. Guile 16/4/00."
Nash went on to the next prisoner and read out his credentials. "Vega, former matador and Spanish noble. Guilty of crimes including genetic tampering on self, member of militant group Shadaloo and accomplice to super terrorist M. Bison. Captured during raid on Shadaloo's main headquarters in Thailand by US forces led by Col. William F. Guile 16/4/00."
"Zangief, former Russian agent. Guilty of crimes including genetic tampering on self, member of militant group Shadaloo and accomplice to super terrorist M. Bison. Captured during raid on Shadaloo's main headquarters in Thailand by US forces led by Col. William F. Guile 16/4/00."
"Sagat, former Muey Thai king. Guilty of crimes including genetic tampering on self, member of militant group Shadaloo and accomplice to super terrorist M. Bison. Captured during raid on Shadaloo's main headquarters in Thailand by US forces led by Col. William F. Guile 16/4/00."
Nash cringed as he met face to face with the next prisoner. Despite his situation, the prisoner simply smiled like the maniac that he was. "M. Bison, former leader of militant group Shadaloo and super terrorist. Guilty of crimes of mass kidnapping, drug and weapon trafficking, illegal genetic research, genetic tampering on self and of captive prisoners and mass murder. Captured during raid on Shadaloo's main headquarters in Thailand by US forces led by Col. William F. Guile 16/4/00."
Bison laughed maniacally, remembering when he had held Nash captive, as Nash moved on.
"Ryuji Yamazaki, former underground kingpin. Guilty of crimes of murder, drug and weapon trafficking, rape, torture, grand theft, kidnapping and property damage. Captured by Mary Ryan of Southtown Police department in Southtown USA 27/12/01." Yamazaki licked his lips and chuckled at Nash, in visioning ways in which to torture his captor.
"Wolfgang Krauser, former German Noble. Guilty of genetic tampering and research. Captured by . . . uh, by a 'K'' it says?" a confused Nash looked over at his superiors. Guile was also confused by the unfamiliar name but Heidern nodded in recognition, urging Nash to continue.
"Apprehended in Toronto Canada during a raid of his personal research facility by the aforementioned bounty hunters 1/11/01." Krauser gritted his teeth in rage, but despite the recent modifications he had done to hi body, Krauser was still able to contain his rage like a disciplined warrior.
"Geese Howard, former owner of Howard Corp. Guilty of kidnapping, murder, grand theft, drug and weapon trafficking, blackmail, genetic and magical research, magical tampering. Captured by Officers Hon Fu and Mary Ryan during raid of the Howard Corp. headquarters by the vigilante groups known as the Lonely Wolves and the Korean Justice Fighters in Southtown 8/10/00."
The mighty Geese Howard stared down Charlie Nash. Despite the machinery that was stealing the mana from the room, everyone could still feel the powerful aura that Howard exuded. No mere machine could completely stamp out the power of the Scrolls of Immortality. Nash met Howard's stare, and moved on to the final captive.
"Rugal, former underground kingpin. Guilty of drug and weapon trafficking, kidnapping, murder, genetic and magical research, and genetic and magical tempering with self and others. Captured during joint operation conducted by Ikari Forces, Sparrow Forces and US Forces. Imprisoned during raid by said forces on the Black Noah 2 in the Atlantic Ocean 5/3/98."
Rugal and Heidern stared at each other with their one eyes. If it were up to Heidern, Rugal would already be dead. However, since it was a joint operation in which Rugal was captured, the US demanded his custody, no doubt in order to seize his assets like they had seized all the other captives, and to steal Rugal's research, including the Black Noah blueprints and his artificial prosthetics.
"Thank you Lieutenant Nash, I will interrogate the prisoners now," said Heidern. "Gentlemen, your international status means that your existence in a US prison is not legally acceptable. Therefore, the US Forces have agreed to hand over custody of you to the UN.
You are now in the hands of the Ikari warriors. Don't worry about attempting any sort of escape; the US Forces have kindly donated all the technology we need in order to keep you imprisoned."
"It is good to see that the US government fears us as a liability eh old friend?" Rugal sarcastically commented, "Good to see we'll be spending as much time together now as I did with your wife and child eh?"
Heidern restrained himself despite the incredible insult he had just endured. Unconsciously, Heidern's hand reached for the photo of his family that he kept in his wallet.
"So the US finally gives in to their fears and palms us off to their lapdogs in the UN?" Howard taunted, "It really doesn't matter if we're in the UN's hands, we all know how far up the US' asses their noses are. Just like you have your nose 3 feet up Uncle Sam's ass, Heidern."
Some of the prisoners laughed at this, but Howard stoically just stared down at the UN Task Force Commander.
"Joke all you want you scum, but you'll rot here for the rest of your days in my hands while me and my men watch. We've already taken everything you ever owned away, and you have nothing left in the world. I've even heard that a Mr. Terry Bogard has taken custody of your son Howard." Howard said nothing, just continued to stare down at Heidern.
"The pigheaded arrogance you Americans have will be your downfall Heidern," stated Bison. "I'm sure the ignorant savages known as the American people won't care about all this secret research, and I know the UN will just follow what their big brothers in the US tell them to do.
"I wonder however, what the Russians and the Arab Nations will think when they find out all of the things that you've kept under wraps here? What will the Japanese think about hiding all this technology and magical breakthroughs? The French? The Spanish?"
Howard ignored the 'ignorant savage' comment and added to Bison's threat, "Being one of the American people, I'm sure you people know what sort of public outroar you'll suffer once it's known that you've imprisoned people of my calibre without a trial and seized all our assets.
"The Germans, Spanish, Russians and Thais will just be delighted to hear that the US have illegally arrested their top citizens." Krauser, Vega, Zangief and Sagat smiled at this. "I'm sure they'll never consider impeaching a president who has taken well known citizens like Balrog and I and stolen form us everything we own before you his us all away here.
"Might I remind you that some of the President's cabinet owned stock in Howard Corp. It'll look like you conveniently brushed me away so you can seize my assets and steal what was mine. There are laws you broke and you'll pay for Heidern."
Heidern took it in his stride, "do you truly believe you'll ever see daylight again? The only people you'll be talking to are the rats in your cells you pigs. You don't scare anyone with your self-righteous speech Howard. There's no possibly way for you to do anything about your situation.
We've reduced you people to nothing and that's how you people will go out. With nothing; and as nothing. And Howard, if you ever speak to me like that again, I'll rip your heart from your chest myself. Take them away."
The Ikari and Sparrows led the prisoners into the hovercraft that was to take the prisoners to their new prison in the Ikari headquarters in Brazil, where a secret UN facility was to hold the men for the rest of their lives.
New York - Masters Corporation Headquarters
Ken Masters stopped the video footage at that point. "If you're wondering, my brother-in-law is Col. Guile, and he's the one I got the footage from. I'm sure some of you are disturbed at what you've just seen, Blue Mary, I'm sure you're upset that Yamazaki and Howard are still alive."
Mary looked incredibly concerned, "Howard was dead, Terry killed him. That disgustingly evil man should be burning in hell right now," Mary spat out.
"He's far from dead as you can see, and what's worse, he's now free. Free like the rest of them." A few shocked gasps erupted throughout the room. Some people like K' and Eiji didn't seem bothered. Angel just kept smiling.
Saisyu got up and continued the briefing from there. "Some remnants of Shadaloo and of Howard and Yamazaki's organizations have pooled together their resources and managed to locate their respective leaders. This transportation to Brazil was their opportunity to free the captives.
"Angel, two weeks ago K9999 was seen consorting with Billy Kane and Mr. Big. We have just discovered that it was K9999 that attacked the transport and allowed all of these people to escape."
"Wow, K9999 sure has been busy!" Angel happily replied, "I wonder why he didn't take me out to his new adventure?"
"Because babe, he doesn't want you around," Benimaru explained to her, "I however, would surely delight in a woman of your beauty to be with me. Being with someone that is almost as beautiful with me will be quite entertaining."
"Move along, if I wanted to deal with loudmouth's bitch and a sissy boy's bullshit I would've asked for it," K' gruffly cut in.
In the background, Benimaru asked Angel for a date, to which Angel replied, "I like finger-painting, can we do that?"
Kula cut in, "What happened to big sis Whip? Is she hurt? What happened to her?" Kula was visibly frightened for her new friend, and Diana had to support her by holding onto her hand. Maxima also looked concerned and the sympathetic Angel also seemed worried, but if K' felt anything at the moment, he certainly wasn't showing it.
Saisyu nodded and explained what had happened to the unit sent to escort the prisoners, "The Ikari and Sparrow forces were almost decimated. There were thankfully only a few fatalities, and all superhuman members of both teams seem to have survived, but a few are in critical condition.
"If I'm not mistaken, this Whip you people are concerned about is alive, and has luckily been deemed able to continue service in a few days. Luckily, Mr Masters here had the foresight to find out her situation from his brother-in-law for your sakes young lady." Kula seemed to be relieved that her friend was all right.
Saisyu continued on with the briefing, "Now, when all of these super villains were active, they were independently of each other, and not more then two of them were active at the same time.
"However, it's already a bad situation if all of them come back into contact with their old connections. I don't know how the UN will ever be able to catch them all if they all decide to make huge plans at the same time. But now, the situation has escalated to the point that we are possibly looking at the end of the world."
Saisyu took a deep breath as he prepared himself to announce the grave news, "it seems as if most of the escapees have decided to work together." Most of the people in attendance suddenly became silent and pale faced at this news. Benimaru, Eiji and K' kept their cool, and took the news stoically, their facial expressions stony. Angel simply looked confused.
"During the time it took for us to gather you altogether, some terrible developments have occurred. Yesterday, Geese Howard called the White House directly. Howard has connections in the President's cabinet, and has managed to strike a deal with the president to ensure that his band of criminals have amnesty in returning to the US and back to freedom."
Blue Mary suddenly was enraged by this news, slamming her hands down onto the table. "I refuse to believe this. What do these monsters have to bargain with to keep the government at bay?" Mary was shaking with fury; she could not believe that the government would be so corrupt as to offer these men their freedom.
Saisyu held up a hand to calm her down, "It's not what you think Ms. Ryan, the government is not being offered money or shares or underground connections like you may think.
"Consider what Geese Howard said in that video footage. If it is known that the government were keeping these men captive secretly, then they could easily have public appeal to earn their freedom in time, and no doubt, their would certainly be calls for impeachment. If the world knew of the technology hidden in Area 51, then we're looking at World War 3.
"Geese Howard seems to be holding the entire world for ransom if he does not have his demands met. And those demands include everything the government has seized from him and his new associates.
"Thankfully, when Howard called the White House to strike his deal, he seemed to have left out M. Bison and K9999 in his list of people he demanded to be free. We can't be entirely sure that they are not in league with the others, but we're hoping that this is the case."
At this, Angel got up off her seat and cheered. The stares from everyone else in attendance silenced her soon enough, and the young woman slid back in her seat and hung her head.
Inwardly however, she was beaming. After hearing all this news, she was thinking of joining the villains in whatever plot they were brewing, but after hearing that K9999 was not in league with them, she thought the better of it. She certainly would refuse to help the people around her if it meant crossing her K9999. She had reasons to follow him around.
Saisyu continued, "Now, Vega, Balrog, Rugal, Yamazaki, their plans are small scale. They are running on simple sorts of drives – power and money. Krauser and Sagat are probably only looking for revenge.
"Geese Howard however, is the main problem. The man is a genius, and the only one able to hold such a volatile group together. His plans were always beyond your usual mob leader or warrior. If he holds a grudge with Heidern and the US Government, he won't stop until they're completely toppled. He has the means of taking them down now too.
"Now that he has the upperhand over the entire US government and has the UN's hands tied behind their backs, who knows what his next plan will be? Since the US and UN can't make a move, they're going to have to rely on vigilantes and other power groups to take them down."
Diana cut in, "Shouldn't we get the Psycho Soldiers and the Korean Justice Fighters here? They've made names for themselves fighting these sorts of people. How about the rest of the Lonely Wolves? Ryan's team mates have a long standing grudge with both Howard and Yamazaki."
Saisyu nodded at this, and Ken elaborated, "We've already contacted them, as well as an acquaintance of mine from Interpol and some other potential candidates for the team. This is, however, the first incarnation of the team. Every one of you here are well trained and disciplined soldiers.
"The Psycho Soldiers and the Koreans are just vigilantes who do their own thing. Especially the Psycho Soldier's cases, they've only gone after the small time crooks. If not for Athena Asamiya's popularity, they would be unknowns. If we're absolutely desperate, we will call in my acquaintances."
Saisyu roared with laughter, "Actually, when Kyo thought of this idea, he wanted the Wolves, Psychos and the Koreans as well, but they wouldn't work. I don't see Kyo here losing his temper over not getting what he wants right now though. Mr. Masters and myself decided this team would be much more capable of combating these villains without doing anything rash. "
A few of the gathered warriors chuckled lightly at this, Sie Kensou, Chang Koehan, Choi Bounge and Joe Higashi were considered blithering idiots to people combating in both the King of Fighters and the Street Fighter Tournaments. Put them altogether and Howard's team would probably cause more destruction than if they were left alone.
Saisyu finally started discussing their course of action, "now, what we need to do is try to outthink our adversaries. We need to get inside their heads and think. Now they don't have t worry about being hounded by the police of the army, what would they want to do? Who would they want to meet?"
The mercenaries tried to think of what sort of plan of action the villains would take. What would be the first thing to attack to aid them in their situation? However, Ken Masters didn't think about what a criminal would do in this situation.
He knew that they were all warriors, and therefore, he thought about what a warrior would do in this situation. And then it came to him. The one thing that tied all of these extremely different men together.
"Ryu."
My computer probelms continue on but i still managed to update this thing and change a few details since I ruined Zangief's story and planned something different for lovable little Angel.
In the next chapter, the Alliance tracks down the wandering warrior Ryu, just as he encounters the Underground. What are the results of the first battle? Are the Alliance able to work together, or will the complete strangers end up destroying each other?