These are the words of Hung Nguyen. I just have permission to post them and make it easier to read. Just want to give his stuff the recognition it deserves. One of the first Non-Ranma fanfics written.
Disclaimer: Do I have to?
italics: Thoughts
In an age of scientific wonders, the human body is still the world's most dangerous machine. TM
Chapter 6
Old Enemy Part 1
"It's been two weeks since Genom has tried anything." Sylia stated as she and the other Knight Sabers discussed in her penthouse apartment.
"Yeah, things have been quiet at the ADP. We haven't had any reports of any new Boomer rampages or anything." Nene said as she took a sip of coffee. "I've tried to access into Genom's systems to learn more about the revival of their XR-4000 project, but I haven't been able to get through. They've set up some new security programs and I haven't been able to crack them yet."
Sylia nodded. "Yes. All the previous data that we've downloaded from Genom before about the XR-4000 is out of date and incomplete. Genom has probably upgraded the technology since its revival. Without current specifications to work with, we're pretty much in the dark as to what to do next."
"Speaking of not knowing what to do at the moment," Linna interrupted. "Exactly what are we going to do about Terry Bogard? He can't stay at Dr. Raven's place forever, you know." She began to have some ideas about inviting him to her place.
Sylia sighed. "Until we can figure out a way to get him back to his world, Terry will have to stay where he is now."
Priss snorted. "Great. A freeloader."
"He's not a freeloader." Sylia corrected. "It's not like he has any choice in the matter. Genom is after him and we can't afford to let him out of our sight, since he knows who we are."
"Besides, I don't mind having a hunk like him hanging around." Linna remarked with a smile.
Priss glared at her comrade. Though she too had gotten used to Terry's presence and also liked being near him, she wouldn't admit that fact openly.
At Genom...
Quincy smiled as he watched the latest Boomer as it was put through its paces. He was amazed at how powerful this new model is as it easily dispatched several BU-55C Boomers with ease. The CEO of the company just couldn't believe the boon that Geese Howard had given to them. After receiving the body of Wolfgang Krauser, the Genom scientists wasted no time in initiating their ambitious plan to merge organic tissue with their latest Boomer technology. Basing the blueprints on their encounters with the superboomer Largo, the new Boomer, which they designated as the KB-1000, or Krauser Boomer, was developed.
Over the last week, Genom had enjoyed a series of successes as Krauser's remains proved to be exceptionally compatible with the new Boomer's infrastructure. The scientists were astounded as they began measuring the power readouts from their creation, which were very similar to what was scanned with Terry Bogard. Once the final construction was completed and the CPU was online, the K-1000 was now being put through a series of tests, against some of the most advanced military Boomers in Genom's arsenal. All with impressive results. Though the new Boomer had been originally planned with built-in weaponry, such as lasers, concussion blasters, and heat projectors, all of that became unnecessary as the Krauser Boomer began exhibiting ki projection and manipulation, just as Bogard did. True to Quincy and Geese's expectations, all of Wolfgang Krauser's powers had been imprinted in his genetic makeup. All of his physical skills such as strength, speed, reflexes, and high endurance became incorporated. With the power of the Boomer components added to the organic material, the KB-1000 had proven itself a superb fighting machine.
"BLITZ BALL!"
A sphere of orange energy exploded from the new Boomer's hand and plowed into another one of the BU-55Cs. The Boomer exploded as the energy pierced its chest and blasted through to the other side. Several more machines tried to surround the KB-1000, but along with ki energy manipulation, the Krauser Boomer also retained the martial arts skills of the original Earl of Stroheim. Reinforced alloys were no protection against blows that could powder concrete and smash steel. Despite its huge mass, the new Boomer also moved with a speed that belied its size. With the same brutal efficiency that Krauser displayed in life, the Krauser Boomer destroyed its opponents with deadly precision and accuracy. Using only enough force and power to do the job, the new creation reduced more than twenty BU-55Cs to smoldering wreckage. The Boomer then turned to face Quincy, who was standing on an observation deck above the testing area.
"Awaiting further orders." Krauser Boomer said in a cold, emotionless tone.
Quincy nodded as he turned to Reginald, the head scientist of this new endeavor. "I must say that I am impressed. I can't get over how quickly this new Boomer was constructed."
Reginald nodded. "Yes sir. We were afraid that the organic tissue might reject the new fusing technology of the Boomer Infrastructure, but as you can see, this was not the case. In fact, despite the fact that the remains were partially deteriorated, the fusion went smoothly and the DNA was enhanced beyond its original state. I would say that the KB-1000 is at least ten times more powerful than the original Wolfgang Krauser, and would be more than a match against the Knight Sabers or Terry Bogard."
"Excellent! And does this Boomer have any memories of its previous life?"
"None whatsoever." Reginald replied. "Though we did use its organic brain structure for a template for its CPU format, we've blocked out all impressions it had during its previous existence. The new Boomer has intuition and creative powers to adapt to any battle scenario, but as for individual thought, it is completely subservient to us."
"Wonderful!" Quincy remarked as he gazed on the Krauser Boomer with admiration. The technicians had done an admirable job. The KB-1000 stood at 6'7" and was molded after the original Krauser's body. However, its metallic skin gleamed bluish-gray and his eyes were glowing crimson. The Boomer still retained the long purple hair of the original, but the hair was now shinier. Patches of human flesh on its arms and bare chest were visible, but they were so fluidly fused together, that it was difficult to determine where the machine ended and the human body began. It was now wearing red leggings and high-tech versions of the shin guard armor it wore during its last battle with Terry Bogard. Quincy had thought to outfit the KB-1000 with chest and shoulder armor, just like the original's, but the technicians vetoed the idea, saying that Krauser's new armored skin was more than enough protection and that additional armor would hinder the Boomer's performance. Some other added abilities was that the KB-1000 could easily alter its appearance and make itself look exactly as it did when it was alive. It did so when it saw that there was no more opponents or dangers to its survival. The metal areas of its surface took on a flesh-colored tone, making their appearance seem natural with its organic tissue. Krauser's eyes changed from red to a grayer tint. When the transformation was complete, the Boomer was a dead ringer for the original Earl of Stroheim. Emphasis on the word 'dead.'
"How soon will the Boomer be ready to destroy Terry Bogard and the Knight Sabers?"
"Actually sir, the KB-1000 is ready as of this moment."
"Good." Quincy pressed a switch on his console, which lowered a viewer in front of the Boomer. The screen then began depicting images of the four Knight Sabers. "These will be your priority targets, KB-1000. You will seek them out and capture them if possible. I would like to know their identities and the secrets to their Hardsuits. If capture is not possible... then destroy them. I would prefer to have their suits intact for study, but I can always analyze their remains."
"Acknowledged." Krauser Boomer replied, still with that haunting, yet emotionless tone.
The scene then changed to an image of Terry Bogard. As soon as it saw Terry, the Boomer lurched forward and began powering up its energies.
"What's going on?" Quincy inquired.
Reginald looked down at the readouts on his console and nodded. "No need to worry, sir. Since we used Krauser's organic cerebral cortex and cerebellum as part of the Boomer's CPU, we should have expected this kind of a reaction. From what Geese Howard had told us, Terry Bogard had defeated Wolfgang Krauser, and I'm willing to speculate that the experience left a long-lasting impression in Krauser's mind before he committed suicide. The KB-1000's reaction isn't too surprising."
"I thought you said that the Boomer had no memories of its previous life."
"Specific memories and details, no. However, the emotional and psychological effects of such an experience can last for years. However, this certain drive will benefit us. This reaction toward Terry Bogard will only strengthen its resolve to battle him, won't it? I'll assume that you no longer wish to bring Bogard in?"
Quincy nodded. With a specimen such as Krauser and more subjects promised by Geese Howard, the CEO of Genom no longer needed to know about Terry's abilities. The fact that he was allied with the Knight Sabers now marked him as expendable. Now Quincy's only interest in the Lone Wolf was in his demise.
Quincy smirked at the boon that Geese had provided for him. Though he was still wary of his new... associate, he had to admit that the crime boss of South Town had given him a powerful weapon. One that he fully intended to use against his enemies, the Knight Sabers and later... against Geese Howard himself. He had planned to double-cross Geese eventually, but only after he had gotten enough information, natural resources, and genetic test subjects of the extraordinary martial artists that inhabited that other world. Quincy had given Geese and his organization limited access to some of their Boomer technology, but not enough to become a potential threat. The King of South Town was given only the tip of Genom's iceberg. The real goodies lay in the transwarp projector, the orbiting particle beam satellites, and most importantly, the OMS project, which could take control of every Boomer in the world, including their new KB-1000. Geese had no idea just how much leverage he had given to his business partner, when he gave Quincy the body of Wolfgang Krauser.
On Terry's world...
Geese nodded as he read the reports that his subordinate had given to him. Standing before him was his right-hand man, Billy Kane.
"It seems that Quincy is about to unleash his new Boomer on those Knight Sabers and Terry Bogard."
"Boss?"
"What is it, Billy?" Geese asked.
Billy Kane deeply swallowed before speaking. "Was it... really a good idea to give them Krauser's body, just like that? I mean, Krauser was one of the most powerful fighters in the world, next to you, of course. After what I've seen what those bloody Boomers could do, it makes me shudder to think of making Krauser into one of those things."
"Yes, I know." Geese smirked. "With the skills of my half-brother added to the raw power of their latest Boomer, Quincy could very well have the ultimate weapon."
"And this doesn't worry you? " The staff-wielding fighter asked incredulously. "I mean, what's to stop Quincy from turning this thing against us? Have you read the reports and seen the test footage? They say that Krauser is now TEN times more powerful than he was!"
"Indeed. I have considered it, but I did not give Krauser's remains to Genom without... shall we say, a few strings attached?"
"What?"
Geese chuckled a bit. "Remember when those Boomers came to us a few months ago? I had my scientists analyze every single circuit and component of their remains after I had destroyed the warehouse. I lied to Quincy when we first met. My scientists have ALL the knowledge and resources needed to create their own Boomers as well as making great strides in microtechnology. However, I suspected that a corporation that was capable of manufacturing such machines would also have a few other secrets as well. Why settle for just a small slice of their pie, when we can take the whole thing? In order to find those secrets, I had a mole planted in Genom."
"A mole?" Billy repeated in confusion. "Who is it?"
Geese then gave off an evil chuckle. "Why, Krauser himself, of course."
"Huh?"
"As I said before, my scientists know everything there is to know about the principles of Boomer construction. Any improvements that Genom has made since then still rely on a handful of basic ideas. When I gave them Krauser's body, the fools at Genom were unaware of the micro transmitter I had implanted in my half-brother's corpse. Quincy had thought that our world's technology was too primitive to achieve something like this, but thanks to our studies of the Boomers, it was a simple matter to create a device that was capable of evading detection and could be accepted without question by their so-called fusing processes." Geese then gestured to a screen, which activated when he pressed a button on his desk's console.
Billy's eyes widened as he saw real-life images of Genom's lab and of Quincy as he was giving orders to the KB-1000.
Billy pointed to the screen. "Is this...?"
"It is all real, Billy. We are looking through Krauser's eyes. And look at this!" Geese pressed another button and the viewer then began showing huge amounts of data and schematics.
"What's all this?"
The King of South Town chuckled again as he said, "As Krauser was being rebuilt, he was tied in with Genom's mainframe. Our little transmitter has been secretly downloading the files of Quincy's corporation into our own databanks. Ah, the wonders of the computer age. As you can see, Genom is not just into Boomers."
The Englishman nodded as he scanned the files. "Particle Beam satellites? Transwarp projector? The XR-4000?"
"Yes, but the most intriguing discovery was this." Geese tapped a few controls and the screen then displayed a file that was labeled top secret. "It took our best computer specialists more than eight days to obtain the access codes."
"The OMS project?"
"Yes, Genom's most guarded and dirtiest secret." Geese's smile became even more wicked. "The Overmind Control System, which can take control of every Boomer on his world via those particle beam satellites. Think of the possibilities, if we were to get a hold of that computer chip."
"Bloody hell!"
"Exactly! And Krauser shall be the key."
"What do you mean? I can see how Krauser is helping us get all the information we need and also to keep tabs on Quincy, but how is he going to help us get that chip?"
"Oh, he's going to a bit of a diversion for us. In addition to our knowledge of Boomer technology, thanks to Krauser's downloads, we also have developed a working transwarp projector. In other words, we no longer have to depend on Genom to maintain the interdimensional bridge between our two worlds. At the proper moment, we can simply phase into that other world and steal that chip right under their noses! The blueprints to the company building and the location of the OMS chip were also part of the downloads."
"Now that's what I call a blooming stroke of genius!" Billy said with awe. "But how will we know that Krauser will go along with it? Genom's probably put some kind of control device on him. How can we get around that?"
"We won't have to. Krauser will do that for us."
"What do you mean?"
Geese then revealed the rest of his plan. "The micro transmitter that we had implanted is located at the base of his cerebral cortex. In addition to all the other functions, it also put up a kind of shield around Krauser's memory cells. Genom believed that they had wiped out all of his memories of his previous life, but the transmitter was actually just feeding their sensors with false readouts."
"You mean... Krauser is really..."
"Alive?" Geese finished with a smirk. "If one could call being resurrected as a Boomer as living, then yes. Krauser has retained ALL of his memories and I can imagine that he will rebel against Genom sooner or later. And during that time, we will be given the opportunity to get a hold of Genom's most valuable piece of equipment. Right now, Krauser will follow their orders since they do want Terry to be eliminated. I'm quite certain that my dear half-brother would want to face him again, the one person who defeated him. Furthermore, if Krauser manages to destroy both Terry and the Knight Sabers, then it will be an added bonus. Either way, we end up in a win-win situation."
Geese sat back in his chair with a smug look as he waved his hand to dismiss Billy Kane. He was then alone with his thoughts. Ah my dear half-brother. How does it feel to be alive again, but trapped in a cold, unfeeling shell? I imagine that you are going mad at the moment, aren't you? And I am quite certain that you would do anything to end the torment, wouldn't you? Well, you can't die until I say you can. For all the torment and pain that I went through growing up with you, now it is time that you felt the anguish and pain I had suffered. And you shall become my weapon against my sworn enemy... Terry Bogard!
Back at Genom, Krauser Boomer was currently deactivated and resting on the lab table, waiting for the moment it would be unleashed on the Knight Sabers and Terry Bogard. However, deep within the recesses of its mind, images of its previous existence flashed back and forth in a violent swirl of emotions and symbols. As the memories rushed by like a tidal wave, a voice was heard within the subconscious.
Where am I? What am I doing here? Last I remember was a great... battle. And then... darkness.
Scenes of his last encounter with Terry Bogard flashed by. He remembered the Lone Wolf as he countered his Kaiser Wave with his Power Geyser. Then came the exchange of fists as he and Terry exchanged blows that would have pulped a normal man. Finally, he saw an image of Terry as his eyes glowed crimson as he blocked a blow, then sent a hard punch, which caved in Krauser's midsection. Several more of Terry's punches broke half of his ribs. He saw himself stagger backward in defeat and saying his last words to the victor before consigning himself to a watery grave. The images of that battle began to flash over and over again as the Boomer began to spasm and jerk on the table. Its limbs started to twitch and make sudden movements as more memories came to the surface. Then its most recent experiences were recalled. The fusion of flesh with metal, cables, and circuitry. The battles with machines that were hauntingly similar to himself. The sensation, or rather, the lack of sensation he felt when his new body moved. He couldn't feel anything. It was if he was controlling his body from the outside. It maddened him to be alive, yet not alive. He wanted the torment to stop, yet he could not do so. Something within him was driving him to continue on in this form of existence, no matter the cost.
What am I? What have I become? The voice cried out but went unheard inside of his mind. The final battle between himself and Terry flashed before him again and Terry's name repeated over and over again. It was if, Terry's image was the key to ending the madness and attaining final peace.
After what seemed to be an eternity of personal hell, he began hearing organ music within his head. He saw an image of himself, human and whole, playing before a huge pipe organ and a picture of his father, the man he killed when he was 16. He then heard the music again, his father's favorite song. The melody that he would play only once a year. The same music that he played before he faced off against... Terry Bogard.
Suddenly, the KB-1000 sat up and opened its eyes. It stared off at nothing in particular as it considered the data that its subconscious had brought up. Its eyes glowed red as the final analysis was processed.
I... am Wolfgang Krauser. My opponent… is Terry Bogard.
It was at that time that a plan began to form in the Boomer's head. Files were accessed as the KB-1000 turned to a nearby computer console. He got up from the lab table and walked over to it. Using several computer codes that the micro transmitter had downloaded from Genom's systems, Krauser began making certain arrangements and such. The automated manufacturing machines of Genom's engineering systems came to life as Krauser bypassed security protocols and also got several Boomers reprogrammed to carry out his instructions. Finally, he then scanned the blueprints of the Genom complex until he saw an area that he deemed as suitable for his needs.
Perfect.
Unknown to him, the micro transmitter that had given him the codes, also transmitted his actions to Geese Howard in the other world. The crimelord of South Town nodded and smiled.
"I thought so, Krauser. You always were the romantic at heart, weren't you? No matter. You shall provide me with all the distraction I will need!"
Two days later...
"That's it, Linna. Now you're getting it." Terry commented as he blocked a series of punches and kicks from his sparring partner.
Linna was breathing hard as she continued to launch attacks against Terry in an open area behind Dr. Raven's garage. On the sidelines, Sylia, Nene, Priss, and Mackie were watching the two go at it. To Linna's frustration, the Lone Wolf had yet to launch any counterattacks and simply dodged or blocked. He looked as if he was enjoying himself and wasn't even breathing hard, due to his phenomenal endurance.
"Come on!" Linna gasped as she threw another kick, which was easily deflected. "Stop just defending yourself and do something!"
"Oh... you mean like this? POWER DUNK!"
Linna was taken completely by surprise as Terry leapt up with a knee extended and knocked her upward. She then landed on her back and eeped as she saw Terry dive toward her with a flaming fist. She shut her eyes and waited for the impact.
It never came as Terry landed beside her while crouching down, having stopped his Burn Knuckle inches from her face. As Linna opened her eyes and looked cross-eyed at the glowing fist, she swallowed hard.
"Be careful what you ask for Linna, you may just get it." Terry said with a smile as he powered down his fist, then helped Linna back to her feet.
"Whoa! That was awesome!" Mackie exclaimed. After he had returned from the hospital and was introduced to Terry, he became very interested in his moves. "Where did you learn something like that?"
Terry shrugged as he used his cap to dust off his pants. "Oh something I thought up when I was shooting some hoops."
Linna's pride as a martial artist became a bit more injured when she heard this. She had been defeated by a basketball move. She shook her head and ended up smiling as she watched Terry talk with Sylia's brother. She sighed as her eyes roved over his muscled frame. However, her ogling was cut short as Priss walked up to her.
"Well looks like you got smoked again, Linna. It only took him just thirty seconds and one attack to beat you."
"Oh shut up, Priss. " Linna said offhandedly as she turned to face her and Sylia. "At least these matches have helped improve my hand-to-hand combat skills."
"Indeed." Sylia agreed. "Terry has been quite helpful in improving our unarmed fighting skills."
"I'll say!" Nene said enthusiastically. "Without his help, I would have never passed Level 5!"
The other Knight Sabers were taken by surprise yesterday when Nene actually defeated the holographic trainer at Level 5. Terry had been training the AD policewoman in her off-hours and now she was able to hold her own against a regular assailant.
"Well, I've got to admit that he is good." Priss allowed as she peeked through the corner of one eye as Terry spoke to Mackie with his back to them. Terry had offered to help train the Knight Sabers in return for allowing him to stay at Dr. Raven's and helping him get home. Linna was the most enthusiastic about the extra training, but Priss was the most reluctant to get near Terry, let alone spar with him. She still remembered that time when she was alone with him and that near-kiss. The memory sent shivers down her spine and she wondered what would have happened if they had kissed. She hadn't kissed a man since she had lost her lover. What was really scaring her was that a big part of her WANTED to kiss him and was jealous whenever Terry was with another girl, especially with Linna, whom he was spending the most time with.
Priss decided to be by herself for a while as she silently slipped away from the rest of the group. However, she didn't go completely unnoticed as Terry saw her back away and enter the building.
Some time later...
Priss had decided that some physical exertion would be a good way to relieve some of her stress and help her think about things. She was currently using a machine that simulated a bench press and was on her back doing several repetitions. As she pushed up the bar, her thoughts went back to that of a certain Lone Wolf, and how his presence had her feeling emotions that she thought were long since buried.
Why am I thinking about him like that? He's just a guy after all. So he's good-looking, big deal! Okay, I'll admit that he's a real hunk and tough. So what? That's nothing for me to get excited about, is it? I mean, look at Leon. He's good-looking, strong, and tough, but he doesn't make me feel the way Terry does. Priss paused at that thought. What am I thinking? Terry is just some guy who... can do things that are supposed to be impossible. He can jump over thirty feet high. He runs across rooftops. He wrecks Boomers with his bare hands! He uses some kind of weird energy that he calls ki. And... he saved my life... twice. Priss paused in her thoughts again as she remembered how Terry saved her during that motorcycle crash and from that Boomer attack. Then she remembered how he came to her defense in that bar and saved Leon. She shook her head and fought down the liking she had for him whenever she watched him fight. It was then that she saw something leaning over her.
"Hi there." Terry smiled as he looked down at her.
Priss' 'tough girl' attitude asserted itself as she said with a slight frown. "What do you want?"
Terry wasn't fooled at her charade and shrugged while still smiling. "I was about to ask you if you wanted to spar after Linna, but you disappeared."
"Thanks, but no thanks. I've been a Knight Saber for a long time and I can take care of myself."
Terry nodded. "I'm sure that you can, and that armor you wear, what was it called again...? Oh yes, the Hardsuit is very impressive. Though I prefer relying on my own abilities. Relying too much on technology can be a handicap. I can teach you a few of my moves that can help."
"I said, I'm not interested!" Priss snapped again. "I don't need any of your fancy moves and stuff, and I can take care of myself! So just go away!" She began to feel her anger rise. Why can't he just leave her alone?
Terry held up a hand and said, "I'm sorry to hear that, but remember, my offer still stands. I just want to help."
"Whatever." Priss then purposely ignored him and went back to doing her exercises.
Terry sighed, seeing that he wasn't going to make any headway today and left. He turned around and walked out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him.
After Terry had left, Priss stopped in her repetitions and sat up, staring at the door in which Terry had left. Once again, like all other men who had tried to get close to her, she had pushed him away and was determined to keep him at arm's length or even further. That was the way she had always done and had no regrets before. Terry should have been no different, right?
So why did she feel so empty this time?
At ADP HQ...
"Leon!" Daley said as he read the report that just came from the dispatch operator. "We've got a report of several military-grade Boomers that are rampaging across the eastern area!"
"How many?" Leon asked as he holstered his pistol.
Daley looked down at the report and replied. "According to the eyewitnesses, five Boomers have been confirmed as BU-55Cs, as well as two Dobermans and one of those new Devastator models!"
"That's some firepower." Leon whistled as he and the other officers ran out to combat this new threat. "Any idea as to the reason for these attacks?"
Daley shook his head. "No. They just appeared from out of nowhere and started firing at anything that moved. Casualties are starting to mount, though no fatalities have been reported yet. A few officers are already on the scene but they're seriously outgunned and can't hold out."
"Let's roll!" Leon said as he and his partner rushed to join their comrades at the battle scene. In less than a minute, Leon and Daley were in his patrol car and racing down the streets, followed by several other police vehicles.
Genom, a half an hour before...
"So do you understand your instructions?" Quincy asked as the KB-1000 stood before him in front of several other Boomers. Behind them, the scientists were now setting up the transwarp projector.
"Understood." Krauser Boomer replied as he shed his human disguise.
"Good." The CEO said as he gestured to the scientists to activate the projector. "The transwarp projector will transport you and your forces to a specific area where the Knight Sabers have been seen frequently. I am quite certain that they will respond to your sudden appearance, but do try to make enough of a disturbance to draw them out. Let your forces battle them for a while to test out any new upgrades that they may have added to those Hardsuits. Then after you have collected all the data you can, you are to both subdue the Knight Sabers and bring them in, or... destroy them and return with their remains. In any case, I will no longer tolerate the Knight Sabers and their interference with my affairs."
"Acknowledged." Krauser replied. "Question... what about second main target, Terry Bogard?"
"We will deal with him soon enough. It is my opinion that he is somehow connected with the Knight Sabers, since he was last seen in their company. Taking out the Knight Sabers would surely draw him out. If not, we can still fall back on using Geese's resources."
The Krauser Boomer stiffened at the mention of that name, but said nothing and nodded.
"All right. Open the portal!" Quincy commanded.
Back on Terry's world...
Geese smiled as he saw the images on the monitor, which was transmitting directly from the KB-1000's eyes.
"Nothing like watching your enemy through Krauser's eyes, huh boss?" Billy commented.
"Yes. And now I think we have a golden opportunity here. If I know my half-brother, then he will use this plan to rebel against Quincy, as well as destroy his and my greatest opponent, Terry Bogard."
"How do you know?"
"Simple. As you can see from the readouts that the transmitter is giving us, Krauser has already regained his own consciousness and personality."
"You mean, he's already thinking on his own?"
"Yes. The signals being sent to us indicates that the safety devices that Quincy had installed in my dear brother are no longer functioning. The only reason why they would be disabled is if Krauser had already deactivated them when he became aware of what had happened to him. He is just playing along with Quincy, because his current plans are parallel to his own. When his goal has been reached, he will have no further reason to obey Quincy."
"And what goal is that?" Billy asked.
"What else but to face off against Terry again? You saw the readouts on his reaction to seeing that Bogard was in that world with him." Geese smiled. "And while Quincy becomes preoccupied with trying to bring Krauser back under control again, we shall use this distraction to get that OMS chip. Once we have it, nothing will be able to stop us and Quincy will no longer be useful to us!"
"Brilliant plan boss! But what if Krauser does something different?"
"Do not worry, Billy. I have a feeling that I know what Krauser plans to do, according to the readouts that I have been getting from him. I have already taken steps to ensure that neither Bogard nor Krauser will survive to see my greatest triumph! HA HA HA HA HA!"
At Dr. Raven's Garage...
"Guys! Some Boomers are ripping up the area that's just ten blocks from here!" Nene said as she punched up the monitor in the control room. On the screen, the rampaging machines were tearing up buildings and street fixtures. There were several bodies that were strewn around, both of police officers and civilians. The carnage was horrible and it would only get a lot worse if nothing was done to stop it.
"It's time to go girls." Sylia said as she motioned for the others to follow her.
"What about me?" Terry asked. "I can help."
Sylia shook her head. "No, we can handle these Boomers. Our Hardsuits have just been upgraded and besides, we can't take the chance of someone seeing you with us. We have to make certain that no one will be able to identify you with us. We can handle it." She turned to Dr. Raven and pulled him to one side, whispering into his ear. "Keep an eye on Terry and make sure he doesn't leave."
"Got it."
"Knight Sabers... it's showtime!"
Ten minutes later...
"Where the hell is that backup?" An officer said as he was pinned down behind the wreckage of his car. The rest of his squad was either wounded or dead after the Boomers had started rampaging. Autocannons, machine gunfire, and lasers had torn up the entire area. Most of the civilians had fled during the onset of the battle, but some unlucky people had been caught in the crossfire and were now corpses on the pavement.
The officer breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the sirens of more police cars arriving at the scene, but then became pale as he saw the Boomers take aim and began firing on the reinforcements. Two patrol cars were turned into fireballs in an instant, while the lead vehicle swerved to avoid the lethal volley. It skidded to a halt nearby as Leon and Daley exited and began taking positions behind some rubble, each armed with a heavy assault rifle. The other surviving officers dressed in protective body armor and carrying rifles exited their cars as well. In the distance, an ADP van which was carrying some power suits approached to aid in stopping the massacre.
However, before the van could come within half a block of the area, the Devastator had caught sight of it and aimed its gatling guns at it. In one furious barrage, the van, its occupants, and cargo were shredded as armor-piercing, incendiary rounds tore them apart. The vehicle then became a flaming pile on the street. There would be no cavalry.
The other Boomers were also keeping the ADP occupied as they continued to fire on them without mercy. More officers fell as their personal body armors were no protection against Boomer weaponry. Leon and Daley, along with five other surviving policemen, were all huddled behind a bullet-ridden patrol car. They were running low on ammunition and there seemed to be no hope. That was until four angels came down from the heavens as a carrier jet hovered above them and released the Knight Sabers. During the recent upgrade, the Hardsuits of the Knight Sabers all had flight capabilities now, for at least short periods of time. The armored vigilantes jetted down toward the battle scene and began engaging the Boomers, taking the heat off the remaining AD police officers.
Nene hopped around the withering cannon fire of a BU-55C and was silently thanking Terry for helping her increase her agility, which allowed her to finally pass Level 5 in the training room. She then decided to use the newest weapons in her Hardsuit, which were a couple of ultrasonic blasters mounted on her shoulders. The concentrated blasts of sonic energy shot through the chest of the Boomer and caused it to topple over backward. It hit the pavement hard on its back and became still.
Linna was also making use of the improvements in her Hardsuit. She was also grateful of the training sessions with the Lone Wolf as she danced around the attacks of the two Dobermans. She then used the new additions to her gauntlets, which shot out small spears with cables attached to them. The points embedded themselves into the Boomers and then a high amount of voltage was sent through the lines. This caused the Boomers to seriously malfunction and Linna took advantage of their momentary distraction to rush between them and snapped her head forward. The monomolecular filament whips on her helmet slashed through their armor. After jumping back and retracting her cables, Linna smiled as the two Boomers exploded.
Sylia was also taking advantage of the new improvements to her armor as she systematically took the Devastator apart. Sliding blades came out from her gauntlets, slashing off the Boomer's arms. A shot to each shoulder with the beam cannon took out the gatling guns. Then one concentrated hit to the midsection with a Knuckle Bomber caused the giant machine to topple over.
Priss was dispatching the remaining Boomers with ease. The armor-piercing needles that she usually fired from her gauntlets were relocated to twin launchers mounted on her shoulders. She now had improved Knuckle Bombers and Leg Bombers, which delivered more explosive power to her kicks and punches. She also had a new Beam Saber, which was stored in a compartment on her right thigh. She punched through two BU-55Cs, then swung around with the Beam Saber to decapitate a third. The energy blade sliced off the head of the Boomer, then it was pushed back as Priss delivered a hard straight punch to its chest. She then finished it off with twin shots from her rail guns. The last Boomer tried to catch her from behind, but Priss caught sight of it and swung her self into a reverse spin kick. The Leg Bombers on her foot detonated against the Boomer's upper torso, causing the arms and head to be blown off. The lower half of the Boomer fell to the ground in a flaming pile. Priss grinned at her handiwork. Who needed to learn Terry's Burn Knuckle or Crack Shot when she had Knuckle and Leg Bombers? She had just proven that she could take care of herself. That was when she caught sight of something emerging from the shadows of a ruined building.
At Dr. Raven's Garage...
"They seem to be doing all right." Terry commented as he saw on the monitor of Priss taking out the last Boomer. The carrier jet was still hovering above and recording the battle raging below. "Guess they didn't need my help."
"Told you they didn't." Dr. Raven said as the final Bu-55C fell. He then caught the image of something emerging from behind a building. "Hello, what's this?"
"What is it?" Terry asked as he looked to where the old mechanic was indicating.
"Looks like Genom's created some new kind of Boomer."
Raven decided to zoom in with the carrier jet's surveillance cameras for a closer look. When the image of the Boomer's head was enlarged, Terry's face became pale and his blood ran cold. Though the face was partially metallic, the Lone Wolf recognized the person for who he was.
"No... it can't be!" Terry gasped.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"He can't be here! HE CAN'T!"
"What is it? What...?"
Terry was still as his eyes stared at the image. His thoughts went back to that fateful encounter against an enemy he thought was dead. He then remembered the terrible power that he had faced and the fear he experienced. If that Boomer was whom he thought it was, then...
"I have to get there!" Terry cried out as he bolted out the door toward the garage where the motorcycles and vehicles were parked.
"HEY! COME BACK HERE!" Dr. Raven cried out as he tried to stop Terry from leaving. However, Terry proved to be too strong and easily threw him off.
"I'm sorry, but I have to get there! The girls don't stand a chance against Krauser!" Terry shouted as he burst into the garage and selected Priss' cycle.
"Krauser? What are you talking about?" The old man got back to his feet.
Terry looked down at the bike and remembered back to when he saw Priss riding it. He jumped onto the bike, turned a switch and a moment later, the engine began to rev.
"Where the hell do you think your going?" Dr. Raven cried out.
"I've got to stop the Knight Sabers from fighting Krauser!" Terry said as he prepared to leave.
"Huh? You mean that Boomer we just saw? Sylia and the others can handle it, especially with the new upgrades. No man or Boomer can stand up to them."
Terry shook his head. "No. Krauser's not a Boomer or a man." He then took a deep breath and said in a low tone. "He's more like a monster."
Without another word, Terry gunned the engine and was off like a shot.
Back at the battle scene, the four Knight Sabers were facing off against their latest adversary. The Krauser Boomer made no sudden moves toward them as he addressed the armored woman in a clear and very calm tone.
"Very impressive, Knight Sabers."
"Who or what the hell are you?" Priss asked. "Another one of Genom's fucking Boomers?"
Sylia and Nene took positions twenty feet from Priss' right, while fifteen feet on her left, Linna stood poised.
The KB-1000 smiled as it felt a feeling of déjà vu and replied. "If you can defeat me, I will tell you."
Nene's scanners were going on overload as she analyzed the Genom's newest creation. She gasped as she saw organic tissue merged with Boomer components. However, what really got her attention was the fact that it was giving off energy readings similar to what Terry had explained to them as ki manipulation.
"I don't give a damn what you are! You're history!" Priss then launched several needles from her rail guns. However, Krauser simply faded from view before the projectiles could reach him and reappeared behind her.
"Child's play."
Nene gasped as she looked at the readouts on her scanners. No way! How can a Boomer move that much mass so quickly? It isn't possible!
Priss pivoted on her left foot, and aimed her right leg toward Krauser Boomer's head. Krauser's hand moved impossibly fast to simply grab the ankle before the Leg Bomber could make contact. He swung Priss up, then slammed her onto her back on the ground. Her Hardsuit made a sizable depression into the concrete.
"Too easy. I thought you were better than this from what Quincy told me."
Priss was a bit dazed but that was when her comrade leapt into the battle. Linna fired off her power cables at him as Priss rolled away. However, Krauser Boomer moved with that same speed and simply caught both spears before they could touch him. He then yanked on them and pulled Linna toward him. The martial artist found herself flying toward him and quickly detached herself from the lines and used her momentum to put herself into a flying kick. However, Krauser easily caught the extended foot, then swung her around one-handed before tossing her away like a feather pillow.
"I don't see why Genom would be having so much trouble with you." Krauser Boomer stated as he watched Linna pick herself off her feet and took Terry's Hakkyoku Saiken stance. This caught Krauser's attention as he arched an eyebrow in interest.
Linna shook her head to clear it, then charged at him with her monomolecular filaments sliding out from her helmet. She then launched a punch at Krauser's face, but he blocked it, then delivered a counterpunch to her midsection. Her armor shuddered from the impact and her Heads Up display began giving damage reports.
Just from one punch?! It was like being hit by Terry's punches, only a LOT harder! Linna staggered back then tried a different tactic. She tried a roundhouse kick, followed by flick of her head. Krauser easily dodged the kick, but made no effort to evade the filaments. Linna smirked as she leapt back, but then her eyes widened as her HUDS then reported that her monomolecular filaments were disconnected.
She then saw Krauser Boomer hold up the thermowhips between the index and middle finger of his right hand. "Are these yours?" He then let them drop off to one side.
How the hell did he cut them off?! Linna reached behind her head and felt for the strands, but found only two sheared off nubs. She desperately tried for a high punch combo followed by a sweep. However, Krauser Boomer countered each strike with as much ease as Terry Bogard would have. He then lashed out with a kick that seemed deceptively light, but when it connected with her side, she was sent hurtling back to crash into a section of wall, crumbling it. Linna felt as if a speeding truck had hit her as she landed hard on her back.
Krauser Boomer nodded as he commented on Linna's fighting skills. "I witnessed your little fight between those other Boomers. You are good, but can still improve. Your techniques are quite graceful, but they lack the power of Terry Bogard's. However, I can see some of his style is in you and I recognized the stance you used. Did he train you?"
Linna's head snapped up. Huh? He knows about Terry? The other Knight Sabers was also startled to hear about this.
"So tell me… where is Terry Bogard?" Krauser then blurred forward again and before Linna knew it, his right hand was on the front of her helmet and gripped down on it. Linna found herself being lifted up and held two feet off the ground as Krauser held her body and several hundred pounds of Hardsuit single-handedly.
Linna struggled to free herself. Her hands went up to grip Krauser's wrist as she applied all the amplified strength her Hardsuit could provide. However, despite the fact that her suit magnified her strength by about ten times, Krauser's new Boomer body was far tougher and wasn't affected by the sudden increase in pressure.
"I repeat, where… is… Terry Bogard? Tell me now, or I will crush your skull!" Krauser Boomer then accentuated his point by slowly applying more pressure to her helmet. The outer layers began to crack under the strain as her HUDS told Linna that her helmet would be crushed under such pressure.
"Linna!" Nene cried out as she tried to get Krauser to release her comrade. Her ultrasonic blasters flipped up and fired. The computer genius of the Knight Sabers had aimed for Krauser Boomer's unprotected back, hoping that he would release Linna. However, the KB-1000 suddenly glowed with a strange aura, and the sonic blasts were canceled out.
Without taking his eyes off his captive, he raised his other arm and casually fired off a small sphere of energy.
"BLITZ BALL!"
Nene was taken totally off guard and was sent hurtling back when the projectile slammed into her, exploding on contact like a focused charge. It was like being on the receiving end of one of their Knuckle Bombers. Part of her front chest plate was blown off and it was only due to the protective inner padding that she avoided getting seriously injured, though she was going to be aching for days. As she landed on her back, her HUDS began giving her damage reports and she found that her suit was now sluggish and slow to react. Her ECM and scanning equipment were experiencing major malfunctions and her weapon systems were offline. With the servos only operating at only 40% and part of her chest now unprotected, Nene was currently defenseless. All from a single shot!
Sylia could stand it no longer as she charged in with her laser sword drawn. At the same time, Priss also recovered from her encounter and was aiming her rail guns at his head. Krauser Boomer swung around and threw Linna at Priss. The blue-colored Knight Saber had to hold her fire to avoid shooting her comrade, but was knocked backward when Linna slammed into her.
Just as Sylia was about to gut Krauser with her blade, the Boomer pivoted and slammed a fist on the flat of her sword, causing it to snap into two! He then lashed forward and grabbed the extended arm, then casually tossed Sylia to the side to crash into her teammates. The Knight Sabers found themselves in a messy pile as they struggled to separate themselves.
On the sidelines, Leon and Daley were watching the battle with unbelieving eyes. The other officers were down and had already been moved to a relatively safe position. Never had they seen a Boomer fight so well with such speed and power! The Knight Sabers were having great difficulty in handling this one and they seemed to be on the ropes as Krauser continued to manhandle them.
Leon, seeing that Priss and the others were in danger, raised his rifle to fire at Krauser's head. However, Krauser had already known that Leon was there and casually sent another one of his Blitz Balls in his direction. The energy blast slammed into the car that he and Daley were behind and caused it to explode. Both officers were thrown back from the blast like broken rag dolls. Fortunately, the protective armor and helmets they were wearing took the brunt of the blast and they were still alive. However, their bodies were racked with pain as they each received several broken bones and some internal bleeding. Daley was already unconscious and Leon found himself following suit. Darkness claimed him in less than a minute.
"Leon!" Priss cried out as she and the other Knight Sabers got to their feet.
"Concentrated barrage! NOW!" Sylia commanded as she opened up with her gauntlet blasters and particle cannons.
Priss nodded as she began firing her rail guns and the two beam cannons in her gauntlets. Linna also began firing off her lasers and spare power cables. She had to raise the visor of her helmet to see, since the front had been crushed. Linna felt some satisfaction as her cables struck something and she began channeling current through them. Nene felt herself as useless, as her suit was barely able to stand and the weapon systems were still offline. She could only watch as her three partners let loose with enough firepower to level a city block. Krauser's body was obscured in a cloud of dust and explosions as the Knight Sabers continued to fire on him. After a full minute of nonstop destruction, the armored vigilantes finally stopped as their weapons ran dry. Priss' rail guns clicked on empty after the last needle was fired. Her gauntlet blasters shut down after overheating. Linna's power cables became limp as all the power she could spare was used up. Her lasers had burned themselves out. Sylia was the last one to still be firing as her blaster and particle cannons slowly stuttered to a halt. When her HUDS told her that her weapons were no longer able to maintain the constant barrage, Sylia decided to conserve energy and halt. Their Hardsuits were all badly damaged and couldn't take much more. They were in serious need of repair.
"That's it, I'm empty." Linna said as she lowered her arms. Priss also reported that she was out of ammunition.
Sylia took a deep sigh of relief and nodded. "It's all right. We can stop now. There's no way that Boomer could have survived that and…"
The four Knight Sabers were suddenly in shock as the dust clouds settled down to reveal that Krauser had not only survived the barrage, but was also standing before them relatively unscathed. There were a few nicks and cuts along his chest and legs, but they were minor and superficial. To Linna's horror, she saw that the ends of her cables were gripped in one fist. Krauser had caught the spear points and LET that current flow through him?
"No way!" Priss said in disbelief.
"He can't have survived that much firepower!" Sylia denied.
"He's… a monster!" Nene gasped.
The Boomer simply let the cables fall off to one side and smiled at the horrified women. "Very impressive firepower, Knight Sabers. I must admit, you did cause me some pain, though too little to suit me." Krauser paused for a moment, then continued. "Do you know what it's like to not be able to enjoy the simple pleasures that your senses can provide? I once knew of those pleasures, but now I am to be denied those sensations in this wretched existence that I find myself in. I can neither feel the warmth of the sun's rays, nor the cold breeze as it passes by me. I cannot enjoy the taste of food or the smells of anything. The only thing that I can still feel is pain, the sweet pain of combat. I'd almost forgotten how good it feels!"
The Knight Sabers were all still in shock over Krauser having shrugged off the barrage, that they couldn't do anything but stare at him, speechless.
"You were very good opponents, Knight Sabers, and I admire your fighting spirits. You are therefore worthy of feeling the force of my strongest technique!" Krauser took one step backward and focused his energy. He took a stance with one arm held vertically with the other horizontal, forming an L in front of him. The arms began to glow as he addressed the vigilantes. "Take note that this will only be at one-quarter of my full power… KAISER WAVE!"
A few hundred meters away, Terry was racing along the streets, desperate to get to battle area in time. It was then that he felt an enormous surge of power and shuddered. He recognized the energy for what it was and pushed the cycle to faster speeds. He then caught sight of a huge blast of orange-red energy and his blood ran cold.
My god! That was Krauser's Kaiser Wave! And it's much stronger than I remembered it!
At the battle scene, Krauser stared down at his handiwork. The area in front of him was torn and devastated. The Knight Sabers, in their weakened conditions, were unable to evade the attack fully since it came out too fast and covered a large area. They were lucky that their suits protected them from the brunt of the blast, but they knew that they couldn't survive another one. The Hardsuits, Katsuhito Stingray's crowning achievements, were now nothing more than heavy-metal body suits. Their power reserves were gone and much of their Hardsuits had either partially melted from the heat of the Kaiser Wave or were rendered inoperative due to lack of power. They were now wearing high-tech versions of full body straight jackets and were weighed down by their mass.
Nene's suit was damaged beyond repair. She had managed to erect an energy barrier to shield herself and her friends, but the Kaiser Wave had overloaded her systems and caused her suit to shut down completely. The impact of the attack had rendered her unconscious. Linna and Sylia were just barely moving and their HUDS were now showing nothing but static. They were forced to lift their visors to see, but tried to keep their faces out of sight. Not that it mattered to Krauser.
He simply walked up to the nearest Knight Saber, which was Priss. The tough brunette winced as she tried to get her suit to move. However, seeing that it was nothing more than deadweight now, she opted for getting rid of it. She looked over to one side and saw a police assault rifle near her. She still had enough power to trigger her suit's implosion charges, causing her armor to break apart from her. Clad in only her Softsuit, she dove for the rifle, swept it up and rolled to her side. She was in a sitting position as she brought up the gun and aimed the muzzle at Krauser's face.
Krauser however, simply lashed out and crushed the barrel of the gun like tinfoil. Swatting the useless weapon out of Priss' arms, he then gripped the horrified female by the neck with the other hand and lifted her off the ground to stare into her eyes. Priss choked a bit as she used both of her hands to try and pry her captor's arm from her throat. However, Kruaser's arm remained firm as he addressed her in a firm voice. "I shall ask you one more time. Where... is... Terry Bogard?"
Priss' voice gurgled a bit as she felt the KB-1000's hand tightened around her neck. Her legs began kicking at him, but with no effect. "G-G-Go to hell… you goddamned Boomer!"
Krauser smirked as he said, "Been there, done that." He then peered closer into her eyes and repeated his demand. "Terry Bogard. Now!"
"F-Find him yourself!" Priss said with all the rage and defiance she had. Her vision began to cloud.
Krauser leaned ever closer to Priss and looked deeply into her eyes. Like Terry, Krauser had learned how to judge a person by studying the eyes. He knew that this girl and her comrades knew the whereabouts of his greatest opponent. It was only a matter of time before he would get the information he needed. This girl may not care what happened to herself, but perhaps her friends…
He pointed his other arm at the still helpless Knight Sabers and a ball of energy began to form in his hand. He then gestured to the unconscious Nene.
"N-N-NO!" Priss gasped.
"As much as I hate such… low-class methods, I WILL know where Terry Bogard is! Surely your friend is more important that my knowing his location. For the LAST TIME… WHERE IS TERRY BOGARD!"
Priss felt tears in her eyes, as she knew that this was it. Her worst nightmare since her lover had been killed was about to come true. She was going to meet her end at the hands of a Boomer. The very reason why she joined the Knight Sabers in the first place. Her thoughts went back to all the anger and frustration she had felt during those long months of battling Boomers and fighting the corporation that created them, Genom. As she felt her resolve dissolving, her mind began summoning up images of a certain Lone Wolf who had made such an impact on the Knight Sabers, and especially to her…
Krauser smiled as he caught the expression in her eyes. "Ah. So that is it. I can see it in your eyes."
"W-W-What?" Priss gasped.
He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "You… love him."
Priss stiffened as she heard those words and tried to deny it. However, Krauser was squeezing her throat so hard that she was about to black out.
"It does not matter to me." Krauser simply said as he leaned back and raised his other hand, which was still holding a glowing ball of light. "Since you are reluctant to tell me, I shall have to get the information from your friends. As such, you are now useless to me. Though I will enjoy seeing Terry's expression when he learns of your death. As much as I enjoy experiencing pain, I also like to cause it as well. Goodbye, Knight Saber."
Just as he reared back his fist to launch a Blitz Ball at point-blank range to Priss' face, a shout was heard out.
"KRAUSER!"
The ki in Krauser's hand dispersed as he heard the shout and turned his head to look over his shoulder. He smiled as he casually tossed Priss away like a rag doll and faced off against his greatest opponent who was now standing a mere thirty feet away from him.
Terry was standing in his Hakkyoku Saiken stance and was glaring angrily at his old foe. Though he did look different from what Terry remembered him, the Lone Wolf still recognized the former Earl of Stroheim.
"At last! We meet again, Terry Bogard." Krauser said simply as he took a few steps toward his foe before stopping.
Priss coughed as she tried to clear her throat. She looked up and saw Terry facing off against the Boomer that had trashed all of the Knight Sabers. Fearing for his life, Priss shouted out to him. "Terry! Get away! Don't fight him! He's not like any Boomer you've faced before! He's a monster!"
Terry nodded as he called back to her. "I know. Believe me… I know." He then addressed Krauser. "Krauser, if you've hurt her or any of the Knight Sabers, then I swear you'll pay for it!"
"Ha ha ha ha! I see that you have lost none of that fighting spirit from when we last met! Do not worry, Terry. They are still alive… more or less. It is you that I wish to see!"
"I thought you were dead! How is it that you're still alive? And how did you get here?" Terry demanded.
Krauser nodded while taking a stance. "If one could call being resurrected as a Boomer as living. As for how I became this way, you may ask my half-brother Geese. That is… if you survive."
The mention of Geese Howard really got Terry's attention. "Geese!? He's here too?!"
"Enough talk!" Krauser cut him off. "Genom had instructed me to destroy the Knight Sabers and you, though I would have sought you in any case. Since you were associated with the Knight Sabers, it made sense that defeating them would draw you out. I care not for those females for it was only you that gave me a reason to follow their instructions. I wish to see the full extent of your power as I sense that is has grown since our last encounter." It was then that more sirens were heard in the distance. Krauser then nodded and addressed his foe once more. "However, now is not the time, so I shall take my leave."
He then blurred and Priss let out a scream as she felt herself being pulled to her feet with an arm around her throat.
"Priss!" Terry shouted as he rushed forward. "Let her go, Krauser!"
Krauser, seeing Terry's reaction, smiled and called out to him. "I shall contact you shortly, Terry Bogard, so that we shall settle once and for all, who is the strongest! Until then, this pretty one shall accompany me as my… guest."
Terry was already powering up his fist and launched himself at them when Krauser began to shimmer with an eerie glow.
"BURN…"
It was then that Priss and Krauser vanished in a flash of light, leaving Terry swinging at empty air. The Lone Wolf became frustrated as he felt it happening again. A girl whom he had come to care about was in danger because of him and could lose her life. He screamed out in anguish as the other Knight Sabers looked on in confusion.
"KRAUSER! YOU BASTARD!"
In a large, secret chamber near the top of the Genom Tower, Priss awoke to find herself lying in some kind of cage. She then looked up and saw Krauser Boomer standing before her. Priss bolted up and tried to get at Krauser through the bars. However, as soon as she touched the bars, she felt an electric jolt that knocked her back. She landed on her derriere and winced as she angrily glared up at the KB-1000.
"You goddamned Boomer! Who or what the hell are you? Where are we? How did we get here? Why did you kidnap me?"
Krauser was silent for a moment as he studied his captive. Such fire and spirit. I can see why Terry is so interested in this one.
"Well? Are you going to answer me or not, Boomer?"
Krauser's eyes narrowed as he replied. "You will address me as Wolfgang Krauser. I was formally the Earl of Stroheim."
"I don't give a shit if you're the Emperor of Japan! To me, you're nothing but a Boomer! I want to know where I am and why you kidnapped me!"
"We are at Genom. I used the transwarp projector technology I downloaded to transport us here." Krauser said simply.
"G-Genom?" Priss became pale when she heard this. She had been captured and by now, Quincy probably knew of her identity. The Knight Sabers and their secrets were in jeopardy because of her.
Krauser noted her apprehension and allayed her fears. "If you are concerned about you're precious secret identity, Priscilla Asagiri, then don't bother. I have neither informed Quincy of your capture nor told him of anything else. He does not know of this location, or the fact that I have you as my captive."
"Then… why did you bring me here?"
Krauser smiled as he gazed at her. "You are merely bait. To ensure that Terry Bogard will come to face me again. You will also be a witness to our glorious battle. And judging by his reaction toward you, I am certain that he will use all of his power to save you. I am counting on it for he will be my only chance for salvation."
"Salvation?"
Krauser did not answer her as he turned his back to her and walked away.
Back at Dr. Raven's Garage, Terry was sitting in a chair as the other Knight Sabers crowded in front of him. Behind them were Mackie and Dr. Raven. With Terry's help, they had managed to get the girls out of their damaged Hardsuits and escaped from the scene before the authorities had arrived. Activating the self-destruct programs of the suits left nothing to be analyzed or salvaged. A quick call from a nearby coffee shop and Mackie came in the Silky Wagon to pick them up. Now Terry was being given the third degree.
"Okay, Terry. You better tell us just who the hell that Boomer was and why it wanted you so badly!" Linna asked.
Nene nodded. "Yeah. That wasn't like any other Boomer we've ever faced before! He trashed our Hardsuits like paper, even after they were all upgraded!"
"You're right." Terry said quietly.
"What?" Sylia asked.
"He's not like any other opponent you have ever faced before. Your Hardsuits are good, but I'm not surprised that Krauser beat them. Like you said, Krauser's a monster. Even if he were still human, he still would have destroyed you."
"What are you talking about?" Linna asked.
Terry sighed again. "Although, I didn't expect to see him as a Boomer, much less alive."
"Will you just explain to us how you know this… Krauser?" Sylia was having great difficulty in keeping her cool at this point.
Terry took a deep breath and recalled everything that his brother Andy had told him about the Earl of Stroheim, as told to him by Jubei Yamada. "Wolfgang Krauser came from my world. According to what I was told, the Stroheim family had been active in military affairs since the Roman Empire fell. He was the thirty-fifth Earl of Stroheim."
"Earl of Stroheim?" Nene asked.
Terry shrugged. "For about as far back as anyone on my world could remember, the Stroheims had served the highest ranks of the European nobility. They were hired as bodyguards, secret service, and things like that. But the thing is, their outward appearances kind of hid their real agendas, though no one truly knew what they were. They have been suspected of overthrowing governments and starting revolts and wars. The head of the family is often referred to as the 'Emperor of Darkness.' And Wolfgang Krauser has been said to be the strongest fighter that line has ever produced."
"Really?" Sylia asked.
Terry nodded. "For example, when he became sixteen, he challenged his father to hand-to-hand combat to become the head of the family. He killed his father with his own bare hands and never shed a single tear."
"Oh my god!" Linna gasped.
Terry continued. "There have been other stories and stuff, but I got first-hand proof that Krauser was all that and a lot more."
"What do you mean?" Nene asked.
"Because I fought him. Twice."
"You fought him? And you're still alive?" Linna said in disbelief. The Knight Sabers had been using Hardsuits and they had barely managed to survive!
Terry nodded. "The first time I met him, he beat me to within an inch of my life. It took me months to recover and during that time, he almost crippled a friend of mine." Terry frowned as he remembered Joe Higashi. The Thai kickboxing champion had suffered two dozen broken bones and massive damage to his internal organs. It had taken him a year to recover.
"So what happened?" Nene inquired.
"It took me a while to face up to my fears and challenge him again. That first encounter left me broken and scared. It took a lot of doing and thanks to a special friend of mine, I was able to get back on my feet and train again." The Lone Wolf smiled at the memory of Tony, the scrappy little kid that helped him regain his confidence. "Later, I challenged Krauser again at his castle in Germany and barely managed to defeat him. He committed suicide after losing and that was the last I ever saw of him, until now."
"But if that's true, then how did he come to this world and get reconstructed as a Boomer?" Linna asked.
"I think I may have the answer to that one." Sylia responded. The others turned their attention to her. "Remember that file of the XR-4000 and how they've revived the project? Well, I'm guessing that Genom succeeded in rebuilding that transwarp projector and is using it to enter Terry's world."
Terry interest was piqued. "You mean…?"
Sylia nodded. "Yes. If we could get a hold of that projector, then we can send you home! This would also explain how Krauser disappeared like that with Priss. They must have teleported to some location, perhaps somewhere in Genom. We won't know until we find some way to get into Genom's research facilities. However, that isn't our first priority at the moment."
Terry nodded. "We don't have any choice but to wait, until Krauser contacts us."
"How do you know he will?" Linna asked.
"I know. Believe me, he will contact me. Krauser may be evil, but he does have a twisted sense of honor and keeps his promises. To save Priss, I will have to face Krauser again, even though he may have become more powerful than ever." I'll save you Priss! I promise!
Meanwhile at Genom, Quincy was frustrated at the lack of contact he had with the KB-1000 after dispatching it and those other Boomers. As soon as the Knight Sabers had shown, the monitor on his desk began showing nothing but static. He was forced to rely on the news stations for information. Unfortunately, the video media groups had arrived too late on the scene and all they found were some wounded and unconscious officers, along with several ambulances.
Just as he was about to order the activation of the tracking device in the KB-1000, the monitor lit up and Krauser's face appeared on the screen.
"Finally! Krauser Boomer One Thousand, why was your transmission link disconnected during your battle with the Knight Sabers?"
Krauser paused for a moment before replying. "Some unforeseen difficulties had been encountered. First parameters of mission directives completed. Knight Sabers have been defeated. One member captured."
"Really? Excellent!" Quincy exclaimed. "And what about Terry Bogard?"
"Second target will be dealt with shortly."
Quincy was elated by the news as the Krauser Boomer displayed footage of the battle from his memory banks. The KB-1000 decided not to show what had happened after firing off his Kaiser Wave, but it was enough to convince the CEO of Genom that the Knight Sabers were no longer a threat. He then decided that since the KB-1000 had performed beyond his expectations, he had no need for the Knight Sabers' secrets and or their real identities. As such, Krauser's prisoner was considered expendable.
"You have done well, Krauser. Now I am hereby ordering you to eliminate your captive. After you have dispatched with her, we shall begin our move against Geese Howard."
"I will not."
"What?"
"I will not eliminate my prisoner, nor aid you against Geese."
Quincy was puzzled and became a bit angry at this sudden disobedience.
"What are you saying? I hereby ORDER you to kill her! NOW!"
"No." Krauser said as he disconnected the link. The monitor went dark.
"Krauser?" Quincy spoke into the communications console, but had no response. He tried to establish contact again, but only came up with static. He then became fuming with anger as he called up his technicians on another line. "Reginald! Activate the Krauser Boomer's safety override systems now! Also activate the tracking device as well!"
"I'm afraid that won't happen."
Quincy was shocked to hear someone else's voice in his supposedly inaccessible office. He turned around and saw Geese Howard standing near the front door with his arms crossed and smiling evilly at him.
"Geese? How did you get in here?" Quincy demanded, all the while pressing the secret button to call for his security guards.
Geese ignored Quincy's question as he walked toward him and said, "If you are trying to call for your guards or Reginald, then you are wasting your time. They're all dead."
"What?!" Quincy was stunned as Geese calmly walked toward him. He kept on pressing the intercom buttons, but he still received nothing but static.
When Geese was halfway across the room, he reached down underneath his desk and pulled out a gun. He fired a shot at Geese's chest, but the King of South Town suddenly disappeared from sight and reappeared behind the CEO of Genom. As Quincy turned to fire at him, Geese simply aimed a blow to the wrist that held the gun and the older man screamed out as bones and cartilage popped and snapped. The weapon dropped to the floor with a thud. Quincy gasped as Geese sent a open-handed strike to his chest, causing several ribs to break as the businessman was sent flying across the room. Quincy landed hard on the floor and gasped out, spitting up blood. He weakly rolled to his side and looked up at Geese in disbelief.
"H-H-How… (cough) did… (hack) you…?"
Geese continued to smile as he replied. "Very useful device, the transwarp projector. It can transport anything or anyone to any location they so desire. Once you know what location you're aiming for, no security system is impossible to bypass."
"W-What?! (cough) Y-Y-You can't have a projector! You… don't have the technology!"
"Who says?" Geese shrugged. "After all, Krauser provided us with all the data we needed to build our own projector."
"W-What?!"
"You seem to say 'what' a lot, Quincy. Let me tell you. I LIED when I told you that we didn't totally understand Boomer technology. Three months was enough time for my scientists to grasp the concepts about Boomers and how they operated, including how the fusing processes worked. We planted a bug inside Krauser's remains, which would be easily accepted when you transformed him into a Boomer. Krauser has been secretly transmitting data from your computer files, including the secrets to your transwarp projector. Even he is not aware of it. The bug also allowed him to disable the safety mechanisms that you built into him. I imagine that Krauser is now disregarding your orders right now, isn't he?" The look on Quincy's face was priceless as Geese continued. "Well, in any case, once we had our own projector working, and the floor plans to this facility, it was a simple matter to use those coordinates to send my men to strategic locations within this complex to take over. I also had the projector beam Billy Kane to one particular area, bypassing all the security systems and he obtained THIS for me."
Geese reached into the front of his gi and pulled out a small object.
Quincy's eyes bulged out as he saw the computer chip in its container. "The OMS chip?!"
"Yes." Geese said smugly as he put the chip back into his gi. "Genom's dirtiest little secret. And now that I have your company and all of its technological wonders in my hands, I bid you farewell, Quincy."
"Bastard! You double-crossing f-"
"REPPU KEN!"
Quincy screamed out in horror as the Violent Wave ripped his body to pieces. The energies of Geese's technique blasted out the wall of the office, causing a huge hole to be formed in its wake. Geese shrugged again as he walked to the desk and punched in a code on the console. He smiled as he saw Billy's face on the monitor.
"Hey Boss! We've got the whole freakin' company under our control now. All we have to do is a bit of a mop up."
"Excellent, Billy. Send our troops in to clean up and meet me in Quincy's… no, MY office."
"Sure thing. By the way, what are we going to do about Krauser?"
Geese smiled. "Do not worry. Thanks to the transmitter in him, I already know what he has planned and if everything goes well, I shall be rid of him and Terry Bogard, all in one fell swoop! HA HA HA HA HA!"
To be continued…
Author's notes
Well, this is certainly a twist! The rematch between Terry and Krauser may spell doom for them both as Geese is now making his bid for world domination. For those of you who thought that Quincy should have known better than to make a deal with Geese Howard, well, he didn't know him as we all did. He probably thought of him as some low rate crime boss from a backward world. Just goes to show that you should never underestimate your opponent.
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