Kid Muscle reared his goofy head, his tongue lolling out of his mouth mockingly. Kevin Mask felt his anger boil and he continued his onslaught of punches at the punch bag, imagining it was the Kid.
Ever since Kid Muscle had defeated Mars, Kevin had been feeling increasingly frustrated and angered. It should have been him fighting Mars; HE was the one who had shamed himself by betraying his father's secrets to Mars, it was HIS fear that had allowed Mars to get at far as he did in his evil plan, and it was HIS stupidity in joining the DmP that had started the whole mess in the first place.
Kevin couldn't bear to think about what his father thought of him now. He had never got on with his father, and he had no intention of going to him and beg for forgiveness, but what he did want; was to prove to his father that he wasn't the stupid immature teenage boy he had once been; he wanted a chance to redeem himself and make his father, the great Robin Mask respect him for who he was, not just because he was part of the Mask Family.
Now there were rumours going around of another Chojin Crown Tournament, the most illustrious tournament in the galaxy, one that was fought for honour than money, Kevin believed he had found his chance.
His thinking on the matter was simple: win the Chojin Crown, defeat Kid Muscle, and not only would he have redeemed himself, he would be winning bach the trophy that had been taken from his fammily by the Kinnikumans.
But as the weeks slowly rolled by, no concrete news had been heard and Kevin's mood deteriated quickly until he became permanently sullen, bored and frustrated. Even his new trainer, the mysterious Lord Flash became wary of being in his presence; for in this mood, one false move, and Kevin would eat him alive.
His frustration seemed to have reached it's peak, and he cried out as he gave a devastating punch to the bag, knocking it clear off the chains that held it up.
Breathing heavily, he watched as it fell to the floor. He was aware that everyone else in the gym were now watching him nervously.
Ignoring them, he strolled over to the bench and picked up his towel.
"You seem to be in a particularly frustrated mood, Kevin," Lord Flash commented, once he was sure Kevin had calmed down.
"How long does it take to decide whether or not a tournament is taking place?" Kevin growled as he wiped the sweat from his body. "I'm beginning to think the rumours aren't true"
"They're true," Lord Flash replied calmly, "rumours like that don't just appear out of nowhere. Be patient. This is buying us time to train and be the best we can be"
Kevin snorted. "whatever"
Then, still feeling people stare at him, he said; "come on, let's get out of here. I can't stand these people staring at me"
Throwing his towel over his shoulder and picking up his T-shirt and trench coat, he made his way to the exit.
"Excuse me"
Kevin turned round.
A young girl had appeared behind Lord Flash and was fixing Kevin with a fierce gaze.
She looked atleast nineteen, with long straight black hair tied back in a ponytail. She wore a pink turtle-neck, sleeveless top; a matching skirt with slits starting at her ankles and reaching her thighs. Both were lined with gold, and under the skirt, she wore pink trousers of the same fabric and flat knee-high boots.
Kevin took in all of this at a glance, but what caught his attention were those dazzling eyes. He had seen people with green eyes before, but none were as green as these. They were like precious emeralds, sparkling with character, energy and power. Had his mood been different, he might have found her attractive, but at the moment, her prescence, like everyone else's, was annoying.
"Can I help you?" Kevin asked. He had meant to be polite, but the sarcasm wasn't lost on the girl.
"Yeah, you can help me," she answered, equally sarcastic, "you can go back over there and fix that punching bag you just tore down. I want to use it"
"Fix it yourself," Kevin replied turning away from her, "I have things to do"
"This is a public gym you know"
"I'm perfectly aware of that"
"Then show some consideration for the rest of us and fix it, ass-hole"
Kevin froze. NO ONE had ever called him an ass hole, and Lord Flash, completely thunderstruck, held his breath as he waited for Kevin's reaction. Clearly this girl had a death wish.
"You better be areful," Kevin said in a low, intimidating voice. "That mouth is going to get you into trouble"
The girl smirked. "And what are you gonna do about it Kevin Mask? Are you gonna fight me? Are you gonna take out your bad mood on me now"
Kevin was caught off guard. This girl was not at all afraid of him, she was tiny compared to his giant form and she hadn't even flinched at his threat. This was getting insulting.
"I don't normally fight women," he said, his voice still low, " but if it gets them to shut up then I'm all for it"
"Bring it on"
Lord Flash immediately stepped between them.
"We don't have time for this Kevin," he warned, "you go and get changed. I'll fix the punching bag for the young lady"
The girl smiled at Lord Flash. "I'm glad atleast one of you has a shred of decency"
Kevin clenched his fists, but a warning glance from Lord Flash made him step down. He didn't like it. He had just lost a sparring match...to a girl!
With a final growl, he stormed off to the showers, leaving Lord Flash to sort out the mess he had left.
"Who the hell did she think she was talking to me like that"
It was much later in the afternoon, and Kevin Mask was still ranting about the scene in the gym.
"She was certainly interesting," Lord Flash commented as he took a sip of tea.
"Interesting! Interesting! Did you hear what she called me"
"I believe the term she used was 'Ass-hole"
"The insolent little "
I hardly think that kind of language is neccessary, Kevin," Lord Flash cut in, since they were in the private booth of a fancy cafe. "You're getting too wound up by this. The matter was settled, let's leave it at that. We have more important things to discuss, like the Chojin Crown"
"What about it?" Kevin asked sullenly, fingering a freshly baked scone, "what's the point in training for it when we dont know anything"
"Yes we do"
Kevin instantly sat up straight.
"The qualifying events begin a week today"
"When did you find this out"
"A few minutes ago. They're broadcasting it on the tv behind you but since you were preoccupied with other matters, I thought it best not to interupt"
Kevin remained silent for a while. Lifting his hand to his face, he removed the lower part of his mask, revealing his mouth and chin, and took a gulp of tea.
"So," he said eventually, picking up the scone and finally eating it, "what's the plan"
"First thing tomorrow we're going to start a rigorous training schedule like nothing you've ever done before," Lord Flash replied, pleased to have Kevin out of his dangerously depressing state.
"Tomorrow?" Kevin looked crestfallen. "Why not tonight"
"Because you need to get out and have some fun; loosen up a bit"
Kevin scoffed.
"Go out? Where? Most places here are either crap or complete whore houses"
Lord Flash's eyes glinted. Oh how well he knew his wrestler!
"I thought that might be an issue for you," he said, producing a card from his jacket. "so I did a bit of searching and heard of a new place opening up tonight. Try it out"
Giving the card to Kevin, he finished his tea and stood up. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow;" and with that he was gone.
Kevin looked at the card.
'The Saiyan Sisters.' Sounded kinda dodgy.
'What the hell,' Kevin thought,'Flash is right, I'm too wound up. It can't be as bad as any of these other clubs'
So thinking, he took another scone and called for more tea; his demeanour now greatly improved. He was finally going to fight in a tournament worthy of his talent.
The new club was nothing like what Kevin had expected. To begin with, he had had to pay the bouncer in order to get in because he hadn't booked his name. Kevin took this as a good sign, since it meant that there wouldn't be the usual perverts and prats from the streets, and he went in feeling more confident.
The club itself was underground and was the equivalent size of a small gym, with seats and tables around the walls for more space, some of which had velvet burgandy coloured curtains around them for anyone who wanted more privacy. In the middle was the bar shaped into a circle so the waiters could serve drinks in all directions, and every now and again another bouncer would appear to check everything was in order. Lastly, was a stage at the other end of the club, where it looked like a live band would be performing later on.
Kevin stood at the top of the stairs for a moment, very impressed. Whoever owned this place was definetly on his wavelength as to how things should be. There were already people inside, even though it was still early, and as he made his way to the bar he noticed a group of girls sitting close by, watching him and giggling.
Kevin sighed, it was women like these that put Kevin off getting involved in a relationship. They reminded him of dogs; willing to be lead anywhere and do anything for the celebrity they obsessed over. They had no character, no strength of mind and no independance, not to mention no brains. 'I guess is doesn't matter where you go, you'll always find a group in every club you go,' Kevin thought, 'no matter, I'd rather be here than that other place down the street'
"Hey Kevin"
Kevin stopped and unconsiously cringed at the voice.
'No, it couldn't be! Not here'
He then felt a strong hand on his shoulder and turned round. His heart sank as he saw Kid Muscle grinning up at him.
"Fancy meeting you here, Kev. You checking out the hot chicks too"
"Hello Kid Muscle," Kevin managed to say, choosing to ignore the latter question, " how have you been?"the Absolutely fantastic!" Kid cried, and Kevin smelt a distinct odour of alcohol. "I'm telling you, things have been great since I defeated Mars; everyone shouting out my name, money pouring in, tv shows, autograph signing...I'm a celebrity now"
Kevin clenched his fists. He had to bring up the fight with Mars.
"Well, I better let you get back to it then," he grumbled, hoping the Kid would take the hint.
"No way!" Kid Muscle replied, putting an arm around Kevin, "come and join us. We got one of the private booths. Roxeanne's friends owns the club so we're getting everything free. Free beer, Kev! You can't miss out on that"
Kevin looked behind the Kid and saw his usual band of friends; Terry, Wally, Dik Dik, all of which were in the middle of getting wasted while the girls; Roxeanne, Kiki and Triksi looked on in disdain.
"Thanks, but I came here on my own and I prefer to keep it that way," Kevin said shrugging the Kid off.
"Oh c'mon Kev, lighten up! Come and have a pint"
"Come to me again when you've sobered up," Kevin growled and walked away leaving Kid to stumble back to his gang, singing shrilly.
Leave it to Kid Muscle to ruin his good mood, Kevin thought. He was gonna need alot of drink to help him get through the night now.
'So much for having fun,' he thought as he pushed his way through the increasing crowds. As he steered closer to the bar he came accross a group of arrogant wrestlers who seemed to find it amusing to make it harder for him to push through. But Kevin wasn't in the mood for games and forced himself by so hard that he collided with someone else, his big bulk knocking them both to the floor.
Recovering quickly, Kevin saw it was a girl and instantly rushed to help her.
"I'm so sorry!" he said taking her by the shoulders and helping her up, "I had no idea you were there. Are you alright"
"It's ok, it wasn't your fault"
Her back was to him and in the dim light he could see she had dark hair.
"I didn't mean to push by so hard," he insisted, releasing her once she was steady on her feet. He felt exceedingly embarrassed.
The girl laughed.
"Don't worry about it," the girl said, turning to face him,"really, there's no need to apolo"
She stopped as she faced him, instantly recognising him. Kevin froze as he looked at her. It was the girl from the gym.
'Yeah,'Kevin thought, 'it's definetly her. I'd recognise those eyes anywhere'
There was a moments silence as the two sized each other up. Then the girl said: "so it's you. Well, in that case you may continue apologising"
She said this with a smile and Kevin couldn't help but smile back, forgetting that she couldn't see underneath his mask.
"I'm sorry I pushed into you," he said, and after a pause, added," and I believe I owe you an apology for my behaviour this morning. I truly was acting like a....what did you say? Oh yes...an ass-hole"
The girl cocked her head to the side and folded her arms.
"Awww, and here was me hoping we could have a rematch"
"Then perhaps I could make it up to you," Kevin suggested, "may I buy you a drink"
The girl looked at him strangely. "you wanna buy me a drink"
"Yes, that is, if you want one"
She gave him a teasing smile. "Ok"
The girl lead the way through the last remaining people between them and the bar and, instead of taking the seat in front of her, she went round the side, with Kevin watching her by the counter, slightly confused.
When she appeared again, she was behind the bar and smiled at him cheekily.
"You work here?" Kevin asked, suprised.
"Actually, I own the place. Well...Half of it, I work with my cousin." "Really," Kevin said, sounding impressed. "Interesting"
"I bet it is," the girl answered, leaning over the counter. She was wearing a gypsy style white top, leaving her shoulders bare, and a red velvet choker to match her red velvet skirt. She wore her hair down, and it fell down her back to her waist.
"So what will it be, Kevin Mask"
"A Long Vodka, please"
He watched her as she made the drink; never making a mistake, her movements fluent and elegant, an electric energy in every line of her. Now that he was no longer blinded by his mood swings, he saw her in a different light.
She was so pretty - no, far too weak a word: she was magnificent.
"There you go," she said giving him his drink, but when he tried to pay she said, "no. This one's on the house, besides, you were gonna buy me a drink anyway"
"But that was before I knew you owned the club"
"Still, it's the thought that counts"
"Thanks. But you know," he said, his yellow eyes glinting through his mask, "it's not very good for me to accept a free drink from a woman when I don't even know her name"
She paused for a moment, asthough considering whether it were wise to tell him, the neon lights of the bar highlighting her features.
"My name is Sally," she said, finally. "Sally Kon."