Chapter 10: Stitching up the Situation

In the previous chapter…

"How's Link doin'?" Derryk asked Ibuki.

"Doing pretty good. He's safe with my Glade of Ninjas, so he's practically invisible." Ibuki replied with confidence.

"Good. I'm gonna go and take these three back to my lab while you go and check on Link fo' me."

"I know he's fine. I don't need to check on him."

"Please, Ibuki?"

"…"

"Since Karin's onto more important business, I really need you to check on him. I admit that I am a little overprotective, but it's for his own good, baby."

"…fine."

"Thanks."

Five minutes later, in the Glade of Ninjas…

"IBUKI!" Master Enjo called from the distance the moment he saw her dash through the entrance. "You have a visitor."

"I do?" Ibuki asked in wonder.

"Yes. She's waiting for you in your room. She said she has something very important to tell you."

"Huh!" The young kunoichi was still confused by what's happening, but she reluctantly went to her room, slowly slid open the door, and when she saw who was sitting on her bed with Link and Don in the person's lap, she was speechless and shocked all at once.

Let's continue.

It was silent for the next twenty seconds before Ibuki finally pulled off her half-mask with shock.

"I… I don't believe it!" She gasped. "Kunimitsu?" It was indeed Kunimitsu, sitting on Ibuki's bed in her casual outfit of a simple white tank top, jean shorts, and matching white and blue boots. She was sitting there crosslegged with Link purring in her lap while she gently stroked him between his antennae while Don laid on her resting foot on the floor. Ibuki closed her door before she continued. "Wha… what are you doing here? How did you even find this place?"

"That doesn't matter." Kunimitsu replied in that deep feminine voice. "I come here in peace… and a little bit of disappointment."

"What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything. Stitch did. You won't believe what he just did to me."

"Wait! Before you explain it to me, let me ask you this: Why me? Why do you need to tell me what happened? Why not tell Karin?"

"Telling Karin would drastically disrupt her attempts at bringing down VanoDragon. That spy she caught… he told a big fat lie."

"I KNEW IT! It just didn't make any sense to her and me. So, if they're not using the money they're stealing to pay Karin's dad for his services, then what are they doing it for… besides revenge?"

"You listen… and listen hard… to what I have to say. It is the full detail as to why VanoDragon are such bastards and so is Stitch…"

Meanwhile, at the Kanzuki Mansion…

"Father!" Karin called out in the same way Fred Flinstone calls out to Wilma. Daikenjuro didn't show any sign of nervousness before he spoke, not turned towards his only daughter. "Is it true that VanoDragon is using our money to manipulate you into working for them?"

"…" Daikenjuro didn't respond, but still kept his fearless face in check. Karin grew pissed.

"ANSWER ME!"

"Karin…"

"…"

"…Vancutter lied."

"…wwwwwwhat? Are you serious?"

"Yes. Didn't that statement sound a little… awkward… to you?"

"Come to think of it, yes. It didn't make any sense. So, you do have any-"

"No. Every cent is still slowly, but surely, coming out of our system and into theirs without any payment towards me."

"…wow. Then, how come you still want them to capture Link?"

"I have my reasons, okay?"

"What?"

"You heard me, Karin. That information is confidential."

"…No! Nobody keeps confidential information but me. I demand that you tell me why you still want VanoDragon to get Link! NOW!"

"Telling you would shorten your quest."

"… I cannot believe this. I'm tired of all this hiding and running from both you and Marshall. Speaking of which, I heard that he sent a zakamon called Reptilio to kill Ibuki and another zakamon she found. What gives with that?"

"To keep eyewitnesses from knowing the real reason behind the money siphoning…"

"…!"

"But on the bright side, I'm against VanoDragon with you. I just don't know why they chose Link and not Stitch… oops!"

"Stitch? What did he ever do to them? He doesn't even know them!"

"Ugh! I knew this was gonna happen. Shibazaki, shall I explain?"

"Well, sir, our money is still draining, but the speed has slowed down since this whole thing started. I guess you can explain, sir."

"Good. Now Karin… what I'm about to tell you is not a happy moment. Just save your comments or questions until after I explain everything."

Back at the Glade of Ninjas in Ibuki's room…

"…and that's why VanoDragon's trying so hard to get Karin bankrupt because of her purchase of Link." Kunimitsu concluded. Ibuki was silent and open-mouthed the entire time as Kunimitsu continued. "Somehow, Stitch's horomones got stronger than his own strength since our departure."

"…" Ibuki was still silent as Kunimitsu finished.

"I somehow sensed that outcome because he hasn't called or e-mailed me in a while."

"…"

"Ibuki?"

"…Huh? What?"

"Did you hear what I said? You looked pale for a minute."

"Yeah, I heard you. I am just… wow! I can't believe it. Stitch must've been bored since he left you."

"I guess."

"Personally, I expected that behavior outta me, since I'm desperate for a boyfriend right now."

"I know you are."

"…HOLY CRAP! I just got a realization!"

"Shoot."

"If VanoDragon is doing this because of Stitch, but not spitting at him, then…"

"…"

"…they're doing this just to make Link suffer for Stitch's damages!"

"You got it, Ibuki."

"…That sucks."

"No kidding."

"So, why are you here?"

"I'm here to lend a helping hand to you and Karin. Hearing that Stitch betrayed me is just the kind of motivation I need to stop one fighter from suffering the same fate as another."

"I feel ya on that. Karin's paying me for my services once this wraps up. What's your reward towards me?"

"You do deserve one, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Well, after we pull this off, I'll hook you up with just the right man for you."

"REALLY?"

"Yeah. Judging by your wet crotch, you really need to get some."

"Heh, heh… yeah, I do… BAD."

"Anyway, I promise you won't be disappointed when you meet him… but only if you stick with us throughout the entire time."

"I will! I promise!"

"Good. As for Stitch's whereabouts at the moment, that'll have to wait. Right now…" Kunimitsu paused as she gently placed Link down on the floor next to Don. "…Link stays here. You and I are gonna handle VanoDragon kunoichi style."

"Sweet, but what about Karin's involvement? What can she do?"

"Hmmmm… Is she at her mansion?"

"Yeah."

"What about Derryk?"

"He's-wait! How do you know about Derryk?"

"I just had a feeling."

"…goddamn it. You're older than me, aren't you?"

"By a good twenty years, yes."

"Sheesh! You sure don't look the part."

"Just shut up and answer my question."

"He's back at his lab. I just found three more zakamon for him and he's just as happy as a kid getting a new Playstation for christmas."

"Good. Follow me. We're going to Derryk's."

Meanwhile, at the VanoDragon HQ…

"MARSHALL!" Jason just called out when he burst through his office door. "Marshall! Reptilio's been captured… by Derryk, sir!"

"WHAT?" Marshall exclaimed. "I was wondering where he was. He didn't kill Ibuki. Damn it!"

"What do you propose we do now, sir?"

"You say Derryk has Reptilio?"

"Yes, sir. He collects zakamon for a living, sir. Along with working at his father's store."

"Hmmmm…"

Meanwhile, at Derryk's summer house…

"Derryk, I've gotta give ya credit, son." Vancogh commented as he just saw his son walk in the front door. "Dis zakamon collection ya got is really coming through. How's Karin doin' wit dis whole thing?"

"She's doin' good, Dad. I know she's doin' good."

"I'm glad you feel that way, Derryk." A familiar deep female voice said behind the two men. They both turned to see Ibuki and Kunimitsu standing next to each other. "We've gotten way ahead of VanoDragon and it's just getting better."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Ibuki replied before she took off her half-mask at the same time Kunimitsu took off hers. "That Vancutter spy lied about those leads. The real reason is crazy."

"Oh, naw…" Vancogh muttered. "It's not one of those 'Take it out on his cousin' situations, is it?"

"…yeah! Yeah, you're… you're right!" Ibuki and Kunimitsu both replied together by accident. Derryk looked astonished as he looked at his father with the same shock.

"Dad! Are you sure?" He asked his father.

"Hell, yeah!" Vancogh replied with confidence. "I'm pretty sure that whatever Stitch did was unforgivable."

"You couldn't be more right." Kunimitsu agreed. "An anonymous tip gave me the info about it."

"Well, dayum! Dat's bad!"

"So, wait a minute." Derryk came in. "This is all so strange. If Stitch is responsible for the money siphoning, then why is Link getting all the attention?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ibuki asked. "Your dad just said it best. They're taking it out on Link because he's Stitch's cousin. As long as Stitch's is busy with his antics, he can't be bothered."

"Bravo!" Marshall cheered from the shadows. This made everyone turn towards him with shock and anger all at once. "Glad you figured it all out. All of you."

"You mothafucker!" Derryk cursed as he stomped towards the VanoDragon boss. "I oughta kick you in the balls fo' dis shit!"

"Now, now… no need to threaten me… for you see, I have new playmates for you." After he said this, he whistled and four zakamon came out, having two on each side of him. "Meet Megkillacroxx, Darksko, Roxxodyno, and Mystii the Geckomystii. They will all be more than happy to dispose of you all for me."

"Humph! You can try, man. I'll just capture them with dese… my fists. I may be a well-respected animal activist, but I have my reasons for harmin' dese bastards!"

"You're brave. I like that, but hearing you capture one of my best agents is where I cross the line here with you… and YOU!" Marshall paused as he pointed to Ibuki. "You were supposed to be dead. How could you escape 25 snipers?"

"Let's just say we made a little… negotiation." Ibuki replied with a smooth attitude. Marshall growled.

"Damn you all… but then again, I should be thanking you… Ibuki!"

"What?"

"On your way here, another zakamon I have, the Raynbowz, managed to track down Link's exact location. Your Glade isn't so secretive now, isn't it?"

"…!"

"That's what I thought."

"YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

"Whoa! Hold it!" Derryk came in as he held the angry and sad young kunoichi back.

"LET ME AT 'IM! UGH!"

"Ibuki, stop!"

"NO! I WON'T LET YOU GET LINK!"

"Heh, heh…" Marshall chuckled. "I thought ninjas didn't cry. Well, if you all will excuse me, I have an experiment to capture. I'll let my four servants take it from here. Sayonara." After that was said, Marshall walked out from the back door of the house. Enraged with vengance, Ibuki finally broke free of Derryk's grip and dashed after the VanoDragon boss with her kunais ready to attack. Marshall stoped right before the doorway and slightly moved to the right at the very moment Ibuki was about to tackle him, but she couldn't stop in time to see his foot in her path and she tripped towards the ground face first. Marshall chuckled as he walked up to the laid down kunoichi and picked her up the collar of her ninja gi. Before Ibuki could say anything, Marshall gave her a very strong punch right at her ribcage, knocking the wind and her consciousness out of her. Kunimitsu heard the sickening crack and dashed towards the area, leaving Vancogh and Derryk with the four zakamon, who were ready to attack. Marshall heard Kunimitsu approaching him and he dropped the unconscious Ibuki on the grass, having blood drizzle out of her open mouth.

"IBUKI!" Kunimitsu screamed. "What the fuck did you do to her?"

"Heh, heh, heh, heh." Marshall chuckled one last time before he ran off around the corner. Kunimitsu tried to catch up to him, but he was gone by the time she made it around the corner.

"SHIT! I need to tell Karin about this as soon as I can!" Kunimitsu turned back around and inspected Ibuki. Her bloody mouth was all the older kunoichi needed as evidence that she wasn't going to live very long, if she doesn't do something quickly. "I need to get Ibuki to a hospital now! DERRYK!"

"Yo!" Derryk called back before he ran out after beating up two out of the four zakamon and trapping them. Vancogh was left to handle the other two. "Oh, no…"

"You and Karin have to save Link while I rush Ibuki to the hospital."

"What happened to her?"

"That doesn't matter! I need to get her there now! Go! Find Karin and save Link!" Those were Kunimitsu's last words before she carefully picked up the unconscious Ibuki and dashed to the nearest hospital in the speed of light. Derryk watched her with concern and he stood there for a moment in deep thought. While he was thinking, one of the zakamon that weren't caught, the Megkillacroxx, quietly approached him and tapped him on his shoulder to get his attention.

"You say Link is in trouble?" He asked in a surprisingly deep male voice. Derryk nodded, not even making eye contact with the giant nine feet tall four-armed mutant biped crocodile. "Hmmm… Sources have told me about this Link creature. Doesn't he have that ANGEL 5000 strapped to his left ankle?"

"OH, DAMN!" Derryk yelled in realization. "He does! I'm sure Karin will get the signal when he is officially in trouble, but I don't want her to go alone."

"I see."

"Wait a sec, though… what happened to you? At first, you were against me."

"Seeing Marshall give that beautiful young kunoichi called Ibuki a fatal near-death blow to her ribcage area, we've completely exchanged hands to you, young angel of us zakamon."

"Thanks… I think."

"Think of it as payment for humanely perserving our species." Mystii the Geckomystii came in with a smile and a handsome male voice. He was an anthromorphic day gecko stood at a height of only two feet and four inches tall with skin as bright green as the Megkillacroxx, except the latter creature has purple diamond decorations on his legs, arms, and tail. Mystii wore nothing but a pair of blue jeans and fingerless battle armor wristpads with his five foot long tail swaying on its own behind him. In a sheath on his back held his magical sword. "We owe it to you."

"Thanks, ya'll."

"No problem. Now, here's the real question: Are you sure you don't want Karin to deal with this alone? This is her situation she has to solve on her own. She dumped you for a good reason and I suggest you accept it while you're unscathed. Right now, you should at least help Kunimitsu with Ibuki."

"But, she told me-"

"What she told you is irrelevant to your true intentions. When Karin needs you, she'll call you."

"…"

"You do understand, yes?"

"…yeah. Yeah, I understand, man."

"Good. Now, Killaija and I will deal with that Raynbowz Marshall mentioned while Karin deals with the rest. You just stay here with your father and care for Darsko and Roxxo."

"A'ight. Ya'll be careful now, okay?"

"We will." Killaija replied. "C'mon, Mystii. Let's go."

Meanwhile, at the Glade of Ninjas…

Don was just blasted back towards a wall on Ibuki's bed's right side by Jason and the tanuki was unconscious. Marshall stood next to him with five other gunmen behind him, armed and ready to fire. Marshall kept his evil glare on the frightened Link, who shivered with extreme fear against a corner.

"Finally!" Marshall started. "After many weeks of searching, Link is finally mine! With Ibuki in submission and Karin still dealing with that idiot spy of mine, you're helpless! AAAHHHHAHAHAHA!"

"Naga…" Link muttered with fearful tears. "Pretty Karin save Link. She knows meega in trouble."

"HA! Save it! There's no way she'll know about your troubles."

"…naga…"

"Any last words…" The five guns cocked and were ready to fire after that was said. "…before we take you in?"

"…" Link remained silent as he prepared for the worst. Marshall chuckled as he slowly approached the scared alien and was about to grab one of his antennae until…

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep Beep! Beep!

The ANGEL 5000 went off with the red light blinking at every beep. Marshall almost didn't notice it until he saw it at about a millimeter away from grabbing Link. Thinking it was a suicide bomb, Marshall took a few steps back. When he was four feet away, the beeping and flashing stopped. This puzzled the VanoDragon boss, but before he could contemplate a question…

"GET AWAY FROM LINK!" Karin screamed as she busted though Ibuki's room door with Master Enjo and Sanjou behind her. The two masters saw what was happening and bowed slightly to Karin from behind her. She nodded in return, even though she didn't make any eye contact to the two masters. They left after they closed the door behind the determined Karin. She was finally alone again with Marshall, ready to settle the score with VanoDragon once and for all. "If I could take on Kunimitsu as a ferocious monster, then I can take all of you on!"

"Try us, if you must." Marshall spat back smoothly. "I've noticed that you've finally revealed the real truth behind our slow draining of your zaibatsu's money. Care to share that with us?"

"Yes. Kunimitsu told me everything over the phone. She says that your doing this out of Stitch's damages."

"And what are his damages? What is he doing as we speak?"

"He's… having an affair… with Kitana."

"Exactly… and you purchased Link before all of this happened, correct?"

"Yes, but tell me this. Why? Why make Link suffer and not stop Stitch? He loves Kunimitsu and you're just letting him betray her?"

"The only reason why we go after Link is because of his Extraterrestrial Bluebook price. Sure, Stitch is worth more than cute little Link over there, but since he's busy, we might as well-"

"SHUT UP! Stitch… is cheating… on the woman he loves! Doesn't that statement matter to you?"

"To be honest, no. We just care about the money."

"THEN, GO AFTER STITCH AND STOP HIM FROM CHEATING! You said so yourself that he's more expensive than Link, right?"

"Yes, but still-"

"Sir!" Jason came in with a little sympathy.

"What?"

"I… hate to admit this, but… Karin is actually making a good point here."

"WHAT? How can you say that, Jason?"

"I'm still on your side, sir, but maybe going after Link is a bit much. Maybe we should go after Stitch instead. Besides, he has that lethal ANGEL 5000 anklet on his left ankle. If we were to touch him, we will be shocked with thousands of volts as punishment."

"…!"

"You see, Marshall?" Karin asked as she walked up to the VanoDragon CEO. "Not only are you hurting me, your also hurting your intelligence."

"…"

"Sir?" Jason asked with concern.

"…" Marshall's shocked face transformed into a face of greed just seconds after Jason spoke and this puzzled Karin.

"What the…?" She nearly exclaimed before she noticed one of the gunmen aimed his pistol at Link's anklet. She gasped with horror. "NO!" She tried to run towards Link, but Marshall held her back as if she was nothing at all before the gunman professionally shot at the anklet and it was detached completely without harming Link. The gunshot still scared him, however, as he screeched with fear before hiding under Ibuki's bed. Marshall still held Karin back as the same gunman reached under the bed and grabbed Link by the back of his neck before placing him in a small portable iron cage and locking it with a combination lock. This made Karin stop her futile struggle before she slowly started to cry.

"See how easy this can be?" Marshall asked with sarcasm before he took the cage and looked at the frightened Link inside. "Awww, he's scared stiff. Pfft! I pity you."

Karin couldn't believe what she was seeing. Marshall finally captured Link and just standing there made her feel helpless. She could fight him, but she sensed another gunman behind her with a pistol touching the back of her head, knowing that if she did make that false move, she will die. Her friendship with Link is what got her this far at least and she's actually thankful to have the opportunity to make it all happen, but now that she heard about Stitch's unexpected affairs with Kitana, it was time for her to focus on two missions, but one of them had to be on hold.

Marshall chuckled as he walked past the helpless Karin and the gunman, who still had the pistol aimed at her head, She didn't move nothing but her glossy brown eyes as the VanoDragon CEO spoke.

"You know, Karin, you should be pleased. You've proven your worth towards your friends, Link, and your boyfriend, but you've failed. It'll be a shame to see you die, though, so Greg…"

"Sure thing, boss." The gunman replied before he lowered his gun, which gave Karin the opportunity to turn around, but she still didn't move from where she stood.

"As far as Ibuki goes, her health is slowly draining."

"WHAT? Wh… what the hell did you do to Ibuki?" Karin finally spoke.

"While she managed to interfere with my plan and reveal all of the gas, I decided to give her a small shot of how pissed I was at what she explained. So, I gave her a good blow to her ribs."

"Oh, no…"

"Personally, I think having numerous Street Fighters helping you is a much better idea than relying on one puny ninja. Not only would that make this more interesting, but easier. Thank you for giving me Link, Karin. Now we can leave your Zaibatsu alone. Jason!"

"Yes, sir?" Jason replied as he approached his boss.

"Have the financial committee shut off the money siphon network permanently."

"Right away, sir." After that, Marshall, Jason, and the gunmen all left Karin alone with the now reviving Don, who just popped his head up from the side of the bed. Seconds after, Killaija and Mystii were too late as they just walked in calmly.

"Damn." Mystii muttered with anger. "We're too late. It's no wonder we didn't see Raynbowz on the way here."

"Who are you?" Karin asked the two zakamon who just walked in after sitting down on Ibuki's bed.

"My name is Mystii. I am a Geckomystii and this is a Megkillacroxx named Killaija. Derryk told us to help you stop Marshall, but due to the well-hidden Glade, we just couldn't find it. I guess we found it too late."

"(sigh) What a mess I've caused. Dumping Derryk was the right thing to do, but still. Link got caught, they swore to kill me if I tried to save him before Marshall's eyes, Stitch is cheating on Kunimitsu, and to really make the whole situation worse, Marshall hurt Ibuki… with a fatal blow that could kill her. I… never meant for anyone to get hurt in the entire situation. Ibuki was a great ally. I promised her a huge paycheck for her services, but I guess I can cancel it, now that she's about to die."

"I wouldn't count on that outcome just yet." Killaija protested. "Ibuki may have a fractured rib and it's piercing her lung, but there is a way to save her as if she was never harmed at all."

"Really?"

"Yes. Ever heard of two zakamon called Flashko and Skorpishine?"

"No, but have they landed here yet?"

"Just recently, yes. The Flashko is the good twin of the Darksko and his super bright light can cure any injury. All the victim has to do is look into that light for only ten seconds. Luckily, the brightness doesn't effect human eyes."

"Ooooh, that's actually… cool. What about the Skorpishine? It sounds deadly."

"She's actually not deadly. Her peach-colored eyes are the problem though. Zakarravonians call peach eyes 'Demon Eyes' because of a legend known long ago. They say peach eyes means that that person or creature in possessed by some kind of Devilish force, but actually, the Skorpishine's peach eyes gets rid of curses or evil possessions. In other words, they can completely erase death from the victim, no matter what the injury."

"Wow. Do you know where they landed?"

"Yes. We can lead you to them." Mystii replied. "But, since you know about Stitch's affair, what do you choose to do?"

"…"

To be continued…