Chapter 13: Back to the Normal Life
Finally! After about a month and two weeks worth of problems with VanoDragon, Marshall and the company itself was finally dead for good. On top of that, Karin's bond with Link has indeed become quite touching. In fact, it made everything that happened until yesterday… seem like nothing more… than a bad dream.
Everything was back to normal for everyone who was involved with VanoDragon. Derryk's zakamon collection was in full swing, thanks to the many findings of so many of the mysterious aliens during the entire VanoDragon fiasco. Vancogh was so proud of his son when he went to greet him good morning in the secret lab.
"Hey, Derryk." Vancogh greeted with a smile. Derryk smiled as he heard his father's voice before he continued to give vaccinations to the Reptilio, who just woke up from his poisoned coma from the Ibukyxx². "Your collection is really thrivin', boy! How many do ya got now?"
"Well, countin' the ones I already have, I now have 24 zakamon. I know there's a lot mo' to go, but I'm takin' my time." Derryk replied as he just stuck the vaccination needle in Reptilio's left arm. "The KomodoKyngzz is the big prize, though."
"Why?"
"Because…" Derryk paused as he gently laid Reptilio down on a sick bed, allowing him to rest and let the healing vaccine kick in. "…he's the ultimate zakamon."
"Whoa! You serious?"
"I'm dead serious, Dad. I heard from Karin that he did a good number on those guards back at the VanoDragon Headquarters. They had they're heads cut off and other body parts cut off and… damn! They were just murdered!"
"Yikes! He's ultimate alright, despite him bein'…" Vancogh paused as he took a good look at Kyngg, who looked up at him with the most adorable and innocent smile he's ever seen. "…irresistibly cute."
"Heh, heh… well, that's the whole idea. His cuteness hides his true power of the unknown type. And plus, I have the surveillance tapes to prove his destruction."
"Awesome! So, about dis Master Zak guy, when is he comin' to check out the tapes and your collection?"
"Karin's already callin' him. He should be here in about five hours."
Meanwhile, at the Street Fighter HQ…
Karin was still on her smart phone, talking to Zak, while Ibuki and Link were playing Super Street Fighter IV together on the floor in front of her. Ryu saw this scene from the kitchen table and just smiled at how peaceful everything became… especially after everything that's happened.
"Chun-Li, just look at that scene." He started, still keeping his smile. Chun-Li obeyed him and smiled as well. "Isn't that just shocking to see, even after all we've been through?"
"Yeah." Chun-Li replied. "Ibuki recovered nicely and Link's bond with Karin has never been better."
"Ibuki did recover pretty well, huh? I heard she had a massive blow to her ribcage. Something like that could've killed her!"
"It could, yeah… but thanks to those zakamon, they completely healed her."
"Brilliant."
Back in the living room…
"…and then, I find the KomodoKyngzz sitting on a bench ever so nicely, waiting for the bus." Karin finished over the phone with Zak. "I thought you were going to save him for last."
"I would've." Zak agreed on the other line in a handsome and deep male voice. "But, my creative instincts just couldn't stop me from resting for too long. I had every piece of material I needed to create him and it just happened. I hear you have some proof of his destruction on tape."
"Yes… and I suggest that you should come down here to Earth and see it for yourself. I've always wanted to meet the Master himself."
"It would be an honor. It will take me several hours to get there. Will that be okay?"
"Sure, that's fine. Just as long as you can get here sometime today."
"That's good. Now, before I hang up, I just have one question for you…"
"…okay."
"…If Link's price tag is completely depleted of every cent since you fought him, will you still raise him?"
"Yes."
"Hmm!"
"Because I've developed a sibling kind of bond with him. He was going to be pronounced as a pet at first, but then I thought… 'Hmm. Since he's worthless now, maybe just having him as a brother would be better.' Besides, he doesn't look right with a collar around his neck."
"Good point and well made. Well, that's good to hear. I'll be down there shortly. Just hang tight."
"I will. Thanks. Goodbye." After that, Karin finally hung up the phone and this made Ibuki immediately look up at her from where she sat.
"That had to be the longest phone conversation I've ever heard." She commented with humor. "You talk more than I text."
"It's worth it. I see you recovered really well. What exactly happened to you?"
"That bastard gave me a good punch to my side right when I was about to give him a piece of my mind! When I felt one of my lungs getting pierced by one of my ribs, I just fell out into a coma. I don't remember anything after that."
"Yikes. That hit could've killed you. Your fans would've been dead with you."
"Yeah, but these zakamon things are just awesome! Can I name a favorite?"
"Sure."
"The Flashko. He's too cute to be an alien… just like Stitch."
"I know. Derryk's getting all the benefit from them, and with Zak, the actual creator of these creatures, on the way, it'll be even more interesting to see what perk he might get from him."
"Cool!" Right after that was said, Ibuki's cell phone rang and she answered it. "Hello?"
"Ibuki!" Kunimitsu started on the other line. "I almost forgot about your new boyfriend, like I promised."
"You sure did! Where is he?"
"That's just it, Ibuki. I completely forgot and I couldn't find anyone for you."
"You bitch!"
"Sorry. Just keep trying. You'll find someone."
"Yeah, thanks." Ibuki slowly moved the phone away from her ear and hung up with a bowed head and a frown. Karin frowned with her as she gave the sad kunoichi a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Don't give up yet, Ibuki. Just like Kunimitsu said, just keep looking. You'll find someone."
"It's just hard. At this point, I just need to accept the fact that… nobody… wants to date a ninja."
"Don't say that, Ibuki. You want to live the life of a normal girl, right?"
"Yeah."
"That's exactly what you're doing."
"Huh?"
"You're talking on a cell phone, you wear multitudes of clothes, you go to school, and you're currently looking for the right man for you. You may be half-ninja, but you have 100 percent normal girl living all over you. Just get out of the ninja attire for a while… and lose the ponytail more often, too."
"…thanks, Karin. That really cheered me up big time, girl!" Ibuki jumped up from where she was and gave Karin a huge hug. "I never realized all that until you said somethin'!"
"That's because I paid attention." Karin hugged her in return, making Ryu smile even bigger.
"Awww, tender moment." He commented. "Ibuki can actually focus on being a normal girl, now that she passed her ninja exam with flying colors."
"Yeah, you're right." Chun-Li agreed. "I sure do hope she finds the right man for her soon."
Five hours later, at Derryk's secret lab…
"Hmmmm…" Zak started as he was slowly pacing through his creatures, carefully inspecting each one of them. He was a twenty-two year old anthromorphic kinkajou with bright yellow eyes, decent muscles, and he was at a height of three feet and four inches. All he had on was a long vest version of a lab coat and brown khaki pants. Derryk, Vancogh, Karin, Ibuki, and Link, being carried in Karin's arms, were all behind him at a good distance. Zak stopped in front of the Darksko and Flashko next to each other and smiled. "Did these two get anywhere near each other before you contained them?"
"Naw." Derryk replied professionally. "I made sure of dat, since they don't get along."
"Good. Keep them this way." Zak nodded with satisfaction as he continued to scan through the collection. When he came across the Dymondz, he smiled with pure happiness. "Are you being a good girl?"
"GIRL?" Derryk and Vancogh exclaimed with shock.
"Damn thang looked like a boy from da side!" Vancogh added with partial humor. Zak chuckled at that statement.
"That's the usual mistake for the Dymondz. No matter what gender it may be, it'll always look like a male from the side. I think it's a crafty idea in my opinion."
"Huh! What a coincidence."
"Yeah." Zak continued to inspect Derryk's impressive collection of his creations. After three more minutes, he turned towards Derryk with a smile of satisfaction. "Derryk, you really have done a fantastic job taking in my zakamon creations into humane custody. I hear that you are getting paid by the Kanzuki Zaibatsu for your services, correct?"
"Yeah." Derryk replied with confidence. Zak nodded in response.
"I see… and Karin?"
"Yes?" Karin replied.
"Your love and care for Link is just as heartwarming as when I first interacted with my first Kyeebo. I hear he is your brother now. Not a pet."
"Yes."
"Well, despite your massive deduction of his bluebook price, I've decided to make a little deal with you."
"What?"
"I like your free spirit. That's why some of you humans fascinate me sometimes… and to prove it, I'll give you some assistance." Zak snapped his fingers twice before another one of his greatest zakamon creations approached him from his right side. It was a mysterious brown lizard-like alien creature at the size of the Basenji dog breed, except it had chunkier legs and feet. It had adorable sea green eyes and two front antennae-like ear appendages on the very top of its head with two more drooping down near the nape of the neck, with all four of them measuring at a length of seven inches. It was absent of a tail and its four wings were actually pure leaves at a wingspan of exactly two feet long. Overall, it was a beautiful creature to see and Vancogh, Ibuki, Karin, and Derryk were all astonished to see it act so obedient as it sat like a trained dog next to him. "Everyone, this is zakamon number 85: the Naturalapyxx. His name is Synthesys."
"He's beautiful." Karin sighed. "He looks like he could be… Mother Nature's… pet."
"That's exactly what he is. I've designed him to be the official 'caretaker' of your wonderful planet Earth. I wanted to show him to you because I feel you deserved him. Along with him being another part of Derryk's collection, you will also care for him as Link's companion and second brother."
"…I… I don't know what to say, Zak. That is truly an honor." Karin was speechless after that statement. Zak nodded in agreement as he allowed Synthesys to approach Karin and sit down ever-so-nicely in front of her.
"I knew you would like him. So far, he's my most well-behaved zakamon ever assembled… next to the Puppiishi, of course."
"Awww, dat's nice of ya, man." Vancogh commented. "You shoulda seen all dat shit we went through to get to this peaceful settin'."
"I know. I saw everything."
"WHAT?" Everybody, except Link, screamed with shock. Zak bowed his head calmly with a smile, as if he wasn't fazed by the sudden outburst.
"Yes. Even though I didn't have any actual cameras all over the place, I was actually using my new WatchEarth 9000 technology back at my home planet of Zakarravosys. Your struggle was harsh, but you survived. I was actually praying for you all."
"…wow." Ibuki muttered with shock. Zak chuckled.
"I should be saying the same thing about you, young ninja. Your name is Ibuki, right?"
"Yeah."
"I've seen your extremely fatal blow you took from Marshall. I'm surprised to see you doing so well… but then again, I shouldn't be… because I saw my smart Skorpishine and Flashko heal your wounds. You risked your life to save Link and I honor you for that."
"Thanks. Is that why you made that Ibukyxx² over there?"
"Yes. Cute, isn't she? I've designed her to have the same exact skills and move set as you, despite the fact that she doesn't have four feet, just like the traditional tanuki. In fact, I'm planning on designing the Tanukahare and I would like to ask your permission to gather some of Don's DNA to start on it, if that's okay."
"Sure, knock yourself out. Just… don't hurt him."
"I'm an animal activist at heart. I wouldn't even harm a fly, if I had the chance."
"Good."
"Derryk, please keep up the good work with your collection." Zak turned his attention towards Derryk as he continued. "Your progress is just beginning. I will be sending down more zakamon for you to capture, but take your time with them. I know you and Karin are in quite a relationship right now."
"Yeah." Derryk replied. "We had to put it on hold, though, because Karin thought that was the right thang to do… just to keep each other safe."
"And she did the right thing. Karin, during your relationship, I want you to assist Derryk in capturing the zakamon… but since your just getting back to it… I guess I can put the zakamon sending on hold for about three weeks."
"Are you serious?" Karin asked.
"Yes. I really want you two to get back together peacefully and without any sidetracks to disrupt your dates."
"Thanks, Zak." Derryk and Karin said together in unison. Zak nodded in response.
"You are very welcome. Now, it's about time for me to get back to Zakarravosys, but I will be watching you all. So, stay outta trouble… especially you, Synthesys." This made the Naturalapyxx squeal with humor. "Good bye, everyone." After that last statement, Zak walked towards the back of the lab to a teleporter and, after five seconds, he was teleported back to his planet. Vancogh sighed with relief as he turned towards his son and the two ladies.
"Wowwee!" Vancogh exclaimed. "So, I guess there is life out there, huh?"
"Yep." Derryk agreed. "Well, Karin… shall we get back to business?"
"I believe so, yes." Karin replied before she walked up to Ibuki. "Ibuki, thank you so much for supporting me through that whole mess. I don't think Marshall's scheme wouldn't have been discovered without you."
"No sweat!" Ibuki replied with a cute smile. "Danger is my middle name when it comes to being a ninja!"
"Heh, heh… It seems so. Can you watch over Link and Synthesys while Derryk and I continue our relationship?"
"No… but, I can watch Synthesys, though."
"Why not?"
"Because… remember what you said in that interview with the news after Marshall's death?"
"…oh, yeah! I forgot. I did say that I was going to allow Link to accompany me and Derryk everywhere we went, didn't I?"
"Yeeeeeeah, you DID say that."
"…oops. Well, then. I guess I better fulfill my promise, then. Please do take good care of Synthesys, though."
"I will. You three have a good time."
The next morning…
Link was sitting in his most adorable position on top of the sleeping Derryk and Karin. He was a little repulsed by the smell of sweat, sex, and lavender all over the room from the night before, but that didn't matter to him. He was just happy that everything was back to normal for him and Karin. After two more minutes, Karin was finally the first to open her eyes and she smiled her sweetest as she saw her brother sit there with a smile.
"Hey, Link." She greeted tiredly. "You're up early."
"Meega wanna wish you good morning." Link replied in his adorable Stitch-like voice. "It stinks in here, though."
"Heh, heh… yeah. Derryk and I had sex last night… and it's a good thing you weren't here to see it. It was a little too rough for you to witness."
"Yeech."
"Yeah. Anyway, are you ready for the day?"
"Ih. Meega been ready. Where are we going?"
"Hmmm… I don't know yet. Derryk?"
"Hmm?" Derryk came in as he slowly woke up, rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes before he sat up, keeping his naked body covered. "What's up, baby?"
"Where are we gonna go today?"
"Oh. I figured we could go to this surprise exhibit I heard about at the Tokyo Science Museum."
"A museum, Derryk?"
"Yeah. What? You think that's a bad place to go on a date at?"
"Yeah."
"Aww, c'mon, Karin. I promise ya, baby. You won't be bored and neither will Link."
"I hope not."
An hour later at the Tokyo Science Museum…
Derryk, Karin, and Link just arrived at the museum, having all three of them dressed casually. Derryk and Link wore a white tank top with blue jeans, except Derryk wore sneakers on his feet, while Karin wore her school uniform, minus the fighting gloves. When two officials saw them in the lobby, they immediately walked up to them with smiles on their faces, puzzling Karin, as Derryk spoke.
"Hey, ya'll." Derryk greeted. "Are we on time?"
"Just in time, sir." The female official replied in a sweet voice. "Are you ready to see the reserved exhibit?"
"Yeah."
"Follow us." The male official commanded in a British accent as he and his partner led Karin, Derryk, and Link to the special private exhibit. Five minutes later, they made it to the area, which was a huge dining room surrounded by candles and two more zakamon stood before them by the five foot long fish tank. The first one was an anthromorphic lizard at a height of exactly two feet tall with shiny turquoise skin on his body, sky blue on his two foot long tail, big black eyes for his short muscular stature, had three fingers on each hand, and wore nothing but a pair of tan khakis. He was irresistibly cute to Karin. The second zakamon standing next to the blue one was an anthromorphic wolf with brown fur that was only two feet and five inches taller, counting his erect pointy ears. His furry tail was at a length of about half of his height and his long arms had his retractable claws on his hands nearly touching the ground and his feet. He had a fifty percent more muscular build than the lizard standing next to him, big baby blue eyes, little strands of fur as his "bangs" between his ears, and he wore nothing but blue jeans. The only one thing in common with both of them was the distinctive "ZM" imprinted on their belt buckles at their waists. Derryk and Karin were just astonished to see the both of them as the official continued. "This is Skai the Skaivos and Valto the Paivos respectively, sir and madam. They will serve you your breakfast this morning. Please do enjoy."
"Damn!" Derryk commented as he approached the two short zakamon. "Two mo' zakamon fo' me. The Skaivos and the Paivos, huh?"
"Yeah." Skai replied in a high pitched Stitch-like voice. "We both heard about you keeping us for sentimental value. Am I correct?"
"Yeah, man. After our breakfast date, ya'll can take da bus back to my lab. Here's two dollars and fifty cents fo' ya'll." Derryk paused as he handed the blue lizard the money. "That can cover both of ya for da ride."
"Thanks. Valto, get this lovely couple their breakfast. I'll get their drinks." Valto nodded in response before he headed to the back to get their trays of food. This puzzled Karin and Derryk, but Karin decided to ask the question.
"Um… Skai?" She started.
"Yes?"
"Before you get our drinks, what's with Valto? Can he talk?"
"No. On his landing here on Earth, the small explosion sparked off his whole voice box. He can still eat, though."
"Awww, poor thing."
"Yeah, I'll have to agree wit ya on dat, baby." Derryk agreed as he sat down after Karin. "I'm glad he's okay, though."
"Me, too."
"Me, three." Skai agreed. "Well, better get your drinks."
Five minutes later…
"What an experience that was." Karin started the conversation, referring to the whole situation with VanoDragon, as they ate their breakfast. Derryk nodded in agreement.
"Yeah." He agreed. "I still can't believe that Stitch was responsible for dat whole mess."
"I should've known that from the very beginning. If only Marshall could've told me that reason sooner…"
"Well, serves his ass right… especially for nearly killin' Ibuki."
"Did you see that happen?"
"What? Ibuki's blow?"
"Yes."
"Yeah, Kunimitsu, my Dad, and I saw the whole thang from da kitchen. Ibuki was all like 'I WON'T LET YOU LAY A HAND ON LINK!' or somewhere along those lines and she tried to stab him somewhere, but Marshall's quick ass attacked her ribcage at full force. I heard that sickenin' crack that came wit it, too. It was a lil' too scary, even fo' me."
"My God! Well, I'm so glad Ibuki's okay. I and she have become really good friends since the whole fiasco started."
"Really?"
"Yes. She may be in college and I'm still in high school, but that's okay. Something about being a Street Fighting schoolgirl really brings us together, including Sakura."
"I thought you and Sakura were rivals."
"Not anymore. We finally realized that we are all excellent fighters in our own way. Nobody is far more superior to the other."
"Dere ya go, Karin. Dat's what I like to hear, baby girl."
"Thanks. So, what are we gonna do after the date?"
"I don't know. Let's ask Link. YO!"
"Gaba?" Link screamed from the other end of the room, a good distance from the loving couple.
"Where do you wanna go after this?"
"Ummmm… OOOH! I know! We can go to da park! Meega know of another zakamon over there that meega can play with while you two continue your conversation."
"ANOTHER ONE?"
"And I thought Zak said he was going to lay off delivering these creatures for a while during our date." Karin muttered with partial humor. "Shall I call him and see what's happening here?"
"Yes, please!"
Karin chuckled as she reached for her smart phone and dialed Zak's number. After three rings, he picked up.
"Hello?" Zak greeted from the other line.
"Hey, Zak. It's Karin." Karin greeted in return. "I'm calling because I have a question to ask you."
"Why are there new zakamon out there?"
"…yeah, that was my question. How did you-"
"I've sent those newer zakamon down long before the VanoDragon mission was completed. I've received reports of them being safe from hunters, but they need to be found during your date. I didn't deliver any brand new ones down, like I promised, if that's what you were wondering."
"Yeeeeeeaaaah. Thanks. I was wondering."
"You're welcome… oh! And don't worry, there are only four more out there. Bye." Zak hung up right after that statement. Karin slowly hung up her phone and placed it away as Derryk was looking at her with curiosity.
"Well?" Derryk started.
"He said those zakamon we see now were delivered down here weeks ago… long before we finished the whole mission with VanoDragon. They aren't new."
"Oh, okay."
"And he just said that there are four in total, counting Skai and Valto so far."
"Whew. Good. He didn't give us too much of a challenge fo' us during our date."
"Of course not. This is his way of saying thanks to you for being such a big help."
Ten minutes later, in Vargasuki National Park…
"Ahhh, this park takes me back." Karin sighed as she just sat down in a bench next to Derryk, who allowed Link to go towards a bright yellow day gecko that was about the same size as a medium sized monitor lizard with bright green spikes and big black eyes that climbed up a tree before Link tried to go after him. "This is where Kunimitsu and I had that battle."
"And it was epic." Derryk agreed as he sat back with a smooth attitude. "You kicked that demon's ass, girl."
"It was a difficult battle, though. Kunimitsu had to stab herself in order for him to surrender and it was just horrifying to see…"
(Flashback)
"AAAAAAHHHHHH! You bitch! What are you doing?" The demon asked with fury.
"What does it look like I'm doing, motherfucker?" Kunimitsu asked back with the same mouth. "I'm trying to kill you! I thought this glitch was just a glitch, like Stitch's, but it's nothing more than a curse that should've never existed… and you are about to be non-existent."
"GRRRRR! OUCH!" Kunimitsu just rammed herself into a brick wall, but she didn't stop there. "Stop this nonsense right now! I command you!"
"No, I can't comply with that command. Even though I've kept you asleep for a whole month, you still think you can just take over my life and ruin it for Stitch."
"NO! You've got this all wrong, you dumb bitch! I'm the symbol of your hatred towards the innocent."
"WHAT?" This made Kunimitsu stop the running with shock. "…That… that's not true!"
"Oh, isn't it? Well, do you wonder why you've been acting a little too nice since the end of the month came? That oh-so-friendly nature was hiding my reign of terror upon your soul."
"…no."
"Yes… and now, maybe I should show your hatred to Karin."
"NO!" But, it was no use. The demon forced Kunimitsu to run towards Karin, who started to slide back with fear. Stitch growled as the monster passed him and he ran after her, attempting to stop her from hurting the street fighter. Kwik flew after Stitch, hoping he could help somehow. "STOP IT! DON'T KILL KARIN!"
"HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! You cannot stop me!"
"KUNIMITSU!" Karin screamed. "FIGHT HIM! YOU CAN DO IT! YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO KILL ME… would you?"
"…no." Kunimitsu whispered before she forced an extremely sharp detour right when she was a centimeter away from Karin's feet, which puzzled the demon. "I can't allow you to kill her."
"WHAT? What are you doing?" The demon asked, but Kunimitsu kept quiet as she screeched to a stop in the middle of the park's wide open space. She kept a strict look on her monstrous face as the demon continued. "Why did you stop? I command you to eat Karin alive!"
"My Demonic Hatred, I'm about to do something I should've done to myself twenty years ago."
"…huh?"
"Gaba?" Stitch asked with fear.
"What?" Karin asked after him seconds later. The other experiments remained silent, but remained determined. After a gloomy and silent five minutes, Kunimitsu pulled out her kunai from nowhere and this shocked everyone as they all shouted:
"KUNIMITSU, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"!" Kunimitsu and the demon screamed with extreme pain as Kunimitsu sharply stabbed herself in the side, emitting unbelievable amounts of blood running down her left leg. Kunimitsu resisted the pain as she pulled out another kunai from out of nowhere and stabbed herself with the same amount of strength on the opposite side. She and demon made the same bloodcurdling scream again and the monster kneeled down and doubled over in pain. Karin and the experiments watched this scene with terror in their hearts and they jumped a little when they saw that Kunimitsu just pulled out both the kunais with all her strength, sending even more pain up and down her entire body along with losing even more blood. This made her and the demon scream even louder, but Kunimitsu stopped her screams shortly after five seconds and slowly sat up, and then stood up on two feet. The monster's body was standing perfectly still, but the demon was still screaming his head off. Kunimitsu remained calm and focused as she silently motioned for Kwik to approach her and the cute little experiment obeyed.
"Yes?" Kwik asked softly, so the demon wouldn't hear him through his cries of pain. Kunimitsu didn't say a word. She carefully used one hand to tell Kwik that he can start his healing process while he still can. The little experiment smiled as he got the hint and gently placed a tiny paw on her right shoulder and this made the demon immediately stop screaming and froze with fright. Kwik's angelic touch made a bright light in the monster's body and it glowed for the next thirty seconds. Afterwards, it was all slow-motion as the glowing stopped and Kunimitsu's original body exploded out of the monster's when Kwik made it explode into a million glowing stars. Karin quickly stood up and caught Kunimitsu's unconscious body safely, but the force of the impact caused her to fall back down, landing on her butt with Kunimitsu in her arms. It was back to normal speed when the stars started to disappear. When the stars were completely gone, Kwik made a huge sigh of relief as he flew over towards his cousins, Karin, and Kunimitsu, who was still unconscious. Stitch approached Kunimitsu and examined her carefully, making sure nothing was missing. He was relieved that she was okay, but he was puzzled as to why her stab wounds weren't there.
(End flashback)
"The scariest part of that event, however…" Karin continued. "…was right before the stabbing, she professionally quoted that it was something she should've done twenty years ago. She made a brief explanation as to why…"
(Flashback)
"Now, Kunimitsu, what in the right mind told you to fight against this demon by yourself?" Havanah the news reporter asked.
"I knew I was still alive inside." Kunimitsu replied in her expert tone. "And while I was alive, I used that opportunity to see what I can do to the demon."
"And you did well… but the real question we want to hear a straight answer from is… why was stabbing yourself considered something you should've done twenty years ago?"
"…damn. I did say that, didn't I?"
"Yes."
"Well, before I was defeated in my battle against Yoshimitsu, I knew ahead of the end of the fight that he was going to win, regardless of whether I tried to fight back or not. I showed my guilt by pointing the blade of my kunai towards the most crucial part of my chest in front of Yoshimitsu while I was lying on my back and he froze with shock. He didn't know what to do, but when hypothermia slammed on me like a ton of bricks after a good seven minutes, I dropped the knife on the snow to my right, completely missing my body and I was knocked out. That's all I can remember."
"…" Every single person in the world was completely silent after that story. Even Blanka was silent with the other Street Fighters watching this newscast on their television. In Hawaii, Lilo and her ohana was completely quiet with tears streaming down their faces. In Jumba's ship, all of the experiments were watching it on the giant computer screen and they all leaked tears of sympathy as well. Back at Vargasuki National Park, Karin, Stitch, and all of the other experiments surrounding the street fighter showed a look of sympathy while their silent tears poured out like a pair of waterfalls. Havanah held in her tears as she continued. "…wow. That… that's unbelievable. That is well enough said, ladies and gentlemen."
(End flashback)
"Damn." Derryk muttered. "Kunimitsu really didn't wanna feel defeat from a sword she was so desperate to get."
"She knew it was the right thing to do back then, but now that the glitch is gone, she can live in peace. She'll still keep Stitch within her heart, even though they have to be separated for personal reasons." Karin finished. "Their love to each other actually inspired me to pass this love on to Link. I… never knew he really cared about me. I thought he just liked me because I was pretty."
"He does, but his bond towards you is more than just dat reason, baby… and you said dat you was just gonna keep him fo' da money."
"That was my first option, but after all that's happened, that reason is obsolete. I really love him as a brother now." After that was said, Karin slowly leaned towards Derryk's shoulder and he smiled with passion before he wrapped his strong arm around her and they were in position for the next ten minutes before Link approached them with the same giant monitor lizard-sized gecko.
"Hey, Link. What's this zakamon called?"
"He says he's called a Mastergeckoles." Link replied. "His name is Monitor."
"Figured that could be his name, big as he is."
"Can we keep him?"
"I can keep him in my lab. You have Synthesys, remember?"
"Oh, yeah. Okay, you keep him, Derryk."
And from that day on, Karin and Link's sibling connection grew even more. As for her relationship with Derryk, that couldn't get any stronger either. Pretty soon, she was virtually inseparable from both Derryk and Link, but what was really heartwarming was what happened the next morning at the Glade of Ninjas…
"Hey, Karin." Ibuki started as she was typing on her laptop while Karin checked out the young kunoichi's impressive variety of clothes with Link on her right shoulder, sitting ever-so-nicely. "Taking care of Synthesys was just awesome yesterday. He really was helping the Earth, even though he couldn't train with me."
"He lives for his purpose." Karin replied professionally as she took a good look at Ibuki's leather jacket. "He'll never back down from it."
"I hear ya, girl." It was silent for the next three minutes before Link came in with a surprise both girls didn't expect.
"Meega wanna be a ninja, too!" Link came in randomly. This made Ibuki sit up with extreme speed and shock all at once while Karin looked at him with the same speed and shock.
"Say-what-now? Did-he… did-he just say that… he… wants to-"
"Ih." Link replied in a split second as he jumped off of Karin's shoulder and approached Ibuki and Don on the bed. "If Don can be one… kinda… then so can meega. Can I?-Can I? Pleeeeeeease?"
"Oh, I don't know, Link. Being a ninja take responsibility and commitment… and trust me. I learned that the hard way. You also have to keep an oath that you will never reveal you ninja lifestyle to anyone you don't trust. Makoto nearly ruined that for me. Yeech!"
"Meega promise. Pleeeeeeease? Can meega be a ninja? Meega won't mind hard training."
"He sounds confident, Ibuki." Karin muttered in agreement and shock, keeping her attention on Ibuki's clothes. "If he can handle seeing Captain Gantu's face without cringing, then he can handle some ninja training. Besides…" Karin turned towards the three with a smile. "…I know he can handle it just as well as you can. He's played Super Street Fighter IV with you and he knows your struggle. That's why he wants to be a ninja. He wants to help you along with giving me and Derryk some time alone… at night."
"Huh!" Ibuki exclaimed with satisfaction. She closed her laptop and stood up from her bed, picking up Link on the way. "Okay, then. If you say so, Karin…"
"Let him go for it… and it can actually be worked out. During the day, while Derryk's working at his supermarket with his Father, Link and I can spend the day together and when Derryk's shift is over, he and I can spend the rest of the evening together while Link trains with you. You can be his teacher."
"Awesome! I always wanted to get the experience that Master Sanjou has! So, Link, starting tomorrow, you and I are gonna get some good training. How does an hour and half of training every night sound?"
"NO!" Karin screamed quickly, making Ibuki raise an eyebrow with a sly smile. Link giggled while Don squealed with humor. Karin blushed at her sudden outburst, but before she could correct herself…
"Horny, aren't you?" Ibuki dared to ask. Karin's red cheeks got an even deeper red color. "You want those nights to last longer, eh?"
"Heh, heh… yes." Karin muttered with embarrassment. "Let him train for two hours and a half instead."
"Consider it done. Is that okay with you, Link?"
"Ih." Link replied with confidence. "Meega ready to train!"
"Tomorrow, Link. Okay?"
"Ogata… oh, and Karin?" Link jumped out of Ibuki's hands and approached his sister with the most adorable smile Karin has ever seen.
"Yes?" Karin started as she kneeled down towards him.
"I love you." Link hugged Karin with all of his love and this made Karin cry her happiest tears as she returned the warm embrace with just as much love.
"I love you, too, Link." She gave the experiment a quick kiss on his forehead before she continued the hug. This made Ibuki and Don silently cry their happy tears as they stayed seated on the bed.
This scene was initial proof that, no matter what, Karin and Link's bond… will never cease… NEVER!
The End
(Phew! This took longer than I thought. What a touching ending. Please review and thanks for reading. I am highly flammable, thank ya.)