Chapter 20: Fight the Scoundrels

Carlyle Residencies, Los Angeles, CA

The time on the clock read 7:12PM at the living room above the dresser. Armor King sat on the couch drinking as he watched some TV. Nothing interesting to see on the channels, but Armor King kept flipping anyway. Michelle stood outside looking at the skyline from the balcony. Though it was not late, the mother couldn't help but wonder where her daughter might be. Armor King noticed Michelle's behavior within the last few hours. Whenever she is separated from Julia for a long period of time, the motherly instincts kick in.

Armor King: "Michelle. Why don't you come back inside before you catch a cold?"

Michelle: "You tell me that and Julia still hasn't returned yet."

Armor King: "Well she's not little, plus she can take care of herself."

Michelle (comes in.): "I know, but this city is huge. There's no telling what she may have gotten into!"

Armor King: "What do you suggest we do about it?"

Michelle's cell phone rings…

Michelle: "That's her! Pass it to me!"

Armor King gives her the phone from the table.

Michelle: "Hello! Julia?"

Shadi: "Excuse me miss! Do you know Julia?"

Michelle: "Of course. I'm her mother! Who are you?"

Shadi: "My name is Shadi! I work as a recruiter for Dime piece magazine! Something went terribly wrong at the studio! Julia has been kidnapped!"

Michelle: "Say what? Tell me who took her!"

Shadi: "His name is Craig Marduk! He threatened to kill me if I called the police! Listen he has Julia inside the old Turner Paint and Body Shop in Glendale! If you need help finding the place just meet me in downtown by the art museum! Please hurry!"

Michelle: "Alright? When we find you, do want to ride with us Shadi?"

Shadi: "No! I have a car! Just follow my lead!"

Michelle: "Ok. We are on our way!"

Armor King already stood up, and was pissed off at hearing Craig's name. He was not surprised at this revelation. No way would Craig kidnap Julia without getting something in return. Perhaps he was getting back at Armor King from his defeat back at the tournament. However, King's name was not mentioned. Where could he be then? Amror King was interrupted by a frantic Michelle, telling him to get ready. The couple hurried to their jeep and headed for downtown.

By the time the jeep arrived in downtown, they spotted a lone minivan with a man standing outside the museum's parking lot. He showed a light in which Michelle could recognize as Julia's cell phone. In confirmation, Shadi got back inside his van and took the lead for Michelle to follow him. They soon arrived in the city limits of Glendale. Shadi took a sharp left into a parking lot about a block away from the abandoned car shop. Michelle and Armor King got out of the jeep to speak with Shadi.

Michelle: "We finally meet face to face. You mind telling me what's going on?"

Shadi: "Yes. Julia is being held captive by Craig and his men at this car shop about a block north of here."

Armor King: "I'm curious. Just how did Craig know about Julia becoming a model for Dimepiece magazine?"

Shadi: "It's my fault. I am the one that talked with Julia in Saudi Arabia. What I didn't tell her is that I am a slave merchant under the Shibata LP. Craig Marduk also works for them. He said he needed my help in monitoring Julia as she returned to the states. I complied because it would mean the end of my business had I not did what he asked me to."

Armor King (grabs Shadi.): "You little fool! Do you realize how much trouble you're in right now for setting us up?"

Shadi (panics): "Don't hurt me please! I realize my mistake! I want to break free from this agency! But they threaten to send me back home if I quit!"

Michelle (Touches Armor King by the shoulder.): "Put him down beastie. (Armor King does so.) You want forgiveness and freedom Shadi? Well first you must earn it. Take us to the car dealership, and this time call for help. Understand?"

Back at the car shop…

The violated Julia Chang finally opens her eyes. She was still in the same room that Craig dumped her into. Her body was cold from the nakedness. Her arms were tied up at the hanger on the bathroom door. Darkness engulfed the room. At least Craig wasn't there now. Julia's cat was very sore from Craig's wood, heck her whole body was. Julia prayed to the spirits that somehow she will get out of this alive. The only regret would be not seeing her dreams come true. Suddenly, the door opens. The lights come back on. It was that lecher Craig Marduk and a well dressed Asian man with sun glasses standing in front of him.

Katsuhiro: "Well now. If it isn't the great Jaycee! With no clothes on! She's looks better in person Craig!"

Craig: "Yea. I got Jaycee in the flesh, just like you asked!"

Katsuhiro: "Wonderful! Now Jaycee, I have some questions I'd liked to ask you before I have fun with your body!"

Julia gave him a fierce look. No matter what he asked, she wasn't about to tell him anything of value.

Katsuhiro: "I understand you took the role as a professional wrestler in order to create more funds for your forest project back in your homeland. Tell me, how are you producing these plants with your science?"

Julia: "Get away from me! I'm not telling you a thing about my project!"

Katsuhiro: "Well that's too bad because if you won't cooperate, I will have to send my men over to Arizona, and take over your operations."

Julia: "No! I won't let you!"

Katsuhiro (walking closer.): "Hmph. You're in no position to demand anything Jaycee! Now, I could take your life right now, but I like you too much. If you act right, you might make for a good mistress."

Katsuhiro went to touch Julia's flesh. Realizing her legs were not tied, Julia kicks Katsuhiro in the stomach.

Julia: "Keep away you creep!"

Katsuhiro: "Feisty!" (laughs.) "Looks like you need a lesson on how to behave! Craig! Let's show her what I mean!"

Craig (grins.): "You got it boss!"

The two men marched closer, giving evil smirks at Julia. They began groping her aggressively. Katsuhiro held her head and kissed her while Craig took his large index finger to squish on Julia's cat. Craig used the other hand to hold her feet from kicking. Katushiro finally stops pressing his lips on Julia to see if she would cooperate now.

Katsuhiro: "You will tell us about the project! That research is under Violet Systems payroll. We can't have competition like them hanging around. So be a good girl and show us your work! I promise Craig won't play with you anymore."

Craig: "Hey!"

Katsuhiro: "C'mon you had your fun. Now its my turn."

Julia: "I will never tell you! I rather die!"

Katsuhiro: "Well once I'm done with you, your wish will be granted."

Out of nowhere, gunfire could be heard inside the shop. Katsuhiro and Craig were alarmed by the noise.

Katsuhiro: "What the fuck was that? Craig, open the door but be careful!"

Craig: "Alright."

Craig opens the door and peeps to see smoke coming from the right side of the hallway. Once he fully steps out of the hallway, he notices a figure heading directly towards him full speed. The black figure tackles Craig and sends him crashing into the wall on the opposite end of the hallway.

Katsuhiro: "Craig!"

The vice president goes out of the room, wondering what happened to Craig just now. At the hallway, he turns around to see a hole in the wall. However, when he turns back around, a boot hits him dead on his face. The impact breaks his sunglasses and nose as he falls down. It was none other than Michelle Chang that stood before him.

Katsuhiro (rising up): "What's the meaning of this? Who are you?"

Michelle: "This is punishment for taking my daughter!"

The mother gives another boot on Katsuhiro's head. This time he is stunned. Michelle sees a horrible sight of her daughter naked, being tied to a door. Using a pocketknife, Michelle cuts the rope off as she approached her daughter. Julia was still conscious, but exhausted from her struggles with Craig and Katsuhiro.

Michelle (holds Julia.): "Don't worry my Julia. I am here now."

Julia: "Mom. I'm glad you came. Forgive me for worrying you."

Michelle: "Don't talk. Here let me cover you up." (Gives Julia her cloak.) "Feel better?"

Julia: "A little."

Michelle: "We have to go. They may have reinforcements, but Shadi should be calling the police."

Julia: "Shadi?"

Michelle (helping Julia stand.): "Yea him. He told us about what happened. Poor guy."

Michelle carries Julia on her arms like she used to when her girl was little. Michelle pays no mind to Katsuhiro while still on the ground as she makes her exit. Meanwhile, Craig got back on his feet seeing who just pummeled him at the car shop's old junkyard. He grew angry to see Armor King once again. So that bastard was here to get Jaycee back. No way would he lose to Armor King a second time.

Craig: "You got balls to come back and save her, but that ass belongs to me!"

Armor King: "This will not end well for you Craig. Prepare yourself!"

The two men began to wrestle each other. Craig executes a leg sweep and trips Armor King. He almost grabs the left leg of Armor King, but fails. Armor King rolls out and lashes back with a Round Out Elbow. The impact knocks Craig over some tires. Craig quickly pops up, really pissed off this time. Suddenly, police sirens could be heard from the front of the car shop. Craig's expression changed of one who was now worried.

Armor King: "What's the matter? You don't wanna play anymore now that the police are here?"

Craig: "Shut up! I'm not going back to prison, especially by the likes of you!"

With quick thinking Craig runs to grab a passenger door off a torn up car. With his might, Craig throws the car piece into the wooden fence. It tore up from the impact of the throw. Craig was attempting to run away! Armor King chases him until he heard his name called by Michelle.

Michelle: "Armor King!"

Armor King: "Shit! The girls!"

Armor King turns around to see Michelle carrying Julia with a cloak wrapped around her body. Craig Marduk was out Armor King's clutches once again, but Julia needed some medical attention.

Armor King: "Will she be alright?"

Michelle: "No. The poor thing has bruises and cuts all around her body. So let's get going!"

Armor King: "Ok I'll carry her for you."

As the trio proceeded out the front, the cops secured the area. Many of Katsuhiro's men were arrested. Yet, oddly Katsuhiro himself disappeared. Shadi waited for the group outside. He just finished talking with detectives as he approached the group.

Shadi: "You guys made it one peace! Once again, I'm so sorry I put you through this!"

Michelle: "Don't feel so down. It if weren't for you, we would never figure out what happened to Julia."

Shadi: "She doesn't look too good."

Armor King: "Yea. We will send her to a local hospital around here, but don't let me catch you hanging around the likes of Craig Marduk ever again! Do I make myself clear?"

Shadi: "Yes sir! I will! And Julia, you're asleep, but please find it in your heart to forgive me!"

Michelle: "Thank you Shadi. I will tell her what you said ok."

Armor King and Michelle said their goodbyes to Shadi as they walked back to the van. Those bastards Katsuhiro and Craig managed to escape. What they did to Julia was unforgiveable. As they drove to the nearest hospital, Armor King wanted to hunt down Craig once more, but Michelle told him not to worry about him. It would be best to care for Julia and get her back to full health. Only then could they focus on their objective to find Ogre.

Notes: For the next chapter, Julia recovers from her encounter with Craig and receives a message from Raven. Meanwhile King gets a visit in his dreams from a mysterious woman of Jaguar clan origin. What will this mean for King? Tune in and find out next time!