Chapter 2 - A Long Night - Part 1
South Town's General Hospital
"How is the patient doing?" - Ask a doctor entering in the room of a woman unconscious but apparently alive.
"Is strange, she missing alot of blood but her vital signs seen to be fine." - Says a nurse
"Hmph! It seens the strange mark in her neck is starting to close. What kind of psychopath could had done this?" - Asks the Doctor
"I don't know but this situation is horrible." - Nurse
"Doctor! The people that were found in the warehouse of the ports have arrived, all twelve victims sport the strange mark of this patient! Unfortunately the man whose head was destroyed having a hole in his skull is yet to be identified." - Says another nurse informing the doctor as she leaves
"*Sigh* It seens we have alot of work to do." - Says the doctor forced to leave the patient resting
As the doctor and the Nurse go away, nobody notices the woman slowly starting to move her fingers
Stadium
The event of the year is about to start with many people reuniting from different parts of the world. The place is filled with noise as many voices are heared. The fighters meet in the lobby while waiting for the introduction of the event.
"Hmph, so the host of this year is someone named as Mr. "C" Eh?." - Says Kyo sitting in the red couch to Benimaru who is standing.
"Yeah, a rich guy from South Town. The apparent owner of the stadium." - Benimaru
"This competition is very different from the last time. Can't believe he isn't going to participate, especially in an event taking place in his hometown." - Says Kyo noticing the absence of the Fatal Fury team.
"Guess, the Wild Wolf decided to skip this one." - Benimaru
"Not even Heidern's group of mercenaries are here..." - Kyo
"Neither are Ryo and the other Kyokugenryu masters..." - Daimon
"Are you alright, Mai? You look angry." - Athena approaches Mai seeing her looking everywhere
"Oh, hi Athena. Well, I was supposed to meet with King and Chizuru here today, but neither of the two came. Can you believe it? The two left me planted here and now they won't show up." - Mai
"And the worst part, I have try to call both but neither anwers me, argh... Is already bad enough that Andy and Terry decided to not compite at the last moment but now not even my partners can." - Mai
"This is strange, Chizuru isn't the type to not show up to a compromise like this. And neither is King. Even if they couldn't come, I'm sure they would already told you that they wouldn't be able to participate?" - Athena
"I'm worried but also I'm also feeling angry, the last time I saw both was last night. King and Chizuru went to visit a store while I went to sleep to prepare for today. I don't like this, I guess I'll leave if they don't appear in the next five minutes to search for them." - Says Mai going for a cup of water as Athena returns with her team
"You heared that, Kyo? It seens Chizuru's team is also going to skip this." - Benimaru
"Strange..." - Kyo then looks at the corridor at the bottom seeing the large red door.
"You think he will show up?" - Daimon
"I don't know. Knowing him, he will want the rematch, but probably couldn't find anyone to team up with him to come here, not even those two." - Kyo sees the entrance of the corridors. There's a profound silence as the other fighters already in the lobby keep talking
Seeing neither of her partners arriving, Mai decides to leave with a not good look on her face. With her closing the door as the same time Clemence Bellamy appears in the corridor.
"Huh? Ms. Shiranui, where are you going?" - Clemence
"Don't wait for me, I quit!" - Exclaims an angry Mai leaving
"That's unfortunate..." - Says a confused Clemence
"So is the event about to start?" - Kyo approaches
"Yes, be ready. In five seconds the teams will be presented in the stadium." - Clemence
Somewhere in South Town
A military jeep is seens driving through the outskirts of South Town arriving to a building, the vehicle parks inside the place getting some looks from the locals. Inside the building, the Leader of the Ikari Warriors, Heidern is seen walking out coming with three of his men, two men and one woman
Walking into a elevator, Heidern arrives at the underground meeting room where the rest of his men were waiting for him alongside the EX-NESTS agents K' and his group.
"Commander, you arrived earlier." - Whip
"Yes, after the news of last night, I decided to come to inspect your investigation more closer. The situation is slowly getting worse, yet people seen to not realize it." - Comments Heidern
"So he talked?" - Clark
"Yes, after a while. Kane decided to reveal what he knew of the last time he saw Geese." - Heidern
"And what did he said?" - Leona
"The situation is worse that what I thought... We aren't dealing with a group of terrorists, neither a sect or cultist group..." - Heidern
"Then what is it?" - Maxima
"Vampires." - Says Heidern with a serious look in his face
"Vampires?!" - Ralf
"You have to be kidding?" - K'
"Like the ones from the books?" - Kula
"I was neither able to believe it at first, but Billy's tone of voice and those serious eyes. He wasn't lying." - Says Heidern remembering Billy finally mentioning who was chasing after Geese
"(You're free to believe me or not. But the truth is that who were chasing after Geese was a group of vampires.)" - Billy
"(You must be kidding, talk! Who were chasing after Geese and what they wanted?)" - Heidern
"(Didn't you heared? I just told you already, vampires. They wanted Geese's blood for something, but he was more smarter than them to not even give them a chance to get closer to him. You're really think I'm kidding but guess what, I'm not?)" - Billy gets up looking at Heidern with a serious look
"(And where is Geese now?)" - Heidern
"(I don't know, not even he told me where he was going to go. He just told me to give you this, you're free to believe me or not. But if I was you, I would considerate take a look at that group you sended back in South Town. Not even they are ready to face what has plagued South Town now.)" - Billy
"This is too elaborate to be just a joke. Especially with the news that I got in the morning." - Heidern shows a folder with some pics on the table. Ralf and Leona grab it seeing the shocking pictures of the victims and the reporst of more victims with the strange marks on the neck.
"Criminal Boss Mr. Big was found dead today in his warehouse in the ports, twelve of his men where found with the same marks on their necks almost dead." - Heidern
"Questioning what Billy said isn't a option anymore. He was right, this isn't a work of a group of terrorist or some petty criminal. This is something worse." - Heidern
"Wich is why we need to take some counter meassures." - Heidern snaps his finger, making one of his men bring a box, from said box he gives Ralf and the rest a medium size wooden cross as well as some weapons to keep at hand and more stuff.
"Garlics?" - Clark
"Yes, keep this with yourselves. We will keep investigate what is happening in town. But we need to have the right tools if we meet with one of them, our weapons won't be enough." - Heidern
"That is all, you're free to go for now. I'll be in contact with you." - Heidern ends the conversation getting up, Leona and the rest move to continue with the investigation
Heidern reunites with two of his men, a woman and a man.
"Are you sure it was needed to fill their coffe and water with holy water? Dont you think that's kinda of extreme, Commander? Even using UV lights instead of the normal ones?" - Says Monica
"No, it was a test." - Heidern
"But what if one of them had suddenly died because of this?" - Says Monica
"Just keep your eyes open, Monica." - Heidern
The tournament continues with some teams already being taken out of the event defeated. The night approaches
Meanwhile
In a park of South Town, four people are seen reunited on a table talking
"So many of us have gone missing in the past few weeks." - Says Franco Bash sitting with a woman of blonde hair, a man of blue and blonde mohawk and a woman of dark hair with a purple turbant
"Not even the cops know what is going on." - Lenny Creston
"I honestly don't think this is the work of a criminal or some serial killer. Maybe something else?" - Franco
"Something else? What does that means, this had to be done by some lunatic, marks on the necks?" - Sinclair
"Don't worry guys, everything is going to be fine, our city isn't going to hell." - Duck King
"Then where is everyone? Weren't you supposed to come with Alfred, Cheng and Michael? - Franco
"I couldn't find them but that doesn't mean something bad happened to them." - Duck King
"Why is that I don't believe you?" - Says a voice coming from the bushes startling the group
"Calm down, I'm not here to fight all of you." - Says Andy coming out of the bushes in his battle stance
"What do you want, Bogard?" - Sinclair
"I said that I wasn't here to fight all of you. I suggest you to not try anything funny." - Andy and the group stare at each other with serious looks.
"Screw this. I'm going to-" - Sinclair is about to attack Andy pulling out her sword, only for Andy to toss something to them at the table, a bag with a human finger inside
"Days ago my friend Joe went missing, the only thing I could find in his room was his finger." - Andy
"What I'm about to say may sound absurd but bear with me. Vampires have infiltrated in the community, converting anyone who could fight against their war on humanity." - Andy
"The hell are you saying?" - Lenny
"One of you is a vampire." - Andy
"Isn't that right, Duck King?" - Andy
Franco, Sinclair and Lenny turn to look at the calm Duck King acting like he usually acts who smiles at them
"Heh? Are you for real?" - Lenny
"Hehehe-HAAHAHAHHAHA! Good joke!" - Sinclair
"HEHEHEHHE!" - Franco
"Damn Bogard! You will die for this!" - Says Duck King with his face changing in a blink now being a vampire
"Oh my god!" - Franco and the rest move away from Duck King
Duck King launches against Andy
"I'm sorry they did this to you!" - Andy uses his move Hishou Ken to put an end to Duck King exploding his head being almost close to him
The ashes of Duck King cover the serious Andy
"You're not safe, start protecting yourselves." - Andy takes the bag with Joe's finger back from the table
"You can't be real! There really is a human-vampire war coming?" - Says Lenny
"Is already here Creston." - Andy leaves seeing the moon rising as night has arrive fully
"(I'll find you, Joe. I'm sure you still haven't turned into one yet.)" - Andy
"Commander Heidern, who do you think could be their targets right now?" - Whip
"Any martial artist or anyone with the ability to channel their chi, whoever is the leader of the vampires. He has been gathering allies not only with abilities and knewledge in combat but also civilians and even criminals." - Says Heidern seeing the board with every person reported missing in a while like Joe Higashi, Freeman, Eiji Kisaragi, Alice Garnet and Kasumi Todoh.
"Where's Ralf, Leona and Maxima?" - Whip realizes they aren't in the building right now
"I sended them to keep tabs on the events of the tournament, seens like the perfect place for these vampires to attack if they want to get themselves with more assets, assets that aren't from this twon... Is already night after all." - Heidern moves the board showcasing another one full with pictures of the participants from this year's tournament
Andy walks in the streets only to see a familiar figure in the distance
"Mai? Is that you." - Andy approaches Mai with her seeing surprised to hear his voice
"Andy?" - Mai turns happy to see Andy she runs to the other side of the street where Andy is
"What are you doing here? I thought you were at the tournament?" - Andy
"I was planning to participate but neither King or Chizuru showed up. I have been searching for them in all town, not even Sally and Elizabeth at the Illusion bar could tell me where King could be." - Mai
"Is like they suddenly vanished." - Mai
"No, they aren't missing... Is something worse, Mai." - Andy
"What do you mean, Andy?" - Mai
"I don't want to be pessimistic but-" - Andy
"I have the feeling King and Chizuru are already gone." - Andy
Stadium.
"Oh, Athena blocks Najd's attack and counters with a psycho sword!" - Says Clemence as the encounter of Athena vs Najd goes on with Kyo and his team seeing this from the lobby alongside the rest of the teams participating
"Not bad, this girl Najd is clealy doing her best but she isn't passing through Athena's defense... At least not like that." - Kyo
"The competition has been going strong, Kyo. We need to put more force ourselves in the next fight." - Daimon
"Calm down, Daimon. With me on the team this time, we aren't going to lose." - Benimaru
"Shame that some of the teams didn't participated in this one. Well good for them, they won't be embarrassed by me beating them." - Benimaru
"Hmph! You never change, isn't it." - Kyo
"Argh!" - While watching the fight, Shun'ei suddenly feels a strange headache
"Shun'ei are you alright?" - Ask Meitenkun as he and Isla turn around to see him with a concerned look
"Is nothing... Suddenly I felt this dark presence close but how?" - Shun'ei looks and sounds as confused as his partners
South Town Beach - 09:00 PM
Terry Bogard arrives at the beach while Ryo is waiting for him watching the ocean
"Terry, you came. I'm surprised you decided to skip the tournament too." - Ryo
"I have not being feeling in a good mood, things have become strange around here in South Town." - Terry
"I know... My father suggested to skip this event." - Ryo
"I tried to contact Joe, but he didn't answer me. I haven't seen Andy neither. And the wave of murders makes me wonder what is going on, is almost as if South Town had gone upside down in just a matter of days." - Terry
"I'm sorry, Terry. Now I understand why you didn't participated." - Ryo
"Rock wanted me to go, but I just not feeling it right now." - Terry
"Well I think you need to know what is going on, Terry." - Ryo
"Take a seat." - Ryo and Terry sit in a pair of rocks close to the shore
"Listen, Terry. Something bad is coming." - Says Ryo with a concerned look on his eyes.
"This is fate of the world stuff, who lives and who dies. And alot of people we care about aren't going to make it." - Ryo
"That's very cold coming from you, Ryo." - Terry
"Is just how life is." - Ryo
"I don't even know what are we talking about." - Terry
"Sorry, sorry. I tend to ramble when I'm nervous." - Ryo
"We have been friends a long time, you trust in me, Terry?" - Ryo
"Of course, Ryo. Why wouldn't-" - Terry
"I trust you too, Terry." - Ryo
"And I know that if something bad happened to me, I could count on you to be on my side." - Ryo
"Same." - Terry
"Yeah, I would. I really would. That's something I admire from you, Terry. Even in the worst moments, you always keep smiling, you never give up. Also when something good happens I want you to know it too, I want you there with me, right?" - Ryo
"..." - Terry
"How do I say this, something good did happen to me, something wonderful, Terry..." - Ryo turns to see Terry as he sees two large canine fangs in the mug expression of Ryo
"And I want it to happen to you aswell!" - Ryo tries to bite Terry, Terry rolls back dodging the attempt at being grabed by Ryo
"Ryo! What the hell?!" - Terry gets up looking at the vampiric Ryo
"What the hell happened to you?!" - Terry
"Nothing bad, really. I just saw the light, Terry and you can see it too." - Ryo
"I promise it wont hurt, just let me get a small bite. And you will be rid of that disgusting human skin in no time!" - Ryo runs towards Terry
Terry dodges Ryo's attack again, with him answering with a power wave
"Terry, you stubborn wolf! Stop delaying the inevitable!" - Ryo
"Ryo, this isn't you! Who did this to you?" - Terry and Ryo clash fists with Ryo trying to bite his hand
"Wrong, Terry! This is me. This is who I am!" - Ryo
"Argh!" - Ryo is throwed back by a kick of Terry.
Running again with an angered look, he is surprised by Terry using a power geyser sending Ryo spinning to the ground as he managed to land
"So I wasn't crazy, this dark chi that I felt when arriving to the place was yours all this time!" - Terry
"I should had know!" - Terry
"I already expected you to felt it. But I know you would think you were crazy and doubt that it was me, you're so naive Terry. Stop resisting and let me show you how wonderful this is!" - Ryo
"So that means... All those people, even Mr. Big... You killed them?" - Terry
"See, is easy to judge me right now, but you don't get how wonderful I feel now. Come on, forget them, they were just desserts that are either dead or just another one of us right now. Join us!" - Ryo
"No, I see it now. The man who I considerated as my friend is dead... You're a threat for this town now, Ryo! For my friends and for your own family." - Says Terry with a determined look
"Funny that you say that, all my family see things like I do now." - Ryo
"You damn!" - Terry launches to attack Ryo with a series of punches and kicks ending the combo with a crack shot sending Ryo to the ground.
"Argh! Is that all you have, Hungry Wolf?" - Ryo gets up
Ryo and Terry keep fighting with Terry's guard being broken by Ryo
"I guess I'll make you understand it by force!" - Ryo
"I'm not dying here, you hear me! RYO!" - Terry counters with all his strength hitting Ryo with two punches to the face.
"I'm going to free you from this curse, even if it means doing that! Killing you!" - Terry launches using his burning knuckle ready to finish with this
"You stubborn bastard!" - Ryo doesn't move being face to face with Terry who approaches with a burning knuckle
"Enough!" - Without thinking it, Ryo uses his technique Tenchi Haou Ken hitting Terry with his eyes closed
*Splassh* - A sound is heared as blood falls on Ryo's face, he opens his eyes seeing his fist having impaled Terry's chest and body
*Cough* - Terry coughs blood as Ryo becomes paralyzed surprised with a shocked look
Pulling his arm back, Ryo sees Terry being pulled out spinning and falling on the sand.
"TERRY!" - Ryo
Ryo rushes to where Terry's body is, he tries to bring him back to life, biting him but is useless. Terry's body starts becoming cold and his pulse goes away
"NO!" - Ryo
"NO! IT CAN'T BE!" - Ryo
"THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!" - Says Ryo with a regretful tone and look on his face
"You were supposed to become one of us!" - A bloody tear fell from Ryo's right eye
"NO!" - Ryo punches the sand as he realizes it won't take long before someone approaches the beach having heared his screams of rage
"DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!" - Ryo
"I-I'm so sorry, Terry. We were supposed to conquer the world together..." - Ryo gets up as the shadows cover his face. Taking a last regretful look at his friend... Now gone
To Be Continued...