Return of the Spider-Man!
The next day, Mikisugi looked over incident reports on Deathlock's battles with the last three monsters. "Find anything?", Inumuta asked. "No, not yet", said Mikisugi, "Deathlock systems are operating as expected in battle. Our opponents, however, are just getting stronger". "You're telling me", said a strident voice. Nonon Jakuzure, a pink-haired girl wearing a matching pink hoodie and a band T-shirt, strode in with photos of the various monsters. "Notice something familiar about these guys?", Nonon asked. "We already knew about their Life Fiber infusions, Jakuzure", said Inumuta. "Not that, doggy", said Nonon, "Look, really look. Notice the Life Fiber patterns on their bodies? Who does it remind you of?" Mikisugi looked at the photos of the crab monster, alligator monster, and rat monster. His eyes scanned the patterns. "Shit, they look like...like her", he said in muted terror. "You don't think..?", asked Nonon. "No, it's impossible", said Inumuta. "Run a DNA match as soon as the next monsters appear", said Mikisugi, "This time, we have to be completely certain she hasn't been resurrected somehow". Just then, there was a beeping sound as the alarm went off. "Looks like we've got our chance sooner than expected", said Nonon, "Three chameleons are marching through Minato as we speak." "Send the message to Satsuki, now!", said Mikisugi.
"A species that defies its purpose will only be met with destruction". A constant reminder of her weakness, her own corrupted modesty. Every day, every time she was forced into the Grand Baths, she would hear those words. But this time was different. She wrapped her hands around the neck of the woman who called herself "mother". "Where was this when your sister sided with me?", the aberration asked.
"Spider-Woman, we have a 4290", said Mikisugi, "Do you copy?" Satsuki was jolted awake by the call on the radio. "I'll be right there", she said before pulling on her mask. Truth be told, she needed this. 'Beating down monsters is better than therapy', she thinks.
Over at the clinic, the patients gathered around the TV to see three chameleons the size of a small apartment building marching through the Minato District. "Do you think Spider-Woman will show up?", the short girl asked. "She has to", said the blonde patient. Ryuko sat down between the girls and stared down at the images of the evil, flesh eaters as they crushed cars and smashed the sides of buildings with their curving tails. Dr. Yamashiro stood off to the side, watching almost as intensely, something that didn't go unnoticed by Ryuko. But then, out of the sky came Deathlock, who slammed into the ground, knocking the chameleons back! "Now, the games really begin", said Dr. Yamashiro.
"Alright, Spider-Woman, the JSDF has set up a perimeter in Shiba Park", said Inumuta over the radio, "We need you to lead those things into their field of attack". "On it", said Spider-Woman with a grim smile under her mask.
Cue Song: The Beast II by Shiro Sagisu
Deathlock ran forward and grabbed the chameleons by their curved tails, dragging them down the street before tossing them past two buildings and into Shiba Park! It then fired its rail-guns, pushing them back into the line of fire as several tanks shot round after round of shells into their scaly hides! But then, one of the chameleons charged, knocking Deathlock back with its horns! Then, it stood up on its hind legs and began slashing at the robot with its claws! But then, Deathlock used its buzzsaw to slice of the chameleon's left arm! Then, the robot used its arm blade to stab the creature through the head, before tearing that off with a small piece of spinal cord! Then, Deathlock looked to see the chameleons smashing the tanks with their extending tongues! The robot ran forward and kicked both of the chameleons in the face! Then, it grabbed them by the throats and slammed them onto the ground! But then, they used their tails to knock Deathlock away! One leaped over to attack, but Deathlock grabbed it by the tail and slammed it back onto the ground! Then, it grabbed the chameleon by the horns and slammed its knee onto the beast's jaw, snapping off the horns! Deathlock then stabbed the chameleon in the eyes with the broken horns and snapped its neck, killing it! Finally, as the last chameleon hissed with rage, Deathlock fired its rail-gun down its throat, killing it instantly!
"FUCK YEAH", said the blonde patient, "She fucking slaughtered that bitch!" "Language, Miss Kitagawa", said Dr. Yamashiro sternly. "Sorry", she said. "Hey, doc, what do you make of this Spider-Woman?", asked the short girl. "Well", chuckled Dr. Yamashiro, "I would say that she has some type of complex. Like some sort of need to protect a family, but having no family to protect." Ryuko quietly thought of her own situation and remembered her falling out with Satsuki. "Miss Matoi, are you alright?", Dr. Yamashiro asked. "I...I'm fine", said Ryuko. "Would you like to talk about it?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "No thank you", Ryuko said. "Well, if you change your mind, my door is always open if you need me", said Dr. Yamashiro. Ryuko nodded as she studied the footage of Deathlock throwing down with the chameleons. There was definitely something familiar about this Spider-Woman.
Meanwhile, back at HEAT headquarters, Nonon was walking down the catwalk, looking up at four giant robots under construction. "Impressive, are they not?", asked Satsuki as she stepped onto the catwalk, still clad in the Spider-Woman costume. "I guess so", said Nonon, "I think it goes without saying, but I got dibs on the pink one". "As expected", said Satsuki, "Although these machines cannot compare to Deathlock or even Leopardon, they will serve their purpose soon enough". "By the way, the toad just got back from the clinic", said Nonon, "You sure you don't want to talk to her"? "Positive", Satsuki said curtly. "W...well, maybe you should", said Nonon, "You might not get another chance." "Talking is Sensei's domain, not mine", said Satsuki, "Besides, she won't want to see me after that". Nonon was beginning to hate the mask Satsuki wore at times like this, hiding any expression she may have had from the world. "On an unrelated note, would you like to try out this new cafe with me later?", she asked. "Can't", said Satsuki as she left the docking bay, "Our relationship hasn't gotten to that point yet." As soon as she was alone, Nonon sighed. "You always say that", she said as she felt tears forming in her eyes.
Back at the clinic, Ryuko was sketching the vile images that haunted her dreams along with the other patients. "Remember", said Dr. Yamashiro, "no matter how bad you think these dreams are, drawing them will reduce their power over you. With time, they'll fade away the longer you draw them". Ryuko wasn't sure how true that was, but she didn't deny that the treatment was working, at least a little. However, as soon as Dr. Yamashiro wasn't looking, Ryuko looked over a drawing she made of Deathlock. 'Where have I seen that pose?', she thought. Just then, the orderly entered the room. "What seems to be the issue?", asks Dr. Yamashiro. "Phone call for you, Doctor", said the orderly. "I'll be right there", said Dr. Yamashiro, "Keep an eye on my patients. I shouldn't be too long". As he was leaving the room, Dr. Yamashiro caught sight of Ryuko looking over her sketch of Deathlock. She hurriedly hid the drawing, but Dr. Yamashiro said nothing of it. He had decided to look into that later.
Dr. Yamashiro walked into his office and picked up the phone. "Yes?", he asked. "Doc, we may have a problem", said Sanegeyama, a young man with green hair and scars over his eyes, over the phone. "What problem?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "I've been looking over the data from Deathlock", said Sanegeyama, "The brain-wave analysis thing Inumuta was working on was showing all kinds of weird things going on in Lady Satsuki's head". "What sort of weird things?", Dr. Yamashiro asked. "Some of it was the stuff you warned us about", said Sanegeyama, "But there was some extra brain-wave energy in her system before the chameleon fight earlier." "I want to get a closer look", said Dr. Yamashiro, "I'll be over there later tonight". He hung up the phone and went back to his patients.
Later that night, Dr. Yamashiro put on his fedora, shoulder bag, and trenchcoat before leaving the clinic. He looked back, thinking he saw something. He shrugged before going on his way, unaware that Ryuko was now tailing him. 'You're hiding something', she thought, 'I need to know what'. Dr. Yamashiro walked down the street, taking in the quiet night air as he strolled along. It always amazed Dr. Yamashiro that even after the numerous monster attacks, the city of Tokyo could be as peaceful as this at night. He didn't notice Ryuko following him in the shadows as he reached his destination, an old tower in the shipping yards. Dr. Yamashiro looked around before putting in a code and opening the door. Ryuko walked over and put in that same code. "Moment of truth", she said as she entered.
As she entered, she noticed the HEAT logo, a design of some sort of lizard head, printed above the door behind her. She looked down the hall to see something that caught her interest and she moved in to get a closer look. She walked onto the catwalk and looked over at the blank, translucent face of Deathlock, standing stock still in the docking bay. Suddenly, a long, white rope wrapped around her! She turned to see Dr. Yamashiro holding the rope with a small grin on his face. "Nice try, Miss Matoi, but if you plan on sneaking up on someone like me, I would suggest wearing blue", he chuckled. "So, what do you plan to do with me now?", asked Ryuko. "Luckily for you, I knew you would escape to follow me, so I had the orderlies informed that you and I were coming her to see something", explained Dr. Yamashiro as he let go of the rope. Ryuko threw it off of her and followed him into the control room. "Here", said Dr. Yamashiro as he handed a plastic case to Ryuko, "I imagine the patient uniform is uncomfortable. I've been meaning to use different materials for a while". Ryuko went to a nearby bathroom and opened the case, revealing a red shirt, blue jeans, and a black leather jacket. She put these on and went back to the control room, where Nonon and Mikisugi were waiting.
"Good to see you've taken up my offer", chuckled Mikisugi. "Don't kid yourself", said Ryuko. "Guess she doesn't want to know who Spider-Woman really is", said Nonon. "That's not exactly your place to tell her, Jakuzure", said Dr. Yamashiro, "When she is ready, she will tell her". "Fine", said Nonon. "I have a good feeling about who it is", said Ryuko. Just then, an alarm went off! Inumuta ran in and began looking over the computer systems. "We've got another one", he said, "Some kind of weird iguana man is making his way to West Shinjuku". "Save your breath", said Spider-Woman over the intercom, "I'll take care of it". With that, Deathlock went online and took flight.
Cue Song: Realize by LiSA
It landed with a crash as the iguana snarled. Deathlock immediately fired its rail-guns, knocking the beast into the side of the Sonpo Japan Building! "Spider-Woman, watch for civilians", said Dr. Yamashiro over the radio, "Prioritize their safety before dealing with the creature". Deathlock then lit up its facial floodlight, blinding the iguana as the people below ran to safety!
"Look at that", said Inumuta, "The beast has no Life Fiber components". "Why could that be?", asked Nonon. "Because it's a Machine Bem", said Dr. Yamashiro, "A creature that Spider-Man killed on a regular basis back in the 70's".
Back in Shinjuku, the iguana slashed at Deathlock with his claws, only for the robot to grab it by the wrist and snap it! The iguana kicked Deathlock near the Tax Towers and held up his dangling hand before roaring! As the beast charged forward, Deathlock pulled out the Sword of Requiem and sliced through the beast's stomach! Then, the robot stabbed the iguana through the tail as the beast tried to collect its spilled guts! Finally, Deathlock grabbed the iguana by the neck and twisted, killing it instantly!
"That was easy", said Nonon. "Too easy", said Ryuko. "Check the brain-wave scanner", said Mikisugi, "She might be in danger".
Inside of Deathlock, Spider-Woman scanned the battlefield that was Shinjuku. "You always were a strong one", an evil voice said, "But it still amazes me how susceptible you are to me". Spider-Woman glared down at the street. "Where are you?", she growled as Deathlock whipped out its arm blade, "WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"Inumuta, what's happening?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "It's as I feared", said Inumuta, "She's under some kind of psychic influence". "You hear that, Ryuko dearest", said a voice no one could hear, "Satsuki is under my power once more, and you can't do anything for her". "Ragyo", growled Ryuko. "Impossible", said Nonon, "The bitch is dead". Just then, everyone looked up at the screen to see a Life Fiber octopus wrapping its tentacles around Deathlock as it emerged from a camouflage state! The robot stood there, helpless as the beast knocked it into the Hyatt Regency Building! "I have to help her", said Ryuko as she ran out. Dr. Yamashiro ran out with her, but not before saying: "Inumuta, monitor the situation. I know of something that will knock the fight out of the creature".
Ryuko ran down the halls, looking for any vehicle that could get her to Shinjuku. "Not to worry", said Dr. Yamashiro, "We'll take the car". "I don't think a car is going to help Satsuki". Dr. Yamashiro stopped. "Yeah, I figured it out", said Ryuko, "If I can hear Ragyo's voice, she can too, and Inumuta mentioned a psychic attack. So, unless this car of yours has some kind of bomb that kills ghosts, I don't see how the fuck we can save my sister". Dr. Yamashiro reached into his bag and pulled out a silver gauntlet. "I swore to only use this power when the situation was dire enough", said Dr. Yamashiro, "Ryuko, can I trust you to protect the secret I intend to share with you?" Ryuko looked confused as she regarded the silver gauntlet. "I've put my secrets in your trust", said Ryuko, "What the hell, why not?". Dr. Yamashiro slipped the gauntlet onto his left forearm and said: "Spider Protector!" Out of the gauntlet flew a red and blue costume with white eyes and two spider logos that wrapped around Dr. Yamashiro. He zipped it up as Ryuko stared in shock. "You're...you're…" "That's right, I am Spider-Man, the Iron Cross Killer", said Spider-Man, "I'll explain in due time, but right now, we have to help my student". He opened the gauntlet, revealing a small computer inside. "Activate, Spider Machine GP-7!", he said.
At once, a red and white car with yellow fins roared to life and sped under the catwalk! "Jump in", said Spider-Man as he leaped off the catwalk! Ryuko jumped after him and landed in the padded leather seat of the Spider Machine GP-7 as it sped out of HEAT headquarters. "You might want to buckle up", said Spider-Man, "Turbulence is going to be a hassle". As soon as Ryuko put on her seatbelt, the Spider Machine GP-7 took to the sky and began flying through the neon heights of Tokyo! As the colorful lights and splendid architecture passed by, Ryuko said the only words that could do such beauty justice: "Holy shit, I'm gonna hurl!" "Not in the car, please", said Spider-Man, "I just had it cleaned".
Cue Song: Marking Time, Waiting for Death by Shiro Sagisu
As Deathlock was tossed into Shinjuku Central Park, the Spider Machine GP-7 flew in. "Looks like the octopus has some exposed cavities", said Spider-Man, "If I can just aim for those, it should kill it instantly". The octopus looked up and roared. "Missiles, fire!", said Spider-Man. At once, the hood popped open and two missiles flew out! The winded through the air and flew into the open skin of the octopus, blowing it in half! "You did it", said Ryuko. "I guess it is true what you kids say", said Spider-Man, "Still got it" Just then, he swerved the Spider Machine GP-7 out of the way of a missile! "So that was your plan", snarled Spider-Woman, "Lure me into a trap, humiliate me, and then take away the power that rightfully belongs to me". "How could she say that?", asked Ryuko. "The psychic attacks and spider extract have affected her mind", said Spider-Man. "Let me talk to her", said Ryuko. She picked up the radio transmitter. "Satsuki, you need to stop", Ryuko said. "Stay out of this, sister", said Spider-Woman scornfully, "I will end this threat myself". With that, Deathlock took to the sky, flying into the unknown as Ryuko watched helplessly.
"All is going as foreseen", said Hoomaru. "As is to be expected", said the voice of Ragyo, "When the Spider-Woman or Man return, we must take their swords". "Yes", said Hoomaru, "Then nothing will stop the Next Life Fiber Incursion".
Later, Spider-Man and Ryuko sat atop the Shinjuku Park Tower. "What a fine mess I've gotten us into", said Spider-Man. "How can you say that?", asked Ryuko, "You didn't know that she was under attack". "No, but I did know that the spider extract she took would make any mental issues worse", said Spider-Man, "I tried to get her to book a session, but she refused. Guess I should have tried harder". "No time to dwell on that", said Ryuko, "We need to find her. Any ideas how?" "As a matter of fact", said Spider-Man, "I know exactly who to contact"…
Stay Tuned...