Clash
The next morning, Ryuko and Dr. Yamashiro drove out to a little cottage in Hakone. "If anyone would know of the current whereabouts of Satsuki and Deathlock, it would be this gal", said Dr. Yamashiro. "Let me guess, former patient?", asked Ryuko. "Not exactly", said Dr. Yamashiro as he knocked on the door. Suddenly, the door flew open and two arms pulled Ryuko and Dr. Yamashiro inside. "Good to see you too, Peni", said Dr. Yamashiro. "I saw the news", said a short girl with spiky, black hair tied back with pink hair clips, "What the dick were you thinking!?" "Ryuko, this is Peni Parker, an old family friend", said Dr. Yamashiro, "She help reverse engineer my old robot and is in charge of HEAT's robotics division. Peni, this is my patient, Ryuko Matoi". "Hi", said Ryuko, "We need to find Deathlock, and you're the only person who can do that". "Follow me", said Peni as she lead the duo down some stairs.
"How'd you meet her?", asked Ryuko. "Her father was one of the founding members of HEAT, along with some former Interpol investigators", said Dr. Yamashiro, "A lot happened that weekend, but she figured out my identity and began designing system upgrades for my robot when she was just going to university. She is, without a doubt, the greatest mind in her field". "You're goddamn right", chuckled Penny as she sat down in front of an old computer monitor and began flicking some switches, "OK, tracking the analogue signal should take no longer than five minutes." "Analogue?", asked Ryuko. "Have you ever played the Super Famicom on an HD TV?", asked Peni, "Shit looks murky as all hell. Not to mention, with the recent discontinuation of analogue media, it means no one will look into the signals the robots give off". "Point taken", said Ryuko. "So, what happened?", asked Peni. "Spider-Woman believed that I was trying to undermine her and take away her powers", Dr. Yamashiro explained. "Were you?", asked Peni. "I can assure you that while the idea passed through my head, my only intention was to provide back-up", said Dr. Yamashiro. Peni looked at him skeptically before hearing a beep on the computer. "Oh, hey, I found her", said Peni, "Looks like she's on the old Honnoji Battleship Island". "Any idea what she's doing?", asked Ryuko. "Standing there", said Peni, "Menacingly". Just then, Dr. Yamashiro felt his spider sense go off. "We have company", he said.
Outside, several soldiers garbed in black uniforms, black helmets, and dark visors strode over to the cottage, guns ready to fire. Peni flashed an almost feral smile as she pulled out a red keyboard with yellow keys. "Want to see how I fuck bitches up, Ryuko?", she asked. "Knock yourself out", said Ryuko as she pulled a katana off of the wall and as Spider-Man was throwing on his outfit.
Peni typed in a command, and large gun turrets emerged from the flower garden! Peni grabbed a trigger and began shooting at the soldiers, blowing most of them apart! One of the soldiers tossed a grenade at the turrets, blowing them up! Then, another grenade blew out the door as the soldiers flooded in. Suddenly, Ryuko ran in and impaled three soldiers with her katana! Then, she grabbed one of their discarded guns and ducked behind a corner as the other soldiers fired at her! But then, some webs pulled the guns away as Spider-Man leaped in and swept them off their feet! Ryuko ran out and fired at the other soldiers, killing them as Spider-Man crawled onto the ceiling and fired nets, trapping some soldiers against the wall! Three soldiers tried to shoot at him, only for the walls to close in and smash them!
"Jeez, this house is a Saw Trap", muttered Ryuko before kicking away another soldier! She then shot apart two other soldiers, spraying the walls with blood! Just as seven more soldiers ran in, the floor electrified, frying them! Ryuko was pulled back by a web as Spider-Man pulled her into the basement! "There's too many of them", he said. "Good thing I have my files backed up on multiple servers", said Peni, "We'll take my car". She pulled a switch and metal bars blocked the basement door. Peni then put in a code on the other door and opened it into an underground garage with a red Renault Alpine A310. "Ryuko, push that red button and get in", said Peni. Ryuko did just that as the Alpine started revving up.
The Alpine shot out of a tunnel as the cottage exploded in the distance! "We're free, but who were those guys?", asked Peni. "REVOCS soldiers", said Ryuko. "How do you know that?", asked Peni. "That helicopter has their logo on it", said Ryuko as a helicopter flew in to attack. "Huh, amateurs", said Peni as she pushed a button. At once, the trunk opened up and fired a missile, blowing the helicopter out of the sky! "Easy money", smiled Peni. "How are they tracking us?", asked Ryuko as she leaned out the window and punched a soldier off of a motorcycle. As Spider-Man fired a web at another soldier, he pulled a strange device off of the soldier's belt. Peni pulled a switch and the last soldiers were blown up by micro grenades pouring from the car as she drove into a tunnel. "OK, take a breath, we've lost them", said Peni as Ryuko rolled up the window. "I wouldn't be so sure", said Spider-Man, "They were using this: a Life Fiber detector. That must be how they found us. No doubt they'll be waiting for us now". As the dim tunnel lights made shadows move across her face, Ryuko's expression changed from confusion to panic. "Oh crap", she muttered, "Oh, crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap"… "Spit it out, already", said Peni. "Mako's in danger", said Ryuko between quick breaths, "They going to hurt her because of me". "No", said Spider-Man, "They kill not because of you, but because they know they can't kill you. You are at no fault for their evil. I, personally, will be certain of that". "What about Satsuki?", asked Ryuko. Spider-Man contemplated this question. "Peni, call Gamagoori", he said, "You and I will meet him and Mako at the clinic.
As soon as the Alpine exited the tunnel, Spider-Man opened up his gauntlet and said: "Marveller". At once, the Marveller, a spaceship shaped like a sphinx with a leopard's head, flew out of Lake Ashi. Then, the Spider Machine GP-7 pulled up alongside the Alpine. "Ryuko, I task you with finding Satsuki", said Spider-Man, "Everything you will need is already on the Marveller". "Why me?", asked Ryuko. "I know it sounds crazy, but you will eventually need to talk to your sister", explained Spider-Man, "There may be a chance she'll listen to you, and if she doesn't, just say 'Change Leopardon'. Do you think you can do that?". "I...I'll try my best", stammered Ryuko. "Good", said Spider-Man, "My car will get you on board. Now go!" With that, Ryuko leaped into the Spider Machine GP-7 and flew into the Marveller.
Elsewhere, Mako hummed as she skipped her way into the clinic. "Oh boy, am I ready to see Ryuko", she said excitedly. Just then, Gamagoori burst into the waiting room. "Mankanshoku, are you alright?", he asked. "Splendid", said Mako, "Why do you ask?" "Good, you're here", said Dr. Yamashiro, "Mankanshoku, you're in terrible danger". "But it's not even Tuesday yet", said Mako. "Regardless", chuckled Dr. Yamashiro, "It would be wise for you to stay with Gamagoori until the danger passes". Just then, he got a call on his office phone. "I have to take this", Dr. Yamashiro said, "I'll be right back". He went into his office, closed the door, and picked up the phone. "Talk to me, Mikisugi", he said. "HEAT already has personnel watching your clinic, just as requested", said Mikisugi over the line, "More pressingly, Peni's tech skills were able to reverse engineer that tracker you supplied us with". "How'd that go?", Dr. Yamashiro asked. "Let's say we're well on track to finding their Tokyo hideout", said Mikisugi, "We're in the endgame now". "Indeed", smiled Dr. Yamashiro.
Meanwhile, Nonon was looking over the robots as they neared completion when she got a call on her phone. "Talk to me, caller", she said cheerily. "Nonon, it's Ryuko", said a familiar voice. "Oh, it's you", said Nonon, a bit disappointed, "Well, what do you need?" "I'm going to see Satsuki", said Ryuko, "Got any advice?" "Knowing her at the moment, if she doesn't ignore you, it's probably likely you two will fight out as usual", Nonon said, "Just try to see it from her point of view". "Of course", said Ryuko. "Oh, and before either of you land a killing blow on each other", said Nonon, "t… tell Satsuki I love her, OK?" Ryuko giggled. "I'm serious", said a dismayed Nonon. "OK, OK", said Ryuko, "I'll do my best". At that point, both of them hung up. Just then, Inumuta ran in. "You might want to see this", he said.
Cue Song: Decisive Battle by Shiro Sagisu
Inumuta lead Nonon into the HEAT control room, where Mikisugi, Sanegeyama, and Peni were waiting. "OK, what are we looking at?", asked Mikisugi, "Three large objects were spotted heading to Honnoji Battleship Island, near where the old Honnoji Academy once stood", said Inumuta, "More concerning is what the spectrogram picked up". He typed something into the main computer, and a projection of the satellite photos appeared. "Are those..?", asked Nonon. "Life Fiber constructs, yes", said Peni, "No doubt of the same configuration as the Primordial Life Fiber Inumuta told me about". "Indeed", said Inumuta. "Shit, man", said Sanegeyama, "It took a lot to take down just the one, now we have three to worry about". "Luckily, there's some good news", said Mikisugi, "Thanks to Miss Parker, we have uncovered the REVOCS base in Tokyo. Sector 3 is well on their way to putting this whole thing to bed".
Indeed, HEAT soldiers were arming themselves as their helicopters landed on the entrance points to the underground lair of REVOCS. They swarmed into the elevators and readied their machine guns. As soon as the doors opened, they fired, taking out some of the REVOCS soldiers! Hoomaru and her troops managed to take out a handful of HEAT soldiers, but the REVOCS facility was soon overrun with invaders! Blood and gore was beginning to paint the walls as HEAT soldiers continued to pour in! "Are they ready?", asked Hoomaru. "Indeed, we are", said many voices at once.
Cue Song: Blumenkranz by Sapphire
The soldiers ran into the chamber to find Hoomaru flanked by ten clones of a tall woman with rainbow hair and white clothes. "Shit, there's ten of her now", said a terrified soldier. "Open fire!", cried the sergeant, but one of the woman ran forward and tore out his throat with his bare hands! The other nine clones ran in to attack, ripping off limbs and snapping necks as the soldiers were forced to retreat. "Hoomaru, you didn't have to arrange such a nice treat for me getting out", said the woman. "All is proceeding as planned, Mistress Ragyo", said Hoomaru, "We need only the sword." "Yes, that", said Ragyo with a grin, "Have your Mt. Fuji office ready to produce the next nine of its line while I handle these interlopers".
Elsewhere, as the Marveller flew into Honnoji Battleship Island, Ryuko saw the Deathlock robot standing on a hill above the abandoned concrete city. "So, Takuya-Sensei has given you the machine he piloted for you to fight in his stead", said Spider-Woman, "Interesting". "Change, Leopardon", said Ryuko softly. At once, the Marveller transformed. Its front thrusters became arms, the leopard's head split open to reveal a humanoid head with a golden crest, and the back wings became legs. Leopardon landed in front of Deathlock and pulled out his Sword of Vigor. "Satsuki, listen", said Ryuko, "The extract is worsening whatever mental problems you're having. Let us help you". "You're the last person I'd ever turn to for help", snarled Spider-Woman, "Ever since you took her side". "I took no one's side", said Ryuko, "I only did what I thought was the right thing. Now get out of that fucking bag of bolts before I tear you out of it". Deathlock pulled out the Sword of Requiem and got into a fighting stance. "Fine", said Spider-Woman, "We'll take the long way then".
Cue Song: Voices in my Head by Shiro Sagisu
Leopardon charged forward and immediately clashed blades with Deathlock, who kicked him into a concrete building! Then, the robot dodged as Deathlock sliced into the building! Leopardon then kicked Deathlock in its blank face before shoulder slamming it away! Deathlock then fired its rail-gun, only for Leopardon to block the attack with his shield! "Impressive", said Spider-Woman, "But my weapons will inevitably bring you low, Ryuko Matoi!" Deathlock stabbed forward, only for Leopardon to knock the robot onto a building! But then, Deathlock fired its rail-gun, knocking Leopardon away! Then, with a single swing of the Sword of Requiem, Deathlock knocked the Sword of Vigor out of Leopardon's hand! Leopardon blocked Deathlock's sword strikes with his shield before knocking the sword out of the way and slamming the shield into its chest!
Just then, Ryuko noticed the giant Life Fibers flying over the radar. "Satsuki, stop", she said, "They sending more Primordial Life Fibers down!" "So they are", said Spider-Woman as Deathlock kicked Leopardon away, "I chose this site because my dreams said they would be here. Just as you'll fall, so will they!" Leopardon dodged a sword strike and threw Deathlock over his shoulder! Then, he recovered the Sword of Vigor and used it to block a strike from the Sword of Requiem! Leopardon then bashed his head against Deathlock's and kicked it aside! But then, Deathlock leaped up and kicked Leopardon twice, knocking him into several buildings! "Ready to give up?", Spider-Woman asked, "We're too evenly matched for any victory in battle". "Yeah, well I'm just getting started", said Ryuko as Leopardon dodged a strike from Deathlock! He used his shield to block more shots from the rail-gun, then bashed the shield against the robot's chest! But then, Deathlock moved the Sword of Requiem to its left hand and slid out its arm blade. Suddenly, a massive Life Fiber crashed into the city, bathing some buildings in flames as the two robots battled it out, with Leopardon blocking the arm blade with his shield and locking swords! "You have no knowledge on piloting such a mech", taunted Spider-Woman, "That's why you haven't used the other weapons". "Don't need them", said Ryuko, "Would you like to see me stop holding back?" "Very much so", said Spider-Woman as Deathlock charged forward! "Fine", said Ryuko, and Leopardon swung the Sword of Vigor, slicing the Sword of Requiem's blade in half! Then, he sliced into the robot's chest, putting in a huge gash! Spider-Woman then saw Leopardon prepare to throw the Sword of Vigor and covered her eyes. Then, Leopardon tossed the Sword of Vigor aside and Ryuko climbed out of the cockpit.
"I said I wanted to talk", said Ryuko, "Take. The damn. Mask. Off." Satsuki pulled the Spider-Woman mask off and climbed out of the cockpit. The two sisters stared each other down before their respective robots gently set both on the ground. "Hell of a way to take out your anger", said Ryuko, "I had to go to therapy and all you got was some lousy powers and a killer robot". "We cope how we can", said Satsuki. "From what I've been hearing, your not coping", said Ryuko, "You've been shutting out everyone and everything". "Why do you think that is?", asked Satsuki, "Especially since you tried forgiving her". "Do you honestly think I wasn't affected by what happened!?", Ryuko snapped, "Every other time I go to sleep, I have to relive those moments over and over. I even hurt the woman I love over a dream, Satsuki! Do you know how that feels?" Satsuki simply glared, but her eyes seemed unfocused. "No, of course you don't", said Ryuko, "Nonon loves you, and you won't even spare her a glance because of your trauma, when all you had to do was talk it out with someone. Anyone." Another explosion cut off Ryuko's rant, but Satsuki had heard enough. She walked over and tearfully hugged her sister. "My apologies", she said. "Don't worry about it", said Ryuko, "In spite of the powers, you're only human". Just then, she noticed the Sword of Vigor disappear! "Shit, they took it", said Ryuko. "Takuya-Sensei needs to know of this", said Satsuki, "That sword has the power of a single atomic bomb". "I think we have bigger issues to worry about", said Ryuko as the Life Fibers appeared overhead. "Then we'll take them down first", said Satsuki, "Deathlock, take us up". Deathlock picked up both girls and place them in the cockpit. "Leopardon, head back to Tokyo", said Ryuko, "Spider-Man needs you more than I do". Leopardon then took flight. "Get a helmet and strap in", Satsuki, "We're taking the fight to space".
With that, Deathlock got into position and leaped into the air with its rocket thrusters! It spread its wings and blasted off into the cosmos. "I almost feel bad about what we're going to do", said Ryuko as she pulled on her spacesuit, "Satsuki and Ryuko, defenders of the Earth, together at last". "It certainly has a nice ring to it", smiled Satsuki as the three giant Life Fibers came into view.
To Be Concluded…