METRO CITY - EVENING
High above the clouds, resting on a bed of dreams hundreds of feet over a bright, beautiful city full of opportunity in equity to danger, where fighters from all across the world gather to train their might to its pinnacle, one man owned the throne of the strongest warrior. Even those who fought in the shadows, scheming away from the eyes of courageous brawlers and violent gangs who joined in a never ending battle to grasp the meaning of true strength, could not stand against him. Psycho power, ancient magic and state of the art technology were of no match for the King of Metro City. He was a King to all, and known to none.
"In one week, my grand celebration shall commence." A low, haunting voice sauntered through the stars. "No one will oppose me, and I will prove my strength to not just this world, but all of them. All those who dare to challenge my title will break beneath my heel." A ghastly, sinister grin smeared across the face of the man who ruled over the clouds, yet hid their identity between them. "The only one standing in my way is you, Hojo Emu. Or, should I say… Genius Gamer M."
He laughed. "Don't go easy on me."
And so, our journey begins. The fight for the right to be crowned the title 'World's Strongest.' But it isn't just Emu fighting, no. He isn't alone. Several warriors walk this path of might towards delicious glory. A man who has seen everything searches for his future, a convict fighting for his own past against treachery, a woman who seeks peace through fights, a veteran who seeks a legacy, an agent who didn't choose to exist searching for identity in others, a scholar once chained by arrogance searching for knowledge in might, and an assassin who wants to bury the world in her own shade of darkness.
All of them gathered for the greatest fight of their lives. Against an unknown foe, and against each other. Who will claim the title of King?
METRO CITY – Haggar Park
Arriving off of a ten hour flight, one that didn't have a carriage comfortable enough for such a giant, Zangief of Moscow made his grand entrance to Metro City. After a temporary hiatus in order to 'broaden' his views on life, the Red Cyclone made their valiant, and mysterious return – one of which did not go unnoticed, as crowds of reporters carved an ever growing circle around his presence; there was no end in sight, as even after five miles now of trekking through the streets towards the colosseum, invasive questions plagued every inch of his reach.
"Is it true that a new world tournament is taking place?!" One reporter asked, shoving their microphone right up into his nose.
"Can you comment on this year's contenders?" Another riddle he didn't know the answer to.
"Do you actually wrestle bears?!" The crowd fell silent as Zangief stopped in his tracks. Gruffing, he raised an arm towards the clouds, huffing with extraordinary pride as the Russian warrior composed a signature flex. It was a stance that could shake mountains, with strength that could topple skylines, and fierceness that rivaled the glowing sun.
"LISTEN, AND LISTEN TO MY WORDS WELL!" Not a single soul dared to speak. All ears were open, and every listening device that could possibly ever exist directed as close to his lips as he allowed them to, which wasn't really close at all, but can you blame the press for trying? Yes. Yes, you can. The only thing worse than answering the demands of the news was to refuse them. Impudent, sniveling little creatures – but Zangief was not one to deny the spotlight. No, he was a man of showmanship. For his country, and for this world, his might was greater than muscle. "THERE IS NO REST FOR THE STRONG. THOSE WHO WISH FOR GREATNESS SHALL NEVER SLEEP! THE WORLD HAS MANY, MANY CHALLENGERS. NAMES ARE LOST, AND NAMES ARE EARNED. THIS YEAR, I WILL EARN MINE. ALL OF YOU WILL WAKE UP TO A NEW WORLD CHAMPION. I, ZANGIEF!"
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" A voice that could pierce through the heavens made its way throughout the courtyard. Suddenly, the crowd turned their attention away from the warrior, and over towards the mysterious challenger who, like clock-work, had arrived to dismantle such foolish notions of hasty certainty. Eyes peeled to the terrifying, ungodly sight before them; breathless screams echoing across the once innocent green fields. A dozen, no – two dozen, no three dozen unconscious fighters gathered around the ankles of a young woman. Her devilish smile exuding unending malice as she reveled in their horror. "World champion, is that right?"
"Ah, fear not." Zangief released a hefty, bellowing laugh. Passing the reporters as though he was strolling through lone, frigid waves in a shallow ocean, the giant approached the challenger. "From all across the world, many have come to oppose my journey – it is to their bravery that I owe my strength." Noting from a slight reinforcement in her growing scowl, he could tell that his opponent was not native to these lands. "Little mouse, speak of your path."
"What's there to say?" The woman smirked with crossed arms. By the sheer amount of fallen warriors at her feet, writhing in lasting compilations of pain, it was apparent that the one who stood before him was no laughing matter; not someone to doubt, or patronize. "It's pretty simple: isn't it? Only one can claim the title of World Champion, and I'm here to let you off easy."
"Haha, so it is a battle you seek!" Zangief declared, brimming ear to ear with excitement.
"These rejects bore me." The woman stretched her arms. "For a new entry, Capcom sure got lazy with balancing.. How could this ever prepare anyone for the real deal?" She muttered underneath her breath, setting her prized hat aside.
"Do not look too far ahead." Zangief replied. "If this is a measure of your success, then the mouse has a long way to go."
"Oh, yeah?" She raised an eyebrow. "Tough talk from a chump who's never won a tournament."
The crowd erupted. No one could believe that someone could possess the gall to try and bruise the name of the great, no – greatest man in Russia: Zangief! To do so with no fear, either she was brave, or insane. Perhaps, a bit of both if you wanted to reap the consequences of an earnest match from the absolute brickhouse that was the man before her. The mouse watched as the goliath began to fume; steam flowing out of his nose, and prompting him to stomp about like a mad bull. "Who are you, little one?" Zangief asked, amused.
"Nico Saiba!" A finger in the shape of a gun directed its line of sights right between his eyes. "Remember that name before you uninstall!"
"Such big talk," Zangief stretched his arms. "It will be an honor to break you!"
"Go ahead!" Nico grinned, preparing the stance of a steel boxer. "I'll take everyone on in this city, starting with you, Pipsqueak!"
METRO CITY - SUBWAY
The train never failed to irritate him. For all the years he spent serving this country, he could never understand how hundreds of people could gather on these rinky little excuses for cable cars, where you could never find a decent seat that wasn't plastered with gunk all over, or stand unbothered without a bunch of wanna-be thugs brushing over each other's shoulders brandishing their two-bit scowls in an attempt to drive you into a fight. Well, in Metro City, everyone was looking for a fight. He was no stranger to battle, but god forbid someone wanted some peace and quiet. Especially in his aging years, Guile sought peace when he could now that his heart no longer rattled with vengeance.
After all, hasn't he earned a bit of quiet now and again? Apparently that was too much to ask for as he spotted a young punk duking it out with the city's finest, and lowest. Duty calls.
"Hey, is 'I apologize' not in your vocabulary?" The man had the upper hand against those thugs, at least for a while, but things were starting to take a turn. "Come on!" There goes yesterday's lunch; a knee bursting straight into the poor guy's gut. "It's simple. Just two words. We can say it slow."
"Y-you bastards…" The man got to his feet, but only because his opponents allowed him. He steadied himself for what it was worth. "Were the ones… w-who picked a fight with me…"
"Is that so?" One of them laughed. This one was tiny, and his heart was far larger than his head. Who let a small-fry like that step up to the table as if he was king? "That's not like how I remember it." Have the mighty fallen so far in the food chain?
"One chance." The stranger answered, finding his footing. "You have one chance to back down." Things just got a lot more snickered. Suddenly, the men turned their attention towards him.
"Something funny back there?!"
"Don't mind me." Guile answered, crossing his arms. "I'm recalling what I read in the papers. Those funnies… They still get me!" He couldn't contain his laughter. They bought it. Of course they did, those morons.
"When we're done with you," The largest of the bunch knelt down; breaking all barriers of personal space with his round face. "I'll be taking that coat. White's my c–"
A fist smashed against their jaw, knocking them back straight into the wall! Even the stranger was surprised, reflecting for a brief moment upon his own strength. Not for long though as he leaped into battle against the other three. "You're going to die!" One of them screamed.
"Try me!" Feet planted apart, fists raised to his chest in a proper boxing stance. Oh, yeah. This kid was something alright. One by one, these goons approached him and with a solid stance, the stranger took them on! A mere jab was no match to a good right hook, followed up only by a knee of his own. Well, as some say… An eye for an eye, right? He took hold of them by the shoulders and tossed them behind, pivoting back to face his enemies.
Good form, Guile could see that he knew how to block a punch. Taiga followed up with a cross-mix of punches, slamming the second one's head straight down to the ground where it belonged! That was going to leave a skid mark. For the final one, the small fry who was way out of his league, the stranger didn't bother giving him a chance and left him battered.
"Wonderful, wonderful." Clapping ensued throughout their car. Guile got to his feet and approached the stranger. "Quite the showman, aren't you?"
"Step off, old man." Taiga shouted. "We're not en route to a hospital."
"Please." Guile crouched, bobbing his brutish arms back and forth. "I could take a punk like you with one eye." Adhering to his promise, Guile closed his left eye and stood opposite to the doctor. So much for sitting around, but fighting was like second nature to Guile. Who was he to shave off a good workout? "Rough shape you're in. You sure you want to tussle?"
"Bring it."
"That's what I like to hear." Faster than a speeding bullet, Guile crossed his arm over Taiga's strike and socked him straight in the face! Before he had the time to react, he clapped his hands together and generated a sonic boom! It shredded a dozen cuts over his handsome mug. Then, an uppercut right in the ribs. Sweeping him off the ground, a dazed Taiga stumbled over his legs before Guile spun back, smashing his forearm into his opponent's nose, elbowing them into the air, and finishing it off with a good ol' American style suplex!
PERFECT K.O.!
METRO CITY - POLICE STATION, EVENING
Even in the digital world, Kiriya found a way to bend the rules. Though, for day one, he might've bent them a little too far. A clever half-truth, quick feet and a silver tongue were all that he needed to get by. At least, until he found friends. When those friends disappeared in the flash of an eye, however, he resorted back to old tricks to get ahead in unknown territory. Still, if Kiriya knew that he was in the center of a high-level area, he might've been a little more cautious. Call it inexperience with these types of games, but Kiriya assumed that strength was pretty standard all around if you were flexible. Well, he's never heard of World Tour.
"You can come out now." Kiriya smirked, gazing at the two-way mirror. He was confident in his assumption. "Hasn't it been long enough? I'm starvin'." No response. Kiriya let out an exasperated sigh, kicking back in his seat. He couldn't exactly go far, not with these chains attached to his wrists. What was he going to do now?
Just then, like magic, the door opened and an imposing figure emerged. She was blonde, and well-built – definitely not the type of cop you want to pick a fight with. Kiriya should know, he gave that a shot, and look where he ended up. "Ah, there you are." He said in a coy tone, smiling up the corner of his lips in hopes he could sprinkle off some of the charm. "Here I was, afraid that you missed me." A lie, slipping out like second nature. Of course someone was going to arrive sooner or later. It was obvious that Kiriya was being watched the entire time. Examined, just like in an autopsy. Can't go anywhere, but curious to see what makes them tick with what is left.
"Don't get too excited," The officer said, introducing herself earlier as Lucia Morgan. "Ain't like you're out of this box yet." She was writing something, most definitely notes on whatever their interrogation would bring – which was going to be nothing, because he wasn't going to speak.
"Ah, right." Kiriya chuckled. "Not out of your grasp yet, am I?" Now he was beginning to understand how this was going to go. All doubts stuck like old gum to the back of his head were starting to be scrapped away. Easy as boiling a pot of water, Kiriya would be out of here in no time.
"Enough talk!" Lucia said, sticking a finger in his face. Perhaps a little too close, and a little too personal – she reeled it back, biting her tongue. "State your name, for the record."
"Name?" Kiriya stopped, pondering to think carefully.
"If you lie, we'll figure it out, and it won't be pretty." Lucia said, fixating her icy stare on him. Can't let someone as dangerous as this out of her sights.
"Kitagawa, Keisuke." Kiriya answered.
"Kitagawa, Keisuke?" Lucia asked for clarification, and to observe the repeat mention closely for any strange tells. You could never be too certain. Was he certain?
"I'm sure." Kiriya said. "Born with it, and I'll die with it."
"Now, let's bring up the charges here." Lucia continued.
"A little too early for Christmas, don't you think?" He raised one brow, chuckling. Oh, he had no idea how screwed he was.
"Trespassing on private property." Well, that could be dropped, Kiriya wasn't a resident of this city. Doesn't know right from left, lest someone give him a good pointer or two. "Assault. Resisting arrest. Assault on an officer."
"Hey, talk about getting handsy." Kiriya shot back a glare. "Last I remember, you were the one throwing your hands everywhere you could."
"Because you were running away!" Lucia growled. "Alright, alright. Let's start with your statement. What were you doing in the SiRN building?"
"SiRN?" Kiriya asked. He wasn't able to answer, honestly. Though, he played dumb. Wasn't that more fun. "Ah, remind me again."
"How can you not know what I'm talking about?!" That huge, white building that had recently neared completion, drawn in the awe of locals and tourists alike, there's no one out there that wouldn't be able to see it; even if someone stood on the loneliest corner of this lively city, which was impossible given how loud it is on any given day. As she explained, over and over again, he sat back playing the role of a jester.
"Um, erm…" Kiriya scratched his head. "Yeah, not buying the story here."
"It ain't exactly wise to get on our bad side here." Lucia muttered. "Where you are right now, it's a mound of trash, and you can't keep piling it up if you hope to breathe. Tell the truth: justice always wins."
"Fine." Kiriya sighed, leaning in. He glanced around the room, but it didn't matter. They were the only ones here. He beckoned her to come closer. Reluctantly, she approached him. "So, here's the story." He started in a confident, certain voice. "Now, a building big as that – it's got secrets. A lot of secrets, right? Something that size can't all be good. Well, unfortunately, as I just found out last week… Nothing is ever really good." He sighed, lowering his head. Scrunching his nose, Kiriya furrowed his brows and closed his eyes. The sounds of unrhythmic, heavy breathing filled the room. Was he sobbing? She offered a hand, but Kiriya refused. "You see… My father was supposed to be employed there… Now, he… He's a great man. Not the best, I mean, what kind of father is? Got busy, but with getting busy he got a job to keep this house fed for my mother and three sisters."
"Three sisters?" Lucia asked. Kiriya confirmed, nodding.
"It's like I said. He got a job at SiRN. Things were going well, he was heading to get settled in and then… Poof, disappeared." Kiriya bit his tongue, shaking his head. "It… It's got to be them. No, I know it's them! Wherever he went, they're responsible." Turning to Lucia with desperate, doe eyes, he took her by the hands and begged. "Please, you have to help me. Our one chance at happiness – I can't let it slip away, who's going to take care of my sisters?!" His grip tightened, and so did the chain around her heart. "Look, I'm not saying I did the right thing. At least, not by the law, but it was right for me. No one would listen, and no one cared. Maybe… Maybe it's just a stroke of bad luck, and it's finally turned around, now that I met someone like you. Please, don't let my father's sacrifice be in vain."
Absolutely stunned, Lucia remained silent. She wasn't sure what to say. What kind of mess did she stumble upon? Government sponsored conspiracies, disappearances, possible murder… It was unbelievable. What was more unbelievable was the sympathy she held for the man in front of her. Upon closer examination, he wasn't so scary.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Lucia asked.
"Why?" Kiriya darted his eyes beneath the desk. "Why… Why didn't I say anything?" He repeated, brandishing a somber look.
"..." Lucia remained silent, understanding that trust was ha–
"Because who would believe such an obvious work of fiction?" Bursting out into laughter, Kiriya kicked his feet like a child; his head raised to the sky, unable to control himself. Fuming, Lucia slammed her hand on the desk.
"How dare you! Taking advantage of my trust like that!" She curled her fist. "Fine! Want to say nothing?! Good for me, we'll find out the truth: justice always wins!"
"Yeah, if you say so!" Kiriya laughed, and laughed until she was as red as a tomato.
"Why, you – I'll kick your ass!"
Just then, the door opened. There stood an older, graying man. He looks like he hasn't gotten a wink of good sleep in over twenty years.
"Release him." He said with a sigh.
"WHAT?!" Both of them shouted.
"You heard me." He said, tossing Lucia the keys. "Got a direct order to release him. Can't do much about it. Hard enough to get a giant to hear your request for moving a hill – try the Mayor."
"Travers?" Lucia trailed off, she couldn't believe this.
"Yep, now let's get moving." The commissioner demanded, just wanting to go home. It was late.
"Finally," Kiriya said. "Thought the time would never come." Though calm, he too was confused. After being released, our royal liar didn't exactly get very far. Just as he was passing the corner, the foolish part of him buried the deviously clever, and he got too close to the alley, right where he was snatched by a shadow. Squirming around and ready to brawl, Kiriya was met by an unfamiliar face. Standing before him was a tall, firm looking woman with eyes sharp enough to seize you mid-escape from a thousand lacerations alone if she dared blink. Sporting a blue leather jacket painted to match the kingdom where the sun shall never set, she wasn't someone you wanted to get on the bad side of. If you tried to run, he figured that the woman would catch up to him before he even had time to plan his first move.
"We need to talk." Said Cammy. Oh, boy. How deep was he?
ELSEWHERE - TOKYO, EVENING…
Meanwhile, back in Tokyo…
In an unlisted warehouse settled between three dozen alleyways full of tall offices and apartments, a perfect place for a lot where no one would have ever thought to look, only the sounds of hands furiously clapping against a keyboard could be heard. "Almost… There…!" A genius swirling in the madness of his own darkness laughed maniacally. It's been at least fifteen hours and counting of work, but it was just about complete! "More… more…" The corner where he had relegated himself to reeked of sweat. So much so, that even a whiff – whether through bravery or on accident, held enough power to knock out an elephant!
"It's complete!" He sprung to his feet, his chair collapsing in the process and through the wind also taking a thick, unkempt stack of papers on the edge of the ebony desk with it. "Finally," he reached for the gashat. It burned, but hot damn, nothing could match its texture. "A new prototype. Welcome to the world, Lost Haven. I am your God." Kuroto Dan, genius game developer once again bestows his gift upon the world in the form of divine art. Opening up a silver suitcase, he set aside the latest prototype for his new line of games with the rest.
The warehouse itself wasn't too shoddy, say for the workstation being an office of nightmares. If you listened closely, you may be able to hear the faint sounds of trapped souls begging to be released from their suffering, but that's only if you care to indulge yourself.
"All in a day's work." Kuroto whispered to no one. Before he sauntered off to his rest station, he took one look at his clothes in the mirror. Battered and wrinkled, just as always. "This won't do." He laughed, and away they went! Now he was wearing something more akin to what you would wear on an island adventure; a gold and silver floral shirt with an unmatching pair of azure shorts. After that, he was lying on a white folding chair which rested on sand on a replica set of a beach; one that was previously used for a photoshoot. There was a patio table next to him, which sported a vermillion umbrella and on the table itself were a pair of fashionable shades and a remote. The brimming sounds of propellers belonging to a gigantic fan swept his hair back, the ambience of ocean waves guiding him to distant lands. Kuroto sipped on a soft drink and remained in his element of relaxation. "One more game, and the ultimate line-up will be complete… Those fools won't know what hit them."
Just then, Kuroto Dan vanished into thin air.
AUTHOR'S NOTE (10/18/23): AN (10/18/2023): Yes, Kuroto is NOT the villain! What a surprise, huh? Don't worry, he gets a lengthy amount of things to do. He is my favourite antagonist/anti-hero in the franchise.
Ok, so I'm not dead! It's been two months, but I've just been super duper busy. Schooling has kept me up, and other new and exciting things have happened in my life recently. Plus, I've been working on a few other personal projects I won't share here. Anyways, I started Kuuga! Very, very good. It's such a refreshing show, and I love Godai so much. Aozora Ni Naru is also one of the best outros I've ever heard; I wish more rider shows had proper outros. The extra care put into making Kuuga top tier is highly admirable.
I will be writing more for The Witch, The Robot & The Bugster. That isn't what I'm giving up on yet, and I'm excited to show you what's next in my Outsiders world, including two stories I have down the line. I like spoilers, so I'll reveal their titles to get you hyped!
Kamen Rider: Decade vs. 13 Decade! (the title makes far more sense in context, I promise)
Kamen Rider: Faiz & Genm vs. Smart Brain (this one will get a better title down the line, and I hope it's a satisfying epilogue to Faiz. I'm excited to see Paradise Regained)
These will arrive after TWTR&TB, and I hope you enjoy! I also want to start doing one-shots again. Every time I start, I want to write a long-fic, haha. Though, I can't keep throwing down these stories without finishing. You guys deserve far better than that.
Anyways, I'll try to update once a month at least on these stories! Hope you enjoy.