Lemonade Punch#6: Fighter's Passion paladin@saturn.superlink.net Started: 11/10/96 Last Update: 6/11/98 "Ooooo... this must be Heaven!!", drooled Hentai Ranma. The pervert was hiding on the edge of the jungle looking out upon the beach through a pair of high-powered binoculars. The shameless women upon it, were sunbathing in the nude. It *was* possible to see this through Ikari's eyes, but this sight was so special Ranma thought it necessary to go out and see it in person. Luckily the pervert was more on the timid side or he would have been out on that beach. In the desperate straits those women were in... there would be little left of him when it was over. It was this slobbering, hentai pile of pervert that Ryu tripped over. Normally, Ryu would have sensed the aura of someone as powerful as Ranma, but his mind was still reeling from having seen Chun Li. Ryu stepped on Ranma's back causing Ranma to yelp and Ryu to fall. Ranma got up and yelled furiously at Ryu. "WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?!?!" Ranma wasn't too pissed at being stepped on, that barely hurt... he was pissed that the girls had fled. Strangely, the girls had ran away rather than towards the male voices... probably reflex. "Gomen [sorry]... I didn't see you-" * A coconut. "Heh heh... take that! Dork!" Ryu rubbed his head... it was not often he got his head "bonked" and certainly not often by coconut projectiles. "I said I was sorr-" ** Two more coconuts. "Spoil my fun will you!?", Ranma taunted. Ryu was getting a little upset. Those hits were starting to sting and he had already apologized, but this boy didn't seem like he intended to stop. And besides... he had a little emotional energy to burn. Three incoming coconuts. "Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!" Ryu punched and kicked the coconuts, splattering them in mid-air. "STOP!" "Oooo... a fighter! Let's go!" Ryu shrugged... just as he had predicted. Ranma jumped in and scored first blood... but Ryu didn't reel and was able to trade hits. Ranma began a quick combination attack, Ryu was forced to block and take hits for most of it. Ryu broke out of it with a powerful sweeping kick which forced Ranma to back off. Ryu began his own attack, which Ranma deftly dodged. Ryu decided to just accept Ranma's attack and trade them for his stronger slugs... big mistake. Ranma stepped inside a wide punch and started up his Amaguriken attack!!! Ryu felt a rib crack. Fine. Ryu turtled as he felt the rain of blows pound him at high velocity, from all sides. He let his ki burn brighter inside as he continued to get punished. Ryu was virtually curled up into a ball by the time he was ready. Ranma was too intent on beating Ryu to notice the sky darkening and thunder rumbling in the background. "SHINKUUUUU-", Ryu roared. "Wha-!" Ranma squinted at the bright light coming from Ryu. "TATSUMAKI-SEMPUKYAKU!!!!", Ryu said unbelievably fast. The pervert tried to back away but was sucked into Ryu's hurricane kick. "SHIIIIIII-YAAAAHHH!!!!!", Ranma cursed. ** "Uhggaah mukluppah fpssh... daaaa-", gurgled Ranma. Ryu did not let him finish his eloquent speech. "SHOOORYUUUUKEN!!!!" Ranma was sent flying into orbit... Ryu had never remembered launching someone like that before. Ranma circled the world a few times and came burning down through the atmosphere. He slammed into the beach creating a smoking depression in the sand. Ranma stumbled out of his hole and started tripping forward towards Ryu. "O-okay, buster... now I'm r-really *MAD*!!!" Ryu shut him up with a flying roundhouse and a knee to the gut. Ryu used Ranma's stunned state to tackle him to the sand. Ryu was bear-hugging the smaller martial artist trying to squeeze the life out of him. "YEAAARRRRRRRRGH!!!!!", screamed Ranma as his powerful head- butt sent both of them flying backwards. A second combo of rapid kicks knocked Ryu back into a tree. "Is that the best you've got?!" Ryu rubbed his chin in puzzlement. Where did this boy get his strength from!? How could he defeat an opponent that had such speed *and* strength... not to mention skill! No matter, all that was important now was the Fight! "Let's go!", Ranma taunted. Ryu remained in his defensive posture forcing Ranma to press the attack. Moving for position the two circled each other. "YAAH!!!", Ryu launched himself high into the air and came down with the sun at his back, this made it hard for Ranma to counter as it was like trying to catch a fly ball with the sun in your eye. Ranma-chan improvised. "HIRYUSHOTENHA!!!" Ryu was surprised but he didn't lose his cool. He braced himself as he was tossed high into the air. , he thought as the hot wind roared past his ears. Ryu was getting ripped up by the attack, but at least it wasn't as bad as it could have been. He began to fall rapidly to the earth, waiting for the right timing. Ranma launched up to intercept him and performed a fast air combo on the world warrior before Ryu whipped out another Gale Kick, knocking Ranma away, and softening his landing. The raven-haired boy was upset... he had thrown one of his best attacks at- at-... well, whoever he was- and the man in the gi had basically shrugged it off. Ryu, too, was beginning to feel his patience wear a bit. The Shotokan fighter was feeling singed and that cracked rib was threatening to puncture vital organs... what a fight! The two combatants charged forwards to attack, the impossibly fast Ranma landing several hundred hits per second on the impossibly tough Ryu... many times before this Ryu had taken heavy beatings and simply decide to persevere; Ryu had never lost because of lack of endurance. Ryu just continued to trade his harder hits for Ranma's better hits. Ranma was getting annoyed that even when he hit Ryu's pressure points, the monster seemed immune. Finally they were knocked away from each other. They stood panting for a moment, deciding what to do. Ryu looked completely battered, bruised, and bloodied, while Ranma only had scufflines upon his face. But Ranma was the more angry of the two... WHY THE *HELL* WASN'T HE *WINNING*?!?! Saotome decided enough was enough, calling forth his reserves, he lifted a 10 ton boulder from off the beach and held it above his head. The impressive feat was not enough, Ranma tossed it at the stunned Shotokan Karate master. Ryu didn't stop long however, a well placed Dragon Uppercut shattered the rock and sent fragments flying in all directions. When he landed, Ryu's leg gave out and he fell to one knee, Ranma, too, had sprained his arm. Both half-stood, staring at their opponent, breathing heavily and trying not to show weakness. Ryu had learned long ago not to hold back on an opponent simply because he was younger and Ranma had no intention of backing off. Both decided to finish it. -=-=- Sakura choked softly as she wiped away her tears. Why didn't he accept her? What would it take? The aching in her chest began to tightened and Sakura felt another wave of emotion overtake her. She began to cry again, this time unclear of her thoughts just aware of her sorrow. Now. Suddenly a shadow appeared over Sakura. "Don't cry. It isn't befitting of a beautiful lady." "Huh?", Sakura spun around, shocked. "Ryu?" His approach was silent and sudden, as if he had appeared out of thin air. He looked like Ryu, except different. His smiled looked kind, yet it had an evil edge to it and his clothes... his clothes were darker. Perhaps it was just the shadow? His back was to the sun after all. But when Sakura looked at him a chill ran up her spine, Sakura shook her head and dismissed it as her nervousness, surprise, and recent emotional drain. Did he say what she thought he had just said? Evil Ryu offered his hand and helped Sakura to her feet then began to wipe her tears with his hands. Holding her close and whispering into her ear, "Your tears prove your pure heart and your devotion... I'm sorry the test was so hard on you. I will train you. You will learn the true meaning of Shotokan from me and you will learn how to become a real woman... my love." He pressed against her causing her to gasp out. "R-R-Ryu...", she was getting overcome with happiness. "Close your eyes." Sakura did as she was told then felt a wave of nausea come across her, a rush of cool air, and the scent of the sea. She opened her eyes and found herself on the deck of a large cruiser. Sakura looked at Ryu and fainted away... smiling. Evil Ryu looked down at her and fought the frown he felt coming on. A little girl like her would not affect his happiness but it would prove as great leverage against Ryu. Ryu's greatest fan was now his. This... Sakura- could prove entertaining as well as useful, teaching her Shin Shotokan would be very humorous. "Very well. You're safe... for now." -=-=- Akane was strolling along the beach trying to cheer herself up from not being able to enjoy herself with Ranma when she noticed a lone figure shadow boxing ontop the rocky crags ahead. The woman's form was precise, powerful, swift, and graceful, Akane almost drooled at the talent she was witnessing. "Hi!", Akane called as she approached. The woman turned her head and lowered her leg. She looked at Akane and smiled. "Hello." "Wow, you're really good!" "Well, I training to be the best!" "You're... mmm- Chun Li, right?" "Hai." "Do you think-" Suddenly Chun Li's eyes shot open. "Shhhhh... did you feel that?" A flash of lightning and peal of thunder answered her as the sky darkened on one half of the island. Suddenly beams of light were shooting from the far side and a large sphere of light became apparent turning the black clouds white and casting dark shadows in contrast the intense light. -=-=- "SHINKUUUUUU-*HADOKEN*!!!!" "MOUKOTAKABISHAAAAAA!!!!!!" The two powerful ki attacks slammed into each other and began to create a giant sphere of light between the pony-tailed guy and the Shotokan fighter. Sand was being kicked into the air and the tide pulled away from the point. Both of their throats went hoarse as they tried to scream over the roar of the wind. Everyone on the island saw the effects and could feel the raw power crackling in the air. Suddenly the two energy attacks began to resonate and match frequencies from all the building tension... lucky them. The ki blasts plowed through one another and hit their respective targets. That hurt. -=-=- Both fighters still stood by the time the others got there. Ranma's hair stood up as he was charred and blackened. Ryu was scorched, too, but he seemed more battered than anything else. Ranma began to teeter back and forth then collapsed to the ground. Ryu smiled slightly when he saw Ranma fall first... then he quickly followed. Murmurs went out through the crowd but two cries were the loudest: "Ranma! RANMA!!!", Akane called as she ran to his side. "R-Ryu? ... RYU!!" Chun Li was not sure, at first, that it was him, but once she was certain she was stuck by a tidal wave of feelings... but first and foremost was concern. "Someone get help!" Chun Li propped Ryu's head onto her lap, tears filling her eyes for no apparent reason. Ryu opened his eyes partially and managed to gasp, "C-C-Chun... Li...." -=-=- In the infirmary Ryu and Ranma each had their own rooms, each had been quickly stabilized. Ranma was resting peacefully but Ryu's case was a little more dire... he was in a coma. Chun Li sat at Ryu's bedside trying to cope with what was happening. The man she had once (still?) loved and had not seen for years suddenly appears, and now was threatening to slip away from her once again. It was as if Fate was teasing her. Chun Li wasn't even sure of how she felt anymore... so many years of burying her emotions left her unable to sort through the ones she was getting now. "Baka.... [Idiot...] what were you doing beating up a teen- aged boy?", Chun Li whispered. "H-have-... haven't you learned? A fighter is a fighter. It d-doesn't m-matter if it is a he or a she, y-young or old... all that matters is y-your opponent's skill. You don't hold back for anyone except those below your skill....", Ryu croaked. He was awake. "Ryu!", Chun Li cried happily. She hugged him. Ryu smiled. "You were worried-" "I wasn't!", Chun Li said, insulted. She sat up straight and wiped away her tears. She couldn't let him know... not until she had decide for herself how she felt. "Hmm, then you have some very bad allergies, huh?" "Ryu, you're mean!" "He started throwing coconuts...." "What?!" For a moment, Chun Li feared he had lost his mind. "...You asked why I was fighting that kid... he started hitting me with coconuts, one thing led to another and... gee, that was probably the hardest fight I had over such a stupid thing. No- I'm sorry- the hardest, most stupid thing was fighting Ken over who's eyebrows were thicker... yes, I think that was it." "My you're talkative now, aren't you?" "Actually, I talk even less since I've last seen you... but when I'm with you, I suddenly have so much to say. .... I talk so much but am saying so little, since I really just want to tell you one thing-" "Don't." Chun Li cut him off and turned away. Her heart began to pound and her eyes began to tear up again. "What?" "Don't tell me it yet.", she struggled, "I'd like to talk to you more, but if you tell me I don't think we'll be able to keep talking...." There was a long silence. Ryu could feel himself being defeated. She didn't love him, did she? It had been so long... who was to say she hadn't found what she was looking for in someone else? "Excuse me.", knocked the nurse. She was a young woman with green-tinted silver hair and shapely curves... but while these things would catch a man's eyes first, it was her strange eyes that would hold them. "I am sorry, you'll have to leave... the patient needs his rest." "I understand." "Chun Li-" "Ryu, I'll visit you tomorrow." "But-" "Good-bye." Ryu felt all was lost, she had made her wish to be left alone pretty clear. He had no hope... after all this time- "She loves you." "Excuse me?!" "You're wondering if she loves you... she does. She just needs a little time to realize it." "How do you-?" "Before we talk, we should do something about these wounds. Just lie still." The "nurse" began to wave her hands over his body in a slow circular pattern, Ryu wasn't sure but the thought he saw a faint halo surrounding her palms. A warmth spread through his body and in an instant he felt completely revived. "Stand up." Ryu did. Not only that he did a couple of aerial kicks and a few tumbles... he felt great! "Thank you Miss- Miss-....", Ryu faltered. She smiled and took his hand and shook it. "Aensland. Morrigan Aensland." -=-=- "I mean what a *jerk*!! The *IDIOT*!!", Ranma said angrily. "He picks a fight with me and gets himself hurt like that! He should have known better! I couldn't help being that much stronger than him. I didn't mean to- to-... damn." He had quieted down and looked at the floor. Ranma was more angry at himself than at Ryu. "Akane, what have I done? .... I put him in a coma." "Ranma, I've told you not to bully the weak, haven't I?" "I *know*... Ranma no baka... I'm so stupid-" "It will be okay, Nabiki has some of the best doctors money can buy. Ryu will survive... he has to." "I'm sorry-" "Hello.", Ryu said from the door. "WHA-!?" Ranma untangled himself from his bandaged and leapt up to hug Ryu. "Oh man, I'm so glad your okay! Thank you!" "Uh." Ryu didn't know what to do, the look on his face was priceless. "Yes, a good fight. Continue to train for the next time we fight.", Ryu said as he politely peeled Ranma off of his waist. "NEXT TIME?! Nuh-uh! No way! Hey, how come you're hardly hurt? The man's invincible! You're not here to extract some kind of revenge, are you?! Stay back! Truce! Time out!", Ranma asked as he backed away in a panic. "It's okay, I'm not here to fight. I just wanted to know where Miss Chun Li Xiang is staying." "Oh. Heh heh... is that all? Sure, no problem. Ikari?" "Yes, she is staying in the Suites room 314." "Arrigato. I look forward to our next challenge, Ranma. Miss Aensland here will be of great help in healing you. Thank you again, goodbye!" "Hm, he certainly seemed happy." "I think he's in *love*!", Akane sighed remembering Chun Li's concern for him. Ranma was oblivious. "You think? He doesn't seem the type- ta- ya- yipe! HELLO *NURSE*!!", Ranma went ga ga when Morrigan entered. ** "Sorry, reflex action.", Akane apologized as she put away her mallet. Morrigan waited for her large sweat drop to disappear before speaking. "I'll help you with those wounds.", Nurse Morrigan said. She began a chiropractic procedure more painful than words can tell... the horrible cracking and crunching sounds emitting from Ranma's body were nothing compared to his screams for mercy! Finally, it was all over, and Ranma lay there as a quivering mess. "There, that ought to do it!", Morrigan flexed. Ranma tested his twisted body and found it amazing... nothing hurt! "Hey thanks!" "Happy I could help. Though, I'd like to talk to you about something if you are not busy." Ranma looked at Akane and shrugged. "I got time." -=-=- Vega trembled with the possibilities. These four women were his... or at least until Lord Bison wanted them. But there lied the problem: he couldn't do *everything* because of Bison's restrictions. And because of Vega's nature, he had to hold back, once he went forward, he would quickly lose control. Thus it was all or nothing, and because Lord Bison was concerned, it would be nothing. Disappointed, Vega slammed his fist against the wall. What kind of torture was this?! Then the realization came to him. While these four were under the protection of Lord Bison, there awaited an entire island of women to be harvested. Yes, this would be fun. "Units... escort." Cammy immediately hopped into position while the rest clenched their teeth tightly struggling to maintain their ground. Vega frowned and tapped a couple of keys. "Units! Escort!" Sofia, Nina, and Sarah began to scream while gripping their heads... still, they refused to move. Vega was beginning to anger. He turned the power to the max. "ESCORT!!!" This time, they complied. Vega was breathing heavily and tried to regain his composure. Standing straight he pretended he hadn't been flustered at all. "There now... that wasn't so hard, was it?" "...s-s-sonofabitch...", croaked Nina. Vega's mouth twitched his anger flaring but he quickly regained control. Laughing in a hysterical fit he put his hands on Cammy's and Sofia's asses. "Well, my little girls... now we're going to play dress-up!" -=-=- "Miss Xiang? Someone is here to see you." Chun Li suddenly felt very afraid. She cuddled into a ball upon her bed. "Who is it?" "Yasha Tenma-" Chun Li let out a sigh of relief. She had no idea who Yasha was but at least she wasn't Ryu. "Give me a moment." Chun Li blew her nose and wrapped her robe around tightly. "Okay, let her in." "Hello." Chun Li simply nodded at the sharply dressed woman with green eyes. "I'm Yasha. You don't know me but I've been asked to bring you a message-" "From Ryu?" "Yes- ... He'd like to see you." "Are you sure it's alright, I mean he's wounded-" "He heals extraordinarily quickly." "I- I don't think... I can. I have... I have matches-" "Didn't you hear? Saotome has postponed today's fights until tomorrow. He's also picking up the tab for everyone's extra stay." "I- I-...." "Mei-mei [little sister]", Yasha said in flawless Chinese, "Instead of torturing yourself with questions and fears- give Ryu-san a chance, give yourself a chance... give both of you a chance." There was a long pause as Chun Li shifted slightly, trying not to look away or upset... trying to hold her emotions. "Here. Wear this when you meet him, I picked it out myself. It will look great on you." Yasha handed her a pink box. "Read the card on where to go. He also told me to give you this." The succubus held out a small paper object. "It's a small origami fish-" "No... it's a carp." -=-=- "That lady gives me the creeps." "Really? I thought she was pretty cute! OW!" "Watch it! You're engaged. Remember?" "It's the uniforms, Akane. They drive men wild!" "Rannnnmaaaaaa-", Akane warned. "Haha, okay I was kidding- damn, you sure can punch!- do you forgive me now?" "Of course." "She seemed to have noble intentions." "The path to Hell is paved with noble intentions, Ranma." Akane's serious tone threw Ranma off for a moment. He recovered and laughed. "How'd you get so philosophic all of a sudden?" "Since I've abstained for over a week! It sharpens the mind and cleanses the soul!" "But-" "-it increase sexual hunger! Come to me Big Boy!" Off, far away, Kasumi-megami-sama giggled... -=-=- "Do you realize no one has gotten laid in the past couple of hours!?!", complained Nabiki. "Yup... seems to be a lull in hentai behavior. Could it be that the women are reaching the first tolerance level?" "Already?" "I know it's unlikely, but we're not completely sure of how the Dust works, ourselves, you know.", said Kasumi. "I dunno... I feel less randy myself, lately. What do you think it could be?" "We'll just have to see... wait. Hey, look, Akane and Ranma are at it again! It looks like this one is for the books!" -=-=- After Yasha had left Chun Li stood still for a couple of moments trying to settle her heart. She went over to her suitcase and removed a small box that she always kept with her. It was a dark hardwood box with a red velvet interior. Undoing the brass clasps, she looked down at her fighting bracelets. The spiked bracelets were more than just jewelry, they were a symbol. A symbol to remind her of her father... and the monster that killed him. A symbol of hate and anger... and how not to show it. A symbol of everything she had lost for the sake of revenge. But the box contained hope too. Chun Li's hands trembled slightly as she removed the bottom of the box to reveal a small compartment below. Inside was a dingy yellow flattened origami koi [carp]. She pulled the fins to puff it back up and placed it next to the new one Ryu had sent. It was a reminder... he was trying to remind her. ... Ryu sat at the table so intent on what he was doing he failed to hear Chun Li's approach. She held in her giggles as she snuck up on him. Suddenly, when she was right behind him: "What are you doing?", Chun Li asked innocently and rather loudly. Ryu let out a yelp and struggled to hide his project. "Yuh! Ahh, n-nothing!" "Lemme see! Lemme see!" "Hey, no! Stop!" "Whatcha hiding!" "Please, gentle! It's not finished!", Ryu cried out when she managed to steal it from him. Chun Li held her prize proudly up to the light. "Aha! It's a- a- um... er...." Chun Li stared at the small folded piece of paper. She recognized it as origami but right now it resembled nothing but a mess of triangles. Ryu snatched it back and continued to fold. "It's not finished.", he said flatly. "What's it going to be?" "A few more folds... you really know how to ruin a surprise, Chun Li.", Ryu said as he carefully added another crease. Ryu turned away and folded like mad, then stopped. He looked down at his palm and continued to talk with his back turned to her. "I'm not sure if it'll look right... I just designed it in my head. I could have perfected it had you not discovered it... but... well... here." Ryu handed her the paper fish looking away with a slight blush on his face. "Oh! It's so realistic! A small paper fish!" "Hai. A c-carp... actually." "Yes, I can tell! Look the mouth moves when you pull on the fins! And you just thought this up?!" "Y-yes... Chun Li... there's more to it-" "Huh? Oh I bet it transforms into a giant robot too!" "Um, nothing like that. Chun Li, I'm giving you my koi... in Japanese it is a pun." "I love puns!" "Good. See, the word 'koi' means both 'carp'... a-and....", Ryu faltered, suddenly becoming very nervous. "And?" "Love. Koi can also mean love." "Oh, Ryu.", Chun Li said softly. Ryu put his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. "When I give you this... I'm giving you my love." Chun Li looked at the carp and held it to her chest dearly. "I will always have your koi forever." ... Chun Li held the origami figure to her chest and smiled. She decided to see him. Whatever awaited her she at least owed him a visit. It had been a long time... but it hadn't been forever. -=-=- "It's him." "Are you talking to me? But then, you're not talking to me, so you've got to be talking to yourself. And if you were doing that, then you'd have to be crazy... but you're not crazy are you, Kitten?" "Shut up." "Now let's see, do you mean me... or yourself? I can't-" "Don't be cute or I'll put a cap in your ass." "Good old Rally...", mumbled Bill. If he was thinking about it, Bill would have been confused. He had exactly what he wanted: Rally wasn't interested in him now... but he felt like shit. As it stood, it didn't really seem like Rally had forgiven him. Hell, Bill hadn't forgiven himself yet. But work was work and like the professionals they were, they acted as if the previous offensive scene had never occurred. Bill- always playful... and Rally- mean to Bill. Rally was a bit meaner today, though. Vega walked towards the pair flanked by four blondes. Now these four were stunning... actually perverse was more like it. Vega had fun dressing the lot in whorish attire. Nina and Sarah usually wore full-body catsuits, so it wasn't hard for him to expose more. Nina was wearing a small leather vest, unzipped as far as possible, and a mini skirt. Purple stockings held up by a garter belt were visible because of the skirt looked like (and probably did) it came out of Cammy's wardrobe. Sarah had an unbuttoned red shirt tied just under her chest and a tiny pair of cut-offs which rode up between her cheeks. The other two presented an interesting challenge for Vega. Cammy didn't walk around with much clothing to begin with and Sofia presented a fine view just as she was. But Vega was inventive. Unit One was wearing a tennis skirt and blouse. While that seemed almost decent, Vega made sure Cammy would be missing the items of clothing that belonged under that outfit. Sofia's clothing went from a dress to a swimsuit to a thong with a ribbon tied about her breasts. "Pick your jaw up off the ground, Bill.", Rally cautioned as Vega's girls jiggled towards them. "Kitten." "You remembered." "I promised I'd be back, no?" "You didn't mention any friends.", Rally examined Sofia. "Oh, they're just here to help me." "Help you do what?" "Take you.", Vega said flatly as he locked his claw in place. "Rally, watch out!" Bill knocked Rally out of the way as Vega dove in, slashing Bill in the arm. Bill roared in pain and kicked Vega away with a powerful boot to the midsection. "Bill!!!" Rally whipped out a gun but was disarmed by Cammy as she performed her own version of a Flash Kick. (groan... she's running round in a tennis skirt without panties, remember?) Not to be deterred, Rally was instantly armed with a new set of pistols. Nina, however, had already gotten the gun from under her skirt and shot out one of Rally's guns. Rally returned the favor with the other gun then spun to put Vega in her sights. But before she could get a shot off, a sharp crack of Sofia's whip knocked her last gun from grip. Just as Rally dove for one of her fallen guns, Sarah tackled her to the ground and held her in a vise-like hold. Vega tripped Bill, kicked him in the face, and twisted his arm. Lifting his claw proudly, Vega prepared for the deathblow. "I send you to God." "NOOOO!!!!!", screamed Rally. "..." Rally's extremely piercing cry of anguish was enough to get Vega to hesitate. "What is it?" "Don't kill him! He's more valuable to you alive!" "Hah! Why?" "He's an ATF agent!" "ATF agents are a dime a dozen, what do I need this one for?" "He's got access to confidential files revealing the ATF's strategy against drug runners for the next 6 months! Think of it! It could save you billions of dollars by avoiding busts, spies, and more! He's worth more alive!" "What makes you think I'm deal in drugs?" "I'm just guessing, even if you're not you could sell the info to someone who is-" "What makes you think I'd want money?" The cruel eyes that Rally looked into showed that this maniac did this just for the joy of inflicting suffering onto others. Rally felt defeated. "I will let him live... for now. We'll see if there's anything else he has that can interest me. For now, he lives simply because you have asked for it, my Kitten." "Vincent. Her name is Rally Vincent. Remember it... because that is the name of the woman who is going to bring you to justice you piece of El *SHIT*!!! Your Spanish ass is going down!!!", Bill swore. Vega smiled. -=-=- "We're running out of time." "One day and one night... that's all the time we'll need." "To do what? We haven't briefed our allies on one single thing! We aren't even sure if they're our allies yet!" "Don't worry! We've got the ball rolling... soon Akuma will play his role as a pawn in the defense of this world. It's all taken care of... even Rose." "She's helping?" "Well, I'm not sure, but I have a good feeling about it." "You think everything will just fall into place?" "Trust me on this one." "You're taking a gamble, Yasha-" "Chance, Chaos, Carnal, and Crazy? .... Succubus!" Morrigan chuckled slightly. -=-=- A single figure stood on deck, the end of this cigarette glowing in the dim dusk light. He was staring at the sunset as it reflected off the sea... in the distance, an island. *He* would be there.... A woman walked up behind the smoker and clung to his back. Evil Ryu turned to Anna and embraced her. Smiling wickedly he asked: "'Ever dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight?'" "Batman?", Anna asked, an eyebrow raised. "Yeah...", Evil Ryu sighed, "Father was never much for the World. I'm catching up on the movies I never saw... the joints I never smoked..." He pulled her in even closer and whispered in her ear, "The women I never fucked...." "Oh, Ryu....", Anna panted. Evil Ryu tossed his cigarette into the waters as he leaned her against the railing. "I won't be denied.", he swore. -=-=- Pacing around the dim dining hall Ryu pulled at his bowtie nervously as he looked at his watch. Funny, he had never cared much about time- never had a watch either (but Morrigan said it went nice with the tuxedo)- to him, time was just another aspect of nature, not the cyphric units by which so many people measured their lives. All those people... slaves to the human invention of mechanical time. Right now, mechanical time was giving him an ulcer. Chun Li would be here in just four minutes! Morrigan had already briefed him on what to do and what to say... but Ryu could already feel the knowledge running out of his head like water through a sieve. It felt like an eternity was passing as Ryu watched the numbers on his watch change... time was up. Where was she? Not here. What reason did she have to come? Calm down. It's only been 15 seconds! Ryu was about to curse his watch again when he felt it... it was her. Ryu turned around and felt his heart leap and thump like crazy. She was *SO* beautiful! Ryu's legs trembled as if he wanted to run to her and hold her in his arms. Easy, easy, cool, calm, reserved... Morrigan said to be *smooth*. "C-Chun Li-", Ryu croaked. He winced, coughing to clear his throat he continued, "You look beautiful." "You're looking great for a guy only a couple hours out of a coma.", Chun Li smiled. She was wearing an elegant Chinese dress that seemed to fit her perfectly... Yasha must have spent some time fitting her for that dress (of course a little succubus magic didn't hurt either)! Her own heart was beating quickly as well, partially from her nervousness and partially from Ryu looking so handsome! "You're a quick healer!" "Not everywhere...", Ryu said under his breath. His heart. "Hm?" "Nothing. Come. Let's sit." "Very nice, it looks like we have the entire place to ourselves. You must have some pull here, Ryu." "Actually I didn't know I had it until I started telling people my name... I guess there are some advantages to being known." "'Known?' Ryu you're a living legend! The stories I've heard over the years! Defeating Sagat is no easy task-" "It's good to see you.", Ryu cut her off awkwardly. "It's good to see you, too." "Do you really mean it?" The polite answer was on the tip of her tongue, but Chun Li searched herself for her real feelings. "Yes." There was no point in lying, and she had always wanted to be truthful with Ryu. "I was nervous at first... even sacred... but now I'm really happy we're here." Ryu totally ignored his briefing and spoke from his heart, it was his way and had always worked for him before... why should it fail him now? "I was nervous too, but why were you scared, Chun Li?" "I- ... I was scared I'd have the same feelings I had for you then. I'm not the same person you knew, Ryu. If I felt- ... if we- I don't think it's fair to let you think I'm the one you once loved." Chun Li could feel herself trembling. They had barely been there a moment and already such heavy things were being dredged up. Ryu looked into her eyes and spoke quietly but earnestly, his fist clenched. "You haven't changed enough to stop me from l-" "Please don't say it. Let's just have a good time." "Okay, but I *will* tell you." "See, you're not the same man, yourself, Ryu." "Oh?" "The Ryu I know, wouldn't come out like that and say such a thing! He wouldn't have such thoughts and if he did, he'd keep them to himself!" "I'm not the same, Chun Li, but that's because I've grown. I now know some things are worth more than the value we give them. The sake of my sober image isn't worth not telling you how I feel!" "H-how... how *do* you feel, Ryu?" "I-I'm not sure. I'm confused, Chun Li. I really feel very strongly for you, feelings of love-" "Is it me, or the memory of me?" Ryu shook his head. "Doubts and fears plague me as well but letting them stop us from even trying...." His words fell apart as he noticed the pain on her face. "I'm sorry if I hurt you. But I'm willing to risk- I can not afford not to. Will you?" Chun Li considered... she was so scared, but.... "Okay.", she said meekly. Ryu seemed to glow. "Good. Don't be scared, we'll get to know each other again. Good evening, my name is Ryu." He took her hand and kissed it. As cornball as what he said was, his smile was contagious and Chun Li suddenly felt many times better. She smiled back. "I'm Chun Li. This place is lovely." "I can't really say myself, Miss Aensland and Miss Tenma told me this would be an excellent place to have a romantic dinner." "Romantic?", Chun Li's eyebrow raised teasingly. "And how would you have any idea what *that* was?" "Well, those two gave me lines to study on these cue cards but I don't think I can use that stuff. I think I'll just be myself tonight... will you join me?" "Of course! So when do we eat?!" -=-=- Tracy ran from room to room, hall to hall, across the island and back, and checked with Ikari... finally, out of frustration, she was forced to exclaim: "WHERE THE FUCK *IS* EVERYBODY?!?!" After a long pause. "I'm right here, of course! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", Kodachi cackled madly, as she descended out of nowhere. "....", said a stark white Tracy as she edged away from the lunatic in a purple leotard. -=-=- "Nabiki, we've lost more girls. Sakura, Rally, Morrigan, and Rose have all disappeared.", Kasumi said. "Damn! How is this possible?!?" Nabiki slammed her fist into the table. "Are you sure they've really disappeared?" "Well, they're not showing up on any of the security systems, if that's good enough.", Kasumi answered. "I'm gonna have an ulcer.", Nabiki sighed, "Alright, it isn't fair to keep the girls in the dark when they may be at some sort of risk... but on the other hand I don't want to cause a panic. Here's what we do: we prepare an announcement to be released by Ikari on a time delay... meanwhile, let's investigate." -=-=- Ryu and Chun Li were walking along the beach after dinner; barefoot, hand in hand, Chun Li's head on Ryu's shoulder: the perfect picture of romance. The two had gotten to know each other better and were instantly as comfortable with each other as they had been so many years ago. But there still was the slight nagging of major issues that hadn't been brought up... issues that had driven them apart in the first place. Chun Li couldn't take it any longer. "Have you obtained the perfection of The Fight?" "I'm more skilled, more wise, and stronger than I have ever been in my entire life...", Ryu said with a distant gaze, "but I have yet to perfect The Fight. I can't help feeling I'm missing something vital... some key element. For all my talk of The Fight- I- .... even after all this time I don't think I really know what The Fight is. I don't feel as if my years have been wasted, but sometimes I wonder if I'll ever truly grasp the nature of The Fight." Chun Li nodded in understanding and there was a long silence. The silence was not uncomfortable, but instead, warm and secure. Ryu knew it was his turn. "Did you avenge your father, Chun Li?" "I got purpose from that... it drove my life and gave me a focus. I joined Interpol to hunt Bison down. It was good to stop crime. It was good to fight the evil in this world. But it wasn't why I did it. I wanted Bison dead." The look on her face was so emotional that Ryu became concerned. "You don't have to tell me this-" "No. It's okay... I have to say this. Anyway, I rose in the ranks, so that I could peruse Bison. It worked and I got my shot at him. And... I did it. I killed Bison." Ryu was stunned. Chun Li sighed and began to tell the story. ... "WHAHAHAHAHA!!!", Bison's laugh roared above the sound of his V-TOL's engines and the rushing wind. "You're will is amazingly high for such a young woman! Imagine a girl who would jump off a cliff to catch me! HAHAHA!!! I just had to come up here and see for myself this persistent little girl!" "You're *DEAD* Bison!!!" "Wait! That voice... it has an edge... one that I've heard before. You- HAHAHA!!! Imagine it! I remember, even after killing so many! You're my daughter!" "DON'T SAY THAT YOU *BASTARD*!! YOU *MURDERED* MY FATHER!!!" "I did! I killed him! Easily! And that is what made you what you are today! I created you! I gave you birth! I am your father! HAHAHAHAH!!!" "SHUT UP!!! JUST SHUT UP!!!" "You're *mine*!!! Join me! I could use a girl like you! You're not that bad looking either! What do you say to Daddy?" Roaring, Chun Li charged, launching a flurry of kicking attacks which Bison took with a smile. "I expected more from such a spirited fighter." Chun Li was about to fire back when she calmed herself. Focus. Stay focused. Chun Li began to glow in her stance totally ignoring his taunt. "Aaaaaaaaahhhhh... SENRETSUKYAKU!!!" Chun Li ripped into the monster with a hundred ki charged kicks... Bison never knew what hit him. Gagging and weakened Bison couldn't shut up. "You've got me to my knees... but I won't whine for my life like your worm of a father did!" The girl's face twisted into a visage of pure hatred as she drew her hands over her head. Blue energy began to collect and build into a massive charge. Her intention was to fire off the attack point-blank into Bison's skull. The ki built up and began to cause the surrounding air to crackle and pop. Just at the point of greatest power Chun Li threw her arms apart and let the energies collected dissipate violently. She fell to her knees as tears ran down her face. She wasn't crying... but the tears were there. Realizing her duty, Chun Li got up and faced Bison, who was now crouching with his cloak wrapped around him. "Bison, you are under arrest. You-" "W-weak... so weak... you cannot even KILL!! I would rather *DIE* than be your pathetic prisoner!" Bison smiled wickedly... then opened his cloak. In the palm of his hand sat a small purple spark. It slowly floated drunkenly forward like a willow wisp. Chun Li knew her enemy and she recognized the spark for what it was... she *RAN*!! Chun Li sprinted across the giant airship trying to create as much distance between herself and the wisp. Just as her foot left the V-TOL... it blew up. The spark had not traveled more than a couple of feet before it exploded. It was amazing how much havoc something so small could cause. The spark exploded into a giant destructive sphere of electromagnetic fields. The V-TOL's systems began to fail and explode, the engines halted, and Bison found himself caught in the storm of his attack. The whole thing went down as a crackling mess of purple EM special effects and crashed into a mountain side below. And, of course, blew up into a giant ball of flames which smoldered even when Chun Li regained consciousness several hours later. She was moderately injured, she had been lucky. After Chun Li leapt from the V-TOL she saw the forest below rushing to fill her vision. She saw only one chance to save herself. Chun Li angled her fall by kicking off the trees as she fell, trying to slow her descent and soften the angle of the hit. When she hit the ground she hit it hard and fast, rolling several yards before body stopped... but she survived. Later, Interpol examined the crash site to find everything incinerated. Zero survivors. Bison was dead. But it didn't matter. Chun Li realized that she could not kill him because she knew it wouldn't matter. She was empty. She had lived for revenge and now... now there was nothing left. With no body, it was possible that Bison was still alive, but it just wasn't important to Chun Li anymore. She realized her quest would be fruitless regardless of the outcome. Chun Li's life went through a state of crisis. The Chinese woman resigned from Interpol and stayed at home. After going through a week of sever depression, Chun Li tried to think of what really had meaning in her life before her father died. All she could think of was her father. Only one other thing came to mind: it was the boy she had met in Japan... Ryu. Suddenly filled with a new mission, a strange mission, Chun Li tried to seek out Ryu. But despite the trail of rumors and fantastic stories about the Shotokan fighter, Ryu was incredibly elusive. The former Interpol agent found herself always one step behind him, never quite able to catch up with him. Without a regular job, her funds were beginning to drain and her spirits beginning to die. Chun Li had one last hope. Ryu had been challenging street fighters... he would most likely enter a street fighting tournament to test his skills. So she signed up... and came up empty. Chun Li gave up. Either the Ryu talked about was not the one she knew or he was just a legend. But her memory of Ryu didn't leave her with nothing. Ryu had a purpose, perfecting The Fight, could that serve as her purpose too? Chun Li began to train harder than she had ever trained before. It wasn't for revenge now, it was for herself. As her skills were honed and perfected, her technique strengthened and empowered, her mind became more and more enlightened and her spirit was slowly being restored. Chun Li rejoined Interpol uncertain of her future but determined to see it through. She would live her life day by day. ... "...and that's pretty much how I've gotten here. Ryu, when I couldn't find you I had given up on you. I basically forced myself to accept you as dead. My life was such a waste! If I had just listened to you and not continued! Can you forgive me?" "Chun Li your life wasn't a waste, it was just the path you needed to take then. That was something I didn't understand until much later.", Ryu said softly. "I don't need to forgive you because you've never wronged me. The only thing you ever did... was take my heart." "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry-" She was on the verge of tears. "Chun Li, it's okay. You took my heart but I learned to live with a piece of yours. I never looked for you because I knew we'd have to meet again, one day, to put the pieces together... and share a heart. We're one." "Ryu-...." "Chun Li, I love you. Have you listened to me talk this evening? Have you ever heard me speak so much at one time? I've said more in this time than I've said in the past two years! Do you know why I have so many words for you tonight? I've had so much time to think of what I would say, Chun Li! For a long time, all I thought of was what I was going to say. But like you, my heart started to doubt after so long a time. I started to live like I'd never need anyone... but then I was sent here and I saw you. And I just... knew." "Knew what?" "That we should be together." "Ryu... I feel like- I want to say it, but-.... Feeling and emotions... they're so temporary. You can love someone one day then hate them the next; be happy with a person then suddenly be angry. I don't trust my emotions, Ryu. Why should something as important as love be based on something as transient as a mood?" "It shouldn't. Love is a relationship... we had one back then. If we don't have one now, we can build one. I'm serious, I am committed to loving you, Chun Li. I want to do this. Do you?" And that was the question. It was too fairy tale to believe! Could she really find happiness after everything else? What about her career? What if Ryu was lying? What if she realized she didn't love him? What if Ryu got killed in a fight? What if-.... She stopped herself. Chun Li had always been strong what was wrong with her? She steeled herself and looked Ryu in the eye. Ryu was on the verge of biting his nails, he had said everything he could think of, but he knew it wasn't a logical or emotional speech that would get to her. The pause was killing the greatest fighter in the world. "Yes.", Chun Li forced it out. The instant she said it, she was enormously relieved and felt like she could feel Ryu's love for her wrap around her. "Yes?", Ryu asked quickly. "Yes!", Chun Li smiled. "YES!! HAH HA!!", Ryu rejoiced picking her up and laughing. "You're crying Ryu." "So are you." "I've never seen you cry." "I've never had a reason to when I was with you." "You're with me now." -=-=- So many women and so little time! Vega didn't know where to begin. He had collected a modest harem of prisoners, all fine examples of the fairer sex. Vega could, at any time, begin to molest his captives but he didn't want to start until he was sure he could enjoy it... usually with in the first few moments Vega would go into a haze in which he would emerge bloodied and exhausted with hardly an idea of what he had done. He wanted to remain in control this time. Vega locked away his claw and tried to calm himself. There would be no blood bath this time. The kitten would be first. Vega strolled into Rally's cell and leaned casually against the wall. "Having fun yet? Oh, I'm sorry, is the gag too tight?" Rally simply growled. "Well, Kitten, because of your beauty I've chosen you to be the first. Are you ready?" Rally began to scream through her gag. "I'll take that as a yes. Prepare to experience Heaven!" Rally squirmed as Vega took a hold of her. He was not afraid of this frail woman despite her fiery spirit. What could she do to him while chained to the wall hanging from a pair of wrist manacles? Sure they weren't the best restraints Shadowloo had to offer but their archaic nature made his violation all the more exciting. Vega grabbed the front of Rally's blouse and ripped it open. "Ahhh...", Vega leaned forward to unclip her bra from behind. <"Ah" *this*! Cocksucker!!!>, Rally thought as she slammed her head into his. The headbutt sent Vega reeling back. Rally swung her legs up and kicked off his face, raising her manacles above the hook that held her. The pain wasn't significant but the shock was more than Vega could take. The only thing he could think of was the enormous purple bruise that would be on his forehead paired with the skid marks on his face the next day. His voice sounded of wretched anguish. "MY *FACE*!!!! MY FACE! MY FACE!!! YOU *BITCH*!!!! YOU WILL *DIE* FOR- oof!" Vega's screams were cut off by Rally's hard kick between his legs. When he clutched his injured manhood, Rally smashed her ironclad wrists into his face, knocking the ninja out cold. "I just did you a favor. Where you're going pretty boys get done in an uncomfortable place." "Like the back of a Volkswagen?" Rally looked up to see Bill lounging by the door. "Bill!" He walked over to Vega's fallen body. "Ouch, he's gonna need a nose job for that one." "How'd you get free?" "He had help.", Nabiki said as she strided into the room in her mecha-suit followed by several security androids. ** She locked and loaded her huge gun for emphasis. "The Calvary has arrived!", she smiled wickedly. "Oh my.", said Kasumi as she held her own laser rifle awkwardly. "Seems these four were under Vega's control somehow. He was able to keep them hidden here because he knew how to bypass some of Ikari's security functions. Isn't that right?" "Yes, Ma'am. Vega is probably Shadowloo, so he knew what my weak spots would be. I'll blind for the next couple of hours but I'll be back on my feet in no time!", Ikari answered. "Vega was collecting quite a group here, I'm sure we'll find all the missing women down here. So everything's wrapped up nice and tidy-" "Not... quite. HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!", Bison laughed. -=-=- "Who-?" "He's Bison.", Sofia said, "Leader of Shadowloo... I thought he was killed a while back though. I guess it was too good to be true." "Cockroaches seem positively fragile to scum like him, Sofia. So disgusting, even *I* wouldn't do any jobs for him.", Nina spat. "Ladies, you flatter me. Remember there was a time when I *owned* you women. I see you've defeated Vega without much trouble. That's what I get for sending him on an assignment involving so many women. That was his personal weak point. But *I*, on the other hand, have no weakness." "I'd say shooting off your mouth in front of a dozen heavy assault weapons is a weakness!", Nabiki challenged. "...and you'd be wrong..." Bison grunted and suddenly closed his hand into a fist, energy sparking from his hand and eyes. Then Nabiki's mecha-suit cracked and shattered to pieces... all the guns followed. The security cyborgs stumbled while clutching their heads before exploding into scrap metal. Bison smiled. "Eat it!", Sofia cried as she fired off a ki attack from the end of her whip. The ring of energy seemed to melt before coming in contact with the would-be dictator of the world. "CAMMY!", Bison ordered. Cammy's eyes suddenly went blank as she fell under Bison's control. She leapt upon Sofia and began a painful combo ending in a ki charged Cannon Spike... leaving Sofia knocked out and covered in blue flames. "You. You are Nabiki Tendo. Am I right?" Nabiki was half-naked with the loss of her mecha-suit and under the heel of a psychopath... but she wasn't afraid. "What is it to you?" "This was *my* island once, Miss Tendo. One of many. One of my favorite, in fact." "And now it is *my* island." "Yes, a bold move on your part. Buying this island and using it to further your plans for world domination-" "What?!" "Don't play innocent with me! I've tracked your investments and your ploy is obvious!" "What's that?" "You're moving in on my territory. There can be only one... ruler of the world... and I am he." Nabiki burst out laughing. At first Bison was startled then he laughed along with the middle Tendo sister. Suddenly he stopped. "What's so funny?" "You're absolutely correct. I *AM* trying to take over the world. The question is: so what are *you* going to do about it?" "Hah hah! Well met! Nothing I suppose. I could kill you but that would hardly be sporting. This is another option...." "Yes?" "Join forces with me and we'll rule this world together!" "Yeah, right. Like I would ever side with the forces of darkness! I'm sorry pal, I just can't do that." "I understand. Well then, until I crush you on the field of economic battle, I'll leave you to your schemes." Bison disappeared in a flash. Cammy was left behind, her will slowly returning to her. "What a ambitious man.", Nabiki sighed. "Nabiki! You sound almost like you *ADMIRE* that psychotic lunatic!" "Hey, you're not *really* planning on taking over the world, are you?" "No. Of course not.", Nabiki said rather flatly, leaving the rest of them to wonder.... -=-=- "RANMA!", Akane let out an exasperated sigh. Something was wrong. Ranma was never like this, not even with the Passion Dust. The dust turned Ranma into an animal-like sex machine, but Ranma was consciously drooling and groping at every girl they came across. He was a- a- "*PERVERT*!!!!", she yelled out as she smashed him with a mallet to keep him from touching a girl's bottom. "OW! Hey! Whatcha do that for!?" "You really don't know? You- baka-", Akane started to cry. "This isn't *you* Ranma! What's wrong with you? I want *my* Ranma to come back to me!" Something in Hentai Ranma snapped. No matter what, he would *NEVER* hurt Akane! "A-Akane. I'm sorry. I-I didn't realize-.... Ikari! How did I get like this?" "I'm afraid I can't tell you Ranma. You asked me to 'forget' all your actions. There is a cure I could suggest, however...-" "What? What is it?" "I'm not sure it's a good idea." "I'll do *ANYTHING* Ikari. Tell me!" "It will work better if I *don't* tell you." "Then tell *me*.", Akane interrupted. Ikari explained the plan to Akane who shook her head. "No, I don't think I could do that to him. It would be too much for him!" "It doesn't matter, Akane. I will do it! For you! Ikari, set it up and make it so." "As you will." -=-=- "Would you shut up?" "Huh?" Ryu's trance was broken as he turned to Chun Li. "You haven't said a thing in over an hour." "Oh." Sarcasm. Chun Li smiled and leaned against him. Ryu smiled back and gave her hand a squeeze that said more than words could tell. "Now *that* is the Ryu I know!" "..." "Everything you said this evening was wonderful, but like you said, it just isn't like you to talk so much. It was sort of weird. As if you weren't yourself." "I just had to let you know-" "Thank you for risking your heart like that. It took a lot courage... a lot of love." There was a silence. "I know I'm supposed to say something right now, but I used up all my best material back there.", Ryu smiled. "Oh, I see, it was just a bunch of lines to get me in bed! Is *that* it?", Chun Li joked. Ryu blushed and began to trip over his own words. "What!? No!- it- I didn't- we didn't! I- I-!" Chun Li interrupted him by pressing a finger to his lips. "Shhh... I know. I'm just teasing. From your nervousness you'd think you were still a virgin or something." Ryu blushed bright red this time. She smiled and started to hit him playfully. "Hah hah! You *ARE*! You *ARE*!! Aren't you? You're still a virgin! Am I right?" "Yes, I don't have much time with my training-" "Others have found the time." "I'm not very- um- er, adept with women... or people for that matter. I guess I never found the need- The Fight was my life." "Still, that doesn't mean-" "Alright, the truth is... I was waiting." "Waiting?" "For you.", sighed Ryu. "You were saving yourself for *me*!?", Chun Li said in a love sick voice, "That's *so* sweet! .... What if you never found me?" Ryu shrugged. "I suppose I would have remained a virgin for life. Chun Li- I... I don't know how to ask you this-" "Yes. I'm still a virgin, too. It wasn't exactly by choice, I just... am. I guess I've had trouble trusting people for a long time. The few that I have... I didn't trust in *that* way. .... You know, the only reason I bring this up is because- eventually- I- we... well you know." "Know what?" "We almost did it that time... this time I intend to finish." "Oh." "Ryu, you actually look *scared*!" "I'm inexperienced in this field... could we talk of this later? It'll be dawn soon and you should rest for your fights tomorrow." Chun Li giggled. "You avoiding the subject? Hm! Well, I guess you're right. Will you escort me to my room, Ryu." "Of course, it would be my pleasure." Chun Li leaned on him again and looked at the sky. The moon was still up yet the purple pink haze of the rising sun was beginning to form on the horizon. "It's funny....", Chun Li sighed contently. "Hm?" "When I first met you, you were naive. You said little because you had little to say. Then you went into the world and felt that people wasted too much breath on their words. They said too much without saying a thing. Finally, you and I are together... and there is little that needs to be said." "Except this: I love you.", said Ryu as he took her into a passionate kiss. -=-=- The Black Hammers. Like their namesake a mix of darkness and cold hard force... for a price. The most exclusive, and costly, mercenary group on the planet. They have been personally responsible for the death of small governments or the victory of a nation at war. The UN trembles at the mention of their name and terrorists scatter in fear at their coming.... They are the Black Hammers. Every merc clad in strict black body armor. The only hint of color- the blood red background of their circular emblems displaying, what else, but a black warhammer centered within. Most of the Black Hammers carry guns, lots of guns. Others are close combat experts carrying blades and clubs and staves. All have their skills and weapons complimented by cutting edge technology: thermo-optics, ionic blades, Gauss guns, laser targeting & communications, data-chip dog- tags, plasma rifles, etc. But the trademark of the Hammers are their Warhammers. The Black Hammers only have a little more than a dozen Warhammers. *One* is enough to take out an entire battalion. They are the 5 meter tall mechanical equivalent of Death. Each Warhammer is a mecha-suit that needs only one pilot but can hold a gunner and an extra passenger and can supply life-support to all three for over a week. Their armor is nearly invincible and payload incredible. A few unconventional ammoless weapon systems in case of the unlikely event of running out of ammunition. The Black Hammers are quite possibly the most feared military force in the world. They were now working for Evil Ryu... and they were coming to Lodoss. -=-=- Ranma walked into the room not knowing what to expect all he knew is that his cure was in here. Looking around he found that the room was sealed off with solid steel plates... what kind of therapy were they planning!?! In the middle of the room was a bed with gossamer curtains surrounding it. As he walked forward Ranma could make out the shapely shape of a curvy woman behind that curtain. Hentai Ranma didn't stand a chance, he dove forward and pulled the curtain out of his way, ready to feast his eyes upon fantastic female flesh. Oh man! And was it female! A jaw-dropping figure with all the right curves in all the right places. From the looks of it she had been doped up on Passion Dust and... cat-nip? "Me-ow!", the cat-girl purred seductively. "I'm Felicia.", she smiled at him. She obviously wanted more from him than just an introduction. Ranma, meanwhile, was going insane. Torn between horniness his fear of cats, Hentai Ranma's mind was being split painfully in two. And Felicia wasn't making it any easier for him, either. The now nude feline spread her legs widely rubbed her paws against her mound. Then she thrust her sex into the air as she ran them along her breasts. All while soft moans and purring came from her throat. How the hell was this supposed to cure him?!? What kind of sick torture was this?! His Hentai curse drove him forward demanding he satisfy his man-hood and it prevented him from using his Cat Fist. Unless he was totally afraid he couldn't safely, mentally, become a cat... thus it left him in this terrifying limbo. Oh God! The cat in heat was humping the bed-post begging him to join her! Akane began to doubt Ikari's fuzzy logic. Ikari had claimed that there was strong psychological evidence that Ranma would lose his hentai personality... or his fear of cats. Either way he lost a curse... unless he went completely insane. Ranma began to twitch. He switched between hissing like a cat and drooling like a lecher. After one last spasm, Ranma purred responsively to Felicia's invitation, gliding towards her like a cat. "Ikari! What's happening?!" "Oh boy... uh- there was such a low chance of this happening I didn't even consider it! Ranma- he- ah- he's unified his conflict into a solution. Um, most people can't do that without therapy." "*WHAT*?!", Akane screamed. "Heh heh.", Ikari laughed weakly, "You have a very empowered fiancee... you should be proud." ... Kasumi-megami-sama brushed up on sentient computer programming skills on her paper keyboard. ... *Proud* was the last thing that came to Akane's mind as she watched Ranma rut with Felicia like... well, an animal. While they had sex, Akane stormed out of the observation room. With a growl in his throat, Ranma rode Felicia from behind. Both were lost in the moment when Akane burst in. The youngest Tendo sister lifted her fiancee up by the back of his neck and looked him in the face. She didn't seem happy. Ranma looked at her with big cat eyes, meowed, and licked her nose. Akane's face softened... then tightened when Felicia yelped from a self-induced orgasm. Akane sent Ranma into orbit. "Miss Akane? Um, I just realized... in going back over the records of Nabiki's actions- phone orders and so on- it seems that Ranma is under an Instant Spring of Drowned Pervert Curse. Which means that-" "The solution is as easy as hot and cold water. Grrr... Ikari, if you hadn't been programmed by Nabiki I would have torn out your optics by now!" Ikari decided now wasn't a good time to tell her sentient computers program themselves. -=-=- Ryu sighed as he strolled back along the beach, suit in arm. For the first time in a long time he was *happy*! He could hardly believed it. For most of his life he had been using the Fight as the meaning to his life but truthfully it had been an empty existence. He lived for challenges from the worlds greatest fighters... but what had it amounted to? He almost wasn't even sure if he ever wanted to fight again. Did he need to anymore? What did the Fight mean now that he had found Love again? Love was all that mattered, wasn't it? But some- where deep inside himself something continued to murmur... the Fight is all! Everything for the Fight. No! He couldn't risk it all again for the Fight! Yet he still felt as if the voice might be right- Ryu paused. His thoughts were interrupted by a disturbing aura. He had almost forgotten... Akuma. The aura was an intense foul... stench. Akuma was near, very near. Any doubt whether or not he was upon the island or not disappeared from Ryu's mind. A sudden gust of wind and the demon was before him. Ryu dropped the suit and took a defensive stance. "Ryu." "Demon." And that was all that needed to be said. -=-=- "I'm going to see her." "Oh, Ryu! Do you have to go?", Anna whined from under the sheets. "Yes. Now.", he said, annoyed. "You don't-... *love* her do you?", she asked as she poked her head out. Evil Ryu looked at her as if she was insane. "Of course not! But ever since I knew she'd be here I had to- to... I'm drawn to her. It's our destiny. You have your orders. Be sure to follow them precisely.", Evil Ryu said as he pulled up his pants. "What about our prisoner?" "A pity Sakura didn't wake up... keep her with you until the attack. Then you can do whatever you wish." "Yay! .... A quickie?", Anna asked, an innocent look upon her face. Evil Ryu smiled wickedly. "Honestly, you're insatiable. That's what I love about you!" He gave her a kiss then teleported away. -=-=- "KIYAAAAHHHH!!!", Gouki roared as his kick sailed over Ryu's head. The two were locked in the heat of battle. Ryu had always found Akuma to be a deadly opponent... he had hardly survived their last encounter, yet today Akuma was even more dangerous than he had ever been before. Akuma and Gouki had trained hard since their defeat at Evil Ryu's hands. They still did not understand that the Ryu they were now fighting was not the demon that had whipped them so easily before. But Ryu felt stronger too. He was sharper, faster, smarter, and stronger than ever before. And although he was losing at the moment, he felt a strange confidence. Ryu wasn't sure but it felt like his untapped potential was beginning to leak out... had he regained that lost part of his soul? -=-=- Chun Li was sleeping peacefully when Evil Ryu teleported into the room. He moved to the edge of her bed and looked down upon her angelic face. Bending low, he was about to kiss her when she stirred and her eyes fluttered half open. "Ryu?", Chun Li said smiling softly. "Yes, Love... it's me." "I'm glad you're here. I wanted to say something to you." "Oh?", Evil Ryu said as he began to undress. "Some people are such cowards with their hearts... I learned to guard it and keep it from any harm... any pain... but that only wound up costing me more. I'm such a coward... thank you for being courageous." "Be brave for me now, Chun Li, because we're going to do what I was too scared to finish all those years before." "Oh Ryu!" Evil Ryu slipped into bed besides Chun Li and observed her nightgown. It was simple and practical and hardly erotic... but Evil Ryu shared memories with Ryu that lusted after the woman beneath those clothes. Chun Li was *HIS*! He reached out to touch her thigh lightly when she flinched. Suddenly Chun Li found herself wide awake. She didn't know why she had flinched... was it a reflex? It seemed to be something more, almost a sixth sense. How did he get into the room? Why was he acting like this? Was that cologne she smelled? Chun Li didn't know how, perhaps it was because they shared a soul, but she knew this was *NOT* Ryu! She suddenly felt very scared and very much in danger... was she going crazy? Evil Ryu smelled trouble. He could feel her body tense, her pulse and breathing quicken, her aura flaring. It was her aura that bothered him the most... her spirit... her spirit smelled of... RYU! She knew! How could she know? Was Ryu somehow protecting her? "Chun Li are you okay? We don't have to do this if you don't want to.", Evil Ryu said softly. Chun Li doubted herself. "I sorry, something just doesn't feel right." "It's okay... these things take time.", he said in an understanding tone. "Do you mind if I just lay here a while?" Chun Li shook her head. "Go ahead. Ryu, I love you." She paused a moment and looked thoughtful. Chun Li smiled, "That was a delicious glazed duck we had for dinner... just perfect!" Evil Ryu looked into her eyes. "Yes, perfect... like you." He reached out to touch her face but she caught his wrist and twisted it. She slammed the knife edge of her palm across his throat and rolled out of the way. Chun Li knew now, that it wasn't her that was crazy... it was the situation. Who was this shadow of Ryu?! "How did you know!?", Evil Ryu demanded as he gripped his throat, snarl on his face. "Ryu and I had *FISH* for dinner not duck, bastard!" Evil Ryu snarl twisted itself into insane laughter. He stared into her eyes cruel smile on his lips. "Clever girl." He raised a hand and fired off a Hadoken. "What are you!?!", Chun Li screamed as she dodged. "Please. Stand still.", Evil Ryu said quietly. Chun Li responded by attacking with a Crescent Kick that sliced the bed in two. Evil Ryu had teleported out of harm's way... and appeared right behind her. Sweep kicking her to the floor Evil Ryu held her down by her wrists and straddled her. "I see now... we are both as much a part of Ryu as we are ourselves. I am his darkness, greed, hate, and lust... you are his heart, joy, comfort, and love. How fitting I should union with you before I go off to destroy him!" "NEVER!" Chun Li tore herself free and rolled away. "You will never have me or kill Ryu! Not if I have anything to say about it! *KIKKOSHO*!!!!!" The Chinese girl summoned a devastating energy storm in the form of an enormous ball of destructive ki. The storm sucked Evil Ryu, most of the room, and just about everything else into itself... then exploded hurling everything away from the eye. The explosion didn't go unnoticed. -=-=- "All in all a rather... disappointing, 'business' trip.", Bison commented as he adjusted Vega's body on his shoulder, "You know I didn't even get a chance to meet with Wild-" ** "Now this could be interesting....", Bison said as he dropped Vega's body and teleported away. -=-=- "What was that?!", Morrigan said. The two succubi had been startled by the explosion. "Oh no! It's too soon, too soon!" "What, Yasha? You actually had a plan?" "Not exactly... more of a- a- uh... script." "Lemme guess, that's not in the script." "Oh it is... just not until Act IV! We've got to hurry!" -=-=- "Heh, that packed quite a punch. It *almost* hurt.", Evil Ryu sneered as he wiped a faint trail of blood from his mouth. Chun Li was exhausted and resisted the urge to fall. What kind of monster was he? Evil Ryu stepped towards Chun Li when Bison appeared out of thin air. "What a specimen! I *must* have you for my collection! I can feel the raw power flowing through you!", Bison said at the sight of Evil Ryu. "Bison?!", Chun Li choked. He was still alive? "Go away! This is a private party!" Without bothering to aim, Evil Ryu fired off a Hadoken with one hand backwards. Bison teleported around the attack. "I'm afraid your data is too valuable for me to do that.", he said calmly. Yasha and Morrigan suddenly appeared. Evil Ryu frowned and took up a fighting stance, then hesitated. Standing up straight and turning around he laughed. "I'll save you for dessert.... Hehhehhaha!" He disappeared. A thick silence hung in the air for nearly a minute. Then... "BISON!!" "Ah, my little girl! MUWAHAHAHAH!!!" "*STOP*!!!", Morrigan screamed as she put herself between them. "Chun Li, I believe the Chinese have a saying... 'Hei Chi Hei' or Black Eats Black. It means a villain who is beyond evil, demented by even Evil's standards. Evil Ryu is such a being, he is worse than Bison! We'll need Bison's help and we need *you*." What she said made little sense but Chun Li accepted it and calmed down. Bison was trying his best not to break out into mad laughter again. "Yasha get Chun Li dressed and healed. And bring her up to speed... I need to talk with the Dictator.", Morrigan sighed. -=-=- Evil Ryu retreated to his cruiser where he freshened up and prepared to meet his father. Anna tried to get information on how his meeting with Chun Li went but he sent her away angrily. Evil Ryu was curious as to how Chun Li would react to seeing Bison again, knowing her hatred of him. Evil Ryu hoped that Chun Li would destroy Bison. With Bison dead he could begin to move in on Shadowloo's territory. The succubi's arrival was probably not a good thing considering the number of demons he had already killed. The Dark Shotokan had better sense than to try to satisfy his curiosity however. He had other business to attend to. -=-=- "GAH!", Gouki grunted as Ryu kicked him away. The fighters' blood was rushing, their hearts pounding as they continued to battle. Their wounds were minor, their surroundings insignificant, the time of no consequence... there was only the Fight! No other two fighters in the world shared a passion for their art as these two did. One for the Power and one for the Fight but both for the sake of Shotokan. Combat was a rush for Ryu. This battle more than any other before it. His mind was unbelievably clear and the right moves came out with hardly a thought. Ryu could actually win this battle! ** Ryu and Akuma dove for cover trying to avoid the spray of bullets that was kicking up sand. Evil Ryu fell from out of nowhere firing madly at nothing. He landed and nodded his head towards the two Shotokan fighters. "Hello Father.", Evil Ryu smiled as he holstered his guns. "Y-you....", Ryu stammered. His Nightmare in the flesh! "Hey, Pops, it's me! Your only son!", Evil Ryu laughed. "It all makes sense now. I see what you are now-", Akuma stammered. Gouki growled. "Easy, Gramps, don't make me blow off your head. Hah, you Shotokan Karate masters crack me up! 'Open-palm' my ass! Stick a gun in it! Look at these babies! One of the first CZ75s and this Glock 18, the only fully automatic pistol in production. An ugly mutha but fun as hell to use!" He kissed his guns before putting them away and continuing. "And you're still wearing a gi? Please! That is *so* tired. Kill in style! That's my motto!" Evil Ryu spun to show off his duds an obviously overly priced suit that truly looked sharp on the killer. Evil Ryu of course shed the headband and the gloves in favor of a wicked smirk borrowed from Ken. "Okay, okay, I admit the shades are a bit overboard. We'll lose the shades!", he said as he tossed his $200 sunglasses into the sand. Ryu was frozen. It wasn't the guns. Ryu had never feared guns. It wasn't facing a dark nightmare come to life. No, it was the fact that this was his Dark Side... and it was... light-hearted, happy, talkative... merry?! It didn't even have the decency to be a somber villain like Sagat. It flaunted its perversion! This was the Darkness that had been buried deep inside himself?! Akuma was not so afflicted. "DIE!!!", he roared as launched a Hadoken at Evil Ryu. The Dark Shotokan whipped out his CZ75 and dropped to one knee, firing. An explosion of blood sprayed out from Akuma's thigh. Evil Ryu teleported next to the crippled demon and rubbed his temple with the end of his pistol. He dropped his guns, and proceeded to beat the life out of Gouki with a long combo. Holding him by the throat Evil Ryu yelled. "STUPID STUPID STUPID OLD MAN!!!", a cruel smile replaced his look of madness, "Akuma, you fucking stupid demon! Sure, you are empowering this pathetic old fool's body... but have you stopped to think of how badly you're burning it out? Gouki's decaying flesh will be your downfall! It's so much weaker than Ryu's or even Ken's flesh! I don't even see how you stand!" "You don't think I know that, you bastard!?! You are some cosmic freak accident and you wonder why I'm here?", Akuma answered. "I will kill you and take your power... later." Evil Ryu tossed Akuma to the ground and blasted his other leg with a burst of hot lead. He could not risk absorbing Akuma's power with Ryu standing around but it was also too much power simply to let it go to waste by killing him outright. "Now Father... your turn." Evil Ryu pointed the gun at Ryu's chest about to squeeze the trigger when Akuma leapt up and struck him with his version of the tatsumaki-sempukyaku. Crackling electrical energy surrounded the bloody leg Akuma was hitting Evil Ryu with and in turn lit him up. The demon had to land on a bad leg, though, causing him to fall flat on his back. "Oh ho... cute, very cute.", Evil Ryu smoldered as he shook off the attack. Ryu saw his chance and took it. Opening with a flying kick, Ryu attacked his dark twin. Several well placed, heavy hits seemed to hardly phase the monster. Ryu hopped back and drew his hands back, energy building rapidly around him. "HADOKEN!!" ** A direct hit! Ryu looked at the smoldering crater for a moment then rushed to Akuma's side. That was too easy. He helped him to his feet and let his master's brother and killer use him as a crutch. "You've got to get out of here.", Ryu said. "Hah! I never dreamed I'd need your help! I never dreamed that you'd offer it! Well it is welcome!", Akuma smiled while still leaning on Ryu and limping forward, dragging the leg soaked entirely with his own blood. Ryu had always wondered if Akuma could bleed... and if he bled, would it be red? This answered his question. "NO!", yelled Gouki as he reclaimed his body and slugged Ryu for all he was worth. This took them both down. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!", Akuma fumed. "I will NOT ally with *HIM*!", Gouki growled. "We *NEED* him to survive!", Akuma protested. "I'd rather *DIE*!", Gouki said through grit teeth. "And let *him* live?!" Akuma pointed to Ryu. "Let him help us today... we can return to kill him another time." "I will n-never....", Gouki choked. No matter what power the demon Akuma offered, he would not sacrifice his pride for it! This was *his* body! Gouki struggled to his knees and hobbled forward, half hopping on one foot, without Ryu. Ryu was still recovering from the punch but Evil Ryu was already back. He groped around for his weapon and found it. Evil Ryu took aim and fired, riddling Gouki with bullets. Gouki's limp carcass fell ontop of Ryu. Ryu came to his senses and immediately dove out of the way of Evil Ryu's second barrage. Ryu flipped to his feet and leapt into the air, Evil Ryu's gun barrel training closer and closer. Ryu fired off a Hadoken at Evil Ryu's feet causing the beach to erupt a smokescreen of sand. Ryu landed and dashed towards the sand wave trying to close the distance but when it fell there was no one behind it. Suddenly Evil Ryu appeared right in his face. The Glock positioned point-blank under Ryu's chin. "Time to die.", Evil Ryu said somberly. He pulled the trigger.... Nothing. "WHAT?!?" Evil Ryu lifted his other weapon and tried to fire it without success. Sensing power he spun to see Bison flanked by Chun Li, Yasha, and Morrigan. Bison's fists were glowing and his eyes burned with blue flames. He was using his Psycho Power to hold the internal mechanisms of the gun in place. Throwing his arms apart, Evil Ryu's weapons did the same and were torn apart. "Pathetic.", Bison's deep voice rumbled. "Me for using a weapon? Or you for needing to bring so many friends?", Evil Ryu laughed as he ran his hands through his hair. No one moved an inch, Evil Ryu surrounded by Ryu and Bison's party. It was as if they were all waiting for someone to make the first move. Nothing could be heard except for the wind and the waves following their natural rhythm. "IKUZO! [LET'S GO!]", came Chun Li's battle cry. -=-=- Dawn was barely breaking and the Black Hammers were on the move. The amphibious landing had been a complete success. Various teams landing on every beach front and were securing the island as most of the women were asleep. Small squads entered the suites sweeping room by room and taking hostages. For such a large scale project involving so many people (all known to be fighters), the Hammers would have typically used an anesthetic gas bomb, but Evil Ryu had wanted them to be awake for some unknown reason. Everything was going according to plan. -=-=- The battle was insane. Four beings (Evil Ryu, Bison, and the two succubi) all with the ability to teleport made for a fight that went beyond the third dimension. Evil Ryu would pop into existence with Bison close behind him. The dictator attempting to crush the demon. But Evil Ryu would vaporize and Morrigan or Yasha would appear on the receiving end of Bison's attack. Ryu and Chun Li could do little but swing at shadows and make sure to defend themselves. Bison was quickly getting annoyed. Evil Ryu attacked Yasha only to have her teleport next to him and attack him from the side. But at the last moment, he teleported away, just in time to get her to hit Bison. Bison growled and began to take his frustrations out on her by strangling her... she popped away. "You could help, instead of just watching, you know!", Yasha called out in an annoyed tone. There was a flash as a giant tarot card materialized and Rose stepped out from behind it. "Morrigan will work with you to weave a teleport-nulling spell. Go! We'll keep him busy!" Rose nodded and got to work. Ryu and Chun Li stood back to back trying to anticipate any surprises but could do little. Evil Ryu popped right in Chun Li's face trying to steal a kiss but Bison's Psycho Powered fist came in fast with the intention of crashing through the back of his skull. Evil Ryu teleported, of course. Chun Li dodged and Ryu spun to catch the fist. The blue flames that enveloped Bison's fist would normally engulf anyone it hit and sear the flesh of weaker foes. But with Ryu it simply licked hungrily at Ryu's hand but never engulfing it. This actually surprised Bison. "Be more careful.", Ryu said simply, looking at Chun Li. "Hmmm...." Bison caught Ryu's wrist as he was turning away and activated his Psycho Power partially. Ryu flinched and pulled his hand away quickly, the points where Bison had touched were mildly burned. "Fascinating...." "Got it!", Morrigan called. Evil Ryu appeared on the ground wounded at the same instant. The teleport-null seemed to cause him to be clothes-lined by reality. Hands on his throat Evil Ryu stood up gagging. "N-nice- gak!- trick. Won't- uck!- help you- agh!- much." He began to glow evilly, purple black tongues of flame rolling off his back. Ryu wasn't sure but it looked like- well it looked like Evil Ryu was... blurring? This distortion of his image continued to grow vibrating apart until they generated four distinct Evil Ryu images. "Are they real?", Chun Li asked. "Let's see....", Ryu answered. -=-=- "Whooee!! Man that last chick was H-O-T, HOT!", slurped a lecherous Black Hammer. "Get a grip, Manny! Business is business!", Manny's fellow Hammer barked at him. "Yeah, but did you check out that flimsy silk thing she was wearing!?!" "There's time for that shit later! Cool it! Don't let your cock get in the way of business.", scowled a second Hammer. Manny slumped his shoulders and frowned. The three Black Hammers moved to the next door and slid their proxy keycard through the slot. A click and a gentle hiss and the door was open. The layout of the room was just like the two-dozen rooms before it. A bed right in front of the door, with the mark laying there asleep. "Holy *shit*!!!", Manny whispered excitedly. "*Shut-up*!" "This mark's a total babe! She's stacked out to here!", he gestured with this cupped palms. The other two Hammers just sighed. The mark this time was sleeping above her covers and nude. Manny literally drooled as he watched the woman's chest rise and fall. "Hey guys... lemme handle this one.", Manny suggested as he nudged the other two. "We know what you mean by 'handle', Manny... *No*!" "Aw ya gotta be kidding me, right? Look at her!" "No." "Guys, I'm about to cum in my pants! If I don't do something soon I'm gonna mess myself. Then you're gonna have to smell it and hear me whine about it all day." "We could just shoot you." "Com'on!", whined the pervert. "Three's the rule. We travel in 3's." "So you guys can watch." Manny's partners shuddered. "I've gone this long without seeing your bare ass, I intend to die that way. Me and Marko will take the next room, you finish up here-" "Thanks!", Manny yelped. "-quietly!" "Heh, thanks.", Manny repeated in hushed tones. He waited for them to leave then rung his hands together licking his lips. The girl was obviously Asian... Japanese probably. But she was larger than any Jap he had ever seen. Staring at her gorgeous globes Manny wanted so badly to touch.... But the bulge in his pants was aching to get out and getting more painful by the moment. Reflexively glancing around, Manny opened up his pants, took his swollen member into one hand, and began to stroke it. Reaching out with his free hand, Manny spread his palm to fondle- "Keep you hands to yourself!", Mai growled as she caught his wrist inches from her breast. Smashed Manny's throat in with the edge of her hand to prevent him from screaming, then she twisted his arm until a sickening ** was heard, finally she produced a slender blade from out of nowhere and jammed it into his heart. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't cute, but first and foremost, Mai was a *NINJA*... an assassin trained to kill. Mai had heard the men the instant they had come in, but feigned sleep until she knew what they were up to. Though she had killed Manny before she found that out, she decided preventing her own rape took priority over that just now. With a gesture, Mai's garb magically clothed her and provided her with weapons. Mai was about to search the corpse's body when his two partners came slamming back through the door weapons primed. What Mai didn't know was that each Hammer's heart was monitored by a remote system that let the others know if one of their own was downed. All Mai knew was that these two men had firearms drawn on her with the intent to rape or kill. She tossed two fans at the Hammers downing them both. Leaping into the hall, Mai was met by automatic fire which she dodged and retaliated against with a ki charged fan. The gun fire easily awoke all the other occupants of the hall who began opening their doors, poking their sleepy heads out into the hall. A Black Hammer took advantage of the situation and took a girl hostage, holding a gun to her head and quickly ending Mai's rebellion. Mai's act of killing a single Hammer set off a reaction similar to vomiting on a bee hive. The stealthy and silent takeover was now forced into becoming a quick and violent hostage situation. Girls screaming, shots were fired, the whole island was caught in an uproar. But there was an upside. The commotion allowed one other person to be alerted ahead of time. Nabiki was awake. -=-=- Each one of Evil Ryu's duplicates seemed to be just as skilled and powerful as the original. The others were forced to split into teams: Bison, Rose and Chun Li, Yasha and Morrigan, and Ryu. Bison was having little trouble with his Evil Clone, in fact he was almost playing with it. Yasha and Morrigan used their speed and agility to overwhelm their target. Rose and Chun Li seemed to be unstoppable. Only Ryu was having trouble. , Ryu thought as he received yet another counter attack to the gut. Ryu knew all of *his* moves too so neither fighter was gaining much ground. Ryu caught his shadow's leg and attempted to throw him but found himself reversed and heaved into the air. This wasn't going so well.... Chun Li winced as Ryu took a roundhouse to the chin but in her distracted state she found herself floored by her Evil Clone. She quickly flipped to safety and took a defensive stance. "Go help your boyfriend!", Rose called out. "But-" "You're useless when you keep looking over your shoulder like that and I can handle myself here. Go where you're needed!" "Are you sure?" "GO already!", Rose insisted. Chun Li thanked her again and went off to join her love in combat. The Evil Clone left with Rose smiled at his lone opponent. Rose wagged her finger at the Clone. "Tsk tsk, I can play your game too." The Evil Clone's smile turned to a worried look as Rose split into four persons... each grinning wickedly. Bison fist punched through his Clone's chest and crushed his heart. The Clone cried out and faded from existence. "How dull...." Yasha fired a beam into her Clone's leg crippling it and Morrigan swept in and decapitated it with her blade wing. Rose surrounded her Clone and beat him up from four directions. The finishing blow: four scarf drills with the Clone ground up in the center. Three down. Chun Li intercepted a flying kick meant for Ryu with a hard backfist. Ryu frowned... this was *his* fight. Ryu shook his head and caught himself. It was Chun Li's fight too... they were one now. "Hey Lover!", Chun Li said. Ryu just smiled back while kicking his Clone. The Evil Clone decided change its tactics to handle multiple fighters. He dashed in and dove between the two lovebirds spreading his arms out. Firing two one-handed Hadokens point-blank into their bellies the Clone sent Ryu and Chun Li flying in opposite directions. Knowing Chun Li to be the weaker of the two, the Evil Clone called upon his reserves to finish her off. "SHINKUUU-" "*NOOOO*!!!", came Ryu's anguished cry. Ryu knew he could never make it in time but he began to run. He ran faster than he had ever ran before. Ryu felt like he was flying and the rest of time was stopping for him. In fact it was. Ryu was teleporting through short distances. Each time he appeared in mid-frame of a running pose before vanishing again. He was closing distance amazingly fast and his only thought was, Everything was happening at once. "Well don't look at me! I'm not doing it!", Morrigan said as Yasha raised an eyebrow. "Rose and I nulled this place!" Chun Li was just crawling to her knees setting herself up to be heavily hit. "-HADOKEN!!!!" There was a sound of burning ozone as the beam of intense energy shot out towards the groggy Chinese girl. "AURRRRGHHH!!!!" Ryu made it. He stood between Chun Li and the blast, absorbing the full brunt of the attack. The last time he had been hit by such an attack he had fell into a coma... not this time. Encased in blue flames Ryu virtually shrugged off the attack. His eyes narrowed and his breath slowed as he drew his hands back. How would the Clone enjoy some of his own treatment? "*HADOKEN*!!!!", roared Ryu as a wall of fast death came from his palms and incinerated the Clone. Four Clones down... that just left the original. -=-=- Ranma was having a nightmare. It started out as a pleasant dream. He was the hero and focus of attention. In the dream, he bashed bad guys as beautiful women swooned over him. He was dashing and daring and of course Akane was there the entire time, being loving and supportive. Of course, then this other guy entered the dream. The guy was nothing like the undisciplined and energetic Ranma, he was more solemn and sedated, yet still retained a quiet confidence. Suddenly everybody was paying attention to the new guy and ignoring him. It was as if he didn't exist! Ranma tried to get someone's attention only to find that no sound came from his voice. All Ranma could do was scream silently as he watched the adventures of the new guy! He yelled frantically trying to not slip out of existence. ... Kasumi-megami-sama struck a really cute and innocent face. ... "WHEN DID I STOP BEING THE FOCUS OF THIS SERIES!!!", Ranma yelled as he came awake. He sat up wondering why he had just said that and looked at Akane who had been sleeping next to him. One of her eyes was wide open and twitching with obvious annoyance. Yelling on the top of his lungs didn't do much towards her peaceful sleep. "RAAANNMAAAAA!!!", Akane growled as he lifted her mallet high overhead. Ranma face showed fright as the blunt wooden object came screaming towards his head. But just before impact, Akane froze. Both Akane and Ranma, frozen in their strange positions, slowly moved just their eyes, towards the door. Standing, inside their room, was three men clad in black military-style uniforms and armed to the teeth with guns, grenades, and knives. They were staring, eyes wide, pupils just dots, large sweat drops on the back of their heads, at the couple in bed. They were the Black Hammers. Quietly sneaking from room to room, this one had seemed no different than the others. Suddenly, their mark wakes up screaming, scaring the daylight out of the Hammers. His girlfriend whips out a giant mallet out of nowhere and then the couple freezes like a cartoon... scary. They didn't know what to do. Akane decided for them. "EEEEEEKK!!!", she shrieked as she smashed one of them with the mallet. The other two began training their guns on her but were distracted by the alarm that said one of their own had been downed. Elsewhere, Manny had just been killed by Mai. Ranma took advantage of the distraction and leapt upon his attackers. In less than three seconds, Ranma unleashed a flurry of attacks that struck each Hammer more than a hundred times. Three mercenaries lay senseless on the ground. "What's going on, Ranma?" "I dunno, but we'd better get out of here, it looks like there are more of them!" -=-=- Evil Ryu wasn't doing so hot. The null spell catching him in the middle of a teleport caused him to leave a big portion of his spiritual self in another dimension. The Clones and the cloaking techniques he used to get away took a lot out of him as well. The Clones were hardly a fraction of his power at full strength and would not hold them off for long. He needed a recharge... and fast. He stumbled over the body of Gouki and realized that the demon was still alive. Hmph! That would be the last time he trusted a *gun* to do the job! However, it did provide him with what he needed... a soul to absorb. The demon first. "Heh, you cannot fight me Akuma, come out, come out!", Evil Ryu laughed as he began to absorb Akuma, the demon, into his own essence. He could feel the strength of the 100 year old spirit revive his body and start to heal his wounds. "Mm, how delicious! I can taste Akuma's agony as he attempts to resist! HAHAHA! Now it's your turn old man! While human souls don't go down as smooth as demon spirits, they posses a quite robust flavor! I'm sure Akuma would agree as he's been feeding off of you for a while, Gouki! HAHAHAHAHA!!" Evil Ryu drew his fist back to kill Gouki but the act of taking Akuma's powers had made him visible. A bolt of energy knocked him away from Gouki's limp form and into the water. "There he is!" The group closed in on Evil Ryu and charged their attacks. Evil Ryu began to laugh insanely. His laughter rung on, even when Ryu, Chun Li, Rose, Bison, Morrigan, and Yasha all combined energies to blast him into oblivion. Evil Ryu laughter turned to screaming and then to silence as the onslaught continued. Suddenly Bison threw his hands apart touching the shoulders of the succubus on either side of him. His palms glowed and they suddenly phased out screaming. The others turned to look at him in surprise only long enough to see a spark come from his finger... and blow up. Chun Li's last thought before she blacked out was, -=-=- One moment they were trying to destroy an evil Demon Slayer and the next they found themselves back in Hell. Morrigan and Yasha both looked at each other and the same name came to their lips at the same time. "Bison." It had been a couple of months since Yasha had last been back to Hell and everything looked pretty much the same, but she wasn't given a chance to catch up. Morrigan and Yasha were quickly arrested and brought before Lord Hades. Hades wasn't *The* Lord of Darkness, more like a military legend. As such, The *True* Lord of Darkness usually put Hades in command of all important offensive campaigns. Evidently this was considered important. "Ladies.", Hades greeted the succubi. The meeting wasn't all that formal considering the succubi hanging around him, one with her head in his lap. "I trust you know why you're here?" "No. We don't." "Then let me fill you in. Succubi are cannon fodder. You two did an exceptional job considering your limitations." "Why thank you!", Yasha said sarcastically. "Your welcome. From your success it is obvious that a full assault by *real* demons will bring our troubles to an end." "You can't do that!", Yasha cried. "Evil Ryu will only grow stronger!", Morrigan protested. "Not if we destroy him first.", Hades said calmly. "But we had help. Human help." "Bah, we don't need them, if we do we'll just posses them." "It won't work. I'm telling you you're dooming us all!" "Remove them. Keep them under lock until it is over." "You bastard!" "My, succubi are childish and *so* excitable." Hades waved his hand and the two succubi were taken away. "Victory is at hand! Can't they see? Of course not, succubi are far to stupid. Aren't they my pretty?", Hades asked the succubus sucking on his shaft as he petted her head. -=-=- Bison chuckled as he surveyed the damage around him. The unconscious bodies of three enemies lay lit up in purple-blue flames and two supernatural pests sent back from where they came. Evil Ryu floated face down in the sand, tide running up and down his body. "I couldn't let you destroy my specimen... but thank you for making him... 'manageable'! HAHAHAHA!!", Bison said aloud as he lifted Evil Ryu onto his shoulder. "'Manageable' my ass!", Evil Ryu murmured as he grabbed Bison's throat and began to absorb his power. Bison in turn grabbed Evil Ryu's throat and flooded him with Psycho Power searing the shade's flesh. "Do you want to know the true meaning of POWER?!?", Bison screamed as the two lunatics strangled each other. Bison was getting drained of his life-force and was pumping out all his power as well but Evil Ryu was already heavily injured and feeling Bison's attack. Both were forced to withdraw if they meant to survive another battle. Evil Ryu tore himself away from Bison and touched his fingers to the charred flesh on his neck. "I'm afraid I must leave." "Until next time...." Evil Ryu began to swim out to sea while Bison crawled back to shore. Panting heavily, the dictator returned to his feet and then realized the humans would soon be regaining consciousness. "Hmm... time to depart." Bison walked over to Gouki and gave him a kick in the ribs. The elder groaned to indicate he was still alive. This was pleasing to Bison. "Hmm... this body still shows potential. I hear Dr. Wily and Dr. Essex have made great strides in cybernetics recently...." The master of Psycho Power hefted Gouki up into his arms and summoned the will to teleport away... and did. -=-=- Nabiki considered the situation. She was being held hostage along with most of her guests in the training hall. The hall was a converted hanger from Shadowloo's days so a couple Warhammers easily fit inside along with a good number of Black Hammers all keeping the girls under close watch. When Nabiki had heard the shots fired her first instinct was to call out to Ikari to check the status of her sisters. But Ikari didn't respond. She didn't know that the Hammer's Security Hacker team effectively invaded and eliminated Ikari's defenses. Then infected him with a virus that destroyed him in a matter of moments. Nabiki didn't know this but she did realize that he was down or being blocked. She used secret passageways to get to her backup- The Ikari-2. Ikari-2 was essentially Ikari, but a remote backup system that was completely cut off from outside world except for the raw backup data that was spoon fed to him from the original Ikari. This data was put under close scrutiny before Ikari would give it to his backup in order to prevent virus spread. Ikari-2 also received all his data 4 hours behind the original, the delay providing further protection. There was just one more thing.... Ikari-2 was mobile. A little more than just mobile actually. More like, a 4.5 meter tall humanoid mech, armed with a 3 meter long ionized blade (that cut through armor plating like butter), two small arm cannons (explosive rounds, of course), and a shoulder mounted laser cannon (all around nice thing to have). Ikari-2 was capable of jumping four times his height and running an excess of 150 kilometers per hour. Compared to the clumsy tank-like Warhammers Ikari-2 was much more humanoid and ninja-like. As effective as he seemed, however, he was incredibly cost inefficient. Shadowloo found human grunts to be less costly than the mech units... however for the sake of enabling valuable data to escape, fighting its way free, it could be worth it. Of course in Ikari-2's case, the island was hit too hard, too fast for Ikari-2 to be of any use and was still dormant by the time Nabiki bought the island. So here she was. After giving Ikari specific instructions quietly let herself get captured awaiting the right time for her plan to spring into action. Nabiki laughed to herself... what kind of monster was she? She had expected something like this might occur and yet decided to invite all these girls to the island anyway... all for a stupid, stupid plan. ... Kasumi-megami-sama chuckled at the gaping plot hole. ... The idea was that Ranma's skill and strength allowed him to avoid or escape Nabiki's advances. Ranma had built up a tolerance for the Passion Fever Dust that it hardly had an effect on him any more. So, what they needed was a woman more skilled and stronger than Ranma! This woman, with a little Passion Dust, would help Nabiki get Ranma, or any other man for that matter. So why not hold a tourney to find "The Strongest Women in the World" and pick from those candidates an appropriate helper? Of course, it was logical... wasn't it? Nabiki shook her head, trying to clear it. Maybe the Dust, *was* getting to her? -=-=- "K-kill them... kill t-them all.", Evil Ryu sputtered as he crawled back on his boat, helped up by Anna. "Jesus, what happened to you!?" "The Old Man had help. A *lot* of help. The only thing that saved me was that lunatic Bison, and he was trying to kill me, too!" "What? Mature, bring Ryu a drink and some dry clothes!" "Order a squad of Black Hammers to the eastern beach front, make sure they're good, tell'em to bring a Warhammer, the targets are no pushovers.", Evil Ryu commanded. "Okay, Baby. I've got Vice on it, right now.", Anna tried to calm him down. "I need to kill someone. Bring that Sakura girl up." "Immediately, love." "Fucking Hammers, what the hell do they think I'm paying them for- ... WHAT THE FUCK?!?" Evil Ryu's mutterings were interrupted as what looked like a cloud of locusts approached from above. "Oh shit. ANNA! VICE! MATURE! GET YOUR ASSES UP HERE!!" "What is it Master- oh no." Vice lost her voice. A legion of demons came swarming down with the intention of destroying Evil Ryu at all costs. The two secretaries and soul eater stood with their backs to each other firing ki attacks at the black cloud that tried to engulf them. "EEEAAH!", Mature shrieked as a demon got through her defenses and clawed open her arm. She stuck her fist in its mouth and made it explode. The three gallantly held as best they could against the demonic horde. Anna continued to scream in panic as the black creatures flew past her ignoring her. Then a bold demon attempted to posses one of the secretaries. Vice convulsed as she fought for control of her body. Evil Ryu went to her aid by absorbing the demon out of her. She went limp and fell to the deck. Mature spent the last of her energy and also fell, exhausted. Evil Ryu continued to fight, growing stronger and stronger as he absorbed demon after demon. Not that he wasn't taking damage... for every one demon he absorbed five attacked his back. But that ratio was slowly changing as he become more and more powerful. Soon Evil Ryu could kill fifteen demons before one could even make an attempt at scratching him. "L-Lord Hades! We must retreat!" Hades only growled. He wasn't stupid, he could lose all his forces if Evil Ryu continued to grow at this rate. But he was *proud*. And his pride didn't want him to lose... much less at the cost of proving two succubi right. "Pull back... regroup.", Hades spat. "At once M'Lord." Evil Ryu surveyed the damage as the demons retreated. His chest was bare save for a few tatters left from his suit and red claw marks. The ship was more or less fine. Vice and Mature would need rest but they would be okay, Anna had fainted long ago, and Sakura... where was she? Sakura appeared, eyes sleepy but with a cruel smile on her lips. She was drawing her hands across her body and on the inside of her thigh. She was obviously possessed. Evil Ryu looked up at the cloud of demons and then at her. "Stay.", he grunted then disappeared. The evil Shotokan reappeared right in the middle of the demon cloud, several meter up in the air. Laughing, his black aura flared enabling him to fly. Demons scattered in panic as Evil Ryu cut them down dozens at a time. He continued to laugh madly getting drunk with demonic spirits. "Retreat! Retreat!" "Fool! We retreat through a portal now, he'll follow us back to Hell and destroy everything!" "If we stay, we're only adding to his power!" Hades nodded in agreement. "Alright, you pull back the troops.... *I'll* hold the Demon Slayer off." As the swarm retreated Evil Ryu chased close behind but a giant demon in the form of minator blocked his way. "I am Lord Hades of the Fallen Wars! Prepare to do- ARGGH!!!", the demon roared as Evil Ryu blasted him directly in the face. "You will *pay* for that, worm!" Evil Ryu simply smiled at him as if trying to contain a chuckle to himself. Hades slugged Evil Ryu with his massive fists back and forth, the Dark Shotokan laughed through the pain despite the enormous force behind the blows. A wicked looking serrated blade more than twice Evil Ryu's height materialized in Hades hand. Hades swung at Evil Ryu hoping to finish him in one blow but he was too swift. Suddenly Evil Ryu stood still giggling to himself. The demon lifted the sword overhead and brought it down with all his might. Evil Ryu blocked with one forearm shattering the sword. Hades frowned. He would have to use his ultimate technique. "RAVEN BRAI, BRAIN DEAD.", Hades started. A vortex of swirling energies appeared before the demon. "Follow the ground's pledge. Come from the land of Abaddon.", he chanted the sphere of energy surrounded him causing a storm. "Gejena's exploding fire. Burn everything....", he continued. The power built up was immense. Evil Ryu cocked his head. "*EXODUS*!!!" Hades became a shooting star and slammed right into Evil Ryu. The sphere exploded and discharged all its energy into the demon's target. Spent, Hades caught his breath as he watched Evil Ryu get blow out of the air. His body left a smoking arc in the sky as he crashed into the deck of his ship. Evil Ryu was laughing maniacally. He started slamming the back of his head against the floor and slapping his thigh. Hades mourned for his race... Evil Ryu had hardly been hurt! Hades took one more look at the Dark Shotokan, who winked at him, and retreated through the portal, closing it behind him. -=-=- Ikari-2 linked himself back up to the original Ikari's security network and assumed control. The Black Hammers found the only way to shut down Lodoss's security was to kill Ikari and in doing so they didn't have the means to take control of the security network as they would usually do. This made it easy for Ikari-2 to regain control. Through the eyes of Ikari, he was able to calculate the threat the Black Hammers posed, discover the make and model of their weapons, and strategize against their weaknesses. Interestingly enough, Ikari came up with a weakness that was more Nabiki's style. Ikari used a directed sound beam to talk to Nabiki and Nabiki alone. There was a good amount of distortion to his voice but at least she heard it. The women hostages and their Black Hammer captors were oblivious to the communication. "Ikari?", she whispered, looking around. Ikari explained and Nabiki could barely contain her laughter. She related the plan to him and Ikari agreed that it would probably work. -=-=- Having expertise in the field of magic had aided Rose yet again. Upon seeing Bison's Psycho Spark she reacted fast enough to just barely put up the start of a shield. They all had been hit hard but they would survive. Rose revived Ryu and Chun Li as they took in the situation. Bison, Akuma, Morrigan, Yasha, and Evil Ryu were missing. It was pretty obvious Bison had banished the succubi but what happened after that? Did Bison take Evil Ryu and Akuma away? Why had Bison not killed them while they were out? They didn't have much time to contemplate these questions as incoming Black Hammers opened fire upon them. Little over a dozen elite Hammers backed up by a Warhammer were down the shore. The Warhammer fired off a missile at the trio. "Stand behind me!", Rose ordered as she cast a shield about them. The impact of the blast was still felt behind the magical wall and everyone was thrown into the sand. "Rose!" The gypsy didn't look like she was going to get up anytime soon. "She's out!", Chun Li told Ryu. Ryu wasn't listening. His eyes were closed, ignoring even the bullets that flew past him. A spiritual wind rose up from out of nowhere, causing the sand at his feet to swirl. He was breathing deeply and electrical ki sparked around him. He cupped his hands and drew from everything around him. Ryu let the energy build and build until he reached his limit. "DENJIN HADOKEN!" Ryu hit them with ball lightning. The EM pulse temporarily fried the Warhammer's external sensors. The other mercenaries would have found their technologically complimented accessories and aides malfunctioning and shutdown. That's if they were conscious... they weren't. "Ryu, are you okay?" He had fallen to his hands and knees. Ryu nodded his head and got back on his feet. "I'll be okay." He stumbled slightly saying otherwise. "No you won't.", announced the Warhammer. While the EM pulse had blinded its sensors, Warhammers were shielded against EM attacks, so the pilot inside, and his eyes, were fine. "My orders are for you to *DIE*!!!" Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as the Mech's giant chainguns locked on and started revving up and Chun Li found herself at a loss for what to do. Were they going to die here...? "ANYTHING GOES SCHOOL OF MARTIAL ARTS- MECHA DESTORYING TECHNIQUE #3... REVISED!!!!" ** "Uh, Ranma... when have you ever destroyed a mech before?" ...Evidently not. "Ranma! Akane! Thank goodness!" "Is he okay?", Ranma gestured to Ryu, who was leaning on Chun Li. Ryu nodded and stood up on his own. They bent down to examine Rose who was slowly regaining her wits. "What ever happened to the good old days of fireballs and lightning bolts?", Rose moaned, referring to the missile. Ryu helped her up. "I see you've handled the situation." "So... what now?" -=-=- Nabiki reached over to Kasumi and began to kiss her. Her older sister responded and ran her hands along Nabiki's body. Soon they were touching each other and shedding clothing. At the same time, all through out the training hall, several other women began touching themselves and each other, taking off clothes, and otherwise becoming horny. This triggered women who were not even in on the plan to begin to act lewdly. It was as if that was the only way to release the tension and fear that had built up because of their situation. "What the fuck are they doing?!", asked one Black Hammer. A another responded. "Who the hell cares!? Just watch!" The four blondes, Nina, Cammy, Sofia, and Sarah, grouped together in order to pleasure each other. As Nina and Sarah kissed, Cammy was behind Sarah feeling up Sarah's larger breasts and rubbing her sex against Sofia's. Sofia has Nina sitting on her face and her body ran between Sarah's smooth legs. Sarah was reaching down and squeezing Sofia's breasts as she rode her belly. Mai, King, and Yuri were going at it with enthusiasm and experience. Mai's breasts heaved as Yuri knelt down before her and used her tongue and fingers to pleasure Mai. King sat off to the side touching herself happily, waiting her turn. Bill looked at Rally's bronze skin with lust. Her blouse was open and her bra unclipped exposing her pert firm breasts. Rally's skirt was up at her waist showing off her lacey underthings. Bill expelled a heated sigh. Rally produced a gun and ran its cold steel along her body in a obvious phallic reference. Bill almost moaned. "Where'd you hide that thing?" "Wouldn't you like to know...." "Rally, you are so beautiful.", Bill said as he cupped one of her breasts. The bounty hunter closed her eyes and sighed. "I want to thank you." "For what?" "I realize what my true feelings are now. My feelings for someone who is very close to me. Someone I've taken for granted. As soon as we get back to Chicago I'm going to ask Roy out on a date." "*ROY*!?!" Bill deflated. "Sure, Roy. A detective from the Chicago PD.", Rally smiled. "...", Bill choked. "Yeah, we've been friends for a long time and I think he's always had a thing for me. We've just been too 'professional' to try anything. What do you think, Bill?" "U-uh... y-yeah... go with it." "Why are you stopping? Don't you want to be recreational?" "I'm not in the mood anymore.", Bill sighed sadly. Kodachi and Shampoo created quite a bizarre scene that caused Hinako-sensei to try and avoid them completely. The S&M Queen, Kodachi, spanked her purple-haired servant's round bottom as she squealed with delight. Shampoo begged for more punishment and the Black Rose administered the discipline the amazon needed. Hinako walked away from them and bumped into Tracy. They looked each other up and down and shrugged. They moved to kiss each other but stopped in the middle shaking their heads. Tracy walked away as Hinako did the same. "Nah...-" "Nope." "Ugh! Argh!", cried out a Warhammer pilot. Similar cries were coming from another Warhammer. "Oh god! No! No!" Their pain was the result of their arousal. Warhammers of the KXL-C model were designed for women. As a result there was no room in the cod-piece for an erect member. This lack of space caused considerable discomfort to the mech pilots. A Hammer figured it out. "Stop'em! Tell the girls to stop! Warhammers, think unsexy thoughts! Think unsexy thoughts!" The Black Hammers were about to start shooting to restore order, but a piercing tone caused them to fall to the ground in agony. Ikari was directing sound beams right into their skulls making them unable to act. The Warhammer that was not a KXL-C stepped forward, prepared to fire upon the orgy at its feet, when a giant blade popped out of its front and cleaved it in two. Ikari-2 tore through the hanger wall and jumped off the back of the fallen mech towards the disabled ones. One slash and they were down. Meanwhile, the girls stopped their orgies long enough to attack the Black Hammers, knocking all of them unconscious and tying them up. Very quickly, however, they returned to their depraved activities. Oblivious, Ikari excitedly declared their victory. "A complete success, Mistress Tendo! There were-" "I-Ikari, just- uh!- guard the guys- hmmm- for later... use. Right now- Ah! Ah!- I'm kind of- oh god!- busy!" Ikari sighed. -=-=- Morrigan sat petting one of her many bat familiars as Yasha paced around their cell. Not knowing what was going on bothered Yasha more than anything else, it drove her absolutely nuts. "This sucks." "It's not so bad." "What do you mean?! We're stuck here unable to anything!" "We're not stuck." "We're not?" "Nope." "Sometimes I wish I could read a succubus's mind! What do you mean, Morrigan?" "Just be patient." Yasha let out a sigh and tried to sit still for a while. Then she turned to Morrigan. "What are we waiting for?" Suddenly the field trapping the two succubi fell. Morrigan smiled. "That. Hello again, Opal." "No time for small chat. Hades has failed and will be returning shortly. You have to go now! Be careful now, Evil Ryu is drunk off the power of the fallen demons... he is both more dangerous and reckless than before." Yasha caught her arm and looked her in the eye. "I've got just one thing to say, Opal." "Yes?", Opal said, worried Yasha was about to get angry. "Thanks Mom.", Yasha smiled. Opal smiled back. "Show them what we're made of girl!" -=-=- Evil Ryu descended upon Ryu and Chun Li in an awesome display of chi pyrotechnics and raw power. They had to hold up their hands to shield their eyes from the sand and bright lights. When he had landed his aura still glowed visibly with power. His mind was reeling with the power and memories of hundreds of demons... and his face showed it. He was able to cope with it but a look of madness would edge itself onto his face now and then. "What is it like, Father? What is it like to face a god?" "You are not a god. You are a shadow that forgot its place." Evil Ryu smirked at Ryu's comment and clenched his fist tightly. "Well, this Shadow has grown beyond your comprehension. I have surpassed the mold from which I was created. Become more than a simple copy... or shadow. I have the strength of the world's best fighters, their blood runs through me, their talents lay ready to be tapped in my mind-" "Shut up and fight.", Ryu said in an unusual display of anger. He assumed his fighting stance and waited for Evil Ryu to react. Evil Ryu decided to demonstrate his new talents. "REPPUKEN! [Violent wave technique(punch)!; Rugal]" A wave of energy ran along the ground towards Ryu and Chun Li who jumped aside. Ranma jumped out of his hiding place and fired off a Mouko Takabisha at Evil Ryu. Evil Ryu waved his hand, using the Dark Crystal Reflect technique (also Rugal), and the projectile slowed to a stop then shot right back at Ranma. He dove as it exploded behind him. Akane came in with a flying kick but Evil Ryu saw it coming. "RAIJINKEN! [Lightning Fist!; Benimaru]" Evil Ryu punched the air, a storm of lightning erupting from his fist throwing Akane back. Ranma charged roaring. "AMAGURIKEN!" "VULCAN PUNCH!" (Clark) Evil Ryu matched punch for punch. Chun Li launched an attack which Evil Ryu sensed. "Tatsumakishippuzan! [Hurricane Cutter!; Choi]" A whirlwind exploded around him sending Ranma flying. "Moon Slasher!" (Heidern) The arc of light cut Chun Li down, stopping her attack. Evil Ryu spied Ryu rushing forward and raised his hand using the Botan [fire stream; Gaia] against him. Although aflame, Ryu was still standing. Evil Ryu blasted him with beams from his eyes (Devil). Evil Ryu looked at the fallen around him. "You see I'm invincible, Ryu. I know everything. I even know where your silly gypsy is hiding in attempt to stop me!" To prove his point teleported in front of Rose, startling the gypsy. She tossed a demon seal at him but the paper burned away on contact unable to have any kind of hold on him. A flash of light and Evil Ryu exploded into the Raging Demon. It was now, that the nature of the attack was exposed. Evil Ryu's soul, or rather, the souls of his victims exited his body and plunged into Rose's. The demons raged as they possessed Rose's body... this spiritual assault always left its prey an empty shell. Rose had been counting on that. Normally, the spirits of the Raging Demon would devour the target's soul then return to their host body, but Rose, using her Soul Power and other talents, allowed them to enter her body but not take her soul. In other words she was containing them within herself while also protecting her soul within... no easy feat. There was no way, however, that Rose alone could hold and fight a hundred angry souls at once. She bound herself in her scarf so that even if she was devoured, her body might at least serve as a seal to hold them in this vessel. Evil Ryu realized what she was doing and prepared to stop her but was blown away by a Kikkoken. Ryu and Ranma leapt to Chun Li's side and drew their hands back, they knew what to do. Ranma was also experienced in this field, especially after Yasha had shown him all those Dragon Ball Z movies. "SHINKUUUU-", Ryu began. "KAME- HAME-", Ranma smirked. "*HADOKEN*!!!!!" "Hiryushoten*HAAA*!!!" Their combined attack roared forward, Ranma's ki dragon winding itself about Ryu's beam of energy. Without all his power to protect him Evil Ryu was hit *HARD* by the attack. Rose, meanwhile, wasn't doing well. Her scarf was beginning to fray and she knew she was loosing herself. No matter... she was ready to die. "Not yet, Rose!", Morrigan said, exercising her ability to read minds. Yasha and Morrigan dove into Rose and helped to fortify her soul. Their protection was enough that Rose could begin to work upon an exorcism spell. "*NO*!!!", Evil Ryu cried out as he lunged forward trying to stop them. Chun Li got in his way and started up the Kikkosho. "Go to Hell.", she said quietly right before the ki storm sucked him up and threw him away like a rag doll. "EEEEEEYYAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!", Rose shrieked as a beam of light exploded upwards from her. Souls and demons escaped from every part of her illuminating the area with their supernatural glow. The exorcism had worked. They had escaped her hold but they were also no longer a part of Evil Ryu. Evil Ryu limped forward seething with anger as he faced Ryu, Chun Li, Ranma, Akane, Morrigan, Yasha, and Rose. No! They couldn't beat him! It was impossible! "Give up. There's nothing you can do against all of us.", Rose said, not realizing how she was jinxing them. Evil Ryu smiled. Everything happened so quickly. The instant Dark Sakura teleported in, Rose had seen it and tossed a demon ward at her. But not before Sakura fired a lance of energy through Chun Li's heart... bursting it. The ward hit Dark Sakura destroying the demon that had possessed her, causing her to fall limply to the ground. At the same time, Evil Ryu teleported to Chun Li's side and grabbed her. Ryu heart stopped as he realized what was happening. Evil Ryu jumped through a warp carrying the wounded Chun Li, the warp remained open only for one... Ryu. He went after them fearing the worst. -=-=- On the other side was a desolate place. A blood red sky over rocky crags and hostile ground. Evil Ryu stood waiting for Ryu with Chun Li in his arms. "The rules are simple. You defeat me and you and Chun Li can escape this place to your healers, the succubi & the gypsy. Fail to do that and your soul and hers... are mine." "Why fight? You want me? I'm yours in exchange for her." "If all I wanted was you then I should kill her right now. What will happen when I kill her? Either it weakens you, and I kill you... or it fills you with such rage that you kill me... but I will be reborn! In you! A twisted version of yourself... that's me! So by killing her, either way, I win. But I don't want a simple win, I don't want just your soul. I want what we both want.... The Fight." "I won't fight you." "Won't fight?!? There is *ONLY* THE FIGHT!!!" "There's more than The Fight!", Ryu shouted back then faltered as he felt like he was lying. Evil Ryu saw his doubt. "You *know* that there's only The Fight but you don't understand why. I've obtained a purity of essence you don't posses Ryu. I now know *why* we live for nothing but The Fight!" Ryu did not know why but his shadow's words rang a tone of truth to them. Ryu wasn't used to the passive approach so he decided fighting was better than nothing. "Why don't you teach me?" "Ah, let's dance!" They circled and fought. Quick kicks and fast punches flew back and forth. Ryu was fighting well but Evil Ryu was faster and stronger and winning. Evil Ryu paused and let Ryu rest. "Do you see? Do see how being unable to understand yourself only makes you weaker?" "Tell me then. Why do we fight?" "Let me show you." Evil Ryu's aura flared up visibly, the purple black flames licking at his form. Evil Ryu began to destroy Ryu. His moves hit so hard Ryu felt it through the block. Evil Ryu easily smacked Ryu around while screaming at him, "Why do you fight?" Ryu became little more than a punching bag that absorbed the blows as his vision began to darken. Soon Ryu couldn't even feel the hits anymore as his mind went to another place. A place where only one question resounded.... ... Why do you fight? To be the best! Ken smiled and gave a thumbs up then faded away. Why do you fight? For the World! Bison's grin haunted Ryu's mind. Why do you fight? To survive. Logan appeared smoking a cigar then also faded. Why do you fight? For power. Akuma snarled. Why do you fight? To rise to the challenge. Terry's image tipped his hat and vanished. Why do you fight? To crush my enemies. Sagat clenched his mighty fists. Why do you fight? For revenge. Chun Li at her father's grave. Why do you fight? Why do you fight? Why do you fight? Ryu appeared although Ryu didn't know if he was seeing Evil Ryu or himself. He began to mouth the words along with his image. For The Fight. Why do you fight? For The Fight. Why do you fight? For The Fight. NO!!!! Ryu broke away from his image and realized that *was* his purpose. But now there was a new one. A more important one. Why do you fight? To protect. The darkness began to recede. Why do you fight? To protect the ones I love. The faces of his friends faded in and out as the light grew. Why do you fight? To protect the one I love. Chun Li's image was replaced by white light. Why do you fight? ... "FOR LOVE!!!!", Ryu roared as he regained consciousness. Evil Ryu, who had been strangling him, was blown back as Ryu's blue aura ignited. Ryu stood up, resolve on his face. Evil Ryu took a step back and laughed. "Are you kidding?! You're gonna beat me with the power of Love, right? Please tell me you're joking!" "Let's end this." The two fighters squared up and went at it. Every time a hit was scored a thunder clap would rip through the air. The speed of their strikes blurred their movements. Their blood rushed as they felt the fight taken to a higher level. But this wasn't enough for Ryu. He needed to help Chun Li *now*! He didn't have time to play with the Dark Shotokan. Ryu was supposed to put down his opponent in only a few hits but at this rate... better not to think about it. Didn't he understand The Fight? Evil Ryu seemed to know what he was thinking. "You're reason isn't bad... I'll give you that. But Love alone isn't enough, Dad. She *is* going to die." "*NO*!", Ryu yelled as he charged a Hadoken but Evil Ryu beat him to the punch and blasted Ryu backwards. Ryu actually felt fear now that his Fight was different. Before, when questing for the reason for The Fight, he didn't fear the consequences. Now, he felt helpless and unable protect Chun Li. Did Love make him weaker? But in his state of panic and despair it hit him like a bolt of lightning. A moment of absolute clarity filled his mind. Never in his meditations had he achieved this level. Finally.... Ryu opened his eyes to see his shadow attacking him. Ryu caught Evil Ryu's fist smiling peacefully. Evil Ryu seemed to melt as he began to meld with Ryu. Evil Ryu screamed, trying to resist, but when almost half of him was in Ryu, he closed his eyes and chuckled. "I see now, you finally understand." -=-=- Everyone on the beach turned their heads as Ryu came through a portal with Chun Li limp in his arms. "How is she?", Yasha asked. Ryu didn't say anything as he slumped down into the sand looking dazed. The others examined Chun Li to find that she was completely fine, simply sleeping. Defeating Evil Ryu had meant forgiving him. Accepting him. Love? No, that was just a small part of it. He had *understood*! For a moment, he knew everything about The Fight. It was more than just Love or Hate, Life or Death.... The Fight was all. In that moment he was able to defeat Evil Ryu, heal Chun Li, and return... but just like that it left him. It was only a glimpse into everything. Now he had to live on without the knowledge. But it was alright, he had other things to live for. He looked over at Chun Li and smiled. "What of Evil Ryu?", asked Rose. Ryu gestured to himself. "In here. Where he belongs." -=-=- "How did you know that Ryu could beat him?" "Hot tip.", Yasha replied. "From who?", asked Morrigan. "A source... higher up." Yasha thanked Kasumi-megami-sama in her thoughts. "You're gonna stay cryptic on this one aren't you?", Morrigan sighed. "Are you coming back with me?" Yasha smiled and shook her head. "No, I've made up my mind. I'm staying. Don't worry my connection higher up will make sure everything turns out alright... just like this little episode." "Alright, I trust you. Just take care of yourself... your mother worries." "Yeah, tell Opal I'll be fine. It was good seeing you again Morrigan. We should get together again in another couple hundred years! Right now I've got to leave, seems like they're ready to go." "I'll see you around then, take care." -=-=- "How did they take it? I mean, being held hostage and all... that *can't* be good for business!" "The girls all took it very positively." "What?! Really?" "Oh yeah, an adventure! A little subliminal reprogramming didn't hurt, either... Ikari worked them over as they slept. Oh, yeah and pumping some Dust into the rooms left them more open to suggestion that normal." "So they're all happy?" "Yup, more importantly they'll recommend this vacation spot to all their friends and they'll be coming back! Repeat business and word of mouth are key factors!" "Um, so whatever happened to finding the Strongest Woman in the World?" "Yeah, about that... well I figure that I cancel the tourney now. I won't need Ranma for a while. I've got a whole team of very physically fit men from the Black Hammers to... use. A little Dust and some Ikari subliminal programming and they should be quite useful to the Xanadu Resort... and to me!" "Okay. .... Uh-huh. But what about the girls who came here for the prize money, title, and/or the Passion Dust?" "Well for those who came for the money, I'm footing most of the bill... this time. The title? It will remain undecided, however the girls can take home their current rankings if prestige is on the line. As for the Dust... we have a few plans for that." -=-=- "So how was your trip, Mai?" "Terrific! We really have go there together one day!" "Uh, yeah... right. Mai? Uh, why we're having this dinner in the dark?", Andy asked as he pulled on his bowtie. "Not in the dark, silly! By romantic candle light!" "Oh good grief." "I thought you might want to see me after I've been gone for so long!", Mai pouted and came near to tears. Andy winced. "Mai... I *did* want to see you. I m- m-... I missed you while you were gone." He was looking down and blushing furiously. The change in Mai's countenance was immediate. From mournful to her typical bouncy self. "Oh Andy!", she exclaimed as she clung to him, mashing her ample breasts against his chest. Her thigh resting between his legs. Andy choked as he tried to ignore the sensation. "Andy? Are you okay?" "Uh, oh boy... um, yeah- I just need a drink." Andy pushed her back enough to get some room and took a swig of the sparkling wine. Mai's face lit up when he took that drink and settled down into a sultry smile. Andy felt light-headed and hot... his throat was dry and he felt a warm flush wash over his body. Uh oh. Mai knew what was going on and didn't waste any time taking advantage of Andy's state. Unable to resist... in moments, Andy and Mai were rolling on the floor in the throes of passion. "Oh Andy! .... Oh *Andy*! .... OH ANDY!!" -=-=- Cammy entered Col. Wolfman's office in uniform, prepared to explain her mission report. She saluted and Col. Wolfman put her at ease. Cammy smiled slightly and took it back. "This report is rather sparse... care to explain?" "I thought it better I explain it in person, Sir." "Please do. From this report I can't even tell if you were successful or not! Well?" "Mission complete, Sir!" "Really... how? From this report it says that you failed to bring in Wild Stallion, the drugs, or any of the drug lords." "Wild Stallion doesn't exist, it's an alias for a teen-aged boy... not a drug lord. Passion Dust isn't a drug it's dust. With no drug there are no drug lords, Sir. Permission to speak freely?" "You aren't already?", the young Colonel asked with an eyebrow raised. He was giving her a lot of latitude. "Go ahead." "MI6 intelligence was garbage on this mission, Sir." "Oh really? Garbage?" "Well almost completely... the *effects* of the Passion Dust was reported correctly." "How do you know?", Wolfman moved in his seat. "Allow me to show you, Sir!" Cammy tossed a handful of Dust into his face and in a flash was over his desk, in his face. Before long they were *on* the desk in a very unprofessional fashion. -=-=- Eiji finished applying the thin coat of oil to his blade and slipped it back into his sheath. Without any warning Sofia came into his bedroom naked. Eiji looked up at her worry on his face. "*Again*!?" Sofia nodded, smiling, her hands running along her body. "Sheesh, over a dozen times!", Eiji said under his breath, "Didn't we just- I mean- five minutes ago! Oh man-" Eiji tried to resist but in the end he was still just a man. "Here we go *again*!" -=-=- Rally unlocked her front door whistling happily. She turned Vega in for a big fat reward and had asked Roy out with ease. Roy had sputtered with surprise but recovered and happily accepted her invitation. Bill was back at the ATF filling out the paperwork... trying to explain how they came up more or less empty. Rally didn't feel sorry for him, Tracy had given him her home phone number... something had to come of that. Rally threw her jacket on a chair and went into the kitchen where Ken and May were going at it on the table. They yelped when Rally came in, spouting excuses and apologies. Rally calmly ignored them and got a snack from the fridge. "Heh heh. Nice to see your back...!", May blushed. "Good to be back. I'm going to the shooting range to let off a little bit of steam." She paused right outside the door. "Oh, don't mind me... by all means, continue." May and Ken watched her leave, looked at each other shrugging and got right back into it as if she hadn't walked through. -=-=- Everyone from Ranma's party returned from their trip fairly happy with new "friendships" formed and old ones renewed. Shampoo, who seemed to have lost all interest in Ranma, was now enamored with Kodachi's administrations. Ukyou and Ranko were furthering their relationship... edging into serious territory but remaining safe for both parties. Ranma and Akane left feeling stronger than before but more distrustful of Nabiki. Which was okay with Nabiki because she had a whole new group of guys to play with. Meanwhile Hinako got a nice vacation out of it and Kasumi was herself. Everything came off smoothly without Genma or Soun even suspecting a thing. All in all... a good holiday. -=-=- "Yes Chief. Right, just a few weeks vacation. Uh-huh... ok. Alright, I understand... thank you, Sir. I will, Sir. Good bye." Chun Li got off the phone at the airport and turned to Ryu. "Well, I'm free! What do you want to do?" Ryu started to walk. ... Off in the distance an ominous electrical whir was heard. ... "I'd like to visit a friend." "Oh, who?" "Ken Masters. It's been a while since I've seen him." "You want to show off your new girlfriend, don't you?!", Chun Li teased. Ryu smiled as that was partially true. "Are you going to *walk* there?" ... As the whir grew closer it became more ominous. ... "It's not far.", Ryu grunted. "I *do* have a *CAR*, Ryu!", Chun Li suggested strongly. "Where does he live? I'll drive us there." "Hm... Seattle, Washington." "You were going to *WALK* there!?! We're in New York!" ... The ominous whir was becoming more of an ominous whine. Oh yeah... and it was definitely closer. ... "Really?", Ryu said innocently. Chun Li suddenly realized that Ryu had been joking... Ryu was *JOKING*!!! Chun Li pinched him laughing. "Ha hah! Okay, let's buy the plane tickets then." "Good. Chun Li you better handle this... sometimes I end up in the wrong place when I fly." It took Chun Li a second to realize he wasn't joking this time. ... The ominous whir which had become a ominous whine was still getting closer but considered if it really wanted to be ominous instead of being foreboding, portentous, or even apocalyptic.... No, in the end it decided to remain ominous. ... ** Grinning madly behind the wheel of an electric luggage cart, Bison honked the electric horn as he barreled down the airport corridor at full speed, intending to ram Ryu and his love. The cart's electric motor whined ominously when a dark man in sunglasses stepped in Bison's way. His backfist sent a superdeformed Bison and his cart flying away harmlessly. "Ah leave them alone! Let those kids have their fun!", said Evil Ryu as he took off his shades and put them in his front pocket. Ryu and Chun Li had turned at the sound of the honking but saw nothing. Ryu just shrugged. "You ready?" "Yeah, let's go!" -=-=- Kasumi-megami-sama stretched her arms above her head and let out a yawn in front of her computer. Finally *FINISHED*! She got up and turned to the Not-so-Evil Ryu as he took her in his arms. She sighed happily then realized she forgot something. -=-=- THE END -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Author's Notes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It's finally DONE, FINISHED, OVER WITH!!!! Yay! Yippie!! Oh, wait I've gotta do that Director's Cut thingy... sigh. Oh well. Yes, this was the *LONGEST* of the series and took the longest because of many dark forces that aligned themselves against me... uh, that and I was lazy. I finished it though, so there! I hope you got this far and enjoyed the Fic. Whew, I'm too tired to actually go on and on like I usually do in this section. I guess all I have to say is look for the continuing adventures of Ryu and Chun Li in my "Versus" FanFic and wait for "LP#6:Director's Cut" to come out. Amber's actually writing a big section of that so be sure to look at that. As always send in your comments!