KIM'S HOME, KOREA

Rei looked at the fight. Her partner was in the temple kitchen, and by the sound of it, had taken over the preparation of the feast for the winter festival.

Terry and Kim were sparring, in a match that was mostly one sided. Andy Joe, Mai, and Kim's two kids, were cheering the two fighters on.

Rei decided to leave, having had enough of watching the ego trip of the men. And Mai wasn't that interesting for the Japanese-Scottish noble to talk to. Mai was a good fighter, but she wasn't really into training.

Rei stepped through the temple gates. This was the first tournament in the street fighting rings that Rei would be in. Joe had talked her and Hito into it, after he had met the two of them after one of his matches in Japan.

Next time Hito talks me into something . . .

A twig snapped behind her, drawing the Druid out of her thoughts.

The trail was empty. Rei felt out with her magic and felt a strong chi nearby.

"Show thy self!" She stepped into a battle stance.

"You don't talk like Mai Shiranui." The figure stepped into view. Rei looked at him. He was shorter then she was, and wore all black.

"You, stranger, have the wrong warrior. I am Rei, of both Scotland and Japan." She enhanced her stance.

"You think you could best me whelp?" He smiled stepping into his stance.

"If it protects the good of heart that are inside the walls of this holy temple. Then it will be my pleasure to kick your ass!" She ran at the man. "HORNET STING!" She yelled jumping into the air. Sixty darts flew from her fingers at the man with lightening speed.

He simply jumped back with the same grace. Avoiding all of them.

What the hell? Damn, this guy's good. She thought as she landed taking her boxing stance.

"Was that the best you could do?" The man laughed.

"Where's Rei?" Hito stepped out of the temple with a pitcher of tea.

"THUNDER KICK!" Came Rei's yell. Terry, Kim, and Andy looked at each other. Kim and Terry started for the gates of the temple. Rei was thrown to the ground by the stranger, smashing open the wood gates. She tried to stand, only to fall to her knee again hissing in pain.

"REI!" Hito dropped the pitcher and ran for the taller girl.

"Where is the man who defeated Loucorn, Geese and Krauser?"

"Who's looking for him?" Andy asked holding Hito back.

"Terry . . . Andy . . . no." Rei stood, shimmering purple for a second. "Out fightin' ain't done yet." She lifted her head, her eyes were glowing the same purple. "Sir, it's really fucking rude to challenge another before the final bell." She stepped back into the tiger stance.

The man looked at her.

"So, you still have some fight in ya'? Pity. I thought you would learn."

"Final Attack!" She jumped into the air again. "HELL CAT!" She spun around kicking out. The man stepped back.

Rei landed on the ground dropping to one knee. She looked up.

He smiled, brushing blood from his lip.

"Not bad, one hundred and four kicks."

She jumped back stepping back into her fighting stance, motioning for the others to stay back.

What the hell! He counted each one. Not even Wolfgang could do that. She thought starting to get worried. Her hands started to trace the sigil's that she knew would even up the match.

"Rei! Get out of there! There's no way you can win!" Hito yelled breaking free from Andy.

She strengthened her stance.

"You really wish to die Druid?"

How the, I didn't use any druid magic in the fight yet. This guy is really good. She stopped her spell.

Rei, don't do this. Terry thought.

"I'm not going to watch this!" Joe attacked. "TIGER KICK!"

"JOE!" Rei yelled as she watched the kick boxer get thrown into the far wall. She fell, having used all her energy. Kim motioned for his wife to get his kids inside.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Kim asked as he took his stance. Rei was staring at the man.

"Kim, stay back." She harshly whispered as the stranger, shorter then the other fighters by a good foot, smiled.

"I'm here to play a game, but I only feel there would be a fight, even though short, from the whelp, and you." He pointed at Terry.

"You hurt my heart's desire. You will fight me, to restore the honor to my love."

Hito, once this is done with, remind me to knock some since into you. We may be partners, but I only agreed because your father was my sensei. Rei thought as she shook her head covering her face with one hand.

"Hito, get back, this is for warriors only." Rei tried to stand. Andy caught her before she fell again.

"Rei, stay back. I can do this. This guy's small. How hard can he hit." Hito said, ignoring the fact that the better fighter of the two had been beaten in only a few minutes.

Rei let out a small groan.

He better not do anything foolish, I don't think she could handle that right now. Terry thought looking at the anger of having to give the fight to someone else, coming from the girl's eyes.

"DUR ORE!" He yelled charging forward. The figure stepped out of the way of the rising attack. Hito sprang off the ground again and landed on the man's chest sending him back as he sprang off landing neatly on the ground.
The man fell back.

"Damn, that was uncool." Joe mumbled as he started to wake. The man disappeared in a cloud of dust, with one word gouged out of the ground: Later.

"This is my fault." Rei hung her head. "I have failed as a warrior." She turned from the group. The breeze playing with her reddish black hair.

"Rei-chan? That guy was stronger then you." Hito started, touching her arm lightly.

"Knock it off Hito. Don't baby me damnit I'm the older of us. And I don't like you got it!?" She hissed brushing his hand off. "I'll meet up with you guys in Tokyo. I need to go home first." She picked up her black duffle bag and ran out of the temple grounds.

"But Rei . . ." Hito started after her.

"Hito, leave her be. She will catch up." Interjected Andy. "Besides, her pride has been bruised, she needs time to recover."

Who the hell was that guy? Terry came into the room.

"Well this is just great, first some weirdo comes, and toys with us, and now Rei leaves."

"Oh, well we should get to Tokyo, the others should be there in a couple of days, and I have a feeling we will see this mystery man again."

SOMEWHERE IN THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

"SOUL FIST!" Screamed Morrigan

"Very good my dear." Mocked Maximov soul as he steps out of the way of Morrigan's assault. "But not enough, KAISER WAVE!"

Maximov Soul and Lady Morrigan spar in their castle in the Scottish highlands, watched by Maximov's friend Vega.

"If she keeps improving she may even best you one day Maximov." Vega comments watching the two step off the floor.

"That she will Vega." Maximov put his arm around Morrigan's shoulder.

"Oh, what do we owe this visit vain one?" Morrigan asked Vega.

"Please take a seat." Maximov motions Vega to a chair near Lady Morrigan's throne. "Thank you." Vega sat situating himself so he could look at both host and hostess. Although Vega was none to be rude through his vanity, he also held a sense of nobility around him. "I came to tell you that there is going to be a tournament in Japan, that I thought you might be interested in joining."

"I don't know . . ." Morrigan spoke.

"Yes, I agree with my mate. Why would you want us to go?"

"For all we know it might be some dumb gathering of the world's losers."

"I thought you might say that. The organizers are only looking for the best of the best."

How interesting. The couple thought as they listened to Vega ramble on.

"And besides, would I have brought the news of this wonderful tournament if it was going to be boring?" Vega finished.

"Morrigan leaned on one arm. "T'is true that you haven't steered us wrong. But I have one question."

"What is that milady?" Queried the vain one.

"Have you yourself entered this tournament?"

"Yes I have."

"Then it is decided we shall go and enter." Maximov stood.

ELSEWHERE IN SCOTLAND (FOUR CASTLES DOWN TO BE PRECISE)

Rei smiled. Her attendants had no idea where she was. Most of the guard was used to the Duchess running off. I really should be home more often. More and more faces are turning to be new. But it's hard living the style of a street fighter and one of a dying blood line. I'm just glad Father agreed that I wouldn't marry any noble when I was born.

Rei stepped out of the brush, lying her towel by the pool. She climbed up onto the rocks. Her tanned skin glimmering in the moonlight.

And besides, Dad knew that I was more head strong then even mother was. Grandpa must have caught that too. I really should ask Eric about that when I go back to the keep. She jumped off the tall rocks, diving into the pool with the grace only a few ninjas had ever achieved.

She came to the surface.

A figure stepped out of the woods.

"Pretty, pretty, little girl."

"What the . . ."

"You know you are in my element."

I really don't need this right now. Rei stood. Light flashed around her body and she stepped up more, dressed in black cutoffs, and a red tied crop top.

"So you wish to fight?"

"Lady, ye got me on a bad day. Of course I'm gonna bloody well kick your ass."

The lake rose to catch her as she jumped up.

Nani? She thought. Rei was thrown at the rocks. Rei jumped off them. "HORNET STING!"

"That wont work girl." The woman blocked the darts with the water. "Try this." Water shot at Rei.

"Fire and water don't mix. FIRE SEED!" Rei threw some seeds before her. The lake turned to fog.

"Hower." Panny hissed unable to control it.

"Null . . ." Rei found she couldn't breath. She fell to her knees. Concentrate Rei.. She fell to the ground, having passed out.

LODUS ISLAND (FOUR DAYS AGO)

"Why should I listen to you?" Loucorn Looked at the shorter man standing before him.

"Because, I can get you more power then the God of war can provide. I can make you a God of the Gods. Stronger then any Titan. You could rebuild your country with ease. Hell, you could rebuild this galaxy to your own bidding if you wished." Gun smiled as he spoke.

"I don't need your help."

"Didn't you wonder how you got Sulia back? Or Jamen? And we mustn't forget those pieces which you have now. Yet you still can't find two. Though you know that Wolfgang Krauser must have one."

Loucorn looked at the man. Then to where his twin and Jamen were playing a board game out in the garden.

Jamen noticed him and stood.

"Lord Loucorn?" Hower appeared near his side.

"I will be willing to show that my words are not idle threats. Face me." Gun smiled.

"Huh?"

"I wish a fight of you."

"I will not."

"Then I will." Hower smiled. Jamen nodded as well.

This guys is nuts. I watched Jamen fight before. He could have beat Terry. Loucorn stepped back.

"I sense you are an honorable man Jamen."

"Yes."

Gun smiled again.

"KYAI!" Hower jumped into an attack. Gun jumped back. "Hey. Stand still and fight coward!"

"Too much arrogance." Hower fell. Neither man had seen the move that had brought him down.

"WHAT THE HELL!" Loucorn yelled.

"GIRITH UNGWE!" Gun held out his hand. Loucorn fell to his knees. Jamen stepped back weakened.

"Now you feel my power, and I have tasted yours. I shall rejoice when it is time to take it." Gun smiled again.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Let's just say I have been a benefactor of yours." Gun smiled.

"Rauko?"

"Ah, a name I haven't heard in years." Gun lifted Godimus by the shirt. "You will bring Lady Rei to the Tournament. If you don't. That little taste of my power will be what you wish I would do. I can do much worse." Gun threw him and disappeared.

OKINAWA, JAPAN (TWO DAYS UNTIL THE TOURNAMENT)

Hito opened the letter. It was postmarked from Yavie keep, in Scotland.

Dear Hito,

We have lady Rei, and will give her back, if you promise not to try any
stupid heroics, like trying to save her. Meet us in Tokyo the day after the
fights start.
Gun

"Those Bastards!" Hito dropped the letter to the dojo floor and went to his car. "If they hurt my betrothed I will kill them." He muttered starting to drive into Tokyo.

TOKYO (LATER THAT DAY)

Rei woke in a hotel room. Her wrists were cuffed together behind her. Jamen was sitting on the floor by the door.

She sat up and snapped the cuffs.

"You better have a good reason for bringing me here." She looked at Jamen.

"Lady Rei. I am glad to see Hower and Panny didn't harm you too bad."

"Screw that! Who the hell are you and why am I here?" She started to raise her voice more.

Such a mouth on her. I hope Gun was right about her.

"You're in Tokyo." He answered.

"Good, I'm leaving."

Jamen stood. She noticed how big he was.

"They sure do make you evil villain types big don't they?"

"You cannot leave."

"What? And I guess you're gonna stop me huh?" She asked. "Oh well. Let's get this over with." She stepped into her battle stance.

"You may try. But I will not fight back. It is not my goal to hurt a child."

"I'm no child." She smiled. "WILLOW THE WISP!" She threw the fireball at him. Jamen blocked it.

"I said I will not fight you."

"There's no way I'm staying here." He just brushed it off. And I'm too weak still to cast a spell. Damn. She sat back on the bed seeing no other way out. "Alright. I'll play your game a while." She sulked.

STROHEIM CASTLE, GERMANY

Blood walked into the mail hall.

"What is it?" Krauser asked, not looking up from the organ.

"Geese is up to something."

"Tell me something I don't already know."

Sebastian entered the room with the tea. Wolfgang moved to the table picking up the cup.

He's still plotting to rematch Terry? Victor blood thought looking at his boss. He's gained so much power since the last fight, this time I don't think they'll be able to walk away with one loser. It'll be to the death.

"I will go to this tournament. It may yet prove to be promising."

A shadow, whom Victor had not noticed before, nodded and disappeared.

"Sir?"

"I shall explain later."

"Yes sir."

Victor looked again at Wolfgang Krauser. The man paid no attention to him, lost in his own thoughts.

SOUTH TOWN, USA

"Ken! Ryu! Wait up will ya!" Chun Li ran to catch up.

Ryu shook his head sadly. I still can't see why Ken had to insist bringing her. Ryu thought as the two men stopped.

Ken was looking at the shop. A grin crossed his face.

"Chun, remember the last time we were together like this?" He asked.

"Oh, no." Ryu backed up. "I'm not carrying the bags this time. She's bigger."

"Come on." Chun Li and Ken pulled Ryu into the shop. His protests went into deaf ears as the two started talking about the trip the two took to Hong Kong when they were kids.

"Ken? Don't we have to get to Japan?" Ryu asked, knowing his friend's plans to enter the tournament.

"We still have time." Chun li said as she disappeared into the dressing room. She stepped out in a dark blue kimono. "What do you think?"

"Try this one." The lady helping her handed her another outfit.

Here goes the day. Ryu leaned against the wall.

"This time, let's not go anywhere like the Palace? I am Interpol you know. That would be bad on my record." She grinned stepping out of the dressing room in the new outfit.

"Alright we wont." Ken promised not looking up yet.

"You're getting too soft in your old age Ken."

"I'm not that old!" Ken moved to hit Ryu. Both stopped starring at Chun Li

"I'll take it." She smiled. At least now they recognize me as a woman instead of a girl. She giggled.

K.O.F. ARENA, HOWARD'S OFFICE

Billy Kane looked at Geese.

"Well what is it?"

"He's been spotted."

"Right." Geese walked to the doors as there was a soft knock.

Gun's smiling face appeared.

"So he is coming?"

"As I promised. You shall fight him as well. But I need one more service of you. The men I sent for the girl wont be able to keep her there. I want you to take her elsewhere during most of the fight."

"You want me to babysit? Find a nursemaid."

"This girl is stronger then even Terry. Do not under estimate her. If she wins the tournament I will face her." Gun touched his cheek lightly, where there was a hint of a dark purple bruise. That bitch is going to pay for what she did to me. She'll pray to the ancient gods that I kill her. Gun thought.

"Kane, go find her then."

"Yes sir."

TOKYO

Jamen looked at Sulia and Rei. Both girls were planning the escape route.

"Lady Sulia it's time."

"Right. You sure you can handle it Rei?" Sulia stood.

"Hey, if I could handle stepping between Terry and Andy when they're sparring, I think I can handle Hower and Panny."

"Lady Rei?"

"Jamen would you please quit the `Lady' crap? I may be nobility, but this girl's got claws. You just protect Sulia. Hower owes me for that dirty little trick he played on me." She flicked her wrist and four daggers appeared in her hand.

"Right." Jamen held Sulia and disappeared. Rei stood still waiting for the trio to show up.

BISON'S TEMPLE

"SPIN DRIVE SMASHER!" Cammy yelled.

"OH SHIT!" The dark haired youth fell back. He didn't move.

"Sorry Mike. I forgot that you are a weakling." The medics went to his side. And tend to him. Mike stands.

"I . . . I thought I was just hit by a butterfly."

Cammy turns. A breeze blows her braids across her face.

The medics scramble away.

"Gee all this because I asked you out on a da . . ."

Cammy saluted.

"PSYCHO CRUSHER!" Bison called out his move.

Cammy giggles.

Mike pales.

JAPAN (A DAY BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT)

Joe, Hito, and Andy are all looking over the paper at the same article.

"That doesn't look like an accident. The place shouldn't be crawling with vines."

Sulia stopped to catch her breath.

"Joe! Andy!" Rei smiled waving.

"Are you sure this is wise?"

Terry turned to look at the group.

"Sulia?"

Two fireballs headed for the trio. Rei grabbed Sulia throwing herself back.

"Terry catch!" She threw Sulia in his direction as she rolled back to her feet. Terry caught her and landed as the fireballs were caught by Hito.

"Hito? You know I don't like you." She growled looking up at Loucorn.

"Jamen, I knew you were weak."

"Terry get Sulia and Rei out of here." Jamen ordered.

"Like bloody hell I'm leavin'." She took her stance.

"Mai would you. . ."

"Yeah, come on Sulia."

"VINE LASH!" Rei raised her hand spinning around to strike Hower.

"CRACK SHOT!" Terry attacked Loucorn. Panny was trying to avoid Jamen.

Joe noticed the ground rumbling first.

Hito woke as the water hit him

"OH, this looks great in front of my love." He mumbled.

"I've already danced this one with you Panny. FIRE SEED!"

The fog rose. Loucorn grabbed Rei by the neck.

"Little bitch."

"Kyai!" She kicked him in the knee and he dropped her. She rolled to her feet facing him.

He looked around. Terry and Jamen stood facing him on both sides. His henchmen were defeated.

Two more figures stepped into view. A girl with what looked like bat wings and blue hair walked up to the group.

Gun was watching from a rooftop. Interesting, what is a succubus doing here?

"JITSUZAI HENKOO SURU!" Rei said softly. The ground started shifting into a cloud.

"POWER GEYSER!"

"FIRE GEYSER!"

"FINISHING SHOWER!"

The three attacks hit him at once.

Loucorn waved off Terry's attack. Taking the winged one's and Jamen's. Rei was thrown back. She fell hard and the ground shifted back to the pavement.

Joe knelt by her side.

"Okay, I think Sulia's pendant's messing me up again." She mumbled lightly. "And two alter reality spells hurt like Hell."

Well, well. She is something to deal with. That raw power of hers was enough to bring down the godling, if the girl's power hadn't gotten in the way. Gun thought teleporting away in a flock of ravens. Though the power from the. . . She's not a normal demoness. He sat in his thrown in the hidden cavern.

"This game will be even more fun. Now if I can changes the druid."

A ball appeared in his hand. Inside were two twisted, once human figures. "Soon you'll have your daughter back. Though I will own her soul." He laughed.

TOKYO

"So you see, we . . . we'll . . ." Mai stopped, being stumped. Sulia giggled, clinging to Terry's arm. Rei was trying to get Hito off her.

"Hito, I don't think she wants to be with you." Joe said tapping his shoulder.

"If you kill him I'll be grateful Joe." She joked heading into the dance club.

Once inside Rei and Mai disappeared.

"Welcome to the club. We have a special show for you tonight. . ." Duck King started as the music died, being cued up for the girls.

"Mai . . ." Andy started.

" . . . You didn't." Hito finished.

"Mai! Come to Daddy!" Jubei yelled.

"Do you mind Master Jubei." Andy decked him.

"Those are our girl friends up there." Hito hit him at the same time. Jubei went flying back into the wall.

The stage lit up. Mai started swaying to the music. Rei stepped onto the stage. The men all cheered the two redheads on.

"Better knock some sense into Andy later." Rei mumbled in her ear.

Two figures moved out of synch with Rei's spell. Most of the audience disappeared. Mai growled.

"Knock it off with the spells Rei." Mai gasped feeling arms wrap around her. "What . . ."

"HEY!" Rei felt arms wrap around her as well. The spell dissipated leaving the fighters and their dates only.

"REI!" Hito ran for them.

"So pretty we meet again."

"Get off me Hower!" Mai threw him away from her.

"Then this must be Vega." Rei asked low.

"So you recognize this beauty? The likes of which is tamed only slightly by the likes of yours." Vega smiled behind his mask.

"Careful sir. Or you wont make it to see the tournament tomorrow." Rei smiled.

"Very well. I will allow you to kiss me." He let her go.

"Fuck you." She spun as her clothes shifted to the black cutoffs and red silk blouse she wore Vega still held her. "KIYAI!" She yelled kicking forward. Her foot tapped his mask off his face.

Vega stepped back releasing her, touching his face where her foot connected.

"There is no way in Hell that I would go out with a blond man. Even if they were the only men on the face of this planet." She spat on the floor. "And I don't date dogs like you."

"You wench." I shall have to teach you a lesson." The claw came out into his hand.

Mai threw Hower to the dance floor.

"Andy!"

"Mai get off the stage!" Rei ordered as she started to glow in shifting colors. "HELL CAT!"

"Nice try." He jumped back. Hower stood on the stage watching. "INAZUMA KUSARI!" Rei yelled holding out her hand. Lightning danced around her hitting Hower, the lights, Vega, the lights, and plain destroying the stage.

Vega stood up after the blow.

"I'll deal with you later Chiisai koneko."

Rei stood outraged. "WHAT! What did you call me! HORNET STING!"

It was too late. Vega had already disappeared.

"Damn!" She jumped from the stage.

"What the hell did you do to my nightclub!" Duck King yelled.

"Ducky, I owe you okay. Put it on my tab." Rei brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. She saw Hito was out, having been knocked out, or passing out when she started fighting. Good he didn't watch it all. She walked out of the place.