A DAY LATER

Andy and Rei stood before the monks.

"Domo arigatoo sensei." Rei nodded to the head monk.

"You sure you want to go through with this. The both of you?

"Hai." Andy answered.

"Though just to tell some one, I think Andy's lost it. I mean if I can best his brother . . ." Andy elbowed her and she shut up.

"Only Mai's allowed to insult me like that." Andy whispered to her.

"You don't seem like normal people." Anita said looking at the two of them.

"Huh?" Rei looked down. "Oh, aren't you a cute kid." Rei knelt. "What's you're name?"

Anita turned and walked away.

"Rei stood up. "Humph. What a little brat. I was just trying to be nice. It's not like I'm a bad person."

An ominous feeling of danger came over Rei and Andy as the monks quickly left the main hall. Rei surveyed the room.

"What is up with . . . them. Huh, Andy . . . who's that?"

"I think that's him."

"YEOUCH! You didn't say he had the chi of a demon." She touched her head lightly.

Donovan backed up.

"I did not wish to harm you."

"Then there goes sparing." Rei smiled.

"Well that's a bummer." Gun appeared, holding Anita in his arms. "Such a charming child Dark Stalker."

Donovan turned looking at Gun.

"Put her down."

"Who will make me?"

You shouldn't have asked that question. Andy thought rolling his eyes.

"I, the mistress of the Yavie school of Martial arts, Mistress of the Kooryuko style as well as the styles of the Damyio of Ancient Japan. . ."

"Doesn't she ever shut up?"

"Not that I know of." Andy replied.

"Do you two mind." She snapped looking at them. ". . . I shall fight you, to regain my name, that you have stolen from me back in Taiwan!" She took her battle stance. "Face me demon!" She hissed. He smiled setting Anita down.

"NO! There is no need to fight!" Anita looked at them. Rei looked at the kid.

"Step back little one, okay?"

"Anita." Donovan called her. She walked over standing by his side.

"I tire of this." Gun held out his hand. "Vorn Alph!" He flicked his wrist and a flock of birds flew at her.

"NANI!" Rei dived out of the way. "GET LOST!" She hissed as she was thrown to the ground. "SUMMON GOLUM!" She held up her hand and the ground shook. Anita screamed. Andy and Donovan jumped back.

Vines tore up from the ground.

"Oops.. Maybe that was a little too strong." Rei jumped back.

"Now you say it."

"Child's play."

The explosion of the vine golum threw Rei into Donovan and Andy.

" . . . Andy . . ." She stammered as the spell's destruction weakened her. Donovan helped her up.

"What happened?"

"So the druid can be hurt?" Gun smiled evilly again. Rei stepped forward.

"INAZUMA KUSARI!" She held up her hand. Gun grabbed it. The lightning hit both of them, charging Gun up more.

"NO!" Andy charged at him. The Dark Blade stopped him as Donovan noticed what Rei was doing. She bit her lip trying not to pass out.

"You fool. You can't avoid my attacks when we are this close." She growled. Her eyes started to glow with her anger and control at the same time. She smiled. This is going to be pure luck that I hit this jerk. She thought as darts filled her hand.

"HORNET STING!" She yelled throwing the darts. She heard two stick in Gun's flesh before he threw her back. Rei jumped back, still throwing the darts. She landed on one knee, brushing hair from her now green eyes. "Don't mess with the Yavie Schoo. . ." She stopped as he stood.

Gun started laughing. He disappeared.

To Andy and Rei's horror, the darts were lying on the ground, save for three.

Andy looked at Rei.

"How'd he . . ."

Rei looked back falling to her knees. "I . . . I don't know. . ." With that she collapsed, exhausted from the battle.

Donovan and Anita watched.

"She is a strong girl."

"Let us go Anita." Donovan looked back at Andy. "We must conclude this some other time. I must attend to the demon that was just here."

Andy picked up Rei's small form and took her outside.

"Andy! What happened?" Mai quarried.

"I'll explain on the way to Tokyo. We need to get Rei there."

INTERLUDE: A YEAR AGO............

"My, my, what a cute little man." Doctor Eric James said looking at his creation. A few days ago it had been a rabbit, but the crazy doctor had spliced it's DNA with that of an ax murderer, thus creating the being known as Mike. (How original doc. *Author smirk here*)

The man everyone, (even a newborn baby) could kill.

And to prevent permanent damage, such as death, from happening to his incredibly cute creation, (gods! Can't this get any worse?) He wove a spell that enabled it to return from the dead, as well as reanimate other dead. (However is a side effect! STUPIDITY!)

"And the ability to make plants grow." The doctor glares at the Author of this scene, basically telling her to zip her lip.
(Okay, okay)

"Because of the rabbit's origin, a realm where the animals are used to fight battles, Mike has the attacks from his time as a creature from the realm of Pok e mon. (Is nothing Sacred to the writers?) Though because his species is that of one that would rather reproduce then fight, most of his attacks damage him as well. Because of this I threw him out into the world hoping someone could find a way to destroy him."

"DEATH AND DESTRUCTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Nicky screams loudly with a grin.

Eric James nods, agreeing with the Writer.

"I failed. I couldn't create the ultimate weapon. And I couldn't even pay my own children Four hundred grand to kill it..." He starts crying. Nicky gives him a hug patting his shoulder.

"Don't worry Doc. We'll deal with him. I think me an' Ray can figure out a way to get rid of him." Nicky sits the doctor at his table and writes in a cup of tea for him to drink and calm down.

"I don't think so Doc. I like being alive." Mike laughs evilly as he disappears into the pages of the story.

"I should have used a Pikachu instead. At least they know how to fight."

Lights dim.

(ANOTHER SIDE NOTE: I know that seemed lame, but it's better then working on math homework. *Smiles*)

TOKYO
Day before the tournament

Joe stood waiting for the others to show up. The cafe as empty.

Gee you'd think that The couples would be here already. He thought as the door opened.

"Morning Higashi." Rei fell into a seat near him. I guess here's where we're eatin' huh?" She smiled.

"How . . ." Joe looked at the girl, who had just seemed to appear out of thin air.

"What. Is this young druid quieter then the Ninjas?" She tilted her head nodding to where Andy and Mai were walking up.

"Yes."

"Way cool." Rei smiled letting some of her childishness show through.

Damn, try to pay attention to why you're here Higashi. He thought as they all sat down.

"Oh, Andy, please say we have some time for some shopping today." Mai begged.

A ball of green light appeared in the cafe. A young girl dressed in pure white robes looked around the room.

"Damn, I thought for sure Masters would be here." The girl disappeared again.

Mai blinked. "That seemed pointless."

Training Dojo, outside Tokyo

"Would all fighters please meet in the main hall?"

A rather tall, strange looking man stood on a small stage to address the fighters.

"Today you will begin to fight in a tournament called Mortal Kombat."

A servant ran up. "Sir!.. Sir, " The man stopped knowing he was already late from keeping his boss from making a fool out of himself.

"What is it Billy?"

"Those are Sakura's notes. She was in here practicing." Geese tuned beet red.

"You're supposed to make sure that stuff like this doesn't happen Kane." He whispered to his assistant. The Englishman nodded trying to hold in laughter. Geese cleared his throat.

"This is the best of the best Multiverse tournament Boss."

"Excuse me." He turned to address the group again. "If you mind looking up at the walls, each of you has been put into new teams. I know that some of you are used to fighting with the same people, but we needed to make sure that the groups would be equally skilled."

"Yeah right! You just wanted to make sure the Wolf pack didn't kick your ass again Geese!" Came a yell from the back of the crowd.

"Please report with your team here tomorrow morning for the first round of fights."

TEAM ONE:

Dan Blood Birdie Krauser Gun Rimsala

TEAM TWO:

Ryu Ken Chun li Segat E. Honda Hower

TEAM THREE

Bison Cammy Akuma Geese Loucorn Panny

TEAM FOUR:

Blanka Rose Joe Jamen Hito Rei

TEAM FIVE:

Vega Mai Terry Andy Morrigan Maximov

TEAM SIX:

Donovan / Anita Pyron Bishamon J. Talbain Jedah Mike

"YAY!" Chun li jumped into the air, slightly, cheering the fact that her team was mostly people she had teamed up with before. "We're still together." She grabbed Ryu and Ken's arms. E. Honda and Segat walked over to the trio.

"I am amazed there are so many fighters here." Segat said looking around. "Nice to see you again Ryu."

"Yeah, nice to see you too Segat. Honda." Ryu nodded to the pair. He looked as if he was going to say more, but Chun Li planted her lips to his. When they pulled apart, Ryu was starting to turn red.

"Humph, you'd think he was never kissed by a girl before." She grinned seeing Ken's eyes cloud with anger. Gee playing one off the other is going to be more fun then I thought. She smiled.

Geese looked at his team. He realized the ones in charge had put him in a team that he basically knew nothing about. One of the fighters, who had introduced himself as Akuma, gave off this aura of power.

The others didn't seem much of a threat, even though the one who looked like he ran an army in his spare time, gave off a strong aura.

Loucorn was staring at Terry, almost growling. Geese looked at the small girl hanging off the Bogard's arm. He smiled.

Anita stood near Donovan, their trail of the demon having lead them to the tournament. He noticed a few pure bloods were there.

Talbain looked uneasy about being near so many people. Donovan didn't blame him. The place was packed with both fighters and fans.

"So many . . . You think he is here?" Anita asked looking up at Donovan.

"Yes, I think so. There seems to be a dark force behind this tournament." Pyron said looking at the two of them.

"Huh?"

"I figured the girl was talking about the people in charge of this tournament."

Bison felt a hand on his arm. Cammy had returned from her little scouting mission.

"Did you see them?"

"They are here. As well as that creep that tried to . . ."

Bison's eyes flicked over to the dark haired youth standing with a group, of beings. The youth was scanning the room as well.

"First fight will be Dan versus Morrigan!" The announcer spoke calmly. "Tomorrow morning at ten am, in Ginza Plaza. Please try to remember that this is a street fight. And to keep it to minimal damage. The tournament funds cannot replace the lives of innocents."

"That's why we should take it out of town!" Ken shouted. A few others cheered him on. Chun Li gave him a hug. It was Ryu's turn to get angered.

"You must be Chun Li." Segat smiled at the woman. "I know I've had matches against you, but I never really got the chance to be properly introduced to you." He kissed her hand lightly.

She blushed, amazed that the kick boxer could actually be gentle.

Ken and Ryu both fumed about it. Chun li smiled as she thought to herself Man, they are so predicable. I'm really going to enjoy this.

Maximov and Morrigan looked at Vega, who for some reason seemed a little edgy after he had viewed the team lists.

"My dear Vega, what is bothering you? Asked Morrigan as she looked over the lists.

"N, nothing, really I'm just . . . a bit nervous. There more fighters then I thought that's all."

Maximov knew Vega was lying, but he didn't say anything.

"Well we must find these Bogard boys, and this girl so we know where our team stands." Declared Maximov.

"The wolf pack, along with Rei, decided to wait for the crowd to thin so that they could see that team each was on, but it became clear that it wasn't going to happen anytime soon. They sent Hito into the fray to find out for them.
"I wonder what's taking Hito so long?" Mai tasked looking around.

"Does it really matter? I mean at least he's out of my hair for a while." Rei responded still brushing wrinkles out of her silk blouse from where he had been clinging to her like a lost puppy. The look on her face was that of pure disgust. "I'd rather . . ."

Terry turned and started to laugh. "Well it seems you spoke too soon Rei."

"What do you . . ." She looked over to where he was pointing. Hito was running back to them, a grin plastered to his face. Rei just groaned. Someone just shoot me.. Or hell. Billy where's that staff of you're.. Put me in ICU... She thought.

"Guess what!" Hito started.

"If it involves the death of . . ." Joe elbowed her to keep her from finishing the comment.

Everyone looked at him.

"Well, What is it!"

"And don't you dare answer with another question Yamakawa."

"Well, Terry, Andy and Mai are on team five with Vega, and some guy named Maximov, and another person named Morrigan."

Mai gave out a choking gasp. "What!" Her voice hinted at sarcasm. "That's gonna be great."

Hito Just smiled. "Well I did see him and he was a little on edge. My guess is that he's a little scared of the three of you." Hito pointed at Terry, Andy, and Mai.

It was getting obvious that Rei was anxious to find out who she was teamed up with. "Yeah well I'd be scared of them too. If I was a weakling. Come on what about the rest of us Hito?"

"Oh, right. I almost forgot." A huge smiles came across Hito's face. Rei felt her stomach turn.

Please god, have mercy on me....PLEASE!!

"My love, Rei, Jamen, Joe, and myself, are on team four with Blanka and Rose. Isn't that great?" I'll be able to fight next to my beloved."

Rei was about to say something, but Terry and Andy both elbowed her in the ribs.

Mai stood behind her. "Don't kill him Rei. I'm sure someone in the tournament will."

Rei thought to herself. Someone better kill him before I do.

Terry cleared his throat. "Well Then, I think we should find our teammates and catch up at the front gate of the dojo in a couple of hours.

Joe looked at Terry. "Yeah, that's a good idea. We'll do that."

Hito walked over to Rei. "Shall we go now my sweet rose petal?" He walked off.

Rei's hands started for his neck. Mai grabbed her from behind.

"Please Shiranui! Let me kill him.. PLEASE! Let me kill him now so my suffering will end."

Mai held Rei firm. "No Rei, you can't kill him. Just let it go for now. Like I said I'm sure someone else will."

Joe grabbed Hito and Rei's arms, dragging them over to where the others memebers of their team stood waiting.

"Hito Yamakawa if you drool on me anymore I'm going to make sure you don't live to see tomorrow morning." She hissed low.

She loves me, Look into her eyes Hito, they're filled with the fire of Passion.

Joe winced being in between the two of them.

"Oh, Hi Jamen!" She smiled looking at the fighter.

"Lady Rei." He nodded.

Blanka and Rose walked up to them.

"You two must be the World Warriors on our team." Rei shot Hito a glare about his manners as he spoke. She could feel that one of the fighters had noble blood like her own.

"Yes." Blanka said almost growling.

"Be nice uncivilized one." Rose looked at the others.

"Hey, who are you lady?" Hito asked looking at her.

"Hito! Shizukani!" Rei hissed. Joe pulled her back before she clobbered him.

"I was wrong. The beast is smarter then the fool." Rose said with a slight nod to Rei.

"I am Rei Yavie, of the Yavie school of martial arts in Scotland. The bloody fool is Hito, one of my father's students." Rei held out her hand. "Please excuse him. He truly has no taste when he is talking to women."

"I am Rose."

"Blanka."

"Hey don't forget us." Joe introduced himself and Jamen.

Chun Li grabbed Ken's and Ryu's arms.

"Come on you two! At least be hospitable." The groups of fighters were in the reception hall. A live band was playing in a corner.

"Rei chan! Please! One dance, that's all." Hito begged, his large eyes looking almost like sad puppy eyes, which the young woman was trying her hardest to ignore. She glanced at Joe, as if begging him for some assistance before she pummeled him.
Joe held up his hands showing defeat.

Rei calmly stood.

Maybe you shouldn't have done that Higashi! Joe thought looking at Hito.

"Thank you . . ." She grinned grabbing Hito's outstretched arm as he helped her to her feet. "But . . . I told you, before we left Scotland . . . And after this I wont tell you again." Hito's eyes started to show a glimmer of fear as he realized his mistake. "I DON'T LIKE YOU!" She threw him into a wall without wrinkling her blouse.

The band stopped.

Everyone was looking at Rei and Joe. Rei's face started to turn red.

The look changed to one of pure innocence and she looked up gaining her composure.

"What, what did I do? Geez you would think that none of you have ever seen someone reject a guy before."

After the party carried on until midnight everyone went to their rooms at the hotel to rest, or prepare for the matches to begin.

TOURNAMENT DAY ONE

(Nicky: About time.. I mean nineteen pages..)
(Ray: Get on with it already...)

"Today we start the tournament! Our First match is between Dan . . ." The ref waved his hand towards Dan's corner of the ring. "And the lovely Morrigan!" He didn't turn to look at her, afraid he would start drooling over the general looks and attire the female fighter wore.

Morrigan looked at Dan. "Don't worry little man. I wont hurt you . . . Much."

"I doubt you will beat me. But when I do win, Let's say I buy you dinner." Dan smiled at her.

For some reason the words only seemed to irritate the fighter. Insulant, well, I'll teach him to make passes at me, Lady of the Demon realm, with my love Maximov here.

The fighters took their stances. Dan made the first attack.

"Dan KU KYAKU!" Of all Dan's moves he chose to use his weakest first.

Morrigan cocked her head to the side.

"Idiot." She countered. "SOUL FIST!"

Dan didn't expect a projectile attack from her and went flying across the arena. He stood up. "You little wench. That hurt!"

A scowl covered Morrigan's face. "What did you just call me human?"

"A wench. Are you deaf woman?"

Before Dan knew it Morrigan was already in his face. (In most cases this would not seem to be a problem right?)

Morrigan smacked Dan across the face. Which was followed by a double round house. She was about to use the shadow blade technique but Dan somehow slipped away.

"GA DO KEN!" Dan had misjudged the distance and the attack stopped bare centimeters from her face.

Morrigan smiled.

"Darkness illusion."

The last thing Dan saw before he faded into the darkness of unconsciousness, was Morrigan to his left and right.

"The winner, by technical knock out, And I put emphasis on Knock Out, Lady Morrigan Aensland!

Hito took to the ring. Birdie was already there.

"Second match! Birdie versus Hito Yamakawa!"

"I only battle to prove my love to milady Rei!" Hito looked at Rei, who was talking to Terry and Joe. She heard his words and cringed.

"So, what do I care?" Birdie took his stance.

"FIGHT!"

Hito took the basic Shotokan stance.

"DUR ORE!" Hito attacked, only to be thrown back easily.

"Was that the best you could do? You must not love your lady that much then." Birdie said as he beat Hito to the ground. He pulled back stepping away from the kid knowing the match was done.

Hito weakly stood.

"You will not dishonor her like that." He brushed blood from his lip. "Jisatsu!" Hito launched into a new attack.

Rei heard the Japanese word and turned watching Birdie fall to the ground.

"What the hell!?"

Birdie didn't rise.

"How the! I mean! Winner! Hito!"

This battle was for my Love." Hito tossed a rose at Rei.

It's going to take all my patience to not kill him! She thought wishing she could hhide.

"Fight three will be between Wolfgang Krauser and Jedah!"

Terry looked up quickly at the battle arena.

"What? Did he say Krauser? It can't be."

Rei looked up as well. She turned leaving the arena.

"Rei?" Joe watched her.

"Stay, I'll be fine."

The two warriors entered the battlefield. Krauser looked at Jedah.

"You are no mere mortal. No matter."

Jedah just looked at Krauser with a look of disgust.

"Do not insult me by comparing me to your kind. I will cure you of the curse called life."

Krauser let out an overwhelming laugh. "Ha, ha, ha, we shall see."

Jedah took to the air and yelled.

"Dio cega!" A spinning blade came forth and went at Krauser.

Krauser, with his great speed quickly dodged the blade.

"Blitz Ball!" A shining orb of energy slammed it's self into Jedah's gut. He dropped to the ground. Jedah started laughing and jumped back into the air.

"Ira Spintz!"

Krauser was caught off guard and Jedah took him into the air slamming him on his back into the ground. Jedah used his wings to drill on Krauser's abdomen

Krauser then grabbed Jedah's wing despite the pain being inflicted and threw the beast to the side and stood.

"You shall not best me this day Beast." He held out his hands. "Double Blitz Ball!"

Jedah dodged the attack by swooping underneath it, only to be creamed by the Krauser wave that had followed the twin orbs, that he had failed to see Krauser use.

"Krauser is the winner!" The announcer screamed.

Terry had watched in horror.

He's gotten better, a lot better. I need a drink.

Rei had returned and saw the look on Terry's face. She looked at the big German warrior.

He doesn't look like he even used his full strength. But still, I don't think he's that good.

"Rei, isn't that . . ." Andy started as the new fighters entered the ring.

"Donovan!" She cheered. "Good luck! Remember you owe me some sparing time!" She added. Donovan turned looking at her. He nodded. Rei ran down to catch better seats for the fight.

"A monk?" Blood stepped into the ring. Women in the crowd cheered.

"Shall we?" Blood stepped into his stance holding his blade in his hand. He saluted Donovan.

Donovan nodded. Anita found her way to Rei's side to watch the fight. The dark sword hung in the air before Donovan.

"Bloody hell?" He looked at Donovan. The sword was defending. "Alright." Victor cursed charging.

"Flame sword!" Donovan muttered softly from his prayer stance.

Victor landed hard. He struggled to his feet. The man's good. He thought as he stumbled slightly.

"Are you done?"

Victor fell to his knees again, nodding.

"You have bested me." He fell to the ring floor passing out.

"Gee is seems that Team one doesn't have many fighters left! Let's hope the last few are better then what we have seen today!" One of the announcers said trying not to look at the women who were standing in the fighter's box having had witnessed the fight.

"Eric knock it off, they're all taken, and they'd kick your ass." The other announcer said with a grin. "Next match In half an hour! RYU! And Mike! Will fight it out in the ring."

Cheers from the crowd erupted, many knowing the Japanese man and had come to watch him in action.

Chun Li, Mai, Morrigan and Rei watched the men as they stood in line getting lunches.

"Rei, here, it's your favorite." Hito said slipping into the seat next to her. "Only the best for my delicate Scottish rose."

Oh please, would you shut the hell up Hito! One more outburst professing your love is going to make me kill you myself. Or hell I'll pay any fighter the lands of the Dojo to kill you. She thought opening the boxed lunch. It was Halibut tempura, rice, sweetcakes, and miso soup. All in heart shaped containers. "Oh, how cute." She choked.

"So darling." Morrigan giggled as Maximov sat next to her.

"Shut up." Rei kicked her lightly, Morrigan stopped.

"Chun Li!" Ken motioned for her.

"Have fun you guys. I have to watch Ryu."

"Wish him luck!" Mai said as she snuggled closer to Andy. Andy smiled slightly at her as Sulia and Terry walked up. The pendant Sulia wore flashed the closer they got. Rei could feel the magic forces around her being disturbed and decided that now wouldn't be a good time to teleport Hito to the Sahara Desert yet.

Ryu stood in the ring, his eyes closed. His breathing was slowed. The lights came on telling him that there were still five minutes until the match.

"So, you're Ryu. I've heard you were one of the best." Mike stood across the ring from him.

Ryu opened his eyes drawing out of his thoughts.

The crowds were starting to fill in the arena.

"Mike."

"Yes. Did I happen to break you thoughts?"

"Not at all."

"Fight!"

Both fighters took battle stances. Mike started circling Ryu.

"You really don't look like much."

"I will not take the first shot. So stop trying to upset me." Ryu said, still observing his strange opponent. He leads with his right and the defense looks poor on that side. I don't think he's ever had formal training.

"PETAL DANCE!" A whirlwind threw cherry blossom petals at Ryu, cutting him twice.

"Hadoken!" Ryu threw the chi blast at Mike.

Mike rolled out of the way. He called out the same move as before. Ryu dived out of the way.

"Stay still will you." Ryu grumbled.

"Double Edge!" Ryu saw him coming at him.

"Shoryuken!"

Mike fell to the ground.

"The winner is . . . ."

Mike stood again.

"Gee, that was the same reaction from the blond girl." Mike smiled.

"Nani?" Ryu stepped back holding up his hands in defence.

"SELF DISTRUCT!" Mike hit Ryu sending him flying back a few steps. Mike didn't rise again.

"RYU!" Chun Li jumped into the ring hugging him. "You're okay right? He didn't hurt you too badly did he?"

Ken scowled slightly. No one noticed.

LATER THAT NIGHT

"Joe." Rei knocked lightly on his door.

"Rei?" He saw she looked worried about something. "What's wrong?"

"I'm worried about my fight. You basically dragged Hito and I into this, and I have never really fought in front of crowds this big." She sat on the couch, after moving the blanket he was using to one side.

"I've seen you fight Sumo before. Just think of him as one of your Grandfather's students."

"I know the style, but, I just don't know if I can beat him. My grandfather worked with southern style sumo. They're like American fighters, mostly muscle." She picked at a loose thread on the hem of her night shirt.

Joe sat next to her. "Don't worry." He smiled. She leaned back against him, nodding. Joe felt her against him. He looked down.
Rei was starting to doze off. He didn't want to really move her. Joe gently brushed the hair from her eyes and leaned back listening her soft breathing as he dozed off.

NEXT MORNING

"Joe! How could you?" Hito growled as Joe and Rei walked up. Rei was wearing one of his baggy shirts. She held his arm.

"Hito get lost!" She snapped.

"Ken Masters Versus John Talbain!" The announcer called the match.

"Hito it's not what it looks like." Joe started as she pulled him over so she could watch the fight.

"Damn straight this it isn't." Hito growled.

"Up in the ring Talbain had gotten two super moves in.

Ken stumbled back.

"Hurricane kick!" Ken charged at him. Talbain fell back being caught off guard.

"Rei come on. You're going to the room until you're match." Hito grabbed her arm.

"Hito, let go of me this instant."

"Hadoken!"

Joe grabbed Hito's arm.

"Leave her alone Hito."

Talbain hit the ground.

Hito's face looked as if Rei had slapped him. She turned looking away from him, watching Ken instead.

"Re Rei?"

She didn't answer. Hito left.

"Victor! Masters!"

That was a little harsh of her. I mean we did have time to stop at her room, she didn't have to borrow my shirt. Joe thought as the next match set up. Mai had started for the ring to prepare for her match.

"Tell Mai I wished her good luck. I have to get ready for my fight." Rei kissed Joe's cheek drawing him out of his mind.

"Huh . . . Yeah, sure."

"To eliminate a long cat fight we are going to have a timed match between Chun Li and Mai Shiranui!" The announcer said as both women entered the ring. The fighters took a few seconds to blow a kiss to their friends.

"Ready girls?" The ref asked looking at them. Both nodded. He exited the ring. "Fight!"

"KECHOSEN!" Mai jumped into the air. Chun Li rolled out of the way.

The timer was at 50 seconds.

"Kikoken!" Chhun Li yelled starting into her attack.

Mai hit her in the back with a fan as Chun Li's foot connected with Mai's knee.

Both landed.

"Good shot."

"Agreed."

The timer was at ten seconds left. Both women knew it would end in a draw. They let the clock count down.

"TIE!"

Both smiled.

"Nice work out."

"You too." Mai nodded as she juymped from the ring into Andy's arms.

Chun Li was embraced by both Ryu and Ken.

Ten minutes later Honda walked up to the ring.

"Where's Rei?" Terry asked looking at Joe.

"She said she had to get ready."

"We'll give Miss Yavie another minute." The ref said.

The clocked ticked down. Rei appeared in the ring.

"Anyone miss me?" She smiled giving the peace sign.

That was cutting it a little close Rei." Joe thought as shhe took her fighting stance.

"So you're the sumo." Rei nodded.

"Hai."

"Good." She smiled.

"ATTACK!"

Honda charged at her, putting his head lower then his shoulders. She used him as a spring board, doing a one hand back flip over the larger man. He stood turning.

"Hell Cat!"

"Hundred Hand Slap!"

Both attacked at the same time. Each hit being blocked, but Rei's last four kicks. Honda shook his head stepping back.

"Hundred Hand Slap!"

"Hell Cat!"

The same thing happened.

"Smite!" Rei grabbed Honda and rolled back. He flew to the other side of the ring. Rei bounced to her feet, darts appeared in her hands.

"The knives moved with lightning speed, surrounding, outlining, Honda's mass on the floor. He didn't rise. She jumped back landing on one of the corner posts, holding one wooden dart in her hand as if daring Honda to even breath.

"Rei! NO!" Joe yelled.

Oh goddess. . .What am I doing? Rei lowered her hand looking down. She jumped from her perch landing softly on the ground.

"Gomenasai Sensei Honda." She turned not looking up as she was announced the winner. She ran from the arena. Joe followed after her.

Joe Higashi actually being sensible? Mai watched the two leave.

Gun watched, standing in the darkness. He laughed.

This will be easier then I thought. She is able to be controlled. He smiled. I will make her humiliation public, breaking her will be fun.

Joe stood by Rei.

"I, I almost lost control out there. I wouldn't have stopped if you didn't call my name Joe." She hung her head slightly.

"Rei." Joe pulled her close. She hid her face in his chest.

Hito watched. His eyes darkened.

Rei, my love, I will soon break what ever spell he has over you. Hito thought as he walked back to the hotel in a light drizzle.

Rei pulled away from Joe.

"Hey! Joe Rei!" Terry and Sulia walked up. Rei blushed.

"You two going to come dancing? It's still early." Sulia asked.

"I think Rei needs some time." Joe smiled at her. "I might shhow up later."

"Alright." Terry gave a nodding grin to Joe. The two headed for Terry's bike.

"What was that all about?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing." Joe slipped his jacket over her shoulders.

"I should really go see if Honda's okay."

"He was." Joe said calmly.

The two walked down the street towards the hotel.

Chun Li dove into the pool. Ryu and Ken were sparring, the splash she made caused both to turn and watch her. Both men nearly jumped out of their skin when the phone rang. They looked to the phone, then to Chun Li, then to the phone and back.

"Uh, why don't you get it Ken." Ryu said with a smile.

"No, no, by all means you can get it."

"No ken I must insist you do it."

Chun Li made the decision for them as she pulled Ryu into the pool.

"Now you go get the phone Ken." She giggled as she pulled the sputtering Ryu from the edge of the pool.

Ken just stood there. Damn, huh, why is he getting all the attention? I'm the cuter of the two of us. Everyone normally agrees.

Oh well." He shhrugged and went to answer the phone. "Hello Masters Speaking."

A female voice rang from the phone. "Ken! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?"

"Huh, uh Elza, I'm at a tournament honest." Ken looked like he was getting beaten bad.

Ryu and Chun Li just stopped and looked into the room when they heard the shriek on the phone. Ryu started laughing.

"Well it looks like Ken just got busted by his wife."

Chun Li looked shocked. Wife? He didn't say anything about being married.

Ken just sat and tried to calm his hysterical wife over the phone. Looks as if I'm not sleeping tonight. He thought.

He shouldn't have given me his home number. Ryu thought.

Across town everyone else was out celebrating their success

Morrigan looked over at Maximov, who seemed to be lost in the shrouds of thought.

"What is on your mind Maxy?"

Maximov looked over. "Ohh, I'm sorry I really should pick better times to brood on things." He smiled at her. She was the love of his life, probably the best thing he ever had in a long time. She was also the only person save his sister, who could call him Maxy and live. Morrigan is really beautiful, maybe I should start thinking about seeing if she is the type I could settle down with. Maybe for a lasting relationship.

"What's wrong?" She queried.

"Nothing, I'm just a little bored here." He waved his hand to the dance club around them.

"Well then." She stood up and walked around behindhim and bent to his ear. "I can think of something for you to do." She smiled. He looked at her.

"Don't tease Morrigan."

"Who said I was teasing?" A look of innocence crossed her delicate face.

Maximov stood up. "Well then let us leave this club and go somewhere more private and romanitc."

With that Morrigan and Maximov seemed to disappear into the very shadows around them.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The night went on to be pretty uneventful, and everyone went back to the hotel early. Rei ended up staying with Joe again, still shaken by the fight, and to everyone's surprise Joe was actually a sensitive person.

Krauser sat up in his observation booth to watch the days fights.

"How long do you intend to stand behind me?"

"As long as I feel like it Krauser." Replied a woman's soft voice. Out of the shadows came forth a woman of undeniable beauty. She stood about five foot eight, and had jet black hair. She was currently wearing a pair of tight leather jeans and a black crop top, and her hair hung loose against her back. Although she looked normal, the metal plate and tattoo on her face told everyone other wise.

"Have they started for the day?" She was always intrested in the happenings of the tournament. Mainly because she had discussed it with Gun and thought it would prove to be fruitful to them both.

"The first match will be Vega versus Hower!"

Krauser looked over his shoulder. "Does that answer your question my dear?"
She frowned. "I suppose it does."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

At Vega's request the match was to be held in a cage, so that he could make use of all his skills.

"Vega, it is good to see you. Have you come to surrender, or do I have to prove that not only I fight better, but I look better."

"Vega laughed as he put on his new mask, it looked exactly like the one that Rei and Mai had demolished. "Your insults mean nothing to me."

Warriors are you ready?" Both men nodded as they took there stances.

"FIGHT!"

Vega was first to strike. "Rolling Claw!"

Hower barely avoided getting cut by Vega's claws, and brough his leg around and hit Vega in the back sending the Spaniard rolling across the floor. Vega however, managed to spring out of the roll near the wall. Jumping at the wall Vega flew at Hower.

"Super rolling inza drop!"

Ken cringed watching. "That had to have hurt."

Vega caught Hower and preceded to use his triple air suplex maneuver. When Vega let go Hower countered.

"AIR FIST!" Vega went to the ground having the air knocked out of him. Both men got up and then went back at it trading various punches, kicks and throws till the bell rang.

"This match is a tie!"

Terry frowned.

"Gee I wanted to see Vega win."

Andy nodded in agreement.

"Well at least we'll see them fight again." Sulia added as she slipped her arms around Terry's waist.

Andy looked at Mai, and felt sorry for her. She had the mis fortune of being elected the one to keep Hito sedated so he didn't ramble on about Rei. Andy walked over.

"Mai let him up."

"Oh, thank you Andy." She declared with joy.

Hito shot straight up. "Where's Rei?"

Everyone groaned.

Mai jumped. "Waaaaah, Dammit Hito, we don't know."

Sulia looked to the others. "Hey has anyone seen Joe at all?"

Andy's hand rested at his side. "Hm, come to think of it. I haven't seen either of them."

"Who? Us?" Rei interjected as she and joe strolled up arm in arm. No one seemed to notice she was wearing his clothes.

"Where have you two been?" Terry asked.

Rei looked at Joe and smiled. "We were . . . Busy."

"Yeah, real busy." Joe laughed.

Terry, Sulia, Andy, and Mai's jaws hit the floor. They each partook in the next question.

"Rei," Terry started.

"You," Sulia gasped.

"Didn't," Andy stared at her.

"Did you?" Mai asked.

Rei's face turned sweet and innocent. "Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't."

At this point Hito's face was beat red. "By all the powers that be she will be free of his tyranny!"

Hito walked off in a mad rage.

Rei watched Hito storm off. This is going to be great. It's already working. She smiled chuckling to herself. "Oh, Hito will get over it, or die, one of the two." She grinned, Hopefully the latter of the two. She then kissed Joe on the lips.

"The next fight is between M Bison, and Pyron!"

Cheers erupted in the crowds.

Joe had Rei off to the side. "Geez Rei, you turned him redder than a mad bull."

"Yeah, so?"

"Nothing. Actually I'm having fun with this. I wish I had a camera when you said, `Maybe I did, maybe I didn't' though." He mimicked her voice. She smiled.

"Bison wins!"

Rei looked back to the ring and saw Pyron on the ground.

"Damn it, I really wanted to see that one too." She pouted cutely.

"Sorry Rei, I'll make it up to you okay?" Joe smiled at her.

"Yeah, whatever." She kissed him again. "I guess we should go cheer on Terry huh?"

"Of course, we're like brothers."

"Would you happen to be the black sheep?" She walked off. Her long hair moving gently to the sway of her body. I know I'm a weed here. Though I always have been to father anyway. I hope he's watching me. She thought dropping her smile for only a second.

Damn, even in my clothes she's hot. Joe ran to catch up with Rei.

"And now, the rematch of the DECADE! We're proud to have bothh of them in this tournament!"

"Gee the way they make it sound, I'm fighting Geese." Terry said as Sulia gave him a big hug before he went up to the ring.

"I heard you were." Rei said giving him a small hug. "We'll be cheering you on the loudest Terry." She smiled giving him the victory sign as she stepped back.

"I know you will. That is if you an' Joe don't disappear again." Terry winked.

"GEESE HOWARD AND TERRY BOGARD!" The announcer went on about the two fighters. The crowd was going nuts. Terry rolled his eyes.

"Doesn't he ever get sick and tired of the three of us kicking his ass all the time?" Joe asked as he lead the girls up to where Andy and Mai were sitting.

So that's the man who took out my father. He'll soon learn that the younger generation is not one to piss off. Rei thought silently as she studied Geese's form.

Geese stood facing Terry.

"Are you ready to lose this time Terry?"

"Only if you are ready to win. And I'm not going to let you do that easily Howard." Terry with a slight grin. "To tell the truth I enjoy beating you."

"FIGHT!"

"POWER WAVE!"

"RISING STORM!"

Both attacks met in the middle. The force threw both fighters back. Terry stood charging at Geese.

"BURN KNUCKLE!"

Geese moved out of the way.

"GO TERRY!" Sulia and Rei both yelled over the roar of the crowd.

The two went into regular attacks. Geese was able to hit Terry only a few times. Terry stepped back.

"What, was that all you had this time Terry Bogard?"

Terry just smiled.

Geese started to build up power for another rising storm.

"TERRY!" Sulia yelled trying to urge him to move. He glanced at her and caught her eye. She nodded.

"POWER GEYSER!"

Geese fell out of the ing, just as theh buzzer rang.

"TIE!"

"WHAT!" No way! Terry threw him out of the ring!" Joe started to complain. One of the refs stiffed a rule sheet in his face. Andy took it and read the highlighted passage.

"Seems fair." Andy didn't sound too happy about it either.

They looked at the next round to see who would face Geese next.

"Iie!" Rei clung to Joe. "I don't want to fight him." She whimpered playfully.

"Rei this isn't a game. He's dangerous." Joe held her shoulders. She looked into his eyes seeing he was really worried about her.

She rolled her eyes. "Then come help me prepare Joe." She said as Hito walked by. Hito glared at him.

"Come on Joe." She tugged on his arm.

"God! They're worse then you and Andy Mai."

Mai shivered nodding. She stepped away from Andy letting go of his arm.

"Huh? What's wrong Mai?"

"Oh, nothing."

Andy smiled. "You don't like being upstaged do you?"

Mai looked at Andy in shock. "That's not true!"

"Okay, don't go ballistic."

"NEXT FIGHT WILL BE CAMMY VERSUS ROSE! THERE WILL BE A FIVE MINUTE TIME LIMIT!"

"Hm, you don't look tough." Commented Cammy as she looked at Rose.

"We shall see young lady, and just so you know, when I'm done with you your boyfriend is next on my list." Commented Rose with a stern face.

"You ain't touching Bison you witch."

"FIGHT!"

"Come on!" Screamed Cammy.

Rose attacked first with a deep flying kick. Cammy rolled away but got caught by Rose's fist on the way up. THWACK! Cammy was holding her jaw. That bitch just hit me.

Rose didn't let up. She kept on Cammy like white on rice.

Cammy stood up after Rose's soul throw.

"Well I guess I better get serious. I've only got another minute."

"CANNON SPIKE!" Rose got caught right in the jaw and went down. "Now you lose Rose. SPIN DRIVE SMASHER!"

Rose was nailed right in the gut as she stood up and got her jaw messed up with the thrust kick at the end of Cammy's attack.

"CAMMY IS THE VICTOR!"

"Terminated!" Cammy yelled as she walked off.

The woman next to Krauser looked on as the fight ended.

"I want that woman, Rose, to be my first victim."

Krauser looked at the beauty behind him. "Your wish is my command Rimsala." He pulled her into his ever delicate embrace and kissed her with the deepest of passion. "What ever you desire shall be yours."

Akuma and Jamen were the last to fight that day.

"I hope you are an honorable warrior Akuma." Remarked Jamen.

"Bah, who needs honor." Akuma spit on the ground.

"ATTACK!"

Jamen charged forward. "Fire Knuckle!"

Akuma teleported out of the way. Jamen had anticipated this and turned quickly as Akuma reappeared and got a punch in to the side of Akuma's face.

"Go sho ryu ken!" Akuma countered. Sending Jamen into the air.

"JAMEN!" Rei yelled seeing him go flying.

"FIRE GEYSER!" Jamen hissed.

"Genku Ha Do KEN!" Akuma growled.

Both men flew out of the ring.

"DRAW!"

They stood.

"WHAT!"

The ref pulled out the rule sheet.

"In the event that both combatants leave the ring the match is declared a draw."

Terry looked on. "Well that was pointless. They should have started the match over, oh well."

Sulia looked over to him. "Are we leaving?"

"Yeah, Andy, Mai, Joe, Rei, come on let's get outta here."

Rei looked at Joe after making sure that Jamen stood again. The big guy was tough, she knew that from before. He nodded to her. "Should we go Higashi?"

"Why not." He took Rei's arm. "Hey guys wait for us." The two went to catch up.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The party had gone to the dance floor, but Rei stayed out to take a breather.

Hito looked at her, Rei had her long hair pulled up out of her face with a thick green ribbon, to match the short skirt she wore. She was watching the other couples dancing.

Now's my chance to break Joe Higashi's spell. He approached Rei. She took a sip of her drink. She took notice of him.

"Ugh, what do you want Hito?"

"I will break his spell on you my love!" Hito declared as he pulled Rei into her chair again and kissed her deeply.

Joe turned seeing what was going on.

Rei shoved him off. "Damn Hito! You're going to ruin my dress!"

"What?"

A loud yell erupted from the dancers.

"HITO WHAT IN HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!"

Hito turned around to see Joe's scowling face.

"Oh crap."

Joe just glared at Hito, and Hito knew that he was about to get creamed.

Jubei yelled at Rei. "Run Rei!" In thought he added, to me little one, Daddy Jubei wont let you get hurt.

With a flash of light Joe was in his fighting clothes. "Screw Fist!"

Hito was flung around and landed face first in Mai's chest.

Mai screamed and smacked Hito in the face. "HITO, you pervert!"

Andy saw this but stood his ground.

Also watching were Hower and Vega.

Vega looked over. "If they attack him We should as well Hower."

"Yes, I agree Vega. Let us join them. No one touches my pretty without my permission. With the exception of her blond body guard of course."

Hito looked around. He knew an attack was coming, but he didn't know from where. He didn't notice a change in the faces of the females.

Hower stepped forward. "Do not worry my pet. We came to deal with this man." He looked at Hito and then threw him to Joe.
Joe reacted with a grin. "Fine by me. Screw Uppa!"

Hito sailed into the air, then Mai shot in with Chon hissatsu shinobi bachi. This sent Hito to the ground only to land on Hower's rising wind fist attack, which again sent him flying.

Vega jumped up. Now ungrateful slime, you should treat the lady with respect, more than I bet you have in you. "INZA DROP!"

With that Vega grabbed Hito and Air suplexed him into the floor. The others Quickly moved in like a pack of wolves.

Terry looked to Andy.

"Man, he's going to feel that one.

"Yeah he'll be lucky to even move." Commented Andy looking at Hito's broken body. Sulia held onto Terry's arm.

"Hey, Terry? Are hie arms supposed to bend like that?" She pointed at Hito, who's arms were bent in an awkward fashion.

"No Sulia, I don't think so."

Andy just cringed.

"Remind me never to tick the girls or Joe off okay?"

When they were done the report the doctors gave was gruesome.

Doctor: Spencer Geist
To my amazement the patient suffered injuries to the head and limbs only. It should also be said that it is a miracle that the man is still alive. The best thing for him to do is rest and stay out of the tournament.

Left arm:
Pulled out of socket
Busted in four places
Hand crushed
Right arm:
Broken
No
Shattered Elbow
Head:
Busted Jaw
Three places
Left leg:
Shattered in five places as well as the knee
Right leg:
It'll be lucky if he walks again.

Subject has been confined to wheel chair and released into the custody of his friends.
SG

LAST DAY OF ROUND ONE FIGHTS!

"Joe, good luck." Rei kissed his cheek as they walked up to the arena.

"Huh?"

"Can't a girl cheer on her knight?" She smiled.

Joe looked at her.

"Well you did rescue me rom Hito last night." She shoved him lightly towards the ring.

Panny looked at her opponent. She stepped back.

"No way am I fighting you again." She turned to the ref. "You didn't say I had to fight him!"

"You never asked."

Joe grinned. "Looks as if we have a rematch. Don't worry, I go easy on you girls."

Yeah right Joe. Rei said as she glanced up at Howard's booth. You're going to pay for what you did to me Geese. And I won't top until you are down.

"Are you going to fight or what?" Joe tapped his foot.

"KIYA!"

"TIGER KICK!" Joe jumped. She fell back.

Panny tried to get up. Water filled the arena swirling around the two fighters.

Rei stepped back.

"Damnit! I had to wear white today." She growled as she was drenched.

"Your fault Rei" Terry grinned. She hit him lightly.

"Oh, shut up."

"Screw Upper!" He waited for her to start falling. "Hurricane Upper!"

Panny landed with a thud in the ring. She didn't move.

"WINNER JOE HIGASHI!"

"YAY!"

Rei jumped into Joe's arms congratulating him.

"Could you two get a room?" Andy got ready for his match with Blanka.

"Oh let them have some fun Andy." Mai kissed him. "You be careful." She whispered. He nodded to her.

"Fight!"

Andy stepped into his stance watching the stranger. Blanka charged.

Andy's eyes widened.

"Andy! Move!" Mai, Sulia and Rei shouted. Andy rolled out of the way.

"Elecrtic Storm!"

It missed.

"Chou Reppa Dan!" Andy yelled.

Blanka fell back. Blanka rolled to his feet.

"WHAT?" Andy looked at him.

"Good Shot!" Blanka held his chest.

"Ryu Hikoo Shimashita." Andy charged again. Blanka didn't block it.

"Winner! Andy Bogard!"

"YAY!" Mai and Rei both yelled.

Krauser looked out the window.

"Geese wont beat Joe's girl." He said low as he noticed Rimsala cross the room and sit at the table set for two.

"You really worry about your half brother don't you?"

"Not really. He will deserve what he gets. After all it was Geese that killed her Father." Krauser went to the table.

"Oh?"

"That is a long story."

Gun sat back thinking. The fighters are better then I thought. Rei might end up being hard to break. He looked at the sphere. Well, lets see what I can do.

Rei sat eating lunch. Joe was still talking about his match.

"Joe, hush." Rei said trying to think.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." She bit her lip.

"Bull. What's wrong?"

"I don't think that I can fight my father's killer." She bit her lip.

"Who?"

"Geese. He fought my father right after Krauser did. My father didn't stand a chance. He . . ." She brushed hair from her eyes. "I'll beat him. I mean if Terry could avenge his father, I could." She looked up at him.

You should be careful with her then Joe. He thought as she stood.

"Come on. Maximov's match should be starting soon." She picked up her tray and put it on the counter.

"You hoping to catch sight of them?"

"Yes, I want to make sure I can beat them." She glanced back at him. Joe nodded.

The two walked off.