Fatal Fury Fan Fiction ❯ Kage no Mai ❯ Kage no Mai 2 pt 2 ( Chapter 3 )

Kage no Mai 2 part 2

Note: This is simply the end to part one. They were split more for purposes of download time than anything else.

Cast: Shinomori Aoshi (Ruroni Kenshin) (sort of...) Shiranui Mai (Fatal Fury/King of Fighters) Terry Bogard (Fatal Fury/King of Fighters) Joe Higashi (Fatal Fury/King of Fighters) Ryu (Street Fighter) Ken Masters (Street Fighter) Kisaragi Eiji (Art of Fighting/King of Fighters) Kage-maru (Virtua Fighter) Ibuki (Street Fighter 3) Kasumi (Dead or Alive) Hayabusa Ryu (Ninja Gaiden/Dead or Alive) Blue Mary (Fatal Fury/King of Fighters)

-*****-

Ibuki stared with wide eyes at the other girls as they kissed. She had listened to almost all of Mai's story and really felt sorry for her. The Shiranui kunoichi seemed like a really nice person and a lot of really awful stuff had happened to her. Her unrequited love had seemed romantic at first, Ibuki could understand her situation with Eiji was similar, but she hadn't even told Eiji that she had feelings for him. If she had and he still almost ignored her she didn't know what she'd do. From what little she knew about him Aoshi seemed nicer than this Andy anyway.

Kasumi had said all the right things and Ibuki was sure that she'd feel better about herself after that. Then Kasumi had kissed Mai.

The young girl really didn't know what to do. Listening in on Mai's story had just been a distraction from her own fantasies about Eiji. She felt something when the other girls were kissing, but she didn't know what. Part of her said she should close the door, that this was disgusting and only hentai people would like it. However a far larger part wanted keep watching. Though she never would have admitted it, Ibuki felt a little of the same desire that she felt when Eiji was around her watching the other girls.

The young kunoichi shifted her legs slightly trying to dispel the need from between them. Her tight jeans rubbed against her in all sorts of interesting ways making the effort totally useless. Ibuki was trying hard not to touch herself when Mai and Kasumi broke for air.

-****-

Kasumi's body burned intensely from the feeling of Mai's soft lips. Her mind was spinning as emotions and thoughts collided in her mind.

"Why am I doing this?" she thought. "I'm supposed to be helping Mai through her guilt, this isn't part of the therapy!"

"Because there is a beautiful, sexy woman in front of you who is depending on you for salvation from herself." The honest part of Kasumi answered. "And that's incredibly erotic."

"Oh. Okay." Kasumi thought. Mai's eyes were still closed and her breath was coming quicker already. Somehow the robe she wore was loose and barely clung to her shoulders, exposing the tops of Mai's large breasts. The older girls thighs extended in front her, the black silk of the robe just barely covering her. This made Mai seem even more desirable to Kasumi. The younger girl put her hands on Mai's shoulders, kissed her again and gently pushed Mai down while straddling her.

Mai had not lied when she said that she didn't see herself with Billy or King. As soon as Aoshi had stopped touching her the guilt returned but not now. The red haired girl could feel Kasumi's presence and a need for it, like had happened with King or when she was dancing with Blue Mary, but something was different. The scathing voice which had haunted her for years was silent, and she felt no burning sensations of betrayal. For the first time since both those incidents Mai allowed herself to fully enjoy the feeling of another persons body against hers.

Mai pushed her tongue into the younger girls mouth as she felt the bed against her back. She could feel Kasumi above her and the other girls nipples brush against her own. Her hands traced Kasumi's sides and back tracing her sculpted musculature. Kasumi separated from Mai's lips and traced light kisses down the center of her neck to between her ample bosoms. The lust intoxicated young woman slowly drew the red haired girls robe apart with her mouth, gazing at the smooth pale skin with no small amount of hunger. Kasumi couldn't wait any longer and began to taste the panting woman's soft skin.

Unwilling and unable to restrain the passionate sounds she started making, Mai started to twist beneath Kasumi's ministrations, the robe sliding from her waist and baring her damp sex. The shorter haired girl paused until she felt Mai's hands press desperately against the back of her head. A slight smile formed on Kasumi's lips in between mouthfuls of Mai. Torturously slow the young girl moved up to the tip of her lover's mounds causing the older girl to buck her hips upwards, rubbing their sexes together. Kasumi gasped but kept working the hardened nipple unmercifully. Need built up in Mai explosively and she let go of the younger girls head with one hand to penetrate herself desperately.

Between her overly sensitive breasts' stimulation and the fingering she was giving herself the red haired kunoichi knew she wouldn't last long. She cried out repeatedly as Kasumi switched to the other nipple and applied some teeth gently to the swollen areola. Mai's cries came to a strangled stop as she arched her back and soaked her hand with honey. The older girl collapsed breathing heavily. Kasumi smiled and took Mai's wet hand by the wrist. She brought it to her mouth and cleaned it thoroughly with her tongue. Recovering from her powerful orgasm the other girl sighed in pleasure at the sensation. Then Kasumi bent down to Mai and kissed her deeply.

Tasting herself on the other girls lips Mai eye's snapped open. She realized that this was wrong, not that they were doing this, but who was in control. With this in mind Mai pressed down on Kasumi's back grinding their breasts together. Kasumi moaned into the kiss and Mai answered by slipping a hand down the front of the younger girls shorts. The young girl wore tight lacy, panties and Mai slowly stroked their front, lightly pulling on the thin line of fabric that ran in between Kasumi's cheeks.

The younger girl gasped and arched her back breaking their kiss abruptly. Not stopping her already damp hand Mai reached up and ran her thumb over Kasumi's nipple, visible through the sweat soaked spandex top. Kasumi rose to her knees grasping the red haired woman's hand with one of her own and cupping her unattended globe with the other. Mai upped the ante and slid two fingers inside the younger girl, under her panties. The more inexperienced girl moaned louder and rocked her hips against Mai's hand.

Kasumi needed skin against skin and pulled her top up and immediately began teasing her nipples desperately. Mai smiled evilly and brought both of her hands to the sides of Kasumi's shorts hooking them and the younger girls panties at the same time. The frantic Kasumi understood through the fog of passion clouding her eyes enough to lift one knee upwards. Wasting no time Mai pulled them down and off that leg exposing Kasumi's wet pussy. She then slid down the bed bringing her face close but not touching the desperate girls soaking vagina. Mai ran both hands up Kasumi's thighs brushing the girls small mound of hair. Her back arched with desire Kasumi gasped and pleaded to Mai.

"M...OH!...Mai...onegai (please)...mmmnn....chodai (give me)...." Unable to resist teasing the other girl a little more Mai opened her labia slowly and blew gently into the opening. Kasumi was frantic now pushed her hips forward towards the older girls waiting mouth. Never one to disappoint Mai ate the younger girl out energetically running her tongue all along Kasumi's folds before brushing against her clitoris.

Kasumi's eyes slammed open as she began to cry even louder than before. Remembering what Aoshi had done to her Mai began to pleasure Kasumi expertly, bringing her close to the edge constantly but never going over.

As her body twisted and spasmed from the older girls attentions Kasumi decided that there might be very therapeutic benefits from this after all.

-****-

Joe skidded around the final turn and slid sideways into the parking lot of the Imperial Circle. Tires spinning he parked half on the curb of the huge lot. He vaulted out of the Ferrari barely remembering to shove the keys into his knee length shorts. The Thai boxer didn't even run between cars, if one was in his way he simply ran over it. Leaving a trail of car alarms and cursing business men Joe narrowly avoided crushing the doorman as he entered the lobby. Ignoring the stunned security guards feeble attempts to restrain him Joe grabbed the poor girl working check-in.

"Look I don't have time to be nice, I just need to know where Mary is."

The terrified girl tried to stammer something about him needing to provide some ID or she would call the police.

"That's an excellent idea, go ahead, it'll save some time. Look I'm Joe Higashi, recognize the face! Now while we're playing cocktail party, Mary's likely being killed or kidnapped! *WHERE IS SHE!?!*"

A less paralyzed young man spoke up. "The American woman is in room 615, fifteenth floor."

"*THANK YOU!*" Joe roared as he ran for the stairs.

-****-

Seconds after Joe Higashi exploded into the lobby of the Circle Royal, Kisaragi Eiji walked out of subway and jogged easily across the street.

As he slid through the glass doors he noticed that the lobby seemed to be in some disarray. His eyes narrowed as he approached the check-in desk. There was a woman holding her hand on her heart and staring towards one of the stair wells. He made a quick tactical decision and pulled a small leather ID case from his suit coat.

"Sumimasen (Excuse me), I'm detective Yoshida Shinjo. Tokyo Metropolitan police." Eiji said as he showed everyone at the desk his recently acquired, totally false, but convincingly made, badge. "I need to speak with one of your guests."

"Of course sir!" The terrified woman behind the desk said. "Who might it be?"

"An American woman, she is most likely registered under a surname, Blue Mary."

"615 sir, on the fifteenth floor. And sir it is so fortunate that you are here!"

A sinking feeling developed in Eiji's stomach. "Why is that?"

"There was this crazy man who claimed to be Joe Higashi just through here he threatened us and demanded the same information!"

Wonderful. Thought Eiji. Absofuckinglutely wonderful. "Do you think it really was Joe Higashi? This is very important!"

"Well it certainly *looked* like him..." the woman trailed off.

The ninja thought quickly. This wasn't entirely unexpected. But Eiji had hoped this situation could be resolved without violence. First things first however. "Ah, well, the American woman is working with my department as is Mr. Higashi. I wouldn't worry, we were supposed to meet here Mr. Higashi simply, misunderstood my message and overreacted. You know how celebrities can be."

The staff nodded sagely though none of them really understood exactly what he meant. The woman behind the desk breathed a sigh of obvious relief. "So calling the police would be unnecessary then?"

A charming smile lit his face. "Of course it would be, I'm already here."

The hotel workers all laughed politely as Eiji bid them good day and walked to the elevator.

-****-

As he was lifted skyward Eiji sorted through his options. With a sigh he shook his head. No there was only one option, and unfortunately it probably meant that he'd have to fight Joe Higashi.

The ninja stopped the elevator at a floor he hoped the Thai boxer hadn't passed yet. Jogging to the stairwell Joe was supposed to be in the shinobi opened the door and stuck his head in. He heard frantic footfalls pounding upwards.

Had to be him, thought Eiji. He inhaled deeply. The dice were cast, the gauntlet was thrown, time to begin.

-****-

Joe gritted his teeth as sucked air through them. What had he been thinking? Why the hell hadn't he taken the elevator? Then the voice came, echoing through the stairwell hauntingly.

"Higashi, fifteenth floor."

The large Japanese man paused his eyes narrowed. the voice was familiar, but he couldn't place it. Then with iron resolve he started up the stairs again. If it was a trap then whoever it was would know the price for messing with Joe Higashi!

Then he got there. At the other end of the hall stood a figure outlined by the other stairwells harsh, antiseptic light. Then recognition dawned on the Thai boxer.

"Kisaragi Eiji!" he snarled.

The ninja stepped forward and nodded. "Joe Higashi."

"I always knew you were no different than the rest Kisaragi!" Joe roared. "Well Mary doesn't have to worry about you at least!"

"I didn't come here for this Higashi!" Eiji said his arms held out to the sides nonthreatingly. "I'm just here to talk to Mai's friend."

"Yeah, I'll bet!" the Thai boxer growled, advancing cautiously towards the ninja. "Did you give Andy the same line when you made off with Mai?"

Damn you Aoshi! Thought Eiji. You couldn't fall for any other girl could you? No, not you.

"That's not the way it happened Higashi! Mai hasn't been kidnapped! "

"Right, next you'll be telling me you didn't attack Andy in that club!"

"I didn't, Aoshi did!"

"Who?" Joe asked surprised that Eiji had given a name.

"A friend of mine, but he had a very convincing reason. Look I'm here because Blue Mary needs to know that her friend is all right and that she wasn't taken by force. Now are you going to let me explain or is somebody going to get hurt?"

The Japanese Thai Boxer paused his advance. Eiji looked like he was telling the truth, there might be something to gain by listening to him... Then Joe shook his head. No! The man was a ninja, an assassin, a thief! This was some sort of trick to get him to lower his gaurd!

"Uh-uh. I ain't buying it! Mai would never leave Andy by choice! You're probably here to make sure there aren't any witnesses to whatever happened at that club!"

Eiji dropped his arms and balled his fists in frustration. "*Kuso Orokana!!!* I'm telling the truth!"

Joe didn't answer. He cocked back his right leg and leapt with his left.

"Slash Kick!"

The nimble Eiji evaded to the side slammed a straight punch into Joe's back. Joe recovered from the blow almost instantly and turned with a powerful roundhouse kick to Eiji's mid section. The ninja was already inside his distance however and slammed an elbow just behind Joe's knee, stopping the kick abruptly. The Thai boxer grunted through the pain and pushed forward both his arms becoming blurs in series of lightning fast, bone crushing punches.

The shinobi slid back keeping just outside Joe's reach. He waited until the larger man raised his right arm in preparation for the final blow when he acted. The ninja deliberately left himself within the distance of the Mhuay Thai fighter. Joe saw Eiji in range and let loose with every thing he had.

Eiji span his compact frame around the blow and put the heel of his left hand in the back of Joe's head. But Joe was far to durable to let that even slow him down. He turned and dropped incredibly fast, embedding two quick elbows into Eiji's right side. The ninja growled with the impact, his right leg blurring into Joe's chest. The large Thai boxer felt himself come off the ground and hit some distance away. He rolled and came up trying to keep his arms up in some semblance of a guard.

Though he would have liked to have pursued, Eiji was to busy making sure Joe hadn't broke any ribs to move right then. He watched the larger man rise and rip off his sweatshirt.

"Time to get serious!" Joe growled as he kicked off his shoes. Eiji nodded and raised his hands, twisting them into a kuji-in (energy gathering position). His clothes flared momentarily then shifted into his normal fighting gear. Actually Eiji used the ki flash and some sleight of body to strip the dress shoes, suit coat and shirt off. His pants were still the same and Eiji always wore tabi under any other shoes he wore. (Yes it sometimes got hot but he needed to change a lot at times.) Joe eyes narrowed as he saw that Eiji had started wearing the grey and gold suit.

As the two warriors sank into their battle stances Eiji spoke.

"Last time Higashi. I don't want to fight you, I'm just here to talk to Mai's friend."

"Ya know," Joe answered. "I don't care anymore!"

Eiji shook his head. "I thought as much. Very well, IKUZO!"

Joe was grinning as he wound up his right arm. Try to avoid this you little bastard! thought the Thai fighter.

"Hurricane upper!" Joe threw one whirlwind, wound his left and let loose another, deciding not waste the energy required to throw a third. Through the ki whirlwinds Joe saw the ninja wait motionless. As the first attack reached him Eiji's hands parted blindingly fast, an arc of the ninja's own energy spreading between them.

"Ryuejin!" The first tornado suddenly reversed it's course and impacted with the second. Joe shielded himself as the shockwave erupted outward, sending up clouds of plaster and shrapnel flying. Oh yeah, he thought, I forgot about that. Then without warning Eiji came rocketing through the cloud.

Cursing to himself Joe tried to measure where the shinobi would attack but it was to late, the ninja was just too fast. Eiji sank his right fist into the larger man's stomach, and without a pause snapped a knife hand into Joe's face. Reeling from the assault the Thai boxer couldn't recover in time before the ninja executed a brutal ki attack.

"Hiko-ho!" The shinobi's palm landed square in the middle of Joe's chest sending him flying. The Thai boxer caught himself before he landed too hard and vaulted as high as the ceiling would allow. Joe brought his left leg around in a vicious arc, ki trailing from his foot as he aimed a murderous crescent kick towards his opponents head.

Again Eiji stepped out of the way, this time snapping a leg towards Joe's ribs. The larger man was ready however and brought his shin up in time to block the strike. Then they were too close for any massive assaults, their limbs becoming blurs as they fought. Joe remembered being better at close combat than the ninja and pressed the attack. However Eiji's sparring with Kage had improved his physical skills dramatically and the smaller man was able hold his ground against the vastly stronger Thai boxer.

The Joe sent a powerful roundhouse towards his shorter adversaries head. The ninja dropped below the blow, and shot forward, latching onto the larger warrior tightly. His legs flexed then pushed both men off the ground. Eiji rolled his weight in mid air sent Joe crashing to the floor. A normal opponent would have, at least, been stunned, but Joe hit hard and got back up immediately, very pissed. He charged forward the ninja who was still recovering from the throw. His right leg trailed a bit longer than should have been necessary then came rocketing forward, flame beginning to form around it.

"Tiger knee!" Joe howled, aiming the strike for Eiji's chest. Unable to dodge the unexpected assault the shinobi had to catch the blow to keep it from smashing his chest. The force from the attack lifted Eiji off the ground and flung him against lengthwise down the hall, imbeding him in the concrete wall.

Joe landed and watched the ninja's motionless form for a moment then he tilted his back and laughed long and deep.

-****-

Eiji was not unconscious by any means, he was in fact, fighting with himself.

A darkness that the ninja knew all to well crept at the corner of his vision threatening to cloud his vision. The darkness was the Void. The Void was the source of the ninja's power, it was everywhere and nowhere at the same time, everything and nothing. A true master of any fighting style never thinks about what he does, he simply becomes the fight. Ninjutsu had titled this, the Void. Eiji's master had often told that to give himself to the Void was to guarantee victory, that if he let go of his body, his body would know what to do. Eiji had often followed this philosophy and won many times because of it. In fact it was only when the shinobi tried to restrain himself that he lost, as he had been doing with Joe.

Not wanting to seriously hurt or kill the Thai boxer, Eiji had vainly hoped that he could defeat Joe without becoming the Void. However his opponent had proved to be to powerful. Eiji realized that if he was to win this battle he would have to lose himself to the emptiness that was all colors and none. As his conscious mind slipped away the ninja sincerely hoped that Joe would fall before he was killed.

-****-

Joe stopped laughing suddenly and narrowed his eyes. Something was wrong, he knew that the ninja shouldn't have fallen that easy. He raised his arms and cautiously approached the fallen shinobi. Suddenly Eiji's head snapped up with unnatural speed. As the ninja rose Joe corrected himself. He wasn't unnatural, just a little *too* natural.

Then Eiji was a dark image closing on Joe impossibly fast. The Thai boxer tried to sidestep but wasn't even close to being fast enough. The ki charged being that was Eiji slashed the Thai boxer's right arm deeply, the energy leaving a burning that did far more damage than the cut had. Joe stumbled back, then grunted as the ninja's shin crushed into his side. As he bent involuntarily with pain Eiji planted and span bringing his left leg up, around, then down in a brutal axe kick to the larger man's shoulder.

Joe looked up at Eiji's face and felt his stomach go cold. The ninja's eyes had been replaced by two black slits, and the Mhuay Thai warrior couldn't help but feel like he was staring into a starless night sky. In desperation Joe cocked his left arm, gathered all his energy, and let it fly.

"Screw Upper!" Not having time for his most powerful version this one was still his second strongest technique. The ninja was sucked into the tornado and spat out the opposite way, over Joe's head and towards the far wall. Joe wasn't willing to trust that his move had defeated the ninja and turned to follow Eiji. His concern was well founded.

The shinobi caught himself on the wall and sprang back towards his opponent. Joe raised his arms in defense more out of reaction than hope of their success. Eiji's leg lashed out at the last second carrying all of his weight, muscle, and power behind it. The Thai boxer took the strike full on chest, the impact spinning him around. Joe remained standing but lost all feeling in his arms. Every thing moved in slow motion, his arms began to fall, Eiji span, and charged to fast for Joe to follow if he had been at full strength. The Thai boxer didn't hear his adversary say the name of his Mantis fist final attack.

He just felt the first blow tear into his body, then the next. After that Joe didn't even have time to think, light just stopped being part of his world.

-****-

The Void warrior stood over his foe's broken body. Even though the Thai boxer was immobile the darkness was slow to let Eiji go. The Void was not an advancement of consciousness it was a reversion to the most basic, primal part of existence. The Void warrior was not concerned about morality, righteousness, or bothered with trivialities of pain. The Void warrior simply did what was necessary to win.

The ninja stumbled slightly as he sank back into his normal state of being. Sometimes it went easy, the transition from Void warrior to his typical mind set. As the pain from Joe's Screw Upper set in it became apparent this wasn't going to be one of those. Eiji blinked several times then started as he saw Joe lying at his feet. There was a long slash on Joe's chest starting at his shoulder and ending at his opposite hip. Eiji shook his head.

"Joe you moron, you couldn't just think for once could you! Oh no! Not you! You had to try and kill me for something I wasn't going to do!" The ninja grumbled to the unconcious man. Eiji found Joe's torn sweatshirt among the rubble and brought it back to the Thai warrior's prone form. "Now I gotta waste my time keeping you from bleeding to death after I went through the trouble of cutting you up!"

After doing his best to dress Joe's (which was actually quite a bit, Eiji's first aid skills were formidable) the ninja located his discarded clothing from around the corner of the stairwell. Eiji was still very sore from the battering he had took but he did his best to run up the stairs anyway, sliding the coat over his bruised body and hoping no one noticed the shoes.

By the time he reached the room his balance had returned and he could pass himself off as being moderately presentable. Eiji turned the corner of the stairwell and saw a crowd of frightened maids gathered in the center of the hall. He ran up to them flashing his fake ID.

"Excuse me ladies I need to find room 615, could you tell me where it is?"

One of the old women pointed at an open door near them. Hesitantly another spoke. "Um sir are you looking for the American woman?"

"Yes." gritted Eiji, trying not lose his calm exterior.

"Sir she left about ten minutes ago, to check out I think." the white haired woman pointed at the elevator.

Eiji's eyes bugged. The fight with Joe, had been totaly unnecessary? He fought the urge to scream bravely.

"Officer what's happening?"

Another old woman's voice broke through his almost catatonic state. Blinking he turned to her.

"What?" he said.

"Downstairs we heard explosions and felt the building shake what's going on?" They all looked at him with a mixture of fear and expectance on their faces.

"Uh, part of the ceiling has collapsed. The explosions were nothing more than, um, water mains bursting. Call the fire department and don't go anywhere. Thank you very much." Eiji's mind was spinning. Ten minutes? He had just barely got here then. That meant that she might still be near. As one of the old women hurried to a phone to obey Eiji pushed the pain aside and ran for all he was worth towards the stairs.

"Choto...(wait a second)" another maid said. "If it was water why do we need to call the fire department?"

But Eiji was already gone.

The ninja gritted his teeth in pain as he hopped over the rail of stair and landed at the end of the next set of stairs. He wasn't going to let Blue Mary get away now. Not after everything he had gone through to find her.

"Aoshi," he cursed under his breath as he repeated the action. "I hope you appreciate all this."

He exploded out of stairwell gasping for air. The lobby was virtually empty, only a few overly loyal hotel employee's milling about aimlessly. Eiji latched onto one who looked less lost than the others.

"Did (gasp)... a blond (pant pant)... American woman (wheeze).... come through here?" The ninja managed. The young man nodded and pointed towards the door.

"She just left a few minutes ago. Hey do know what's going on?"

"TerribleaccidentinvolvingJoeHigashicallanambulancebye." Eiji rattled off as he raced for the door. As the shinobi slammed through the door he saw the blond womans hair bobbing halfway through the parking lot. Doing his best Ben Johnson impression Eiji rocketed in her direction, barely dodging the first of the fire trucks as it pulled up to the building.

-****-

Blue Mary sighed as she crossed the edge of the street, shouldering the backpack that contained almost everything she owned. Mai hadn't called (not surprising really) and the bounty hunter felt pretty lonely right now. She was frustrated that she was in the country Terry was most often and she had no idea where he was. She was also still a little miffed that Mai had been taken home by some gorgeous guy and she hadn't even been talked to.

Oh well, thought Mary as she stepped to the curb, guess I'll just go home and write some more blues.

Then she heard her name being called desperately behind her. Mary turned and much to her surprise saw a rather handsome Japanese man dashing for all he was worth around and over cars towards her.

Mary stopped and let him catch up, not recognizing him at all. When the man reached her he nearly collapsed. Bending over in pain and lack of breath the man supported himself with his hands on his knees and looked up at her, his face a rictus of pain.

"Blue(cough gasp) Mary?" he asked.

Mary raised an eyebrow and nodded.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------

"Kisaragi Eiji (gasp pant wheeze). Look can we (hah hah) go someplace, sit down, and talk?"

The American shrugged. "Yeah I guess so . There's a ramen shop about a block down the street. Think you can make it?"

The ninja nodded.

"Good, you're buying."

Eiji shot her a look and straightened painfully. Swallowing he said "Fine let's go."

By the time they had walked to the store Eiji could stand vertically without too much pain and had regained the ability to speak in complete sentences.

Mary slid into her seat and ordered a large can of beer and whatever the guy next to her was having. Eiji winced as he sat down and ordered some basic ramen and a two pitchers of water. The waitress shook her head and left, returning shortly with their drinks.

"So what's this about?" Mary asked popping open her beer.

Eiji didn't answer until he drained an entire pitcher of water. He looked at her and gritted his teeth slightly. "Well I guess I'll begin by saying I'm a friend of Shinomori Aoshi..."

-****-

"...and then he told me to find you and explain everything. So here we are." Eiji finished. Mary looked at him somewhat grimly over the two empty beer cans in front of her. She held an open third and drained it before answering.

"Let me get this straight." she started. "This Aoshi guy falls in love with Mai, and as an expression of that love puts Andy, the one man Mai's been hung up on since childhood, in the hospital. Then realizing that Terry's gonna be pissed about this and likely to find him, he gets all you guy's together to help him. Now he wants to *talk* to Terry and work this all out and sends you here to find me to explain the situation so at least one of Mai's friends isn't trying to kill him. That about it?"

Keeping his face neutral Eiji answered. "More or less, yes."

Mary stared at him briefly the started laughing. She cut herself short, looked at Eiji, and shook her head.

"Listen pal, I don't know how well this Aoshi guy thinks he knows Terry but I know him pretty damn good." Mary said. "Terry's a warrior, he'll react to this the only way he knows how, with a challenge and a fist to Aoshi's face!"

Eiji shrugged. "Be that as it may, Aoshi asked me to find you and I have. So what now? What are you going to do?"

Mary studied him for moment. She lowered her gaze then looked at Eiji through slitted eyes.

"I want to see Mai." she said. The ninja shrugged again.

"All right." he said. Mary blinked.

"What?"

"I said it's all right." Eiji repeated. "Aoshi knew you and Mai were close and he said that it would do Mai good to see one of her friends. Here."

The ninja grabbed a napkin and pen and scribbled Eiji's apartment's address on to it. He then pushed the paper to the stunned blond who accepted it numbly.

"Anything else?" asked Eiji. Mary looked at him and wordlessly shook her head. "All right then, I've got to get a hold of my friends and tell them you've been found."

"You're not going to Aoshi's apartment?" asked the American.

"No. I guess its just going to be you girls." The ninja paid the bill and left, Mary close behind him. They parted ways at the street, Eiji digging in his coat for his phone, the blond woman lost in thought and heading towards a subway station. If this was a trap then it was certainly was the most elaborate one she'd ever seen. If it wasn't then Mary wanted to talk to Mai. Either way it was worth checking out.

Eiji reached into his coat and pulled his phone out. The ninja swore under his breath. A some time during the fight it had been snapped neatly in half.

"Kuso! What a way to spend Sunday! Guess I better find a pay phone." As the shinobi walked towards a train station something bothered him. Something Mary had said. Eiji shook his head. There'd be time enough for that after he called his friends.

-****-

The darkness seemed almost unwilling to relinquish it's hold on the garage when the door opened. The two figures stood silloueted by the afternoon sun waiting for the dust to settle. A shorter figure came and joined them a moment later. In the center of the small building was a long, wide tarp covered sillouhete. With a flourish any stage magician would have been proud of, the smaller figure pulled the dust covered cloth off.

"There she is boys! The finest automobile ever produced! A 1959 Buick, in it's original color even." Jubei proudly boasted. Terry looked at the old man incredulously.

"You're serious! This isn't a car, it's boat with wheels! It's pink! With those hideous fins!"

Even Terry's lifetime of training and incredible skill couldn't save him from the old man's fist as it smacked the back of his head.

"Watch your tongue boy! This is one of the last reasons to respect your country! Besides who needs a ride anyway?"

Rubbing his bruised skull Terry had to concede that point. In Joe's haste he had forgotten to call a car for his friends or told them where he was going. After fighting with the old dojo's ancient phone system for nearly an hour Terry had eventually contacted Ken and found out where he was landing. Unfortunately neither Terry nor Ryu was up to trusting a taxi by this time. They needed a mode of transportation *now*. That was when the wizened Judo master had mentioned that he owned a car.

"All right, thanks Jubei-sensei." The old man nodded in satisfaction as he ran a hand affectionately along the car's surface. Not wishing to test the depth of the Judo masters attachment to his automobile Terry continued. "So can I have the keys now?"

Jubei laughed hard at that statement. Ryu looked puzzled and Terry cringed, one of his worst fears being brought to the surface. "And let someone else drive my baby? Not likely boy!"

With surprising quickness for such an aged fellow Jubei vaulted into the drivers seat. Opening the glove box he pulled out some fifties vintage sunglasses, donned them, brandished the keys, and started the car with style. As the old master revved the engine and flashed the pair an enthusiastic thumbs up, Terry looked at his friend and spoke quietly.

"Ryu, are you religious?"

Somewhat startled by the question the Shotokan master answered. "Uh, haven't really had the time to be."

"Well now would be a good time to start." Terry said as he approached the door of the car.

-****-

Ibuki answered the door cautiously. Eiji stood there smiling weakly. His clothes were rumpled and somewhat torn. He clutched his left side tightly with his right hand. His left arm hung somewhat limply at his side.

"Eiji-sama? Doshte no? (What's wrong?)" Ibuki asked as he stepped forward. The male ninja shook his head the smile becoming more forced as pain tried to force it's way onto his face.

"Nan demo nai (Nothing). Just ran into a little trouble with one of Terry Bogards friends. Ore wa daijobo (I'm all right)." Ibuki's smile of relief turned into a yelp of distress as Eiji toppled forward. She caught him staggering slightly from his weight. Even her superbly trained body could only lift so much dead weight and Eiiji's muscled frame tested that limit. She barely got him to the couch but managed to set him down gently.

Her first thought was to see to his wounds so she took his shirt off quickly trying not to disturb the injured shinobi's side. Despite the urgency of the situation, the young kunoichi couldn't help but blush furiously at the site of his sculpted torso. Trying somewhat successfully to ignore this she set to work. The problem was obvious a large ugly bruise about halfway up his ribcage. Ibuki hopped off the couch and ran to Aoshi's kitchen.

As a true ninja Aoshi stocked a large supply of healing herbs and medical supplies. For reasons of his own he kept them in the kitchen next to his rice. Finding what she needed quickly the young girl ran back to Eiji's form hurriedly unscrewing a jar filled with a black gel. Ibuki tried as best she could to concentrate on applying the healing salve correctly to the wound but found herself paying more attention to the feel of his muscle and skin than anything else.

Somehow Ibuki managed to gently rub enough of the mixture to satisfy her that Eiji would be all right. Then the kunoichi carefully wrapped his sides with a bandage. After putting the finishing touches on the wrapping Ibuki sat down next to the immobile shinobi with a deep sigh. The young girl began to wipe the remaining salve of her hand when one of Eiji's own covered both of hers.

She gasped and turned to look at him and ended up gazing directly into his stormy eyes. She could feel her cheeks start to burn and though nothing held her Ibuki found that she couldn't break away from that gaze. With light caressing strokes and without looking away from her eyes Eiji finished wiping her hands off.

"It seems I owe you thanks Ibuki." Eiji said with a low voice. Mutely the young girl shook her head slightly. As she tried to mouth words Eiji raised her hand in between them. "Well then at least let me thank your hands."

Before Ibuki could react he brought her delicate hand to his lips kissing it's back lightly. The young girl felt a rush of heat rush through her. Then he turned her hand around and kissed the inside of her palm. Ibuki felt another rush and started breathing quicker. Eiji raised his eyes to her's and smiled. The inexperienced girl swallowed and tried to say something, then his mouth covered hers. Her eyes shut almost instantly as his tongue found hers.

Ibuki continued for as long as she could before breaking for air.

"...D...d...da me yo(no good) Eiji-sama!" she gasped leaning away from him slightly. "I...I...can't..."

"What?" he challenged running his hand along her inner thigh. "If you don't want this then say so."

With that he unbuttoned her pants. Ibuki gasped unable to speak. Slowly Eiji undid the zipper and ran two fingers up and down her rapidly dampening panties. Her legs clenched and relaxed convulsively in response.

"Well? Do you want me to stop?" Eiji asked.

The stimulation she was feeling was like nothing she had felt before. Though every inch of her wanted him, her mind and shame screamed at her to say no. The two forces battled, but the outcome was inevitable.

"Yame nai de." whispered Ibuki, eyes closed.

"What? Say it so I can hear you."

"Yame nai de! (Don't stop!) Please, don't stop!"

Eiji nodded and, being careful of his injury, laid her down on the couch. He slid her pants off and then quickly returned to stroking her. Ibuki's hands were white knuckled as she grabbed the couch. She felt a need build up inside of her but for what she couldn't imagine anything else feeling better. Supporting himself with one arm Eiji lowered himself and kissed her deeply then separated and moved his attention to her throat.

"Eiji-sama!" Ibuki gasped as Eiji's lips moved from her neck, tracing kisses to the edge of the thin cotton shirt she was wearing. Though it had started white the material was already so soaked with sweat that it had nearly become transparent. His hand moved from between her legs to push the material up to her neck. Then he voraciously attacked her nipples with his lips. The young girls back arched as she cried out heedless of who might hear.

"Well well..." came a female voice. Ibuki's eyes shot open. There was Kasumi, naked, her expansive breasts bouncing as she swayed towards them. "Well don't be selfish Eiji! Let me have something to eat too!"

In response Eiji lifted Ibuki up and sat her on his lap, spreading her legs for the other woman.

"Da me! Hazukashi (I'm shy)!" the young girl protested as Kasumi moved in between her thighs. Eiji began to tease her nipples with his hands and kiss the back of Ibuki's neck as the older girl slowly slid the soaked panties off the young girl. The young kunoichi began to moan as Kasumi gently spread her open.

Just as the older girl plunged in Eiji grabbed the back of Ibuki's head and turned her toward him silencing her cries with his mouth. Ibuki didn't know what to do with her hands but press them into the back of the brown haired girls head pleading silently for more. It didn't take long however for the inexperienced girl to feel her first orgasm rock through her.

As she twitched with after shocks she felt Kasumi shift. The large chested young woman rose in front of her smiling mischievously.

"Well I think she's ready. What about you?" Ibuki was confused about this until she felt Eiji shift under her. Then she felt his large, hard, erection against her. He moved both hands to her tight, round, ass and lifted. Ibuki saw Kasumi moving in to kiss her as she closed her eyes, the moment she had been praying for finally...

...not arriving. The young kunoichi blinked and sat up, alone on the couch. With a start Ibuki realized she had been dreaming, while she was supposed to watch over Kasumi and Mai. She looked around hurriedly, were the two girls still in the bedroom? Were they all right? Had anything...

Then Ibuki noticed fully what had woken her. The shower was on, the door to the bathroom open and letting the sound drift out. However it was Mai's rather off-key singing that really got Ibuki's attention. Even though the big busted kunoichi had a pretty voice, it was simply not suited for the American tune of "I'm just a girl". That plus Mai's rather limited comprehension of English accents made her otherwise beautiful voice sound more like assault than any musical attempt. Ibuki shook her head and checked on the bedroom.

Wrapped in the silk sheets and sleeping peacefully lay Kasumi, her brown hair splayed out in almost halo-like effect. Ibuki remembered her dream and blushed closing the door hurriedly. She cursed herself for thinking such things and the other two for inspiring her to. Then Ibuki felt a tingle at the base of her neck, a prickling of her warrior instinct.

In silent blur she changed to her tan battle costume, pulled the mask over her face, and checked the peephole of the door without a sound. An unfamiliar blond American woman stood outside cautiously checking the door. Ibuki decided to lure her in and quietly unlocked the door leaving it loose on it's hinges. Fortunately Mai chose then to give up her attempt at karaoke and silence filled the apartment.

As Ibuki sprung into a nearby corner and blended in with the background she was sure that it wouldn't last.

-****-

Blue Mary checked the address the ninja had given her and the door one last time. Then with a deep breath she set her backpack and rested one hand on her Glock 19. (.40 caliber version of a Glock 17) Mary knocked once with her left hand. Much to her surprise the door swung silently open.

The blond bounty hunter didn't draw her weapon but kept her hand on it as she surveyed the room. She could hear the shower running but nothing else. Every fiber of her cried out that this was a trap but Mary could see no threat, in fact other than the water there was no sign of anyone being home. Blue Mary stepped inside still cautiously scanning the room. Then on instinct she spun towards a corner drawing the firearm in a blindingly smooth motion. It wasn't even close to fast enough.

Ibuki slammed a throwing knife into the firearm with sufficient power to send it flying from Blue Mary's hand. The American woman's eye's opened as she stared into the kunoichi's cold gaze. The female ninja sank an elbow into the stunned woman's gut and blasted a backhand into her face. Blue Mary span with the blow and hooked a leg out towards her assailant. Ibuki threw herself back and over the leg catching herself with her hands then springing forward as soon her feet hit the ground.

Mary recovered from her kick and saw the kunoichi's hands screaming towards her face and set her self to catch the expected strikes. However Ibuki had no intention of hitting her opponent this time. The younger girl latched onto Blue Mary's left wrist with her right hand and twisted. The American was forced to follow the motion or feel her wrist break. The kunoichi capitalized on this and swung around the larger woman, raising her free hand as a globe of ki energy surrounded it. She pressed the sphere of energy into the blond's back threateningly.

"You've got fifteen seconds to explain why you're here, or they'll have to clean your spine from Aoshi's carpet." Ibuki said coldly. Blue Mary was struggling both with the painful lock the female ninja held her in and an answer that would stall her opponent when Mai walked out of the shower humming and wearing only a towel. She stopped as soon as she saw what was going on.

"Mary-san!" yelped the heavily endowed, and wet, kunoichi.

"Mai!" said Mary in relief. "Help!"

"Ummm..." said Ibuki as her cheeks colored with embarrassment as she realized that this woman was a friend of Mai's. She knew that Mai had never met her and probably assume that she was the intruder. Before she could let go however the bedroom door opened and Kasumi came out with a sheet wrapped around her and a dreamy expression on her face.

"Whas' goinon?" she slurred tiredly. Then her eyes snapped open as she realized that her friend was holding someone else in a submission hold. "Ibuki what are you doing?"

"Kasumi!" cried Ibuki, glad to see that someone who knew who she was present .

Mai looked from one to the other, eyes slightly narrowed. Then she nodded. "Oh I get it, Aoshi left *another* kunoichi to guard poor little defenseless me, huh! Well we'll see who's defenseless when he get's back!"

"NOnononono!" Ibuki said hurriedly letting go of Blue Mary and waving her hands desperately. "It's not like that at all!"

"Well then how *exactly* is it?" the red haired woman demanded her hands resting imperiously on her hips.

Mary jerked her arm around as soon as it was loose and massaged it shooting a murderous look towards the young kunoichi behind her. Then a thought occurred to her and she looked from the towel wrapped Mai to the equally undressed Kasumi, her eyes mere slits.

"Mai!" roared the blond woman. "What have you been doing without me?"

Then it was Mai's turn to stammer and fumble for answers. Kasumi felt herself blush, though why she didn't quite understand. One thing was for certain, this day was making the Dead or Alive tournament seem boring.

-****-

Ken Masters blinked as the sunlight burnt his eyes slightly. The flight over had been uncomfortable and he hadn't slept much. Even though both Ryu and Terry had told him why they needed him there was still a lot of unanswered questions. Ken hadn't packed much, just his gi and some extra clothes, figuring anything else he needed he'd get in Japan. The blond man stuck one hand in his loose fitting jeans pocket and unzipped his leather bomber jacket, exposing the plain white T-shirt beneath it. He hadn't wanted to look like money and had dressed accordingly.

He looked around quickly and saw the sign for the Imperial Circle. He frowned, it would be little more tacky than what he was used to but it was where that Joe guy had told him to stay and there was probably a reason for it.

Shrugging, the blond Shotokan warrior shouldered his backpack and walked to the hotel.

-****-

The two ninja's glided into the lobby and quickly separated. Both were dressed in black silk business suits that had been chosen for their ease of movement more than their style, but unintentionally made each one look like a government agent. Ryu made a quiet, direct line for the "Employee's only" door and Kage leaned against the wall next to a stair well innoffesively reading a manga. If anyone had studied the well dressed young men closely they would have noticed that each one had small black piece of electronics in their left ear.

Lacking Eiji's powerful ki abilities and totally uncertain of Ryu's capabilities Kage had taken advantage of every modern edge he find. This included micro radio transceivers and earpiece. Ryu had one of Kage's false ID's and was to pose as a safety inspector. Once he had gained access to the hotels computer he would locate the American woman, if she was here, and radio Kage. The other ninja would then find her and go from there. Ryu would play lookout and ensure that none of their opponents found Kage.

However plans changed almost immediately after Ryu disappeared behind the wood paneled steel door.

Kage cursed under his breath as he watched Shotokan's most famous American stride though the door. Never taking his eyes off Ken the ninja discretely contacted Hayabusa.

"We've got a problem."

"Already? What's happening?"

"You know that guy Ryu's always end's up fighting at the end of every Street Fighter tournament?"

"Ken Masters? Yes I know he's very dangerous but probably not as deadly as Ryu himself." answered the other shinobi.

"Good." said Kage-maru. "Because it looks like someone invited him to our party."

Ryu didn't ask the obvious question, he just began to calculate his options.

"Get him out of the hotel." Ryu said.

"You think he knows she's here?" asked Kage not thrilled with the prospect. "Do we even know that he's involved?"

"Can we afford to take that chance?" his unseen ally asked rhetorically.

Kage shrugged inwardly as he acknowledged the other ninja's words. He started planning even as Ken finished checking in. Even though taking on one the worlds most powerful martial artists was one the last things he wanted to do, Kage never even considered not doing it. He knew Aoshi had taken similar risks for the sake of friendship and would do so again without hesitation. Friends like that are rare.

He dropped his manga on a table and followed Ken into an elevator.

-****-

Ken Masters packed himself in the crowded car and worked his way to the back. He sighed and closed his eyes, as he found himself anticipating a bed no matter how small and empty it might be. Ken regretted leaving Eliza so suddenly and with so little explanation but Ryu and him were bonded in a way that could never be denied. If his friend needed him then he would be there. He could never forget what Ryu had done after Bison had kidnapped him. A lesser man might have fought back, but not Ryu. He had gambled on Ken's inner strength and their friendship. Gambled and won as it turned out but Ken still wasn't sure if he would have acted the same if the situation had been reversed.

Then the warrior in him bristled. Ken's eyes snapped open and he searched the packed elevator car for the source. He could see no one that looked obviously dangerous but Ken trusted his instincts. He could sense someone was giving off some serious energy, and it was directed towards him. The American carefully looked inward and, trying to ignore the chatter around him, reached out with his more advanced feelings. His trip had left him somewhat drained but he still feel the ki radiating in the enclosed space. He looked slowly out again trying to follow the path of energy. Then as sudden as it had begun it stopped. Though his warrior instincts told him the person was here Ken was clueless as to who it had been.

As he searched the crowd Ken thought he saw a rather tall Japanese man turn away slightly as if trying to avoid his gaze. The blond man's eyes narrowed, it wasn't enough to go on, but still...

They reached the top floor of the building with car still crowded. It seemed that Ken wouldn't have the entire floor to himself as he accustomed to. Right now however the Shotokan expert had other things on his mind. He watched the tall man leave and exited the elevator cautiously, prepared for an assault at any time. None came however and the hall emptied quickly the tall man seemingly disappearing. Ken shook his head and turned a corner heading towards his room. Out of corner of his eye he saw movement. A figure obviously trying not to be seen.

Ken smiled inwardly. All right, he thought, let the bastard come to me then. The American put his backpack down and pressed himself against the wall just after the corner. A few seconds later he saw a tall man's shadow approach soundlessly. Ken prepared himself.

-****-

Kage glided towards the corner. He knew what was going to happen, knew that the American was waiting for him and he was walking right into a trap. An amateurish trap, but a trap nonetheless. Yet somehow he was calm, it was almost a relief, finally some action after all this stalking and prowling.

So be it, he thought. Suddenly he stopped. Where had *that* come from? When did he start talking like that? Must be hanging around Aoshi too much, Kage thought. Then with a deep breath the ninja walked into the lion's den.

-****-

Ken waited until the man was almost totally in view when he sprung with speed befitting a fighter of his caliber. His attack was simple this time, Ken didn't want to injure the person, just find out who he was. With this in mind the American latched both hands onto the front of his stalker's shirt and span, lifting the man off the ground and slamming him against the wall.

"All right! Lets have a little..." Ken couldn't finish the sentence. Kage immediately twisted both of the American's hands into painful wrist-locks. Then with blinding speed he let go and shot three forward knifehands into Ken's gut. Without a pause the ninja blasted a side kick into his opponents chest, sending the blond man crashing against the opposite wall. Then Kage did what he knew was tactically best.

He ran.

Ken picked himself off the wall, stunned more by the speed and skill of the assault than from the damage it had inflicted. Now however rather than anticipation or apprehension the blond warrior felt something else. Anger. The guy had obviously suckered him and Ken wasn't about to let him get away with that.

The Shotokan expert dropped his jacket and raced down hall, realizing that his adversary was heading for the stairs. When he reached them Ken entered cautiously prepared for another ambush. When none came he checked up then down, seeing nothing. Then he heard the door to the roof slam shut and instantly vaulted up the stairs.

"You can't run forever!" Ken growled to himself.

-****-

As Kage sprinted down the hall he radioed Ryu with a short simple message.

"Roof." Kage went over his plan. So far everything had gone well. The American was following him and leaving the hotel. He had scored the first shots and was at present guiding the tempo of the encounter. Kage had realized that his only hope would be to try and delay Masters until Ryu got there. So he did his best to outdistance the American while still ensuring the blond man knew where he was. It was a dangerous balance but Kage knew victory, if not his very life depended on it.

-****-

Ken rammed through the door and dove expecting an attack from behind him. Much to his chagrin however the ninja was standing in the center of the roof, arms at his sides, relaxed, and waiting. Though he was still incensed at being made a fool of he wasn't going to rush into battle with someone who was as good as this guy obviously was.

For his part Kage was simply resigned to the fact that he would have to meet Ken in combat. He accepted this fate calmly and waited for the Shotokan warrior to make the first move. Ken started it explosively, closing with a short charge then lashing out a roundhouse that carried all of his body's considerable power behind it. Kage slid just out of range then forward hitting the blond man's leg with both hands. This left the Shotokan expert with his back to the ninja. Kage was quick to exploit this and shot forward.

Ken responded by lashing behind him with backhand strike. The shinobi ducked under it emptied a brutal knifehand into Ken's ribs. There was a slight pause as both fighters froze. Kage looked up to see that the American had a rather mild expression on his face.

"Your technique is good but you lack power." Ken said. "Like this!"

The blond man turned and crouched low cocking his right hand close to his hip. The ninja saw what was coming and threw himself backwards just as the Shotokanist opened his mouth.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------

"Sho-ryu-ken!" growled Ken. Even though the actual hit missed the force of the American's ki was so intense that it knocked the ninja over sent him skidding along the concrete rooftop. Kage scrambled to his feet just as Ken landed and charged him. Then all the shinobi could do was dodge the blond man's assaults. Despite the fact that he was not damaging his opponent Kage wasn't worried yet. His art specialized in moving it's practioner out harms way before anything else. This was what he was good at. Then Kage felt the cold, hard, concrete stairwell at his back. He saw Ken wind his right *way* arm back, sacrificing speed and any sort of strategy for pure unadulterated power. The strike flew towards the ninja's face, so the ninja ducked.

Kage heard and felt rather than saw Ken's fist tear *through* the concrete wall, the shinobi became worried then. The ninja shot up and jammed the American's's arm with his hand. Even Ken's vastly superior strength couldn't overcome the leverage Kage applied. Knowing the stalemate wouldn't last long the Japanese man spun away, across Ken's back. The blond Shotokanist started to turn, his arm raised and ready to defend his head from the expected blow. Which did absolutely no good against the side kick Kage leveled into the side of his knee.

Ken let his knee buckle and go limp to prevent it from breaking.

"That hurt!" Thought the American. He saw the ninja trying to put a little distance between them. "Oh no! We're not going to do that little dance again!"

The Shotokan artist sucked in air and ki his hands holding an invisible globe at the center of his abdomen. However the sphere of energy didn't stay hidden for very long.

"Ha-do-ken!" yelled Ken. The flaming ball left his hands and left a trail of ionized air on its way towards the astonished ninja. Kage had no time to think, he just threw himself out of the projectile's path. The shinobi rolled and gained his feet just in time to see Ken's shin arcing low towards his face. Again pressed into a situation where there was no workable defense Kage slammed himself to the ground, feeling the rush of air over his head as the blond man's kick missed, barely. Then he saw the Shotokanist raise his leg straight up out of the roundhouse and above his head.

"Uh-oh." came the shinobi's meek thought. Kage only just rolled out of the way as the axe kick crushed downward, turning the roof into powder. However it seemed that the ninja's luck had finally run out. Ken rocketed forward his arm poised for another uppercut. Kage knew that he had no place to go this time, he was dead.

"Sho-ryuuooow!" The American stopped his deadly strike and clutched his arm. Never one to let opportunity to pass him by, Kage gathered himself quickly and swept Ken's already injured leg. While the Shotokanist toppled Kage gained his feet and shot away. As he did a dark, compact blur passed him.

"Ryu?" Kage asked himself. Ken was on his feet almost as soon as he hit the ground pulling the needle-like shuriken from his arm. Out of the corner of his eye he saw another shape approach. Out of the dark mass an arm became obvious as it traveled towards Ken's face. Tired of this the American placed his left forearm directly in front of the punch sure in his ability to match power for power.

Then a piercing pain ripped through that limb as the ninja's fist impacted. The pain was focused in two points and as Ryu pulled his hand away a trail of blood followed. Then Ken noticed the two single pointed spike shuriken held in the new ninja's fist. Ryu stepped back and let one of them fly, the deadly projectile aimed at the American's chest.

Ken sidestepped watching the shuriken cut nothing but air. He realized his mistake and turned to face the shinobi, and saw that he was already completing another throw. The Shotokan expert tried to use the ninja's arm to guess where to dodge but it was too late. The sharp point slammed into the top of his left foot.

Ryu slammed Ken's arm with both his hands pinning below waist level.

"Too much tournament fighting Masters." the ninja said emotionlessly.

"I don't think so!" roared Ken as he reversed the grip to hold the shinobi's arms and reared his wounded arm back to crush the ninja's unprotected face. Then he caught something out of the corner of his eye.

Everything seemed to slow down, the second ninja ducking, the first leaping over him, his leg already traveling towards Ken's face. The American desperately tried to bring his arm around to block but between the new injury and the unexpectedness of the attack the blond man never had a chance.

Kage emptied his heel into Ken's cheek, feeling the bone splinter under the force of the blow. As the American span with the blow he felt his arm suddenly straighten. Ryu put his shoulder under the Shotokanist's arm and pulled, throwing the larger man directly over his shoulder.

Ken hit the ground heavily and tried to roll with it narrowly dodging Kage's foot as it slammed into the space his head had been. He popped back to his feet and winced as the shuriken in his foot reminded him of it's existence. Then he was being hit again by Ryu as the coldly efficient ninja pressed the attack. As the American tried to counter he saw Kage moving behind him to assault his unprotected flank.

Tired from the long trip, already wounded and losing blood, and facing two fresh opponents who were both superbly skilled, Ken realized that he was in deep trouble.

-****-

Shinomori Aoshi stood next to the unconscious Andy Bogard a neutral expression on his face. He watched the sun slip below the horizon of the city motionlessly, the site bringing him no joy. There was to much to be done for him to take time with such amenities. His ice gaze returned to the comatose Andy in front of him.

"I wish I could say that you were the cause of this Bogard." Aoshi said quietly. "I wish I could blame all this on you. Unfortunately I can't. It is my selfishness that has pitted my friends against the finest warriors this planet has to offer. Because I started something I couldn't finish others pay the price. This does not rest well with me Bogard."

The ninja paused taking a deep breath before continuing his monologue with his unresponsive audience.

"But understand this Andy Bogard, I did not do this for me, I did it for her. You may hate me for what I've done, I know your brother does, but it doesn't matter. I used to think all that mattered was the returning of my families honor and perfecting myself as a weapon. I was wrong Andy Bogard. This may sound melodramatic and corny but all that matters to me is her. I don't know if this means anything to you, not that I'd care either way, but all I will do from now on is try to make her happy. Even if that means letting her go, I may not be able to deal with it, but if necessary..."

Aoshi let the sentence trail off.

"Time to close this chapter Andy Bogard. Your brother and I will meet tonight, and either I will convince him to leave me be, or one of us will die in the attempt. But one way or another, it ends tonight!"

-****-

As the ninja swept soundlessly out of the room Andy opened his eyes and followed him for as long as he could. The emptiness in him burned worse than any other wound the shinobi had inflicted. Andy couldn't even feel his ki, his own lifeforce! The loss of this created an ache within him that he could just barely stay conscious through.

Just as heartfelt was the loss of Mai. Not that she wasn't here, that he was being replaced in her heart. The shock of that cut twice, because with that realization came a second even more painful. Because despite everything that he had done, the American was finding it hard to hate Shinomori Aoshi. Andy had realized that the ninja would do something he could never do. Put everything aside for love.

Though he might have wished otherwise Andy knew that he couldn't, or wouldn't, place Mai first in his heart. Whether through pride, fear, or some other undefinable drive, Andy would never love anything more than his art. It was what had sustained him through the years after his father had died, it was what had bonded him and his brother, it was his life. There was no way he could change. And Mai had paid for that for years.

Such insights were never easy on the soul, and the pain of it ripped through the blond man's heart with the savagery of tiger. Andy felt tears flow from his eyes for the first time since his father had died.

-****-

Aoshi stopped outside the hospital and inhaled deeply. There had been no reason for his actions, in all likelihood Andy was still unconscious and the trip had been wasted. However Aoshi's heart had deemed it required so he had followed. As he reflected his cel-phone began to buzz. He shook himself out of his reverie and answered.

"Hai."

"It's me." came Eiji's voice. "I have news."

"Are you on your own phone? It doesn't sound like it."

"Uh, no." came the uncomfortable response.

"Then watch what you say." Aoshi said with no inflection to his voice.

"Of course. I met a mutual friend of ours near the airport today." One of the friends of Terry Bogard had been at the hotel he had checked out.

"The loud one or the other?" Joe Higashi or Ryu.

"The loud one. Tragically we got into an argument. I won the debate however." They had fought and Eiji had bested Joe.

"By how much did you win?"

"By a fairly large margin actually." Joe had been wounded somewhat severely.

"Well friends shouldn't ever quarrel, but it's good to hear that your skills are still polished as ever." I had hoped to avoid that, but I'm glad you won.

"Right. I also talked to the other person you wanted to discuss the deal with. She'll meet us at your place." Blue Mary had been found and sent to his apartment.

"Good. Have you contacted our other friends?"

"No, tried calling them, but I couldn't get through."

"Well they're probably busy, I'll try them later. Why don't we meet in Amagakure national park?"

"Sounds good. Ja."

"Matta na."

The ninja closed his eyes in thought as he put the phone away. Joe was probably hospitalized in the Shinjuku hospital since it was closest. Terry would find out and go there. It was a good a place as any to set the stage. Aoshi tipped his head upwards to gaze at the sky. Despite his earlier thoughts of urgency part of him wondered when the last time he had seen stars was. Tokyo was a jealous mistress and it's light turned the heavens into a glow so bright no lights other than her own could ever be seen. He had been raised in the mountains away from the city, but had spent the last three years more or less in Tokyo.

Even though he felt a certain final calm as the end game approached, Aoshi wondered if he would ever see those stars again.

"The sight would be pointless without her by my side." he whispered to the gray sky. "So I will see them with her there to share it, or never again."

-****-

Ken wiped the blood from his good eye. The swelling from Kage's kick had completely blotted out his sight in his right eye and at sometime the blond warrior had been cut above his other. Every joint in his body was sore and stiff as result of the second ninja's skill at grappling. He watched his adversary's as they circled him slowly. Kage was torn and bleeding also, though not as much as the exhausted Shotokanist. Hayabusa Ryu still had his suit coat on and didn't even look dirty.

"All right Masters make it or break it time." thought Ken. He faked a start away from both of the ninja, then when they moved to follow he charged Kage, his arm raised in preparation for another brutal hand strike. The shinobi backpedaled quickly and tried to set his defense. Then blond American changed his attack, dropping both hands to the center of his abdomen.

"Ha-do-ken!" shouted Ken as he unleashed a torrent of energy at the ninja. The projectile was to close to dodge so Kage raised his arms. However the ninja wasn't used blocking such assaults and the force from it flattened him. The American warrior turned and powered off his good leg, sending his wounded foot towards Ryu's head. The shinobi was directly behind him however and redirected the kick into the ground. Ryu followed with a short stomp to the back of Ken's knee. The blond Shotokan expert had no choice but to collapse.

However Ryu wasn't even near done with him. He embedded his right elbow into Kens temple stunning the American. Then he dropped a knife hand on the top of Ken's bicep and latched onto his target's hand. Ryu folded the blond man's arm over his shoulder and slammed his wrist to the ground. Ken couldn't help but cry out with pain as his shoulder was dislocated. The American kicked over his head at the ninja, backing him off and rolled to his feet. The experienced shinobi didn't give him a pause however.

Ryu blasted Ken's remaining arm away then slammed an open palm to his sternum. The Shotokan warrior skidded backward but remained standing and focused through all the pain he was feeling. The ninja was closing rapidly but Ken had enough time. He kneeled, his good arm poised by his waist, and glowed blue with ki. By the time Ryu realized what was about to hit him it was too late. Ken was positive that he had the ninja. The blond warrior's fist caught on fire as he exploded out of his crouch.

"Sin-guu-...." Ken was cut short. He didn't even have enough air to make a sound as Kage put everything he had left into a spin kick to directly between the American's shoulders. The blond man stumbled forward, his arm swinging wide as he tried to stabilize himself. Then he met the empty eyes of Hayabusa Ryu. The shinobi made no sound as he swept in, nor did his face change expression.

Ryu slammed the web between his thumb and forefinger into Ken's throat cutting the American's ability to breathe off for a moment. Then in one smooth motion Ryu stepped forward, putting his hip behind the blond man's, grasped Ken's face, and dropped to one knee, crushing the back of the American Shotokanist's head into the concrete of the roof. Ken's eyes rolled to the back of his head, and all he saw was darkness.

Ryu remained kneeling for a moment making sure that he hadn't accidently killed his opponent. When he was satisfied that Ken would live (due in no small part to the fact his skull was thicker than most) the ninja rose and turned to Kage who had gone to one knee, gasping for breath.

"Are you all right?" asked Ryu flatly. Kage nodded keeping his eye's closed as he tried to recover. Ryu looked over the situation, though it seemed unlikely that anyone had noticed their battle it seemed prudent to leave in short order. He once again faced his ally and noticed his torn and bloody clothing. He then took off his suit coat as approached Kage.

The other shinobi arose and looked at Ryu wearily as the untouched ninja handed him his coat. Kage took it without need of explanation. He put it on stiffly gritting his teeth as bruised muscles complained at their treatment. Ryu was guiding the unsteady Kage to the stairwell door when a buzzing came from the coat on Kage. Somewhat awkwardly the taller ninja pulled the phone out and opened it.

"Moshi mosh?"

"Kage? I thought this was Ryu's number." said Shinomori Aoshi.

"It is." answered Kage.

"Is Ryu all right?" asked Aoshi slightly worried.

"Oh he's fine." said Kage dryly. "Don't worry about him."

"You I take it, aren't." responded the other shinobi.

"Oh I'll live. Give me little while and I'll be ready to do this again!" Kage said with false cheer.

"Good, because it's all coming together. Meet us at Amagakure park."

"The one by the New Sanno hotel near Ropongi?"

"Exactly. Since it's obvious that you're not in the best of shape, what, or should I say who happened?"

"Our "buddy" Ryu, the other one, apparently called in his friend Ken Masters."

".....oh."

-****-

Aoshi said his partings to Kage and folded his phone shut. He looked up to the hospital as it reached for cloudy night sky. It was certain Joe Higashi was here. There was no other explanation for the inordinate amount of Tokyo Metro that was gathered around the front of the building. Making all the commotion of a tear in the rain, Aoshi slipped inside.

-****-

Joe winced as he tried to cross his arms on his chest. Despite the heavy bandages and pain killers the gash Eiji had inflicted was still painful as hell. The wounded Thai Boxer folded his hands behind his head, though even that pulled on the slash in his arm. Joe was determined to not let the ninja have that small victory and gritted through the hurt. he shifted his leg in the cast around trying unsuccessfully to get it comfortable, Joe couldn't even remember when the ninja had broken his thigh.

He had finally got the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to leave him alone after answering their stupid questions for hours. He had lied of course, to say that just one man, a ninja no less, had done this would have been unbelievable, and, more importantly, damaging to his image. The only reason the rebellious fighter had cooperated at all was so the cops would keep the media off him. That was the last thing he needed.

Then the television started showing the news and it flashed to special report about how the champion Japanese Thai kick boxer had been hospitalized.

"Shut the fuck up!" snarled the irate Joe as he searched for the remote to the TV.

"Here let me get it." came a smooth, low voice.

"Thanks bud..." Joe trailed off as he looked at the speaker. Though he only had a second hand description, something in Joe's gut told him he was looking at the person who was at the heart of this situation. The black hair pulled back, the smooth easy grace with which he moved, the coat. All these suggested this was him, but it was the eyes that convinced the Thai boxer.

"You're him aren't you." Joe said.

"I am Shinomori Aoshi." agreed the shinobi.

"Here to finish what your pal started?" Joe asked with fake bravado. In truth the guy scared the hell out of him, but Joe would rather die than admit it or call for help.

"No. You are useful to me alive or you would not be." the man coldly responded. "That and Mai considers you and Terry a friend, so killing either of you would only hurt her. I will not be part of, or allow that."

'Yeah right! I'm supposed to believe you?" Joe snorted. "I'm supposed to believe that you care at all what Mai thinks after you kidnapped her? That's a laugh!"

The man's frosty eyes met Joe's. "Personally I don't care what you believe Higashi. My only concern with you is your memory."

"What?!" demanded the wounded Thai boxer. Aoshi withdrew an object from his pocket and shot it towards Joe. The injured man caught it with his good hand by reflex. Then he saw what it was.

"How'd you get my phone?" He demanded, looking back to where the ninja had been standing. Aoshi wasn't there.

"When Terry calls tell him that it ends tonight. The parking tower under construction next to the Hiro-o plaza. I'll be waiting." came his voice seemingly from everywhere. Then there was silence. If not for the phone in his hands there would have been no trace of his ever being there.

"Damn I hate ninja's!!!" howled Joe Higashi.

-****-

The monstrous pink car screamed around the corner in cloud of smoke and dust, it's engine roaring in a display of unbridled power.

"Waaaaaahooo!!" screamed Jubei as they passed another long line of cars. "What do you think boy, this is living isn't it?"

Terry's grip on his hat and the door never wavered as the Buick powered it's way towards the heart of Tokyo. "I think so, but right now I'm too paralyzed with fear to make much an observation about anything!"

"Ah,you're no fun." scolded the old man. "Look your friend doesn't seem too concerned."

Which wasn't exactly true, Ryu looked comepletly calm and merely held onto the door to keep himself vertical. It was the same sort of peace a condemned man feels directly before the firing squad opens up. The Shotokan master had simply resigned himself to he fact that he was dead.

"See not a hint of fear. I like you boy, you got heart!" Jubei yelled to the immobile Ryu. However the taciturn faced man was to busy reciting every prayer he had ever heard in any language, to respond.

Jubei shrugged and turned the ancient radio on.

"There's this great dance station, they play all sorts of... aw hell it's just the news!" Jubei reached for the dial to change the station.

"Wait a minute sensei." Terry said. The announcer had something which got his attention. The blond turned the volume up and motioned to Ryu to move closer.

"...once again sources have confirmed an anonymous tip that Joe Higashi has been hospitalized. There is no word from the police as to who is responsible or Higashi-san's condition but sources indicate that Japan's foremost kickboxer is stable. In other news..."

Terry and Ryu exchanged glances.

"Sensei pull over at that gas station." Terry said.

"But the tank's only half-way... never mind." Jubei complied, grumbling about respect to one's elders. As soon as they slowed down sufficiently the American vaulted out of the car dashed to a pay phone. He slammed some yen into it and dialed Joe's number hoping that the kickboxer had kept the phone.

"Terry?" came Joe's voice as soon as he picked up.

"Joe. What happened?"

"Kisaragi Eiji." answered the Thai boxer. "He was there looking for Blue Mary."

"Mary!" the news was like a shot to the gut. "What's she doing here?"

"I don't know. But I do know this, the guy your looking for is Shinomori Aoshi and he's waiting for you at a parking garage next to the Hiro-o plaza."

"Joe do you get the feeling I'm about to walk into a trap?"

"Yeah, hey Terry there's something weird going on. These guy's could have killed me twice already. I mean this Aoshi guy showed up here in the hospital, much as I hate to say it there's not much I could have done to fight him. That and Eiji kept trying to avoid the fight. I don't know what's up with these guy's or if Mary's all right, I just know that Aoshi was talking about Mai."

"What'd he say?" asked Terry confused by all this.

"Something like "killing you would hurt Mai and I won't do that" or something equally corny."

"Do you beleive him?" Terry said.

"I don't know buddy." Joe responded. "I really don't."

-****-

Eiji strode silently through the dimly lit park. He reflected on how instantaneous it seemed to change, from cutting edge industrial city, to a scene that could have been plucked from any feudal story. The walls cut the noise out effectively and if not for the glow of the lights in the sky it would be easy to think he was back home in the mountains. He looked around and not seeing any of his friends sat his sore, tired body down on bench and quieted his mind. Soon after however he became aware of another presence approaching. The Kisaragi shinobi opened his eyes to see Kage and Ryu, who was carrying a duffel bag, gliding up the path towards him.

"My apologizes for how long it took us to get here," Hayabusa said. "I had to retrieve some items."

"No problem. It seems as though the only one missing is the one who started all this." Eiji muttered.

"Missing no longer." came Aoshi's voice. The trench coated figure slid out of the darkness. "Well the gathering seems to be complete. Once again I thank you all for this."

Ryu shook his head. "Your our friend, and you're doing what we would do. Thanks are not necessary."

"But *are* appreciated." Kage asserted. "And you're welcome."

The trace smile that was so rare on Aoshi's face appeared. "Very well then, ikuzo. The final scene will be played out there."

Aoshi pointed towards a darkened building covered with scaffolding, just barely visible over the tree tops. Kage and Ryu nodded and headed off, vanishing ghostlike in the dim light. Eiji stood but did not move.

"Doshta (what's up) Eiji?" asked the other shinobi. The Kisaragi ninja walked to stand by Aoshi's side. He seemed to consider his words shortly then took a deep breath.

"When I was talking to Blue Mary she said that there was no way you could talk this out with Terry Bogard. That she knew him well enough to know that." Eiji raised his head and met Aoshi's gaze. "You know it too, don't you."

Aoshi nodded mutely. Eiji waited silently for him to continue. Shinomori thought for a moment choosing his words carefully. "Gomenasai (I am sorry). I did not intend to deceive you, however it seemed necessary. I don't expect to be able to talk Terry Bogard into my point of view, but neither am I willing to let this go. I will try at the very least. However he will desire revenge for his brother as he has every right to. I don't expect to win, but witness this vow Eiji : It will not be easy for him, I will not let her go until my dying breath."

Eiji lowered his gaze to the ground and nodded slowly. He raised his head and offered his friend his hand in a western gesture. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Aoshi clasped Eiji's hand in a rare display of emotion. "I most certainly do. Now come, we've got preparations to make, the most dangerous of Terry's allies is still a player."

The pair vanished into the night.

-****-

Terry and Ryu rose from the stairs leading from the subway like Grecian demi-gods arising from Hades. Neither were attempting to conceal their power now. Ryu had learned that Ken had been attacked in another hotel. Though his injuries were not very serious and he was expected to be on his feet again within a few days, Ryu's best friend had been attacked. This did not sit well with the Shotokan master. He burned with anger at his friends wounds and guilt for involving Ken in something that he really had no affair in. Ryu needed this fight, as he needed all the others, it was who he was, what he was good at. Only when he was fighting did Ryu feel truly alive.

Terry, however had no such clarity. Joe had grudgingly told him everything, what Richard Myer knew, the ninja's reluctance to fight, and their refusal to kill any of them, for "Mai's sake". He wanted to crush the shinobi for what he had done to his brother but at the same time wondered why the ninja hadn't finished it. It would have been easy to kill Andy or Joe so why all this? What kind of man was this Shinomori Aoshi to so ruthlessly attack Andy then...then what? All of them had assumed that Mai had been kidnapped, but now Terry wasn't quite so sure. The situation just didn't make sense. But there would be no resolution until he met this man.

The two masters entered the darkened ten story building.

-****-

They entered cautiously expecting a horde of black dressed, masked stereotypes to appear at any time. Then much to their surprise the lights came on. As Terry and Ryu's vision adapted they focused on three figures standing side by side. Terry recognized Eiji dressed in his black and gold battle dress. The other two were unfamiliar. The tall one wore a half-mask but otherwise was dressed normally, the last one wore an all grey gi and half-mask, with a red "Nin" kanji above his heart. He also held a katana in his left hand.

"Take the elevator to the roof, just Bogard." Eiji said flatly gesturing with his head towards an open construction lift.

"Watch my back." Terry told Ryu who nodded. The blond American strode to the lift keeping the trio in the corner of his eye. He reached the elevator and pressed up. With a whir of mechanics the platform lifted skyward. Ryu bowed slightly to his friend and Terry returned the gesture. Despite the fact that the elevator was rising the Hakiokoseiken master couldn't help but feel like he was descending towards Hell.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------

-****-

Aoshi stood in the center of the roof, feeling the wind rustle through his loose hair and stir the leather of his coat. His eyes closed the composed ninja heard the machinery start to carry his adversary towards him. There was again a weight on his left hip just as there had been when he had faced Andy. This time the weight was familiar, a comforting friend. He opened his eyes as the wind died and the elevator reached it's stop. One brief whisper escaped his lips as Aoshi heard Terry Bogard approach.

"Ima wa owari da." Now it ends.

-****-

The Shotokan master stepped towards the trio, scanning for any weakness shown in any of them. The tall one seemed less powerful than the other two but he betrayed nothing to Ryu. The one that Terry had described to him as Kisaragi Eiji had power but the master felt something else too. He knew that he had fought Joe Higashi already today and that the Thai boxer was a powerful opponent. Possibly it there was a lack of strength from that one also. However none of them radiated the slightest amount of ki. The same fact that had disturbed Andy before his fight with Aoshi now registered with Ryu.

Just like the young girl Ibuki, these men gave no sign of their existencee,controllingg their energy flawlessly. It was a trademark of ninjutsu that no other art could effectively duplicate. Ryu however felt no fear. Such an emotion was unknownn to him, even when fighting M. Bison, or riding in a car with Yamada Jubei driving, fear never entered his mind. Resignation perhaps but never fear.

The Shotokan master had long ago passed that particular part of existence. He raised his voice to the ninja.

"Which of you are responsible for the assault upon my friend?" he demanded. The tall one looked ready to step forward, but was restrained by the swordwieldingg one.

"I am Hayabusa Ryu. I do not wish this confrontation but if you desire battle, then I accept your challenge." He said quietly.

The Shotokan master nodded in acceptance and bowed. The ninja returned the motion. Then they squared off and began to circle each other.

-****-

"I don't like this Eiji." whispered Kage. "We should be helping him."

The other shinobi shook his head. "No we'd only get in his way. Besides out of all of us I think he's got the best chance."

Kage raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"I've never met anyone deadlier with a katana, and Ryu's got some history behind him." Eiji answered. "Look, it has begun."

The two warriors exploded toward each other simultaneously. The strike was thrown, the sword stroke made. And the dragons clashed.

-****-

Terry Bogard faced the man who had crippled his brother. The ninja stood legs shoulder width apart, arms crossed. He stared levelly at Terry his face could have been made of stone. The American tried to read his opponent to get a feeling of just how dangerous he was, and was unsuccessful. Not really surprising, thought Terry.

"Well Bogard. Do you want to know why or is your only goal ripping my life from me?" Aoshi said motionlessly.

"No. Your actions have spoken for themselves. Let's do it."

"Very well, ikuzo!" growled Aoshi.

Terry opened up hard, charging his fist with ki and blasting across the roof. "Burn Knuckle!"

Aoshi waited until the fist was almost on him when he moved. The ninja caught Terry's fist with both his hands and leapt backwards, bringing his right foot straight upwards, and using the force of the impact to power his flip. The only thing in the way of the circle was Terry's chin.

The top of Aoshi's foot slammed into the American's jaw stunning the blond man momentarily. Through the shock Terry recognized that this was a Shiranui ryu technique. As soon as the ninja's feet touched the ground he was moving again. His left hand became a machine gun of blurred strikes to the American's body. This particular style had been developed by Aoshi's great grandfather and he had learned it perfectly. Terry spun with the last of these seemingly disorientated by the onslaught from Aoshi's technique. Then when the shinobi charged forward the blond man's foot shot outward catching the ninja in the chest.

Aoshi grunted in pain and left the ground rolling when he hit to absorb the force of the blow. Terry turned around and faced his opponent who was standing up.

"You're fast." Terry admitted.

"I'm also accurate." responded the ninja. The American narrowed his eyes at this expecting another attack. Then pain screamed through him tearing out from where the shinobi had hit. Terry stumbled forward, coughing up a little blood. "I don't want to fight you Bogard. I just want you to leave me alone."

"You got a funny way of showing it!" growled the blond warrior. "First you put my brother in the hospital, then you kidnap one of my friends, and you've had your cronies attack Joe! This is how you show that you want to be left alone!"

"I have kidnapped no one. Mai came with me of her own will." Aoshi quietly responded.

"Bullshit!" Terry swore. "I don't believe you!"

"Why?"

That stopped Terry. He looked at he ninja, studying his eyes.

"Ask yourself this Bogard: If I had kidnapped Mai then why go through with this? If my intentions were truly hostile why haven't any of your friends been killed? What reason is there for all this."

"I don't know." Terry said "All right, tell me why you attacked my brother."

"Because of Mai. Because I love her."

Terry shook his head. "You're insane."

"That may be. But it is why I have done all this. I could not even approach her while Andy stood there, so I did what I knew best. I took Andy out of the equation."

"For love?" Terry asked sardonicaly.

"Yes."

"You're a nut case Shinomori Aoshi."

"What would you have done?" Aoshi asked. Terry didn't reply he just narrowed his eyes and watched the ninja carefully. Sensing that he had gained some ground Aoshi continued. "What if Lilly had been in love with someone else. What would you do if you could only gain Suria's love by taking down another fighter. And what would you do if you could have kept either of them?"

Terry felt like someone had shot him in chest. He growled in anger, the ninja was walking on sacred ground. "Damn you, how do you know about them!?"

"Does it matter? Answer the question. What would you have done?"

His emotions churning inside him Terry fought within himself. Eventually however the truth won.

"Anything damn it! I would have done anything for either of them!"

Aoshi nodded. "Am I so different? I watched them for so long, she loved you brother deeply but he never returned it. You know as well as I do he never would have."

Terry didn't answer. He was frustrated and angry, he couldn't hate this man, couldn't deny that if given the chance he would do the same thing. The loss of Lilly and Suria was why he had been in Tibet, he needed to find the path again, to set his life right. However, at the same time he couldn't forget Andy's pale lifeless face, the emptiness in Andy's heart, and his shallow breathing. Then Aoshi started again.

"After that night I saw how deeply hurt she was. Both from your brother and from other, older wounds. I couldn't stand to see her weep. She needed help, she needed her friends. What could I do? I couldn't keep you away from her, you are some of her only friends, certainly her best ones. But if you found out what had happened you would try and take her away from me, and I couldn't deal with that." Again the blond man remained silent, he wanted to hear this now. "So I arranged this. Joe was never supposed to be injured, just separated from you. I needed to talk to you alone. And here we are. Now you know why, what will you do?"

Terry stood straight. "I cannot forget what you have done to my brother."

"But can you understand it?"

"Yes," answered the American. "I just can't accept it."

Aoshi nodded. "Then will you make a deal with this devil?"

"What do you mean?"

"Neither of us is willing to back down, conflict is inevitable. Let's try and make it worth something."

"A bet?" the blond man asked in disbelief.

"A challenge." the ninja corrected. "You win, I give Andy his ki back, you tell Mai whatever you want, she decides for herself from there."

"All right, what if you win?"

"I decide on when Mai finds out about Andy and I, you stay out of my way but are free to see her whenever she wants to see you. I'll even give your brother his life back to show there's no bad blood."

Terry shook his head. "Ok. But this seems real stereotypical!"

Aoshi looked somewhat rueful. "I agree, but do you have a better idea?"

"Not really." said the American. "Let's do it."

"Indeed."

Terry raised his arms and the ninja spread his feet slightly. The blond warrior started to glow a pale blue as Aoshi's eyes became black slits. There was no warning, just a short violent burst of energy as they launched themselves towards one another.

-****-

Hayabusa dodged another bone breaking kick and countered with an elbow, and spinning into a slash with his blade. Ryu blocked the first strike and barely sidestepped the second. They were both injured, the Shotokan master bleeding from a small cut on his cheek and deeper slash to his arm. Though it was less obvious the ninja was equally wounded having taken a Shoryuken to the chest. Though Ryu felt some surprise when he saw that the shinobi had not been knocked out by the strike, it was the ninja's skill with the katana that truly caught his attention.

Though the Shotokan master found the concept somewhat unbelievable, the ninja was an equal to him in hand to hand as long as he held that sword. He decided that it was time to pull all the stops. Ryu sucked in a massive amount of ki and cupped the ball forming at his waist. Hayabusa held the katana over his head but did not move. The projectile was launched.

Much to everyone but Hayabusa Ryu's surprise, the ninja stepped forward and slashed down into the ball. There was a blinding flash as the energy exploded. When the vapor cleared the shinobi stood unharmed. Hayabusa blurred forward and cut upwards. Ryu managed to step back but could not avoid the attack completely. A long painful but shallow slash was left on the Shotokan master's chest. Ryu responded with a roundhouse punch that caught the ninja in the jaw.

Hayabusa rolled with the impact doing a handspring to gain more distance. He didn't like the way this fight was proceeding. It was far too even for his taste. Experience told him that the best way to win a fight is to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible. He saw no way to do that here. The two warriors raised their defenses and began to circle each other once more. Then he saw Eiji standing next to series of I-beams that had been raised as a frame for the eventual concrete support pillar. The other ninja was taping it meaningfully. Hayabusa furrowed his brow for a moment then understood. He wondered where Kage was and hoped that the other shinobi wouldn't disrupt what Eiji had planned.

The ninja Ryu feinted forward, the Shotokan master throwing a counter for the nonexistent attack. Hayabusa dodged seemingly halting his attack. Then the shinobi began to backpedal as the other Ryu went on the offensive, lashing out with a barrage of punches and kicks that Hayabusa was hard pressed to evade. Before he tired himself out the Shotokan master stopped, but the ninja continued his retreat. Ryu halted expecting a trap. Then sensing an influx of ki behind him he twisted so that his sides faced both ninja's. But Eiji had not targeted the Shotokan master.

"GANSEK-HA!" he called as his Steel Cutting Wave lived up to it's name. Eiji had aimed for a group of horizontal beams on which most of the rest laid on. The supports separated cleanly the mass of I-beams beginning to tip towards the floor. Sensing his danger Ryu turned to Hayabusa.

"Abayo!" the ninja said, jumping backwards and slicing through the column next to him. With the last piece of metal holding it up gone the entire inner structure began to fall towards the stunned Ryu. The Shotokan master suddenly became angry as steel death rained towards him. He would not be beaten like this! The world seemed to slow down. He coiled back into his fireball stance the ball of energy appearing, growing larger and more intense. The I-beams closed in, he had one chance, they were just a few feet away, timing was every thing... now!

"SHINKU-HADOKEN!" Ryu roared.

The blast knocked the beams away as though they were toothpicks, vaporizing more than a few. Ryu actually let himself smile as he watched the energy do it's job. What he didn't see was the tanks of oxygen-acetylene mix Kage had piled onto the I-beams.

When the ki blast hit the thin skinned tanks they ruptured instantly, then the heat from the energy igniting it.

Kage and Eiji had known what was coming and taken appropriate cover, Hayabusa Ryu didn't have any cover but had distanced himself quite well. The blast still knocked him flat. As for the other Ryu, things went from bad to hell. First the light blinded him, then the heat began to burn his skin, his gi caught on fire, then the shock wave blasted him back. As he left the ground his mind screamed in pain for there wasn't enough air to do it out loud, then something in his gut uncoiled and roared through his veins. Then his back met the wall and the Shotokan master was buried beneath steel and concrete.

-****-

A somewhat singed Hayabusa Ryu picked himself up off the floor shaking his head to try and clear the ringing from his ears. He saw Kage and Eiji walking towards him and smiled wanly. They both looked better off than he felt but he was smiling anyway.

"All right you two, whose idea was that?" Eiji threw a thumb towards Kage, who Ryu could tell was smiling behind his mask. "I don't know whether to congratulate you or put my sword through your face."

"Hey it worked didn't it?" Kage said cheerfully.

Ryu raised his arms hopelessly. "Well I guess-"

He was interrupted by an explosion of metal and stone from a corner. A glowing figure sailed into the air and landed. It was Ryu, his gi shirt had been vaporized but somehow his pants, though torn, had survived. He radiated a red glow that darkened to black at it's edges. Ryu's eye's glowed an eerie crimson and the wounds Hayabusa had inflicted were gone. The master snarled and all three ninja felt a wave of power wash over them.

"Um..."said Eiji

"We're in trouble," Kage said. "aren't we?"

"..." responded Hayabusa Ryu.

-****-

"Power Dunk!" Terry's ki charged fist slammed into Aoshi's chest knocking the ninja down and embedding him into the concrete of the roof. The blond man landed and stumbled, breathing hard. The ninja lay still and Terry couldn't help but go to his knees in exhaustion. His head was down when heard stones shift. His head snapped up and he saw Shinomori Aoshi slowly raise from the ground, coughing up a little blood. The American shook his head.

"You don't give up do you?" he asked. Terry stood and raised a fist back, blue flame engulfing it. "Power Wave!"

The ninja charged forward seemingly heedless of the blast coming towards him. Then Aoshi coiled an arm back, black energy surrounding his hand. Then he vaulted forward and lashed out at the Terry's attack. "Void Crush!"

Power met power and the wave exploded sending a huge cloud of powdered concrete skyward. Trailing dust Aoshi exploded through flipping his coat away from his side and drawing his kodachi (short sword). Terry saw the glint of steel and began to worry. The shinobi was more skilled than him at close fighting to begin with, it was only Terry's incredible inner strength that gave him the advantage, with a sword in Aoshi's hands the blond man wasn't sure if he could beat the ninja.

He sucked in more ki and prepared to let this guy have everything he had. The ninja was closing, a dark blot against the canopy of light that was Tokyo's night. Terry watched carefully, waiting until just the right moment. Aoshi came nearer, beginning his slash with the sword, Terry wound readying his Power Geyser, then the shinobi faded and multiplied.

Images of Aoshi surrounded the stunned Terry. They circled him, each in different positions with the sword, each image slightly blurred. Though there was no way Terry could know it, no one had seen the Kai-Ten-Ken-Bu in use in almost two hundred years. Even if he had it was sure thing that Terry wouldn't have appreciated the honor.

Terry closed his eyes and began to focus. "Got to feel him with my heart, see him in my mind, not with the eyes. Come on Bogard you've only got the strength for one of these, make it count!"

Then it seemed like something brushed against his side. The blond warrior didn't even hesitate.

"POWER GEYSER!!" The enormous torrent of energy tore through the roof ripping a gouge all the way to the edge and past it, the blast ending just before it hit the next building. Terry raised his head to see if his enemy had survived, and felt steel press against his neck.

He froze and shifted his gaze to the figure standing next to him. Aoshi's coat was torn and burned on one side, but he held his blade to the American's throat. Terry had to wonder if the cold eyed shinobi would keep his word about not killing them.

"Lilly, father, Suria, I may join you now..."

Sweat dripped off his cheek and onto the blade, running along it until the droplet hit the tsuba (hand-guard). Aoshi cleared his throat.

"I win?" he asked in English.

"I'm willing to say that." said Terry.

"Good." said Aoshi tiredly. He straightened and withdrew the sword from Terry's neck. He stepped back and replaced the sword in it's sheath. "Let's go make sure none of our friends have killed each other."

"Right." Terry said rubbing his neck where the blade had been. Then the entire building shook as the oxyacetylene explosion went off. The two warriors looked at each other.

"Oh shit." they said simultaneously.

-****-

Kage never had a chance to defend himself, actually he never saw the demonic Shotokanist move. The being that had been Ryu slammed a side kick into his stomach and grabbed him as he doubled over, then threw him into a wall. Eiji tried to move back but then Ryu materialized in front of him, a malicious grin splitting his face. The startled ninja reflexively snapped a knifehand towards the glowing Shotokan master. Ryu ducked impossibly quick and did his Shoryuken attack without the need to vocalize it. The blow carried Eiji into the air with the demonic master. At the apex of the blow Ryu swung a leg into Eiji smashing him into the opposite wall as Kage.

Hayabusa Ryu was concerned. Both of his allies were down already and the thing that had been Ryu was just starting. He had fought demons before, and he had fought martial artists before, but this was like some sort of hybrid he had never imagined. The red lined figure landed across from and turned. Hayabusa saw it's face was a weird blend of a snarl and a grin. Resigning himself to defeat and most likely death the ninja raised his sword.

"Koi bakemono." (Come monster.)

The thing laughed unnaturally at him. "Bakemono? Chigau, ore wa akuma da!" (Monster? That's not right, I'm a demon!)

"Ryu!" came Terry's voice. "Ryu, what the hell are you doing!?"

Hayabusa saw Aoshi and Terry running from the front entrance towards him. The demonic Shotokan master laughed and idly threw a fireball at them. The pair scattered as the blast vaporized the ground between them.

"Right!" said Terry winding up for his Power Wave. "Even if you are Ryu you deserve this!"

"Bogard no!" said Aoshi. "Ryu and I have dealt with things like this in the past."

"What that Ryu?"

"No the oth... never mind just wait until I tell you." Aoshi motioned to Hayabusa. He made the sign for the ninja's kuji-in and then the sign for a lock. The other ninja nodded in understanding.

The red glowing Ryu watched them amused.

"What are you trying now?" it laughed.

Then both ninja ran through the nine symbols while chanting their names. They reached the last and raised their voices.

"Zen!" Suddenly the demonic Shotokan master roared in pain. It looked like it was attempting to move but it's arms were pinned to it's sides by the two ninja's ki.

"Bogard now!" gritted Aoshi.

"What do I do?"

"Hit him! In the gut where your ki's centered!"

Terry gathered all his remaining power and hurled himself at Ryu. "Burn Knuckle!"

His fist stopped inches in front of the Shotokan master's stomach impacting against Ryu's aura. He strained forward, the battle of wills between the two ninja and the monster they held turning tides slowly. Terry saw Ryu's arms begin to lift and roared, thrusting through the red field and into the Shotokan masters stomach.

The resulting explosion flattened Terry and the two shinobi. The blond fighter held his head up as he stood. In front of him stood Ryu, eyes returned to their original color, no longer glowing, just Ryu.

"What happened?" asked the returned man.

"You did buddy." said Terry

-****-

Kage awoke to splitting headache and Hayabusa Ryu putting his shoulder back in place. His entire body hurt and he really didn't want to get up right now. Ryu understood this and let the tall ninja gather his wits. Kage looked up to see Aoshi talking to an equally battered Kisaragi Eiji.

"..after that they just left." finished the trench coated ninja.

"Hey Shinomori!" Kage said as loud as he could. "Did you win?"

Aoshi knelt in front of his friend and shrugged. "I didn't lose."

Despite how much it hurt Kage began to laugh.

-****-

Later the four shinobi regathered in the park. The police had already swept through and of course not seen them.

"Well Kage, are you finally going to start studying the spiritual side of the art now?" asked Eiji.

"No." answered Kage. "All I'm going to do is go home, take a bath, and go to sleep, for a week. Then I'm gonna a vacation down to Hong Kong and have Pai work on all the bruises, sprains and other injuries I've received tonight. Talk to me in about a month."

"I don't know," said Ryu. "that sounds pretty damn spiritual to me!"

"Amen." added Eiji.

Aoshi approached Kage. "Thank you my friend."

The tall ninja smiled weakly. "Anytime."

The trio bid him goodbye and watched Kage limp out of the light.

"Now comes the real battle." Aoshi sighed. The other two looked at with a mix of curiosity an fear on their faces. "Trying to explain what happened tonight to the girls!"

-****-

The finally arrived at Aoshi's apartment about an hour later. By the time they had stopped by Ryu's to get a change of clothes the subway had stopped running and they had to endure a taxi ride back. It was with a huge amount of relief that Shinomori Aoshi inserted his card and unlocked the door

Aoshi opened onto to a scene he was totally unprepared for. His couch and chairs had been moved to a far wall, and where they had been was a collection of sheets pillows and blankets. In between the multitude of empty bowls of popcorn, and half filled sake bottles was Ibuki, Kasumi and Blue Mary. All were dressed in night shirts with a board of Risk spread out in front of them. The other two walked in as Blue Mary finished her merciless assault on the unlucky Ibuki.

"Ha! Three sixes! You are gone, little girl!" gloated Mary. Ibuki pouted and grumbled something about the oba-san still being upset with her.

"Um..." started Aoshi completely at a loss as to what to say. Ibuki squealed in delight rushed over to start fussing with Eiji. The older ninja vainly attempted to dissuade her as she pulled him off to the side. Kasumi bounced (literally) up and greeted her brother warmly.

"Oni-san, it's so good that you're back!" Ryu smiled and tousled her hair affectionately. Aoshi stepped past them and looked at Blue Mary. She rested her chin on one hand and smiled at him. Before he could say anything Mary called out.

"Hey Mai he's back!"

A blur of white t-shirt, cut-off jeans, and tan thighs dashed from the kitchen up to Aoshi. He smiled at seeing her.

"Mai it's-" he was interupted as the kunoichi latched onto him and swept his feet. Caught comepletely by surprise Aoshi landed flat on his back, knocking all the wind from him. Then Mai sat on his chest.

"All right you!" she declared grabbing onto the front of his shirt. "you've got some explaining to do!"

The prone ninja shot the still smiling Mary a murderous look. "About what Mai?"

"What's with leaving the "little Miss Teen ninja squad" here!? What didn't think I could take care of myself!?"

Aoshi gaped. "Th..tha.that's it?!!"

"What do you mean "it"? This is serious! And yes."

Aoshi wrapped his arms around the beautiful kunoichi and pulled her to his chest as he started laughing. Mai was too puzzled at his reaction to protest his evading the question. He stole a kiss from her red lips. The red haired girl cocked her head quizzically.

"What's up with you?" she asked.

"You are my love, you are."

-End-

Footnotes: Well there ya go. I put a lot of hours into this story so let me know what you think, positive or negative. Mail me at shinomori69@hotmail.com.