TS sighed as he set his glass of cola down in mid-air, causing the object to suspend unaided as he tapped his forehead with an index finger, groaning softly. "Why me?"

Alyss was looking equally baffled. "You have to admit... those mortals have an incredible capacity for trouble."

TS sighed, swiping up his glass again and draining its contents in a single swift motion. "I hate to complain, but why can't we just let their stupidity take its course?"

*WHACK*

"Sorry... don't know what came over me," the deity snapped his fingers, causing his glass to vanish. "Welp, back to work it is, then."

=====

Iwa looked. Iwa listened. And she was not very pleased with the result of her probation of her surroundings, which happened to be a desert filled with soft, dry, dusty red sand, and nothing more.

"Any more smart ideas, Investigator?" Iwa snarled through bared teeth, trying to contain her anger, confusion and mounting dread. For, as far as the eye could see, there were no signs of living things or civilization anywhere, let alone exits leading out of this to realm back home. Kumori merely groaned as she nicked the sand with the toe of her boot, watching distractedly as it floated around for a few seconds in the wind, then settled back down, leaving a dry, arid smell in its wake.

Volpe shrugged. "The castle would be a nice start, methinks."

"What castle?" Iwa asked bewilderedly, following Volpe line of vision... and coming to rest her eyes on a black castle in front of and above them. Iwa's jaw fell.

"Wha... wh... how did that goddamn thing get there?!?!?"

"Ah," Volpe grinned, wagging a finger. "'Tis but a simple concept, Lady Iwa. I call it... looking straight ahead."

Iwa let loose a stream of obscenities directed at everyone and everything in general under her breath as she observed the castle, which was sitting atop a small hill, about the height of a fifteen storey building, with sides as smooth as a concrete wall and nearly as steep, with no readily available handholds...

=====

"You think he's fine?" Crimson asked worriedly as Kay lay spread-eagled on the floor. He was not moving. Zero1 grunted as he stood a safe distance from Kay, poking him with a chair. Kay refused to move.

>Closer... just a bit closer..<

Zero1 tossed the chair aside, instructing Crimson to Kay's feet. "Let's get him on a table or something." Stepping forward, Zero1 supported his arms under Kay's shoulders as he prepared to hoist the unconscious Chinese fighter up.

Or so he thought. Zero1 realized too late that Kay's left palm was glowing blue. Crimson looked up, the alarm evident on his eyes. Kay swept a foot at Crimson, succeeding in both knocking him away and forcing him to loose his grip on his ankles. Without even standing up Kay delivered a second kick at Zero1, then backflipped on his feet, his hand raised as blue telekinetic energy flared wildly to life, illuminating what remained of the room.

"Phantom Kinetic Barrage..."

Kay's two opponents instantly scrambled for cover, with Zero1 diving behind a chunk of rubble and Crimson groaning as he held the top of a table over him as the pent-up energy in Kay's hand unleashed itself in the form of an array of blue energy beams, aimed at everything and nothing as they bombarded Kay's surroundings at every direction.

Zero1's right hand found a piece of concrete the size of a fist. He risked a peek over his shield, only to be rewarded by an energy beam that narrowly missed his throat. He wavered in shock, but not for long. Kay had not noticed him, but was content at laughing like a maniac while blubbering something about a 'Juliana', whoever she was. Zero1 grinned. All the better, then. Taking a running leap, he dived and flipped, successfully evading two more of those beams, then raised his arm and swung with all his might.

*POW*

"Right on target... heh.." Zero1 smiled to himself in satisfaction of a job well done as Kay reeled under the force of Zero1's rock, his energy attacks dissipating instantly as the concentration required for them was lost. Kay screamed in frustration and anger as he advanced on Zero1, who backed away half a step.

"Zero! Get down!!"

It was Crimson's voice. Confusion flooded in Zero1's mind. Kay roared as a slim energy blade materialized in his hand, taking a few practise swings, then charged.

"I said get down, DAMMIT!" Crimson yelled again.

Zero1 dropped in a crouch, both hands held in front of him. Looking at Kay, Zero1 had no idea what his companion was planning, but it wouldn't hurt to prepare for any possible misses. Kay was squarely in mid-leap as a table slammed into him, flat-first. Zero1 didn't need to be told what to do. Taking careful aim at the table, he made a quick guess as to where Kay's head would be located behind it, then took a flying leap as he prepared to shove his sneaker through the tabletop, then down Kay's gullet...

Something brushed past his foot. At the speed of which he was moving, all he could see was a black blur. Drawing the foot back intended for Kay, Zero1 swung it at the newcomer instead, intending to shake her off. He connected, but with a forearm, not with the head as he would have liked as his opponent blocked the attack. It was then did he manage to get a clearer look on his opponent. Short. Tousled hair. Plus something that looked like a scuba diving suit.

"Stay away from my Darius."

Not exactly a threatening tone, but Zero1 felt a chill run down his back. "Listen, lady, do I look like I'm gay?"

The few seconds had given Kay the respite he needed. With a howl two kicks were smashed into Zero1's back, followed instantly by a rushing elbow. Zero1 reeled, then turned to face his opponent in time to block a third kick. Kay laughed again, drawing a clawed palm backward as a sphere of blue energy formed with alarming speed...

"HADOURYUKEN!!"

>Thank God for that little kid,< Zero1 thought to himself as he rose to his feet, seeing Kay's smirk as Crimson charged in with a fireball aimed at his face. Thrusting his arms forward nevertheless, Kay proceeded to hurl his own fireball at Crimson.

"Kinetic.."

Crimson suddenly doubled over, courtesy of a kick to the gut. Kay raised an eyebrow in surprise, but decided to continue with his attack anyway.

"...Darius?"

Kay turned. His jaw dropped.

"..J..Juliana?"

Zero1 helped Crimson to his feet. "This is getting most interesting."

=====

"Lord Bison... we have a slight problem here."

"Report."

"Acinomia has interfered, taking the side of Kay Lee, reasons unknown."

Static reigned for a few seconds. Then Bison's voice came over through the intercom again. "Do not interrupt until the result of the battle is known. If subjects Zero1 and Crimson win, Engage subjects Zero1 and Crimson in combat and capture all subjects. Acinomia and subject Kay Lee are to be sedated and also captured."

"And if the opposite happens?"

"Proceed as normal. Acinomia is to be immediately terminated for defying orders in this case."

"Yes sir," Locke Koh replied with a sadistic grin before signing off the com-link and replacing the device into his pocket.

=====

"I'll handle Kay. You take the girl."

Crimson nodded, an unsure look on his face, only to see Zero1 already moving forwards.

"..Juliana? Is that you?" Kay's voice faltered. His arms reached out.

Zero1 advanced with frightening speed, making ample use of the distraction that the two had on each other. He seriously hoped that Kay wouldn't be hurt too badly. For a slight instant he considered letting off his attack, but then his resolve strenghtened. Kay was a menace to himself and others in this form. Behind him, the whistle of air told him that something was moving as fast as he was.

"Haaa..."

"Darius... it's me.. I'm back now.."

"Chou... HADOUKEN!!!!" Crimson screamed. A flare of red light flickered behind Zero1, followed by a massive energy projectile which rushed past him, aimed straight at the girl. Zero1 nodded his approval. Guy had trained his disciple well.

"I'm here to stay, Darius."

Kay jerked back. Something must have snapped him to his senses. Then Zero1 realized what it was. Crimson's yell. The red fireball was too close, much too close now. Kay's eyes widened with pure terror as he realized that its target was Acinomia. With a howl Kay's hands glowed blue again as he collected his energy into them, preparing to unleash his own fireball to deflect Crimson's.

>No... not Juliana..<

Something tapped his shoulder. Kay turned instinctively, spinning around on his heel only to come face to face with a grinning Zero1.

"Howdy, pardner?"

=====

A hand appeared over the ledge.

"Hup!"

With a final burst of strengh Volpe hauled himself up and over the very top of the 'hill', pulling out his fingers which were embedded deeply in the red sand as he did so. Iwa followed, and Kumori's levitation spell carried her to the same spot at the same moment, a terrified John Heagy holding on for dear life by Kumori's leg.

John ran a hand through his dirt-encrusted hair. It was hot, but cold sweat ran all over his brow. He never did like heights, and the fact that he was hanging from the left leg of a GIRL for the entire trip didn't help much. Wearily he took a sip from the water canteen that Volpe had passed around, then feasted his eyes on his surroundings.

"...wow.."

The castle was still a considerable distance off in front of them, but compared from their earlier position, every detail of the magnificent structure was plainly evident now. Constructed from a black, glass-like mineral, the castle was not one in general sense. The walls were blank, devoid from any types of windows, designs, carvings and other whatnot. But under the reddish light, one could have easily thought that the building before them was wreathed from liquid fire, so convincingly did it reflect the light. The castle was merely a tall, slender spire, its tip stretching skywards so high that it was impossible to discern where it stopped, even from the distance. A small yellowish square of light shone faintly at its base, obviously the entrance. Surrounding the entire structure was a stone wall, cracked and crumbling in many spots which was thanks to the effects of time and the corrosive nature of the atmosphere. Whoever the occupants were, and if there were any, it was evident that they considered the need for guards or any other type of security unnecessary.

Kumori blinked. The others looked equally hesitant. Iwa looked around. "Well?"

"To market, to market, to buy a fat pig.." Volpe sang merrily as he skipped forward.

=====

Zero1 was much more careful this time, choosing not to approach Kay's unmoving form to eagerly. But Kay was out cold this time, a fact that Crimson quickly realized when he felt Kay's energy levels slowly stabilizing. The girl appeared to be equally unconscious.

Zero1 looked around. "Crimson?"

"Yeah?"

"Ever wondered why this building blew up in the first place?"

The 'click' of a pistol's safety catch being flicked off sounded somewhere behind them, much too close for comfort.

Crimson gulped. "Not anymore."

The two turned slowly around, arms raised into the air as they came to face Locke, pistol and all. Whistling softly to himself, Locke's countenance was fixed in a wry grin as he fixed a silencer to the end of his gun.

"Good night."

Raising his gun at Zero1, Locke fired.

=====

John hopped forward, clearing another one of the rocks that littered the desert. The battlements of the castle was now clearly in sight. Peering closer to the surface, Iwa inspected the stone wall, then turned back towards her companions.

"Stand back. I'm going to try blasting through this thing."

Kumori smiled happily in excitement. "The Shinkuu Hadouken?"

Iwa nodded, returning her friend's grin. Dropping into stance, Iwa cocked her palms back at her waist, small wisps of energy starting to collect at her hands.

"Shinkuu..."

A sudden burst of bright blue light flared from Iwa's form, causing John to shield his eyes, which were widened in awe as he recognized the technique. Ryu's famed trademark move. In the blink of an eye Iwa thrust both cupped hands forward, the gathered energy materializing in a massive beam that screamed towards the wall.

"HADOUKEN!!!!"

A dull boom reverberated in synchronization with Iwa's scream as it absorbed the energy beam, then groaned slowly as Iwa's attack drilled through the first layers. Chunks of rock and stone exploded from the wall as it collapsed steadily. Iwa continued directing a constant stream of ki towards the obstacle, inwardly pleased with herself.

>Just a few seconds more...<

The first attack came without warning. With a powerful lash a hand erupted from the sand, razor-sharp claws slicing deeply through Iwa's thigh. Shocked, Iwa cut off her attack instantly as she leapt back in time to evade another swipe, this time aimed at her chest. With a burst of sand the entire creature appeared, lunging forward with a flurry of swift strikes aimed with deadly accuracy at Iwa's head and throat. Flicking aside, Iwa growled as the fingers of her right hand formed a claw....

"Kisatsuu.. SAIGOUKEN!!"

A clawed palm was thrust outwards with incredible force towards the creature's midsection, causing Iwa to wince as her fingers connected with the slick, wet flesh. A flash of light burst out as Iwa followed with blast of ki energy, knocking the creature senseless against the wall, where it slowly slid down, leaving a trail of fluid in its wake.

Iwa made a face. "Eeww..."

"Uh.. Iwa?" Kumori cried nervously.

Iwa turned around. "What is it... uh oh.."

The four were surrounded by an entire swarm of identical creatures, all armed with razor sharp claws and teeth. One of their numbers grinned, revealing a twisted, puckering tongue as the whole horde advanced.

"Run!!"

"Oddly enough, I seem to agree with ye for once," Volpe nodded absently as some sort of firearm was pulled out from under his vest with one fluid draw. Lashing out a foot at one of the creatures, Volpe flexed once, flicked his weapon and fired six shots towards the wall in a circle, at the spot where it had been weakened by Iwa's Shinkuu Hadouken. The bullets punctured the wall instantly, leaving six holes in their wake. Grinning, Volpe flipped his gun so that he was now holding it by the barrel, and proceeded to slam the handle at a dark blue-skinned head, knocking it a considerable distance aside.

"Now comes the fun part.... LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!" Volpe yelled gleefully as he dashed towards the wall, then leapt up and performed a mid-air split, the heel of his boot aimed directly at the centrepoint where his bullets had hit. "Hiii...."

*CRACCCKKKK*

"AUUUUGGGHH!!!!"

*crash* *slam*

Volpe picked himself up from the ground woozily, poking at the stars dancing merrily around him. Behind him, John and Kumori stared in amazement, and Iwa groaning as she fended off six of the creatures while slowly retreating towards the hole. Already damaged by Iwa and Volpe, the structure of the wall had all but collapsed, which had been the only fact that the Air Force sergeant had managed to break nothing but his ego. With a flying leap Kumori hurled herself through the wall, landed and rolled to reduce the shock of her landing impact. Something hauled her roughly to her feet. She looked up, seeing Volpe's face. John followed in Kumori's wake in the blink of an eye, and was similarly pulled up by Volpe before Iwa crashed through.

"The castle!" Iwa screamed over the thunderous roar as the creatures followed suit, streaming through the small gap in wall. Two threw themselves face-down on the ground, allowing their companions to vault off their backs and launch themselves towards the intruders. John and Volpe dived aside as two taloned claws swept by, delivering two counter blows that swatted the two away. A third came in, but was similarly put paid to by a flash of an energy blade by John. But he knew better than to continue struggling. The entire inner perimeter was swarming with at least twenty of the creatures by now, and more of their numbers were rapidly pouring in through the wall.

Turning, John quickly followed his companions up the first few steps of the castle, his legs pounding on the steps like pistons with the cries behind him spurring him to greater efforts. A stinging pain ran up his left leg, causing to falter. In that single instant he knew he was doomed. Turning back, the vision that greeted him was one of a wide-gaped jaw as a creature pounced. John kicked out as hard as he could, and connecting with the underside of the creature. But instantly four more swarmed around him, pinning him down.

The first one flew back several feet, following a loud gunshot. John looked up, only to see Volpe brandishing his weapon as he pumped the other three creatures full of bullets on the head.

"...thanks."

Before Volpe could reply, a huge, shuddering sound rang through the alien landscape, prompting the four fighters to look up. It didn't take long to discover the source of the sound. The castle doors had probably remained open for centuries, perhaps milleniums.... eons, even. But now, despite slowly, the doors were breaking through layers of grime and rust as they moved together.

The doors were closing.

Taking a look at the creatures, and at the castle, Kumori gulped.