[FFML] [fanfic][R1/2] Life on the Inside Part B (A Quantum Destinies Side story)

[DB Sommer]

[And here's Part B]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The sound of poolside frolicking surrounded Shampoo as the sun beat down
upon her body. She lay back on her lounge chair, adjusting the skimpy silver
bikini that glistened almost as much as her well-oiled body. The color had
the effect of drawing attention to her ample bust, as well as managing to
cover only two thirds of it. The bottoms weren't much better, with strings
along the side rather than straps and not much to the front.

Her choice of swimwear was for the benefit of the men surrounding her. She
posed seductively for the camera crew that focused their lenses on her form,
making certain the lighting was just right. It was yet another of the
numerous public relations projects the marketing department devised to raise
money, as well as make the Arena look good. This shoot was for a sort of
'Life on the Inside of the Battledome' documentary or some other ridiculous
thing meant to show what life was like for the fighters. All it really was
was some sort of feel good video for mass consumption and yet more Arena
related material for people to purchase.

Being the fighter with the highest profile currently in the Arena, Shampoo
had already been interviewed twice (giving polite answers, playing to the
camera as she did to the Arena spectators), filmed during a training
exercise, as well as light sparring with Running Deer (in tighter outfits
than either of them would normally spar in), and allowed them to shoot her
apartment. All of the big name fighters were being interviewed, but only a
handful would make the final cut of the video. Shampoo had caught wind from
one of the PR people that she would figure prominently in it, and that a
minimum of one of her interviews would be included.

Now all that was over with and this was the final day of the shoot. All of
the fighters were told to take the day off and lounge about the pool area
that was located on the grounds of the Arena, coincidentally showing off
their fit physiques. Both men and women were all around while various
cameras filmed everything. The film crews continued going for close-ups on
the more interesting fighters. Shampoo was one of the first chosen.

"I think we have enough," the shoot's director informed the men filming.
They turned the cameras away from her.

The head of the crew bowed before Shampoo. "Thank you very much, Miss."

"Is no problem. Shampoo glad to help." She put on a happy act for the man.
It was part of her job to be photogenic and pleasant with others, something
she had never envisioned being required of her when she first set out on her
path to the championship. But her mentor, Jaddo, had taught her well. For
the truly great champions, winning fights wasn't enough, winning the crowd
was also necessary to achieve true fame and greatness. She forced herself to
put up with the constant attention and pretended to revel in it. It was the
way of things, and that's all there was to it. Though the first thing she
would do upon winning the tournament was go somewhere far away from prying
eyes. A small island with a private beach where no one else lived for miles
around. It sounded perfect at the moment. She closed her eyes and envisioned
it in her mind.

Her dreams were interrupted as a body plopped down on the chair next to her.
Shampoo was about to bite out some caustic remark when she saw who it was.

"Done with their favorite pinup girl, eh?" Running Deer asked. The Apache
was dressed in a modest crimson one piece, cut high on the leg, that
accentuated her height and trim, athletic build.

"Thankfully," Shampoo said.

"They said they wanted to talk to me later," Running Deer mentioned.

"Is no surprise. Running Deer is very pretty," Shampoo told her.

"You are oh so right about that." Running Deer returned to her feet and
began posing sexily for Shampoo's benefit, as though there was a camera
pointed upon her as well.

Shampoo was amused by her antics, as well as the fact she had drawn the
attention of more than a handful of the males around them. She was consideri
ng trying to match her friend's posing, wondering just how much attention
they could draw together, when she felt a burning gaze behind her.

The Amazon turned to see it was the sullen and brooding Ryu who she had
sensed. As usual, he was left to himself, alone and out of the way of the
other fighters who continued treating him as an pariah. Shampoo was finding
herself increasingly wary of the youth. There was far too much lust for her
in those eyes than she was comfortable with. Even Tarou, as lecherous as he
was, didn't leer at her that way. The open lust reminded her of the men who
had tried to rape her back when she was in the dog pits. Jaddo had helped
her move past the worst of it, but it was always an event that would remain
forever etched in her mind. Anything even loosely related to it always made
her angry. Always.

Had it not been for Running Deer's interest in the youth, Shampoo would have
confronted Ryu, and possibly beaten him senseless if he continued to bother
her this way. In honor of her friend, she tolerated it, though barely. The
only upside on that front was that Running Deer's numerous attempts to help
the Impie had resulted in him being less curt with her, though he was still
far from friendly. Running Deer was delighted in the slight shift in
attitude. With any luck, Ryu would come to his senses and forget Shampoo,
instead focusing his attention on a wonderful girl that was actually
interested in him. While it was Running Deer's emotions Shampoo was actually
concerned about, it would help Ryu too.

A voice interrupted Shampoo's musings as it acidly spat toward Running Deer,
"Are you trying to imitate a stork? You look like one with those gangly legs
of yours."

Shampoo scowled at Mina's unwanted intrusion. As much as she wanted to deny
it, the Korean was attractive. Unlike the more slender, lithesome Apache,
Mina was a full-bodied girl, built almost as well as Shampoo, though she was
a couple of years older and a centimeter taller. While Shampoo's bikini was
skimpy, Mina's could barely be considered there. All she wore was a top
composed of two tiny white triangles and a bottom that barely hid her
crotch. The back was worse, with only a thin string that was hidden between
her cheeks. It might as well not be there since it hid nothing. The whole
ensemble would obviously become semi-transparent when wet, and the Amazon
had little doubt Mina would take a dip in the pool right before her
interview. Shampoo thought it made her look desperate rather than sexy, but
there was no denying it had drawn the stares of many men around them.

Shampoo wanted to defend her friend, but kept from speaking her mind. The
comment had been directed at Running Deer, and she was better at verbal
sparring than the Amazon.

Running Deer smiled at Mina, as though the comment had never been uttered.
Instead she pointed at the Korean's bikini and said, "Why don't you just
lose the suit altogether? Showing up naked is the only way you're going to
get any fans back. Then they can see that 'Serving All Customers' tattoo you
have on your crotch."

"It's a butterfly, you stick figure!" Mina shot back.

Running Deer handled her bosom. "Better what nature gave me than a pair of
bogus tits bought from a doctor."

"My breasts are real!" Mina shouted. "You're just jealous because men
actually lust after me!"

"What, like Tarou? You might want to reevaluate that." Running Deer pointed
over her antagonist's shoulder.

Mina turned around to see what Running Deer was talking about, then nearly
exploded as all of her previous anger, and a good bit of new, redirected
itself toward a different target.

Curious at what could have caused the sudden shift, Shampoo also looked.
Tarou was being interviewed, but not alone. Park, her more demure figure
hugged in a cute pink and white one piece swimsuit, stood next to him,
looking as though he was the most handsome, awe-inspiring fighter on earth
and the object of her total adoration. On Tarou's part, he had an arm
affectionately around her waist, openly enjoying her companionship. It was
made all the more obvious with his hand drifting dangerously close to her
bottom.

For a moment, it appeared Mina would run over and hurl Park into the pool,
interview be damned. But then the Korean's ire disappeared, and instead she
merely stared darkly at the girl. Shampoo didn't understand the gravity of
the situation until she looked deep into Mina's eyes and saw exactly what
dwelled there: a cold rage that unsettled even those it wasn't directed
toward. While Mina was perpetually angry, it wasn't the loud insults and
slurs that were cause for concern, it was when she became quiet that one
needed to be worried. It meant she had been pushed too far.

Running Deer had once mentioned that look of Mina's when she had caught the
Korean, shortly after her first defeat at Shampoo's hands, directing it
toward the Amazon's back. Shampoo had dismissed her friend's warning at the
time, fighters were always angry about losing, and it had been Mina's first
loss. Finally able to see what her friend had been referring to, the Amazon
understood what the Korean was really feeling underneath the bluster and
open hostility. The first opportunity that presented itself, Mina would do
everything in her power to kill Shampoo.

There was probably nothing to worry about at the moment. Shampoo had her
current status, flawless record, and a reputation of having deadly ability
going for her. While it wasn't public knowledge, among the fighting circles
word had traveled of the night Shampoo had killed Pink, defeated all the
wranglers in the Tridome, and actually went toe-to-toe with the man the
Dragon himself defeated in the finals of the tournament, all after being
stabbed by an illegal weapon. Shampoo never spoke of it, not proud of the
loss of control that resulted in the death of another. When pressed about
it, usually by some new fighter that met her for the first time, she would
simply confirm it was true and walk away. That she treated it so casually,
rather than basking in the confirmation of her fighting prowess, only
heightened the weight of the act and afforded her a healthy respect that
went beyond her record. Not that Mina was afraid of any of those things.
They just made her cautious.

Shampoo also knew Mina would not act through others to seek revenge. The
girl had her pride, and she frequently boasted she'd humiliate Shampoo in
front of the world before defeating her. It was only seeing Mina in her
current state that the Amazon had a sense of how deeply those feelings went.
More than ever, Shampoo would be very careful and not give her back to her
rival.

Now it seemed the homicidal rage that had been previously reserved for
Shampoo was shared by another, someone Mina had far more accessibility to.
While Park was moving through the ranks of fighters, both in combat and
popularity, she still had a way to go before moving into true superstar
status, though it was obvious she had the potential to do so. Already she
was being pushed by the public relations department, and rumor had it she
figured prominently in the new video. Among the ranks of the fighters, her
ability, natural charm, and charisma had made her welcomed, but she had yet
to truly make her mark the way upper level fighters like Mina and Shampoo
had. While she had seemed to become part of Tarou's clique, she doubted he
would intervene if Mina chose to do anything to Park. Despite his roving
eye, he openly regarded Mina as his girlfriend, and unless he was ready to
dump her and possibly make her (and her own clique of friends) hostile to
himself, Park would be left on her own. It was doubtful the girl realized
that yet.

A general rule throughout the Arena was minding one's own business, unless
it involved one's friends. Though Shampoo didn't owe the new girl anything,
and she was proving herself incredibly stupid in continuing to pursue Tarou
despite the Amazon's warning, no one deserved to have Mina after them.
Shampoo resolved herself to try to help the girl one more time.

The opportunity presented itself an hour later. Mina had simply wandered off
shortly after Tarou's interview, probably to keep from attacking Park on the
spot. Park had continued hanging on Tarou's arm for the better part of an
hour. Shampoo swore the girl was trying to play up to everyone else rather
than the man she was wooing. Finally, the short fighter excused herself from
Tarou, and gave him a peck on the cheek. As she stood on her toes, he cupped
her bottom. She seemed surprised at the gesture, giving a painfully cute
'Ooo', and said something to him. To Shampoo's eyes, it seemed a token
gesture at best, and perhaps further encouragement at the least. She was
going to be dead meat in short order if she didn't back off.

Finally, Park made her way to the restroom. Shampoo followed, hoping no one
else was present. What she needed to do required privacy.

Luck was with Shampoo as she entered the restroom. No one else was present,
save for Park. She was looking into a mirror, touching up her appearance.
The moment Shampoo entered, Park perked up. It took a moment to realize she
was placed so that the entrance was reflected in the mirror. Coincidence or
by intent, it was an answer worth knowing.

Park went back to examining herself in the mirror, a show that she regarded
Shampoo as unimportant. It was not an attitude carried by many, not with the
Amazon's prominence.

Shampoo refused to be insulted by the gesture. She moved closer to the girl,
but Park refused to look away from the mirror. Now she was being insolent.
Shampoo continued forward until she was standing directly behind Park,
towering over the much smaller girl.

Since Park was refusing to acknowledge Shampoo's presence, it fell to the
Amazon to open the conversation. She was beginning to wonder if the matter
was worth being concerned about. "Silly girl have no idea what she doing."

Park continued primping her hair. "You mean that little display of Mina's?
That's nothing. Wait until after tonight when she finds out I've poached on
her turf. Tarou really is an idiotic letch, but he'll drop his pants for
anyone that even hints she'll spread her legs for him."

Shampoo could scarcely believe what she hearing. "Is you insane? Mina will
kill you."

Park finally turned around, wagging her finger at Shampoo as though she was
a small child that had said something ridiculously stupid. "No, Mina will be
pissed as hell, and want to kill me. That will make her sloppy. You need to
keep control in order to survive. That's the first rule you learn in the dog
pits. I'm going to work Mina into a complete frenzy. And when I've got her
at her peak, I'll kick her ass and leapfrog her just like that."

Shampoo stared at the girl in shock. Where had this come from? "What Park
talking about?"

Park snorted, undergoing a shocking transformation. Her cute girl image
disappeared, replaced with a much harder, scorn-filled one. "Give me a
break. I'm not some chump fresh out of a dog pit. I've been paying attention
to who's who and what's been going on up here. Got to know the lay of the
land before conquering it, after all."

"Conquer it?" Shampoo asked in confusion.

"Damn straight," Park bragged. "I got the talent, smarts, and the looks to
be the top dog around here, and I know it. It's one of the reasons the
Director had me sent up so quickly. He knows I got the ability to draw the
ratings, probably even better than you. You have been around for a few
months, and the guys all go crazy over cute little girls like me," she
boasted.

Shampoo remained silent, simply staring at the girl.

Park was in full bragging mode. "I already have it all figured out. Mina's
the first one on the list that's going to get knocked over on my rise to the
top. I'm just setting things up. First, I steal her man away from her. Then
I look mediocre in the ring, barely winning victories so she thinks I'm not
very good. Then I get her angry enough to get sloppy and underestimate me so
when we fight, I pull off the upset. That, combined with my looks, will get
me a huge following, one that will probably be bigger than Mina's,
especially after I kick her ass. My win is already assured."

Shampoo blinked several times, barely able to process the information. "Why
you tell Shampoo all this?" she finally asked.

Park smirked. "Because you're going to see the truth soon enough once I
finish off Mina. No sense in hiding it now. You hate Mina almost as much as
she hates you, so you sure as well won't tip her off to what I want to do to
her. I'm really going to enjoy doing it, since she's she such a cocky cow.
Besides, believe it or not, I actually respect you, unlike her and the rest
of the bozos around here. If you were the only one I had to worry about, I
wouldn't have bothered with my 'like, complete ditz' role." Her eyes took on
their previously vacuous self, then returned to normal. "Good acting, a
basic tool to win over the crowds. You learned that a long time ago, or you
wouldn't be where you are today."

The amount of conceit in Park's voice was so great Shampoo was surprised the
girl didn't choke on the satisfaction of her perceived brilliance. Rather
than confirm it, Shampoo shook her head sadly. "Shampoo remember a girl like
Park. It was a cadet, fresh out of the flight academy. She got highest marks
in school and simulators, highest in twenty years. She thought she would
light up the stars, and kill every Musky there was. She brag about it to
everyone, how she be an ace quicker than everyone else and become legend in
fleet in less than a year.

"She die in first dogfight. Boom. Just like that. Best score in twenty years
no mean anything. Simulators is not the same as real life. Park can make all
the plans she want, and pat herself on the back because she think she so
smart. The Muskiesz not able to resist for so long by accident, and neither
has Mina. Reality no always confirm to plans, not even for Shampoo."

With that note of finality, Shampoo turned around and exited the restroom.
She had done all she could. She was wiping her hands clean of the matter.
What would be, would be.

Xxxxx

As Shampoo exited the restroom, Park looked at her in bewilderment. "What
the hell was that supposed to mean?"

She shook her head to clear it of the annoyance. Shampoo was just jealous,
if not outright afraid. And she should be. Park had it all. Looks, skill,
and the brains to properly utilize both. Mina was a predictable cow, which
was why Park had targeted her first. Her countrywoman was a simpleton that
was easy to figure out. All meanness and hate just waiting to explode over
any insult, both real and imagined. The bitch thought Park was just another
annoyance to be eliminated, like anyone other than Shampoo was. She was in
for a surprise. Park had been faking her actual skill level. She was much
better than anyone guessed, and had her edge, the Razor Scissors Kick, which
would give her victory in the blink of an eye. She would prefer to save it
for her true opposition, but looking past the opponent in front of you was a
sure way to end up killed. Mina was dangerous enough under normal
circumstances, but Park's plan called for her countrywoman to be off her
game, enraged by Park's emerging popularity, bedding Tarou, then bragging
about it afterwards. In two days time, she'd set the final play into motion.
By the end of the week, Mina wouldn't be a problem to anyone ever again.

After that, it would be time for Park to start working on the plan to
eliminate her next target. It hadn't taken her long to discover her true
opposition's weak link. Running Deer was good, but not quite up to the true
hot commodities in the Arena. Unlike Mina, Park was quite willing to use
others to fight her battles for her. Once Mina was out of the way, Tarou
would be easy to manipulate. He was worse than most men when it came to
thinking with his balls. By the end of the night, Park would be fully
ingratiated with him. Then she would encourage him to kill Running Deer once
they had an official match. From there, a despondent Shampoo would do her
best to kill Tarou in retaliation. No matter who the victor was, they would
be weakened, then Park would finish them off, and be the only true sure bet
to win the tournament.

Everything was falling into place.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The Director hummed an old show tune to himself as he looked over the latest
figures on ratings and merchandising. The sheaves of paper were spread out
across the desk of his elaborately furnished executive office, located in
the highest tower of the Arena. All of the information seconded what he
already knew; he had exceeded the annual projections, and when the editing
of the newest video was complete, it would rise even higher. He had already
seen some of the preliminary footage. It was so expertly done, even he
wanted a to buy a copy.

The unparalleled success ensured him a longer term as the true power behind
the Arena and increase his already impressive influence even further. Thanks
to the insane popularity of the Battledome he was now officially a power in
the Empire, albeit a very minor one in the big scheme of things. But that
changed with every passing year, and all for the better. His holdings
outside the Arena continued to flourish, and there were no rivals to attack
his power base. It was like he was king of his own little duchy.

"And it's good to be the king," he murmured to himself.

"Pardon, Sir?" Ana asked.

The Director looked over to his two bodyguards, the only other occupants in
the office. Ana and Uni were state of the art replicants, unbelievably
expensive and worth every yen. They functioned as his hands among the ranks
of fighters, who respected physical ability over intellectual. The Director
lacked the advantage of having won the annual tournament, like that annoying
counterpart of his in Hong Kong, Tetsuo Aritsukoji (who would always be a
Sanzenin no matter how hard he denied it) did. While the Director's mind was
razor sharp, and his instincts even better, he couldn't fight worth a damn.
But with loyal servants like his Puma sisters, he didn't need to be. They
were seen for what they were, an extension of his will, and were treated
accordingly. Most knew to kowtow before them, and the few fighters that felt
the urge to test their will against his were always found wanting at the
girls' hands.

Part of their success was due to the 'enhancements' that heightened their
already impressive combat features. While the modifications were illegal,
since genetic tampering with replicants was considered dangerous, they were
so subtle no one could tell. And as long as the Director continued to serve
the Empire its bread and circuses, no one would bother to look closely.

Perhaps the only downside was who had implemented the modifications for the
Director. But then, they were the ones responsible for giving him his
initial stake, one that he gambled into a small fortune during the early
days of his life when he was dubbed 'The Gambler King'. They were
responsible for his employment as an executive in the Arena, and once he was
in proper position, arranged for the unfortunate 'accident' that claimed the
life of his predecessor, a competent, if unimaginative person whose age and
tenure made him impossible to remove any other way.

Aside from those handful of events, the Director's successes were his own,
and he felt pride at his achievements. He had repaid his backers severalfold
by giving them inside information on both fights and the fighters. While
none of the fights were ever thrown --the integrity of the Arena was
sacrosanct-- a little inside information allowed Shadowlaw to wager heavily
and win big on certain matches. Also, the Director frequently encouraged
certain fighters Shadowlaw wanted to seek out employment with the
organization through one of its numerous dummy corporations, after the
tournament was over and the losers were forced to seek jobs outside the
Arena. It was an amicable partnership, and he had no regrets about it. The
Director gave them what they wanted, and they left him to his own devices.
Much like the Imperial Government, in that respect. Business was business,
and that's all there was to it.

The Director paused in his musings to consider Ana's question. "It's
nothing. Merely enjoying the spoils of my victories."

His gaze lingered over both of the Pumas. They were more than pleasing to
the eye, which was part of nearly every replicant package. Currently, they
wore identical black officer-type uniforms with a military flair, save for
the fact the outfits were open at the neck and low enough that an excessive
amount of cleavage showed. No way would those 'concealed weapons' be
considered military issue, he thought with amusement.

The view triggered a touch of arousal within the Director. It had been a
while since he had been with a woman. Unfortunately, as appealing to the eye
as the Pumas were, sleeping with them was a bad idea. He had tried it once
shortly after purchasing them. While they were programmed with data files
regarding intercourse, it was not their primary function, so their skill
level was well below that of a properly programmed pleasure replicant. That,
combined with their tendency to be very aggressive during sex, made fooling
around with them more tiring than enjoyable. Occasionally, when he was
bored, he would have them perform a striptease and dance for him, they
interacted well together, but sexual contact with them was relegated to
voyeurism.

Still, the dull throbbing from his loins informed him something would have
to be done about it, and soon. While there were many female fighters, and
some employees, like his secretary, Mai Shiranui, that were close at hand
and very desirable, fooling around with the hired help always led to
trouble. Instead he'd either visit a brothel or peruse his black book and
find the number of one of the many golddiggers intent on marrying him and
gaining access to his influence and money, two things most women found
irresistible.

He turned his mind away from such things. Tonight was a televised fight, and
that meant business before pleasure. He looked over the card he had
personally set up for tonight's matches. It was heavy on the newcomers
again. The audience wanted to see what the fresh meat had to offer, culling
the weak and boring from the powerful and exciting. At the top of the list
was that Korean girl, Park Ji-hyun. That brought a smile to his face as his
finger traced the kanji of her name. He had plans for her. Big plans. She
was the hottest commodity to come out of Hong Kong since Shampoo, who in
turn was the biggest goldmine to hit the Arena since Jun Fan Lee and the Six
Pack dominated it. He couldn't have come up with a better backstory for her
if he had groomed the child from birth himself. A powerful fighter and
exotic beauty who could play to the crowd like a true professional, and,
thanks to that silly law of hers, was lusted after like no other. Even the
sensual, yet deadly, Mina Li paled in comparison. Though Mina was still
useful, since she drew fans as well. Shampoo had the eye of the mainstream,
but Mina attracted those that were interested in women that were bad news
for them. It was a significantly smaller segment of the population, but a
very real one, and every viewer counted.

Now along came Park, a girl who filled in the void between Shampoo's exotic
looks and Mina's danger. She was the classic 'cute girl' that was also much
beloved among the mainstream audience. She was accessible in ways the other
girls weren't, except for her ability to cripple a man in a single move if
he got fresh with her. She was the sort of girl a man could bring home to
show to his mother, while the other two were the type you bragged about to
your friends. Already, she was nearly as popular as Mina, and polls had
shown she had gained a solid core of fans in less than a month. By the time
the tournament rolled around, she would probably be the second favorite
fighter, right behind Shampoo, who was essentially untouchable.

This week was mostly filler for Shampoo and Mina. Tonight was meant to
showcase the new fighters' talents, and Park had drawn the main event of the
evening. Shampoo would be given two foes to deal with at the same time,
waving the marriage clause for the fight. It was the only way to make her
match interesting. Park's opponent was someone she should beat easily, a new
pretty boy whose bishonen looks had gained him a following of women, but who
would never hit the big time due to his flashy, but limited fighting skills.
Still, he was popular for the moment, and it would be a good stepping stone
for Park's growing popularity since it would be perceived she was beating an
able opponent. The Director decided to arrange an interview for her with one
of the popular morning talk shows tomorrow. The girl knew how to play to the
camera like she was born for it. His gamble on bringing her up early had
paid off in a big way. But then, all of his gambles did.

The phone in his pocket beeped out a variation of 'The Sunlit Garden,'
effectively ending the Director's musings. Few knew his private phone
number, and that particular tone signaled it was his nominal 'masters' that
wanted him for something. Or something from him.

The Pumas had swept the room for listening devices earlier, as they always
did since many wanted to know what a man with the Director's power was up
to. Safe in the knowledge the conversation would be private, he answered the
phone.

"Yes?"

"It's me."

The Director felt his heart skip a beat. It was an effect the man on the
other end of the phone had on most people. He was unsettling to all but the
powerful or the insane.

The Pumas, whose senses were always attuned to the man they were guarding,
tensed up in response.

"What is it I can do for you?" the Director asked just a touch too quickly;

"A minor matter," the voice on the other and assured him. "I merely require
a box seat for this evening."

That was all. The Director was truly relieved. Just because his masters
hadn't made any problematic demands did not mean they wouldn't at some
point. "You shall have mine, if that's suitable. I wasn't planning on using
it anyway." That was the truth. He rarely used the box seat, which, given
his importance, was one of the best in the Battledome, near where the
Emperor himself sat when he visited. He preferred watching the matches on
television, so he saw with his own eyes the exact same thing that the people
giving him his ratings were watching. The best way to evaluate one's product
was to use it. Anything that appeared dissatisfactory would be improved as
he saw fit.

Still, hearing the voice evoked images of the man it was connected to. While
the voice itself was unnerving, like death coated in honey, his appearance
was just as bad, if not worse. You weren't supposed to see the image of one
of the most famous figures in Imperial history, long since dead, walking
around and talking as though they had never gone anywhere. There had to have
been extensive plastic surgery involved to make the man bear such an uncanny
resemblance to the legendary general, Makoto Shishio.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rei Lan knocked on the door of her mistress' dressing room. A response of
"Enter, Rei," met her ears.

She did as she was told and found her breath taken away. While the much
vaunted Tigress was always beautiful, tonight she was awe-inspiring in a
manner that stunned the martial artist turned bodyguard. The Tigress's face
was beautiful and drew men's stares no matter where she went, but tonight
there was a glow about it that went beyond the normal bounds. Her sea-blue
hair was teased slightly as it traveled downward, stopping just past her
shoulders. She possessed a build men lusted after and women envied. But as
alluring as her physical appearance was, it was dwarfed by the aura the
woman possessed. There was a sensuality in the way she moved, as though
every motion of her body was a subtle attempt at seduction. Her voice was a
husky purr that could arouse a eunuch, and the smoldering look she could
unleash could melt ice. Despite her obvious attributes, there was always a
hint that this was only the surface, and that there were even more delights
waiting to be discovered underneath. It was small wonder so many men risked
all to try to possess her by 'Taming the Tigress'. And they ended up losing
everything to her, in the end, just like Rei's former master, Togo, found
out.

Judging by her make-up and apparel, tonight the Tigress was going to prowl
in public. She was wearing a flashy silver dress with small straps over her
shoulders (a style she frequently employed since, with her athletic frame,
she needed no shoulder pads to fill her out). The back was cut out and low,
showing off one of her 'trademark' features: an amazingly lifelike Tiger
tattoo that took up the majority of her back. The feline was identical to
its mistress, radiating power and possessing a beauty that called out for it
to be tamed. She rarely flaunted the image, preferring it remained hidden,
unless she wanted to show it off. That she was meant it was a special
occasion.

At the moment, the Tigress was poised in front of the mirror, touching up
her make-up. Her attention was riveted to her image as she applied a touch
of eye shadow, not bothering to acknowledge Rei's presence.

"Are we going out tonight, Mistress?" Rei asked. "I wasn't informed. I can
be suitably dressed in a moment."

"I will not need either you or Sagat's services tonight," she informed her.

Rei shifted uncomfortably. The Tigress rarely went out publicly without some
form of bodyguard. It was not that she was unable to take care of herself,
her prowess in the martial arts was so great that Rei would not have been
surprised if the Tigress was superior to her, she simply didn't want to have
to bother with anyone that would dare attack her. There were legions who
would do that people. She was an important woman who had done a number of
things to a number of people over the years. She had enemies without number,
and was a constant target for the angry or ambitious. Rei had killed many
would be assassins while in her mistress's service, occasionally being
injured in the process. Despite the stress, it made her heart soar to know
she was so important to the woman to whose life she was devoted, both in
body and soul.

Knowing that, Rei was mystified as to why she was being left behind.
"Mistress, have I done something to displease you?" It seemed unlikely since
Sagat was excluded as well, and he was too stoic to offend anyone. But the
Tigress had tamed Rei long ago, and the very idea of displeasing her
mistress made her want to break down and weep.

"Not at all. Your presence would be superfluous at this time," the Tigress
informed her. "My husband is in town. We're going out. It's so rare we get
any time to ourselves anymore. But that's the price one pays for maintaining
our ranks in the organization."

"I understand," Rei Lan said, disappointment in her voice. But she had long
since accepted her role, and her mistress's feelings regarding her husband.
None could ever hold the place in her heart that he did. Rei would have to
content herself to being the Tigress's plaything when her mistress felt so
inclined. It would suffice.

Rei bowed once more before leaving the room to inform Sagat of their night
off.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The limousine rolled up to the front of the estate's front doors. While on
the outside it appeared exactly like a normal vehicle of its type, save for
some extra width, nothing was further from the truth. It was heavily
modified for security and provided the best protection money could buy. The
exterior was encased in the strongest armor available, with shatterproof
windows and puncture proof tires. It was the same type the Emperor used when
he traveled in public, though in the case of the current occupant, it was
more a matter of keeping away annoyances than an actual need to protect
himself. He could do that on his own without the benefit of metal and
plastic. It merely saved time.

The mansion that was their destination was one of the largest in that area
of Tokyo, its sprawling grounds worth billions of yen in the land-starved
homeland of the Empire. It had been donated by one of the emperors from the
previous century to a lord who was reputed to have saved his life. In truth,
it was a favor owed to the lord who had quietly taken care of a difficult,
potentially crippling problem for the Emperor. However, the lord had a
weakness for gambling, and in his twilight years lost the estate to a
shadowy figure who retained ownership of the lands to this day.

In time, the estate had been transformed, at least on the inside. Now it had
earned a reputation that bordered on infamy among the elite of the Empire.
Its title was now affectionately called 'Decadence' by the most prominent
figures in the land who made up its exclusive clientele. Every vice and
desire, no matter its illegality, was offered within its corridors, the
Empire turning a blind eye to the activity due to who was permitted to
indulge themselves on the grounds, including a high number of prominent
government officials. Guests came by invitation only, and the elite of the
elite were the only people on the list. Masks were a requirement, leaving
the identities of all anonymous, even to each other. Only those that ran the
mansion knew who resided in the halls and luxuriated in the offered treats,
and they never spoke of anyone who attended. Security was identical to that
of a top secret military base. No one had ever pierced the security of the
grounds. Those few that attempted it did not get a second chance, since the
owner had been given unspoken permission to do what he wanted to those that
would dare try to learn the secrets kept behind those walls.

The owner left the actually operation of the mansion in the hands of the
Tigress, who ran it with near inhuman efficiency. That was another reason
for her high rank in the organization. No one was as skilled in debauchery
as herself. None possessed her talented hand in training those who actually
serviced the needs of the elite, as well as keeping the less carnal parts of
the operation working. She still traveled abroad frequently to oversee other
operations, primarily in the skin trade, which also flourished under her
care. But when she was in Japan, this served as her residence and base of
operations.

The Tigress was waiting outside as the limousine pulled to a stop. She
walked down the front steps, elegance in every motion as the slit in her
skirt flashed a hint of long, graceful legs with each step. The driver
exited the vehicle and opened the door for her. She bent low and entered the
vehicle.

The man in the back seat smiled at her, an unusual gesture for him. He held
out his hand to help her inside. She accepted it, flowing next to him. She
caressed his face with her hands but a moment before kissing him deeply. He
kissed back with the same amount of passion.

The driver closed the door behind her, reentered the vehicle, and sped off.

It wasn't until the limousine exited the estate, the large steel gates of
the main approach closing behind them, that the Tigress broke off her kiss.
Still not content, despite the osculation, her hands began roaming her
husband's body instead.

Shishio Makoto the Second, clone of the legendary general and a Mark I
version of the Phoenix Project, smiled at the hunger in his wife's eyes as
the Tigress's skilled hands began removing the tuxedo from his person.

"You seem unusually passionate tonight," he said.

Her hands moved even more quickly. "It has been too long since I have seen
you, Airen."

The lust in her husky voice both moved and aroused him. "Don't you have your
Rei and Sagat to slake your hunger? They are fine specimens of humanity. I
thought that was one of the reasons you kept them around."

She had finally freed his shirt and allowed her fingers to play over his
lithe, taut muscles, savoring the sensation of the rough skin beneath her
fingertips. "Don't be silly. They are merely toys to play with. You're the
only one who has tamed the Tigress, winning her heart as well as her flesh."

"Indeed," he said as he grasped the straps of her dress and eased them off
her shoulders, baring her nude upper body for him to do with as he pleased.

Others would have been surprised to know that he felt love for this woman,
since few thought him capable of the emotion, but he was. She was a true
prize, far beyond anyone he had ever met. In all his years, in all his
travels, from the heat of Africa to the frozen wasteland of the Antarctic,
she was the only one who matched his lust, if not surpassing it. Her ardor
was as inhuman as his own stamina. How fortunate so many years ago he had
decided to visit his contemporaries (perhaps the closest thing to friends
that one such as him could have), two of the handful of surviving fellow
Mark I's, who had settled in that backwater village in China. It was during
a visit there that he met her, and his life was changed forever. The instant
his eyes had focused upon the woman formerly known as Lao Cane, he knew she
was the one for him. Defeating her had been a titanic struggle, even for one
of his tremendous skills, but he had proved his prowess to her in every way
by the time the sun had risen the next day. She was easily one of the best
things that could have happened to him.

Finally her hands freed the part of his body she craved the most, and then
no more words were exchanged.

xxxxxxxxxxx

The pair were finishing dressing when the driver informed them over the
speaker that they were approaching the Battledome.

With their mutual hunger temporarily abated, it was time for business,
though each continued to bask in the other's presence. The Tigress said, "I
have initiated a plan that has the potential to remove a thorn in
Shadowlaw's side."

"Oh?" Shishio asked. His wife was full of intrigue. Almost as much as him.
It was another of her attributes that drew him to her.

"The Kashuohs," she said. "Or, more specifically, their future, Kinnosuke. I
have placed an agent in such a position that an... accident can be arranged.
There are no guarantees of success, I made certain it can never be traced
back to us, but there is a chance it might succeed. Even if it fails, we'll
get some sense of his actual skill level, and that's potentially useful
information. There is no downside to it."

"Excellent." The Kashuohs were a small and insular family that was
incredibly wealthy through their exclusive ownership of Genom, and through
some unknown means had gained the Emperor's ear. Shadowlaw spies had tried
uncovering the connection, but had little success thus far. The Kashuoh's
were a clan that Shadowlaw couldn't penetrate in any way, the old man
running it wary beyond measure when it came to the criminal organization.

With the Kashuohs' deathgrip on the burgeoning replicant technology, they
would continue to monopolize the market. While Shishio had discovered the
truth behind the creation of replicants, it did him little good. Simply
creating their own version would be pointless and not cost effective. No, it
would be better for the organization to control the already existing
structure, even if it meant eliminating the people that already owned it.
Luckily, the clan was small, with the only heir being Kinnosuke Kashuoh,
whose own origins were shrouded in some mystery. Since the head of the clan
was old, and had no other heirs, Shadowlaw could afford to be patient and
wait for him to die of natural causes. Once Kinnosuke and the old man were
dead, there would have to be some figurehead installed, one that Shadowlaw
could bend to their will. It was a minor scheme that didn't make any
difference in the long term, but it would serve them well should it be
successful.

"I have some news of my own," Shishio said. "Nanashi is in the process of
binding one of the minor noble houses, the Saginomiyas to us. Better yet,
he's managed to entice one of the Sanzenins as well."

The Tigress perked up at that. "The Sanzenins are very powerful indeed.
Having them under our thumb would be most advantageous."

"Some maneuvering would be required," Shishio admitted. "Mikado is currently
third in line to inherit control over the family. His uncle is the actual
head of the clan, and still has a few years left in him, but no direct heirs
since his only son removed himself from the family and won the Battledome
Tournament fifteen years ago."

"Ah yes, I recall that. The man in charge of the Hong Kong Arena. Very
unapproachable to us."

"It'll be to our benefit if we can control the Sanzenin zaibatsu. Currently
only two other people stand between Mikado and control of the clan, two of
his cousins. A car accident can be arranged for one, and the other has a
penchant for drug use."

"Overdoses happen all the time," the Tigress said meaningfully.

"Since his weakness is well known, we'll wait until the uncle is about to
die before arranging for it," Shishio said. "We'll dispose of the other one
now, though. That way it looks more like a coincidence when the second one
dies years later."

"Will Mikado know we're responsible for his ascension to head of his
family's clan?"

"Informing him after he's been installed would probably be for the best,"
Shishio said. "Although the youth does have something of a ruthless streak.
I anticipate he'll be grateful for the opportunity to control his family
fortune. Actually, given how ruthless the Sanzenins already are, I wouldn't
be surprised if he tries to kill them himself at some point."

"He'll fit right in then." The Tigress laughed in amusement.

"It'll take some time before Mikado's old enough to be of actual use to us
anyway. Years before this plan sees fruition, assuming Mikado survives the
gauntlet he's currently throwing himself into. But we can afford to be
patient."

The lights of the Battledome appeared through the one way glass of the
vehicle. Shishio decided he had his fill of business talk. "It's been a
while since we've had a chance to indulge in the fights."

"It's good to have a night off," the Tigress admitted. "I'm also interested
in some of the stock there now. It seems most promising."

Shishio grinned. He alone could pick up on the subtle context of his wife's
thoughts. "One in particular has your eye."

The Tigress pouted. "Yes. The girl from my former village. I saw her in
action and knew she had true potential. Perhaps even better than Rei Lan's.
There is also her heritage, which could prove useful to us as well."

"Such a person could move far in the organization," Shishio agreed. And if
the girl's loyalty was to Shishio, rather than the actual head of Shadowlaw,
that would make it all the better. While being second-in-command of the
world's largest criminal syndicate was indeed satisfying, one could never
have too much power, and having it all was very, very appealing to Shishio.
For now, he would be content to remain where he was, until an opportunity
presented itself.

"She's beyond our grasp, now, though. She's far too high profile to be of
use," the Tigress lamented. "I never did figure out why the OMC refused to
sell her to us."

"Their decision paid for them in the long run." Shishio pointed out. He
remembered the conversation from when his wife's return from Hong Kong, and
disappointment in her inability to acquire the lovely and talented Shampoo.

His wife shook her head. "No. There was more than money involved. They would
never have sold her under any circumstances. There was something else going
on. A pity their family is so insular as well."

"Sinking roots takes time," Shishio commented philosophically. "Patience has
netted us influence over the Empire, and will continue to do so. We must
move slowly and cultivate them to make certain the tendrils reach deep and
not overstep ourselves."

"True," she agreed. "And there is still other potentially useful stock in
there. This is the best group I've seen in a while."

"Let me guess." Shishio held his hand to his temple in thought. "You have
your eye on that vicious Korean girl and Tarou."

The Tigress clapped her hands. "Indeed. There are others as well, but those
two have the right attitude to fit in. Especially the girl. She is simply
delectable."

"I've heard she's for hire," Shishio mentioned. Several upper-level members
of the organization had hired the girl before, and mentioned to Shishio what
she was capable of.

The Tigress gave her husband a cagey look. "Reports indicate she's already
displaying remarkable talent, true. I'd still have to train her properly.
Amateurs always rely too much on youthful exuberance rather than carefully
honed talent. I think I'd enjoy that. She has some spirit, and those are
always the most fun to break in."

"And no one does it as good as you," Shishio said.

The Tigress kissed him on the cheek. "Flatterer. Just for that, you can use
her first once she's properly trained. Assuming she doesn't die or end up
damaged too badly. There's always a chance of that."

"Of course. But if she survives the fire she's been thrust into, she'll be
even stronger for it." That was the way of the world. Those it didn't break,
it made stronger. Shishio was a living testament to that.

"Ah, we're here," the Tigress said as the vehicle pulled to a stop in front
of the VIP parking section.

Shishio gazed at the building before them Finally, it was time to watch the
fights.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The Director watched on the large television screen in his private room as
the fights progressed throughout the night. Everything had happened exactly
as he thought it would. There had been no upsets tonight. He had even
successfully predicted the few even money fights on the card. The only mild
surprise was Mina going easy on her opponent. He was an attractive man who
hadn't shot his mouth off, obviously taking her seriously. She rarely beat
those ones up too badly. She had a fondness for handsome men that showed her
respect. It was the attractive female fighters, outside of her own clique,
that tended to end up dead or crippled. Losing attractive women, especially
ones that could fight, hurt ratings, so the Director tended to make most of
Mina's opponents either men, weak women that weren't going to last long
anyway, or ugly ones that at least had the potential of making a fight of
it. She was definitely a problem child in some ways, but there wasn't much
he could do. He couldn't order a warrior how to fight once they started a
match. It was tradition, and the closest thing to a code that the fighters
possessed. Interference in a proper duel was never tolerated. Once on the
Arena floor, it was an issue of honor and blood, no matter the outcome.

At least there weren't problems with the fighter on television now, the
current Top Dog of the Battledome. She was everything the Director could
pray for. At the moment, Shampoo was working over the two men assigned to
fight her. They hadn't even tried functioning as a team, though that would
have only delayed the inevitable; she was that much better than them. It was
astounding to see how easily she toyed with her opponents now that both were
sufficiently worn down so that even if they did land a lucky blow they still
wouldn't pose a real threat. No, all she was doing was working the crowd,
and probably her reflexes, as she intentionally allowed their blows to come
closer than they should have were she using all of her speed.

The men had finally organized enough to try gaining a tactical advantage by
attacking simultaneously from the front and back when Shampoo suddenly
lashed out in a ballet of violence, unleashing a reverse thrust kick
delivered behind her and a palm strike toward her front. The man on the
receiving end of the kick collapsed in heap from the blow, while the one in
front had his chin nearly become an inseparable part of his upper jaw. Both
men struck the ground at the exact same moment.

The performance brought a smile of approval to the Director's face. Once
again Shampoo had earned her keep and then some by making a boring fight
interesting. He'd give her a raise on her clothing and food allowances in
appreciation for her hard work.

The Director smiled as the crowd roared in approval. It was just another
night at the Battledome.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Running Deer handed Shampoo a towel to wipe off the light sweat she had
built up from her match. The Amazon accepted it with thanks, and both leaned
against one of the mesh fences in the fighters' observation area as the next
match began. Most of the fighters tended to dwell there, either in
preparation for their fight, or to watch others' matches to gauge the
strengths and weaknesses of the participants any of whom might end up being
their next opponent.

"Good work," Running Deer said.

"Running Deer had good fight too," Shampoo assured her. "Like the new
outfit."

The girl pawed at one of the trio of eagle's feathers that were tied in her
hair. She looked over the buckskin outfit that had become a recent addition
to her wardrobe courtesy of the public relation department's image
consultants. "Yeah, well, I never really wore anything like this back home.
Some of the braves did, but there weren't many. Mostly die-hard
traditionalists."

"Is better than silly 'Warrior Princess' outfit they try to stick on
Shampoo." She still bristled at the memory of the gaudy leather ensemble
they made her wear all of one time before she destroyed it. They wisely did
not try to replace the item.

"I can't imagine how bad it chafed," Running Deer agreed. "Tonight's been
kind of dull. I hate it when they try to push the fresh meat."

"Is best way to tell good ones from bad."

"There is that, but if I'm going to fight, I want it to mean something. I
already wasted time in the dog pits with guys that had no business being
there in the first place."

"Is only because Running Deer so good she feel that way," Shampoo said.
"Most other fighters not fare so easy against new people. Is more
competition for them."

"True. We are great, aren't we?" Running Deer mock punched Shampoo
affectionately on the shoulder. The Amazon returned the favor, both
chuckling at the exchange.

After the two were finished laughing, Running Deer turned a curious glance
toward the far side of the waiting area. "Odd."

Shampoo followed her gaze, but spotted nothing. "What is?"

The Apache pointed to the figure in a black jumpsuit with a golden dragon
emblazoned across the breasts. Its sinewy form traveled down and around the
body until it stopped on the backside. "Mina usually lives for opportunities
to make some sort of jibe when we're friendly, but she's just scowling at
the floor show."

"Even her flunkies no hanging around her. Must be in serious bad mood,"
Shampoo said.

Running Deer spared a glance at the match going on. "It's only Tarou. He
seems to be pretty happy. I've seen him smiling like that all day. He's even
going easy on the meat out there."

"Ah, yes," Shampoo had a good idea as to why Tarou was so happy and Mina
wasn't. Some people seemed to enjoy digging their own graves.

Shampoo was considering informing Running Deer of what had happened with
Park when Tarou ended things with a swift three punch combination that
rendered his opponent insensate. Still smiling playfully, he began looking
helplessly to the crowd, as though he couldn't help himself.

"He is in rare form tonight," Running Deer said. "If it wasn't for the fact
I know he's a complete asshole, I'd almost find him amusing. I'd like to
know what it is that's made him so happy and Mina so pissed. Maybe he's been
doing her in the ass."

Shampoo's face crinkled at the crass comment. "Sometimes Running Deer is
too, too crude."

The Apache shrugged helplessly. "Most of the children in my orphanage were
older boys. They always tried to out-tough one another shooting their mouths
off like that, even if they didn't know what they were talking about. I had
to do the same thing to keep them from picking on me. I guess I picked up
some of their crude talk, as well as the willingness to mix it up with guys
trying to mess with me. It wasn't an easy life." She turned back to the
arena floor. "Last match is coming up. It's Uber-Cute vs. The Carpathian."

Shampoo knew the nicknames both fighters had been given by their fellow
combatants. Park was an easy one to pick over the German. He had a great
deal of flamboyance, combined with a modicum of skill that had eventually
gotten him enough victories to move up, but after a few fights it had become
obvious he wouldn't last. They were basically feeding him to Park to give
her a chance to put on a good show for the crowd and get over with them.

As with every main event, and some of the special matches, there was an
actual announcer in the middle of the Arena floor to add flourish to the
spectacle of the final fight for the evening. He boldly announced the two
fighters, each being given an extra amount of time to perform before the
crowd, working them into a frenzy for the climax of the show

Both Park and her opponent used it to show off. It was obvious from the
outset the crowd was far more behind Park than they were the German. Park
played that up, making them cheer for her further.

"She's damn good." Running Deer whistled in appreciation.

Shampoo looked over to Mina, who was now right next to the fence. Her face
was pressed against it almost hard enough to leave a crisscross impression
from the metal. The Amazon could see the wire mesh crumpling under her
strong grip. That confirmed everything Shampoo thought. She wouldn't want to
be in Park's shoes for anything.

The fight began exactly as Running Deer had predicted. Park gained an early
advantage, and like Shampoo before, toyed with her opponent to draw things
out and add to the drama. But it could only be milked for so long. In under
five minutes, the fight ended with Park defeating her opponent without
suffering a single blow.

The announcer made his way back to the center of the floor while the German
was carried off on a stretcher. He shouted into the microphone, "And the
winner of the mat-"

His commentary ended before it began as Park ripped the microphone out of
his hands. "That was too easy. Heck, I'm barely warmed up," she informed the
crowd. "Don't you think that you, the paying public, deserve more?!"

A loud shout of approval rose from the crowd.

"Damn right you do," Park told them.

The girl's actions had gained all the fighters' attention. Interfering with
the matches, as well as Arena personnel, was strictly prohibited.

Running Deer muttered, "Has that girl lost her mind?"

Shampoo held that opinion, though for very different reasons. Their previous
talk made guessing what Park was up to fairly easy. Despite the
foreknowledge, the Amazon did nothing to prevent it. Park was a fighter. She
had chosen her path. Now she had to walk it for better or worse.

Park continued her speech. "I think you all deserve a special treat. That's
why I am issuing an open challenge to any fighter willing to take me on."
She looked at the waiting area. "So, who has the guts to accept my
challenge?"

A figure in black shot over the fence before anyone else could move.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Director grabbed a phone and dialed the direct line down to the
fighters' area. "Don't let anyone answer the challenge, and cut the power to
the microphone! Inform the crowd the challenge will have to take place next
week due to time constraints!"

"It's too late, Sir," the man on the other end informed him.

The Director looked up to see that Mina had already entered the Arena floor.
The gauntlet had been thrown, and the challenge accepted. He couldn't
interfere with the match now. It would only hurt the honor and integrity of
the Battledome, things that had to last beyond a single season's field of
fighters, as well as a mouthy hot commodity.

For the first time in a long while, the Director became very angry. This was
not a gamble he would have taken.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Park smiled coyly at her opponent. "Mina Li. What a surprise." There was
more truth to the statement than Park cared to admit. Rather than looking
angry, Mina appeared bored.

"Play up to the crowd. You called the match," Mina said.

Park was astonished at the reaction. Mina should have been frothing at the
mouth in anticipation for the contest. She had certainly been staring
daggers at her since Park had 'accidentally' mentioned to one of her friends
that she and Tarou had spent the night together, while Mina was in earshot.
But for some odd reason, her countrywoman's demeanor was unexpectedly cool.

Park did as Mina said, though only briefly. The smaller girl wanted to get
things over as quickly as possible. Since Mina was behaving oddly, and was
by far the most dangerous opponent she had ever fought, she decided to use
the element of surprise and go for the Razor Scissors Kick early.

Indicating she was ready to fight, Park entered a stance, adding flourish to
the move to increase the drama for the audience's benefit. Mina simply
dropped back into a basic position, ready to receive Park's attack.

It wasn't long in coming. Park lashed out with a series of fists aimed at
Mina's limbs and midsection. She used as much speed as she could muster,
employing her true level of skill and hoping to land a few blows before
going for her finisher.

It did little good. Mina was like a machine, deflecting and dodging every
attack aimed at her. Park became frustrated at her seeming inability to land
a blow. She increased the speed of her attacks using a special technique,
though it would only last for brief periods of time. Still she was unable to
connect with anything.

Her initial plan failing, Park used her back up. There was more than one way
to set Mina up for the move. She accepted the idea this was going to hurt,
and deliberately left her midsection open.

Mina accepted the offering and landed a savage kick into Park's stomach.
Tensed as she was to accept the strike as well as rolling with the blow, it
still felt like someone had driven a sledgehammer into her body.

She barely avoided the second attack, which would have been out of position
anyway for her finishing maneuver. A third barely missed her face. For a
moment, it appeared Mina had a hole in her defense, but Park already had her
plan in place. She left her right side open to an attack.

Again Mina accepted the offering and again pain shot through Park's body.
She had fought heavy punchers before, but rarely had they hit so hard. Mina
was even stronger than she looked. But it didn't matter. Strength would not
save her. Mina had risen to the bait both times. Now it was time to spring
the trap.

Park left her head open, making it appear she had tripped and was going to
fall backward. Mina began to lunge for an opening, like she had the previous
two occasions.

Perfect. The appearance of being off balance was a ploy. It was actually the
first part of the Razor Scissors Kick. Park completed what was really a
backflip, bringing her legs up and wide apart, where the extended Mina's
head was perfectly located. It was over. One decapitation was coming up.

Park brought her legs together, or tried to. Instead Mina grabbed the thigh
of the left leg and flipped it over her head, sending the airborne Park
spinning in an altogether different direction. She landed hard on her
stomach, the wind temporarily knocked out of her.

Rather than following up with another attack, Mina looked contemptuously
down at the girl. "In the name of the Almighty, please tell me that wasn't
the 'special attack' you've been holding back until now."

Catching some measure of breath, Park regained her vertical base, regarding
Mina warily. "What do you mean?"

A condescending laugh escaped Mina's lips. "Please. Any fighter of my skill
level could tell you've been holding back in your matches. It was obvious
you were trying to get to me through Tarou. You probably thought you were
going to knock me off my game and lure me out here so you could finish me
off with your 'Super Duper Invincible Attack' or whatever inane name you
gave it. Idiot. If I was that naïve, I'd already be dead."

Park couldn't believe it. There was no way that bitch could have figured out
her game and outhustled her. Park was the smart one. Mina was just a
psychotic bimbo.

Park tried unleashing the Razor Scissors Kick again. This time Mina ducked
under it, lashing out with a fist right into Park's kidney.

The girl fell to the ground, her hand reflexively covering the injury as she
rolled around in pain far worse than anything she had experienced before.
There was internal bleeding taking place, she was certain of it. Fight with
that sort of injury was impossible. She had to concede the match.

Park started to tap the ground, an indication of surrender, but Mina lashed
down with a foot, breaking the hand before she could tap it again and making
it look as though it was nothing more than an abortive attempt to rise.

"Now, now. You started this. It's only right you finish it as well," Mina
clucked, a twinkling in her eyes that wasn't there before.

Now Park began to understand. While she had made Mina quite angry, the
taller girl regarded Park as beneath open contempt, but not too unworthy to
kill.

Park tried ending the match again, "I yie-"

A hard right met her jaw. A left snapped it back, breaking it with a hard
crack, shattering teeth and shredding lips. Blood poured from the rents in
her flesh.

Park lashed out in pain, finally catching Mina in the stomach. The taller
girl only backed off a half step before bringing her leg into Park's
unprotected ribs. Bone broke at the impact, and every breath the smaller
girl took was drowned out from the fire inside.

"I'm bored now," Mina said. "Let's say goodnight to everybody."

Blood bubbled from the remains of Park's lips as she tried to protest what
was to come. 'The Goodnight Kiss' was Mina's finishing maneuver, one she
used to inspire the crowd and strike fear into future opponents.

The helpless Park was lifted up by her head. Mina brought her face to her
own and kissed her briefly on the lips. Blood was smeared over the taller
girl's chin as she shot Park a pitiful look.

Tears rolled down Park's face as she felt her head buried in Mina's pillowy
bosom. It wasn't fair. She had what it took. She was smart. She had a plan.
It was supposed to have been perfect.

Park felt her body twist slightly to the right, the second part of the move.
She wet herself, knowing what was to come. This wasn't right. She wanted to
give up. Retire. She'd loyally serve Mina for the rest of her life, if only
her opponent would give her the chance. She didn't want to di-

*Snap*

xxxxxxxxxxx

Shampoo watched as Mina released her hold on the limp form she had been
clutching to her bosom. Park's neck was twisted at an impossible angle from
the rest of her. The body slumped to the ground, Mina smirking over it.

The survivor thrust her fist in the air in triumph. The majority of the
crowd went wild over the ease of the victory of the veteran over the
impertinent upstart, though some stayed loyal to Park's memory and booed
Mina.

"Goodbye," Shampoo said as Running Deer made a holy sign for the departed.

"Shoot, I liked her, too," Shampoo overheard Tarou say as he headed away
from the observation area.

"She really shouldn't have picked a fight with Mina," Running Deer said
sadly as she and Shampoo headed back to the showers to clean up.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

A couple of hours had passed after the final match before Mina made it back
to her apartment. With her mood better than it had been for weeks, her
entourage had reappeared and applauded her success in disposing of that
cocky little snot that had tried to upstage the great and powerful Mina Li.
The Korean had basked in the attention showered upon her, as befitted her
position in the Arena. It was still hard for her to believe the inept runt
had thought so highly of herself when she had so little actual skill. Mina
had been certain she was going to put up a better fight than that.

If only it had been that damnable Shampoo, Mina thought to herself. That
would have been truly enjoyable. Unfortunately, the Amazon was anything but
inept and had more than enough skill to back up any challenges she could
issue. Mina wasn't sure she was up to Shampoo's level yet, though she was
improving by leaps and bounds. For the moment, she was going to live with an
enjoyable victory that only reaffirmed her rank among the Arena's best and
would teach others to stay away from her man.

Smiling, Mina opened the door to her room. Her hand went for the lightswitch
when a lamp from further inside the apartment clicked on, showering the
living area in a dull yellow glow.

Seated on a couch, next to the light, was the familiar form of Ana.

On the far side of the room, a second lamp flickered on. Uni sat there, her
feline eyes gleaming with an anticipatory hope.

"We've been waiting for you, Mina," Ana said, breaking the silent deadlock.

"You know the penalty for unauthorized fights," Uni said, voice mirroring
her sister's in every way.

"It was an open challenge." Mina closed the door behind her. She already
knew her fate had been decided, but she was too much of a fighter to go down
without some sort of struggle.

"Fighters cannot set up their own matches," Ana reminded her, as she rose
from the couch, limbering up by stretching out her limbs. Her muscles and
sinews caused her joints to creak slightly as she stretched out.

"Nor did she call you out by name," Uni rose to her own feet, reminiscent of
a jungle cat preparing to corner some prey.

"What you mean to say is, the Director is pissed off that I whacked one of
his cash cows," Mina clarified, then took a step inward. She would show no
fear to these little toys, even if they were dangerous.

"You're going to be punished for being a naughty girl, Mina." Amusement
laced Ana's voice as she unleashed a feral grin upon the girl.

"Will it be the easy way, or the hard way?" Uni asked, hope for the latter
clear in her eyes.

Mina decided she would deny them the satisfaction. "The easy way. As you
say, I did break the rules, and did it knowingly. I deserve the punishment."
Which was the truth. She had known deep down inside that killing Park would
result in the Director coming down on her in some manner. In a way, it was a
relief to receive her punishment and end it quickly.

Ana and Uni approached her.

Ana played a finger up and down Mina's back, causing the girl to shiver.
"You might want to strip. That's a nice outfit you have on, and we wouldn't
it to get ruined, now would we?"

Mina obeyed and began removing her clothing. It didn't matter. A little
beating was worth killing the annoyance Park had represented. A little pain
would always be worth killing those that stood in her way. If it wasn't, she
wouldn't have been in the Arena in the first place.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[End notes]

Just a little look at the internal workings of the Arena, which will become
increasingly important in upcoming chapters. Special thanks to Steven
Thesken for letting me play in his yard with all the fun toys he's left
laying around.

DB Sommer





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