Chapter 92

As my Chi Blast lanced forward, Andy forced himself to dodge, tucking himself into a forward roll before pushing himself off the ground and leaping over the incoming Chi Blast in an arc that carried him toward my position, feet-first. I crossed my arms in front of me to block the flying stomp, only for Andy to use my blocking arms as a springboard, backflipping back into the air and launching a burst of Chi behind him to propel himself back toward me in a sort of Chi-Powered, flying knee strike. This, unfortunately, broke through my guard, smashing into my mouth and splitting my lip before Andy Landed. I staggered back in time to stumble away from a Chi attack that he fired with one hand, ducking to the side just in time. The sizzling bolt of Chi just about passed by my face with an inch to spare.

I stood there, wiping the blood from my split lip, which was already starting to heal thanks to my Regeneration, and nodded at my Opponent as he recovered his own guard after that burst of offense.

"Not bad. You're a lot more focused than your brother, I'll give you that." I huffed.

"Focused enough to make you forfeit?" Questioned Andy.

"Not even close. Sorry." I refuted.

"So what do you want to do now? I imagine you've seen most of my moves by now, and I've seen most of yours. What's next?" Queried Andy.

"I've got more moves than you think. Allow me to show you one I haven't used yet." I smirked, before rushing him with a Senshippou out of the Blue.

He parried the kick out of the way with a kick of his own and leaned back and away from the punch, but that wasn't the goal. Channeling my Chi out under my feet and into the Dragon Lines of the World, I pulled one of the maneuvers of the Great Kung Lao, teleporting via the Dragon Lines in a flash of white, only to reappear just behind Andy as he finished his movement to deal with my Senshippou and hammering an elbow strike into the top of his head. That split his forehead open, and smashed him into the arena tiles, breaking the stone tile below him as he fell. I kept the pressure up with an axe kick that Andy blocked by putting both arms in front of his face.

He grabbed hold of my leg and heaved, tossing me into the air, only for me to be set up for my next move. Flipping around and channeling Chi to my cupped hands, I drew upon the power of the Chikara no Hadou yellow sparks appeared amidst the blueish-white of the Chi Blast as I launched an uncharged Denjin Hadouken of the Ansatsuken at Andy from above as he skipped himself back to his feet. Andy, seeing that, Launched a Chi blast of his own with a single hand, but my Denjin Hadouken, even uncharged, carried the power of the Chikara no Hadou and smashed Andy's blast aside. Andy had just enough time to register that before my attack hit him. I landed in a crouch on the tiles at the same time that Andy got caught up in the weakened blast.

The flash from the explosion of the Denjin Hadouken temporarily blinded me, though I was quickly able to adjust thanks to my regeneration. When I did, the flash receded to show that a section of the arena the size of one of those smaller Military IFVs, like a Humvee or a Datadyne MHB-01 Military Hoverbike, was scorched black, with the tiles around the center completely demolished. Andy, meanwhile, was burned up, bare-chested, as his Gi had been blasted off, but still ready to fight. He'd managed to shield himself with his Chi just enough to avoid taking too much damage.

How had he managed that, I wonder? It wasn't till I noticed with my powers of Analysis that the rock dust coating his chest and arms was different enough from the stone of the tiles that I realized that something had happened there. Had Andy managed to turn himself into stone somehow, at least just enough to avoid the knockout? I had to ask, just to satisfy my curiosity. The answer I received was cryptic enough, but gave me a starting point.

"Ever hear of a Buddhist Monk named Kafuin Gaira? Active in the Late Eighteenth Century? I came across a manuscript detailing how he used one of his powers. He used to be able to turn himself into stone. Couldn't move when using it, but if you're going to get hit anyway, you might as well use it." Explained Andy.

Frowning, my Black Dragon-given information supplied the relevant holes in the story. Kafuin Gaira was one of the Warriors responsible for the defeat and sealing of the Demon Swordsman Minazuki Zankuro in seventeen-eighty-eight in the Battle of the Temple of War. Zankuro wasn't a full-blooded Demon but had Oni Blood and was a powerful Chi Adept, powerful enough that it took twelve other Chi Adepts to defeat him. Kafuin Gaira was one of the victorious survivors and the one who was responsible for sealing Minazuki away. I could believe that one of Gaira's Techniques, even only partially completed, could have mitigated that blast.

Minazuki was effectively the Akuma of the first half of the late Edo Period, after all. He'd go around challenging strong warriors to fights and killing them, though, unlike Akuma, he didn't have any compunctions about slaughtering entire villages if it meant he would get to fight someone powerful. There were several such massacres on record, and doubtless, there were others the Black Dragon had no idea about.

"How the hell did you figure out something like that?" I asked.

"That's for me to know and you to wonder about." Huffed Andy.

"Huh. So that's what that feels like. I'm usually on the other side of this sort of thing." I grumbled.

"Regardless, I'm good to continue." Insisted Andy.

"Fine, I guess I'll just have to stop holding back then." I muttered.

When the fight resumed, it did so with me not throwing another Chi Technique, but instead holding Andy in place with Megakinesis. I circled around him, as he was held in place with my Psychic Power, and though he tried to move to face me, he was held firmly in the grip of my Megakinesis. I darted in with a Dim Mak attack, a two-fingered strike, something normally associated with folks like the Shinken-Ryu Style of Chinese Kenpo taught by Master Wu Zihao in Mainland China or the famous Warriors of Wudang Mountain that produced such greats as Li Mu Bai before the Nineteenth Century wrecked China. I learned it from Master Gen's Book, though the book didn't say where Master Gen learned it from.

Of course, I wasn't using it to kill Andy, instead, I struck a number of pressure points in rapid succession in the neck, temple, and forehead. Andy's eyes rolled back in his head as I released my psychic hold on him. As my Megakinesis left, he slumped to the tiles, unconscious as the Official began the ten-count. Andy wouldn't be getting up, though. With the pressure points I had struck, in the sequence I'd struck them, he'd be out for at least forty-five seconds. That was more than long enough for me to win here. As the Official Counted to Ten, the Doctors looked Andy over and proclaimed him not dead, just unconscious. I wasn't listening, however. Instead, I was already making my way over toward my Teammates.

"What the hell was that?" Demanded Kensou.

"Megakinesis followed by the application of Dim Mak strikes to knock him out while he couldn't defend himself. It might not be exactly sporting, but it's not against the rules." I shrugged.

"Why couldn't you knock him out the Normal Way?" Pressed Athena.

"If I did that, then I'd have wasted even more energy. I was not-so-subtly threatened by Chris earlier today. I didn't feel like being tapped out in case he and his team were compelled to crash the meeting with Nightwolf this evening." I defended.

"Still, it's not good sportsmanship." Grumbled Kensou.

"Some things are more important, Kensou. Like keeping the world turning." I huffed.

Before either of my teammates could respond to that, I moved over to my coat, grabbed it, slung it on, and began moving for the locker rooms. I needed a cigarette and had no intention of staying in the arena for the day one closing performance by whatever Idol Group or bubblegum nonsense the Organizers had decided to put out.

"Wait, where are you going?" Questioned Athena.

"We're not fighting again today, and I don't have to participate in any of the nonsense the Organizers put out that isn't the matches themselves. I'm gonna have a smoke, drop off some healing potions for Team Hungry Wolf as an apology, and then fuck off to do my own thing until we're supposed to meet with Nightwolf." I answered.

"But it's not an Idol Group this time, it's Three Lights!" Protested Athena.

"I'm not familiar with them. What are they?" I queried.

"They're a Boy Band." Snorted Kensou.

"Yeah, I'll pass." I chuckled.

"I thought you liked music?" Asked Athena.

"I do. Idol Groups, Boy Bands, and other Manufactured Pop isn't music, though. It's a product, made by big companies to rake in cash. You should know that better than anyone with your line of work." I retorted.

"I've switched things up to acting lately." Admitted Athena.

"She's actually really good. She got the lead role in the upcoming Sailor V Series, though she'll have to wear a wig. Sailor V's Blonde, after all." Affirmed Kensou.

"Don't remind me. The monstrosity they had me try on as part of costume fittings weighed five pounds on its own." Groused Athena.

"Regardless, I'm out of here. I'll see you later tonight." I nodded, then headed out.

As I walked, I reached into the expanded pocket of my coat and pulled out a packet of Red Apple Cigarettes, lighting up with another Cantrip Spell and taking a deep drag as I made my way through the Locker Room area and over toward the Infirmary. The Infirmary was all the way on the other side of the arena from the locker room, and it took a few detours through the maintenance tunnels to get there. When I did, I found Team Hungry Wolf and Team Kyokugenryu laid up in a row of infirmary beds. Of course, Terry Bogard was the first to notice my arrival.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing here?" He questioned.

"I'm here because despite you being an ass, I feel kinda bad about how I beat your brother. I'm here to make it up to him, and the rest of you get to benefit as a proxy." I answered.

"We don't need your pity. Besides, what can you possibly do to help us out like this?" Scoffed Terry.

"I mean, I was gonna give you all healing potions that'd get rid of your wounds, but if you don't want them, I guess I can head out. Is that what you're telling me?" I queried.

"Healing Potions? Like magic?" Asked Sakazaki Ryo from a nearby bed.

"It's a thing. There are some back home where my Grandfather lives who can make things like that." Confirmed Shiranui Mai.

"Seems sort of sketchy." Frowned Sakazaki Yuri.

"If you don't want yours, I'll take it. I've got what has to be a half-dozen broken bones." Grumbled Robert Garcia.

"Andy? It's your call." Remarked Shiranui Mai.

"Yeah, Bro, whattaya think?" Questioned Terry.

"One question and I want an honest answer." Spoke up Andy Bogard.

"What question?" I queried.

"Whatever you used to stick me in place for the Dim Mak strikes. Could you have done that at any time?" Asked Andy.

"Yeah. I could have. I didn't open with it for a couple reasons. It wasn't exactly sportsmanlike, and also I may have to fight again tonight. There's other stuff going on behind the scenes of this tournament, after all." I admitted.

"Fair enough. Give me the potion." Agreed Andy.

I reached into the expanded pocket of my jacket and pulled out potions, handing one off to each of Terry, Andy, and Mai in turn. However, when I got to Team Kyokugenryu, they waved me off. Apparently, they wanted to be sure that Team Hungry Wolf wasn't gonna die from drinking them before grabbing any potions themselves. After a minute with Team Hungry Wolf having drunk their potions and having their wounds heal up, Team Kyokugenryu accepted potions of their own, drinking them down.

Of course, as soon as they had done that, I found my Cigarette snatched out of my mouth by an unknown assailant that I hadn't felt creeping up on me. I turned and saw a Black-haired Woman in a lab coat, dark pink turtleneck, and skirt that was not exactly hospital regulation in terms of length. She crushed my still-lit cigarette in one hand, giving me an angry look as she did so.

"This is an infirmary, that means no smoking, didn't you see the sign?" She scowled.

"I was on my way out anyway." I grumbled.

"You shouldn't smoke, you know. Those things will kill you." Huffed the Doctor.

"You hang around Chi Adepts of this caliber and you still believe that?" I scoffed.

"So what, you're saying you picked up the habit of coating your lungs in Chi to avoid cancer? At your age?" Pressed the Doctor.

"I have. Besides, stranger things have happened, yeah?" I shrugged.

The Doctor looked like she was about to argue, and possibly grab my arm in an armlock to force me into an examination just to be sure I was telling the truth, but one of the Arena Workers burst in at that exact moment with a panicked look on his face.

"Doc Minazuki! Come quick! Honda caught a blast full of Pyro to the face while setting up for Three Lights!" Implored the Arena Worker. The Doctor, apparently named Minazuki, looked over at me and gave an exasperated groan at that.

"Fine, you're off the hook. Don't bring that stuff into my Infirmary again, though." She warned.

And with that, I made my way out of the Infirmary. Honestly, it was a good thing that I'd felt guilty enough about cheesing my fight with Andy to hand off healing potions. After all, the more Chi Adepts there were available to help out if the Yamata-No-Orochi managed to possess Chris, the better. Now, Team Hungry Wolf and Team Kyokugenryu would be able to help out if that happened instead of being stuck in the infirmary.

Now, however, I had a few hours to kill before I was supposed to meet up with Nightwolf at the Red Room. I could head back to the hotel, and maybe get some guitar practice in or something, but I figured that wandering around the area might be a bit more useful. Who knows? I may be able to come across something interesting in doing so. I managed to do that with Kitsu Ramen, after all. Speaking of, as I wandered about Roppongi, I caught a flash of something powerful nearby on my mystic radar. I immediately turned to see what it was and caught a glimpse of a long-haired, grey-suited, red-haired, Man standing atop a nearby building.

I frowned at seeing that, and he nodded at me, before teleporting away into the alleyway near the building. I made my way over to said alleyway and spotted him waiting for me. As I approached, he nodded at me.

"So you are the one who defeated my Youma. Aries was a Captain of the Dark Kingdom under my command. It hardly seems possible a mere human could have defeated him, but now that I look at you, I can tell you're not just Human. Perhaps you have some Demon in your blood or some such thing?" Mused the Man.

"It wasn't personal. Your Youma got in my way. I'd never heard of the Dark Kingdom before he blabbed, but I do know about Yamath. Your Old One isn't coming back, you know. His Avatar being destroyed weakened him to the point where he was slain by Lord Enma back in ancient times." I pointed out.

"I know that, and so do the other Shitennou of the Dark Kingdom, along with our Queen. This isn't about resurrecting Yamath, this is about revenge. Our ancient and historic enemies have been reincarnated and the Dark Kingdom will do all within our power to prevent them from establishing their dominion once more. You should stand aside, or better yet, join us. After all, if the Moon Kingdom is allowed to be reborn, you will find nothing but their boots on your neck for all time." Tried the Man.

"I don't even know who you are." I retorted.

"I am Nephrite, one of the Four Heavenly Generals of the Dark Kingdom, may I ask your own name?" Answered the Man, Nephrite.

"Who I am isn't important. Suffice it to say, I don't believe you. You throw in with Old One Worshippers and Demons. I have a hard time believing that your rule will be any better than a boot on my neck for all time, especially since once your Youma find out that Yamath isn't coming back, they'll likely go on a killing spree to try and bring him back with blood sacrifices." I scowled.

"I see. You should have taken the offer." Snarled Nephrite.

As he did so, a sword materialized in his hand. It was a heavily enchanted broadsword of green crystal. As he did so, he unleashed a brief burst of power that could show anyone who was sensitive to Mystical Power and Chi exactly what sort of power they were dealing with. I could only grin as I pulled the Green Destiny out of the Expanded Pocket of my Jacket. The reason for my Grin? Nephrite was on a similar level as I was when it came to Chi, but I had him beat slightly in terms of Magic, and I couldn't sense any psychic power coming off him. I had him pegged as a Sixth Circle Caster, which was a lot more than most Human Sorcerers on Modern-Day Earth could deal with, but I was a Seventh Circle Caster.

"You know you can't win, right?" I questioned.

"How so? We seem evenly matched in terms of power. This duel could go either way, could it not?" Queried Nephrite.

"If it were just Chi, then sure. But I have you beat in other departments." I insisted.

"I am a Master of the Sixth Circle, I seriously doubt that." Sneered Nephrite.

"You'd think that, but allow me to demonstrate." I smirked.

Immediately, I clamped down on Nephrite with both Megakinesis and Kinetic Control. He might have been able to throw off one bind, but both at once would be beyond him. As soon as he felt my Psychic Powers take hold, he immediately tried throwing them off with Chi and Mystic Power, but he'd only just managed to throw off my Kinetic Control as I finished the second part of my strategy. I had begun chanting mystic syllables and making mystic gestures with my left hand as Nephrite tried to throw off my psionic hold on him.

As he figured out what I was doing, Nephrite redoubled his efforts to escape my Megakinesis. I had begun casting the Seventh Circle Spell of Banishment to send Nephrite back to whatever Hell Dimension the Dark Kingdom was supposed to be. Honestly, I'd have taught this spell to Amy back in Sunnydale a long time ago if it wasn't such a high Circle. It was just that useful against outsiders. While Nephrite clearly was originally native to Primal Earth, so many millennia stuck in the Dark Kingdom had effectively mutated him into being native enough to that particular Hell Dimension for Banishment to work. It had been a gamble, based entirely on a guess made from context clues, but his redoubled struggles had confirmed it for me.

Nephrite had just managed to throw off my Megakinesis by pouring everything he had in a sharp burst of tainted Chi and Mystic Power when I completed my spell. Weakened from trying to escape, he couldn't defend himself from my Banishment Spell. There was a crack of displaced air, a flare of power, and a slight hint of brimstone and then Nephrite was gone. He wouldn't be able to return without being specifically summoned back, or until a year and a day had passed on the material plane. Somehow, I very much doubted that his Queen would take such a massive failure without venting her displeasure on him, though. Megalomaniacal types seldom did, especially when Demonic Energy was added to the mix.

"I hope they have other Shittenou waiting, cause this one's not going to outlast reporting back to his Queen." I smirked, putting the Green Destiny back into my Expanded Coat Pocket.

I scooped up the Green Crystal Broadsword that Nephrite dropped when my Psionic Hold grabbed onto him as well, stuffing it into my expanded coat pocket as a trophy. I would study the enchantments later to see if I could replicate their effects without being a Youma or whatever other kind of Demon dwelled in the Hell Dimension they called home. That done, I headed for the Red Room to wait for Nightwolf, hoping to grab a much-needed drink.

I'd had more than enough excitement for one day, after all. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, so here we have the next chapter. Ulysses beats Andy Bogard, then ducks out after meeting with the defeated Teams Hungry Wolf and Kyokugenryu to hand over some healing potions, then takes a walk. He gets confronted by Nephrite who decided to track him down after he beat Aries the other day, and managed to use a Seventh Circle Spell of Banishment to send him back to the Dark Kingdom, where Beryl is likely going to execute him for his failure.

Also yes, this does technically mean that Ulysses is more powerful than some of the Shitennou of the Dark Kingdom. He has a breadth of abilities, after all, while most of them stick with Magic, Chi, or both, and thus eschew psionics entirely. Honestly, Ulysses is probably in the top five percent of people in terms of power for people currently on Earth. It's just that you've also got guys like Akuma and Shang Tsung who are in the top one percent of guys for power to worry about. This also doesn't count anyone out in Space or on other Planes of Existence, mind you.

Other nineties stuff this chapter includes mentions of Gen, the Ansatsuken, Akuma, and the Chikara no Hadou of Street Fighter, the Great Kung Lao, Nightwolf, and the Black Dragon of Mortal Kombat, the Shinken-Ryu and Wu Zihao of Tekken, Kafuin Gaira, Minazuki Zankuro, and that whole debacle are from Samurai Shodown, Doctor Minazuki is from Rival Schools, Red Apple Cigarettes is from the Works of Quentin Tarantino, Three Lights, Nephrite, the Dark Kingdom, and Sailor V are all from Sailor Moon, Amy, Sunnydale, and Hell Dimensions are from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Yamath the Old One is from Conan the Barbarian, Datadyne and the Military Hovercycle is from Perfect Dark, Li Mu Bai, the Green Destiny, and the Warriors of Wudang Mountain are from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and all Psionic and Magic Powers are from Second Edition Dungeons and Dragons. Everything else is from King of Fighters.

At any rate, the next chapter will be the meeting with Nightwolf.

Stay tuned. . .