Attack of the Hao-Mo-Lai style ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Pool Room 1A, Kakuri Isle complex So that was how it happened, huh? Yoko nodded Yes. I led him to the edge of the ring and I pushed him off using the new technique I developed. Jun giggled like a child, kicking her legs in the water. Normally she didnt like swimming in a public swimming bath, nor did she like wearing a bikini while doing so, but this was different somehow. She and Yoko were the only two here. And they both had a reason to celebrate. They had both one all three of their matches, and made it into the thicket of this tournament. And so far, it hadnt been too much of a stretch. At least not for Jun. Yoko was sitting on the edge of the pool, watching the clear water ripple and Jun swim. She didnt feel much like swimming herself, her ribs were still a little bit sore from Ryomas Rairyuuken technique. Jun ran a hand through her wet ginger hair. New move, huh? I cant wait to see it. What do you mean? Yoko asked gently. Well Juns green eyes lowered to the water of the pool she was wading in. We both made it into the Semi-Finals, right? Theres a good chance that well end up fighting each other. Unless we lose to either of the other two who qualified. Yoko closed the book she was reading. Who did qualify? One guy called Xiangau, Jun continued, And another girl called Li Ming. Yoko felt her heart jerk. Li Ming Huh? Do you know her, Yoko? How could she say no? She did know Li Ming. Probably better than anyone else. But that was so long ago. The days they spent training and practicing in the Asagawa Training Facility were fun, but Li Ming had turned her back on that. On Yoko. Maybe that was the reason Yoko was so desperate to learn the secret that Li Ming was carrying What was it that would make someone cast away their friends and home without qualm? Jun gave Yoko a puzzled look, because she said nothing in return. Yoko? Is everything okay? Yes Yoko shook her head. Im fine, Jun. You better be! Weve still got a lot of work on our hands before this thing is over. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Reinhalts Room, Kakuri Isle complex Reinhalt sat calmly on his polished pine chair, a glass of brandy in one hand, and a smile on his face. Things were going so well with the tournament so far. It had already been made to the Semi-Finals without any sort of hiccup. Miss Keiko opened the door to Reinhalts richly decorated room, with her trademark clipboard and frown. Mr Schwarzluft, She said as she entered, I have the data you requested. Reinhalt took a sip of brandy before answering back. Good. Give it out to me. Very well. Miss Keiko pulled one of the papers from her clipboard and handed it to Reinhalt. The blonde man tossed his hair, took a sip of brandy, and grabbed the sheet of paper with his free hand. He took a quick gander, the information on it interesting him -------------- Li Ming Date of Birth: 30/3/76 Height: 59 Nationality: Chinese Hometown: Beijing Fighting Style: Hao-Mo-Lai Kung Fu Statistics: Power (104), Speed (121), Skill (145), Agility (132), Chi Level (102) Traits of Notice: A Child of Gaia, Descendant of the previous Guardian of Gaia Observed Weaknesses: None Jun Magami Date of Birth: 9/12/78 Height: 58 Nationality: Japanese (½ Japanese, ½ American by blood) Hometown: Tokyo Fighting Style: Unnamed blend of Aikido and pure form Judo Statistics: Power (123), Speed (118), Skill (90), Agility (101), Chi Level (81) Traits of Notice: None Observed Weaknesses: Hot-headed, impulsive Yoko Asagawa Date of Birth: 12/08/77 Height: 58 Nationality: Japanese Hometown: Sunset City Fighting Style: Asagawa-Fist (Derivative combination of various Japanese and Chinese arts) Statistics: Power (118), Speed (120), Skill (Unconfirmed), Agility (129), Chi Level (203) Traits of Notice: A Child of Gaia, daughter of Tsukasa Asagawa Observed Weaknesses: Emotional under stress Xiangau Date of Birth: ? Height: 63 Nationality: ? Hometown: ? Fighting Style: Unknown (Thought to have its roots in Tibet) Statistics: Power (156), Speed (119), Skill (173), Agility (112), Chi Level (Unconfirmed) Traits of Notice: A Child of Gaia Observed Weaknesses: Very isolated -------------- So these four are the finalists for the tournament, are they? Miss Keiko nodded to her employer. Yes sir. Yoko, Xiangau and Li Ming, the three Children of Gaia we managed to track down, all made it to the Semi-Finals I have been told that the Stone Egg is reacting to the Gaia power that is emitted when the three were fighting. Good Reinhalt sipped some more brandy We were unsuccessful in finding the other five Children of Gaia, but the energy being given off by fighters we have should be enough. Soon, all I have worked for will be mine ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The following morning, Luncheon Hall, Kakuri Isle The day after After getting so rest under her belt, and a bit of time to reflect and think, Yoko felt refreshed and strengthened. But nothing made her feel more energized than a good meal. And especially breakfast. It woke her up, got her active, and kept her that way. The digs for her dining break this time, were far more gorgeous than the dining room at the Asagawa Training Facility. The Luncheon Hall of the Kakuri Isle complex was beautiful. Crystal chandeliers, rich white crockery and silverware, hand-woven throw-overs for twenty circular tables seating four, this place was amazing. But, very quiet. Only two people were at the table eating, that was herself, and Xiangau. They were both sitting on a four-seater table, in a sea of other tables, and the silence between them was so uncomfortable, she felt as though she would burst. Every time she tried to open up conversation between the two of them, Xiangau either ignore her, or froze her out with a one word answer. It was obvious that he was not much of a conversationalist. But what could she really do? Maybe there was good reason not to try and be friends. They might be fighting each other later on, and in a couple of days time theyd probably never see each other again anyway. How do you like the island? Yoko asked, attempting to break the tension. Xiangau kept eating. Its fine. Geez, what an isolated guy. Yoko thought. Wheres Jun? Bang on time Hey, Yoko! The girl of the spoken name shifted on her chair to look over at the encroaching Jun. Her arrival couldnt have been more welcomed. Without a third word, the redhead Judo girl took a seat next to Yoko by the chair, across from Xiangau Jun grinned at the set up of food waiting for her. Ooh! This all looks so gorgeous! Better than that slop I ate yesterday morning. I guess there are some perks for being a semi-finalist! Yoko looked over at her friend. Where were you? Training! She replied, snagging a croissant. The good gyms are all empty now that the other 28 participants have been eliminated. Now I can train without a bunch of sweaty beef heads around me It was then that Jun noticed Xiangau. She stopped gathering her food together as she looked at him, silent and stern, eating is breakfast like a soulless android. Hey youre Xiangau, arent you? The man was slow to reply, as usual. I have no name. Xiangau is just a given. If you want to address me by that, then go ahead. I hear youre pretty tough, Jun said with a smile. You must have had one hell of a teacher Xiangau simply shrugged his shoulders. Possibly. Yoko and Jun looked at each other. The expressions on their faces both indicated that they were equally puzzled by Xiangaus behaviour. He seemed so cold and distant, like he didnt even want to be here. Someone who made it into the tournaments semi-finals should have been more happy, right? Well not this guy, it seemed. Well it didnt matter at all to Jun. She had her mind on only one thing, and that was winning the God of Fighting title. The money was a bonus, but that title was what she was after. The two girls and the young man went back to their meals. Moments later, a fourth figure appeared from the door at the far side of the room. Yoko was the only one who looked at that person. And instantly wished that she hadnt. Li Ming. The Asagawa-girl went back to her plate, looking away from her old friend. She still couldnt believe how much Li Ming had changed over these years. She used to be such a nice, quiet girl, maybe a little pessimistic, but still likeable. Now she was like a whole new person. So different the silent girl whom had been sent to the Asagawa Training Facility as a child. So different to the woman that Yoko had known Hey! Jun finally looked up at the girl. Youre the other semi-finalist, Li Ming, right? The Chinese woman walked around the table, and sat on the remaining seat, the one next to Xiangau (who hadnt batted so much as an eyelash at her). Once she sat, she threw a gaze in Yokos direction, and then took it over to Jun. Li Ming nodded Yes, I am. I look forward to the following matches. Me too Jun uttered with a grin. Ill be counting that prize money in no time We shall see. Li Ming began eating the food on the plate before her and the whole group ate. With Jun at the helm, some light conversation began, but mostly between herself and Li Ming. Xiangau was as quiet as possible, just like he always was, and Yoko had silenced herself as soon as Li Ming made her appearance. It was strange, but she really didnt understand how to act around Li Ming anymore. A good while after they ate, the door at the side of the room opened up again. All looked up, aside from Xiangau, and they were graced with the presence of Reinhalt Schwarzlufts private secretary, Miss Keiko. Miss Keiko walked over to the dining table that the four semi-finalists were sitting at, her clipboard in hand. Once she was there she placed a glass jug (with three pieces of paper inside it) on the table. Here, She said mildly. These will decide who will fight who in the semi-final match later on today. Take one out and read the number you receive. This will decide who you will face. Ill go first. Jun offered She reached into the jar, titled her head to the left and withdrew one of the four folded pieces of paper. She opened it, then recited her number. Im No.4. Yoko was the second person to draw out a piece of paper. Hers was, No 1. Li Ming drew the last note. Looks like Im No. 2. Miss Keiko nodded, knowing what the following matches would be. She took out a pen and began writing on her clipboard, then turned back to the seated group. Alright then. The Semi-Finals matches are as follows. Round one, is between Li Ming and Yoko Asagawa, Yoko and Li Ming both looked at each other. It looked like current differences would be resolved via their fists. Miss Keiko continued. And that automatically makes the second round between Jun Magami and Xiangau. The Semi-Finals will begin in three hours, in the semi finals ring of the island. Be ready, and feel free to train until it is time to fight. Miss Keiko then left the room. Leaving the remaining to muse over the fights between them that were to come. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Semi Finals Arena, Kakuri Isle Yoko, Jun, Li Ming and Xiangau all waited around the Semi Final ring. It was 11.00, the designated time for the first match, which was to be Yoko vs. Li Ming. Jun wished Yoko luck on the sidelines, but Yoko didnt take much notice. She was too focused on her opponent to think of anything else. The Asagawa-girl walked up the pathway around to the steps that led up to the ring floor. Li Ming was already waiting for her as she got there. Yoko looked on at her. She had no trouble separating the old Li Ming from the new one. The old Li Ming had some caring light behind her eyes. Those eyes managed to uplift Yoko in some of her most trying times. The eyes of the new Li Ming had no light. They were cold, harsh and unforgiving Even while fighting to this moment, Yoko hoped that she might find out why Li Ming had changed so much. But now she realized one thing; it didnt matter. Shes made her choice Yoko tightened her fists, spread her legs, and got into a fighting stance, her eyes still on her opponent. The Li Ming I knew is gone that woman over there is not my Li Ming not my friend anymore no more Li Ming cast an unreadable face before getting ready. She pulled her left arm up into the air, pressed the other one downwards, palm open. Her legs were apart but not wide, and her body swung gracefully from side to side with a small sway. For this event, Li Ming had dressed in her Chinese battle dress, a long red and gold one, split at the waist downwards. As the two faced off, the flames of their energy appeared to anyone with spiritual intuition. Like Xiangau. With his calculating eye, he looked at their energy from the sidelines. Yokos body burned with a bright blue, while Li Ming emanated flames of light purple. He could see their strength. And strangely enough, he felt a connection to that power. Something bound him to both Yoko and Li Ming, though he couldnt quite place the feeling. Or even why he had it. Li Ming spoke on the arena floor. Let the best girl win. Yoko narrowed her eyes. She intends to. That was it. Yoko ran forward, stepping carefully, watching Li Ming with calm eyes, then made her move. Li Ming pulled up her arm and blocked Yokos following punch. A second came at her, that Li Ming sidestepped, Yokos body shifting forwards. Li Ming dodged around to her side, then kicked. Yoko winced when Li Ming landed her blow, and hopped away to get a better view of her Yoko had actually forgotten how fast Li Ming was. She was so agile with such a limber body that hitting her would be hard. Maybe even harder than it was with Ryoma Taneda But what weaknesses did she have before? Yoko did remember that Li Ming had a hard time throwing energy waves, so stuck with Chi-infusion. Maybe keeping her at a distance would lure Li Ming out. That way Yoko wouldnt have to chase her and waste her energy. She could counter Li Mings strikes and work from there. Yoko moved back a few steps, and remained still. She grimaced, frowned, groaned and let her fists shake, gathering energy. Though it appeared she was gathering energy for a wave, it was intended for something else and Li Ming took the bait. An urgent look passed across her face, and Li Ming ran forward, charging Yoko. Li Ming lunged in and threw a palm strike in Yokos direction Within a split second, Yoko grinned, then lulled her upper body backwards, below the attack. Her body span around quickly, her leg extended, and Li Ming groaned as Yokos taped foot nailed her in the face. The Chinese woman stumbled away, while Yoko got back into a standing position, regaining her momentum She followed a shocked Li Ming, and landed a searing punch to her jaw, then drew back her other fist. Yoko thrust a second punch into Li Mings stomach, that made the older girl gasp with its strength. Yoko grinned a second time, withdrew her hand from the other girls gut, then jumped away, putting some distance between the two of them. Li Ming looked up at Yoko. She had improved. Im still stronger than you, Li Ming. Yoko said confidently. That doesnt mean you have an advantage over me strength isnt everything. You need more than that to win this fight, Yoko. And I have to be the one to win it. With a groan in her throat, Li Ming pulled herself up from the slumped position she had previously been in, then clutched her right fist. After waiting a moment, she stuck out the middle and index fingers of that hand. Li Ming looked over at Yoko, pulled back that hand, then ran forwards. Yoko was alert. She knew that Li Ming had to be up to something, by the fact that Li Ming was attacking her via an outright charge, and waited for the girl to reach her. When the Chinese brunette got close, Yoko tried to punch her. Li Ming swiftly swerved to the side and projected her hand at Yoko. She pressed the tips of her two fingers against Yokos shoulder. Yoko winced in pain. The marble-eyed girl grabbed her shoulder, out of reflex, and vaulted backwards before Li Ming got the opportunity to strike again Yoko stopped moving when she felt herself at a comfortable distance, but lowered herself to one knee, feeling pains in her upper leg and chest, beneath her bosom Whats happening ? Yoko said to herself. It feels like I was struck in three places Over by the side of the ring, Xiangau was watching intently. Hmm the Three Point Blow. Jun looked over at him. The what? The Three Point Blow, Xiangau repeated. Normally he was a quiet person but when it came to martial arts he was more than willing to speak, It is a trademark move of the Hao-Mo-Lai denomination of Kung Fu. By striking a specific nerve in the body, the user can triple the damage done. Its a special ability because it doesnt require Chi-infusion. That made Jun worry. That means Li Ming can use that move throughout the entire match with out running out of energy ? Xiangau just nodded. While in the ring, Yoko was stunned. She had never seen Li Ming use an ability like that before. And what was worse, was that it could happen again and again. What could she do to avoid something like that? With Li Mings speed advantage, it would be a nightmare avoiding it for long. Li Ming sighed reluctantly, pushing her left foot forward. She clutched both her fists again, and shot out the index and middle fingers on both hands, preparing to use the Three Point Blow on her adversary once again. It was the technique she used to take out the other people she had fought in this tournament, and it looked like Yoko would fall to it as well. I have to proceed, Yoko, Li Ming said. I cannot let you win. Now Yoko actually started doubting herself. What could she do to fight against something that could knock her out three times as quickly? Li Ming came at a worried Yoko again, steam rolling in with strong determination. She raised her nimble hands and darted at Yoko. The girl struggled to avoid each stab-like strike, one after the other. Li Ming kept thrusting and darting, till, she landed a blow on Yokos upper arm. Yoko grunted, and winced all the same, and through the confusion she was hit again in the ribcage. Yoko ambled back with the sensation of being hit in so many places, while Li Ming watched her move backwards. To her, the fight had already been won. Yoko fell to her knees again. Her legs, head, chest and ribs all felt sore. And she had only been hit by Li Mings Three Point Blow on three separate occasions She had to do something quick or shed be overwhelmed. Two more, Li Ming said. Two more hits with the Three Point Blow and this is over. The younger girl just barely got back up to her feet in a standing position. There was a bruise on her arm. It looked like the Three Point Blow had done its damage there more than once. Li Ming was right. Just a couple more shots by that technique of hers would end this. There had to be something that Yoko could do to fight against that ability. Li Ming shot off from her standing position into a run, straight for Yoko The Chinese woman narrowed down on the Asagawa-girl, though she didnt move a muscle. Yoko! Jun cried from the sidelines. Get out of her way! But she didnt move a muscle. That was until Li Ming thrust her hand at her. Yokos eyes glinted as she dodged the move, then cried out as her fist exploded with bright orange flames. Both Xiangau and Li Ming were surprised by the sudden projection of Chi, but Li Ming was the one who felt it first hand, in the form of a brutal punch. Yokos flame covered fist collided with the ribs of the Chinese opponent, and a flash of light passed through the scene. The force of the punch pushed circling wave of dust away from the two of them. Li Ming coughed up spittle and felt her air being stolen from her lungs. Yoko quickly pulled her fist back and hopped in place, swinging her leg Li Ming was struck in the ribs by Yokos kick, and pushed back, out of striking range. Yoko still moved backwards, despite that, and brought her guard back up. Alright, Yoko! Jun cried happily. Keep it up! Xiangau watched on, bathing in his thoughts. Impressive. She had been gathering energy right through this altercation. But that cannot protect her forever Li Ming was even more concerned. Damn I had no idea that Yoko had some Chi-infusion techniques under her belt. Did Nobuo teach her that? I suppose it doesnt matter. I cannot let Reinhalt get his hands on Yoko. I have to defeat her to protect her Get ready, Yoko! Li Ming yelled. To witness the power of Hao-Mo-Lai style! Yoko kept her guard up and her doubts down as Li Ming straightened herself out. The Asagawa Fist technique was still only experimental, there was no way she could rely on it, but for now it was the only special ability she had that was of use in this situation. Li Ming was so fast that hitting her with an energy wave just couldnt happen. The Asagawa Fist was quite possibly the only thing that could help her win. The Chinese woman across the ring stood firm. She narrowed her eyes and gripped her feet to the ground, her limbs shaking with momentum. Her breath grew quick, her hair thrashing in the wind. And before long, both Yoko and Xiangau could see Li Mings amethyst spiritual power rise up around her. Ha! Li Ming yelled, crossing her arms over her body. She pulled them back to her sides, and a dark flash surrounded her body. By the time her body eased, Yoko was confused as to what Yoko had done. It seemed like she had done nothing at all. Until, that is, Yoko looked around. And realized that there were more than two people in that ring now. Yokos head rolled from side to side. And she could not believe what she was seeing. Li Ming in four places. One in front, one at her right, one on her left and one behind. She looked at the three behind and at her sides. They resembled her, but were clearly made from Li Mings Chi-flow, which was limited. Their purple, willowy and hollow appearances proved that. Over at the side of the ring, Jun was shocked, bamboozled, and mightily confused. What the hell? She uttered, Did Li Ming just copy herself? Xiangau crossed his arms. The Shadow Fake technique. They are just illusions Fragile Chi projections created by merging the power of the mind with that of ones Chi-flow. They cant even hurt her So why did Li Ming bother to create them? Jun asked Xiangau kept his eye on the ring. Youll see. It was hard, but Yoko circled her body around to keep her eyes on all of the Li Ming doubles Each of them looked poised to strike. There would be no way to counter all their attacks. Yoko said to herself. And if they use the Three Point Blow They didnt wait for Yoko to think of the outcome. Three of the shadow copies ran forward at Yoko, all preparing for attack. As they came at her collectively, Yoko jumped into the air with the utmost speed, souring above the clamouring group of copies. But when she did that, the real Li Ming came out of nowhere and landed a Three Point Blow to the arm, mid-air. Yoko gasped and was landed back to ground level, her feet stumbling, feeling the effects of Li Mings technique. But when she looked over at Li Ming and her shadow copies, she realized that they were wavering. As was Li Ming. Her breath was growing hard, her chest rising and falling, sweat running down her cheeks. The move must be putting enormous strain on Li Mings energy... Yoko thought privately. The Japanese girl pulled her fists back up, and narrowed down on Li Ming. She closed her eyes, and concentrated. By reflex, Yoko was compelled to fight against the shadow copies But she had to risk the assumption that they would not be able to hit her. She wouldnt look or sense for them, she would keep her eyes shut and use something else. Li Ming watched Yoko. She had closed her eyes. She probably thinks she can sense only me, if she doesnt look at the shadow copies. But shell sense them anyway. Im sorry, Yoko But I have to win this fight All four charged Yoko, the shadow copied Li Mings and Li Ming herself But Yoko remained still as statue. They all gathered around her, and Li Ming drew back her hand for the final Three Point Blow. As expected, Yoko did attack. There was a flash of action between all parties concerned, but ended just as quickly. From the outside of the arena, both Jun and Xiangau were shocked to see what had taken place. A weakened Li Ming flopped limply off the foot of a tense Yoko. She nailed the real Li Ming, with one sharp roundhouse kick. Li Ming blinked, sighed, then passed out, falling in a lifeless heap on the ground. The shadow copies all dissolved along with the sleeping Li Mings concentration. She was defeated. The intercom came back on. Winner Yoko Asagawa. Xiangau smiled at Yoko. He was actually impressed. She ignored the shadow copies. She tricked the Chinese woman into believing that she would tell the difference via her senses, which would not have worked, but instead she must have deduced the real one via the wind resistance between their bodies. Tricking the user of a confusion technique like the Shadow Fake very impressive. For the first time in years, a fighter was re-kindling his fighting spirit. Defeating Jun was that much more of an importance for him. Over in the ring, Yoko ran over to the downed Li Ming. She got on her knees, and wrapped her worried hands around the back of Li Mings head and her neck. Li Ming! Li Ming! Yoko cried concernedly, Im sorry! Please be okay Jun walked over from the edge and climbed into the ring. She made her way over to Yoko and Li Ming, crouching down to get a better look at the damage. It looked like she fainted due to the strain of the Shadow Fake. What would make someone go to such lengths to win a fight? Yoko. Jun turned to her. Take Li Ming back to the complex. I think shell be okay if she gets some rest. Yoko looked back. But what about you? Your fight is next Hey! This is Jun Magami youre talking to! I can handle myself without a cheerleader. You dont worry about a thing. As soon as I beat that Xiangau guy, Ill catch up with you two. In moments, the sleeping Li Ming was being carried back to the complex. Jun watched as Yoko (assisted by some of the KAIGA Group personnel) took Li Ming back toward the safety of the Kakuri Isle complex. In next to nothing, they were gone, vanishing into the thickets of wood that the dirt path pass through into. The red-haired girl tossed some of that hair over her ear, then casually looked over at her opponent, Xiangau He had already jumped onto the platform for action. She hadnt seen him in action yet, but it seemed that he was fairly skilled. After all, though the match with Li Ming and Yoko, he was offering play-by-play for all the nitty-gritty techniques on display. If this man was well versed in martial arts, there was no telling what his level of skill was. Jun, this time dressed in her full fledged fighting outfit, pale blue Gi with sheared armholes, a black belt around the waist and two Japanese geta sandals on her feet. She pushed her legs apart, kept her hands and limbs loose, watching Xiangau firmly. Hes fairly bulky, Jun thought slowly, Thats exactly what I was expecting from the guys in this tournament. But I have to be cautious. If Xiangau made it this far, hes probably going to be a bit of a challenge. Lets get this over with. Jun said commandingly Xiangau did not do as Jun did, by assuming a fighting position. Instead he remained as he had been before, cold and still, reserved and calm. It looked like arrogance in some respects, for someone to not even put up their guard, but to Jun, it was Xiangaus way of being just a teeny bit overconfident. But there was a glint in Xiangaus eye that put that notion into question Jun remained blissfully ignorant of that glint as she ran at him, making the first move. Jun growled fiercely and thrust her fist at him, straight from her stride However Xiangau was not the least bit intimidated by Juns fierce charging attack. And shortly, Jun would learn why.
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