Lee was warming up in the corner of the room, slightly hidden behind some workout equipment, when the tournament employee found him. "Mr. Lee sir, your match is starting. Your opponent is waiting for you in the ring."

Lee only looked at the man with a blank stare. Then, he disappeared, at least as far as the employee could tell. In actuality, he ran past the man just as he blinked, not on purpose. He was simply that excited for this match, even if he wasn't going to show it on the outside.

Lee slowed his stride as he stepped out of the building and into view of the crowd. He effortlessly moved at the pace of a normal man walking as fast as they could. When he reached his spot in the ring, he gave Bakuto an apologetic bow.

"Perfect!" The announcer/referee proclaimed, quickly skipping backward to take his place at the edge of the ring. "Now that we have both our contestants here, let the battle commence!" This announcement was met with the roar of the crowd and the sound of the gong.

Lee charged forward at top speed, not wasting a breath. This wasn't the opponent to hold back on. He was going to give him all he had, from the very beginning, including his special technique...

Simple in nature, but powerful nonetheless, he pulled back his fist and jabbed it forward. His fist glowed with a black and white aura, only visible to other ki users specializing in the yin-yang style of ki, or ki users in general, if they were strong enough. Bakuto, being Lee's equal in strength but not a specialist in yin-yang ki, could see the faintest glow coming off his fist.

-Serious Frontal Assault
-Secret Technique: Chaos Strike

Remaining Health: 110
Available Power: 110
--- Attack: 50 x2.5 = 125
-- Speed: 50 x2 = 100
- Defense: 10

Lee watched Bakuto's movement's with a careful eye. The afterimage technique, he did this last time. Surely his opponent wouldn't attack in the same spot though, even if that's what appeared to be happening. Going with his gut, he instead struck out at where he would attack from, if he had that kind of speed to work with. But...

He was wrong. He was off by nearly an entire body's length. If it weren't for the aura around his attack, it wouldn't have dealt any damage at all. He could see this mistake happening, as Bakuto appeared to the right of his attack, but there was little he could do to change his approach now, he'd already put to much into it.

And so, Bakuto's assault began. Fighting through the aura of Lee's attack like a strong wind (but nothing more), he landed his first attack exactly where it was intended. But Lee wasn't going down that easily, he was a solid man. That one attack wouldn't be enough, but he was already there. All of Lee's momentum was going in one direction. So, in that split second, with Lee practically defenseless, Bakuto launched hundreds of attacks to as many of Lee's vitals as possible.


Bakuto took more damage than he even realized. He slid to a stop, and a loud thunder like crack sounded throughout the arena. The crowd watched in awe, trying to understand what just happened. Lee then fell forward, eyes out of focus. He was out cold.

Niko had been properly bandaged and given a Senzu Bean before beiing told to rest for a while and just let it take the full effect. He lay there, still concerned over the fight between Angela and Ace. It'd been his intention to stick around in a moment of solidarity to cheer her on, encourage Angela to emerge victorious and allow them to fight out their respective struggles. Yes, this tournament had really grown on him. He was starting to enjoy it, though the fight with Rica had been a stark reeminder that this was no walk in the park. Still, the way it had ended kept playing over and over in his mind. What had happened there? Surely, you'd want to give it your all here, even if your goal was simply maney for the sake of it. You'd get healed up afterwards, no questions asked, regardless, so what was the deal? Niko couldn't fathom it. Unless Ace had been forced to quit somehow, he just couldn't understand why it had happened, and he hoped that it didn't happen again.

Time passed, and with the Semi-Final Rounds being announced to begin soon, Niko got up of his place of rest, pulled out a new shirt from his quarters, and came to the tournament ring area proper to witness the return of Lee and the battle of Bakuto. Lee had already shocked the world by defeating the current champion, showing that whatever standard the multiple-tournament winner had set was now broken and that it was anybody's game. More to the point, Lee worried him because Michael Miocic had a technique that involved whirlwinds, air power, and Lee managed to get through that. Knowledge of how to get through an ability like that would put Niko at a disadvantage if he got to the finals and used his own technique, learned from Athena up in the mountains. Niko would watch this fight carefully, studying either opponent's moves to determine the best strengths and weaknesses of either man.

What surprised him, though, was how quickly it had ended! Bakuto had once again shown his sheer incredible speed via the technique that allowed images of himself to hang for a second or two in the air - something to do with moving so fast that the perception of his placement fooled the eyes as they tried to catch up with the action - and...and...he completely skunked Lee in quick order! Was he really that good? Or was Lee feeling down and out, drained from beating the champ? No, that couldn't be it. Senzu Bean! They worked! They healed and invigorated! Either Lee had been thrown off by Bakuto's actions or even something unrelated...or Bakuto was greater than both the former Champion AND the man who defeated him, making him now a VERY significant hurdle!

I... I must not reveal my own technique in my fight against Angela. If I can't catch this man off guard, I dunno if I can beat him. He's good, he's focused, and he's fast like me. I'll do what I have to against Angela. She'd expect no less. But I have to at least TRY to use the Tatsumaki-Ken to full effect.

The time had come. The last round of the semi-finals were about to begin. Nico Renzo (aka Eclipse) versus Angela Peirs (aka Angel), despite gender differences, the two were remarkably well matched. What Eclipse perhaps had over Angel in technique and natural ability, Angel more than made up for in grit and talents of her own.

In either case, one of them would be going on to face Bakuto, and it would be the battle of the century. Speed vs Strength. Willpower vs Training. Hair vs No Hair.

Trumpets sounded, signaling for the two fighters to emerge from the holding building. They walked out side by side and took their places across from one another. The crowd's cheering softened as everyone listened for the gong, to signal the beginning of the match.

Angela was shocked, and reasonably so. Lee had seemingly beat the past champion of the tournament with ease, but the tables were immediately turned when he fought Bakuto. While he had also taken damage, Bakuto's afterimage attack wiped the floor with Lee. Angela was getting pumped, especially since she was going to be facing off against Niko. Finally, a true fight... Hopefully...

"Good luck on your match. I'll be looking forward to seeing this match up. Make a good show out there, from what I have seen this semi final round should be a real good one."

Bakuto had approached Angela and Niko, and with some words of encouragement, went off to go find a seat for the fight. Angela took a deep breath and looked at Niko, this was it. The trumpets sounded and the two walked out to their respective sides of the arena, the crowds cheers dimming as they waited for the gong. "I'm not gonna go easy on you... So you better not go easy on me! No quitting half way... No holding back... I want this to be a true fight!" She declared as she got into her stance. Acknowledging any words Niko might have said, Angela took one last deep breath and focused as the sound of the gong rang out. She quickly took the offensive and rushed at Niko, at this point, she was wanting to make the first move now. She quickly moved to the side as she rushed at him, aiming a fist to his gut.

Quick Gut Punch

Health: 110
Power: 110

Attack: 50
Speed: 40
Defense: 20

The young soldier had been a little too caught up in himself to do more than give Bakuto a nod. He seemed like a decent guy, at least. They hadn't talked before now. Maybe they'd talk again later with congratulations to the Champ, whoever it turned out to be. It was kind of a holy shit, really. The last three people and he was one of them. He could just about picture Athena in a bar somewhere with a grin on her face. Maybe you think of your teacher as someone who would never be in such a setting, but he knew better. Athena was career military, and the army liked to unwind just like everybody else did. Still, that wasn't the point. His match with Angela was next, and by the looks of things, she was eager to get punching.

Regardless of who wins, I'm gonna be feeling whatever she dishes out for a while.

Now, they were called to the center stage, the arena floor.



They stood on opposite ends of the arena after the trumpets had blasted, facing each other. The announcer was delivering his pre-fight introduction to how far the two of them had come, just as he had done with Lee and Bakuto. As he did, Angela called out to him before taking a stance. He settled into one himself, saying...

"If it happens again, it means someone's interfering. Remember that."

He hadn't had the chance to talk to Angela about it. Bakuto's fight had gone too quickly for him to broach the subject. At least he had the chance to warn her here, make sure she understood that he would not back down here, not willingly. Not with a just cause and even a certain joy in showing the world what he was capable of. Hell no. He would take this to the end, as far as he could go and beyond.

GONG!!



He knew her capabilities, of course. Angela was very tough, especially with her fists. To prove this point, she was already attacking without delay, and she was quick! Niko had only a couple seconds at best to move, and his nearest instinct was that if she was planning to knock the wind out of him like that, then he needed to get lower and out of the way. He dove left and swung one of his legs at hers, hoping that the he'd knock her off of her feet so he could quickly recover here and take control of things.

Low-Dodging Leg-Sweep

Power Level: 110
Health: 110

--Attack: 30
---Speed: 60
-Defense: 20

Niko's dodging maneuver didn't work as well as he would have liked. He was only able to change where her strike hit him. Instead of the gut, she hit him in the chest on the right side. At least he avoided getting the air knocked out of him.

However, his counter attack did also land. Just as he was getting hit in the chest, his leg caught her right leg just above the knee. Not only did this cause damage to her leg, but it also knocked her off balance, sending her for a tumble. Quick to react however, she was able to roll back onto her feet before Niko had a chance to capitalize.


This wasn't going to be easy for either combatant...

Agh! Dammit, that's where Rica cut him earlier! Angela still managed to clip him in the chest, and it was where that Slicing Wave had hit before. Not an issue physically, since his recovery was considered complete by the tournament staff, but it was something of a 'Not again!' for Niko as he rolled past and got to his feet. While he'd managed to recover his feet while ultimately tripping Angela up, she too had gotten to her feet and they were essentially in the same position as before, just a little more injured now. Niko got kind of a mental 'Oh Crap' next when he felt a little deja vu for his last fight and decided to act quickly.

No more faltering...

Attack now, and put some oomph into it! She expects no less. Angela would see him slip to one side to flank- The other side! The previous side! From behind?! It was a swift zig-zag approached at high speed to make it hard to determine where the attack would come from. This wasn't like Bakuto's after-images, but rather a case for not knowing whether it would be left, right, center, or back before he actually struck, essentially trying to use speed to get past those fists of hers before using his own in a one-two-hyaah motion, two fists and a kick when he felt he had an opening.

Seriously Zig-Zagging Quick-Combo Strike

Power Level: 87
Health: 79

--Attack: 30
---Speed: 40 x 2 = 80
-Defense: 17

Angela winced in pain as she tumbled to the ground, thankfully though she rolled and managed to get back to her feet. Smart move on Niko's part, however, Angela's attack was still a success, as she managed to hit him in the chest instead of his gut. She smirked as this seemed to catch Niko off guard a bit, but it quickly vanished as Niko went on the offensive, at super fast speeds. She raised her fists in reaction, but she was looking at nothing, then appeared again, then disappeared. Angela glanced behind her to catch Niko moving again, he was circling around her really quickly, hiding where his strike was even going to hit.

Angela gritted her teeth, of course he was going to be moving this quick. Most of her opponents in this tournament had been really quick speedsters. Well, now it's time she caught one. "I've had to deal with people moving faster than me this whole tournament! This is no different!" As she said this, she looked at every moment Niko appeared and guessed where he'd show next. She swung her arm in a wide arc in an attempt to closeline him.

Wide Hard-Hitting Closeline

Health: 87
Power: 85

Attack: 35 × 2 = 70
Speed: 30
Defense: 20

Angela waited patiently, studying Niko's movement's. It felt like minutes were passing as she coiled up, readying her strike. She would only get one chance at this.

Niko kept his eyes peeled for an opening as he dashed around the arena. He seemed, to have her out classed as far as how fast he could move his body, but something was off. Her eyes were only a split moment behind his movements.

Finally, Niko saw his opening. Or at least, he thought he did...

Angela caught Niko square in the chest again. Sure, she couldn't keep up with where he was at all times, but she found his pattern the pattern that even he didn't realize he was following. When he closed in for the kill, she closelined him hard.

Still, not one to go down without a fight, he managed to kick her hard in the gut on his way to the ground. The 'one-two' part of his combo had failed. The least he could to what hit the 'three' mark.

Mentally, Angela was excited that she had finally been able to punish a faster opponent than her. Physically though, she was recoiling back from the kick she received from Niko. She staggered back from the hit and fell to one knee, breathing heavily as she held her stomach. Niko was definitely a strong opponent, being able to still land a hit on your target even while receiving a hard hit yourself was impressive. Angela looked up at Niko, who had got up from her closeline and smiled. "Now this is a fight..." She spat at the ground and got up to her feet. She took off her hoodie and tied it around her waist before getting back into a fighting stance.

"I have a lot riding on this tournament... So I'm not going to lose... You hear me!?" She said as she rushed at Niko. Her muscles tightened as she brought her fist back and down, going for a hard uppercut.

Hard Hitting Uppercut

Health: 65
Power: 56

Attack: 25 × 2 = 50
Speed: 20
Defense: 11

Unfortunately, she was right. His liberal application of speed was no different from anybody else doing the same. And damn, if she hadn't intercepted him like a pro. Angela hadn't come away unscathed herself, but she hadn't been quite as hurt as he was. Again, she'd gone down as he had, but this time he was hurting more and was only rising this quickly out of necessity and military training. Never stay down. Never allow your opponent to get a free hit in. Niko got to his feet, rubbing his chest where he'd been clotheslined. That was proper fire, right there. He was happy that Angela was getting the fight she was craving, even let out a bried laugh - it hurt to laugh - to her smirk, but inside...

Inside, things were very serious, indeed. He didn't want to end it here if he had any say in the matter. He wouldn't be at all happy if he didn't give it everything he got. And while Niko had been hoping to save this back...a part of him knew that Angela was good enough that she'd require him to do it, to attack with all his might...and his own special technique. They stood facing each other again, a little distance between them, but...he figured if he did it now, she wouldn't be able to evade it. That would give him back the edge, if not put him through to victory. It may all very well hinge on this...



...but would it be enough? As Angela made her declaration, he would pull his hand back in his stance, saying "I know. So do I." as the clenched fist began to vibrate and rotate in a blur. He hadn't mastered the full power of his move like Athena had shown him, but he had gotten on the ground floor and managed the instant-form. Angela came forward to try and sock him one good under the jaw. She would see the seriousness in his eyes...and know he had something of importance riding on this, as well. His fist came forward, carrying unexpected force generated by that personal vortex. In English, it was the Tornado Fist. Niko preferred it in Japanese.

Tatsumaki-Ken...

He would throw his body weight into it, the whirlwind of force released from his fist surging around him as he pressed forwards, trying to blast Angela away or aside as he carried on through.

Serious Sudden Death Leap (You know the kind.)
Secret Technique Tatsumaki-Ken (Tornado Fist)

Power Level: 60
Health: 32

--Attack: 30 x 2.5 = 75
---Speed: 30 x 2 = 60
-Defense: 0

The way the two charged at each other was straight out of the pages of a comic book. It was clear to everyone in the audience that this would be the deciding moment in the match, as everyone stood up and held their breath, struggling to even follow the action.

Then CRASH!

They collided into each other. Niko's attack struck Angela in the collar bone, just bellow her neck. While Angela's attack caught Niko right under the chin. They both hit the ground milliseconds later, hence the crash. Bits and pieces of the concrete stadium broke off and flew in all directions.


The stadium went silent as the two combatants laid motionless on the ground for a moment. Then Angela opened her eyes and began to stir...

Time seemed to stand still for Angela. One second she was charging straight at Niko for one final hit, next everything was black. Then she opened her eyes. Coming back to reality, pain shot through her entire body as she sat up slowly, holding her shoulder. What she saw was Niko flat on the ground, unconscious. Her eyes widened with disbelief. "Did... Did I win?" She mumbled to herself as she slowly got to her feet, wincing in pain as she did. Whatever that attack of Niko's was, it left it's mark on her.

She slowly walked over to Niko to see if he really was knocked out, and he was. Her attack had actually managed to knock him out, thank God too. If that attack of his were any stronger, she might've been on the ground instead. She breathed a heavy sigh as she looked around the crowd, the cheers of people erupting after she had gotten to her feet. "I did it... I'm going to the finals..."

He didn't remember a damn thing after the crash.

They collided, there was a sound and a fury that signified a helluva lot more than nothing, and then blackness. There were sounds, kind of distant and distorted, a vague awareness of it all muffled by soup, and then as it all started to return to focus...there was pain. He felt the coolness of the arena floor, a definite stiffness in his neck, and...oh wow, that hurt. Yeah...looks like he got hit under the jaw pretty good. First thing Angela would see is Niko's jaw opening, the tightening of his eyes shutting before opening, and then a definite grunt of irritation at what he felt as consciousness was achieved.

"Agh...well...that was something."

He heard Angela speaking and the crowd cheering and...aw nuts. Niko sat up with a sigh, holding his jaw and feeling for a break. Nothin'. Good. At least he had that. Well, they'd give 'im a Senzu Bean for his troubles, anyway, but he would've liked the satisfaction of having taken home the prize, so to speak...or rather getting one step closer to it. Still, only one of them could've gone on, and unless he misheard her, Angela had good reason to win, as well. If it wasn't for the fact that Niko had realized he need not hinge everything in his personal mission on this thousand-to-one shot of a tournament, he would've felt alot worse, but...thanks to these people, this tournament, he realized...he could probably get what he needed through what he'd acquired already. So, with that, he stood up and came alongside Angela now.

"You said you had alot riding on this, and I believe you. Just remember that Bakuto has speed like mine, maybe even greater, so take care, Angela."

He gave her a smile and started to walk off.

Maybe I should let her in on things so she could help...mmmm...Naaah. She's a prize-fighter, not covert ops. Let it go, Niko.

There was an hour wait after the end of Angela's match. During this time, she was able to eat her senzu bean and prepare for the next match. There was a thin divider in the large waiting room, so that the two combatants couldn't see each other. Of course, they could hear each other if they were to make noise, but that didn't happen. They were both quiet as they stretched, meditated, , stretched some more, and then warmed back up.

"Mr. Bakuto. Ms. Piers." The round tournament employee called out to them. He stood by the exit that would lead out onto the stadium. "It is time." Outside, they could hear the muffled sound of the announcer making his dramatic speech. He would stop on occasion when the crowd's roar peaked.

As the man said, it was time. The sun was setting on the arena, as was the tradition. The finals were always held at sundown, beginning moments after the sun disappeared over the horizon. The orange sky would welcome them, and depending on how long the match lasted, the red sky would act as the closing curtain.