Art of fighting

In order to help her relax, I told her about my experience in both the Shiranui and Hayabusa clan, how I learned their techniques, the missions I took with Ryu and the Fiends we killed, the demons we took down, how we both pushed each other forward, and the difficulties of the fights, of course I dramatized them since, come on, it was me and Ryu, unless a great Fiend showed up, we were untouchable

-Wow…you have had a rough 5 years

-But I am all the stronger for it! Now your turn, how have you been?

She told me about her power, the "Psycho Soldier" and how she trained it while also acting like an idol, to her delight, she has become extremely popular, she started when she was 13 and over the last 2 years she has been making waves across the place, apparently this is part of her tour, coming back home, she kinda crossed the whole kingdom, the first 3 years she was studying and training, I asked her why is she training her power

-…Because I felt powerless when I heard you died…

-Sorry…

-I…I didn't want to feel like that again…I wanted to be strong like you were…to protect others like you could, and I have been training very hard to achieve it!

Let's see the results then shall we?

"Athena"

"Rank: A-"

"Age: 15"

"Strength: B+"

"Agility: A"

"Magic: A+"

"Endurance: B"

"Charisma: SSS+"

"Luck: A+"

"Perception: A"

For some reason I am not surprised on her Charisma, I should expect all my female friends to have that…on everything else, her strength is amazing, she really pulled it off

-So who trained ya?

-Master Chin Gentsai! He also taught me Wing Chun, though I am not the best at it, it complements my psychic powers really well

-That right? How does it compare to my magic?

-I have some talent in magic apparently, but I mainly use inventory like you do, since nothing rots in there, it's extremely convenient, but my psychic powers allow me to teleport!

-Teleport! Holy crap! How far?!

-Around…20 meters, not a lot I know

-Still damn impressive! In combat that would be a nightmare to deal with, ah! Yeah, I forgot, here

I made my inventory appear and pulled out a Strawberry Daifuku, her eyes lit up

-Ah! It's been so long since I had one of these!

She took it and began eating, her expression one of bliss

-Yeah, one day I made those thinking of ya, I wondered how you would like them since I think I have improved

She didn't answer

-Athena?

-Master! You are well aware of her interest in you! Why did you deliver such a critical hit?!

[Critical? What do you-Ah…shit]

-"I was thinking of you" that is all her mind registered and now she overheated!

[Fuck…]

So yeah, took a while to get her to recover, but once she did, she happily ate the daifuku as I explained the song and how we both would sing it, if possible, have Shermie help out too since it's supposed to be our reunion, she asked to listen to it and I complied

-I am already looking forward to it, its been too long since I have heard you play Eric

-It's been a while, but I am certain you will like it, though it's rock, heads up there

-It's ok, I never disliked rock after all

I began playing the violin first

-Whooooaa…whooaa…

Here we go

-Hey all!

Welcome to the greatest storm!

I know, you have waited much too long!

And I, I will be your shining star!

I'm here, here to conquer near and far!

…

…

I missed you…I missed that smile…

He looks so happy playing again…his talent hasn't worn off in the slightest even after 5 years, his voice has become wonderful though, no longer cute and childish but now powerful and determined…it makes a strong impact…

Normally my songs make people feel happy and excited but…I can see this being played to boost the morale of warriors…appropriate considering his desire…knight of the wind…it suits him…it really suits him

Free, like the wind…and strong like a knight…yeah, I can see it…

This song is about him, but it doesn't seem like he realized it, I don't feel any pride or ego, he is joyful…he has been ever since he saw me…even embarrassed, which means he sees me as a woman…he cares for me…

-My armor stays unbreakable! In battle every hour!!

But…I wonder…just how many girlfriends will he have? Will I be one of them?…Will he care for me or forget me?

-In a rage! I'll save! Each and every, each and every, each and every-one, 'till this war is won…

…No, I shouldn't think like that…this is who he is, he is willing to die for his friends, he fights without hesitation for others, someone like him will care and love me for all my life, it's obvious, no matter how many are there, he won't show favoritism, my childhood crush was already a man when I met him, not a spoiled brat or a mature boy, but a man who was ready to die if it meant protecting those he cares for…all that has changed is his age…he is still the same wonderful man

I shouldn't doubt him, he is after all the one I love, I wouldn't fall in love with an evil or non caring man

Determined, hard working, handsome…talented…kind…good cook…handsome…so…handsome…

!! Ah! Why am I lost again?! I got lost in his eyes…ngh…this is not a good time

…

…

And boom! Done! Love that damn song!

-So what did ya think?

-Ah! Lovely! It was fantastic!

-You ok? You are red

-Ah it's just a bit hot, I will get some fresh air!

!? She teleported! Jeez…what even happened?

-She got lost looking at you

[…Oh, she really fucking likes me huh?]

-To be fair, your appearance is not fair at all

[The power of SS+ I guess]

-It's only gonna become worse…

[It is?]

-Yup…soon girls will fall for you merely by looking at your face

[Oh dear…]

Don't wanna be a heartbreaker…

-You might wanna start wearing a mask

[I will make the mask of Majora!]

-Master…

[If I have to, I want to have fun!]

-Fine, but only once it reaches Z rank!

[Ok]

I waited for a bit before Athena teleported back and we discussed the song, I showed her the lyrics and she disagreed

-Eh?

-Yeah, not gonna work

-What does that mean?

-This is your song, meant to signal YOUR comeback Eric, I have mine, I am not coming back since I never left, you see? It's best if you sing this one yourself, then we can play one song as our comeback see?

-Ah, I get it! One sec!

I quickly wrote the lyrics of another song, played it a bit and she was satisfied

-Get the gang back together huh? I like it!

-Perfect!

We finally were ready, only Shermie is left to arrive and we will have everything ready

-The audience is in for a spin

-Let's give them a show, when does KoF start again?

-In about 9 days

-Got time then, let's make the most of it

It was night time, Athena bade farewell to me as she began teleporting away, I merely walked the streets, honestly, I missed this place…it's been a long time…

I wandered the dark streets looking around, the place is peaceful enough, but, likely because of my luck, I was in the perfect place at the perfect time

-HELP!!!

I heard the scream of a woman and rushed without hesitation, I managed to reach the place where the screams came from and saw the woman being taken by a bald man with sunglasses and a coat

"The wild Flying Swallow: Yuri Sakazaki"

"1st boss of South district: Mr. Big"

Ah fuck! Art of fighting is happening right in front of me!

-YO!

-?!

-Please help!!

-Let her go you bald fuck!

-Shit, Lee! Distract him or you know what happens!

Suddenly a man wearing a mask attacked me, I dodged the attack and was forced into a battle I wasn't interested in

-Dammit! I have no time for you! Out of my way!

-…Sorry…

-Tch

I dodged and countered some of his attacks when I saw the car Mr. Big put Yuri in speed away, I wanted to rush it but I was stopped by the fighter, if I recall this is…Lee Pai Long, a doctor, yet he is working for Mr. Big under threat it seems

-Out of my way!

I wanted to launch a fireball, but seeing as that could hurt Yuri, I had to restrain myself, so I proceded to fight Lee Pai Long, he honestly is strong, but not enough, I took him down before long

-Dammit! You will tell me where they went or I will break you in half!

-Friend of yours?

-No

-Then why do you care?

-BECAUSE NO ONE DOES!!

I can feel the people who awoke and watched but did nothing as Yuri was kidnapped

-TALK!!

-!!…The bouncer at L'amor should have an idea…I am just a hired hand…

-Tch, fine, fuck off and stay out of my way! I will destroy that bald taint licker!

I rushed out and using my minimap, I ran to south district, there I quickly found L'amor and met the bouncer once I came in causing shit

-COME ON OUT BOUNCER!

She came out, despite dressing like a man, I know who she is

"The beautiful kick's illusion: King"

Dunno what her name is either?

-It's nowhere! What the hell?!

[Ask Erizabeth!]

-…Got it!

"The beautiful kick's illusion: King (Claire)"

Claire? Well, that's a mystery off the bucket list, Megan will be delighted to know, after all, that was her main when we played KoF, mine was Leona, yeah, she was my main when she was a game character, appropriate seeing she was the first person I met belonging to the KoF franchise

-What do you want?!

She is making her voice sound more grave than it really is, hah, well, let's fight her first, help her later, how strong is she?

"King"

"Rank: A-"

"Age: 19"

"Strength: A-"

"Agility: A"

"Magic: C+"

"Endurance: B+"

"Charisma: SSS+"

"Luck: C+"

"Perception: A"

Can't help but notice how strong they are…

-That is mainly because they fight people with god like abilities in the future and can still keep up, as such, they are given a rank that is appropriate to what Pro players could do with them in that respective point in time

[Holy shit…]

-Yup, it applies to everyone and you would know how scary they are

[Then guess I better get serious here!]

-I want Mr. Big, you know where he is don't ya?

-Why should I tell you?

-He kidnapped and innocent girl, I will crack his skull for it

She hesitated but quickly reaffirmed her decision

-Doesn't sound like my problem

-It bothers you doesn't it?

-Wha-

-Deny it all you want, those eyes you have don't lie, you are not a bad person

-Shut up!

-Tell me

-Make me!

-Fine, I will make you

I jumped back and took a stance

-Eric, Koppoken and multiple ninja styles, I challenge you!

-?

She seemed confused but decided to play along

-King! Muay thai! I accept your challenge

I smirked

-See? No one evil would have played along

-You are too trusting

-I just trust my judgement, you ain't like Mr. Big

-…

"King"

"20 (Shame, I will have to ruin that handsome face)"

We started to fight the moment I threw the first punch, she dodged and jumped back before throwing a Venom Strike, as expected, that is when her magic comes into play, I jumped above the projectile and launched into a kick, but she countered with a Tornado Kick, forcing me back, I took a breather

-Out of breath already?

She mocked, I laughed

-No, I am merely stretching a bit, you are far better than I expected

-Thanks, you have some potency to your kicks too

-Heh, alright, shall we end the warm up?

-Warm up-?!

I appeared by her side and tried to deliver a brutal roundhouse, she blocked the kick with one of her own and landed an elbow to my face, I took a step back before she Tornado Kick Combo me, launching a terrifying distance with that attack and sending me flying

-Tch!

I recovered mid air and landed, rushing at her, and finally managing to land a combo of punches and kicks at great speed, sending her back, she spat a bit of blood out, I did the same

She once again Venom Strike and did it twice, I jumped above and when I landed, she appeared near damn in my face and kicked me twice with her illusion dance, before landing her final kick on my face, I withstood that atrocious kick and delivered a straight kick myself to her chest, she was sent backwards

That is when whatever she was using to cover her chest broke since I saw both mounds appear on her shirt

-Ah!

-Ah, sorry, didn't think that would break

-Dammit…you don't seem surprised…

-Why would I be? Sorry for busting your disguise girl, but to be fair it was rather bad, there are no men who are that beautiful ya know?

"King"

"60 (B-Beautiful?!)"

She blushed visibly at my compliment but recovered her mind

-Compliments won't help you!

-Try saying it without blushing next time girl, now we are not done yet are we?

-Y-You!

She rushed and suddenly I felt energy around her charge, I felt the same level of threat as when I fought Cammy and Goenitz, this was her ulti, Illusion dance level 3

She launched a ruthless series of brutal kicks at me, I had to completely focus on defense as she kicked with purpose, actually catching a flaw in my defense and sent me upwards, she chased after me and used a Tornado kick to try and completely remove my face, I grabbed her leg and threw her down she crashed against the floor and I landed by her side and stomped the floor right next to her, breaking it

-I win!

-…Yeah…you do…

-Now tell me! Where did Mr. Big take her!

-…I can't tell you, I don't know, but I know who does, Mickey Rogers, in the downtown area of South District

-I see, what does he look like?

-Look for a boxer, he isn't evil, but he was hired by Mr. Big, he can give you the info you need

-Gotcha…next

-There is more?

-Yeah, why are you working for that bald fuck?

-Eh?

-I said it before and I will say it again, your eyes are bright and beautiful, they aren't dull nor dead, you are a good girl, so why are you working for that evil POS?

-…

-Please tell me

-…I need the money

-For what?

-Sorry, personal business

-…How much?

-What?

-How much money do you need?

-…A lot

-Stop being vague, tell me the exact amount

-Why do you want to know?!

-I won did I not? I earned the right, now tell me

"King"

"50 (Pushy bastard!)"

Don't care

-…12 millions

-Gotcha

I called Lee, it was late in the morning but who cares?

It took a few minutes

-…Eric…?

-Wake the fuck up Lee, I need a favor

-Favor…? Eric it's 2 in the morning…what do you want?

-Send 12 millions to my account

-?!

-What?! Why?!

-My fucking business Lee, you want a show when it's time for KoF? Then send the money to my account

-It's a damn lot! I can't just-

-You know for a fact I will earn far more for ya, stop asking questions and transfer the damn thing

…Gonna be honest, still salty he interrupted me and Athena back then

-Ugh, fine, one sec, check your bank account…

I hung up and checked my account, I am rather rich, I could pay for it myself but whatever, I know that King needs the money for the surgery of her little bro, I will pay for it myself to get her off this shit as soon as possible

-What are you doing?!

She got up, the money was transferred, I smiled

-Your account number

-What?!

-I will transfer 15 million your way, 12 for whatever you are so secretive about, 3 as a backup in case you need it

-Why?!

-You lost, now answer my question

She was in shock and told me, I transferred the money her way, 15 millions

-Why…why did you…

-Your potential is astounding, I won't let you waste it with that bald loser, quit this life and get yourself straight, if you can't find a job, consider those 3 millions as advanced payment, I will need a bodyguard

-Bodyguard?! Who are you?!

-Eric, genius musician who "died" 5 years ago

-?!

-See ya King, hopefully next time as allies

I walked out of L'amor as King was left in shock looking at her phone

"King"

"180 (What a man…)"

I smirked and headed downtown, found Mickey and he confused me with a cop, so after whooping his ass, he guided me to the military base where John Crawley was, I also kicked his ass and finally, I got Mr. Big's location, a nearby factory, when I got there, I saw Mr. Big making a call and arrogantly threatening Takuma Sakazaki, so I interrupted

-Yo bald man!

-?! How the hell did you get here?!

-I kicked a lot of ass! Now release the girl or I will break your legs!

-Dammit!

He hung up and stored his phone, then he pulled out 2 Rattan sticks, I scoffed

-Weapons? Fine, I can play that game

I pulled out a staff

-You might as well give up boy! With how strong you must be to get here, I could use someone like you!

-How about no? You don't have enough money to hire me, and our goals will never align

-Hey, at least give me a chance

-Release the girl then

-Can't do that

-Then I am breaking your legs

-Fine! Bring it kid!

I rushed his way and he struck the ground, making a wave of energy emerge from it and actually doing damage, not as much as King's Tornado Combo but…still, what is up here?

"Mr. Big (Boss)"

"Rank: A"

"Age: 32"

"Strength: A+"

"Agility: B+

"Magic: B-"

"Endurance: S-"

"Charisma: B+"

"Luck: E-"

"Perception: B"

Boss?

-His status is boosted to fit his role! He is stronger than your average loser master!

-So be it, I am kicking his ass either way!

I recovered and landed on my feet only for the fucker to come flying at me like a torpedo and landing a hit in my stomach with those sticks, quickly combining the hit and suddenly jolting me with a brutal electric discharge from them

I fell twitching a bit before recovering and hitting him in the junk with the staff, he flinched and I sent him flying with a kick to the face, then waited for him to recover

-…You…damn…punk…

-That! Was for the shock jackass! Using a fucking taser?! You deserve it! Now we are even, take your time and fight me without electricity, unless you want me to use magic!

-You…are a…magician…?!

-Yup, your call now, I am saving the girl either way, but either I defeat you in honorable battle, or whoop your ass into next month

-....Tch....fine….battle, it is

-You are already better? Jeez, resilient ain't ya?

-Bring it on!

He combined both sticks and began attacking frenetically, I answered by countering each hit, making our weapons clash and bounce against each other, gotta admit he is good but…if I pulled out my sword, this ends, Ryu could defeat him in an instant, I can't deny I am having fun though

-You ain't bad kid! Really a shame you didn't join me!

-You ain't bad either bald man, but unfortunately I am against crime!

-Shame!

He kicked my shins and nearly made me fall, then hit my chin with one of the sticks and proceeded to shock me again the prick! I didn't twitch this time since I expected it and used magic to coat myself against it, then I landed a hit on his side and said

-FUCK OFF!!

I combined multiple hits and nearly broke him in half before landing a brutal hit to the top of his head and knocked him out

-I was having fun there jackass!

Then, I called Chun-Li, she picked up after a while

-…Eric…? What…is it?

-Mr. Big, you interested?

-Keep speaking

That woke her up

-Fucker kidnapped a girl, chased him and got to her, kicked his ass, ready for arrest, what do you say?

-I say, well done! I will be right there, tell me the location!

I did and she is now on her way, I stole the phone off the twat and jumped to reach the location Yuri was locked into, I tried the door but it was locked

-Who…?

-Hey lassy! You alright?

-! It's you!

-Yup, found ya!

-Mr. Big! What happened to him?

-Kicked his ass, you ok?

-Yes! Did you come here to save me?

-Yup, I ain't one to ignore a person in distress, much less a cute girl

-Is now the time for flattery?!

-Got ya to react didn't I?

Sensing the tone in my voice, she laughed

-Thanks…I needed that

-My pleasure, back off now, this door is coming off

She did and said

-Ready!

I froze the door and then cracked it, making it fall into pieces

There I saw Yuri, not in her usual gi but in a pink dress, really fitting her damsel in distress role of this part, she should learn to kick ass after this

-So, who ordered freedom?

"Yuri"

"80 (Charming hero)"

-This girl right here, how much do I owe you?

-On the house this one time, come on

I winked at her while smirking, she soon came out and followed me, once we reached Mr. Big, she kicked his body for a bit before stopping

-Here, one sec

I took out his phone and used his fingertips to unlock it, then I saw what number he called before and used it to message the Sakazakis, first the photo of an unconscious Mr. Big and then a photo of me and Yuri showing she was safe and I would deliver her to her home by morning

[Monica, any of the losers who work for Mr. Big got a bike?]

-Yup, wanna rob it?

[Yup]

I am against crime, but this is loot! I beat the bad guy, now I loot his stash! Is it hypocritical? Maybe, do I care? Fuck no

-Allright, marking it on your map, they are nearby coming to check on their boss

[Sweet]

I tied Mr. Big with the ground that we stood on and told Yuri to stay here as I secured our vehicle, she obediently waited as I then left and proceeded to dismantle the whole personal of the bald wanker

I got the keys off the unconscious loser and went back to Yuri

-Aight, now let's just wait a bit while my cop friends arrive ok?

-You have a friend in the cops?

-Yup, helping them take down big bads like this jackass gets me a lot of favors, I may be able to get them to look the other way for any…umm…hospital bills or property damage I cause

-You are terrible at holding back aren't you?

-I rarely do to be honest, it's effective

We were pleasantly talking but

-Master! We missed one!

[Eh?!]

Then Yuri screamed

-Look out!

I turned around and a ball of energy was about to reach me, I made my blade appear and sliced the thing, it exploded before me, it caused no damage but caused an air shockwave

-You little!

-KYAAAA!!

Hearing the scream I freaked out and looked back only to immediately look away and take off my jacket, I gave it to her

-Put it on, let me rip this bastard a new one

She took it as I jumped and got to the attacker and…well, I beat him so bad, he will wake up in a cold sweat for years due to this, dunno how he made an energy attack but whatever, then I returned to Yuri, she was now covered, as it turns out, the top of her dress was blasted into oblivion revealing her bra, of course I gave her my jacket to cover herself and that is when I remembered

[Isn't it a running gag for her to end up in her underwear?!]

-…Yup, it is indeed master

[…For mercy sake…]

I sighed, hopefully this was a freak accident and not a pattern

-Thanks for the jacket…

She was blushing, I sighed

-No issue, sorry, my carelessness nearly got you hurt…

-No, it's fine, you saved me! I really am thankful

-Don't worry about it

-I do worry about it, may I please have your name at least?

-Eric, just Eric, what about you?

-Yuri Sakazaki! It's a pleasure!

Before long, Chun Li arrived with a couple of agents and the extras whistled

-Damn boss, this guy really made a number on them

-Quiet you guys, arrest Mr. Big, Eric, well done, anything else?

-Got a lot of losers who worked for him on the surroundings, get them and do as you please, I will drop Yuri here home

-No problem, when it's time for this piece of trash's trial, will you testify so we can lock him up?

-Gladly!

-Wonderful, Yuri right? Give me your number so we can call you later

-You are friends with Eric right?

She looked at me and then back at her

-Yeah, I guess we are

-Then I will give it to Eric, it doesn't matter who gets it right?

-…Guess not, ok, Eric note it down

-Uh…sure?

New contact I guess, Yuri has been added to the list

-Need a ride home?

-Not to worry girl, got a bike now

-Aren't you too young to drive?

-We can all make exceptions right?

-…Fine, for your help in the current and future situations, I will see if we can arrange you a special license

-You rock Chun Li! Thanks! Come on Yuri, let's get ya home

Now, I have no idea how to drive a bike, how will I figure it out? Why dear Monica as usual carried my sorry ass out of any and all issues

Plus my training will make it so I can coordinate anything and everything! Should be easy!

Got to the bike and luckily it had a helmet, I gave it to Yuri as I got on and Monica guided me through each step to use it, gotta say, the thug had good taste in bikes, this one is a good one…Atlas? Oh god it better just be a coincidence

-Come on! Hop up

-R-Right!

She got on and hugged me, the engine roared to life and we drove into the night

Before long I reached her home where Ryo and Takuma were waiting for her

"Kyokugenryu master: Takuma Sakazaki"

"The invincible dragon: Ryo Sakazaki"

-Dad! Brother!

We got before them and I stopped, she took off her helmet and jumped to hug them both, they hugged her back in delight before Takuma spoke to me

-Thank you boy, whoever you are, you saved my daughter

-Thanks for saving my sister, I promise I will never forget this favor

-Relax you 2, I merely did what I thought was right

-Still…isn't there something we can do to pay you back?

Hmm…actually…eh, I will ask them to teach me their style but, not now

-Perhaps later, don't ya worry about a thing, I gotta head back now, take care everyone ok?

-Ok, I will tell them the rest! Thank you Eric!

-See ya Yuri! Goodbye you 2!

I activated the bike again and left, now is not the time to bond with both of them, if they joined KoF, I will take the chance

Once I got to the hotel, I decided to change courses, I went home, and stored the bike in my inventory, it was dawn, I walked to my apartment, when I was there, I pressed the doorbell

A few minutes passed before the door was opened, a girl appeared before me, I was left stunned for a second since, she was astoundingly beautiful, she was wearing a black tank top, her blue hair immediately allowed me to recognize her, I knew how she would grow up but I still can't believe how hard puberty hit her, for a second my eyes wandered to her body, making me realize her figure was astounding, but I quickly focused on her eyes, they were shocked, her blue eyes were now shedding tears, I smiled softly, feeling my own eyes well up with tears and said

-I'm home

-…Welcome back

She responded, with the first beautiful smile I have seen her made, even as we lived together, she never made such a full smile before, I went in and she closed behind us, immediately afterward, she tackled me and began wailing to my chest, I hugged her back and simply remained quiet while she cried

"Leona"

"450! DANGER! (Welcome home…Eric…)"

Who cares? I am back…at last, I am back…