I
What happens when "The Irresistible Force meets The Unmoveable Object?" Well, anyone or anything that may be in the middle, either intentionally or otherwise, may be destroyed. That is unless it is somehow more powerful than these two entities, though if such a power exists, it is beyond current knowledge.
Today, "The Irresistible Force meets The Unmoveable Object" are not two separate forces that oppose each other, but two entire groups of people from our planet, Earth, and from two different time zones! The forces of time and space have once again been violated, with the consequences as Earth-shattering as ever, may be even more so.
What will happen when the souls separated by about 200 years meet in a tournament to see who is the best? Will those from 200 years ago have an edge in experience, or will those who have "modern methods" prove to be the victors? And just what effect will being somewhere between the two times have on them all?
I'm in a sort of bright tunnel, or at least that's what it seems like. I see many faces around me, each of us marching forward with a purpose. We are heading toward a light that seems to be miles away and is our destination. (No, this isn't some corny alien movie; at least I don't think so. This is some corny story about time travel.) I look around, seeing the faces of many people I've met over the years, some of whom I've even engaged in the arena.
To my left is my good friend, Joe. He's a Muay Thai Kick-boxing champ. He's probably one of the best in the world, but I won't tell him that. The reason? He's good, and he knows it! What's more, he's not afraid to let the world know it. He's got a big enough ego as it is, he doesn't need me to boost it, though I'll say "...you did good." After all, he has been there when it was most needed.
Just behind me is my brother. There's often a lot we've talked about and wondered, a lot of "What if's?"
To my right is another friend, who goes by the name of Blue Mary. Mary--ok! But where does the Blue come from? I think it was Joe who joked by saying it's because she almost always wears blue-jeans. If I ever remember to do it, and the moment's right, I may ask her. When going through a time-warp, it's not exactly the right time to ask why your name is Blue; but I know some who would ask it anyway, or even in the middle of a fight...Joe!
Lastly, just in front of me is the last guy to round out our little group, Kim. Yes, a GUY named KIM. It's something that would take me too long to explain here, but ask around, and you'll get the answer (although it may take time to get the RIGHT one). He's from Korea and is a master of Tae Kwan Do. In some ways, this has made him a bit cocky, for he feels that that is the best marital art in the world. While I won't fully agree, he can definitely back up his claim.
His current project is attempting to reform two criminals of Korea. He hopes that in reforming them, he can begin to reform others. A terrific idea, and gives us hope, but it has yet to prove successful. Either the two he's trying to reform are beyond hope, or he needs something new. It's been over four years, with their only improvement being in their skills, and their ability to deceive Kim.
"Hey, Andy! What are you thinking about? You look like you've just gone through several life-times! What's up, Andy?"
"I'd say that you're right, Mary. I've been thinking a lot about our small little group here. Where we've all been? Where we may be going? That sort of thing."
"Well, just remember to stay sharp! There's no telling what our `hosts' have planned for us."
"Please, Terry, DON'T use hosts to refer to Geese and Krauser. They have some major crap planned, and it's going to get real nasty, real fast!"
"My, my, Joe. And just a while back, you were saying that I was the negative one!" finished Kim. They each laughed to themselves as they continue onward, into the unknown.
So, here we are, entering a "time portal," according to Shrio. I don't know if it's true or not, but being teamed with the murderous Zankuro, it's not out of question. So much has happened in only a few weeks. One would begin to wonder if the world has gone mad!
First, dear Charlotte disappears. According to Galford, she disappeared in a ghastly light that caused Poppy to howl and Galford's blood to turn to ice. On an attempt to go to Amakusa's fortress, there's a new person we all meet, named Mai. It's then discovered just how big this really is, so help's sought.
We then run into some "old friends." One is vain, but not too bad when you get to know him. He's a long time rival, and his swordsmenship isn't too shabby either. His hobby is to collect the perfect flower for his girlfriend. While he may sometimes act like he wants to be alone, he really prefers to be the center of attention. All-in-all, Ukyo is a nice guy, given some time.
The other's gotta be a psycho of some kind (a word I picked up from Mai). I don't know why he is the way he is, he's just a jerk. It's been that way for as long as I can recall. Whenever he fights, he makes damn sure that he kills his foe. Maybe that's the problem, there's still one man he hasn't been able to cleanly defeat, and that is driving him mad. I just wish that whatever it was, it would drive Genjuro off a cliff and into oblivion.
"Say...Hisame! Are you listening to me? Hey, I'm talking to you! Get your head out of the clouds and talk with me!"
"Huh? Wha? Who is that? Oh, Rimururu. Were you trying to talk to me? What do you want?
"Oh not much. I've done just about everything except for yelling and poking you with my blade to try and get your attention...it must be very important...what you were thinking about."
"Yea. I was just thinking about Charlotte's disappearance and what Galford said had happened. Now, we are going to see her, but in the future. Will she be older or something? Will we? What will time-travel do to us?"
"I'm not sure, but we'll find out soon, I guess."
"Oh, um, thanks for earlier. In the woods. The ice helped a lot."
"...You're welcome..."
With that, she dropped back a bit, leaving Hisame alone with his thoughts.
"Hm, you're one of the shy ones, aren't you?"
"Mai? What do...what do you mean?"
"Don't try and hide it from me! I'm an expert on these things. You really like him. For your ages, you've got a great hook. Just don't wait too long, or your catch may get away! In language you can understand: if you don't let him know how you feel, you may never get the chance, so do it now!"
"You are very--direct, aren't you?"
"That is what has gotten me ahead (in more ways then one)."
"So, how did you convince them to let you go?"
"...I don't know. We'll just have to be careful. I'm sure we'll all figure out what to do when the time comes.
"I hope you're right."
"So do I."
"Look, Terry, we're almost at the exit. It seems like it took forever."
"Yes, I know just what you mean, Mary. I've never been time-traveling, so this is a totally new experience for me, too."
Slowly, they continued onward until they reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Where would they emerge, or maybe as important, when? What year would it be? Would they be in the past, or the future? If it's the future, I wonder how many are going to look for a paper so that when they return, they can get a drop on the gambling scene. If it will be the past, would their merely being there alter it? Maybe they have to do something stupid, like bumping into ancestors and messing up their marriage before it even happens. All of their answers will come in a matter of moments.
Slowly, they emerged from the dark tunnel and out into their destinies. Here, the lives of each person here will be forever changed, some for the better, others--not. Slowly, the last of the fighters emerged from the portal, and it shut right behind them.
"Hey, what are you doing!? Are you guys crazy!? What do you think you are doing, shutting the portal?!" demanded a young man known as Rick.
"Easy young, man. It is necessary for us to do this now. If we leave it open, there will be a large waste of power. If power isn't conserved, we may be stuck here, and I doubt any of you would want that," replied Geese calmly, as if he had rehearsed what to say several times.
"I also don't like this. I may not be familiar as you as some of these others are, but just your word is of no assurance to me. I doubt it is of assurance to the rest of us," counter Ling.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, miss. If you want, you can be sent back. It'll be a shame, especially now that our guests have arrived."
With a gesture, he pointed to a portal exactly like the one they had came out of mere moments ago. In the front were two men, one wielding an enormous blade. The other had a strange orb. Behind them came a group as large as theirs. So that's it. They are going to fight a variety of ninjas, samurai, and knights. Ok!
Across the field, a similar conversation was occurring, after their portal closed.
"What the Hell!? Why'd you close the bloody portal? We'll be trapped here, you dorks!"
"We appreciate the concern, but rest assured, it's for the best. This will be taxing for us to keep it open, and to compete. Thus, if we can't open it, you will be stuck here," replied the ominous Zankuro in a manner not unlike Geese's.
Without reason, Haohmaru yelled out Charlotte's name, and ran for her. Seeing who had called her, she ran to be with him as if she hadn't seen him in ages. Shortly thereafter, Mai and Andy were also reunited.
"Now that we are all together, down to business."
"Yes, Geese, to business," returned Zankruo.
"You are here, in the year 1878 to compete in the fight of all fights. This will be a fight that will be remembered throughout the pages of history. Some of histories greatest fighters have now gathered in a showing to see which one is truly worthy of being the true champion. The time to talk is over. Now, let us all prepare ourselves and get ready for our matches."
"Ok, Geese! What do you guys have planned. I know it's not merely for your stooges to record this to make you a huge profit."
"Why Joe, you've hurt me. But I must admit, it will be a good idea to sell these fights. Maybe I'll call it `The Fatal Fury Vs Samurai Showdown Epic!' Sounds good!"
"It sounds crazy, and so are you!"
"I'm the one with the cash, and I'll decide what it's called."
"Whatever it is, we'll fight, and we'll win!" Andy retorted.
"And I'm right at your side, Andy!" exclaimned Mai, who was happier than she had felt in "years" (with time-travel, it's hard to say...)
©1999
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On a last note, I want to thank Mr. Howard for his generous donations; you came up with a great title, sir!