His breath raced out of control as he rounded yet another corner of 
passageway.  He had been here almost every week for the past year and then some, 
or at least some incarnation of here, and yet he'd managed to stumble into a 
part of the UltraDome where he had no idea where he was, and wasn't seeming to 
have any luck running into fighters or security.  Hiroshi gulped, and took off 
in a random direction, hoping that someone, anyone would come to save him.

	He couldn't see or hear them behind him anymore.  "Maybe I lost them..." 
he thought quietly to himself.  "I just wish I knew why they were suddenly after 
me."  He approached a right turn up ahead.  "Hey, aren't I near the training 
dojo?"  Hiroshi's eyes lit up, hope shining through them.  He quickly rounded 
the corner, eager to make his way to the dojo, surely someone would be there.

	Instead of continuing his flight down the hallway however, Hiroshi fell 
back onto his posterior, having been deflected off the chest of one Spanish 
Fighter.

	"There's our little birdie.  Now let's go somewhere a little more 
private..."  Vega gave Hiroshi a quick chop to the side of the head with his 
unclawed hand, before the surprised boy could even try to throw up an AT Field.  
Hiroshi slumped to the ground.  Vega motioned to the Shadowlaw foot soldiers 
behind him.  "Grab him and let's go.  Bison wanted me to show him what purpose 
his death is going to serve.  Then... we kill him."  Vega grinned evilly at the 
fallen boy's prone form.

*****

	"Have you seen Athena lately?"

	Akane put down her weights and turned to face the person addressing her.  
"She just left.  Whatcha need, Andy?"

	The blond bishounen smiled somewhat nervously and shrugged.  "Just need to 
talk to her for a minute about something.  Thanks Akane."  He waved to Akane and 
continued down the hallway.  "Where could she be?"  Quickening his pace a bit he 
hurried along, and then grinned when he spotted a familiar figure ahead of him.  
"Athena!"

	The purple-haired Lambda fighter paused and looked over her shoulder.  
"Hey, Andy!"

	Andy quickly walked up to Athena.  "Could I ask you something?"

	"Sure, go ahead.  Is something wrong?  You look kind of...I don't 
know...sick?"  She looked at him closely.  "Something happen between you and 
Mai?"

	He coughed nervously.  "Well, what I have to talk to you about involves 
Mai..."

*****

	"You know, I really don't think that'll work.  It just won't match our 
outfit, it'll clash with Pikachu."

	"We could dye him!"

	"PIKA!"

	"Oh, but you'll look so cute!"

	"PikapikaPI!"

	"Fine.  Be that way."

	"Hm, what if we switched to a -gurk!"   James found himself unable to 
breathe due to the fist around his throat.

	Jessie gasped.  "Wolverine!  What are you doing?"

	"I'm going to kill him.  He ruined my chances at winning REBOOT."  The 
half-man, half-beast lifted James up into the air.

	"Now, now, Wolverine, let him down, please?"  Jessie smiled brightly at 
Wolverine while trying to pry his hand away from James' throat.  She jerked her 
head at Pikachu and the little pokemon ran off.

	Wolverine flung James to the side, taking Jessie out with him.  "Don't 
call me Wolvie.  I've had enough.  I'm tired of being manipulated and beaten 
easily.  James, you had better accept a match with me later."

	James rubbed his throat. "But I'm not in Gamma!"

	Wolverine jumped in front of James and gripped his shirt.  Pulling James' 
face close to his he said, "If you don't agree to the match with me later, with 
rules and refs around...I'll kill you now."

	James turned very pale.  "I'm *choke* too handsome *gasp* to die!"

	"He'll do it," Jessie exclaimed.  "Let him go!"

	Wolverine smirked and opened his hand.  James hit the ground and curled up 
into a ball.  "All right then.  I'll see you later."

	"...meep."

*****

	The mood inside the CHAOS dressing room was tense for a moment.  Daisuke 
glanced around at the room.  Shingo and Karin were absent, presumably watching 
over Sakura while she was recovering from last week.  Jack hadn't arrived yet.  
Daisuke wasn't even sure if he got back from Washington DC, no one had heard 
from him since the broadcast.  Shermie sat nearby, stealing occasional glances 
of him that Daisuke pretended not to notice.  Nuku Nuku was sitting in the 
corner playfully swatting a ball of yarn they'd set up for her there.  And Team 
Rocket sat nervously at the couch, having just recently had a conversation with 
a certain Canadian mutant.  In the back of his mind, Daisuke wondered for a 
moment where Hiroshi could be off to.

	Daisuke sighed, "Has anyone seen Jack?  I have to announce the show 
tonight, so I can't sit here all-" 

	The door bursting open cut Daisuke right off.  The sight he saw through 
the doorway, however, was enough to keep Daisuke muted in amazement.  Looking 
tanned, rested, wearing different color Hawaiian shirt and Hawaiian shorts, 
shades, and a lei stood Controversial Jack, complete with a Mr. Duck clad in 
mini-shades and a tiny lei on his shoulder.  "Hey everyone!  I decided I needed 
some R&R after my jail time, so after Reboot I headed to Hawaii.  Always loved 
Hawaii.  Nice land, nice people.  Did you know they try to sacrifice tourists to 
their volcano god?  They tried to throw me in a volcano four separate times 
while I was on the big island."

	Amused grins lit up the room, and Daisuke shook his head.  "Only you 
Jack...  how did you afford a trip to Hawaii anyhow?"

	Jack held up a card marked in big, bold letters ULTRA.  "Ultra Corporate 
Card.  Can't leave home without it."  

	Blinking a few times, Daisuke stuttered, "You... you...stole a..."

	"Somehow I doubt Beekster is going to be sending me back to the Japanese 
courts anytime soon."  Jack grinned maniacally.  "I got everyone an ukulele back 
in the CHAOSMobile!"  He looked around curiously, "I hope I got enough.  How 
many people do we have here again?"

	Sitting up for a moment, Daisuke thought briefly.  "Well you know that we 
have Sakura, Shingo, Team Rocket, and Pikachu."  The yellow rodent jumped up and 
down at the mention of his name, James petted him distractedly.  "Shermie and 
Nuku Nuku have essentially joined up while you've been gone, and Karin is all 
but official. If she was a fighter, she'd be CHAOS.  Hiroshi has usually been 
around too, he's as official as I am."

	Counting on his fingers, Jack nodded.  "Just enough!  Come on Daisuke, 
I'll give you yours first if you help me unload them!"

	Daisuke paled at the thought of getting near the CHAOSMobile again.  
"...no thanks.  So, have you heard about tonight's card?"

	Taking off the shades, Jack paced thoughtfully.  "Nope.  Probably not done 
yet.  Anyone have any confirmed matches?"

	Silently, James rose his hand.  "I... I do." 

	Jack peered curiously at the lone Team Rocket member.  "Just you?  No 
Jessie?"

	James looked uneasy as he answered, "That brute Wolverine wants a rematch 
for what happened at Reboot."

	Looking thoughtful for a moment, Jack shrugged.  "S'alright.  He's one of 
the good guys right?  He was just helping out Sakura two weeks ago, I'm sure..."  
He trailed off as he saw the looks on everyone's faces.  "I take it wolf-boy's 
lost it then.  Jessie, I think standing by your man would be a good idea 
tonight..."

	Huffing, Jessie answered.  "James is not 'My Man', at least not in the way 
you are implying there Jack."  She quieted for a moment, and looked her partner 
in the eyes.  "But I was already planning on being out there with him."

	The male Team Rocket member smiled at his partner.  "Thanks Jessie."

	Jack nodded. "And we'll be ready to come out and help if Beekster tries 
anything on top of that."

	"Nuku Nuku fights today!" the catgirl squealed impishly at Jack.  "Nuku 
Nuku will fight for the Omega belt!"  She leaped up and hugged Jack.  "Nuku Nuku 
miss you, Jack-san."

	Coughing into his fist before anyone could notice his cheeks reddening, 
Jack nodded, "I missed everyone here, including you Nuku.  But... I'm not sure 
you should be here."  

	"But... But Jack-san why!?  Nuku Nuku likes it here!"  The catgirl 
sniffled quietly. 

Daisuke nodded in agreement, "She's been a real help Jack..."

	"But if she gets hurt she'll clutter up the War Room until Washuu can drag 
her keester over here to fix her."  Jack protested.

	"Nuku Nuku's been really good!"  The cat girl looked at Jack with pleading 
eyes.

	"Come on Jack!"

	"Jack, please, she's capable."

	"Pika!"

	"She's fun to talk to!"

	"Jack, she's fighting DAN tonight."  Daisuke added.

	Jack straightened.  "Well then, that shouldn't be a problem.  That pink 
goofball's a good guy, the fight will be on the up and up.  Just do your best 
kiddo."

	"Waaai!  Nuku Nuku will win for Jack-san!!!!"  

	"...Right.  How's Sakura doing?"  Jack turned to Daisuke.

	"Docs say she should be back on her feet any day now.  Probably be ready 
for action next week if we need her."

	Nodding, Jack replied, "Good.  Well folks.  The Jack is back!  We have 
Nabiki on the run, although B-ko might be a new hurdle, it's a show that we've 
dented Beekster already.  We'll have her out of office by the next PPV.  It's 
good to be on the winning team, right?  Now let's go out there and kick some ass 
tonight!"

	Cheers filled the room, and Daisuke glanced at the door.  Where the devil 
was Hiroshi?

*****

	Morrigan quietly waited outside of a certain infirmary recovery room, 
watching to make sure Sakura was alone so that they could have some... quality 
time.  The succubus licked her lips in anticipation.  "All it will take is just 
one.. tiny... moment of pure bliss and you'll be mine forever Sakura."  She took 
a deep breath in at the thought.  Unable to wait any longer, Morrigan was about 
to move forward, when she saw a fuku clad person exit the room and walk slowly 
down the hall.

	"Up and about already... after the beating she took last week..."  
Morrigan smiled evilly.  "My kind of woman."

	The succubus flitted quietly in the air, pursuing the young fighter."

*****

	Karin was on her way to see Sakura, and to see if that's where Shingo had 
run off to, when she suddenly saw Morrigan fly past Sakura's room, and round a 
corner.  "Uh-oh... that demon might be after Sakura or something.  I'd better 
follow her."  Karin took off in a light sprint, trying to catch up to the 
immortal seductress.

*****

	Morrigan grinned as 'Sakura' stopped at a soda machine down the hall.  She 
increased her speed, and held out her arms in ready.  Before the young fighter 
could do anything, Morrigan had tackled him.  She quickly latched her lips to 
her intended, drawing them into a long and passionate kiss.  In the back of her 
mind she could feel strong arms trying to push her shoulders back, and faint 
stubble against her lips.  

*****

	Karin turned a corner and saw Morrigan on top of a struggling figure.  She 
ran up, "That's it!  Get off of..."  Karin paused as she realized that the 
person in the fuku wasn't Sakura, but rather Shingo in a bad disguise. "... MY 
BOYFRIEND!?"

	Morrigan's eyes snapped open in time to realize that Karin was right, just 
before Karin's foot connected with the succubus' midsection.  "OOOF!"  Morrigan 
went rolling down the hall, while a flustered Shingo tried to catch his breath.

	Giving him a look of DOOM(tm), Karin stepped over him and glared at the 
coughing succubus.  "Stay away from Sakura.  Stay away from me.  And most 
definitely, stay away from MY MAN."

	Laughing softly, Morrigan stood gingerly.  "Or else what?  CHAOS is 
already in trouble for having fighting in the halls.  If an UNREGISTERED member 
starts causing trouble outside the infirmary, how do you think Nabiki will 
react.  Or security for that matter?  I didn't know it was your little 
plaything, although he is an above average kisser."

	Cheeks slightly red at that last remark, Karin scowled.  "Keep your lips 
away from him, and any of us."  

	Once again a lighthearted laugh escaped Morrigan.  "I know you and Sakura 
are rivals dear, but are you really that jealous?  Do you have to do everything 
she has... or will?  If so I welcome your attempts to force me, but that's the 
only way you'll get anything from me."  Morrigan winked conspiratorially at the 
red-clad fighter.

	"Why... you... I would NEVER.. a girl of *MY* stature?"  Karin advanced on 
Morrigan angrily, unable communicate the full force of her anger with words.

	Taking to the air, Morrigan shook her head.  "Ah ah ah.  No unsponsored 
fights in the halls now.  Tsk tsk."  Morrigan floated off.  "Now I have an 
appointment to keep.  Have fun kids.  Maybe when Sakura is mine, I'll look you 
up for a little extra fun Shingo."  Morrigan winked at the young boy before 
disappearing into the hallways of Ultra.

	"Karin, I didn't..." Shingo started.

	"Save it.  I have something I need to do."  Karin marched off, her anger 
almost palpable.

	Shingo gulped nervously.  "Be careful Karin..."

*****

	Marlo flipped through the latest Ikea catalog.  "Hrm.  That new king sized 
bed would probably crack a few skulls nicely.  Oooh, real oak bookcases...."  
Marlo buried himself in his research.

	Darshu shook his head.  "Are we going to start this meeting, or do we have 
to listen to chair-boy over there salivating any longer?"

	Tarou stood beside Nabiki's desk, his arms crossed patiently, and he met 
Darshu's gaze levelly.  "Well start when Ms. Tendou says we start."  

	Smiling from her desk, Nabiki nodded at Tarou.  "I'm sure Morrigan will be 
here shortly.  Be patient Darshu."

	Darshu sighed and amused himself by casting a small fireball in his hand, 
and lightly lobbing it over to Marlo's catalog, consuming it in a flash. The 
singed Furniture Savior blinked twice, then glared at Darshu.  "Why you little 
punkass bi-"

	"Sorry I'm late boys."  Morrigan floated in the door lazily, "I got held 
up by a little... affair."  She gave everyone a sultry smile.  Then laid down 
upon the couch, right over Marlo's lap.  "You don't mind, do you Marlo?  I've 
had a long day?" 

	"Er... uh... no... uhm..."

	Standing behind the couch, Yuffie had the decency to look embarrassed.  
"Maybe you should save it for your beloved Sakura..." she trailed off, noticing 
the angered look on Morrigan's face.  The succubus opened her mouth to retort, 
but was interrupted.

	"Enough."  Nabiki stood up from behind her desk.  "All right, I take it 
you've all been briefed on the affects Ms. Dakotuji's purchase of Ultra means to 
us?  We're to assist her if possible, but all in all we will continue business 
as usual.  Consider her as more of a *respected* ally than as a new addition, 
understood?  That goes for Sephiroth too."

	Everyone nodded curtly, so she continued.  "Samurai, you have a title 
defense today."  The two swordsmen had been sitting quietly in the corner, and 
blinked in unison.  "Before you whine, you haven't actually had a victory in 
regards to the belt yet.  The online polls show popular opinion is harshly 
against you.  Tonight should be an easy win, so take it and don't complain."

	Haohmaru nodded, "YES, MS. TENDOU.  WE SHALL USE OUR LEGENDARY (AND IN MY 
PUPIL'S CASE, ALMOST LEGENDARY) SKILLS TO BRING HONOR TO YOUR MOST REPUTABLE 
NAME."  He stood bowed, and Kunou followed suite, then both men returned to 
their seats.

	"Good.  Darshu, are you sure you want to go through with this tonight?"  
Nabiki eyed the young wizard.  "You are rather.. out of practice since losing 
the belt."

	Bristling, Darshu held up a few cards, most of them aces.  "This won't be 
your usual fight, and even if it is, there won't be a problem.  I've beaten them 
before, I can do it again."

	Her gaze on Darshu, she nodded briefly.  "All right.  Next up, Marlo.  I 
have something special planned for you tonight.  Interested?"

	The Furniture Savior grinned, momentarily forgetting his awkward position.  
"Definitely.  What pansy of a fighter do you want me to tear up tonight?  
Mousse?  Bean?"

	"Iori."

	Marlo blinked, "But he's.. Gamma."

	"Just a little reward for your faithful services.  You could be the second 
dual champion in Ultra history.  Gamma championship match."  Marlo started to 
protest, but was cut off by Nabiki.  "Don't worry, a hardcore stipulation will 
be added."  

	Marlo's look turned feral again.  "Thank you, Ms. Tendou."

	Nabiki smiled and nodded.  "Do us proud Marlo.  Well, that should be it 
for tonight.  Morrigan, Yuffie, you two have the night off, try not to get into 
TOO much trouble.  Good luck ever-"

	The door was kicked open suddenly.  Tarou moved forward, but Nabiki 
stopped him.  The assorted fighters looked at the offending figure curiously.  
Morrigan sat upright in Marlo's lap, further distracting the young warrior.  She 
cooed evilly, "Well if it isn't the wannabe?"

	Karin glared at Morrigan while Nabiki stepped forward.  "Ms. Kanzuki, how 
can I help you?"

	Keeping her eyes leveled on Nabiki, Karin stepped forward and calmly 
proclaimed, "I want to join Ultra."

	Nabiki smirked, "I take it Morrigan has upset you again, Ms. Kanzuki?"

	Her stare turned into a glare, "I wish to join Ultra Ms. Tendou.  I'm more 
than qualified.  My training--"

	Waving her hand, Nabiki stopped her.  "I'm sure your fighting prowess is 
apt, but I have to wonder... why would I hire yet another CHAOS flunkie onto 
Ultra?  Request denied.  Please, make an appointment next time.  I'll be sending 
you a bill for the door."

	Turning to walk away, Nabiki paused when Karin spoke again.  "Ms. Tendou.  
With all due respect, I understand you've come under some financial hardships.  
I know you must be hesitant to rely on your new partner too much, lest she force 
you out of the loop entirely.  You cannot afford to lose a large sponsor, such 
as the Kanzuki Corporation."

	Nabiki turned slowly.  "Was that a threat, Ms. Kanzuki?"

	Karin smiled evenly, "Just stating a fact, Ms. Tendou."

	The room was silent for a moment.  Nabiki thought hard for a moment, 
"Fine.  You're hired.  You'll have your contract by tomorrow morning.  And 
before you ask, yes, I'll book you in a match with Morrigan tonight."  She 
silenced the succubus with a glare.  "Good day, Ms. Kanzuki."

	Karin bowed slightly and smiled.  "A pleasure doing business with you Ms. 
Tendou."

	Nabiki held up a hand before Morrigan could start.  "You got yourself into 
this one Morrigan.  I'm afraid we're booked solid for tonight.  Perhaps your 
sister would be amicable towards an assist?"  

	Brightening, Morrigan nodded.  "An excellent idea Nabiki.  Thank you for 
tonight's entertainment."

	Nabiki rubbed her temples.  "Good.  Now everyone go out there and win.  I 
have other things I need to worry about."

	Tarou nodded, "Tonight might actually be an interesting show."

*****


                              LIVE!
                      FROM THE Ultradome!
                     THE BIGGEST SPECTACLE
                    IN ANIME AND VIDEO GAME
                      SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
                        AND IMPROFANFIC!
                        IT'S TIME FOR...

         { M A G I C A L  T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G }
         {    C R O S S O V E R    F I G H T I N G      }
         {             F E D E R A T I O N              }
         {                .-----------.                 }
         {                | U-L-T-R-A |                 }
         {                `-----------'                 }
         {          http://www.mtcffultra.com           }

                 Episode 58:  Clones, Cards, and Diamond Rings

                 Written by:  Pretty Author Princess Delfina
                        And:  Number 1 Dan Fan Stone ColdFury
     MTCFF Ultra Created By:  Number 2 Dan Fan TwoFlower


	The crowd was not silent.  In fact, philosophers across the globe are 
contemplating that as one of the must obvious statements of all time.  Currently 
the debate is raging whether 'What's up?' 'The sky' is more obvious than that.  
Recent polls among philosophers indicate the UltraDome not being silent is more 
obvious.

	"Hello there, and welcome to a little show we like to call Ultra."  
Daisuke said somewhat cheerily from his seat.  He glanced quizzically at the 
unusually subdued Hiroshi.  "This is Daisuke here, along with Hiroshi and Tarou, 
telling you that we have a great show lined up for tonight."

	Tarou and Daisuke stared at Hiroshi.  Who stared curiously at both of 
them.  Tarou spoke first, "Forgetting something?"

	"Huh?  OH!  *ahem*  Are you... ready for some... UltraVIOlence?"  Hiroshi 
said in a more controlled tone than usual, putting the emphasis on a part of a 
word instead of the whole phrase.

	The crowd exploded in even louder cheers.

	Daisuke eyed his partner, but continued.  "We've got some great fights for 
you tonight.  The Gamma, Lambda, and Omega belts are all on the line tonight."

	"And don't think Marlo's sitting on his Hardcore belt," Tarou added.  "In 
a rare event, our Hardcore champion is going to challenge Iori for the Gamma 
belt, with Hardcore rules enforced."

	Daisuke raised an eyebrow.  "Hardcore rules?  Isn't that sort of tilted in 
Marlo's favor?"

	Hiroshi grinned, "Should be a great fight of Ultra Violence then."

	A sweatdrop formed on the back of Daisuke's head.  "Also, in a battle of 
the former Omega Champs, Lina, Naga, and Darshu will be competing in a special 
Unlimited Desire grudge match.  Been a while since Darshu's seen action.  I 
wonder if he's up to the challenge."

	"I just hope he's in good enough shape to tear some threads, and I'm not 
talking about his own."  Hiroshi smiled at the camera.  "Are you with me guys?"

	Half of the audience responded with a loud, "HELL YEA!"  Much to the other 
half's chagrin of course.

	Tarou shook his head, "And we're going to have a few other special matches 
tonight as well.  Our Reboot champion is going to tear down yesterday's model 
for us on national TV."

	"It may have been a while since Tifa fought, but don't count her out yet.  
She can pack a mean punch."  Daisuke noted.

	"It's not her fists the audience will be looking at," Hiroshi noted.

	"..." Tarou and Daisuke jointly proclaimed. 

	"And now, with an annoying bit of gibberish she's going to call an 
interview, here's our roving reporter Sana, with Yotsuya."  Hiroshi segued.

	"Just turn the channel back in a couple of minutes folks, I promise it'll 
be done then."  Tarou muttered while eyeing Hiroshi curiously.

*****

	"Hiii!  How are you two doing?"  Sana bounced happily, holding out her 
microphone to Ash.

	"We're just fine, thanks.  And we're going to show those Psycho Soldiers 
that we're the best!" Ash replied, shoving his fist up into the air.  "We don't 
cheat and we don't play around!"

	"Wai!  Will there be lots of BLOOD and GORE?" Sana exclaimed switching the 
mic over to Misty.

	Misty blinked. "Um. Probably not.  No."

	"Aww...are you sure?" Sana asked, giving the mic to Ash again.

	"We'll do whatever it takes to win," was Ash's response, "As long as we 
play fair.  And we have some new pokemon to use in today's fight!"

	Meowth grabbed the mic.  "Yeah!  And because I'm their manager, dey'll do 
great!"

	"YAY!  This'll be so exciting!  Now, let's go back to the ring where 
Hiroshi and Daisuke and Tarou are ready to announce!"  Sana beamed at the camera 
and the three aforementioned announcers appeared on the Ultratron.

	"Uh, right.  So, Team Pokemon is going up against the Psycho Soldiers.  
Yay." Hiroshi said, waving a little flag.

	"What's wrong with you, Hiroshi?" Daisuke said, poking Hiroshi in the 
side.

	"Nothing's wrong, Dai.  Why do you ask?"

	"Uh.  No reason, I guess."

	"Do your jobs, you two.  Looks like the Psycho Soldiers are coming in." 
Tarou pointed down at the ring as peppy j-pop filled the air.

	Athena and Sie walked down to the ring casually, ducking underneath the 
ropes.  Standing in the center of the ring, they waited for their opponents.  
They weren't kept waiting long.

	"Hey everyone!  We're here!" Ash cried as he ran cheerfully down to the 
ring followed closely by Meowth, ignoring the boos of the crowd.  Misty followed 
somewhat less enthusiastically, cuddling Voiduck in her arms.  When she reached 
the edge of the ring she set Voiduck down.

][ LAMBDA MATCH #1
][ Team Pokemon vs. The Psycho Soldiers
][ FIGHT!

	"Ash, did you want to go first?"

	"Yeah, Misty.  Don't worry, I'll beat them good."  Ash grinned at her and 
pulled out a pokeball as Athena stepped out of the ring.  Sie went into a 
defensive crouch.

	"Look, I don't want to hurt you, kid," Sie began.

	"Don't worry, you won't even touch me."  Ash threw the pokeball down in 
front of Sie and yelled, "Tauros, go!  Tackle him, now!"

	A three-tailed bull popped out of the pokeball and immediately started to 
run towards Sie.  Sie, jumped up and landed on top of it.  The bull started to 
buck wildly.  Sie landed on his feet next to the bull and kicked it in the head.  
The bull stumbled backwards a bit.  Sie muttered something to himself then 
jumped onto the bull's back.  Leaning forward he covered the bull's eyes with 
his hands and held on tightly as the enraged bull began charging around the 
ring, directly towards Ash.

	"Grr.  Tauros, return!"  Ash threw out another pokeball, "Muk!  I choose 
you!  Sludge attack, now!"

	Sie looked somewhat askance at the pile of slime that materialized in 
front of him, and was not prepared for the column of goo that was directed at 
him.  "Oh *gross*."

	Tarou snickered.  "Sie doesn't look too happy, does he?  His dry cleaner 
has his work cut out for him.

	"He seems to be turning green," Hiroshi said, eyeing Sie with some 
revulsion.

	Sie was swaying slightly, every draft of air from a fan waving their sign 
sending him into a new series of wobbling. His color had paled, as well..  
"Athena...I think it poisoned me..."

	"Tag out now, Sie!  I'll be able to handle it from here!"  Athena fought 
back a small wave of dizziness and reached for Sie's hand.  "Come on!"

	"Okay..."  Sie stumbled to the side of the ring and tagged out, then 
collapsed on the apron.  Athena gave him a brief look of concern then jumped 
into the ring.

	"All right, Ash.  My turn now."

	Ash cackled.  "Muk, return!  I have a special pokemon for you, Athena.  
Charizard!  Leer!"

	Athena blinked.  "Leer?"

	The flying pokemon flew in close and leered at Athena.  To go into more 
detail, Charizard lifted his eyebrows at her suggestively and flicked his 
tongue.  His tail whipped out, the tip coming close enough to her chin that she 
could feel a little heat.

	She felt a large sense of outrage common to all females when being leered 
at, even though the...thing leering at her wasn't even her species.  And her 
reaction was not a good one for the pokemon.  "Hentai!"  *WHAM*

	"Hey!  Don't do that to my pokemon!  Charizard, return!"  Ash mentally 
sorted through the remainder of his pokemon.  "Misty, tag me out!"

	"Okay, Ash!"  The petite redhead set Voiduck down next to Meowth and 
tagged Ash's hand.  She looked at Athena somewhat uncertainly then pulled out a 
pokeball and tossed it.  "Staryu, go!  Hydro pump now!"

	The star-shaped pokemon let loose a large column of water.  Athena, 
reeling from dizziness, wasn't able to dodge in time and was pressed against the 
rings.  On the apron Sie groaned and held his sides in pain.

	"Way to go Misty!  Show 'em how to do it!" Ash cried.

	Meowth waved little Misty fans. "You go girl!"

	"What's wrong with Athena?  She should have been able to dodge that." 
Daisuke said.

	"She is acting a bit oddly, even for a weirdo like her," Tarou agreed.  
"What do you think, Hiroshi?"

	Hiroshi shrugged.  "Maybe it's her time of the month?"

	"..." was the response from both announcers and the audience.  The 
fighters weren't paying attention, but a certain little duck was.

	Voiduck's eyes gleamed and he waddled up to the edge of the ring.  He 
bounced up and down but couldn't make out the bodies on the other side.  He 
hmm'ed to himself for a bit, then the proverbial lightbulb flashed over his 
head.  Waddling over to Ash, he tugged at his jeans.  The Pokemon Master looked 
down somewhat irritably and was about to push Voiduck aside when their glances 
met.  "Voi," voi'ed Voiduck.  Ash nodded and picked him up.

	Misty looked at her opponent with concern in her eyes.  "Athena?  You look 
like you're in pretty bad shape.  Do you want to give up now?"

	Athena weakly shook her head.  "No.  I won't give up so easily."  She held 
her hand out in front of her.  "Psycho Ball!"  A ball of pulsing energy emitted 
from her palm and headed straight towards the startled Misty.

	"Aiee!  Staryu, light screen NOW!"  A shield of light sprung in front of 
Misty, barely blocking the energy attack from Athena.  Some of it still seeped 
through and struck her, but she recovered quickly.

	"Misty!  Use your new pokemon!"  Ash called out.  Misty nodded and pulled 
the pokeball out after recalling Staryu.
	
	"Gyarados, I choose you!"  A dragon that had to be over twenty feet long 
suddenly appeared in the Ultradome.  Athena nearly fainted when she saw it.

	"That's one FREAKING HUGE pokemon!" Tarou spat out.  "How the heck do they 
fit in those little balls?"

	"Woah, cool," Hiroshi keanu'd.

	"Oh my," Daisuke kasumi'd.

	"Dragon ra--," Misty paused.

	Ash looked annoyed.  "Misty, use the attack!  Beat her!"

	Voiduck shifted a bit in Ash's grip.  "Voi!"  His eyes gleamed and he 
locked gazes with Misty.  Focusing on the power he started to channel the Void 
through to her...then stopped.  "...voi."  Shaking his head he tried again, but 
Misty had turned away.

	"Gyarados!  Um, smack her with your tail!"  Ash facepalmed while Gyarados 
casually whapped Athena with his tail, knocking her out.

	"Well, looks like Team Pokemon won, surprise surprise," Tarou said.  
"Could she put the pokemon away now?"

	"That was...interesting.  I wonder if that will set a precedent for the 
rest of the matches tonight?" Hiroshi mused.

	Daisuke shuddered.  "I hope not."

*****

	Backstage, Sie limped over to a vending machine while Athena rested back 
in their quarters.  Hearing a slow walk, he turned to see Andy thoughtfully 
approaching him.

	"Hey, Sie?  Got a minute?"

	The Psycho Soldier wiped his brow off and nodded at the male half of the 
Hungry Wolves.

 	"Sie, if I were to leave, do you think you could handle Bison by 
yourself?"

	"...Pardon?"  Sie's jaw dropped and he gave Andy his full attention.  
"What - you think you're going to die or something?  What's wrong, Andy?  
...You're not becoming Terry again, are you?"

	Andy waved his hands in front of Sie.  "No, no...I mean...will the Psycho 
Soldiers be able to handle it?  If I'm not here.  I need to know."

	"Of course we'll be able to handle it.  Don't worry about us."  He paused 
and stared at Andy.  "But why are you asking?"

	Andy shrugged.  "I just...I wanted to make sure that you'd be okay.  I may 
be leaving...and I didn't want to ditch you two.  I know you're in the middle of 
this huge feud and...well you're like family.  We've been through a lot 
together."

	Sie nodded.  "Yes, we have.  So you know that if something's bothering 
you, you can always count on us for help."

	"The same here.  Which is why I was asking."  Andy rubbed the back of his 
head.  "I could probably use your support later today," he laughed nervously.

	"Oh, we'll be there for your fight, right by the ring.  I'm sure you and 
Mai will get the belt from the Samurai."  Sie put his arm around Andy and led 
him out of the room.  

	"...well, it's not the match that I'm worried about..."

*****

	"TOWEL!  GET ME A TOWEL!"  B-ko screamed anxiously.

	An Ultra staff attendant got her a towel quickly.  "Here you go ma'am."

	B-ko nodded curtly, then took it and applied it to Sephiroth's forehead.  
"There you go Sephi-kun, you looked like you were developing a sweat."

	Sephiroth sat back in an official Ultra lounge chair, with an official 
Ultra towel on his head, with an official Ultra mixed drink in his hand, as he 
casually watched Ultra on Sony's official UltraBox television.  "B-ko.. it is 
pointless to pamper me so.  It is my destiny to be god of this plain, comfort is 
just a minor perk."

	"Does that mean you want me to stop using my position to swing free perks 
your way?"  B-ko pouted softly.

	"... I never said that."  Sephiroth gazed at B-ko curiously.  She was 
certainly a unique beauty.  Would anyone have told him that he would have his 
heart tempted so by a mere... no mere was not the term.. by such an intelligent 
mortal, he would have laughed.  But now she was there, in the back of his 
thoughts, in the front of his mind, and constantly at his side.

	And oddly, he was content.  Noticing her staring at him, he made an 
attempt to say something to ease her nervousness.  "It's almost time for us to 
go... my sweet."

	B-ko's cheeks turned 50 shades of red, then she regained her proper color.  
"Hai.  You will not need to lift a finger Sephi-kun, I'll do it all for you."

	Smiling slightly at her, Sephiroth stood.  "Thank you.  Then... great 
power shall be mine.  And through me... yours."

*****

	"What an amazing turn of events folks so far tonight, and the show's just 
getting started!"  Daisuke panted slightly.

	"Are you all right?  You're too.. hyper."  Tarou looked at Daisuke 
carefully.

	"Well... with you two excitement vortexes sitting here someone has to pick 
up the slack."  Daisuke nodded toward the decidedly uninterested Hiroshi, who 
was idly examining the more attractive women in the audience.

	Tarou eyed Hiroshi as well, and rolled his eyes.  "For once you're right 
dye-boy."  Tarou alluded to Daisuke's cherished hair dye to maintain his former 
hair color in his now clone-bleached hair.  Glancing down at his notes, Tarou 
sighed.  "Maybe this will cheer him up."  He held the paper out toward Daisuke, 
who grinned wildly.

	"If this doesn't do it... okay folks, our next match is for the OMEGA 
CHAMPIONSHIP BELT.  That's right, the one, the only... Taunting Godhead Legend 
Stone Cold Dan Hibiki is going to defend his belt for the first time, against 
the irrepressible catgirl, Nuku Nuku!  Dan might be slightly rusty, but he had a 
warm-up exhibition match last week.  Will he be ready for Nuku Nuku, who is on a 
rather impressive tear through the Omega ranks?"

	"All I know is that someone better get me earplugs before they start 
talking, two people that stupid conversing is bound to drain a few IQ points out 
of anyone."  Tarou crossed his arms grumpily.

	"...."  Daisuke and Tarou then looked at Hiroshi for his inevitable 
comeback, only to note nothing coming.

	"Sooo, 'Rosh... you have any thoughts on the upcoming match?"  Daisuke 
implored his partner to speak up.

	"I dunno.  I guess I'm rooting for the hot babe.  They're both pretty much 
losers."  Hiroshi shrugged.

	"...."  Tarou and Daisuke agreed once more.

	Hiroshi noticed the light signaling that the match was about to start.  
"Now, we take you to Yosemite national park, which has been specially cleared 
for this event, where Dan the Loser Hibiki will take on Nuku Third Person Nuku 
for the belt no one really cares about."  He sat back in his chair, slouching.  
"So... when do the really hot women fight?"

*****

	Krillin floated idly above the park.  A quick scouting trip had proven the 
area to be abandoned, and any stray wildlife he'd scared away rather easily.  He 
now awaited the arrival of the two competitors.  He stretched lazily.  "With 
these two, not only will it be a nice clean fight, but probably a pretty wimpy 
one."

	Two portals opened up on both sides of Krillin.  From one vortex pounced 
Nuku Nuku, while the other produced a rolling Dan Hibiki.  The two nearly 
collided on top of Krillin, but somehow both managed to stop just before hand.

	Dan stood, wobbly for only the merest of seconds, then flexed his forearm 
at Nuku.  "Know this Nuku Nuku!  Your catgirl prowess has served you well 
against other fighters in the Omega League, and you are indeed a worthy 
opponent.  Dan Dan will unleash his full fighting fury upon you!  
OYYYAAJIIIIIIIII!"

	Smiling honestly, "That's all right Dan-sama, Jack-san said you were a 
good guy, and that you'll only fight fair.  Nuku Nuku likes fighting fair.  Nuku 
Nuku won't hold back either!"

	Krillin nodded, "All right fighters, this is for the Omega Belt."  He took 
the prize from Dan and held it above his head.  "Ready.... FIGHT!"  He quickly 
took to the sky to get a look at the action from above.

][ OMEGA MATCH #1 - OMEGA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
][ Dan Hibiki vs Nuku Nuku
][ FIGHT!

	"DAN DAN BOOT TO THE HEAD!!"  Dan flew through the air foot first towards 
Nuku's catlike skull.  At the last possible second she rolled out of the way, 
leaving Dan to fly past her and crumple into the ground.  Both opponents 
stumbled to their feet at about the same time, and engaged in a staring contest.  
"Yosh!  You have learned much, Nuku Nuku to use Dan's own technique against him.  
I salute you!"  Dan flexed his forearm and turned it into a salute.

	Blushing slightly, Nuku Nuku giggled.  "Waaai!  Thank you Dan-sama!"  

	Both fighters assumed their fighting stances once more.  Nuku Nuku dove at 
Dan suddenly, her hand extended, ready to claw him.  Just before she could make 
impact however, Dan extended his open palm in front of him.  "GADOKEN!"  A 
minuscule fireball came into existence in front of the advancing catgirl for the 
briefest of seconds before hitting her dead on in the face.

	With a resounding *BOOM*, Nuku Nuku flew back first into the dirt, leaving 
a skid trail in the ground.  Standing gingerly, she shook the dirt off of her, 
then looked up to see Dan following up with his trademark triplekick maneuver, 
the Gale Kick.  The pink clad warrior's foot came within inches of Nuku's face, 
when she suddenly fell back as if she was going to back flip, but instead used 
her hands to spring herself feet first at Dan.  Both of her feet connected and 
the legendary warrior of Saikyo found himself flying through the air and into a 
tree.

	"Wai!  Nuku Nuku is doing good!"  Nuku Nuku exclaimed as she dashed at 
Dan.  The manliest of Omega competitors struggled to his feet, and dodged to the 
side when Nuku attempted another slashing attack.  Her attack however caused the 
already damaged oak tree he'd landed against to collapse.  A cloud of dust 
enveloped both fighters as the tree hit the ground practically on top of both of 
them.

	For a tense moment, neither was visible as the dust slowly began to 
settle.  As the dust fell back to the earth, it was Nuku Nuku standing beside 
the tree, while Dan was trapped beneath the fallen Trunk

	"Looks like this might be it."  Krillin began to float toward the fallen 
fighter to administer the ten-count, but was suddenly distracted by a plane 
approaching him.  "What the... this whole airspace has been deemed off limits."

	In the cockpit, the targeting screen showed a certain bald monk in the 
middle of it's crosshairs.  The computer monotoned, "Target Locked," causing the 
pilot to smile and leisurely pull the trigger.  

	Krillin eyed the jet curiously.  "That's a fighter jet."  Missiles burst 
forth from the wings of the jet, streaking toward the Buddhist fighter.  "Aaaah!  
This is NUUUTS!!"  Krillin frantically dodged one missile, and was trying to 
raise his fighting power to deal with the others, but it was too late.  Three 
missiles impacted him soundly, and the bald fell to the ground smoking in a 
crater.  

	Meanwhile, Nuku Nuku had stopped celebrating and was looking around 
curiously.  "Ano... didn't I win yet?"

	"OHOHOHOHOHOHO!  You've won something all right, a first class lesson in 
pain!" the jet blared from its speakers.  Swooping down at Nuku Nuku, it seemed 
to slow down just as she tensed to leap out of the way.  The jet suddenly 
fragmented into pieces, the cockpit & nose swinging down into the body of the 
jet, the engine portions extending down with the stabilizers shifting 90 degrees 
vertically.  A head emerged from where the cockpit was, and it's exhaust intakes 
turned out to be shoulders as hands extended from the sides of the machine.  

	It landed before Nuku Nuku, and pointed both its clenched fists at the 
confused catgirl, B-ko's laugh sounded out over it's intercom.  "OHOHOHOHOH!  
MEET MY LATEST INVENTION!  The White Angel of Death!"

	"Annnoooo... isn't that Leader One?"  Nuku Nuku asked.

	B-ko blinked from inside the mecha.  "Huh?"

	"Leader One... from the Go-Bots.  It even has the glowing hands that it 
shoots from.  Papa-san and I always used to watch that American cartoon."  Nuku 
Nuku smiled happily.  "My favorite character was Scooter!  He had this holograph 
projector instead of weapons and--"

	"ENOUGH!  This is the white angel of death, not your silly Leader One!  
Now DIE!"  B-ko pressed both triggers inside her control station.  The fists of 
the large mecha glowed brighter, then shout out white streams of energy at Nuku.

The surprised catgirl managed to sidestep out of the way, but the explosion from 
the blasts impacting the ground threw her a few feet, and managed to tear up her 
outfit enough to garner up some interest from Hiroshi.

	"OHOHOHOHOHOHO!"  Again B-ko blasted at Nuku, but this time the dazed 
catgirl couldn't get out of the way in time.  The blasts struck her full on, and 
she cried out in pain.  Her skin was charred in places, and her knees buckled as 
she tried to get up.

	Standing wobbly on her feet, Nuku Nuku frowned at B-ko.  "That... That 
wasn't nice."

	"And now.. it is time for you to DIE!!!"  B-ko turned the knobs up to 
their fullest capacity, and her latest creation's fists turned purple with 
deadly energy.  The air crackled around the mechanical monstrosity.  She was 
about to pull both triggers, with a still unsure Nuku Nuku locked in her sights, 
when suddenly the contact sensors rang.  

	Clutching onto the leg of the giant mecha, Dan glowed of a pink, unholy 
fury.  "TAUNTING GODHEAD LEGEND OTOKO MICHIIIIII!!!"

	B-ko had time to swear under her breath before the energy suddenly 
exploded, engulfing Dan and her robot of the week.

	Nuku Nuku was knocked off her feet by the intensity of the blast, mecha 
parts flying everywhere in the aftermath of the explosion.  She sat up woozily 
to see a tired, but triumphant Dan, standing with his body singed and top half 
of his gi burned off over the slightly singed but none the worse for wear 
unconscious B-ko.

	"Yosh!  *pant*  Such... is the fate of those... who interfere with the 
matches of... Stone Cold Dan Hibiki.  *Cough*  Owie."  Dan shook his head 
woozily to clear it.

	Nuku Nuku could feel the aching in her artificial limbs as she stood 
uneasily.  "Nuku Nuku will not... give up..."

	"Neither will *coughcoughhack* the legendary master of the Saikyo style."  
Dan glanced at Krillin, who gingerly stood and looked in their direction.  
Realizing their intention, Krillin shrugged and gave a thumbs up.  "Prepare 
yourself... Nuku Nuku."

	Dan stumbled toward Nuku Nuku, and swung a fist at her.  She easily dodged 
his weak blow, and punched him in the face to counter.  Dan stumbled back, and 
Nuku Nuku waited for him to regain his balance.  "Nuku Nuku sorry, she thinks 
maybe you should give up?"  the former Cybergrrl looked at Dan anxiously.

	"Dan.. does not know the meaning.. of the word.. give up."  Dan 
straightened suddenly.  "DAN DAN BOOT TO THE HEAD!"  Again Dan flew towards 
Nuku's head with incredible speed.  This time however, he started out closer and 
she was already injured.  She simply couldn't move fast enough, and his foot 
connected cleanly with her skull.  She crumpled to the ground as Dan stumbled 
into a landing and assumed a cautionary fighting stance.

	Pausing from brushing the soot off of his gi, Krillin stepped forward.  
"One.  Two.  Three.  Four.  Fi--"

	Noticing a shadow enveloping him, Krillin paused in his count to turn 
around.  "What the-?"

	Krillin was rewarded with the flat side of Masamune to the side of his 
skull, and crumpled to the ground for the second time that day.

	Sephiroth stood dramatically over his fallen target.  "Hibiki, this will 
be your last moment of life in this plane.  Prepare for your demise."

	Dan stared incredulously at Sephiroth.  "You!  But... why!?  We have 
fought legendary battles in the past, in which I, the legendary Dan, have 
defeated you!  Why attack me now?"

	Brushing a lock of hair from his face, Sephiroth allowed himself a smile.  
"When the godhead had been destroyed, and the deed to hell along with it, all 
seemed as if my ultimate purpose here had been done in.  There was no longer a 
shining road to omnipotence.  My destiny, almost seemed out of reach." 

	He stared past Dan, and at an UltraCam.  "But after all, this is Ultra.  
Sooner or later, something will come along with great power that I can steal."  
He turned back to Dan.  "Such as you.  I will kill you, and claim your power for 
my own."

	"You cannot claim the power that is Dan Hibiki!"  Dan flexed his arm 
mightily.  "The power of Dan comes from my mighty fighting spirit, and is not 
the artificial product of any godhead.  Your attempt to kill me will achieve 
nothing."

	Raising Masamune to a fighting position, Sephiroth replied.  "At the very 
least, it will cease your incessant prattling.  And besides..."  He glanced over 
his shoulder at the smoking crater in which B-ko laid.  "I believe honor 
dictates I owe you."

*****

	"FOUL!  I OBJECT!"  Jack pounded on the CHAOS conference table angrily.

	Shingo sighed, "I know how you feel Jack, but there's nothing we can do.  
Nuku's our only Omega fighter, and the closest we could do in a pinch as 
secondary would be Dan.  Unless you have some sort of godhead telepathy left 
over to contact Lina..."

	Stared at the screen.  "Maybe...."  His gaze turned to Shingo, wild eyed.  
"Dan kept his augmented powers after he lost the godhead.  Lina's in the best 
fighting form of her life.  Even Kasumi still seems to always know what to do.  
Maybe.. maybe I still have some of my Contrajin powers left.  I trashed 
Sephiroth once..."

	Beads of sweat appeared over the back of Shingo's head, "Jack.. you can't 
be serious!"

	Setting Mr. Duck onto the table in front of him, Jack set his jaw and gave 
Shingo a determined look.  "Can't I?"  Flexing all of his muscles at once, Jack 
strained with all his might to increase his fighting power and unleash his 
mighty Contrajin abilities. "hnnnnnngh.... hnnnnnnnngh... HnnnnnngghhhH!!  
HNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGG!!! AAAAAAAAAAH!  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH-- ...  oops."

	Shingo took in the entire display trying to see or sense any shift in 
power and ended up blinking twice before taking in what Jack just said.  "Oops?"

	"... I think I need to visit the restroom."  Jack dashed off carefully for 
the nearest toilet.

	Shingo shook his head and sat back in front of the television, picking up 
Mr. Duck.  "What do you think Mr. Duck?"

	*squeak*

	"Yeah... me too."

*****

	Dan rolled, jumped, sashayed, and generally dodged any way his poor pink 
little beat up body could manage.  Sephiroth swiped at him again and again with 
the Masamune.  "You will.." *swipe* "never defeat..." *autograph parry* "the 
mighty..."  *duck*  "Dan!!!"  *taunt followed by quick backwards roll*

	"I grow tired of this."  Sephiroth let Dan roll a safe distance away, then 
extended his empty hand.  "Flare."

	To those looking on, it appeared as though Dan had exploded.  Fire and 
smoke lit the air around him.

	To Dan, it felt as though he had exploded.  Only without the nice being 
dead so the pain stops part.

	When the smoke cleared, Dan laid still on the charred earth.  Sephiroth 
stood above his fallen foe and pulled out Masamune.  "Good bye, pink annoyance."

	"NOOOOOOO!!!"  Nuku Nuku suddenly tackled Sephiroth.  Masamune fell to the 
side, as Nuku pounded her feline fists into the long haired bishounen.  They 
rolled like this on the ground for a few moments, Nuku landing blow after blow.  
Finally, exhausted, she disentangled herself from him.  Rolling to the side, she 
wheezed heavily, trying to gather yet another wind.  

	Sephiroth stood slowly, rubbing a trickle of blood from his mouth.  "You 
will regret that feline.  Ice 2."  Sephiroth didn't even watch as Nuku Nuku was 
encased in a solid block of ice.  He retrieved Masamune, and began walking 
toward the slowly thawing catgirl.  "You have earned the first kill."

	Dan watched from the ground, his body too sore to move.  Anger swelled up 
within him.  Not only was this villain going to kill him, but he was going to 
kill and innocent young woman as well.  He was no worse than Sagat, the man who 
killed his father.  "oyaji... " Dan whispered weakly.  No different than Sagat.  
Evil, like Sagat.  The man that had made him take up Saikyo, the man that 
destroyed his childhood.  Sephiroth was just like him, about to destroy another 
innocent.

	Suddenly... something snapped.

	"OOOOOYAAAAJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Dan stood with determination.  
He felt no pain, he felt only anger.  "SEPHIROTH!!!!!!!!"

	Slowly, the bishounen turned, his sword ready.  Dan stared him in the 
face, pink energy flowing up from around him.  "You will not harm another 
Sephiroth... not so long as Dan stands to prevent it!"

	Sephiroth chuckled slowly.  "That can be remedied."  He held out his palm 
again.  "Ulti--"

	Suddenly Dan exploded in an extra pink aura of energy.  His muscles grew 
in size.  His hair broke out of it's ponytail and floated everywhere, only to 
start clumping together in spikes.  His eyes turned pink, and his hair stood 
upright, spikes holding solid.  His aura burst forward even more, the winds from 
his power forcing Sephiroth to use all his might to stay in place.  Dan's hair 
suddenly turned neon green.

	"SUPER... SAIKYOJIN!!!!!!!"  Dan's aura erupted, and he was suddenly 
rolling straight for Sephiroth.  Before the bishounen could respond, he was hit, 
and went flying back 15 feet.

	Dan stood quickly and pulled a pen out of what was left of his gi.  
"SHINKUUUUUU...." He held out his empty hand and a 24" glossy of himself 
appeared in it.  "PREMIUM SIGN!!!!!!"  He quickly signed the picture, and 
chucked it straight at Sephiroth.

	Sephiroth had enough time to blink before the autograph hit.  

	The resulting explosion was enough to wake a very sore Krillin up.  He 
looked around to see a crumpled char of a man that resembled Sephiroth laying in 
a large crater.  B-ko seemed to have been flung into the bushes, still out cold, 
by something.  Dan, showing no signs of his earlier transformation, and Nuku 
Nuku were both out cold in the opposite direction.

	"Uh.  This is nuts.  Double KO.  This one's a draw folks."  Krillin 
shrugged to the camera before limping off to collect the fallen fighters.

*****

	"A draw.  The pink poofball shows a new technique, and he gets a draw.  
Ha!"  Tarou snickered.

	"I know.  Seriously, his ultimate attack was a photograph?  Yeesh."  
Hiroshi shook his head.

	Daisuke stared at Hiroshi before turning back to the camera.  "That one 
was a draw folks.  But what a draw it was.  Is this a new technique for Dan, or 
a one shot fluke like he so often seems to have?  And was his hair really neon 
green or were our camera's going out?  Time will tell."

	"Coming up next... our first clash of the champions tonight.  Mousse will 
take on Tifa for the bragging rights as to which Reboot champion is the best in 
a hardcore brawl!"  Tarou grinned.

	Hiroshi perked.  "Tifa?  She has big--"

	Slapping his hand over Hiroshi's mouth, Daisuke interrupted.  "We'll be 
back after this!"

	Glaring at his partner as soon as the camera turned off, Daisuke 
thundered, "What has gotten into you Hiroshi!?"

	Slumping in his chair, Hiroshi shrugged.  "I'm just depressed.  Leave me 
alone Dai.  Please.  You know all the stuff I've been going through lately."

	Chuckling, Tarou patted Hiroshi on the back.  "Maybe he's finally maturing 
into a real man, with a spine."

	Ignoring Tarou, Daisuke gave Hiroshi a hard look.  "Whatever man.  
Whatever."

*****

	"Mousse.  Shampoo wanted ask you something..."  Shampoo stared at Mousse 
curiously.

	"Yes, my darling?"  Mousse looked directly at her with his big round eyes.

	"Shampoo want know when you got your eyes fixed."

	Mousse blushed slightly.  "A couple of weeks before Reboot.  I didn't want 
to tell you in case it didn't work."

	"Is good thing you did, Shampoo proud.  You won Reboot.  Show that 
amazon's good fighters."  Shampoo smiled briefly.

	"Th-thank you Shampoo."

	"You will win tonight, yes?"  Shampoo looked at Mousse with big eyes.

	"Yes, of course my darling!"  Mousse started packing extra weapons into 
his robes.  "I will prove my worth to you and show that amazons are the best 
fighters!"

	The two amazon fighters headed out of their dressing room and headed for 
the ring.

*****

	"Well this should be a fun fight to watch folks.  Mousse really hit a zen 
with Reboot 2.0, and I have no doubt he'll tear through Tifa like yesterday's 
news, which she is."  Tarou impartially announced.

	"If you make one pun off the word tear Hiroshi, I will hurt you."  Daisuke 
added.

	Hiroshi remained silent in his seat.

	"And approaching the ring we have Mousse, accompanied by Shampoo.  
Together they are the Jusenko Survivors!"  Daisuke intro'd.  "And now, following 
down the ring is Tifa, one half of the Road Busters!!"

	"I wonder where her boy toy is?"  Tarou smirked.

	Tifa glared at Tarou as she flipped into the right.  "I'm confident in my 
ability to fight on my own."  She stared at Mousse.  "I hope you are too."

	Mousse nodded, then replied, staring at Shampoo while he did so.  "Shampoo 
will not interfere."

	Tifa took Mousse in with a long look.  "Good then.  I believe you.  Let's 
do this."

][ HARDCORE BOUT #1 - SPECIAL REBOOT BRAGGING RIGHTS MATCH
][ Tifa Lockheart vs Mousse
][ FIGHT!

	Mousse pulled a mace out from his robes.  "As you wish."  He charged the 
young fighter, swinging with full force with his mace.  Tifa lunged backward, 
the mace swiping the air where she had stood.  Regaining his balance Mousse 
charged forward again.  Tifa dove to the side this time as the mace came 
crashing down onto the ring where she previously been.

	Regaining her footing quickly, she leapt toward Mousse while he was 
lifting the mace for another assault.  Wordlessly she landed a drop kick on his 
chest that dislodged the mace from his grip.  The steel instrument of death 
rolled out of the ring.

	Stumbling back, Mousse rubbed his chest briefly, then suddenly flung his 
arms at Tifa.  Chains erupted from his sleeves, wrapping around Tifa and 
clinging tightly to her body.

	Sitting up in his chair, Hiroshi grabbed the mic.  "Wow!  This fight has 
taken an amazing turn.  Just look at how the chains around her chest just leave 
enough of a gap to accentuate her--"

	"HIROSHI!"  Both Tarou and Daisuke shouted.  

	Back in the ring, Mousse dropped the chains, and Tifa was struggling to 
get out of them.  A baseball bat slid into Mousse's hands from inside his robe, 
and he swung at the incapacitated fighter. 

	The chains absorbed quite a bit of the blow, but Tifa screamed in pain, 
before rolling away.  The roll dislodged the chains, and she was able to stand, 
favoring her left leg a little where the bat had connected. 

	"Alright then, Bolt."  An arc of lightening belted out from Tifa's 
gauntlet and smacked into Mousse.  The amazon fell to one knee but stood again 
and advanced toward Tifa again.

	Gritting her teeth, Tifa charged forward.  Mousse swung the baseball bat 
at her quickly, but she dodged underneath, and lodged her fist in his stomach.  
He gasped for breath but kept his grip on the bat.

	Thinking quickly, Mousse smashed his elbow into Tifa's forehead, causing 
her to stumble backwards.  His elbow ringing from the blow, Mousse awkwardly 
backhanded the belt at Tifa, succeeding in knocking her back into the ringpost, 
where she slumped momentarily.  He lost the bat in the process though, his grip 
too weak, and it went sailing into the audience.  A cheer went up, then a small 
scuffle for who would get the unique keepsake.

	Shaking off the pain in his elbow, Mousse stared disdainfully at the spot 
where his bat disappeared to.  He turned to see Tifa charging him yet again, 
slower this time.  Her elbow smashed into his face, and as he stumbled back, she 
followed up with a kick to the stomach.  Mousse fell back onto the mat, and the 
referee began counting slowly.

	"This could be it for Mousse..." Daisuke warned.  "Both fighters have 
taken some incredible punishment."

	"They both seem to have forgotten how to dodge, you mean," Tarou 
corrected.

	Mousse stood stiffly just before the count ran out, then assumed a 
defensive posture.  He motioned with his hand for Tifa to give him her best 
shot.

	"Don't give up yet?  All right, don't say I didn't try to warn you."  Tifa 
shrugged and ran at the warrior again, ignoring the pain in her leg.

	At the last second Mousse spun out of Tifa's way, using his circular 
momentum to pull a weapon out of his robe and slam it into the back of Tifa's 
head.

	"....  And Mousse pulls out the plastic duck training potty to smash Tifa 
to the ground."  Daisuke blinked.

	"He brought out a WHAT?"  Tarou stared at the ring incredulously.

	Tifa had regained her balance, and stood uneasily near the corner.  Her 
vision cleared in time to see Mousse rearing back.  "FIST OF THE WHITE SWAN!!"
He smashed the training potty straight into her face.  

	Tifa crumpled to the mat, not moving.

	The referee held up Mousse's arm in victory.  

	"And Mousse has won it.  I told you, when someone uses their brains and 
shows no mercy, there's no stopping them."  Tarou bore his teeth in an evil 
grin.

	"Shampoo!  I did it!  For you my lo--"  Mousse paused as he looked at 
where Shampoo would be standing and instead saw a rather large refrigerator.  
"Shampoo?"

	A voice rang out from high above the ring.  A king sized bed dropped to 
the middle of the ring, narrowly missing Mousse.  "Oh, you didn't know?"  Marlo 
fell from the sky and landed on the bed comfortably, bouncing off and hit the 
canvas feet first.  "If there's hardcore to be had, I will be there.  Especially 
when I owe a certain someone."

	"You hurt Shampoo!  I'll--" was as far as Mousse got before he was eating 
steel chair.  Literally.  Marlo had pulled out his favorite instrument of war 
and stuffed it into his talking mouth painfully.

	Mousse struggled momentarily, only to cease when a solid oak bookcase 
landed on him, courtesy of the furniture savior.  "Damn right.  I love quality 
craftsmanship.  Let this be a lesson to everyone.  *I* am the Hardcore champ.  
You mess with Hardcore, you're gonna end up messing with me."

	Marlo grinned at the confused crowd, and waved.  "See you bitches later."  
Now fully against him, the crowd booed as Marlo strutted up the ramp. 

	"In a surprising turn of events, it appears Marlo has called squatting 
rights on all things hardcore."  Daisuke noted.

	"He IS the champ."  Tarou shook his head.  "If they wanna fight with 
hardcore rules, he's gonna get involved."

	"She's still got her clothes on.  I demand a recount.  For Ultra viewers 
rights to count, we have to count her clothes!  By hand!  I'll examine them for 
the rare--"  Hiroshi stopped as Daisuke elbowed him hard in the chest.

	"We'll be right back."  Daisuke sighed, and put his head on the table when 
the light flickered off.  "'Roshiii...."

	"What?  Just having some fun." 

	Daisuke's head repeatedly hitting the table was the only response given. 

*****

	"And I just don't understand him!  MEN!"  The kunoichi threw her hands up 
in the air and stomped her foot.

	Athena laughed.  "Oh come on, Mai.  I'm sure he isn't nearly as dense as 
you think he is."

	"Yes!  He is!  I've been chasing him for years and he still doesn't get 
it!  He's always the gentleman.  Well I've had it!"  Mai snapped her fan for 
emphasis.  "There are plenty of men here at Ultra.  I'm sure I could find one 
that will pay attention to me."

	"You know you don't want that."  Athena put an arm around her friend.  
"Andy's just a little slower than most.  Maybe he really is showing you 
affection, but in a different way."

	Mai sighed.  "Yeah, maybe.  Although it probably couldn't hurt to try and 
make him jealous, hm?"

	Athena giggled.  "If you're going to do that, why don't you wait til after 
your match?  Who knows - maybe he'll surprise you."

	Mai gave an unladylike snort.  "Sure, sure.  Anyways, I suppose I should 
get ready.  Want to look my best for when we take the belt from those Samurai!"

	"That's the spirit!" Athena applauded.  "And you want to look good for 
Andy too, right?"

	"I suppose," Mai assumed a woebegone expression, "but as for him actually 
noticing..."

*****

	Andy watched Mai walk down the hallway ahead of him.  "She looks really 
nice today," he thought to himself.  "I hope I can do this."  Striding forward 
he caught up to her as they entered the Ultradome.  Mai ignored him and 
continued walking.  Andy suppressed a groan.  "Great.  She's mad at me.  What do 
I do?"  Feeling someone poke him from behind he turned to see Athena.

	"Tell her she looks pretty, Andy.  Sheesh, how are you ever going to pull 
it off if you can't even manage the simple things?" she whispered to him 
quickly.

	Andy nodded in thanks and hurried up next to Mai.  Clearing his throat, he 
said, "Um.  You look very nice today, Mai."

	The redhead gave Andy a brilliant smile, causing him to blush, paused, 
looked at him in disbelief and touched his forehead.  "Andy?  Are you all 
right?"

	"I'm just fine.  Really!"  Andy turned a little redder and looked around.  
"Well, I hear the guys calling us, so let's go."  The blond practically ran away 
from the confused Mai towards the ring.  Mai stared at his back for a second or 
two then quickly followed.

*****

	A thunderclap echoed through the Ultradome and two spotlights centered 
upon opposite corners highlighting Kunou and Haohmaru.  The two raised their 
weapons in salute to one another and strode down to the ring.

	"And here come the Samurai to defend their belt!  Will the Hungry Wolves 
manage to snatch it from them and become the new Lambda champions?"  Daisuke 
smacked himself.  "Why am I being the hyper one?"

	Hiroshi shrugged.  "The Hungry Wolves are going to lose."

	Tarou grinned at Hiroshi and gave him a high-five.  "Finally, you have 
come to your senses.  The Samurai, as my esteemed colleague here pointed out, 
are going to keep the belt and beat the pathetic Wolves into the ground."

	Daisuke shook his head.  "Can't you be a little optimistic about the 
Wolves' chances?  Andy and Mai are very good.  The Samurai aren't exactly known 
for their intelligence."

	"Yes, but what the Samurai lack for in intelligence, they more than make 
up for with their superior fighting abilities," Hiroshi replied.

	"Hiroshi, what's *wrong* with you?" Daisuke asked.  "You're supposed to be 
the cheerful, excited one who's not catering to Nabiki's directives."

	"It was time for a change."  Hiroshi pointed at one end of the Ultradome, 
where Mai and Andy were walking out.  "And here come the Wolves now."

	Mai waved cheerfully to the crowds, beaming happily, while Andy looked 
somewhat shell-shocked as they walked to the ring.

	"Andy doesn't look like he's in such great shape, does he?" Tarou 
observed.

	"No, he doesn't." Hiroshi agreed.

	"Andy will be great.  So will Mai.  Yay Hungry Wolves."  Daisuke 
facepalmed.  "Right..."

	"WHY DO YOU TWO NOT GIVE UP TO MY LEGENDARY SELF AND MY ALMOST-BUT-NOT-
QUITE-AS-LEGENDARY-AS-MYSELF PUPIL?  IT WILL MAKE IT MUCH EASIER."

	Mai pulled out her fan and pointed it at Haohmaru.  "No!  Andy-chan and I 
will never give up to you!  Right, Andy?"

	"Right!  Why don't you just hand over the belt to us?  It will make it 
much easier."  Andy grinned at the duo.  "We don't want to hurt you too bad, 
after all."

	"You may have beat the Blue Thunder and his esteemed master once, but that 
action shall not be repeated!"  Kunou slashed his sword in front of him and 
nodded to Haohmaru.  "I will be the first to beat them into the ground, if you 
do not mind."

	"CERTAINLY NOT.  HAVE FUN."  Haohmaru stepped out of the ring.

	Andy and Mai exchanged glances, then Mai also stepped off to the side 
where she was joined by Athena and Sie.

][ LAMBDA MATCH #2  -- LAMBDA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
][ The Samurai vs. The Hungry Wolves
][ FIGHT!

	Kunou lunged towards Andy, thrusting with his long blade.  Andy nimbly 
jumped out of the way then swept his legs underneath Kunou, knocking the Samurai 
off of his feet.  Kunou quickly recovered and countered by striking Andy with 
his blade.  Andy winced and twisted to grab the bokken out of Kunou's hands.

	Kunou's grip on his bokken was stronger than Andy anticipated.  Andy's 
pull hoisted the junior Samurai into the air.  With a grunt, Andy started 
swinging Kunou around.  Around and around and around...

	"Seems that Andy is taking advantage of Kunou's attachment to his bokken." 
Daisuke noted.

	Tarou grunted.  "Yeah, he's trying to make him so dizzy that he'll fall 
over."

	"I wonder what would happen if he let go?" Hiroshi mused.  "Oh wait, I 
know.  New Kunou-shaped hole in the Ultradome."

	As if Andy had heard him and was wondering that exact same thing, he let 
go of the bokken.  Kunou flew in a low arc towards the Samurai corner of the 
ring.  For a moment, it seemed as if he would sail right into the crowd, but 
Haohmaru hopped atop the turnbuckle and blocked his path with the flat of his 
blade.  Kunou hit the ground beside the ring with an audible thud as Haohmaru 
hopped down and wasted no time pressing the attack against Andy.

	"Talk about teamwork.  Haohmaru prevented a ring-out by stopping Kunou's 
crash course into the wall, but also managed to knock him out effectively for 
the rest of the match.  Can Haohmaru finish Andy off?  And remember, Mai is 
still fresh and ready to go." Daisuke remarked.

	"Boy is she ever," Hiroshi leered at Mai, earning him a startled glance 
from Daisuke.

	"YOU MAY HAVE GOTTEN MY PUPIL, BUT I WILL AVENGE HIM!"

	"Yosh!  Andy you're doing great!"  Mai bounced happily outside of the 
ring.  Andy grinned at her and gave her a quick victory sign, then dodged a blow 
from Haohmaru.

	"You won't win that easily, Haohmaru."

	"HA.  WE SHALL SEE."  Haohmaru directed more strikes at Andy, some of 
which scored.  Andy winced and tried a low punch to counterattack but was 
blocked by the dark-haired fighter.

	The senior Samurai grinned at Andy.  "SO, SLOWING DOWN ALREADY?  A CHILD 
COULD BLOCK THOSE PUNCHES."

	Andy set his jaw.  "Well, see if you can avoid this..."  He leaped into 
the air, foot aimed towards Haohmaru's face.  Haohmaru swept his sword around 
and interrupted Andy's flight, knocking him to the ground.  Andy recovered 
quickly, grabbing Haohmaru's leg and bringing him to the ground as well.

	"WELL, YOU HAVE SOME SKILL."

	Mai snapped her fans. "Andy, let me tag you out!"

	"No, Mai.  I can do this, I'm fine."  Andy hopped up and into a ready 
stance then rushed in to parry with Haohmaru's blade.  The fatally furious 
fighter was being worn down, however, and let more strikes get past his guard.

	"SENPU-RETSU-ZAN!"  A small tornado ripped its way towards Andy.  He 
jumped over it, but was unprepared for the strike from Haohmaru immediately 
following it, which pushed him into the tornado.

	"Andy!  Try to tag out!" Mai exclaimed, leaning over the ropes.  "Please, 
Andy!  Get out of there!"

	"DO NOT WORRY, I WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR PARTNER." Haohmaru nodded at 
Mai and then proceeded to aim strikes at the whirling fighter.  Andy, meanwhile, 
was desperately trying to get out of the hurricane.  It slowly rose, the 
struggling Andy within it, then disappeared, dropping the fighter to the ground.

	Haohmaru quickly pounced upon Andy, striking him rapidly with his sword.  
The crowd started booing as he delivered blow after blow to the fallen fighter.

	"Andy!  Snap out of it!"  Mai cried desperately, trying to get into the 
ring.  She was held back by Sie and Athena, however.

	"Andy'll be okay!" Athena reassured her.  "The ref's going in to stop it 
right now..."

	The (generic) referee rushed in to pull Haohmaru off of the twitching body 
of Andy.  "Okay, you've made your point.  You've won.  Now leave.  Medic!"

	"HMPH.  YOU JUST DO NOT APPRECIATE THE GLORIOUS VICTORY OF ONE SUCH AS I!"  
Haohmaru powerposed.  "CHEER ME, MY LOYAL FANS!"  A wave of jeers and catcalls 
emitted from the angry audience.  "WELL THEN.  I, THE LAMBDA CHAMPION, SHALL 
TAKE MY PUPIL AND BE OFF THEN."

	Mai smacked Haohmaru with her fan as she ran over to Andy's side.  "Andy!  
Are you all right?  Please tell me you're all right!"

	Andy started to pull himself up.  "Mai...I'm all right.  I just wanted to 
go for the belt one more time.  I'm sorry."

	Mai blinked. "What?  Andy, the belt's not that important!  You are!"

	"I wanted to make you happy, Mai."  Andy stood up, shaking off Mai's 
assistance.  He waved for a microphone.

	"What is the loser doing now?" Tarou asked, looking down at the ring.  His 
companions shrugged and watched.

	"Andy?  What are you doing?" Mai glanced confusedly at him as he received 
the mic.  Off on the sidelines Athena smiled happily and clasped her hands in 
front of her.  Sie, meanwhile, had pretty much the same expression Mai had on.

	"Something I should have done by now."  Pulling out a small box from his 
clothing, he knelt down in front of Mai.  "Mai, I've been thinking about this a 
lot.  We've known each other for years, and have been a team for quite some 
time.  You've always been there for me, as long as I can remember, and I want to 
be there for you."

	Mai blushed and looked down at the ground.  "Well, you are there for me, 
Andy.  You always have been."

	"Yeah, well...Mai...willyoumarrymeandmakemylifecomplete?"  Andy rushed 
through and handed Mai the box.
	
	Off to the side Athena smacked her forehead.  "I *told* him not to rush."

	"Wow.  And Andy proposes to Mai.  What will her response be?  ...As if we 
don't know already." Daisuke commented.

	Tarou snickered.  "If the bimbo's smart, she'll say no.  She could do so 
much better."

	The bimbo in question glared at the announcers' table and then opened the 
box.  Upon spying the two-carat round brilliant nestled in a platinum setting 
(yes, the author is living vicariously through Mai) she bounced happily and 
threw her arms around Andy.  "Ooh, Andy!  I've been waiting for you to ask me 
this!  Of course I'll say yes!"

	Andy flushed a deep red and managed not to wince in pain as he gingerly 
put his arms around Mai.  "I want to leave Ultra, though.  Will you go with me?  
I want to go back home.  Being here reminds me too much of Terry, and I'm tired 
of all the fighting."

	Mai nodded.  "Of course I'll go with you, Andy...the only reason I came 
here was because of you."

	The Ultratron flickered to life and Nabiki's face appeared upon the 
screen.  "So are you two lovebirds going to be leaving Ultra?"

	Andy looked at Nabiki.  "Yes.  Is that all right?"

	"Hey, who am I to stand in the way of love?  In fact, as a special present 
from me, I will even give you a honeymoon you'll remember forever in Carmel."  
Nabiki smiled at them as the crowd collectively aww'ed.  She had the crowd in 
the palm of her hand now, which is exactly where they should be.  After the 
brutal beating of Andy by her Samurai, she had to make sure to save face 
somehow.

	"Gosh, Ms. Tendou, that's awfully nice of you," Mai started.

	"Well, I just wanted to show my appreciation for you two," Nabiki said.  
"I hope you two have a wonderful life, you're so cute together.  Why don't you 
run along and we'll get our next match up and running!  Morrigan and our newest 
official fighter Karin Kanzuki will be duking it out, ladies and gentlemen.  
Enjoy!"  With that, the screen flickered and Nabiki disappeared.

	Daisuke blinked twice.  "The lonely wolves are leaving Ultra?  And getting 
married?  And Karin joined Ultra?"

	Tarou shook his head.  "If she was smart she'd quit CHAOS while she was at 
it."

	"Hey, hasn't she been in Ultra already?"  Hiroshi scratched his head.

	"Actually," Daisuke turned to the camera, "Karin had a shot at joining the 
Gamma League WAY back in the UltraRage Alpha tournament.  Haohmaru, Bean, and 
Tifa were the other participants.  Haohmaru won the tournament, and Bean & Tifa 
joined forces and entered Lambda.  Karin participated through less direct 
methods as time went on."

	"But due to the generosity of Ms. Tendou's heart, she's let Ms. Kanzuki 
have another shot at Ultra glory, giving her the position she couldn't win on 
her own."  Tarou smiled thinly at the camera.

	"And we get to see a catfight because of it!  Yay Ms. Tendou!!"  Hiroshi 
waved little Nabiki flags.

	"I'm beginning to like you, kid."  Tarou grinned and leaned back in his 
chair.

	Staring at Hiroshi, Daisuke looked ready to snap, but was diverted by a 
producer's signal.  "And it looks like the first of our competitors is headed 
down for the ring.  Accompanied by her sister Lilith, the deadly succubus 
Morrigan!"

	Morrigan appeared at the top of the entrance ramp and walked down to the 
ring, Lilith a step behind her the entire time.  Morrigan climbed into the ring 
while Lilith circled over to the announcer's table.  "Hey Hiro-kun!"

	Hiroshi strained to see over Lilith, who was leaning forward seductively 
on the announcer's table.  "Get out of the way pipsqueak.  You're blocking my 
view of the real show."

	"H-Hiro-kun?  You.. you don't think I'm sexy?"

	"Maybe in a few years or 10."

	"..."  Tarou and Daisuke stared at the suddenly brave Hiroshi.

	Lilith sniffled once, and walked over to the ring.  "I'll show you how 
sexy I am while I help my sister kick that blonde hussy!"

	Morrigan grinned a Lilith, and spoke into a mic.  "That's right Lilith.  
We'll show that underaged little girl that she's nothing compared to me.  Or to 
my beloved Sakura.  That's what really bugs you, isn't it girl?  That I want HER 
and not YOU.  You always did want to be better than Sakura..."

	Karin came sprinting down the ramp, "That's it!  You're going down!"

*****

	"WHAT!?"  Shingo stood in front of the TV, rooted to the spot in horror.

	Jack, now in new pants, sat casually on the couch behind Shingo.  "Wow.  
Your girlfriend wants her ass kicked."

	Shingo quickly strapped on his leather gloves, and tightened his headband.  
"She can't take on both of them.  Even if this is a solo match, Lilith will 
interfere."

	"Can't argue with you there.  What do you think Mr. Duck?"

	*squeak*

	"How dare you bid against her!  Of course I'm not taking that bet, I'm not 
that..."  Jack caught a look from Shingo.  "uh... unscrupulous to place a bet on 
my friend's fight in which her life might be endanger."  Jack coughed nervously.

	"Shingo... wait.  This is something I need to do."  Shingo whirled to see 
Shermie dressed for battle action.

	"Shermie, are you sure?  Nabiki's already been leaning on you."  The young 
fighter peered at his teammate cautiously.

	"I owe those succubi a thing or two.  Plus I don't want be pushed around 
by anyone anymore."  Shermie stood in a dramatic pose, and Shingo couldn't help 
but feel admiration for her will and courage.

	"Wow Shermie, that's really decent of y--"

	"Plus I wanna be close to Dai-chan, and impress him with my fighting!  
Wai!"  Shermie bounded off.

	Shingo and Jack stared after her, both with beads of sweat on the back of 
their heads.

*****

][ GAMMA MATCH #1 -- Hardcore Stipulation
][ Morrigan vs. Karin
][ FIGHT!

	Karin dove into the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and coming to her 
feet just as Morrigan smashed the microphone in her hand onto the base of 
Karin's skull.  The resulting ringing was both in Karin's ears and over the 
loudspeakers of the Dome.  Karin fell back onto her butt, giving members in the 
front row a good look at the bicycle pants under her skirt.

	"How dare you!!"  Karin fumed while she quickly stood.  A golden ball of 
energy answered her and she went stumbling backward, but remained upright.  
Regaining her senses, she glared at the smirking succubus.  "You won't defeat me 
that easily."

	"Maybe not dear, but I will defeat you."  Morrigan advanced slowly.  Out 
of the corner of her eye, she saw Lilith stand on the ringside and attempt to 
seductively distract the referee.  The flustered official tried to argue her off 
the curtain.  "One way or the other!"  Leaping forward, Morrigan grabbed hold of 
the startled Karin's wrists, and flung her full force at the referee.  

	The poor Ultra official happened to bend over to yell at a retreating 
Lilith one last time, only to be smacked full on by an out of control Karin.  
With a resounding thump, the referee lay still on the ground outside of the 
ring.  Karin collected herself on the mat of the ring, the referee's body not 
being the softest of walls to impact on.  She stood, and saw Morrigan walking up 
slowly, swinging her hips with emphasis much to the joy of the nosebleed 
section.

	"Give up already dear.  You're nothing to me."  Morrigan grinned slyly.

	Silently, Karin charged with a rushing series of punches.  The succubus 
was caught off guard by this advancing move, the last punch catching her 
straight in the jaw.  "Why you--"  she was cut off by another series of punches, 
this one ending with a knee to the stomach.  

	Morrigan stumbled back while Karin glared proudly at her.  The crowd 
cheered her on loudly, and she smiled proudly.  "I don't have to flash my 
panties or cleavage to get the crowd behind me you tramp."

	Suddenly, some of the cheers turned into shouts of warning, and her ears 
finally picked up on them.  Too late, she turned to see Lilith diving down at 
her.  She barely had time to throw her hands up to try to cushion the impact 
when Lilith was suddenly engulfed in her own personal electro-shock and fell to 
the mat simmering.

	From the top of the ramp, Shermie was still in her pose after blowing her 
shocking kiss at Lilith.  She ran to ringside, dove in somehow without the 
friction ripping her already strained top, and grabbed Lilith by the hair.  
"I'll keep her busy for ya Karin."  Shermie smiled slightly.

	Karin nodded.  "Fair enough."  She watched as Shermie tossed Lilith into a 
crowd barricade outside the ring and jumped over the top rope in pursuit.  She 
didn't even see Morrigan coming before her fists were implanted in the center of 
her back.

	Karin fell to one knee, looking up in time to see Morrigan's foot coming 
straight at her face.  She flew across the ring upon impact, her head leaving a 
small dent in the ringpost.  She saw the official wearily crawl back into the 
ring with blurry vision.  She looked around vainly to find her opponent.  She 
struggled to a fighting stance, but still her opponent wasn't anywhere to be 
seen.  

	"SOUL ERASER!!!"  Karin's head snapped up to see Morrigan dead center in 
the air above the ring.  The blast of Morrigan's super pounded the rich 
schoolgirl's frame into the canvas.  When the blast stopped, smoke rose up from 
the canvas around her prone form.  Her fuku was torn and shredded in places.  

Morrigan landed softly in the ring, laughing at her opponent.  "Now now, 
is this really the place to be taking a nap?  I hope you're not having erotic 
dreams about me... it'd be a shame for you to have such an unlikely fantasy."

	Karin stood slowly as the referee stopped his count at 6.  "N-never, you 
slut."

	Laughing, Morrigan threw a punch.  "How quaint.  The heroic comeback from 
behind.  Not this ti--"

	Karin caught the punch, and sent Morrigan spinning to the mat.  "Sloppy 
demon.  I'm an expert in martial arts remember?  You're just a hussy with big 
powers."

	Rising angrily, Morrigan brushed off her pants.  "Like I was saying.  Not 
this time.  FINISHING SHOWER!"  Taking to the sky while Karin desperately lunged 
at her, Morrigan extended her wings, which began to glow.  Dozens of projectiles 
shot out and pelted into Karin's weakened frame.  Karin fell to her knees at 
first, but one final projectile hit her square in the chest, and she reeled for 
a moment, before falling face first to the mat.

	Shermie gasped and turned her attention to the ring.  "Noo!"  Behind her, 
a very sore and beaten Lilith fluttered to the sky, and soared into the rafters 
to hide.

	Daisuke shook his head.  "And it looks like Morrigan wins another match."

	Holding up fans that looked suspiciously like Mai's, Hiroshi posed.  
"Look!  She bouncy!"  He pointed at the panting Morrigan in the ring.

	While Daisuke sweatdropped, Tarou chuckled.  "And we learn that CHAOS just 
doesn't have what it takes to take on the former Gamma champion.  Maybe blondie 
should just work on an easy rival like Sakura, huh Hiroshi?"

	Morrigan glanced over from the ring.  "Her?  She's not half the woman 
Sakura is."  Looking down at Karin, who was once again conscious and trying to 
rise.  "Oh, you mad that I said that little girl?  I'm sorry."  She kicked Karin 
viciously in the ribs, then flew off before the referee could grab her.

	"Ta-ta everyone!"  Morrigan flew towards the ramp and backstage.  Lilith 
darted from the rafters to quickly follow her sister.

	Shermie helped Karin to her feet in the ring, the blonde girl remaining 
darkly silent.

	"Well, while things get organized here, I understand that our Omega match 
is already in progress."  Daisuke turned to the camera.

	"What?  We're missing action?"  Tarou blinked.

	Hiroshi glanced at his monitor.  "Why are there people playing a card game 
on my monitor?"

	"Already in progress folks, the reunion of Unlimited Desire!  Instead of 
the usual fare, Lina and Naga continue their trend toward the unusual, and have 
agreed to fight in a 3 way free for all brawl of... poker."  Daisuke 
sweatdropped at his copy. 

	"Not just poker..." Tarou grinned while reading over Daisuke's shoulder.  
"Lowest hand takes a shot of bourbon poker!  Ha!  I can see why they let this 
match warm up first."

	"Drunk women!  Cut to the fight!  Cut to the fight!"  Hiroshi pointed 
frantically.

*****

][ OMEGA MATCH #2 - UNLIMITED DESIRE REUNION CARD GAME
][ Naga vs. Lina vs. Dark Schneider
][ FIGHT!

	"OHOHOHOHOH!  Your card skills are no match for Naga the White Serpent!"  
Naga laughed with her cards over her mouth.

	Darshu gritted his teeth.  "Now I remember why I didn't send you a 
Christmas card this year."

	Lina stared at Naga.  "Naga.  You've lost so many hands you're already 
slurring your words and look flushed."

	Slamming her cards on the table, Naga protested.  "I am NOT!"

	"Nice hand."  Darshu nodded toward Naga's upright cards.

	"..."  Naga quickly scooped her cards back up.  

	Lina sighed.  "Alright, I call.  Pair of aces, queen high."

	Naga slammed her card down.  "Three tens, OOHOHOHOHOHO."

	"Oh, I win again?"  Darshu laid his cards out revealing three kings and 
two queens.

	Lina scowled as she swung her drink back and coughed loudly.  How did he 
keep doing that?  Did he have card magic she just wasn't seeing?  Or an old 
fashioned deck up some article of clothing?  And was the room spinning or was 
that her head.

	"Er.. Lina... you feel all right?  You're starting to sway in place."  
Naga queried her rival.

	Lina shook herself, which did little to shake her dizziness.  "Uhm.. of 
course.  Next hand."

	Darshu chuckled, and eyed Naga.  "Too bad this isn't strip poker."  He 
eyed Lina.  "Then again, maybe that's a good thing."

	Both women flushed indignantly.  "Hey!"  Lina shouted.

	"Hey!" Naga shouted.  "We could defeat you in strip poker right now!"

	"... Naga.  Two things.  One.  Do you REALLY want to see Darshu naked?"  
Lina asked.  Naga thought for a moment, then shook her head.  "Two.  You realize 
you have the least amount of clothes on out of the three of us?"

	Naga blanched, and handed Darshu the deck.  "Next hand.  Your turn."

	Hand after hand was played.  While all three players took turns winning 
the hand, Darshu seemed to be blessed by the gods and only had the lowest hand 
once or twice.  

	Lina stared at the two Darshu's in front of her.  "Why aren't you lsing?"

	"Huh?"

	"I said why aren't you LOSING?"

	"Oh, sorry.  I'm just gifted."  Darshu looked over at Naga.  "You still 
with us Naga?"

	Her head resting on the table, Naga didn't stir.  Cautiously, Darshu poked 
her shoulder.  Suddenly Naga sat upright, and let out her *loudest* bitch laugh 
ever.  "*OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHHOHOHOOHOHOHOHOH*... *ahem*.. what was I doing?"

	Startled, both Lina and Darshu jumped.  As Darshu yanked his arm back, a 
few cards went flying through the air.  Lina stared at them incredulously.  
"Naga.  This bashtard's been cheating."  

	"OHOHOHO...what?"

	"He's winning by cheating.  Referee?"  Lina glared at Goku.

	Goku woke up with a start, "Huh?  Sorry, I nodded off."

	Angrily, the former god pointed at the male mage.  "He was cheating!"

	"I didn't see it, sorry.  Match carries on."

	"That's it... Naga... let's show this basstard a thing or two!"

	Naga stood with uneasiness.  "Of course Lina!  Just point me at him."  She 
stared at Darshu.  "How.. how did there get to be so many of them?"

	Lina stood and glared at Naga, "Snap out of it... we can't let him get the 
best of us this way."  She turned toward Darshu and pointed.  "SNOWBALL!  Er.  
Fireball!"

	A weak ball of flame appeared and shot at Darshu quickly.  He idly whapped 
it away with his hand, a small singe mark appearing on it.  "Please."  He 
gestured with both hands, pointing at the two women.  Grinning sadistically, 
Dark Schneider opened both palms.  "BARVOLT!"  Lightening arced across the poker 
table, setting cards on fire, and catching both sorceresses fully in their 
power.  When the lightening stopped, Darshu screamed "BARVOLT!" once more.  

	After the second pounding, both women fell to the ground.  Goku frowned at 
the wizard.  "This was supposed to be a card game."

	Pointing at Lina, Darshu shrugged.  "She started lying then attacked me.  
I just countered."

	Looking thoughtful for a moment, Goku shrugged.  "Dark Schneider wins."

	Walking through the open portal behind him, Darshu waved.  "Of course I 
did."

*****

	"And an amazing display of.. lying, cheating, and manipulation by Dark 
Schneider."  Daisuke sighed.

	Hiroshi was wiping a drop of blood away from his nose.  "Did you see 
Naga?"

	"You mean a brilliant piece of fighting strategy.  Darshu should be a 
general somewhere."  Tarou smiled darkly at Daisuke.  "We'll be back after a 
short break."

*****

	Mr. Satan put the weights down just as Ultra went to commercial.  "I'm 
glad I'm not in that crazy league any more.  It's almost as bad as fighting with 
those people."  Flexing for a mirror, he grinned.  "I'll take back my gold in 
Gamma though, just a matter of time."

	He was about to start lifting weights again, when he heard voices across 
the gym.  Considering the show was on, that was unusual.  Only a few others 
trained during this time normally, and they'd already gone.  He quickly hid 
behind a punching bag and peered out.

	Vega stood over the tied up young boy, staring down at him from behind his 
mask.  "Ah good, you're awake." 

	Hiroshi began to sit up, only to notice his arms were tied behind his 
back.  "What's the meaning of this?  Why does Bison even want to kidnap me after 
all this time?  He knows I won't help him."

	Letting out a roar of a laugh, Vega shook his head.  "He doesn't want you 
kidnapped.  He wants you dead."

	Hiroshi paled.  "But why?"

	"I think I'll let you die wondering.  It's more poetic that way."  Vega 
held up his clawed fist.  "Say your prayers boy."

	"SAAATAAAN PUNCH!"  Mr. Satan just dashed into the scene, his fist 
smashing into Vega's masked face.  He quickly turned and dealt a series of 
kicks, chops, and throws to the few Shadowlaw men with Vega.  

	Standing on wobbly knees, Vega shook his head.  "Don't interfere old man."

	Mr. Satan cracked his knuckles.  "My next punch will go through your 
mask."

	The two warriors stared at each other dangerously.  Finally Vega waved to 
his weakened troops to move.  They exited quickly without a word.

	As soon as Vega was out of sight, Mr. Satan shook his hand around.  "Ow!  
That mask was hard!"

	"Mr. Satan!  You saved me!"  Hiroshi looked up at his hero.

	"Well of course, you're one of my biggest fans."  Mr. Satan ripped the 
ropes off Hiroshi.  "How did they get you back here so fast during the 
commercial break?"

	"Huh?"

	Mr. Satan pointed at the screen.  "And why have you been acting so oddly 
tonight?  You're usually much more... energetic."

	Wheels clicked in Hiroshi's skull.  "Oh my god... Thank you Mr. Satan!  
You're now my favorite Gamma fighter!"  He quickly shook Mr. Satan's sore hand, 
not noticing the fighter's wince.  "I've gotta go though!  Thank you for 
everything!"  Hiroshi dashed out of the gym determined to find his way back to 
the main dome.

	His eyes where Hiroshi had disappeared, Mr. Satan shook his head sadly.  
"Kids these days.  They should really lay off the drugs."

*****
	
	"Well, that last fight was certainly interesting.  And Darshu adds another 
win."  Hiroshi flicked an invisible piece of dust off of his jacket.  "Take it 
over, Daisuke."

	Daisuke frowned at Hiroshi then pulled out his cue cards.  "And this is a 
surprise match just scheduled moments before the show.  Wolverine has decided to 
challenge James to a grudge match."  

	Tarou smirked.  "That's not the surprise.  The surprise is that the floof 
was stupid enough to accept the challenge."

	"...Right.  So Jessie will be giving James moral support in his corner," 
Daisuke coughed, "and first aid."

	"While Wolverine will be all by his lonesome in his corner," Hiroshi 
chimed in.  "And here comes Wolvie now!"

	The former X-Man stalked down the aisles of the Ultradome, unaccompanied 
by no other music than the boos and jeers of the crowd.  He glared at the crowds 
and smoothly slid between the ropes into the ring.

	Double Trouble began blaring through the speakers.  The crowd crowed with 
delight.  Loudly, of course.

	The ceiling of the Ultradome opened up and a small black, red, and white 
rocket with the Team Rocket logo emblazoned upon it flew in, circling around 
above the audience gracefully.  The crowd roared with approval as tiny little 
Jessie and James plushies dropped from the rocket into their midst.

	Hiroshi elbowed Tarou.  "So, how much do you want to bet he's going to 
crash into the stage and knock Wolverine out?"

	Tarou laughed.  "I may take you up on that bet.  You want to join us, 
Dai?"

	"Don't go there.  That's what caused this whole mess in the first place."  
Daisuke said a brief prayer for James.  "And look, James is actually landing the 
rocket gently next to the ring!"

	"Looks like you owe me, Hiro," Tarou grinned.

	Hiroshi dug into his pockets and handed Tarou some money.  "Yeah, yeah."

	"Uh, it was on wires," Daisuke pointed out.

	"Heh.  There's a sucker born every minute," Tarou said as he pocked the 
money.

	The rocket's doors opened up and Jessie, James, and Pikachu stepped out, 
waving cheerfully to their fans.  James blanched when he saw Wolverine pacing in 
the ring, but didn't *quite* lose his smile as he stepped into the ring.  Jessie 
gave him a pat on the back and went to sit in his corner.

][ HARDCORE MATCH #2 -- REBOOT REVENGE
][ James vs. Wolverine
][ FIGHT!

	"All right, Wolvie boy!  Prepare for trouble!"  James powerposed.

	Wolverine sweatdropped then launched himself at James.  James dodged 
frantically, his survival instincts in high gear.

	"Ahh!  Leave me alone, you big meanie!"

	"James!  Use a pokemon!"  Jessie threw a pokeball at him, which he barely 
caught.

	"Right, right!  Uh, Arbok!  Poison sting!"  The cobra-like pokemon reared 
and pulled his tail up, then shot at Wolverine, baring his fangs.  The fighter 
managed to avoid the brunt of the attack, but got hit in the arm.

	"Hm.  You got a lucky hit, boy," Wolverine shrugged and aimed for the 
pokemon instead of James this time.  Hitting Arbok directly in the chest, he 
flung it out of the ring.

	"Arbok!  Are you okay?" James cried and frantically threw out another 
pokeball.  "Grr, take this!  Growlithe!  Flame-thrower attack!"

	The dog-like pokemon popped out and faced Wolverine after glancing at the 
fallen Arbok.  Growling, he let loose a volley of flames from his mouth.  
Wolverine covered his face with his hands then stepped into the fire.  Grabbing 
Growlithe, he bounced him on the ground once then threw him to the side.

	Wolverine snarled at the terrified James.  "So, want me to kill some more 
of your little pets?"

	"Wolverine is...really mean tonight, isn't he folks?" Hiroshi noted.

	Tarou nodded.  "Well, this is an interesting development.  Maybe he's 
finally snapped."

	"Pleasedon'tletJamesdie," Daisuke prayed.

	"This...this isn't fair!" Jessie protested.

	"What's not fair is getting hit by a hang glider and missing my chance to 
be the REBOOT champ."  Wolverine grinned and leaped at James, knocking the upset 
CHAOS member to the ground.  Pinning him down, he began to punch him while the 
crowds booed.

	"Aah!  I'm going to die!" James wailed.  Jessie whispered something 
quickly to Pikachu and tossed him out into the ring.

	"James!  Ground yourself!"  Jessie ran into the ring and 

	The lavender-haired Lambda fighter quickly pulled out a pair of rubber 
gloves from inside his shirt and put them on.

	"What is he doing?" Tarou looked irritably at James.  "Why doesn't he just 
give up?"

	Wolverine eyed James.  "Rubber gloves?"  His claws snik'd out and caught 
the edge of the gloves.  "What do you think you're doing?"

	James smiled half-heartedly.  "This.  Pikachu!  Attack!"

	The little yellow pokemon hopped onto Wolverine and bit his hand.  

	"Oh, so the little rodent wants to get hurt too?"  Wolverine laughed.  
"Okay, I can --hey!  Wolverine wiped away some water from his face and yanked 
the water gun from James' hand.  "I'm going to --"

	"Pikachu!  Now!  Thundershock!"

	The little pokemon crackled with electricity and grabbed onto Wolverine's 
claws with both paws.  "PikaCHUUUUUU!"

	"ARRRRROWWWWWR!"  Wolverine jumped up and twitched sporadically, Pikachu 
clinging tightly.  All of his hair stood on end as he began stumbling back and 
forth around the ring, dazed and confused.  

	James pulled out another water gun and shot a stream of water at 
Wolverine's feet.  The electricity pulsed throughout his body, causing the water 
to almost instantly evaporate.  Wolverine roared again and managed to pull 
Pikachu off, throwing him to the side, but apparently had had a bit too much.  
Finally his body jerked a few times then fell bonelessly onto James.  

	The Pokemon trainer crawled out from underneath Wolverine, shedding bits 
and pieces of charred clothing as he went revealing a rubber suit with the Team 
Rocket logo printed on it.

	"The floof did it, " Tarou said, in shock, "He actually survived."

	"Good job!  And the victory goes to James!  Medics are carting Wolverine 
off now.  Guess having a metal skeleton can be a big disadvantage if you're 
fighting against someone who uses electricity," Daisuke grinned.

	"Booooooring."  Hiroshi yawned.

	"Well, while we get the ring clear, we'll set up for our main event."  
Tarou grinned.  "The one true Hardcore champion has his sights set on the Gamma 
belt, and he's going to add it to his collection of gold."

	"Is it legal to hold two belts at once?"  Daisuke pondered.

	"Iori did it himself once, holding both the Hardcore and Gamma belts."  
Tarou noted.  "The thing about the Hardcore belt is there are no rules aside 
from the no interference clause."

	Daisuke peered at his notes, "I suppose you're right.  And here comes 
Ultra's one-time dual title holder, Iori Yagami!"

	Iori marched down the ramp, and climbed up into the ring.  He gestured for 
a mic and someone tossed him one.  He stared out at the audience quietly.  
"Marlo.  Die."  His hand erupted in purple flames, and the microphone exploded 
in his hands.

	Marlo grinned from the top of the ramp.  "You first pops."  

	"Given Iori's dual title past, this is going to be a hardcore fight to 
emphasis the two fighters strong points," Tarou noted.

][ GAMMA MATCH #2 -- GAMMA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH -- HARDCORE STIPS
][ Marlo vs. Iori
][ FIGHT!

	Marching down the ramp with steel chair in hand, Marlo climbed into the 
ring slowly.  He pulled a microphone out of his pocket and smiled at Iori.  "I 
respect you old man.  You've walked the walk.  You're a two time gamma champ.  
Also a former hardcore champ.  And the only person to hold two titles at once.  
I hear you're something of a badass as well."  The crowd hooted and howled at 
the two bastards in the ring.

	"Well, I just want to say, it brings a tear into my eye to do this... well 
not really I just wanna kick your tired old ass out of my ring and get my belt!"  
Marlo tossed the microphone aside and lifted his steel chair.

	Iori shrugged.  "Shut up and die."  Purple flaming fist met steel metal 
chair, and purple flaming fist won, engulfing said chair in the purple flames 
that were the blood right of the Yagami clan.

	Marlo jumped back and pulled out a recliner and tossed it at the bishounen 
warrior.  Iori casually jumped to the side and slashed at Marlo's arm, drawing 
three deep gashes of blood from it. 

	Flinching, Marlo stumbled back, and blocked a follow up attack with a 
patio chair, which he flung at Iori.  Knocking the chair away with one hand, 
Iori found himself wrapped up in a hammock.

	"Ha!  Not so tough with out any freedom of movement are ya pops?"  Pulling 
a coat rack out of FurnitureSpace, Marlo swung at Iori like a baseball superstar 
and Iori over the ropes.  

	Hopping over the ropes while Iori tried to untangle himself, Marlo picked 
up the metal stairs at the ring corner to assist people into the ring.  "Now for 
a classic."  He smashed the metal stairs over Iori's head, leaving a dent in the 
metal.  "Oooh.  A hard head.  I like that."  Marlo climbed back in the ring and 
tossed a sofa into the center of the ring and listened to the referee count to 
Iori's prone form.

	"And Marlo might've picked up an easy win tonight folks."  Daisuke sighed 
at the prospect of Nabiki's fighter being a double belt holder.

	"Wow.  It looks like a furniture store in there.  I wonder if Marlo could 
get me a vibrating bed."  Hiroshi examined the clutter in the ring.

	"Obviously Marlo is the better fighter of the two.  Iori may have some 
amount of skills and ruthlessness, Marlo simply outcla--"  Tarou stared at 
Hiroshi.  "A vibrating bed?"

	Hiroshi nodded.  "I hear the ladies like that sorta thing."

	Marlo had pulled out his Ikea magazine and was casually flipping through 
it, waiting for the referee to announce him the victor.  He noticed that he 
could no longer hear the referee counting, and looked around curiously.  Behind 
the couch a very bloody and angry looking Iori stood.  Marlo waved weakly.  "Uh, 
behind you?"

	"RAAARGH!"  Iori snarled, and grabbed Marlo by the ankle.  Flames engulfed 
both fighters as Marlo was slammed back and forth into the ring.  He landed 
against various pieces of furniture he was now wishing he'd picked up. 

	His consciousness threatening to slip from him, Marlo strained with all of 
his remaining will to pull out the object in his mind's eye.

	*THWANG*

	"My God!  Marlo has pulled out a grand piano which subsequently smashed 
both fighters!!"  Daisuke stared at the ring in partial horror.

	The referee shrugged and began a steady ten-count.  "...7 ...8 ...9 ...te-
-"

	Just before the words could come out, the piano shattered into a million 
pieces.  Both Marlo and Iori rolled away from it, but each ending up in an 
opposite corner.  Iori's fist glowed purple and a trail of blood slid down from 
it.  Marlo panted heavily in the corner, favoring his left knee.

	"Not too bad pops, but I think I'll get you in the long run."  Marlo 
pulled out a yard umbrella and held it in front of him like a two-handed long 
sword.

	Suddenly a dark haired warrior leapt into the ring, having stealthily run 
down the ramp while all eyes were on the fighters.  Bouncing off of Marlo's 
head, Ranma drop-kicked Iori in the chest.  "Don't go losing the title before 
you can lose it to me."

	The referee waved his hand and called for the bell.  "Iori wins by DQ, 
Marlo had outside help."

	Marlo glared at Ranma.  "You punk!  You just cost me my gamma belt!"  He 
was about to throw his yard-umbrella at Ranma like a spear, but felt a tap on 
his shoulder.  He turned to see a gloved fist punch him in the face.

	"I'm sorry, but I'm cutting in."  Bean cracked his knuckles and stood 
before the shocked Furniture Warrior.  "Yeah I know.  We're not supposed to do 
this sorta thing. Unfair and all that."

	Ranma gave Iori another kick to the gut, then turned and grinned.  "But we 
figured, you two have so much fun doing it normally, we'd give you a taste of 
your own medicine."

	Tifa and Akane stood side by side outside of the ring, simultaneously 
shaking their heads.  "Men."  Akane sighed.

	"Oh well.  At least this I can understand."  Tifa shrugged, then winced, 
still sore from her fight.

	Suddenly anvils dropped from the rafters.  Bean fell to the mat dazed 
after being knocked square in the head, whilst Marlo, Ranma, and Iori were all 
pelted in various places by the raining metal.  Finally it was replaced by the 
falling forms of the Jusenko Survivors!  A bandaged Shampoo accompanied a very 
pissed off Mousse.  "You all get in my way!  And hurt Shampoo!  Mousse make you 
pay!"

	Shampoo knocked Ranma on the head.  "Fiancé stay out of this."

	Tifa and Akane looked at each other, then at the ring.  Both jumped in at 
once, and tackled the Chinese amazons.  Slowly, the men stood and jumped into 
the fray also.

	"Good grief!  We have a full on brawl going on here!  Security!"  Daisuke 
stood behind the announcers table.

	Marlo clocked Mousse over the head with a bird fountain, only to be kicked 
in the groin by Tifa.  Tifa was then promptly hit in the back by Shampoo, who 
was promptly punched in the gut by Bean.  Blow after blow was traded, the 
occasional fighter getting thrown from the ring, only to wearily climb back in.  
Even Iori seemed particularly annoyed and attempted to get his licks in on 
anyone in the ring.

	"Will this ever end?  Why is our security not coming out?  And who the 
hell is that on the ramp now?"  Daisuke squinted.

	Tarou blinked at the ramp, then blinked at his announcing partner.  "What 
the..."

	"STOP RIGHT THERE!"  A mic in hand, an indignant look on his face, Hiroshi 
stood at the top of the entrance ramp.  Instantly, the fighting in the ring 
stopped, and all the participants sweatdropped.  A few glances between the 
Hiroshi at the announcing booth and the Hiroshi at the ramp was all that was 
needed to finally break the camel's back.

	"That's it, I'm outta this popsicle stand."  Marlo slid under the bottom 
rope.

	"..."  Iori exited into the crowd.

	The various other fighters slowly left the ring, looking curiously between 
the two announcers.  Then lurking up the ramp.  Hiroshi marched down the ramp 
and entered the ring, and pointed at the up till now speechless announcers 
table.

	"Alright you, I know who you are and I think I know why you're here, why 
not tell everyone?"  Hiroshi fumed.

	Fake Hiroshi grinned slyly.  "So I see Vega failed in his job."

	Tarou sat up.  "Vega?"

	Daisuke paled.  "Bison has the old cloning technology...."

	"That's right.  Bison used the old tissue samples and created me.  His 
own, personal, Hiroshi."  The evil clone smiled.  "Of course, he made a few 
changes.

	Tarou shook his head, "And I was beginning to like this dweeb.  Shoulda 
known only genetic tampering could've made Hiroshi that smart."

	Hiroshi glared at Tarou, and then his clone.  "Right.  But why now?  What 
could he possibly want to do with me?"

	Evil Hiroshi walked from behind the announcer's table, and shrugged.  
"Inside man inside Ultra's staff.  Inside CHAOS.  Another piece to keep Rei in 
check.  You decide."  He smiled evilly.

	"I won't let you walk away from here...."  Hiroshi hefted up a steel chair 
that was laying in the ring.  

	"Oh, is that so?"

][ ANNOUNCER BOUT #1 -- WILL THE REAL HIROSHI PLEASE STAND UP? MATCH
][ Hiroshi vs. ... Hiroshi!
][ FIGHT!

	"PSYCHO ANNOUNCER!"  Evil Hiroshi held his microphone out in front of him, 
and glowed of blue flame.  He lifted off of the ground and headed speedily at 
the real Hiroshi.  

	Stepping back, only Hiroshi's reflexive AT field saved him from certain 
death.  The blue flame crackled against the absolute terror field, and bounced 
off ultimately.  Evil Hiroshi dropped back a few feet, but was now in the ring.  
Looking around, he picked up the other steel chair Marlo dropped.  He grinned at 
Hiroshi.  "Let's dance."

	The two announcers charged each other, using the steel chairs as sabers in 
a chairfight unlike any chairfight known to man.  Every move, every counter, 
both men fought exactly the same.  

	Tarou stared at the ring.  "Oh, I don't get paid enough for this.  Two of 
them.  Oi."

	"We've got to stop this!  Security!  Seize the clone!"  Daisuke pointed 
dramatically at the ring.

	"And which would that be?"  Tarou gestured.  Both Hiroshi's swung steel 
chairs still, circling each other like hungers would pray.  

	"...."  Daisuke sweatdropped.

	*CLANG*  "Give up impostor!"  Hiroshi panted.  "You can't be me!  I'm me!"

	*CLANG*  "Are you?  After all, you're just a 10th generation clone.  I'm 
just number 11.  Why we're practically brothers."  

	*CLANG*  "... Semantics!"  Hiroshi managed to chip his twin in the ribs, 
who grimaced, but slammed his own chair onto Hiroshi's head.

	Evil Hiroshi smirked.  "I knew you were going to do that, so I left myself 
open to free my arms for the counter attack.  You never had a chance."

	He held his chair over his head for a moment, poised to swing the steel 
instrument into the back of the announcer, who had fallen flat on the mat before 
him from the force of his blow.  "Goodbye... brother."

	The Shadowlaw logo appeared on the Ultratron, quickly to be replaced by 
Bison's smiling face.  "I've had a change of heart Hiroshi.  Let's let him live, 
so he can know the torture knowing that as long as you're around... Rei doesn't 
need or love HIM."  Bison laughed dramatically, and a portal opened up behind 
the evil Hiroshi.  "Come now, back to headquarters."

	Waving, Evil Hiroshi grinned.  "I'll have to do this again sometime.  It's 
been fun."  He stepped through the portal, which subsequently vanished.

	Hiroshi struggled to his knees, and shook his fist at Bison.  "Damnit... 
Bison.  I'll get you."

	Smiling from his position at the viewscreen, Bison shook his head.  
"Somehow I doubt it Hiroshi.  Good day."

	The Ultratron sunk back into quiet.  The crowd broke out into a light, 
confused applause for the injured announcer.  Daisuke was already up and in the 
ring, helping his friend to his feet.

	Tarou shrugged.  "Well, that was new.  That's all for Ultra tonight folks.  
Good night!"

*****

	Sie idly chewed a straw and flipped through some channels.  Recup time in 
your quarters was not fun.

	Andy had really taken a big step today.  And he didn't even tell him!  
Although he had been acting kind of funny all day...

	He shrugged.  There was that weird moment when he asked him if he and 
Athena could handle Bison by themselves.  He'd said yes...but could they?  
Nevermind that.  Andy proposed to Mai!  The love of his life!  

	The love of his life...Athena?  Was Athena the love of *his* life?  Sie 
sighed.  Maybe, maybe not.  They had been together a while, but now?  They were 
definitely at a severe disadvantage in Lambda.  Hopefully Washuu would think of 
something.

*****

	James moaned a bit as Jessie plopped herself down on the bed next to him.  
A smaller plop signaled Pikachu's arrival.

	"Oh come on, you big baby.  You only have a few bruises, sprains, and 
minor burns while Sakura over there is in much more pain."  Jessie pointed at 
the bed beside his, where Sakura was lying down.  Shermie was sitting at the end 
of her bed while Shingo and Karin were standing by the door.  Jack was plopped 
down in the room's sole chair, Daisuke standing beside him.

	Sakura smiled.   "I'll be fine soon, Jessie.  Maybe even next week!"

	Karin tossed her hair.  "We certainly hope so.  I want to get my revenge 
upon that hussy."

	"You did great today, Karin," Shingo said, putting his arm around her.  "I 
was really proud."

	Karin looked somewhat mollified.  "Well, it was my first entry into 
Ultra..."

	"And you did a wonderful job!  We hope you'll fight some more for us," 
Jack enthused.

	"We could use all the help we can get, especially with Wolverine after 
James now," Daisuke added.

	"Yes, we definitely need to protect me," James agreed.  "I'm a delicate 
flower!"

	Jessie rolled her eyes.  "Some of our pokemon need to recover too.  Poor 
Arbok took a beating."

	"But will you two be ready to fight next week?" Jack asked.

	"Of course we will!" Jessie exclaimed.  "Fortunately we have plenty of 
spare uniforms so we don't even need to wait for the replacements to come in.

	Daisuke sweatdropped.  "Uniforms shouldn't be your first concern..."

	"Team Rocket is very fashionably aware, Daisuke.  Of *course* they're 
worried about how they look," Shermie smiled cheerily.  "In fact, we've been 
working on some new uniforms for Team CHAOS!"

	This time Jack sweatdropped.  "Uh, right.  Um.  Okay.  So any other 
business?  Shingo, you and Karin will be able to fight too, right?"  They both 
nodded.  "All right then, business done, now who wants an Ukulele?" 

*****

	*Bison is controlling his puppets tighter now.*  On the chess board before 
the cat-like pokemon, a pawn slid forward one space seemingly under it's own 
power.

	"You're right.  But I can't afford to get involved directly."  Washuu 
moved her bishop halfway across the board, directly into enemy fire.

	*I understand.  How are the test results on Athena and Sie?*  Mewtwo 
gestured, and his rook took the bishop easily.

	Washuu sighed.  "Uncertain.  The link may be permanent, it may be a 
lingering side affect.  I'm not sure yet."  She moved her own rook across the 
board to take Mewtwo's.

	*How did you separate them to begin with?  They were almost fully merged 
before.*  Mewtwo eyed Washuu carefully as his knight took position to force the 
rook back.

	"Er... just lucky I guess."  Washuu coughed silently, hoping Mewtwo wasn't 
picking up her conscious thoughts at that moment.  Her queen struck across the 
board, taking out the knight.

	*So I thought.  Your secret is safe with me Washuu.  I will wipe my own 
memory before I reveal your child's identity.*  Mewtwo moved his king to the 
left one space as a precautionary measure.

	"A-heh.  Checkmate."  Washuu's rook moved into position to capture 
Mewtwo's king.

	*....How did you....?*

	"I am the greatest scientific mind in the whole universe, even if I am a 
mommy now!  Waiii!"

	Mewtwo conceded his king while a sweatdrop formed on the back of his head.

*****

	Rei sat in her quarters quietly.  She thought of him.  His face.  His 
smile.  His lips.  Rei missed Hiroshi.  For the first time in her life she 
missed someone deeply, no matter how much Commander Ikari told her not to care 
about that boy, she couldn't help it.

	The door opened, but she didn't even look up, assuming it to be another 
faceless grunt with dinner.

	"Want some ice cream babe?"

	Rei looked up.  The mannerisms were a little different than what she 
remembered.  But the face... the face was the same.

	"Hiroshi.  commander ikari has forbid me to see you any more.  he says you 
interfere with my mission."

	"No more Rei.  He wants us together now.  He's realized his mistake.  Just 
you and me."  He held up a bowl of ice cream, smiling.

	Rei stepped forward slowly, and hugged the evil clone tightly.  "we shall 
have fun eating ice cream.  wai."

*****

][ ULTRA EPISODE #58 RESULTS RECAP:
][
][ TEAM POKEMON defeats PSYCHO SOLDIERS, now 3W/6L.
][ VOIDUCK gets HEADACHE from MISTY.
][ DAN vs NUKU declared draw.  Double KO.
][ MOUSSE defeats Tifa, now at 1W/0L under hardcore stats?
][ SAMURAI defeats ANGRY WOLVES, now at 5W/5L.
][ SAMURAI retain LAMBDA belts.
][ ANDY proposes to MAI.
][ MAI accepts, ANDY now at 1W/0L in proposal league.
][ LONELY WOLVES RETIRE.
][ KARIN KANZUKI officially joins GAMMA.
][ MORRIGAN defeats KARIN, now at 7W/3L.
][ DARSHU defeats LINA & NAGA, now at 6W/5L.
][ JAMES defeats WOLVERINE, now at 1W/OL under hardcore stats?
][ MARLO trashtalks IORI
][ IORI defeats MARLO, by DQ, now at 15W/8L.
][ HIROSHI FIGHTS HIROSHI
][ HIROSHI er.. defeats HIROSHI now at ??W/??L.
][ WASHUU defeats MEWTWO at chess.  No stats change.
][ REI and EVIL HIROSHI have fun eating ICE CREAM.  wai.

It's 5am.  The plot thread thingy will be sacrificed to the sleep gods at this 
point, Gomen ^_^;;

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

	Wow.  Another Ultra chapter down the tubes.  Lord I'm tired.  Sorry for 
the delays, this is really the Ultra season of DOOM.  Delfina is out of town 
now, and I got railroaded by a much delayed inventory at work.  (It was 
originally set for freaking OCTOBER).  So...  I'd like to thank the various 
prereaders, but I'm not sure who exactly has preread what.  Hopefully I'll get a 
preread from someone and edit this, but as of now I know that DipiCarat and the 
lovely Kristen Smirnov have both preread various parts of Delfina's scenes.

	She didn't leave me any notes, so I'll just thank the regulars on chat, 
her Tsunin-chan, and pretty eyes boy on her behalf.

	I'd like to thank... damn.  She took mine.  Except for pretty eyes boy.  
That's all her.  Through me.  Or something.  I'm tired, did I mention that?

	This has been an interesting season so far, and I know that the second 
half will be even better!  So let's kick some ass guys, and get ourselves a 
little... Ultra Violence!  Good Luck Chu!

-- ColdFury
12/18/00 5:10am
v 0.99 (pre-preread)