Spike left the scene of the beating and decided to head home. After a long walk through the urban jungle, Spike reached his apartment and climbed the stairs to his floor. He pulls out a key from his pocket and unlocks the door to his home. He walks in and to his surprise his Mother, Reanne was not alone. She was accompanied by another middle aged woman wearing a bucket hat and glasses. She had green hair much like the Fierce family. She almost looked as though she could be their lost relative. She was holding a near empty bottle of whiskey as she greeted Spike from the table with his Mother.
Lumina: Hey kid... what you doin' home so early?
Spike: What are you doing here... period?
Lumina: Touche' just as quick as usual, you little prick.
Reanne: Lumina's right Spike. Why are you home so early?
Spike: I got over it... -he starts walking into the kitchen-
Reanne: .... You can't just blow off school whenever you have a hard time...
Spike: The hell I can't... -He opens the refrigerator-
Reanne: -Sigh- Damn kid... -She takes a drink of her alcohol-
Reanne was a sultry woman of age. She had green hair much like her children, it was long and messy, since she hardly ever left the apartment. She had a form of natural beauty, to where she managed to look pleasant without even trying. She was harassed by many men who actually got the impression that she was a hooker. Though Reanne appeared trashy these days, she had her own code of honor that she followed. Whether it was strong faith, or deep pain, she had not gotten intimate with another soul for a decade. Since the death of her husband, Sean.
Spike:.... -He continues to search the fridge- ... Mom.. I made a sandwich this morning.. where'd it go?
Reanne: Oh.. that was yours? Lumina and I got hungry so we ate it..
Lumina: Yeah kid, The soaps were gettin' pretty intense. Naturally you get hungry.
Reanne: I can't believe Johnathan... stayed with Audrey..
Lumina: I KNOW!.. She is no good for him... poor, poor boy...
Spike:... -He clenches his fist- (Are you shittin' me right now!?) -He slams the refrigerator shut- All right... I'm off to find lunch.. elsewhere... -He stomps out the door seemingly frustrated-.
Reanne:... He could of made instant noodles or something.. Spoiled kid..
Lumina: Haha... I think it was my presence that made him want out.
Reanne:.. -sigh- These damn kids are gonna' drive me nuts.. Rayna got suspended again earlier today..
Lumina: Oh... do tell..
The scene jumps over to Spike leaving the apartment complex. He stands around for a bit, trying to formulate a plan for getting money and what he would indulge in should he attain it.
Spike:.. I shoulda' stole those guy's wallets... -sigh-
At that moment, Spike heard a familiar voice shouting out "Hey".
Granted nobody's name is hey, it was one of those moments that made your brain click at attention to the voice of a familiar one. As he turned his head, and greeted his two approaching friends with a head nod. They were none other than Spike's two best friends known as "Crimson" and "Quake". Crimson was a pretty slender but toned individual, a fellow underground street fighter of the New York Circuit. He was easily identified by his long red hair and trademark ball cap that he always wore pretty low to hide his dark red eyes from people. Quake on the other hand was a taller framed fellow standing around near six feet, four inches or so and stomping it up at about two hundred sixty pounds of muscles. A bit of a narcissist, sporting his seemingly cool unkempt dirty blonde hair, and bright blues eyes, like a Neo-Nazi's fantasy rape. He always kept a small bandage on his cheek to hide a scar from people, demonstrating his narcissistic ways. The two got closer to Spike and Quake began to speak.
Quake: Dude.. what's up man?
Spike: Same old shit. What the hell are you guys doing around my apartment this early in the day?
Quake: -He pulls a fat wad of cash out of his pocket and waves it in Spike's face- I Got some moolah! So I figured I'd treat you guys to some lunch man! You know some dollar menu action! Hahaha!
Spike: Where'd you get all that?
Crimson: He fought some scrub a few blocks down.. He was claiming to be some Jeet Kune Do master. Quake claimed bullshit. The manager set up a fight, last 2 minutes, you get 200 hundred dollars..
Spike:.... So.. then?
Quake: I worked him no contest son! Hahahaha!
Crimson: He let him hit him once... like Quake usually does.. then yeah..one hitter quitter... Not even one minute. So then the guy was saying he didn't last long enough. Quake got super pissed but, before he smashed the dude he cowered in fear and offered three hundred to leave him alone and voila.. Quake is now hungry.
Spike: Crimson.... I never get tired of how you tell stories dude...
Crimson: Word..
Quake: Enough!! Come on let's go! I'll even buy some take out from somewhere for your Som and sister tonight.
Spike: You don't have to..
Quake: Fah!! Your family's my family, dude! I'm gonna' so don't try and stop me.
Crimson: You heard him.. The only man more stubborn than Spike Fierce.
Spike: Like hell!!... Wait.. anyway don't you have to give Z his cut?
Quake: Oh, didn't you get the memo? We totally got a promotion. Any fights we do under five hundred is pretty much a hundred percent deal for us now. We're hitting big time man!
Spike:.. Huh... that's cool I guess.. Well then Mr.Quake, I believe you were going to treat me and the Ginger here to food.
Quake: Tchyea! Let's go, Bitches.
The three boys, start traversing the streets heading to their destination of food. On the way through the smoggy maze of civilization, Quake again opens his mouth trying to keep the journey interesting.
Quake: So you dudes stoked about the Great Street Fight Tournament?
Crimson: Tch... Eh I doubt I'll even be in it.
Quake: Say what?
Crimson: We all know you're Team Z's best fighter so it's obvious that the bracket Z gets is most likely gonna' be used on you.
Quake: Huh.. didn't think about that.. Well there's one million dollars on the line.. and that's the standard prize money from the GSF Committee. Lord knows how high the underground bets are gonna' get.. No doubt Z and Quicksilver are gonna' throw down some serious bets.
Crimson: And it's all gonna be riding on you..
Quake: Hell yeah!! Wait... I don't know about this.. That's a lot of pressure.
Spike: I thought the Quake worked best under pressure.
Quake: Ehh... Well in any case if I can win that payout. Holy shit..
Spike: Big dreams?
Quake: ...Heh.. What the hell would I do ya know?.. What more do we street fighters have?
Crimson: You could get your sister out of that piece a shit apartment for starters..
Quake:.. Yeah. That's just for starters...
The three continue down the streets, as the focus of the story flies across the city into a gym, where Rayna is seen sparring with another teenage girl in a ring. She stands at about the same height as Rayna with long black hair and dark skin. The opposing girl throws a one, two combo. Rayna easily avoids her punches and gestures her to try again. The girl quickly does a fake right and slides in a left hook. Rayna snags her wrist and twists her opponent's arm. She then sweeps her feet causing her to fall flat to her face. To follow it up Rayna swiftly ends up sitting on her back hyper extending the girls arm. Her sparring partner quickly taps out and Rayna rolls off her.
Rayna: Oh my god! Are you all right? -She grabs the girl's arm and begins to softly massage the elbow tendons- Hmmm..
Milano: Yeah.. Rayna, what are you doing?
Rayna: Just making sure I didn't hurt you Sweetheart.
Milano: Uhh.. You're holding me a bit close don't you think.
Rayna: -Like a sneaky snake, Rayna already had Milano's arm placed firmly against her chest as she was still massaging her, and her leg had crept around her waist with her foot playfully rubbing against her thigh- Eh? .. Hmm no I'm just being very thorough.. You seem okay though.
Milano: Right.. Well you beat me again.. You're too good.
Rayna: Heh.. Practice my dear.. Should we call it a day?
Milano: Yeah. I have to study for a test anyway.
Rayna: Oh.. You wanna' take a shower?
Milano:... Ummm.. I think I'll just change for now.
Rayna: Ah.. you like to carry your stink. I like you more already.
Milano:... You're so weird..
Rayna: -She simply grins widely-
After the two girls change out of their sweaty training gear, they pack up all of their belongings and head out of the gym's exit. Rayna continues to act frisky and giddy as she practically dances and skips by Milano's side as she escorts her home.
Milano: Rayna.. I don't know if I feel the same way you do about this whole situation..
Rayna: What ever do you mean, Babe?
Milano: That.. The pet names and innuendos..
Rayna: Hmm.. I'm just playing around.. but, if you ever develop a curiosity for the same gender let me know and I'll totally be there to help you out. -She winks-
Milano: Uhh...
?: Well well, You are awfully easy to find, Rayna Fierce..
The two girls turn quickly in response to the burly voice that uttered Rayna's name. They see a group of men led by none other than New York's Mr.Quicksilver, the most feared and decorated crime lord in the city. A near six foot tall man in a flashy black suit and shades on over his mysterious eyes that nobody can tell tale of. His pulled back black hair and pricey hanging jewelry were a symbol of tyranny that walked the streets. He was accompanied by two of his lackeys, a tall man with an afro and aviator shades on known simply as "Willims", and the other a beefy man with a long ponytail, he went by the name "Serpent". He approached the two girls with his cronies following close behind. Milano grew afraid, and Rayna quickly stepped in front of her in an act to protect her from this potential harm.
Quicksilver: Hmm.. So, Rayna. I've heard rumors. That you were quitting the drugs.
Rayna: It's no rumor Quicksilver, I've quit using the "Whirlwind". I've been off it for a month now. What's it to you?
Quicksilver: What's it to me? Why Rayna, You're my best customer. I was hoping to re-construct our relations. I know how much you crave the high. Freedom from all the things that plague your world. When you let the dust take you away your safer than you've ever felt.
Rayna: Shut up!! I... I Don't want it anymore. The high, the dust, none of it. So just go crawl back into your limo and head home to your central shit hole you dickhead!
Quicksilver: Ouch... So you want to be like that do you, Dear? You realize that my seeking you out virtually makes you a dead soul.
Rayna: ...What? Have you nothing better to do, Asshole!? Seriously you must have a bunch of other addicted people. Why are you making such an effort to track me down just cause I'm over it.
Quicksliver: Like I mentioned, you were one of my best customers. Your influence is pretty useful as far as hooking others.. Just as opposite I don't want others to get brave and think about quitting the stuff..
Rayna: Get a life you Shit stain!
Quicksilver:.... Heh.. I see, you want to play that way eh? Then I suppose I'll just have to do the usual gig, without your precious manager here you aren't protected. So I hope your ready to die.. -He snaps his fingers-
The two henchmen lunge forward at the two girls. Serpent quickly goes for a snake strike to Rayna's throat, She quickly side steps the attack and snags his attacking arm, wrenching it behind his back and clenching his neck threatening to break it.
Willims quickly tries to grab Rayna from behind. She releases Serpent, and quickly spin kicks and knocks Willims straight to the ground. Serpent then rolls to his feet and begins to unload a vicious flurry of strikes trying to aim for Rayna's vital points. Rayna continues to dances around her opponent but finds it hard to find an opening in Serpent's now tight defense. He had learned his lesson on careless fighting and was now using all of his skill to press the pressure on Rayna.
Rayna is eventually pushed into an alley way by Serpent's ongoing assault against her. When she is pushed to a wall, she sees a nearby trash can. Serpent strikes aiming for her throat once again. Rayna quickly grabs the trash can's lid and blocks his strike. He grunts in pain for a second, which was more than enough time for Rayna to smack him across the face with the lid twice and knock him away from her with a thrust kick.
Serpent is sent rolling but he reaches his feet quickly. Rayna then throws the lid like a discus, and it flies right passed Serpent's face, whiffing his cheek. The lid continues down the alley. Willims turns the corner of the alley and is struck right in the face sending him right back into the ground. Rayna then rushes Serpent, barraging him with a series of kicks. It was now her, who was raiding with an offence pushing back the enemy. Rayna finally fought her way to an opening and landed a powerful knee shot right to his face sending Serpent stumbling. As if she was filled with thoughts of revenge she formed a snake style form with her hand and attempted to land a finishing strike on his jugular. Mere moments from landing the strike her hand stopped at the sound of Quicksilver's voice shouting. "Enough"!
Rayna slowly turned her head to meet Quicksilver's gaze. What she saw filled her with shock and anger. She had got so caught up fighting off Serpent and Willims, that she had left Milano alone with Quicksilver. She now stood in a frozen shock as Quicksilver now held Milano in a half-nelson, while pressing a gun to her head with his other hand.
Rayna: Milano!.... Quicksilver!! Let her go! Now!
Quicksilver: Honestly, Rayna? Are you really the one in position to make demands. You're fast, but a bullet at point blank might be... just a tad quicker.
Rayna: ..What.. do you want?
Quicksilver: For starters.. stop defending yourself..
Rayna: What?
Quicksilver: How much is this girl's life worth to you? Would you take a beating for an innocent life? How noble do you really think you are? -He presses the gun against Milano's skull and she begins to quiver as tears start to gush from her eyes and roll down her face-
Rayna: ..... Whatever... just do it... I.. I couldn't live with an innocent death on my hands.. You let her go dammit!
Quicksilver: Rayna... you know I'm a man of my word. Get her boys..
Willims: -He swings a pipe right at Rayna-
Rayna: -She catches the pipe and twists his arm-
Quicksilver: Rayna!! I thought we had an understanding..
Rayna: Grr... I know... it.. was just.. a reflex.. just do it... do it already!!
Willims: Bitch!! -He swings his pipe again even harder than before straight into her stomach-
Rayna: -As she takes the hit, she spits every ounce of air right out of her body and drops to her knees, coughing and gasping for air-
At that moment Serpent launched a ferocious thrust kick straight into Rayna's face. Her face hit the ground along with the rest her body following her. Rayna on all fours now tried to crawl to her feet, but eventually fell right back into the pavement. Willims took another swing with his pipe, as if he was going to drive a golf ball. Rayna quickly blocked it, she instantly realized what she had done and glanced over at the hostage situation. Quicksilver looked at her with a sick smile and threatened again to pull the trigger. She then responded by releasing the pipe and simply staring at the ground beneath her, she closed her eyes and began to beg in her head that something or someone would come and get her out of this jam. Her brother and her friends naturally crossed her thoughts, she began to wonder what her Mom would say to her if she even survived this beating. She started to remember her Dad and his smile, the way he handled street thugs like these. One thought playing most vividly was a girl, a very fit girl popping up in her brain. She was tall and had a body of an athlete who trained every day. Her hair a shiny sky blue covering her left eye and stretching down her back. Her name was Marleene Allony, a girl who has been Rayna's best friend since she was a young girl. The images of Marleene continued to flash. Rayna had secretly fallen in love with her best friend, she had never told anyone but her brother. Rayna began filling with regret, for if she died here she would have to rest eternally without even getting a chance to approach the one girl she now secretly longed for. Her mind's wandering would somewhat pay off for her for she did not even feel the vicious beating that reigned down over her. Her thoughts clouded the beating that she was taking in this abandoned alley. Willim's pipe continued to crash against her, Serpent's kicks continued to hit her across the pavement. Rayna took a beating under the impression she was saving someone's life, but she refused to let out even one cry of pain to her assailants. She kept staring a hole right through Quicksilver's skull.
Quuicksilver: -He snaps his fingers- Enough!
The two thugs halt their attack on Rayna and walk back over to their boss. Rayna still attempts to get up, she crawls to a wall and leans against it trying to pull herself to her feet. She was now covered in bruises, and bloody scrapes all over her body. Blood was running down her lips and dripping off her chin, she spit and coughed trying to recollect herself. When she finally stood again she kept her scorn in tact and continued to stare down the maniacal crime boss.
Quicksilver: Does it feel good.. to be clean of the drugs now?
Rayna: ... Never... felt better..
Quicksilver: Huh.. Gotta' love your defiance..
Rayna: Is all this.. really over my quitting of your filthy drugs..
Quicksilver: Ahh Rayna, that's merely a fragment.. There's actually a wall of reasons for this. Yes quitting the use of Whirlwind does irritate me. Also I hear you're entered in the G.S.F. and with that undefeated streak of yours still standing strong.. I figure I might as well try and take out some of the threatening competition.. and my favorite reason. When people like you try to defy me like that, I love leaving you all in a pool of shame and defeat.. then showcasing you to the whole city so that everyone remembers just who it is that runs all the systems around here.
Rayna: So... that's it huh.. Scared that I was gonna' be the one to knock you right off your high horse.. Yeah quitting your most addictive substance. Taking the million from you in G.S.F. It all would have made me look like a real shining heroine of some sort.. You're a spoiled little kid.. who was afraid of being made out to be a loser. You're no tyrant, just a piss stain boy who cries when he doesn't get his way..
Quicksilver: Hahahaha! You're verbal abuse is cute and all, but you forget that I am the one who is holding this bitch's life in the balance.. Now I have one more thing for you to do..
Rayna: What? Let her go already! You.. you said you would.. I know you're a piece a shit.. but, you have always kept your word when you make deals with people...
Quicksilver: I will.. but let me first introduce you to "MY" undefeated fighter.. Belial.. -He whistles-
Foot steps are then heard approaching the alley way. The sound of each step is almost chilling to the bone as the mere sounds of each foot reveals that this approaching force is bigger than your average man. The first foot was revealed around the corner and soon with one more massive step a giant body towered over Quicksilver this monster was near seven feet tall. From the ground up heavy looking combat boots with strange studs and spikes all over them nearly ground into the concrete. Very worn down cargo pants ruffled in the ominous breeze. He was shirtless revealing a freakish physique with the kind of muscles that were bulging with even more muscles. His seemingly stone chiseled body harbored nasty unsightly scars and stitches all over. His face was covered by a modified hockey mask stitched on like some sick experiment. He had unkempt long red hair that was stretching all over his back. He glanced at Rayna, and it was as if his eyes were actually glowing a demonic red hue through the eye holes of the mask. Rayna was petrified at the sight of this new opposition. Already in a severe state of injury she was now fearing for her life more than ever.
Quicksilver: This is Belial.. by name, the Crown Prince of Hell! By looks, a monstrous freak show juggernaut! In reality my undefeated weapon of the street fight circuit!
Rayna:.....
Quicksilver: Hahahaha!! Speechless are you? He's quite a marvel! So I'm curious as to how you'll compare to my ultimate fighter.
Rayna: What!?
Quicksilver: Yes... you can defend yourself by the way.. Now, Belial.. sick her.
The massive monster unleashes a primal bellow and rushes Rayna. His huge size hid his amazing speed as even Rayna was caught off guard by how fast he was approaching her. Belial swung his huge fist like a mace aiming for Rayna's head. She quickly rolled under the massive arm and got behind him, she began kicking his knee as hard as she could. After the third strike Rayna's foot was in pain and she fell to her knees holding her ankle. Belial simply turned slowly and stared down at Rayna who was now grounded, his eyes glowed again. He lifted his foot up high and tried to stomp on her. Rayna continued her evasion tactics and rolled again this time right between his legs, trying to get to her feet, but she began limping on one foot and eventually falling again holding her abdomen gasping for air. Belial then turned to her and charged like a bull attempting to gore it's victim. Rayna grabbed a near by trash can and flew at him. The can merely crashed against him and bounced away. When Belial reached Rayna, she began running from him until she reached the wall. At the last moment Rayna ran a few steps off the wall and back flipped right over him. As Belial crashed right into the brick building, Rayna then added her own drop kick off his head, ramming him deeper into the building. Rayna landed on her feet and then quickly fell over in exhaustion.
Rayna took these moments to catch her breath cause before she could even try to stand again, Belial pulled his face right out of the building and slowly began walking over to her. Rayna was running out of energy and crawling for her life. She came across the very pipe that beat the life out of her and took hold of it. Belial grabbed Rayna's ankle, she instantly turned and struck him in the face with the pipe. A small crack appeared on the left side of the mask. She swung again, this time he caught it with his other hand. He released her ankle and pulled her up to her feet with the pipe she was holding. She released the pipe and tried to get away. Belial swung the pipe and Rayna ducked the attack. The pipe got stuck in the wall, Rayna regained her balance from her dodge and saw her doom coming at her. Belial threw a massive kick straight at her. Rayna saw it coming, but her body froze. Her energy burnt out, and her joints were in too much pain. Her body did not heed the commands of her brain. She took the attack straight to the right side of her body, the impact alone looked as though she had her arm broken by the massive kick. Rayna flew across the alley and straight into the wall Belial crashed into earlier. She slowly slid down the wall as a trail of blood smeared over the building. Belial rushed over and grabbed her by the throat with both hands holding her back up in the air. He began smashing her little neck choking the life from her already near dead body. Rayna was slipping away from the lack of air and sheer pain she was feeling. At that moment Quicksilver whistled again. Belial didn't seem to listen at first and continued to strangle her. Quicksilver then shouted. "Belial!"
Belial paused for a moment, he then released Rayna as she fell to the ground motionless. Quicksilver smiled in satisfaction. He released Milano from his grasp. "Go on.. Call an ambulance she needs one.."
Milano in sheer fear simply ran from the men and was out of sight in a matter of seconds. Quicksilver walked over to Rayna's mangled body and began taunting her. He started to nudge her with his foot. "Hey Rayna.. Can you hear me? You want to know something funny?"
Quicksilver then pointed the gun straight at Rayna's face. Her eyes widened, Quicksilver pulled the trigger and the gun simply clicked. He then pulled the trigger again, and again, and again. It continued to click the sound of non-existent bullets. Quicksilver then began laughing hysterically. "There were never any bullets! Isn't it amazing what you can do with an empty gun!? "
Rayna down and out grew angry and tried to flail her unbroken arm at his feet, but it was only to Quicksilver's entertainment as he laughed even more and put his gun away. He then pulled out a bag full of strange powder. He ripped it open and began talking. "How bout one last dose, on the house. Pleasure doing business with you Rayna. Tell Lumina I said hi." He then poured the powdered drug over her face.
As the dust blasted her Rayna gagged and coughed trying not to intake any of it, but it just continued to fall. When the bag finally emptied out, Quicksilver kicked up dirt at Rayna and began walking over to his limo that had just pulled up. Rayna coughed up powder and blood and tried to move but the pain was too intense. Her arm fell limp along with her body following it up. She closed her eyes and let the pain take her away from her conscious state.
Meanwhile merely a couple blocks away, Quicksilver's limo was already driving off from the scene of the brutal beating. They continued down the road and saw the girl they just released still running for her life. As they got closer Quicksilver rolled his window down and began to taunt her. "Better run faster" he said.
Milano was shocked to see him again so soon. She fell to the ground out of fear. The cities other on lookers didn't know or care about any of it. They simply just hoped that the girl wouldn't get in their way. Oddly enough the door to a near by pizzeria opened and out walked Jay Ardie.
Jay glanced over and saw the girl on the ground, looking as though the man in the limo was causing trouble. He walked over and began his interrogation. "Hey what the hell's going on?"
Quicksilver quickly looked over and pulled out his gun pointing it directly at Jay's face. "Bang... Heh! Look kid you're dead.. You'd best not meddle with people's shit if you know what's good for you.. stay away from fancy cars in this city.. Hahahaha" He continued to laugh as he rolled his window up. The limo drove away slowly into the jammed up traffic.
Jay froze for a minute, the sight of the gun nearly caused him to shit himself. He quickly took a deep breath and regained his composure. He approached Milano and tried to help her up. When he tried to ask her what happened she simply started to cry and yell random sounds, He was unable to make out anything the girl was saying. He held her crying face to his chest and told her to calm herself. She continued to cry all over his shirt. She finally said something about a back alley. Jay still having a hard time following simply began walking into the direction she kept pointing at. She clung to his arm as he walked down the streets. Jay started to grow a bit worried. He had no idea what he was about to come face to face with. As they continued down the sidewalk Milano froze and refused to budge. She simply continued to point at the alley they finally reached. Jay got his arm free from Milano. He gulped down what felt like a two ton pill of shaken nerves. His throat danced and his spine shivered. He grabbed a brick he found on the ground and slowly turned the corner ready for what ever sort of trouble might be lurking. He then saw a girl on the ground battered and torn in a small growing puddle of blood. He dropped the brick and ran over to her. He dropped down to his knees and began inspecting her. He noticed the green hair instantly. As he turned her face his fears came to fruition it was Rayna Fierce, the cool chick he just met in school, now dying in his arms.
Jay:... (My god.. did that guy.. do this to you?) Rayna! It's me Jay! Say something Rayna!
She remained unresponsive. Jay then placed his ear by her heart and held his fingers by her nose. Seeming still alive he quickly pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed 911. He fought for a good ten minutes with the operator trying to get an ambulance to come down. Jay then found the two girls bags and began searching for anything that he could use for any temporary fixes. Having absolutely no idea what he was doing he reluctantly started to use a towel he found to try and wipe off all the blood. He already knew he was in for one hell of a night here in his new New York home.