Some of the girls felt anger towards Mitsuomi beginning to trigger, especially Megumi, once he made a threat towards Aoi regarding some "rule" that she violated, as though she was the one who even provoked this whole battle. Umeko was no different at expressing anger. She just never showed the expression as obvious as the girls. Every time she was around him, she could feel a negative vibe between them, like negative and negative magnets trying to be connected, yet pushed away with ease.

As he made his leave, as well as the other guys, Umeko went to tend all of those who were given minor injuries.

"Haruka," Umeko called from behind her. A guard stepped up beside her, "I need a bag of ice to tend Megumi's eye."

Haruka did a silent nod, before exiting the dojo.

Based on the turn of events, Umeko wasn't 100% positive on whether to cancel practice or not.

Alan awoke with a start. It was still night time, with the dark blue, pre-dawn sky beginning to show through the inky blackness. He had been having a dream about how things used to be. About evenings when he would sit in his windowsill and read novels, or listen to his Walkman, drowning out the sound of the streets of New York with the hard rock of Van Halen or Dokken or whatever he was in the mood for that day. He also dreamed about Erica, how the two would hold each other close, how he would sing to her, or run his hands through her silky red hair. Then, like a phantom in the night, they were gone, just gone...into thin air.

Something was wrong. He could feel it in his heart. His days of being the savior of New York and the hero of Central City had given him a strong sense of justice. That's why when trouble was brewing, when the innocent were hurt, he could feel it in his bones. Turning his body into a solid flame and passing through the elevator door without burning a hole through it, he flew off in search of the trouble. His gut feeling led him back to Todou High School, hardly a surprise with the number of fighters there.

What did surprise him was finding a fully operational dojo behind the school. Unlike the dojos back in America, this was strictly traditional, with sliding doors and a thatched roof. A sign nearby said it was the headquarters of something called "The Aiki-Chan Club". Given that it belonged to a club, he was not sure how friendly his reception would be. Nonetheless, if someone was hurt or in danger, he could not just ignore it. Taking off his shoes, he placed them near the door and gently slid it open.

What he saw both confused and angered him. There was mud all over the dojo floor, indicating that someone had not respected the "no shoes in the dojo" rule. There were also women with injuries on them, none serious, but there nonetheless. He deduced that it was a girls-only club, which confused him even more when he saw Ken standing nearby. Alan was not sure if any of the women would understand him, given his Japanese was "pidgin", at best. So, he approached his fellow American, who would have no problem understanding him.

"What happened here?"
The injuries and disarray suggested a fight. There had been multiple people in this dojo. Someone had been up to no good, and if it was as he suspected, then justice would be served...with a side of ass-kicking.

Megumi tip-toed her way to Umeko. Her black eye shown for the world to see. She was a little upset that she never got the chance to fight Poker as he merely gave a sucker punch by surprise.

Umeko always thought that Megumi resembled a child at heart; aggressive, and ready to fight at an instant. It was something that Umeko was cautious about, considering that Megumi tends to pick the wrong opponents to fight. The reason why Umeko disregards that is because there are times when even the stronger men challenge her for a fight, and she has to honor that proposal.

"Are we still having practice?", Megumi questioned to her leader.

Umeko landed her hand on Megumi's shoulder.

"I was intending on that," Umeko replied, "but today, I decided just having an Introductory Meeting, just to greet one another. Besides, the sun is almost down. In addition, you need to tend to your eye."

"Ugh! If I ever see that bastard again, he's going to break his ankles!"

Umeko only chuckled at Megumi's bite of boldness.

Ken Looked to Alan, looking at his feet quickly, and sighed relief. He used to forget these things.

"Alan, That guy from the Council or whatever. Some of his goons went rogue in this very dojo. He just disbanded their club and said That Umeko chick had violated a bullshit rule."

Ken looked over to the girls.

"It was a good fight, too. Umeko was defending her Dojo from some biker-wannabe..."

Alan looked over the girls, taking note of their wounds and spirit.
"I see. But justice has not done. The victim is not to be punished for self-defense. Justice without compassion is no justice at all."
He turned back to Jay.
"You wanted to grow stronger. The truth is that I can help you with that."

"I lied to you to keep myself from getting involved in this stuff. But I can see now that I can no longer just ignore what is going on."
He headed for the door.
"I'm going to have a talk with Taka about this situation. When I'm finished, I'll meet you at my training ground and we can get started."
He put his shoes on outside and began walking for the main building.


Taking out a map, he consulted it for directions to the Executive Council clubhouse. It was up near the top of the school. A towering perch, perfect for a fall from grace. He began ascending the stairs, knowing that he was now entering a situation where he would gain new friends, new enemies, and maybe...a new lease on life.

Nagi didn't want to go to sleep just yet. He wanted to check everything out, so he jumped off the roof, and landed into a roll. Nagi got up from the ground, and looked up. "Damn, I didn't know, I could do that. Hahaa" He said to himself walking toward one of the Clubs, that was still light up.
"Huh, Looks like someone is still up." He said in a low voice.
Then started off toward it. He walked toward the light. It looked more like a dojo. Once he got there. "Hello anyone there!" He yelled. Saw the open Sliding door, He'd look in there over here what Alan was saying. Then looked at the girls.
"What the hell happened?" Nagi was now pissed to see what happend, but missed most of what happened.

Ken rushed over to Alan and slapped a hand onto his shoulder.

"...Good Luck, Alan." He Told the Young Man. "My Spirit will always be by your side if you need it!"

While Umeko was helping those injured in the incident, which was very few, Megumi caught sight, with her uncovered eye, of two men inside the dojo. Two she hadn't quite seen before, so she butted Umeko a bit pointing towards them.

"Who are those guys?", Megumi questioned.

Umeko, along with some of the girls, followed the young spirited girl's finger towards the door.

"I don't know, Megumi. Meddlesome bunch aren't they?", Umeko replied, so she strutted towards the end of the door, while the guards, except injured Aoi, followed behind her, speaking up to the teenage boys.

"Don't get hostile, Megumi.", The leader whispered before finally making her way to them, glancing at them with her chocolate brown irises.

"May I help you all with anything?"

Alan remembered Ken's words echoing in his mind.
"My spirit will always be by your side if you need it!"
Could it be true? After years of steady betrayal by almost everyone he had ever known, could he really count on these strangers to be loyal friends? Would the Juken Club be any different from M-300, who had used him in the ultimate betrayal of his own race? For now, he could not say.

All he knew was that something had to be done. Even scarred from the betrayal, the loss, and the bloodshed from his past, he had never hesitated to help those in need. Taka had a stranglehold on the school, and someone had to rise up and say enough. When the cries of the innocent mingle with the screams of the damned, someone must stand and fight. Society breaks down when there is no one policing the police. As Alan climbed the staircase, he could hear Fate's footsteps trailing behind him.

As he reached the top floor, he saw the hallway swelling with henchmen from the Executive Council. He was sure they stretched all the way to the door. Some had weapons, and some had the marks of their previous battle. They had weapons, and waved them aggressively. They were under orders not to let him get anywhere near the door. Alan stretched his feet out a bit.

Love is like a bomb...

Alan got down into a track position, he right foot under his stomach and his left further back. His hands rested on the floor, enmeshed in the soft carpet.
"I don't have time to battle through you all individually. So, if I can't go around..."
Ready...Set...

Alan raised his body a little.
...Go!
"...I'll just go through!"
He shot at them like an arrow, engulfing his feet in flame to give him superhuman speed. He dropped his shoulder, bulldozing his way past them. They all were run over or knocked to the side by this unstoppable force.

"Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard
Love is like a bomb, baby, come on get it on, livin' like a lover with a radar phone, lookin' like a tramp like a video vamp, demolition woman, can I be your man?

Alan stood at the door, trying to turn the knob to open it. It was locked.
"Dude, come on."
He snap-kicked the door and it flew open.
"You can't just lock me out after I bulldozed your boys. That's not playing fair."
He took the chair opposite the desk.

A golden sign on the desk said, "Mitsuomi Takayanagi, President." Taka was currently looking out of the window, and all he could see was the back of the chair. He swiveled it around, and gave a wry smile.
"Ah, Alan Arnan. So good to finally meet you, face-to-face."
"The feeling is most certainly not mutual."

The smile did not change.
"Well, you must have wanted to see me pretty badly if you soldiered through my men and kicked in my door. I can only assume that Mr. McFly delivered my message."
"He did."
"Then allow me to make a proposal."
"I'm not interested in any of your proposals."

"Now if you would just..."
"Shut your mouth! I saw what went on at the Aiki-Chan Club! I saw what you did to the victims and did not do to the aggressors."
"Ah, so you are here because you have a problem with my methods. Shame."

"I don't just have a problem with your methods. I have a problem with you, you tyrant!"
"Well, you have quite a mouth on you! Americans never seem to have any respect for authority."
"Well, I don't like people who end thugs to my classroom to collect me. I've dealt with your type before, and I'll deal with them the same way."

"There's no need for violence."
"Violence has all ready been done. And by your hand, no less."
Taka clasped his hands together.
"You think you know it all, don't you?"
"I call it like I see it!"

"But that's just it. You don't see it. Because you don't know what things were like before."
"And how were they then?"
Taka leaned back in his chair.
"The school was a living hell."

"There was fighting all the time. Every club was trying to make itself the best, like one big, bloody game of king of the hill. Some of us banded together to stop the fighting. That's how the Juken Club came to be."
"You were a member of the Juken Club?" Alan asked in surprise.
"I was one of its founding members."

"Myself, Bunshichi Tawara, Maya Natsume, and others quelled the violence and established ourselves as the top club at the school. We created rules against fighting, and united all of the clubs under an alliance. Peace reigned for a time."
"So what happened?"
"There was a disagreement over the methods used to keep the clubs in line. Tawara and I favored one side, and Maya and the others favored another."

"So the two of you left the Juken Club and founded the Executive Council."
"Yes. As the two most powerful fighters in the school, we took every club, defeating the Juken at every turn to establish things the way they are today. Only the Juken refuse to submit, refuse to surrender. Once we have conquered them, the Council will reign supreme."

Alan nodded.
"And what makes your beliefs so much better than anyone else's? What gives you the right to rule over them like a god?"
"In a school like this, being the strongest and having the most unclouded vision gives me that right."
So this guy is every bit the deluded tyrant that I thought he'd be.
"Alan, I want you to join the Executive Council."

"I know. I've known it ever since you sent those goons after me. Maya approached me first, though, and she gave me a better deal."
"Alan, the Executive Council is reserved for the elite. Only the strongest of the strong ever get an opportunity to join the Council. With your power, we could ensure peace for Todou High forever."

"A conqueror's peace, you mean!"
Alan jumped up.
"True peace is not achieved through force! I would never join hands with somebody who places ideals above human freedom."
He slammed his hands on the desk.
"Fascist ideology fails time and again!"

Taka rose up and got right in Alan's face.
"I will not ask again!!!" he screamed.
"Good, 'cause I'm done talking!!!"
Encasing his arm completely in flame, he hit Taka square in the face with 100 times his regular strength, which was great as it was. It was like being punched by Hercules. Taka sailed through the glass, breaking it and flying into the distance with blood pouring from his caved-in nose. It was not long before a loud boom was heard where he landed.

Alan breathed heavily as the rage subsided, and the flame disappeared from his arm.
"I am sorry for the cheap shot, but we both know that today was not the day for our fight. That day will come in the fires of war, when I fight for the freedom...of people I don't even know."
Alan turned and opened the door. He made his way to his training ground to fulfill his promise.
"Ken, are you there?"

Ken turned to face the girl who was questioning him.

"Actually, That's what I was going to ask." Said Ken. "Fuck the rules...I thought that fight was pretty sweet."

Nagi walked toward his house, He wanted to fight this Strong fighter.

Umeko only chuckled at the man's rebellious statement.

"No worries. Moments like this have always occurred. Years after years, we've been defending our honor among other clubs with more strength, but we never get the opportunity to defend ourselves because of them." "Them", being the executive council.

Ken raised a Fist, an aura of flame almost appearing to follow.

"Have you Allied with the Juken Club yet?" He asked quickly, but seriously. "I've been training to join them. And I think I have all the right moves now. This like something out of Dynasty Warriors..."

Nagi stopped at the gate of the schoool turning around, and walking back toward the Dojo. He'd step up on the steps, and looked at the girl that was standing. He'd walk over placing his hand on the wood, thinking.

Megumi and the guards all looked at Umeko, wondering about her decision to the young man's proposal on allying her club with another. Umeko had a few allied clubs, because they all conflicted with the Executive Council. She has never heard of this Juken Club. It seemed small, and in development, just like her club when she first got into the 6th year of school. She had very few girls in her club, but her feminism and intellect interested many girls, and convinced them to join.

"What is this Juken Club you speak of?", Umeko questioned the young student.

"Some sort of Rebelling club. The leader of it has ties to Taka, Council president. I'm one of three Delinquents Training to enter the group. As it is, I've already had some formal training in Ansatsuken (Assassination Arts). But I have to get stronger in order to beat down those Executive pricks."

He looked towards the other girls a moment. "Your Dojo is amazing, and with it, its fighters. It would be a shame if the council takes us down because we haven't joined forces. If we pool our forces together, we can start matching up to their numbers, and even have more skill than they could ever hope to accomplish."

Ken bowed, keeping his eyes on the girl.

"If Asking is not enough, then I can offer my services in any form! Even if If I have to be auctioned off to one of you girls!" He informed. "But Now, I must leave. Please, consider the offer!"

-

Ken was trying to think about the things he had said. They were crazy offers.

The Assassination Artist was just happening across Alan's Training area.

"Oh Cool! :D"

Alan turned as Ken made his way over.
"Yes, cool indeed. This place provides the necessary space, and my powers provide the necessary equipment."
He crossed his arms.
"So, I must know one thing before we begin. What martial art are you trying to gain mastery in?"

Taka closed his eyes in a wince as he tried to get up. His nose hurt like hell, and blood dripped down from it like a leaky faucet. He could tell from the blood caked on the lower half of his face that it had gushed rather madly while he was still unconscious. Even knowing how strong Alan was, the sheer force of that punch still took him by surprise. And, knowing that Alan was allying himself with the Juken Club, he felt fear for the first time. Struggling to his feet, he began moving in the direction back to Todou High School. He had to get himself cleaned up and formulate a plan of action.

After what seemed like hours later, Taka ended up in his office. In his weakened state, he had nearly collapsed on the stairs, but was strong enough to push on. His men were conscious again, and were bandaging themselves again. This was the first time that Taka had ever seen his club so soundly beaten, and by one man at that! He sighed deeply. After a minute, he headed into his private bathroom to clean up.

Ken Nearly jumped out of his skin when he suddenly noticed Alan.

"...Ansatsuken." Said Ken simply. "The martial art practiced in secrecy among a rare number of practitioners. The style handed down by an Asura, with power almost like that of the Asura.."

Alan's mouth tightened into a grim line when he heard what Ken wanted. Ansatsuken, the assassin's art, and more still, he wanted the power of the Asura. Alan crossed his arms.
"I'm not sure I can grant that request. The path of the assassin is a dark one, and can provide plenty of temptation for one to lose their way. Also, I'm not sure you can be trusted with god-like power."

His expression lightened a bit.
"Please do not misunderstand. You seem like a nice guy. But I don't know if you're ready for the rigors of the path to mastery of Ansatsuken. Many that walked this path went mad or were destroyed by their own power. Are you sure that you're really ready to walk this path?"

"I've gotten this far." Ken Replied. "I want to master my Satsuki (Killing Intent). If I don't, everything I've done will be wasted. I've heard legends, names like Goutetsu, Gouken, And Akuma, Masters who were able to control it. I Aspire not to make the same moral choices or any of that, but to gain power as they had before. Maybe even more."


Ken crossed his arms. "I already knew the responsibility I held when taking up Ansatsuken before. If anyone knows the dangers of high power, It's gotta be me. That, and I watched the Indiana Jones Films."

Alan nodded.
"Okay, if you're sure you're ready."
He was not sure that citing Street Fighter and the Indiana Jones movies really made him ready, but if he was determined, then the training would commence.
"Our first lesson will be for you to further tame your Satsuki. You must gain discipline and strength in the mind before we can begin physical training."
He sat down on the ground in the Lotus position.

"In order to do that, we must first meditate. Doing so will center you, and it will also increase your Ki power slightly. We will meditate until I sense that you are ready for the physical training. I cannot ascertain how long this may take, and we may have to do it several nights in a row. But let us begin now."
Alan closed his eyes and began to meditate.

Ken nodded also, and kneeled down.

"By the way...All the things I cited are based on real life things...." He said seriously. "...They just became apart of pop culture."

"Please focus on your meditation."
Alan cleared his mind and breathed deeply, entering a state of meditation. He could feel Ken doing the same. When he felt Ken reach a certain point, he opened his eyes.
"Okay, that's enough for tonight. Meet me here tomorrow night, and we shall continue your training."

Alan then left, heading back for his sleeping place. Once he was back, he laid down. He fell asleep. This time, there were no nightmares to torment him.

(I vote we move to the next day.)

The next day, Ken walked in, cracking his knuckles.

"Alright, Ready for secret traps and sneaky surprise attacks!"

The next morning, Umeko was strolling her way to school from home. She still hadn't made her decision with making an alliance with the Jyukken Club. She wasn't familiar with their members, so she wasn't sure with the deal.

On her path to school, she usually visited the park for the pleasant scenery, especially during the summer. Since it was early, very few people would come by.

Umeko caught a glimpse of a figure from the behind the trees, smoking a cigarette. An ugly and tasteless display, in her perspective. The vest he was wearing was also familiar to her. She reminisced quickly on the confrontation last night with the Calvary. Those jackets, black, and dark grey, with helmets patched on the sleeves. After he noticed Umeko , the smoker dropped his cigarette, smearing the nicotine along the grass. The smoker was heading his way towards her.

Another man in the same jacket was hiding behind another tree, crackling his hairy knuckles. Four other men from behind Umeko appeared as well. They all began to approach Umeko with an urge for action.

Hostile Umeko knew exactly what was going on, or at least what was going to occur. She glared that all of the men circling around her. Each one wearing the same Calvary jackets.

“Hey sweetie pie.”

The chaotic voice rang to her ears. She turned her back to see Poker, and three more members, walking towards her.

“We didn't finish our little match.”, Poker stated with a conniving grin.

After chuckling at Poker, Umeko dropped her backpack, before removing her trenchcoat. Her hatred towards Poker and the Calvary at this minute surpassed her's with Mitsuomi. Poker asked for a fight, and he will receive one. Since the other nine men were at arms as well, she predicted that there would be a handicap match against them. She was preparing herself for a rather difficult battle.

Upcoming Match: Umeko Ueshiba vs. Hiroshi "Poker" Okada and Calvary members