Fighters and Monsters

Chapter 1: It begins

It was a hot day in the Hebei Province of China for a man named Blade Hanma, he had been training in China for the last 14 years, and trained in Japan 8 years before that and for 2 years he trained in Thailand before going to China. He had been training since he was 3 years old, and studied under many masters and now at the age of 27 he was prepared to end his training and stop fighting in the lower circuits and make a move up to the SFC. He was the same age as Yujiro Hanmas oldest son Jack and was 5 years older than Baki.

He knew of both his brothers exploits and was proud of them, and he like his brothers had a somewhat difficult relationship with his Father. Blades' mother was died in childbirth but he learned she was an African American woman who was a great fighter herself her name was Sheila Winters. She came to Japan at the age of 3 with Blades' grandparents who sadly, were also dead though that was because of a car accident. It left his mother an orphan and she was taken in by Karate and Judo instructors. The instructors were a married couple, the husband was named Lee Tanaka he was a 10th Dan master of Shotokan Karate. His wife was a Judo Master one of the few female masters in history actually and her name was Luna Tanaka. They had been teaching Sheila since she had arrived and continued until she was a master herself. She made her name known throughout Japan by besting the students of the legendary Doppo Orochi and even went to the Olympics and won the gold in Judo. And that was where she met Yujiro Hanma.

Sadly for Blade this is where his mother and her story get sad for you see she died not long after having Blade and Yujiro had already been gone after his birth. All that was left for Blade was a letter, two Black Belts, and a picture of his mother. She was beautiful with long black hair and green eyes, she was of medium height and curvaceous and had dark brown skin.

Blade was more like his father in terms of height and physique and had Yujiros' red eyes. Blades hair was styled much like Yujiro accept his hair was black. He was the complexion of his mother however and had her face for the most part he was tall being 6'5 and weighed 228 pounds.

He never knew his mother since he was only 1 when she died and he never met his father. He only knew Yujiro was his father due to his mother's letter and his mother's adoptive parents who affectionately called grandma and grandpa. He learned much from them and proved to his masters he was a true Hanma, he was a master of master of Karate and Judo and moved up quite a bit in the two years in Thailand by beating some of its best Muay Thai fighters and to think he was only a teenager when had accomplished this.

His Training in China however was his most successful and to him diverse training he had ever taken for himself. He was also very grateful he was around his grandparents so much since they afforded him so many opportunities to train with different people they knew through the world of martial arts. And now he was going to show the SFC what the true King of Martial Arts was supposed to be, and to hopefully meet his brothers. He knew Baki and Jack would be participating but he had very little knowledge of who else would be there.

Blade right now was finishing up his daily training with his Bajiquan master and Sigong Wolf Li. Sigong Wolf Li was of average height yet stocky and muscular and looked like a man of great wisdom and respect. Looking up at his master he smiled and said his voice deep

"Master I leave tomorrow I hope you will wish me success." Blade said

"I do my student I have watched you grow and mature in ways I thought impossible. Not only did you learn Bajiquan but you mastered 8 other Chinese martial arts. Not including your mastery of your grandparents' styles of choice and your time in Thailand, Boom Rilao would be proud of you as well." Wolf said smiling proudly at his unknown to Blade his best student.

"Thank you Sigong I will do you all proud tell my other Sifu and Sigongs by for me I have much to do tonight. In fact I only have time to meet with Sigong Ye Wen I was after all one the few students he taught directly in the art of Wing Chun."

"Yes that is true and he is getting old and time for him is short. I heard of his illness and he was happy to have you as one of his last students, he claims you are one of his greatest pupils. I do hope you will teach one day as well, you know after you left your mark and enjoyed some good fights."

"I will Sigong and with that all being said I will take my leave." Blade said bowing and leaving for his home, he had already packed and everything all he had to do now was make the 9 hour journey back to the city.

Seeing everything as a way to improve he put his bags on his back and left home running at top speed in the heat of the day. He looked at his watch and saw it was 1 pm and knew he would be in town in time to shower, meet old man Ye Wen, and sleep. He had midday flight leaving for Tokyo and after arrival he would go see his Grandparents and then meet at the location given to him for his ride to the SFC tournament. Man was he one excited Hanma.

(Yasha Crag same day)

It was a cool breeze blowing over one Baki Hanma who had been in Meditation so long vines had grown over him. He had been sitting in a tree so large three bears could sleep in it and have space to stretch out. It was shown to him by his father's acquaintance Ando, Baki felt the light of the sun shine through on him and he deemed it time to rise and stretch his previously strained muscles. He had learned a lot from his defeat by his father when he was 13 and to his long reign as the SFC champion and with the tournament approaching the next day he was excited to prove once in for all he was ready to finally face his father and avenge his mother. Baki was more like his father now than when he started out, his hair gotten darker, his face had chiseled out like Yujiro and eyes held the same fury though his was a controlled fury. As for his physique his muscles had grown and he was more defined but he was short compared to his dad being only 5'11 and weighing only 195 lbs.

Seeing no reason to wait any longer Baki took off running back to Tokyo to the boarding house he lived in with his girlfriend Kosue. He decided to stay with Kosue and her mother since all the money he made would help keep them from losing their home and allow them to fix it up. Baki was smart though and informed his girlfriend's mother Shizuko of what he did for a living and to his surprise she understood and thanked him for being so generous and kind. And she said that she would not tell Kosue until he was ready for it to be known. And he felt now was the time to tell her in fact he would show her.

(Tokugawa Estate 12 midnight)

Tokugawa was speaking on the phone to his best and nearest friend Doppo Orochi who called to inform him that he his self and as well as his son Katsumi would be participating in the SFC tournament. Tokugawa responded excitedly saying

"Great Doppo now I know Baki will get an even bigger challenge in this tournament. I truly believe I might have assembled a group of men more deadly than the world's militaries. I even have to big surprises for Baki and one for Yujiro, I have no doubts he will attend this function." Tokugawa said on the phone

"Yeah I wish I knew the surprise but I can wait one more day I suppose. Well Master Tokugawa I need to get some rest, have a nice night Master and I will see you tomorrow." Doppo said kindly

"You too Doppo I cannot wait to see who wins the whole thing. Good night." And with that he hung up and went to sleep with a content smile on his face.

(The next day)

Blade had already arrived in Tokyo and visited his Grandparents he was a bit sad though since his meeting with Sigong Ye Wen was somewhat bittersweet. He had the feeling he would not be alive to congratulate him if he won or critique him if he lost, but that was all the more reason for him to win the whole thing and then some. While Blade was in the cab on the way to his given meeting point he could not help but admire his home and relish in the feelings of nostalgia. He saw the old park he used practiced his Kata and the old Ramen and Steak house he used to frequent on weekends as well as the videogame store he used to get free games from. Videos games and good food were the only two things he was allowed to have on occasions of rest and holidays. He made a few friends in each country and kept in touch with all of them, and he always said God blessed him with the love of life, love, and acceptance.

Seeing he had come to a stop he was greeted by the sight of a beautiful Japanese woman and a limousine. Getting out of the cab he grabbed his training bag and adjusted his Nike track suit and tightened the laces on his shoes. He then walked to the woman and said

"Hi I am Blade Hanma and I suppose Master Tokugawa sent you to lead me to the venue?"

"Yes he did I am Matsuo it is a pleasure to meet you, I suggest we move now so as not to be late for your entry."

"Yes let us depart."

As Blade was sitting in the limo he could not help but notice how beautiful Matsuo was. She was very curvaceous with full legs and a bountiful bust, she was at least a Double D and he knew she had to have a big bottom. In fact he was not trying to stereotype Asian women but he had never seen one as thick as her in China or his home of Japan. In fact she was just the type of woman he liked as far as physique and even her look and she seemed really nice. As they were riding they had a lengthy conversation on various subjects, and Matsuo herself found herself attracted to Blade not only was he fit and handsome but he seemed very genuine. Seeing they were nearing the destination however Matsuo said.

"I hate to have to end our wonderful conversation but we arrived at the venue. I will be your personal Liaison during your stay so if you need anything feel free to contact me." She said handing him a card with her number on it Blade replied saying

"I am glad you gave me this because I was going to ask you for this anyway, I would really love to see you again I mean if you don't mind?"

"Sure I guess we could but you gotta make sure you keep that face as perfect as it is right now. I think I have taken a liking to it." Matsuo finished with a wink Blade then said

"Well you know what the great Muhammad Ali said ("Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee you can't hit what you can't see.")"

"Well let's hope that will ring true for you and I think I will attend the fights as well see how you stack up."

"Well I will put a little flare in my step just for you, so I will see you later gorgeous." Blade said finally leaving for the underground arena.

(Bottom Level of the Tokyo Dome)

Blade had made it just in time to confirm his entry and he was very surprised at some of the other competitors. The first one he met was Retsu Kaioh the heir to Chinese Fist fighting seeing him Retsu said respectfully.

"It is a pleasure to meet another like myself, a true practitioner of the Chinese Martial Arts. I heard a lot about you from my master Ryu Kaioh; he even trained a couple of your teachers. I heard you also are a master in Karate and Judo is that correct and that you keep the last three Kung Fu forms you practice a secret. Is this true?"

"Yes it is the final three are a bit controversial at least for the circuits I used to fight in I doubt it will matter here though."

"I see I hope I can see or experience them in the battles to come. Good day to you Blade it was as I said before a pleasure." Retsu finished bowing in respect; Blade did the same for Retsu was a man he only dreamed of meeting in person.

As Blade walked away he ran into a familiar face it was none other than his old Muay Thai teacher Boom Rilao seeing him he said.

"Master Rilao it is great to see you how have you been?" Blade asked smiling

"I am well Blade, I would call you student but I think you might just prove the old master is just that old."

"Don't say that Master I will always regard you as my teacher whether I defeat you or not." Blade said humbly

"You still have that humility going for you, but remember if we meet it is all or nothing in that arena I will not hold back."

"Nor will I. I respect you too much to do that to you, and besides how many times can I get to say I kicked my teacher's ass ha ha." Blade laughed as did Boom, after the two stopped laughing they parted ways with a hand shake.

Blade then found himself a corner and put on his uniform. His uniform he fought in was to pay homage to all his masters and his mother. His uniform was actually styled the same way Bruce Lee wore in the (Way of The Dragon) only it was white like his old Karate Gi, on his left arm was his mother's Karate and Judo Black Belt. On his head a Muay Thai headband and on the back of the shirt was the Emblem for Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, and Muay Thai. All were represented in their countries native language, and they were arranged in the first to last formation. And on the shoulders of the jacket were the Japanese Kanji for Hanma, Blade figured there was no need to hide his heritage.

Seeing what Blade had on made many in the room look twice especially one Katsumi Orochi, a man Blade had heard of by reputation alone. Katsumi seeing the two Black Belts walked over to Blade with a cocky grin saying

"Hey you what the hell do you think your wearing? You think Bruce Lee or any martial artist would approve of it? And furthermore how are you a Hanma."

"I am a Hanma same as Baki and Yujiro you could not be that much of damn fool could you? I mean you are Doppo Orochi's son right, the so called Ace of Sinsinkai Karate. Well I would rather fight your father but if you claim to be what you say you are I might see who's Karate is better, my Shotokan or your Sinsinkai."

"Yeah I would too but answer my question?"

"Well I represent every country I trained in and the arts therein, and to show respect to not only the styles but my mother."

"And who is she?" Katsumi asked, but before Blade could reply Doppo stepped in saying.

"She was Sheila Winters, and she was Sinsinkais' biggest rival with her formidable Shotokan Karate. She was also an Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo. I must say I am proud to see her only son and living relative is doing so well." Doppo said shaking Blades hand.

"I am pleased to meet you Master Orochi but your son could use some lessons in humility." Said Blade

"Who the fuck do you think you are talking to bitch I'm right here and will kick your ass."

"You would try but it would not work out well for you. But I prefer to wait until we are in the ring I would like to embarrass you in front of a crowd." Blade said walking away from the situation, while Doppo told Katsumi to save it for the upcoming fights.

As Blade walked away however it is where it all really began for him, as it was the champion Baki Hanma and also his baby brother. Baki had to stop and look at the man in front of him and said

"Why are wearing the kanji for Hanma on your shoulders?"

"Is it not obvious brother?" Blade said with a sincere smile on his face. "I am glad to see you for the first time, I in truth only learned of you after you became the champion, I aim to take that from you by the way." he said smiling, Baki chuckled a bit and said

"I am glad to know I am not alone and I see you must be strong but you will forgive me if I don't just jump into the whole brotherly love thing."

"I can understand that, I wish my mother was here to see this though she would be happy to know I found some blood family."

"Yeah my mom is dead too, Yujiro saw to that but when did your mother pass?"

"When I was one years old, I don't even remember her but I know she loved me. In fact these black belts on, my left arm are hers. Outside of that I got a picture and a letter she wrote."

"Damn I wish I could say the right thing I guess my life was not so bad after all."

"Yeah maybe but I think everything happens for a reason, so what can you tell me about our Father?"

"Well he is the most powerful creature on Earth not one fighter is capable of defeating him, he is sadistic, cruel, evil, and powerful. And to all fighters he is crowned the king, the supreme warrior. But I aim to change all that soon enough I will defeat him." Baki said with look tenacity

"Well I knew that much about him Baki and I hope you are ready for a challenge on your last statement of changing everything I am looking to destroy him myself not for revenge but for the challenge. He stands in the way of my goal to be the greatest."

"Well I see we both have a common yet conflicting interest. We will see who will take down Papa Hanma." Baki finished walking away. And it was right on time too since the intercom ringed calling for all fighters to meet in the arena center.
Walking out into the arena Blade saw the magnitude of this event he was going to participate in and so seeing everyone for the first time he recognized a few such Kaoru Hanayama, Kin Ryuzan, Kenso Masaki, Robin Robinson, and Shibukawa Gouki. The announcer however announced everyone starting with.

"Well everyone welcome to the SFC Maximum Tournament. Starting with Block A: we have

Baki Hanma vs. Artemis Reagan

Zulu vs. Boom Rilao

Gizo Motobe vs. Kin Ryuzan

And Igari Koncho vs. Robin Robinson

With that said the people roared in approval. The announcer called out Block B next saying.

"Alright everyone now for Block B the matchups are

Retsu Kaioh vs. Sergei Kakarov

Robert Gellin vs. Kyosumi Kato

Inagaki Shinji vs. Kaoru Hanayama

Roland Gustav vs. Katsumi Orochi

"And that folks is Block B now moving on to Block C

We have

Olin McGregor vs. Moko Lee

Kouahei Hatanaka vs. Chiharu Shiba

Minoru Yamamoto vs. Kenso Masaki

"And the final match of Block C"

Jack Xamma vs. Sergio Silva

The matches of Block D consist of

Doppo Orochi vs. Richard Phyllis

Blade Hanma vs. Yu Amanai

Shinogi Koushou vs. Kureha Koushou

Shibukawa Gouki vs. Roger Harland

"And that folks are your Tournament brackets all seem to be very exciting and will no doubt keep you on the edge of your seats now if all fighters minus Baki Hanma and Artemis Reagan please leave the ring."

Everyone did as asked and the show was set to start the question that stuck with everyone though was who would be the final two and after that the new champion. Well they would get some answers with this first match with the announcer saying

"Okay ladies and gentleman the moment you have all been waiting for the first match in Block A: in the blue dragon corner is our reigning Champion Baki Hanma vs. out the white tiger corner, the worlds largest and pound for pound strongest wrestler, Artemis Reagan! Champion Baki enters in at 5'11 tall and 195 lbs. the challenger Artemis is a massive mountain of a man standing at 7'8 tall and weighing in at 575 lbs. and as you can see folks it is all muscle. Now get ready for this present day David and Goliath match enjoy folks!" yelled out the announcer.

Baki and Artemis stepped into the center of the ring looking at each other with cold calculating gazes. Artemis thought back to how he used to have to hold back in his pro-wrestling days back in America. Now he no longer had to do so and once the official of the match finish the usual monologue, Artemis said arrogantly

"Hey little man your rain as champion is over as of right now I just hope you make it out of this alive who knows what could happen in a place like this." Artemis was hoping he would get a reaction but was disappointed when Baki simply walked away backwards.

Baki once in his corner was surprised to see Blade standing there with an encouraging smile. Blade giving Baki a nod was all Baki needed to see. Hearing the Referee say begin Baki made a move to engage immediately.

Baki met Artemis with a solid high right round house kick to the head that sent the behemoth sliding back about 8 ft. Artemis now realizing he could not take Baki lightly said

"I misjudged you almost fatally, you may look like a runt but you more then hold your own. I guess I have finally found an opponent that may survive my full power." He finished he then engaged Baki with a renewed vigor throwing several boxing like combinations with deceptive speed. Baki however had seen and survived much faster and more dangerous encounters and dodged all of them seamlessly. Baki then countered with three jabs to Artemis' face and finished with a wicked kick to his opponents left knee. The kick broke the knee causing Artemis to roar in pain and fall to his good knee. Baki seeing this finished Artemis with a massive axe kick to the top of Artemis' head thus securing his victory.

The referee saw that Artemis was out cold and said

"Winner Baki Hanma!" The crowd went wild at what they saw and cheered their champion on. Blade gave Baki a nod of approval and said.

"Good job Baki not a scratch on you, I see you have trained hard in your life and have a true understanding of the martial arts. It was a privilege to see you in action." Blade said bowing in respect.

"Thank you Blade I am glad you approve I cannot wait to see you go out there and prove yourself. Especially since your opponent was trained by our father."

"Are you serious I guess this will be the chance I was hoping for. Dad just maybe surprised, what do you think Baki?"

"I guess it could happen, but forget Yujiro you beat him for yourself."

"You got it Baki I will, I just know he will be here very soon, I can feel it in my bones." Blade said as Baki proceeded down the corridor. Blade opted to stay since his Muay Thai master was preparing for his fight with the Vale Tudo master named Zulu.

Blade seeing Boom come down the corridor to his corner said

"Master you win this quickly. I want to get to my fight too you know."

"Yeah well maybe I'll take my time with him and make you agonize in wait."

"You would not do that to me I know you too well. But on a more serious note be careful with this man. He is known to kill his opponents as is accordance with tribes customs, he will show no mercy or honor."

"Understood but do not worry about me I have fought a few men in my time with the same views on battle. I will take the necessary precautions."

"Okay Boom may you have great success and compete at your fullest potential." He said initiating a handshake, Boom accepted it happily and then proceeded to the ring.

Blade however could not shake the feeling of this being the last time he saw his teacher ever fight again. He hoped it was just concern talking to him and not something a bit more serious.

The announcer began his introduction of both fighters by introducing Zulu first saying

"Ladies and Gentleman the second match of the Block A is between Zulu also known as the pure warrior and the worlds strongest and most ferocious Vale Tudo warrior who is fighting out of the blue dragon corner. His opponent fighting out of the white tiger corner, is the foremost expert in Muay Thai Boxing and 5 time World Muay Thai Champion. Coming straight out Bangkok, Thailand it is Boom Rilao!"

The crowd as before went into roaring applause and with that the referee called both fighters into the center of the ring. Boom kept his face like stone while Zulu grinned almost insanely, the referee did as usual and ordered for the two to go to their corners. Once in their specified corners the yell of begin rang about the now silent arena.

Boom looked at Zulu with a careful eye he knew the only way to win this fight was to initiate contact and end it decisively. So seeing no time to waste he engaged Zulu, he cleared the distance between them almost as fast as a bullet. He started with a left kick the knees and followed with right punch to Zulus' jaw. Zulu who was surprised at how fast Boom was threw 2 punches of his own which missed dramatically as Boom danced around him like it was a ballet. Zulu annoyed at his failure pursued with even more punches and kicks which were blocked and countered perfectly. Boom then decided to take the offensive stance again and engaged in full on assault. Boom did a jumping spin kick to Zulus' sternum, once he landed he landed another kick which was a straight kick to the body, the kick sent a dazed Zulu across the arena. Zulu however was far from defeated, he watched through a half lidded eye as Boom approached him to finish him. As he got close enough to him Zulu sprung his trap, he jumped and grabbed Boom by his ankle and snapped it clean. Boom was not only stunned by surprise but by the shear pain he was now in. Zulu then jumped up as if nothing had happened and started kicking and stomping the downed Boom Rilao, he then mounted himself on Booms chest and started smashing his face with hammer punches, it went on for some time until the referee called a stop to the match. But Zulu did not stop at all, Blade however was quick to get involved when he saw the other officials could not hold him back. Blade ran into the arena and quickly made his way to the chaos and physically picked up Zulu and back dropped him.

The announcer was still covering everything that went on and said

"It is a good thing Blade Hanma showed up when he did or Boom Rilao may not have made it out of the ring alive. Just goes to show how honorable a true warrior can be, everyone please let us applaud him and say a prayer for our courageous participant." The crowd did just that but Blade could not hear anything other than the very weak breaths his old teacher was taking. Picking him up he ran to wear the paramedics and doctor were located on the other side of the arena. Blade personally laid on him on the stretcher and followed him to the infirmary, as they proceeded they saw Baki and who Blade had assumed was his girlfriend. She looked on in complete horror and shock at what could happen to a man in this arena.

Blade continued on pass the couple and made it to the infirmary where they prepared to stabilize Boom. Blade watched on in worry feeling that he may lose another teacher as he was about to lose his Wing Chun instructor as well do to some terminal illness. He prayed it would come to pass but he was still only human. The doctor and nurses stopped working eventually and the doctor approached Blade saying

"I think he will pull through but he will not be fighting any more at least not full contact. He has no severe swelling around his brain surprisingly but he has a severe concussion and lacerations inside his mouth where his teeth cut into his cheeks. His nose and jaw are broken as is his leg and ankle."

"Thank you for the information doctor I will take my leave now the next fight has already started and I must see my potential opponents. I will be back to see him during the next intermission."

"Very well and I must say before he finally passed out him seeing you by his side might have actually saved his life. His will seemed to increase and that is why I believe he may recover ahead of schedule. You must mean a lot to him."

"I would like to think so I was his prized student for a short time. But as I said before I must leave I will return as soon as possible." And with that said Blade made his departure he only had one thing on his mind now and that was total victory, and to achieve that he could not afford any mercy to his opponents.