5/10/2008- I finally have gotten time to get the next chapter of Guilty Act since I’m finally done with classes for the year. However, next week, I will be re-working some of the chapters that are already written out into a more detailed, yet not detailed format with improved action so there might only be one or so updates since I have some time now. But, fortunately, I will soon decide on an appropriate update schedule so you’ll know the days to check back for updates. Also, thanks to everyone who has reviewed thus far, and I have gotten back to numerous authors and I hope to finish everyone’s very soon.

… … …

Struggle Saga

Chapter V- Struggle to Survive pt. IV

“Crocket, I thought we discussed this already.” said Aurora, talking into her cell-phone, a pink sidekick.

The fights of C Block had come to an end with Leon Wu and Alex Garrett advancing to the next round. If Aurora was correct, and she usually was, Alex Garrett had been on her father’s pay roll for a bit, serving as a bodyguard before disappearing. From what she could remember, he had always been extremely stoic. Never once did she hear him speak or deny any command. In fact, once, she had even watched him break every none in an attacker’s body without so much as breaking a sweat. However, now was no time to think about the ninja as she had Crocket to deal with.

“Ms. Fenrir, I know we have discussed this issue but do you really think it is safe for you to be in that sort of environment?” Crocket asked over the line.

“Now why is it you’re concerned with my safety, Crocket?”

“I have nothing but your best interest in mind, Lady Fenrir. You are currently surrounded by, from what you’ve described to me; killers, thugs, and blood thirsty hordes!”

“Oooh, keep talking dirty to me! I like it!”

“Ms. Fenrir!”

“Quiet, Crocket!” she barked, “I am more than capable of protecting myself.”

The sounds of music swiftly found her ears, causing a smile to grow on the Twilight CEO’s face.

“I must run now, the next fight is about to begin.” said Aurora, pressing the end call button.

“Wait, Ms. Fenrir…”

The phone fell dead with Crocket’s final words of concern.

-Ω-

“I don’t know about you people, but I’m ready for the dynamic D Block to get it on and poppin’!” yelled DJ Midnight, inciting a roar in the crowd. “Well then, let’s get to it!”

Why Am I Still Waiting,

For This World to Stop Hating,

Can’t Find A Good Reason,

Can’t Find Hope to Believe In

The music blared loud through the speakers, the momentarily placid crowd to life. “Still Waiting” by Sum 41 wailed wildly about the arena as the man with green mohawked hair stepped into the light from the south tunnel. His silver gi pants sparkled as he strode down towards the blood filled ring.

“My friends, this man is currently the K-1 Welterweight Champion, and uses Kickboxing as his favored style. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, Steven Raaj!”

Steven snickered at his introduction, promptly hopping over the barricades. Landing in the sand, he kicked his leg out in a high arc, playing to the blood thirsty mobs love of theatrics.

“And his opponent is no push over himself. Representing the gentle way, Judo, this is Haru Kano!”

I’m not afraid to die,

My soul will travel on,

You can’t kill me,

I’m immortal!

It was a flash of white and black, as Haru, pony-tailed black hair and all, sprinted down the tunnel path and threw himself into the air over the barricades. Tucking in his legs, Haru continued to move forward, smacking the sand, and forward rolling onto his feet. “Immortal” by Adema feel to a dull trickle as both men readied themselves.

“Alright, lets start the mighty, mighty D Block with a bang,” DJ Midnight said, adjusting his headset, “So strugglers, get to struggling!”

Both men, the judoka and the kick boxer, bursted forward towards one another, colliding center ring.

-Ω-

“Who do you think is gonna’ win this one?” Taci asked, lacing her near arm with Avery’s.

“Judo. Mark my words.”

Taci smirked. “Ok then, if Judo wins I owe you.”

Avery slowly cocked his head in confusion. Sometimes, Taci would say things that he didn’t get. This was just one of the million. However, once her hand began to slide down his thigh towards his crotch, it was all too apparent.

“I’ll owe you.” she repeated, licking her lips.

In Avery’s mind, he was praying to every divine being imaginable that Haru Kano could pull out a victory.

-Ω-

Blood streamed down Haru’s face from his split eyebrow, result of a spinning sobat Kick. Gritting his teeth, Haru ducked under a quick roundhouse, grabbing onto one of Steven’s arm.

“Let for off me!” Steven cried, flailing every which way to get the Judo Judoka to release him.

Blood eye…Haru hated the feeling of having the crimson fluid in his eyes, but from the taste of salt and iron on his tongue, he also had it in his mouth.

“No!” yelled Haru, locking the kick boxer’s arm at his side, “Osohto-giri!”

In one smooth motion, Haru quickly took his inside leg and kicked Steven’s in leg from beneath him. From there, Haru used every bit of strength he had remaining to slam Steven back first to the compacted sand! A swivel of his hips, and a locking of his hands later; Steven found his arm and throat inside one of Haru’s favored techniques.

“Kata-gatame!” cried Haru, tightening the hold.

Haru clamped his elbows down together to increase the choking effect. It could’ve been so simple for him to just kill the kick boxer but Jigoro Kano, the found of modern judo, wouldn’t have wanted that. He was simply just going to have to make him tap out.

“Tap out!” screamed Haru, tightening his hold.

Steven could feel himself slipping away from reality. Breath was becoming short, and his vision was blinking in and out. Then suddenly, all of his pain faded into obscurity as he allowed himself to drift into darkness. Haru could feel Steven’s body go limp in his arms, and then he knew it was over. Pushing Steven’s body off to the side, Haru climbed to his feet and threw a fist into the air to signify his victory.

“Fight over!” shouted DJ Midnight.

Haru released a heavy sigh. It was all over for the time being. But, as he slowly walked towards the barricade and crossed them, he knew he could relax…just for now.

-Ω-

“Told ya’.” Avery stated mater-of-factly, crossing his arms.

“I must admit, you won,” replied Taci, running her hand along his leg once more, “I owe you.”

-Ω-

“Advancing to the quarterfinals is…”

There's no holding me back

I'm not driven by fear

I'm just driven by anger

And you're under attack

I'm just climbing up slowly

I'm the one and only

the tease the way the lie

Stumble in your mind

The fear, the hope inside

They hit here!

The words of “Whatever” by Our Lady Peace impeded upon DJ Midnight’s announcement, prompting “him” to emerge. Long brown hair hung over his cold brown eyes, causing his white and green tae kwon do gi to pop out even more. He was a silent entity, content with simply walking down the tunnel path and stepping over the barricade.

“Well, I guess the next match is going to start sooner than we anticipated,” said DJ Midnight, “Now in the ring, the final first time Struggler, and the man referred to as the Luck of the Irish. Representing the Korean style Tae Kwon Do, give it up for, Tim Sheahan!”

It was nothing short of amazing what happen next. From the crowd, a long figure flew through the air, arms flailing wildly. His short buzz cut red hair stuck out as it cut through the arena lights, beastile body small compact, yet muscular.

“Good googa mooga! That’s Zato, Sheahan’s opponent!” screamed DJ Midnight.

Tim smirked as he looked up, tightening the muscles in his legs.

“Falcon’s Leg…” Tim mouthed, before firing off into the air like a rocket.

No normal human being should’ve been able to leap like that, but the Luck of the Irish had accomplished it. Zato floated aimlessly above him, mouth open and foaming with rage. As a master of Monkey style kung fu, Zato believed he could jump pretty high, but he was fifteen feet in the air, having jumped from the highest stands.

“Ryder Kick…” Tim said.

The sickening sound of bone connecting with bone echoed in the night, the atrocious sight of Tim’s leg slamming into the base of Zato’s neck burning into the patron’s memories.

“Flying roundhouse kick connects!” screamed DJ Midnight.

Zato careened towards the compacted sand of the octagon, body crashing in a heap. Smoke plumed up towards the arena lights masking Tim’s landing, and the hideous sight of Zato’s crumpled body.

“I can’t see anything!” yelled the master of ceremonies.

Finally, as the smoke cleared, it was apparent. Zato’s body lay jumbled, his arms twisted beneath him, and his eyes pure white. Tim simply crossed his arms in anticipation of the announcement.

“Fight over…before it started!” cried DJ Midnight, “Your winner, and advancing to the quarterfinals, Tim “Luck of the Irish” Sheahan!”

-Ω-

“There you are!” Aurora said to herself.

-Ω-

“Oh boy.” Avery sighed, climbing to his feet.

“This tournament has just gotten a bit more interesting.” chimed Taci, looking up at Avery.

-Ω-

The medical crews had already cleansed the ring of Zato’s crippled form by the time Tim had exited the ring. DJ Midnight looked down at the blood stained octagon with a smile on his face, as his thought’s passed through his head. One round had passed, and the next was shaping up to be the most brutal in Struggle’s history.

“We will now take a five minute break before advancing to the quarterfinals.”

Chapter V End.

-Ω-

Next Chapter

“Struggle to Survive pt. V”

“My anger is an entity that knows no bounds, yet it is a being of infinite strife. Conquer it if you can Caius, survive it lets you! C’mon, ring the bell!”