Match 21174 Asp vs. A.K.I.

[JohnnyChany]

 

The neon lights of Madripoor reflected off the rain-slick streets as Asp, Black Mamba, and Diamondback entered an underground bar. It was an agreed upon location set up by a potential employer. What was waiting for the three women, however, was not a person but instead a laptop monitor. 

“What do we have here?” mused Black Mamba.

Diamondback pressed a key on the keyboard and the screen came to life showing off a thin shadowy silhouette with a wide brimmed hat.

"Ladies," the figure greeted in a surprisingly shrill voice. "I have a job for you. An old Shadaloo facility on the outskirts of the jungle. Abandoned for years, but there’s something that was left behind that I need retrieved.”

“And you can’t get it yourself?” asked Asp.

“There are dangerous elements in the area and not just the remnants of a prestigious criminal organization. I prefer to not risk my health.  Payment is hefty. Interested?"

The trio exchanged glances. Diamondback leaned in with her usual smirk plastered across her face.

"We’re listening."

"Coordinates and details will now flash across the screen. Do not disappoint me, I have heard good things."

By the time they reached the facility the following day, the sun had set, leaving the dense jungle bathed in darkness. The three former members of the Serpent Society moved with practiced stealth. They slipped through the rusted gates and into the complex. 

"This place is a dump. Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here in years," Black Mamba observed. “Hard to believe anything of value is still laying around.”

Asp smirked. "That’s what makes this job intriguing. Let’s stay sharp."

Diamondback stepped out in front. "I’ll take point. You two watch my six."

They advanced through the facility. They weaved through corridors littered with debris. The tension was palpable, but their banter kept the mood light.

"So," Asp whispered, "when this is over, drinks on me?"

"Assuming we survive whatever is down here," Black Mamba quipped.

"Always the optimist," Diamondback cracked.

The moment of levity was cut short by a sudden blare of alarms. Red lights bathed the hallways, and the sound of footsteps echoed through the facility.

"Guess stealth is out the window."

Three figures emerged from the shadows; their uniforms were unmistakable. They were Shadaloo Dolls. Santamu, armed with her spear and golden monkey, charged forward; she was flanked by Noembelu, wielding twin tomahawks, and Satsuki, who gripped her deadly katana.

"Targets acquired," Santamu announced coldly. "Engaging."

The fight erupted in a flurry of motion. Santamu lunged at Diamondback with her spear. Diamondback countered with her throwing diamonds. She expertly deflected  Santamu’s strikes before closing the gap with a spinning kick. The golden monkey leapt at her and forced Diamondback to duck and roll as she aimed another diamond at Santamu.

Asp squared off against Noembelu. The Doll’s tomahawks slashed through the air, but Asp’s agility from her dancing background and ranged attacks kept her one step ahead. She unleashed a blast of venom that struck Noembelu’s arm and forced her to drop one of her weapons.

Black Mamba faced Satsuki. The Doll’s katana sliced dangerously close to Mamba. Using her psionic illusions, Black Mamba created a phantom duplicate of herself, confusing Satsuki long enough to land a series of devastating strikes.

The battle was fierce but short-lived. The Dolls were skilled, but B.A.D. Girls, Inc. were seasoned mercenaries. Within minutes, the Dolls lay unconscious at their feet.

"That wasn’t so bad," Diamondback said as she brushed herself off.

"Speak for yourself," Black Mamba replied. She winced as she examined a shallow cut on her arm.

Before they could catch their breath, a chilling voice cut through the air. "Marvelous! Simply marvelous!"

The voice was the same as the one from the laptop screen. The trio turned, but before they could react, a slender woman in black and red dropped from the ceiling behind Black Mamba. The woman slithered as she walked like a snake. She stabbed Black Mamba from behind with her long razor-sharp nails. The assailant injected her with a large dose of poison. Black Mamba collapsed, gasping for air.

"Mamba!" Diamondback cried.

The mystery white haired woman stepped back; her smile unnervingly wide. A slow clap echoed through the room. The trio turned again to see the silhouette that hired them step out of the shadows.

"Marvelous! Simply marvelous!" he exclaimed again. "You three are truly exceptional."

"Who the hell are you?" Diamondback demanded.

The man beamed with pride. "I am F.A.N.G, second-in-command of Shadaloo. And you, my dear ladies, with your exceptional fighting skills, have passed my test. You will make fine additions to my new cadre of Dolls."

"Not interested," Asp hissed.

"Oh, but your willing compliance is not required," F.A.N.G replied with a smile. With a flourish, he gathered up Black Mamba, who was still writhing in pain. "You see, resistance is futile."

"Put her down!" Diamondback shouted.

She charged at him. Asp followed; her venom blasts ready. F.A.N.G deflected their attacks with his elongated sleeves. He retreated down the corridor with Black Mamba in his arms.

"Catch me if you can!" he taunted.  His laughter echoed through the facility.

Before they could give proper chase, Asp was cut off by the woman who had attacked Black Mamba. Her purple nails gleamed like blades, and her smile slightly unnerved the mercenary.

"You’ll go no further," she declared in a chilling whisper. "Master F.A.N.G will have you all."

"And you are?" Asp demanded.

"A.K.I.," the woman answered. "His most loyal servant."

Asp glanced at Diamondback. "Go. Get Mamba. I’ve got this."

Diamondback hesitated but nodded and disappeared down the corridor. Asp turned her full attention to A.K.I.

"I have seen your venom-based attacks," stated A.K.I. as she twisted her limbs in unnatural ways. “But your poison pales in comparison to mine."

"What a coincidence," Asp replied. "I was thinking the same thing."

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Asp
Read more about Asp at Wikipedia
Official Site: Marvel Links: Wikipedia

A.K.I.
Read more about A.K.I. at Wikipedia
Official Site: Capcom Links: Wikipedia

[Macklemore]

I actually quite heavily favour A.K.I. in this bout. Funny, huh? The Marvel character losing for once against  a character that isn't from comics? Yeah, I just don't think Asp necessarily has the showings to compete.

[leroypowell3]

I was waiting for the Asp match with all those wonderful new pictures of her.

Sadly, I have to give this to A.K.I. She might be new and I don't really like her but I think she's superior to Asp. The fight will be kind of short too.

[JohnnyChany]

On 1/8/2025 at 4:45 PM, Macklemore said:

I actually quite heavily favour A.K.I. in this bout. Funny, huh? The Marvel character losing for once against  a character that isn't from comics? Yeah, I just don't think Asp necessarily has the showings to compete.

I did figure that the ideal matchup for a Street Fighter character facing a Marvel character would be one going against a no pun intended street level character.

[DSkillz]

Good set-up, matchup, and CBUB Match debut of literal poisonous femme fatales, Johnny. You've once again managed to mesh Marvel and Street Fighter well. 

As for the match, it does feel like A.K.I. has the edge here. From what I've read up on Asp, she seems to rely more on her power of poisons than fighting technique. A.K.I. is quite skilled in combat and with poisons, and A.K.I. using her poisons doesn't risk draining her own stamina like Asp's can do for her. I think A.K.I. can outmaneuver and outfight Asp, and she could likely also wear Asp down with her attacks before Asp's radiating energy can weaken A.K.I.

[Callisto]

Match Final Results

Member Ratings:
4.60 - DSkillz
4.20 - Pizza Guy
5.00 - Macklemore
5.00 - Boratz
5.00 - Yazmal

FPA Calculation:
5 Total Votes cast
23.80 Total Combined Score
23.80 / 5 = 4.76 Final Rating on the match

MATCH SCORE
Asp: 3
A.K.I.: 5