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cmon_getsrsSo yeah, apparently my last post there ran out of space and I can't code in embedded videos in comments as my plan B, so here's my plan C. I'm just linking videos and story stuff from the King of Fighters series. Hope you all enjoyed at least laughing at oldies anime after sticking through with all of this for so long. Thanks for taking the time to give this all a glance over.
The King of Fighters '94
The year, 1994. Once again the invitations to the King of Fighters find their ways to the world's most wicked warriors. But the patron of this little party remains unknown. It cannot be Geese, nor can it be Krauser. So who could they be from...?
Among all the hopes and doubts, the legendary superstars of the fighting world begin to form their mighty teams. What type of battle with these magnificent fighters sure to go down in history show us? The voltage of the fan's excitement reaches a fevered pitch as the tournament finally approaches its beginning.
---
Terry is passing quiet afternoon in a small park with a view of a small harbor.
Blessed with pleasant weather, he thinks, "This is phenomenal!" even though combining training with a stay at this Italian resort was his own idea.
But his reverie is soon cut short. The cause for this is the delivery of a single invitation with his name on it.
"The King of Fighters, huh?"
He seems a bit bummed by this. And just who is this "R" anyway?
"'R'.... It doesn't seem to be Geese or Krauser.... Hmm. Who could it be? R...R...Uh, Ryuhaku Todoh? Who was that guy?"
Could it be that the genial climate has affected his mental circuitry?
"Hey! Boy, we broke a hump trying to find you!"
Joe Higashi, the perpetually peppy kick boxing dynamo, arrives on the scene. And Andy follows close behind.
"Oh, what's up? Both of you have come? You really did your homework to find me here."
Ignoring Terry, who seems a little taken aback at this sudden visit, Joe continues.
"What's up? Who do you think you're kidding?! I'm talking about this! This thing right here!"
Joe flaps an envelope in his face.
"You're entering with us, aren't you? Right?! We need three members this time! Sounds downright intriguing, doesn't it?"
It does have a certain intriguing quality to it, thinks Terry.
"Terry, who do you suppose this 'R' clown is anyway...?"
Andy ask his big brother, a touch nervously.
"Whatever! Enough chit-chat. Let's get going! What do you say, you two?"
Swept up by Joe's wave of enthusiasm, the two brothers once again resolve to enter the King of Fighters.
The King of Fighters '95
It's the year of our Lord, 1995. Once again invitations to the King of Fighters tournament have found their ways to the world's most powerful fighters.
And their author is none other than the mysterious "R!" Could the "R" be that of Rugal, who supposedly blew himself up on his aircraft carrier a year ago?
Among the contestants for this year's tournament is the newly selected team of Billy Kane, Iori Yagami, and Eiji Kisaragi, who sent the American Team packing.
But what in the end is Billy's scheme? What ambitions does Kisaragi cradle? And what evil designs for his old foe Kyo Kusanagi spur Iori Yagami on?
These new challengers join all of the previous tournament's contestants-except the American Team, of course-both in battle and the all-consuming intrigue that forms the core of King of Fighters '95.
---
Joe Higashi drops in on Terry and Andy, who are busy training on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
JOE: "If it isn't my old pals Terry and Andy. Looks like you've been working hard."
TERRY: "Our good buddy Joe. You just get here?"
JOE: "Yup.... Yeah, that reminds me. On the way here I dropped by the hotel and this was waiting there for you."
Joe extends an invitation to King of Fighters to the two.
ANDY: "This?! This is an invitation to the King of Fighters!?"
TERRY: "Huh, again? What's this all about?"
JOE: "Beats me. Oh, and on top of that, I just saw Mai, too..."
ANDY: "Huh? J-just hold on there. You mean Mai's here, too...?"
JOE: "She was. She was here all right, but the minute she saw this invite, she realized you two'd be teaming up, got all peeved, and stormed right back on the plane. You sure know how to make the girls cry, don't you, Andy?"
ANDY: "Just why did she do that?! Hmm. Guess she'll be teaming up with the usual suspects. She's really going to be one tough opponent this time."
TERRY: "Be that as it may, just who's sponsoring this little shindig? Rugal was taken out of the game last time.... Could it possibly be Geese? Or Krauser, perhaps...?!"
JOE: "You may be on to something there. By the by, this came with the KOF invite."
Joe pulls out another letter.
ANDY: "What's this...?"
Terry removes the letter from the envelope and skims it over.
TERRY: "Dear Terry, Andy, and Joe. This letter should be reaching you at the same time you get your invitation to the King of Fighters. Just as before, I am unfortunately unable to take part in this year's event, but I've prepared a little fun for you in this time around. I pray you enjoy it. I'm pulling for you.... Your pal, Geese Howard."
ANDY: "Holy Pernicious Poultry! Just what fiendish scheme has Geese in store for us?!"
JOE: "Hmph. Whatever he's planned, we can pretty much surmise that Geese is not the sponsor for this year's festivities."
ANDY: "Then it's got to be Krauser!"
JOE: "Not so fast, my American hot dog...there's no proof of that."
TERRY: "Well, at any rate, Andy and Joe, that's not important now. If there's a KOF tournament to be held in this world, we, naturally, must be there!"
JOE: "That's the ol' pepper! Whatever the circumstances, we gotta enter and win!"
TERRY: "OK, then. If that's the way it's gonna be, we had better start getting ready."
ANDY: "Yeah!"
JOE: "Oh, yeah! Looks like it's time for me to get a little crazy yet again!"
The King of Fighters '96
Unlike the mystery surrounding previous KOF competitions, KOF '96 has become a major international event sponsored by a number of huge corporations.
Preliminary contests have been held in various areas throughout the world, and among the top nine teams are, naturally, the usual KOF contestants who have been looking forward to test their abilities in an official competition.
This time, however, there is a team among them who cannot fail to raise eyebrows, composed of Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, and Mr. Big. The three who once attempted to conquer the world are now but mere contestants in this tournament.
Is their object, perhaps, to do away with the Bogard brothers or the disciples of Kyokugen karate?
If that weren't enough to surprise...Iori Yagami appears once again, teamed up with a pair of mysterious women.
How will the rivalry between Iori and Kyo Kusanagi that has cursed their two families since ancient time play out this time around?
This is KOF '96, held as an official recognized sporting event, over which dark clouds have already started to gather....
---
At the exit to Southtown Airport. Passengers of a flight arriving from Japan stream out of the gate. Among them are Andy and Joe.
ANDY: "...."
Andy's gaze freezes on a large-screen TV positioned above the airport's reception desk. An announcement for the King of Fighters is currently displayed on it.
JOE: "So that's, the ad for this year's King of Fighters? Hmm. I see a few old friends are back in the line-up, but, as I figured, she and her friends don't seem to have teamed up yet.
ANDY: "Yeah. Since I got my invitation first, I teamed up with you guys to avoid the usual squabble we have. But Mai still seemed mightily miffed. The last time she called me, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. She just ranted on and then hung up on me."
JOE: "Whoo. That sounds pretty nasty. If you don't do something about it, you know what's going to happen, eh? It must be pretty tough for a stud like you right before KOF, huh?
Andy lets out a forced laugh. But his grave countenance quickly assumes its grim aspect.
ANDY: "Ah...che sera sera, eh Joe? Let's get going. We can't piddle away the rest of the day here. If we don't hurry to the docks, we'll keep Andy waiting."
At the port to Southtown. A man wearing a denim jacket decorated with stars on the back and sporting a red cap has finished unloading his bags and sits down beside them.
TERRY: "Andy should be arriving here any minute. This's all my stuff, so I guess I'll just wait here."
Suddenly something zips by Terry's ear and knocks his cap to the ground. Terry slowly turns his head.
TERRY: "Oh, it's you...."
There stands a grinning man with a three-jointed cudgel held behind him.
BILLY: "I'm impressed. You were able to anticipate my attack in a split second. You've still got it. Then again, I was just playin' and I'm a little disappointed that I got a piece of you."
TERRY: "Are you planning to enter, too? Enter the King of Fighters?"
BILLY: "Nope, sadly not. Even though I do owe Iori Yagami, I'll have to repay him at another occasion. Then again, maybe I won't have to if you know who gets to him first."
TERRY: "You know who? ...He can't possibly...?!"
A limousine seemingly appears out of nowhere and approaches Billy. It pulls up between Terry and Billy, and the window to the back seat begins to drop slowly.
TERRY: "!!!"
GEESE: "It's been a long time, huh...? It will be a while before this is made public, but I'll be meeting up with you in this year's KOF. I'll explain it so even you can understand it. I'm not pulling the strings behind the scenes this time around. But I will be appearing as an invited guest, just the way I want it. So I'll bury all of you, and make sure it looks like an accident.
TERRY: "!...Why, you...!!"
Terry launches at Geese. Simultaneously, voices call Terry from behind. He looks back to see the two figures of Andy and Joe approaching.
ANDY: "Terry! Huh? Hey, that's...! It's Geese Howard!!!"
Billy snickers at the rapidly approaching Andy and slips into the limo. Its windows slowly close.
GEESE: "I'm looking forward to KOF. You're butt's will be mine the next time we meet. Prepare to die, you gnats!"
Andy catches up with Terry just as the limo pulls out and speeds away. Terry picks up his cap and puts it back on.
ANDY: "Terry! That was Geese, wasn't it? That foul fowl is still alive?!"
Terry pulls his cap down over his eyes.
TERRY: "How long are you going to beat that bad pun into the ground? Yeah, he's alive all right. And he's going to be in this year's KOF...."
ANDY: "Say what?"
Joe belatedly catches up with the two.
JOE: "Oh, boy. Looks like we've stepped into another fine mess. Trouble sticks to you like flies on smelly stuff!"
TERRY: "You said it. But as long as that pest lives...he's always going to be in our ointment."
ANDY: "But do you think he's joining KOF just to get rid of us? That can't be the only reason.... What do you suppose he's up to?"
JOE: "The old fowl's just as foul as ever, eh boys?"
ANDY: "Aw, man. You, too? Anyway, we just may find ourselves in the center of the vortex again. ...What's the plan, Terry?"
JOE: "That's a dumb question, eh, Terry?"
Raising the brim of his hat, Terry looks to the two.
TERRY: "Whatever he's up to, one thing we know for sure is that he'll be in KOF. If he comes up against me, I'll take care of him. I came here to chew bubble gum and kick his ass, and, boys, I'm out of bubble gum. Are you up for the challenge, boys?"
ANDY: "Yeah, anytime, anywhere. Joe?"
JOE: "You bet. In Japan, I was totally in the zone. I'm totally ready to rumble."
TERRY: "Geese, you're the one who'll need to prepare yourself. I'm going to give you a basting you'll never forget!"
ANDY: "For sure! Hey, that was a pretty bad pun there, too, big brother."
JOE: "Oh, yeah!"
The King of Fighters '97
KOF '96 tournament drew to a close with an incident that occurred right after the tournament's end. The incident itself and the subsequent accident it caused were officially reported as the result of terrorist activity by an unknown group, but the details concerning the identity, motives, and subsequent whereabouts of the terrorists remained a mystery.
In spite of this incident, however, the KOF '96 tournament was an overwhelming commercial success. A few months after, the event triggered a fighting craze and various large corporations, expressing interest in the fad, offered to sponsor subsequent tournaments, leading to a demand for an eagerly awaited KOF '97. The fad reached all over the globe and in no time KOF '97 came into being.
With the decision to hold the tournament, fighters began to gather at various venues for the preliminary matches and approached the tournament with various motives, some came to test their abilities while others entered for wealth and fame.
Word of the tournament came through all forms of the media, and fans from far and wide gathered to witness the white-hot preliminary battles. Concomitant to the preliminary matches, came the construction of various KOF stadiums throughout the world. Naturally the anticipation for the KOF '97 tournament exceeded historical precedent and it soon became obvious to everyone that the current tournament, as with the previous one, would reach a remarkable climax.
What team will win the tournament that the eyes of the whole world will look on and wear the KOF crown of victory? And does an incident similar to the unexpected accident of last year's tournament threaten to mar the festivities? All of the world's attention is focused on this year's tournament. KOF '97 is here!
---
Aboard an international flight. Joe, for some reason, looks like he's having fun. Andy, on the other hand, wears his usual mask of gloomy.
JOE: "Hunh? What's the deal there? What's with the sourpuss?"
ANDY: "Sourpuss, shmourpuss. You know what's eating me. You forget the purpose of this little trip is for me to visit my father's grave. So what's your story? Why are tagging along for no reason?"
JOE: "No reason? That's harsh! Come on, you and me. The King of Fighters!"
ANDY: "No way. Last time didn't you brag about entering the next tournament alone and showing the world just who Joe Higashi really was. What happened to that?"
JOE: "No, no, that was no lie, Goldilocks! I really did want to do that. But the pieces of the puzzle don't always fall where you want. This time it looks like I'll have to eat a little crow. Why? Because it's fate...ah, whatever. Anyway, I'm just going with the flow. That is, since my plans got tripped up out of the starting block, I threw in the towel on the whole thing. I'm not exactly facing things positively, am I?"
Andy sighs deeply.
ANDY: "I guess I can't argue with that. Be that as it may, how, then, does entering KOF on a team become a decision for "facing things positively?" If you think about it, it doesn't make much sense."
JOE: "Au contraire, the only way into KOF is on a team. Entering alone is hopeless. But I want in! If I approach the matter positively, entering with you two clowns is the natural solution. I'm not telling you to go all out. If you don't want to fight, then don't. I'll take care of the whole thing myself. At any rate, if I don't have any teammates, then it's all academic. Do you get that?"
ANDY: "I don't remember agreeing to enter! Neither did Terry. What's more...!"
Joe clamps his hand over Andy's mouth and tries to get him to fasten his seatbelt.
ANDY: "Hey...! Joe!"
JOE: "Pipe down! We're about to land. Think about the other passengers, for crying out loud!"
Andy takes a look around the plane. The other passengers are giving him the stink eye. Andy clams up to avoid their collective wrath.
Segue to the cemetery. Terry prays at the foot of the grave of his father, Jeff Bogard. He becomes aware of the sound of approaching footsteps. A woman's voice calls out.
MARY: "Well, well, to what do I owe this pleasure? Fancy meeting you here."
Terry calmly opens his eyes and turns in Mary's direction.
TERRY: "Well, well, Mary. It's been a while, hasn't it? I should be saying the same about you, shouldn't I?"
MARY: "I just happened to be passing by, came across a familiar face, and thought I'd say hello. So what's the story? Whose grave is this?"
TERRY: "Uh, today's the anniversary of my father's death. By the way, when did you blow into town? Are you here on business?"
MARY: "I got in last night. I came here today to discuss the details."
TERRY: "Business, then? Idle hands are the devil's workshop, I guess."
MARY: "Idle hands, eh...? Well, that's not exactly the case."
TERRY: "What? Is it that big of a deal, this little project of yours?"
MARY: "It's no cakewalk. Hasn't it arrived at your place yet? This little surprise?"
As she speaks, Mary pulls out an envelope and passes it to Terry.
TERRY: "The King of Fighters, eh? Nope, haven't got it yet. Are you planning on entering?"
MARY: "Uh-huh. But entering KOF isn't what brought me here. I'm here to investigate one of my teammates this time around."
TERRY: "Investigate a teammate? That sounds pretty dicey. Just who is this...teammate?"
MARY: "You're going to flip!"
TERRY: "?"
MARY: "Ryuji Yamazaki...."
TERRY: "Yamazaki?! Get out of town!"
MARY: "And it sure is tough to find out what rock that creepy-crawly is lurking under. Just thinking about having to follow that freak around gives me the heebie-jeebies. And while I'm looking for this clown, my client informs me of another surprise: Yamazaki has teamed up with Billy."
TERRY: "Billy?! You mean Billy Kane?"
MARY: "The one and only. Billy Kane. If my intel is right, I thought it would be quicker to team up with them. And it looks like my instincts are right."
TERRY: "So you've done it-teamed up with them?"
MARY: "Yup. And it was quite easy."
TERRY: "Yamazaki and Billy.... That sounds pretty fishy."
MARY: "A rotten fishy, more like it. That's what's sticking in my craw. I usually don't worry about my client's identity, but this time...you know? I just have a feeling there's a major syndicate involved...perhaps one like...."
TERRY: "Geese!"
Mary nods without saying a word.
TERRY: "Geese is planning on entering?"
MARY: "No. Not this time. In his stead, he's dispatching Billy, or that's how I could read the situation, huh?"
TERRY: "To what end?"
MARY: "If I knew that, I could go home now, but I just can't say."
TERRY: "If Geese is pulling the strings behind the scenes, maybe I should do a little investigating myself, huh...?"
Before he realizes it, Mary is off on her way. As he looks back, he notices her cranking up her motorcycle which is parked at the cemetery gate.
MARY: "At any rate, I'll enter the tournament and keep my eye on the situation. So...I guess the next time we meet will be at the tournament."
TERRY: "Yeah, maybe. Don't knock yourself out. You will be my opponent."
MARY: "Thanks. And I hope no one special stops you from winning this year!"
Mary leaves the cemetery. Terry, too, begins to head back home. Over his shoulder Terry hears the shouts of a familiar voice.
JOE: "Hey, Terry!"
TERRY: "Joe! What brings you here?"
Overtaking Joe, Andy shouts:
ANDY: "Terry! Don't listen to him! Don't pay any attention to what he has to say!"
The two finally reach Terry. Getting the better of Andy, Joe starts his pitch.
JOE: "Terry-you, me, and Andy! The King of Fighters!"
ANDY: "Absolutely not. Your motives are all whack, Joe!"
JOE: "Oh, you sound like a wimp. Mai'll lose interest with that kind of attitude!"
ANDY: "Don't you dare bring Mai into this!"
JOE: "You're up for it, aren't you? Terry?"
ANDY: "No way! You can count me out, Terry!!!"
TERRY: "Sounds like a plan, that proposition of yours."
JOE, ANDY: "Huh?!"
TERRY: "Let's get going. The King of Fighters awaits!"
JOE: "OK! Good to know someone gets me. Terry, you rule!"
ANDY: "What the...? ...Et tu, Terry?"
TERRY: "Aw, Andy, lighten up. Anyway, you two must be hungry, eh? How about a little lunch at the Pao Pao Caf? We can go over the particulars there."
JOE: "OK, let's go. Let's go, go, go. Hey, Andy! We're in!"
ANDY: "Good grief, both of those guys are totally loopy. Joe and Terry...."
The King of Fighters '99
"You are cordially invited to this year's King of Fighters."
The invitation is sent to fighters all over the world. The King of Fighters will take place again this year!
But the circumstances this time around are different. There is not a hint of the hoopla surrounding the entrants like that of the previous tournament which thrilled the whole world. For the skeptical fighters, even the new tournament rules for battles bode ill...
"The method of combat will be 3-on-3 battles. The adoption of Striker Matches, however, has been decided for this tournament...."
"Striker Matches?!"
The fighters cannot hide their surprise at this unfamiliar mode of battle.
Meanwhile, Heidern, who sees through the suspicious tournament, dispatches Ralf and Clark to investigate the truth behind this tournament.
Benimaru Nikaido, as well, receives an invitation to KOF and to join the Special Team consisting of other carefully selected fighters.
Among the pre-selected teammates listed appear two names: K' (K-Dash) and Maxima. Benimaru is confused-he's never seen these names listed at any other fighting events; regardless...
Benimaru heads toward the tournament venue, clearly unsettled by the circumstances, and the other entrants are soon to follow.
WHAT IS THE STRIKER MATCH?
What is behind this year's tournament?
With its myriad of mysteries, the King of Fighters gets ready to begin!
---
Okay, for some reason DW doesn't like it when I copypaste from the KOF Anniversary site, so here is the team's story!
The King of FIghters 2000
It has been a while since the existence of the mysterious secret syndicate NESTS was brought to light. Since then, however, their presence still remains a mystery and they've kept their activities well under wraps.
Meanwhile, in contrast to NESTS seeming lack of action, an increase in terrorist activities throughout the world has been taking place. Heidern and his band of mercenaries have determined that these events are the work of K' and Maxima.
Heidern and his band quickly begin pursuit of these two, but just as they begin their efforts, the invitations for the latest KOF tournament are sent....!
The fighters ready themselves for the tournament to begin in various venues throughout the world.
Most remarkable among the invited teams is one in which K' and Maxima are listed as members!
Moreover, NESTS whip into the second phase of their project, as if summoned into action by the two "terrorists."
Is the beginning of NESTS's activities a mere coincidence? Or, could it be...?
Once again a feeling of impending conflict stifles the air, and the curtain on the latest King of Fighters is about to rise...!!!
---
A lone man enters the hallowed ground; silent monuments stand vigilant over the lonely field where there's no sign of another living soul.
"So another year has passed since I've visited here."
Every year at this time, Andy comes to visit the grave of his dead father.
The piercing sunlight, the carpet of green that covers one side of the grounds, the gravestones stood in careful order-in this landscape that seems to never change between each visit, something has changed this year.
"...So it looks like I'm all alone this year."
He walks on, resigned to the fact. His big brother should be at his side every year.
But for this entire year, Andy has been unable to discover anything about Terry's whereabouts.
As he mulls this over, Andy arrives in front of his father's gravestone.
"It's been too long, Father. I'm sad to say that this year Andy...."
He stops while trying to complete his sentence. In spite of his one year absence, the gravestone gives off a gleam as if it had just been polished moments ago.
And a single wreath decorates the foot of the gravestone. Surely someone has just been here.
"...Could it be...?"
"Again...?"
What time does this make it...? I see the terrible mess as I return to my room. This has been going on for some time.
The beginning of this string of events began the day I received the job....
On that day a clinging sort of humidity infused my room.
An electronic noise shattered the stagnant air and echoed through my environs.
The source of this noise was my laptop computer that failed to function and preserved the silence of my room.
A few weeks later, I noticed something in my mailbox.
"It's been quite a while, huh?"
There was no way I could miss this. It was a single letter there, addressed to me, Mary Ryan.
No new jobs had come my way to a degree that I was beginning to enjoy it.
This job, though, comes as it had been exactly what I was waiting for....
"Just what is this all about...?"
It was an investigation that was carefully spelled out to the last detail. And among the many instructions, one involved me going deep undercover.
The subject of my investigations: the King of Fighters....
"...Considering how long its been, this is way to big for me alone to chew on...."
This was material sufficient enough for my gut to tell me something.
"Well, it looks like I'll need to make a few preparations first."
And the first thing I decided to do was set about investigating my new client.
I thought something was a little fishy, but if I played the course of events out through the King of Fighters, I felt I just might run into a certain someone.
The person I'm searching for now...
But at this point in time, I was not really thinking that something would actually happen to me....
It was obvious that someone was observing me.
But this was no simple surveillance. Even for a specialist at investigation like me, the surveillance on me was so perfect I could find no traces of it.
Since this was my profession, I've learned a few tricks, but this was the first time I had been completely neutralized.
Seeing how things had been escalating recently probably explains why I've been on pins and needles recently.
"There's more to this job than meets the eye. This is probably a warning that I should keep focused, keep silent, and finish my work.... If I don't put all my effort into this, I may end up getting more than burned."
It was then I decided what to do.
"If this's how it's going to be, then I'll have to play the consummate professional myself."
I took my well-worn helmet in hand and left my apartment.
"It's getting a little tough to look for him at the same time...."
I mounted my bike as I always do and kicked the engine on.
"So what does it mean, Andy? You're telling me that Terry is in town now, are you?!"
"It's a strong possibility. Even Mary's having trouble finding any clues, so I was wondering what I would do for a moment there."
"Hmm, I guess my presence, my aura, is what beckoned Terry here."
"...Yeah, yeah, I got it, Joe.... More important than that, I should tell Mary about this incident. Joe, why don't you keep looking for Terry...What the...?
BA-BOOM! ...The sound of an explosion abruptly cuts Andy off.
"What was that?"
Joe rises to his feet next to the surprised Andy.
"...I hear...I hear someone calling my name!"
At the same time, Joe runs away.
"H-Hey, wait up, Joe! ...For the sake of the Shiranui, just what did that clown come here for? That bozo...."
Andy heads toward the direction of the explosion, in pursuit of Joe.
I knew I felt someone was watching me. Even if it's meant to be a joke, I couldn't say it was friendly one.
Something I felt at that time kept me from moving....
And I'm now in pursuit of the man who I felt watching me.
The wave of people between me and the man became gradually stronger. And as I felt that, the figure of the man vanished.
"Tsh, come on. Don't lose the guy now...."
The figure disappeared from my sight in the flash of an eye.
"...Just how much do you know, Terry Bogard?"
The voice didn't even give me time to look around; I heard it come from behind, out of nowhere.
"...!"
I couldn't process what had happened. While I barely saw the guy, I remained still.
"All you have to do is stay cool, Mary Ryan...."
Mary? That name echoed in my head as I was overcome with anxiety. Then it happened,
BA-BAM!
The sound of an explosion reverberated from somewhere not so far from where I was standing.
While the people around me were still shaken by the sound, that man and me clearly gave off a different aura than those around us.
"...!"
At that time during that tense standoff I could not help being able to notice a slight opening.
"He's pretty serious, it seems."
I didn't think someone had fiddled with the breaks to the motorcycle. Someone emerged from the crowd that seemed to surround me.
"What? Mary, is it?"
"What? Mary?"
"Joe, and Andy, too!"
Of all the things to happen, the timing of this event couldn't have been worse....
"Hmm, looks like I wasn't wrong about the voice that called me."
"...Oh, baloney. What a crock! By the way, I was just about to contact you. Who'd've thought it would have played out like this?"
"Uh, yeah...So just what do you have to tell me? That you found something out about Terry, perhaps?"
As a matter of fact, I couldn't tell them everything I found out then. Since I was caught up in other pursuits, I had to make sure these two concentrated on finding Terry. But I couldn't very well ask them directly to help me out when I had found Terry....
"Yeah, yeah. That's it! Terry just may be in town!"
"No way!"
THUD!
At that instant, we heard the sound of something falling behind us. There was also another simultaneous noise in our vicinity.
We looked back to see an unconscious man on the ground and a familiar face.
"Fancy meeting you guys here."
"T-Terry...!"
Judging from Terry's story, that man was without doubt the very one who had sabotaged my motorcycle.
And as the situation was explained to me, I realized I could no longer ignore the circumstances of my job and the things that were going on around me.
"Terry, just what have you been up to all this time?! Since you didn't call us we were all worried sick!"
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that.... More importantly, just who is this clown, Mary?!"
Terry pulled down his cap hard over his eyes as he asked me this.
"...I don't think you'd be satisfied if I told you that he's no one important."
I couldn't deceive them any longer. I told the three all about the things I had been dealing with.
"Shouldn't you just ignore it and move on?"
"I can't do that either. If they're willing to go to these lengths, what do you think they'll do if I just blow them off?"
"If you keep doing that, Mary, you'll be nothing more than their servant."
Yes, Joe was right. But if my client had done all these things so far, this job was sure to be even more trouble than I had imagined.
At that moment, Terry interjected suddenly.
"OK, I got it! This year all four of us are entering together!"
"H-Hey, it's that simple, is it? I just told you, didn't I? Even if I do my job, there's no guarantee that we'll be in the clear. Not only that, this is my job. If you're doing this out of sympathy, I don't need your help."
"Do you think we'd risk our lives out of sympathy?! It's not that cut and dry...No, sirree..."
It was a while since I saw Terry angry. More than being surprised at his anger, the last thing he said is what really stuck with me.
"No, sirree...?"
"...That's what I said...."
I felt that he had something more to say to me.... But Joe blabbered on, ignoring what had just transpired.
"Well, it would be a waste not to enter the tournament, wouldn't it? And we can't do that alone, can we?"
"Th-That's for sure...but is it really OK with you? There'll be no turning back, you know?"
"Of course I know that! But if we enter, we enter to win, so don't hold us back!"
Again it was Terry's words to me that stuck with me, but, to be quite honest, I was grateful for their cooperation.
Whatever the case may have been, I knew this was one job that I wouldn't be able to do on my own....
I knew I had to change my attitude.
"Leave it to me. If I join up with you, you're sure to have a lot more firepower.... By the way, if I join up with you guys, what about Andy?"
"What? Oh, no, not again...Mai...."
We all fell silent. Finally Terry, his cap tight around his eyes, placed a hand on Andy's shoulders and silently nodded his head.
"T-Terry...."
Joe was his usual self.
"Ah, what the hey? I'll explain things so Mai will understand. Don't you worry your pretty blond head, Andy-poo."
"...No way, you'll do nothing of the kind... You'll just make things worse...."
"I'm sorry, Andy."
"Oh, what am I going to do...."
I saw this coming.... Mai is always the one to blow her top when others enter the picture.
"No, when stuff like this happens, Andy's the one to suffer most. You'll be looking into the maw of hell itself this time, won't you?"
"..."
That's a bit of an exaggeration, Joe. A very little bit, though, I believe.
The King of Fighters 2001
An entire city was wiped off the globe with the use of the satellite weapon, Zero Cannon, during King of Fighters 2000.
This incident was reported to be the result of an artificial satellite crashing to earth, and adorned the front pages to various newspapers of countries all over the world.
A legion of individuals called for the end to the KOF tournament which always invited some sort of accident, but ironically this fighting tournament with a bad history once again regained considerable popularity.
The interest in the tournament rivaled that of the '97 contest, nay, exceeded perhaps exceeded it.
But for this tournament carried out on the international stage, an astonishing fact came to light.
A team from NESTS has entered the tournament!
What are the true objectives of the event's sponsor? There's no guarantee that even with this tournament, tragedy will not repeat itself....
The third title in the King of Fighters: The NESTS Chronicles. At last, this tournament will end it all!
---
A pleasant breeze blows through a clear blue sky.
The unbroken laughter of children playing football and baseball echoes throughout Southtown's only park-you guessed its name by now, Southtown Park. A man wearing a familiar red cap makes his way to a group of kids playing basketball.
"Hey, kids! How goes the hoops?!"
"Hey everybody, it's Terry! Awesome! You came again, too, like you promised!"
After a quick pick-up game, Terry sits on a bench to chat with the kids.
"Terry! I've seen all the commercials on TV, so you must know there's another King of Fighters this year! Are you going to enter?!"
"Huh?! Hmm, is that so? This year, too? ...Come to think of it, I've entered every year, haven't I...?
"Gee, Terry, I'd sure like to see you fight again this year! You're this town's hero!"
"Me, too. Seeing you fight gives me courage! Since me, heck, everyone here, is all alone, you're all we got...right?"
Terry always keeps tabs on the boys here in the park. Like them, Terry happens to be an orphan. And like his adoptive father Jeff did with him, he wants to provide them with the courage and hope to overcome their circumstances.
If it allows him the opportunity to keep seeing these kids' smiling faces...then Terry has made up his mind.
"All right! I'm in!"
"You mean it? All right!!!"
Looking at the children's faces, Terry recalls those halcyon days spent with his adoptive father Jeff, and looks off in the distance as he waxes nostalgic. Suddenly, a woman arrives and, dismounting her motorcycle, heads in Terry's direction.
"What's the word, Terry?"
"Oh, Mary! Long time no see. How did you find me here."
"I knew you'd be here. Call it woman's intuition. By the way, you seemed to be having a good time a few minutes ago. I wonder what you were you talking about then."
"As a matter of fact, I've decided to enter this year's KOF tournament. I thought I'd show these little tough guys here just what I'm made of."
"Is that so? Well, as a matter of fact, I've decided to do the same. And my new assignment, as usual, has something to do with KOF."
"The Dickens you say. Then I guess I'll have to help you out, Mary. How about cracking a few skulls together, for old time's sake?"
"Ooh, hoo, hoo, in your dreams. It is true that I've got a job, but that doesn't mean I'm just here on business.... But if you say you're going to enter, shall I put my work aside to help you out?"
"Hmph...you really got a mouth on you. Well, then I'll put it more formally: will you enter with me, again?"
"If you put it that way, of course I will, Terry!"
"Did you see that, kids? Looks like we're going to win this year, too!"
Meanwhile, back in Japan. Andy is focused in his training with a young lad in the hometown of the Shiranuis. The name of Andy's young charge is Hokutomaru.
Andy is practicing hard and shows no mercy toward Hokutomaru, although the kid looks like he's, well, just a kid.
As the day inevitably turns to dusk, training draws to an end and Andy begins to address Hokutomaru.
"You've heard of KOF, haven't you, kiddo...?"
"Of course. You're always rambling on about it, Master."
"Uh, yeah. About KOF then...I got a message from my big brother. And this time I'm going to be on my brother's team again, but...you're coming with me, too. At long last you're going to get a real taste of actual combat."
"OK...Sounds cool!"
"Uh, and one more thing...do you think you could use your wiles and break this news to Mai? If I tried to tell her, well, you know how it goes...don't you?"
"Aw, Master, do I have to go through that again? I always have to smooth things over with you and the Shiranui maiden...Hey, that reminds me: You opened a training gym in Southtown, right? Why don't you keep yourself under wraps there for a while?"
"That's no good. I'm positive Mai already has that place staked out."
"Probably. Tough break, Master. I think you'd better handle this matter yourself. Later!"
In a flash, Hokutomaru scrambles up the trunk of a large pine tree near by, jumps from branch to branch, and in no time disappears into the forest.
"Hey, hold on there! Hey!"
For an instant, Andy looks like he's at the end of his rope, but then a smile comes over his face, as if approving of his little disciple's progress.
Meanwhile, Joe has been devoting his time, day in and day out, to participating in kick boxing matches in Thailand. One day, he takes a break to drop by his old gym.
But returning after a long absence, he finds the gym in a pitiful, run-down state, only a few athletes in residence. Joe spies the Chairman ringside and strikes up a conversation.
"Hey, Chairman, it's been a while. What's going on with the gym? What happened?"
" Oh, Joe! Where have you been keeping yourself...? It's an honor welcoming the Champ here, but our village has had some tough times recently...I wish all my boxers could earn a living doing the old Muetai, but when it comes to merely making a living, there are so many other speedier ways to do it these days. If things keep up like this it'll be just a matter of time before I have to close up shop."
As the Chairman finishes explaining his predicament, a well-worn boxing glove rolls along the floor; he picks it up and strokes it tenderly.
Joe's heart breaks seeing this scene and he cannot suppress a scream of rage.
"Get a grip, Chairman! I'll do anything I can, just promise you won't close the gym."
A few days later, Terry, illuminated by the early morning sun just peeking over the horizon, stands before the gravestone of his dead adoptive father.
Two men approach as Terry places the flowers before the gravestone.
"How's life been treating you these past months, Terry? Landing all your punches?"
"Lookin' good, Andy. So Joe's with you, too? How's it been? I've been hearing a lot of rumors about you."
"Hey! You look the same as ever! I guess it's just not the same without us three together, huh?"
"You said it. And we're supposed to meet up with Mary at the tournament."
With each of their own thoughts in mind, the three set their goals for this year's KOF before Jeff's gravestone.
The King of Fighters 2003
The fighting competition of the highest standards, on the greatest scale in the world -
"The King of Fighters."
Here on this stage Rugal was defeated, the Orochi were contained and sealed away, and the mighty conglomerate NESTS was taken down.
A myriad of unfolding dramas.
Yet these were always hidden behind some sort of thick veil or other, remaining out of the public eye.
Even with such a checkered history, the opening of this year's King of Fighters was decided on.
The sponsor of the competition was, yet again, a mysterious personage, and owing to the circumstances, various suppositions traveled through assorted lands like wildfire.
But in spite of all the hubbub, one veteran contestant after another made their intentions to enter the competition known.
Upon verification that numerous well-known fighters had entered the competition, the heretofore discreet media coverage of the event shifted into 24/7 overdrive.
With the announcement of the inception from this KOF tournament of the new "multi-shift" rule, allowing competitors to freely tag off during battles, the competition developed into a social phenomenon and monopolized discussions around the world.
Newspapers and magazines put together feature articles almost on a weekly basis while ersatz critics pounded their desks and made impassioned commentary on TV day after day about this rule, which simultaneously required a speedy execution of the match and a unified team strategy.
"There is still an awesome bunch of fearsome contestants in this world."
Gato, Tizoc, Duo Lon, Shen Woo.
...and Ash Crimson.
What made their names more and more familiar via the Internet was, without doubt, this moment of uproar concerning the present KOF.
Will these contestants be able to become the new stars capable of shaking up the KOF tournament?
Or maybe...?
And during these crazy days, the preparations steadily went along.
The venues of local competitions were determined, the schedules were completed, and the spectators moved from one location of the preliminary matches to another.
To create the atmosphere of a true street fight, venues were established in city centers, the events of the competition were broadcasted live on giant screens, and various stadiums scaled to hold tens of thousands of people were procured in cities throughout the world during the period of the tournament.
December, 2003.
The time has come.
This year, the curtain rises once again.
---
At the appointed coffee shop, the figure of Terry Bogard is still nowhere to be found.
The seats of the open terrace are fully exposed to view from the street. The two sitting in the delicately constructed chairs are men of exceptional build. Between the two, one is the champ of Muay Thai kickboxing, and the other is the king of professional wrestling.
"...Don't sit there like a clam. How about a cup of Java?"
"No."
"Look, if you'd just take off that bird mask, you'd be able to drink it, right?"
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask."
"Whatever! Take it off. Now! Thanks to your whack little mask, even I've begun to feel like a complete freak."
"Being noticed is the fate of a hero, don't you know?"
(...Terry, Andy, enough playing around. You'd better show up, like, yesterday...)
Mind you, Joe is not averse to standing out. But standing out and being part of a freak-show are two different things. Being noticed has got to be on Joe's own esthetic and philosophical terms.
"Hey! It's Tizoc! Tizoc the Griffon! How about an autograph?!"
"Hah, hah, hah! You got it, buddy."
"All right! Thanks!"
Flushed with joy, the child begins to leave...then he and Joe's eyes meet.
"U-Uh, can I get your autograph? You gotta be the Great Ninja Mister Minami, aren't you? You lost the title match with Tizoc recently and became his bootlicker, I hear."
"OK, kiddo. Listen and listen good..."
"Y-Yeah..."
Had you removed Joe's trademark headband right now, you'd probably be able to make out the vivid blue vein bulging out from his temple.
"I...am really...the one and only..."
"Great Ninja, Mister Minami, aren't you? Sorry. Guess I'm late again."
"Geez, Terry. You're ancient! How about being on time just once, eh?"
With his typically casual air, Terry Bogard made himself known. Squatting down, he looks into the kid's eyes.
"If you're not polite and leave out the 'Mister' he might turn you into a toad with his ninja arts. Mister Minami's pretty tough, you know."
"U-Uh OK. I'll be careful."
"You've got your autograph. Now we've got some important stuff to talk about now, so why not go play over there?" "OK!"
Joe, having been referred to as the 'pretty tough' ninja, throws a hissy fit and takes it out on the waitress by yelling for an alligator steak. Terry orders a cup of coffee.
"Take a chill pill there, Mister Minami."
"Hmph. You got the kids eating out of your hand as always."
"You lack the knack with tykedom."
"Butt out, bird face. So, where's Andy? This tournament...I'm talking KOF, of course. He's in, isn't he? He's doing it, right?"
Terry shrugs his robust-looking shoulders.
"Hey, hey! What do you mean? You're not telling me this beak boy'll be subbing for Andy, are you?"
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask."
"That's right."
Whether affirming the nature of the mask or Andy's substitution is unclear, but, at any rate, Terry nods. The coffee arrives. The alligator steak doesn't.
"You remember Andy's disciple, don't you, Joe?"
Terry inquires of his friend while he heaps cream and sugar into his coffee as any Yank like him would.
"Disciple? ...Oh, yeah, that something-Maru guy. Wasn't he just a kid?"
"The mumps, I'm told."
"..."
The disciple's condition isn't fatal, but the big A's worried about aggravating his condition. That's why he didn't want to leave Japan at this time...anyway that's the way Andy's message read."
"Hmph. Talk about your doting masters."
"Hey, shut up. In spite of that, he's a tough task master. But I guess that's different from training. I guess you'd call it 'koshi-kondo' in Japanese."
"'Koshi-kondo' ...the phrase that expresses the sublime relationship of trust between master and disciple. The Japanese language sure is cool. Seems your brother is, too."
"He can't match you, champ."
Terry and Griffon. The two exchange a firm handshake across the table.
"Hey, hey. Try to get along, you two. Jeesh! How about I teach you another sublime Japanese expression? It goes, 'Atchi ni ike, kono busu!' Try it the next time you're hitting on chicks."
"Wow. What does it mean? This KOF's sponsor is Japanese, you know. Mixing a little Japanese into my victory speech marks the consideration of a true gentleman."
"Okay, I'll teach you a load of beautiful Japanese expressions after we win."
Terry sucks out the contents of his coffee cup to the last drop.
"Well, here we are. We go with the team we have here this time. I'm counting on you."
"I've got no complaints. As long as chickadee face doesn't cramp our style."
"I've no objections. As long as we fight fair and square, I'm in."
"OK! Everything's copasetic. With this solved I can finally pay my respects to my father."
"? ...Oh, a little memorial visit, is it?"
"My ritual before the tournament. I hate to say this but could you guys wait here awhile?"
"No way! You've got to be joking! You'd have me hang out here longer with the mysterious bird boy? I'm coming along with you."
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask!"
"Can it! If the beak fits, wear it. Bird boy! Bird boy! BIRD BOY!"
"It's a griffon mask!!!"
Terry reclines back in his chair and looks up at the sky. His long hair parts to reveal the high wide sky above.
(Pop, this year...what can I tell you?)
"I said stop up your cakehole, bird face! Chew on a caterpillar, why don't you?"
"How about you buttoning up?! For I am Tizoc, the gentlemanly griffon!!!"
(...It looks like it's going to be a raucous and tiring tourney.)
The King of Fighters XI
Mukai, member of an enigmatic syndicate, has succeeded in breaking the bonds of the Orochi. Taking advantage of the subsequent chaos, Ash Crimson seizes the opportunity to steal the strength of the “Mirror of the Yata.”
The results of these events culminate in the wounding of the tournament’s sponsor, Chizuru Kagura, bringing the previous King of Fighters to a pandemonic end…
The seasons subsequently ran their cycle, time moved on, and this year’s announcement for a new KOF has just been made.
As a number of new faces sign up for the fray, other entrants gradually make their names known. The return of Eiji Kisaragi tops of the list, followed by the applications of Oswald, B. Jenet, Duck King, Momoko, and Elisabeth Branctorche.
Just what do these warriors at the peak of their conditioning desire as they assemble for the ultimate fighting tournament in the world, and the unprecedented secrecy and wonder which accompanies it? With these warriors along for the ride, the action is sure to be more blistering than ever.
The facade Made KOF gives is one of a flamboyant fighting tournament.
But in contrast, its participants’ myriad ambitions and desires drive the events that go on behind the scenes.
How will the mysterious syndicate that goes by the name of “The Atavists” react?
What will be the end result of the unleashed Orochi Power?
Can the Three Divine Vessels missing one of its members take control of the chaos?
And just what are Ash Crimson’s real objectives…?
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI is finally ready to begin.
The window of combat opportunity is open once again.
---
“Hooray for Kim!”
“We’re rooting for you!”
Kim and Terry are waiting in the airport lobby while Chan and Choi serenade them with feigned, no two-faced and half-hearted cheers.
This unprecedented combination was arrived at by a series of twists and turns.
When Mai, irritated at Andy’s repeated absences and tired of acceding with the usual “Well, if you two have to enter together, then I suppose it’s OK”, proactively insisted on taking a vacation with him during the period scheduled for KOF, Joe Higashi also took himself out of the running because it overlapped with the Muay Thai title match. Tizoc, who had joined the team last year, had already entered on another team, provoking Andy to think outside the box.
Just then, as if Heaven-sent, a possible candidate nonchalantly waddled walked by.
“Terry, is that you? You sure have changed.”
Clad in his usually flashy attire and wearing sunglasses, Duck flashed his familiar Mohawk hair style, unique gait, and affable mood.
This reunion with Southtown’s minor celebrity Duck King gave Terry the feeling that light was at the end of the tunnel. Even more:
“KOF? Great, I’m in. Just the thing to take me out of this current bout of boredom. ♪”
Having secured his assent then and there, the harsh features of Duck’s face, in Terry’s eyes, underwent a miraculous change and he was looking into the face of God.
“Well, Terry, what about the other guy? You need a team of three for KOF, don’t you?”
“Well, I have one possibility…”
Terry intended to rely on the better nature of the Korean Team led by Kim.
Since Choi Bounge had sat out last year’s tournament owing to the participation of Jhun Hoon, it stood to reason a little shake-up this year would do no harm.
This year, however, Jhun was not scheduled to enter, so the breaking up the team might prove a little…challenging.
“Tsk, tsk. If you can get Kim to join, then, that’d solve everything, right?”
“If Kim agrees to join our team, I could rest a lot easier, but that’s probably impossible.”
“Really? Why?”
“It would put Chang and Choi on the sidelines. They’ve trained for KOF all this time. They’d be crushed if we knocked them out of the picture.”
Duck made an exaggerated shrug of the shoulders: what am I gonna do with this guy?
“Uh, Terry, just think this through.”
“? Uh, OK.”
“Aren’t Kim’s two disciples taking the initiative and joining KOF on their own?”
“… …”
“Well?”
※ ※
“Go Terry! Go Duck! Hooray!”
“We know you’re gonna win, all rightey!”
In contrast to the hesitant Kim when this matter was broached, Chang and Choi were at the point of dancing a jig of full approval for Terry’s proposal.
Naturally even now they’re completely being it.
“Master Kim, sometimes you have to strike out on your own to take on higher level contests.”
“Rightey-oh. That way we can train with a long-range plan toward the next KOF.”
The two had not forgotten to embellish and justify their own sentiments. Even now when the three had boarded the plane they celebrated their departure and heaped on their praises as they waved a tiny flag.
Whatever he knew of the two, if Kim had wanted to find fault, he would be unable to even find even an inkling.
“Well, no ‘education’ or ‘rehabilitation’ this time, eh? A little disappointed?”
“Not at all. Ha, ha, ha…”
His usual refreshing grin, too, somehow lacked its keenness.
At this rate would he be able to give 100 percent during the tournament…?
Terry came up with a plan and nudged Kim with his elbow. He hushed the tone of his voice so Duck, sitting on the other side of Kim, could not here what he was about to say.
“Hey, Kim. It’s about Duck, but I wonder if his future is OK, being who he is and all.”
“… …”
“I mean, if you think about his future, KOF may be just the opportunity to provide him with a little ‘rehabilitation,’ don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I see…You sure have got a point there, Terry.”
Kim regained some of his old zeal, and folded his arms to consider the possibilities.
Now came Duck’s turn to nudge Kim from the other side.
“You know, Kim, I’ve been thinking,” he whispered, “about Terry. Just how long do you think he can keep up that jobless vagabond routine? I worry as a friend, mind you.”
“… …”
“I think you, Kim, are just the guy to ‘educate’ him about a life more meaningful, eh?”
“Yeah, I see… You sure have got a point there, Duck.”
Kim became even more high-spirited.
He flexed his crossed arms.
With this new sense of purpose as he looked toward KOF, he was unmistakably on his way to gradually reaching the top of his game.
The airplane carrying Terry, Kim, and Duck soared up into the Southtown sky.
※ ※
“…They’re gone, big guy!”
“Yup.”
“Those two have no idea what lies in store for them with Kim in their grills, do they?”
“Not a clue.”
“I’m kinda looking forward to see how their ‘rehabilitated’ when they get back.”
“… …”
“… …”
“I’m getting a tad misty without him around.”
“Yeah, just a tad.”
The King of FIghters XIII
After having pierced through Magaki with his spear, signs of Shion disappeared through the dimensional cleft.
Furthermore, as it to ridicule the investigation led by Heidern forces, they come out of their hiding to retrieve Magaki's corpse.
Those who speak of "Those From the Distant Land".
Persistently pursuing the where about of the Orochi power.
While that happens, Iori Yagami falls to Ash Crimson as Elizabeth confronts those actions.
After Kagura, follows Iori Yagami's powers absorption. With Yata defeated and Yasakani taken down (note = Yata : Kagura's lineage / treasure name. Yasakani is Yagami's) of the three divine treasures, only Kusanagi is remaining.
However, at that moment the disturbance of Orochi triggers within Yagami, and Kyo Kusanagi collapses from severe wounds.
※ ※ ※
Presently
Having suffered several accidents, concern is stretching towards KoF.
Even so, the question of who is the strongest...
A KoF of unprecedented scale has begun to be spelled
With the wide world as stage, an unprecedented great scale competition of different fighting styles
Never before a gathering like this has been reported.
And thus, those who posses the proper ability receive the written invitation
And the one sending them is ・・・・・・ 「Ｒ」！
---
East of South Town, USA, there is a bar called Pao Pao Cafe.
This site was the mecca for fighters who wanted to be launched into fame.
South Town was already famous in the world for often hosting the tournament
which met the most powerful fighters in the world, "The King of Fighters".
Pao Pao Cafe organizes exciting events every night, fights between fighters
who wanted to show their talent.
Inside the place, you could hear a rhythmic music, people spilled laughter and happiness.
It was still morning and the lights illuminated the interior of the bar.
Customers began piling up for the evening show. Faced with nostalgic feeling and nerves,
Joe Higashi started doing a footwork. On the terrace of the second floor, Joe didn't seem to be in a good mood.
It’s not that he was in a bad mood, Joe was just really angry.
-"Of Course, the two brothers always want attention!"
Joe looked at the ceiling with his hands inside his jacket.
-"These two do not know the consequences of making, a World Superstar like Joe Higashi, wait!"
-"Who is the superstar?"
The owner Richard said while carrying a large jug of beer.
There were many waiters to do this, but Richard himself provided the Beer to Joe, because it was him.
He placed in front of Joe a big mug of beer and a fried crocodile meat special.
Richard Laughed.
-"Terry being late is nothing new and we know it, but I did not expect it from Andy. I wonder what happened."
-"He won't be able to come up with a good excuse, that’s for sure."
Joe lifted the large pitcher of beer and finished it up in one go.
This time the great champion of Muay Thai, Joe Higashi, Terry, the Great Legend of South Town and his brother, Andy Bogard would form a team in this new KOF Tournament.
For certain reasons Andy and Joe didn't enter with Terry to the past KOF, in which Terry was forced to Team up with other Fighters. This time was special, the old team was going to get reunited, but even with that special reason Terry and Andy were late. Joe had been waiting for more than half an hour.
That is enough reason to get Joe angry. Joe whispers and savagely cuts and eats the meat.
-"Those Airhead Blond Brothers... it's been already 30 minutes..."
-"Hey, guess who arrived!"
-"What?"
Joe looked over Richard, who was patting Joe back to get his attention, to see Andy arriving with his Girlfriend, Mai Shiranui.
-"Oh hey! There's Joe!"
Mai waves at Joe and Richard smiles from below.
-"Those two together and winding up...!"
Joe closed his teeth when he saw Mai resting on Andy’s chest.
-"Uh? What happened Joe? Did you say something?
-"I said that Andy is always getting the attention, like if he was the best or something..."
-"I don't think he is like that... hey Joe, are you jealous of Andy?"
-"Nobody said anything like that!"
Joe face turned all red, but not due to alcohol, and hit the table.
Andy and Mai went to meet up with Joe.
-"Hey Joe!"
-"Yeeees♪"
-"Sorry for being late. There was a delay in the airport."
Without knowing how mad Joe was, Andy stretched his hand toward Joe and smiling.
-"****, if the airplane had a delay then it's not your fault..."
After hearing the reason for the delay, Joe chilled down a bit. But rather than shaking hands,
Joe offered Andy a piece of crocodile meat he had in the fork.
-"And... what's up with Terry?"
-"My brother? Who knows... he has yet to come, huh?... Hmm, this crocodile meat is not bad."
Andy asked for a beer while eating the crocodile meat next to Joe.
-"I also want a beer, Richard!"
Mai said smiling and raised her hand while she move her chair close to Andy.
-"OK! Two Beers coming!"
-"Oh and prepare the place to celebrate our victory!"
-"Celebrate which victory?"
Joe asked surprised after hearing Mai words.
-"...Hey Mai, you plan to participate in this tournament?"
-"Fufuu~n♪Exactly!"
Mai said while taking out the white envelope from her purse.
-"Lets just say that if I don't participate in this tournament, it won't be the same. For that reason, the prize will be won by the Woman Team this time! I can feel it!"
-"What do you think Joe? Since Japan she comes with this idea."
Andy observed how Mai giggled while covering her lower face with the fan. Joe finished off his beer and stood up.
-"Fine! You are free to dream. However, like it or not, the winners of this tournament will be Joe Higashi and the two brothers. That is common knowledge!"
-"It’s been some time from the last tournament you 3 participated, it seems you are all heat up, huh?"
Richard said while laying the beers in the table and smiling.
-"...Look, "The Legendary Wolf", which you been had been waiting for has arrived."
Richard pointed at Terry walking up the stairs with Mary at his side for some reason.
Joe saw them and raised an eyebrow.
-"Hey! Everyone is here!"
Terry said while raising his Cap and smiling.
-"What happened brother? You are kinda late."
-"I arrived early at the South Town station, but the trip was long and I fell asleep in the waiting room of the station. When I woke up, I saw the time and called Mary quickly and asked her to give me a ride, she brought me in her Harley fast."
Besides Terry, Mary shrugged.
-"The truth is that I would like you to think on the people that surround you more often. You call me, after all this time, just to give you a ride to Pao Pao Cafe..."
-"Sorry, sorry, I'm really grateful for this Mary."
-"Sorry, Sorry? Is this a joke?!"
Said Joe after he got up from his chair, almost throwing it down while interrupting Terry and Mary conversation.
Joe pointed at Terry with his finger and shouted.
-"Terry! If you have done something wrong, in front of Mary, you must lower your head to that person and apologize!!"
-"UH!?"
-"... What's the matter Joe? Why are you so mad about?"
-"That doesn't matter! Apologize! To begin with, I have waited for more than half an hour!"
-"Now that I think about it, I heard some rumors, but..."
Andy said ignoring the show Joe was doing.
-"... In this tournament, it seems that Raiden and Hwa Jai will be joining Kim to form a team."
-"Besides Raiden, Hwa Jai... I did hear the rumors, but come on! I doubt Kim will try to reform them or something."
-"Well, as long as strong opponents participate, NO PROBLEM. Meanwhile we can have some great fights, I would not complain."
-"Some people never change, right Terry?"
Terry looks at Joe, who was closing his fist and told him.
-"... You aren't nervous because of Hwa, right? Now that I think about it, he has something to do with you, right Joe?"
-"What the hell! Who is nervous!?!"
-"Well, you could be. You have been angry for a while, right?"
-"Lea... Leave me alone, you damn scrub!"
Even if there weren't bad intentions in those words towards to Terry, Joe was angry at him and flipped the table.
-"Uh! HEY! What's the matter all off a sudden Joe? Are you drunk already?"
-"Shut up! First I will make you remember what being a leader is about and then I will beat you up!"
-"I don't know what you are talking about... OK! Before the tournament lets see how strong you have become!"
-"Don't laugh like if nothing will happen!"
Joe and Terry went to the lower floor. The crow gets hyped after seeing these two legends about to fight again in the Pao Pao Cafe after so long.
-"Like always, the two blond airhead brothers and her joining up...!"
-"What are you saying Joe? The crowd is so loud, I can't hear anything!"
-"I didn't say ****!"
Terry began with some footwork, Joe took off and threw his Jacket away.
The smile was exactly the same, but the sensation of having become stronger was something Joe even notice.
-"... Even if we are friends, there are things we need to know: Who is the strongest between the two of us!"
Joe’s drunkenness disappeared once he warmed up. When he has a strong opponent in front of him, his head gets filled with fighting, fighting and more fighting.
In the end, Joe was already happy to fight someone strong. In that way, he was a simple man.
-"Here I go Joe!"
Terry rushed towards Joe, who felt that Terry was stronger and trembled for a moment.
-"LETS GO!!!!!!"
Joe didn't step back, on the contrary, he rushed and launched a strike.
-"Watch and learn! The one who will be victorious is Joe Higashi!!!!"
While the first Maximum Impact tournament didn't really have much to offer story line wise, it shows that Rock and Terry still do have their roles to play during the fighting for the rule of Southtown within the crime syndicate, Mephistopheles. During Another Day, the four part OVA that takes place after the first Maximum Impact, expands more on Rock's position in Southtown as being a constant shadow of Geese Howard and struggles to make his own name rather than being trapped and forever known as the son of "That man."
During the conflagration caused by Ash Crimson that ignited Southtown into flames to lure out Kyo Kusanagi, Rock notices a large beam being shot down by the skies and hitting Geese Tower. It is here that we see Billy Kane confronting Lien Neville which the two go into battle (as Geese's right hand man fighting against a hired assassin from a rival crime power trying to take over South Town) which soon ends up with Billy dangling Lien above the edge of Geese Tower. From there, a confrontation between Billy and Rock ensues with Billy trying to recruit Rock into rebuilding the Howard Connection and bring back his father's legacy.
Rock expresses his refusal with his fist. But soon after making the attempt to rescue Lien, Billy corners Rock and telling him to let her go and that no matter how he struggles, he cannot escape his destiny. Thankfully with the last minute action with Lien requesting backup via laser attack, Rock was able to pull her to safety. It ends, however, with the whole reason Rock went to Geese Tower is to find a portrait of his mother that was not found (and possibly destroyed from both the laser attack or the fire). Soon, he returns home the next morning with Terry asking him where he went all night and heading off to take a nap... only with Rock noticing a smell of ash near by and a portrait being covered by Terry's coat.
The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 2
Unsurprising, Terry enters another King of Fighters' tournament always seeking a thrill for a fight, even though the hosts of this particular tournament are a criminal syndicate that is attempting to take over Geese's spot as crime lords of Southtown, making Terry more or less their priority target. However, his main reason also of taking part of the tournament was to also settle a score with Billy Kane, the man who had returned to the underground world of crime when he had heard there were new upstarts that were trying to take what he believes still belongs to Geese.
Admittedly, Terry couldn't fault Billy for wanting to avenge Geese since it was the same as Terry wanting to avenge Jeff. In the end, Terry walks away as the victor once again and welcoming a challenge from Billy at any time. He soon makes it to the finals to where he confronts his next opponent, Luise Meyrink. Remarking her as a pretty strong opponent, he tells her that he doesn't plan to let her win and will go all out. Immediately after his victory, Terry soon confronts the host of the King of Fighters tournament this time around: Jivatma, the leader of the crime syndicate Kusiel that is a branch of a major group, Addes.
Turns out whatever this group is, they are seeking 'strong bodies', which is why they are hosting this event so they can gather all of the strongest fighters in one spot, especially with The Legendary Wolf's strength being a remarkable one of note. In which Terry more or less says "Yeah, no. If you want a piece of me, come get me."
The tournament soon ends with Jivatma disappearing in space and the building around them collapsing over. He then meets up with Rock after a light jab at Rock unable to make it to the finals and eventually tells him to make Terry some food. And as they leave, Terry does mulls over a moment about Billy commenting that he is still haunted by the past and his loyalty for Geese.
In the Pao Pao Café, where South Town's martial artists rest and recuperate, one passionate man was locked in combat with a massive amount of food.
"Food, foooood!! Add on another 10 orders of fried alligator, Richard!"
Terry watched Food-fighter Joe devour his meal at an unsettling pace from the corner of his eye as he listened to his younger brother Andy complain.
"Listen, Terry. I just got a declaration of war from Mai over the phone."
"That's normal. Hey, whatever you guys fight about, that's all on you."
"Mai was saying she'd take Joe down, though. And there was a declaration of war for you, too."
"For me? Well, that's different. Who could it be from? Surely it's not Mary or Yuri?"
"Looks like things didn't work out between Mary, Yuri, and Kasumi, so they weren't able to form a team together."
"Wow. So that means it's a declaration from a new member."
"Seems that way. They said the new member is Alice, the girl that's always copying you."
"That Alice, huh... This sounds like fun! But why Alice? Does she even know them?"
"Well, about that..."
Andy told Terry the story Mai had just made him listen to on the phone, of how the team was formed.
"Hmm. Still, if Mai and King are joining too, we might actually have to fight them. But even then, there's another opponent we need to be more concerned about. Geese Howard... He's participating in the tournament this time."
Geese Howard, a man they all knew well. He was a ruthless, evil man who would do anything to achieve his goals. Their adoptive father had been a fellow student of martial arts with Geese, until the latter killed him.
"Do you think Geese Howard could be the one pulling the strings behind the tournament, Terry?"
"No, Mary says he has no ties to the main organizer. Seems he's really just an invitational fighter this time, but..."
"Still, it's hard to believe he'd join a martial arts tournament for no reason. It'd just be safer to assume he's after something."
"Yeah. Anyway, we'd better watch out. Though, if possible, I'd like to beat him back to Tuesday in a match."
"I know, Terry... We'll be sure to take him out for good this time."
Since they'd begun talking about Geese Howard, the two had began radiating a tense, charged aura around themselves. But Joe paid it no mind as he energetically finished a beer and let out a mighty shout.
"WOO! It doesn't matter who we face. We're going to win this KOF no matter what!! I'm going to show the world the new chapters of my personal legend!"
"...Speaking of, does he seem more fired up than usual? What's with him?"
"He asked a girl out and got rejected. As for why... It seems she thought he was going out with that drag queen fan." "Oh... Yeah, that's rough."
"Ahhh, I'm getting a really warped reputation! The Internet really is a scary place!!!"
The two brothers looked on with pity at the passionate man who had been crushed by the savage monster of Internet culture, but their gazes were warm even as thought to themselves... (We'll let him to deal with that.)
It is late afternoon in a corner of South Town at the Pao Pao Café, right around the time when business starts to pick up.
There, at a table next to a neon-lit bar counter, Terry and Andy Bogard both sit staring at the guy opposite them: their friend, Joe Higashi. It was his proposal that was making them pause.
Essentially, he wants them all to come up with goals to achieve once they win the King of Fighters tournament. Hardly a surprising proposal coming from Joe, but its suddenness makes Andy tilt his head.
"I'm not averse to the idea, but why this again?"
"Where's the fun in just fighting and winning? This gives us a reason to win, while boosting our motivation. Two birds, one stone!"
His infallible smile on full display, Joe takes a chicken nugget and pops it into his mouth. Terry laughs.
"Very you, Joe! Love it! Sure, I'm in!"
He flashes a pearly white grin, while Andy assents with a smile of his own. Satisfied, Joe lowers his fork, adjusts his posture, then leans in toward his teammates.
"Heh heh, I knew I could count on you guys! So here's what I'm gonna do..."
"Whoa, you're just going to blurt that out now?"
"Sure! Anyway, if we win..."
As Joe lays out his plan, he curls his fingers into trembling fists, before rising from his chair and thrusting them into the air.
"I'm gonna ask Lilly out!"
Joe's booming voice resonates throughout the Pao Pao Café, but he is so caught up in the moment that he doesn't register the other café patrons staring at him. The Bogard brothers now see that this was the whole reason Joe suggested coming up with goals to start with.
"Hmmm, okay. I guess that would get you pumped."
"Hahaha. We really can't lose now, with your love life on the line!"
Andy and Terry exchange smiles.
Joe settles back into his seat, grabs his mug, then looks over at Andy.
"You're up next, buddy!"
"Me...?! Hmm. A goal, huh..."
Andy scratches his cheek thoughtfully.
"I'm at the Shiranui Dojo all day and night, but maybe I should spend some time elsewhere. Maybe I could travel around and train. Go back to the basics for a bit."
In response to Andy's pensiveness, Terry gives an encouraging nod.
"A training tour, huh? Sounds great!"
"I dunno, man. Bet you'd have a certain someone trailing after you, calling your name."
"I can't believe you think Mai would... Hmm, actually, I wouldn't put it past her..."
Andy's objection to the grinning Joe's comment soon fizzles out when he realizes there may be truth in it. With a small sigh, he takes a gulp of his drink, then turns to Terry.
"What about you, then?"
Terry gives a little pause before answering casually with his usual smile.
"Travel the world, I guess."
"You do that anyway!"
"Right? Then again, it's very Terry."
Terry grins, making Joe laugh raucously, which elicits a soft chuckle from Andy.
Their relationship never changes, but that's what allows them to trust each other and relax. With or without their goals, they are always the same people, and probably always will be.
"Hey, I've got an idea. Not a goal or anything, but how about once the tournament's over, we hit up the beach with Mary and Mai?"
"Sounds like a plan! If we win, we're going to have to celebrate with a vacation!"
"I'm sure me and Lilly will have really hit it off by then. Just you wait; it's gonna be great!"
As the day gives way to night, the café grows busier and busier, the three animated teammates' conversation and laughter gradually fading into the hustle and bustle.
The King of Fighters '94
The year, 1994. Once again the invitations to the King of Fighters find their ways to the world's most wicked warriors. But the patron of this little party remains unknown. It cannot be Geese, nor can it be Krauser. So who could they be from...?
Among all the hopes and doubts, the legendary superstars of the fighting world begin to form their mighty teams. What type of battle with these magnificent fighters sure to go down in history show us? The voltage of the fan's excitement reaches a fevered pitch as the tournament finally approaches its beginning.
---
Terry is passing quiet afternoon in a small park with a view of a small harbor.
Blessed with pleasant weather, he thinks, "This is phenomenal!" even though combining training with a stay at this Italian resort was his own idea.
But his reverie is soon cut short. The cause for this is the delivery of a single invitation with his name on it.
"The King of Fighters, huh?"
He seems a bit bummed by this. And just who is this "R" anyway?
"'R'.... It doesn't seem to be Geese or Krauser.... Hmm. Who could it be? R...R...Uh, Ryuhaku Todoh? Who was that guy?"
Could it be that the genial climate has affected his mental circuitry?
"Hey! Boy, we broke a hump trying to find you!"
Joe Higashi, the perpetually peppy kick boxing dynamo, arrives on the scene. And Andy follows close behind.
"Oh, what's up? Both of you have come? You really did your homework to find me here."
Ignoring Terry, who seems a little taken aback at this sudden visit, Joe continues.
"What's up? Who do you think you're kidding?! I'm talking about this! This thing right here!"
Joe flaps an envelope in his face.
"You're entering with us, aren't you? Right?! We need three members this time! Sounds downright intriguing, doesn't it?"
It does have a certain intriguing quality to it, thinks Terry.
"Terry, who do you suppose this 'R' clown is anyway...?"
Andy ask his big brother, a touch nervously.
"Whatever! Enough chit-chat. Let's get going! What do you say, you two?"
Swept up by Joe's wave of enthusiasm, the two brothers once again resolve to enter the King of Fighters.
The King of Fighters '95
It's the year of our Lord, 1995. Once again invitations to the King of Fighters tournament have found their ways to the world's most powerful fighters.
And their author is none other than the mysterious "R!" Could the "R" be that of Rugal, who supposedly blew himself up on his aircraft carrier a year ago?
Among the contestants for this year's tournament is the newly selected team of Billy Kane, Iori Yagami, and Eiji Kisaragi, who sent the American Team packing.
But what in the end is Billy's scheme? What ambitions does Kisaragi cradle? And what evil designs for his old foe Kyo Kusanagi spur Iori Yagami on?
These new challengers join all of the previous tournament's contestants-except the American Team, of course-both in battle and the all-consuming intrigue that forms the core of King of Fighters '95.
---
Joe Higashi drops in on Terry and Andy, who are busy training on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
JOE: "If it isn't my old pals Terry and Andy. Looks like you've been working hard."
TERRY: "Our good buddy Joe. You just get here?"
JOE: "Yup.... Yeah, that reminds me. On the way here I dropped by the hotel and this was waiting there for you."
Joe extends an invitation to King of Fighters to the two.
ANDY: "This?! This is an invitation to the King of Fighters!?"
TERRY: "Huh, again? What's this all about?"
JOE: "Beats me. Oh, and on top of that, I just saw Mai, too..."
ANDY: "Huh? J-just hold on there. You mean Mai's here, too...?"
JOE: "She was. She was here all right, but the minute she saw this invite, she realized you two'd be teaming up, got all peeved, and stormed right back on the plane. You sure know how to make the girls cry, don't you, Andy?"
ANDY: "Just why did she do that?! Hmm. Guess she'll be teaming up with the usual suspects. She's really going to be one tough opponent this time."
TERRY: "Be that as it may, just who's sponsoring this little shindig? Rugal was taken out of the game last time.... Could it possibly be Geese? Or Krauser, perhaps...?!"
JOE: "You may be on to something there. By the by, this came with the KOF invite."
Joe pulls out another letter.
ANDY: "What's this...?"
Terry removes the letter from the envelope and skims it over.
TERRY: "Dear Terry, Andy, and Joe. This letter should be reaching you at the same time you get your invitation to the King of Fighters. Just as before, I am unfortunately unable to take part in this year's event, but I've prepared a little fun for you in this time around. I pray you enjoy it. I'm pulling for you.... Your pal, Geese Howard."
ANDY: "Holy Pernicious Poultry! Just what fiendish scheme has Geese in store for us?!"
JOE: "Hmph. Whatever he's planned, we can pretty much surmise that Geese is not the sponsor for this year's festivities."
ANDY: "Then it's got to be Krauser!"
JOE: "Not so fast, my American hot dog...there's no proof of that."
TERRY: "Well, at any rate, Andy and Joe, that's not important now. If there's a KOF tournament to be held in this world, we, naturally, must be there!"
JOE: "That's the ol' pepper! Whatever the circumstances, we gotta enter and win!"
TERRY: "OK, then. If that's the way it's gonna be, we had better start getting ready."
ANDY: "Yeah!"
JOE: "Oh, yeah! Looks like it's time for me to get a little crazy yet again!"
The King of Fighters '96
Unlike the mystery surrounding previous KOF competitions, KOF '96 has become a major international event sponsored by a number of huge corporations.
Preliminary contests have been held in various areas throughout the world, and among the top nine teams are, naturally, the usual KOF contestants who have been looking forward to test their abilities in an official competition.
This time, however, there is a team among them who cannot fail to raise eyebrows, composed of Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, and Mr. Big. The three who once attempted to conquer the world are now but mere contestants in this tournament.
Is their object, perhaps, to do away with the Bogard brothers or the disciples of Kyokugen karate?
If that weren't enough to surprise...Iori Yagami appears once again, teamed up with a pair of mysterious women.
How will the rivalry between Iori and Kyo Kusanagi that has cursed their two families since ancient time play out this time around?
This is KOF '96, held as an official recognized sporting event, over which dark clouds have already started to gather....
---
At the exit to Southtown Airport. Passengers of a flight arriving from Japan stream out of the gate. Among them are Andy and Joe.
ANDY: "...."
Andy's gaze freezes on a large-screen TV positioned above the airport's reception desk. An announcement for the King of Fighters is currently displayed on it.
JOE: "So that's, the ad for this year's King of Fighters? Hmm. I see a few old friends are back in the line-up, but, as I figured, she and her friends don't seem to have teamed up yet.
ANDY: "Yeah. Since I got my invitation first, I teamed up with you guys to avoid the usual squabble we have. But Mai still seemed mightily miffed. The last time she called me, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. She just ranted on and then hung up on me."
JOE: "Whoo. That sounds pretty nasty. If you don't do something about it, you know what's going to happen, eh? It must be pretty tough for a stud like you right before KOF, huh?
Andy lets out a forced laugh. But his grave countenance quickly assumes its grim aspect.
ANDY: "Ah...che sera sera, eh Joe? Let's get going. We can't piddle away the rest of the day here. If we don't hurry to the docks, we'll keep Andy waiting."
At the port to Southtown. A man wearing a denim jacket decorated with stars on the back and sporting a red cap has finished unloading his bags and sits down beside them.
TERRY: "Andy should be arriving here any minute. This's all my stuff, so I guess I'll just wait here."
Suddenly something zips by Terry's ear and knocks his cap to the ground. Terry slowly turns his head.
TERRY: "Oh, it's you...."
There stands a grinning man with a three-jointed cudgel held behind him.
BILLY: "I'm impressed. You were able to anticipate my attack in a split second. You've still got it. Then again, I was just playin' and I'm a little disappointed that I got a piece of you."
TERRY: "Are you planning to enter, too? Enter the King of Fighters?"
BILLY: "Nope, sadly not. Even though I do owe Iori Yagami, I'll have to repay him at another occasion. Then again, maybe I won't have to if you know who gets to him first."
TERRY: "You know who? ...He can't possibly...?!"
A limousine seemingly appears out of nowhere and approaches Billy. It pulls up between Terry and Billy, and the window to the back seat begins to drop slowly.
TERRY: "!!!"
GEESE: "It's been a long time, huh...? It will be a while before this is made public, but I'll be meeting up with you in this year's KOF. I'll explain it so even you can understand it. I'm not pulling the strings behind the scenes this time around. But I will be appearing as an invited guest, just the way I want it. So I'll bury all of you, and make sure it looks like an accident.
TERRY: "!...Why, you...!!"
Terry launches at Geese. Simultaneously, voices call Terry from behind. He looks back to see the two figures of Andy and Joe approaching.
ANDY: "Terry! Huh? Hey, that's...! It's Geese Howard!!!"
Billy snickers at the rapidly approaching Andy and slips into the limo. Its windows slowly close.
GEESE: "I'm looking forward to KOF. You're butt's will be mine the next time we meet. Prepare to die, you gnats!"
Andy catches up with Terry just as the limo pulls out and speeds away. Terry picks up his cap and puts it back on.
ANDY: "Terry! That was Geese, wasn't it? That foul fowl is still alive?!"
Terry pulls his cap down over his eyes.
TERRY: "How long are you going to beat that bad pun into the ground? Yeah, he's alive all right. And he's going to be in this year's KOF...."
ANDY: "Say what?"
Joe belatedly catches up with the two.
JOE: "Oh, boy. Looks like we've stepped into another fine mess. Trouble sticks to you like flies on smelly stuff!"
TERRY: "You said it. But as long as that pest lives...he's always going to be in our ointment."
ANDY: "But do you think he's joining KOF just to get rid of us? That can't be the only reason.... What do you suppose he's up to?"
JOE: "The old fowl's just as foul as ever, eh boys?"
ANDY: "Aw, man. You, too? Anyway, we just may find ourselves in the center of the vortex again. ...What's the plan, Terry?"
JOE: "That's a dumb question, eh, Terry?"
Raising the brim of his hat, Terry looks to the two.
TERRY: "Whatever he's up to, one thing we know for sure is that he'll be in KOF. If he comes up against me, I'll take care of him. I came here to chew bubble gum and kick his ass, and, boys, I'm out of bubble gum. Are you up for the challenge, boys?"
ANDY: "Yeah, anytime, anywhere. Joe?"
JOE: "You bet. In Japan, I was totally in the zone. I'm totally ready to rumble."
TERRY: "Geese, you're the one who'll need to prepare yourself. I'm going to give you a basting you'll never forget!"
ANDY: "For sure! Hey, that was a pretty bad pun there, too, big brother."
JOE: "Oh, yeah!"
The King of Fighters '97
KOF '96 tournament drew to a close with an incident that occurred right after the tournament's end. The incident itself and the subsequent accident it caused were officially reported as the result of terrorist activity by an unknown group, but the details concerning the identity, motives, and subsequent whereabouts of the terrorists remained a mystery.
In spite of this incident, however, the KOF '96 tournament was an overwhelming commercial success. A few months after, the event triggered a fighting craze and various large corporations, expressing interest in the fad, offered to sponsor subsequent tournaments, leading to a demand for an eagerly awaited KOF '97. The fad reached all over the globe and in no time KOF '97 came into being.
With the decision to hold the tournament, fighters began to gather at various venues for the preliminary matches and approached the tournament with various motives, some came to test their abilities while others entered for wealth and fame.
Word of the tournament came through all forms of the media, and fans from far and wide gathered to witness the white-hot preliminary battles. Concomitant to the preliminary matches, came the construction of various KOF stadiums throughout the world. Naturally the anticipation for the KOF '97 tournament exceeded historical precedent and it soon became obvious to everyone that the current tournament, as with the previous one, would reach a remarkable climax.
What team will win the tournament that the eyes of the whole world will look on and wear the KOF crown of victory? And does an incident similar to the unexpected accident of last year's tournament threaten to mar the festivities? All of the world's attention is focused on this year's tournament. KOF '97 is here!
---
Aboard an international flight. Joe, for some reason, looks like he's having fun. Andy, on the other hand, wears his usual mask of gloomy.
JOE: "Hunh? What's the deal there? What's with the sourpuss?"
ANDY: "Sourpuss, shmourpuss. You know what's eating me. You forget the purpose of this little trip is for me to visit my father's grave. So what's your story? Why are tagging along for no reason?"
JOE: "No reason? That's harsh! Come on, you and me. The King of Fighters!"
ANDY: "No way. Last time didn't you brag about entering the next tournament alone and showing the world just who Joe Higashi really was. What happened to that?"
JOE: "No, no, that was no lie, Goldilocks! I really did want to do that. But the pieces of the puzzle don't always fall where you want. This time it looks like I'll have to eat a little crow. Why? Because it's fate...ah, whatever. Anyway, I'm just going with the flow. That is, since my plans got tripped up out of the starting block, I threw in the towel on the whole thing. I'm not exactly facing things positively, am I?"
Andy sighs deeply.
ANDY: "I guess I can't argue with that. Be that as it may, how, then, does entering KOF on a team become a decision for "facing things positively?" If you think about it, it doesn't make much sense."
JOE: "Au contraire, the only way into KOF is on a team. Entering alone is hopeless. But I want in! If I approach the matter positively, entering with you two clowns is the natural solution. I'm not telling you to go all out. If you don't want to fight, then don't. I'll take care of the whole thing myself. At any rate, if I don't have any teammates, then it's all academic. Do you get that?"
ANDY: "I don't remember agreeing to enter! Neither did Terry. What's more...!"
Joe clamps his hand over Andy's mouth and tries to get him to fasten his seatbelt.
ANDY: "Hey...! Joe!"
JOE: "Pipe down! We're about to land. Think about the other passengers, for crying out loud!"
Andy takes a look around the plane. The other passengers are giving him the stink eye. Andy clams up to avoid their collective wrath.
Segue to the cemetery. Terry prays at the foot of the grave of his father, Jeff Bogard. He becomes aware of the sound of approaching footsteps. A woman's voice calls out.
MARY: "Well, well, to what do I owe this pleasure? Fancy meeting you here."
Terry calmly opens his eyes and turns in Mary's direction.
TERRY: "Well, well, Mary. It's been a while, hasn't it? I should be saying the same about you, shouldn't I?"
MARY: "I just happened to be passing by, came across a familiar face, and thought I'd say hello. So what's the story? Whose grave is this?"
TERRY: "Uh, today's the anniversary of my father's death. By the way, when did you blow into town? Are you here on business?"
MARY: "I got in last night. I came here today to discuss the details."
TERRY: "Business, then? Idle hands are the devil's workshop, I guess."
MARY: "Idle hands, eh...? Well, that's not exactly the case."
TERRY: "What? Is it that big of a deal, this little project of yours?"
MARY: "It's no cakewalk. Hasn't it arrived at your place yet? This little surprise?"
As she speaks, Mary pulls out an envelope and passes it to Terry.
TERRY: "The King of Fighters, eh? Nope, haven't got it yet. Are you planning on entering?"
MARY: "Uh-huh. But entering KOF isn't what brought me here. I'm here to investigate one of my teammates this time around."
TERRY: "Investigate a teammate? That sounds pretty dicey. Just who is this...teammate?"
MARY: "You're going to flip!"
TERRY: "?"
MARY: "Ryuji Yamazaki...."
TERRY: "Yamazaki?! Get out of town!"
MARY: "And it sure is tough to find out what rock that creepy-crawly is lurking under. Just thinking about having to follow that freak around gives me the heebie-jeebies. And while I'm looking for this clown, my client informs me of another surprise: Yamazaki has teamed up with Billy."
TERRY: "Billy?! You mean Billy Kane?"
MARY: "The one and only. Billy Kane. If my intel is right, I thought it would be quicker to team up with them. And it looks like my instincts are right."
TERRY: "So you've done it-teamed up with them?"
MARY: "Yup. And it was quite easy."
TERRY: "Yamazaki and Billy.... That sounds pretty fishy."
MARY: "A rotten fishy, more like it. That's what's sticking in my craw. I usually don't worry about my client's identity, but this time...you know? I just have a feeling there's a major syndicate involved...perhaps one like...."
TERRY: "Geese!"
Mary nods without saying a word.
TERRY: "Geese is planning on entering?"
MARY: "No. Not this time. In his stead, he's dispatching Billy, or that's how I could read the situation, huh?"
TERRY: "To what end?"
MARY: "If I knew that, I could go home now, but I just can't say."
TERRY: "If Geese is pulling the strings behind the scenes, maybe I should do a little investigating myself, huh...?"
Before he realizes it, Mary is off on her way. As he looks back, he notices her cranking up her motorcycle which is parked at the cemetery gate.
MARY: "At any rate, I'll enter the tournament and keep my eye on the situation. So...I guess the next time we meet will be at the tournament."
TERRY: "Yeah, maybe. Don't knock yourself out. You will be my opponent."
MARY: "Thanks. And I hope no one special stops you from winning this year!"
Mary leaves the cemetery. Terry, too, begins to head back home. Over his shoulder Terry hears the shouts of a familiar voice.
JOE: "Hey, Terry!"
TERRY: "Joe! What brings you here?"
Overtaking Joe, Andy shouts:
ANDY: "Terry! Don't listen to him! Don't pay any attention to what he has to say!"
The two finally reach Terry. Getting the better of Andy, Joe starts his pitch.
JOE: "Terry-you, me, and Andy! The King of Fighters!"
ANDY: "Absolutely not. Your motives are all whack, Joe!"
JOE: "Oh, you sound like a wimp. Mai'll lose interest with that kind of attitude!"
ANDY: "Don't you dare bring Mai into this!"
JOE: "You're up for it, aren't you? Terry?"
ANDY: "No way! You can count me out, Terry!!!"
TERRY: "Sounds like a plan, that proposition of yours."
JOE, ANDY: "Huh?!"
TERRY: "Let's get going. The King of Fighters awaits!"
JOE: "OK! Good to know someone gets me. Terry, you rule!"
ANDY: "What the...? ...Et tu, Terry?"
TERRY: "Aw, Andy, lighten up. Anyway, you two must be hungry, eh? How about a little lunch at the Pao Pao Caf? We can go over the particulars there."
JOE: "OK, let's go. Let's go, go, go. Hey, Andy! We're in!"
ANDY: "Good grief, both of those guys are totally loopy. Joe and Terry...."
The King of Fighters '99
"You are cordially invited to this year's King of Fighters."
The invitation is sent to fighters all over the world. The King of Fighters will take place again this year!
But the circumstances this time around are different. There is not a hint of the hoopla surrounding the entrants like that of the previous tournament which thrilled the whole world. For the skeptical fighters, even the new tournament rules for battles bode ill...
"The method of combat will be 3-on-3 battles. The adoption of Striker Matches, however, has been decided for this tournament...."
"Striker Matches?!"
The fighters cannot hide their surprise at this unfamiliar mode of battle.
Meanwhile, Heidern, who sees through the suspicious tournament, dispatches Ralf and Clark to investigate the truth behind this tournament.
Benimaru Nikaido, as well, receives an invitation to KOF and to join the Special Team consisting of other carefully selected fighters.
Among the pre-selected teammates listed appear two names: K' (K-Dash) and Maxima. Benimaru is confused-he's never seen these names listed at any other fighting events; regardless...
Benimaru heads toward the tournament venue, clearly unsettled by the circumstances, and the other entrants are soon to follow.
WHAT IS THE STRIKER MATCH?
What is behind this year's tournament?
With its myriad of mysteries, the King of Fighters gets ready to begin!
---
Okay, for some reason DW doesn't like it when I copypaste from the KOF Anniversary site, so here is the team's story!
The King of FIghters 2000
It has been a while since the existence of the mysterious secret syndicate NESTS was brought to light. Since then, however, their presence still remains a mystery and they've kept their activities well under wraps.
Meanwhile, in contrast to NESTS seeming lack of action, an increase in terrorist activities throughout the world has been taking place. Heidern and his band of mercenaries have determined that these events are the work of K' and Maxima.
Heidern and his band quickly begin pursuit of these two, but just as they begin their efforts, the invitations for the latest KOF tournament are sent....!
The fighters ready themselves for the tournament to begin in various venues throughout the world.
Most remarkable among the invited teams is one in which K' and Maxima are listed as members!
Moreover, NESTS whip into the second phase of their project, as if summoned into action by the two "terrorists."
Is the beginning of NESTS's activities a mere coincidence? Or, could it be...?
Once again a feeling of impending conflict stifles the air, and the curtain on the latest King of Fighters is about to rise...!!!
---
A lone man enters the hallowed ground; silent monuments stand vigilant over the lonely field where there's no sign of another living soul.
"So another year has passed since I've visited here."
Every year at this time, Andy comes to visit the grave of his dead father.
The piercing sunlight, the carpet of green that covers one side of the grounds, the gravestones stood in careful order-in this landscape that seems to never change between each visit, something has changed this year.
"...So it looks like I'm all alone this year."
He walks on, resigned to the fact. His big brother should be at his side every year.
But for this entire year, Andy has been unable to discover anything about Terry's whereabouts.
As he mulls this over, Andy arrives in front of his father's gravestone.
"It's been too long, Father. I'm sad to say that this year Andy...."
He stops while trying to complete his sentence. In spite of his one year absence, the gravestone gives off a gleam as if it had just been polished moments ago.
And a single wreath decorates the foot of the gravestone. Surely someone has just been here.
"...Could it be...?"
"Again...?"
What time does this make it...? I see the terrible mess as I return to my room. This has been going on for some time.
The beginning of this string of events began the day I received the job....
On that day a clinging sort of humidity infused my room.
An electronic noise shattered the stagnant air and echoed through my environs.
The source of this noise was my laptop computer that failed to function and preserved the silence of my room.
A few weeks later, I noticed something in my mailbox.
"It's been quite a while, huh?"
There was no way I could miss this. It was a single letter there, addressed to me, Mary Ryan.
No new jobs had come my way to a degree that I was beginning to enjoy it.
This job, though, comes as it had been exactly what I was waiting for....
"Just what is this all about...?"
It was an investigation that was carefully spelled out to the last detail. And among the many instructions, one involved me going deep undercover.
The subject of my investigations: the King of Fighters....
"...Considering how long its been, this is way to big for me alone to chew on...."
This was material sufficient enough for my gut to tell me something.
"Well, it looks like I'll need to make a few preparations first."
And the first thing I decided to do was set about investigating my new client.
I thought something was a little fishy, but if I played the course of events out through the King of Fighters, I felt I just might run into a certain someone.
The person I'm searching for now...
But at this point in time, I was not really thinking that something would actually happen to me....
It was obvious that someone was observing me.
But this was no simple surveillance. Even for a specialist at investigation like me, the surveillance on me was so perfect I could find no traces of it.
Since this was my profession, I've learned a few tricks, but this was the first time I had been completely neutralized.
Seeing how things had been escalating recently probably explains why I've been on pins and needles recently.
"There's more to this job than meets the eye. This is probably a warning that I should keep focused, keep silent, and finish my work.... If I don't put all my effort into this, I may end up getting more than burned."
It was then I decided what to do.
"If this's how it's going to be, then I'll have to play the consummate professional myself."
I took my well-worn helmet in hand and left my apartment.
"It's getting a little tough to look for him at the same time...."
I mounted my bike as I always do and kicked the engine on.
"So what does it mean, Andy? You're telling me that Terry is in town now, are you?!"
"It's a strong possibility. Even Mary's having trouble finding any clues, so I was wondering what I would do for a moment there."
"Hmm, I guess my presence, my aura, is what beckoned Terry here."
"...Yeah, yeah, I got it, Joe.... More important than that, I should tell Mary about this incident. Joe, why don't you keep looking for Terry...What the...?
BA-BOOM! ...The sound of an explosion abruptly cuts Andy off.
"What was that?"
Joe rises to his feet next to the surprised Andy.
"...I hear...I hear someone calling my name!"
At the same time, Joe runs away.
"H-Hey, wait up, Joe! ...For the sake of the Shiranui, just what did that clown come here for? That bozo...."
Andy heads toward the direction of the explosion, in pursuit of Joe.
I knew I felt someone was watching me. Even if it's meant to be a joke, I couldn't say it was friendly one.
Something I felt at that time kept me from moving....
And I'm now in pursuit of the man who I felt watching me.
The wave of people between me and the man became gradually stronger. And as I felt that, the figure of the man vanished.
"Tsh, come on. Don't lose the guy now...."
The figure disappeared from my sight in the flash of an eye.
"...Just how much do you know, Terry Bogard?"
The voice didn't even give me time to look around; I heard it come from behind, out of nowhere.
"...!"
I couldn't process what had happened. While I barely saw the guy, I remained still.
"All you have to do is stay cool, Mary Ryan...."
Mary? That name echoed in my head as I was overcome with anxiety. Then it happened,
BA-BAM!
The sound of an explosion reverberated from somewhere not so far from where I was standing.
While the people around me were still shaken by the sound, that man and me clearly gave off a different aura than those around us.
"...!"
At that time during that tense standoff I could not help being able to notice a slight opening.
"He's pretty serious, it seems."
I didn't think someone had fiddled with the breaks to the motorcycle. Someone emerged from the crowd that seemed to surround me.
"What? Mary, is it?"
"What? Mary?"
"Joe, and Andy, too!"
Of all the things to happen, the timing of this event couldn't have been worse....
"Hmm, looks like I wasn't wrong about the voice that called me."
"...Oh, baloney. What a crock! By the way, I was just about to contact you. Who'd've thought it would have played out like this?"
"Uh, yeah...So just what do you have to tell me? That you found something out about Terry, perhaps?"
As a matter of fact, I couldn't tell them everything I found out then. Since I was caught up in other pursuits, I had to make sure these two concentrated on finding Terry. But I couldn't very well ask them directly to help me out when I had found Terry....
"Yeah, yeah. That's it! Terry just may be in town!"
"No way!"
THUD!
At that instant, we heard the sound of something falling behind us. There was also another simultaneous noise in our vicinity.
We looked back to see an unconscious man on the ground and a familiar face.
"Fancy meeting you guys here."
"T-Terry...!"
Judging from Terry's story, that man was without doubt the very one who had sabotaged my motorcycle.
And as the situation was explained to me, I realized I could no longer ignore the circumstances of my job and the things that were going on around me.
"Terry, just what have you been up to all this time?! Since you didn't call us we were all worried sick!"
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that.... More importantly, just who is this clown, Mary?!"
Terry pulled down his cap hard over his eyes as he asked me this.
"...I don't think you'd be satisfied if I told you that he's no one important."
I couldn't deceive them any longer. I told the three all about the things I had been dealing with.
"Shouldn't you just ignore it and move on?"
"I can't do that either. If they're willing to go to these lengths, what do you think they'll do if I just blow them off?"
"If you keep doing that, Mary, you'll be nothing more than their servant."
Yes, Joe was right. But if my client had done all these things so far, this job was sure to be even more trouble than I had imagined.
At that moment, Terry interjected suddenly.
"OK, I got it! This year all four of us are entering together!"
"H-Hey, it's that simple, is it? I just told you, didn't I? Even if I do my job, there's no guarantee that we'll be in the clear. Not only that, this is my job. If you're doing this out of sympathy, I don't need your help."
"Do you think we'd risk our lives out of sympathy?! It's not that cut and dry...No, sirree..."
It was a while since I saw Terry angry. More than being surprised at his anger, the last thing he said is what really stuck with me.
"No, sirree...?"
"...That's what I said...."
I felt that he had something more to say to me.... But Joe blabbered on, ignoring what had just transpired.
"Well, it would be a waste not to enter the tournament, wouldn't it? And we can't do that alone, can we?"
"Th-That's for sure...but is it really OK with you? There'll be no turning back, you know?"
"Of course I know that! But if we enter, we enter to win, so don't hold us back!"
Again it was Terry's words to me that stuck with me, but, to be quite honest, I was grateful for their cooperation.
Whatever the case may have been, I knew this was one job that I wouldn't be able to do on my own....
I knew I had to change my attitude.
"Leave it to me. If I join up with you, you're sure to have a lot more firepower.... By the way, if I join up with you guys, what about Andy?"
"What? Oh, no, not again...Mai...."
We all fell silent. Finally Terry, his cap tight around his eyes, placed a hand on Andy's shoulders and silently nodded his head.
"T-Terry...."
Joe was his usual self.
"Ah, what the hey? I'll explain things so Mai will understand. Don't you worry your pretty blond head, Andy-poo."
"...No way, you'll do nothing of the kind... You'll just make things worse...."
"I'm sorry, Andy."
"Oh, what am I going to do...."
I saw this coming.... Mai is always the one to blow her top when others enter the picture.
"No, when stuff like this happens, Andy's the one to suffer most. You'll be looking into the maw of hell itself this time, won't you?"
"..."
That's a bit of an exaggeration, Joe. A very little bit, though, I believe.
The King of Fighters 2001
An entire city was wiped off the globe with the use of the satellite weapon, Zero Cannon, during King of Fighters 2000.
This incident was reported to be the result of an artificial satellite crashing to earth, and adorned the front pages to various newspapers of countries all over the world.
A legion of individuals called for the end to the KOF tournament which always invited some sort of accident, but ironically this fighting tournament with a bad history once again regained considerable popularity.
The interest in the tournament rivaled that of the '97 contest, nay, exceeded perhaps exceeded it.
But for this tournament carried out on the international stage, an astonishing fact came to light.
A team from NESTS has entered the tournament!
What are the true objectives of the event's sponsor? There's no guarantee that even with this tournament, tragedy will not repeat itself....
The third title in the King of Fighters: The NESTS Chronicles. At last, this tournament will end it all!
---
A pleasant breeze blows through a clear blue sky.
The unbroken laughter of children playing football and baseball echoes throughout Southtown's only park-you guessed its name by now, Southtown Park. A man wearing a familiar red cap makes his way to a group of kids playing basketball.
"Hey, kids! How goes the hoops?!"
"Hey everybody, it's Terry! Awesome! You came again, too, like you promised!"
After a quick pick-up game, Terry sits on a bench to chat with the kids.
"Terry! I've seen all the commercials on TV, so you must know there's another King of Fighters this year! Are you going to enter?!"
"Huh?! Hmm, is that so? This year, too? ...Come to think of it, I've entered every year, haven't I...?
"Gee, Terry, I'd sure like to see you fight again this year! You're this town's hero!"
"Me, too. Seeing you fight gives me courage! Since me, heck, everyone here, is all alone, you're all we got...right?"
Terry always keeps tabs on the boys here in the park. Like them, Terry happens to be an orphan. And like his adoptive father Jeff did with him, he wants to provide them with the courage and hope to overcome their circumstances.
If it allows him the opportunity to keep seeing these kids' smiling faces...then Terry has made up his mind.
"All right! I'm in!"
"You mean it? All right!!!"
Looking at the children's faces, Terry recalls those halcyon days spent with his adoptive father Jeff, and looks off in the distance as he waxes nostalgic. Suddenly, a woman arrives and, dismounting her motorcycle, heads in Terry's direction.
"What's the word, Terry?"
"Oh, Mary! Long time no see. How did you find me here."
"I knew you'd be here. Call it woman's intuition. By the way, you seemed to be having a good time a few minutes ago. I wonder what you were you talking about then."
"As a matter of fact, I've decided to enter this year's KOF tournament. I thought I'd show these little tough guys here just what I'm made of."
"Is that so? Well, as a matter of fact, I've decided to do the same. And my new assignment, as usual, has something to do with KOF."
"The Dickens you say. Then I guess I'll have to help you out, Mary. How about cracking a few skulls together, for old time's sake?"
"Ooh, hoo, hoo, in your dreams. It is true that I've got a job, but that doesn't mean I'm just here on business.... But if you say you're going to enter, shall I put my work aside to help you out?"
"Hmph...you really got a mouth on you. Well, then I'll put it more formally: will you enter with me, again?"
"If you put it that way, of course I will, Terry!"
"Did you see that, kids? Looks like we're going to win this year, too!"
Meanwhile, back in Japan. Andy is focused in his training with a young lad in the hometown of the Shiranuis. The name of Andy's young charge is Hokutomaru.
Andy is practicing hard and shows no mercy toward Hokutomaru, although the kid looks like he's, well, just a kid.
As the day inevitably turns to dusk, training draws to an end and Andy begins to address Hokutomaru.
"You've heard of KOF, haven't you, kiddo...?"
"Of course. You're always rambling on about it, Master."
"Uh, yeah. About KOF then...I got a message from my big brother. And this time I'm going to be on my brother's team again, but...you're coming with me, too. At long last you're going to get a real taste of actual combat."
"OK...Sounds cool!"
"Uh, and one more thing...do you think you could use your wiles and break this news to Mai? If I tried to tell her, well, you know how it goes...don't you?"
"Aw, Master, do I have to go through that again? I always have to smooth things over with you and the Shiranui maiden...Hey, that reminds me: You opened a training gym in Southtown, right? Why don't you keep yourself under wraps there for a while?"
"That's no good. I'm positive Mai already has that place staked out."
"Probably. Tough break, Master. I think you'd better handle this matter yourself. Later!"
In a flash, Hokutomaru scrambles up the trunk of a large pine tree near by, jumps from branch to branch, and in no time disappears into the forest.
"Hey, hold on there! Hey!"
For an instant, Andy looks like he's at the end of his rope, but then a smile comes over his face, as if approving of his little disciple's progress.
Meanwhile, Joe has been devoting his time, day in and day out, to participating in kick boxing matches in Thailand. One day, he takes a break to drop by his old gym.
But returning after a long absence, he finds the gym in a pitiful, run-down state, only a few athletes in residence. Joe spies the Chairman ringside and strikes up a conversation.
"Hey, Chairman, it's been a while. What's going on with the gym? What happened?"
" Oh, Joe! Where have you been keeping yourself...? It's an honor welcoming the Champ here, but our village has had some tough times recently...I wish all my boxers could earn a living doing the old Muetai, but when it comes to merely making a living, there are so many other speedier ways to do it these days. If things keep up like this it'll be just a matter of time before I have to close up shop."
As the Chairman finishes explaining his predicament, a well-worn boxing glove rolls along the floor; he picks it up and strokes it tenderly.
Joe's heart breaks seeing this scene and he cannot suppress a scream of rage.
"Get a grip, Chairman! I'll do anything I can, just promise you won't close the gym."
A few days later, Terry, illuminated by the early morning sun just peeking over the horizon, stands before the gravestone of his dead adoptive father.
Two men approach as Terry places the flowers before the gravestone.
"How's life been treating you these past months, Terry? Landing all your punches?"
"Lookin' good, Andy. So Joe's with you, too? How's it been? I've been hearing a lot of rumors about you."
"Hey! You look the same as ever! I guess it's just not the same without us three together, huh?"
"You said it. And we're supposed to meet up with Mary at the tournament."
With each of their own thoughts in mind, the three set their goals for this year's KOF before Jeff's gravestone.
The King of Fighters 2003
The fighting competition of the highest standards, on the greatest scale in the world -
"The King of Fighters."
Here on this stage Rugal was defeated, the Orochi were contained and sealed away, and the mighty conglomerate NESTS was taken down.
A myriad of unfolding dramas.
Yet these were always hidden behind some sort of thick veil or other, remaining out of the public eye.
Even with such a checkered history, the opening of this year's King of Fighters was decided on.
The sponsor of the competition was, yet again, a mysterious personage, and owing to the circumstances, various suppositions traveled through assorted lands like wildfire.
But in spite of all the hubbub, one veteran contestant after another made their intentions to enter the competition known.
Upon verification that numerous well-known fighters had entered the competition, the heretofore discreet media coverage of the event shifted into 24/7 overdrive.
With the announcement of the inception from this KOF tournament of the new "multi-shift" rule, allowing competitors to freely tag off during battles, the competition developed into a social phenomenon and monopolized discussions around the world.
Newspapers and magazines put together feature articles almost on a weekly basis while ersatz critics pounded their desks and made impassioned commentary on TV day after day about this rule, which simultaneously required a speedy execution of the match and a unified team strategy.
"There is still an awesome bunch of fearsome contestants in this world."
Gato, Tizoc, Duo Lon, Shen Woo.
...and Ash Crimson.
What made their names more and more familiar via the Internet was, without doubt, this moment of uproar concerning the present KOF.
Will these contestants be able to become the new stars capable of shaking up the KOF tournament?
Or maybe...?
And during these crazy days, the preparations steadily went along.
The venues of local competitions were determined, the schedules were completed, and the spectators moved from one location of the preliminary matches to another.
To create the atmosphere of a true street fight, venues were established in city centers, the events of the competition were broadcasted live on giant screens, and various stadiums scaled to hold tens of thousands of people were procured in cities throughout the world during the period of the tournament.
December, 2003.
The time has come.
This year, the curtain rises once again.
---
At the appointed coffee shop, the figure of Terry Bogard is still nowhere to be found.
The seats of the open terrace are fully exposed to view from the street. The two sitting in the delicately constructed chairs are men of exceptional build. Between the two, one is the champ of Muay Thai kickboxing, and the other is the king of professional wrestling.
"...Don't sit there like a clam. How about a cup of Java?"
"No."
"Look, if you'd just take off that bird mask, you'd be able to drink it, right?"
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask."
"Whatever! Take it off. Now! Thanks to your whack little mask, even I've begun to feel like a complete freak."
"Being noticed is the fate of a hero, don't you know?"
(...Terry, Andy, enough playing around. You'd better show up, like, yesterday...)
Mind you, Joe is not averse to standing out. But standing out and being part of a freak-show are two different things. Being noticed has got to be on Joe's own esthetic and philosophical terms.
"Hey! It's Tizoc! Tizoc the Griffon! How about an autograph?!"
"Hah, hah, hah! You got it, buddy."
"All right! Thanks!"
Flushed with joy, the child begins to leave...then he and Joe's eyes meet.
"U-Uh, can I get your autograph? You gotta be the Great Ninja Mister Minami, aren't you? You lost the title match with Tizoc recently and became his bootlicker, I hear."
"OK, kiddo. Listen and listen good..."
"Y-Yeah..."
Had you removed Joe's trademark headband right now, you'd probably be able to make out the vivid blue vein bulging out from his temple.
"I...am really...the one and only..."
"Great Ninja, Mister Minami, aren't you? Sorry. Guess I'm late again."
"Geez, Terry. You're ancient! How about being on time just once, eh?"
With his typically casual air, Terry Bogard made himself known. Squatting down, he looks into the kid's eyes.
"If you're not polite and leave out the 'Mister' he might turn you into a toad with his ninja arts. Mister Minami's pretty tough, you know."
"U-Uh OK. I'll be careful."
"You've got your autograph. Now we've got some important stuff to talk about now, so why not go play over there?" "OK!"
Joe, having been referred to as the 'pretty tough' ninja, throws a hissy fit and takes it out on the waitress by yelling for an alligator steak. Terry orders a cup of coffee.
"Take a chill pill there, Mister Minami."
"Hmph. You got the kids eating out of your hand as always."
"You lack the knack with tykedom."
"Butt out, bird face. So, where's Andy? This tournament...I'm talking KOF, of course. He's in, isn't he? He's doing it, right?"
Terry shrugs his robust-looking shoulders.
"Hey, hey! What do you mean? You're not telling me this beak boy'll be subbing for Andy, are you?"
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask."
"That's right."
Whether affirming the nature of the mask or Andy's substitution is unclear, but, at any rate, Terry nods. The coffee arrives. The alligator steak doesn't.
"You remember Andy's disciple, don't you, Joe?"
Terry inquires of his friend while he heaps cream and sugar into his coffee as any Yank like him would.
"Disciple? ...Oh, yeah, that something-Maru guy. Wasn't he just a kid?"
"The mumps, I'm told."
"..."
The disciple's condition isn't fatal, but the big A's worried about aggravating his condition. That's why he didn't want to leave Japan at this time...anyway that's the way Andy's message read."
"Hmph. Talk about your doting masters."
"Hey, shut up. In spite of that, he's a tough task master. But I guess that's different from training. I guess you'd call it 'koshi-kondo' in Japanese."
"'Koshi-kondo' ...the phrase that expresses the sublime relationship of trust between master and disciple. The Japanese language sure is cool. Seems your brother is, too."
"He can't match you, champ."
Terry and Griffon. The two exchange a firm handshake across the table.
"Hey, hey. Try to get along, you two. Jeesh! How about I teach you another sublime Japanese expression? It goes, 'Atchi ni ike, kono busu!' Try it the next time you're hitting on chicks."
"Wow. What does it mean? This KOF's sponsor is Japanese, you know. Mixing a little Japanese into my victory speech marks the consideration of a true gentleman."
"Okay, I'll teach you a load of beautiful Japanese expressions after we win."
Terry sucks out the contents of his coffee cup to the last drop.
"Well, here we are. We go with the team we have here this time. I'm counting on you."
"I've got no complaints. As long as chickadee face doesn't cramp our style."
"I've no objections. As long as we fight fair and square, I'm in."
"OK! Everything's copasetic. With this solved I can finally pay my respects to my father."
"? ...Oh, a little memorial visit, is it?"
"My ritual before the tournament. I hate to say this but could you guys wait here awhile?"
"No way! You've got to be joking! You'd have me hang out here longer with the mysterious bird boy? I'm coming along with you."
"It's not a bird. It's a griffon mask!"
"Can it! If the beak fits, wear it. Bird boy! Bird boy! BIRD BOY!"
"It's a griffon mask!!!"
Terry reclines back in his chair and looks up at the sky. His long hair parts to reveal the high wide sky above.
(Pop, this year...what can I tell you?)
"I said stop up your cakehole, bird face! Chew on a caterpillar, why don't you?"
"How about you buttoning up?! For I am Tizoc, the gentlemanly griffon!!!"
(...It looks like it's going to be a raucous and tiring tourney.)
The King of Fighters XI
Mukai, member of an enigmatic syndicate, has succeeded in breaking the bonds of the Orochi. Taking advantage of the subsequent chaos, Ash Crimson seizes the opportunity to steal the strength of the “Mirror of the Yata.”
The results of these events culminate in the wounding of the tournament’s sponsor, Chizuru Kagura, bringing the previous King of Fighters to a pandemonic end…
The seasons subsequently ran their cycle, time moved on, and this year’s announcement for a new KOF has just been made.
As a number of new faces sign up for the fray, other entrants gradually make their names known. The return of Eiji Kisaragi tops of the list, followed by the applications of Oswald, B. Jenet, Duck King, Momoko, and Elisabeth Branctorche.
Just what do these warriors at the peak of their conditioning desire as they assemble for the ultimate fighting tournament in the world, and the unprecedented secrecy and wonder which accompanies it? With these warriors along for the ride, the action is sure to be more blistering than ever.
The facade Made KOF gives is one of a flamboyant fighting tournament.
But in contrast, its participants’ myriad ambitions and desires drive the events that go on behind the scenes.
How will the mysterious syndicate that goes by the name of “The Atavists” react?
What will be the end result of the unleashed Orochi Power?
Can the Three Divine Vessels missing one of its members take control of the chaos?
And just what are Ash Crimson’s real objectives…?
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI is finally ready to begin.
The window of combat opportunity is open once again.
---
“Hooray for Kim!”
“We’re rooting for you!”
Kim and Terry are waiting in the airport lobby while Chan and Choi serenade them with feigned, no two-faced and half-hearted cheers.
This unprecedented combination was arrived at by a series of twists and turns.
When Mai, irritated at Andy’s repeated absences and tired of acceding with the usual “Well, if you two have to enter together, then I suppose it’s OK”, proactively insisted on taking a vacation with him during the period scheduled for KOF, Joe Higashi also took himself out of the running because it overlapped with the Muay Thai title match. Tizoc, who had joined the team last year, had already entered on another team, provoking Andy to think outside the box.
Just then, as if Heaven-sent, a possible candidate nonchalantly waddled walked by.
“Terry, is that you? You sure have changed.”
Clad in his usually flashy attire and wearing sunglasses, Duck flashed his familiar Mohawk hair style, unique gait, and affable mood.
This reunion with Southtown’s minor celebrity Duck King gave Terry the feeling that light was at the end of the tunnel. Even more:
“KOF? Great, I’m in. Just the thing to take me out of this current bout of boredom. ♪”
Having secured his assent then and there, the harsh features of Duck’s face, in Terry’s eyes, underwent a miraculous change and he was looking into the face of God.
“Well, Terry, what about the other guy? You need a team of three for KOF, don’t you?”
“Well, I have one possibility…”
Terry intended to rely on the better nature of the Korean Team led by Kim.
Since Choi Bounge had sat out last year’s tournament owing to the participation of Jhun Hoon, it stood to reason a little shake-up this year would do no harm.
This year, however, Jhun was not scheduled to enter, so the breaking up the team might prove a little…challenging.
“Tsk, tsk. If you can get Kim to join, then, that’d solve everything, right?”
“If Kim agrees to join our team, I could rest a lot easier, but that’s probably impossible.”
“Really? Why?”
“It would put Chang and Choi on the sidelines. They’ve trained for KOF all this time. They’d be crushed if we knocked them out of the picture.”
Duck made an exaggerated shrug of the shoulders: what am I gonna do with this guy?
“Uh, Terry, just think this through.”
“? Uh, OK.”
“Aren’t Kim’s two disciples taking the initiative and joining KOF on their own?”
“… …”
“Well?”
※ ※
“Go Terry! Go Duck! Hooray!”
“We know you’re gonna win, all rightey!”
In contrast to the hesitant Kim when this matter was broached, Chang and Choi were at the point of dancing a jig of full approval for Terry’s proposal.
Naturally even now they’re completely being it.
“Master Kim, sometimes you have to strike out on your own to take on higher level contests.”
“Rightey-oh. That way we can train with a long-range plan toward the next KOF.”
The two had not forgotten to embellish and justify their own sentiments. Even now when the three had boarded the plane they celebrated their departure and heaped on their praises as they waved a tiny flag.
Whatever he knew of the two, if Kim had wanted to find fault, he would be unable to even find even an inkling.
“Well, no ‘education’ or ‘rehabilitation’ this time, eh? A little disappointed?”
“Not at all. Ha, ha, ha…”
His usual refreshing grin, too, somehow lacked its keenness.
At this rate would he be able to give 100 percent during the tournament…?
Terry came up with a plan and nudged Kim with his elbow. He hushed the tone of his voice so Duck, sitting on the other side of Kim, could not here what he was about to say.
“Hey, Kim. It’s about Duck, but I wonder if his future is OK, being who he is and all.”
“… …”
“I mean, if you think about his future, KOF may be just the opportunity to provide him with a little ‘rehabilitation,’ don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I see…You sure have got a point there, Terry.”
Kim regained some of his old zeal, and folded his arms to consider the possibilities.
Now came Duck’s turn to nudge Kim from the other side.
“You know, Kim, I’ve been thinking,” he whispered, “about Terry. Just how long do you think he can keep up that jobless vagabond routine? I worry as a friend, mind you.”
“… …”
“I think you, Kim, are just the guy to ‘educate’ him about a life more meaningful, eh?”
“Yeah, I see… You sure have got a point there, Duck.”
Kim became even more high-spirited.
He flexed his crossed arms.
With this new sense of purpose as he looked toward KOF, he was unmistakably on his way to gradually reaching the top of his game.
The airplane carrying Terry, Kim, and Duck soared up into the Southtown sky.
※ ※
“…They’re gone, big guy!”
“Yup.”
“Those two have no idea what lies in store for them with Kim in their grills, do they?”
“Not a clue.”
“I’m kinda looking forward to see how their ‘rehabilitated’ when they get back.”
“… …”
“… …”
“I’m getting a tad misty without him around.”
“Yeah, just a tad.”
The King of FIghters XIII
After having pierced through Magaki with his spear, signs of Shion disappeared through the dimensional cleft.
Furthermore, as it to ridicule the investigation led by Heidern forces, they come out of their hiding to retrieve Magaki's corpse.
Those who speak of "Those From the Distant Land".
Persistently pursuing the where about of the Orochi power.
While that happens, Iori Yagami falls to Ash Crimson as Elizabeth confronts those actions.
After Kagura, follows Iori Yagami's powers absorption. With Yata defeated and Yasakani taken down (note = Yata : Kagura's lineage / treasure name. Yasakani is Yagami's) of the three divine treasures, only Kusanagi is remaining.
However, at that moment the disturbance of Orochi triggers within Yagami, and Kyo Kusanagi collapses from severe wounds.
※ ※ ※
Presently
Having suffered several accidents, concern is stretching towards KoF.
Even so, the question of who is the strongest...
A KoF of unprecedented scale has begun to be spelled
With the wide world as stage, an unprecedented great scale competition of different fighting styles
Never before a gathering like this has been reported.
And thus, those who posses the proper ability receive the written invitation
And the one sending them is ・・・・・・ 「Ｒ」！
---
East of South Town, USA, there is a bar called Pao Pao Cafe.
This site was the mecca for fighters who wanted to be launched into fame.
South Town was already famous in the world for often hosting the tournament
which met the most powerful fighters in the world, "The King of Fighters".
Pao Pao Cafe organizes exciting events every night, fights between fighters
who wanted to show their talent.
Inside the place, you could hear a rhythmic music, people spilled laughter and happiness.
It was still morning and the lights illuminated the interior of the bar.
Customers began piling up for the evening show. Faced with nostalgic feeling and nerves,
Joe Higashi started doing a footwork. On the terrace of the second floor, Joe didn't seem to be in a good mood.
It’s not that he was in a bad mood, Joe was just really angry.
-"Of Course, the two brothers always want attention!"
Joe looked at the ceiling with his hands inside his jacket.
-"These two do not know the consequences of making, a World Superstar like Joe Higashi, wait!"
-"Who is the superstar?"
The owner Richard said while carrying a large jug of beer.
There were many waiters to do this, but Richard himself provided the Beer to Joe, because it was him.
He placed in front of Joe a big mug of beer and a fried crocodile meat special.
Richard Laughed.
-"Terry being late is nothing new and we know it, but I did not expect it from Andy. I wonder what happened."
-"He won't be able to come up with a good excuse, that’s for sure."
Joe lifted the large pitcher of beer and finished it up in one go.
This time the great champion of Muay Thai, Joe Higashi, Terry, the Great Legend of South Town and his brother, Andy Bogard would form a team in this new KOF Tournament.
For certain reasons Andy and Joe didn't enter with Terry to the past KOF, in which Terry was forced to Team up with other Fighters. This time was special, the old team was going to get reunited, but even with that special reason Terry and Andy were late. Joe had been waiting for more than half an hour.
That is enough reason to get Joe angry. Joe whispers and savagely cuts and eats the meat.
-"Those Airhead Blond Brothers... it's been already 30 minutes..."
-"Hey, guess who arrived!"
-"What?"
Joe looked over Richard, who was patting Joe back to get his attention, to see Andy arriving with his Girlfriend, Mai Shiranui.
-"Oh hey! There's Joe!"
Mai waves at Joe and Richard smiles from below.
-"Those two together and winding up...!"
Joe closed his teeth when he saw Mai resting on Andy’s chest.
-"Uh? What happened Joe? Did you say something?
-"I said that Andy is always getting the attention, like if he was the best or something..."
-"I don't think he is like that... hey Joe, are you jealous of Andy?"
-"Nobody said anything like that!"
Joe face turned all red, but not due to alcohol, and hit the table.
Andy and Mai went to meet up with Joe.
-"Hey Joe!"
-"Yeeees♪"
-"Sorry for being late. There was a delay in the airport."
Without knowing how mad Joe was, Andy stretched his hand toward Joe and smiling.
-"****, if the airplane had a delay then it's not your fault..."
After hearing the reason for the delay, Joe chilled down a bit. But rather than shaking hands,
Joe offered Andy a piece of crocodile meat he had in the fork.
-"And... what's up with Terry?"
-"My brother? Who knows... he has yet to come, huh?... Hmm, this crocodile meat is not bad."
Andy asked for a beer while eating the crocodile meat next to Joe.
-"I also want a beer, Richard!"
Mai said smiling and raised her hand while she move her chair close to Andy.
-"OK! Two Beers coming!"
-"Oh and prepare the place to celebrate our victory!"
-"Celebrate which victory?"
Joe asked surprised after hearing Mai words.
-"...Hey Mai, you plan to participate in this tournament?"
-"Fufuu~n♪Exactly!"
Mai said while taking out the white envelope from her purse.
-"Lets just say that if I don't participate in this tournament, it won't be the same. For that reason, the prize will be won by the Woman Team this time! I can feel it!"
-"What do you think Joe? Since Japan she comes with this idea."
Andy observed how Mai giggled while covering her lower face with the fan. Joe finished off his beer and stood up.
-"Fine! You are free to dream. However, like it or not, the winners of this tournament will be Joe Higashi and the two brothers. That is common knowledge!"
-"It’s been some time from the last tournament you 3 participated, it seems you are all heat up, huh?"
Richard said while laying the beers in the table and smiling.
-"...Look, "The Legendary Wolf", which you been had been waiting for has arrived."
Richard pointed at Terry walking up the stairs with Mary at his side for some reason.
Joe saw them and raised an eyebrow.
-"Hey! Everyone is here!"
Terry said while raising his Cap and smiling.
-"What happened brother? You are kinda late."
-"I arrived early at the South Town station, but the trip was long and I fell asleep in the waiting room of the station. When I woke up, I saw the time and called Mary quickly and asked her to give me a ride, she brought me in her Harley fast."
Besides Terry, Mary shrugged.
-"The truth is that I would like you to think on the people that surround you more often. You call me, after all this time, just to give you a ride to Pao Pao Cafe..."
-"Sorry, sorry, I'm really grateful for this Mary."
-"Sorry, Sorry? Is this a joke?!"
Said Joe after he got up from his chair, almost throwing it down while interrupting Terry and Mary conversation.
Joe pointed at Terry with his finger and shouted.
-"Terry! If you have done something wrong, in front of Mary, you must lower your head to that person and apologize!!"
-"UH!?"
-"... What's the matter Joe? Why are you so mad about?"
-"That doesn't matter! Apologize! To begin with, I have waited for more than half an hour!"
-"Now that I think about it, I heard some rumors, but..."
Andy said ignoring the show Joe was doing.
-"... In this tournament, it seems that Raiden and Hwa Jai will be joining Kim to form a team."
-"Besides Raiden, Hwa Jai... I did hear the rumors, but come on! I doubt Kim will try to reform them or something."
-"Well, as long as strong opponents participate, NO PROBLEM. Meanwhile we can have some great fights, I would not complain."
-"Some people never change, right Terry?"
Terry looks at Joe, who was closing his fist and told him.
-"... You aren't nervous because of Hwa, right? Now that I think about it, he has something to do with you, right Joe?"
-"What the hell! Who is nervous!?!"
-"Well, you could be. You have been angry for a while, right?"
-"Lea... Leave me alone, you damn scrub!"
Even if there weren't bad intentions in those words towards to Terry, Joe was angry at him and flipped the table.
-"Uh! HEY! What's the matter all off a sudden Joe? Are you drunk already?"
-"Shut up! First I will make you remember what being a leader is about and then I will beat you up!"
-"I don't know what you are talking about... OK! Before the tournament lets see how strong you have become!"
-"Don't laugh like if nothing will happen!"
Joe and Terry went to the lower floor. The crow gets hyped after seeing these two legends about to fight again in the Pao Pao Cafe after so long.
-"Like always, the two blond airhead brothers and her joining up...!"
-"What are you saying Joe? The crowd is so loud, I can't hear anything!"
-"I didn't say ****!"
Terry began with some footwork, Joe took off and threw his Jacket away.
The smile was exactly the same, but the sensation of having become stronger was something Joe even notice.
-"... Even if we are friends, there are things we need to know: Who is the strongest between the two of us!"
Joe’s drunkenness disappeared once he warmed up. When he has a strong opponent in front of him, his head gets filled with fighting, fighting and more fighting.
In the end, Joe was already happy to fight someone strong. In that way, he was a simple man.
-"Here I go Joe!"
Terry rushed towards Joe, who felt that Terry was stronger and trembled for a moment.
-"LETS GO!!!!!!"
Joe didn't step back, on the contrary, he rushed and launched a strike.
-"Watch and learn! The one who will be victorious is Joe Higashi!!!!"
While the first Maximum Impact tournament didn't really have much to offer story line wise, it shows that Rock and Terry still do have their roles to play during the fighting for the rule of Southtown within the crime syndicate, Mephistopheles. During Another Day, the four part OVA that takes place after the first Maximum Impact, expands more on Rock's position in Southtown as being a constant shadow of Geese Howard and struggles to make his own name rather than being trapped and forever known as the son of "That man."
During the conflagration caused by Ash Crimson that ignited Southtown into flames to lure out Kyo Kusanagi, Rock notices a large beam being shot down by the skies and hitting Geese Tower. It is here that we see Billy Kane confronting Lien Neville which the two go into battle (as Geese's right hand man fighting against a hired assassin from a rival crime power trying to take over South Town) which soon ends up with Billy dangling Lien above the edge of Geese Tower. From there, a confrontation between Billy and Rock ensues with Billy trying to recruit Rock into rebuilding the Howard Connection and bring back his father's legacy.
Rock expresses his refusal with his fist. But soon after making the attempt to rescue Lien, Billy corners Rock and telling him to let her go and that no matter how he struggles, he cannot escape his destiny. Thankfully with the last minute action with Lien requesting backup via laser attack, Rock was able to pull her to safety. It ends, however, with the whole reason Rock went to Geese Tower is to find a portrait of his mother that was not found (and possibly destroyed from both the laser attack or the fire). Soon, he returns home the next morning with Terry asking him where he went all night and heading off to take a nap... only with Rock noticing a smell of ash near by and a portrait being covered by Terry's coat.
The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 2
Unsurprising, Terry enters another King of Fighters' tournament always seeking a thrill for a fight, even though the hosts of this particular tournament are a criminal syndicate that is attempting to take over Geese's spot as crime lords of Southtown, making Terry more or less their priority target. However, his main reason also of taking part of the tournament was to also settle a score with Billy Kane, the man who had returned to the underground world of crime when he had heard there were new upstarts that were trying to take what he believes still belongs to Geese.
Admittedly, Terry couldn't fault Billy for wanting to avenge Geese since it was the same as Terry wanting to avenge Jeff. In the end, Terry walks away as the victor once again and welcoming a challenge from Billy at any time. He soon makes it to the finals to where he confronts his next opponent, Luise Meyrink. Remarking her as a pretty strong opponent, he tells her that he doesn't plan to let her win and will go all out. Immediately after his victory, Terry soon confronts the host of the King of Fighters tournament this time around: Jivatma, the leader of the crime syndicate Kusiel that is a branch of a major group, Addes.
Turns out whatever this group is, they are seeking 'strong bodies', which is why they are hosting this event so they can gather all of the strongest fighters in one spot, especially with The Legendary Wolf's strength being a remarkable one of note. In which Terry more or less says "Yeah, no. If you want a piece of me, come get me."
The tournament soon ends with Jivatma disappearing in space and the building around them collapsing over. He then meets up with Rock after a light jab at Rock unable to make it to the finals and eventually tells him to make Terry some food. And as they leave, Terry does mulls over a moment about Billy commenting that he is still haunted by the past and his loyalty for Geese.
In the Pao Pao Café, where South Town's martial artists rest and recuperate, one passionate man was locked in combat with a massive amount of food.
"Food, foooood!! Add on another 10 orders of fried alligator, Richard!"
Terry watched Food-fighter Joe devour his meal at an unsettling pace from the corner of his eye as he listened to his younger brother Andy complain.
"Listen, Terry. I just got a declaration of war from Mai over the phone."
"That's normal. Hey, whatever you guys fight about, that's all on you."
"Mai was saying she'd take Joe down, though. And there was a declaration of war for you, too."
"For me? Well, that's different. Who could it be from? Surely it's not Mary or Yuri?"
"Looks like things didn't work out between Mary, Yuri, and Kasumi, so they weren't able to form a team together."
"Wow. So that means it's a declaration from a new member."
"Seems that way. They said the new member is Alice, the girl that's always copying you."
"That Alice, huh... This sounds like fun! But why Alice? Does she even know them?"
"Well, about that..."
Andy told Terry the story Mai had just made him listen to on the phone, of how the team was formed.
"Hmm. Still, if Mai and King are joining too, we might actually have to fight them. But even then, there's another opponent we need to be more concerned about. Geese Howard... He's participating in the tournament this time."
Geese Howard, a man they all knew well. He was a ruthless, evil man who would do anything to achieve his goals. Their adoptive father had been a fellow student of martial arts with Geese, until the latter killed him.
"Do you think Geese Howard could be the one pulling the strings behind the tournament, Terry?"
"No, Mary says he has no ties to the main organizer. Seems he's really just an invitational fighter this time, but..."
"Still, it's hard to believe he'd join a martial arts tournament for no reason. It'd just be safer to assume he's after something."
"Yeah. Anyway, we'd better watch out. Though, if possible, I'd like to beat him back to Tuesday in a match."
"I know, Terry... We'll be sure to take him out for good this time."
Since they'd begun talking about Geese Howard, the two had began radiating a tense, charged aura around themselves. But Joe paid it no mind as he energetically finished a beer and let out a mighty shout.
"WOO! It doesn't matter who we face. We're going to win this KOF no matter what!! I'm going to show the world the new chapters of my personal legend!"
"...Speaking of, does he seem more fired up than usual? What's with him?"
"He asked a girl out and got rejected. As for why... It seems she thought he was going out with that drag queen fan." "Oh... Yeah, that's rough."
"Ahhh, I'm getting a really warped reputation! The Internet really is a scary place!!!"
The two brothers looked on with pity at the passionate man who had been crushed by the savage monster of Internet culture, but their gazes were warm even as thought to themselves... (We'll let him to deal with that.)
It is late afternoon in a corner of South Town at the Pao Pao Café, right around the time when business starts to pick up.
There, at a table next to a neon-lit bar counter, Terry and Andy Bogard both sit staring at the guy opposite them: their friend, Joe Higashi. It was his proposal that was making them pause.
Essentially, he wants them all to come up with goals to achieve once they win the King of Fighters tournament. Hardly a surprising proposal coming from Joe, but its suddenness makes Andy tilt his head.
"I'm not averse to the idea, but why this again?"
"Where's the fun in just fighting and winning? This gives us a reason to win, while boosting our motivation. Two birds, one stone!"
His infallible smile on full display, Joe takes a chicken nugget and pops it into his mouth. Terry laughs.
"Very you, Joe! Love it! Sure, I'm in!"
He flashes a pearly white grin, while Andy assents with a smile of his own. Satisfied, Joe lowers his fork, adjusts his posture, then leans in toward his teammates.
"Heh heh, I knew I could count on you guys! So here's what I'm gonna do..."
"Whoa, you're just going to blurt that out now?"
"Sure! Anyway, if we win..."
As Joe lays out his plan, he curls his fingers into trembling fists, before rising from his chair and thrusting them into the air.
"I'm gonna ask Lilly out!"
Joe's booming voice resonates throughout the Pao Pao Café, but he is so caught up in the moment that he doesn't register the other café patrons staring at him. The Bogard brothers now see that this was the whole reason Joe suggested coming up with goals to start with.
"Hmmm, okay. I guess that would get you pumped."
"Hahaha. We really can't lose now, with your love life on the line!"
Andy and Terry exchange smiles.
Joe settles back into his seat, grabs his mug, then looks over at Andy.
"You're up next, buddy!"
"Me...?! Hmm. A goal, huh..."
Andy scratches his cheek thoughtfully.
"I'm at the Shiranui Dojo all day and night, but maybe I should spend some time elsewhere. Maybe I could travel around and train. Go back to the basics for a bit."
In response to Andy's pensiveness, Terry gives an encouraging nod.
"A training tour, huh? Sounds great!"
"I dunno, man. Bet you'd have a certain someone trailing after you, calling your name."
"I can't believe you think Mai would... Hmm, actually, I wouldn't put it past her..."
Andy's objection to the grinning Joe's comment soon fizzles out when he realizes there may be truth in it. With a small sigh, he takes a gulp of his drink, then turns to Terry.
"What about you, then?"
Terry gives a little pause before answering casually with his usual smile.
"Travel the world, I guess."
"You do that anyway!"
"Right? Then again, it's very Terry."
Terry grins, making Joe laugh raucously, which elicits a soft chuckle from Andy.
Their relationship never changes, but that's what allows them to trust each other and relax. With or without their goals, they are always the same people, and probably always will be.
"Hey, I've got an idea. Not a goal or anything, but how about once the tournament's over, we hit up the beach with Mary and Mai?"
"Sounds like a plan! If we win, we're going to have to celebrate with a vacation!"
"I'm sure me and Lilly will have really hit it off by then. Just you wait; it's gonna be great!"
As the day gives way to night, the café grows busier and busier, the three animated teammates' conversation and laughter gradually fading into the hustle and bustle.
