Disclaimer: I don't own SNK, KOF, or any of the characters and settings in this story. Hope you guys enjoy it.

"How was that Kusanagi-san?" an excited Shingo asked after performing his 115 Shiki maneuver.

"Not bad Shingo," Kyo casually replied. "You seem to have that technique down. Just keep working on it and you'll master it in no time."

"Wow, really? Thanks sensei. That move is coming along very well. I think I even saw a few flames after that last move."

"Ha ha. Take it easy there. I think you're seeing things."

"Nonsense master! With your guidance, my unwavering spirit, and relentless determination, I will finally be able to tap into my inner strength that will enable me to manipulate the flames. Just like you Kusanagi-san!"

"Okay, whatever you say Shingo," Kyo chuckled knowing Shingo would never be able to utilize the power of fire. But he wasn't going squash his dreams by telling him otherwise. Besides, Shingo was actually benefiting Kyo's training, developing himself into a strong and intelligent fighter. And as much as Kyo hated to admit it, he had gotten used to Shingo hanging around him like white on rice, and kind of saw him as a younger brother: an annoying brother, but a brother none the less.

"Well, I think we're gonna call it a night," Kyo said as he put on his coat. "That's enough training for today. You have a great weekend, and I'll see you Monday after school."

"Wait sensei!" Shingo called out as Kyo was heading for his car. "I just turned 18 a couple weeks ago, so I'll finally be able to hang out with you, Benimaru, and the rest of the guys! And my mom gave me her old car so I can to drive you guys around the city. Isn't that great Kusanagi-san?"

Crap, Kyo thought. It's bad enough training this guy everyday, but hanging out with him . . . AS FRIENDS? AND IN PUBLIC? How can I let him down gently without making him cry like a baby?

"Uhm, listen Shingo. It's not that I don't like having you around and all. But you see . . . it's not easy to explain-"

Despite his naïve nature, even Shingo knew where this was leading and got the hint right away. "Oh crap I almost forgot," he stuttered while trying to maintain his jovial appearance. "I won't be able to go out with you guys tonight anyways. Me and my lab partner have to meet at the library tonight to get started on this big project we have due at the end of the month."

"Oh, I see. Well good luck with that Shingo. I'll see you on Monday, and we'll start on some new moves and combos. All right, buddy?"

"Yes Kusangi-san. Take care." A sad and dejected Shingo slowly trudged off the school field and headed for his house.

Meanwhile Kyo was driving home to get himself ready for the night out with Benimaru, Terry, and the rest of the gang. He couldn't help but feel like a bit of an asshole for not bringing Shingo along. "He's fine. He has a project to work on," Kyo assured himself.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE WON'T ARRIVE IN PARIS TOMORROW?" Rose shouted. She accompanied her loud tantrum with a series of floor-shaking stomps.

"Please calm down little sister," Adelheid pleaded, trying to console his spoiled and disappointed sibling. "The Sky Noah has encountered some engine trouble. But no need to worry. I have just gotten off the phone with the air traffic controller of the nearest airport and he has granted us permission to land there. We will be landing in about an hour. If all goes well the repairs on the ship should be ready by next week."

"NEXT WEEK? I cannot wait a week! I have already been waiting a year for this trip, and you are saying I have to wait another week?"

"It is not as bad as you are making it out to be. There are some familiar faces in the city that we will be docking at. I suspect you might be good friends with some of them. It would be good to use this week to reunite and catch up." Adelheid lied through his teeth, as he knew that Rose saw none of those people as friends.

"Really, brother? What could I possibly have in common with such urchins of no nobility whatsoever? What place are you talking about anyways?"

"South Town."

"SOUTH TOWN?"

"Honestly, is all that screaming really necessary?"

"First, Paris is delayed for a week. Second, I have to spend that week in South Town? A wretched place filled with dreadful, ugly commoners not to mention the thieves and criminals who cheated us out of the King of Fighters Championship?"

Adelheid laughed. "They did not cheat Rose. They are honorable warriors who deserve our respect. And what do you mean by 'us?' I do not remember you fight-"

Rose shot a menacing glare that immediately silenced her older brother. "Ugh! I have had enough of this! I am going to my room! I will lock myself there until we are out of the cesspool known as South Town! And that is FINAL! Good night, brother!"

With that Rose stormed up the stairs. And few second later a loud THUD echoed across the vast interior of the Sky Noah airship. Adelheid took a deep breath a collapsed on a nice black leather armchair. "Well that went better than expected," he said with a grin. He then pulled out his cell phone and started shuffling through his contacts. "Hmmm, I wonder what K' is up to."