Chapter 6: The Gathering / Lost Fighting Spirit

1 Week Until the King of Fighters Tournament

Diary of Blue Mary:

5 Days to D – Day

Well, it's official… Ok… I'm extending it a little too far. It's been official for some time now but it just feels so good. Waking up every day makes my life feel like I'm reliving a dream over and over again. Happiness wasn't something in TV and movies anymore. I finally got what I've been wanting for so long and to tell you the truth, I think it's too good to be true.

"But it is…" Terry keeps telling me. I can do nothing but believe him because, as always, he's right. Every morning when I wake up seeing his cute sleeping face I just feel like a giddy little school girl. I'm letting my emotions pour too thick into this log but it's all true. I love him! I love Terry Bogard! And you know what?! He loves me back!

Alright… I think its time to keep this log moving before Terry wakes up and drags me back into bed. The last few nights together have been down right exhausting. I'm glad Terry convinced me to get Rock that new videogame system or else a night like the first might occur again. Sometimes, I think Terry really bought that machine for himself. Every now and then while I'm in the shower I catch him playing some stupid game where all they do is talk. Last Legacy or something like that?

Oh whatever, anyways when I catch Terry on it he usually gives me some lame excuse like he was just trying to help Rock out or something similar but it doesn't bother me much. It's just Terry's new charm is what is attracting me more and more to him. He seems so caring. Last week I even caught him doing the dishes after I came back from a job and then he proceeded to give me a back massage later that night. Of course he added in a few of his own 'secret' techniques into the mix but they were well thought out and greatly appreciated. Sometimes I think this is just another dream like everything around me is going to vanish some day. It scares me to think this but every so often the Terry Bogard that I know appears and settles my nerves. Whether it be another facial gesture of manner of dealing with some things. Terry was still Terry.

Well, onto the main focus of this little spiel here… I got another job concerning N.E.S.T.S. It kind of shocked me at first because as of late, N.E.S.T.S. and anything involving them wasn't on my high priority. Nevertheless, I was convinced by Terry to participate with him and the others again this year. I say convinced but in actuality I couldn't wait for him to ask. We're the returning champs! Well, half of them anyways and now I have the chance to mix business with pleasure. And it's all thanks to Terry.

The other day, Joe Higashi arrived. He's known Terry since the first King of Fighters tournament and before they were friends, they were rivals. Joe is a real funny guy. He's very arrogant but has the muscle to back it up. I think he's earned his title as the World Kick Boxing Champion but there are a few fighters I know that would want to disagree. He stopped by the other day just to say 'hi' but ended up taking us all out to dinner. He loved to celebrate victories even if the fight was weeks away. Joe even boasted about a new secret technique he was about to unveil to us all during the tournament. Terry kind of waved it off but that made Joe all the more serious. I really like Joe. He's a good friend and a great teammate. It's no wonder why Terry has teamed up with him every single year.

We got a call from Andy the other day. He told us that after some steady convincing, he was able to get Mai off of his back and "allow" him to compete with our team again this year. Andy said she really didn't put up much of a fight this time but that scared him even more than when she did.

He said he should be leaving sometime soon and Terry said he can't wait to see him. I really couldn't believe that either. Terry and Andy barely spoke to each other but once a year and now they were acting real close. I wonder why. Well, pushing that thought aside, Andy is supposed to meet us at a café for lunch. Joe as well. Terry thought it would be best if we all discussed what the game plan was for the King of Fighters tournament.

That really surprised me. Normally, Terry would have to be reminded a day in advance to get ready for the King of Fighters and now he's starting to think things through. He's really starting to change. I wonder if what happened that fateful day brought this all about but to tell you the truth, I couldn't be happier. This is almost exactly how I pictured my perfect life and here I was living and breathing in it. There must be some God up there that is really smiling on me.

Another thing I wanted to mention before I sign off was a strange vibe I've been getting from my friend King. I went to her bar a few weeks back just to have a drink and she wasn't around. One of her employees told me she was having troubles and I wondered what it was. I tried calling her a few times but all I got was her answering machine. I only left two messages and so far I got no returns. I wonder if I should really be bugged by it but then I think I'm probably thinking too much into because I'm having such a great life now and hers might not be so grand in comparison. I hope I can talk to her again soon. I don't like to be left out in the dark. Terry knows that the best and now look where we are.

Well that's all for now. The next time I'll be writing in this will probably be after my first victory in the King of Fighters tournament. I know I'm being a little too confident but Joe keeps telling me that "Without confidence, a warrior is just a monkey!" I don't know exactly what he meant by it but a long time kick boxing champion couldn't be wrong. Then again I am trusting the words of Joe Higashi. Heh heh… Uh oh. I hear Terry getting up. I'll be back. Count on it!

The steps and courtyard of the Shiranui School was filled with the standing cheers of all of the students. They were ecstatic so to speak. Their most beloved student Andy Bogard was about to leave for the King of Fighters Tournament to defend their crown for the third year in a row. Even though their closely related favorite daughter Mai would also be competing as well, their hearts were set out on Andy bringing home the championship. Not that they weren't confident in Mai's abilities. It was just sometimes, she never took fights seriously. For the most part she said her reason for fighting was just to be with Andy. That made most of the people at the school sigh but then again if it was with Andy, they didn't mind at all.

Andy heard the cheers and the people wishing him luck as he descended down the stairs. He felt all of their emotions pour into the air as he slowly walked away. After his intensive training, Andy had a lot more confidence in his abilities and he couldn't wait for King of Fighters to roll around so he could give his opponents a taste of the new Andy Bogard.

"WAITTTTTT!" A voice cried loudly from within the crowd. Andy stopped his slow pace and turned his head to face the person who called him out. Of course the last person who wanted to see him out was his faithful pupil Hokutamaru.

"Wait Andy!" Hokutamaru pleaded. He was practically out of breath from running through that massive crowd but he made it. Andy looked at him and smiled at his dedication for coming all the way out her just to see him go.

Andy placed a hand on Hokutamru's head. "Don't worry… I'll be back soon. Our training will only be deterred for a few weeks."

Hokutamaru shook his head. "That's… Not what I wanted to talk with you about sensei!" He corrected. Andy was surprised by this.

"Oh really?" Andy asked with an inquisitive stare. "Then what is it?" He calmly replied. Hokutamaru answered at first with a finger point straight to the crowd and then and identification.

"Ma – Ma – Master wants to see you!" He said. Hokutamaru sounded serious so Andy readily began his climb back up. He didn't have to move far. Soon the crowd of Shiranui students began to part. The cheers and waves turned into a frightful silence. Just as Moses parted the Red Sea, Hanzo has parted a path from his students to Andy.

Andy approached his master and kneeled down before him. He wondered why Hanzo would go to such lengths just to see him leave. There definitely had to be something to it. The Master wouldn't step out into the middle of the school where everyone could see him unless it was important. Andy felt that importance slamming a weight on his shoulders and then began to get nervous.

"Master…" Andy stated. He didn't look up but could feel the warm presence of Hanzo shine down on him. He smiled.

"Andy… You are by far the greatest pupil that has come to train here with us in the Shiranui School. The only way I can properly see you off is with this," Hanzo stated while taking a package out and presenting it to Andy.

Andy didn't know what to think or believe. Here he was being praised by the very Master of Shiranui Ninjitsu in front of all of his other students and he wasn't even Japanese. This was pretty embarrassing as much as it was glorious. Andy stood up and accepted the gift in both arms. It was a fairly light package in a medium sized box. He really didn't have a guess but then again he didn't want to spoil the moment.

"This is the Shiranui Ninjistu uniform of the masters Andy. I am giving this to you because upon your return and hopefully a victory, you will come back and inherit the greatest treasure the Shiranui Clan can give."

That comment shot about all kinds of back talk and hysteria from the surrounding students. They couldn't believe what has just been said. This could only mean one thing. Not only will Master Hanzo be stepping down but now Andy will be stepping up. The mood felt uncomfortable for the American warrior but soon the concerned mumbles turned into cheers and shouts. Andy had been accepted.

"Thank you master," Andy said while bowing. Hanzo replied in kind and looked back at his finest student like he was a ray of hope. Andy was one of a kind and he was glad to have such a fine young man grace his school with his knowledge and spirit.

"Go now Andy… Do not allow us to keep you here any longer," Hanzo said with a smile. The cheers and waves rose once again as Andy proceeded back down the steps a much more confident and happier fighter. As he passed his pupil, Hokutamaru slightly tugged at Andy's shirt.

"Go – Good luck." Stated the calm pupil. Andy smiled and patted Hokutamaru on the head. Hokutamaru wished his sensei the best of luck but couldn't look him in the eye to say it. The emotions of the moment were just too great for his still developing body to handle. He turned around after a few passing moments and noticed Andy was out of sight. Hokutamaru sighed and wondered to himself if he'd ever become as great of a warrior and person that Andy was.

The bright sun of the mid day setting poured down on the small corner café. There sat the Lone Wolf pack enjoying a light snack while watching the shadows move. Rock was taking pleasure in his fairly large dessert almost not bothering with chewing. Cake always tasted best without getting it stuck between your teeth. At least, that's what he felt anyways. Mary was just happy watching little Rock eat. She had no appetite of her own although the morning exercise sure wore her out. Food wasn't the number one thing on her mind. Terry was. And always will be.

Terry sat calmly with his cap tipped down nursing his soft drink like an Alzheimer's patient. Patience was one of Terry's redeeming qualities and so he could make any task last a life time. It was easy to develop traits like this since growing up on your own made it more difficult to accumulate life's necessities. Terry could have probably given that drink another hour or so before he'd need a refill much to the displeasure of the waitress. Even with Mary sitting right across from him, the young employee tried to earn that extra buck in her tip but to her dismay Terry never gave her a second look. Mary appreciated that. In fact, she loved that. Mary was the only woman in Terry's universe and that made their relationship all the more passionate.

The silence between the three, besides Rock's eating, had been going on for too long as far as Mary was concerned. She didn't have any real questions to ask Terry but she just wanted to talk to at least pass the time.

"Hey Terry…" Mary lightly said. There was no reason to use her normal tone. She was still kind of shy when trying to initiate these go-nowhere conversations between them. Terry raised his hat high enough where she could see his eyes and gave her a half smile.

"Yea," he replied just as he always would. That didn't help Mary at all. She was going to have to think of some kind of question or else.

"Ah… Um…" Mary was stuttering. This wasn't helping her case at all. Soon, before she made a total ass out of herself, she found something to ask him. "I was wondering… About… About your jacket."

"My jacket?" Terry said feeling puzzled. This was not the way he pictured her to start a conversation. Needless to say, Terry was ready to answer anything. "What about it?" He said while tugging on the sleeveless side a bit.

"I – I don't know…" She said shrugging her head, "It's just something I've noticed about you and never decided to ask."

Terry didn't know what to say. It was a simple question either way but the way she was asking seemed like there was more value to the jacket than Terry actually felt it had.

"This is something I've had for a long time. I picked it up when I first started my martial arts training," he replied. Terry took a swig of his soda gulping down more of it than usual. He wondered why he was suddenly so thirsty.

"Did – did your father give it to you?" Mary coyly asked. This was a touchy subject for Terry and she didn't want to offend him in any way.

Terry noticed her protectiveness and his smile grew larger. "Nope. Not directly anyways. He was our only provider and so after saving some money from my allowance, I was able to buy this jacket."

"Oh… I see," Mary responded sounding almost depressed. Terry saw this and felt further explanation was desired.

"The reason I bought this jacket is because my father used to wear a similar brand…" He replied hoping to inspire interest.

"Really…?" Mary said raising an eyebrow. Terry was going to go deep again and Mary wanted to give him her full attention.

Terry turned as much as he could and showed Mary his back. "See this star here? My dad had this exact same star on his jacket."

The star? Mary didn't know what to say. She's always wondered about why Terry always had those three stars on his clothes. The one on his jacket and the two on his shoes. Now she knew and it warmed her heart knowing Terry is willingly telling her all of this.

Terry relaxed himself and took another swig of his now empty can of soda. There was more to the story and Mary probably wanted to know and so Terry was prepared to continue after wetting his previously dry throat. He scratched at the ends of his sleeveless shoulders and watched as Mary looked at him with more interest.

"The sleeves…" Terry said, "Were kind of torn off during a fight."

"Really Terry?" Mary asked with more interest. "Do you – Do you remember which one?"

Terry tipped his cap and sighed. He didn't figure she'd ask that but he was prepared to answer it. The only thing he was afraid of is if his little friend over heard him during his pastry consumption.

"It happened a year after I fought Geese."

"The Wolfgang Krauser fight?" Mary pondered. She'd only heard about what happened when she was just a rookie. It was huge news around the fighting square and even the world that the great Wolfgang Krauser had been defeated by a local South Town hero named Terry Bogard.

Terry nodded while tipping his cap. This was a touchy situation and even the tense situation brought about a glare from his young friend.

"Hey Terry…?" Rock said while wiping the remaining crumbs of cake from his mouth. "I never knew you fought geese…"

Terry looked back at Rock and had to smile at that comment. "What do you mean?"

Rock tried to look at Terry straight but he felt his next comment wouldn't be that appropriate. "I thought – I thought you only fought against other people Terry."

The silence seemed to be shattered at that moment. Terry erupted in a mountain of laughter followed by his companion Blue Mary. Rock felt the weight of embarrassment tug at his backside but he couldn't turn back the clock. He said what he said and just had to live with it.

Terry wiped the tears off of the corners of his eyes and relaxed himself. He hadn't had good laughs like these in a long time. The whole world seemed a lot funnier after accepting his feelings and in turn, accepting himself.

"Hey what's so funny?!" Shouted a man from the side of the street. Terry didn't have to turn his head to recognize that Japanese accent. One member of their team has finally arrived.

"Your late," Terry said while adjusting his cap. Joe smacked Terry on the shoulder and smiled brightly as he always did.

"Can't a guy make a dramatic entrance?" Joe replied mocking Terry, the master of drama. Terry gave two quick breathless laughs and sighed. It was good to have Joe back.

"When were you such a snazzy dresser Joe?" Mary asked checking out Joe's new threads. The shirt alone was probably worth more than Mary's bike plus that sharp set of sunglasses and the shiniest pair of dress shoes she's ever seen on a man.

"Heh heh…" Joe laughed, "You like my new style?" Joe said while flexing. "I began to think a kick boxing champion needed to dress better. You know? I'm not the brute I'm fixed to be."

"Only on weekends…" Terry replied. "How's your game?"

Joe's grin turned wide. He punched his stomach as hard as he could and let the steel sounding echo into the empty streets.

"Just as strong as ever!"

"Good," Terry stated, "We're counting on you this year. No more screwing around. I don't care how pretty you think they are, you can't be losing to the girls."

Mary couldn't help but laugh. Joe took the insult in stride but not after throwing a slight fit and grabbing Terry in a mock choke hold. He didn't like to hear stuff about his fighting abilities. Especially from a guy like Terry.

As Terry struggled to get free of his tan friend's grip, Joe loosened up a little and raised an eyebrow as an insight actually happened to strike his mind.

"Oh yea… Where's the other blonde bimbo?" Joe said striking a comeback at both Terry and Mary for their previous insult. Mary passed the curse aside allowing Joe that one comment but if he said anything again, he's going to be wishing all of his other body parts were hard as steel.

"I see you all are as lively as ever…" Another voice called from behind Joe and Terry. A hand slapped Joe across the back and that brought up painful memories. They didn't need to check and confirm it, the final member had arrived.

"Hey… Andy! When did you get here?!" Joe laughed while taking his arms off Terry. Andy, being known for his seriousness, didn't really take in stride all of Joe's jokes and pranks. This time around, Andy didn't seem like the tight ass he usually was.

Andy greeted everyone and took a seat next to his brother. Joe finally calmed down and snatched a chair from another table and sat on it backwards just like he always would. They started off their group conversation with stories and regailing tales of their history. Joe would always add in his boastful comments but as always, they laughed instead of shunned. Everyone knew despite his weird and quaint gestures, Joe was the heart of this team.

The real big surprise, however, was Terry's new cheerful attitude. The Legendary Wolf was known for his big heart but not his big mouth and at times, Terry started to sound more and more like Joe. Then again they knew the cause of his change of heart. It was sitting only a few feet away from him.

"So you finally tamed Terry eh?" Joe joked. "I didn't think I'd ever hear this wolf howl in your direction. It's about time!"

The normal Terry would have taken it in stride and just let the comment pass. This Terry sitting at the table learned how to laugh at his follies. And he did just that.

They talked for another few minutes and after another drink or two, Joe seemed to calm down. He was the weirdest guy of them all. Joe was the only person in the world who seemed to lose energy when the alcohol was running in his blood. That was a good thing. If he got any louder, they'd need Big Bear to hold him down.

The mood finally settled down and now an aura of seriousness settled in. This is where Terry and Andy (and usually only Andy) would discuss anything of utter importance. Since Mary seems like she was going to have a stake in this, she listened patiently but didn't know if her two cents would be welcomed.

"I see…" Andy said crossing his arms over his chest. After hearing what happened in the recent weeks involving N.E.S.T.S. and the sudden return of the demon known as Zero, a game plan was definitely in order. "What did you have in mind? Do you think we can wait it out and give them the advantage?"

Terry shook his head. "If they want to make another move, they'll do it during the tournament. We just have to be ready for them."

Andy nodded but his expression remained the same. He trusted his brother's judgment year after year and he has yet to fail Andy's expectations. Terry knew what he was talking about and he knows the methods of their enemy's tactics. It was just a matter of time before they would have to put all their chips on the line. Andy hoped that when they turned the cards over, there wouldn't be a Joker looking them in the face.

The mountains, as Takuma put it, were the only place a warrior could go to clear his thoughts and get a better perspective on life. Living in nature among the untainted environments allows the body to be intertwined with Mother Nature instead of abusing it. Ryo has been staying up here for damn near a month and the only thing he has found was a nasty rash and a lot of rocks.

Ryo tried, he tried until his head swelled but he just could do it. Focus was just too far out of reach. Anytime he caught a glimpse of an elegant stream or a pack of animals moving about, he didn't think about nature. Every time an animal cried after being caught as the prey to a well hidden predator, he didn't hear a thing. Ryo's thoughts were lost in only his personal life, something a warrior must never succumb to.

He couldn't believe it. Ryo just couldn't believe it. The entire year passing seemed like a total blur up until that very moment when his body remained as strong as steel but his heart shattered like thin glass.

"Not anymore…"

Those words banged in Ryo's head over and over again until it he was going to knock himself out. Ryo just couldn't get that image out of his head. He was stuck in a rut and no birds or trees were going to pick him out of it. Ryo was just going to have to live through it.

"Not anymore…"

Ryo cringed at the memory. It was as clear as day. Ryo could barely remember half of his childhood, let alone most of his training but this… This was the most powerful emotional experience of his life. Ryo finally gave into his feelings. He put his heart on the line and earned him an eight month ticket of pleasure followed by a barrel full of pain and scars for the rest of his life.

"Not anymore…"

"NOT ANYMORE!" Ryo shouted into the distance. He stood up and unleashed his massive amounts of rage and frustration into the day's air. Ryo looked down at his body that has been scarred from the mountains wrath. He barely ate, hardly slept, and the closest thing he got to a bath was when he fell in the river a week ago blindly walking around during one of his moping phases.

Not anymore! Ryo thought to himself. He pumped up his fists hard smacking them both in front of his chest. All of these past thoughts and relinquishing of emotions had completely drained his body. He heard from Robert on occasion that 'love will make you do strange things'. For a time, Ryo didn't believe in the power of those words. That was, until now.

Ryo walked over to the nearest tree and released all of his emotions into one strong and powerful punch. The tree cracked under the force of Ryo's fist and nearly split in half. The sound echoed into the silence of the mountains and could have very well split the heavens in two. Nature wasn't prepared for the occasional fit of rage. A century of growth and nurture couldn't stand two seconds against the might of an angered karate student.

Ryo pulled his fist back and watched as his own warm blood stain his hand. He really cut himself deep as drop after drop splashed against the hard mountain terrain. Ryo's hand twitched as if it were possessed and he grabbed it with his other clean hand and held it tight. Soon both hands were covered with sticky crimson liquid and inevitably, his entire arm.

The weight of the world was just too much for Ryo. He collapsed on his knee in front of the tree and stared down at his injured hand. Nothing felt real anymore. The entire universe collapsed into the paining sting in his entire hand. Nothing else mattered anymore. The world could have stopped here and now and never spun again but Ryo wouldn't have noticed. Everything was beginning to turn into nothing.

Ryo slammed his fist into the dirt below and buried it deep. He twisted it and turned it until the ground refused to let his fist go any deeper. Ryo pulled it out and watched how the brown earth was stuck to his hand like superglue allowing not a single other drop to pass through its tough and constrained surface. Penetrating from the surface there were still a few traces of blood poking around. Although they didn't look as red and dark as they once were, they had another color that was soothing at first and then turned into poison.

Another fist hit the ground but Ryo didn't allow it to push past the surface. Actually, it couldn't. Ryo didn't strike it with the same anger and passion as he did. This was mostly caused do to a sad realization of the life that was waiting for him when he got home. Nothing Ryo did could shut it off. He had to live with it.

Ryo failed. He knew he did the second he came out here but now he came to accept it. Ryo was going home. There was nothing out here he needed. True there was nothing there either but even if he lost something as important as a heart he still had a soul. The soul that brought him here and to six other King of Fighter Tournaments. The passion that drove his fists with the strength of a thousand warriors. The drive that made the impossible seem possible.

The true fighting spirit.

"KOUOUKEN!" Takuma cried releasing his palm into the air. His body stopped as his arm was extended pushing forth the air molecules into billions of directions. He held that position for a few moments allowing the flow of the world to go through his body. This was the extreme focus that Kyokugen Karate was about. Instead of using nature like the cats and dogs of war, warriors of the fist allow themselves to be part of it.

Takuma stepped back and retained his fighting stance. He allowed a few long breaths of air to enter his body before going at it again.

"KOUOKUEN!"

Little to Takuma's knowledge, he already had an audience. Robert stood on the porch of the Sakazaki home and just marveled at his master's movements. There was no way of defining Takuma's power. He was like a monster ready to bear his claws onto the world but he had the control and willpower of a saint. Nothing seemed to bother him during these moments. Takuma was one with the world.

Coming from inside, Yuri Sakazaki steps out on her front porch and is amazed at the scene before her. Not only did Robert happen to sneak in their home undetected but for the first time he was silent. Robert always acted this way in front of Yuri's father but never as calm and collective as this. Something was wrong with this picture.

"Hey Robert…" Yuri whispered. "I didn't see you come in."

Robert popped an eyebrow up and then turned to his left from where the voice came from. He was staring back down at his former lover Yuri and she looked more beautiful and confused if anything.

"Oh hey… Sorry to butt in uninvited –"

"No that's ok!" Yuri said flustered. She had no idea why she was feeling this way again but maybe it was that charm Robert had whenever he was focused or serious about something. Yuri thought of memories past between her and Robert but the sound of Takuma's fist cracking the air snapped her out of it. Robert wanted to smile at her internal quarrel but he had more important matters on his mind.

"I wanted to ask Master a question but coming here and seeing this… I just came here only to ask another thousand."

That caught Yuri off guard. Did he just have an insight? Robert is sounding like a poet… Yuri's heart began to beat faster. She didn't know what was going on but something was drawing her closer and closer to him. He'd barely said anything, it wasn't even about her, and already Yuri was becoming putty. It wasn't even what he said but the way he said it that made Yuri feel this way.

Robert didn't know what to think of the odd silence between them. She could be so cute and yet so vengeful at times it was hard to tell who was the real Yuri. Robert pledged to find out during one time but ended up coming up short. The way fate works is beyond Robert's comprehension and he could probably buy enough people to research for an answer. Unfortunately for him, this wasn't something money could buy.

"Did you have something to ask me Robert?" Called Takuma. Robert snapped out of his daze. He completely forgot about Master and what he was going to ask. All of his thoughts were lost in the pool of lost loves.

"Ah… Uh… Master," Robert stuttered trying to regain his focused state of mind. The image of Takuma doing that technique on the lawn was the first thing that came to mind. "What was that technique just now Master?"

Takuma smiled. Robert was a bright student and his inquisitive nature was showing right before his eyes. "That was the Kououken."

That caused a slightly shocked look from Robert and Yuri. The standard Kououken was a special ki released punch. The secondary version was a projectile ki attack. This caught them just completely off guard. There was no trace of any kind of energy in the air. His punch only carried the air that it covered.

"But Master… I – I didn't see any energy."

That almost made Takuma laugh. His student was very bright indeed. "Of course not. That is the final version of the Kououken." Takuma flexed his muscle and pointed at the various parts while further ensuing his point. "The greatest secret of Kyokugen Karate is the innate use of our body's energy. Instead of wasting it like I have taught you in the past, you harness it. If you allow the body to channel the energy within into your being without releasing a single part of it, there are no limits to the strength that you will possess."

Robert was astounded. The entire soul of Kyokugen Karate was revealed right before his eyes. All of his years of training and learning to master techniques were culminated into this very principle. Takuma has always taught his students that their bodies were temples. This has just proved his point.

"Grasp this ideal Robert and you shall have mastered the art of Kyokugen Karate," Takuma said. Robert immediately bowed in response.

"Thank you for this Master!"

Takuma gave a slight nod and walked past his two students. Robert straightened himself after hearing the door shut, confirming that Takuma had left the premises. The secret of Kyokugen Karate seemed too simple and yet it was another far away goal. Yuri was astounded by Robert's sudden stern look. He was sure surprising her by every turning moment. Maybe this was a new Robert. If it was, Yuri would surely be happy.

"Robert…" Yuri said, "Is everything alright?" This would be a good start. She was just going to ask him a couple of questions and if everything sounded clean, maybe they could try and rework their relationship. Yuri wished Robert luck.

"Yea. I was just thinking of something…"

"Oh really?" Yuri said. Come on Robert! "Like what?"

"I was wondering what you looked like in that lingerie piece I bought you a while back."

*SMACK*

"OWWWWWW!" Robert cried while taking the brunt of Yuri's heel right on top of his foot. The steamed fury of his ex-lover was enough to bury any other perverted thoughts. He watched as Yuri walked back inside the house with the fires of rage burning all around her. She was angry. Robert had his window and he blew it. It'll be another year before he'd get one again.

The atmosphere was thin and quiet inside of the empty foyer of the Illusions bar. The sun was just about to set and that meant the bar would be opening soon. Jean took his time to set the chairs and tables back in their proper positions. There was no real need to rush. He could get it done in plenty of time but it always seemed like such a chore when his sister was in one of these moods. It usually only happened once a month but so far it's been going on for over two.

Jean heard the story. He heard is six or seven times but his sister didn't actually tell it to him. Jean overheard several of Alicia's rants in the bathroom, in the bedroom, and once in the alley. She was upset and by the way Jean heard it, she had a right to be. The only thing Jean didn't like about the situation was the fact that Alicia shut herself off from everyone. Including him.

A slight rap could be heard from behind the door. Jean rushed to get it as the night help had finally arrived.

Jean opened the door and found the beautiful upstanding posture of their opening bartender Sally. "Hi Jean!" She said while smiling.

"Hey Sally…" Jean replied moving out of the way, "Come on in."

Sally did just that. She walked past Jean and around into the bar. After a bit of shuffling through her things and setting everything to the way she liked it, Sally emerged from behind the bar fully dressed in her uniform and ready to go.

Jean always wondered why she did that behind the bar instead of the break room or even the bathroom but there was no use fighting it. She was always peppy and full of energy if he tried to stop her Jean would just end up getting stomped on.

Sally looked across the room and was pretty amazed. "Wow Jean… You're really working hard. Did you do this all by yourself?"

"As always," he replied, "Sis has her ways."

Sally sighed. "I've never seen her like this though. Nothing has ever gotten under her skin this bad. Not in all of the years I've known her."

Jean replied with a sigh as well. If only she'd known the torment Alicia has gone through in Thailand. She was virtually wasted as a person during those months. In fact, what she's going through right now was almost a picnic in comparison.

"I still can't believe she's going to fight in the tournament…" Jean stated.

"Oh really? Would she have a reason not to?"

Shit! Jean snapped as his radar went off telling him he should have just kept his mouth shut. He had no where to run and didn't know of any good excuses. He was sinking in a river of deceit.

"I – I um…" NO! Don't stutter idiot! She's going to figure something out!

"Jeannnnn…" Sally said approaching him. "You wouldn't happen to know something I wouldn't… Would you?"

Jean pulled back in a cringed and looked for ways out. The stairs were to his right and the back room to his left. There were a few choices he could make but picking the easy way out now could mean he was a dead man later. Jean prayed above to someone that would listen to his pleas. He wondered if anyone else ever had it this bad.

Ryo collapsed on his bed disregarding the decency to clean himself off from his long and dirty trek. He was exhausted. The walk home nearly killed him. His feet ached with the stabs and blisters of the harsh terrain. His clothes were torn and tattered, he hadn't bothered taking a second set or even cleaning his first. Worldly things didn't consume Ryo's world as they would everyone else. He just wanted to lay on his bed and let the seconds on his clock tick.

Sleep was a demon about to consume Ryo. He barely got any in the mountains and now that he was home his body felt like this would be his only chance to get some rest. Unfortunately for his body, the mind is in control of all aspects and the only thing Ryo could do, with heavy protests from his soul, was to think about his life.

Ryo tried, he really tried until his heart was going to explode but he couldn't do it. King was barking and biting at him each and every waking moment. There was nothing he could do. Ryo succumbed to one of the pleasures in his life and ended up with the worse end of the stick. He tried to close his eyes and forget all of his troubles but that wouldn't work. Sleeping actually made it worse. The actual hours he allowed his mind to rest, Ryo was plagued with dreams (or rather nightmares) of the past events.

It haunted Ryo. It tried to devour Ryo. It damn near consumed Ryo but there was a wink of hope in his soul that allowed Ryo to keep himself going. It was that internal drive that told Ryo if the going gets tough just get tougher. Ryo couldn't listen to it at first but slowly, week after week, he started hearing it. He thought it was just nagging at first but soon enough the words became clear.

Ryo wanted to pick himself out of bed and clean himself up. He wanted to eat a good meal and fill his body with the calories he desired. He wanted to go down to Alicia's place and tell her how sorry he is and that whatever the problem, they could work it out together. It's easy to want things, it was way too hard to do them. Ryo just laid on his bed and hoped sleep and him find each other. Maybe if he died his next life would bring him better luck. Things here couldn't possibly get worse.

Inside of her quaint bedroom, King sprawled herself out on her bed. She'd been doing this for the past few weeks just before the bar would open. King needed to relax her mind before she had to set herself into that same mentality. It was hard to be around men. Especially now.

King didn't want to believe it. She tried not to believe it but Ryo turned out to be no better than the garbage she gets in her bar.

No! She tried to convince herself but some things were just too true to deny.

Why Ryo…? Why?

I can tell you why.

Oh no. King thought to herself. The voice that haunted her years ago was back. This was the last thing she wanted to hear advice from.

Don't say that… If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have gotten Ryo!

Yea and if it weren't for you I wouldn't be feeling like shit right now.

That's being mean… I didn't break you and Ryo up.

King didn't want to agree but somehow did. Can you tell me something then?

Sure. I know everything!

Tell me why.

Why what?

King didn't think she'd have to explain this to herself but found herself doing it anyways. Tell me why he did it. Tell me something. Tell me anything so that I'll be able to forgive him.

I see. So you still love him?

King agreed with herself. Please… Tell me.

Well… He could have done that for you if you let him.

What?! What are you talking about?

Don't you remember? You were too busy telling him to shut up.

King remained silent. It was true. She let her anger get the best of her.

I couldn't help it… I just got so mad.

And how many times has that happened?

King tried to remember but the only thing that would come up is all of there happy moments. She felt like she wanted to vomit.

Couples fight all of the time… Don't you think you should have heard him out?

I tried! I tried! But the only thing he did was throw our relationship back at me. Just because I was his fiancé doesn't mean I'd forgive him for anything that he does!

Maybe it does… You've never fought with him before. And there's always a first time for everything.

Oh god… Please tell me! Isn't there something that will make this go away? I can't see him anymore. Not after what I did and what I said.

I don't think it's a factor of whether or not you can see him… Maybe you should see him.

King tossed around on her bed. She was tired of hearing herself think. It just made her more depressed. She wanted everything to go away. She was happy with things the way they were before. Ryo just couldn't leave her thoughts. King wanted to talk to him. She tried to talk to him but every time his face appeared in her memories she sees him laughing over her fallen body in Thailand. There really wasn't anything special about him. He was just a normal man.

But why does it hurt so much to lose him…?

(Author Notes: DA DUMMMM! That's taken care of. Another cool chapter to write. I tried to punch this out as quick as I could because I really don't like leaving cliffhangers in my story for too long. This story is flowing smoothing and we have BA BA BUMMMMM! Reached the halfway point! Yea! Thank you all my dedicated readers. You've stuck with me for this past month and I hope you'll be around for the second half.

I know some of you guys may think the FF part ended a little weak but there's a reason for that. I really wanted to write more about them at the café but that would practically spoil the upcoming chapters and I thought it's always best to have surprises that spoilers. I know for the AOF section I may have put a bit of angst in it but you've got to remember, if you haven't felt the pain of breakup, it's fifty times worse than what I write. Trust me.

Well, time for the notes.

Story Notes:

- Terry's Jacket: I wish there was more info floating around the web about this treasured piece of attire. The classic red and white star is the trademark symbol for our beloved son of South Town. The history and such are practically of my own thoughts with the help of my good buddy SilentNinja.

- Takuma's Kououken: This is the version seen in King of Fighters 20002 and he also does it as Shin Mr. Karate in SNK vs. Capcom: Chaos just to clear up any confusion.

Well this was fun but it felt more like a war. I've got some mixed reviews about my previous chapter. Someone told me I wasn't writing Ryo right but I think I captured him perfectly for this story. Oh well… Can't please them all.

To mark the occasion of the half-way point and to give you guys something else to read since this chapter wasn't that thick… Thus, I will provide you with:

MavGunloc's Rant of Justice!

Ok guys, just to let you know, when I'm writing my fics I tend not to read any UNLESS they are the epitome of greatness which has only come up once in a green moon. Anyways a few months back after I finished my first fic I came to pick up a now favored anime series of mine. I won't say which one so in the future I won't have all of my readers doing a search but I will narrow help you understand my dilemma by saying it contains Giant Fighting Robots. Have fun!

Alright so I've just finished this great series and as always (with most anime anyways) I desired something more from the story. Something that wasn't finished or wasn't touched upon so I did what the any fiction reader would do and I went to the section on . As I'm going through the stories I find that there's really nothing on the front page that touches my fancy so I decided to do a search. I usually concentrate it on word count because then the stories that come up could be nearing completion or complete. I know the feeling of waiting for stories too guys so pleas bear with my occasional delays.

Anyways I finally found a story that touched my fancy. It had over 200 reviews and the word count was real high so I decided to give it a shot. What I found inside was nearly appalling. I won't name any names or titles, and I really don't like to bitch about certain faux pas either but this injustice cannot be left unheard. The story I was reading was mediocre. Pretty average. Nothing special. But it had a certain charm and touched a subject I thought was real interesting so I continued. The chapters were REALLY short. I'm talking no greater than a one or two thousand words. But that's not my main beef. What really turned my crank was when I decided to start reading their author notes.

The author, who will remain nameless, stated at the end of EVERY chapter (and let me tell you they topped 20 – 30 chapters when I read it) DEMANDED! Let me say that again to emphasize my anger… DEMANDED! That if the readers wanted more, they would have to review his fic. Now I'm not talking one or two reviews per chapter… This person wanted AT LEAST 15! Com'on now! I don't care how good a story is. That's not right!

Now I'm going to say something here that hopefully will silence the people out there yelling 'hypocrite'! The reason I started my first fic on this site was because there were barely any Ryo/King fics. I think I found one or two but that's it. Terry/Mary's were scarce too and I looked at myself and said put up or shut up. So that's how it went. I write my stories not for me… But for you guys! I don't need to put my ideas down on paper to enjoy them. I can run through both of my fics a thousand times over in my head but I'm not selfish. I wanted to share it with you guys so the people out there that felt the same way about my stories could have something to enjoy without being flooded with all of the other stuff on the net. That's why I say 'Your reviews help me punch out more chapters'. Because its true! If I know there are people out there enjoying my works then I'd gladly continue. Why do you think I'm able to punch out 10K+ word chapters within a week? It's all for you guys! Your words motivated me to go on. You wanted more and I gave it to you gladly. Plain and simple. If there was even one person, just one single person, who read my story and never even reviewed it, just sent me a short email or IM telling me they liked my story then I'd keep going. My works are for you guys. Not for my benefit and that is why I'm going to make a special announcement at the end of this story to everyone out there who read my stories.

Ok I think that's enough. I justified myself completely. Please feel free to respond to this rant to me by email or in your reviews. I want to know how you guys feel about this. This is something that concerns everyone at . If all writers demanded reviews for their works, it would be a waste. Only the people who cared about the story would review it. There would be no more honest opinions or helpful suggestions. Just: Great Story! I want more! Now who wants that? I know that would make it all the less boring. Everyone who's read and reviewed my story has always had something to say that made me feel good about my writing and I am eternally grateful. You guys deserve the best and that's what I hope to bring. If there are any writers out there who agree with my statement please let me know. Everyone's opinion counts in my book so let your keyboards ring… Or click. Whichever style you use. ^_^.

End Rant.

That ends it folks. Stay tuned for our next chapter:

The King of Fighters Tournament: Round 1

The rules and regulations are being laid on the line and the fight card for the whole tournament. Who will fight who? We'll just have to see. Thanks for the reviews guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to write about my story. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to finish chapter 7. Well, you've probably have heard enough for me today so take it easy guys and hopefully I'll see you next chapter.)