Disclaimer: I don't own the King of Fighters…

A/N: Welcome to my story and thank you for stopping by. Well, we're one chapter away from the big showdown, but first things first. A major fight is still just ahead, one with blasts from the past for two of our main characters. But that's enough exposition; let's get to it. And here … we … go:

The King of Fighters XV

Third Round: Grievous Burden

Paris, France

Kyo, Hiroshi, and Adel were stationed in the night-fallen Place Vendome, a prominent Parisian square. At the square's center there stood a grey stone column with statue on the top. A luxury hotel stood in the background with elaborate windows shining out into the night. On the other side was the Palais Garnier or a Parisian opera house. The whole area basked in the warm glow at the large posts all throughout, and a small crowd had begun to gathering around the closed off square, providing ample distractions. Passersby would stop and point upon seeing them, and many took pictures. Some even ran up and requested autographs. All three were completely focused however; despite giving brief signatures and photos, they barely spoke, and the serious looks on their faces barely wavered.

Before long, the Rival Team approached from a shop-filled adjacent street called the Rue De La Paix. Elisabeth Blanctorche stood up front wearing a blue French aristocratic jacket with yellow buttons and white hand coverings, white pants, knee-high blue spats over black high heels, a frilled white neck piece, and a riding crop at her side. Next to her was Duo Lon with his long ponytail adorned with a white hair tie and large beads, and was clad in black pants, long black Chinese robes with white dragons on either side of the middle, and purple trim and wristbands. But behind them was the final one, clad in a black open shirt with dark red trim that showed his chest and abs, white pants, a thin belt over his waist and an actual one holding up his pants, and a thin black band around his neck. This one was undeniable, from the silver ring to the red crescent of hair to the perpetual scowl…

"Yagami…" Hiroshi and Kyo said in unison upon seeing him.

The teams met in the center where several conversations started, the most peculiar being between Duo Lon and Adel…

Duo Lon plainly stated, "I know who you are."

Adel played it off, denying, "I doubt that seriously."

The Silent Assassin calmly persisted, "There's no denying it. Many ghosts hang over you, including one quite large one. They whisper a lot about you, about your past, your family, your … 'perceived' fate."

Adel replied in calm defiance, "Is that right? Well, I have no use for ghosts. Whatever they 'say' carries no weight with me."

Duo Lon said plainly, "You say one thing, but the spirit doesn't lie. I'm sure I'll find out soon if what yours says is true? "

Next to them, Iori and Kyo were having their usual war of words…

"So, we're back here again." Kyo said, "This time, I guess it's you and me, winner get to finish off Ash?"

Iori snarled with disdain, "Hmph. Ash is a consolation; my real prize will be you in a bloody heap."

Kyo's tone became much more serious as he said, "Your brain really does have one track. Maybe that's why just looking at you seriously pisses me off."

Iori conjured a blue flame in hand as he said, "Keep your speech. Bottom line: I'll make your fire disappear."

Kyo did the same, producing an orange flame in hand, and said, "Keep trying. I'll just have to give you the crash course all over again."

While the other four had much more contentious banter, Elisabeth and Hiroshi were much more civil, finding some rather painful common ground.

Hiroshi bowed low to her as he took her hand, and said, "Mademoiselle Blanctorche, it's truly a pleasure to finally meet you."

After he lightly kissed the back of her hand, Elisabeth commented, "Monsieur Amaterasu, you really live up to your reputation."

Hiroshi responded kindly as he stood upright, "And you are quite a splendid lady, as I have heard and can clearly see. It's a pity we could not meet sooner or on more … cordial terms."

"Yes, a shame indeed. However, our situation is set in stone; the winner of this battle will most likely face the team of … 'that man' in the next round, an opportunity I cannot allow to slip away. I do regret that that scenario would thwart your team's well-laid plans though."

Hiroshi graciously replied, "While I would prefer one of our three teams, ours especially, face 'that man' as you call him, the one who calls himself Ash, I believe the nine of us would still be satisfied if you all were the ones to strike him down."

"I would be put at ease certainly, but I wonder if you would be."

Confused, Hiroshi stumbled over his words, "I'm … I'm sorry?"

Elisabeth explained, "I'm aware that your motivation is not just against Ash, but his new teammates as well, your 'sisters' as it were."

Hiroshi silently lamented to himself, "Does everyone know about that?"

Elisabeth continued with a knowing tone, "It's nothing to feel isolated about… Our siblings, blood or adopted, can pain us with their choices. That's an experience both of us share."

Hiroshi solemnly agreed, "Yes. The ones we love … can hurt us like no one else…"

The Amaterasu Scion fell silent, discouraged and weary of his pain being dredged to the surface once again…

"Monsieur Amaterasu…?" Elisabeth called as his silence persisted.

Hiroshi answered with somber resolve, "Still, we keep going. Rest assured, my dedication to this end is as strong as yours. Difficult as it may be, I won't hesitate."

Elisabeth gave a brief smile, "I'm … glad to hear that."

The announcer's voice finally rang out, "Welcome to The King of Fighters XV third round! This match will be The Rival Team of Duo Lon, Iori Yagami, and Elisabeth Blanctorche versus The Legacy Team of Hiroshi Amaterasu, Adel, and Kyo Kusanagi! Congratulations to both groups for advancing this far in the tournament. Teams, please select your order, and send out your first member."

Duo Lon and Elisabeth exited the area as Iori shoved his hands into his pockets. Kyo naturally started forward, but was quickly stopped by Hiroshi, the Amaterasu Scion holding up his arm against Kyo's chest.

Surprised, Kyo reacted, "Hey, Hiroshi, what gives?"

Hiroshi plainly said over his shoulder, "Sorry to break the continuity, Kyo-san, but I need to face Iori this time."

Kyo explained with a smirk, "Maybe, but this issue between Yagami and me is personal, unavoidable if you know what I mean."

Hiroshi turned back slightly as he insisted, "You and Iori have had 15 years to put this to rest, but I don't have that sort of time. If I'm to have peace of mind, I must settle my account with Iori now."

Kyo tried to reason with his teammates, "Okay, but let's be smart. Like you said, I've battled Yagami for forever now, and I know all his tricks inside and out; I know him like the back of my hand. Get the idea?"

Adel chimed in, "I kind of agree with Kyo on this, Hiro. He probably gives us the best chance to win."

Hiroshi turned all the way around this time, and said with his attitude turning much more serious, "I … I promise someone. Maybe it's a bad idea; that, I don't know … but I have to face him. It's a long, complicated story, but that's the promise that I made, and it's a promise I have to keep if we're going to advance. If I'm failing, you can pull me out, but please … let me have this fight."

Hearing the change in Hiroshi's voice and knowing this meant something to his friend, Adel conceded without any further resistance. Kyo, still looking to face his heated rival, took a minute to consider things, but eventually relented… With his team's consent, Hiroshi stepped forward as 'Serene Sovereign' started to play into the Parisian air.

"Iori Yagami…" Hiroshi said.

Iori grumbled as he turned slightly away, "Get lost, scum. Kyo is my prey."

Hiroshi quickly retorted, "Don't shut me down so fast. I might say something that'll interest you."

Iori coldly responded, "I don't listen to flies… I swat them."

Hiroshi persisted, "Come now; you're more courteous than that. You can lend a 'fly' your ear for a few moments."

Iori groaned, and said as he turned back, "Suit yourself. You can flap your lips to your heart's content."

Hiroshi said with a more stern tone, "Good. I just wanted you to know … that I'm the one who's going to be taking you out today." Iori paid more attention after that claim, taking his hands out of his pockets, and Hiroshi continued, "You've hurt a lot of people including a couple I've cared for. So, as I've promised them, I will make you pay."

Iori growled, "If you continue this suicidal mission, then your promise will be just like your hopes and bones will soon be: dashed and broken!"

Hiroshi calmly and plainly replied, "Your death threats don't faze me, Iori. I've got some returning dark favors that you'll reap, and undying rage from you will only ensure a defeat at my hands."

Iori instantly went into fighting stance, scowling, "I will definitely reap something from you; since you're intent to satisfy this death wish, I'll eagerly serve as your executioner."

Hiroshi went into fighting stance, and, with surprising malice, said quietly, "You will suffer for what you've done."

The announcer's voice sliced through the tension, "Round 1! Ready! Go!"

Much more than expected, the fight was quite a furious clash. Iori went into his usual game, hacking away with his newly flame-coated slashes and hand swipes. A big surprise even to Adel, Hiroshi was a completely different fighter; it was like something had come over him. He chased after Iori with a vengeance, fought with unforeseen aggression, and hit with added intensity, completely bent on dealing damage and punishment. The Amaterasu Scion's intensity and motivation almost matched Iori's malice and skill in dealing brutality.

The two powerful fighters collided with in a violent struggle to heap loads of torture on one another. Their attacks hit harder. The blows rang louder. More blood was drawn. Their fires burned just a little hotter. This was no surprise for Iori, but it was a total shock that Hiroshi could even keep tempo with this approach. Adel and even Kyo were greatly stunned at Hiroshi's display, and a little disturbed by it too.

Eventually, Iori's propensity and comfort with this type of combat and his experience with using it all this time shone through. 'Nueuchi', an upward swipe, and 'Shougetsu', a slicing turn-uppercut, were made even more painful now that they were coated in his blue flames. 'Akegarasu', a dashing slash, had almost infinite closing ability and made a deadly finisher to his 'Deadly Flower' combo. 'Earth Camellia', an overhead one-handed slam, triggered an explosion upon contact with the ground. Hiroshi's drive was admirable, but he was just not use to this sort of extended violence, and he began to wear down.

Iori tore into Hiroshi with one particularly vicious combo. Iori spun in with 'Shougetsu', slashed upward with 'Nueuchi', grabbed him out of the air with 'Earth Camellia', followed up with the first two hits of 'Deadly Flower', and finished by ripping through with 'Akegarasu', finally allowing Hiroshi to fly backward. The Amaterasu Scion quickly got back to his feet, but he wouldn't stay there; as quickly as he rose, the pain and paralyzing effect of the Yasakani flame just as quickly collapsed him to his knees.

Iori growled as he slowly came forward, "Stupid zealot… You followed your ideals all the way here to pain and suffering. It's a good thing saints don't fear death."

In pain and in a daze, Hiroshi couldn't hear the threat as he fell into a fatigue-induced reverie. He looked down, and suddenly his hands were covered in dried, caked crimson. Immediately before him laid two figures covered in shadow, the only thing visible being the glowing and bleeding slashes all over them. Hiroshi raised his eyes slightly more where Iori came into view. Fitting in perfectly with the vision, his eyes glowed red while his body too was shadowed. His hands, chest, and face were covered and dripping the same ever-piercing crimson red. For Hiroshi, this wasn't any regular sight; he was reliving a childhood trauma, a life-changing vision. This one moment, this memory, was the stimulus of his promise and the kick-start to this fight.

His voice still growling, Iori said as he got closer, "I'll be sure to carve a long epithet on your tombstone. Don't be afraid; I'll end your suffering quickly."

Hiroshi, forcing his power up and preparing for an instant attack, said quietly, "Reverent… Saber…"

The Amaterasu Scion jumped to his feet, shining as he generated flames in his hand, and blasted the unsuspecting Yagami with the massive fireball right in the chest. Iori rolled through after the attack, and seethed as he looked at Hiroshi, defiantly standing despite his obvious pain. Iori raised and crossed his hands above his head in familiar fashion as his whole body shined violently…

"Playtime's over…" Iori said menacingly.

He then rushed forward with 'Rage of the 8 Maidens'. Hiroshi, however, had a response, taking another familiar stance: he turned his forward shoulder away, and placed his open opposite hand in front of it, welcoming attack.

"Your heart shall be judged." Hiroshi said in a hushed tone.

Iori quickly rushed forward past him … and the whole area went black. Two forms were visible in the seemingly infinite darkness: the figure of a stunned and seemingly frozen Iori and, where he had just rushed past, was the figure of 'Nazo no Onna', the Mysterious Woman, where Hiroshi once stood. One by one, the kanji in Hiroshi's family crest appeared in thin air around Iori's immobile body…

The Mystery Woman, her voice ringing with a transcendent echo, spoke, "Divine judgment befalls those who do evil…"

The area immediately became visible again as a massive pillar of white fire erupted around Iori. Hiroshi appeared slumped over where he originally was, and fell to his knees. Iori soon collapsed as well, in shock and agony…

"This …" Iori coughed out as he fell forward, "… isn't the end."

Hiroshi looked over his shoulder at his bested opponent, and said with some spite, "Yagami… Visit from Karma."

"KO!" The announcer's voice blasted to the crowd, "Hiroshi wins!"

Duo Lon and Elisabeth both came in and helped Iori out. Hiroshi got up as Kyo and Adel continued to watch him, and very slowly walked back even with his body racked with intense and absolute pain. Adel was in complete shock at the extent his friend had just pushed himself, while Kyo was baffled that Hiroshi had actually beaten Iori, not to mention how he did it. As he pushed forward and reached his teammates, Hiroshi stood tall; he had fulfilled his promise, and exorcised something that had haunted him for years. He was now vindicated for a decision he made a long time ago. Finally, Kyo gave him a thumbs-up of respect, and Adel patted him on his shoulder as an unspoken recognition.

The announcer's voice rang out again, "Legacy Team, you may switch. Rival Team, please send out your next member!"

Adel and Duo Lon stepped forward as 'Unmatched Bloodlines' began to play in the background…

Duo Lon mused aloud as if he were deducing something, "I see; it's all clear now. I think … I understand all about you now..."

Adel said with a smirk, "Oh? Then, I'll tell you the same thing I told everyone else who's said that to me… I seriously doubt that."

Duo Lon continued in a matter-of-fact way, "Does any of this ring true: you're a prodigal son… linked to a past you didn't shape … inheriting a terrible legacy you don't want … torn between the part of you that came from your predecessor and the other side that opposes their actions … fiercely defying a bleak destiny you didn't earn or deserve… Do any of these resonate?"

Stunned by the invasiveness of Duo Lon's words, Adel responded, "And even if it does…" He then went into fighting stance as he said, "It doesn't matter, not to you anyway."

"You'd be surprised," Duo Lon said before going into fighting stance himself, "If you only knew…"

The announcer's voice resonated over the square, "Round 2! Ready! Go!"

Obvious from even his stance, Duo Lon proved a very perplexing opponent. He could pressure up front with his 'Selfless Submission Snake' and 'Serpent Slam' attack chains, and dive from the air with spinning kicks, 'Transmigration Stomper'. He had the odd ability to stretch his limbs with a punch and kick 'Spectral Smash', and the inconceivable ability to teleport with 'Satan Step'. Needless to say, Duo Lon was difficult to combat due his unorthodox tactics and capabilities. It was hard to even get close to him because of his straightforward yet very effective 'Selfless Submission Snake' and 'Serpent Slam' chains. Then, it was nearly impossible to rush him down due to his teleportation.

Adel fought on despite the multiple difficulties, but couldn't properly strategize because of Duo Lon's vastly unconventional methods. Instead, he focused on hitting as hard as he could when he could. He utilized his longest combinations at every opportunity; he had to because he didn't know when the next opening would present itself. With this approach, Adel kept up with his mystifying opponent.

Eventually, both men glowed briefly, and simultaneously fires powerful energy projectiles, Adel's 'Kronprinz' coming out as a wave and Duo Lon's 'Wall of Wraiths' being a purplish skull-shaped orb. They met halfway where the skull orb 'opened' its mouth and 'swallowed' Kronprinz, both attacks offsetting in a shower of sparks. Distracted by the sight, Adel didn't see what was coming next until it was too late. Duo Lon was already dashing forward until he disappeared in a cloud of fog around his opponent's feet. Adel was trapped in Duo Lon's MAX Danger Move, 'Terrifying Phantasmal Fountain', suddenly being bombarded and lifted high into the air by ghastly wisps of skull-shaped energy. Adel endured a massive assault and hit the ground in anguish as Duo Lon appeared.

He was now in deep trouble; he had only one viable but very dangerous option, and The Silent Assassin was coming in fast again. Adel fired a quick 'Kicken', and Duo Lon teleported right through it … right into Adel's grasp!

Adel asserted as he prepared the attack, "Siphon!"

He now had Duo Lon trapped in his MAX Danger Move, 'Urteil'. Adel pushed his own energy into Duo Lon's body, and detonated it, producing explosions of lights out of from the Silent Assassin's body. Adel siphoned as much as he could into Duo Lon without passing out, and at the last possible moment, blasted Duo Lon backward with a point-blank explosion to the chest. Duo Lon groaned in pain as he spiraled back, and Adel wasn't much better off, falling to his knees in exhaustion…

The announcer's voice reverberated through the night, "KO! Adel wins!"

Elisabeth helped Duo Lon to his feet and back to their side. Kyo and Hiroshi took notice that Iori was already gone as they came in, but Hiroshi quickly rushed to his friend's side and almost had to carry Adel all the way back.

The announcer's voice boomed, "Legacy Team, you may now switch. Rival Team, please send out your final member!"

Kyo and Elisabeth walked into the fighting area as 'Serene Sovereign' came on once again…

Not wasting any time, Elisabeth said directly, "Let's get started."

Slightly caught off-guard, Kyo reacted, "What? Already? No death threat, no warning, no witty banter, nothing?"

Elisabeth gave a slight smirk and replied, "Hmm, I see you're forever the charming rouge, Kyo… Nevertheless, I have a large undertaking ahead of me. I believe I can outlast your ailing and weathered teammates…" She succinctly assumed fighting position as she continued, "But I still have you to contend with. I am going to need absolute focus for that task."

Kyo got into fighting stance himself before responding, "I'd say that's a good idea. But don't think you'll just blow through me; I need to get this win too."

"Whatever the case, I must win if I am to face this man who calls himself Ash. Otherwise, I lay my hopes with you three … something I'm not ready to concede at all."

Kyo responded with his signature confident smirk, "I get that… Doesn't mean I'll make it easy for ya, though. I've got a firestorm with that jerk's name on it, and I aim to let him have it. I guess we'll just settle this the old-fashioned way."

Finally, the announcer's voice rang out, "Round 3! Ready! Go!"

Elisabeth immediately asserted herself, making her case physically on the very first exchange. She gave a combo of a jab into a sidekick before launching him with a dashing uppercut, 'Coup de Veine', juggling him with a second 'Coup de Veine', and finished with 'Grand Rafale'; she elevated him straight up in a geyser of light, leapt up after him, and knocked him back down with a palm thrust amplified with the light energy inherent in her family.

With her style, Elisabeth could go in any direction or use any approach and be successful; all her moves were highly effective and multi-purpose. For offense, her 'Coup de Veine' was not just a dash but a teleport, it could go through attacks, and had almost full ring range. 'Etincelles' was a projectile of three to five horizontal 'streams' of light, and 'Mistral' was a throw that sent Kyo straight up and gave her a free juggle. In defense, her 'Platinum Mirage' and 'Reverie' were attack reversals that could place her anywhere she wanted to be, and 'Souhaiter' was a backhanded energy slash that was incredibly effective at thwarting pressure.

Kyo, challenged on his adaptability, constantly had to switch his tactics. 'Platinum Mirage' and 'Reverie' made 'Wicked Chew' and 'Poison Gnawfest' essentially useless outside of single attacks. 'Dark Thrust' was only marginally effective because of Elisabeth's teleportation, so he was forced to stay with his single attacks. He used 'New Wave Smash' and 'RED Kick' for pressure, and 'Fire Ball' and 'Spinning Kick' for defensive purposes. His 'Crescent Moon Slash' though was a risky proposition however because a miss or block gave Elisabeth a free 'Mistral' and got him juggled. Despite the challenge and skill of his opponent, Kyo was far from overwhelmed as he could be successful with any approach as well. Almost as solace, Kyo found that Elisabeth wasn't much of an anti-air fighter, so using that end, he often had to start his combos from the air.

Finally, Elisabeth, after Kyo whiffed a 'Spinning Kick', glowed for a brief moment, and extended her arm forward while producing a stationary luminous orb, hitting Kyo with the Danger Move 'Noble Brass'. Kyo rolled through and answered right back with a Danger Move of his own, '9901 Style 182'; he dashed forward with a cross-uppercut combination, lifting her into the air, and knocked her back with a flame-coated lunging punch. The pressure closing in and the match drawing to an obvious close, Elisabeth decided to go for broke. She rose calmly into the air with her arms out stretched and her body shining brilliantly, while Kyo was nearly frozen from witnessing this sight. The area faded to white as she activated 'Etoile Filante', her MAX Danger Move, and set off multiple explosions of light all over.

Kyo guarded for his life as he was assailed on all sides, but even under heavy duress, all he needed was an inch, one small opening … and he got it. Taking full advantage, Kyo managed to use his own MAX DM; he tossed a small mote of flames forward, and a wave of huge fiery eruptions raged across the area from behind him … where Elisabeth was caught. She was swept away in the wave and forced to endure it all…

Just as the last eruption engulfed her, Elisabeth exclaimed weakly as she hit the ground, "Not … yet…!"

The announcer's voice resonated to the Parisian audience once more, "KO! The Legacy Team wins! Please advance to the next round!"

Hiroshi and Adel slowly stepped forward while Duo Lon entered from the other side.

A moment later, Elisabeth sat up and said, "That's … it then. I leave him to you all."

Kyo confidently reassured her, "Don't sweat it; I'll make sure to give him a good shot for ya."

Hiroshi and Duo Lon helped Elisabeth to her feet, when Duo Lon addressed an earlier exchange.

"Adel, when we spoke earlier, I meant no offense." The Silent Assassin began.

Adel let out a sigh and replied, "None taken. Obviously, I'm used to the conversation by now."

Duo Lon then said with surprising candor, "As am I… When I spoke earlier, it wasn't from clairvoyance, but personal experience. You see, like you … I too am a son, bearing the burden of my father's sins."

Adel said, "Okay, it may be true there might be some similarities, but trust me: they're not the same. For one, I'm…" He paused for a moment before admitting with pained uncertainty, "I'm not as sure of my chances to win as you seem to be about yours."

Duo Lon retorted with certainty, "You should be. After all, we are not bound to the vices of our families. You and I are living proof of that."

Adel stood stunned from the echo of the familiar advice, and could only look at his best friend. Hiroshi gave him a knowing smirk and a nod as if to say 'I told you so'…

Duo Lon continued, "Also, I'm not without uncertainty; I can only rectify my father's transgressions by bringing him to justice, something I fear I am not skilled enough to do yet. Believe me when I say … Your chances for success are far better than mine. If not just because of the company you keep, but also … I can tell you are closer to surpassing your father than I am to mine."

Adel paused to ingest the comments, but his focus quickly steered back to his biggest problem, "That's all well and good, but that's not my most pressing issue at the moment. My first priority has been and is to care for my sister. If nothing else, I have to do what's best for her. And that's what I have my mind on right now."

Duo Lon thought to himself, "Hmm… Care for my sister? … He's right; I should be doing that. There might even be some clarity in it."

With that, the Legacy Team started to leave, but there was one last thing that needed attention…

Before they got too far, Elisabeth called out, "Hiroshi…" and when he stopped, she offered, "Good luck."

"Thank you…" Hiroshi replied, and he started on again. Suddenly, he stopped and turned back, saying, "Elisabeth-sama, I need to ask you something."

Elisabeth, having an idea of what was coming, offered nonetheless, "I'll tell you anything you need to know."

Struggling with the troubling thought, Hiroshi forced out, "It hurt you … when you realized you had to fight your brother, right?"

Elisabeth hesitated out of difficulty, but ultimately answered in truth, "Yes. It still does, even though I know it's not really him."

It became even harder for Hiroshi to speak as he asked the real question on his mind, "And how … how much do you think it hurts … to go through with it?"

Elisabeth paused as she had never thought of that, but she soon realized there was only one answer, "I can only imagine … it would hurt a lot worse that their actual betrayal."

Hiroshi sighed as he said quietly, "That's what I was afraid of..."

End Chapter

A/N: Okay, there you have it. Thank you for reading and I hope you liked it. Well, we'll really getting close now. Next time, we'll come to part one of the final battle and a truly emotional confrontation. Ad I'll tell you right now: I think the next chapter may be the best chapter I've ever written. Thank you again for reading, I hope you liked it, and I really hope you come back to read more. Please R&R, and as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.