Chapter 19: Kuri Kinton Flavor
South Town, home of some of the greatest fighters in the world like the Bogards, since returning, Terry decided that at least he had to spend one hour of the day doing exercise and another one doing anything else than just being on home, eating or playing videogames, he didn't want to feel weak again but, this was not what worried him the most but how his brother was
Terry was going to a specific place, Illusion, one of, if not the most well-known bar on the entire South Town, why? Because of who was managing it, one of the most beautiful but fierce fighters on the city.
Once he entered, Terry gave his greetings -Hi Cecile- And then a knife was thrown, impacting on one of the walls near him-Agh, come on.
-You know that I don't like too much that too many people call me like that.
There it was, as decided and fierce as ever, her conservative suit was unable to hide her beautiful face, decorated with her short blonde hair
-Fine, King, are you ok?
-As much as I can, what makes you to come here, Terry? - The Muay Thai artist was doing her chores, cleaning some glasses
-It is soon to ask for a drink? – King negated it with a head movement -Then give me a beer, please.
-Do you at least have money right now?
Terry found some coins out of his wallet -Out of my last fight, is becoming pretty difficult to find something these days.
-You know that right now, finding a proper job is not that difficult, I mean, even Yuri is working right now on Rogers Bar, damn, my friend working with the competition.
-Is she? Is the same place that Joe's new girlfriend and student is working.
-Joe has a girlfriend? – Terry nodded while King was putting the beer on a big glass -Such an interesting surprise.
-And yeah, I'm trying to find a job, is nice to have my health back but I don't want it to go away once more.
-Then probably is not a good idea to drink alcohol - King joked -Here you have, and, what type of job have you considered?
-Mary is proposing me to join to the police but damn, the idea of joining them doesn't appeal to me too much- he was starting to think about it -Probably as a security guard only.
King then looked to the door of her business -Hum, that makes me think, but only if Illusion becomes more successful.
-Thanks for it, King- Terry started to drink
-But you still look worried.
Terry had to admit something, women sometime can be very perceptive, as he had to talk
-Well, here comes a bomb, Andy broke up with Mai.
-Wait, What?!- that was a surprising thing to do -But Mai was crazy for Andy, chasing him was like her religion, why?
-Things are complicated, apparently in Kyoto there is a mafia boss with a Geese Howard complex.
-What, with a fetish of falling off from buildings?
That made him laugh a little -Ok that was good, but no, the thing is that this guy, Ryoma Suzuki, beat the crap out of my brother and apparently, he told him some lies about Mai, Andy is such an idiot to believe him.
King started to think about the situation, of course the entirety of it was not totally clear, but Mai Shiranui was her friend, part of the original women's team, she had to do something
-Call him to come, we need to make a plan.
-A plan?
-Yes, I mean, you said that this Ryoma guy is like Geese Howard, so probably on a moment he will do something mean to Mai.
-As far as we know, he already talked to her, and promised not to do anything bad while she was training, as much as I know, he wants to have a proper fight with her.
-Then we still have time, I don't know how much… Call your brother and Joe if you can, I will try to make Yuri to come here.
A pair of hours later, both Joe and Andy entered into the bar which for the moment was a little empty
-Here we are lady- Joe said -It is that important?
-Yes, it is, now if only Yuri is able to come…- the door opened once more -Yep, here she is.
She looked a little tired, apparently because she was training before coming, so Yuri Sakazaki was on her classic battle suit
-I'm sorry, I had a free day today and both my father and Ryo had the idea of using it to train with me.
-That's exactly what you have to do even more, everyone please take seat- as all of them did -First of all one important thing, Andy you're stupid.
-For what, for protecting Mai?
-Protecting? You broke her heart for sure- Joe added
-Wait, what happened? - King told everything she knew to Yuri on her ear -What? Andy you're stupid!
-Did we come here so you can insult me? Yes, I broke Mai's heart, but it was that or Ryoma to fulfill his promise of sending an army to Kyoto, he was not lying, even that old lady, Kana, said that it was true.
-And still you have to yell like that and act like it was the end of the world? - Terry said -Things like that must be told and you didn't.
-Because I know my team and my brother specially, of course I knew that on that very moment, you Terry and you Joe, would have wanted to go for him after the beatdown I received!- Then silence on the bar
But Joe refuted -Ey but I've told you about the danger of that guy.
-Yeah, and maybe you were trying to cope with the urges of hitting him, but Terry, you always want to do what is right, and that is not bad but this time, stepping back was the best choice.
-But brother…
Andy interrupted him -Tell me Terry, and please be honest, after what you've heard, wouldn't you want to fight Ryoma on that very moment?
With everyone on silence, Terry sighed -Yes, I would.
-See?- Even if it was horrible, I wanted everyone to stay safe because that guy… is worse than Geese, worse than Krauser, worse than everything that we were able to beat, because I don't know exactly how dangerous were the Hakesshu, Nests and that strange organization from the past, so acting without taking care would have a tragic end.
Yuri then broke the silence -And for Mai?
-She's training, becoming stronger, she doesn't need me for that, her destiny is to defeat that idiot, I didn't believe on his word of Mai training for him, as much as I know her, she is using all this time to put an end to his organization, just like me, Joe and Terry did with Geese and Krauser.
Then the silence returned, but it was King's turn to break it -How powerful is he?
-He had the chance to beat me on a 3 vs 1, and yet he just wanted to fight me alone, I used all my best techniques and even if I was able to hurt him, it seems like he was not doing his best against me.
-So, you were able to hurt him, he's not invulnerable- Terry analyzed
-And if he's not invulnerable, then we can beat him- Joe ended
-It's time for a plan then- Yuri said
-More than a plan, time to train harder- King sighed -It means to make more efforts if we want to help our friend…- she looked to her bar
-I know, in your case this is going to be pretty difficult
-Is because of Jan, I have no one to help me with him.
Terry took another slip of his beer -I have an idea, let him to train with Rock.
-What? I… I don't know, Jan sometimes is so vulnerable.
-Ey, look at me, I was sick as hell just days ago, returning to an active state helped me a lot, so probably that can help, besides, I'm for sure that Rock will like the idea…
…..
-I'm not that sure about it.
Moments after having that meeting, Terry called his adoptive son to come to his apartment once more, but the idea for Rock was pretty odd
-Come on Rock, you're back in South Town after so long.
-I did it for you Terry.
-But it will be good for you to have a pup to train, you're an adult right now so, why not?
-Well you see, I'm not that confident on my own abilities of becoming a sensei- he was pretty nervous
-I know, but hey young pup, at one time all of us are destined to share our knowledge, don't you think that maybe is your turn? Besides, you can help King a lot with that.
He sighed, Terry will want him to take the responsibility -Fine, I will try, but hopefully things don't get that complicated.
-That's the spirit! - Terry give Rock a friendly punch on his arm
…
While on the bar, King was dismissing her co-workers as she was closing the business for the day, alongside her, Yuri was waiting, then both friends started to walk
-You shouldn't have helped me today if you were so tired, besides you have to work tomorrow.
Yuri was not that worried -Nah, I'm fine, on the other hand, starting as soon as we can, we have to get used to this if we want to become stronger.
It was pretty late, 2 am so South Town was only illuminated by the lanterns at both sides of the streets, making their walking a pretty calmed one
-Becoming stronger, do you remember Yuri, why we decided to form the original women's team?
-It was years ago, we wanted to show the others that we are strong, that we didn't need them to become champions and of course, to start a new friendship.
-Thanks for that- King was smiling but hiding some sadness
Yuri knew the reason for her sadness -I know, up to this point the first part of our objective was not achieved… heck, even in some situations we are eliminated on the very first round of the King of Fighters tournaments ha ha.
-And even sometimes we had to make changes in our teams for any other reasons.
-Yeah, you know, sometimes my father is very strict, but I still have to obey him- then Yuri had an idea -Lets promise something, for the next King of Fighters tournament, you, me and Mai, the three will make team once more and nothing will change it.
Both take their hands with a little of strength -Promised, but this time we need to make something if we want to change our destinies, I don't want to get eliminated on first round once more.
-Mai is training really hard right now, wouldn't be pretty shameful that once we form team once more that only she is able to fight against the strongest in the world?
-But she is doing it because she has to fight against that mafia boss, probably she is not even thinking about participating on a King of Fighters tournament on this moment because of that.
-Yes… right, that we need to help her on this difficult moment, do you have a plan?
Both stopped on that moment, King was having some doubts -Right now… probably to ask Joe but that will mean no real progress, he's a Muay Thai fighter like me so…
-Damn, we need to think outside of the bubble, something extra.
-I was talking with Mai just days ago, she told me that her mother was also training her with a new power she called Nature Manipulation…
Then King watched how Yuri's mouth was wide open -WHAT; WITH HER MOTHER? Did Mai found her?!
-Yes, it also took me by surprise, but she has the chance of becoming even more powerful that she was before.
Yuri was noticing how King was talking -Are you getting a little jealous?
She sighed -Maybe, the fact is that both of us don't have that chance of getting out of our bubble… or maybe we have.
-Who?
King snapped her fingers -Chizuru Kagura, she was our teammate, for a short time of course but we made a pretty strong team.
-Do you think that she wants to train us?
-Maybe not, but still, she was the organizer of a previous tournament, so at least she has the number of other fighters.
-Fine, hopefully at least we can make new friends in the process
…
On the next day, King was waking up, as soon as she did it, she checked her cellphone and any message she received, one of them was from Chizuru
-"Sorry Cecile Levasseur, but for the moment I can't help you, I have my own business now…"- for a moment King wanted to throw her cellphone, but then she checked the rest of it –"… But I can help you with some contacts for other fighters that maybe can help you with whatever you want"
King checked the list, the first one that appeared was an odd one, she knew her, but they were not as close as for example, King was with Mai and Yuri
-Kula Diamond, a cryokinesis user…- it was interesting, of course having the idea of using cryokinesis will help her a lot with Illusions, but, how easy can it be? -Well, there's only one way to find out.
She called, and waiting, and waiting a lot, that was not easy, first call and was lost
-Damn, maybe I'm annoying her- She called again, but this time with success -Yes.
From the other side of the line, a cute voice was heard -Moshi, moshi, who is there?
Then King was able to over hear something, a very rude voice -Damn Kula, why you had to buy that stupid trash?
-Shut up K', It is very useful- then she returned to the call -Sorry, who is there?
-Aammmm, I don't know if you heard about me, I'm King.
-King, of which country? You sound pretty feminine to be a king- of course Kula was joking
-Agh I knew it, my name is Cecile Levasseur, nicknamed King, I'm part of the women's team that always participate on the King of Fighters tournament.
-Aaahhhh, the group of eternal losers?
Something that took her off guard-Wait, what?
-It is how my brother K'Dash calls you- Kula laughed a little -Sorry for that, why and how are you calling me?
-Chizuru Kagura helped me with your phone number, and well, what I'm going to ask you is gonna be pretty weird… Can you teach me some cryokinesis?
-Aaaaammmmmm, is not that easy to say the least… but why do you want to learn that?
-A friend of mine is on a problem, and I want to help her as much as I can.
On the other side of the line, Kula was looking a little worried -See, is not as easy to just want to learn and that's it, I've obtained my powers thanks to Nests.
-Understood, so probably I have no chances to learn.
-We can try, if you want, but you're asking me for a favor and I receive nothing in exchange.
It was fair of course, Kula was right for asking that, especially when these two knew nothing about the other
-Fine, I think is fair to be grateful.
-Cool, now, how can we manage to meet each other?
…
On another side of the city, while her brother and father were training, Yuri was doing another call, this time would be easier, the girl that she was going to ask this favor was a friend, thankfully King gave her the phone numbers lists
-Agh come on…
-Moshi moshi, Athena here, sorry for not answering you, probably I'm on high school or on a concert, please call me later, bye.
-And just when I need this the most- Yuri sighed, then she noticed how the door of her room was being knocked -Come in.
The original champion, when the King of Fighters tournaments were smaller and simple but not easy, Ryo Sakazaki was the one knocking the door
-Hey Yuri, why are you taking so much time? I know that you were with Cecile until late but still.
-Sorry bro, is all pretty difficult.
-About your friend Mai Shiranui?
-How did you know about it? - She asked
-Terry called me, he wants to train with us alongside Andy and Joe- Ryo crossed his arms -Pretty interesting to hear that to say the least.
-I see, everyone wants to become even stronger now.
-A time that we can use perfectly since there was no tournaments since months ago, pretty odd but perfect for us.
-Hey bro, aren't you mad because I'm not training with you and dad?
-Not really, we were even angrier because of your night job, but I have to start accepting the fact that you're an adult- Yuri showed a smile -But still you will not do anything weird with Robert.
-Ah come on, you're exaggerating like always!
Her brother just started to laugh a little -It is strange though, Robert didn't appear in South Town in some time, but I called him to know if he had the chance to return to train here.
-And you were the one that didn't approve my relationship with him- Yuri joked a little
-He is part of our team, and if you're not going to train with us, at least we need to call somebody else.
Speaking about calling, Yuri's phone started to ring, to her surprise she knew the phone number
-It is Athena! Now please brother…
-Ok fine, I'm leaving now.
Now that she was alone, Yuri answered the phone -Athena hi, it is me, Yuri, it is a long time since we talked to each other.
-Yuri, nice to hear you- the psycho soldier was happy, at least that showed her voice tone -But I'm curious, why are you calling me.
To not lose time, Yuri decided to be direct -Ok right to the point… I want to train with you… to become kind of a psycho soldier.
-Ok, that's weird, nobody asked me that kind of things, even Kensou and Bao had some difficulties training to use their powers.
-But you didn't, what do you think, doesn't the idea of having a student sounds nice to you?
-Well, I have to disappoint you, but right now I'm on a tour so probably there's no chance for me to help you…- Yuri was feeling sad for that -But my master Chin Gentsai is free, he can travel to South Town even right now.
-Chin?- She remembered him, the drunk old man that somehow manages to become a problem to all fighters, she didn't like him -Aaaammmmm… Ok, I'm fine with that, I guess.
-Cool, I will call him as soon as possible so he can travel to South Town, don't worry, he is a little weird but he is a good sensei.
-Ok…- Athena closed the call, Yuri then said for herself -Now what did I do?
At night and with Yuri and King on their respective jobs, the legendary Fatal Fury team was in front of the Kyokugenryu Dojo, property of the Sakazaki's
-Well, time for us to become serious, if we want to help Mai, we need to become stronger- Andy said
-Of course, but…- Joe wanted to say something but he became silent
-Say it- Terry encouraged him
-This will help us in case that another King of Fighters tournament appears.
Silence for some seconds, but Terry said -Well it will, I have the intention to win the next one, even if those idiots, Kyo, Iori and anybody else comes in our way.
Andy smiled -You two never change, but I agree with you brother, once we get rid of Ryoma, nobody will stop us to train even more in order to become champions as a team.
Then they knocked the door, almost immediately, the strict head of the Sakazaki clan, Takuma, opened it
-Welcome warriors, come in.
Once inside, Ryo greeted them on a polite way while they were coming inside to the dojo, inside, Robert was waiting
-Well, my trip was not for nothing, you were serious when talking about this training- the rich man said -Hello Terry, Andy and Joe.
Andy was the first one to greet him -It is a long time that I didn't see you.
-He, it is always fun to fight each other.
Ryo then talked -Well, what we have now is a situation in which both teams can benefit each other but this is not the purpose of our training.
Terry added -Exactly, we have another bastard to beat, but this time is kind of different.
-Right- Ryo continued -As you told me, Mai is the one on the conflict against this idiot.
-So is fair that she is training to be the one that defeats him- finished Andy
-Like we did twice against Geese Howard, kind of interesting the parallelism between these two- Then Terry directed him to Takuma -What do you think?
-That we are losing valuable seconds right now, prepare yourselves.
Both the Fatal Fury team and the Art of Fighting team stood in front of each other, Joe against Takuma, Andy against Robert and Terry against Ryo, that's how the training between the 6 will start
-It's time to fight!
A training that will be a really crazy one…