Scene 7: Crazy Rich Europeans
Cruising on monstrously huge and luxurious super-yacht just off the shores of South Town were some of the richest people in the world. This private deck party, hosted by Russian billionaire Antonov, was attended by other wealthy figures including French noble Elisabeth Blanctorche, German brother-sister duo Rose and Adelheid Bernstein, and German Garcia Family employee Karman Cole.
"Where is Cheng Sinzan?" asks Antonov, lounging on an expensive recliner while smoking his signature cigar.
"I heard that he got in an accident on the way to the docks earlier. Something about a big goose falling on top of his car," Karman comments while enjoying a glass of wine.
"That's a shame. He should sue that bird into oblivion for damages," Rose comments while stroking her pet cat.
"I don't believe the 'goose' Cheng encountered is an actual bird…" her brother Adelheid states while gazing out at sea next to the rails.
"Any who, you gathered us here for a reason, Antonov. What brings the world's richest here?" Elizabeth questions the Russian.
Antonov removes his cigar and lets out a hearty laugh while standing to his feet.
"My esteemed guests, I have gathered you all here to announce that I am planning to host the next King of Fighters tournament," Antonov announces.
"Again? Didn't you already host KoF XIV?" Karman questions.
"Yeah, and weren't you caught in a huge scandal and lawsuit for rigging the tournament in your favor to keep your title?" Rose questions.
"Um…er… that whole incident was party of a non-canonical ending in my story mode, it never officially happened!" Antonov responds quickly. "In fact, a brave fashionista young boy, his narcoleptic friend, and a wise of martial arts master won that tournament!"
"I see. And I take it you want our assistance in either co-hosting or financing the next?" Adelheid says.
"Yes, that's exactly right! You see, I sort of stumbled into the whole tournament hosting shindig out of curiosity, you see. I watched every tournament since 1994 and figured it would be a great way to promote these great fighters… and to give myself a decent challenger to face at the finals," Antonov admits with an embarrassed chuckle.
Elizabeth takes out her riding crip and points it at Antonov.
"You have a lot to learn about the responsibilities of hosting KoF. You didn't think you'd have an incident-less tourney this past year, did you?" Elizabeth questions him inquisitively.
"Miss Blanctorche is correct. These tournaments are normally sponsored by evil organizations or by individuals with ulterior motives. My father, Rugal, Geese Howard, Orochi and his disciples, NESTS, and Those From The Past used this front to gain power and attempted to eliminate the best the world has to offer," Adelheid explains.
"However, noble persons such as Chizuru Kagura, my sister Rose, and you, Antonov, have proven the opposite," Karman adds.
"I see. So, since you all have experience in pushing a positive public image, you think we'll have any more evil forces rearing their ugly head besides ol' lava-face Verse who crashed mine?" Antonov asks with a nervous laugh.
"Most likely," everyone else responds in unison.
A giant sweat drop appeared on Antonov's head as a result.
"So, where do you go from this point? Where's not going to stand around and look pretty all day, are we? Let's get another tournament started already and see some bloodshed!" Rose responds with glee.
"…Are you sure your sister is back to normal after being under the control of Botan, Adel?" Karman questions.
"I wonder that sometimes myself," Adelheid responds, raising an eyebrow at that thought.
"Wait you guys, we have one immediate issue that needs taken care of first," Elizabeth says, stepping forth.
"What is it?" Antonov asks.
"NESTS. They have re-formed and are planning a tournament as well. You can thank King for notifying me of the details.
"Ah shit, then we will need to be ready to counter their efforts," Antonov says. "So, is everyone on board to host a crime-free tournament?"
"Yes, but I recommend my sister seek some therapy before helping out this year. Her… callousness makes her very easy to be manipulate by unknown forces," Adelheid suggests.
Rose crosses her arms and turns up her lip, not liking the idea of needing anger management.
"Then allow me to all a good friend of mine," Karman volunteers, reaching for his phone and dialing the number to a local shrine.
What else is happening around South Town?
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