Let's face it: in a story of this magnitude, montages are key. The horizontal line break is your best friend. It's your little dipper. Your north star. Follow the horizontal lines to find your way through the endless maze of character development. You can do it. I believe in you.
As it turns out, nobody, even the most antisocial of pricks, can turn down the offer of free food, booze, and bedding.
Castle Stronheim meant sanctuary for the fighters: food, drink, warmth, security, social gathering... and most importantly, protection from the looters looking to swipe entry cards. As questionable a character as Krauser has been in his life, the beckon of these commodities lured all fighters to his stronghold, regardless of affiliation for light or dark. They moved fast, making the trek to the countryside by any means necessary, to flee the city and avoid the paparazzi, as well as the aforementioned opportunists.
"Wanna ride, Terry?" Mary offered her favorite man, as she revved up the guttural engine of her hawg.
Terry flashed his trademark solemn grin as he turned his back to her. "Nah. I'll hop a train."
"Of course you will." were the last words exchanged before Mary shredded the asphalt and shot into the distance, becoming a mere speck in moments. To anyone looking for an easy entry card, they would be hard pressed to chase down Blue Mary Ryan.
"Anyone up for a ride on my bike?" Ryo gave a similar offer to all nearby. "King?"
"Uhhhh... I'm gonna hitch a ride with Robert, thank you." was King's sweatdrop-laden response.
"Aww." Ryo's pouty face indicated how shot down he felt.
"ALRIGHT! YURI RIDES SHOTGUN!" Robert announced. "If you wanna hop in, hurry your asses!"
"Dibs." King called, immediately hopping in the back of his sleek red convertible.
"Beats walking!" Joe crammed his butt in as well, plopping right next to King.
"Cmon Andy. I'll sit in your lap!" Mai dragged Andy to the final available spot.
"Alright alright! J-just... try not to move around so much." Andy mumbled.
And thus, five more were granted the insurance of a fast-moving vehicle, allowing for an easy trip to Castle Stronheim.
Ryo, good in nature, stuck around for a minute more, just to make sure nobody wished to ride with him. As he scanned the desirables and undesirables, his eyes fell upon a blue-haired girl... one with which he was familiar...
"...Kasumi?"
"Ah!" Kasumi quickly got defensive when she heard his voice. "What do you want, Sakazaki?!"
"I was just going to offer you a ride to the castle."
A rush of red to her surprised cheeks. "Wha- bu... why would you be generous to me, your rival?!"
Ryo gave a gentle snicker. "Aw cmon, it's not like you'd ambush me on the bike. Unlike that loser Eiji, you're cool."
"C...cool? I'm... cool?" Kasumi growled, her voice seeming to squeak higher and higher. "I-I'll walk, thank you! And don't forget I'm coming for you! I'll destroy the Kyokugen style!"
Instead of getting defensive himself, taking a stand for his pride, producing a comeback for her brazen threat... Ryo just ran his hand through his hair and chuckled.
"Heh... fair enough. Get there safe, Kasumi."
Kasumi watched as the blonde finally sped off, even more flustered than before. Her face had yet to quell... that damned Sakazaki! Why was he being so... cool?! His stupid composed face... that ridiculous aura of inner peace and health surrounding him... it pissed her off. If he was getting better, was she getting WORSE? Right now she was angry, mad as fire, blood boiling... if they were to fight right now, her emotions would run rampant. He'd drop her without a sweat.
Maybe there truly was no stopping Ryo Sakazaki. He would always be the hero of the story, to her eternally-trailing rival.
"Cmon, kids! Hurry, hurry! Single file!" Chin ordered the youngers, Bao and Momoko to the front, while Athena and Kensou brought up the rear. The Psycho Soldiers were officially making their trek out of the city, as the four youthful competitors were led by their Master Chin, who chose not to compete once more.
Among the five of them, they seemed accustomed to the idea of staying at Krauser's... save for one. Before the line could really start moving, this one stopped, and made her voice known.
"U-ummmmmm..."
When they all heard the indecisive murmur, they stopped and turned to face the one, who had taken the rear position.
"What is it, Athena?" Chin asked.
The purple haired girl fiddled with said purple hair. "Y-you guys... go on ahead. I'll stay in a hotel."
"Whaaaa?" Kensou whined.
"Athena-neeeee!" Bao and Momoko cried in unison.
They all looked at her with utterly pitiful faces, and the girl's cheeks flared with red. "Ehehehehe... s-sorry guys, but I... ahhh... I don't think it's a good idea for me to, um, you know..."
"Aw cmon babe. Is this about you pissing off Krauser last year?" Kensou grumbled. "I'll protect you from him!"
"...Okay first, don't call me babe. Secondly, that's EXACTLY what this is about." Athena fired back. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm going to be welcome at his estate."
"B-but Athena!" Kensou took her hand.
Athena abruptly swiped it away. "I'm sorry, Kensou. My mind is made up. Now... are you going to stay with me, or go?"
The guy's head darted around frantically, his lips quivering with the weight of a truly large dilemma. Athena had, most DEFINITELY, just put him on the spot. She was utterly attractive and all, but...
"...Kensou?"
"HmmmwellImean...freefoodandall..." he turned his head away as he mumbled those words, as if they were ashamed to pass his lips.
"KENSOU! God!"
Athena turned her back to the guy, feeling betrayed, audibly voicing said grief with a loud groan... but honestly, could she blame him? Did he make her do what she did last year? It was NOBODY'S fault except hers... she chose to cheat Krauser in such an unfathomable way. And so... it was only fitting that she alone face the consequences.
"...Kensou. Keep the kids safe." Athena solemnly stated, before slowly walking away.
"Athena..." Kensou softly called out to her, with a vain outstretched arm.
Chin put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Let's go, Kensou. She's made her choice."
"But why...?"
"Because it's what she feels she has to do. That's all we can ever trust in ourselves, lad." Chin responded, his head shaking.
"I wish... I could do something for her..." Kensou sighed.
"But you can't. She has to figure it out on her own. It's a test of character." Chin spun it. "Now cmon, let's get the kids out of here."
While there were several legging it out of town post-haste, some crazy, maniacal kooks actually relished in the chaos. One particular example was Shen Woo, the loyal member of the Ash posse. The only problem was... his posse was all gone this year. Ash and Elisabeth were happy, Duo Lon and Oswald had simply blown away with the wind. Feeling so lonely just pissed him off more, and there was already considerable fuel on the fire from not getting to properly throw down last year. This all added up to an unhealthy soup bubbling in his innards... one that craved destruction.
"What'cha doin?" Shingo asked to the brawler, who stood there, arms folded, acknowledging nothing around him. He did at least respond, though.
"Whaddaya think I'm doing? I'm waiting for assholes to come challenge me." he rudely grunted.
Shingo rubbed his head quizzically. "Eh? You want someone to come try and steal your entry card?"
"Kid, I didn't get to throw a single punch last year, okay? I'm getting a head f***ing start. All my friends decided to ditch KOF this year, I'm all alone, so the only fun I'm gonna be getting is loosening some jaws, feel me? So I suggest you just leave it alone, and let me do me."
Shingo backed away, a large sweatdrop forming, so large that it even hung down and threatened to break. "Alright, alright. Not coming at you, broski. We cool... we cool..."
Shingo was no rocket scientist, but it was obvious Shen Woo was hungry for blood. Deciding the best way to keep his arms and legs was to back off, the kid did just that.
...But if there was one thing you could always count on with Shingo Yabuki, it was that foolhardy, almost STUPID courage and fire in his young heart...
"Yo, Shen!"
The blonde's eyebrow twitched, perhaps a reflex as he was not expecting to get bothered again. "What?"
"...If you don't get your fill this year and want somebody to throw hands with, just give me a call. I'll be there."
And just like that, without even waiting for a response, the eager youth sprinted away. Shen could only watch as he disappeared from sight... and a smile broke free.
"I'll hold you to that, kid."
In the same department, Gato was also in no hurry. He didn't have to worry about paparazzi swarming him; he wasn't exactly a popular face of the franchise. His always-sour face and frigid aura was a natural repellent. He also didn't have to worry about anyone trying to steal his entry card; that would simply be bad for their health overall.
All this considered, Gato was happy (for lack of a better word) to just chill on a bench and enjoy a soft drink, to parch his thirst from the entirely too long day that had transpir-
"Gato?"
When Gato heard a soft, younger voice squeak into his ear, his body reflexively jumped, without his feet actually leaving the ground. The drink in his grip was crushed, the plastic lid flying off and sending a mess of liquid on the pavement, as well as in his hand.
With an angry growl, he threw his drink down and swung around. "WHAT IS I-"
...As soon as he saw the blue-haired girl, her hands interlaced, a solemn sadness awash over her face, her cheeks flared with red... he immediately checked his tone.
"It's been a while..." the pigtailed girl spoke, still carrying that same meek, reserved tone.
Gato was reduced to a still silence; he never knew what to say around her. Never. Already he felt a wave of discomfort engulf him, making him resist the urge to fidget in his seat, or leave altogether. He had to keep his hands straight, as they tempted to tug and pull at his clothing unconsciously.
Just stay cool, Gato... return to your shell. Your shell is your sanctuary. Nobody can get in. Nobody...
"You... you... you shouldn't be here." Gato's first instinct was to try and push her away.
Damn if it worked though. Instead of retreating from his cruel tone, she smoothed out her pants and gently sat down, hands properly in her lap. As soon as she was stationary, a small, yellow ferret-like creature popped out of her shirt and crawled atop her shoulder. He darted his head up, and his beady little eyes stared into Gato's, evolving the man to an even higher level of discomfort.
"Itokatsu missed you too~" she finally smiled for the first time, her eyes closed, her lips wide... but not too wide. A rather subtle expression of joy, as she stroked her pet marten's tiny head.
Gato looked away, praying his face hadn't broken. "Hotaru, you shouldn't be around me. Don't you know I'm a tournament contestant? That paints a target on me."
"Oh don't worry, I'm in the tournament too!" Hotaru Futaba exclaimed, bringing her hands up to make enthusiastic little fists beside her cheeks. "I'm going to show you what I'm made of! And then, maybe you'll..."
...And just like that, things fell back to that strange, awkward malaise. Hotaru looked away, the smile fading and returning to the melancholy she frequently wore. As she turned in one direction, Gato turned in the OTHER, his arms folded, one leg draped over the other... typical signs of a reserved being. His shell was fully active again.
And then... one word was uttered. A small, soft, fearful little squeak... an utter of uncertainty, but of a strange and deceptive boldness...
"Gato-onii-sama..."
Gato was off the bench like a pistol fired. "DON'T... call me that."
Before Hotaru could lift a hand to reach out to him, Gato's long brown hair swayed with the speed in which he fled the area. And just like that... she was alone. Alone again.
Hotaru put her head down and closed her eyes. Tight as she shut them... the tears still broke through and fell on her lap. Ikomatsu did the only thing he could ever do to console her: gently nuzzle her cheek, and give her the love nobody else did.
"Gato... sniff sniff... keep running... I'll bring you back to me." she whispered as she pressed a hand against Ikomatsu, returning his affection.
The final big story, as far as in town, fell upon the Koreans... all "six" of them. Everybody had made their choice at this point, and most all of them were well on their way to Castle Stronheim, while the rare few elected to stay in the city and take their chances. The only other ones still lagging behind were Team Kim. It was no fault on Kim's part, as he was the shining symbol of health and morale, easily able to maintain the brisk pace he himself had established.
No... as usual, the burden was caused by his undisciplined prospects.
"CMON CMON! Stretch out with the legs! 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, 1 and 2, and 3, and 4. I DON'T HEAR YOU COUNTING!"
Between the two of them, Hwa Jai was the only one actually making an effort to keep up with Kim. At least he was conditioned: Raiden was the antichrist of gas tanks.
"Huff... huff... huff... Kim, can we... take it down a notch..." Hwa Jai puffed. "I think... Raiden's... about to lose... his creme filling... hufffff..."
"That's MASTER Kim to you." Kim reprimanded. "And the two of you need to work on your cardio! Your skills will be useless in a fight if you don't have the stamina to use them! That's why we're running all the way to Castle Stronheim! Now, mouths shut, legs MOVING!"
...But something made Kim stop. The Korean's eyes were ever-acute to his surroundings... and he sensed three shadows.
"...Stop. We have company."
"Eh?" Hwa Jai grunted between panting breaths. Raiden had finally caught up behind them, the guy practically dragging his gut.
Kim tensed up as the shadows grew closer... closer... three object of various shapes came into form. One was short: legally midget-sized. One was the exact opposite: a gargantuan fellow, akin to Raiden's size.
...Kim immediately knew these two figures. How could he not? They'd only been with him for several grueling years of tournament action. No... it was the THIRD figure that really piqued his interest.
Slender, powerful legs, a body type virtually identical to his own. The differences came in their cosmetic appearances: long white hair, to his short brown. A darker top, to his white.
He was his old friend. His childhood rival. His dark side. His arch nemesis, who he loved like a brother.
"Jhun!" Kim called out his friend's name.
"Nice to see you, Kim. Still kicking?" was Jhun's incredibly lame pun of a return.
Before Kim responded, he instead looked to the other two... the ones he dismissed. The ones he "abandoned".
"Chang. Choi." Kim nodded. "I see you've found a new master."
"It wasn't our idea!" Chang blubbered. "He's as crazy as you ar-MRRMPH..."
Jhun put a hand to his mouth to silence him. "Kim Kaphwan... shame on you. I used to think you were the most incorruptible beacon of what Korea stood for. But when you abandoned these two lost souls, these two fallen stars, in their time of need... you destroyed my respect for you!"
"Actually, we're totally ref-MMMRRPHHH..." Choi was the next to be silenced.
Kim raised a fist. "I put in all the work I could with those two! It was time to cut them free! The baby birds had to leave the nest! Now I've picked up two more lost souls, who need my guidance more than Chang and Choi!"
"...No we don't. We really don't." Hwa Jai rubbed his bald head stressfully.
"I'm good." Raiden seconded, with a little raised hand.
"You weren't finished with the job yet!" Jhun angrily fired back. "You dropped them before they were fully transformed into upstanding citizens. YOU FAILED! And not only did you fail Chang and Choi, you left a huge skid mark on Korea's name!"
"Mrrrmph mmmrrrph mmmrph mmrrrph mmrrrrph." Chang and Choi tried to argue through their muffled lips.
"That's why I've taken them under my wing." Jhun finally removed his hands from them and stepped forward, confronting Kim face-to-face. "I'm going to continue the good work that you shoddily discarded. I'll prove to you, once and for all, that I'm the superior master! Together, the three of us will dominate this tournament, and bring honor back to Korea! If that means I have to face you in combat...SO BE IT!"
Kim stepped even closer. They were almost nose-to-nose. "Jhun, you're misguided! This isn't about justice or honor... this about trying to surpass me! Don't try to hide behind noble intentions!"
"My intentions ARE noble! Don't be jealous because you're a quitter and I'm not!"
"Q-QUITTER? I NEVER QUIT!"
In the midst of their argument, Chang stealthily slid over to Choi. He picked up the short man, presenting his mouth to his ear:
"Pssst... can I talk to you somewhere private?"
Back to Kasumi, the blue-haired Japanese girl was still pretty pissed. What was it about Ryo Sakazaki that made her feel... so inferior? He was always a step ahead of her. Technique, speed, a cool head... and now the man looked truly at peace with himself, like he'd received Buddha's blessing or something. Meanwhile, Kasumi's innards were always awash with turmoil. She had a dad who barely came around. She had a stain on her honor, her clan, and she was starting to think maybe it was all just a bunch of crap. Everything was so CONFUSING... she was just a girl, dammit!
...Right now, she needed a release. She needed the opportunity to just UNLEASH all the stress, all the aggression she had pent up inside her. It'd be unhealthy to keep going the way she is now...
"Hey, girl."
Kasumi's solitude was broken by a deep voice: she turned and was met by a rather large man, dark skin... and that HAIR. Everything about him screamed "big", and that fancy black 'do didn't help matters much.
...But the most notable thing about him was his white Karate gi. It looked just like one... HE would wear...
"Who are you?" Kasumi called out.
"Khushnood Butt, of the Kyokugenryu style." he called out with a smile, reaching his hands up to smooth out that pompadour he put so much work and hair gel into.
K...KYOKU...?!
"So... you're one of Ryo's boys!" Kasumi declared, with a pointed finger.
"I'm not from Ryo's school, per se." Butt corrected her, hands still on his hair. "I actually run my own Kyokugen dojo based in South America. São Paulo, Brazil, if you'd ever like to visit it."
This guy... is he trying to invite destruction?! Now is NOT THE-
"Anyways, I've heard a lot about you, Todoh. I heard you have a bit of a grudge against our school. So how 'bout you try me out? A bona fide master? Put up your entry card. I challenge you, not only for a spot in the tournament... but for the honor of Kyokugenryu!"
...What could Kasumi do in this situation but tighten her headband and smile? She wanted a release. Some generous god just hand-delivered it to her.
Todoh wasn't the only one running into complications. The Psycho Soldiers still hadn't succeeded in acquiring a cab, or even a bus. They were still wandering aimlessly around the city, four people too many to try and hitch a ride.
"Brother Kensou, they're gonna start the party without us!" Bao cried.
"Yeah... I'm really hungry. Like... REALLY hungry." Momoko added. "Hey, don't you always have food in your-"
"DONTTOUCHMYSTASH!" Kensou blurted out. "J-just... let me think. Let me think... gaaaaah damn it Athena! My guilt towards you has me all scrambled!"
Chin, ever the wise and consoling figure, patted him on the shoulder. "There there, Kensou. Keep it together. Look... why don't the three of you go on ahead? You can get a cab easier that way. Take the kids, get them to the castle sa-"
"NOT SO FAST, GEEZY BO BEEZY!"
A loud, squawking, annoying tone startled the four of them. They all turned around, looking in omni directions... but saw nothing.
"Who's there?!" Bao cried.
"Stay tight, guys!" Kensou brought them all closer. "Don't forget, there's plenty of people looking to take our entry c-OOUUUUUF!"
Before Momoko and Bao's terrified eyes, a giant yellow... blur... plowed into Kensou and sent him skidding across the street, finally stopped by a rooted fire hydrant.
"KENSOU!"
The yellow blur, which took the form of a contorted ball, finally manifested... and it was quite certainly a human being, albeit a strange-looking one. Black, baggy pants, a yellow shirt, with a small blue hoodie over it... what really attracted their eyes was this dark-skinned guy's face. His sunglasses hid his eyes, but there was still plenty to look at: his crazy, feathery, fowl-like yellow/blue hair, and a tongue that looked like it had been drenched in blueberry juice.
"OOH! AHH! THE DUCK IS HERE!" he sang, while sliding his feet back and forth. "MOOVIN! GROOVIN! CRUISIN FOR DAT ENTRY CARD, COOL CATS! OWWWWWW!"
Kensou was thankfully back on his feet; with a couple groans, he rejoined the others. "Arrgh... Duck King! Going after kids? Really classy, dude!"
"Heeeeey now, don't be shuckin' my jive!" Duck King spun a full 360 before stopping, striking a pose with his feet spread, fingers pointed outwards. "I'm here for you too, Bun Boy! Who likes food, oh yeah who likes food? You do you do YOU DOOOOOOOOO OOOH! I'm gonna knock the calories outta ya!"
Kensou clenched his fists and took a step forward... but a surprise obstruction cut him off. He looked down: one of his young colleagues had stood in front of him.
"Wha the... Momo...?"
"Don't worry Kensou!" Momoko held him back with her arm. "I know how to deal with this guy~!"
Before Kensou could even grunt with disapproval, Momoko had sprinted out to confront Duck King in the middle of the street. Kensou's protective instincts drove him to go and stop her... but Master Chin of all people grabbed his shirt and stopped him. When Kensou looked into his Master's eyes, Chin just shook his head, as if to warn Kensou not to interfere.
Momoko gave her face a good slap, before pointing out to her foe. "Mr. Duck! I know what you're all about! So let's go, you and me, right here! I challenge you to a funk-off! We'll see who's got the sweetest feet in the street~!"
Duck King was enthralled with the idea, his blue tongue tracing circles around his mouth as he danced a jig. "WOOOOO YEAH BABY LEMME SEE YA GROOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! PUT UP DAT ENTRY CARD AND GET WIGGEDY WIGGEDY WREEEEEECKED YO!"
Butt slowly shuffled forward, his fists raised... he looked ready to make the first move. A counter-fighter like Kasumi welcomed it with glee.
Finally, the pompadour fighter stepped forward with a fierce left; Kasumi caught his wrist easily and wrenched his arm downwards. His face exposed, he took the full brunt of the tip of Kasumi's elbow as it soared into his forehead.
Regaining control of his arm, Kasumi applied both hands and sent him for a ride: redirecting his body weight to a single focal point, she jerked his arm outward and sent the rest of him flipping along with it, onto the ground. Now hovering over him, Kasumi rained ground n' pound on him, delivering two unanswered strikes to his stomach.
Butt was in pain and quickly losing control. His first attempt to restore balance was bringing his foot upwards to parry her fist; with her attack halted, he brought his other foot up to kangaroo kick her in the face, stumbling Kasumi backwards enough that he could spring back to his feet.
Now fully separated, Butt was ready to make up lost ground. He pressed forward with a loud kiai, throwing a left front kick, and a right kick behind it. Kasumi's open palms easily slapped his feet away, and Butt continued forward with a combination 1-2. Kasumi's left hand was speedy enough to parry not only the high punch, but the mid after it.
Butt lunged in with a DEEP right; Kasumi snatched his wrist once again, like a hawk grabbing a snake.
"Ahhhh shit... whooooa!"
Kasumi's wrist control was second to none. Tried as he did to escape her grasp, it only allowed the blue haired girl to easier sling Butt around like he was light as air. She dragged his stumbling feet forward, then sharply twisted the OTHER direction, causing his staggering momentum to sweep him off his feet and take a ride through the air, once again ending up on his back with a THUD!
To risk getting kicked in the face again, Kasumi went for a submission. Dropping to the ground, his arm still in her grasp, she pulled back on the limb with all her might, all her bodily exertion, to either break it or cause a verbal surrender.
...Butt was not going out like that. Still a bigger, physically superior man, He was able to lift her entire body weight until he was on his feet, Kasumi still dangling on his arm. With a mighty bellow, he flung her off like a wet towel. Luckily, Kasumi was able to somersault in mid-air and land on her feet.
As she returned to stance, she could tell Butt was desperate: he had teeth bared, both fists glowing with his yellow chi. When a Kyokugen's fist glow ablaze, there was only one attack to follow...
He decided to give his one attack two-fold.
"DOUBLE KOUKEN!"
He fired the left, then the right, two fireballs in quick succession, soaring at her directly like two perfectly rowed up dodgeballs in a straight line.
Fireballs... the absolute bane of what Kyokugen could offer. So many cheap victories, so many opponents zoned out by those vile things... but not her. Kasumi Todoh was different. She wasn't going to go out like a bitch, getting chipped away to a pathetic demise! NO FIREBALL COULD TOUCH HER!
A deep breath... eyes closed... she raised her hands, tightening them into fists, one atop the other... akin to holding the handle of a katana, but with nothing there but thin air. Thin air was all she needed.
FWOOOOSH... the fireballs came quicker... quicker...! But... they felt slow. Yes... she could see them coming from a mile away. These fireballs were slower than caramel... everything around her vibrated, like her own personal field of insight slowed the world around her. There's no way these would ever hurt her.
Finally, she sprang into action.
"HYAA!" A deep lunge. She swung her hands downwards once, twice, two rapid vertical sword strokes in succession. A thin blue streak of chi, almost invisible to the naked eye, could barely be seen in the air, as they cleaved through both fireballs, one after the other, vaporizing them to useless withering embers. It was as if she were holding a real sword, of the keenest steel... but the only weapon in her grasp was her own chi, nurtured from intense training.
Butt could barely believe it; his pompadour actually TWITCHED with disbelief. But that wasn't even the worst to come.
A second lunge. This time... her swing was MUCH deeper.
"HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Kasumi's overhead swing reached the ground, and produced a wide berth of slashing blue chi, which skimmed the ground and ripped up the asphalt where it blazed. It extended long and reached its target: one very screwed Butt.
"Ahhh SH-OUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Kasumi's mighty slash ripped through him, tearing his clothes to tatters, undoing his luxurious hairdo, until it was a wild mop of black hair dangling erratically around his face. When the smoke cleared and all was revealed... there stood Butt, nearly naked, his hair a mess... and the guy fell backwards with a THUD.
"That's one down." Kasumi extended her forefinger with a grin. "You fought well, Mr. Butt, but as long as I, Kasumi Todoh, am alive... I SHALL NEVER LOSE TO YOU KYOKUGENS!"
Feeling 110% better about herself, Kasumi merrily hopped along... leaving poor Butt flat like a pancake.
"Ugh... argh... anyone... got any... hair gel...?"
Meanwhile, back on the 'dance floor'...
"Cmon, Momo-chan! You can take him!" Bao cheered on enthusiastically for his fellow junior Psycho Soldier. Chin also seemed pretty delighted by what was going on. There was no calming remedy for Kensou though, as the kid who had been entrusted with the two youngers with Athena's blessing, was having a nervous breakdown.
"Relax, Kensou." Chin reassured with a wide, tooth-lacking grin. "This is a good test of character for her."
"Master..." Kensou's vein throbbed. "You've been stuck on that line ALL DAY!"
Momoko had found her rhythm, getting into a comfortable Ginga (her own modified version)
...It was Duck's foot movement that was throwing her off. It was hard to focus on their constant side-to-side jukes, especially the way he kept fist pumping like Jersey Shore rejects at a dance club.
It was the confusing dancer who struck the first move; he criss-crossed his feet, spun around 360, king of pop style... and he let loose a low kick that tripped Momoko up.
"AH!" Momoko squealed as she lost her footing, tumbling onto her butt. She was up seconds later, taking a moment to get properly back into her Ginga... this time, she paid FULL attention to Duck's feet. That had to be the key to victory.
...He tried the same move again, except this time, he spun in the OPPOSITE direction. Momoko would not be fooled. She immediately cartwheeled forward, wrapping around his torso with a scissor-leg takedown, dropping him to the ground, and backflipping back to range.
"Attagirl, Momo-chan! Show that wannabe funkster who the real feet technician is!" Kensou cheered.
Duck King did a classic windmill for style, before springing back onto his feet and coming forward with a sliding kick; Momoko used her hands well, backflipping out of range and extending a hand to balance out her weight.
Momoko got a spinning start, transitioning into a flying kick with both feet, right leading the left by miliseconds. Duck curled into a ball and rolled backwards, springing back up. He came forward with a low sweeping kick, which missed, but the funkster transitioned into a crazy handstand kick, letting his left foot protrude outward with striking power.
...Coincidentally, Momoko did a handstand kick at the exact same moment. The result was a rather beautiful moment of dancing symmetry, as their dominant legs met in mid-air like dueling swords. They both broke away from the stalemate, and got back into their sweet grooves.
"YOU GOT HIM, MOMO-CHAN! Keep matching his footwork! Make it crazy!" Chin boosted.
"You got the moves and the groove, sista, but you can't stop this funkadelic flow!" Duck boasted, moonwalking forward and launching a backfist.
Momoko countered his backfist with a wheel kick, knocking his hand away. "I GOT THE FLOW! I'M FEELIN IT! I'M FEELIN THE FLOOOOW!"
"The funk has taken Momo-chan!" Bao cried.
"Heeheeheehee... excellent." Chin giggled with glee. "Momoko will fight better when she's having as much fun as possible."
...For whatever reason, Duck King flopped onto his head and did a wild headspin. Momoko embraced the chaos and mounted her own head as well, and now... this looked more like a contest of spinning tops!
"WOOOO FEEL THE BURN BABY! OWWW OWW OWWWWWW! MY FLUFFY, FEATHERY HEAD!" Duck King howled as he spun 'round and 'round and 'round, with no real rhyme or reason other than to show off his wicked rotation.
"I can top you in this top-off!" Momoko boasted, and she was still spinning too, at the same speed and intensity.
15...16...17... 18... 20...30...40 ROTATIONS! Their heads must have been on fire! Grinding against hot asphalt, twirling their brains like cotton candy... would they be legal vegetables after this?!
"How long can she do that?!" Kensou cried.
"As long as it takes." Chin nodded.
Finally, at a somehow perfect moment of synchronization, Duck King and Momoko broke their spin and frontflipped to their feet... and Duck King collapsed on his face.
"Oooh, ouuuugh... losin my lunch... too much linguini... OWWWW the sister spun me right round right round, baby! I'M DONE!"
Momoko, still standing after the grueling spin-off, wobbled a few times... but still managed to walk under her own strength back to Kensou and Bao, who immediately embraced her.
"YOU DID IT, MOMO-CHAN!" Bao squealed. "YOU DANCED HIS PANTS OFF!"
"Well... not literally. Thank god." Kensou said with a sweatdrop. "But in any case, you did great there, Momo-chan. If you can stand up to the likes of Duck King, I think maybe, just maybe you'll do alright in this tournament."
"Huff... hufff.. oooogh..." Momoko groaned. "Thanks guys! I feel a little woozy... might puke... but I'm so happy~!"
Chin merely watched his young pupil with a small nod of acknowledgement and a warm smile.
"What's up?" Choi asked Chang, after the big man carried his tiny counterpart to a secluded alley, where the bickering Kim and Jhun couldn't bother them.
"You KNOW what's up." Chang set his partner down and spoke in a hushed tone. "Tell me I'm not the only one who's just about... no, I AM fed up with this whole crappy chapter of our lives."
"You mean the reform thing?" Choi knew what Chang was talking about, but asked anyway just to clarify.
"This may sound weird to you..." Chang stroked his beard. "...But I think these self-righteous idiots have taken so long trying to change us into 'good people', that now it just makes me SICK of the idea! I think we were better off before we even got started with Kim!"
Choi gently stroked his chin, emphasis on gentle. "Hmmm... I think you got a point there. Kim, Jhun... I'm sick of this whole thing. It was fun and fresh for a while, you know? Feeling like a REAL chance to start anew! But now... bleh. They took it way too far. Blew it all out of proportion. They pushed it and pushed it, to the point where I think they've done more harm than good. I mean... I don't even wanna be a good guy anymore. The idea just sounds disgusting to me."
"Then we're on the same page here." Chang returned. "We can't do this anymore, short guy! The best chance we have to move forward with our lives, the ONLY chance... is to get the hell away from these lunatics before they do anymore damage to us. We don't need THEM to make something meaningful of our lives, yeah?"
It was hard to tell if Choi was looking at Chang, because of the glasses... but it looked more like the short guy was looking BEYOND him.
Chang sensed it. "What is it?"
"...Behind us."
"Don't tell me they found us?!"
Chang and Choi spun around to meet the mysterious figure. It was NOT Kim or Jhun.
Their faces both stretched. "YOU?!"
"...I'm going to need one of your entry cards." the intimidating figure pointed. "You, fat guy. You had your turn last year. I remember watching you on TV... you're cheating scum. Give me your card."
The figure approached, lifting his hand up slowly... an orange flicker ignited into a red blaze.
Chang and Choi wisely backed off. Chang in particular was quaking in his shoes, because this brown-haired gentlemen was looking at HIM.
"H-h-hey now...! Cmon, we go way back!" Chang laughed awkwardly. "I mean, not REALLY but... I remember you from that year! P-please put your h-hand.. flame out? Cmon, not me! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS? AUUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Chang was engulfed by the pure, punishing fire of the Kusanagi Flame. Choi, having witnessed his friend looking like a roasted pig, ran away as fast as his stubby little legs could take him.
I think my good friend Rex Madison described this style best... if you simply read Kumite like you're watching a sitcom or soap opera, it flows a lot better. Shows like that are always tackling multiple situations spread across a wide area, and they tend to cut from scene to scene in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, people from the next scene start talking before the screen has even transitioned. So there. Just a little tip to help these character-packed chapters flow easier for you!
NEXT CHAPTER: Eat, drink, and be merry! For tomorrow, we... beat the shit out of each other : ) the tournament begins on CH6! Don't be late!
