Chapter three: Vs. Korea
Malon opened her eyes. She noticed that it was now daytime, and Billy was standing over her, shaking her by the shoulder. He was already in his battle gear. Malon slowly sat up.
"What is it, Billy?" Malon yawned as she rubbed her eyes.
"You need to get up." Billy replied. "The tournament starts in an hour."
"Okay. I'm coming." Malon said as she got out of her bed. Billy noticed that she was still in her normal outfit.
"You sleep in those?" Billy asked.
"I don't have any other outfits." Malon explained.
After combing her hair to make it look better, Malon followed Billy into the main room, where Joe and Choi were waiting.
"You finally awake?" Choi laughed.
"I couldn't help it." Malon said. "I've had a busy day yesterday."
The team of four left the hotel room, but not before Billy grabbed his staff and Choi slipped on his claws. After grabbing some breakfast at a restaurant, the team headed towards the KOF building, where they had gone to register the night before.
Soon, they arrived at the KOF building. They walked over to the woman at the counter, who was reading a magazine.
"Excuse us, ma'am?" Billy said. The woman looked up from her book and slightly smiled.
"Well, look who's here." The woman said. "The so-called 'Rescuer Team'." The woman reached under the counter and pulled out a key. She handed it to Billy. "Here you go. Your locker room is fifth door on the left side of the hallway down that way." She pointed down a hallway to her right.
The team thanked the woman and walked down the hallway. The quickly found the locker room, and Billy used the key to get in.
Since the team didn't have anything to store, all they had to do was wait until the tournament was ready to start. Figuring that she might as well start a conversation, Malon spoke up.
"Guys? I haven't been in a tournament like this before." Malon said. "How do the fights work?"
"Well, we're a team of four, but the rules only allow three people to fight in a battle." Joe explained. "We're to select our three people to fight, meaning the fourth person is to become the striker."
"'Striker?'" Malon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A striker doesn't actually fight in the battle, but can come out to assist the person who IS fighting." Choi stated. "The striker comes out, does a move, and leaves. However, the striker can only be brought out a certain amount of time in a match."
"The rules are simple." Billy added. "If we defeat the three members of the other team before the opponent does the same to us, we win."
Billy, Joe and Choi spent the next little bit explaining the basics about the fights. From the time limits to the allowances of double-KO's. By the time they finished, it was about quarter to nine.
"We'd better get into the main arena." Choi said. "We've only got fifteen minutes until the announcer starts introducing the teams."
Everyone agreed, left the locker room and started walking down the hallway, towards a very large door, where many other fighters were waiting. A couple other fighters spotted noticed Malon as one team went out to get introduced.
"I've never seen you before." Sie Kensou said as he scarfed down a meat bun. "I take it this is your first year."
"You got that right." Malon replied.
"Well, good luck." Chizuru Kagura said as she and the rest of the Female Team went out to get introduced.
Soon, the Rescuer Team was the next team to get introduced.
"You guys ready?" Billy asked as he clutched his staff in his right hand.
"Ready." Joe said as he pounded his fists together.
"Ready when you are." Choi added as he slashed his claws together.
"I hope we can do this." Malon said.
The doors opened automatically and the Rescuer Team walked out into the arena, which was surrounded by stands that were packed with screaming fans.
"The Rescuer Team!" The announcer shouted through a microphone. "Billy Kane, Joe Higashi, Choi Bounge and newcomer Malon!" The fans went wild.
Malon smiled as she looked around. "Gee, I've never had this many people cheer for me before."
Joe smiled back. "As you participate in more tournaments, you'll get used to it."
After all the other teams had been introduced, the announcer spoke into the microphone again, telling the different teams to walk towards different platforms to be transported to the different arenas across the world. After several of the teams had gone onto different platforms, they vanished into thin air.
"Teleporters." Joe said. "Much easier than taking flights."
"Rescuer Team." The announcer said into the microphone. "Please step onto platform seven."
Billy, Joe, Malon and Choi obeyed the announcer and walked towards the large platform that had a number 7 on it. The team stepped on it, and vanished into thin air.
For fifteen seconds, Malon felt like she was flying. She felt like she was soaring through the air, towards a white light at the end of a portal, with her teammates beside her.
Malon suddenly felt herself on dry ground again. She looked around. The Rescuer Team was standing on the left side of a dock.
"Hey!" Joe said. "We're in Korea!"
"Korea?" Choi asked. "But that means that..."
Suddenly, the team heard a crackling noise as Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan, May Lee and Jhun Hoon appeared on the other side of the arena.
"What the?!" Kim said as soon as he saw the Rescuer Team.
"Well, isn't this a coincidence?" May Lee chuckled.
"Oh, no!" Choi said. "I don't wanna fight Chang!"
"Let them decide the team order first." Joe said. "Maybe we can work something out."
"Master Kim." Chang said.
"Yes, Chang?" Kim asked.
"Permission to be the striker for this match." Chang said.
"Permission granted." Kim said. "Who wants to go first?"
"I might as well." Jhun said.
"I'll go second." May Lee added.
Meanwhile,
"Looks like they've decided." Billy said. "Jhun's going first, then May, then Kim. Chang's gonna be the striker."
"Let me go first, then!" Choi said.
"I'll go next." Joe volunteered.
"Then I'll go third." Malon said.
"Okay." Billy said. "I'll be the striker. Good luck, Choi."
Everyone wished Choi luck as the midget entered the arena with Jhun.
"You're gonna be sorry for leaving us, my friend." Jhun said as he got into a fighting stance.
"Hey, at least I'm actually fighting for a purpose this year!" Choi said as he too got into a stance.
"FIGHT!" The announcer's voice rang out through the arena.
Jhun charged at Choi and jumped into the air for a flying kick. Choi saw this coming and darted underneath Jhun, jumped into the air and took a slash at Jhun's back. Jhun landed on the ground, giving Choi the opportunity to kick him a few times while he was on the ground. Jhun got up and quickly lashed out his foot, which nailed Choi in the face. Choi staggered back but quickly regained his stance and jumped at Jhun, slashing him a couple times with his claws. Jhun quickly retaliated by doing a kick combo, which drained a fair amount of Choi's energy. After recovering Choi grabbed Jhun, climbed up on top of him and slashed his claws a couple of times. Jhun landed on the ground, but Choi wasn't through yet. The midget ran over to Jhun and, much to Malon's surprise, his hands flashed a bright white. Choi spun around countless times, claws outstretched. Jhun was injured greatly by this attack, and was knocked to the ground. However, the silver-haired man still got to his feet.
"How did Choi do that?" Malon asked, eyes wide.
"That was a 'super move'." Joe replied. "They're easy to pull off. Just focus all attention on the hand or foot you want to attack with. You could even pull off super moves with both hands, both feet or even your head if you focused hard enough. You could do a super move with anything if you focused your attention on it."
While Joe was talking to Malon, Jhun had seemed to have made a comeback. He was currently attacking Choi with a barrage of kicks, not giving Choi a chance to block. Soon, Choi was sent to the floor, but he still stood, although he was extremely dizzy. Jhun didn't even bother to attack Choi, but he merely stood still.
Jhun folded his arms and snickered. "Time for me to finish this!" He then turned to the Korea Team's striker. "Chang! Show the squirt what I think about him leaving us!"
Reluctantly, Chang charged into the arena, iron ball ready to attack. Billy, however, knew what to do.
"That's not gonna happen, buddy!" Billy said as he dove into the arena, battle staff ready to attack.
Billy leapt in front of Choi and lashed out his staff. The staff extended, knocked Chang off his feet and clobbered Jhun in the stomach. By now, Choi had gotten over his dizziness.
"Thanks, Billy!" Choi said as Billy jumped out of the arena. Chang did the same.
Choi was mad now. He charged at Jhun, dove and spun around, sailing towards Jhun like a spike-ended torpedo. Choi managed to attack Jhun before landing on the ground. Jhun's energy was almost depleted. Choi decided to finish the fight. Choi grabbed Jhun and climbed on top of his shoulders again. Choi raised his claws into the air.
"For Lilly!" Choi cried as he took a final slash at Jhun. Choi hopped off as Jhun collapsed to the ground. This time, Jhun didn't get up.
Kim rushed over to Jhun's side and felt for a pulse. He was relieved when he found one.
"KO!" The announcer shouted. "Choi wins!"
"I'm not done yet." Choi thought. He knew that May Lee was next, and he didn't have a lot of energy left.
May hopped into the arena. "Great work, Choi! But I shall defeat you!"
"That's a given." Choi thought. "I just hope I can get in a couple of hits."
"FIGHT!"
Choi and May charged at each other. Choi attempted a slash, but May was quicker. She landed a quick kick to Choi's stomach. Choi, not wanting to go down without at least damaging his opponent, quickly slashed May a couple of times. That was all he could do, however, and May reached out to grab him. She successfully grabbed Choi and threw him over her shoulder. Choi landed on his back, and was too weak to get back up.
"KO! May wins!"
Billy rushed over to Choi and dragged him out of the arena.
"You alright?" Billy asked.
"Sorry about that." Choi said. "I was too weak to take her on."
"Don't worry. You took down Jhun."
Joe hopped into the arena to face off with May. Joe threw off his jacket, leaving himself clad only in his shorts.
"Man, that's disturbing." Malon said, seeing what Joe was going to fight in.
"If you think THAT'S disturbing, you should see his taunt." Billy laughed.
"FIGHT!"
Joe quickly threw himself at May, foot outstretched. One strange thing was that his entire leg was engulfed in flames. May saw this coming and wisely blocked the attack. May quickly gave Joe a few quick punches to the stomach. Joe jumped back and lashed out his fist, creating a typhoon. The typhoon lifted May off her feet and blew her back a few feet. May quickly jumped to her feet.
"Chang! Help me out!" May called out.
"With pleasure!" Chang replied as he tore onto the arena.
Joe managed to attack May with a couple of attacks, but was unsuccessful at blocking Chang's iron ball attack. Joe was sent back about ten feet, but quickly got to his feet. Joe's hand glowed as he lashed it out, sending out several typhoons, which brought May's damage to around the same level as his. Both fighters were near defeat. Joe quickly attacked May with a couple of punches, but the female fighter replied with a hard kick. Both fighters stood still, staring each other down.
"I'm gonna win this one for Lilly!" Joe cried. "SLICING KICK!"
"You won't win so easily!" May replied. "SPLIT KICK!"
As Joe charged at May doing the same kick he did at the beginning of the fight, May leapt into the air, front flipped once and attempted to bring her foot down on Joe's head. May's attack was a success, as her foot smacked Joe in the forehead. Luckily, Joe's attack was also a success, as his foot made contact with May's face. Both fighters fell to the ground, and neither of them got up.
"DOUBLE KO!"
After Billy and Choi had gotten Joe off the arena, Malon looked at her bandana-wearing partner. "What happens now?"
"You have to go in and fight Kim." Billy replied. "You're the only fighter left."
Malon gulped as she jumped into the arena, where Kim was already standing.
"Lilly's counting on us." Malon thought. "I won't let her down."
"Let's see what you've got." Kim said as he got into a stance.
"FIGHT!"
Kim started off with a Split Kick, which didn't even touch Malon, as she was too far away. Malon quickly dove towards Kim and threw three quick punches to his stomach. Kim's foot suddenly flashed, and before Malon could do anything, Kim had done his upward kick super move, sending Malon thirty feet into the air. Malon landed on her back, but got to her feet.
"Billy!" Malon cried. "I need your help!"
"I'm coming, Malon!" Billy shouted as he jumped into the arena and attacked Kim with his extended staff.
As Billy left, Malon leapt into the air and spun around, attacking Kim with her feet. As Malon landed, Kim's foot flashed again.
"WHOA!" Malon cried.
Suddenly, just before Kim could attack, Malon had scooted behind him with lightning quick speed. While Kim was doing his super move to thin air, Malon leapt into the air and brought her fist down onto Kim's head.
"Man!" Joe said in astonishment. "Malon's doing great!"
"Not only that!" Choi said. "But those moves of hers makes it seem like we're watching Lucky Glauber fighting again!"
Malon threw her fists into Kim's stomach several times, sending the man back several feet. His energy was now down to less than a third. Malon remembered what Joe had told her.
"'Focus all attention on what you want to attack with.' That's what I'm supposed to do." Malon thought. "It's now or never."
Malon focused all attention on her right hand as she stared at Kim, who was charging at her. Suddenly, her hand flashed. Malon charged forward and grabbed Kim. The Hylian pulled her right fist back.
"I'm sorry!" Malon cried as she thrust her fist into Kim's face. Kim was sent to the ground, where he lay unmoving.
"KO! Malon wins!" The announcer shouted. "Rescuer Team wins!"
The Rescuer Team didn't have time to celebrate, as they all vanished into thin air.
Once again, Malon felt herself flying. Soon, she found herself standing back on the platform in the KOF arena. The Korea Team had also appeared on another platform.
"The Rescuer Team is given one hour to rest up for the next fight." The announcer said.
As the Rescuer Team walked out of the arena and towards the locker room, Joe slapped Malon on the back.
"You were amazing out there, Malon!" Joe said. "And that super move you did was amazing!"
"You really think I did well?" Malon asked.
"Sure we do!" Choi stated.
"All we have to do is win three more fights." Billy said. "Then we can fight the man who's going to fight the winners."
"Lilly's counting on us." Malon said. "We can't let her down."
To be continued...
Malon opened her eyes. She noticed that it was now daytime, and Billy was standing over her, shaking her by the shoulder. He was already in his battle gear. Malon slowly sat up.
"What is it, Billy?" Malon yawned as she rubbed her eyes.
"You need to get up." Billy replied. "The tournament starts in an hour."
"Okay. I'm coming." Malon said as she got out of her bed. Billy noticed that she was still in her normal outfit.
"You sleep in those?" Billy asked.
"I don't have any other outfits." Malon explained.
After combing her hair to make it look better, Malon followed Billy into the main room, where Joe and Choi were waiting.
"You finally awake?" Choi laughed.
"I couldn't help it." Malon said. "I've had a busy day yesterday."
The team of four left the hotel room, but not before Billy grabbed his staff and Choi slipped on his claws. After grabbing some breakfast at a restaurant, the team headed towards the KOF building, where they had gone to register the night before.
Soon, they arrived at the KOF building. They walked over to the woman at the counter, who was reading a magazine.
"Excuse us, ma'am?" Billy said. The woman looked up from her book and slightly smiled.
"Well, look who's here." The woman said. "The so-called 'Rescuer Team'." The woman reached under the counter and pulled out a key. She handed it to Billy. "Here you go. Your locker room is fifth door on the left side of the hallway down that way." She pointed down a hallway to her right.
The team thanked the woman and walked down the hallway. The quickly found the locker room, and Billy used the key to get in.
Since the team didn't have anything to store, all they had to do was wait until the tournament was ready to start. Figuring that she might as well start a conversation, Malon spoke up.
"Guys? I haven't been in a tournament like this before." Malon said. "How do the fights work?"
"Well, we're a team of four, but the rules only allow three people to fight in a battle." Joe explained. "We're to select our three people to fight, meaning the fourth person is to become the striker."
"'Striker?'" Malon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A striker doesn't actually fight in the battle, but can come out to assist the person who IS fighting." Choi stated. "The striker comes out, does a move, and leaves. However, the striker can only be brought out a certain amount of time in a match."
"The rules are simple." Billy added. "If we defeat the three members of the other team before the opponent does the same to us, we win."
Billy, Joe and Choi spent the next little bit explaining the basics about the fights. From the time limits to the allowances of double-KO's. By the time they finished, it was about quarter to nine.
"We'd better get into the main arena." Choi said. "We've only got fifteen minutes until the announcer starts introducing the teams."
Everyone agreed, left the locker room and started walking down the hallway, towards a very large door, where many other fighters were waiting. A couple other fighters spotted noticed Malon as one team went out to get introduced.
"I've never seen you before." Sie Kensou said as he scarfed down a meat bun. "I take it this is your first year."
"You got that right." Malon replied.
"Well, good luck." Chizuru Kagura said as she and the rest of the Female Team went out to get introduced.
Soon, the Rescuer Team was the next team to get introduced.
"You guys ready?" Billy asked as he clutched his staff in his right hand.
"Ready." Joe said as he pounded his fists together.
"Ready when you are." Choi added as he slashed his claws together.
"I hope we can do this." Malon said.
The doors opened automatically and the Rescuer Team walked out into the arena, which was surrounded by stands that were packed with screaming fans.
"The Rescuer Team!" The announcer shouted through a microphone. "Billy Kane, Joe Higashi, Choi Bounge and newcomer Malon!" The fans went wild.
Malon smiled as she looked around. "Gee, I've never had this many people cheer for me before."
Joe smiled back. "As you participate in more tournaments, you'll get used to it."
After all the other teams had been introduced, the announcer spoke into the microphone again, telling the different teams to walk towards different platforms to be transported to the different arenas across the world. After several of the teams had gone onto different platforms, they vanished into thin air.
"Teleporters." Joe said. "Much easier than taking flights."
"Rescuer Team." The announcer said into the microphone. "Please step onto platform seven."
Billy, Joe, Malon and Choi obeyed the announcer and walked towards the large platform that had a number 7 on it. The team stepped on it, and vanished into thin air.
For fifteen seconds, Malon felt like she was flying. She felt like she was soaring through the air, towards a white light at the end of a portal, with her teammates beside her.
Malon suddenly felt herself on dry ground again. She looked around. The Rescuer Team was standing on the left side of a dock.
"Hey!" Joe said. "We're in Korea!"
"Korea?" Choi asked. "But that means that..."
Suddenly, the team heard a crackling noise as Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan, May Lee and Jhun Hoon appeared on the other side of the arena.
"What the?!" Kim said as soon as he saw the Rescuer Team.
"Well, isn't this a coincidence?" May Lee chuckled.
"Oh, no!" Choi said. "I don't wanna fight Chang!"
"Let them decide the team order first." Joe said. "Maybe we can work something out."
"Master Kim." Chang said.
"Yes, Chang?" Kim asked.
"Permission to be the striker for this match." Chang said.
"Permission granted." Kim said. "Who wants to go first?"
"I might as well." Jhun said.
"I'll go second." May Lee added.
Meanwhile,
"Looks like they've decided." Billy said. "Jhun's going first, then May, then Kim. Chang's gonna be the striker."
"Let me go first, then!" Choi said.
"I'll go next." Joe volunteered.
"Then I'll go third." Malon said.
"Okay." Billy said. "I'll be the striker. Good luck, Choi."
Everyone wished Choi luck as the midget entered the arena with Jhun.
"You're gonna be sorry for leaving us, my friend." Jhun said as he got into a fighting stance.
"Hey, at least I'm actually fighting for a purpose this year!" Choi said as he too got into a stance.
"FIGHT!" The announcer's voice rang out through the arena.
Jhun charged at Choi and jumped into the air for a flying kick. Choi saw this coming and darted underneath Jhun, jumped into the air and took a slash at Jhun's back. Jhun landed on the ground, giving Choi the opportunity to kick him a few times while he was on the ground. Jhun got up and quickly lashed out his foot, which nailed Choi in the face. Choi staggered back but quickly regained his stance and jumped at Jhun, slashing him a couple times with his claws. Jhun quickly retaliated by doing a kick combo, which drained a fair amount of Choi's energy. After recovering Choi grabbed Jhun, climbed up on top of him and slashed his claws a couple of times. Jhun landed on the ground, but Choi wasn't through yet. The midget ran over to Jhun and, much to Malon's surprise, his hands flashed a bright white. Choi spun around countless times, claws outstretched. Jhun was injured greatly by this attack, and was knocked to the ground. However, the silver-haired man still got to his feet.
"How did Choi do that?" Malon asked, eyes wide.
"That was a 'super move'." Joe replied. "They're easy to pull off. Just focus all attention on the hand or foot you want to attack with. You could even pull off super moves with both hands, both feet or even your head if you focused hard enough. You could do a super move with anything if you focused your attention on it."
While Joe was talking to Malon, Jhun had seemed to have made a comeback. He was currently attacking Choi with a barrage of kicks, not giving Choi a chance to block. Soon, Choi was sent to the floor, but he still stood, although he was extremely dizzy. Jhun didn't even bother to attack Choi, but he merely stood still.
Jhun folded his arms and snickered. "Time for me to finish this!" He then turned to the Korea Team's striker. "Chang! Show the squirt what I think about him leaving us!"
Reluctantly, Chang charged into the arena, iron ball ready to attack. Billy, however, knew what to do.
"That's not gonna happen, buddy!" Billy said as he dove into the arena, battle staff ready to attack.
Billy leapt in front of Choi and lashed out his staff. The staff extended, knocked Chang off his feet and clobbered Jhun in the stomach. By now, Choi had gotten over his dizziness.
"Thanks, Billy!" Choi said as Billy jumped out of the arena. Chang did the same.
Choi was mad now. He charged at Jhun, dove and spun around, sailing towards Jhun like a spike-ended torpedo. Choi managed to attack Jhun before landing on the ground. Jhun's energy was almost depleted. Choi decided to finish the fight. Choi grabbed Jhun and climbed on top of his shoulders again. Choi raised his claws into the air.
"For Lilly!" Choi cried as he took a final slash at Jhun. Choi hopped off as Jhun collapsed to the ground. This time, Jhun didn't get up.
Kim rushed over to Jhun's side and felt for a pulse. He was relieved when he found one.
"KO!" The announcer shouted. "Choi wins!"
"I'm not done yet." Choi thought. He knew that May Lee was next, and he didn't have a lot of energy left.
May hopped into the arena. "Great work, Choi! But I shall defeat you!"
"That's a given." Choi thought. "I just hope I can get in a couple of hits."
"FIGHT!"
Choi and May charged at each other. Choi attempted a slash, but May was quicker. She landed a quick kick to Choi's stomach. Choi, not wanting to go down without at least damaging his opponent, quickly slashed May a couple of times. That was all he could do, however, and May reached out to grab him. She successfully grabbed Choi and threw him over her shoulder. Choi landed on his back, and was too weak to get back up.
"KO! May wins!"
Billy rushed over to Choi and dragged him out of the arena.
"You alright?" Billy asked.
"Sorry about that." Choi said. "I was too weak to take her on."
"Don't worry. You took down Jhun."
Joe hopped into the arena to face off with May. Joe threw off his jacket, leaving himself clad only in his shorts.
"Man, that's disturbing." Malon said, seeing what Joe was going to fight in.
"If you think THAT'S disturbing, you should see his taunt." Billy laughed.
"FIGHT!"
Joe quickly threw himself at May, foot outstretched. One strange thing was that his entire leg was engulfed in flames. May saw this coming and wisely blocked the attack. May quickly gave Joe a few quick punches to the stomach. Joe jumped back and lashed out his fist, creating a typhoon. The typhoon lifted May off her feet and blew her back a few feet. May quickly jumped to her feet.
"Chang! Help me out!" May called out.
"With pleasure!" Chang replied as he tore onto the arena.
Joe managed to attack May with a couple of attacks, but was unsuccessful at blocking Chang's iron ball attack. Joe was sent back about ten feet, but quickly got to his feet. Joe's hand glowed as he lashed it out, sending out several typhoons, which brought May's damage to around the same level as his. Both fighters were near defeat. Joe quickly attacked May with a couple of punches, but the female fighter replied with a hard kick. Both fighters stood still, staring each other down.
"I'm gonna win this one for Lilly!" Joe cried. "SLICING KICK!"
"You won't win so easily!" May replied. "SPLIT KICK!"
As Joe charged at May doing the same kick he did at the beginning of the fight, May leapt into the air, front flipped once and attempted to bring her foot down on Joe's head. May's attack was a success, as her foot smacked Joe in the forehead. Luckily, Joe's attack was also a success, as his foot made contact with May's face. Both fighters fell to the ground, and neither of them got up.
"DOUBLE KO!"
After Billy and Choi had gotten Joe off the arena, Malon looked at her bandana-wearing partner. "What happens now?"
"You have to go in and fight Kim." Billy replied. "You're the only fighter left."
Malon gulped as she jumped into the arena, where Kim was already standing.
"Lilly's counting on us." Malon thought. "I won't let her down."
"Let's see what you've got." Kim said as he got into a stance.
"FIGHT!"
Kim started off with a Split Kick, which didn't even touch Malon, as she was too far away. Malon quickly dove towards Kim and threw three quick punches to his stomach. Kim's foot suddenly flashed, and before Malon could do anything, Kim had done his upward kick super move, sending Malon thirty feet into the air. Malon landed on her back, but got to her feet.
"Billy!" Malon cried. "I need your help!"
"I'm coming, Malon!" Billy shouted as he jumped into the arena and attacked Kim with his extended staff.
As Billy left, Malon leapt into the air and spun around, attacking Kim with her feet. As Malon landed, Kim's foot flashed again.
"WHOA!" Malon cried.
Suddenly, just before Kim could attack, Malon had scooted behind him with lightning quick speed. While Kim was doing his super move to thin air, Malon leapt into the air and brought her fist down onto Kim's head.
"Man!" Joe said in astonishment. "Malon's doing great!"
"Not only that!" Choi said. "But those moves of hers makes it seem like we're watching Lucky Glauber fighting again!"
Malon threw her fists into Kim's stomach several times, sending the man back several feet. His energy was now down to less than a third. Malon remembered what Joe had told her.
"'Focus all attention on what you want to attack with.' That's what I'm supposed to do." Malon thought. "It's now or never."
Malon focused all attention on her right hand as she stared at Kim, who was charging at her. Suddenly, her hand flashed. Malon charged forward and grabbed Kim. The Hylian pulled her right fist back.
"I'm sorry!" Malon cried as she thrust her fist into Kim's face. Kim was sent to the ground, where he lay unmoving.
"KO! Malon wins!" The announcer shouted. "Rescuer Team wins!"
The Rescuer Team didn't have time to celebrate, as they all vanished into thin air.
Once again, Malon felt herself flying. Soon, she found herself standing back on the platform in the KOF arena. The Korea Team had also appeared on another platform.
"The Rescuer Team is given one hour to rest up for the next fight." The announcer said.
As the Rescuer Team walked out of the arena and towards the locker room, Joe slapped Malon on the back.
"You were amazing out there, Malon!" Joe said. "And that super move you did was amazing!"
"You really think I did well?" Malon asked.
"Sure we do!" Choi stated.
"All we have to do is win three more fights." Billy said. "Then we can fight the man who's going to fight the winners."
"Lilly's counting on us." Malon said. "We can't let her down."
To be continued...