Spider-Man/King of Fighters Ch.2
Peter Parker arrived at his high school and went straight to his first class. But before entering,he saw Flash and Kong across the hall,walking up.
"Oh man-not them!"he thought frantically. He sure as helll didn't want a hassle or kick from either of them.
But to his amazement,the two didn't notice Parker at all,they were both reading a flyer and looking at some photos of some sort. And Peter could swear that one of them said the word.King of Fighters while yammering.
"Man-it's gonna be soooo cool!"said Flash excitedly. "This time Terry Bogard has gotta win!" "No way dude!"said Kong. "I'm up for that new guy K-he kicks major bootie I tell ya!" "Ah,he's a Kyo wannabe if ya ask me!"said Flash. "No,Shingo Yabuki is a wannabe I hear."said Kong.
Peter eased into the doorway,allowing the two lugs to walk past. Relieved at last for now from the likes of either of them.
"Man,every morning should be like that."he thought before seating himself at his desk.
Hours later,after school let out,Mary Jane Watson greeted him. "Hi pete."she said. "Oh,hi MJ."said Peter. "What's new?" "Oh nothing much."she said. "Except something I keep hearing about called King of Fighters."
"King of---."said Peter. ".believe or not I heard it from the terrible two- some of Flash and Kong." "Those two?"said MJ. "Sheesh,maybe they should start a news program on the latest hip-insiders." "Atually I just overheard them say it,they were too busy looking over some papers and flyers. But-I did hear a familiar name at least. Terry Bogard- and the name of some guy named ---K."
"You may be up to it science Peter."said a voice behind him,it was his old pal Harry Osborn. "Wassup harry?"said Peter. "Only the best news to hit the big apple no less."said Harry. "And you should really hit the school newsletter more often."
Harry handed Peter and MJ the school newspaper and it had photos of different martail artists dressed in colorful costumes and in the center of the photo -collage it read this:"THE KING OF FIGHTERS TAG-TEAM MEGA-MATCH!" "HELD THIS SATURDAY AT 5:00 PM. BE THERE TO WITNESS ALL THE BONE-CRUSHING FIST FLYING ACTION. TO BE HELD IN MADISON SQUARE,ALL FIGHTS WILL BE MONITORED. BE THERE!"
"Whoa boy."said Peter. "Sounds like an overdone media event." "I'll say."said MJ. "Who makes martial arts tournaments seem so-overhyped?" "Only those with enough wealth and influence have taken an interest in something that began long ago in a city known as Southtown." Said Harry.
"Southtown?"said Peter. "Oh yeah,I remember now." Peter remembered seeing on tv a few years ago about the highlights of the KOF '91 contest and it showed a man in a red and white varsity jacket and matching ball cap was fighting it out with a man named Geese Howard and Terry accidentally knocked Geese right off of his high-rise building known as Geese Tower. Terry won the championship anyways since many of it's citezins were relieved that the no.1 terror of Southtown,a mafia crime-lord was at last done away with.
"Terry Boagard won the second KOF contest after beating another fighter named Wolfgang Krauser,he hasn't won any new titles since,but he and his teammates the Fatal Fury team have kept trying in many contests since then. The titles were won so far by a man name Kyo Kusanagi." A photo of a young man with brown hair wearing a black school uniformn with gold trim and a white headband was shown next to the name:"Recent Reigning champion." "But he was absent from the 99 contest and it was then so far won by someone who goes by the name of K."
"Kei?"said MJ. "Sounds like a girl's name. "No MJ,just the letter K."said Harry. "But they say he fights very much like Kyo with his burning fist of fury. Anyways,it's gonna be great-I'm gonna be there to see it with Harry and Kong. You can too if ya want. So see you there."
Harry went back off to his mansion home. "Nice to see Harry's doing all right after his father went missing."said MJ. "Uh..yeah he sure is."said Peter. But as Spider-Man,Peter knew the horrible truth and prayed that when Norman Osborn resurfaced the next time,he would be free of the evil Goblin persona and affliction he was still under.
"So what do ya think?"said MJ. "You wanna go see this KOF stuff?" "Only if you do."said Peter. "Well.maybe we could give it a try."said Peter. "Maybe we'll see Terry Bogard there as well."
Meanwhile at a certain high-rise building down on 5th avenue.
Wilson Fisk,the Kingpin of crime looked out at the city,pondering thinking what to do and where to strike once his current state of affairs was over. He also vowed to take revenge upon the one who recenlty defeated and humilated him,Spider-Man.
He then lit a cigar and inhaled it's scent,blowing out grey smoke as he did. "You seem awfully calm for this don't you?"said a voice behind him. Someone clad in the shadows was sitting in one of the sofa chairs of his room.
"On the contrary,I am a bit anxious about getting involved in such a thing." "Come now Kingpin."said the stranger. "Those in wealth and power like Geese,Rugal and Chiziru have funded the KOF."
"Yes,but some like Geese and Rugal were criminals as well."said Fisk. "And after my recent---self exile and paying off the judge I have to be careful this time where I stick my fingers in certain pies."
"If ya wanna stick fingers in pies go to the local bakery-hahahaha.!"joked the stranger. Fisk was not amused in the least. "Just a joke."said the stranger. "Only just."said Fisk. "But you just make sure I get all that was damn well promised me when this is over."
"This is me you're talking to Kingpin."said the stranger as he got up,his face still concealled in darkness. "When it's over,you'll have the payment we promised. But-I also want you to make sure you get what we wanted also- the fighter named K."
"Yes him."said Fisk as he puffed his cigar. "We'll make sure he gets to the finals and you get him from there."
"Good."said the stranger. "I'm heading back now-and the contest begins this Friday. See you then."
The stranger left the room,leaving Fisk feeling nauseated by the stranger's presence. "The KOF is also a profitable venture for all involved."he thought. "But has also lead to the downfall of those I mentioned. Geese Howard and Rugal were admirable men,even I was influenced by their acts of terrorism and business dealings to further my empire,but-I'll be damned if either of them try to incinerate me or knock me out of a window. This had better be worth it when this is over."
The next night at a hotel on 2nd avenue.
Certain fighters from around the world had come to this event,but some were not so impressed that this time the KOF was to be a tag-team sport this time.
Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi entered the hotel lobby and went up to the front desk. "Yes sirs,can I help you?"said the manager. "We'd like to rent a room please."said Terry. "We're here for the tournament." "Ah,you're here for the KOF this Saturday huh?"said the manager. "It's great to have legendary fighters grace this hotel. Just pay up and sign here please."
Terry paid the certain amount and signed both him and Joe in. "Just wondering,did anyone else for the KOF sign in?"asked Terry. "As a matter of fact yes."said the manager. "Some like Kim Kaphwan and man came here as well as someone named-Duck King and a jamiacan man came here as well."
"I see."said Terry. "Thank you." The manager gave Terry and Joe the key to their flat. "I'm gonna take some bets on those two when the tourney starts."thought the manager. "Oh,the great Terry Bogard from Southtown here in my hotel! I hope he wins this time."
"Duck King got invited huh?"said Joe. "Well,it's about time since he's just one of many from Southtown who hasn't been involved in a KOF for awhile."
"Sure is."said Terry. "And a jamaican man? Must be Bob Wilson from the Pao Pao café. This should be quite a contest."
"I'm for Kim being here too."said Joe. "But I hope he didn't bring either of those buttheads-Chang or Choi here." "If he brought Chang,there'll be no room for him to walk through."joked Terry. "You said it-hahaha!"laughed Joe.
At the Waldorf Austoria Hotel.
Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia were sharing a room together,getting ready for the big event this Saturday.
Ryo stood at the balcony overlooking the huge city,and was busy doing some last minute training moves.
"Only you could think training and not relaxation even at a place like this Ryo."said Robert who was sitting at the foot of the bed.
"Sorry Rob,but every little bit counts if we're gonna win this year."said Ryo as he began his lightning punch technique.
"We did a whole year or so of training under master Takuma,and improved our fireball techniques-we can't lose!"
"Don't be so sure."said Ryo. "Overconfidence can led to one's defeat. We may also face K and Maxima this time."
"Those freakazoids?"said Robert. "Just as I was getting used to kyo and his mates,these guys show up and make tidal waves over the whole KOF. Who the heck are they really-and did they have a connection with the recently destroyed NESTS cartela?"
"That we may never know Robert."said Ryo. "But I do know that we must fight our best in hopes to win this."
While in another room,Kensou was seated in a sofa,fiddling with his latest pork bun,mastering certain ways to chew it.
Athena came in,dressed in her KOF'02 outfit,looking very ravashing. "Athena-ooohh!"said kensou as he almost dropped his bun.
"You eat any more of those Kensou and you might get a bit of a weight problem."said Athena. "No way baby."said Kensou. "I get enough exercise from these events-and it kinda helps with my training."
"How do I look?"she asked. "Lush as ever Athena."said Kensou grinning cockilly. Athena giggled. "You always approve. I kind of wish that this was a team play like the past KOF's but I guess we should give Bao and master Chin a rest after so long."
"We'll do fine Athena."said Kensou. "A tag-team is something that should've been done long ago for KOF." Kensou then thought. "And with it just being the two of us-maybe we can get a better chance of getting a little-closer- hee-hee!"
"And with me being in this contest I can also hold a concert after the contest is over."said Athena. "Uh yeah..that too."said Kensou."Man,she always has to mix business with pleasure!"
Over in the next room,Heavy D and Brian Battler were busy getting ready for the games. At last,they were back in the KOF,or at least two of them were. "It's good to know that we're back in the KOF again."said Brian. "But it's a shame that it's not a three-team like it was before."
"Aw it ain't no biggie,Brian."said D. "Lucky and the NBA had a game tonight anyways. I for one hope he whips the bulls and wins one for his team. And a tag-team's a major first for the KOF."
"Yeah,let's just hope we win it this time."said Brian. "It's been so long after the last KOF we been to."
"The Sport's team is back with a vengeance!"said D. "And we're gonna show the rest of the KOF what we're made of!"
While back out on the streets,the amazing Spider-Man was swinging high above then city-looking for anything to happen.
"This KOF thing is all over the city-is it really all it's cracked to be?"he thought.
Suddenly,his Spider-Sense warned him of imminent dangers.
He looked downward and saw a group of men emerging from the a manhole,carrying tools.
"I don't know what's going on down there."said Spidey."But I intend to find out." Spider-Man swung downward to the lone alleyway and stopped short of where the three men were.
"Hold it fellas!"he said. "Otherwise I won't have to---." Spidey's heroic speech was cut short as he got a good look at the three sabatours. They all wore blue coveralls and all looked identical,they all had brown wavy hair with both bang ends hanging over the sides of their foreheads and a handsome yet hard look to them.
Spidey rememered the photo he saw in the school newsletter,the photo of Kyo Kusanagi,they all looked exactly like him.
"K-kyo.?"said Spidey. The three men said nothing,but one of them acted as he jumped at the webslinger and swung his wrench at him.
Spider-Man ducked and uppercutted the first thug,causing him to crash to the asphalt covered ground.
The second thug jumped up and came downward at Spidey with a flying axe kick. Spidey dodged it and returned a counter-attack favor by punching the twin in the face!
The third thug was at the ready with an usual attack. He charged up a fireball in his left hand.
"That last punk's gonna do something!"thought Spidey his sense warning him again. "But what?"
The last thug swung his arm out and a large fireball flew at Spidey. "Ask a silly question."he thought as he jumped seven feet in the air before coming back down.
But just as he was about to make the pinch on the last thug,one of the triplet thugs came right up behind Spidey and clocked him in the head with his wrench!
"UNNGHH!"went Spidey as he fell to the ground. The triplet thugs then gathered up their tools and took off.
Spidey arose and rubbed the back of his head. "Man-I was so intent on stopping that last punk,my sense failed to warn me about one of the others."he thought. "Strange thing though,they all looked exactly like that guy I saw in the newsletter---Kyo Kusanagi. I didn't know he had-triplet brothers. Or maybe they're---clones? Nah,that can't be- cloning is a scientific impossibility. But---if science can create paranormal powers.could it be? And if so,who created them-and why-and what were they doing in that sewer?"
Spidey then decided to look down into the sewere they were in and found nothing but darkness and the unpleasant aroma of sewer gas.
"Nothing."he said. "Well,whatever happened,I have a gut feeling I'll find out eventually."
Spider-Man then shot another webline and took back to the sky.
While back at some of the same hotels the contestants for the KOF battle were in.
Saisyu was seated cross-legged on the bed while Shingo Yabuki was taking a shower. Saisyu was deep in thought,meditating his inner chi and power. He also wonders if his son Kyo or Iori will be in this year's KOF?"
Shingo exits from the room,a white towel around his waist,a scrub brush in his hand and a white shower cap on his head.
"Great shower!"he said aloud. "These american hotels are the best! Uh.master,are you all right?" Saisyu said nothing and was still in deep thought. "Oh,yeah right!"thought Shingo. "He always mediatates around this hour. I'd best not disturb him."
As Shingo changed into his clothes,namely his blue makeshift version of Kyo's original clothes,he was also lost in thought. "I wonder if Kyo and his team will be there." Shingo still thinks about the time Kusanagi and the others discarded him after KOF'01. Shingo usually does not bear grudges,but he still vows to teach Kyo,Ben and Daimon that he is as good a fighter as they are and will win back the respect he's earned-no matter what!"
Shingo also looked across the city scape through the window. He also thought about the stories about colorful and powerful warriors in NYC. Heroes like the one he heard about called-Spider-Man-and a group of heroes called the Ultimates,as well as reports of something called Mutants. He wondered,will any of them be in the contest?
Shingo flexed his legs and readied himself,for tomorrow the first ever KOF tag-team contest would begin!
While back across downtown at a local motel near a biker bar..
Both K and Maxima checked in and placed their luggage on the bed. K didn't mind where they were settling in,but Maxima was a bit offended.
"Only you could huck us someplace other than those swanky hotels!"he said. "Aw quit your gripin'Max."said K. "This place is pretty clean and the manager says he doesn't let any trouble come near here."
"What I don't get is why you had us come here,even with all the winnings we got from the last KOF after you and Kula fried that Igniz creep. We could afford it."
"I told you my reasons."said K. "The last KOF was held by NESTS themeselves and even though the rest of them were either killed or rounded up-there being another KOF even after a year does raise my suspicions."
"You think someone from NESTS is holding it huh?"said Maxima. "Exactly."said K. "And a tag-team? That's a little too strange don'cha think?" "I think you're being a little paranoid after what went down,K."said Maxima. "Nests is dust-they ain't coming back."
"We'll see."said K. "But what's more----I guess I've-gotten used to the KOF by now." "That's a good thing to at least hear."said Maxima. "It's been cool fighting alongside legends like Terry and Ryo-even Kyo I suppose."
"Don't even mention that name partner."said K. "I may have been cloned from that pompous ass upstart-but I'm my own man and I don't want any reminders about that guy."
"I know what ya mean K."said Maxima. "But keep in check in case he or that pyscho-trash Iori shows up."
K then went to the door to go outside. "Where you going?"said Maxima. "For a drink,of course."said K. "Don't you cause any trouble while you're over there."said Maxima. "No prob."said K. "Just tell that to anyone who tries it with me."
K then went off to the nearby bar for some action before tomorrow. Maxima then sat down and got out a copy of the Daily Bugle.
He first looked at an article on the vigilante known as Spider-Man and remembered when K told him about nearly running into him last night after arriving in the city.
"Huh,New York and their long-john wearin'weirdos."said Maxima. He then turned his attention to the front page news.
"BIG-APPLE BATTLE! KOF TO BE HELD IN NYC!" it said in black bold print. Photos of the man hosting was Wilson Fisk,the once suspected Kingpin of Crime. "Hmmm.big man there-literally."thought Maxima. "So far,he's the one hosting and funding it. So-I guess there isn't any indications of there ever being anything from NESTS but-they pulled the wool over everyone's eyes in the past before-even for K and myself. But.I guess we'll find out tonight."
While over at the bar,K went inside. He was greeted with a thick grey cloud of smoke from all the nicotine users.
Many bikers from around the block were either seated or standing about in the bar,resting or getting loaded on whatever they could find.
"Hnh-typical trash."thought K as he put his shades on before entering the bar.
Several people noticed him as he strode to the where the drinks were. A certain gang noticed him-a cuthroat group known as the Berzerkers.
A biker punk with a green bandana on his head and a red goattee looked on. "Hey boss-that who I think it is?"said the goattee punk.
"Sure is!"said the biker leader,a bearded biker with a black leather jacket,beer gut and leather pants as well as a switchblade in his hand.
"That's that K guy from the KOF."he said. "You mean as in KKK-HAHA!"lauhged one of the other berzerkers. "No!"said the bearded punk. "He's what they call a super-strong fighter who's won the three past KOF's-or so I hear."
"Well let's just see how tough he really is huh boss?"said the goattee. "You took the words right outta my mouth."said the beard.
K ordered a screwdriver and began sipping it before the bearded biker and two of his men came up.
Both men stood between K while the bearded one stood behind him.
"Hey-ain't you K?"said the goattee. "The dude from the King of Fighters tournaments?" "What if I am?"said K before he sipped his drink. "Well if you are."said the biker on the left,a guy with long brown hair and a grey tank top. "How's about showing us how tough you really are?"
"No thanks."said K. "Gotta save my strength for tomorrow ya know."
The bearded biker grabbed K by the shoulders and pulled him around to face him. "Listen you pretty boy faker!"spat the biker. "You think tourney fightin's like real street fighting? Well,I'm gonna show ya what it's all about!"
The biker whipped out his knife and lunged it at K. K simply caught the biker's wrist and slammed his knee right into his groin,causing the thug to fall backwards and wince in pain.
K looked at the blade and threw it across the floor before turning back to his drink. "G-GET THAT LITTLE SHIT!"said the biker leader.
The goattee slammed his elbow into K's back and was about to do some real damage,but K was on the rebound as he grabbed the punk by the shirt,removed his shades and heatbutted him.
The last berzerker pulled out a blackjack and swung it at K. The Kyo clone ducked it and did his flame uppercut on the long hair before he crashed to the floor,his face smoldered by intense fire.
K then dusted off his jacket and pants and returned to his drink.
Suddenly,someone threw a bar stool across the room,just nearly missing K and smashing into the mirror around the bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Seconds later,a fight broke out in pure hellbent fashion! Maxima,overhearing the racket,looked out the door and saw what was happening over at the bar.
"WHAT THE HELL?"he said. "Man,I knew something would happen if K went over there,I just knew it!"
Maxima ran as fast as he could and went inside. Once inside,the place really started to shake and rumble.
Spider-Man saw what was happening while swinging overhead. "What's this?"he said. "Another family get together at your local biker-bar- namely typical bar brawls?"
Spidey swung downward and landed safely on the ground,when he got up there and looked through the doors.
Sure enough,the entire horde of bikers and street punks were being immobilized by a pair of oddly dressed fighters in the middle.
"YO MAN-LOOK,IT'S SPIDER-MAN!"shouted one of the patrons. "OH SHIT MAN!"said another. "WE REALLY IN TROUBLE NOW!"
The remaining bikers and punks bolted out the back door,leaving an entire room full of unconscious thugs and only K and Maxima were left standing.
"I suppose you two had something to do with this!"said Spidey as he approached the pair. "Oh man---not him again!"thought K as he flipped his shades back on.
"I'll handle this K."Max whispered to him. "Oh uh---hey there,you're Spider-Man aren't you? Heard a lot about you when we got here."
"Uh-huh,"said Spidey. "mind telling me what you two just did here before the cops arrive?"
"Well uh,there was a fight ensuing and my friend K here was in the midst of it and I had to go and help him."
"Yeah,and I'll have you know that I wasn't the one who started this little fracus."said K. "It was those three slobs on the floor there."
"Well.that might have happened though."said Spidey. "But..hey wait a minute,you two look awfully familiar. You're not here for the upcoming KOF tournament are you?"
"As a matter of fact,yes!"said Maxima as he pulled out a white envelope and showed it to Spidey.
Spidey took the envelope and examined it. It had a red seal on it that had the initials KOF on it and Spidey then looked inside and pulled out the letter that was to the pair.
"GREETINGS-YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE ANNUAL KING OF FIGHTERS MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT! THIS TIME THE CONTEST IS TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK CITY,NORTH AMERICA!
THERE IS ALSO A NEW CHANGE IN FIGHTING TEAMS AS WELL. THIS TIME IT SHALL BE A TAG-TEAM MATCH IN FAVOR OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
YOU AND YOUR CHOSEN PARTNER MAY ATTEND THE EVENT,BUT ONLY TWO FIGHTERS PER TEAM MAY ATTEND.
ONCE THERE,WE WILL EXPLAIN THE RULES TO YOU AND THE MATCH SHALL BEGIN.
THE EVENT BEGINS MAY 12th,SATURDAY AT 8:00 AM. IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THE DATE BY THEN,YOU WILL BE FORFEITTED.
SEE YOU THERE! SINCERELY,WILSON FISK.
"W-Wilson Fisk?"said Spider-Man. "You mean to tell me that he's the one behind this event?"
"Yeah."said Maxima. "Something wrong with that?" "You wouldn't know the meaning of wrong if ya knew who Wilson Fisk really was-the Kingpin of Crime no less!"
"Kingpin?"said K. "You mean-he's a crime boss?" "Of the worst kind that is!"said Spidey. "Look,I'm sorry if I accused you both of doing anything rash---even though it looks to me like you're getting some last minuite training in before tomorrow,but I think you should both watch your backs when the KOF begins."
"Hey,we always do web-head."said K. "Don't worry about us." "And we'll try to keep an eye out for this Fisk guy if he is what you claim."said Maxima. Spidey handed him back the invitation before leaving. "Good luck in the tourney tomorrow,but remember,I'll be watching everything that goes on there!"
The webslinger exited from the bar and took off to the sky via weblines. "Huh,we got a guardin angel for this year's KOF huh?"said K. "I dunno,he seems pretty determined and thoughtful."said Maxima. "C'mon,we'd better get back to our room."
After getting back to their motel room,K began thinking about what Spider- Man said. "Well,at least that confirms some suspisions I had."he said. "If this Fisk is a crime related figure,like that Geese Howard guy---something really fishy must be going on."
"So what if it is?"said Maxima. "We've handled NESTS and everything they threw at us. And this Fisk guy was never mentioned in any of the NESTS files anyways of being involved so,it should be a piece of cake to compete."
"I hope so."said K. "C'mon,let's get some shut-eye for the big event tomorrow."
Meanwhile,back across town Spider-Man spied upon the building of Wilson Fisk A.K.A.The Kingpin!
"Tangling with that guy and everything he throws at you was enough for me last time."he thought. "I had him on the run last time plenty-but I should've known he'd be back for certain. And now he's hosting this KOF? He's definitely up to something---and if I know Fisk,it won't be pretty-not at all.
Well,nothing I can do about it,until the contest starts tomorrow. But I intend to look into this-and keep an eye on that K guy,no matter what!"
Spider-Man shot a webline at another building and swung back across town.
THE NEXT DAY,THE KING OF FIGHTERS BEGAN..
In the next installment,the KOF begins and pulse-pounding,bone-crushing battles take place in the streets of New York. While Spider-Man investigates the current affairs of the Kingpin and his connection to a mysterious terrorist who wants K and Maxima dead! All this in more in the next chapter of Spider-Man/King of Fighters:THE REVENGE OF NESTS!
Peter Parker arrived at his high school and went straight to his first class. But before entering,he saw Flash and Kong across the hall,walking up.
"Oh man-not them!"he thought frantically. He sure as helll didn't want a hassle or kick from either of them.
But to his amazement,the two didn't notice Parker at all,they were both reading a flyer and looking at some photos of some sort. And Peter could swear that one of them said the word.King of Fighters while yammering.
"Man-it's gonna be soooo cool!"said Flash excitedly. "This time Terry Bogard has gotta win!" "No way dude!"said Kong. "I'm up for that new guy K-he kicks major bootie I tell ya!" "Ah,he's a Kyo wannabe if ya ask me!"said Flash. "No,Shingo Yabuki is a wannabe I hear."said Kong.
Peter eased into the doorway,allowing the two lugs to walk past. Relieved at last for now from the likes of either of them.
"Man,every morning should be like that."he thought before seating himself at his desk.
Hours later,after school let out,Mary Jane Watson greeted him. "Hi pete."she said. "Oh,hi MJ."said Peter. "What's new?" "Oh nothing much."she said. "Except something I keep hearing about called King of Fighters."
"King of---."said Peter. ".believe or not I heard it from the terrible two- some of Flash and Kong." "Those two?"said MJ. "Sheesh,maybe they should start a news program on the latest hip-insiders." "Atually I just overheard them say it,they were too busy looking over some papers and flyers. But-I did hear a familiar name at least. Terry Bogard- and the name of some guy named ---K."
"You may be up to it science Peter."said a voice behind him,it was his old pal Harry Osborn. "Wassup harry?"said Peter. "Only the best news to hit the big apple no less."said Harry. "And you should really hit the school newsletter more often."
Harry handed Peter and MJ the school newspaper and it had photos of different martail artists dressed in colorful costumes and in the center of the photo -collage it read this:"THE KING OF FIGHTERS TAG-TEAM MEGA-MATCH!" "HELD THIS SATURDAY AT 5:00 PM. BE THERE TO WITNESS ALL THE BONE-CRUSHING FIST FLYING ACTION. TO BE HELD IN MADISON SQUARE,ALL FIGHTS WILL BE MONITORED. BE THERE!"
"Whoa boy."said Peter. "Sounds like an overdone media event." "I'll say."said MJ. "Who makes martial arts tournaments seem so-overhyped?" "Only those with enough wealth and influence have taken an interest in something that began long ago in a city known as Southtown." Said Harry.
"Southtown?"said Peter. "Oh yeah,I remember now." Peter remembered seeing on tv a few years ago about the highlights of the KOF '91 contest and it showed a man in a red and white varsity jacket and matching ball cap was fighting it out with a man named Geese Howard and Terry accidentally knocked Geese right off of his high-rise building known as Geese Tower. Terry won the championship anyways since many of it's citezins were relieved that the no.1 terror of Southtown,a mafia crime-lord was at last done away with.
"Terry Boagard won the second KOF contest after beating another fighter named Wolfgang Krauser,he hasn't won any new titles since,but he and his teammates the Fatal Fury team have kept trying in many contests since then. The titles were won so far by a man name Kyo Kusanagi." A photo of a young man with brown hair wearing a black school uniformn with gold trim and a white headband was shown next to the name:"Recent Reigning champion." "But he was absent from the 99 contest and it was then so far won by someone who goes by the name of K."
"Kei?"said MJ. "Sounds like a girl's name. "No MJ,just the letter K."said Harry. "But they say he fights very much like Kyo with his burning fist of fury. Anyways,it's gonna be great-I'm gonna be there to see it with Harry and Kong. You can too if ya want. So see you there."
Harry went back off to his mansion home. "Nice to see Harry's doing all right after his father went missing."said MJ. "Uh..yeah he sure is."said Peter. But as Spider-Man,Peter knew the horrible truth and prayed that when Norman Osborn resurfaced the next time,he would be free of the evil Goblin persona and affliction he was still under.
"So what do ya think?"said MJ. "You wanna go see this KOF stuff?" "Only if you do."said Peter. "Well.maybe we could give it a try."said Peter. "Maybe we'll see Terry Bogard there as well."
Meanwhile at a certain high-rise building down on 5th avenue.
Wilson Fisk,the Kingpin of crime looked out at the city,pondering thinking what to do and where to strike once his current state of affairs was over. He also vowed to take revenge upon the one who recenlty defeated and humilated him,Spider-Man.
He then lit a cigar and inhaled it's scent,blowing out grey smoke as he did. "You seem awfully calm for this don't you?"said a voice behind him. Someone clad in the shadows was sitting in one of the sofa chairs of his room.
"On the contrary,I am a bit anxious about getting involved in such a thing." "Come now Kingpin."said the stranger. "Those in wealth and power like Geese,Rugal and Chiziru have funded the KOF."
"Yes,but some like Geese and Rugal were criminals as well."said Fisk. "And after my recent---self exile and paying off the judge I have to be careful this time where I stick my fingers in certain pies."
"If ya wanna stick fingers in pies go to the local bakery-hahahaha.!"joked the stranger. Fisk was not amused in the least. "Just a joke."said the stranger. "Only just."said Fisk. "But you just make sure I get all that was damn well promised me when this is over."
"This is me you're talking to Kingpin."said the stranger as he got up,his face still concealled in darkness. "When it's over,you'll have the payment we promised. But-I also want you to make sure you get what we wanted also- the fighter named K."
"Yes him."said Fisk as he puffed his cigar. "We'll make sure he gets to the finals and you get him from there."
"Good."said the stranger. "I'm heading back now-and the contest begins this Friday. See you then."
The stranger left the room,leaving Fisk feeling nauseated by the stranger's presence. "The KOF is also a profitable venture for all involved."he thought. "But has also lead to the downfall of those I mentioned. Geese Howard and Rugal were admirable men,even I was influenced by their acts of terrorism and business dealings to further my empire,but-I'll be damned if either of them try to incinerate me or knock me out of a window. This had better be worth it when this is over."
The next night at a hotel on 2nd avenue.
Certain fighters from around the world had come to this event,but some were not so impressed that this time the KOF was to be a tag-team sport this time.
Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi entered the hotel lobby and went up to the front desk. "Yes sirs,can I help you?"said the manager. "We'd like to rent a room please."said Terry. "We're here for the tournament." "Ah,you're here for the KOF this Saturday huh?"said the manager. "It's great to have legendary fighters grace this hotel. Just pay up and sign here please."
Terry paid the certain amount and signed both him and Joe in. "Just wondering,did anyone else for the KOF sign in?"asked Terry. "As a matter of fact yes."said the manager. "Some like Kim Kaphwan and man came here as well as someone named-Duck King and a jamiacan man came here as well."
"I see."said Terry. "Thank you." The manager gave Terry and Joe the key to their flat. "I'm gonna take some bets on those two when the tourney starts."thought the manager. "Oh,the great Terry Bogard from Southtown here in my hotel! I hope he wins this time."
"Duck King got invited huh?"said Joe. "Well,it's about time since he's just one of many from Southtown who hasn't been involved in a KOF for awhile."
"Sure is."said Terry. "And a jamaican man? Must be Bob Wilson from the Pao Pao café. This should be quite a contest."
"I'm for Kim being here too."said Joe. "But I hope he didn't bring either of those buttheads-Chang or Choi here." "If he brought Chang,there'll be no room for him to walk through."joked Terry. "You said it-hahaha!"laughed Joe.
At the Waldorf Austoria Hotel.
Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia were sharing a room together,getting ready for the big event this Saturday.
Ryo stood at the balcony overlooking the huge city,and was busy doing some last minute training moves.
"Only you could think training and not relaxation even at a place like this Ryo."said Robert who was sitting at the foot of the bed.
"Sorry Rob,but every little bit counts if we're gonna win this year."said Ryo as he began his lightning punch technique.
"We did a whole year or so of training under master Takuma,and improved our fireball techniques-we can't lose!"
"Don't be so sure."said Ryo. "Overconfidence can led to one's defeat. We may also face K and Maxima this time."
"Those freakazoids?"said Robert. "Just as I was getting used to kyo and his mates,these guys show up and make tidal waves over the whole KOF. Who the heck are they really-and did they have a connection with the recently destroyed NESTS cartela?"
"That we may never know Robert."said Ryo. "But I do know that we must fight our best in hopes to win this."
While in another room,Kensou was seated in a sofa,fiddling with his latest pork bun,mastering certain ways to chew it.
Athena came in,dressed in her KOF'02 outfit,looking very ravashing. "Athena-ooohh!"said kensou as he almost dropped his bun.
"You eat any more of those Kensou and you might get a bit of a weight problem."said Athena. "No way baby."said Kensou. "I get enough exercise from these events-and it kinda helps with my training."
"How do I look?"she asked. "Lush as ever Athena."said Kensou grinning cockilly. Athena giggled. "You always approve. I kind of wish that this was a team play like the past KOF's but I guess we should give Bao and master Chin a rest after so long."
"We'll do fine Athena."said Kensou. "A tag-team is something that should've been done long ago for KOF." Kensou then thought. "And with it just being the two of us-maybe we can get a better chance of getting a little-closer- hee-hee!"
"And with me being in this contest I can also hold a concert after the contest is over."said Athena. "Uh yeah..that too."said Kensou."Man,she always has to mix business with pleasure!"
Over in the next room,Heavy D and Brian Battler were busy getting ready for the games. At last,they were back in the KOF,or at least two of them were. "It's good to know that we're back in the KOF again."said Brian. "But it's a shame that it's not a three-team like it was before."
"Aw it ain't no biggie,Brian."said D. "Lucky and the NBA had a game tonight anyways. I for one hope he whips the bulls and wins one for his team. And a tag-team's a major first for the KOF."
"Yeah,let's just hope we win it this time."said Brian. "It's been so long after the last KOF we been to."
"The Sport's team is back with a vengeance!"said D. "And we're gonna show the rest of the KOF what we're made of!"
While back out on the streets,the amazing Spider-Man was swinging high above then city-looking for anything to happen.
"This KOF thing is all over the city-is it really all it's cracked to be?"he thought.
Suddenly,his Spider-Sense warned him of imminent dangers.
He looked downward and saw a group of men emerging from the a manhole,carrying tools.
"I don't know what's going on down there."said Spidey."But I intend to find out." Spider-Man swung downward to the lone alleyway and stopped short of where the three men were.
"Hold it fellas!"he said. "Otherwise I won't have to---." Spidey's heroic speech was cut short as he got a good look at the three sabatours. They all wore blue coveralls and all looked identical,they all had brown wavy hair with both bang ends hanging over the sides of their foreheads and a handsome yet hard look to them.
Spidey rememered the photo he saw in the school newsletter,the photo of Kyo Kusanagi,they all looked exactly like him.
"K-kyo.?"said Spidey. The three men said nothing,but one of them acted as he jumped at the webslinger and swung his wrench at him.
Spider-Man ducked and uppercutted the first thug,causing him to crash to the asphalt covered ground.
The second thug jumped up and came downward at Spidey with a flying axe kick. Spidey dodged it and returned a counter-attack favor by punching the twin in the face!
The third thug was at the ready with an usual attack. He charged up a fireball in his left hand.
"That last punk's gonna do something!"thought Spidey his sense warning him again. "But what?"
The last thug swung his arm out and a large fireball flew at Spidey. "Ask a silly question."he thought as he jumped seven feet in the air before coming back down.
But just as he was about to make the pinch on the last thug,one of the triplet thugs came right up behind Spidey and clocked him in the head with his wrench!
"UNNGHH!"went Spidey as he fell to the ground. The triplet thugs then gathered up their tools and took off.
Spidey arose and rubbed the back of his head. "Man-I was so intent on stopping that last punk,my sense failed to warn me about one of the others."he thought. "Strange thing though,they all looked exactly like that guy I saw in the newsletter---Kyo Kusanagi. I didn't know he had-triplet brothers. Or maybe they're---clones? Nah,that can't be- cloning is a scientific impossibility. But---if science can create paranormal powers.could it be? And if so,who created them-and why-and what were they doing in that sewer?"
Spidey then decided to look down into the sewere they were in and found nothing but darkness and the unpleasant aroma of sewer gas.
"Nothing."he said. "Well,whatever happened,I have a gut feeling I'll find out eventually."
Spider-Man then shot another webline and took back to the sky.
While back at some of the same hotels the contestants for the KOF battle were in.
Saisyu was seated cross-legged on the bed while Shingo Yabuki was taking a shower. Saisyu was deep in thought,meditating his inner chi and power. He also wonders if his son Kyo or Iori will be in this year's KOF?"
Shingo exits from the room,a white towel around his waist,a scrub brush in his hand and a white shower cap on his head.
"Great shower!"he said aloud. "These american hotels are the best! Uh.master,are you all right?" Saisyu said nothing and was still in deep thought. "Oh,yeah right!"thought Shingo. "He always mediatates around this hour. I'd best not disturb him."
As Shingo changed into his clothes,namely his blue makeshift version of Kyo's original clothes,he was also lost in thought. "I wonder if Kyo and his team will be there." Shingo still thinks about the time Kusanagi and the others discarded him after KOF'01. Shingo usually does not bear grudges,but he still vows to teach Kyo,Ben and Daimon that he is as good a fighter as they are and will win back the respect he's earned-no matter what!"
Shingo also looked across the city scape through the window. He also thought about the stories about colorful and powerful warriors in NYC. Heroes like the one he heard about called-Spider-Man-and a group of heroes called the Ultimates,as well as reports of something called Mutants. He wondered,will any of them be in the contest?
Shingo flexed his legs and readied himself,for tomorrow the first ever KOF tag-team contest would begin!
While back across downtown at a local motel near a biker bar..
Both K and Maxima checked in and placed their luggage on the bed. K didn't mind where they were settling in,but Maxima was a bit offended.
"Only you could huck us someplace other than those swanky hotels!"he said. "Aw quit your gripin'Max."said K. "This place is pretty clean and the manager says he doesn't let any trouble come near here."
"What I don't get is why you had us come here,even with all the winnings we got from the last KOF after you and Kula fried that Igniz creep. We could afford it."
"I told you my reasons."said K. "The last KOF was held by NESTS themeselves and even though the rest of them were either killed or rounded up-there being another KOF even after a year does raise my suspicions."
"You think someone from NESTS is holding it huh?"said Maxima. "Exactly."said K. "And a tag-team? That's a little too strange don'cha think?" "I think you're being a little paranoid after what went down,K."said Maxima. "Nests is dust-they ain't coming back."
"We'll see."said K. "But what's more----I guess I've-gotten used to the KOF by now." "That's a good thing to at least hear."said Maxima. "It's been cool fighting alongside legends like Terry and Ryo-even Kyo I suppose."
"Don't even mention that name partner."said K. "I may have been cloned from that pompous ass upstart-but I'm my own man and I don't want any reminders about that guy."
"I know what ya mean K."said Maxima. "But keep in check in case he or that pyscho-trash Iori shows up."
K then went to the door to go outside. "Where you going?"said Maxima. "For a drink,of course."said K. "Don't you cause any trouble while you're over there."said Maxima. "No prob."said K. "Just tell that to anyone who tries it with me."
K then went off to the nearby bar for some action before tomorrow. Maxima then sat down and got out a copy of the Daily Bugle.
He first looked at an article on the vigilante known as Spider-Man and remembered when K told him about nearly running into him last night after arriving in the city.
"Huh,New York and their long-john wearin'weirdos."said Maxima. He then turned his attention to the front page news.
"BIG-APPLE BATTLE! KOF TO BE HELD IN NYC!" it said in black bold print. Photos of the man hosting was Wilson Fisk,the once suspected Kingpin of Crime. "Hmmm.big man there-literally."thought Maxima. "So far,he's the one hosting and funding it. So-I guess there isn't any indications of there ever being anything from NESTS but-they pulled the wool over everyone's eyes in the past before-even for K and myself. But.I guess we'll find out tonight."
While over at the bar,K went inside. He was greeted with a thick grey cloud of smoke from all the nicotine users.
Many bikers from around the block were either seated or standing about in the bar,resting or getting loaded on whatever they could find.
"Hnh-typical trash."thought K as he put his shades on before entering the bar.
Several people noticed him as he strode to the where the drinks were. A certain gang noticed him-a cuthroat group known as the Berzerkers.
A biker punk with a green bandana on his head and a red goattee looked on. "Hey boss-that who I think it is?"said the goattee punk.
"Sure is!"said the biker leader,a bearded biker with a black leather jacket,beer gut and leather pants as well as a switchblade in his hand.
"That's that K guy from the KOF."he said. "You mean as in KKK-HAHA!"lauhged one of the other berzerkers. "No!"said the bearded punk. "He's what they call a super-strong fighter who's won the three past KOF's-or so I hear."
"Well let's just see how tough he really is huh boss?"said the goattee. "You took the words right outta my mouth."said the beard.
K ordered a screwdriver and began sipping it before the bearded biker and two of his men came up.
Both men stood between K while the bearded one stood behind him.
"Hey-ain't you K?"said the goattee. "The dude from the King of Fighters tournaments?" "What if I am?"said K before he sipped his drink. "Well if you are."said the biker on the left,a guy with long brown hair and a grey tank top. "How's about showing us how tough you really are?"
"No thanks."said K. "Gotta save my strength for tomorrow ya know."
The bearded biker grabbed K by the shoulders and pulled him around to face him. "Listen you pretty boy faker!"spat the biker. "You think tourney fightin's like real street fighting? Well,I'm gonna show ya what it's all about!"
The biker whipped out his knife and lunged it at K. K simply caught the biker's wrist and slammed his knee right into his groin,causing the thug to fall backwards and wince in pain.
K looked at the blade and threw it across the floor before turning back to his drink. "G-GET THAT LITTLE SHIT!"said the biker leader.
The goattee slammed his elbow into K's back and was about to do some real damage,but K was on the rebound as he grabbed the punk by the shirt,removed his shades and heatbutted him.
The last berzerker pulled out a blackjack and swung it at K. The Kyo clone ducked it and did his flame uppercut on the long hair before he crashed to the floor,his face smoldered by intense fire.
K then dusted off his jacket and pants and returned to his drink.
Suddenly,someone threw a bar stool across the room,just nearly missing K and smashing into the mirror around the bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Seconds later,a fight broke out in pure hellbent fashion! Maxima,overhearing the racket,looked out the door and saw what was happening over at the bar.
"WHAT THE HELL?"he said. "Man,I knew something would happen if K went over there,I just knew it!"
Maxima ran as fast as he could and went inside. Once inside,the place really started to shake and rumble.
Spider-Man saw what was happening while swinging overhead. "What's this?"he said. "Another family get together at your local biker-bar- namely typical bar brawls?"
Spidey swung downward and landed safely on the ground,when he got up there and looked through the doors.
Sure enough,the entire horde of bikers and street punks were being immobilized by a pair of oddly dressed fighters in the middle.
"YO MAN-LOOK,IT'S SPIDER-MAN!"shouted one of the patrons. "OH SHIT MAN!"said another. "WE REALLY IN TROUBLE NOW!"
The remaining bikers and punks bolted out the back door,leaving an entire room full of unconscious thugs and only K and Maxima were left standing.
"I suppose you two had something to do with this!"said Spidey as he approached the pair. "Oh man---not him again!"thought K as he flipped his shades back on.
"I'll handle this K."Max whispered to him. "Oh uh---hey there,you're Spider-Man aren't you? Heard a lot about you when we got here."
"Uh-huh,"said Spidey. "mind telling me what you two just did here before the cops arrive?"
"Well uh,there was a fight ensuing and my friend K here was in the midst of it and I had to go and help him."
"Yeah,and I'll have you know that I wasn't the one who started this little fracus."said K. "It was those three slobs on the floor there."
"Well.that might have happened though."said Spidey. "But..hey wait a minute,you two look awfully familiar. You're not here for the upcoming KOF tournament are you?"
"As a matter of fact,yes!"said Maxima as he pulled out a white envelope and showed it to Spidey.
Spidey took the envelope and examined it. It had a red seal on it that had the initials KOF on it and Spidey then looked inside and pulled out the letter that was to the pair.
"GREETINGS-YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE ANNUAL KING OF FIGHTERS MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT! THIS TIME THE CONTEST IS TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK CITY,NORTH AMERICA!
THERE IS ALSO A NEW CHANGE IN FIGHTING TEAMS AS WELL. THIS TIME IT SHALL BE A TAG-TEAM MATCH IN FAVOR OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
YOU AND YOUR CHOSEN PARTNER MAY ATTEND THE EVENT,BUT ONLY TWO FIGHTERS PER TEAM MAY ATTEND.
ONCE THERE,WE WILL EXPLAIN THE RULES TO YOU AND THE MATCH SHALL BEGIN.
THE EVENT BEGINS MAY 12th,SATURDAY AT 8:00 AM. IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THE DATE BY THEN,YOU WILL BE FORFEITTED.
SEE YOU THERE! SINCERELY,WILSON FISK.
"W-Wilson Fisk?"said Spider-Man. "You mean to tell me that he's the one behind this event?"
"Yeah."said Maxima. "Something wrong with that?" "You wouldn't know the meaning of wrong if ya knew who Wilson Fisk really was-the Kingpin of Crime no less!"
"Kingpin?"said K. "You mean-he's a crime boss?" "Of the worst kind that is!"said Spidey. "Look,I'm sorry if I accused you both of doing anything rash---even though it looks to me like you're getting some last minuite training in before tomorrow,but I think you should both watch your backs when the KOF begins."
"Hey,we always do web-head."said K. "Don't worry about us." "And we'll try to keep an eye out for this Fisk guy if he is what you claim."said Maxima. Spidey handed him back the invitation before leaving. "Good luck in the tourney tomorrow,but remember,I'll be watching everything that goes on there!"
The webslinger exited from the bar and took off to the sky via weblines. "Huh,we got a guardin angel for this year's KOF huh?"said K. "I dunno,he seems pretty determined and thoughtful."said Maxima. "C'mon,we'd better get back to our room."
After getting back to their motel room,K began thinking about what Spider- Man said. "Well,at least that confirms some suspisions I had."he said. "If this Fisk is a crime related figure,like that Geese Howard guy---something really fishy must be going on."
"So what if it is?"said Maxima. "We've handled NESTS and everything they threw at us. And this Fisk guy was never mentioned in any of the NESTS files anyways of being involved so,it should be a piece of cake to compete."
"I hope so."said K. "C'mon,let's get some shut-eye for the big event tomorrow."
Meanwhile,back across town Spider-Man spied upon the building of Wilson Fisk A.K.A.The Kingpin!
"Tangling with that guy and everything he throws at you was enough for me last time."he thought. "I had him on the run last time plenty-but I should've known he'd be back for certain. And now he's hosting this KOF? He's definitely up to something---and if I know Fisk,it won't be pretty-not at all.
Well,nothing I can do about it,until the contest starts tomorrow. But I intend to look into this-and keep an eye on that K guy,no matter what!"
Spider-Man shot a webline at another building and swung back across town.
THE NEXT DAY,THE KING OF FIGHTERS BEGAN..
In the next installment,the KOF begins and pulse-pounding,bone-crushing battles take place in the streets of New York. While Spider-Man investigates the current affairs of the Kingpin and his connection to a mysterious terrorist who wants K and Maxima dead! All this in more in the next chapter of Spider-Man/King of Fighters:THE REVENGE OF NESTS!