SPIDER-MAN/KING OF FIGHTERS CH.8
Spider-Man saw what was happening in the streets below,fired a webline and swung to the streets below where K and Maxima were.
"Oh lookie Max."said K. "It's our guardian angel." "Personally,I think he couldn't have arrived at a better time."said Maxima grinning.
Spidey swung down at the first couple of clone thugs and landed on both of their backs with his feet,knocking them both down.
Spidey then ran towards both fighters to see what was happening.
"Friends of yours.?"he asked. "Not ours web-head."said K. "Yeah,nice to see you too."said Spidey. "What say we take out the trash?" "Now you're talking!"said K.
The next couple of thugs aim their uzzis at the trio. "QUICK,GET BEHIND ME GUYS!"said the cyborg as he rushed out in front of them. The thugs fired their weapons at Maxima,causing their bullets to bounce off and go through parts of his clothes.
"Whoa!"said Spidey. "Man of Steel are ya?" "Nah,just partly."said Maxima. "I can take up to a 100 bullets if need be..hopefully."
"I think it's time I took the rest of the reigns from here big guy."said Spidey.
The webslinger jumped into the air and landed in the middle of the group of thugs. Before any of them could open fire,Spidey fired a weblast into each of their gun barrels,clogging them up.
After that,he fired another pair of weblines at the pants legs of a couple of clones in front of him. He then pulled the lines and caused the two thugs to fall to the ground.
K and Max rushed in and began to take out the rest of the goons as well.
Suddenly,one clone jumped at K and lit a flame from it's hand. "WHAT?"said K. "This one's got Kusanagi's flame power working!"
"It can't be!"said Maxima. "Aside from the Kyo clone pair we fought at KOF'99,the rest of them weren't activated yet!"
The clone jumped at K and did a flame attack punch. K managed to dodge it and then did a knee bash into the clone's chest.
K then grabbed the clone's wrist sleeve and ripped it off,revealling a strange tube device that was in fact a mini-torch.
"HUH-I thought so!"said K. "See how ya handle the real deal thing pal!" K unleashed his Flame Dash attack and sent the clone flying across the street.
"YOW!"said Spidey. "I'd sure hate to get caught up in that!"
Maxima then whipped out his wrist blaster and shot down the remaining thugs before they could return fire. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"said Spidey. "Even if they're clones-they're still alive!"
"Afraid not Spider-Man,"said Maxima. "I read their life readings earlier. They're living in the physical sense perhaps,but in the memory sense,they're really just mindless drones,and besides that I didn't have much a choice,or they'd delay us from reaching the finals."
"I guess so."said Spidey. ".speaking of which,you got a major hunch on who or what did this?" "We do.it's gotta be NESTS."said K. "NESTS again huh?"said Spidey. "Boy,you two must have done something big to tick them off." "And why wouldn't they?"said Maxima. "After all,K there along with his fellow clone Kula destroyed their space station base along with their leaders Zero and Igniz back in the KOF'01."
"I'm sure."said Spidey. ".but if their leaders were destroyed,who else could be directing these attacks?"
"Obviously a NESTS executive or officer who once served them."said Maxima. "The bulk of them may have been done away with but you can be certain that there are plenty of leftover NESTS scum to deal with."
"That being the case,what say we try and find out anything from that van?"said K. "I'm for that."said Spidey.
But as the trio walked towards the now empty van,someone was watching them from a monitor and saw what was about to happen.
"I can't let them find out who is really behind this.not yet."thought the mysterious menace. The shadowed figure then pressed a red key on the console.
Suddenly,Spidey's warning buzz came on.
"STOP!"he said. "DON'T GETANY CLOSER!" "What do ya mean?"said K.
As if in answer,the van exploded in a ball of flame. "Oh.that's why."said K. "Man,so close,yet so far."said Maxima. "But at least that confirms our suspisions about NESTS.and this Kingpin guy you described."
"That's right,who is also the same guy who organized this KOF event.Wilson Fisk."said Spidey. "Figures,he's king size enough for that title."said K. "His size is the least of one's troubles when facing him."said Spidey. "Believe me,I know. Now,what exactly is this vendetta of either you or this NESTS thing anyways?"
"Sorry masked man."said K. "But I'm afraid now's not a good time,we need to reach the finals and time is short."
"I'm afraid he's right,Spider-Man."said Maxima. "But if you can catch us after the finals,maybe you can help us with something---inflitrating this whole thing."
"If you win the finals that is."said Spider-Man. "Okay then..but stay sharp and keep an eye on Kingpin and his goons when you arrive okay?"
"Will do web-man."said Maxima. "Good luck!"said Spidey as he shot another webline at a lampost and swung upward into the sky.
"He really likes to get involved doesn't he?"said K. "It's called concerned citizens K."said Maxima. "The world could use more of them. Now c'mon,to the finals."
While back at the George Washington bridge,many spectators and officials for the tournament were gathered there.
The bridge was cleared of any traffic,a large video monitor was placed atop the entrance,and both the Kingpin and several of his goons who were playing contest officials were gathered there near his limo. (Think along the lines of Billy Kane's stage in FF:Wild Ambition.)Not to mention a large sign hovered above the monitor also which said "THE KING OF FIGHTERS TAG-TEAM TOURNAMENT FINALS!"
The crime-lord consulted his watch. "It's getting late."he said as he looked to the sky which was turning a pale orange,reaching the afternoon.
Suddenly,a pair of martial artists appeared through the crowds and showed up. They were both Kim and Jhun and the two of them approached the Kingpin. "Sorry we're late."said Kim. "Are the Finals about to start?" "Soon enough my friends,soon enough."said Fisk. "But we must wait till the other finalists arrive."
And sure enough,both Ryo and Robert showed up. And then Shingo and Saisyu showed up.
When Terry and Joe arrived.people began to cheer at the sight of one of the first true Kings of Fighters. "YEAH TERRY!"shouted a kid. "YOU RULE!" "Huh,I won the very first KOF held by Geese once."said Ryo. "Why didn't they break into cheer?" "I'm afraid being in Southtown counts more than the big apple,Ryo."said Robert. "But if ya win,we might get recognition here in NYC as well."
"Nice to be remembered."said Terry as he waved his hat to the crowd. "HEY LOOK-IT'S HIM-IT'S K!"said someone.
"Oop---here comes the upstart!"said Joe. As K and Maxima shown up,many admirers roared in delight for the current reigning champion of the KOF.
Many girls with autograph books swarmed around K,who had little choice to sing them or not. "Man,is this all really necessary?"said K. "Price of fame K."said Maxima. "Get used it to it now,cause it may not last."
K took and signed several of the autograph books and gave them his John Hancock on the paper.
Spidey watched from atop a very high block on the bridge. "Pretty popular guy."said Spidey.
K and Maxima arrived finally with the other fighters.
The Kingpin approached the fighters. "Welcome one and all to the finals my warriors."he said. "I hope that this shall be a contest of major proportions after the preliminaries. The rules are simple,both of you shall fight here in the arena which is the local bridge. If either of your first member begins to feel worn-out,then tag- touch and take over the match.
This time however,if only of you is defeated and not both,then the victor shall go to the team,so get as much fight chances as possible because we are doing this final match only once. When it is all over,and the last team reamins standing,shall then go on to the final match in a secret location selected by me.
Is that understood?"
"Good."said Fisk. "Now,each of you assemble your tag-team and prepare for the first match as we assemble some things together first."
The five remaining teams began to converse with each other as the Kingpin and his men made the necessary preparations.
Kim and Terry shook hands as they met. "It's always good to see you here Terry."said Kim. "Ditto Kaphwan."said Terry. "I admit,whenever there's a KOF,you and your teammates will be there." "Yeah,except this time,I'm with him Terry."said Jhun. "So watch out!"
Joe laughed. "Nice to see your'e better after your absence in the KOF'01 Jhun." "Same here Joe."said Jhun. "Sorry I couldn't make it,but I'm back and better than ever. But I hope you guys are just as good as before."
"Just watch us work pal."said Joe.
K and Maxima approached Shingo. "Nice to see you're here,small-fry."said K. "Yeah,didn't think you'd make it."said Maxima.
"Uh..hi K,hi Maxima."said Singo. "It's been awhile." "Still dressing like your 'idol' huh?"said K. "Not suprising. So.is that faggy-looking guy Benimaru with you this time or did ya get a new teammate at last?"
Saisyu approached the biker. "You might say that young man..with white hair no less."he said. "Oh.K,Max,this is my new senei Saisyu Kusanagi..Kyo's father."said Shingo.
"Kyo's father?"said K and Maxima in unison. "Yes,didn't think he had one did ya?"said Saisyu grinning. "Well I'll be."said K. "Hmmm.strange."thought Maxima. "The Nests files didn't mention a father. And by the looks of the hair and that symbol on his costume,he's gotta be."
Ryo and Robert went over to chat with Terry and the others. "Nice to see you never miss a beat Ryo."said Terry. "Nor you Terry."said Ryo."I know none of us never win these things these days,but that doesn't stop any of us from trying."
"Too right Ryo."said Kim. "Let's hope one of us from the old generation wins for a change and knock what passes for the new generation out of the ring."
Shingo was telling K and Maxima what had occurred after KOF'01 between him nd the Japan team. "Those insensitive bastards!"said Maxima. "And to think after you helped out Naikado in the last two as an only teammate with the rest of us."
"I'll say."said K. "Wet behind the ears you might be,but you were a damn good fighter back in KOF'99. You deserve better than that. I say just kick their pansy asses to the moon and grow to be your own warrior."
"Under my tutelage,he's determined to do so K-san."said Saisyu. "But please understand,as insufferablly foolish as my son can be,he is a dedicated warrior and true to the art of the Kusanagi,but both my new disciple and myself plan to teach him and his mates some major humility."
"Unfortuantely for us,Kyo and his team didn't show up in this one."said Shingo. "Probably didn't have the stones this year,or he wasn't invited."said Maxima. "Just as well."
"Perhaps."said Saisyu. "But this contest will prepare us for a future KOF to deal with. So be warned my friends,we intend to fight hard in the finals."
"So do we old-timer."said K. "Same goes for you Shingo,Max and myself have come a long way to get here so don't dissapoint us."
"I intend to K!"said Shingo clenching his fists in the air. "Good,and give Kyo a punch for me when ya see him."said K as he and Maxima turned to the center of the ring.
"Hmmm..tenacious man isn't he?"said Saisyu. "K's not so bad once ya get to know him sensei."said Shingo. "He and Maxima are good fighters." "Perhaps."siad Saisyu. "But.I can't help but notice something-familiar about this K fellow.
"Well at least his father behaves better than Kusangai ever did."said Maxima. "Tell me about it."said K. "I wonder what he would say if he knew I was an advanced clone of his son?" "I think that would rock him pretty hard."said Maxima. "And he might suspect something if he sees you do your flame attacks."
"A chance I'll have to take Max."said K. "Now get ready,I think the match is about to start."
Back in his limo,the Kingpin received a call on his video system,and the dark image of his benefactor appeared.
"What is it?"said Fisk. "Can't you see,the finals are about to begin?" "I'm here to tell you a couple of things."said the man on the monitor. "First off,as you can see.K and Maxima have arrived."
"Yes,I can see that."said Kingpin. "The attempts your clones made obviously failed." "It may have been my clones that attempted capture."said the man. "But it was your criminally minded equipment that I had them use. That shape- changing cyborg as well as the van and firepower I had them used didn't even make a dent in them both. But.I have discovered that the both of them didn't do it alone. There was an unseesn.force that came in contact with them. Namely---HIM!"
An image of Spider-Man shown on the screen. "Spider-Man.no not him again!"said Fisk. "Oh,so you have had recent contact with this.callow adventurer then?'said the man. "I was almost completely ruined by his efforts last time we met!"siad Fisk. "Why didn't you tell me he was involved earlier?"
"I was busy monitoring the events of the tournament also and peparing things."said the man. "I had just dsicovered when I had to detonate the van and degenerate the clones after they had left,and I have it on good authority that this Spider-Man also upset the earlier attempt on K and Maxima back near the sewere systems."
"I'll take care of it when the time comes."said Fisk. "Right now,be prepared whn the fianl victors of the tournament come for the next destination---your hidden base."
"I've got my end of the bargain taken well care of."said the man. "I just hope that it is K and Maxima who arrive."
"We'll have to wait see."said Fisk. "Over and out."
Fisk switched off the monitor and then activated the controls for the large screen atop the bridge. The screen came to life,showing the surface of the made-up arena of where the fight would be take place.
The arena was made up of a round long tube made of clear plastic that was affixed to the bridge road's surface and had tiny holes made in them and was attached to some portable generator. The arena also had an open space to enter at both sides.
"IT'S STARTING-LOOK!"said someone in the audience.
"ALRIGHT-TIME TO TAKE UP BETS!"said someone else.
"Whoo-looks like the real action's about to start."said Spidey.
Fisk then exited from his limo and gave the signal to one of his men to start the arena. The man in a white suit switch on and little flames burst from the holes of the tube,and then lit up in a wall of flame.
"Whoa---fighting in flames eh?"said Robert. "Sure looks like it."said Joe.
Fisk spoke into his microphone. "LET THE KOF FINALS BEGIN!"he said. "MATCH ONE,RYO AND ROBERT VS KIM AND JHUN-CONTESTANTS ENTER THE RING!"
Both the AOF team and the Korea team walked up to the arena. "I'll go first Robert."said Ryo. "You're my back-up to count on." "Gotch Ryo."said Robert. "Just be on your toes."
"I'm gonna let you have the honors this time Jhun."said Kim. "Sure thing."said Jhun. "But don't tell me you're afradi to go up against the Sakazaki dragon this time?" "Not at all."said Kim. "I want you to take the lead to tire Ryo out and hopefully we'll both make it to the final match."
"Sure thing Kim."said Jhun. "Just watch me work."
Both fighters entered the ring. The arena also had a portable mini-cam attched somewhere in the ring that shown the real action on the screen.
"This is it!"said Flash Thompson. "The finals are about to begin!" "Man,I hope either Terry or K wins!"said Kong.
"RYO,JHUN-TAKE YOUR POSITIONS!"said Fisk. Both men got into their fighting stances.
"READY-FIGHT!"said Fisk. And the match began.
NEXT IN CH.9. EACH OF THE MATCHES GO UNDERWAY AS THE WASHINGTON BRIDGHE BECOMES A BATTLEFIELD FOR THE KOF!
AND BY THE TIME IT'S OVER ONLY ONE TAG-TEAM WILL MAKE IT TO THE FINAL DESTINATION TO FIGHT WITH A SECRET CHALLENGER! WHO OR WHAT IS HE AND WHO IS THE NESTS EXECUTIVE BEHIND THIS WHOLE CHARADE? THE ANSWERS BEGIN TO UNFOLD NEXT CHAPTER!
Spider-Man saw what was happening in the streets below,fired a webline and swung to the streets below where K and Maxima were.
"Oh lookie Max."said K. "It's our guardian angel." "Personally,I think he couldn't have arrived at a better time."said Maxima grinning.
Spidey swung down at the first couple of clone thugs and landed on both of their backs with his feet,knocking them both down.
Spidey then ran towards both fighters to see what was happening.
"Friends of yours.?"he asked. "Not ours web-head."said K. "Yeah,nice to see you too."said Spidey. "What say we take out the trash?" "Now you're talking!"said K.
The next couple of thugs aim their uzzis at the trio. "QUICK,GET BEHIND ME GUYS!"said the cyborg as he rushed out in front of them. The thugs fired their weapons at Maxima,causing their bullets to bounce off and go through parts of his clothes.
"Whoa!"said Spidey. "Man of Steel are ya?" "Nah,just partly."said Maxima. "I can take up to a 100 bullets if need be..hopefully."
"I think it's time I took the rest of the reigns from here big guy."said Spidey.
The webslinger jumped into the air and landed in the middle of the group of thugs. Before any of them could open fire,Spidey fired a weblast into each of their gun barrels,clogging them up.
After that,he fired another pair of weblines at the pants legs of a couple of clones in front of him. He then pulled the lines and caused the two thugs to fall to the ground.
K and Max rushed in and began to take out the rest of the goons as well.
Suddenly,one clone jumped at K and lit a flame from it's hand. "WHAT?"said K. "This one's got Kusanagi's flame power working!"
"It can't be!"said Maxima. "Aside from the Kyo clone pair we fought at KOF'99,the rest of them weren't activated yet!"
The clone jumped at K and did a flame attack punch. K managed to dodge it and then did a knee bash into the clone's chest.
K then grabbed the clone's wrist sleeve and ripped it off,revealling a strange tube device that was in fact a mini-torch.
"HUH-I thought so!"said K. "See how ya handle the real deal thing pal!" K unleashed his Flame Dash attack and sent the clone flying across the street.
"YOW!"said Spidey. "I'd sure hate to get caught up in that!"
Maxima then whipped out his wrist blaster and shot down the remaining thugs before they could return fire. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"said Spidey. "Even if they're clones-they're still alive!"
"Afraid not Spider-Man,"said Maxima. "I read their life readings earlier. They're living in the physical sense perhaps,but in the memory sense,they're really just mindless drones,and besides that I didn't have much a choice,or they'd delay us from reaching the finals."
"I guess so."said Spidey. ".speaking of which,you got a major hunch on who or what did this?" "We do.it's gotta be NESTS."said K. "NESTS again huh?"said Spidey. "Boy,you two must have done something big to tick them off." "And why wouldn't they?"said Maxima. "After all,K there along with his fellow clone Kula destroyed their space station base along with their leaders Zero and Igniz back in the KOF'01."
"I'm sure."said Spidey. ".but if their leaders were destroyed,who else could be directing these attacks?"
"Obviously a NESTS executive or officer who once served them."said Maxima. "The bulk of them may have been done away with but you can be certain that there are plenty of leftover NESTS scum to deal with."
"That being the case,what say we try and find out anything from that van?"said K. "I'm for that."said Spidey.
But as the trio walked towards the now empty van,someone was watching them from a monitor and saw what was about to happen.
"I can't let them find out who is really behind this.not yet."thought the mysterious menace. The shadowed figure then pressed a red key on the console.
Suddenly,Spidey's warning buzz came on.
"STOP!"he said. "DON'T GETANY CLOSER!" "What do ya mean?"said K.
As if in answer,the van exploded in a ball of flame. "Oh.that's why."said K. "Man,so close,yet so far."said Maxima. "But at least that confirms our suspisions about NESTS.and this Kingpin guy you described."
"That's right,who is also the same guy who organized this KOF event.Wilson Fisk."said Spidey. "Figures,he's king size enough for that title."said K. "His size is the least of one's troubles when facing him."said Spidey. "Believe me,I know. Now,what exactly is this vendetta of either you or this NESTS thing anyways?"
"Sorry masked man."said K. "But I'm afraid now's not a good time,we need to reach the finals and time is short."
"I'm afraid he's right,Spider-Man."said Maxima. "But if you can catch us after the finals,maybe you can help us with something---inflitrating this whole thing."
"If you win the finals that is."said Spider-Man. "Okay then..but stay sharp and keep an eye on Kingpin and his goons when you arrive okay?"
"Will do web-man."said Maxima. "Good luck!"said Spidey as he shot another webline at a lampost and swung upward into the sky.
"He really likes to get involved doesn't he?"said K. "It's called concerned citizens K."said Maxima. "The world could use more of them. Now c'mon,to the finals."
While back at the George Washington bridge,many spectators and officials for the tournament were gathered there.
The bridge was cleared of any traffic,a large video monitor was placed atop the entrance,and both the Kingpin and several of his goons who were playing contest officials were gathered there near his limo. (Think along the lines of Billy Kane's stage in FF:Wild Ambition.)Not to mention a large sign hovered above the monitor also which said "THE KING OF FIGHTERS TAG-TEAM TOURNAMENT FINALS!"
The crime-lord consulted his watch. "It's getting late."he said as he looked to the sky which was turning a pale orange,reaching the afternoon.
Suddenly,a pair of martial artists appeared through the crowds and showed up. They were both Kim and Jhun and the two of them approached the Kingpin. "Sorry we're late."said Kim. "Are the Finals about to start?" "Soon enough my friends,soon enough."said Fisk. "But we must wait till the other finalists arrive."
And sure enough,both Ryo and Robert showed up. And then Shingo and Saisyu showed up.
When Terry and Joe arrived.people began to cheer at the sight of one of the first true Kings of Fighters. "YEAH TERRY!"shouted a kid. "YOU RULE!" "Huh,I won the very first KOF held by Geese once."said Ryo. "Why didn't they break into cheer?" "I'm afraid being in Southtown counts more than the big apple,Ryo."said Robert. "But if ya win,we might get recognition here in NYC as well."
"Nice to be remembered."said Terry as he waved his hat to the crowd. "HEY LOOK-IT'S HIM-IT'S K!"said someone.
"Oop---here comes the upstart!"said Joe. As K and Maxima shown up,many admirers roared in delight for the current reigning champion of the KOF.
Many girls with autograph books swarmed around K,who had little choice to sing them or not. "Man,is this all really necessary?"said K. "Price of fame K."said Maxima. "Get used it to it now,cause it may not last."
K took and signed several of the autograph books and gave them his John Hancock on the paper.
Spidey watched from atop a very high block on the bridge. "Pretty popular guy."said Spidey.
K and Maxima arrived finally with the other fighters.
The Kingpin approached the fighters. "Welcome one and all to the finals my warriors."he said. "I hope that this shall be a contest of major proportions after the preliminaries. The rules are simple,both of you shall fight here in the arena which is the local bridge. If either of your first member begins to feel worn-out,then tag- touch and take over the match.
This time however,if only of you is defeated and not both,then the victor shall go to the team,so get as much fight chances as possible because we are doing this final match only once. When it is all over,and the last team reamins standing,shall then go on to the final match in a secret location selected by me.
Is that understood?"
"Good."said Fisk. "Now,each of you assemble your tag-team and prepare for the first match as we assemble some things together first."
The five remaining teams began to converse with each other as the Kingpin and his men made the necessary preparations.
Kim and Terry shook hands as they met. "It's always good to see you here Terry."said Kim. "Ditto Kaphwan."said Terry. "I admit,whenever there's a KOF,you and your teammates will be there." "Yeah,except this time,I'm with him Terry."said Jhun. "So watch out!"
Joe laughed. "Nice to see your'e better after your absence in the KOF'01 Jhun." "Same here Joe."said Jhun. "Sorry I couldn't make it,but I'm back and better than ever. But I hope you guys are just as good as before."
"Just watch us work pal."said Joe.
K and Maxima approached Shingo. "Nice to see you're here,small-fry."said K. "Yeah,didn't think you'd make it."said Maxima.
"Uh..hi K,hi Maxima."said Singo. "It's been awhile." "Still dressing like your 'idol' huh?"said K. "Not suprising. So.is that faggy-looking guy Benimaru with you this time or did ya get a new teammate at last?"
Saisyu approached the biker. "You might say that young man..with white hair no less."he said. "Oh.K,Max,this is my new senei Saisyu Kusanagi..Kyo's father."said Shingo.
"Kyo's father?"said K and Maxima in unison. "Yes,didn't think he had one did ya?"said Saisyu grinning. "Well I'll be."said K. "Hmmm.strange."thought Maxima. "The Nests files didn't mention a father. And by the looks of the hair and that symbol on his costume,he's gotta be."
Ryo and Robert went over to chat with Terry and the others. "Nice to see you never miss a beat Ryo."said Terry. "Nor you Terry."said Ryo."I know none of us never win these things these days,but that doesn't stop any of us from trying."
"Too right Ryo."said Kim. "Let's hope one of us from the old generation wins for a change and knock what passes for the new generation out of the ring."
Shingo was telling K and Maxima what had occurred after KOF'01 between him nd the Japan team. "Those insensitive bastards!"said Maxima. "And to think after you helped out Naikado in the last two as an only teammate with the rest of us."
"I'll say."said K. "Wet behind the ears you might be,but you were a damn good fighter back in KOF'99. You deserve better than that. I say just kick their pansy asses to the moon and grow to be your own warrior."
"Under my tutelage,he's determined to do so K-san."said Saisyu. "But please understand,as insufferablly foolish as my son can be,he is a dedicated warrior and true to the art of the Kusanagi,but both my new disciple and myself plan to teach him and his mates some major humility."
"Unfortuantely for us,Kyo and his team didn't show up in this one."said Shingo. "Probably didn't have the stones this year,or he wasn't invited."said Maxima. "Just as well."
"Perhaps."said Saisyu. "But this contest will prepare us for a future KOF to deal with. So be warned my friends,we intend to fight hard in the finals."
"So do we old-timer."said K. "Same goes for you Shingo,Max and myself have come a long way to get here so don't dissapoint us."
"I intend to K!"said Shingo clenching his fists in the air. "Good,and give Kyo a punch for me when ya see him."said K as he and Maxima turned to the center of the ring.
"Hmmm..tenacious man isn't he?"said Saisyu. "K's not so bad once ya get to know him sensei."said Shingo. "He and Maxima are good fighters." "Perhaps."siad Saisyu. "But.I can't help but notice something-familiar about this K fellow.
"Well at least his father behaves better than Kusangai ever did."said Maxima. "Tell me about it."said K. "I wonder what he would say if he knew I was an advanced clone of his son?" "I think that would rock him pretty hard."said Maxima. "And he might suspect something if he sees you do your flame attacks."
"A chance I'll have to take Max."said K. "Now get ready,I think the match is about to start."
Back in his limo,the Kingpin received a call on his video system,and the dark image of his benefactor appeared.
"What is it?"said Fisk. "Can't you see,the finals are about to begin?" "I'm here to tell you a couple of things."said the man on the monitor. "First off,as you can see.K and Maxima have arrived."
"Yes,I can see that."said Kingpin. "The attempts your clones made obviously failed." "It may have been my clones that attempted capture."said the man. "But it was your criminally minded equipment that I had them use. That shape- changing cyborg as well as the van and firepower I had them used didn't even make a dent in them both. But.I have discovered that the both of them didn't do it alone. There was an unseesn.force that came in contact with them. Namely---HIM!"
An image of Spider-Man shown on the screen. "Spider-Man.no not him again!"said Fisk. "Oh,so you have had recent contact with this.callow adventurer then?'said the man. "I was almost completely ruined by his efforts last time we met!"siad Fisk. "Why didn't you tell me he was involved earlier?"
"I was busy monitoring the events of the tournament also and peparing things."said the man. "I had just dsicovered when I had to detonate the van and degenerate the clones after they had left,and I have it on good authority that this Spider-Man also upset the earlier attempt on K and Maxima back near the sewere systems."
"I'll take care of it when the time comes."said Fisk. "Right now,be prepared whn the fianl victors of the tournament come for the next destination---your hidden base."
"I've got my end of the bargain taken well care of."said the man. "I just hope that it is K and Maxima who arrive."
"We'll have to wait see."said Fisk. "Over and out."
Fisk switched off the monitor and then activated the controls for the large screen atop the bridge. The screen came to life,showing the surface of the made-up arena of where the fight would be take place.
The arena was made up of a round long tube made of clear plastic that was affixed to the bridge road's surface and had tiny holes made in them and was attached to some portable generator. The arena also had an open space to enter at both sides.
"IT'S STARTING-LOOK!"said someone in the audience.
"ALRIGHT-TIME TO TAKE UP BETS!"said someone else.
"Whoo-looks like the real action's about to start."said Spidey.
Fisk then exited from his limo and gave the signal to one of his men to start the arena. The man in a white suit switch on and little flames burst from the holes of the tube,and then lit up in a wall of flame.
"Whoa---fighting in flames eh?"said Robert. "Sure looks like it."said Joe.
Fisk spoke into his microphone. "LET THE KOF FINALS BEGIN!"he said. "MATCH ONE,RYO AND ROBERT VS KIM AND JHUN-CONTESTANTS ENTER THE RING!"
Both the AOF team and the Korea team walked up to the arena. "I'll go first Robert."said Ryo. "You're my back-up to count on." "Gotch Ryo."said Robert. "Just be on your toes."
"I'm gonna let you have the honors this time Jhun."said Kim. "Sure thing."said Jhun. "But don't tell me you're afradi to go up against the Sakazaki dragon this time?" "Not at all."said Kim. "I want you to take the lead to tire Ryo out and hopefully we'll both make it to the final match."
"Sure thing Kim."said Jhun. "Just watch me work."
Both fighters entered the ring. The arena also had a portable mini-cam attched somewhere in the ring that shown the real action on the screen.
"This is it!"said Flash Thompson. "The finals are about to begin!" "Man,I hope either Terry or K wins!"said Kong.
"RYO,JHUN-TAKE YOUR POSITIONS!"said Fisk. Both men got into their fighting stances.
"READY-FIGHT!"said Fisk. And the match began.
NEXT IN CH.9. EACH OF THE MATCHES GO UNDERWAY AS THE WASHINGTON BRIDGHE BECOMES A BATTLEFIELD FOR THE KOF!
AND BY THE TIME IT'S OVER ONLY ONE TAG-TEAM WILL MAKE IT TO THE FINAL DESTINATION TO FIGHT WITH A SECRET CHALLENGER! WHO OR WHAT IS HE AND WHO IS THE NESTS EXECUTIVE BEHIND THIS WHOLE CHARADE? THE ANSWERS BEGIN TO UNFOLD NEXT CHAPTER!