Go For Broke

By RichieD.

   (A/N: The force is strong in this one, which it should be considering this is the fourth chapter. Gonna make this one short after the last two long runs that were 2 and 3, plus am pretty sure you wanna see some KOF folks entering the fray. Wish granted, three appear in this one. King of Fighters not mine, belong to that other fellow sitting next to me who calls himself SNK. Though my creations are mine. Eh, enjoy.)

The Cit-Burbs

A localist city not shown too much on any maps, in fact you have to look closely just to spot it. Its not a mondo large community like say Los Angelos or Dallas, TX, but pretty moderate for its size. Also the name given for it being that regular neighborhood houses, lawns and all, are surrounded by much larger buildings and skyscrapers, hence the name Cit-burbs: City/Suburbs.

It is here most of the residents/survivors of Southtown have fled after the destruction of their city caused by the Zero Cannon due to N.E.S.T.S scheming. It was a hard fit considering the mayor of the city had to create extra space to this sudden move in. But more folks in his city meant more money so he welcomed them in with open arms…and a bank account to boot.

It wasn't easy for the regulars to adjust to more people and things did start to crowd almost to the point of suffocation. But the human will to survive is strong and eventually as the year of 2002 rolled on. Both old and new residents found a way to make it work, if not making the city better.

So now one year later, as the bruised Southtown continues its resurrection. The Cit-Burbs celebrate the first anniversary of this merger as well as the founding of the city. And since the people of Southtown are the reasons for this extra posterity what better event for festivities then…

"Welcome to the 1st Annual Cit-burbs Fight Tournament!" 

The crowd roared their anticipation after the announcer had confirmed the event. All gathered in the town square where a ring was set up, ready to see some full frontal, real live action and most importantly, violence.

" Yes, in accordance with the officials of Southtown and this city's cooperation. We are proud to bring you, the good people of Cit-Burbs, a taste of what we do for fun. Even better is that not only are most of S.T.'s residents competing in this glorious event but some of your hometown folks will be joining in as well some for the first time! How do you like that? C'mon everyone, show me am not talking to myself."

If the crowd screamed any louder you swear it was a storm brewing.

"Alright let me explain the rules, fighters will compete in teams of three. Going one on one against one another in no-holds matches. Whichever teams finishes off its members first will be the winner and continue up the ranks till there is only one team left standing who which shall be named the champion. No matter how you win it, the only thing we ask of the competitors is that you don't cripple your opponent if you can help it and please nothing fatal."

There were a few snickers from the stands where the fighters were posted until they were called in to fight.  

"Of course, thankfully thats what liability forms are for." the announcer mumbled to himself before speaking back into the mic. "Before we begun, we would once again like to thank the mayor of this city, Mr. Shaky Deals, for his gratitude during Southtown's hour of need a year ago. If it weren't for him and this city of his, we don't what would become of the victims of that disaster. Give it up for him folks."

There was some scattered applause for the man as those who knew him better knew he as wasn't as generous as the announcer made him out to be. At least without a price, still he stood up from his booth and waved to the crowd.

"Also the proceeds for this event go to the recovery and victims of Southtown itself." The announcer went on.

Shaky almost fell out of booth after hearing that "Hey, when was I informed about this? I never agreed to that!"

But his argument was lost in the wave of applause as those in the audience had a change of heart. Seeing there was nothing he could do, Shaky just gave a now more unenthusiastic wave and returned to his seat grumbling all the way.

"One last thing before we start, will you all please bow your heads in a moment of prayer for those that were lost in that terrible incident a year ago." The crowd complied and there wasn't a sound made with exception of the standard cough.

After which, the announcer lifted his head and with as much flair as he could muster shouted "NOW IS EVERYONE READY TO PARTY?" the serious mood was quickly overshadowed as the crowd gave out there loudest yell yet.

" Taking a page from Dragon Ball Z. We've had all the team leaders take a number from one through twelve. Then we put together the matches with that corresponding number. (i.e.: if a team picks the number one and another picks the number two, they fight against each other.) "So will the first two teams, Team Chaos and Team Setback, please enter the ring."

"Which number are we again?" Case asked Shorty watching the first two teams take the stage. Barely able to contain his anxiousness or nervousness, it was hard to tell with a boy like him.

"Six, after the next fight." She said without turning to him "Relax dude, you'll get your chance to show off. Am surprised Rich hasn't said anything, stuff like this makes him crap his pants in an instant."

Rich, sitting besides her, frown at hearing that "Hey it was a problem I had when I was little. Crowds at that age can traumatize ya. Besides after the training I had with Tessa it's gone the way of the dodo."

Case smirked "Hmm, I didn't think magic shows were the cure for that kinda stuff."

"Urge to kill rising, but now not time or place." Rich thought after the quip "Shouldn't you be watching the fight. Paying attention is one half of fighting. Not that you have a problem with that.

Case turned to make a statement but Shorty interrupted him. "Well I'll be danged, they drew first pick?" "They" as is it turned was the three known as Team Chaos.

"Yeah, just another bit of our competition. What's your…wait is that?" Rich said

"Demo, Axel and Iggy." Case finished "Huh, they'll let just about anyone in this tournament. Then again they let in…"

"Case, if you wanna compete before we enter the ring. You won't finish that sentence." Rich said cutting him off  "Just watch the fight."

Sure enough, the trio that failed in their surprise attack against Shorty was the first to compete. Demo went first, once again keeping her hands out rather then folded into fists. Once the signal to start was given, the girl demonstrated her speed on her first opponent. Keeping ahead of the attacks even though she took a few but her strikes came back just as powerful and her opponent was down on the floor in no time. Her second opponent was too much for her in strength however and she was quickly taken out. Iggy took over for the 3rd match and after a bit of back and forth hits. Beat his opponent with a sleeper hold. The last fighter of Team Setback displayed some impressive martial arts moves but unfortunely got caught in a grab and a suplex by Iggy ended the match. Giving Team Chaos the first win.

Shorty grinned while she watched the team celebrate "Well well, it seems they've been practicing since the last time I fought them. Eh, no biggie we been though the drills as well, they won't get off so easily with us."

"Considering we reach them." Rich said "We may know their stuff, but most of these people aren't even from here. Were practically fighting blind."

 "Pfft, you think that worries me?" said Case, cracking his knuckle for like the 100th time that week "After messing around with the punks in this city. I could use a little fresh meat."

"And am pretty much a veteran at this stuff after that trip to Japan." Shorty beamed

"I know, I was there for the second part of it." Rich said deadpanned "But I guess if it wasn't for that, I never would've got to meet Tessa and get these cool spells."   

Shorty chuckled at the memory from a year ago before saying "So what are you worried about? If we came out of that okay, a little tournament won't kill ya. Well maybe rough you up a bit but…"

"Hold that thought, the next teams are up."

"Will 3 and 4, Team All Stars and Team Smash please take the ring?" The announcer blared out.

A medium sized match that the All Stars barely won thanks to their last man.

"5 and 6, Team Infamous and Team Pre Heroes." The announcer raised an eyebrow at that last name, mentally shaking his head "ahem, will both teams step into the ring."

 "Team Infamous? What kind of name is that?!" Case asked ludicrously coming down the stands

Shorty shrugged giving a sheepish smile "Its the name of one of my failed comics. I just thought it sounded, I don't know, cool for our group. Well that and the registration form threw me for a loop."

The trio entered the ring at the same time as their opponents. A group of high schoolers their own age wearing what looked like jackets with white shirts underneath, leather pants, sneakers and a white handbands dotting each of their heads. The only difference between them was the colors, which were red, gray, and brown respectively.

"Something about them seems familiar." Shorty said as she took a good look at them

Rich shared her expression of confusion "I know, but I can't put my finger on it."

"Team leaders, please select the order in which you will compete." The announcer told the group, breaking Shorty out of her trance.

"Oh, em. I'll…"

"No wait, let me go first." Case suddenly butted in "Am not good at waiting when am at ringside."   

 "You sure?" Shorty asked him. When she got a nod, Shorty confirmed her decision with her going next and Rich bringing up the rear.

"Break a leg, just don't try not to get yours broken." Rich call out to him before he stepped off to the side. Case let out a sneer in his direction before turning to his opponent, the red Pre-Heroes member.

"Lets get crazy."  Were the only words that came out of Case's mouth.

The word "Fight" was spoken.

And Case let loose.

****

"A triple KO?!" a girl in the audience wearing a red tye-dyed lab coat with a pull string, pink shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes and glasses on her faced, asked bewilder watching the last of Pre-Heroes team being carried off  "Sheeh, I knew he was strong. But not enough to end a match that quick."

 The person beside her, a tall looking girl with cat ears wearing a white tank top with a pink stripe running vertically across the middle and a light blue sweatpants, however beam happily at the result of the fight "I know isn't it great, my older bro beat them up like it was no tomorrow. I've never seen him so happier in his life."

"Happy." The girl corrected "But has he always been like that Tala, just goes nuts whenever he get into a fight?"

Tala put a finger to her lips in thought "Hmm not really. In fact I've never really seen him fight before. E.G., but now that I have, he must be the strongest person in town."

E.G (a.k.a the little nerd girl) just shook her head. Talking to Tala was like talking to a blender, no form of conversation whatsoever. But then again what can you expect from someone whose mother was accidentally injected with cat serum during birth.

"Well, at least Rich has yet to go up yet. Am a little worried how he'll do in a real fight that doesn't have places to duck behind."

****

"AUUGH!"

THUD

"That's the last of Team Anime. Team Infamous advances to the next round."

Rich sheathed his umbrella in the special holders behind his back and walked back toward his team, the crowd screaming all the way for their hometown hero.

"Whew, that was a close one." Rich breathed, sweating furiously "their last member was really packing. If I hadn't got my Gale Roar up in time, I would've been finished."

"See and you two kept complaining that that training last week was nothing more then an excuse to beat up and Case all week."

"Yeeeeeah, sure." Case said as he bandaged a bump on his head.

"Hey are we or are we not the semi-finals of this thing?" Shorty shot back.

Indeed the group had struggled up the ladder and it was by no mean an easy task, at least at the beginning where they beat a few no grade amateurs in the first bouts. But of course as with any tournament it got harder. The opponents begun throwing out surprising moves and even started dishing out element powers such as fire and ice, to which Rich was able to take care of due to his own. Though Shorty and Case were by no means helpless and plowed through a few themselves. The trio lost a few one on one battles though as to be expected, almost losing a body part in some cases (no pun intended.) but still managed to come out on top in the end.

Now finally the exhausted group only had to face one more challenger to claim the tournament, who would be decided on the next fight between the All-Stars and Chaos.

"Man I can't believe those three made it this far. I never expected they have the moxie for it."

"Me neither Shorty, I guess all the beatings you handed them really gave then something to shoot for." Rich motioned seeing the determined look in their eyes. His point was prove when Axel noticed them in the stands, pointed to the three and made a motion across his neck with his finger followed by a thumbs-down.

Team Infamous just stared back at them, smirks on their faces at the gesture " Needless to say am looking forward to kicking their butts in the final round."  Shorty said

For once since the team's forming, Rich and Case wholeheartedly agreed as the match started at the earnest.

****

"Winners of the eighth bout, Team All Stars!"

 The crowd gave an uproar for the three while paramedics run in to check on the fall Chaos team.

With the exception of a few bruises and burnt marks on their clothing. They were alright if not a little dazed with the exception of Axel. A vicious left hook had knocked him into dreamland.

Stretchers eventually arrived to take them for some medical treatment. As they were being taken away, the crowd gave a nice round of applause for their efforts. Iggy, feeling slightly rejuvenated, gave a thumbs up in appreciation though quickly brought it back down when the pain set end.

Halfway to the set up first-aid tent, Demo could dimly make out three figures passing by to make their way to the ring. Mustering up enough strength to wake herself up she managed to sit up "S-S-Shorty?"

This got her rival's attention and she made her way over to her stretcher "Heh, so your still awake. Thought that last move cause you to end up like ol Ax over here."

Demo tried to laugh but it came out in a harsh cough. Though she managed to smirk afterwards "Please, if I've learn anything from messing with you. You need all the stamina you can get even if I could beat you. Just sorry I couldn't do it in the ring."

"Relax girl, you and your crew made to the semi-finals that's enough to be proud of. And hey if your not satisfied with that you could always challenge me later. Of course I'll be the city's champion by then."

"That is IF you beat these guys in the ring." Demo said followed another cough " Don't let em fool you with their moves, these guys are dead serious to win."

A look of determination, nothing that Demo had ever seen before from her, came across Shorty's features. "So am I."

And with that she approach the ring where her teammates were already waiting and the paramedics continued on their way to the first-aid tent.

"Heh I'll tell the paramedics to save a bed beside me." Demo called back to Shorty though when she was out of earshot she muttered a silent good luck.

*****

 "And now ladies and gents, it all comes down to this. Of the twelve competitors, only two have left those ten in the dust. Now only one must rule, so here it is folks! The finale of the First Annual Cit-Burbs Tournament, help me out here people. LET'S BEGIN THE FINALS!!!

Once again the crowd gave it up, only this time with as much enthusiasm as possible. So much so that the neighboring town even heard it. Never mind the fact it takes two days just to reach it by car.

" OK!" the announcer calmed himself down from the excitement then pulled out a piece of paper from his suit.  "On my left, one of the more craziest teams that you'll ever see. Yet the through the rounds they have slowly but surly become your hometown heroes for this event. Put your hands in the air for…" a quick glance at the paper he was holding "…Shorty, Rich and Case. Also known as Team Infamous!"

Loud cheers from crowd yet again, not as big as an effort from before due to their first efforts to psyche up the event. But it was good enough for the Infamous team and, just for the heck of it, they showboated for the crowd.

"YEEEEAAAAAHHHH! GO! BIG BROTHER GO!" Tala shouted amiss the chorus of others.

 "C'MON RICH KICKED SOME ARSE! Boy theres five words I 'd never thought I'd say in a row." E.G chimed in "Oh YOU TOO SHORTY!!!"

In fact most of the cheers were directed her way, some part of the crowd even begin chatting her name. To which she smirked and gave a bow.

"Alright clam down everyone, calm down." Everyone did and the announcer went on "And on my right, a Southtown favorite who hasn't been seen fighting since '94. But now they've dusted off there skills and ready to make a comeback to the fighting world. Folks of Southtown, please give it up for the one and only…" another look at the paper.

"Wow, I can't believe their still trying after all these years." The announcer muttered a bit too loudly in the mic. "Oh um Lucky, Heavy D! and Brian! Some of you know them as the Sports team."

"Now say hello to the ALL STARS!"   

****

(A/N: Hey, told you this chapter showcases some people for KOF. Didn't say they were famous but they're the perfect people to get the plot underway for the next chapter. Which is what this author's note in here for, seems school is a persistent bugger for my time. And the fact that other people have been asking more of my other stories means it'll be awhile before I reached the next chapter. So hang tight, Go for Broke will be back as soon as it cans and I promise a fully descriptive fight rather then summaries. Check ya later.)