Disclaimer: All KOF characters owned by SNK.

Ok, this is the other ½ that I split into chapter 5 :D


5. The Purchase

It was then it happened. Two voices raised high in volume. Or specifically, it was none other than the voices of Shen and a certain street peddlar. They seemed to be arguing, no shouting about something… and once again people were staring. Damn it, second time in less than an hour, curse that Shen! I swore silently in English and in Francais.

A wave of excitement and tension permeated the atmosphere. I could suddenly sense an immense amount of qi-energy gathering… but no this can't be... or could it? I turned around. Shen was already in his usual fighting stance, prepared for combat. And from the looks of it things could only get uglier.

"Oh my god, he's gonna kill the peddlar, he's gonna kill the peddlar!" My brain repeated stupidly. I stood rooted to the spot, numbed by this shocking revelation. It was just so stupid! Killing a man over a silk top! I found myself horrified yet fascinated by the man's daftness.

Yet obviously not as much as the crowd who was barely able to contain their excitement… Onlookers were whistling and cheering Shen on, obviously a crude lot who enjoyed watching unnecessary blood spill.

Just as all hope was lost, the unexpected happened. The peddlar muttered an 'OK' albeit reluctantly. But it was enough. Shen dispensed with his fighting stance, fished out some loose change from his jeans' pocket and…then what? The peddlar handed him a package in response. They even shook hands and hugged.

The crowd muttered a "chey" in unison and dispersed, obviously disappointed. There was no fight afterall.

Huh? I was indeed confused. What on earth had just happened?

"Come let's go, and oh yeah here's your top." Shen gave me a mischievous wink.

I still didn't get it. How could he act as if nothing had happened? I stole a glance at the vendor but strangely, he too behaved in the same manner. How could they both pretend nothing had transpired? Why, if it was me...

"I said, let's GO!" Shen repeated impatiently, but this time his hands tugged me along. "And oh yeah. Breakfast, this time your treat. And no Buts, you owe me!" He indicated the package I was holding.


A/N: Short chapter I know. But the next few paragraphs are not related to this, so… no choice but to end it here. ;)