Disclaimer: All KOF characters owned by SNK.

Hi guys, Welcome back. I didn't have much work to do today so… yes another chapter hehe. To my reviewers, thanks for your support. You are the motivating factor, man :) This chapter is… like its title says LOL.

Hope you like it and yes, I love teasing my readers. ; D


9. Crabs & Fingernails

"Ok, here we are. TA-DAAAA!" Shen announced happily.

What the… Oh god! Not again? It was the very same crab eatery we had gone to the other time. NOOOOOOO! My brain screamed in denial. This is Horror Revisited, what else can I say?

"Umm, Shen can we have patisserie instead? I am not very hungry…" It was true. I had suddenly lost my appetite. I glanced at Duo Lon beseechingly, praying he would help alleviate my plight but alas, he was of a different mind…

"Nonsense, mere pastry can't fill a man's stomach. Besides, I am very hungry. Haven't eaten for days, remember? These Shanghai crabs shall do just fine."

I had no other choice but to follow them into the dreadful shop, my head bowed low in defeat. As I glanced at the tied-up crabs laying pitifully in a pile, memories of my last unfortunate encounter with the cursed creatures flooded me…

Back then, I had suggested eating Shanghai crabs as a joke. Never expected Shen to be dead serious on it.

"Allright, your on! Take your pick. My treat," he had said.

And so I had unwittingly gone to the woven baskets to choose the lucky crab.

Unfortunately, one of them had not been properly bound. Perhaps he was pissed for being overlooked, perhaps he was just out to get me? I don't know. But as I was examining the other fellows, this mean little bugger clamped onto my right index finger with his pincer. Owww! The pain was indescribable! I had tried desperately to pry him off but in vain. He only tightened his hold.

In sheer desperation, I kept shaking my hand. Finally, the bugger fell off but not without my entire fingernail! I almost fainted when I saw my finger bleeding where the nail had been.

Before I could react, the annoying crab had jumped up and clamped my left middle finger, splitting the nail there effectively. This time I was really angry and reacted by summoning my emerald flames. And less than a second later, the offending crab had turned into barbecued seafood.

But the damage had already been done. My beautiful manicured nails had been ruined… the real reason why I am using faux nails now. All because of some stupid Shanghai crab…

As I recounted the incident again, my anger flared. I had sworn never to let history repeat itself and still felt adamant about it. Why if those two goons…

"Three barbecued crabs, takeaway please."

Huh? So we didn't have to eat there? I glanced up and noticed Shen looking at me with understanding. So, he knew! That dumbass knew! Honestly, I didn't know whether to feel angry or grateful but relief washed over me anyway. At least someone knew… He gave me a small grin.

"Ok guys, let's hurry. 10 minutes to 11!"

"…." Duo Lon choked. Now, that's what happens when you try to protest with a full mouth, dumbo.

"Relax, dude. You can eat all you want once we arrive. Can't afford to be late this time. The chairman might disqualify us!"

Huh? Disqualify? No way, it can't be that serious… can it?

As if he could read my thoughts, Duo Lon elaborated.

"The Boss Team was disqualified just last week for being late yet again. Why else do you think they ain't in this year?"

"Same goes for that NESTS team. Late for all promotional schedules." Shen added as he sucked the remaining crab flavour off his grubby fingers. Ewwww, talking about personal hygiene…

"Yeah, and that's precisely why I didn't bother to change my black coat although maybe I should…?" Duo Lon sniffed his smelly overcoat self-consciously.

"But it's just some promotional shots. Not as if we are late for a match or something. Ok, how many times were they late anyway?"

Both voices rang out in unison.

"Three!"

Sweat dropped. So far, we had already been late twice courtesy of me, Ash Crimson. This time would effectively make it the third. Damn! The dreadful idea of being disqualified on such petty grounds after all the trouble…

"Then what are we waiting for?" I shouted. And ran as fast as my scrawny legs could.


A/N:

Hehe, now you know why Duo Lon couldn't change his attire… And why he couldn't eat. He didn't have time. ;) He had to rush from backcountry to Shanghai for the 'appointment.' Sweet of him, isn't it? Owww, lets give him a hug. (Hehe).