Unmei Force Gaiden: KOF XV Reactions
Prologue: Start of the KOF XV Tournament.
In the broadcast room of the GFS Ryujin….
The recreation room was silent for a few moments, before the doors into it were thrown open, as a massive group of people entered, all led by Richard, who led them to their seats on the nearby couches, as well as Sumireko preparing the drinks and snack machines beforehand.
Compared to last time Richard had used this room, the watching group has significantly expanded. The previous watchers, consisting of Richard, Gus, Reimu, Erika, Sanae were in the same outfits as they had before, with the difference that Erika was now physically present, while the newcomers, which consisted of a lot more people, were also in their casual wear.
The four younger and child-like members of the watching group, consisting of Koyomi, Chen, Heiwa, and Popol, decided to hog a couch together, as Heiwa had Chen on one side and Popol on the other, while Koyomi herself was sitting on top of the large back of the couch itself, just above the group. Heiwa and Chen decided to have themselves in white shirts with the respective artsy symbols of a fox and cat respectively, while Popol decided to settle with a blue shirt with a white gradient hue, while Koyomi herself was in a white child dress.
As for the older new-comers, Hitomi and Eruza decided to hog one of the larger couches, as they were in their usual casual attire, sitting quite close to make their attraction to each other quite obvious to the others, while Taiga and Raditz decided to sit on the same couch as well, as the two buff warriors kept a fair distance from each other, although they are not put off by each other, as Raditz himself wore a white polo shirt that clung to his chest, showing the defined physique under it.
Ui would find herself being put between both Sanae and Sumireko, as the latter was dressed in a purple shirt which had pink rune symbols around the front and the bottom line, and the rabbit herself was dressed in her standard seifuku, untransformed, which made the rabbit Brute fairly uneasy, although she didn't visibly complain.
Kaguya even came along, with her long straight hair hanging from the sides of her white shirt, as she took a couch with Richard, as she leaned against him with a cheeky smile, which Richard returned with an arm around her shoulders. Reimu decided to sit along with Erika and Gus on the same couch.
"Ah, to watch a nice event with all of my friends." Richard mused, patting Kaguya's back. "And also with my crush. What better thing can I ask for?"
"Not much really." Sumireko shrugged. "So it's really true, there is actually a KOF tournament broadcasting right now? You know how these things get… Well, only a few of us do."
"Well, you can't doubt the heroes and their media outlets." Gus remarked. "They will always find a way to create events that would have been in fiction into reality. And I do mean all, I have seen so many various events, and the Olympics were just the tip of the iceberg. They even went back to the days where they were boxing each other on live TV."
"Yeah, that was LONG before we even came here." Sanae stated. "So learning about how these heroes do in various forms of competitive events. That gore-fest that is Mad World though… Hoo, that makes me cringe at how easily they can conform with their competing environment, even if its a little lethal and bloody."
"KOF ain't much different. I mean, have you seen the stuff they have done to each other? It's no wonder that the heroes and the various teams are going to make these fights look like a series of hectic battles." Kaguya added.
"Still, why bring the kids here?" Reimu stated, gesturing at Heiwa's little group. "I'm pretty sure that this stuff is-"
"Koyomi's literally experienced worse, Reimu." Richard chided Reimu, as Raditz stared at Richard disapprovingly. "As for the others, well, they're old enough to fight, and they've seen this kind of thing before. This is basically day by day stuff for them. I mean, don't tell me you forgot?"
Reimu was about to retort, before she then realised Richard's point and face-palmed. "...I guess so." She sighed.
"I'll be rooting for Ishihara." Erika stated. "I'm sure that he'll be able to make it through. I personally know that someone like him… won't go down easily."
"So does half of the group." Hitomi scoffed. "Enough talk, get this thing started, I want to see how my doppleganger does her work."
"Aw, too excited for the action, Hitomi~?" Eruza teased with a chuckle.
"To be fair, Eruza… I find this tournament to be fairly intriguing." Taiga remarked, clenching the arm-rest firmly. "...To think there are far less dangerous outlets than Killing Bites here. I wonder what kind of battles lie ahead."
"Alright, it seems that the pre-show banter should come to an end. As usual, Nitori secured our connection, so that no unsavory parties make use of it to do some questionable things. Luckily, with the upgrades we have been getting, the work is already done." Richard stated, before snapping his fingers. "And now, let's get the show on the road!"
The ceiling projector immediately activated, as it began to show the emblem of the KOF tournament, before it then started broadcasting the feed.
At that moment, a loud sound pierced the arena as the area went completely black, a heavy rock song kicking up. Spotlights were soon scattering across the stadium until they soon converged on a new face at the center of the Tokyo Dome. It was a young man in his early 20s, wearing an outfit consisting of an open jacket, an undershirt, jeans, gloves and sneakers, all of which were silver, shiny and flashy. He had a pair of white sunglasses on and his hair was slicked back and dyed a bright white as well.
Taking off his sunglasses, he gave a smile, looking around with his bright eyes, scoping the teams already in the arena. He stretched his arms before he raised his hand with his sunglasses in the air as they flashed before turning into a classic Microphone as it was gripped in his dominant right hand, bringing it to his mouth as the crowd was cheering a bit for his grand entrance.
"So this is the MC of this tournament?" Sanae asked. "Hm, so-so."
"I have to agree." Sumireko stated, shaking her head. "Nothing too special about him."
"Ooooooooh, Yeah! Wow! Now that was an entrance, am I right Tokyo?!" he asked the crowd in attendance as they cheered in response. He then looked at the teams already in attendance. "Hey now, what's with the surprised faces? You were expecting someone else, am I right?"
"Wow, he's got the same energy as Present Mic." Ace said.
"Yeah… hey, who are you anyway?" Hope asked.
"Me?" the young man in silver smiled. "I'm glad you asked. My name…. is Platinum Mic! Y'see, I'M the Commentator and Ring Announcer for this year's King of Fighters tournament." The audience was intrigued by that. "And y'know what? I'm glad I am! King of Fighters is a tournament that's got style, one all its own! Every tournament has their way of doing things, but this one? It knows the value of a style that only it can bring to the table! A style full of nonstop action, and plenty of excitement, but most importantly, the bonds shared between competitors!"
The crowd cheered.
"Well, he does know how to rouse a crowd." Kaguya argued, after seeing the crowd cheer. "Takes a lot to do that in this kind of setting."
"Or maybe long-time fans or die-hard fans have lost their heads on the prospect of what is coming." Erika remarked. "There is always a following for every single person with influence. I know because I surf the web day-by-day, and even all of us have our followings."
"Huh, really?" Sanae asked, with a intrigued tone, as Erika nodded. "Neat, I guess. But still… That might be a concern later down the road."
"And that's why I'm here! Because I love that kinda stuff! Things with nonstop action and excitement are what I love commentating on! And what better place to start doing it outside my home, the Idol Universe, than right here in KOF?!" he asked, earning crowd admiration. " And speaking of right here and now, boy do we got a lot of competition to introduce! So without further ado, let's first introduce the challenger teams!" Platinum Mic said as the screen showed what looked like an outdoor concert venue at night.
(Cue- Pyrus Arena Theme- Bakugan: The Game)
"Here comes the Hero of Tokyo! He'll either slice you up or put you on ice! David Ishihara!" a voiceover said as ice materializes from his hand with a smirk on his face until he swipes his arm in the air, making the icy aura dissipate.
"Come at me. I'm ready when you are!" David said with a hand motion towards himself.
"Somebody call Animal Control! This feisty hellcat will shred you with her claws before you can even blink! Cheetah!" the voiceover continued as Cheetah dashed forward on all fours before she skidded to a halt, standing up and growling.
"For the Goddess of the Hunt!" Cheetah declared as she brandishes her claws.
"He's got a sharp mind and a piercing blade. One misstep and you'll play right into his hands. Leopardmon!" the voiceover continued as Leopardmon was tightening his gauntlets as he walked up the arena, waving a hand in front of him to brush the air in front of him out as he materialized his blade.
"Show me all that you have to offer." Leopardmon said as he planted the sword in front of him, his hands on the hilt.
On the screen, David and Cheetah's images were side by side for a brief second before Leopardmon's image cut in the middle between them.
"Team Strategist!"
"Looks like we got a strong first contender." Richard remarked. "When David is on the team, you know it's going to be hard to beat. Still, considering what might be ahead…"
"Not to mention that Cheetah is on the team." Gus stated. "She was already a strong contender in the Olympics. Here, she is even more in her element."
(Music Shift: Light the Fire Up in the Night (P4 Version)- Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth)
The scene then shifted to Flower Town, right near Ginova Mansion.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve. Where he lacks in brains, he makes up for in raw fighting power! Hope the Victor!" The voiceovers continued as Hope walked up, images of him brushing his hair back with his switch comb and then fingering his ring cutting in and out before he appeared in full scale as he cracked his hands.
"Lemme show you what I'm really made of!" he said, assuming his baritsu stance.
"The Blade of Izanami descends to battle! You don't wanna be the target of this superweapon. Nu-13!" the voiceover said as Nu descended to the ground in her normal form with her Murakumo Unit behind her as both were engulfed in light as Nu now floated before the crowd in her combat form.
"Starting connection…" Nu said as she was floating idly.
"They broke the mold when they made this girl! This gymnast will make pirouettes all over your face! Akane Owari!" Akane appeared last as she flipped onto the scene and landed, pumping her arms with a smirk before getting up and facing her opponent's side.
"So then, you really wanna go through the trouble? Fine!" she said, clapping her hands with chalk powder before assuming her combat stance.
All three of their images appeared as the name Shining Beast Saber appeared, before it cracked and shattered, giving way for a new name.
"Team Ginova!"
"Odd team in terms of composition, but their members are fairly great." Sanae analyzed the team. "Nu and Akane are known big-hitters, and while Hope might not be the strongest among the hero leaders, he certainly ranks with tenacity, strength and will. Hell, he might even be able to fight Richard to a stand-still, with how similar their determination is."
"Hey, you do know I can hear right?" Richard asked, as Sanae smirked back. "...Mm, fair enough, but you never know until we actually clash heads."
(Music Shift: Noble Execution- Granblue Fantasy Versus)
The screen then showed a full view of the Kingdom of Devaloka.
"A Nephilim Prince with incredible power. He has a lot of ways to beat anyone in his way. Ace Neptune!" the voice said as Ace walked forward, shifting through the many outfits he'd change into based on the Celestial Arms he currently wielded before reverting to his normal form as he summoned Breidablik before holstering it and pulling out Celestial Twilight as he swung it downward.
"Hope you're ready, cause' I'm not gonna hold back!" Ace said as his runic body tattoo glowed brightly.
"A Dark Knight Nephilim with a brotherly heart. His past is a mystery, but his connections are true. Spade Neptune!" the voiceover said as Spade was next, calmly marching forward as he stopped and drew Tyrfing before stabbing it into the ground as he placed both of his hands on the pommel.
"All those who challenge me will fall." Spade said.
"He's the Male Mirror Image of Bayonetta herself. Be prepared for a battle unlike anything you've seen! Simon Neptune!" the voiceover continued as Simon was seen leaping into the air before landing in a sexy pose as a hidden camera took his picture.
"Let's rock, baby!" Simon said, quickly standing up and aiming Midnight Black in different directions in the air.
The three brothers were then shown in team image form. Ace in the center, Spade on the left, and Simon on the right.
"Team Devaloka!"
"Wow, a team of brothers?" Eruza stated. "Now this ought to be interesting. I kind of like them all, they're pretty much handsome fighting men. Would be a shame to see them roughed by what is coming."
"I cannot discount their strength from how I see them, but they do not seem to possess the strength to earn victory in this tournament." Taiga hummed.
(Music Shift: Love the Subhuman Self- Guilty Gear Strive)
The screen then switched to a fighting game rendition of the Moray Towers stage from Smash, but at night.
"The ultimate combination of evolution and science. His black body will spread all over the world. Dark Water!" the voice over announced as Dark Water himself rose from his own puddle and formed his body.
He looked at the camera, spawned his Splattershot, and raised his smartphone. "I give painting it black a whole new meaning!" he typed as the message was shown on screen before he aimed his gun.
"She's a feisty Squirrel Girl with fists of fury! Watch out, or you'll be sent into space! Makoto Nanaya!" Makoto was seen standing nearby as she took a few warm up hops before grabbing her overcoat and tossing it to reveal her combat outfit.
"Ready! Now, sound that bell!" Makoto said as she assumed a fighting stance.
"Straight outta Killing Bites, comes a fearless warrior! She slashes down anyone who stands in her way. Uzaki Hitomi!" Hitomi was last up, walking up in her usual fighting clothes before raising an arm and spawning her claws, assuming her full Therian Beast form instantly.
"Hope you're prepared to die, prey." she smirked, standing there menacingly with a purple aura around her.
They then appeared in team form, each of them in different poses.
"Team Savage Beast!"
"Oho, now I see why I'm considered mellow compared to this one." Hitomi stated. "She really got the brutality down, I'll give her that. Just watching her makes me want to fight her and see how I'll fare. Perhaps all of this training might prove that it changed me, if I can triumph over her."
"Reminds me a lot like you before I took you down a peg." Raditz snorted with a smirk. "Raw strength like hers isn't going to get her far when she faces real opponents. I think I made that clear back then."
Ui couldn't help but shiver at the fact that the Hitomi on screen was far more terrifying than the one she was sitting with, and even made her happy with the fact that her Hitomi was far less of a menace, and more of a controlled force of nature.
(Music Shift- Snow Sisters- Under Night In-Birth)
The screen switched to a view of Osaka Castle's courtyard at nighttime scenery.
"There's a new wild cat on the block. Can you survive her brand of savagery? Esmerelda!" the voiceover said as Esmeralda was in a meditative stance before her eyes shot open as she kicked and brandished her claws with a growl.
"I will eliminate all obstacles in my path!" Esmeralda said as she held her right hand when ice started to emerge from it.
"All hail the queen of the desert! Her brand of light show will make you bow to her radiance! Nesma!" the voice over said as Nesma walked in a bit of a sensual motion with a smile on her lips as light emerges from her fingers. She soon dispersed the light as she spread her arms in the air.
"Don't think that you'll be walking out of this unscathed." Nesma said as she places her hand on her hip.
"Careful, this witch has a few spells and knows how to use them. Tangle with this she-devil at your own risk! Belladonna!" the voiceover said as Belladonna was soon walking to the arena before she transformed into her cat-like pose, giving a small roar in the process.
"Well then. Shall we have some fun?" Belladonna asked as she brings a finger towards her.
Their team reveal shot then appeared, Esmerelda in the center, Nesma to the left, and Belladonna to the right.
"Team Beastess!"
"Now that's what I'm looking for!" Eruza remarked, sitting up, as she partially transformed out of sheer glee, as her animal ears poked from her head. "You better not disappoint me, you did promise me a great performance after all!"
"Woah there, Eruza. Take it down a few notches." Richard shushed Eruza. "It's far too early to get this excited."
"Heh, she's not the only one who's got hopes for this team." Chen grinned, widely.
(Music Shift- Ventus Arena Teme- Bakugan: The Game)
The screen changes to what seemed like a pitch-black jungle at night.
"The Half-Dragon has descended to our world. Pray to whatever god you can before she turns you to ash! Shyvana!" the voiceover continued as a crimson dragon flies down onto the arena, landing with great force before it roars with flames circling it as it reverts to Shyvana's human form.
"By the blood of my father, I will end you." Shyvana said as she brandishes her claws and assumes a fighting stance.
"She's not from this world, she's out of it. This child of the stars will make you see them! Soraka!" the voiceover said as lights sprinkle around before they converged together, forming Soraka's figure.
"Fight without hatred in your hearts!" Soraka said as she took up her staff and bows.
"You want the very definition of "if looks could kill"? Well, this nine-tailed fox will charm you, then sap you dry. Ahri!" the voiceover said as Ahri was onto the arena with wisps floating around her. She swipes her hand, which causes the wisps to gather onto her hand.
"Let's have some real fun." Ahri said as she motions a finger towards her with a smile on her face.
The League of Legends Logo appeared after that, before the three female champions appeared as the team announcement. Shyvana was in the center, Ahri was to her left, and Soraka to the right.
"Team Runeterra!"
"Woah, that kitsune looked really beautiful!" Heiwa exclaimed, captivated by Ahri's appearance. "Not even Auntie Ran can look this good, will I be able to become someone like this when I grow up, brother?"
"Of course, of course." Richard chuckled. "You might even be able to make even Ahri jealous of your looks if you do your best to grow up dazzling."
"Woah, I never thought that there would be people like this in other realms." Popol remarked, also wowed by the all-female team. "I wonder if I'll have the chance to meet them, so that I can get to know their culture."
(Music Shift- Mysterious Arms, Soma- Radiant Mythology 3 Arrangement)
The screen changes to a view reminiscent of Osaka Castle's courtyard with a daytime aesthetic.
"He's the fastest Digimon alive. It's not a good idea to blink when facing him! UlforceVeedramon!" the voiceover said as UlforceVeedramon was appearing and disappearing at various points until stopping in place with a fist up.
"This will be over quickly." UlforceVeedramon said as he cracked his knuckles before getting into a fighting stance.
"She appears through flower petals and strikes with precision. This is one rose whose thorns really show! Crusadermon!" the voiceover said as cherry blossom petals start to blow on the arena, spinning like a tornado until Crusadermon emerged with a rose in hand.
"Let's make this the greatest display of beauty imaginable!" Crusadermon said as she smelled the rose before tossing it as she readies her ribbon blade.
"The unrivaled Digimon Master has arrived! If his presence doesn't scald you, his fists surely will! Gankoomon!" the voiceover said as Gankoomon was in a meditating pose before slowly getting up as his aura flared with Hinukamuy behind him.
"Come! Hit me with everything you've got!" Gankoomon said as he plants a fist to his palm before getting into a fighting stance.
Their team reveal shot had Crusadermon, UlforceVeedramon, and Gankoomon's images appear from left to right.
"Team Royal Knights!"
"The Royal Knights… So even they would partake in this." Erika stated. "...I wonder if Kuro would be intrigued in watching how they would fight."
"Still going to take a while until that happens, unfortunately." Richard shook his head. "But I'm sure that we're making good progress in bringing them here like we did with you."
(Music Shift: Armor-clad Faith- Guilty Gear Strive)
Next, the cameras showed, unexpectedly, the interior of the Fortress of Solitude. Why were they showing it, they were about to find out.
"One of the world's greatest heroes, turned into a Goddess of War. Watch that you don't end up on the wrong side of her blade! Wonder Woman!" the Voice over announced, making most of the alliance teams shift to attention during the intro as a familiar amazon walked up into view, holstering her a golden lasso before drawing a gladius and shield, banging the former against the latter before swinging it aside.
"Yield if you wish to live." she said as she assumed a stance.
"Watch out, there's a storm coming! He's the King of Kandaq who commands the heavens' fury! Black Adam!" the voiceover continued as Black Adam himself walked up among low flying storm clouds, thunder and lightning striking.
"I won't spare you with mercy." he said as he gripped a fist allowing lighting to spark in his right hand.
"Keep your eyes peeled, we have an assassin prodigy on our hands. Underestimating him will be your last mistake! Nightwing!" the third member of Wonder Woman's team arrived on cue, backflipping from a run into a position as he swung an escrima staff around before he placed it on his shoulder.
"Strike for strike, you're losing." he said, swinging it around before going into his staff stance.
The team reveal shot came to be, Wonder Woman in the center, Black Adam to the left and Damian to the right. Their team logo was the Regime Symbol, and as for their name…
"Team Regime!"
"I don't like the look of this team…" Koyomi stated. "They remind me far too much like the people I was forced to fight in Killing Bites… Far too ruthless and uncaring."
"Damn straight right with this one." Sumireko stated. "I'm surprised they even still exist at this point. A Regime Wonder Woman is no joke, and neither is her posse."
"Either way, if they come knocking on our door, although we may not instantly devolve into hostility… But any funny business from them… and they'll know that they've picked the wrong people to mess with." Richard stated with a serious expression, before lightening up. "But that would likely never happen. After all, what business would they have with us?"
(Music Shift- Breaking Free- NEO:The World Ends With You)
The next fighting stage to be shown was a large platform with a monolith in the center and an opening in the dark clouds above it as light shined down.
"There is no afterlife, only the void. To face this man, you must have a death wish. Ragna the Bloodedge!" the voiceover said as Ragna walked up to the Arena before swinging Blood Scythe back as his Chaos Wing popped out for a moment.
"Out of my way already…or you're dead." Ragna said, cracking his neck as his red eye glowed bright.
"His path to peace is paved with ice. Stay out of his way, or you'll be frozen. Jin Kisaragi!" the reveal continued with Jin standing there as Yukianesa's ice cross appeared, before Jin spun around and shattered the cross, getting his sword from it.
"Why don't you show me…what you've got?" Jin said, calmly turning away as his Order Angel Wing popped out from behind briefly.
"Be prepared for an epic shootout! Behind her nervous exterior lies an exceptional soldier! Noel Vermillion!" Noel was last, back faced to the camera before she looked behind her, and quickly pulled off her military coat to show her in her combat outfit as she summoned Bolverk.
"I really hate to see pointless bloodshed." Noel said.
The team reveal shot showed Ragna in the middle, Noel on the left, and Jin on the right. As each of their symbols appeared along with their team name.
"Team Blazblue!"
"Wait, Ragna is still alive-" Sanae exclaimed, before slapping her fore-head. "Oh right, alternate universes."
"Yeah, maybe this time, there might be a happy ending for Ragna this time around." Richard agreed. "Still, this is something he deserves, the chance to go all out without any restraints or any plots and schemes to worry about."
(Music Shift: Indivisible- Indivisible OST)
The familiar scene of Mount Sumeru was shown next. The fighting arena was revealed to be inside the Temple itself.
"A girl who leads an army of inseparable friends. Her third eye reveals the truth. Ajna!" the voiceover said as Ajna ran up to the arena.
"Haha, get out there and fight!" Ajna cheered, pumping her fist into the air before doing a few martial arts moves.
"You won't find a story of redemption like this guy's. He commands the earth to bury his foes! Dhar!" Dhar was next, walking up himself as he held his sword while small fragments of earth began gathering behind him.
"Let's do this." Dhar said as he assumed his fighting stance.
"The Defender of Dharma is on the scene! Commit any atrocities, and you face his fury! Naga Rider!" Naga Rider rode onto the scene on his bike before jumping off and stylishly landing on the ground, doing some of his trademark action poses.
"Let's ride!" Naga Rider declared as he posed.
The team shot then came together, naturally, Ajna was center, Dhar was left, and Naga Rider was right as Ajna's third eye popped up as blue flames materialized into their team name.
"Team Indivisible!
"Oh yeah, they were there for the Olympics, and they were quite prominent there." Gus remarked, tapping his fist into his open hand. "Still, to see them fight seriously, this is a good chance to see what Ajna and her projections, if I remember correctly, can do."
"Speaking of which, that Naga Rider reminds me of something." Erika stated, before turning to Richard. "When I met Yun one of the days, he was researching something about Riders, which had a lot to relate with this individual. Do you have ideas about it?"
"Riders, huh…" Richard remarked, pondering for a moment, as several ideas appeared in his head, although he wasn't sure how good of a guess they were. "...Not much, I'm afraid. You might have to ask him directly for that."
(Music Shift: Wicked- Onechanbara)
The next arena to be shown was inside an underground temple of sorts.
"No undead is safe from this Baneful's sights! All her enemies get sliced and diced! Aya!" Aya was riding her motorcycle before leaping off and landing on the arena as she drew her twin katanas.
"Even if the Baneful Bloodline's history has been painted with blood...I'm going to be the one to wash it all away!" Aya said as she held her katanas out in an x formation as if preparing to decapitate.
"This Young Baneful's strength knows no limits! Be prepared for when she grabs you from behind, or you'll get more than a concussion. Saki!" Saki leaped high into the air before slamming her fist into the ground as a small crater formed.
"Mess with Aya, you mess with me! And I won't be so nice!" Saki said, pounding her right fist into her left palm.
"She's back from the grave to show her stuff. In her toolbox lies an arsenal of pain! Lei!" Lei appeared last, riding a motorcycle as well before breaking as she took her helmet off and readied her shotgun.
"I'd be really disappointed if you didn't go all out against me." Lei smirked.
All three were then shown together as a series of sword slashes carved out their team name.
"Team Onechanbara!"
Popol couldn't help but blush at how revealing the Baneful team's appearances were, before Heiwa bopped him on the head with a tail, as he turned around to see Heiwa's pouting expression, as Popol could only chuckle awkwardly, while Chen sniggered slightly at the situation.
"Say, do you think Suika or Meiling would find a good challenge in them?" Sumireko asked Richard. "I mean, considering everything they can do…"
"Of course, after all, they're no less stronger than the greater heroes in the organization." Richard answered back. "I can infer that much from how much we see of them."
(Music Shift: Gatherers Under Night…- Under Night In-Birth)
The next area was at Kanzakai inside the infamous Sleeping Fountain Plaza.
"In his right hand, dwells a crimson sword. The In-Birth of Darkness is ready to strike! Hyde Kido!" Hyde walked up to the arena as he drew Insulator from the palm of his hand.
"Her will... Everything she wanted, I'm doing in her stead. That's all." Hyde said, pointing Insulator out before assuming his fighting stance.
"This princess is willing to get her hands dirty! She's small in size, but also a speed demon! Linne!" Linne appeared next, pulling her hood back before drawing her dagger out of her sweatshirt pocket with her sword ready.
"Very well... We are the will of the 'Night Blade'. I will traverse a mountain of corpses, if I must." Linne said, holding No Name out as she readied for battle.
"Once a member of the Licht Kreis, she now protects the innocent on her own with her guardian of Purity. Orie Ballardiae!" Orie walked up to the arena before stopping as she closed her eyes and held The Ruler in front of her.
"In the name of justice, I shall redeem you." Orie said as Thanatos materialized behind her.
The screen then went completely black, before the full team appeared in quick flashes of light.
"Team In-Birth!"
"Another team from a known fighter-game series…" Kaguya mulled. "I think I'm beginning to see why they are a part of the challenger teams."
"Why not?" Richard simply remarked, with his hands out. "That's just how they work. I bet they leapt at the chance of having a great fight with everyone, for whatever reasons they have."
(Music Shift: The Executioners- Blood Stained Ritual of the Night)
The Final challenger stage to be showcased was some sort of cavern made of ice with frozen demons shown in the background.
"Cursed with the Alchemist's Crystal Curse, she uses the Demon's powers to protect the ones she loves. Miriam!" Miriam was sitting in a chair before slowly standing up as she summoned Blue Rose.
"Doing the right thing isn't a betrayal." Miriam said, holding the flat part in front of her with her right hand while holding her armored left hand out as blue rose petals fell from her palm.
"This vampiress bathes thrice without fail in the blood of her enemies. Don't let her parasol fool you, savagery lies behind her class. Bloodless!" Currents appeared out of nowhere as they slowly pulled apart to show the top of a red parasol held in front as it slowly lifted up to reveal the Vampiress as she smirked deviously.
"Do show me a good time." Bloodless said as she blew a kiss before holding her parasol over her head.
"She's got more spells to spare than anyone! She's ready to make her opponents look to the dawn! Shanoa Ecclesia!" Shanoa appeared last, kneeling on the ground before standing up.
"I am the morning sun, come to vanquish this terrible night!" Shanoa said, waving her hair behind her as she assumed a fighting stance.
Before the Team Shot, the saying "Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night x Castlevania" appeared in pink stained glass fragments before reforming into their team name, Bloodless, Miriam and Shanoa appearing from left to right.
"Team Bloodstained!"
"I suppose that's the last of the challenger teams." Richard remarked. "Up next are the regulars, plus the other newcomers who are within this universe."
"I'll say, this line-up of fighters has its highs and lows." Raditz commented. "To give you my honest opinion, I will not be expecting much in the first few matches, but once the softer teams are weeded out, there will indeed be a true fight at hand."
"Hm." Taiga nodded in agreement.
"Don't count any of them out, Raditz. Who knows what they might have in store." Hitomi stated. "After all…"
"...Hah…" Raditz sighed, slinking into the back of the couch. "...Sometimes, you really want to irritate me, Uzaki."
"Now then, let's be quiet, and see what the regulars have in store." Richard told the others.
Platinum Mic then nodded at the videos with his arms crossed before going back to his duties. "I like it, I like it! We got some tough challenger teams this time! But we cant forget about the competitors that made KOF what it is today, am I right?!"
The crowd cheered in response to that, ready to see the KOF Teams competing.
(Cue Song- Now or Never- King of Fighters XV)
"Alright! Let's bring 'em out then! These are….! Your King of Fighters XV, Official Teams!" He announced as fireworks went off, the crowd roared.
"Tung's final disciple is here to dish out justice. Catch hands with the phantom that resides within! Shun'ei!" the greenete from before walked out, his name officially revealed, summoning two giant phantom hands, one red, and one blue.
"Leave, before you get hurt." Shun'ei said, assuming a stance.
"Hey, hey! Is this guy sleepwalking?! Don't snooze out on him, because he packs a punch! Meitenkun!" the white-haired boy with Shun'ei then came out stumbling, sleepwalking as the voiceover said, before he did a perfect somersault and posed.
"*yawn* All right, let's do this!" Meitenkun yawned, seemingly ready.
"The maker above didn't skip out on this guy! He's got looks, money, and superconductivity! Benimaru Nikaido!" Benimaru then walked out, conducting electricity with a few steps as he joined Shun'ei and Meitenkun on their respective podium, waving to the camera.
"I'll give you the shock of your life!" Benimaru announced as he posed.
"Two breakout stars from the last tournament, with the assistance of a vet! It's Team Shun'ei!" Platinum Mic announced as the three of them posed together with their name and logo appearing.
"Make way for Mr. KOF! He's the true successor to the ancient Kusanagi style! Kyo Kusanagi!" Kyo walked out as he fanned some flames from his finger.
"Gotta bring the heat, y'know?" Kyo asked with confidence.
"There can't be light without shadow! The Flame of the End is here to turn all to ash! Iori Yagami!" Kyo's mood quickly changed to sour when his longtime rival came out, holding purple flames in his hand before extinguishing them in his grip.
"You wanna be turned to ash? No problem." Yagami said, looking at the other teams.
"Now I see why you don't like teaming up with this guy, Kyo." David said.
"Yeah… but I gotta play nice with Yagami until this whole thing she's on about blows over." Kyo sighed.
"Oh, you're talking about your third, right?" Hope said.
"Yep… If me and Yagami are together… You can bet our third teammate is…her." Kyo said.
"Her reflection reveals all. She sees right through you, and will have you seeing double! Chizuru Kagura!" right on cue, the third of their team came out, Chizuru herself, joining the two rivals.
"I'll show you the power of the protectors." she said with duty in her eyes.
"Two eternal rivals, teaming up with their protector in arms! You're seeing it right! Team Sacred Treasures is back together!" Platinum Mic said as they posed together on their podium, Name revealed as well as their clan symbols in their logo.
"Hey, come on! It's time to get serious! This Legendary Wolf is gonna show you the ropes! Terry Bogard!" the familiar sight of Terry soon came into view, as he wore his newest outfit for the tournament, putting his hat on.
"Hey, guys! Glad you made it!" Terry greeted the challenger teams.
"Great to see you too, Terry!" Hope said. "We're all looking forward to fighting on your terms now!"
"This is gonna be a lot different than the unofficial tournament. You won't know what to expect." Terry advised. "So…Get Ready!"
"A master of Shiranui style ninjutsu! His whole body is a weapon, honed to perfection! Andy Bogard!" Terry's brother soon appeared right next to him, ninja style as he landed on the ground in a swift flash, standing up.
"Get a taste of the Shiranui style!" Andy said as he stanced.
"The Satan of martial arts himself! His fists are a storm chaser's dream come true! Joe Higashi!" the Muay Thai fighter appeared, all dressed for combat in some new shorts. He stood beside his longtime friends before doing some Muay Thai strikes as he was ready to fight.
"The legend of Joe Higashi begins here!" Joe declared confidently.
"These three are a team that never gets old to see! They're brothers in arms to the end! It's Team Fatal Fury!" Platinum mic announced as the three posed on their stage with fireworks going off, Logo and name appearing.
"So these are your partners. You have very reliable companions, Terry." Cheetah said.
"Heh. We've always been a go-to, get-together team. Andy, Joe, and I have always stuck together." Terry smiled.
"Although, there were times where we had to bow out for personal reasons. I, for two tournaments, had to train my disciple, Hokutomaru." Andy said. "So in KOF 2003, Tizoc joined up with Terry and Joe."
"Yeah, and I had to defend my Muay Thai title for the 11th tournament. So, Terry had to partner with some other people." Joe said.
"I teamed up with Kim and Duck King then. It was a pretty good dynamic." Terry said.
"Pfft! "Duck King"?! What kinda name is that?!" Akane laughed.
"Hey, don't make fun of him. Duck King's a great guy. His breakdance martial arts style shows that he's got all the right moves." Terry said.
"Regardless though, the three of us have never thought about competing against each other on separate teams!" Joe said.
"Yeah. I can definitely tell you three are inseparable." Hope said. "Alright, let's see who else is here." he said as the intros continued.
"It's an open brawl when his band walks in. He'll bust you up and break you down! Yashiro Nanakase!" Walking out to the next empty podium was a well-built man in white pants, an open red jacket, black gloves, and white hair.
"Hmph, this ain't gonna take long." Yashiro said stretching.
"Nobody knows the color of her eyes. Talk smack and she'll rearrange your back! Shermie!" appearing next was a girl in a unique pink and black styled outfit complete with crimson hair that covered her eyes.
"Heh, don't hurt me, okay~?" the woman named Shermie playfully asked the challenger teams.
"Uh… is she serious?" Hope asked.
"Don't let his innocent smile fool you. This speed demon will destroy you before you can blink! Chris!" last out, walking casually, was a young boy with brown hair, whose clothing dynamic was a blue shirt with loose straps, and black cargo shorts with sneakers.
"Please go easy on me." he said to the other teams, not even minding what the voiceover said.
"They're back from the dead to rock the house! You know 'em by their band name… but right here and now, they return as… Team Orochi!" Platinum mic said as the crowd cheered for the three of them, their band logo and team name appearing.
"It's been too long!" Shermie waved to the crowd.
"CYS is back, baby!" Yashiro announced.
"Let's rock this joint!" Chris said.
"These guys seem like a lively bunch." Crusadermon said.
"Yeah, but… I can't help but feel they're hiding something under those smiles." Hope said.
"Well, um… When was the last time they entered?" David asked.
"I believe it was KOF '97. That's a very long hiatus." Leopardmon said.
"I think that's because the three of them perished during the tournament's finale." Hope said.
"Ah, right. There's that little bit." Leopardmon said.
"Indeed. I heard that they were resurrected shortly after the previous tournament's conclusion." Cheetah said.
"If they're back now, what are they after?" Hope said as the introductions continued.
"Considering they're three of the Four Heavenly Kings, it could be anything." Ace said.
"His road of pain sharpened him into a master. The Invincible Dragon shares his wisdom! Ryo Sakazaki!" Another familiar face to the heroes soon came out, that being Ryo himself as he showed off some moves to the crowd.
"Feel the mighty fists of Kyokugen!" Ryo declared, posing.
"The Mightiest Tiger with style to spare. He's got more moves than you can count! Robert Garcia!" Robert then came out after him, flipping a coin and catching it as he joined his friend.
"Hey, Ryo!" Hope called over to the Kyokugen master.
"Hm?" Ryo turned to see Hope, Akane, and Nu. "Aren't you three….?"
"I'm Hope the Victor. Remember me, Nu and Akane? The three of us fought your team during the Unofficial KOF tournament." Hope reminded.
Ryo then recalled the event as he nodded. "Ah, now I remember. It's been quite a long time."
"So you guys are the ones who beat Ryo and Little Yuri back then?" Robert asked. "It's a shame I couldn't come out and take you guys on, but now I have a chance to. Now you can Hear the Mightiest Tiger roar!"
"Speaking of Yuri, where is she?" Hope asked, looking behind the two. "Isn't she your third member?"
"Not this time, I'm afraid. She's with a different team for this tournament." Robert said.
"Huh?! But why?!" Akane asked.
"I'd rather not say…" Ryo said.
"Well if Yuri's not your third, then who is?" Hope asked.
"Her good looks are backed up by her ability to kick tail! You won't know whether to block, run or hide! King!" Hope's question was answered as King walked out to join Ryo and Robert.
"It's you, King?" Akane asked.
"That's right. Ryo called me in for a favor." King explained. "I've teamed up with them quite a few times, so I'm no stranger to their dynamic."
"Well, this is unexpected, to say the least… but even with this change-up, we're not backing down from you guys in the slightest." Hope smirked. "We're ready for the challenge, and whenever we face each other, we'll show you our best."
King smiled back. "Bring it on, baby!"
"It's been since KOF 2000 since we've seen these three together! Their styles of fighting will surely be ones to keep eyes on, give it up for Team Art of Fighting!" Platinum mic announced as the three stood together.
"She executes her orders with gentle mercy. The silent soldier in all her glory. Leona Heidern!" The next one out was Leona, wearing a new version of her combat gear. She looked over to Team Royal Knights with interest.
"That's Ralf and Clark's third member." Hope told UlforceVeedramon. "Looks like she's got interest in the three of you."
"I can understand why." Crusadermon said. "Like Robert, she didn't get a chance to fight in that Unofficial Tournament."
"She's got supernatural abilities thanks to Orochi's blood in her veins." Hope advised. "Be careful."
"She's got a better handle on it from what I've heard. Though back in '97 it had to take those two to knock some sense back into her." Spade said. "The Orochi Blood Riot is a dangerous power indeed.
"He's survived countless wars with a tank Busting Punch. A true one-man army! Ralf Jones!" Ralf soon came out as he warmed up his arm, smirking as he saw the Royal Knights team himself as he joined Leona.
"Long time no see, VeeVee!" Ralf said. "Hope you're ready for a rematch with me!"
"I've been looking forward to it, Ralf. It's been a while since we met like this." UlforceVeedramon said.
"He's a tough and cool Profesional Grappler. You'd best stay out of his way! Clark Still!" last out was Clark as he joined his squadmates.
"So it's true. Leopardmon has formed a different team." Clark said, eyeing Team Strategist.
"He sure has. Veevee and Crusader's replacement is that guy." Ralf said, pointing to Gankoomon.
"I see." Clark smiled. "Well, regardless of who's with who, I have no intention of losing."
"Stand at attention for the best soldiers in KOF! It's fury, prescription, and coolness all in one package. It's Team Ikari!" Platinum mic said as they stood together as fireworks went off.
"Those three have been through quite the wringer, have they?" Esmeralda asked.
"Yup. their work is never done. But it's always great to see them compete in the tournament." Hope said.
"Yes. Personally, I am looking forward to meeting them in battle again." Leopardmon said.
"Her opponents go home with broken bones! She'll have you singing the blues! Blue Mary!" a blonde-haired woman in a red top and blue combat pants with white sneakers as she stretched out. Terry seemed to recognize her immediately.
"Hey there Mary. Here for work?" Terry asked. "Or is this a personal visit?"
"Right the first time! I'm on the clock." Mary said. "Still… If we end up facing off, I can make a little personal time for you, Terry."
"So you two are a couple?" Hope asked.
"Sure are." Terry said. "I didn't think Mary would compete this time around. She hasn't entered in a full team since the 11th tournament. So, you back together with Vanessa and Ramon?"
"Well… One of them, at least." Mary said, looking to the entranceway. "Here comes your correct guess now."
"A special agent with a family to fight for. She'll give you the old one-two and it's lights out! Vanessa!" out walked a woman with crimson red hair, wearing a sleeveless white dress shirt that exposed her stomach and red tie along with brown gloves and unique patterned jeans as the overall belts went underneath her dress shirt, as well as high heeled sandals.
"The Crimson Agent." Lei said.
Vanessa looked to David. "Well, if it isn't the young paranormal investigator. How long's it been since I've seen you and Emi last?"
"Couldn't have been more than a year. Man, it's been so long." David said.
"Emi's told me you've been really busy with new things." Vanessa said. "Demon Slaying, hero work, pretty much a lot on your plate. I'll be pretty busy myself once the tournament starts."
"Vanessa and I are working on a lead regarding Hein." Mary said.
"Hein…. He was that Butler guy on Team South Town." Akane remembered. "He didn't get the chance to fight because Asta and Luffy wiped the floor with Billy and Geese."
"Yup. Our third teammate has some intel on him." Vanessa said.
"And who might they be?" Hope asked. On cue, the voiceover spoke.
"She's a dazzling beauty with charm and mystique to spare! Her Tae Kwon Do has put many in the ER! Luong!" out came a tall, black-haired beautiful woman wearing a white flower-patterned Chinese martial arts outfit that slightly revealed her cleavage over a brown bodysuit that covered her legs with black wraps around her feet.
"Wow, check out the hot babe!" Dark Water typed.
"That's Luong. She made her first appearance in the last tournament." Hope said. "She teamed up with Kim and her lover Gang-il."
"Don't be attracted to her looks, she's a dangerous one." Dhar said.
"I'm gonna punish you all so hard~." Luong said.
"A trio of knockouts that fight together to obtain information! It's the debut of Team Secret Agent!" Platinum said as the fireworks went off for them.
"Hey David. This tournament usually has a few all-girl teams in it, right?" Hope asked.
"Yep. Most of the time, there's at least one all-girl team in this thing." David said.
"A girl who can slip in between dimensions. The Eternal Psychic Idol makes her entrance! Athena Asamiya!" appearing on the next stage, was the purple-haired Idol and former Psycho Soldier herself. She had a new outfit on for the tournament, which was a mix of a pink Chinese vest over a white dress as she had her signature gloves and star headband on along with red heeled boots and her hair cut down to the end of her neck. She teleported a bit of a distance onto the stage as she twirled and winked to the camera the crowd cheering at her arrival.
"Cheer me on, everyone!" Athena waved as the crowd cheered again.
"Hey, Athena's here!" Akane smiled. "Wonder if she's in this with her other psycho buddies?"
"If she was, Kensou would've came right after her. Something seems weird…" Hope said.
"She can charm any man on the planet. The Shiranui-style ninjutsu successor herself! Mai Shiranui!" A familiar fan then dropped down on the stage before opening, as appearing through a tornado of flames was Mai.
"Drink in the Shiranui flame!" she called out, posing.
"Whoa, Athena and Mai? That's an unusual combination!" Akane said.
"I think we can all guess this was her idea, on account of her being rejected to team up with a certain someone again…" Hope said looking to Andy.
"How is this my fault?" Andy asked. "I-I mean… Yeah, we love each other deeply, but she's almost always been on the Women's Team. Why stop now?"
"It's been since '99 that you two were together on a team. I bet she's always pestered you to do it since." Hope said.
"True, and after I said no, she must've had the idea to bring together a new team again…" Andy sighed. "She's always like this…"
Akane then realized something. "Hey! Robert said Yuri wasn't with him and Ryo this time, and she's on another team! So does that mean…?"
"She's a cute and bubbly karate girl! But her talents are said to be limitless! Yuri Sakazaki!" right on cue, Yuri came out energetically, waving to the crowd. She then looked at the others with an upset face as she turned to the camera.
"This'll be over quickly!" she declared.
"She looks mad about something. Did you have a fight with her?" Hope asked Ryo.
"No. I simply told her the truth." Ryo said.
"Whoa, dude. I know she's not the best, but damn. That's some shade you were throwing at her." UlforceVeedramon said.
"And at your sister of all people. What the hell?" Simon said.
"Yep… She came to my bar about it too." King said. "But I already formed a team with Ryo, so I couldn't remake the Women's Team like back in the day. But then Athena walked in, and that's kind of where the idea snowballed."
"Makes sense then." Simon said, eating a lollipop.
"A new team is born, led by the Eternal Psychic Idol herself! They've got grace, beauty, and ULTRA-brawn, give it up for… Team Super Heroine!" Platinum announces as the three posed as the pyro went off, their name revealed. Their team logo was a heart with a fleur di lis inside it.
"Athena's the leader? I thought for sure it was Mai." Hope said.
"I guess it was Athena's idea to bring them together, though it might be for a different reason." Ace said.
"Yeah, wonder what it is?" Hope asked as the introductions continued. Smoke rose from the next stage podium as a man was inside it.
"The first King of Fighters champion! He was the host before, but now he's a main contender! Antonov!" Out walked a large, muscular man who was recognized immediately as the former host of KOF XIV and its self-appointed champion, Antonov. His look changed a little from the last time he was seen. His hair and beard were longer and a scarf was around his neck with a cowboy hat on his head, still sporting his signature white pants and boots with a cigar in his mouth, a new belt around his waist.
"The King is back in the ring, baby!" he presented to the crowd, as members of the crowd were chanting his name.
"Whoa, Antonov!" Hope said. "I didn't think he'd show his face again after what happened after KOF XIV!"
"What happened to him?" Makoto asked.
"Well, after Verse's appearance, he was hit with mountains of lawsuits." David said.
"They say he set everything up. Verse's appearance, the stadium being destroyed, everything. He was accused of scandal and forced out of his position as host." Hope said.
"Wow, that sounds bad. Someone must've helped him and his assistant get back on their feet." Simon said.
"Yeah, and unexpectedly he's back, and has his own team no less. Who did he recruit?" Hope asked.
"His Lucha Libre leaves no survivors! He's the strongest man in the world! Ramon!" the voiceover continued, as a man tumbled his way onto the stage before backflipping to face the front and posing. He was a man in a full-colored jumpsuit, with short-cut blond hair and an eye patch. This man could only be the Strongest Human, Ramon.
"Let's go absolutely freakin' wild!" He declared.
"Watch out, humans! Dinosaurs aren't extinct yet! The King of Dinosaurs!" rumbling footsteps were then heard as a massively muscular man marched out. He looked to be human, but he also had a dinosaur mask where his head would be, complete with claws, a tail, and actual teeth.
"I am immortal… and coming for you!" he roared.
"Okay, what was the point of Tizoc changing his name and animal motif to King Dinosaur?" Simon said.
"Pro Wrestlers change characters all the time whenever they want to do something new." Hope said. "In Dinosaur's case, I think it was also something personal. He had a grudge against someone from Team South America in the last tournament… the boxer with the robot arm."
"You mean Nelson?" Simon asked.
"Yeah, that's him." Hope said.
"The former champ is back to reclaim his title with his teammates! They're ready to take on anybody! They are, Team G.A.W.!" Platinum announces as the three wrestlers posed.
"Her dreams are painted all over the streets! Every battle to her is a canvas for her art! Isla and Amanda!" Isla appeared next, shaking some cans of spray paint with her mask on as she sprayed over a camera, before it was wiped away surprisingly by a pair of spectral hands, both of them purple. Hope saw it clearly, as did the others.
Isla then removed her mask and looked at Team Shun'ei and the challenger teams. "Just you all wait, you especially, Phones! I'm gonna paint you all up good!"
The next one out was a total shocker.
"He's got a thousand-yard stare with decades of training. You'll see the flash before you hear the pop. Heidern!" hearing the name clearly, out came the Ikari Warriors commander himself, to the surprise of everyone.
"Holy crap! Heidern's in this thing?!" Akane asked.
"He hasn't competed since 2001. It can only mean that something big is about to happen in this tournament." David said.
"So… This is Commander Heidern in person, I see." Leopardmon said.
"Must be some mission for him to appear on the front lines…." Mary said. "As an agent, my interest is suddenly piqued."
"Her body is surrounded by a Holy Aura. A shaman who can hear the cries of the earth. Dolores!" Last out was the woman with Isla at the start, as she adjusted her glasses.
"Fate shows the way once more…." she said.
"A Rebel, a Commander, and A Shaman! An unorthodox team, but still lookin' very strong! Will our newcomer street artist start a revolution with her cohorts? It's her generation on Team Isla!" Platinum Mic announced.
"Something tells me that those three are here for more than just the tournament." Hope said. "Well… just Heidern and that Dolores woman anyway. Isla's just here to win."
"I didn't think this is the team you would go with, Commander Heidern." Leopardmon said.
Heidern looked at Leopardmon before turning away, his interest a bit piqued.
"Only three teams left now. We know Ash's team is one of them, but who are the other two?" Hope asked.
"We're about to find out." Jin said.
"Violent flames of destruction sealed within his right hand. A true beast of prey! K'!" casually walking out with flames coming off a metal hand-colored red was a white-haired man with red sunglasses, wearing an all-black outfit, the back of his jacket having the saying "A Beast of Prey" on it.
"This whole ceremony crap is such a bore…" He said, looking at the field. "Bring 'em all on already."
"He packs more than a punch, he packs heat! He's the true cobalt blue human weapon! Maxima!" a large man with styled hair walked out next, adorned in a heavy suit of armor which was white on the pauldrons as well as his gauntlets, and a black bodysuit with blue lines along his arms, legs, and the center of his body.
"So that's Maxima." Hope said. "He's a cyborg like Franky, though he could be mistaken for a robot."
"He looks pretty cool, I gotta say. I bet Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp would go ga-ga over him if they were here." Akane said.
"Yeah. they would." Hope said. "He and K' are a great duo."
"Yep. These two have been in pretty much every KOF together since '99." David said. "Though, on K''s part… He doesn't exactly like being in these things."
"I don't get it. If he doesn't like being in these tournaments, why does he keep coming back?" Nesma asked.
"Maybe deep down, he actually likes fighting in tournaments as a team?" Makoto guessed.
"That can't be it. There must be a real reason." Hope said.
"I think it's because Maxima keeps stringing him along." Crusadermon said.
Maxima overheard them and he looked at K'. "Think they could be right, partner?"
"No way. Though I'm not saying it's totally false." K' replied.
"Her sadist front and demeanor ain't for show. Because she'll whip you, and whip you good! Whip!" coming out to join them was a brown haired woman in a military coat and boots, carrying a blue whip, as her name implied, as she cracked it.
"Let's get through this quickly, Voodoo." Whip said.
"Two ex-NESTS operatives, back together with a special forces agent! Together again since 2003, it's Team K'!" Platinum mic announced.
"If you're looking for a beating, you've come to the right place. His phantom hand will straighten you out. Krohnen!" a man with blue hair came walking out. He had red goggles on, similar to K''s sunglasses. He also wore a black and yellow jacket, along with black leather jeans and black boots as he had a bandaged left arm and a blue glove with a similar design to K's along with a torn red cloak over his jacket.
Nu looked at him with interest. "That man is…"
"What's up, Nu?" Hope asked.
"N-Nothing. Nu just thought I saw something weird…" Nu assured.
"Avert your eyes for a second, and you're ice. She's a snow bunny with a mean frostbite! Kula Diamond!" a young girl in red with cyan hair skated out into the arena and stopped near Krohnen, smiling and giggling.
"I'm gonna go all out!" Kula said.
Last out to complete the trio was a young woman with white hair and wearing a… unique outfit to say the least.
"Wow! Talk about a threatening aura! You'll be just a twig if she gets her hands on you! Angel!" the woman herself stretched as she came to her teammates, before looking at the camera and playfully threatening the watchers looking through it. She then cracked her knuckles.
"Cat's gonna get your tongue~." she said with a hint of threat in her voice.
"What was that all about? Did the VO Announcer heighten his voice on purpose?" Hope asked. "Ah, it's probably nothing…"
"These three may look out of place, but they make an amazing combo! Mystery, ice, and twisting grappling come together to make… Team Krohnen!" Platinum Mic announced.
"Alright everyone, let's get ready! We know which teams comin' out next!" Akane said.
"Nu is so excited to see Ash again. It's been since Beijing." Nu said.
"Here he comes now." Hope said.
"His emerald flames hide a devilish smile. Take him lightly, and you'll only get burned! Ash Crimson!" right on cue, Ash forward flipped out onto the arena before landing upright. He was in his new attire from after the Dungeon Odyssey as he held his left hand up and five small green flames appeared above each of his fingers.
"Bonjour." Ash said in french.
"Yo, Ash! We made it just like we said!" Akane said.
"There was never any doubt you would make it my friends." Ash said as he twirled his bang.
"Those emerald flames…why do they seem so familiar?" Chizuru asked herself.
"Don't forget to bow in her presence! Those who forget their manners may be subject to a beating! Elisabeth Blanctorche!" out came Elisabeth next, walking with purpose as she flung light in her right hand aside.
"Are you ready to see what we're made of, Elisabeth?" DW typed.
"Indeed, show to me what impressed my brother so much." Elisabeth said.
"Trust me, Betty. You won't be disappointed." Ash said.
And of course last but not least, a whirling sand tornado signaled the arrival of Ash and Elisabeth's third, the camera fizzling out.
"His true form is a mystery. Just…who is he under that hood, anyway? Kukri!" the camera feed came back on line as Kukri was seen holding it, only his eyes and mouth shown in the darkness of his hood. He then dropped it to the floor as he walked to his teammates, sand coming off his bandaged hands.
"Today's weather: severe sandstorms." Kukri said as he turned his head to Dolores. "(Just you wait, Teach. You will have a lot to answer for.)"
"Though he has come to controversy on his back, the Mocking Firelight is finally back! Together with his sister and unexpected teammate in Kukri, they're here to remind everyone who Ash Crimson really is! Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for Team Ash!" Platinum mic said as the three were shown together. "And there you have it! Those are your 13 KOF Mainstay Teams!"
The crowd cheered in response to that.
The entire room was silent for a moment, as they took the time to contemplate the sheer amount of information given to them from the introduction of the regular teams.
"Alright, that is a hell of a lot of things to address right here. Any ideas what should be considered the most important or most notable?" Richard asked, with a hand to his fore-head.
"The fact that Chizuru managed to get those two together without tearing at each other's throats?" Reimu suggested.
"The fact that there is a damn idol fighting in this thing?" Eruza scoffed.
"The fact that with CYS back, we're at risk of getting the redux of the Orochi Saga?" Kaguya asked with concern.
"The fact that Krohnen is quite familiar… too familiar if you ask me. Something about him screams that he is someone from back then, but who exactly…?" Sanae added.
"The fact that we got a new team of secret agents? Blue Mary is someone I was least expecting in that stereotype." Sumireko stated.
"The fact that we got a few intriguing individuals. Team Shun'ei and Team Isla is where my eye is at." Gus stated. "I can feel that they have some sort of power related to what might happen."
"You know what, screw it. I'm not going to rack my head about all of this. We can shelve this and digest this as the matches go." Richard remarked with a wince.
"Take a look at this field! It's so exciting to see all these faces ready to compete!" Platinum mic said. "For our challengers and our Vets, there's plenty to see! New faces, teams sticking with each other and switching around, and of course, old faces coming back for more! This will be, the most memorable King of Fighters tournament of all time!"
"He's really proclaiming some big stuff, huh?" Kyo asked.
"He could be right, y'know." Terry piped in. "Having David and his friends in the official tournament will be great. You agree, right?"
"Heh. I can't say I don't." Kyo said.
"Now then! It's time to set the stage for the tournament's first round!" Platinum Mic said as the screens in the Tokyo Dome lit up with the word "Survival" in big letters. "The name of the game for this first half is Survival! All the teams you see right in front of you will battle it out to rack up wins for their record, and the ones who have the most under their belt, will move on to the Grand Finals!"
"So essentially it's a battle royale to see who gets to the Finals." Hope said.
"But! It doesn't stop there." Platinum mic intervened. "The biggest factor in this round, is that there are no limits to where the fights will take place, and we don't know who will fight who in advance! But there is one thing that is known, and that only 8, yes, I say 8 teams, will make it to the Grand Finals, to battle it out for the championship!"
"Only 8?" Akane asked. "That definitely ups the stakes."
"Just like in the Aces Buddyfighters Cup. We keep going until the finals are ready to be announced." David said.
"Yup, gotta get as far as we can." Ace added.
"Heh! We're gonna be the ones to make it, no questions asked!" Antonov said.
"Tough talk from the disgraced champ." Kukri said. "I'm completely embarrassed that I even worked for you. I only took that dumb offer of yours because that creature would appear and I could bring my teacher back."
"Kukri." Ace said. "Calm yourself."
"Pretty hard not to be, considering…" Kukri said.
"Okay! I think theres been enough waiting around. It's time! Yes, it's TIME!" Platinum mic said. "Let The King of Fighters XV, officially…BEGIN!" He announced as massive pyrotechnics went off all over the arena and outside the dome, Now or Never resuming play as the crowd cheered, all teams going in different directions.
"Alright! From here on out, it's every team for themselves!" Akane said slamming her fist into her hand.
"See you guys out there." Hope said.
"Nu won't hold anything back!" Nu added as Team Ginova headed out.
"Fight hard out there." Ace said.
"Until our paths cross again." Spade added as Team Devaloka left as well.
"Okay you two, it's on, we're going traveling!" DW typed, grabbing Makoto and Hitomi's bags.
"You better not lose before we fight, y'hear?" Hitomi said to Cheetah.
"Later taters!" Makoto said as Team Savage Beast departed.
All the teams soon left the interior of the Tokyo Dome, the crowd proceeding to watch from the monitors, the same with the millions watching around the world.
"And there they go! All the Participants of KOF scatter all over the world as the Survival Round kicks off!" Bellamy reported in. "We'll be sure to monitor every single area marked for competition as the tournament begins! Stay tuned for all the action coming your way, this is Clemence Bellamy, signing off from the opening ceremonies of… KOF XV!"
The screen then flickers, before the KOF logo returns, with a striking quote underneath
"Shatter All Expectations."
"Well, that's all for the introductions. And now, let's start the vote here. Who do you think is going to win?" Richard asked the entire group. "I pick Team Strategist by virtue of having David, and a good team-set to back him up."
"Team Ginova. Underdogs might have a chance to win, and Hope is getting better these days." Gus suggested.
"Team Sacred Treasures." Reimu remarked, crossing her arms. "I have fought with Chizuru and her power is known to me. Even if I can't be sure how good her two companions are, her strength is good enough to get her through the rounds."
"Right then, I'll take a pick in Team Shun'ei. I mean, that team just simply radiates the aura of a protagonist team for this tourney." Sanae stated. "I'm sure their luck and prowess will hold at least until the end of the survival round."
"Team Royal Knights, and before you call me on the bias with Digimon…" Erika stated. "They are Royal Knights, cream of the crop for the guardians of the Digital World. Defeating them is not something that the people here can do, save for the other heroes."
"I hope Team Runeterra wins." Heiwa stated, as Popol cast his vote the same way with a fervent nod.
"I'm sticking with Team Beastess. Gotta stay loyal to my fellow felines." Chen remarked with a toothy grin.
"I'll agree with that assessment!" Eruza exclaimed, as the two of them rushed over to high-five each other.
"I don't give a damn who wins, but I'll take a pick in Team Savage Beast. Let's see how my double does in these fights." Hitomi smirked.
"For once, I agree with Hitomi. But I shall take my pick in Team Ikari, a trained soldier is not something to underestimate, let alone a squad of them." Taiga hummed.
"Team Devaloka. Something about their strength resonates with it, even if I can't explain it." Raditz said.
"Well, I'm going to bank with Team Indivisible, who wouldn't want to cheer for the budding goddess who got a horde of companions by her side?" Sumireko stated.
"I'll have to vote with Raditz. I can feel like they're strong… really strong." Koyomi answered back.
"I… I have faith in Team Super Heroine!" Ui exclaimed with spirit.
"And there we have it. Let's see where our predictions go, shall we?" Richard remarked, as the countdown to the first matches was starting…
