Unmei Force Gaiden: KOF XV Reactions

Chapter 1: Planning the Course (Team Strategist)


.The feed began to shift towards Team Strategist after the countdown had reached zero.

With KOF XV just now beginning and all the teams going their own ways, the mayhem of the Survival Round had just begun. A little while after the opening ceremonies, David, Cheetah and Leopardmon were in the streets, keeping close to each other along the road.

"Hoo boy, that was crazy. There sure were some people I didn't expect to be there." David said.

"Now that the tournament has begun, we should plan our strategy." Cheetah said. "This round of survival will decide who will compete in the finals based on wins and losses, and all teams are after one another. We should choose our targets carefully."

"Cheetah is right. We can't afford to be too relaxed early on. A lot of people are going to want to take us out early." Leopardmon said.


"You don't say." Richard stated, crossing his arms. "That's pretty much an understatement, considering how both famous and infamous with all of these people. Still, I stand by my bet. The odds never stopped this Japanese legend, from what I have seen."

"I doubt they have the luxury to choose their enemies. And even if they did, where is the glory in shying away from battle?" Raditz chided with a scowl. "If he really is as strong as you say, Richard, then he should be able to bring down all challengers before him."

"You do forget that he could be pounced upon after fighting several rounds in a row." Richard argued. "That too is of no glory. It's better to pick your fights than to lose needlessly. Not all of us are Saiyans who have stamina to fight a hundred rounds against any foe they can face. But still…"

"Hmph, I understand your point." Raditz relented with a deep sigh. "I'll see how these three fare."

"Either way, a good fight is at hand here." Kaguya added, to help ease the tension slightly.


"Yeah, I get that. There are a lot of dangerous figures in that roster." David said.

"That being said…" Cheetah said. "A good first target could be Diana's team. She is out for myself and Ishihara's blood. So getting to her first could prove effective."

"I understand your reasoning. However, I am not too worried about our chances against them. We can face them at any time." Leopardmon said.

"Hm. True enough. For all her skill, Diana has lost to Ishihara before." Cheetah said.


"So there's really bad blood between Wonder Woman, I mean Regime WW, and David?" Sumireko remarked with an intrigued expression. "...Huh."

"That's just how it is. After all, he and the other heroes have dealt with the plot of Injustice 2, and I bet that David twisted the knife on their grudge at other times." Sanae stated. "Thank heavens for Hero Review helping us get a grasp of some of the context here."

"I do not understand what possible reason that a woman like that amazon would hold such a grudge for a carefree soul like Ishihara." Taiga stated.

"Let me give you a hint, Taiga. Think Yashin Iwasaki, except far more open with hostility, and far more dangerous." Sanae answered back.

The statement caused Koyomi to flinch slightly, as well as Eruza and Taiga to scowl, while Raditz clenched the arm-rest of the couch hard enough for the leather to creak, even though his face was fairly still.


"Not to mention that with the three of us together, there's pretty much no one we can't beat. Tatsuya even called us a sort of dream team." David said, chuckling to himself at the notion.

"Oh, is that right?" a voice asked.

The three planners soon turned to see Team Krohnen appearing, Krohnen himself being the one who questioned David's sentence.

"Tch, small dogs never stop yappin. Is what you said supposed to be a joke? Cuz I'm not laughing, you icy bastard." Krohnen said.

"Ah, you're…Krohnen, right? What's your business with us?" David asked.

"Krohnen here overheard what you were saying." Angel playfully remarked. "Needless to say, he doesn't really like being overlooked. And to be honest, I don't either~."

"Yeah! Youre just as stupid and egotistcal as K'!" Kula proclaimed. "Different elements, same mindset! Hearing you say all that makes me glad I ran away from that jerk!"

"I said 'pretty much no one'. Geez… Some people just don't know how to keep a handle." David said.


"Well, this is one heated battle that is about to spark." Kaguya stated, as the kids of the group were on the edge of their seats. "And even the young ones are anticipating it."

"Aren't we all?" Eruza smirked.

"That's a real mouth on that blue-haired punk, Krohnen. Talking a lot of trash for someone in range of a pounding by a irate icy reaper." Chen sneered.

"Hm, Krohnen knows K'? That just makes me more and more curious about him…" Sumireko hummed, hand under her chin in thought."

"Who cares about that? Get to the fighting!" Hitomi exclaimed.


(Music Startup: Liberty- KOF XV)

Krohnen sneered. "I was thinkin' about tracking down that failed reject and beating him senseless, but now I wanna kick your asses for spouting that garbage. Scratch that, I'm gonna totally destroy you punks!" he declared, lifting up his blue glove. "Who wants to go first?!"

"I'll teach this hotshot a lesson." David said. That Signaled Leopardmon and Cheetah to engage. Cheetah pounced on Angel as the two grappled, while Kula took the first shot at Leopardmon with an ice ball, the royal knight cutting it to pieces as the two dashed/skated off to the side.

"'Hero of Tokyo' my ass. I'm gonna wipe that cocky additude off your stupid face!" Krohnen said.

"You'll see that my attitude is more than just bluster. If you're going to boast about how good you are, you better be ready to prove it." David said.

Ready….GO!

David charges in with his signature Crystal Blitz attack, dealing rapid ice-fueled kicks to Krohnen.

"You call that an attack?!" Krohnen taunted, blocking before striking back with his right arm which morphed into a blade as he struck back at him, slashing as the blade changed sizes, getting some hits in on David.

"Okay, I will admit. That wasn't bad." David said as he fired some crystals.

"I got more where that came from, punk." Krohnen said as his hand morphed into a cannon as he shot all the crystals down.

"Got ya." David said as he formed an afterimage of ice before going in for a spin kick.

"You're so annoying… burn to ash!" Krohnen said as he caused an eruption of flames.

David simply performed front kick motions, causing icicles to emerge from them before leaping in the air and landing a kick at Krohnen's head.

"Is that all you got?!" Krohnen asked going in for one more strike.

David simply smirked and went in with ice sparkling from his fingers as he went for a finger flick. It connected, dealing major damage to Krohnen and sending him flying.

K.O!

"Damn you….!" Krohnen screamed before he landed flat on the ground, David standing there victorious.

"Dude has got some major issues." David said.

Angel soon stopped fighting as she saw what happened.

"Aaaaah! Oh no, Krohnen!" Angel said abandoning her battle with Cheetah to go to his partner's side. "These guys are stronger than we thought! We should run!"

"Dammit… you're right! This isn't over, bastard! Hey, Snowball! We're leavin'!" Krohnen called to Kula.

"Don't order me around, I'm coming!" Kula said as the trio ran away.


"So much for backing up your words, you blue disgrace." Chen scoffed. "Thought he could do something cool with that arm of his, but it's all crap before this boy."

"They split off for one-on-ones at the same time. That's… unprecedented." Sanae admitted.

"Arm… Arm… Wait, that's it!" Sumireko exclaimed, realising who Krohnen was. "...That Krohnen guy, I recognise the way that arm can shift… There's no mistaking it, he's formerly K9999!"

"Wait, you serious?" Kaguya exclaimed, before she then noticed the resemblance. "Oh, that explains how Kula and Angel flocked to him… Guess this is a real comeback."

"Um, context for the ignorant?" Eruza asked.

"He's basically a clone of Kyo Kusanagi, who we have seen earlier." Richard stated. "He's one hell of a hot-head, both with powers and personality. He was a part of the 2002 KOF tournament, where he tried to kill the hell out of K', which explains why he wants to beat K' in this tourney. His little quirk is that transforming arm of his, which could be far, far more disgusting than it is right now."

"Oh, don't remind me about his damn Super…" Sanae winced. "So much ick… So. Much. Ick."


"Well now, that's an odd threesome." Cheetah said.

"You're telling us." David said. "Just what was that Krohnen guy's deal, anyway?"

"I'm not sure. But he's strong." Cheetah mentioned. "He likely was saving his energy for battling someone else."

"Yeah, seems that way. Kula mentioned K'." David said. "I wonder what kind of history is going on between them."

"Awww… are the three little kittens interested in something?" a voice said as Shermie appeared in front of the trio by herself. "Being nosy could prove a problem, you know~.'

"Shermie of Team Orochi…" Leopardmon said looking about. "But no Chris or Yashiro. What's a lady like you doing all alone all the way out here?"

"We decided to split up to make things a little more fun for us. We are just here to enjoy the ride, after all." Shermie said. "So tell your friends we're not up to no good, okay~?"

"I'm not liking this… I smell a rat. Should we take what she says at face value?" David asked.


"Oh boy, Team Orochi are really playing their hands early." Richard remarked.

"I don't like that woman, she's far too… too…" Heiwa remarked with a frown. "...too shifty! She's too much of a fox, and not in a good way!"

"Well, that's one way to say that." Hitomi stated. "...She just pisses me off with that surly look of hers, like that damn civet."


(Track Startup: Resonant Objects- KOF XV)

"How disrespectful of you, David. And even though I thought you were an interesting cute guy.~" Shermie said. "Looks like I'll have to teach you and your friends a lesson." she got into her fighting stance.

"I'm already taken, lady. I'd want nothing to do with you, anyway." David retorted.

"Both of you stay back. I'll discipline this Vixen Keyboardist." Cheetah said as David and Leopardmon stayed back to give the two ladies space. "Enough of your crypticism. What are you and your fellow Heavenly Kings really after?"

"Huh? Didn't I already say we're here to just enjoy the tournament?" Shermie innocently replied. "Naughty, nosy kittens like you deserve a nap~."

Ready….GO!

They began fighting immediately. Cheetah's speed and savage fighting style immediately snagged against Shermie's grappling style.

"Am I a bit too tough for you, kitty cat?" Shermie asked, throwing Cheetah to the ground.

"Not even close." Cheetah said as Shermie was met with the hunter signature combination offense of fast strikes and lethal slams. Shermie was able to turn it around by acrobatically turning it around into one of her leg lock throws and slams her to the ground, followed up by two German Suplexes back to back.

Shermie then threw Cheetah into the air, but she reversed the landing into her Predator Pounce, knocking Shermie flat before slashing at her with her claws.

"I did not return from fatal injury to lose to you." Cheetah said as she flipped Shermie over before breaking her back. "This ends!" She said, kicking her into the air for a final blow.

K.O!

Shermie was sent flying before she landed stomach flat, unconscious.

"This is one feline you cannot hope to cage." Cheetah said.

Shermie was left laying as the trio got away from the Tokyo Dome so they weren't ambushed there.


"Now that's a fitting performance for the queen of the jungle." Sanae nodded.

"Damn right! So this is what Esmeralda put her hopes in, I can see why. Now I really want to take her in a fight." Eruza grinned.

"At least she taught that sly vixen a lesson." Heiwa stated. "I'm happy with that."

"Such a shame we don't have a chance to join." Raditz grunted. "But I'll settle with watching for the time being."


Their escape leads them to what seemed like an outdoor Concert Hall.

"Are we safe in here?" David asked.

"Yes, I don't think anyone has followed us here. We should be safe." Leopardmon said.

"That Shermie was no slouch. I can see why she's a Heavenly King." Cheetah said. "She has not lost a step in the years she was gone either."

"Yeah, resurrection can kind of do that to you." Leopardmon said.

"Even without using their Orochi Blood, the Heavenly Kings are powerful in their own right." A calm voice said as Dolores and Heidern stood before them.

"Dolores and Heidern? Never thought we'd run into you so early on." David said.

"You appear to be missing a member. Where is the young street artist?" Cheetah asked.

"Hey! Who said you two could run off without tellin' me first?!" a third voice called as Isla soon caught up with them.

"Ah, there she is." Leopardmon said.

"This matter doesn't concern you, Isla." Heidern said.

"I'm your team leader, I think it does." Isla retorted. "Are these guys you're facin' off with gonna cause trouble for us or something?"

"That remains to be seen." Dolores said.

"Whoa, okay. I don't know what's going on here. But if you think we're a threat to what you're planning, then it must be very serious." David said.

"Especially since you have decided to personally compete, Heidern." Cheetah said. "Just what is the reason for your participation?"

(Cue- Time for revolution It's our generation- KOF XV)

"I'm afraid we cannot reveal such details. This matter is not your concern." Dolores said, stepping forward. "We cannot afford to involve outside parties in this. I must ask you three to walk away."


"And here's the plot hook." Richard and Kaguya said at the same time, as they looked at each other, before they looked away with awkward smiles on their faces.

"Wanna bet that we're going to have to deal with another incarnation of that ancient monster, Verse?" Sanae stated.

"Who's Verse?" Koyomi asked.

"Basically, the one who crashed the last tournament. Turned out to be an ancient force that brought a lot of dead people back. Team Orochi included. In fact, it's the reason why some of the teams are possible." Sumireko answered back. "You don't need to know much more. Last I watched, he got put away by Kyo's team. Shame the heroes didn't deal with… that… oh."

"Yeah, that's not going to end well." Richard remarked. "...Hopefully, the heroes have it under control. We can always go down if things get too hot."


"Hey! Just who's givin' the orders here?!" Isla said.

"You want to take this one?" David asked Cheetah.

"Most certainly." Cheetah said as David, Leopardmon, Isla and Heidern began fighting. "There is no need for us to fight. Reveal to us your objective, and I will not have to get violent with you."

"Unfortunately I cannot, there are things in this world you're better off not knowing." Dolores said as she assumed a relaxed fighting stance. "For the sake of our well-being, you must not be involved." she declared as Cheetah assumed her stance.

Ready…GO!

Cheetah pounced on Dolores, ready to attack her with her claws. In response to this, Dolores created a glowing white soil behind Cheetah as she teleported behind her.

"I see. So that's your power in action." Cheetah said.

"My Sacred Earth Arts. They allow me to contact the spirits of the earth as they assist me whenever I use the Holy Soil." Dolores said. "And it's not just for escape. I can also use it… to attack."

Dolores demonstrated this fact by creating more Holy Soil as it formed into a spike behind Cheetah before she batted her towards it, dealing damage as Cheetah made contact with it. Dolores then summoned another pool of holy soil as it sucked Cheetah in before spitting her back out.

"I suggest you surrender now." Dolores said.

Cheetah didn't abide by Dolores's words as she went back on the offensive again. She was able to get a read on Dolores's traps and get in close to her as she attacked with a flurry of claw attacks, before transitioning into a finishhing move.

"Now the hunt begins!" Cheetah said, charging at Dolores and connecting successfully, throwing her into the air with her legs. She leaps over to the stage wall before she lunged herself at Dolores, claws crossed, before slicing for an X-Slash.

K.O!

Dolores fell to the ground, flat on her back.

"Clearly you don't know our reputation." Cheetah said.


"Now that's one hell of a finish!" Hitomi exclaimed, seeing the dynamic finish by Cheetah's hands.

"Looks like we cat-people still have a reason to be feared…" Chen remarked, as she flexed her fingers. "We got the claws to rip and tear through anyone who pisses us off!"

"Pretty sure that not all of them are going to fight like that." Sanae remarked, as Chen pouted.


"Airborne ice missile, coming through!" David called out as he was soon flying over to Cheetah's side before he recovered and landed on the ground.

"Very graceful, Ishihara." Cheetah joked a bit as the three teammates regrouped.

Heidern and Isla came to Dolores's side as she recovered.

"What was that back there?! Aren't ya supposed to be some bigshot?" Isla asked.

"I apologize. I underestimated the skill she possesses." Dolores said.

(Music Restart: Time for revolution It's our generation- KOF XV)

"You've done plenty, Dolores. Stand back, the both of you." Heidern said, tugging his gloves and walking forward. "I'll handle this." he said, thrusting his arm forward in it's blade position, making Team Strategist guard up.

"I've got Commander Heidern." Leopardmon said. At this, David and Cheetah left off to resume their fights with Isla and Dolores. "I have been looking to meet you in battle for quite some time, Commander Heidern."

"I don't share the same sentiment. There is no time for me to be caught up in personal wants." Heidern said as the two prepared for battle. "I must complete my mission. All that stands in my way will fall."

Ready…GO!

Leopardmon made the first move with a strike from his sword. Heidern was able to counter it with his bare hand as he also mimicked a sword. He then parried the Royal Knight's blade away, leaving an opening.

"Stinger!" Heidern called, striking a finger gun pose as he shot Leopardmon away.

"Not bad." Leopardmon said as he recovered and recollected his blade. "Let's try this. Black Aura Blast!" he said as he fired a wave of energy from his sword.

"Too slow." Heidern said rolling under it before going into a lightning fast combo involving slashes and heavy strikes. "Cut apart!" he ended the combo with his Assault Saber, teleporting below Leopardmon and slashing him.

"Time to put some practice to use." Leopardmon said as he went for the close combat approach, coming at Heidern with a series of punches and kicks.

"Impressive, but not enough to defeat me." Heidern said.

"I wasn't expecting you to be an easy opponent." Leopardmon said. "Looks like I'll have to take it up a notch." he said as he started to transform into his X-Antibody form.

"Transforming? I won't let you!" Heidern said. "This is your grave!" he called, going for Heidern's End. He dashed forward, preparing to pierce his hand straight into Leopardmon's chest as he had explosives hidden to inject.

Leopardmon was able to finish transforming when he rushed in for a spin kick. "Do you like it? This is the form I take when I have to get serious." he said as he reveals his X-Antibody form.

Heidern tried to strike Leopardmon first, but the kick his opponent threw knocked his hand away. "We underestimated the strength of the challengers…" he said to himself, knowing he was about to be finished off.

"Time to show my true power!" Leopardmon said as he rushed at Heidern, dealing several quick strikes before kickflipping him in the air. He grabs his sword and starts charging. "Now for the grand finale." he said as he launched several Extinction Waves before finishing with a Black Aura Blast.

K.O!

The attacks proved too much for Heidern to overcome as he was blown back, crashing into the edge of the Concert Hall's arena.

"It was an honor to face you in battle, Commander." Leopardmon said, positioning his sword with a bow.


"Ooh, now that is something fitting of a Royal Knight. Even the strategist of the bunch is badass in close combat." Sumireko remarked.

"That's right." Erika nodded in agreement. "David made many good friends with prominent Digimon like the Royal Knights."


Isla and Dolores soon rejoined the Ikari commander.

"We must retreat. This battle is proving to be a losing one." Dolores said.

"No way! Amanda and I can take em no sweat!" Isla said.

"If you wish to know the origins of your power, we must stay alive in the tournament." Dolores replied. "A loss here could prove fatal to our advancement odds."

"Damn… you're right. Okay, were pullin' out." Isla said as her team retreated.

Leopardmon was able to revert at this. "That was quite a tough battle. I honestly didn't think we'd make it out of that one."

"Yeah, but we managed to pull through." David said. "Still, though… I wonder what all that stuff they were saying was about."

"It could definitely be another unexpected crisis. King of Fighters has that trend." Cheetah said. "If Heidern is competing, this particular crisis must be utmostly serious."

"Yeah, for sure. Especially after what happened at the previous tournament. There is definitely something going on here. And it looks like we're going to have to find out what." David said.


"So far, everything is faring well for the team I picked." Richard stated. "Oh, by the way, Kaguya, I never did hear you say your bet. Don't tell me you didn't make a pick, and don't try to tell me you're keeping it a secret."

"Oh, alright, I'm actually rooting for Team Blazblue. They are already strong contenders by themselves. And you know that Ragna's no slouch in these kinds of matches, right?" Kaguya stated.

"Fair point, even if I'm not clear on the context." Gus nodded.

"A strong performance from one of the prominent teams. I'm actually impressed." Raditz stated. "Still, I do wonder how the other teams will fare against other match-ups. And I do wish to see how Team Orochi intends to win with such half-hearted tactics. Arrogance brings the fall, as I have experienced."

"That commander… He's quite strong." Koyomi stated. "It reminds me of how Ui had managed to get her training with Reisen…"

"Well, I am a tried and true member of the Eientei Medic Corps." Ui boasted. "I guess that beats being a figurehead for predators."

"Oh? I got to see how you improved." Hitomi grinned back savagely.

"I… This time I'll show you I'm not as useless as I was before!" Ui exclaimed back with spirit, which pleased Hitomi greatly.

"Now that's a bunny worth the fight!" Hitomi chuckled.

"Settle down there in the therianthrope gallery. We can settle matters later." Richard stated, hushing Ui and Hitomi.