-Shanghai, Day 14-

"That's everything," Adel said, before checking his watch. It read seven-thirty, giving them about an hour before the limo arrived.

"Yep. Bathroom's all clear. I made another sweep. Nothing in the drawers."

"You sound like you're sweeping for explosives," he laughed.

Whip burst out laughing at that. "Force of habit, I guess?"

The big blonde grinned back. "Yeah, I'm not too concerned about anything that's not my wallet, passport, or this earring," he said, pointing to the one she gave him. "But it's nice to have everything we brought anyway."

The soldier smiled warmly at the earring comment as she grabbed her main suitcase and carry on, one in each hand and headed toward the door, as Adel did the same. They were shutting it behind them as Duo Lon and Leona came out of theirs, all dressed and holding their own luggage. Duo Lon had his hair in his quickly-gathered double tail, ready to travel. The pair had the plastic off of their tattoos, and were now moisturizing them after washing them gently with soap and water. Both looked a little disheveled and tired, as well.

"Morning," Adel said, rubbing his eyes. "Sleep okay?"

"Yes," Duo Lon replied. "I look forward to more on the plane, though."

Leona smiled softly, nodding; she was quiet this morning, but seemed very content.

The four made their way downstairs to the lobby as Adel handled the checkout-being a luxury hotel, it was easy, as they liked to make things fast and convenient for their high-paying customers. Taking care of everything, he headed over to the rest of the group gathered at one of the seating areas as people wandered in and out. Some were clearly arriving for their initial stays, while a couple of others were checking out themselves.

Slumping in a chair, he checked the time. "Limo will be pulling up out front around eight-thirty. Hopefully Shen makes it in time," he said.

Duo Lon smirked. "He messaged me. He's awake. Somehow, he managed to get up in time."

"Nice."

The group were all fairly quiet this morning, though it was pleasant. Leona was leaning back in a seat with her eyes closed as Whip checked her phone. Duo Lon seemed to be people-watching. His arm looked visibly healing as it poked through the hole in his loose, sleeveless shirt; it was a little red, but not much. Leona had to stop herself from trying to scratch hers a couple of times. Given self-control was one of her specialties, she managed nicely.

"No delays at the airport," Whip mentioned after some time.

"Excellent." Adel stood again, stretching. "I'm getting coffee from the place here to take with us. I'll get Shen one, too."

Whip stood to follow him to the lobby shop, which only had a small queue at the moment, while Duo Lon and Leona sat back in the chairs waiting for Shen. Her eyes finally opened. She hadn't been sleeping so much as relaxing.

"How does it feel?" he asked.

"Itchy and a little sore. But not bad," she said. "The lotion helps a lot."

He nodded. "Just wash and keep it covered with some lotion. It'll heal quickly."

"What was the biggest one you ever got at once?"

"Hmm," he replied, thinking. "Probably my right bicep. I remember getting most of this done in one go at Zhu's. Maybe six hours? It still was not completely finished even after that. I had to get one more session."

"Wow," she said.

He peered at her arm; the ink stood out very nicely against her toned bicep, and the design truly suited her, given her interests and aesthetics. "That really does look great on you," he said, smiling.

She blinked, her eyes lighting up a second as a small smile spread on her face.

The pair came back with the coffee; Adel handed two to Duo Lon and Leona, as Whip set her other one aside to hand to Shen when he got here. They had purchased the largest ones they could.

Sure enough, after another fifteen minutes or so, they saw him enter the lobby from the end; his trademark shirt was worn open as he jogged up.

"Whew! Made it," he exclaimed, panting a moment. "It's kinda hot out already."

"Welcome, Shen," Whip said, handing him his cup, which he accepted gratefully, taking a sip. It was still hot enough to cause him to grimace slightly at his tongue almost being burned, but he was thirsty.

"Thanks. I didn't miss it, did I?"

"...We're still here, Shen."

"Oh, yeah," he said, shaking his head. "Look, I may have drank a few more last night," he chuckled, ruffling his messy hair.

"It'll be here in about ten minutes," Adel laughed.

"Excellent," he said. "Sucks that I can't come to the gate with you guys."

"Yeah, airports changed over the years unfortunately. At least the limo ride is a leisurely forty-five minutes or so."

After a few more moments of sitting around, drinking their liquid caffeine and checking out parts of the lobby they hadn't noticed before, they saw the limo pull up, perfectly on time. Nodding to each other, the group walked out, the driver greeting them and taking care of all of their luggage, putting it into the incredibly roomy trunk.

The five made their way to the back seats when they were set, settling around the rather large area in their usual favored positions. Shen then leaned forward to examine the new tattoo work on Duo Lon's bicep in the light. "I need to get some more of these."

"You went to Zhu for yours too, right?"

"Yeah." He showed off the basic decorations he had on his forearms. "Just never got around to doing more. Kinda...want to stay less memorable, I guess."

Duo Lon blinked, staring at him. Whip giggled.

"Yes, I think it's your tattoos that make you memorable after you roll dumpsters through windows," the assassin said dryly.

Shen looked around at the group, all smirking at him in various ways as the blessedly cool limo pulled out, starting their somewhat short drive to the airport.

"Hey!" he exclaimed, looking for help.

-Shanghai Airport-

"That everything?" Shen asked Adel as he poked through the trunk. The smell of the airport driveway permeated everything; the humidity seemed to make the fumes hang in the air. It wasn't choking, but it wasn't the most pleasant smell, compared to the nice smell of the limo's interior where they had been sitting.

"Yep," he said, as the driver closed it.

"Wait for him," he told the man. "He's coming back with you."

"I am?" Shen asked, blinking.

"Yeah, I figured I'd buy your ride back."

The brawler grinned, shaking Adel's hand firmly and patting his shoulder. The other blonde smiled back, clapping a second hand over his for a moment.

As he separated, Whip came up to him to give him a hug; he looked a bit surprised, much like Duo Lon the first time she did the same. Hugging her back, he rubbed her shoulder firmly afterward.

"Watch out for him. Make sure he's in good shape when I get back."

"That won't be a problem," she grinned.

Knowing Leona was more subdued when it came to personal contact, he bowed in front of her, though she did hold her hand out for a firm handshake.

"You take care," he said, glancing toward Duo Lon for a moment, before looking back to her. She smiled softly back, understanding.

"I will."

"So, asshole," he said, turning toward the assassin as the rest of them lined up their luggage. "Leaving again, I see. It had been nearly two months before now?"

"You can follow me whenever, you know. So long as it's not...serious business."

"Yeah, yeah. I get tied up here, you know me. I'm a city boy."

"I know. But at least keep some days open in October."

"I definitely will. Promise."

Duo Lon smiled. "Call me if you need anything."

"I know."

The two friends shook hands, and Shen pulled him into a hug; the brawler started to squeeze...only to have the assassin's constrictor-like grip tighten, and soon they saw Shen's eyes widen as he started frantically tapping him.

As Duo Lon let him go, Shen rubbed his ribcage. "Show-off," he muttered. He would sometimes tease the assassin about his 'backwoods training', but he could not deny the results of such.

The other three could only grin. They knew that people thought at first glance Shen would be the brute force, and while he was certainly that in spades, most didn't know that it was the assassin that would be the one to restrain him, much like he did in the bar or the other times he was about to destroy something randomly.

The long-haired man just smirked as Shen slapped him on the shoulder. "So long, guys."

"See you soon!" Adel shouted, as he crouched to slide into the limo. They could see, as soon as the driver had opened the door for him, the man had already stretched out and crossed his legs on the seat in front of him, taking advantage of his luxury ride.

"Alright," Whip said, looking around the airport. "Let's get these bags checked before we decide to stay longer and move in with Duo Lon or something."

Duo Lon chuckled softly at that, following them toward the luxury check-in.

"Mmm. Smell that grease," Adel muttered, holding his fast food bag.

"How much did you get?" Whip asked as they headed toward the airport's lounge; Adel had been in this particular lounge once to his memory, but he didn't remember much of it.

"Enough," he said. "I think."

"I might skip the wine this time," Leona said quietly.

"Oh, I think we all are." The group held extra large cups of coffee they had purchased from the place, as the initial ones hadn't been enough.

"I may have something later on in the flight," Duo Lon said, "But it is in no way necessary."

As they arrived, they found this lounge was similar to Frankfurt's, though a bit more lavish even than that one was. The couches looked more plush, there were a couple of recliners, and it was done a little darker-colored, giving it a different feel than the other airier one they were in. More elegant.

"Wow," Whip said quietly. "It feels like we're back in that restaurant, almost."

"Yeah," Adel said. "Pretty cool. I didn't remember this place too well."

Lining up their carry-ons by the wall, the group pulled a table up to the couch again like last time and started emptying their bags. By the time they were done, there was a staggering amount of breakfast foods from the airport's fast food joint-featuring common international fast food-spread out everywhere. Adel sniffed, grinning.

"Now this is quality. And Henrik's not here to lecture me."

Leona smirked slightly. "This is so not...like me," she said before picking up her sausage, egg and cheese bagel, "But I just had to."

Duo Lon chuckled at her, picking up his own; he had gotten one on a bagel, and one on a croissant. "Me either...but I suppose we all get the craving sometimes."

"I'm guessing you just got one of each," Whip said, grabbing her own bagel. She had opted for sausage.

"Of course," Adel said, putting his three sandwiches in front of him, along with the hash browns the place would sell. He had added a set of pancakes, and he had also opted for a cinnamon bun, drowned in white frosting.

Leona shook her head. "I still can't figure out where it goes."

"I haven't been able to figure it out for a year. Don't worry," Whip laughed.

Duo Lon nodded toward something else he had pulled out. "What are those?"

"French toast sticks," Adel said. "I never had them but…" he tried one. "Okay then." He dunked one in some of the syrup he had nearby. "I wish I had."

Leona looked at them curiously. Adel noticed, pushing them forward. She grabbed one, taking a bite.

"...Not bad," she said.

"Go on," he waved them forward.

Once again, the crew may have cut a strange appearance, a bunch of young people who had seen far too much battle already, but seeing them convening around a bag of French toast sticks and greasy breakfast made them look just like anyone else you might see. There were only one or two other people passing by, most of them sitting with a glass of morning cordial and expensive cigarettes at the lounge's bar.

The four ate, talked, and simply people-watched, letting the last moments of their vacation count, occasionally throwing one another a particularly tasty thing they had gotten off the menu on a whim. Duo Lon had gotten another one of the pies that he had tried when they arrived, of course eating it with no issue to Adel's confusion.

As they finished, piling their significant pile of trash in the middle of the table to haul it to the trash cans, Adel sat back, his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

"Maybe next summer we'll come back? If there isn't a tournament running around then."

"Those are usually over rather quickly, at least," Whip said.

"That is true. We can go after."

"We have a lot of time before then, anyway."

"Yeah, I'm just looking forward to the next couple of months and hoping things stay quiet."

Leona yawned; leaning back in her chair, she suddenly decided to lean to the side, against Duo Lon. The assassin sat comfortably, glancing down at her with a softer than normal look in his eyes. He looked over at the other pair for a moment.

Whip could almost read his thoughts. "You want us to poke you guys this time?" she grinned.

"If you could."

"Of course," she said, grabbing her phone and leaning against Adel as she slumped in her chair.

He shut his eyes, relaxing as the other two had some quiet conversations about anything that had come to their mind.

Soon, they would be home, and while things would likely end up a little hectic again at times, they would carry several memories of this first trip together as a group of friends. They took no pictures and bought no stereotypical souvenirs, but the memories would certainly stick through everything.

-Epilogue-Sky Noah, Köln, Germany-

Stepping out onto the Sky Noah's balcony, Whip held the cup of coffee that she had grabbed before heading out; she skipped the wine this time, the pair still taking a few more days off from alcohol given the amount they drank.

"Hey, you," Adel said, grinning. "Welcome back."

"Thanks," she said. "I didn't have as much to do as I originally thought."

After returning and spending a couple of days at the Sky Noah winding down, Whip had to go take care of business with her unit, staying at the for hotel several days. It was just as well, as Adel had business of his own to take care of. They saw for dinner once, but otherwise did their own things. As close as they were, they were capable of taking care of what they had to, knowing they would see again.

Duo Lon had stayed about three more days after they returned, mostly with Leona; but he had to leave again after having some of his own business to take care of, though the group did share dinner the night he left. He hadn't been back since, though Leona said he was doing fine. They emailed regularly when he was gone-it was a thing they had going even when they had first grown close at the party.

Stretching, he enjoyed the evening breeze for a moment; he could tell that summer would be ending soon, as one could feel the ever-so-slight coolness compared to what it was earlier. He looked at Whip afterward again.

"How is everything?"

"Decent. Surprisingly quiet. I guess we went at a good time."

"Definitely."

"How's Rose?" she asked.

"Doing okay. Still...somewhat muddled. Memory issues. Some days are better than others. It's like she's trying to fight off something mentally."

"I hope she continues," Whip said.

"Same. Or we find out what's going on." He snorted. "I could almost use another vacation. I couldn't help but think when I was eating the fast food-how Henrik wasn't there to lecture me-I almost miss her complaining when I'd eat something crappy like that," he smirked. "Or even drive somewhere myself. Gods forbid if I wanted to walk."

She laughed at that softly, taking his hand as he interlocked fingers with hers tightly. She kissed his shoulder and leaned against it.

"We'll be alright. I think she will be, too."

"I know," he said, smiling at her. He was in a good mood, all told. Turning back, he saw Gwan sleeping on his back on the bed. "Looks like he hasn't left in awhile."

"Oh yeah. He's gotten so big. You weren't kidding when you said he'd be a few kilos heavier when we got back."

"They grow fast," he chuckled.

"He almost bowled me over," she scowled, not seriously.

"You did run into my room first," he pointed out.

"When he wasn't at the front door, I figured he was with Rose," she replied, tickling his side.

"Any bigger and I think he would have."

She looked up, jumping on Adel instead as he easily caught her. Nuzzling his cheek for a moment, she kissed his ear.

"You took me out for an anniversary. I feel like I should do something for you."

"You already have," he grinned, pressing his forehead to hers. "You have been."

"You know what I mean."

"I know." He kissed her. "But still."

"Maybe I'll just give you something tonight?"

"Oh?"

"You're so bad at acting innocent."

Kissing her deeply, he pressed his forehead to hers, touching her face. Breaking apart, he grinned.

"Am I, really?" he smirked.

"Yes."

"Maybe I shouldn't bother with the act, then?"

Now she grinned, running her hand through his thick hair as they retired to his room to enjoy the evening.

A/N: Sorry not sorry for the title. ;p Also sorry if this one felt a bit hurried; I felt like the wrap-up chapter didn't need to be fancy.

And there we have it! The crew's little vacation wrapped up. A new friend was introduced(who was the old friend of a character, but still), adventures were had, and closer bonds were formed. Importantly, the crew actually got away from it all(well, mostly, but our assassin friend is used to it.) They don't get that much, and it's nice to just see them get to be people-and young ones at that, given their ages range from barely twenty to just about twenty-three-rather than soldiers, warriors, assassins, and fighters. Thanks for all who stuck with this!

Most importantly, I wanted to do this as a celebration of my year back into the KOF fandom. I've missed it, and I'm glad I'm back in. I really wanted to thank my fun-loving discord for all the inspiration they've helped give me over the past year, especially illyrilex, RobertCop3, jojoDO and RinoaDestiny.

I will certainly be presenting even more adventures of this crew moving forward! They're my main bunch, so I guarantee that's what you'll find the most of here.