Disclaimer: I don't own The King of Fighters
A/N: Hello, welcome to my story, and thank you for reading. Well, this time, we're going to start one of the side-stories for the tournament. This one has the return of three of the (imo) better bosses in the SNK annals, and we'll see they mean business. Now then, let's get to it. And here … we … go:
The King of Fighters XV
Run This (South) Town
Night-time in Southtown… This was the time that the city's hierarchy did all their business. This was the time when good head home, and only the brave and strong … or desperate … or shady stayed for very long. This metropolis was under a distinct pecking order of unofficial figureheads and 'staff' running the city behind closed doors. It had been that way for a long time… But this night was different. There was just something in the air, a feeling of foreboding, of a coming conflict, and, oddly enough … of change.
In 'Free Field', a certain 'businessman' was ordering some of his underlings around. A large, heavily-muscled man of 6'3", he had black hair with white streaks along the sides, and a white goatee, he continuing to rub the long scar across his throat. This man was none other than Duke, and he had a shipment he need to get out.
"You two make sure everything's inside." Duke barked.
Both underlings obeyed and disappeared into the darkness. It was immediately followed by the slight sounds of a scuffle … and both came flying back right at Duke! The boss calmly sidestepped one, and casually swiped the other away. Not long after, the culprit slowly stepped out of the shadows. It was a gargantuan man of 6'11" with snow white hair, wearing no shoes, red karate pants with a black belt, a long black cape draped over his shoulders, his green eyes peering out from behind a red demon-looking mask…
"Are you Duke, 'The Man Hell Coughed Up'?"
Duke hostilely replied, "Yeah. So, what's it to you ugly?"
The new man said, "My name is Grant, and I'm here to challenge you."
"You interrupted me for that? You will regret this!" Duke proclaimed.
The Man Hell Coughed Up reared back before sending a firestorm across the ground. Grant, with force from his punch, produced a whirlwind, stopping the attack in front of himself.
Grant let out a brief laugh and commented, "I admire your bravery to attack me first… but I advise you to hit harder than that if you want to fall me."
Duke scoffed, "I see you're more than the average … but your end is still near; you'll pay … with your blood." He rubbed his scar as he suggested, "Still, I promise you'll enjoy it."
With that, Duke raised his fists up, and Grant crossed his arms in front of his chest…
Party Crasher
A large man wearing a blue long coat with white fur trim, a brown vest and shoes, white pants, with his head shaved smooth save for a moustache and his eyes hidden behind dark shades, Mr. Big was the epitome of 'big time'. The gang leader, on this night, was enjoying his self-appointed 'night off', partying and having a good time at the Oriental Casino 'Woo'. He was thoroughly engaged in drink and women, and was in the middle of an impressive winning streak. Every roll was the right number. Every hand he was dealt was winner. Every spin of the wheel fell on his spot. On this night, if he put a revolver with five bullets to his head and pulled the trigger, he would have gotten the empty slot. Mr. Big loved this night.
With his two female companions for the night at his sides, Mr. Big finally relaxed in the lounge, saying as he sat, "Ladies, do I know how to throw a party or what? I know you're enjoying yourselves because you'll never have a bad time with Mr. Big, baby! What do you say we kick this party into high gear…?"
Suddenly, a bright flash of light filled the air, glaring even from behind Mr. Big's shades. Everything melted away in the light, all his senses went dull, and lasted for several moments. After a moment, the light fades, and his senses returned to find something really eerie: nothing. The recently lively and bustling casino was now utterly silent and devoid of any other living soul! The chiming machines were now powerless. The money he had won and the champagne he'd ordered had completely disappeared. The whole place looked completely undisturbed … as if no one had ever been there all night!
Mr. Big muttered to himself, "What in the he-?"
"Now, that is priceless. I live for looks just like the one you have right now."
Another person slowly walked up, seemingly appearing out of thin air. It was a young man in a white suit, a red pocket handkerchief and frilled ascot, white derby hat, and a black shirt. He had blond hair, red eyes with three painted tear lines under his left, and twirled a cane with an eyeball as the handle.
Mr. Big hostilely scowled, "Who are you? What kind of game are you playing?"
The young man replied with a sinister smirk, "Of course, allow me to introduce myself: my name is White … and this isn't a game, at least concerning you anyway. In the meantime, I'm overjoyed that you enjoyed my dolls…"
Confused, Mr. Big slowly looked next to himself, and see the girls. The living, breathing, giggling girls from seconds ago … were now life-size, lifeless marionettes, their eerie smiles simply painted on! Mr. Big jumped up in shock as White let out a laugh of pleasure.
Pulling his Rattan sticks from inside his coat, Mr. Big said, "Alright, clown. I don't know what kind of freak you are, but it won't matter when I'm done drumming your pale body to paste."
White feigned taking offense, responded, "Ouch! That was a little too harsh. And after I went through so much trouble to give you a relaxing night."
Mr. Big said with a surprise, "What are you babbling about? I've been planning this for weeks."
As he waved his cane side-to-side to the negative, White replied with a smug smirk, "Au contrar. It came to you this morning, and you practically sleepwalked through the day… I've had you under my spell all this time."
"Hmph. Obviously, you don't know a lot about me. If you did… you would know how much I hate having my chain yanked. But I know some things about you… You said your name's White, right? Yeah, you're the leader of those new rackets in town. You know, I've never seen so many defections, and all of them going to your side. Well, reality check, bozo. You ain't sweet-talking me."
White chuckled, his smug smile withstanding, "Actually, I'm not here on a personal business, though tempting. I'm here on a more … 'messy' agenda."
"Well, good luck with that. I'm not exactly known for my mercy, and you're not exactly a good fighter from what I hear … as in you don't duck or jump or …"
With speed and ferocity, Mr. Big hopped the table, charging hard at White, and brought both clubs crashing down … only to let out a slight gasp of surprise at the result. White had avoided injury by blocking the attack with his cane with surprising strength!
White laughed evilly as he held his ground, "Pray tell, you weren't going to say 'block', were you?"
Suddenly, an after-image split from him and glided backward. The after-image soon became solid and the original disappeared, his form of teleportation…
White continued, "The funny part is you are right, to a point. The last time I rose up, I was … unprepared. But I've covered my bases this time, and am more than ready. I mean, what kind of boss would I be if I couldn't do things even my minions could manage?"
"Well, good for you, but it won't save you from this beating. Still, if you really think you can take me…" Mr. Big twirled his rattan sticks in his hands as he challenged, "Come on, big guy!"
As Mr. Big took his stance, White advised, "Careful what you wish for…"
Getting a jump, White pointed his cane and the 'eye' on the end glowed, filling the room with another intense blast of white light…
Castle Siege
Inside the Mittelbirge Castle in the German mountains, a certain Duke was enjoying a peaceful evening, alone in his den playing piano. An imposing man of 6' 7", the duke had purple hair and a prominent moustache, a robe draped over his muscular torso. This was the Duke of Stroheim, Wolfgang Krauser. Suddenly, he was startled at the sound of clapping. Krauser quickly looked up to see a visitor step out of the shadows of the room. Before him stood a sophisticated-looking man with long blond hair and green eyes, clad in a white suit with royal blue-trimmings, white gloves, and a long white overcoat.
"Good evening." Krauser calmly greeted his company, "To what do I owe this visit?"
"Surprising… Most would demand to know who I am and how I got in."
Krauser responded, "The fact you're standing here and without a single injury at that paints you as a truly skilled fighter in my mind. As for the first mystery … you look like the kind of person to tell me who you are, regardless of situation."
The man complimented, "I'm glad your eye is as keen as ever. As for your latter assumption, you are indeed correct… My name is Kain R. Henlein, and you and I are related by way of Geese Howard. You half-brother is in fact my brother-in-law."
"A pleasure, but I doubt you came all this way to establish familial relations."
"Naturally; this visit is purely business."
Krauser stood and circled around the piano, saying, "Hmm; fine. Let's hear it. What's your end game?"
Kain cleared his throat and explained as he slowly began to pace, "Very well… I have a thorough stake in the Second Southtown, the city's newest borough built at the site of the recent explosion in 2000, and I'm looking to expand my philosophy to the rest of the metropolis. You see, the people in Southtown have grown … weak and complacent, bias and unfocused by emotion, spoiled by peace and comfort. From what I've seen, it's like they're not even alive at all. I'm going to change that; I'm going to make them come alive … by necessity."
Krauser, now pacing counter to Kain, asked further, "That's highly ambitious intent; it won't be easy to change people's perspective. Just how do you plan to bring this to pass?"
Kain continued with a small smile, "Simple. Once I gain control, I'll bring Southtown to its knees, and descend it into chaos. Then, when the people have to struggle and fight just to survive… Then, they'll know what it is to live, and they'll appreciate their lives."
Krauser remained silent for a moment as he soaked everything in, and responded, "That's an effective strategy… A bit extreme, but it should have the desired effect. Still … That doesn't answer why you're here. I no longer have any stake in Southtown, and frankly, I was enjoying my retirement."
"Oh, I know that, but … you're close enough to my true target to give him a chill down his spine…"
Getting the implication, Krauser said, "I understand… Must we do this at this moment, because I would hate to sully my casual wear?"
"Oh, no; by all means. I have time."
"Very well… Come to the ballroom in fifteen minutes… I'll be waiting."
Fifteen minutes passed, and as directed, Kain made his way to the Mittelbirge ballroom. The large hall was covered in gold and adorned with dragon statues all over. In the middle sat a grand staircase, and to the side was an area where an orchestra would traditionally sit. In the center with his back-turned was a battle-ready Krauser, wearing large shoulder armor, golden shin-guards, and a long red cape.
Without turning, Krauser said, "I'll warn you now: once we start, we will not stop. I will not hold any punches or show any mercy."
Kain simply replied, "I would expect no less. Fight with your best or be cut down. That philosophy we do share."
"As you are my enemy…" Krauser's voice gained a dramatic echo and his cape starts billowing from power as he proclaimed, "I'll chisel your gravestone. Sleep well."
Krauser turned quickly and, with a simple flexing of his muscles, his armor exploded off his body. Kain, returning the show of force, raised both arms out to his side, and purple flames began to billow off his body and clothes.
With a smirk, Kain said, "You will discover your weakness in my flames."
With only one last thing to do, both went into fighting stance…
Shaken Order
The next morning, very early the next morning, Geese Howard jumped awake for seemingly little reason. Immediately, an odd feeling completely washed over him, something oddly … refreshing but still very uncertain. It was as if something huge had just taken place … that could change everything. Suddenly, an animated Billy Kane came running into the room, out of breath and nervous.
"I assume this is for good reason, Billy." Geese said with slight irritation.
His anxiety obvious, Billy exclaimed, "Sir, you have to come and see this… Someone sent you a big 'message'…"
This left Geese wondering. He knew a 'message' was usually a show of force; it was nothing new, but what kind of message could disturb Billy so much? And how could such a message be sent? With that, Geese climbed out of bed, and he and Billy made their way down to the doors of Geese Tower, where they found Hopper and Ripper surveying the scene: At the four men's feet laid Duke and Mr. Big, sprawled across the steps, both in ravaged and in horrible condition!
As for Duke, Geese had never met him, but he had heard many stories of 'The Man Hell Coughed Up'. Here, however, laid this fearsome man, face down and rough shape. His unconscious body bore multiple cuts and bruises, and even his clothes were torn. Next to him laid prone Mr. Big, his sunglasses cracked, his once good clothes now ruffled and disheveled. What was more disturbing was that he was out cold but he was still muttering something about clowns and dolls!
Geese questioned as he tried to process it all, "When did you find them? Did you see who could have dropped them off?"
Ripper promptly answered, "We just found them recently, but they don't look like they've been here long."
Hopper quickly added, "We checked the surrounding area, but there's no sign of whom or what did this and/or dumped them here."
Even the powerful Geese Howard thought this was a disturbing message, considering the caliber of fighters turned victims, not just in how but also who. Finally, Geese had an idea. There was only one person he knew of that was anywhere near capable enough to pull this off. It was long shot indeed, but it was still a possibility. He quickly rushed back inside to make a call, his associates right behind.
Meanwhile, the two senders had watched the entire scenario play out, perched on a nearby rooftop. White, a little disheveled, was rubbing an electrical burn out of his hat, and his suit was marred by several drops of blood, but he was basically unscathed. Next to him, Grant stood with light bruises on his chest, some scratched on his mask, and the edge of his cape singed, but he also was mostly in good shape.
White commented with a devilish grin, "Looks like we got our point across. I wonder if they like our little care package."
Grant responded as he turned and started off, "We should return to the palace. Kain should be on his way."
"Not much of a conversationist, are we…?" White said as he followed. Then, noticing something, White exclaimed, "Ugh. He got blood on my suit. That's never going to come out now…"
Inside the tower, with Billy, Hopper, and Ripper alongside him, Geese went right for his phone and dialed a familiar number…
"Hello?" A voice unknown to Geese answered.
"Put Krauser on the phone." Geese strongly demanded.
The other man calmly responded, "I'm sorry, but Wolfgang Krauser is taking a long rest and can't be awakened right now. I'm afraid he's in no condition to speak."
Getting a sense of what he'd walked into, Geese asked, "… Who is this?"
Hearing the tone of Geese's voice, Kain replied with a smirk, "You'll find out in due time, but … based on the tone of your voice and the fact you're even making this call at all, I take it my teammates delivered a message."
Geese chuckled and said, "I certainly hope that wasn't an attempt at intimidation."
"Of course not. It's more of a … 'mission statement'."
Geese smugly indicated, "Is that so? That's quite a lot of force for little return."
Kain coolly replied, "You'll have to excuse me. Normally, I'm a lot more subtle. But I thought this deserved a more direct approach."
His smug tone withstanding, Geese replied, "Hmph. While I'm unmoved by others' bad life choices, I'm compelled to ask… Do you really think it's wise to target me?"
Kain responded with a sinister chuckle, "I suggest you watch the upcoming King of Fighters Tournament, dear in-law of mine. Let's just say, in this story of brothers between you and me… I can only play the role of Kain."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
CLICK! Content, Kain hung up the phone. Before taking his leave, Kain straightened his slightly rumpled suit, wiped the small trail of blood from his lips … and made his exit after stepping over Krauser's still-smoking, unconscious body…
Back in Southtown, Geese slowly put the phone back down, left contemplating his tough situation. Despite his front, he was actually slightly disturbed by all of this. Krauser was the strongest person he knew not named Terry Bogard, and Krauser's attacked didn't even sound tired or out of breath. Krauser had even beaten Geese himself once. So … how strong was this attacker to devastate him? How could this person be so strong? And most chilling was: what did he mean brother-in-law?
"Billy…" Geese finally said.
Ready to receive what came next, Billy replied, "Sir?"
Geese succinctly gave his order, "I have another problem that needs solving… Prepare yourself. You're rejoining the ranks in The King of Fighters…"
End Chapter
A/N: There you have it. I do want to apologize to any fans of Mr. Big and/or Duke, but this new team is not messing around. Next time, we'll look in on another team, this one having a very different partner than normal. Thank you for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you come back to read more. Please R&R, and as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.