Disclaimer: I don't own the King of Fighters…

A/N: Hey, how's it going? Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you like it. Well, we're at the next to last chapter, and this one is widespread. It's the ending with the most players so far, and there is even a cameo for some characters in the next entry. Now then, we'll get to the action. And here … we … go:

The King of Fighters XV

Tear Down South Town

In between Southtown Main district and Second Southtown district, Kain and Grant were visiting their momentary partner, White, at his base of operations, a small compound fashioned after an abandoned carnival. But this place was not a happy one by any stretch. The circus music playing over the audio system, instead of floating over cheerfully and happily as it should, burdened and menaced all over the area. The carnival rides were replaced with gothic imagery, with monsters replacing animals on the unmerry-go-round and the carnival games seeming to use bones instead of toys.

Finally, the powerful duo reached the stronghold in the compound's center, a giant terrarium greenhouse, but like the rest of the area, this was not a typical building. Most obvious was that the floor was tiled instead of dirt. Instead of lush green flora, human-sized porcelain dolls stood all around, staring blankly with smiles simply painted on. Eventually, Kain and Grant found themselves in an even stranger room: a large dome-shaped chamber with multiple large, crescent-shaped ropes coming from the walls in clusters… Immediately, the two noticed the quiet of this place, the stillness, and the lack of adequate light, all rather troubling signs … usually.

Grant calmly pointed out, "This all seems … familiar, doesn't it, Kain?"

"Certainly; maybe even downright cliché…" Kain responded nonchalantly, "But let's see where this one takes us first."

"Welcome…" White's voice echoed, "So glad you both could make it."

Both instantly looked toward the direction of the voice, not needing to wonder which way, as White seeming appeared out of nowhere, his white suit contrasting with the near-black back drop of the room…

White continued, "I want to thank you for accepting my invitation. The tournament was very … 'illuminating'."

Grant formally said, "Yes … that it was."

"I'm glad you feel that way." White said as he began to circle them, "But … I'm afraid there's a little bit more to our partnership than I let on."

Kain replied in a dry monotone, complete opposite of shock, "No? You don't say?"

White continued as he stopped at the front of the room, "It's true. We have similar goals and operations, and I do believe that together we can make our dreams a reality, just … not in a conventional way."

"Mm-hmm…" Grant reacted without even hiding his lack of surprise, "Is that right?"

"Oh, yes." White said as he cracked an evil smile, "Now, I'm pretty sure you are aware of my modus operandi…"

"Yes, we know … everything." Kain replied bluntly, "We know what you're alluding to; we know why you led us to this particular room; and we know what you'll try to do."

"You do, do you?" White asked, his smile unmoved.

Kain continued curtly, "Yes, we do. So, just skip to the part where you double-cross us, clown; we kind of have something else planned."

"As you wish, hurri-Kain."

With that, White planted his cane in a socket on the ground, and gave it strong twist. That action immediately sent the room humming, and a shifting of activity on the walls revealed that the arcing 'ropes' … were giant eyelashes! All of them opened to uncover a multitude of eyes, and all of them gazed at Kain and Grant. White reached his arms outward toward them as his eyes glowed red, and all the eyes began to glow as well…

His voice resonating through the whole chamber, White informed, "You two are in for a special treat. I don't usually use this much power, but you two are a special case. Now, relax and let your minds wander right into my hands."

Immediately, Kain and Grant were under attack. They were beset by pressure on their brains, and seized by a sharp and burning pain. Their temples throbbed fiercely. Their heads felt like they were on fire. Soon, the pain and pressure radiated outward to their ears, eyes, and mouths like an amplified migraine. However, physically wasn't the only way they were attacked. Along with it all came the voice of the departed Marie, Kain's sister and Grant's other friend, beckoning them to give in. Their eyes began to see things that weren't there or things that shouldn't even reasonably exist. Eventually, they began to lose their sense of identity and mental boundaries. Combined with the pain, this ordeal couldn't only be compared to the worst acid trip one could get.

Kain, however, wouldn't submit. Hearing Marie's voice actually had a positive effect on him: it forced to focus on himself and his objective. It helped him identify things, and escape the assault on his senses and perception. Eventually, he came out of the induced trance with a clearing shake of his head…

Noticing the development, White asked, "You're … back with us, Kain?"

"You're quite an arrogant fool." Kain answered, "Your elaborate magic tricks failed you, and now comes the part where I burn you for betraying us."

"So, you can break the trance, huh?" White responded with a surprisingly upbeat tone, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's a shame though… You're much more valuable not crippled. Oh, well; can't make an omelet, right?"

Kain self-assuredly said, "You sure sound confident in your ability to cripple me."

White let out an evil laugh, and explained, "Don't be silly. I'm not one for taking things by force, but luckily I can convince others to dirty their hands … like your friend."

Realizing what he meant, Kain stammered, "My … friend?"

But it was too late; Grant was lost. The Martyr of Might was silent and staring straight ahead, motionless to the point that even his breathing was slowed down. That, however, was when … his eyes waxed from green to red! Grant fiercely attacked his friend until Kain managed to grab hold of both his fists, locking the two in a test of strength…

White said haughtily and excitedly, "What's the matter, Kain? Can't handle losing your mountain of muscle?"

Kain adamantly tried to reach his friend, "Grant, my old friend… You have to fight this."

White interjected, mockingly, "Hello? He can't hear you. He's had an almost complete ego death. There's barely any individuality left in him."

Taking that to mean there was in fact some left, Kain entreated harder, "Listen to me: your name is Abel Grant Cameron. You are the oldest friend of me and my sister. I am Kain R. Heinlein, and my sister is Marie Howard. You've been our protector and friend since we were young."

White continued mocking his prey, "Oh, ramble all you want. It won't bring him back… And just think; you're not completely innocent in this either, Kain."

Feeling Grant's force let up slightly, Kain continued, "You're the master of Dark Karate, the Fist of Transcendence. You are the Martyr of Might."

White continued on, "Yes, I noticed when the idea flashed in your mind. You thought of using my power to drive the people of Southtown mad, and bring the city to its knees… Sorry, but that just won't do."

Kain, seeing Grant's eyes flickering between red and green, knew he was getting through, and said, "Fight it, Abel; you can break this. Remember: what do we share?"

Becoming indulged in his own speech, White relayed excitedly, "You see, I need all the civilians to be healthy and sane … prime for mind-control. Once I get all my connections throughout Southtown and the Second Southtown district, I could brainwash the entire population, and have my very own city of puppets and dolls, a marionette metropolis if you will."

Kain continued to break through, "You know this; we pledged this. What do we share? Abel … what do you we share?"

"We…" Grant said as his eyes settled on their usual green, "We pledge an eternal allegiance."

Kain let out a long sigh and said with a smile, "Welcome back, my friend…"

Meanwhile, White was so engrossed in his own speech that he hadn't noticed Kain's words were walking… He hadn't noticed that his control on Grant was fading… He hadn't noticed Kain had slowly moved Grant backward into striking range of him! Grant quickly turned and landed a 'Breaking Devil Step' on White, kicking the hypnotic knave right in half! All the eyes deactivated, their light waning, and slammed shut, but something was amiss. White's body gave no blood spray upon being rend, and it sounded oddly like wood being detached. A closer look revealed that it was really a life-sized doll in White's image.

His voice disembodied, White could be heard through the chamber, "my apologies, gentlemen, but I couldn't' be with you in-person. Otherwise, my little scheme might have worked, but no matter. Still, I hope you enjoyed my little diversion; as for me, let's just say I'm in the city … 'bird-hunting'. I'll see you both again soon."

Kain conjectured, "'Bird-hunting'…? So, he's aiming that high already."

Grant said, "Hmm… I don't know if he can succeed, but if he does … that would put an end to our plans for the man."

"And that's a misfortune we can't let happen. Come on; we have to move quickly…"

Battle at the Top

In Geese Tower, the boss of the Howard Connection was eagerly observing the Kyokugen versus Anti-Kyokugen fight on a television in his office…

Geese thought aloud to himself, "This is quite a clinic. Maybe I spoke too soon about Kyokugen having run its course…"

Billy Kane said as he entered the room, "You sent for me, sir?"

Irritated, Geese snapped at his right hand, "It took long enough; I called you a half-hour ago."

"I'm sorry, sir." Billy said as he walked forward, "I was held up by … an old friend."

Instantly, Geese knew something was up. He could hear that Billy's voice had changed with his accent subdued. He could sense that Billy's ki was also different, restrained and oddly coming from outside his body. In response, Geese stood to his feet…

Geese cautiously asked, "Billy … where are Hopper and Ripper?"

"They didn't look so good, so I sent them … on a break." Billy responded as he stealthily drew his Bo.

Quickly, Billy made a broad swing with his cane, missing a ducking Geese but sweeping everything off Geese's desk. He followed up by firing a 'Super Fire Wheel' at his boss, Geese having to offset it with a 'Double Reppuken'. Preparing for another attack, Geese got his first good look at his protégé, and noticed the bloodshot eyes, slumped over stance, and increase in brute strength…

Geese deduced aloud, "Billy… what kind of drug did they slip you?"

The smashed TV on the floor suddenly flipped on, and a voice came out, "Guess again, birdman…"

The picture showed White on the screen, who proceeded to break the fourth wall. He placed his hands on the edges of the screen, and lifted his head and upper body up and out of the set. He had some trouble with his waist, but soon shifted through until he could firmly place his feet on the ground.

Geese reacted as he showed a wry smirk, "Heh. So, you're White, huh? If the stories I've heard are true, then I guess that means you've brainwashed my right-hand here."

White responded with sick pride, "You guess correct. And to tell you the truth, it wasn't that hard; your valet here is very loyal but not really that headstrong … more like a pet really."

Geese chuckled and said, "I hope you don't think … that just because you're setting my protégé against me, means that I won't snap him in half to get to you."

White said with a smirk with a matter-of-fact tone, "Of course not; I fully expect you to rip him a new one. I don't need him to slay you. I just need him to weaken you just enough … so I can snap that birdbrain of yours."

Geese laughed heartily at the plan and said, "If you think you can… Come on."

Even with his expensive suit still on, Geese prepared for battle; White aimed his cane and started attempting to mentally break Geese while Billy twirled his Bo in preparation. The fight at first was mostly in Geese's favor; his knowledge of Billy allowed him to simply outmaneuver his right-hand man, and he could shake off White's mind control simply through sheer will and intense focus. Both were no problem … on their own, but together the effects accumulated, and he struggled to keep Billy at bay while trying to stay sane.

As Billy attempted to deal a breaking shot, Geese grabbed the Bo and locked them both in a tug of war. Suddenly, the far wall burst open with a very large man on the other side. The dust soon settled to show Grant on the other side!

"You…" White said with mild surprise as Grant stepped through the hole he just created, "You made it ... and so fast."

Grant commented with seriousness, "I'm faster than I look, but … that's beside the point."

White said with insouciance, "Well, I'd love to chat, but I'm quite busy right now."

"Don't worry; I'll get to you eventually, but right now … I'm actually here for the same reason you are."

Geese finally shoved Billy backward, and said with odd amusement, "So, you came to challenge me too, big man?"

Grant replied, his sincerity pervading, "Precisely, and if you dare … I have no problem taking you both on."

Geese laughed and said, "You'll have to make up your mind. If you don't, you won't last long turning your back to me."

Grant turned his attention to Geese fully, and conveyed, "Rest assured, Geese. You are my top priority. In fact, this was one of my goals for much later, but I'm afraid our psychic friend here has forced my hand."

Suddenly, White stopped Billy from engaging the two, and said, "You know something… I think I'll pass on this little three person tango. I'll just, uh … let you gentlemen sort out your grievances. Let's go, William."

Both White and Billy slowly shuffled past with Kane standing in front of his controller, even as they faced the other two. Meanwhile, Grant and Geese silently watched as Billy and White exited the room through the door…

Geese pointed out with a knowing smile, "He thinks he's so smart… He thinks we'll tear each other apart, so he can pick up the scraps. Predictable!"

"Perhaps, he's right…" Grant said as the two faced each other, "For what it's worth, I respect your power and mastery of your martial art, but you've held this city under your thumb for too long. It's time for a new set of ideals to fashion this metropolis and its people."

Geese let an uproarious laugh, and said, "And you think you can do me in? Just so you know, your best won't do; I am immortal, and you are just another big insect to be crushed…"

With that proclamation, Geese undid his shirt, took off his jacket, shirt, and tie, and tossed them aside, uncovering his upper body, toned and marked from countless battles including the large X on his back

"Come on." Geese beckoned, "You cannot escape from death."

Both large men went into fighting stance, ready to wage war upon one another…

Billy and White stepped out an elevator into the dark lobby of Geese Tower, and headed for the exit…

All the while, White laughed to himself, "Hah HA! How lucky was that! Those two muscle-heads will eat each other up there. Then, that only leaves Kain, but I'll have your help with him, Billy-boy. Oh, this is perfect! Now, where to…"

In his excitement, White had failed to notice just how dark the lobby was until that moment, and suddenly he telepathically sensed danger speeding right for him. Billy, at that moment, jumped in front of White with 'Whirlwind Cane' and blocked the oncoming attack. The two looked at the cane and recognized just was thrown: playing cards, sticking right into the weapon!

"Alright, that was a clever trick, but I know who you are…" White called out, "Show yourself."

White brought the lights back on with a forceful clap, but one human-sized shadow with two round, glowing eyes remained in front of them. The darkness soon faded away, and the glowing 'eyes' turned out to be colored glasses. The figure was actually tall lanky man in a black fedora and a black suit, standing there…

"I was right…" White said with a smirk, "Good seeing you again, Oswald."

"And I you, White." Oswald replied coolly.

White smugly pointed out, "This is certainly an interesting coincidence. Normally, I would be bothered by a sneak attack like yours. But, since I'm in a good mood, I'm going to let it slide, and act like you were waiting for someone else."

"Will you now?" Oswald responded as he pushed his glasses up with his middle and ring finger, "But I did come all this way to see you."

White asked with a smirk, "And, uh … Why might that be?"

Oswald produced and shuffled a deck of cards as he explained, "I'm here to play another game… Usually, I'm content to play the hand fate deals me, but not this time when you beat by pulling cards out of your sleeve. Now, I'm not one for revenge, but imagine my satisfaction upon seeing a very large price on your head. So, to put it simply, I'm here to cut your deck and cash in on this job."

White laughed and said, "Now, that's clever, and I love all the card references by the way. Gives you … character. But, good luck trying to swing that goal of yours especially since you can't hit me."

Oswald put away his cards and adjusted his fedora as he said, "Oh, now I wouldn't say that."

Suddenly, White felt a breeze on the top of his head. He reached up and felt no cover over his hair. A quick look down later, he found his bowler hat sliced clean in half on the ground…

Irked by the loss, White said, "Okay, since you want to test me, I'm going to let you. You'll make a nice puppet after all."

"That's the spirit…" Oswald took off and sliced his fedora with a card, and said, "I call: all cards on the table. Your hand, sir!"

Billy, taking the cue, twirled his Bo into position, and Oswald swiped his hands in front of him in a slashing motion as he went into fighting stance…

"Deadly Rave!"

Grant and Geese had been fighting non-stop for a long while at this point when Geese slammed Grant with heavy blows and ki-blasted him into the wall-sized window facing the street, cracking it. Both worn out, Geese paused with only his heavy breathing being heard, and Grant could only slump onto the compromised window.

Laughing as he approached his fallen enemy, "Ah, it feels good to be on this side of the edge for a change."

Grant labored to say, "It's incredible. All this time … and you still have all you might intact. I didn't underestimate you in the least, and still I'm amazed…"

"Save it for the afterlife." Geese curtly interjected, "And as a favor for the workout, I'll send you there myself."

Geese summoned blue energy into his hands and a ring around his feet, a 'Raging Dead End', going into his 'nightmare' reserves. As his kill shot, Geese prepared to give Grant a 'Koku Reppuzan' when suddenly … his energy went out! It was so sudden that it was like someone had flipped a switch.

Grant smiled behind his mask as he thought, "Thank you, Kain; you were right on time."

Frantic and enraged, Geese grabbed Grant and demanded, "You! What's going on? What did you do?"

Grant replied, his voice calm but labored, "It's simple. What's the key to your … 'immortality'? What's keeping you alive and strong? It should be obvious by now: I don't work alone."

The thought donned him immediately. Geese promptly dropped Grant and headed for his dojo…

Grant said with even more effort needed that before, "It's … my time. Kain it's all … up to you now."

The Martyr of Might dropped his head as his green eyes closed, his cracked mask falling to the floor.

The large Japanese garden and dojo with American flags hanging up everywhere that served as Geese's personal area had been invaded. Geese burst into his dojo and went around the front where he found a man standing with his back turned near the seat. He recognized the white suit with blue trim, long blond hair, and red eyes, only they made him look oddly familiar.

"So, you defeated Grant…?" Kain said as he turned halfway around, "But I guess I should have expected as much from the mighty Geese Howard."

Geese bluntly and shortly said, "Can it, fop. You just have a few seconds to tell me who you are before I baste you."

Kain calmly replied, "Now, that's just sad. Don't tell me I don't ring any bells for you."

Geese bluntly said, "Sorry; I don't remember the insignificant."

Kain remained calm and persisted, "Trust me. You'll want to think a little harder or perhaps just look a little bit closer."

Geese paused to take the hint, and realized aloud, "Hmm… You do look like someone. I know; you look like that woman and her son… I know who you are now; you're my brother-in-law, Kain Heinlein. She used to talk about you."

Kain continued, "You would be correct. Now, the question is: what am I doing here?"

Geese quickly said, "Doesn't matter. You're not getting anything from me, so get lost before I really get mad."

Kain succinctly replied, "Get lost, eh? Then, I guess you don't want these back."

With that, Kain turned all the way around, and lifted his hand to reveal he had all three Jin scrolls and the Phoenix scroll, the sources of power that supplanted Geese..

"What are you doing with those?" Geese asked while trying not to sound surprised.

Kain replied with a smirk, "Didn't I tell you before: in this story of brothers between you and me… I can only be Kain."

His anger rising from the remembered saying, Geese reacted, "That was you? Oh, I'm really going to tear you apart now."

Kain generated fire in his free hand and replied, "No, you won't. After all, you wouldn't want me to slip, would you?"

Geese calmly said, but slightly conceded, "Alright, alright. What do you want? Money? A piece of the operation? You own section of the city? What do you want?"

Kain sighed and shook his head as he said, "You still don't get it. Okay; I'll spell it out for you…" Kain proceeded to take two scrolls in each hand, and explain, "Geese, you're obviously a man of simple taste; you want control and power, power and more power. And in that quest, you've pursued things that are really above your pay-grade. But, you see, I'm aiming for something a bit higher, so I've had to understand a lot more ideas, and I've learned some things… In the end, you and I are still just men, and because of these scrolls, you've broken three fundamental rules for a man: no should have absolute power; no man should know about his own future; and no man … should live forever."

Instantly, Kain set the scrolls ablaze, completely engulfing them in fire, and tossed them behind himself!

Geese shoved Kain aside as he ran past, saying frantically, "You fool! Do you know what you just…"

Unfortunately, Geese didn't get very far. The spell worked by the scrolls was broken upon them burning to ash, and every injury he'd sustained while under the spell came rushing back. Soon, he found it hard to breath. His body withered ever-so-slightly. He began to cough profusely. Finally, Geese fell to the ground … dying.

As Geese writhed in pain, Kain said, "You should have heeded you own warning, Geese: You cannot escape from death…" Kain then turned around to leave as he said under his breath, "This is for Marie…"

Even as Geese lay on the floor, Kain left his still suffering brother-in-law.

New Kings

A week has passed since the Kyokugen fight, and most of Southtown still was unaware at the carnage that had occurred at Geese Tower that same night. Kain was waiting on this night in the Central City Natural Park in Southtown Main when he sensed his guest arriving. He turned and faced the approaching Rock Howard…

"You came." Kain said, very pleased by the arrival, "I didn't know if you would or not, but here you stand."

"Yeah, and I don't have long either." Rock replied.

Kain lightly chuckled and said, "So, I take it your guardian doesn't know you're here then? I guess that's for the best. Speaking of, how's that old man of yours?"

Rock scoffed, "I wouldn't know. Last I heard, he was still in a coma, and doctors don't think he'll make it this time. I couldn't really care less."

"I understand." Kain said before getting to the point, "So, have you come up with an answer to my proposal?"

"Yes… I did."

There was a pause before Kain pressed, "And?"

Rock took a breath and answered, "And my answer … is no. I'm not going to join you."

Kain bristled briefly but soon calmed himself, wondering, "No? Hmm. May I ask why? I thought you wanted to know everything about your mother."

Rock solemnly expressed, "I do. I wanna know everything … but I'm going to find out for myself. I don't want your kind of help."

"I guess I can relate to that." Kain said with a smirk, "I respect your independence… Well, if your mind's made up, there's no use in me staying…"

As Kain turned to leave, Rock called abruptly, "Hold it. There's more to this than that…" Kain stopped and turned back as Rock continued, "It's not just about me saying no to you; I'm here to stop you for good."

Kain chuckled as he asked, "Excuse me? I don't think I follow. What brought on this change of heart?"

Rock explained with strength, "I did what you said: I gave it some thought, and I thought hard about it. I thought about what that man did, what I've wanted no part of, and I realized… Too many people have fought too hard for too long to make this city safe. And I'm not about to just let you come in here and screw it up."

Kain's smirk remained as he replied, "Misguided nobility… I thought you were smarter than that. But I'll warn you; to stop me, I'm not the only obstacle you have to topple."

CRASH! Like a meteor, Grant fell from the sky and landed next to Kain….

Kain continued, "You shouldn't put so much stock in the Lone Wolf's struggles."

Rock calmly replied, "Terry and the others weren't the only ones I thought off. You're not the only one who brought back-up, and I'm not the only one who came here to see you."

As Rock said that, two men a little older than him walked up next to him. The older of the two wore a red and black jacket, black undershirt and pants, red shoes, black gloves on his hands and red shades covering his eyes. Matching his jacket and shoes was his red hair, save for some white streaks and a prominent white forelock. The younger of the two had silver hair, light blue pants, a light blue cowboy's vest that hung over his exposed chest, and a blue cowboy hat strapped on his upper back. This one oddly walked while slightly leaning backward.

Grant, confused by the emergence of these two new players, asked, "Ware these two? Another pair of punks?"

Seeing the words written on their clothes, Kain deduced aloud, "'Sons of Fate'? I know these two… You two are Alba and Soiree Meira."

"In the flesh…" Soiree said with a smile, "And not a minute too soon."

"Whatever." Grant exclaimed, "You both should high-tail it out of here; this doesn't concern you."

Soiree retorted while still smiling, "That's where you got it wrong. This has everything to do with us."

Alba added, "In case you didn't know, Southtown is our home, and you're messing with it. That means you have to pay, and you will pay for your sins."

All three young men took fighting stance, and Kain asked almost incredulously, "Rock, are you really going to align yourself with these two?"

Rock spoke fervently, "All that talk you preach… It's all Greek to me. As far as I'm concerned, you and Geese are cut from the same cloth, and that makes you no friend of mine."

Kain could only sigh in exasperation as he and Grant took fighting stance and got ready to fight. At that moment, an odd yet poignant sign filled the area. The night ended as the two groups faced each other, and dawn broke through. At the perfect angle, in the most perfect way, the newborn rays of a new day shined directly on Rock, Alba, and Soiree right before they charged forward…

End Chapter

A/N: There you have it. I just want to say something serious for a moment: on March 11, 2011, the nation of Japan fell victim to two devastating natural disasters that took many lives and left many others missing. As one who respects and is appreciative of this land and its people, I personally am saddened and sympathetic to this tragedy, and I wish my condolences to the people who are now suffering. To all the families and people, my thoughts, hopes, and prayers are with you… The final chapter is coming soon, and I hope you come back to read more. Please R&R, and as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.