Boredom was taking hold. The camera crew was tired; maybe filming at 3AM was a bad idea, but it certainly didn't tank their viewership. International spectators tuned in by droves.
Even Soar was exhausted. He got his tired form up and adjusted the microphone for one final match of announcements.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final round! In dramatic fashion, Sonic will face Shadow, each striving to earn his team the international title: The King of Fighters." He introduced the cast.
"Sonic - Shadow. I understand your teams want you, but it's time. France VS England."
The final competitors squared up in the combat zone.
"I knew it had to end like this. Anything to say, old man?" Sonic instigated.
Shadow did not respond, but continued staring.
"France pourtoujours." Sonic concluded, taking his stance.
Shadow finally spoke, arms still crossed standoffishly. "You're a skilled young man, trained well in fighting. You do not stand a chance against the master." He said ominously.
Sonic stood back up, confused. "So this old guy thinks he can outpace me? Just look at you! Your blood's soaking into your chest fur!" Shadow had been bleeding severely, although not presently.
Shadow took his stance and Sonic followed. "Fare well, young man. Return to defeat me when we are older." Shadow concluded.
Soar took his position one last time. "Gentlemen, this is it. FINAL ROUND! STAGE UP! FIIIGHT!" He screamed.
No sooner had Soar left than Sonic curled into a ball and prepared his Spin Dash. Shadow continued crossing his arms, waiting for any motion at all.
Sonic began to move. Shadow quickly put his hands together and teleported to the side. Sonic continued rolling, continuing to miss Shadow as the teleportation continued. As the rolling momentum ran out, Shadow kicked him like a rugby ball and the blue one crashed into the concrete wall.
Sonic slowly stood up and launched himself forward, digging his right elbow into Shadow's neck. A left cross against Shadow's face caught him off guard. He teleported as Sonic charged up for another punch, closing in on the hedgehog.
Shadow squeezed Sonic's neck with both hands and bit deeply into his left ear, just as he did to Sonia. Bearing the pain, Sonic managed to pull Shadow from him. He push-kicked Shadow away and called Amy in.
Amy entered the combat zone cautiously, once more anticipating an attack from any direction. Shadow called her bluff by walking towards her. She did not expect a straightforward approach. Amy spun herself and leaped, sending kicks forward and backward, one connecting at Shadow's chest. She followed up with a sweep under his legs that left Shadow landing uncomfortably on his back. He whined and called Rouge in.
The two rival strikers faced off for the final time. Rouge walked in, but quickly performed an unexpected backflip, then switched to flying directly at Amy with her hands out. Amy proned to avoid the bat's attack. Rouge landed hastily on her feet, allowing Amy to charge up a top-down hammer swing. The blow connected directly with Rouge's head and she slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Shadow dashed at Amy. While she prepared for a teleported blow from behind, he punched her square in the face, knocking her out as well. He proceeded to walk stoically to Rouge, carrying her over to the rest of his team. Sonic followed his example, carrying Amy over to his siblings.
The hedgehogs met again in the center, trading punches with the other. One dodged punch by Sonic allowed him to rush Shadow and throw him across the concrete hallway on his head. The black blur recovered and teleported right in front of Sonic. Without hesitation, Shadow launched a kick at Sonic's midsection that weakened him to the point that he could land a knockout blow to the hedgehog. He lined up for the right hook and executed, knocking Sonic down. He showed no signs of movement.
Soar came over, anticipating the end of the tournament. "Sonic down. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. That's it!" He cheered. Shadow's teammates minus Rouge rushed the combat zone and cheered.
Soar continued commentating. "Team England has proven worthy of the title The King of Fighters! They celebrate as Team France cuddles together after an impressive three performances. A huge congratulations to Team England for their legendary performance over the past two months. I've been Soar the Eagle, you've been watching, and this has been The King of Fighters. Good night from Boom Television Studios!"
End of program.
You didn't expect me to let France win, did you?
