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King of Fighters II
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King of Fighters '94
Deep in the mountains, a good distance from civilization, there lived a man named Chin Gentsai. The invitation from "R" even finds its way here.
"Hmm. What is this King of Fighters anyway...?"
Chin Gentsai, the master of this temple, lets out a deep sigh.
The master senses that there is something a bit fishy about this invitation.
"Hah! Ah-eee! Dah!"
A chirping voice, not unlike that of a peeping bird, is heard off in the distance. The answering voice of a young boy intermingled with shouts is also audible.
"Yah! Cha! Ungh-gyah! Hey yah! Try this on for size!"
The name of the girl is Athena Asamiya; her male sparring partner, Sie Kensou. The two are Psychic Soldiers, training under the tutelage of Chin.
The two have sharpened their skills considerably, as if they have found new purpose to their training.
"This tournament may just be the perfect opportunity to see what results our training has yielded...."
The old master calls the practicing duo to him.
"Listen up, you two. This letter that I just got is an invitation to a fighting tournament. I think it'll be an opportunity to get an indication of how effective our training has been, don't you?"
"Oh, that's a great idea. I'm all for it! Athena, just sit back and check me out! I'll be one impressive sight to behold! They'll love me! I'm kid you not."
"Hush, Kensou, the Master said this is to determine the results of our training...not pick up chicks!" Athena chides, a little miffed at her fellow disciple.
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Though related, the exactly nature is either ancient or otherwise indeterminate.
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Has imparted some or all of their fighting prowess upon another.
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King of Fighters '95
August, 1995. Athena and Kensou, training at Chin Gentsai's gym, are suddenly overcome by a strange sensation.
KENSOU: "What the...?! ...Hey, Athena, did you feel that?!"
ATHENA: "Uh-huh. That was one nasty aura that passed our way...."
KENSOU: "Yeah...I've got a bad feeling about this...."
Chin pops in as the two are conversing.
CHIN: "It looks like you two have finally become able to sense evil's presence."
ATHENA: "Ah, Master. ...You mean that feeling...that was evil?"
CHIN: "Yup. And it's not the first time I've felt that overwhelmingly wicked presence."
Chin produces an invitation from his breast pocket.
CHIN: "Here it is!"
ATHENA: "Th-That's a...!"
KENSOU: "The King of Fighters?!"
ATHENA: "Wh-What...? What does this all mean, Master?!"
CHIN: "Looks like that bozo still ain't dead!"
ATHENA: "Y-you mean...Rugal?"
KENSOU: "He's...alive?!"
CHIN: "So what are we going to do? It's certain that we'll be up against the same dangers we've faced before. In spite of this, are you two up for a little adventure?"
KENSOU: "Huh? What are you talking about, Master? This is what we've been training for, isn't it?!"
ATHENA: "That's right! And what will happen if we don't confront this evil?!"
CHIN: "...All right. I was hoping you'd say that. But this battle's going to be no picnic. You will have to go up against some fairly fearsome opponents."
KENSOU: "I say, Bring it on! I'm not the Kensou of last year!"
ATHENA: "Yeah, you said it! We'll show them just what we've been doing for the past year!"
KENSOU: "OK! Then it's decided! We're going to raise some heck at KOF yet again! Yah, ha, ha, ha!"
The two begin to goof off innocently. Chin begins to fret slightly over their naivete.
CHIN: "...Hmm. I really wonder about those two...."
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King of Fighters '96
"Dah!"
"Tcha!"
These voices echo deep, deep within a remote mountain region.
The voices come from an antiquated temple.
The figures of two people in training are barely discernible.
ATHENA: "OK! Let's call it a day."
KENSOU: "Whew, finished at last. I'm knackered."
ATHENA: "What's that, Kensou. How quick you are to complain!"
Kensou looks happy even while receiving Athena's tongue lashing.
Ah, Athena is always so strict, thinks Kensou. But that's just what he likes about her-and if he is able to be with Athena, training isn't so bad.
KENSOU: "Hey, isn't the Master later than usual. He left for the city this morning, but he hasn't returned yet."
ATHENA: "Come to think of it, he is pretty late."
KENSOU: "He's probably stopped somewhere for a little hootch, don't you think?"
ATHENA: "You're probably right. The master sure loves his liquor."
The two towel off as they wait for the return of their Master. Little do the disciples know just what their Master is up to now.
On a bustling city street, a throng of people surround two men.
A stubborn-looking man is facing off against an older man. The stubborn-looking man looks quite exhausted and his shoulders heave with each breath. The old man shows no evidence of exhaustion and appears to be enjoying the battle.
OLD MAN: "Hah!"
Along with this yell, the old man Chin Gentsai's special "Gourd Blast" move strikes his opponent. The stubborn-looking man can bear no more and lets out a moan.
MAN: "F-forgive me, old man. I accept your entry into the King of Fighters. Now please cut me some slack."
CHIN: "What? Is that all you've got? Kind of pathetic losing to a geezer like me, eh?"
The seemingly embarrassed man suddenly begins to speak as if remembering something important.
MAN: "Oh, by the way, old man. Have you heard about this year's KOF?"
CHIN: "What's that? Did you say the King of Fighters?"
MAN: "Yup. Unlike the competitions until now, this one has a variety of big corporate sponsors and will be extensively advertised on TV and in newspapers. And this year's official King of Fighters competition is sure to skyrocket in popularity. Hey, gramps, what's wrong?"
The old man hasn't heard a word this man has had to say.
The King of Fighters.
The three are enjoying an evening repast inside the antiquated mountain temple.
This night's meal is different from usual since the three are not enjoying their usually cheerful conversation.
ATHENA: "What do you think is the matter? The Master looks pretty down tonight."
KENSOU: "Yeah, he sure does. Quite a contrast to his normal self."
When the three conclude their meal, the old man begins to speak in a grave tone.
CHIN: "I have to discuss something with you two. Is that all right with you?"
KENSOU: "Huh? What is it, Master?"
CHIN: "To tell the truth, the King of Fighters tournament is coming up soon."
KENSOU: "Yeah, I've been seeing ads for it on TV recently."
CHIN: "What? You two know about it?"
Taken aback, the old man asks his disciples once again.
ATHENA: "With all those ads, you'd have to be living in a cave on Pluto not to know about it."
KENSOU: "Of course, we'll be entering, right? And this time it's all above board. So unlike last time, we won't be dealing with any plots. It'll be a good chance to see how far our abilities can take us."
ATHENA: "I agree with Kensou. Master, please enter us in the competition."
Listening to his disciples' conversation, Chin Gentsai recalls the previous KOF.
CHIN: (Last time Rugal did away with himself under his own power. There are many villains in this world, but a villain with that kind of power is rare. I've heard this year's competition is an official competition. It seems the sponsor's are on the level, and it just may be a real chance to test our true abilities, but....)
KENSOU: "Master!"
Kensou sticks his face in front of Chin Gentsai to break his silence.
KENSOU: "What's going on?"
CHIN: "Unh.... The reason for your training is to prepare you for the worst case scenario of oncoming evil, for one of you to save the most people possible.... This upcoming competition, however, has nothing to do with that. I don't think you should use your powers frivolously."
KENSOU: "Master. Testing our abilities is what our training's all about. And in the competitions up till now, droves of people have opposed and we've prevailed, haven't we? It's said that the frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean-do you want us to be a couple of frogs?"
ATHENA: "Well said! We're still a pair of greenhorns! Training ourselves in real combat is a valuable part of our training, I think."
CHIN: "...It appears that you two are more level-headed than I thought. Who'd have ever imagined the day that I'd be lectured by you two...."
KENSOU: "We're no longer a couple of kids, booger face!"
CHIN: "Funny. Oh...very well! OK, we'll enter the competition!"
KENSOU: "All right! That's the Master I've come to know and respect. You're on the ball!"
ATHENA: "Thank you, Master."
KENSOU: "Well, with that out of the way, I sure could use some more to eat."
ATHENA: "Again! Your such a piggy-poo!"
KENSOU: "Am not! After a good round of eloquent debate, it's only natural to get a little hungry! I'm going to show the whole world just how tough I really am."
ATHENA: "Kensou! If you don't take this seriously enough, you're going to show the world how bad you'll get whooped."
KENSOU: "All right, Athena! Push what you can push, pull what you can pull. I'm no longer the old Kensou."
ATHENA: "I hope so..."
Chin screws up his face as he warmheartedly gazes at the two. He speaks to himself:
CHIN: "As a matter of fact that's not the only reason why I don't want you to enter this year's KOF... I've got a real bad feeling about this year's competition.... I guess I'm crossing my bridges before I come to them, but...."
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King of Fighters '97
KENSOU: "Whoa, there's a mountain of them this time."
For the two of them so far, mail was something that only came once in a while, but recently things have changed. Whenever Chin has come back from the city these days, he has returned with mountains of mail.
ATHENA: "Since we appeared in last year's KOF, we've been getting loads of mail."
KENSOU: "Of course. That's because we showed the world our heroics on TV."
CHIN: "But there's no mail for you in this batch, sonny."
KENSOU: "That's not true, Master. I've got quite a bit myself."
CHIN: "So you're happy to get hate mail and envelopes with razor blades from Athena's twisted male admirers, are you?"
KENSOU: "...But..."
Kensou shrinks a few inches from shame.
KENSOU: "...So why does the Master get fan letters too while I only get letters from guys telling me to stay away from Athena? ...Mumble, grumble...."
CHIN: "Here we go again with the mumbling. Guess I better give him some space."
Just then Athena finds one letter for the dejected Kensou.
ATHENA: "What's this? Hey, Kensou, it looks like you got a letter from a female admirer."
KENSOU: "Grumble, mumble...What's that? A female admirer? ...Woo-hoo! All right! I got a letter from a girl. A letter!"
Kensou takes the letter from Athena and when he scans over the content, his expression changes completely, his face beams with a big smile on it.
CHIN: "But...I didn't enter you in KOF to have you become a couple of celebrities."
KENSOU: "We know, Master."
ATHENA: "That's right, Master."
CHIN: "Well, then, as long as you know that."
Chin becomes troubled by what he sees. The two have trained thoroughly since the end of the last year's tournament, of course, and, if anything, they've worked harder at it than before, so there's no problem there, but the youth of these two does worry him. If they keep this up, Chin is anxious that they may one day misunderstand their calling.
KENSOU: "So what about this year? What about the King of Fighters?"
CHIN: "I'm contemplating that very matter now, but this year I think we should sit it out."
ATHENA: "Whatever for?"
CHIN: "The last time around you two were so hungry for it and I entered you for the sake of training. Mind you, I was pleased with your performancesÑyou both did so well. Your training has proven more effective than I could have dreamed. I can't praise you two enough."
KENSOU: "Then we should do it again this year and see how much more we've improved, shouldn't we?"
CHIN: "But last year's event was so big and everyone made such a fuss over you."
ATHENA: "This mountain of mail is certainly evidence of that and we got all those requests from magazines and TV for interviews, and a whole bunch of other stuff."
CHIN: "I want you two to train at your own pace in a quiet environment, cut off from the stimulus of the outside world. And if I've said it once I've said it a million times, your power is to be used when the time comes to save people, so I have my reservations about you two becoming media superstars."
KENSOU: "Yeah, you do have a point. Well, if that's the way you feel, Master, there's no point in going out of the way to enter the tournament."
ATHENA: "You're right. Training is what's the most important to us."
CHIN: "So, you do understand me."
Chin, his disciples having passed his test, realizes KOF is something that Athena and Kensou, who spend their entire time training at this old temple, is the one thing they look forward to each year. It pains Chin to hear the lack of enthusiasm in their responses.
Evening. Having finished their days training, everyone takes a little free time of their own. Chin sets out for a walk, and the remaining two scan over the day's mail. Athena's glance falls on one letter in particular. It's a letter from a girl her own age. Athena reads the letter and reflects on it. Clearly moved, she shows it to Kensou.
KENSOU: "Wow, there are fans like this, too, I guess."
ATHENA: "I have to talk to the Master about this."
Athena takes the letter back from Kensou and approaches Chin, who has just returned from his walk.
KENSOU: "Ah, Athena, hold on."
ATHENA: "Master, may I have a word with you?"
CHIN: "What's the matter, Athena? Why so serious?"
ATHENA: "I've thought things over, and I think we should enter this year's King of Fighters."
Having said this, she hands Chin the letter.
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Dear, Athena.
I watched you fight in last year's King of Fighters and became a fan of yours. As a result of a certain disease, I have become unable to walk, and after I was left the hospital, I became afraid to leave my house and stopped going to school. But one day a few months later I turned on the TV and saw the figure of a girl my age fighting against fearsome opponents. Some days later, I learned that girl was you, Athena, and no matter how many times you were knocked down you always got right back up. When I saw that you didn't get discouraged, I realized what a baby I had been and vowed to stop feeling sorry for myself. I resolved to work hard and started going to school again. From the fall I studied hard and was able to enter my first choice for high school
I owe this all to you. Thank you, Athena.
By the way, I hope you will enter this year's tournament, too. I'd like to be in the crowd and cheer for you in person.
I wish you all the best. And never give up.
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ATHENA: "This letter made me realize that through our efforts we're emboldening people to do other things. Isn't that what we have been training for, Master? Isn't this one way to save people?"
KENSOU: "You said it. Naturally we can't save people if we just stick around here and train, but if we can inspire people to help themselves just by entering KOF, we'd be chumps to twiddle our thumbs here."
Kensou puts in his two cents, entering the room after hearing Athena's story in the adjoining room.
CHIN: "Hmm."
ATHENA: "And I think even if the environment for our training changes, there'll be no problem if we maintain a peaceful place within our hearts."
KENSOU: "Yeah, I'm with Athena."
CHIN: "OK, now you're just getting schmaltzy. But if you're that headset on it, then you just may be able to win this year."
ATHENA: "Well then, Master..."
CHIN: "It's good to follow your own beliefs, and I'd be a poor teacher to hinder you own self-discovery. You two seem to realize what you must do, so I have nothing more to say."
ATHENA, KENSOU: "Thank you."
KENSOU: "OK, this year I'm going to work hard so I get mountains of fan letters."
ATHENA: "Kensou! What are you saying? That's not the reason we're entering!"
CHIN: "I knew I was making a mistake...."
KENSOU: "Ah, lighten up, Master. I was just joking around."
CHIN: "Were you really...?"
Chin looks at Kensou doubtfully.
KENSOU: "I'm serious! Right, Athena?"
ATHENA: "Hmph, how should I know?"
KENSOU: "Geez, not you, too, Athena!"
Laughter echoes through the red sky of sunset. Chin takes a moment to reflect in the warmth of the moment.
CHIN: (I guess I don't have to worry about these kids having malleable minds susceptible to the vices that surround them. Those two kids have grown wiser without me knowing it, so I guess I'd better wise up, too. It's time to see how much they've grown in the past year. I just hope, though, we don't get caught up in some strange incident like the last time...Ah, man, I need drink.)
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King of Fighters '99
FATHER: "Please, I beg you. Just save the life of this child."
Deep in the mountains, somewhere in China. A father pleads before his fellow villagers, desperately trying to keep his composure upon learning the bad news concerning his wife's fate and his newborn son.
VILLAGER 1: "I'm sorry...We're in a bad way ourselves."
VILLAGER 2: "As the village elder said, this day your child was born on is a cursed day that occurs only once every 200 years. He will certainly bring misfortune in the future. So we can't turn a blind eye to this."
VILLAGER 3: "Here, here. I empathize with your continuing misfortune.... Please take your time bidding farewell to your son and wife today."
Upon speaking their piece, the few villagers leave the ill-fated household. That night, the family vanishes from the mountain village....
[283 days before the tournament for Chin Gentsai]
CHIN: "Hmm, I understand your tale. I will take care of this child. There is another in my custody who possesses the same powers as this child. These children can only be understood by others of their own ilk and spending time among people of similar gifts may do him some good."
HEAD PRIEST: "You lighten me of a heavy load allowing me to leave this child in your care."
CHIN: "But I'm honestly quite surprised to learn of still others who are able to use psychic powers. Were there any portents of this?"
HEAD PRIEST: "No, it happened all of a sudden a few days ago. Until then he was no different than any other child.... I had no idea when his father entrusted me with this child's care that he possessed such abilities...."
CHIN: "This sudden display of ability is what worries me though.... So, have you spoken about his family with the child?"
HEAD PRIEST: "No, I haven't, but it looks like he knows."
CHIN: "Really...? Well, I'll look after him with the intention of furthering his abilities, but I'll leave any decisions about the future up to the boy."
[280 days before the tournament for Sie Kensou]
"I thought I'd always have it."
"World peace, extrasensory powers, training with Athena."
"My training is for that coming day...when one appears to threaten peace...It is then my training will pay off."
"And then...my life will begin in the service of peace...."
"So...as long as peace continues...my training...my training with Athena...."
"This alone...is my sole source of happiness...."
"I thought I'd always have it"
KENSOU: "Super Sphere!"
Poof!
KENSOU: "That's bizarre...I'm really off my game today!"
ATHENA: "Are you OK? Are you coming down with something?"
KENSOU: "No, I don't think so... Ha, ha, I'm OK. A-OK! I'll be all right after a good night's sleep."
Since then...since Athena asked, "Are you coming down with something?"...I realized it then....
"...My psychic power...it's gone...."
"I thought I'd always have it."
"There are a lot more guys who are stronger than me."
"We're not training just to become stronger."
"You're right, because we have this power..."
"If I'm not a psycho soldier...If I don't have my psychic power...."
"There's no reason for me...to stay here...any longer."
"I thought I'd always have it."
"I've returned...to a mere human being...."
"Could it affect me...this much...in the end?"
"I thought I'd always have it."
KENSOU: "How long will I be able to stay here?"
[156 days before the tournament for Bao]
BAO: "Kensou! I-I can fire a Psycho Ball now! Hey, look! Look!"
As he assumes his stance a short distance from Kensou, he unleashes his Psycho Ball attack.
KENSOU: "Wow, impressive! If I don't stay on the ball, you just may become tougher than me."
BAO: "Heh, heh, heh. Xie xie. Now show me your stuff. I want to see your psychic power. I hope you get better soon."
KENSOU: "When I get my power back, I'll show you anytime you want. I'll show you a huge Psycho Ball the size of...."
BAO: "Yeah, for sure. For sure. Promise me!"
KENSOU: (Yeah, IF I regain my power...that is.)
[71 days before the tournament for Athena Asamiya]
MANAGER: "What's wrong, Athena? You look a little down...hope it's not stage fright."
ATHENA: "No, that's not it...I'm sorry. I'm just worried about a friend of mine...."
MANAGER: "Oh."
ATHENA: "I know he's in a bad state, but there is nothing I can do for him."
MANAGER: "Oh, really... But you have to forget about that now and get in that peppy Athena mood of yours. If you don't...you'll let down your fans."
ATHENA: "...Yes! You're right. I'm sorry to make you worried too."
MANAGER: "No problem! Hey, you're on! You're fans await you!"
Waaah! Yeaaaaaah! Woo-hooooh!
ATHENA: "Hey, everybody!! Hello!!"
"H-E-L-L-O!!"
ATHENA: "Thank you for coming tonight!! I'm happy so many of you could make it!! (...Huh?)"
She cocks her head to the side when she sees a familiar face in the audience.
ATHENA: (Chang? Why would he be at my concert? Not only that, what's he doing here in Japan? And I don't see Kim...or Choi either. Has something happened? ...Naw, it can't be him.)
Yaaah! Waaaaah! Kyaaaah!
ATHENA: "Thanks everyone, now for my first song, ÔBanged-up Blue Moon'!"
WAH-HAAAAH!!! WHOOOOA!!
PSY-CHO-SOL-DIER, PSYCHO SOLDIER!
ATHENA: "Stop! Please, no more! Don't go and break my heart..."
CHA-CHA-CHA!
[64 days before the tournament for the Psycho Soldier Team]
CHIN: "They say that the King of Fighters is going to be held again this year. I think we'll have to enter again. Since we need a team of four this time around, I'll be joining you three, if you all don't mind?"
ATHENA, BAO: "All right!"
KENSOU: "Ha, ha, ha. This four-member rule has saved my butt. If it weren't for that, I'd be sitting on the sidelines for sure. Ha, ha, ha."
CHIN: "...So, this may be a little tough on you, Bao, since you've only been with us a short time, but I this is one way to see how you are coming along with your training."
BAO: "OK, sir. I'll do my best!"
ATHENA: "We're behind you, Bao!"
CHIN: "And there's one more thing..."
Chin looks over to Kensou.
KENSOU: "Huh, what's up, Master? Oh, Master, what's with the stink eye? Ha, ha, ha, I'm OK. I'll make sure I won't hold you guys back. I haven't just been going through the motions with my training here. Even if I can't use my psychic powers, I still can show you easily I can win."
CHIN: "That's not it, Kensou."
KENSOU: "........"
CHIN: "I'm hoping you'll find some way to regain your powers through this tournament. So whether you win or lose is of secondary importance."
ATHENA: "Yeah, you may just recover them while you're in the middle of battle. If one battle's not enough, then it'll be the second or third, and we'll do our darndest to increase your chances. So give it your best shot and concentrate on regaining your psychic powers."
KENSOU: "Athena...Thank you. I'll do my best...and then some."
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King of Fighters '00
--CHINA. A boy lies bedridden in a room of Chin's house.
Kaoru sits beside him, watching over the sick child. Athena enters the room.
ATHENA: "So how's he doing, Kaoru? How is our little Bao?"
KAORU: "Ah, well right now, there's no real change. But it looks like the fever has broken a bit."
Kaoru begins to change the compress on the boy's forehead. In that interval, Athena places her hand over Bao's forehead.
ATHENA: "Is that so? Great.... I'm sorry, Kaoru, to ask you to attend to Bao like this...."
The expression on Athena's face lightens a little after she makes sure Bao's fever has fallen, but her face then reflects her concern toward Kaoru.
KAORU: "Ah, no, don't worry about me. More importantly, though, Bao hasn't regained consciousness...."
Since the end of last year's tournament, Bao has been bedridden, stricken for several months with a high fever whose origins are unknown.
"Origins unknown"...This is how the doctor put it, but Chin knows a better reason for this affliction.
A few months ago.
After the doctor returns, stumped by the case, Chin begins to address his three charges, speaking as if he has come to a profound realization.
CHIN: "...Naturally the doctor would not understand the cause behind this."
ATHENA: "Does the doctor know something?"
CHIN: "Well, it's no more than mere speculation, but...to begin an explanation we'll have to consider Kensou's condition."
KENSOU: "Are you talking about my powers?"
Chin nods toward Kensou, who today seems unusually quick on the uptake.
CHIN: "That's right. Just when was it that your powers gradually began to fail you?"
KENSOU: "It all began last year."
CHIN: "Specifically?"
Athena answers for the obfuscating Kensou.
ATHENA: "...Ever since Bao came to live with us."
Chin continues, nodding at Athena's observation.
CHIN: "Indubitably. Ever since he was brought to us, I sensed that he had the ability to use psychic powers, but something was astonishing about the growth of his powers since he came to live with us."
ATHENA: "Without doubt his powers are equal to us, perhaps they even exceed ours."
CHIN: "I had thought that surely his powers were just blooming, but since he came here, there was that matter with Kensou."
KENSOU: "Huh? So you mean...Bao siphoned away my powers?"
CHIN: "Well, that's roughly what I'm saying. But I don't know why you're the only one he's affected."
ATHENA: "Is that the cause for Bao's current affliction?"
CHIN: "Athena, Kensou, do you recall anything that happened recently?"
The memory of everyone barely escaping NESTS's base is the first thing to appear in Athena and Kensou's mind's eye.
ATHENA: "Well...I heard about it afterward, mind you, but all I remember is the roof of NESTS's base collapsing...."
KENSOU: "Me too. All I remember is me jumping out of there without realizing what was going on around me...."
CHIN: "Kaoru and I only saw it, but Kensou was releasing a staggering power while he carried Athena out to safety then."
KENSOU: "But I was almost completely drained of my power at that time, too...."
Kensou responds to his Master with a puzzled expression.
CHIN: "You must have summoned your latent powers sleeping within you to save Athena. Seeing that Bao fell ill subsequently around that time, the power from Bao must have temporarily fed back to you, and with that synergetic effect you were able to summon that power."
ATHENA: "So with the feedback from Bao.... Yeah, but, I see, that awesome power at that time...No, it can't be!"
CHIN: "That's it exactly. Right now, all of Bao's psychic powers have been sucked from him and the effect of that has resulted in his current affliction."
KAORU: "It was right after Kensou collapsed. Bao came to be afflicted with that high fever."
All of the gathered people cast their gaze to Bao.
CHIN: "Even someone like Kensou who had been tempering his mind and body with his daily training didn't wake up for three days after using that power. And when Bao, whose body is still not fully developed, absorbed that power, he must have reached a point of sensory overload."
KENSOU: "So you mean that I'm actually drained of all my psychic powers?"
Everyone turns their gaze toward Chin. Chin sighs deeply and answers.
CHIN: "Unfortunately, that possibility is quite likely. But you did surprise me; I never thought you had such latent power within you...."
KENSOU: "How terrible. Even the doctor.... But I'm not much of a happy camper now."
CHIN: "Well, even though it was just once, your power did temporarily return, so there must be a chance that your power could return permanently. Kensou, try not being so negative and see how things play out."
KENSOU: "Yeah, I guess your right...."
Athena gazes at Kensou, whose reply is neither one of resignation or satisfaction.
Chin and Kensou clear the room, leaving Athena, Kaoru and Bao in the room. While watching over the unconscious Bao, Athena strikes up a conversation.
ATHENA: "Ah, yes, that reminds me, Kaoru. Did you know there's another KOF this year?"
KAORU: "Uh, yeah. Or so it seems."
ATHENA: "And we decided to enter KOF."
KAORU: "But you'll need four members this year, won't you?"
Kaoru asks with a surprised look on her face.
ATHENA: "Yes, that's right."
KAORU: "So have you found the fourth member yet?"
ATHENA: "No, it seems that Chin plans to enter Bao."
KAORU: "What? He hasn't opened his eyes for months since the last one!"
An expression of both surprise and worry comes over Kaoru's face. While Athena sports a similar expression, Athena replies to Kaoru's question.
ATHENA: "Uh, that's right...but the Master said that Bao's fever looks like it's gradually breaking and he should awaken with his powers intact by the time of the tournament."
KAORU: "But, that...sounds so rash."
ATHENA: "Yeah, I thought so too...."
KAORU: "If you think so, then why...?"
Athena continues with a troubled expression on her face.
ATHENA: "The Master says it's a rather drastic method of treatment, but even if he's stabilized, it's no different than the dangerous condition he's in now. KOF would be the perfect chance for him to release the psychic power that overwhelms him. It seems that the Master has thought things out."
KAORU: "Really...? And then there's Kensou, too."
It took a while, but Athena's tense expression relaxes upon hearing Kaoru's reply of acknowledgement.
ATHENA: "...Yeah...uh, I'm sorry. Things will change someday, though."
Athena stands up and tries to take Kaoru's place. Kaoru stops her.
KAORU: "No, I'll stay here a little longer...I sure hope Bao awakens for the tournament, don't you...?"
Kaoru turns her gaze to Bao and she continues her watch over him.
ATHENA: "Yeah."
Responding only to her question, Athena, along with Kaoru, continues to gaze gently at Bao.
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King of Fighters '01
Here is the location of an ancient temple, secluded among steep mountains. It has already begun to grow dark, and the characteristic silhouettes of China's mountain ranges become distinctly visible.
"Ooh, Kensou. I can't shoot a Psycho Ball!"
"It's okay, Bao. You'll get out of your slump in no time."
Picking up a snatch of mountain plants with his chopsticks, Bao still looks as if he's about to cry. Kensou goes out of his way to cheer up Bao, who has been down in the dumps for quite a while.
"But, Kensou, you still can't shoot a Super Sphere, can you...?"
"Uh, d-do you have to rub salt in the wounds, Bao? Well, at any rate, all we have between us is training! Right?! Bao?!"
"...Uh...yeah, I guess...so I'll keep on trying!"
"That's right, that's right! That's the old pepper!"
Although Kensou says this with a smile on his face, deep down in his heart, there is anything but peace of mind."
Kensou's psychic power still forsakes him...As if to keep his mind off this, Kensou stuffs his face with food.
"Athena! Another helping, please!"
"Huh?! Kensou, that's you're third bowl of rice already. Something the matter?"
Athena, who's in charge of tonight's meal, looks worried.
"I'm okay. I've got a lead-lined stomach, you know."
Chin, who had been watching the turn of events beforehand, speaks:
"If his power won't come back, he needs to get his stamina in other ways."
"Yeah, that sounds reasonable, Master."
"Yah, ha, ha, Master, Athena. You are both so off the mark."
Athena and Chin continue their conversation long into the night, even after Kensou and Bao have fallen asleep.
"Master. What do you think...about Kensou and Bao's predicament...?"
"Hmm. How can I put this...?"
Chin thinks this out while sipping on his tea.
At that time...when Kensou and Bao made contact, it appeared that their psychic power had risen up to the heavens. Given that, I thought both of them would achieve balance with their psychic powers and return to normal, but....
...In reality, Bao became unable to shoot a Psycho Ball and Kensou's powers have not shown the slightest sign of returning to normal....
But the energy that coursed through Bao's body was absorbed by Kensou, wasn't it? And if that's the case, then, why doesn't Kensou's power return to normal? Hmm...it's all a mystery, it is....
After a while, Chin offers his conclusion to Athena.
"Hey, Athena...I've thought about it and I don't have an answer. I guess it's enough that they're healthy."
"...Yeah...I guess so. If both of them are healthy, I can't ask for anything more."
After reaching this conclusion, the two give each other a smile.
Morning comes with the cheep, cheep, cheeping of the tunes of the songbirds. Bao and Kensou are in the midst of their early morning training.
"Ninety-nine...100...Wah! I'm beat."
"That's the spirit, Kensou! You've accomplished today's quota for push-ups."
"Huff, puff...of course I did...No way training like this is going to poop me out...I'm in tip-top condition!"
Or so Kensou protests, but deep down he's beyond wiped out.
"Well, then, show me a Super Sphere, will you?!"
"What?! Right now?!"
"But you said when you're in tip-top condition you said you'd be able to do it, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I guess I did...All right, then! I'm pumped now! Time to serve one up!!!"
Undaunted, Kensou leaps to his feet and assumes the position.
"Hah! Super Sphere!"
Kensou's fists grow hot. OH! MAYBE THIS IS IT!
As he concentrates all his might, his fists begin to grow hotter and hotter, and after a while a sphere of light appears.
"Awesome! Way to go, Kensou!!!"
As if encouraged by Bao's voice, the lump of light begins to enlarge steadily.
What?! The moment he thinks, "Was the Super Sphere really this big before?!" the wad of energy leaves his hands and takes off at a good clip.
BADDA-BAM!!!
Along with the thundering roar, the ball of energy released by Kensou knocks down a tree standing in front of them.
"Wah-ooh! I rule! ...Uh-oh...."
"Kesou! Kensou!"
Kensou's eyes roll back into his head as he falls to the ground in a bundle....
"Whoa...Who'd of thought Kensou was capable of that...."
Athena nurses over a sleeping Kensou. Next to her stands Chin, who has heard about this morning's training session from Bao. After training to exhaustion, Kensou summoned up his Super Sphere. Perhaps Kensou's power may be stifled by his subconscious? And maybe that's where Bao's power resides as well....
"OK, I've reached my decision. I was wavering for a while, but we're going to enter this year's KOF tournament."
"What, Master? But Kensou's laid up in bed and Bao's power still hasn't returned..."
"That is exactly why we're entering the tournament. If we enter the tournament, it may bring about some change like the previous one, and we may get better results than we'd get continuing along at this rate."
"...Yeah, I guess so. If we enter the tournament, we should find some answers."
"I hope I get my psychic power back. And the same goes for Kensou, of course!"
"You said it. I get the feeling something may happen this time around, but this tournament rarely goes off without a hitch, you know."
"That's it! Kensou, Bao, and Athena too, this may all work out for our benefit."
Beside the sleeping Kensou, all come to a new resolve.
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King of Fighters '03
It is early in the afternoon of a weekday and empty seats are prominent in this first-class car of the bullet train.
Athena Asamiya is sitting in a window seat, heading for her next concert venue in Fukuoka. Her manager has been directed to meet up with her at Hakodate. Now, she travels alone.
The train slows and comes to a leisurely stop.
"Kyoto. This stop is Kyoto."
The announcement echoes over the platform.
When the door opens, a familiar face is smiling in Athena's direction.
"Long time no see, Athena."
The attractive blonde is dressed in the sprucely designed uniform of a girl's high school. She is Hinako Shijo, one-fourth Russian and the daughter of a model upper-class family.
"So, Hinako, how have you been? Forgive me for calling you here."
"Oh, it's no bother - as luck would have it our family has villas in Kyoto and Kobe."
Without giving second thought to her blatantly bourgeois remark, Hinako shoves the backpack she had strapped to her shoulders onto the luggage rack above.
CREEEEAK.
The luggage rack squeals ominously. The backpack is loaded with weights of ten kilograms or more. Judging by the groan of the rack, Hinako's lugging more weight than usual.
Appearance, bearing, word and deed - all are what the dreamy-eyed Hinako is about, but because her dream is starting a sumo team at her girl's school, one cannot resist feeling that this young lady comes from a different cookie cutter.
In the meantime, Hinako has plopped down in the seat next to Athena. The first thing she says,
"Please accept my condolences."
A closer look reveals that Hinako conscientiously wears a symbol of mourning on her uniform. Athena, who is obligated in her line of work as a pop idol to remain unfazed by most things, finds herself flustered by this current situation.
"Y-your...condolences??"
The flustered Athena hesitantly takes the condolence gift Hinako extends to her.
"Master Chin did pass away, didn't he? Just how old was he anyway?"
"U-uh, no, the Master is still fit as a fiddle, in a manner of speaking."
"Athena, I know being in denial is part of the grieving process, but if you don't accept reality..."
"Uh, I don't know what impression you're under, but the Master is in the pink. He still drinks a gallon of alcohol a day, naps, trains Kensou, and watches after Pao."
"Oh, really? I am so sorry. I just assumed the reason for you asking me to join you in KOF had to be because the Master had died and you needed an extra team member."
"No, that's not it at all. Anyway, let me return this to you."
Athena meekly tries to return Hinako's condolence gift.
"Ah, please keep it. You can always hang on to it until you need it again."
(Until I need it again...?)
There is no malice to Hinako's statement. Athena understands this, but....
"Wow. So Kensou isn't entering the tournament this time either...?
"As a matter of fact, he isn't. He's got a lot of other stuff on his plate..."
Athena casts her eyes downward. Yes, this time things are different.
"Then who will be our other member? I rather think that Chang Koehan would be a most excellent choice."
"I-I'm not too sure about him."
"Ah, you're probably right. He can't really manage a sumo wrestler's butterfly coiffure, can he?"
"U-uh, you do have a point there. Do you have anyone else in mind?"
"Hmm. I can't come up with anyone who's suited for sumo, though..."
"That's okay. That's okay. It doesn't have to be a sumo wrestler type."
Athena can't bring herself to say she'd prefer someone other than a sumo-type.
Of course Athena too has considered prospective teammates, but....
"Hey, you're Athena Asamiya, aren't you?"
"Huh? Oh, you want an autograph, right? Just a second. My pen...."
"No, that's not it. You're entering KOF, aren't you?"
Athena and Hinako both blink and do a double take at their new acquaintance.
She's a rather spunky-looking teenager, a bit shorter than Hinako. Her face and manner seem feline. She sports a miniskirt, blazer and bunched up socks - in short, she's a typical Japanese high school student.
"Yes, I'll be in it, but...how does that concern you?"
"Your team's short a member, isn't it?"
The girl helps herself to the seat next to Hinako.
"Uh, I suppose it may be."
"Hmm. I guess our organization's info is sometimes useful after all."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Oh, nothing. By the way, have you considered me for your team?"
"J-Just like that? Who are you anyway?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. The name's 'Malin.'"
"So you're name is Malin, is it? I'm Hinako Shijo. That's an unusual name you have there; your family name's "Ma" and your given name is "Lin," I gather. What Chinese character do you use for "Ma?" Maybe the character for magic? Or is it the "ma" for "manuke" - you know, the word that means "bonehead"?
"......"
"U-Uh, don't let her offend you. Hinako didn't mean anything bad by that. Words just flow out of her like...well, no need to get yucky here."
"No, the name's just one word, 'Malin.' Works on its own, don't you think? So, are you going to put me on your team, or not? I'm getting off at Osaka, so you got to decide quick."
And as if on cue, the announcement is heard throughout the train: "Shin-Osaka. We will soon be stopping at Shin-Osaka."
The time for decision instantly arrives, but there is no need to mull over an answer.
"We appreciate the offer, but no."
"What? Why? Tell me, why?"
"The KOF tournament is the peak of fighting competitions. Though I do say so myself, Hinako and I are exceptional fighters. I appreciate the sentiment, but..."
"You doubt my abilities?"
"Doubt? I don't even know your abilities. We've just met!"
"...Shoot. Okay, you don't need to hit me with a hammer. I'm out of here!"
The train slides to a stop at the platform of Shin-Osaka Station.
Malin bolts up with a bang as if she has kicked her seat and abruptly exits.
"Uh, Athena, are you sure you made the right decision?"
"Yeah. I had no choice. This isn't some high school athletic event."
BAM. BAM.
Appearing out of nowhere, Malin is now outside, rapping on the bullet train's window.
In her hands (?), she holds two ribbons of different colors that flutter in the breeze.
"??...Hey, those are...!!"
In a panic, Athena and Hinako run their hands through their hair.
Gone.
One of the ribbons that tied Hinako's long blonde hair and the ribbon used to gather Athena's hair together to conceal her identity are gone.
(When did she...?)
Athena springs from her seat. She looks as if she intends to catch up with Malin.
At the same time, however, the bullet train has pulled out from the platform.
The train begins to accelerate.
The form of Malin smiling ear to ear and waving her trophies in the air slowly recedes.
"Oh, fudge...how stupid could I have been?"
Hinako consoles Athena who is slumped down in her seat.
"Cheer up. We can still find another team member."
"But...Huh? Hinako, under your ribbon!"
A small scrap of paper is secured under Hinako's remaining ribbon.
Athena quickly removes the paper and checks its contents.
"If you change your mind, give me a call. Malin. 090-XXXX-XXXX."
After reading the note, Hinako and Athena press their faces to the glass of the train as if to look for Malin.
The sight from the window, however, is no longer that of the platform but the buildings and streets of Osaka's north side.
Nevertheless, the two feel as if they can catch sight of Malin in the landscape streaming by, and they continue peering out the window for some time thereafter.
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King of Fighters XI
"Wow, it's been a while... how have you been, Athena?" asked Sie Kensou, practicing. He had just returned from a year of training with his master, Chin Gentsai. His face was more stern, more mature. His body was stronger and more limber. In other words, he had made a massive transformation into a man of true strength. He had further refined his skills with the Psycho Power as well. He had begun the long walk on the path of the warrior, and what now remained was to get his mind in step with his body...
Though, if one must be honest, this was pretty much strictly his own opinion, and he didn't look particularly different. Even through he had grown in many ways, he was still the same old Kensou. Meanwhile, Athena had been staying at a boarding house as she trained for the next KOF. He rummaged through his bags and pulled out a small carton, stuffed with steamed meat buns.
"Meat buns...," said a small voice.
It was then that he noticed a little girl sitting demurely on the sidewalk, with a teacup in her lap. More to the point, he noticed that if he raised the carton, her gaze tracked it flawlessly. Same for if he moved it right or left. She was clad in loose-fitting clothes, and her delicate hair was tied with a pink ribbon. Her eyes were large, her features young. He figured she must be from the local grade school... sixth grade at most.
The intensity of her stare at the carton almost seemed to cut the air like a blade. Kensou looked from the carton to the girl and back again several times, then gave a long, heartfelt sigh.
***
"I'm Sie Kensou," he said, "But you can just call me Kensou."
"I'm Momoko!" the little girl replied brightly, as she attempted to eat the largest meat bun she could possibly fit into her tiny hands. On further reflection, Kensou thought maybe she was in fourth grade, tops.
"Hmmm," he said, and leaned down to her. "Momoko, are you lost?"
"No!" she said vehemently. "I just can't figure out how to get back to my house."
That's pretty much what 'lost' means, Kensou thought to himself, smirking. But that's the kind of lesson that probably would only come with age and experience.
"So where is your house?" he asked. "Can you think of anything close to it you might recognize? Any landmarks?"
She appeared to think about it for a moment, then said, "Yeah, there's a park with three big cherry trees in it."
Kensou smiled. "Oh, okay. I know exactly where that is... I'm headed that way, actually. Want me to take you there?"
"Yes, please!" she said.
The day was clear and sunny, the air fresh and brisk... a perfect day for a walk, really, and they talked as they went.
"...So anyway," Kensou was saying animatedly, "she's a big pop idol, but she's really in love with me."
Momoko only replied with a thoughtful "hmmm."
As they crested a gently-sloping hill, the sight of a well-kept little park greeted their eyes. There grew three old cherry trees... no doubt that when Spring arrived, they would be a considerable draw for sightseers.
"She's never said so, especially since her singing career took off, but I can just tell, you know?" he went on.
Momoko (perhaps showing wisdom beyond her years) gave only a noncommittal grunt.
"She's also a really good fighter... not quite as strong as me, though."
Finally the little girl spoke. "Yeah, you compete in the King of Fighters, right?"
Kensou was pleasantly surprised. "Wow, you know more than I thought," he said, and thus emboldened, he went on. "We've never been picked as likely to win the tournament, but that's due to that alcoholic and senile old man who insists on fighting with us all the time. He always held us back.
"Even though I'm considered a prodigy as a Psycho Soldier, I could only cover for his mistakes so much, you know?" he said, puffing up his chest slightly as he did so. "We also have other kids around us, not to mention the panda. You don't know them, of course, but believe me when I say they can be a real handful."
"Oh!" said Momoko, interrupting and pointing at the park. "There's Athena!"
"Huh?" said Kensou, startled out of his own speech.
"There you are, Momoko!" Athena called sternly. "Where in the world have you been?" She broke into a run toward them, and Momoko ran to meet her. When they reached each other, the little girl was swept up into a hug.
"You had me so worried!" Athena continued, then glanced over. "Oh, hi, Kensou. What's going on?"
Kensou gave her a crestfallen look. "We haven't seen each other in a year, and that's all the greeting I get?" Having been away for so long, training so hard to improve his skills, he had been hoping for a slightly more dramatic (maybe even passionate) reunion... but alas, that did not appear to be in the cards.
"So you know this girl?" he asked.
Athena looked embarrassed. "Oh, I guess I should introduce you two. This is Momoko. She's going to be competing with us in this year's KOF tournament. She came with the master's highest recommendation."
"Huh?" was all Kensou could muster in reply.
"I've already processed our entry!" the idol singer continued brightly. "Me, you and Momoko are going to be the 'Neo Psycho Soldier Team!'"
Neo? thought Kensou. What's with this 'Neo' thing? I know the Psycho Soldier team didn't enter the last tournament, but what difference does that make? The master wasn't here, and neither was Bao.
"So we're babysitting, just like with Bao, right? She's just a grade school kid. Has the master finally gone completely senile?" Kensou asked, not bothering to hide the scorn in his voice.
"I am not in grade school!" snapped Momoko.
"What, middle school then?" he replied. "I find that hard to belie--"
Momoko cut him off. "Try high school, hot shot."
Kensou stared, dumbfounded for a moment. "Hi-high school?! No way. Something as violent as KOF is no place for some grade-school looking little--"
Now Momoko was starting to get mad. "I just told you, I am not in grade school!" Once she had ceased her protest, she gave Kensou a strangely mature smile which did, in fact, make her look a little older.
She turned to Athena and got her attention.
"What is it?" Athena replied.
"You're a pop star, right?" Momoko said.
"Mm-hmm," Athena confirmed. "It's what I do for a living. Why do you ask?"
"Aaaaand is it true that you're in love with Kensou?"
Athena only chuckled. Kensou, on the other hand, choked as though he had inhaled his drink, even though he hadn't actually been drinking anything. He knew exactly what this supposedly innocent-looking little girl was about to say.
"And he's also considered a prodigy as a Psycho Soldier, right?" Momoko continued.
Athena have her a quizzical look, but said, "...Uh, maybe...."
"And your master's an alcoholic who just gets in the way?"
Athena now began to look distinctly uncomfortable. "Well, I'm not sure about that...."
"And Kaoru's really ill-tempered and can't figure out when she's not wanted?"
Now it was Athena's turn to look mad. She turned and said, "I think it's time you and I had a little chat, Kensou."
Kensou blanched and said, "Wa-wait! Athena, listen to me, it's nothing like that..."
***
And so it came to pass that Athena confirmed the Neo Psycho Soldier team for this year's tournament. It would consist of Athena Asamiya, Momoko, and the "Prodigal Psycho Soldier, Sie Kensou."
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King of Fighters III
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Athena Asamiya
Athena is a high-school pop idol fighting evil to bring about world peace. Her fighting style is composed of the psychic powers she was born with and Chinese Kung Fu. She is a hard worker, both polite and serious. But as a high school student, idol and fighter, her days are just packed.
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Mephistopheles
-Japan-
During an afternoon lull, Athena enjoys tea time with her favorite peter rabbit tea set.
As she pours her tea, it infuses the room with the tangy aroma of raspberry.
She brings the cup to her charming mouth, and the pink tea gives a redder tinge to he lips.
"Aaah...this is heaven. There's nothing like a cup of tea with Peter. With master, it always ends up being Chinese tea at tea time.
Glancing at the picture that adorns her desk, she winks humbly.
"Well, then, time to check my fan letters."
Her letters of admiration that arrive daily form an impressive pile on her desk.
"Let's see, this one's from a twenty-eight-year-old freelancer. 'You drive me wild, jumping beautifully with your hair streaming in the breeze...Marry me!"
"And the next one's from a 45-year-old businessman that says, 'Punish me with your Psycho Ball.' Hmm, that's creepy."
"Ah! This one has a drawing. Hmm... 'I'm dying to see a collection of your swimsuit pictures, please!' From Dream Boy, 15 years old?"
Athena sighs as she polishes off another four or five letters....
"Gosh, these peaceful days of relaxation really are tedious..."
From outside the door she hears the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs.
"Athena, you have another delivery."
"Thanks, Mom."
She gives her mother one of her best ingratiating grins while taking the letter.
"Yes! It's an invitation! I better get ready right away!"
As she pulls out her well-worn traveling shoes, Athena thinks:
(Having time off once in awhile is nice, but I'm more suited to a life of excitement.)
"There we are! I'm all set! I am so psyched for this!!!"
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Capcom vs SNK 2
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Capcom vs SNK 2 Endings
Athena sings a song to help the people of Osaka recover. "Try to cheer up! Try to lift your spirits and fly like a bird in the sky! You can do it! Don't ever cry..."
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