Side TERRY

All right. We're here. This is the entrance to the arena.

Awesome! Thanks for leading the way!

Be careful. I hear EFE Corp., the company hosting the tournament, is up to some less-than-savory business...

Thanks for the warning, but don't you work there?

Well, yes, I do, but...

Actually, never mind. I don't want to rain on your parade. I have to get going, but I hope you win!

Thanks! I appreciate the well wishes.

Watch out for EFE Corp., huh... From what I've heard so far, it sounds like they're the up-and-coming entertainment firm in town. ...Almost reminds me of South Town back in the day.

Excuse me, sir, do you have a moment?

I have a quick question...

Is that...a frog mask?

No, no mask. This is just my face...

Your face? So you're a walking, talking frog?!

Well, no, I'm not really a frog either... But now's not the time for that.

I have heard that this is the location for an event called "the King of Fighters." Is that correct? I am not well-acquainted with this era, so I was only able to get here thanks to the kind folk who helped me with directions. Now that I've arrived, I'm not so sure...

Oh, cool, so you're a participant too, huh? You wouldn't happen to have a wrestler in a dinosaur getup on your team, would you?

I'm actually here on my own. What's this "dinosaur getup" you speak of?

Sorry. Never mind. It's just that I know a guy like that. You wanted to know where the King of Fighters is going down, right? You should be in the right place.

I see. You have my thanks.

You said you're here on your own, right? Do you wanna take a look around together? I'm actually new here myself, so it'd be nice to hang with someone in the same boat.

Indeed. Your offer is much appreciated.

Then that settles it! Name's Terry. It's nice to meet you!

And I am Cyrus. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.

According to that cat, this would be one world of possibility. Doesn't really look any different from usual.

I guess I'd better hurry up and start looking for those fighters. Where should I start...

Huh, it's the same place I started before...

I guess I'll just have to search for the next fighter around here. Where to first, then?

Oh, nooo! Someone please save me!

Someone's being attacked?! I'd better go check!

Damn it... They're too strong!

Amy and Riica?

Oh, Aldo! This young lady seemed to be in trouble, so Amy and I saved her.

Is that so?

Hey, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?

(What's South Town's resident hunk doing here? Oh, wait. It's just another kid playing knight-in-shining armor.)

Everything's a-okay! These super-strong ladies kept me safe and sound.

That's good. Glad you're all right.

(Of course, the truth is that I was challenged to a fight when I was looking for teammates, so I was just playing around...)

Hey! If it isn't Jenet!

Huh?

Terry Bogard? What are you doing here?

I see some fresh faces with you. Are they your new teammates?

Oh, yeah. I'm Aldo, and...

Wait, Cyrus?!

I see you all are together as well.

Woah, y'all know each other? Small world!

What are you two doing here, Amy?

I know this is gonna sound crazy, but I was invited to a martial arts tournament... by a cat.

You were?!

I had the same experience. I, too, received an invite to the tournament from a mysterious cat.

I also happened to be summoned in much the same manner.

I guess the little guy must've visited everyone...

By any chance...did that cat bring you three here, too?

My, you're certainly well-informed.

Well, well, well... Ain't this a surprise.

A surprise and a half.

Even just the idea of a cat handing out invites is weird, but then you add all this happening at the same time... Just what exactly is going on?

You know about the cat, huh?

Yep. So listen up, everyone. That cat...

So in a nutshell, that cat called us over from our world to take down that "dark presence" thing.

Pretty much, yeah. I didn't really get the details, but I was told to find people to help.

You know...you kind of brushed over the fact that we got dumped in a totally different world.

Oh yeah... That...

...Hey, it's totally normal to freak out about ending up in another world. But...it can't be anybody else but you guys. I really need you to join me in the tournament.

Why not! It sounds like fun.

Totally! Not to mention this whole floating future metropolis business really tickles my fancy!

You two are made of stout stuff.

We've been lucky enough to find each other, so I'm all for entering the KoF together. It's great to meet you...uhhh...

Aldo. And likewise! The ones behind me are Amy and Riica.

Aldo, Amy, and Riica. Got it. I'm Terry. It's a pleasure to work with y'all!

You can call me Jenet! It's nice to meet you, Mr. Handsome.

H-Handsome?

Looks like someone's happy to be here...

Round one will be starting soon. Teams that have not yet completed registration should head to reception immediately.

Okay, y'all! Let's make this a good first bout!

Nice! That's one round down!

You did an excellent job, Terry.

You really did! It was so easy working together. You're really living up to your South Town Hero reputation!

South Town Hero? What's that?

Our Terry here is actually pretty famous in our world. He served some just desserts to the scaaary man who had taken over South Town.

He's even earned the nickname of "the Legendary Wolf."

Hey now, don't go giving them weird expectations. I didn't even do that much.

Anyways, why don't we take a little break before the next match? Gotta rest good if we wanna fight good.

Indeed. I heartily agree.

Huh? What's that?

What's up, Terry?

Sorry. I just remembered something I gotta take care of. Can y'all go on ahead? I'll be there in a jiff.

Hey, wait!

It seemed like he saw something...

That's not good... Let's go after him.

I don't have any money for you.

Oh, really? Then you're okay if we let slip how you were sneaking around the CEO's office?

You, !

Aha! So you WERE doing something suspicious.

C'mon now. Your secret's safe with me...

Eeek!

Augh!

Guh... Who're you?!

Y'all just don't know when to quit.

Well? Still got business here?

Dammit... We're out.

Are you okay?

Yes, I think so...

I thought so when I first got here, but this place really doesn't give the warmest welcome.

It's all because of EFE Corp. and their tournament. Or, I guess I should say...it all started when the owner changed and set up that tournament...

Aren't you one of the people promoting the thing? That's a pretty prickly statement to make about your employers.

O-Oh, never mind. ...I'm sorry. You saved me, and yet I...

Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure you're freaked out by what just happened.

You're a very kind person... I appreciate your help, but I have to get to my next session now. I'll be going...

Geez. If he was going off to help someone, he should've just said something!

This is the kind of person Terry is.

You got that right! A hero to all, the busybody who can't leave anyone in trouble alone...

...He's always been a great role model.

Hey, what're you snooping around over there for?

You okay, Terry?

Wasn't she the announcer for the tournament? Did she get into some kind of trouble?

(This EFE Corp. business reeks of trouble.) (But where there's trouble...there's bound to be treasure!)

Round two will be starting shortly! Participating teams are asked to proceed to reception!

Whoops! We better head back.

Agreed. I would hate to lose by default.

All right, guys. Let's have another good match!

With Terry and Jenet's help we won fight after fight.

And that's the match!!! Team Aldo and Terry plows through the competition, clearing the semi-finals!!!

And now all that's standing between us and total victory is the finals.

...We're coming to you live from the Elzion fighting arena, Darkest Noah!

The atmosphere here is absolutely electric as our fearsome competitors gear up for an intense battle!

...H-Hey! What are you doing?! I'm in the middle of a...

Good grief, the entrance has seen some better days. Looks like everyone's still worked up from the last fight. Actually...it's almost like they're not in their right minds...

There's definitely something fishy going on behind the scenes. Now how to find out more...

Hey, Jenet!

What's up? You look like something's on your mind.

Oh, nothing! I was just thinking about maybe taking a walk to get some fresh air.

...Don't go too crazy now. It doesn't seem like this is just any old tournament.

You noticed to, huh? ...You don't seem all that bothered by it.

Haha, you really never change.

What about you?

Of course, I'm as pumped up as you are!

Plus, the huge reward we'll get for winning is gonna be way worth it!

Haha! That's the spirit!

Of course, I REALLY want to fight...

Hold that thought. You seeing what I'm seeing?

She sure looks nervous about something.

And that doesn't look like stage fright. Sure hope she hasn't gotten into trouble again...

Hey, Jenet. Wanna go with me to see what's up?

Hehe, you read my mind.

(Plus, this gives me another chance to find out what's going on with this EFE Corp.)

There sure is a lot of commotion out there...

The crowd must be getting excited for the upcoming finale.

It is what everyone has been waiting for. It makes sense that people would find their hearts racing!

That's true. Now we're one step closer to taking home that gold!

...Where'd Terry and Jenet go?

Terry said he was going to check on Jenet, and neither have come back since.

Maybe something happened. Let's go look for them.

Hey there! Look who's up to no good.

Ack!

This sure looks like the room for EFE Corp.'s data servers. And here we have Little Miss Announcer, nervously keeping watch as she futzes with the machines... Thrilling, don't you think?

D-Don't come any closer! Are you...here to kill me?

Hey now, calm down. Why would we want to kill you? We just thought you looked like you were having a hard time and thought we'd check on you, that's all.

Is something wrong? We were outside, but we heard shouting...

Oh, Terry and Jenet. And...who's that you're with?

Aldo. We're just getting to the good part, so don't get in the way, mm-kay?

I-I mean, I wasn't planning on it. I was just wondering what's going on...

If something's the matter, you can tell us.

...... ...EFE Corp. is using this tournament as a front for something terrible.

...Does it have anything to do with that craziness at the entrance?

...Most likely, yes. Do you remember how I mentioned that this town has been a bit strange for a while now?

Yeah. A few people have brought it up, actually.

A few years ago...a rumor started going around that EFE Corp. was providing funds for research on controlling people's minds.

Controlling people's minds?

Some people said it was drugs, while others said it was some kind of device... The only thing I was able to find out was that there has indeed been a steady flow of unaccounted funds for the past few years.

Ever since that man... Ever since Rugal Bernstein took over the company...

Did you say Rugal?!

An acquaintance of yours?

...He was this weapons dealer who went missing a good while ago. He was a famously baaad, bad man.

Didn't you face off against him in the KoF?

Yeah, but he definitely disintegrated when his power consumed him. I can't believe he survived that and ended up doing more dark deeds here...

That man tricked my father and stole his company.

I have to make him pay for that. I want to take back the company, so I decided to reveal his crimes...

I get it now. You were trying to get revenge for your dad.

Still, you should try to cool your head a little. I get what you're going through, but if something happens to you while you're out doing this, it'll make your dad sad, won't it?

Chin up, okay? I can get revenge for you and your dad instead.

What?

The finals are a battle with the tournament sponsor, right? So that means...

We'll find our guy.

Please... Please do everything you can to stop that man.

Of course. We'll kick his ass and take everything back for you.

Don't worry, girlie. We gotcha covered.

We'll get your revenge and then some.

It matters not. One little girl loitering around where she shouldn't isn't going to amount to anything. I'm much more intrigued by our unexpected guests...

Hahaha, why the rush? Let them stew in their anticipation. After all, the greater the greed of the masses, the more delectable the power they provide!

Welcome, fighters. You've done well to make it this far.

So you're the big boss...

As well as the tournament sponsor.

A medieval swordsman and a frog that can speak the human tongue? Your team certainly has...variety. I suppose that's what happens when outsiders get involved.

Rugal! I should've known it'd be you!

Oh? You know of me already, swordsman?

You're well informed for an outsider.

Rugal. I knew you were behind this.

I could've sworn you were supposed to be deader than a doornail.

Hahaha... Did you really think I could be destroyed so easily?

We know that you stole that company. And we know how important it was to that girl's father!

Hah! And why would I care about riffraff like that?

Rugal...you BASTARD!

I was planning on beating you and taking the reward and some treasure...

But I guess we'll have to dish out some punishment first!

Hehe...very good... I can feel the excitement in your fighting spirit.

Let us begin! Our audience craves blood, and we mustn't keep them waiting!

Ngh! What an aura!

This is the last fight. Time to rock and roll!

Bow before my newfound power! Let me show you what it means to be the ultimate!

Gragh... Impossible! I can't, !

He sure did pack a punch...

That was just as thrilling, no, even more thrilling than expected.

This is the end for you, Rugal!

...Don't be so sure you've won just yet, fools.

Wh-What the, ?!

Heh... As you wished, this marks the end of the tournament! And your lives!

Ugh... This is bad! He's taking in a ludicrous amount of power!

We've gotta retreat!

The whole place is coming down!

Is that...

Sorry, y'all! Head back without me!

H-Hey, wait up!

Did Terry perhaps hear something?

It might've been a call for help. Let's go after them!

Hey, you okay?!

Oh, it's you... You've saved me again.

You're that guy from before... ...Let's get out of here before anything else. Hang on tight!

Wait! I still...

Watch your heads!

Thanks, Jenet!

My daughter... She's under the rubble...

You're kidding?! Under all that?!

Hold on. We can't dawdle around here either.

But we can't just leave her there. I'll get her out safe.

Power...GEYSER!!!

Wait... She's his daughter?

Later! We gotta hurry before more rubble comes down!

Geez, this plot is just full of twists and turns!

...I think the shaking stopped now. Do you think Terry and Jenet are okay?

Look over there!

Hey! Sorry to keep y'all waiting.

Oh, thank goodness. I'm glad you guys are all right.

Huh? Who's that with you?

I'll explain later. We gotta get out of here first.

We did indeedy! I'm just glad they weren't hurt...

After all the times I told you not to get involved with EFE! What did you think you were doing?!

What was I doing?

I was trying to get your company back! You poured your heart and soul into it!

Your dad's company? Oh, yeah... They said the owner changed a few years ago...

Apparently Rugal stole the company that this man used to own.

And our girlie here is his daughter.

Wow...

You used to love that company... And yet you didn't even lift a finger to resist when that horrible man did as he pleased with it!

But I...

...No, I should apologize. I've been a shell of my former self these past few years. Instead of trying to take back the company that was stolen from me, I just clung on like some sort of pathetic leech...

And all because of my shameful behavior, I pushed my daughter to take revenge in my stead and almost cost her her life...

Okay now, let's leave it there.

At the very least, you're both still alive. Isn't that plenty?

Agreed! Let's be happy that everyone got out safe!

...You two were right. I wasn't in the right headspace...

Oh, no, don't worry about that, girlie. Nothing good comes from being overwhelmed. All you get is neck pain.

As long as you're still kickin', you can get as many tries as you like. So y'all stick with each other now, got it?

CHEEERS!!!

Bring out the eats! Brink out the drinks! I may not have got any treasure, but we're still getting all that prize moneyyy!

Great work back there. It was fun getting to team up with you.

Oh, but I hardly did much. We were able to win because of your strength.

It's thanks to everyone. Both winning the tournament and saving those people.

Indeed. I do hope those two are able to find their way.

By the by...why exactly were you so passionate about saving them?

Terry...

Oh! Can I get enough plates of this luxury-cut cultured roast beef for the table, please?

Hey, we're here to celebrate our win! Let's party!

Hm. You have quite the stamina. I must not fall behind.

...Do we have enough money for all this?

I think so... We're supposed to get that prize money after all...

...O-Oh my!

Something wrong, Riica?

Oh! Did you find out when we get the prize money?

About that... You see...there is no prize money this time.

...What?

The sponsor of the tournament has gone missing... The arena is in shambles... They've decided to call off the rest of the event.

WHAAAT?!?!?!

Hey, Terry! You, me, drinking contest!

You're on!