Side MAI

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?

Hey, isn't that Aldo?

Oh? So it is.

Riica! Cyrus! What are you two doing here?

We were given an invitation to the tournament by a mysterious cat, if you would believe that.

You were?!

Affirmative! Both of us received invites! The cat had a very serious look in its eyes, It clearly needed help. I came here to do my duty as a civil service droid!

...I'm surprised the cat visited you, too.

From what I hear, this tournament has attracted powerful warriors from all over the land. I couldn't dare miss such a grand opportunity to put my blade to the test. Might I interest you in teaming up with me?

Yeah! It'd be great having you two on board.

Another world, you say?

It would be my pleasure. Leave the searching to me!

Cyrus! Riica! Did that cat invite you here, too?

My, you're certainly well-informed.

Yeah, to tell you the truth...

...Fighters from another world, eh? I see.

My database has no record of any such individuals!

The people that cat summoned here should be gathering around the arena. The question is how do we find them...

One moment please.

What's up?

My high-frequency sensors just picked up a voice matching Amy's in the vicinity, along with a few other individuals. They should be somewhere in this area.

Amy's here, too, huh? Let's go ask if she'll help us out.

...If we're lucky, she might even have already met up with some other fighters.

I don't see him anywhere...

It's all right, really...

Argh! Don't tell me you're really okay with ending things like this! You love him, don't you?

I do, but... I wouldn't even know what to say to him...

Just tell him what it is you like about him. What's so hard about that?

I-It's way too embarrassing...

Why don't you start by telling us a little more about him.

...He's a kindhearted, sensible guy. We've been in the same class since our first year, and whenever I need help with something, he's always there.

Sounds like he knows how to take the reigns. Must be nice...

I can tell you really care about him.

I-I, um...

...Thank you. Putting all that into words got me kind of fired up. I think I'll be okay searching for him on my own now.

You sure?

Yeah. You came here to join the tournament, right? I don't want to hold you up any longer. I'll be cheering for you all the way, Mai!

She seems like a good kid.

She really is. Her crush has gotta be a real blockhead to not pick up on how much she cares about him.

Sigh... Reminds me of someone I know. When is Andy finally gonna understand how I feel...

Andy?

Andy Bogard. Mai's special special speeecial someone.

Yeah! And get this, Amy! Every time I try and tell him how I feel, that guy comes up with some lame excuse to run away!

Sigh... Maybe I'm not coming on strong enough...

Ahahah... Sounds pretty tough...

How about you two? Is there anyone like that in your life? How about that boy you're always teaming up with, Athena?

Umm... Kensou and I aren't like that. I'm trying to focus on my idol work right now, so I don't really have time for that stuff.

Oh... How about you, Amy?

Nobody comes to mind.

You really expect me to believe that? There's gotta be at least one or two decent guys in your life.

Decent guys?

...Nah. I can't think of any.

We've been looking all over for you, Amy.

Aldo? What're you guys up to?

Hah. I knew it.

...Hey! I mean, yeah, he's technically "in my life," but that's about it.

...If you say so.

Are they friends of yours, Amy? They've certainly got variety...

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman. Amy is one of my allies. These two behind me are Riica and Cyrus.

Y-You mean the robot and the frog?

Excuse me, but I am no frog, madam. I am a simple swordsman...

And I'm not a robot, I'm a civil service droid!

Wow! They can even talk!

I'm guessing that cat gave you a visit, too?

I'm guessing that cat gave you guys a visit, too?

You mean we weren't the only ones?!

Actually...

So you're telling me that cat travelled to a bunch of different places to deliver KoF invites?

That sounds a bit far-fetched...

I can see why you'd think that, but actually Cyrus and I aren't from this time period at all. I have no idea where you guys came from, though...

Now that you mention it, that's a pretty important point. How are we even supposed to get home? I guess for now the best thing we can do is do what the cat asked us to. We should enter the tournament and do our best to take the crown.

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

...I was hoping I'd have more time to search for Andy, but it looks like our time is up.

Mai...

Alright, let's do it. We'll join you guys and make a team of six.

You will? Thanks a lot!

At times like this, you've gotta focus on your priorities. If I can cinch a beautiful victory here, there's no way Andy won't notice! This time I'll show him how I feel for sure!

That's the spirit! Let's give it our all!

Come on then! I'm registering us as the "Women Fighters Team PLUS a Couple Swordsmen"!

You just tacked us onto the end?!

Heheh, we'll show the whole world who's the most beautiful fighter of all!

That wasn't half bad! You've got some skills.

Thanks, you were awesome, too!

Ohoho, you think so? Well don't stop there! Compliment me some more!

You were incredible, too, Athena. It's clear you're no ordinary idol.

I owe everything to my master's training!

Now let's keep it up until the crowd is cheering our names!

That girl from before...

...She seems a little down.

We should probably go check on her. That okay, Aldo? She's a friend of ours.

Of course!

So? What's that frown about?

Mai, Athena, Amy...

...I couldn't talk to him. I waited for a chance to talk to him alone, but when the time finally came, my knees wouldn't stop shaking...

Argh! You're never gonna get anywhere with that attitude! You're a cute girl! Have some confidence! At times like these, you've gotta go all in! Show up in a wedding dress, and throw him the bouquet! Anything to get it through his thick skull.

Just shout it, "Please marry meee!!!"

Wh-Who said anything about marriage?!

M-Mai... That might be coming on a little too strong...

It would get her point across, though.

It's DEFINITELY not that simple... ...But I admit it's hard to know for sure without actually trying.

B-B-But what if it doesn't work and he just brushes it off?! What if I mess it up?

So what if you do?

Huh?

You said you knew him since you were kids, right? That's exactly why you've gotta attack this head-on! If he tries to run, you've just gotta go catch him! The important thing is never giving up.

Never give up, huh...

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

Duty calls.

Then let's go show this girl what a beautiful victory looks like! See ya later! We're rooting for you!

I know she's says don't give up, but...but what if he ends up hating me?

With Mai and Athena's help, we won fight after fight.

And that's the match!!! Team Aldo and Mai 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...

...It sounds like something is afoot.

It's probably just the crowd. The finals are starting soon, after all.

My systems are pumped and primed for the final battle!

We're almost there! Keep it up, everybody!

You okay, Athena?

...I sense something. Some kind of negative energy permeating the arena.

You can? I don't feel anything.

I could swear I've felt it somewhere before...

Could it be from when we touched the vitality generator during the match earlier?

Huh? But we all touched it, and we're totally fine.

I didn't sense anything from it during the match, that's true. But... It did say that it was meant to boost our energy.

You've got an idea?

I mean... We don't know what it would do to people who aren't experienced fighters. It might even turn them violent...

...Attention all guests. Our staff is currently looking into a disturbance that has been reported near the entrance to the venue. Access will be restricted until further announcement. Thank you for your understanding.

A disturbance?

Our friend might be in danger...

Mai!

I know! But who cares if access is restricted? Let's see them try and stop us.

What in the...

It looks like a battlefield...

What could have happened?

...I can sense some kind of powerful energy.

Over here, everyone!

Look at that! That's the source of the negative energy. I know this power... It couldn't be...

There she is!

I'm so glad you're safe! You need to get out of here, it's too dangerous.

...No.

Huh?

Nothing I do will ever, !

Ngh! What just happened! This power...

He'll hate me! Who wants a clumsy girl who can't even look you in the eye?!

I knew it... The generator is amplifying her negative energy!

Then, !

Let's wreck it!

What the heck is this thing made of?! We can't even scratch it!

I'll do something to contain the energy! You guys use the opportunity to get her out of here!

Uh...ungh...

It must be getting weaker.

Let's get her to the infirmary!

Here, let me help you!

Huh? What was I...

Looks like you're finally awake.

Where...am I?

We found you passed out in the lobby.

Do you remember what happened before that?

...Not really. After you left I was worrying a little about what you said to me, and then I suddenly felt really sick. When I looked around I could see that a lot of other people were sick, too.

...You must be worried about him, huh? I hope he's safe.

Me, too...

Um... Can I ask you something?

What's up?

Why do you keep going out of your way for someone like me, Mai?

Because I can see how serious you are about him. Your eyes are pure and kind. You must really love him to still look at him that way after all these years.

How could I not want to make that a reality?

Is that really all?

I've got a guy I've been chasing after for a long time myself. No matter what I do to approach the topic, he always gives me a half-hearted response...

...I guess that's also part of it. You're like my sister-in-arms.

But that's enough about me! You need to get some rest.

Exactly. Why don't you lie down for a bit?

O-Okay... Thanks...

...Things are getting pretty fishy right before the finale.

...I might have an idea. I've felt that power coming from the machines before.

You mean back in your own world?

...Yes. We once faced an adversary that had absorbed that same kind of power. His greed was insatiable, and he held the King of Fighters tournament to further his ambitions of world domination.

Athena... You don't mean...

I can't prove it, but if he really is somehow in this world continuing his evil ways, then I can't just look the other way.

...They did mention that the finals would be a face-off with the tournament's sponsor.

Well, we know what we've gotta do.

I wonder what their goal is in all this.

Let's go! To the final battle!

Hahahah... Patience, patience. There's still plenty of pitch-black darkness to be pulled from the masses yet.

I'm not taking any chances this time. I won't come up short again. Orochi's power will be mine, and with it, the world itself.

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

So you're the big boss, huh?

Which mean's he's the jerk that's been manipulating the attendees!

Two fantastical swordsmen and an assortment of boorish women. Your team certainly has...variety. I suppose that's what happens when outsiders get involved.

Looks like your bet was right on the money, Athena. We thought you were dead, Rugal Bernstein.

Your body was completely destroyed back then...

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

You know this guy?

Kind of... He was a black market weapons dealer who once sponsored the King of Fighters tournament in our world.

...The evil energy surrounding him is much stronger than it was before.

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

Oh? You know of me already, swordsman? You're well-informed for an outsider.

Looks like your bet was right on the money, Athena.

Your body was completely destroyed back then...

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

Things may have ended bitterly for me last time, but I assure you that won't happen again. I will completely destroy you and take your powers for myself.

And after that's done, yes... Perhaps it's time I added a few new statues to my collection. You'll certainly make for a unique display.

Hmph! We'll see about that.

Your plans end here! I'll make you reverse what you did the the attendees!

Haha... Excellent. I can feel your fighting spirit. Let us begin! Our audience craves blood, and we mustn't keep them waiting!

Ngh! What an aura!

Come on, then! I'll show you what real strength looks like!

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

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

Getting a little rusty, are we, Rugal? You'll never keep up with me if that's all you've got!

Evil will never prevail!

We...did it...

...Don't think you've won just yet, fools.

Wh-What the, ?!

Mwahahaha... As the swordsman said, It's over.

, You're all dead!

He's gathering up an unbelievable amount of power... What is he planning?!

This is bad! We've gotta retreat!

The damage has spread this far...

Mai! We need to get to the girl!

You got it! Let's get her to the infirma...

Uh-oh!

I think I heard a voice just now...

I heard it, too!

Over here!

Somebody needs our help!

Let's go!

No one's...coming... Everyone...must have already...escaped...

Ngh... My leg...

...What am I doing? He's right there! He needs my help! What am I so scared of...

If he tries to run, you've just gotta go catch him! The important thing is never giving up.

...I have to help him!

So...heavy... I can't move him at all...

, Wah!

You did good, girl.

Mai...

Leave the rest to us, okay?

Ungh... Where am I?

Are you alright?!

His wound doesn't look serious. He got lucky.

Yes, he really did... It's a good thing we found him when we did.

Huh? Where are you going?

Yeah! Don't you want to watch over her while she makes her confession?

...There's no need. I could see it in her eyes, Our work here is done.

What's wrong? Why're you staring at me like that?

......

Don't tell me... You were the one who pulled me out of there?

I-I...

Were you hurt? You should get checked out, too, just in case. Let me call someone over.

...Wait.

...Th-There was a reason I tried so hard to save you.

, I couldn't ever stand the thought of losing you!

I'd never be able to live with myself if I lost my chance to tell you how I feel.

I'm in love with you!

Whoo! She did it!

Wait, it's not over!

...I'm sorry.

Yeah... I figured that'd be your answer...

No! That's not what I mean. You should have never had to confess to me in the first place. The truth is...I've liked you for a really long time now. I should've been the one to say it.

Huh? Then...

Yeah... Please be my girlfriend.

Looks like everything worked out in the end.

Yep! I'm so happy she was finally able to pull herself back up...

...And with that, it's about time we made our exit.

I must say, I could use a little rest after all that...

Yes, I need to run a quick recovery on my systems, as well!

Alright, maybe we can head back into Elzion and take a break, then.

Hey! Who said anything about resting!

I still haven't found Andy yet! Seeing our little friend's love story play out has got my heart burning hotter than ever! He has to have seen how far we made it in the tournament. This time he'll notice me for sure!

But we just searched the whole arena and didn't see him anywhere...

True, but we haven't searched the city yet. Come on, we're going to Elzion!

Huh? You mean I've gotta go, too?!