TORMENTED BATTLES THE STORY OF THE KING OF FIGHTERS TOURNAMENT (by Kailu Lantis) Greetings, and welcome to the cronology of the events that have occured in the legendary King of Fighters tournament. This document has been recorded up to January 18, 2000, only months after the conclusion of the fifth tournament that introduced the team battle mode. This goes way back to the year of 1994, but the story of the tournament goes way more back than that. However, I shall cover the events that have occured ever since, and the present situation in the tournament. The King of Fighters '98 event is not covered, since it has no official link with the main storyline, but there are some interesting features in it, which I will mention in the right moment... First, let me state that, behind the glamour and glimmer of the tournament, lies true carnage and passion. The fights in the event not only represents advancing, winning positions, and earning a lot of money out of it. It also involves honor, glory, fame, and even taking care of several grudges, personal vendettas, or longtime rivalries between families. The warrior must dedicate their mind, body, soul, even their very lives into perfecting their skills, to overcome all obstacles and come out a winner at the end. However, if he/she doesn't rely on their partners, defeat is not only a choice, but a reality. That is why, as of late, some fighters have decided to enter the tournament alone, since they feel they have no need for partners to aid them. However, this is also a proof of true courage, strength, and determination. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.-The Beginning 2.-The Evolution 3.-The Chaos 4.-The Resurrection 5.-The Fighters of Legend 6.-Credits Now, let me begin with has happened before the team battle mode was introduced back in 1994. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BEGINNING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southtown. A city overflown with industrial activity, and most of all, well known for it's passionate nightlife, and the interesting fights that take place in the innards of the small city. Because, basically, that is the lifestream that feeds the veins of Southtown: Fighting has stopped being a hobby to become a way of life, a way to survive in a town gone mad. Even if you chose anotehr path, ultimately, your life will sooner or later head you to the battle arena. This reflects, in summary, the violent nature of the citizens of Southtown. However, this has been more evident ever since the arrival of a mysterious man named Geese Howard. Geese Howard soon established himself as the most powerful man in Southtown, thanks to his illegal operations in gun and drug dealing. His personal wealth became far beyond anybody could ever imagine, even surpassing that of the mayor of Southtown. Even though he was not the mayor of the city, Geese began to insert the flow of corruption and fear in the hearts of Southtown's policy. It has reached such high levels, that the police barely does something about it. Not only have they been paid well to keep their mouth shut, they also fear for their very lives. People in Southtown were no different. Geese's illegal operations couldn't be stopped in any way. And even if they tried, they would soon be violently rejected by Geese's forces. But Geese was not a man who needed personal protection all day. Geese himself is a master in the Hakkyokuseiken school of martial arts, and his strength is so terrible that no one had survived while facing him. Wielding an incredible power at his hands. Geese ruled Southtown with an iron fist, indeed. However, to keep himself entretained and to eliminate any possible opposition, Geese created the "King of Fighters" tournament. The competition involved having a group of fighters fight among themselves the prove who is truly the most powerful, and the one with the right to challenge Geese in the championship match. However, nobody has ever reached him, since Geese placed as his number one contendant his own personal bodyguard: pole master, Billy Kane, from England. His ability with the stick was so admirable, he made short work out of anyone who challenged him. That was why Geese almost never fought anybody. Until one faithful day... On the outbreak of yet another tournament, new contenders came in. It seemed practically normal, except for one thing: a certain pair of brothers who came in to make things harder for Geese and his men. And it was quite obvious, considering that their father, another great Hakkyokuseiken master named Jeff Bogard, was killed by Geese since Jeff was alywas a better student and stronger fighter than Geese. That's why Geese eliminated him as any possible threat to his grip on the city. However, Jeff's two sons, Terry Bogard and Andy Bogard, along with their friend, Japanese kickboxer Joe Higashi, had come to exact revenge from Geese, and this time, Geese's championship was put in serious jepordy, even more notable by their incredible easiness in winning their battles, and even in smashing Billy Kane. Geese saw in this the perfect opportunity to squish the worms. However, he was surprised by the incredible strength of the elder brother, Terry Bogard. He used all the techniques his father had used, but he had a certain something that separated him from Jeff: the fact that he actually enjoyed fighting and in defeating stronger opponents. Geese wasn't expecting so much enthusiasm out of a man, and he was even more surprised by the fact that he also knew a few more tricks. In his agony of defeat, Geese was knocked out of the window on the top of his tower where he and Terry were fighting. Geese was presumed dead afterwards. A year later after Geese's defeat, the world was shuddered when a man by the name of Wolfgang Krauser took the role of the tournament and increased it from a local stage to a worldwide stage. Krauser was a German noblesman, but his fighting skills, extracted from the Strolheim boodline, were devastating and ruthless. His strength was many times more bigger than Geese's, and his skills were twice as deadly. Krauser began a intensive search of the man who defeated Geese Howard, but not precisely to take revenge, but to challenge him, as Krauser enjoyed having a little fun with men inferior to him. So, as the tournament was taking place in several parts of the world, Krauser himself began his own streak in smashing reknown fighters around the world, making more and more evident his power to the world. Once again, the Lonely Wolves (as the trio formed by Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi was later known as) took on the challenge of Krauser, but they were no longer alone in their battle. Five other warriors from around the globe gathered to compete for the right to face Krauser in the last, fateful battle. Once again, Terry managed to reach the finals, passing through such tough opponents like the ex-heavyweight boxing champion Axel Hawk, and Krauser's right-hand man, the Spanish bullfighter Lawrence Blood. Once again, a fatal battle was about to begin. Terry and Krauser engaged in a legendary battle, indeed. Both had finesse, skills, and the enjoyment of battle in their souls. It was the clash of two inmense powers. However, Terry had learned a lot from his previous battles, and gained enough experience, thus which Krauser did not gain in his previous encounters with other fighters. So while Krauser was only goofing around, Terry actually learned something from his previous opponents. Taking a new air, Terry used his ultimate techniques, and managed to defeat Krauser. Thus, the second King of Fighters tournament ended, and as last year, it was unknown who would take the tournament in his/her own hands. Until... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE EVOLUTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1994. The modern age is now in it's total fulfillment. The world has suffered various changes, and technology has advanced as well. However, in the fighting world, a more dramatic outbreak was to take place... This year, the man known as Rugal Bernstein began to make waves in the world. His reputation as a black market leader and expert in weapon and drug trafficing were unsurpassed, and known by many as one of the more wealthy men in the world. Aboard the Blacknoah, his private air carrier, from where he receives and delivers his stocks, Rugal cruised the seas of the world, without being able to be stopped by the world governments. And not only was Rugal feared and respected in the crime world. He was also known to be quite a formidable fighter, and it is known that anybody who has faced him aboard the Blacknoah, has not escaped alive. Rugal, bored by the lack of competition, had an ominous idea. He ordered one of his personal secretaries, Mature, to go around the world, and give eight invitations to certain people around the world. These invitations were enclosed in white envelopes, with red seals marked the "Rugal" sign. He was to retake the old King of Fighters tournament, and take it in his own hands. However, he was going to create some new rules this year. Instead of one-on-one fights, the new competition system was to include battles between teams of three people. Fights will take place between these teams, in a tag-team fashion. If one of the members were to be defeated by one of the other team's members, the next member will come in to fight the winner, and will go on until all three members of one team would be defeated. However, before the tournament was to be commenced, a man stood before Rugal...ready to fight him to the end and finish his stupid ambition. Of course, Rugal was not the one to be intimidated... Days later, the new King of Fighters tournament began. Eight teams had entered, representing eight different countries. Japan, with the newest breed of Asian heroes. Italy, having no other than the legendary Lonely Wolves. Mexico, showing the power of Kyokugenryo Karate. Brazil, represented by Ikari mercenaries. China, combining both old and new generations. Korea, sporting some weird combination of justice and crime. England, the only all-female team. USA, and the three most important country sports. Thus, the battles began. Emotive encounters took place, and the passion and fury of battle once again raged on, with more emotion than ever before. So many different fighters, so many different styles. It was a delight to see so many fighting skills facing one another, in a battle not presenting hatred, just the satisfaction and honor of winning. The battles were long and winded, and the winners were only defined by short instances. At the end, it was not the Lonely Wolves, but the Japan Team which came out the winner. This team had two young fighters and one experienced warrior. One of the young ones was Kyo Kusanagi, latest descendant of the Kusanag clan, reknown for their crimson flames. The other was Benimaru Nikaido, a brash and arrogant fighter, expert in shooting karate (a variation of Muetai kickboxing), and also having the power of lightning. The experienced one was Goro Daimon, the large Judo champion, who's impressive strength made the earth itself tremble. All three were defined by a national martial arts championship which took place in Japan: Kyo came out on top, beating Benimaru in the finals; Daimon was third, after being beaten by Kyo in the semifinals. Mature, Rugal's personal secretary, invited the Japan Team atop a helicopter, which was to transfer them to the Blacknoah: their final battle was about to begin. Rugal saluted the team as they came in the Blacknoah, aside his pet panther and a glass of wine. He laughed and honestly thought they wouldn't come this far. Shocked at this statement, the three fighters were paralyzed at the sight around them: groups and groups of statues of fighters extended everywhere. With another evil laughter, Rugal admits that all those fighters were alive once, and that he had defeated them all, and bathed their bodies in steel so that they would be inmortalized. And the Japan Team was the next in the eerie collection... Rugal fought the three fighters. Benimaru and Daimon fought well, but they only managed to make Rugal a lot more angrier, obligating him to use his best techniques. He confesses that he never had to reach to such instances, but the circumstances so applied for it. Using his full power, Rugal even took the best techniques of Geese and Krauser, past hosts of the tournament! After defeating Benimaru and Daimon, Kyo was the last one standing. Although Kyo fought with all his might, Rugal turned out to be a ruthless fighter, and began to make Kyo feel the heat of the battle. Almost on his knees, Kyo, with sore eyes, saw a body lying in a corner of the room. With disbelief, he saw that it was no other than his own father, Saisyu Kusanagi. He had turned out to face Rugal prior to the tournament, but had been defeated...perhaps even killed. Kyo couldn't take it anymore. He bursted in rage, and in sheer fury, attacked Rugal like a crimson tornado. Unable to avoid the rage of the Kusanagi, Rugal fell in defeat. With his voice paused by the pain, Rugal silently condemns the Japan Team to a swift death...crazy of revenge, and a poor loser, Rugal took a strange device, and pressed the button. The Blacknoah was now to autodestroy itself! Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon barely made it out alive, as the Blacknoah, engulfed in flames, sank to the bottom of the ocean. Thus, the King of Fighters tournament ended yet again, and as the same as the past two years, nobody was seen to be able to take hand of the tournament. A year passes. It's 1995. All the fighters of the past tournament remember the competition with fond memories, but now know that now that Rugal is dead, the tournament would die with him. That was, until seven of the eight teams began to receive invitations once again... This time, the envelopes were signed by some "R" fellow. Who was he, and what was that he wanted? Nobody knew, and many didn't even care, as the fighting will take place yet again...in 1995! All the teams gathered again, except one...the USA team was nowhere to be seen. This year, the teams were no longer affiliated to no country, but it was strange not to see or hear from them. However, one team did show up in their place...and, for some of the fighters, it wasn't a very grateful team at all. The team was formed by: Billy Kane, ex- champion of the tournament, and with a grundge against the Lonely Wolves. Eiji Kisaragi, a ruthless ninja with unfinished business with the Sakazaki family. And, the captain of the team, a lonely, but yet, incredibly strong fighter, whom used similiar techniques to Kyo, but with the difference that he wielded purple flames! The mysterious young man was known no other as Iori Yagami, a descendant of the Yagami family, eternal rivals of the Kusanagi family. Now, the tournament would be filled of personal interests, giving way to more passionate fights than last year! With this frame of hatred, emotion, and excitement, the battle began once again. Warriors once again took one another, now with one year of experience, and some new techniques, making the battles more intriguing and exciting. This time, the results of the battle were decided in some times in the last fighter of each team, and the winner was nowhere to be defined. Not even the current champion, the Japan/Hero Team had an easy path. Revitalized warriors, combined with the new blood, made this tournament much more emotive and skillful than the last one. As the Hero Team was about to enter one of the last battles, they concentrated in the locker room. However, all of a sudden, a green smoke began to surround them. The trio noticed that they were losing their senses, and suddenly, all became black. Sleeping gas... Kyo woke up in a dark place. He could barely see his fainted companions next to him. He was received with a certain familiar laugh. It was no other than Rugal! Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon were skeptical, but it was indeed him! He had something new about him...besides his cybernetic arm, he had a lot more power than before! How could this be? It seems that Rugal is also in terrible need of revenge! Rugal beckoned for the Hero Team, but he had a new partner up his sleeve...His other secretary, Vice, let way to a familiar man. Benimaru and Daimon were surprised, but Kyo was speechless...It was Saisyu Kusanagi, his own father! Kyo was filled with joy and happiness, but was stopped cold when his father challenged him to a fight. His eyes indicated that he was not himself. Rugal had brainwashed him, and ordered him to kill his own son! Kyo was so confused in fighting his own father...but Benimaru and Daimon fought the battle for him. Saisyu was a formidable opponent, being the father and master of Kyo, but he couldn't fight at his whole potential, due to his resistance to the brainwash. He was finally defeated, but both Benimaru and Daimon were exhausted and couldn't fight anymore. Saisyu regained his senses, and summoned Kyo. He bid his son to defeat Rugal, and avenge him. Then, Saisyu loses consciousness. Kyo slowly gets up, and faces Rugal once again. However, facing Kyo's rage, was Rugal's hatred! He suddenly began to emit a previously undetected aura, and his power began to rise to unexpected heights! His appearance took a different form, now with a demon look! It was the fury of Omega Rugal! The last battle began in the missile platform of Rugal's hidden underground base. Even though Kyo fought with the same entusiasm as last year, the new power acquired by Rugal was far too much for Kyo to handle. His power and speed had now been doubled, and along with his feelings of hatred and revenge, things began to become bleak for Kyo. However, at the same time, he was aided by his friends, Terry, Ryo, Athena, between others. They all gave him strength to go on. Kyo got up once and once again. However, the tide had began to turn in Kyo's favor. And to boot, Rugal was beginning to lose control of his own body. Kyo forced Rugal to go all out, but that was his own downfall: the power in his body began to go out of control, and his body began to twitch and begin exploding. During his suffering, a deep voice could be heard in a far place: "You fool! Only those of the bloodline can control such power! You didn't have a chance!" Rugal vowed vengeance, and a pillar of light consumed Rugal, blinding Kyo. When he turned around, both Rugal and Iori had vanished. Taking Benimaru and Daimon with him, Kyo escapes from the base. Now, even though Rugal was gone for sure, nobody could tell if the tournament was dead or not. And nobody could tell what horror lied behind the power Rugal had... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE CHAOS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A year passed since the last tournament ended. It is the year of 1996, and once again, most of the past tournament's teams were invited to the ultimate fighting tournament. This time, the host was to be unknown, but it was certainly not Rugal; not just by the fact that the host was known to be a famous business woman, but also, the tournament broke it's own solemn seal of silence, and turned into a commercial, worldwide known event. The fights would be broadcasted by international T.V., and many sponsors would be watching the tournament. Soon, the King of Fighters tournament got as much attention as the Olympics or the soccer World Cup. As mentioned before, the same teams of last year were invited, but most of them presented some interesting changes. Some of the more veteran fighters, such as Heidern and Takuma, retired from the battle scene, leaving their places to those of the younger generation. Takuma sent his daughter, Yuri, in his place in the Kyokugenryo Team, and teh Gorgeous Team welcomed Kasumi Todoh as their new teammate. Heidern gave his place to his student, Leona, a young woman with mysterious powers. Iori, after severly beating up his old partners, had made an eerie union with both of Rugal's secretaries: Mature and Vice. But the one team that got the most attention, was the most evil team: the one leaded by Geese Howard and Wolfgang Krauser. Both of them showed by themselves that they were pretty much alive, and ready to claim rights for the tournament. Alongside them, was one of Geese's lackeys, Mr. Big, who had a very bad grudge against the Kyokugenryo school. It seems that this year would be filled of passion and honor as well! Before the main event began, Kyo, the fateful warrior that defeated Rugal twice in the past, was challenged by a mysterious man. Attending the invitation alone, Kyo faced this ominous man, whom offered Kyo a fight. However, even before the battle began, Kyo sensed a terrible power behind that man. The same power that Rugal possesed, and the one that destroyed him at the end. Kyo was even more anguished by the fact that the man was outrageously strong, making short work of Kyo in an instance. Kyo winded up in the hospital, forced to improve his techniques, and to fight him once more. As fights took place, everything seemed to go perfectly on the outside: the battles went on with a more dramatic sense to it, the fighters putting their own life on the line in order to win, thus, creating much more intense fights to decide the winner. Personal vendettas, such as the Kyo-Iori, and the Terry-Geese rivalries, took central stage in the tournament. However, an evil presence surrounded the tournament. The shadow of Rugal wasn't quite gone from the tourney, and something even worse was presented to come. Iori and the new Ikari member, Leona, began to show powers far beyond those of the fighters' comprehension, and the entrance of Geese was also quite disturbing. What was all this ominous feeling about? As the life-and-death battles raged on, the sense of evil power remained more and more resident in the mind of the fighters. As the finals drew nearer, the host finally revealed herself: it was no other than Chizuru Kagura, latest descendant of the Clan of the Yata, the group in charge of taking care of the seal that was imposed over an evil power. Chizuru revealed to the competitors that the seal upon this dangerous power was broken ten years ago, and that now, it has began to run amok, now more than ever. She now needs the help of the strongest team in order to aid her in her quest to seal off the power once again. She called for the Hero Team, past champion of the two tournaments, and they responded. The Hero Team was invited to a very big stadium, property of the Kagura family. The many people united there was pretty impressive. Chizuru appeared in front of the Hero Team, and asked them, if they were worthy, then they should have a battle with her. However, Chizuru gave more attention to Kyo than any of the other two teammates. The Hero Team won the emotive battle against Chizuru, but she stood up to tell Kyo and his two friends that the power that ultimately vanquished Rugal was, indeed, the power of the Orochi. Benimaru and Daimon did not understand, but it did seem to ring a bell in Kyo's head. He had heard from his father that the Kusanagi was destined to battle the Orochi once again, as they did 1800 years ago in order to seal the power. However, in the present day, the Orochi power was released by a messanger of Orochi, and that Rugal, in a haste to control that power, winded up being defeated and his right eye taken, but that he received the Orochi power anyway, the messanger knowing that it would kill him sooner or later. As they talked, a strong wind began to blow in the stadium, and suddenly, a huge gush of wind blew everyone away... As the Hero Team got up, the festive and happy background had been morphed into that of death and destruction. The stadium was a bit less than destroyed, and a very big power began to surface. Chizuru was barely standing, badly wounded by the past gust. With her last breath, she tells Kyo to join Iori in order to seal the Orochi power. Kyo couldn't believe that he had to ally with his age-old enemy in order to seal the Orochi power. However, a strange voice emerged from the middle of the wind. Benimaru and Daimon did not know who that voice was, but Kyo knew for sure, since it was no other than the man who defeated him prior to the tournament. The surface materialized. The man introduced himself as Goenitz, and that he was the one would liberate the Orochi power completly. Kyo stood in front of him, daring Goenitz that he would be the one to stop him. Goenitz chuckled and warned Kyo the same result as the first battle. Kyo grinned and tells Goenitz he is not the same man he defeated earlier. Kyo tells Benimaru and Daimon to stand back, as they would only get killed by Goenitz subsequently. Soon enough, Kyo and Goenitz began the fight that would decide the fate of all mankind. Kyo fought with every ounce of strength in his body, making a lot more effort than the battle he lost. However, it was not enough to match the humongous power of Goenitz, whom, unlike Rugal, did know how to control his power, and using it in a devastating way. However, even Goenitz had trouble subduing the brave Kusanagi, and was glad that he had improved. The huge bursts of power made the wrecked stadium tremble, and both auras were expanded to unimaginable heights. However, one blow sent Kyo flying away, and Goenitz was ready to dispose of him once and for all, until he was caught off guard by a mysterious man. Kyo recovered and saw that it was no other than Iori! He was surprised that he would help him, but Goenitz looked even more pleased. He laughed and tells Kyo that he is finished, since Iori himself posseses the power of Orochi. Not only Iori, but also the young Ikari woman, Leona, was of Orochi blood as well. Kyo was shocked. Was that the reason why Iori was able to launch purple flames? Iori just stood there, motionless. Iori than laughed maniacally. He tells Goenitz that only he can kill Kyo, and that's that. Goenitz grumbled, and dared both enemies to take him on. So, two eternal foes forgot their rivalry for a while, and fought side by side against a common enemy. This time, Goenitz payed his overconfidence dearly. Facing both a Kusanagi and a Yagami was a huge mistake, and he even noticed that Iori was beginning to launch crimson flames himself! With a weakened Goenitz, Kyo and Iori winded up for the final blow. A huge crimson blast from both warriors was more than enough to take Goenitz away. Goenitz gasped. He kneeled down, and was living his final moments. Suddenly, Chizuru surged behind him. Kagura tells him that both the Kusanagi and the Yagami were both allies before the war, and both had aided in sealing the Orochi power 1800 years ago. Chizuru also demands payback, since Goenitz killed her sister in order to unleash the Orochi power. Goenitz grins, and tells Chizuru that the battle is far from over. With a gust of wind, Goenitz vanished in thin air. The wind receeded. Chizuru tells both Kyo and Iori that they should become allies once again, in order to face the inminent danger that would unfold in front of them. Iori grumbles, and says he has his own intentions. And has he walks away, Iori finally stops and begins to clutch his chest. He then launches a blood-curling scream, and spits out blood. Chizuru is surprised, and says Iori is now passing through the Riot of Blood, process in which the Orochi blood inside him begins to awaken. Iori begins to terribly freak out, becoming more monster than human. His teammates, Mature and Vice, try to stop him, but they pay for their interference by being ripped away by the insane Iori. Kyo now stands alone, with the danger of Orochi still fresh in his mind and soul. One year flew by. Although the last tournament had a tragic ending, the sponsors were satisfied by the success of the tournament in gathering millions of spectators worldwide. Thus, many of the more richer men in the world began to sponsor what would be the fourth tournament, to be taken place in 1997. This time, though, there would be preelimanry rounds before the definitive matches. This time, the excitement would build up even before the actual tournament, and more people would see the battles worldwide. This time, most of the teams which have always participated in the last tournaments won the right to compete yet again. Chizuru, the past host of the tournament, teamed up with Mai and King, whom had lost Kasumi. Iori and Kyo's student, Shingo Yabuki, entered as single entries. Two new teams were introduced, however. One of them was a team sent out by Geese Howard, whom had quitted to the tournament, as well as Krauser and Mr. Big. In it was Billy Kane, Geese's bodyguard, with direct orders to watch over Iori, and investigate about the Orochi power, despite Billy's hatred towards Iori. Alongside him was Ryuji Yamazaki, a madman who would kill his own mother for a dime. Yamazaki was promised double the tournament's prize money if he could win. The third member was Blue Mary, an agent who was working undercover to investigate Yamazaki, and even Billy. The other team was unexpected; a last minute entry, to be precise. The three fellows were known to be members of a music band, but they suddenly emerged as the new team of the King of Fighters tournament. The team was formed by Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and a little kid named Chris. The three seemed to be innocent, but lethal fighters... Thus, began the tournament once again. This time, the final matches would take place in six different countries around the globe, always receiving a huge propaganda, mostly on T.V.. The matches were more intense than ever, but the danger of the Orochi was covering the competition with it's eerie shadow. What would happen with Iori and Leona? What does the New Face Team really want? Nobody dared to ask those questions, as perhaps, the answers would be catastrophic. The fights were still held on, and the people were satisfied by the huge amount of competition, mostly since all of the fighters came back with more and better techniques than ever before. It was unexpected to see who would win, and the fighters gave all they got in order to keep the heat on. That is, until the last days of the tournament... During the final days, Iori and Leona were reported missing. A frantic search began for the two Orochi blood members. Also, the New Face Team began to act a lot more stranger these past days. As if they knew something... Finally, Iori and Leona were encountered. However, they were no longer the same: the Riot of Blood had gained total control of their minds, and since they were not able to control the power, they became just bloodthirsty monsters, seeking out to kill as many people as they could. Kyo and the rest of his friends had a hard time trying to stop the enraged Iori and Leona. Ralf and Clark, Leona's partners, promised they would stop Leona's rampage, and told Kyo to do the same with Iori. Thus, the heroic fighters began to fight again. But, if they went berserk, was that because it was a sign of Orochi being near? They tried to spare the thought, but as they met and fought the freaked out Iori and Leona, it became more and more evident... Kyo and his friends managed to stop the crazed Iori in his tracks, and Ralf and Clark finished their mission as well, successful in stopping Leona. However, this was no more than the beginning... Three figures stood besides them. The figures were more than familiar. It was the New Face Team! However, they had certainly changed. Their clothes had a different color, but most of all, their aura was filled with the evil stench of Orochi. That could only mean that the New Face Team were of Orochi blood as well! However, they seemed to be perfectly normal. Yashiro took a step forward, and smickered. He beckons that they are three of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi, the fourth being Goenitz. Yashiro also tells the surprised competitors that they are out to finish Goenitz' mission. It seems that although defeated, Goenitz was successful in gathering enough fighting energy from the fighters, and this time, even more fighting aura was gathered, and the Orochi was close to being resurrected! Even so, it was revealed that even the crazy Yamazaki was an Orochi blood member! Kyo and his friends vowed to the Orochi New Face Team, that they would stop them before they realize their ambition. Yashiro grins, and clenches his fist, calling out arrogantly: "You do not have to pray...even if you win, a living hell will be waiting for you all!" Kyo and his justice friends, Benimaru, Terry, Ryo, Daimon, Athena, Kim...all did their best in fighting against the inmensly powerful Orochi New Face Team. Their powers were superb, surpassing far more those of Goenitz. Their powers, however, simulated those of the Hero Team. It seems that they copied their techniques since they were so useful in the past! However, evil can not triumph. With a great deal of sacrifice, an all-out battle took place, the age- old war between good and evil took place once again. Every fighter did their best effort to stop the three Heavenly Kings, even though most of them were terribly underpowered. But the human spirit, the need to defend their world prevailed. The good will always triumph against evil. Thus, the Orochi New Face Team, after a long and difficult battle, was finally defeated. Few fighters were left standing, but all glad they were able to protect their world... However, the worst part of the battle had not yet come. Yashiro and Shermie both laughed, and congratulated the fighters. Kyo demanded their real purpose, and it seemed that they only fought as long as to gather the remaining energy for the Orochi to awaken! Suddenly, Chris, the innocent kid, began to float among the other two Orochi kings. And, all of a sudden, Yashiro and Shermie killed themselves right in front of Chris' eyes! The fighters were dumbfounded. Chris had began to gather a VERY strong amount of energy. Chris opened his eyes. He began to talk in an omnipotent voice. He claimed that all humankind would die at his hands, and that this time, he would finish what began 1800 years ago. Chris then morphed, from becoming an innocent kid, to a young man, with such a goldike feeling to him. His hair was white, his chest tattoed, and his eyes gleeming with the scent of death. This time, the moment had arrived, the time to fight Orochi! It didn't take long for Orochi to prove his true power. With no effort at all, he blew the rest of the fighters away. This was the true power of the Orochi! Even Kyo fell to the ground, defeated. He began to lose his consciousness, and everything turned black around him. Suddenly, amidst the darkness, Kyo could hear voices...faint voices, similiar to those of spirits. The ghosts told Kyo that they were the spirit of the Yagami, dead ancestors of Iori. The Yagami pledged Kyo to end the curse that has been imposed on the Yagami ever since their blood pact with the Orochi 660 years ago. It seems that the Orochi power was the cause of the Yagami's short lifespan! Kyo then heard the voices of his friends, and his girlfriend, Yuki. Yuki was one of the eight Kushinada girls, destined to be sacrificed in order to awaken Orochi. Yuki says that since she was the only Kushinada to not be sacrificed, she would aid him. Kyo slowly got up. He found Iori standing right next to him. He had seems to be able to get back to normal, and smiled at Kyo. "It seems that we will die together, eh Kusanagi? How ironic that you will not die by my hand...". Kyo just grinned, and tells Iori that they have a lost job to do. Chizuru calls both from behind, and tells them they she will take care of the seal once they have defeated Orochi. Kyo and Iori go into battle...a mortal battle, a battle were no one could live. Somebody was going to die that day, and the one who would live, would take the world. Kyo and Iori fought with the last amounts of power left in their tired bodies, but managed to turn Orochi back. They fought with no regrets, no preoccupations. They would die anyway, so it was better to make the most of it! Even Chizuru colaborated a bit to fight Orochi, and the battle of 1800 years ago repeated itself...Kusanagi and Yagami fighting together, Kagura taking care of the seal. At the end of the battle, Orochi grew tired, and used all his power to input the Riot of Blood on Iori once again. Iori began to go insane again, but Kyo pledged for him to regain senses. But it was too late...Iori had gone berserk again. Orochi commanded Iori to attack both Kyo and Chizuru, and kill them both. However, it was Orochi who was attacked by the powered Iori! Iori grabs Orochi by the neck, and Chizuru bids Kyo to hurry up and finish him. Kyo denies, and exclaims he would kill Iori as well. Chizuru says he has no time, since Iori will hold no longer, since Orochi was using the remaining of his power to take Iori out of the way. Kyo then gathers all the strength given to him by Yuki and his friends, and gives a full, crmison blow to Orochi... The sky's dark clouds clear. The sun shines again. The world is safe once more. Everybody still remember the heroic deeds of the tournament fighters. Orochi sleeps once again, but still, it is yet to be defined who will be the next... KING OF FIGHTERS!!!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE RESURRECTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two years had passed since the fateful battle against the Orochi clan. During this period of time, the winds of peace blew again throughout a world that had suffered the consecuences of the ambition of the Orochi power. Once having been a fighting stage to the death between the Kusanagi and Yagami clan against Orochi, the people of the world once again lived with joy and satsifaction. The fighters of the past tournaments could finally get a rest from so many years of battle, and decided to only hone their skills in local tournaments, in order to maintain themselves in practice. Thanks to these warriors, the human race could live to see the dawn of another day. However, unknown was the fate of the two main fighters that fought bravely against the menace of the Orochi power: Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami. After the final battle, the two latest descendants of the legendary clans had vanished, and nobody had heard anything about them. Not even Chizuru Kagura, the descendant to the Clan of the Yata, protectors of the Orochi seal, knew what was the fate of the two young warriors. Despite that, all the fighters decided to take a rest, knowing that now that the Orochi threat was gone, the world would be at rest, since nobody could attempt the revival of the Orochi power for 100 years. But destiny does not respect personal thoughts.... All of a sudden, and out of nowhere, invitations were sent out once again to the most powerful fighters in the world in order to gather around for the fifth King of Fighters tournament. This time around, the tournament would return to the shades of secrecy from where it surged, away from the glamour of public attention and massive communication transmission. The battles would once again retain its category of honor and glory battles from the bases of the fight. No longer was there any business profits among the battles, but just sheer, pure brawls to the finish. However, that was the least important modification to the tournament. For the first time in 5 years, the basic rules of the tournament had changed. This time around, now up to 4 fighters could make up a team: three of them would act as main fighters of the match, the remaining warrior was only allowed to participate for a short while in the match, executing any attack they would prefer, and their appearances would be restricted to a certain number. This would made the battles a lot more dramatic than ever before, with up to four fighters dueling at the same time! Basically, the main teams of the past four tournaments were to be invited again to this ultimate brawl, some of them bringing back faces from the past in order to do battle again, and some of them had new faces among their lineup, for a shocking new experience. The Lonely Wolves finally accepted the red-haired female ninja Mai Shiranui in their team (of course, to fight aside her one true love, Andy Bogard). The students of Kyokugenryo Karate joined their master, Takuma Sakazaki, once more in order to show the world the might of their martial art! The Ikari Warriors recruited a new mercenary among their ranks: another young female soldier, whose name reflected her weapon of choice: Whip. The Psycho Soldiers introduced a new child with psychic powers called Bao, but with the Sie Kensou enigma, who had began to lose his own powers himself. Kim Kaphwan's old training partner, Jhun Hoon, joined the Tae Kwon Do justice fighters in order to show which way of justice was more adequate (much to Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge's dismay!). King gathers her Southtown female friends (Blue Mary, Kasumi Todoh, and newcomer Li Xiangfei) to form a more beautiful and more lethal gorgeous team! However, the new fighters were to create quite the mysterious athmosphere in the tournament.... Benimaru Nikaido, decided to take Kyo's spot as number one fighter, and Shingo Yabuki, intent of honoring the memory of his master, were teamed with two enigmatic warriors. Both were silent, but had furious looks in their eyes, showing no trace of feelings. A gloomy aura and violent fighting techniques soon awaked the bad feelings of the other participants. Their names, as mysterious as their lives: K' and Maxima. Nobody knew their real purpose, but many obviously suspected about them.... The most incredible thing ever saw was the two new single entries. It was Kyo Kusanagi...times two! It was unbelievable how the two fighters had such a striking resemblance to the most powerful fighter that ever graced the King of Fighters scene. Both clones used the legendary Kusanagi techniques that made Kyo the legend he was, precise to the drop of a dime. How could they appear? Did they knew anything about the fate of the real Kyo? Before any questions could be asked, the tournament was already in progress.... Despite having been out of activity for two long years, the fighters could develop new and devastating techniques that were prompt in lighting up the battle stage in a more brilliant way than ever! It was almost like a new battle once again...the battle that indicated the beginning of a new millenium! The four member rule made the fights a lot more strategic than ever before, and the will of becoming the new champion impulsed the warriors to make their best effort, more than ever before. With the memory of Kyo in the minds of many fighters, and the shadow of the Orochi power being only a bad dream, the contestants could unleash forward their true power with no withdrawl or regrets. This time around, the sense of vengeance and score-settles were replaced by the glory and excitement of facing a worthy opponent and fighting with all their might to become a more complete fighter and hone their skills! Taken by the hand by K' and Maxima, Benimaru and Shingo realized their dream of arriving to the final match, and becoming the new figures of the King of Fighters scene. The last fight was scheduled at a very rare spot: the sewers. Not quite the place to fight the last match. While the new Hero team was waiting for the last team to arrive, the sewer stream suddenly dried out, running through some shafts below them. They suddenly found themselves standing on a metal surface. As if it weren't enough, the floor began to move, and sent the four warriors down! It was no other than a huge elevator platform that was sending the young fighters underground, to an unkown location.... Meanwhile, at the Ikari Warriors command room, the commander of the mercenary squad, Heidern, was monitoring several parts of the world, and detected a weird signal pattern. Several bizarre radio patterns were being emitted from many countries worldwide. Heidern ordered the origins of such signals, and to his surprise, all the signals came from exact replicas of Kyo Kusanagi! There were Kyos all over the world: among the citizens of the big cities, hidden in the deepest forests, underwater, in the air...everywhere! Heidern could present an evil stench at the core of the tournament, and the source came from the more powerful signal: sector 70599. The elevator that was taking Benimaru, Shingo, K', and Maxima finally stopped in front of a huge metallic door, with the inscription "70599" at the front. Benimaru and Shingo are confused with the whole situation, but K' and Maxima don't seem to be altered at the very least. Before Benimaru and Shingo could realize what was going on, the huge door opened. It was too unexpected. Suddenly, red lights flashed everywhere, and several computer screens turned on. Among the whole show, a deep, daring voice invited the team to enter his domain. The finals would begin as soon as possible. Benimaru and Shingo demanded the man to show himself. The man who came out was more than intimidating: he was rather tall, not very well built, but his eyes expressed anger and bloodlust. He weared a very thick clothing, not revealing anything of his body. Stranger than that, the fighters could not feel any fighting spirit from him...but his strength showed otherwise. Benimaru cried out: "What is this all about?!". K' sneered and said: "I don't know, but it's a challenge that I'm sure we can't decline!". The ultimate match began. The bloody fight raged on, with the mystery man showing no effort in executing devastating moves. The Hero team suspected that this ravaging warrior wasn't using his whole power, and was merely playing with them. Sensing something funny going on, they decided to hold back to see his reaction. However, despite not using their full power, the ominous fighter was getting the upper hand with his overwhelming, unnatural power. The fight was certainly getting nowhere, and becoming terribly long. All of a sudden, in a display of raging outburst, Benimaru attacks the man with his full power. K' tries to stop him, but strangely enough, Benimaru knocks the man down to the ground rather easily. Could this be the end of the match...? The mysterious man slowly stood up, and began to chuckle eeringly. All of a sudden, all the computer screens surrounding the whole dark room lighted up, displaying a bunch of computer data. The whole chamber lighted up, to show an inmense base, displaying the ultimate technology! Benimaru and Shingo are puzzled at the size of the facility. The man begins to laugh manically, and grumbles in a low pitched voice: "You knew, didn't you, K'?". Benimaru and Shingo turn back to K' looking for an answer, but are met with the cold gaze of the mysterious warrior. Shingo wants to know who he is and what he wants. The man introduces himself as Krizalid, and that he brought them here to accomplish his ultimate purpose. Shingo affirms that what does the King of Fighters tournament have to do with anything. Krizalid smiles and says he used the King of Fighters name to call the strongest fighters, so he could bring them to his facility, and accomplish his goal. Suddenly, all the screens display the same image: scenes of the Kyo Kusanagi replicas all around the world. Krizalid accepts that he took the unconsicious body of the original Kyo Kusanagi, worn out by the effort made in the last battle against the Orochi clan, and took his DNA to clone him into several clones, two of which entered the King of Fighters tournament. However, the real Kyo Kusanagi escaped midway through the process, and his whereabouts unknown. He would input the fighting data that he had collected through the last battle in order to activate the clones, and create a unified attack that would take out all the governments of the world, and surrender to him! Benimaru and Shingo gasp in terror. At the Ikari Warriors command room, Heidern orders the deploy of his units in order to stop the Kyo invasion, and that he would soon follow. However, before the operation begins, one of the radios manages to capture the dialogue in the underground base. In it, Benimaru asks how could Krizalid capture the fighting data. Krizalid informs him that it was sent through his body, and channeled through the computers. As a matter of fact, Krizalid reveals that K' is no other than his clone, since Krizalid infused himself with the power of the Kusanagi through a battle suit, and K' being a clone of himself. However, since K' had no control over his power like Krizalid could, he was forced to use a special glove in order to retain the inmense power inside him. K' refuses to believe this, but when Krizalid asks him about his parents and childhood, K' is speechless, as he can't remind it. Krizalid reveals that one last data is to be collected...the killer instinct! And he would do that by killing them all! Suddenly, Krizalid burns his clothes out, and remains with his battle suit. The true battle was about to begin.... The change of pace of the fight soon began to become terribly one-sided. The power of Krizalid was more than godlike, his inhuman powers just plowing through Benimaru and Shingo. Using the power of the Kusanagi, Krizalid's violent attitude was more than anyone could withstand. His speed and strength had no match. Soon enough, Maxima and K' were alone to fight Krizalid. Despite fighting with all their might, Krizalid's superior power almost obligates them to kneel before his advantage. Krizalid laughs, and is impressed by their resistance, but it would soon end. Suddenly, Maxima nails Krizalid with a power punch from behind, making Krizalid reel. Maxima shouts out for K', who in an instant, used his whole power to channel a full-fledged flame blast at Krizalid. The consequent explosion sends Krizalid flying away. Maxima and K' fall to the ground, sure of their victory. However, as both help Benimaru and Shingo up, Krizalid still stands behind them. Maxima and K' are dumbfounded, having no remains of strength. Krizalid is downright mad, and is about to eliminate the couple of traitors. However, suddenly, a crimson flame blast shoots through the room, lighting up the whole room, and tearing through Krizalid like paper. Krizalid falls to the ground, and another mysterious figure draws near. K' senses a familiar presence. Benimaru and Shingo could barely believe what their eyes could see....it was Kyo, the real Kyo! It was evident, thanks to his huge fighting spirit. Kyo smiles and greets his friends. Krizalid slowly helps himself to his feet. He just can't believe that he had lost with his inmense power. Suddenly, a very bright light shines from above. Everybody is dumbfounded at the shine of it. An omnipotent voice shouts: "You have failed." Now fearful and insecure, the once raging Krizalid begs for his life, as he can still activate the clones with the data he has collected. However, the clones have already been deactivated, and the data shall be saved for another time...and all the agents of this project must be eliminated. Krizalid is paralyzed by the fear, but he does not have any time to think it over...a huge rock falls from above, burying Krizalid to the ground. Kyo, enraged, demands the true intention to the light. The omnipotent voice rings again: "We, the Nests cartel, plan to forward the plan for 10 years! But you must be eliminated!". Kyo laughs, and says arrogantly: "Don't mess with me, pal!". Suddenly, the base begins to shake, and pieces of scrap begin to fall from above. The base is beginning to crumble! However, K' is more than intent on fighting his original. "I've been waiting to fight a powerful opponent...someone like you, Kyo Kusanagi!", K' growls. However, a door shuts between him and Kyo, as well as closing Benimaru and Shingo out of the room. Shingo wants to help Kyo out, but Benimaru warns that their own lives are in danger, and persuades him to escape from the base. Meanwhile, K' and Maxima are ambushed by the unit of the Ikari Warriors.... and the leader of the unit nears Krizalid's inert body. A female figure.... Meanwhile, inside the base, Kyo Kusanagi stands among the chaos around him. He seems confident, as always. He smiles, closes his eyes, and says: "So, you're still around, eh?". A mysterious voice approaches Kyo: "You knew that I would come back for you...". Kyo waves his hand and affirms: "Well, that guy's toast, anyway. Besides, only those of the bloodline could control such power! He didn't have a chance!". The figure behinds him laughs, and stands into the light. It's Iori Yagami, who has returned as well. He smiles and says: "Good memory of yours...shall we get this show done?". Kyo just shrugs his shoulders and says: "Really need to ask?". The two legendary fighters engage in battle once more. No longer is there hatred in their eyes. Only the feeling of fighting a worthy opponent, and the excitement of battle.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE FIGHTERS OF LEGEND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following is the personal story of each and every of the 45 fighters that have participated in each of the four tournaments. I have divided them in alphabetic order, and have developed a list of them all. After this, I will detail the story of every fighter: *Andy Bogard *Athena Asamiya *Bao *Benimaru Nikaido *Billy Kane *Blue Mary *Brian Battler *Chang Koehan *Chin Gentsai *Chizuru Kagura *Choi Bounge *Chris *Clark Steel *Eiji Kisaragi *Geese Howard *Goenitz *Goro Daimon *Heavy D! *Heidern *Iori Yagami *Jhun Hoon *Joe Higashi *K' *Kasumi Todoh *Kim Kaphwan *King *Krizalid *Kyo Kusanagi *Leona *Li Xiangfei *Lucky Glauber *Mai Shiranui *Mature *Maxima *Mr. Big *Orochi *Ralf Jones *Robert Garcia *Rugal Bernstein *Ryo Sakazaki *Ryuji Yamazaki *Saisyu Kusanagi *Shermie *Shingo Yabuki *Sie Kensou *Takuma Sakazaki *Terry Bogard *Vice *Whip *Wolfgang Krauser *Yashiro Nanakase *Yuri Sakazaki Here's the list of the teams, composed by these characters. Notice that I have divided them in certain sections, depending on their appearances and changes in each tournament. This way, you will know which fighter pledged alliance to whom. However, never assure that a team will remain the same every year! *Teams which have appeared in every tournament/no changes: -Japan/Hero Team: Kyo Kusanagi-Benimaru Nikaido-Goro Daimon -Italy/Fatal Fury Team: Terry Bogard-Andy Bogard-Joe Higashi -China/Psycho Soldier Team: Athena Asamiya-Sie Kensou-Chin Gentsai -Korea/Kim Team: Kim Kaphwan-Chang Koehan-Choi Bounge *Team which have appeared in one tournament: -USA Sports Team: Heavy D!-Lucky Glauber-Brian Battler -Boss Team: Geese Howard-Wolfgang Krauser-Mr. Big -New Face Team: Yashiro Nanakase-Shermie-Chris -'97 Special Team: Ryuji Yamazaki-Blue Mary-Billy Kane *Teams which have changed from tournament to tournament: -Mexico/Kyokugenryo Team: Ryo Sakazaki-Robert Garcia-Takuma Sakazaki (The King of Fighters '94-'95) Ryo Sakazaki-Robert Garcia-Yuri Sakazaki (The King of Fighters '96-'97) -England/Gorgeous Team: Mai Shiranui-King-Yuri Sakazaki (The King of Fighters '94-'95) Mai Shiranui-King-Kasumi Todoh (The King of Fighters '96) Mai Shiranui-King-Chizuru Kagura (The King of Fighters '97) -Yagami Team: Iori Yagami-Eiji Kisaragi-Billy Kane (The King of Fighters '95) Iori Yagami-Mature-Vice (The King of Fighters '96) -Brazil/Ikari Team: Heidern-Ralf-Clark (The King of Fighters '94-'95) Leona-Ralf-Clark (The King of Fighters '96-'97) *Single entries: -Rugal Bernstein (The King of Fighters '94-'95) -Saisyu Kusanagi (The King of Fighters '95) -Chizuru Kagura (The King of Fighters '96) -Goenitz (The King of Fighters '96) -Shingo Yabuki (The King of Fighters '97) -Iori Yagami (The King of Fighters '97) -Orochi (The King of Fighters '97) *The King of Fighters '98 teams: -Hero Team (Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, Goro Daimon) -Fatal Fury Team (Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi) -Art of Fighting Team (Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Yuri Sakazaki) -Ikari Team (Leona, Ralf Jones, Clark Steel) -Psycho Soldier Team (Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou, Chin Gentsai) -Gorgeous Team (Chizuru Kagura, Mai Shiranui, King) -Kim Team (Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan, Choi Bounge) -New Face Team (Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, Chris) -Special Team (Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary, Billy Kane) -Yagami Team (Iori Yagami, Mature, Vice) -Middle Age Team (Heidern, Takuma Sakazaki, Saisyu Kusanagi) -USA Sports Team (Heavy D!, Lucky Glauber, Brian Battler) -Rugal Bernstein (single entry) -Shingo Yabuki (single entry) *The King of Fighters '99 new teams: -Hero Team (K', Maxima, Benimaru Nikaido, Shingo Yabuki) -Fatal Fury Team (Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, Mai Shiranui) -Art of Fighting Team (Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Yuri Sakazaki, Takuma Sakazaki) -Ikari Team (Leona, Ralf Jones, Clark Steel, Whip) -Psycho Soldier Team (Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou, Chin Gentsai, Bao) -Gorgeous Team (King, Blue Mary, Kasumi Todoh, Li Xiangfei) -Kim Team (Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan, Choi Bounge, Jhun Hoon) -Kyo Kusanagi ver.1 (single entry) -Kyo Kusanagi ver.2 (single entry) -Shin Kyo Kusanagi (single entry) -Iori Yagami (single entry) -Krizalid (tournament host) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORMAT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.-Name of character/meaning of name (if applicable) 2.-Bio data *Birthplace *Birthdate (age as of the end of 1999) *Height *Weight *Blood type *Hobbies *Favorite food *Favorite sport *Most valuable *Hates the most *Fighting style 3.-Story 4.-Alternate versions (if applicable) 5.-Fun fact 6.-Cloth changes (if applicable) 7.-Appearances 8.-Other games (if applicable) Now, with no more prologues, the stories begin now! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANDY BOGARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: USA Birthdate: August 16, 1974 (25 years old) Height: 1.71 m (5'6") Weight: 69 kg (150 lbs) Blood type: A Hobbies: Practicing martial arts Favorite food: Spaghetti ala Natto Favorite sport: Short track Most valuable: Picture of him and Hanzo Shiranui Hates the most: Dogs Fighting style: Kopo-ken and Shiranui Ninjitsu *Natto = fermented soy beans Andy Bogard is the younger brother of the great fighting legend, Terry Bogard, champion of the first two King of Fighters tournament. Both are sons of the great martial artist, Jeff Bogard, whom was killed by his training partner, Geese Howard. The orphan Andy's heart was crushed when he knew about the death of his father, whom he respected and saw as his greatest idol. Being a lot more sentimental, and a lot more brash, Andy vowed revenge against Geese, and promised to kill him no matter what it takes: even if it cost him his own life. Andy, using some of the money inherited to him by his father, traveled to Japan, in order to train himself in what he had learned to be the most deadly martial art in close-combat: Kopo-ken. He then went to see the great Hanzo Shiranui, a very skilled ninja who also happened to be a Kopo-ken master. Andy pledged for Hanzo to train him, and Hanzo, seeing the dedication and spirit in his eyes, accepted his offer. Andy began to train in the mountains of Japan, amidst the forests and rivers. He first only thought of Geese, and he was unlucky in learning the basics due to his stubborness. With the help of constant training and the advices of his master, Hanzo Shiranui, Andy managed to mildy surpress his feeling of revenge. Now completly dedicated to his skills, Andy began to make exceptional progress, and quickly began to learn the more advanced skills of Kopo-ken. During his stance in Japan, Andy met the beautiful grandaughter of Hanzo, Mai Shiranui. While he managed to completly ignore her for the first couple of months, Andy began to involve himself more and more with the young red-haired girl. Although he has developed strong feelings for her, Andy always pretends to be uninterested, since he thinks of Mai as a foster sister, due to his admiration towards Hanzo as sort of a paternal figure. After the completion of his training period, Andy decided it was time to go back to Southtown to reunite with his brother, Terry (despite the evident sadness of Mai). During his trip back, he saw a fight between two Muetai fighters in a secluded area of Japan. Seeing the very impressive skills and arrogance of one of the Muetai fighters, Andy decided to challenge him. Of course, it wasn't an official bout, but the Muetai fighter accepted anyway. However, his happiness soon ran away as Andy began to show his incredible skill, and finally, defeated the astounished Muetai champion. However, the Muetai warrior just laughed, and shaked Andy's hand. He introduced himself as Joe Higashi, world Muetai champion! Ever since, both have become the best of friends, although ever since that moment, Andy thinks Joe always talks too much... Andy and Joe agreed to go back together to the United States, and reunite with Andy's brother, Terry, in order to exact revenge on Geese. Andy then was informed by Terry upon his return that there was going to be a tournament called "The King of Fighters", and that the winner of the competition would end up fighting Geese. Andy's sense of revenge once again grew strong, truly straying him from the true sense of fight. Although he managed to gain enough road in the tournament, he couldn't win against the mighty Geese, due to his rashness and too much emotion. His brother was the one who, in the end, who managed to defeat Geese. Seeing that revenge blinded him, Andy then began a new journey ever since: to surpass his brother's skills, and perhaps defeat him in battle. Once in a while, Andy travels back to Japan, where he resumes his training and continues to improve his skill. Of course, he is constantly pestered by Mai, and although she has grown into quite a woman during the last few years, Andy still tries to remain focused on his skill improving, and this requires quite some willpower, because no normal man would ever resist Mai's attributes! Andy has always agreed to follow his brother Terry whenever he decided to enter the new version of the King of Fighters tournament, not as much as helping him, but just to show who's the best brother around! He was about to not enter in the King of Fighters '97, despite Joe's pestering, but since his brother decided to enter as well (to investigate on Geese's involvement in the tournament), he had no choice but accept as well. All seemed to be perfectly normal when Terry received the invitation to the King of Fighters '99 tournament, since he and Joe would be joining once again, and he would be glad to show his brother what he had learned the last two years! However, it seemed they needed a fourth team member. Before Andy could think about anything, a person requested the fourth position in no time. Andy was more than surprised that it had been Mai, who didn't lose anytime in taking advantage of the situation to be close to Andy! Before Andy could object anything, the tournament was well underway.... The battles of the Lonely Wolves finally took them to a sewer, where they had been scheduled for their next battle. Suddenly, the sewer began to tremble, and began to crumble! Andy dashed right out, but Terry remained for some unknown reason...Andy tried to save his brother, but the rocks had already falled and blocked the pass. Andy wonders about the fate of his brother, but deep within, he knows he just can only train harder for the next time they meet! As explained before, being a sentimental fellow, Andy has very extreme cases of depression, like when fighting in order to exact revenge. Since the only thought on his mind was hatred, he was distracted from battle. However, Andy, when not disturbed, is always a cool and serene guy, a good natured fellow at heart. He also seems to be very serious around the always-kidding Joe! Ever since his sttuborness to defeat Geese, Andy has decided to hide his emotions, even his love for Mai, but from time to time, he shows how much she cares for her, but he doesn't want to make it too evident! REAL BOUT: FATAL FURY 2 ANDY BOGARD (The King of Fighters '98): Alternate version of Andy based on his Real Bout: Fatal Fury 2 incarnation. He regains his long-range Hishoken, loses his Dam Breaker Punch and the Gen'ei Shiranui follow- ups (???) and gains a new DM: the Dan Da Dan (sort of like a quick version of his Flying Meteor Fist DM, which he loses in this version by the way). *Fun fact = If you possess a copy of the PSX version of The King of Fighters '97 (I don't know if this happens in other home versions), you have two art galleries featuring SNK official artwork. In Art Gallery I, there is a drawing of Andy hugging a dog! Hum, wasn't he supposed to HATE dogs? Maybe it's another display of sheer willpower. ^-^ *Cloth changes = In KOF '94 and KOF '95, Andy wears handguards and boots. He adds more protection on these places (apparently to deliver more devastating impacts?), more evidently on his legs, where he wears some sort of leg protectors, by KOF '96. His flame design on the shirt of his uniform from KOF '94/'95 also disappears, and a red zig-zag pattern appears on his "skirt" appears instead. By KOF '98, he loses all this protection, and wears only very light gloves and shoes. Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 Other games: Fatal Fury, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, Fatal Fury 3: Road to Final Victory, Real Bout: Fatal Fury, Real Bout: Fatal Fury Special, Real Bout: Fatal Fury 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATHENA ASAMIYA "Athena of the Hemp Shrine" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Japan Birthdate: March 14, 1979 (20 years old) Height: 1.63 m (5'3") Weight: 49 kg (107 lbs) Blood type: B Hobbies: Astrology Favorite food: Ichigo-daifuku Favortie sport: Lacross Most valuable: Peter Rabbit teacup set Hates the most: Grasshoppers Fighting style: Kung Fu and Psychic Powers *Ichigo-daifuku = strawberry cakes Athena is said to be the present incarnation of the Greek goddess Athena (Saint Seiya?), the goddess of the earth. However, even if she did held her divine reputation, Athena always tries to act like a normal girl, doing such typical stuff for girls such as going to school, shopping, and of course, listening to music! In fact, Athena likes to sing a lot. Her voice almost lets out her divine attributes, and Athena seems to put a lot of feeling in it (although most people think the contrary!). Athena has always been concerned of the evil roaming around the world, and the increasing amount of crime as well. Having been born with a special psychic power, based on the power of the ressurection bird, the Phoenix, Athena vows to use her powers in order to protect justice, and make evil recoil! However, even the job a justice fighter needs some help. While she was traveling back to home from school, she finds a pair of Chinese fellows fighting against a local tough guy. One of them was about Athena's age, the other was just an old drunkard! Both seem to have problems with the big lug, since they don't seem to take the battle too seriously. Athena, taking away any suspicion, blows the strongman away, and seeing the skills of both men, asks them if they want to be her sidekicks. The young boy, later known as Sie Kensou, accepted inmediately, much in favor thanks to his infinite liking towards Athena, and as for the old man, soon known as Chin Gentsai, well, he decided to tag along as well... Soon enough, all three began to fight against crime and evil in Japan. Since Kensou also seemed to manage psychic powers as well, the trio was soon to be known as the Psycho Soldiers! All three fought bravely against any evildoear, although most of them didn't pass from your run-of-the-mill criminal or a mob leader. Meanwhile, Athena decided to continue her studies in high school. She is certainly very attracted to Kyo Kusanagi, one of her classmates, but she decides to leave it alone, since she is also a very good friend of Yuki, Kyo's girlfriend (even though it causes quite a scene of fury from Kensou!). She then begins to hear rumors of the King of Fighters tournament, and soon enough, she receives an invitation to participate. Taking along her sidekicks, Athena decides to show the world what true justice does, and in the meanwhile, fight those who threaten mankind. During the pass of the tournaments, Athena has grown more mature and responsible in order to keep up with her duties as a justice fighter. She also has to keep up rejecting Kensou, since the young man doesn't seem to understand when to quit proposing himself to Athena! However, after three tournaments, the Psycho Solider team begins to spark more and more popularity among the world, especially among the young people, who are encouraged with the actions of the brave Psycho Soliders. Athena always forces herself to be the best, not pretending to lose the confidence of thousands of young men and women around the world who send her thousands of letters each week! It was even one fan letter from a invalid girl named Kaori which encouraged her to enter the King of Fighters '97, competition which she did not accept to enter at first. After all, Athena is fighting for the goodfare of all mankind, so she is always up and ready for the challenge! After defending justice for so many years, Athena and her Psycho Soldiers got a well-deserved rest for two years...Period of time in which Athena met Bao, an adoptive student of Chin. Athena liked the kid very much, since he was so cute and so friendly. Bao seemed to like Athena very much as well, and since he too, had very potent psychic powers, he decided to take a cue from Athena's psychic techniques in order to get started. However, Athena could not resist her worries about Kensou, who had began to lose his psychic powers for some unknown reason. And so, arrived The King of Fighters '99.... Athena fought bravely along her comrades, but once she realized the real purpose of the tournament, being a set-up by Krizalid, Athena decides to take the bad guy down! However, before Athena and the Psycho Soldiers could arrive to the underground base, there was an explosion, and the passage began to fall down! Athena demanded an escape, but midway through, a heavy rock falls on Athena's leg, and can not budge it free. Another rock is about to fall atop Athena, and Athena faints before it can hit her. However, Kensou, turning on what remained of his psychic powers, manages to rescue her and exits to salvation.... Athena is known to be a very sweet girl among her friends, and very polite too. She is never rude except among gangsters and sometimes, Kensou (whenever he decides to pester a lot). She always helps her friends, and always takes her time to live her life as a normal girl. After all, she has a lot more to live, and life is short! Athena also respects master Chin a lot, although she wishes she will stop drinking for his own health. Being very concerned to where the world is heading to, Athena decides to fight hard for all mankind! *Fun fact = If you ever play KOF '98, Athena will seldomly change her outfit to a bikini while executing her Shining Crystal Bit DM! This is no glitch at all. This is what she was supposed to look like back in her 8-bit action games! *Cloth changes = Athena has been the only KOF character to change clothes every year! In KOF '94, she wears a long. floppy shirt with floppy pants, with some sort of red dress covering the upper part and her waist. In KOF '95, the sleeves are shortened. In KOF '96, she dons some shorts instead of pants. In KOF '97, she now wears a skirt (but with long red silk pants, sorry men!), and some strappers above her white shirt. In KOF '98, she wears a costume similiar to that of KOF '96, but a lot more tighter (could it be leather!?). In KOF '99 , Athena gets herself a hair cut (mushroom style), and she wears a red blouse (with a white shirt beneath it) with red shorts. The only constant accesories are her beads and her star hairdress! Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 Other games: Athena, Psycho Soldier (two 8-bit side-scrolling games, being Athena the heroine.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BAO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: China Birthdate: July 18, 1987 (12 years old) Height: 1.53 m (5') Weight: 40 kg (87 lbs) Blood type: Unknown Hobbies: Playing on home versions of video games (console gaming) Favorite food: Hot milk (without sugar) Favorite sport: River fishing Most valuable: B-type games (FMV games?), games that are tough to beat (i.e. he likes Viewpoint) Dislikes: RPG-making games Fighting style: Psychic Powers Bao is a young child who has yet to live enough experiences in life. Being born without knowing who his parents were, Bao lived wandering China as an adventurer, a kid with no lead at all. His only hobby was found in playing video games at local stands to pass the time. Aside from that, there was no place that Bao considered to be "home". That was until Chin Gentsai, a respectful, but drunk- propense old man, decided to adopt the child out of pity and good will. Thus, Bao finally stays at Chin's home with his wife. During the next few days, Bao begins to display enormous amounts of psychic power that he never had realized about. Before it could get out of control, Chin deems it neccesary that Bao should train with him in order to control such power. And thus, Chin introduces Bao to Kensou, his other adoptive student, and Athena, the reknowned Psycho Soldiers, fighters of justice! Bao quickly begins to get acquainted to his two new friends, whom he sees as his elder brothers. He gets particularly worried at the sadness of Kensou, who has began to lost his psychic powers. Being too young, Bao has yet to understand the real meaning of feelings. Bao is gladly admitted as the new Psycho Soldier for the new King of Fighters tournament in 1999. Bao accepts to do his best effort in the tournament, and not let his adoptove family down. Bao results to be quite a surprise, not just for his martial arts skills but for his impressive display of psychic powers. Added to that was his innocence and purity, and the fact he never fighted with hate or mocking in his attitude. The path of Bao leads him to follow Athena and the others into an underground passage in search of the hideout of the evil host of the tournament, Krizalid. Bao feels a little afraid, but doesn't want to quit out now. Suddenly, the whole passage begins to shake, and fall down in a hurry! Bao freaks out, and Chin tells him to run. Bao just runs and doesn't look back. He quickly escapes with Chin, but is worried about Kensou and Athena, who remain in the passage as it crumbles down. Bao wishes that nothing had happened to his dear friends. The heavens hear the child as Kensou bursts out of the ruins with his remaining psychic powers, carrying Athena in his arms. Bao suddenly feels a sting in his head, and passes out. It seems that Bao's psychic powers are somewhat bonded to those of Kensou's. Chin then reminds a passage of the "worst day in history", and wonders about Bao...the mysterious psychic boy. Bao doesn't let the feeling of hatred and vengeance displayed in some battles get to his heart. Being an innocent child, he is reluctant to such emotions. Bao looks at life as a precious gift, and is thankful for everything he has: his "grandfather" Chin, and his "elder brothers", Kensou and Athena. Despite being somewhat of a brat sometimes, Bao can keep his cool in extreme situations, and always bear a huge smile on his face. *Fun fact = Bao's outfit belongs to the typical Chinese communist uniform. Now, I don't know if Bao is conscious enough to realice that communism is pretty much dead these days, but hey... Appearances: The King of Fighters '99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BENIMARU NIKAIDO "The Two-Story Shrine of the Sun" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Japan (of American heritage) Birthdate: June 6, 1976 (23 years old) Height: 1.80 m (5'9") Weight: 70 kg (152 lbs) Blood type: O Hobbies: Being the center of attraction Favorite food: Sashimi Favorite sport: Clay shooting Most valuable: Himself Hates the most: Otaku Fighting style: 'Shooting' (Japanese variation of Muetai) *Otaku = Japanese animation fan *Sashimi = typical Japanese dish, similiar to sushi Benimaru Nikaido presumed himself, for a lot of years, to be not only the most skilled fighter in Japan, but also to be the most handsome! Being a half- American, Benimaru combines the best of both worlds, and besides being a very good looking fighter on the outside, he dresses well too, also doning several hairstyles. The problem is, since he always presumes his own beauty, women, instead of finding him attractive, find him to be very annoying! A few years ago, Benimaru finally found someone to object about his so- called "beauty". It was a man named Kyo Kusanagi who began to steal his crowd, and was enfuriated at it. He challenged Kyo to a fight and define who would be the most popular student. Kyo shrugged and said he would only accept a challenge if he participated in the national martial arts tournament, which was taken place in order to decide the three members of the team that would participate for Japan in the next King of Fighters tournament. Benimaru promised Kyo he ould be there, and then, he would proceed to humilliate him. Being a master of 'shooting' boxing, and able to channel his inner power into bursts of electricity, Benimaru had no problems in confirming his superiority among other fighters, and advanced up to the finals. In the final match, Kyo was waiting for him. Both already had a place in the Japan team, but Benimaru desired so badly to be number one. So, he took on Kyo. But since Benimaru never did polish his skills against real fighters, he was no match for the sheer power and the crimson flames of Kyo! Benimaru had no choice but to accept Kyo's victory, and although they wouldn't talk to each other at first, they then became the best of friends, and hence, along with third team member Goro Daimon, made quite a powerful team that would be champion of the King of Fighters tournament several times. Even though Benimaru respects Kyo a lot, he has always disliked being second place. That's why he always trains hard to become better than Kyo and eclipse the Kusanagi sun. He also loses no time in praising himself to the women in the tournament, although they too, think Benimaru is nothing more than a pushover! Since he goes to school along with Kyo as well, it's pretty tough to try and surpass your own best friend when he's so popular! In the last tournament, Benimaru fought against the Orochi menace to the very end along with Kyo. They had been together in very tight situations, and now, they would fight together, and Benimaru finally lost his obsession to be number one, and decided to fight against the most powerful enemy of mankind. After the faithful battle, Benimaru ventures throughout the world and becomes a very popular fighter among the people. Whether he has become better than Kyo has yet to be seen, but for now, Benimaru takes the limelight, and loves being the number one! Benimaru sees the King of Fighters '99 as his big chance to be the number one fighter for one huge reason: Kyo was nowhere to be seen, and although Benimaru worries for his friend, it's no time to worry about where he is. It's about time that the whole world would see the power of the most beautiful fighter of them all! Suddenly, Benimaru is met by Shingo, who is more than willing to help Benimaru out, and by two mysterious man, whose roles would be very important until the very end...their names: K' and Maxima. As his wish would have had it, Benimaru arrives to the final match, but after seeing K' and Maxima in action, he wonders what is it they really want. Not before long, Benimaru receives answers in the form that Krizalid, the host of the tournament, had been using them for his own ambitions, and that K' and Maxima were his aides! Benimaru decides to fight Krizalid head-on, but realizes he needs the help of K' after all. There was something in K' that reminded him of Kyo...and is there were Benimaru realizes he should have fought for himself, not just for overcoming Kyo. And as of fate would have had it, Kyo appears in the nick of time to save them from Krizalid's final assault. However, the reunion is cut short when the Nests cartel brings the whole underground HQ down. Benimaru helps Shingo to escape as Kyo, K', and Maxima are trapped. He knows that his friends may have been lost for now, but he would practice a lot more, for the true battle is yet to begin.... Benimaru likes being payed attention, and hates those who steal his popularity. Although Kyo has stolen much of it, he has developed a very stable friendship (despite their constant quarrels!). Benimaru mostly likes to be praised by women, but as said, he just is more of an arrogant man than anything else, but he always concludes that they can't resist him! Benimaru, despite always wanting to be number one, will always support Kyo in the very end! *Fun fact = Much rumors have surged that Benimaru is supposed to be gay (maybe due to his kiss-blowing and "Airabyu" statements). But he is not. Not only is he attracted to women (or he either wants them to be attracted to him!), he is a narcissist, which means, he praises himself. Narcissists have been commonly (and mistakenly) taken for gays, also taking the example of Samurai Shodown's Amakusa, and Street Fighter's Vega. *Cloth changes = In the past KOF, he wore a sort of tight shirt (with no sleeves at all), which has changed slightly from KOF '94/'95 to KOF '96 (it had a separate collar from the shirt in KOF '94/'95, while his KOF '96 shirt has the collar attached to it). In KOF '98, he has a sort of gym shirt (which reveals his abdomen), and which suspiciously has an opening in the middle of the chest. Was it that the shirt was originally designed for women? Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BILLY KANE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: England Birthdate: December 25, 1969 (30 years old) Height: 1.79 m (5'9") Weight: 77 kg (167 lbs) Blood type: B Hobbies: Washing clothes Favorite food: Food with eggs Favorite sport: High-jump with rod Most valuable: His little sister, Lilly Hates the most: Commands Fighting style: Fighting techniques with long rod Billy Kane, and his little sister, Lilly, grew by themselves in the underground England. Having no parents, Billy had to take care of his sister alone, and was desperate in getting a stable job. Having no fortune in England, he and his sister traveled to the land of promise: the United States. They soon surfaced up in Southtown, a town filled with filth (lousy rhyme) and crime. Billy tried to stay away from such influences, and soon got a job in a local steel factory. Even though he worked a lot to sustain his sister, he couldn't see an end to such a tedious and unsatisfying job. One day, Billy got so frustrated, he tore out a metal pipe, and began wielding it wildly, threatining the physical integrity (politically correct term here!) of the workers there. The owner of the factory had happened to pay a visit that day to see how things were going, and saw the whole incident. The supervisor was more than willing to fire Billy, but the owner, seeing the sheer will of the worker, decided to have more interesting work for him. Billy was then introduced to his boss, and he introduced himself as Geese Howard. Geese admitted that that show back there at the factory was quite impressive, and he likes people with creativity and guts. So, Geese proposes Billy to be his personal bodyguard. Billy accepts, thinking it would be a lot of a better pay. Geese recommended him, however, to polish up those rod fighting techniques. In no time flat, Billy picked up a staff and began practice. Billy's skills soon became a natural thing to him, and he became a walking threat with a big stick. Billy improved his own stick so that it could divide in three parts with the help of a chain. Geese became more and more impressed with Billy's work, that he even proposed him to be the King of Fighters champion, and that anybody who would want to fight Geese, would have to pass through Billy first. Billy grew more and more united with Geese, and even though Billy hates orders, he takes his boss' commands as a pleasure. Soon, every year, anybody who got a shot at Billy, was soon to painfully realize the futileness of being in the King of Fighters tournament. Billy had soon realized of Geese's criminal activity, but had become so used to it, he didn't even bother. However, one day, on the latest King of Fighters tournament, Billy was to face three fighters who were destined to break the monopoly on the tournament imposed by Geese. They were Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi, three lonely wolves decided to put an end to Geese's reign, and soon reached Billy with no trouble. Even though doing his best, Billy couldn't resist the power of the Bogards, and was defeated. Later, Terry Bogard defeated Geese, and the hatred of Billy rose against the Bogards. Thinking he was too predictable with his stick, Billy decided to train harder in order to exact revenge against the Lonely Wolves. However, it was one day when Geese received an invitation for the next King of Fighters tournament in 1995. Geese commanded Billy to go in his place instead, since he was pretty bored. Billy soon seeked out teammates in order to participate in the tournament, and he found them faster than he thought: the killer ninja, Eiji Kisaragi, motivated by his grudge against the Sakazaki clan; and, one distinctive young man, whom had a particular power of launching purple flames, his name, as mysterious as the man himself: Iori Yagami. The three fought in order to satisfy their own personal needs. Obviously, they didn't reach too far, and even Iori, at the end of the tournament, winded up beating up his two teammates badly, Billy included. Billy recovered after a while, but his hatred towards the Bogards now focused entirely on Iori. The next year, Geese decided to enter himself, in order to investigate the so-called Orochi power. Billy was frustrated since he was burning for a rematch against Iori. However, Billy ended saving Geese's life at hands of Mr. Big, who shot him, but Billy managed to block the bullet with his stick. The next year, Billy was sent once again by Geese, whom now assigned Billy to take notes on the Orochi power. Surprisingly for Billy, he had to watch over Iori, and see his reaction to the Orochi power, in order for Geese to see could exploit him. Billy was enfuriated, but was a bit calm at the idea of having Geese's permission to kill Iori (after all, if Iori died, that was all he was). Geese had already prepared Billy his two partners: Blue Mary (whom Geese had contracted through a dummy agent), and Ryuji Yamazaki, promising a pay for him if he managed to win. Billy entered with Mary and Yamazaki, and no doubt tried his shot against Iori, but was doubtful when Iori entered his Riot of Blood self. When Billy finally decided to kill him no matter what, Iori had already been dealt with. Billy's worries didn't finish there, as soon he found out Yamazaki was of Orochi blood himself! So, this was Geese's plan all around. Billy managed to barely escape the Orochi threat, but he lost sight of Yamazaki in the action. He reported to Geese, and both heard a knock at the door. It was Yamazaki...and demanding his pay! Yamazaki fought with Geese and Billy, and the result was unknown, but it was heard that Yamazaki got his pay, and retired happy...after a bit of struggle though! Billy isn't really that bad. The problem is people drive him the wrong way. Billy serves Geese loyally, and considers him something like a friend. He also takes care of his little sister, Lilly, very much, and is concerned that she is dating Joe Higashi, one of his enemies! Billy is also a bit sarcastic, and will seek revenge on those who humilliate him. Billy is concerned of the growing Orochi power, but decides to not take it so deeply. Billy, as most English young people, also loves rock and roll! REAL BOUT: FATAL FURY 2 BILLY KANE (The King of Fighters '98): An alternate version of Billy based on his incarnation in Real Bout: Fatal Fury 2. He gains back his Sparrow Drop special move (his diagonal stick attack), and gains a new DM: the Salamander Stream (which is mostly like his Super Flaming Whirlwind Cane DM), but loses his Great Whirlwind DM, his uppercut move, and both counters. *Fun fact = In Fatal Fury 1, Billy had a special move where he threw his stick, leaving him waeponless! However, some grunt from the background would throw a new stick back at him. The weird thing was Billy was invulnerable until he received the stick (he seemed to be whining while he was waiting for his stick!). *Cloth changes = Billy wore a sort of "mechanic" (as in a mechanic who works with tools) cloth back in KOF '95, with no shirt. In KOF '97, he changes to a leather jacket and leather pants, still no shirt. His jacket also sports a no- smoking sign on the back! (???) Appearances: The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98 Other games: Fatal Fury, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, Real Bout: Fatal Fury, Real Bout: Fatal Fury Special, Real Bout: Fatal Fury 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLUE MARY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: USA Birthdate: February 4, 1974 (25 years old) Height: 1.68 m (5'5") Weight: 49 kg (107 lbs) Blood type: AB Hobbies: Bike touring Favorite food: Beef cup Favorite sport: Baseball Most valuable: Her leather jacket Hates the most: Cats Fighting style: Commando Sambo Blue Mary was raised since a child by his father, whom had a very busy life. Ever since she was young, Blue Mary began to learn the arts of Commando Sambo and build up her body, following the lessons of her father, whom in turn, had been a student of Geese Howard, Southtown's mob leader. Learning from his father how crime is a society disease, Mary quickly learned what her vocation would be: that of a police agent. Mary trained very hard and became, in time, one tough woman! Not only was she deadly from afar, she could easily get in and grapple her opponent, leaving almost no bone unwrecked. Blue Mary then got her chance as a secret agent at a very young age. There is where she met what she thought at the time, was the man of her life. His name was Butch (why do I always picture a bulldog when I hear that name?). Blue Mary and Butch worked together in several missions, sucesfully completing each and every one. They got to know each other more and more after every mission. Mary was charmed by Butch's lovely attitude, his will for doing the job well done, and most of all, his will to live. Butch was also very impressed with Mary, since he had never known a woman so tough and decided as her! Soon, Mary and Butch began to learn a lot about each other, and both were very happy with each other. Mary saw Butch as a man who would never surrender until he got the job done. She admired him for that. Once, when they were drinking at a bar, Butch got up, stood behind the barstool, and began to whip out a drink. After it's completion, Butch named it the "Blue Mary", his favorite drink, and something he would always rely on. Thus, that's where the name Blue Mary came from. One day, Butch was assigned a very precarious mission of high risk. Mary offered to accompany Butch, but he refused, excusing that Mary was still not up for the job, and that it was for her own sake. With a tender smile, Butch bid Mary farewell, and went out to complete the mission as soon as possible. Mary waited for days, for weeks...and Butch never came back...and he never did. Finally, Mary received from a member of her agency a leather jacket. It was Butch's, and it was found right in the place where Butch had died. Mary took the jacket, and still puts it on, reminding her of her love for Butch. Mary then realized she would complete Butch's mission: that of erradicating the scum of society and wipe them off the face of the earth. Mary soon began even more popular than Butch. Her missions were always realized with quickness, and efficiency. She always had a way to get things done, always at her way. Mary, and her pet dog, Anton, traveled the whole world, cracking cases and trapping the bad guys. However, in one mission, she discovered a very serene man who was fighting once. Mary distinguished him as a strong man with long, blonde hair, and a trademark red cap. After finishing his battle, the man took a look at Mary, and recognized her as a pretty tough woman. Mary laughed, and ever since, the man and her have been very close friends. The man was no other than King of Fighters legend, Terry Bogard, the man whom defeated Geese and Krauser. As of late, Mary has began being more and more involved with the Lone Wolf. She was amazed on so many experiences Terry had ever since his father died at the hands of Geese Howard. Mary found a lot in common between her and Terry, and she was beginning to feel something she had not felt for a long time. Something she had not felt ever since Butch was with her. Mary was truly enchanted by Terry, and she began to fall in love with him. However, her work was far from over. One day, a secret person, in charge of a personal investigation agency, sent a letter to Mary for a secret meeting. Mary attended the meeting, and the person was there, waiting for her. The man told her that soon, Ryuji Yamazaki would be entering the King of Fighters '97 tournament. Mary was familiar with Yamazaki, who was reknown as a very infamous gangster. The mystery man told Mary to keep an eye on him and Billy Kane, who was sent by Geese to look after Yamazaki as well. Mary's suspicions grew more and more: what did Geese want with Yamazaki? Without any other clue, Mary teamed up with Yamazaki and Billy, forming one of the more peculiar teams of the tournament. During the outcome of the tournament, Mary discovered, from Yamazaki's reactions to the manifestations of the Orochi power, was that indeed, Yamazaki was of Orochi blood! Mary was surprised, and figured out that Geese had sent Billy in order to keep an eye on the Orochi power of Yamazaki. But, then, what did the mysterious man want with Yamazaki and his Orochi power? This became very suspicious for Mary, but during her moment of confusion, Yamazaki had run away. With no other cue more than to investigate the true intentions of the secret man, Mary began a new case. She soon found out that the mystery man was working for Geese Howard, and that he was using her to aid Billy to control Yamazaki, and bring the gangster to him! Mary was enfuriated, and taking a new case in her hands, Mary went out to catch the most powerful man of Southtown. After two years of being on the trails of Geese Howard, Mary received a surprise invitation by King, one of her contacts in Southtown and personal friend. She was asked to join King in the latest King of Fighters tournament. Thus, Mary decides to leave the case temporarily, and helps her friend out. After all, it's always time to have some fun breaking some bones! Mary is a very spirited young woman, and since she is pretty well known of how men fall for her beauty. She even exploits her enchants to make her fights more easier! She is as gracious as a rose, but also with deadly throns. Once in a while, Mary feels a bit lonely, that's when she begins to sing a blues. However, Mary is also a very dedicated woman, who has no other vision in mind than to complete her mission, and trash the bad guys! *Fun fact = In Real Bout: Fatal Fury, characters can fall out of the edge of the rings, and lose the round. There was a stage which was surrounded by water, and encased in wooden boards, which would break if the opponent broke through them, and fall into the water. Now, if Blue Mary knocked her opponent into the water, and she fell as well, she would come out of the water...topless! Woooooowww!!! A bit of eye candy for the pacient gamer! ^-^ Appearances: The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 Other games: Fatal Fury 3: Road to Final Victory, Real Bout: Fatal Fury, Real Bout: Fatal Fury Special, Real Bout: Fatal Fury 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIAN BATTLER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian was a very powerful linebacker, and was overwhelming in the football field. His impressive physique allowed him to literally plow through the team's defensive line, and his great pleasure was to crash the quarterback, not mattering what or who would cross his way. However, this violent behavior only brought hardships towards Brian, accusing him of unnecesary roughness. Brain held that the philosophy of football was too much for weaklings such as them, and left the football field. While was fooling around, Brian was encountered by his friend, Heavy D!. Heavy D! told Brian he was only wasting his time, and that he should do something good out of his life. Brian told him that the only thing he wanted was to crush a couple of heads, since that was the only thing in what he found pleasure. Heavy D! found this the perfect opportunity, and tells Brian that the King of Fighters tournament would be starting soon, and that it would introduce the team battle mode. Brian was interested by the idea, and accepted Heavy D!'s offer to enter the King of Fighters tournament. Brian is known to be a very rude man, and that the only way in what he feels truly alive is when he breaks some bones. He also seems to find pleasure in seeing people recoil from his attacks, and uses his huge bulk to crash through the competition. However, Brian wishes he finds something else to distract himself on, but since he's so involved in rudeness, he discards the thought and dedicates himself to be the strongest! *Fun fact = Doesn't Brian's "Number one" victory pose (from KOF '98) remind you of World Heroes' Muscle Power? Reminds me of pizza! ^-^ Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHANG KOEHAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Korea Birthdate: October 21, 1958 (41 years old) Height: 2.27 m (7'4") Weight: 203 kg (441 lbs) Blood type: B Hobbies: Breaking things Favorite food: Roasted whole sheep Favorite sport: Table tennis Most valuable: His iron ball Hates the most: Centipedes Fighting style: Tae Kwon Do combined with power attacks Chang was a feared criminal throughout Korea. Using his huge body mass like a giant wrecking ball, and his bald head as hard as iron, it was not hard at all for Chang to accomplish his robberies and escape, literally flattening any police resistance. If his huge humanity wasn't enough, Chang wielded a very heavy iron ball, which aided him in breaking through walls and thrashing any police car in his way. Once, while he was comitting a crime in a humble Korean suburb, Chang met a little man named Choi, who was outside a butchery. Chang found him to be very funny, and offered Choi to aid him in his crime business. Choi refused as he already had a job to sustain him. Still resistant, Chang tells Choi that it would be fun anyhow, and with his help, they won't ever get caught. Choi finally accepted his offer, as he was quite bored of his daily life, and wanted a bit of excitement...but they agreed that they shouldn't tell anything to Choi's wife! So, began the evildoings of Chang and Choi, a duo feared among the banks and tiny shops. With their combined powers, it was unlikely to stop them! Chang and his impressie strength allowed them to break through barricades, allowing him and Choi to run away with the loot. Chang didn't only did this for the money, but he also found it very funny. He was also very happy to have Choi with him, since he found him to be a very good friend. However, Chang, not being so bright, wasn't so smart to think about everything, and he was once caught by the police, which had formed quite an impressive number around Chang and Choi. However, as promised, Chang made one last attempt to free Choi, and he helped him in his escape, while Chang was sent to prison, where he obviously, didn't stay for much time. When Chang escaped, he quickly reunited with Choi and planned their next crime. They soon found a client in a passing woman, whom seemed to have a lot of booty on her. It was the time to attack! Suddenly, a white stream passed in front of their eyes. What was that? Then the duo was swept away. A man stood in front of them. With a challenging pose and a serious sight, the man introduced himself as the fighter of justice, Kim Kaphwan! Chang and Choi laughed at such a puny man, but they unexpectedly got thrashed by him in no time. Kim then picked them up and told them that he would take care that they would be men of good once again! Chang sighed and moaned...his life of crime was at a hault. Now he would know true punishment at the hands of Kim Kaphwan. Chang, during the past years, has been obligated to train himself in the art of Tae Kwon Do, and fighting in the King of Fighters tournament. However, Chang never loses hopes that he will be free again and begin his crime life again, but when he always expresses his mind, he always gets caught by Kim and a subsequent beating. It seems Chang won't be a free man anytime sooner! While enduring the harsh training with Kim, Chang was surprised by the arrival of a man that was once the training partner of Kim: Jhun Hoon. His bad-ass attitude made it seem that Chang would finally have someone aside him (besides Choi). However, it seems Jhun shares the same ideals as Kim, but marked with his own tone of violence and cruelty! It seems that the punishment for Chang would be never-ending! And it will soon get worst, as Chang is assigned to Kim at the end of the fifth King of Fighters tournament, in order to settle the personal difference between Kim and Jhun regarding which justice method is best. Chang is a joyful man, always seeing the bright side of things, and laughing at them. However, his life with Kim has left him very sad, and though he thinks Kim is a boring man, there's nothing he can do to avoid it! Chang is also very reluctant to keeping his mouth shut, and when he always talks ill of Kim, it's always in the wrong moment, earning him and Choi a swift beating. Chang cherishes his friendship with Choi, and both pass most of the time planning their escape when they're not training. *Fun fact = What CAN'T you find funny about Chang? Patting his stomach, cleaning his iron ball with his shirt while humming, moving his belly, picking his nose...you sure will get a laugh out of this man! And his constant humming through the fights also sounds so funny! *Cloth changes = In KOF '94/'95, he wears a grey outift, possibly his prison uniform. In KOF '96, Kim gives him and Choi uniforms similiar to that he wears. Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHIN GENTSAI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: China Birthdate: April 27, 1908 (91 years old) Height: 1.64 m (5'4") Weight: 53 kg (115 lbs) Blood type: A Hobbies: Mah-jong Favorite food: Sake (alcohol in general) Favorite sport: A walk in the park, skipping Most valuable: Alcohol Hates the most: Panda Fighting style: Kung Fu and Suiken (drunk-style martial art) Chin was reknown many years ago as a very skilled warrior and an expert martial artist. However, during the pass of the years, Chin's physique has deteriorated, and from being a well-built warrior, Chin became a midget, disaligned old man. Chin now enjoys the company of his wife, and is constantly submerged into smoking his pipe and drinking "sake" (Japanese alcohol drink based on rice). However, Chin's fashion for "sake" is so high, that Chin has the bad habit of getting drunk very often...even when it's time to fight! While enjoying a moment of peace and tranquility, Chin was met by a little boy. The boy had heard much about Chin, and he would feel honored if Chin would teach him. Under the dizzying effects of the "sake", Chin accepts the boy as his student, and when Chin finally realized what he did, he had no other choice but to keep his promise. Chin then teaches the boy named Sie Kensou, and is surprised that Kensou is a host of incredible psychic powers, while Chin himself masters himself in the art of the Drunken Monkey, a fighting style which tends to be very confused and mortal, since the opponent is lead into believing that the fighter is drunk, and is then nailed by several martial arts moves. Kensou grew to be a spirited young man, and Chin was so revitalized by the attitude of Kensou, that he found spirit once again to keep on fighting. Much like the son he never had, Kensou and Chin always wandered together around China and other countries around the Asian area, in order to keep their training constant. One day, both traveled to Japan in a training journey. They soon found a competitor in a form of a bulky man. While Chin just sat by and smoked his pipe, Kensou had to deal with the strongman alone. However, both did not count on the help of a ceratin somebody, who blew the big bully away. Both turned around to see a girl in a Japanese school uniform. She introduced herself as Athena Asamiya, fighter of justice! Athena wanted both Kensou and Chin to help her against the crime in town, and both accepted, but Chin was reluctant until he saw Kensou's inmediate interest in Athena. Seeing how his boy became a young man, Chin considered it to be fun, and that he would tag along awhile. The trio, quickly to be known as the Psycho Soldiers (mostly, because Athena and Kensou possesed psychic powers), made a lot of remarkable feats around Japan, thwarting crime wherever it would surge. Chin, however, did not participate too much in the fights: he was happy just training the both youngsters, and was proud of their evolution as fighters. Being a follower of the old rules of fighting, Chin induced Athena and Kensou the principles of the true meaning of fight, and what can somebody take from the fights. In 1994, the team was invited to the first King of Fighters tournament which introduced the team battle concept. Chin once again accompanied the youngsters, and demostrated his skillful fighting style. However, sometimes, the "sake" reached up to Chin's head, and then you really wouldn't know if Chin was fighting seriously, or if he was just fooling around! However, Chin was never blind at the evil at work in every tournament, so that's why before every tournament, Chin always trains Athena and Kensou, as well as himself, very hard to be able to face the evil forces. Chin soon recognized the power of Orochi at work, and warned the teenagers. All three proposed to fight the evil power to the end. However, since the fights of the Psycho Soldiers have become so popular, thousands of fans gathered around the group. Seeing this, Chin feared the young children would stray from the real sense of battle. So, told them not to enter the King of Fighters tournament in 1997. However, a fan letter from a certain Kaori to Athena cheered the two young fighters very much, and Chin had no other option but to accept to enter as well, but admiring the spirit of the two youngsters. They would fight together for mankind...until the end! Almost right after the final battle with Orochi, and after peace settled somewhat, Chin encountered a little kid named Bao. He was very young...perhaps even younger than Kensou the first time he met him. Feeling pity for the child, he decided to bring him to his home with his wife, and give him shelter for awhile. However, as of late, Chin had noticed two very exceptional cases: the impressive psychic powers of Bao, and the loss of such powers from Kensou. Both curious and worried, Chin decides to train Bao in the basics of martial arts, while he tries to train Kensou in new techniques that no longer require Psycho Power. The results would soon be appreciated at the fifth King of Fighters tournament.... Always aware of the evil at work behind the curtains of the tournament, Chin keeps silent, not to distract the youngsters during the battles. However, the evil deeds of Krizalid becomes more and more evident by the hour as the tournament advances, so Chin has no other choice but to lead his disciples to the location of the evil source. However, the explosion of the base obligates the Psycho Soldiers to escape. Chin and Bao manage to escape, but Athena and Kensou lag behind...Chin refuses to believe that the two teenagers died beneath the ruins of the underground base. As if the heavens would have heard him, a super-psycho charged Kensou emerges from the ruins, Athena in his arms. Just in that moment, both Bao and Kensou pass out. Chin is surprised by this fact, as he begins to investigate the bond between the two powers of his two adoptive students....which leads to a certain term..."the worst day in history". Chin is sometimes very distracted, and once in awhile, he gets so dead drunk, nobody can tell what he'll do next. However, Chin is a jolly man, and since he always takes fighting as a sort of game (thanks in part to all that "sake"), he is always so cheerful, dancing, smoking, and most of all, drinking! However, he uses all resources possible, such as using his own sake jug, and igniting the sake with his inner power so that he becomes a walking flamethrower! Chin also likes to accompany Athena's singing with his drums, in which he is also very skillful at. *Fun fact = The way how Chin fights won't seem likely that he has began very powerful in the lastest versions! I mean, when you see that old man lying on the ground all of a sudden, wobbling in his place, or inducing his opponent to drink from his sake jug, won't you feel humilliated? *Cloth changes = In KOF '94 to '98, he wears a brown vest with no shirt (showing off that big belly of his), white pants, sandals, and that wacky hat. In KOF '99, he now wears a traditional Chinese karate garb (green shirt with sleeves, red belt, green pants, much like Tung Fu Rue of the Fatal Fury series). Apperances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHIZURU KAGURA "A Thousand Cranes that dances to please God" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Japan Birthdate: June 26, 1974 (25 years old) Height: 1.69 m (5'5") Weight: 52 kg (113 lbs) Blood type: AB Hobbies: Sleeping, bike racing Favorite food: Hot/spicy food Favorite sport: Bike racing Most valuable: Pet bird 'Chi-chan' Hates the most: Irrational things Fighting style: Kagura style Ancient Martial Arts Chizuru is the last remaining survivor of the Clan of the Yata, whose obligation is to take care of the seal which is held over the Orochi power. Chizuru is actually the youngest of two sisters which were born in the latest Kagura generation. Her older sister was the rightful heir to the power of the Clan of the Yata, and she was granted the power to protect the seal. Chizuru, in the meanwhile, look up to her sister, since they had a very fraternal relationship, and Chizuru's sister also taught her the secrets of the Clan of the Yata. Everything was going well until... It was a cold night, when suddenly, an evil wind blew through the village of the Clan of the Yata. Chizuru woke up aware of the evil power at work in her village. Her older sister had felt that too, and she had come out to face the malignous entity. Suddenly, a man surged in the middle of the mist. A tall man, with very familiar clothes. Chizuru's sister called out for the Orochi messenger to come out. The man came out. He named himself Goenitz. He had come to destroy the seal that is imposed over the Orochi power. Chizuru's sister refuses and challenges Goenitz to battle. Both engage in a deadly battle, but Goenitz, being one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi, wields inmense power, and since the power of the Kagura can not fight the Orochi without the help of the other two clans, Chizuru's sister loses. Goenitz laughs, and claims that the seal over the Orochi power has been broken, but it is still weak. So, there's no other thing to do than wait. Goenitz vanishes. Chizuru runs to her sister's side. With her dying breath, Chizuru's sister asigns the task of sealing the Orochi power once again. If she fails, chaos and destruction will take over the world. Chizuru has to make the Kusanagi and Yagami clans unite one again so that the seal will be imposed again. With that, Chizuru's sister dies. Ten years has passed since the faithful incident. Chizuru has became a very succesful business woman, and is a very prestigious woman in Japan. She has secretly followed the King of Fighters tournament since it began, and after being aware of Rugal's death, Chizuru takes his place as the new host of the tournament, in 1996. She sends invitations to several teams...including Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami. In the finals, Chizuru takes on the Hero Team, where Kyo is captain. In the middle of a bustling stadium, Chizuru fights the Hero Team, but is more interested in the skills of the Kusanagi. Using illusions to confuse the fighters, Chizuru manages to put Daimon and Benimaru away. But Kyo was different. Kyo uses his Kusanagi power to fight Chizuru, and finally wins. Chizuru is then happy, since she knows Kyo is ready to face the challenge in front of him. However, soon enough, the same evil wind that blew ten years ago, now once again appeared. Chizuru and the Hero Team are blown away, but Chizuru takes the worst part. She bids Kyo to join with Iori and help defeat the Orochi power. Then, she faints. When she regains consciousness, Goenitz is at the edge of defeat. Chizuru promises Goenitz that the Orochi power will be taken away once and for all. Goenitz then vanishes, and so does Chizuru. Chizuru did not appear until days before the next tournament in 1997. Since many sponsors were in charge of the tournament, Chizuru's job was a lot more easier. However, she needed a team to enter the tournament this year. She then knew that Kasumi Todoh, the third member of the Gorgeous Team of last year, had disappeared. Chizuru took this chance, and reunited Mai Shiranui and King, the remaining members. She then begins to fight in the tournament, never letting an eye away from Kyo and Iori. As she previewed, Orochi was about to grow stronger and stronger, and the situation went critical with the rampage of Iori under the effect of the Riot of Blood, and the appearance of the other three Heavenly Kings of Orochi, in the form of the New Face Team. But fate lend it's lucky hand, and both Kyo and Iori were up and ready to face the faithful and final battle against the Orochi power. Chizuru wishes both Kyo and Iori good luck, and Chizuru begins developing the seal against Orochi. As the battle reached it's climax, Kyo prepared for the final punch as Iori held Orochi. Chizuru then invokes the seal, and everything goes blank. Nobody knows where Chizuru has gone now, but it's presumed she lives with ease now that the Orochi power is sealed once again...for now. Chizuru seems to be a very serious woman, and using the power of the mirror of the Clan of the Yata, she manages to create multiple images of herself. However, she is still a very spirited young woman at heart, and sometimes acts like a teenager. However, she is always ready to fight the Orochi power, and takes in her hands the hard duty of joining Kyo and Iori once again. *Fun fact = Acting so seriously, Chizuru can do some pretty loony dances... Appearances: The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHOI BOUNGE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Korea Birthdate: October 25, 1961 (38 years old) Height: 1.53 m (5') Weight: 44 kg (96 lbs) Blood type: B Hobbies: Cutting things Favorite food: Crabs Favorite sport: Gymnastics Most valuable: His claws Hates the most: Kongyaku Fighting style: Tae Kwon Do combined with self-taught fighting skills with claws Choi lived a pacific life once, as an owner of a butcher shop in a suburb of Korea, and happily married. However, both the tedium of his life and the lack of excitement made Choi a bit desperate for action. He was very skillful, from an early age, in slicing and dicing things, learning to cut the meat that came to the butcher shop. However, sometimes Choi thrived in cutting other things besides animal meat. One night, Choi was standing in front of his butcher shop, contemplating the stars. Once again, the need for some action in his life invaded his mind. And as of fate would have wanted it, a huge, bulky man came running into Choi. After a few minutes of recoil, Choi was astonished at the giant individual. He was fat, bald, bearded, and wielding a huge iron ball. It was Chang Koehan, the infamous criminal, who had just broke out of jail. Soon, Chang told Choi about all the fun and excitement in his crime life, and Choi got excited all of a sudden. Seeing Choi's gleer, Chang decided to invite him as a partner at night. Choi soon took out his steel claws which he had built himself, and began his adventures with Chang, without his wife ever knowing. Chang and Choi thrived in terrorizing the local population with their evildoings. Mugging is the best thing that they practiced. Choi now led a double life: pacific butcher man by day, little terror by night. He finally found himself alive by seeing the face of horror of his victims. That is, until he came... In a cold night, Chang and Choi had located their latest targets, one of them being a young woman. As soon as the duo prepared for the assault, a sudden white streak cruised their eyes. Quickly and efficiently, Chang and Choi were sent flying into the air. Having a hard time recovering, Chang and Choi barely distinguished a man in a white "dogi" (uniform). It was the fighter of justice, Kim Kaphwan! Kim had already heard about them, and decided to rid the world of the evil scum, he decides to reform the two criminals by taking them to his dojo and training them on Tae Kwon Do. Choi opposed instantly, but he was swiftly whacked by Kim (and Chang, too, even though he was just looking!). Thus, began the personal hell of Chang and Choi. Choi was promptly "retired" from his night criminal life, and had to train instead. Choi soon regretted the day he desired having emotions in his life, since all that it led him to was a lifetime of training under the sadistic Kim. Day after day, Chang and Choi planned their escape, but failed miserably each time (and gaining a subsequent beating afterwards). Choi saw the liberty a few feet away a few times, but Chang always screwed up. However, Choi never loses hopes to run away from Kim and finally go back in business! During a normal, hard training day with Kim, Choi met a man that had trained aside Kim long ago, but was totally different from him: he was ruthless, and quite a short-tempered fellow. Choi saw in him a last chance in escaping from the clutches of the merciless Kim, but it would soon turn out totally against him: the man, Jhun Hoon, was there to show the TRUE ways of justice: the way of violence! The cavalry continues for Choi, and more so when, just after the 1999 version of the King of Fighters tournament, he is assigned to the same Jhun to see which method of training is best. It seems that there will be no way in hell that the criminal duo will be escaping soon! Choi is always taking advantage of the opportunity to show off and impress Kim, and see if that way he can finally gain his liberty. He is the best of friends with Chang, but he truly hates that Chang always says the wrong things in the wrong times! Choi always loves the excitement of battle, and loves to gouge claws into the opponents' flesh. *Fun fact = In KOF '97, when Kim executed his "C" throw against Choi (the grab- by-the-head-and-slam-them-on-the-floor throw), it caused double damage! I guess Kim always takes it hard against poor Choi! ^-^ *Cloth changes = In KOF '94/'95, Choi wore black pants, green shirt, and some strappers. In KOF '96, he is given an uniform similiar to Kim, courtesy of his master! Appearances: The King of Fighters '94, The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '96, The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of Fighters '99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHRIS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birthplace: Sweden Birthdate: May 3, 1983 (16 years old) Height: 1.60 m (5'2") Weight: 48 kg (104 lbs) Blood type: AB Hobbies: Cooking Favorite food: Butan Favorite sport: Orienteering Most valuable: Nature Hates the most: Gummy candy, people who touch his head Fighting style: No style in particular, mainly speed-based attacks Chris is a little, innocent child who has to live forever with the curse of being the host of the Orochi power. Even though Chris seems to be cute and a funny kid (though he hates beging touched in the head), his dark little secret can lead to the inminent end of the world. As the legend says, a boy will be born with the power of the Orochi, and when he fully awakes, Orochi will be released in the world once again, and chaos will prevail. One would say that the last person on Earth that would carry this power would be Chris, but he is. In fact, he is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi, being able to wield, in his awakened form, the purple flames of disaster, the same which Iori so painfully wields. Ever since he has memory, Chris never had any parents. He grew up by himself, being self-dependant, and being able to live by himself. He learned to cook and clean by himself. He was also a bit anti-social, since he got a bit tired of hearing everyone praising his cuteness. However, one day, he was encountered in the streets by a young man named Yashiro Nanakase. It seemed he was about to form a music band, and Chris inmediately presumed his skills on the drums. Yashiro was reluctant, but something beyond mere recognition was attracting him to that kid. Yashiro sent Chris to a casting for the band, and he passed very well. Thus be