KOF Maximum Impact Regulation "A"/Novella

This page lists English translations for the novellas found in the Arcaida strategy guide and on the official website for KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation "A".

Ash Crimson: Claw Marks
The following translation is for the story KOF Maximum Impact Regulation A Positive Workout Arcadia Extra Vol. 47. Page 1= What the boy's name was, he didn't know any of the men who were there.

Neither he was born in Hong Kong nor he is from the mainland. Still, in his late teens, the boy, who looks unattainable, has white skin with conspicuous freckles, and always has a sarcastic smile on the corner of his lips, as if he is up to something. was

The boy who appeared in Hong Kong a few weeks ago seems to be based in Tsim Sha Tsui's Peninsula, and he was often spotted wandering around Zan Road, but it's also for sightseeing purposes. Before I know it, I find myself in Causeway Bay or wandering around Sheung Wan. He also spends his money in high-end boutiques in Central and slurps noodles among the locals on Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei.

In short, he was a phantom. Besides, he stands out.

Because of his constant smile and the fact that he was so shy about money that he didn't know where he came from, he was nicknamed "Smiling Namiko". Namiko is a word that means, at best, a person of elegance or a man of taste, and at worst, a player.

He is by no means a handsome boy, but his existence is mysteriously etched in the memory of those who see him. Maybe it was my fault.

Such a boy, Namiko Namiko, changes riverbanks every night and has a great time.

He couldn't stand out.

The first victims were thugs who wanted to pester money-savvy outsiders for a little pocket money. In the middle of the night, Smiling Namiko came out of the hotel and headed out to Temple Street. This is the testimony of a stall owner who witnessed the scene. The hoodlums tucked Namiko in from both sides and brought him into the back of the dimly lit alley, where he never came out.
 * -|Page 2=

The next morning, his thugs were found covered in bruises and groaning in the back of the alley, but there was no Smiling Namiko. By the time the thugs were rushed to the hospital, he had finally gotten out of bed and was eating a late breakfast in the hotel restaurant, yawning.

The next victims were the big brothers of the thugs. Even though he was a big brother, he was still just a young boy, and in the world of the Hong Kong Triad, he was grouped with thugs. Hearing that his younger brother was miserable, he may have intended to take revenge.

In the same way, his plan must have been to surround Namiko with his friends, take him to a place where no one can see him, and get them to blame him.

That is to say, the older brother, far from taking the blame, ended up doing the same ugliness as his younger brother.

Namiko didn't have many strong bodyguards with him. Alone at all times, he prowled the streets at night with nothing to hold onto as a weapon.

Before he knew it, the locals who knew Smiley Namiko began to spread rumors, half-jokingly and seriously, that anyone who interfered with his whimsical excursion would be punished...

And the rumors soon reached the ears of people quite high up in the "office" where the thugs "got a job and he was".

This time it's not just a thug. He is a respectable executive.

It was his third victim, and far more troublesome than his predecessors.

Smiling Namiko, dressed in a sleeveless China coat with elaborate embroidery, was sitting on a chair with a moderate amount of cushion.
 * -|Page 3=

A mahjong table is placed in front of him, and beyond that sits a stout man with a tattoo on his shaven head. Surrounding him were nearly 20 gangsters.

It was just past 4:00 pm, and it should have been business hours, but there were no customers in the spacious parlor. Only the Namiko, the tattooed man, and the gangsters occupy the central table.

In the tense atmosphere, Namiko sees his nails and he is there. The fingers of his right hand were nicely polished and painted with his flame art, but the nails on his left hand were still only shaped and painted with only the base coat.

Namiko seemed to be dissatisfied with that, and pouted his lips slightly, repeating a small sigh from earlier.

The tattooed man is glaring at him with blue tantrums on his forehead. The triad around him didn't even verbally threaten him, but they all stared at Namiko with a smile as if they were going to shoot him dead.

"No matter how carefree you are, you don't know what kind of situation you're in right now."

"No way."

However, Namiko calmly shrugs off those gazes that are a mixture of hostility and murderous intent.

He may be doing it on purpose, knowing that such an attitude would increase the anger of the men around him. The triad should already know that Namiko smiles and acts like he's eating people.

"…………Name is?"

After a long silence, the tattooed man finally spoke. Namiko, who had only seen his fingernails, saw the man's face for the first time and exaggeratedly shrugged her shoulders.

"Even if you ask me in Cantonese, I don't understand."

Namiko's answer was in fairly fluent Cantonese. A quiet commotion spreads among the thugs, and the originally dark tattooed man's face turns red and black with anger.

The man is called "Bird Crow". Was he named because of the color of his skin, or did he have some kind of anecdote from when he was young?

Hong Kong's black society is dominated by countless societies, but Ku He's Law group is by no means a small one, if not one of the top five. It is the core of a larger, more powerful organization.

That's why there's no such thing as a person who reacts like this to his boss, Crow, in such a disrespectful way.

In fact, in Crow's expression, along with intense anger, there is also a color of surprise.

He may have thought that this kid was crazy.

"It doesn't matter what your name is"
 * -|Page 4=

Crow muttered in a low, muffled voice.

It's true that there's no point in hearing the name of this cheeky kid.

The problem is, how do you get rid of this kid?

"I don't care."

This time Namiko opened her mouth. He was also fluent in Cantonese.

"Why should he be brought to a place like this in the first place? Is it me?"

"You guys"

Crow narrowed his eyes and let out a voice reminiscent of a wolf's howl.

"Hey, it's quite difficult to get a reservation at that nail salon. Even though I finally managed to make a reservation, isn't it a bit unreasonable to be kidnapped by vulgar men on the way?"

Crow's cheeks twitched as he listened to Namiko's words, perhaps because his slightly husky voice was offensive. Was the right hand on the table fiddling with the tiles some sort of spell to keep me from losing myself in my anger?

Flipping all the tiles over, Crow took a slow, deep breath.

"Don't you know what you've done...?"

"Huh? What did I do?"

"Think about what you did today, step by step."

"Today, today... umm"

Namiko tied her long bangs in a headband pulled from the bosom of his coat and folded his arms in a theatrical gesture.

"That's right... First of all, I woke up late in the morning, ate brunch at the hotel cafe, went to the nail salon I had booked, and when my right hand was clean, ugly men stepped in, and on top of blackened bread—”

"That's not it!"

Crow's big hand grabbed a mahjong tile and threw it at Namiko's face. After enduring for so long, Crow had finally reached the limit of his patience.

However, the kid easily dodged the tiles thrown at him from close range by simply swaying his head.

"-"

For a moment, both Crow and the gang stiffened as if their venom had been removed. Only Namiko remained unchanged. "What do you mean by no?" Namiko asked, lifting his thin lips.

"... Before that, something must have happened-"

Crow suddenly came to his senses, sat down on his chair, and suppressed his anger as he asked.

"Before that... ah, what about that? When I tried to get on the metro to go to the nail salon, I was caught by some nasty old men in front of the station. Could it be about that?"

"He's my nephew!"

Pulling the necktie he wore only for the sake of appearance, Crow held a large knife in his hand instead of a tile.
 * -|Page 5=

The thugs who catch Crow's glance grab Namiko's shoulders and arms from both sides.

"... what is it?"

Namiko stared up at the thugs to the left and right, but it seemed difficult for Namiko, who was too thin to shake off the arm of the violent gangsters.

They then pinned Namiko's upper body to the table and twisted his arms toward his back.

"Don---!"

There was a heavy sound, and a knife stabbed in front of Namiko.

"Thanks to you, his nose is crooked, and he's still in the operating room."

"I haven't done anything to thank you."

Namiko's demeanor didn't change, even after being deprived of her freedom and facing the glaring blade at such a distance that he couldn't even focus.

"This damn kid...!"

Pulling out the knife stuck in the table, Crow shouted.

"Hold him tight! I'll cut off his nose first!"

"... ah. I wonder if this person is saying anything."

Namiko gave his usual sarcastic smile as he chased the knife with his eyes.

“Why did the triad pick a fight with me and get revenge, and now his uncle came out and took revenge on his nephew?

With a chuckle, Namiko's body moved faster than Crow's knife.

"On top of that, his uncle was also killed!"

"Uh!?"

"Agu!"

The gangsters who were holding Namiko suddenly burst into flames and rolled onto the floor holding both his and their own hands, and almost at the same time the mahjong table split in two.

"Pu"

Namiko's heels smashed Crow's jaw as he dragged an emerald trail.

"Well... what is a triad that can't fight? Is he a scum of the world, or is he the trash of society?"

Namiko, who flew beautifully in the air and landed safely, looked down at Crow, who had fallen in front of him. However, Crow remained sprawled and didn't move. He probably had a concussion, but even if he regained consciousness, he wouldn't have been able to speak properly with his jaws shattered.

A dark flame burns deep in Namiko's cold eyes as she stares at Crow. At some point, the flames dwelled in Namiko's fingertips, illuminating his white profile.

All he could do was watch the men around him stunned. Unable to pull out the guns and knives, and without even a voice of surprise, they stood there with their eyes wide open at the sudden event.

"Well, and..."

Namiko gently shook his head to straighten his disheveled hair. Then he looked around at the men who frozen like statues, lighting green flames in his hands spread to his left and right.

"To thank you for everything you've done for me, I'll help you... clean up."

On the roof of a multi-tenant building, on top of a rusty fence.
 * -|Page 6=

Ash Crimson's long bangs shook in the hot Asian night wind, which was toasted by flames.

Hearing the sound of the approaching sirens from a distance, Ash looks at his proud claws as he holds his hands up against the dusty starry sky.

His long claws had a dangerous glow, reflecting off the venomous neon lights.

"It's not bad to have someone else do it occasionally... But in this case, I wonder if she has to make a reservation again."

With a chuckle, Ash turned his gaze to the lower world and he said.

"I'm sorry."

One street away, a fire was raging so fiercely that it scorched the night sky. Just a few minutes ago, the sparrow house, which was temporarily closed, suddenly exploded.

However, the police and fire brigade have not yet arrived at the scene. Irresponsible onlookers just watched from afar. Some people are actively taking pictures and movies, perhaps with the intention of selling them to a weekly magazine later.

However, neither the police nor the media will be able to pinpoint the cause of the explosion. That was something only Ash knew.

"... yes yes, thank you everyone for your hard work."

With no sign of fear, Ash stood up on the fence and exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders.

"He's really trained for entertainment. How can he flock to something like that?"

Muttering that, Ash looks back over his shoulder.

"...Hey, don't you think so too?"

Ash's eyes, narrowed into a laugh, cast into the shadow of the water tower.

The shadow seemed to have shriveled slightly. "... I was able to see your tricks earlier."

The voice that came back from the shadows was that of a woman. She's holding back her emotions, but she's probably still young. Even though the flames were blazing nearby, for some reason the air was beginning to smell sweet flowers.

Ash scratched the tip of his nose with the tip of his fingernail and glanced at the fire scene.

"I was allowed to see it... Huh. You were there, too."

"yes"

"I didn't realize that, at all."

"Be humble"

The woman in the shadow didn't show her figure clearly and continued indifferently. If there were third-person eyes here, she would look like Ash interacting with shadows.

"... I thought it would be nice if you had that level of skill, so I was ashamed to ask you out. I have one question to ask. Is it all right?"

"That's right... well, let's just say that. I'll decide whether or not I'll answer after hearing the question."

"Then... have you heard of the Hizoku?"

"Hizoku? Ah... I don't think I've heard of it... Well, I guess it's just a rumor?"

"Then, have you ever met a man named Ron? Have you met him anywhere?"

"Unfortunately, neither name sounds familiar."

As Ash shakes his head, the gold bangle that adorns Ash's wrist plays a crisp, clear sound.

"What are those?"

"......"

The woman in the shadow didn't answer. However, there was a faint sound of dripping water dripping from her, and the sweet scent seemed to intensify a little.

"Well, that's fine."

Ash looked back at the fire scene.

"If you're looking for someone through that kind of connection, why don't you go to Shanghai and see him? Or have you already gone?"

"Shanghai...?"

"In Shanghai, there's a man who seems to like that sort of thing. He's an idiot who loves to fight strong guys. The person you're looking for is strong, isn't he? "

"······yes"

"From you?"

"yes"

The shadow woman declared without pause.

"If that's the case, I think it's worth a visit."

"What is his name?"

"I don't even know his real name, but he's called Shen Woo in his hometown.

"Shen Woo..."

"Ahahaha, I'm not a good person to be summoned, but I think he that is."

Shaking his slender shoulders, Ash laughed.

"Well, if you still can't find any clues, then why don't you just participate in the K.O.F.? There will be many people from all over."

"•••••• Understood. Thank you for your help."

"Phew-"

Ash giggled as he thrust his hand into her coat pocket.

"I thought that just messing around with those two wouldn't be exciting enough. I thought she was going to be a bore, but... Hmmm, it seems like she's going to be interesting, after all?"

With his unmanicured left hand, he pulled out a white envelope along with a mobile phone.


 * -|Page 7=

The next day.

After finishing his left-hand nail care at the nail salon, Ash headed for Hong Kong International Airport.

A newspaper sold at the kiosk had a big headline about last night's fire, but Ash never paid any attention to it.

Hong Kong, without Smile Namiko, remained the same as before, a sweltering, sweltering city filled with excitement.

Blue Mary: Partner
https://archive.org/details/kof-maximum-impact-regulation-a-positive-workout-arcadia-extra-vol.-47/page/n196/mode/2up

Makoto Mizoguchi: Fighting 100 Steps! This is Naniwa's Masculinity!
https://archive.org/details/kof-maximum-impact-regulation-a-positive-workout-arcadia-extra-vol.-47/page/n198/mode/2up

Xiao Lon: Cold Wind, Cold Water, Banished Sage
https://archive.org/details/kof-maximum-impact-regulation-a-positive-workout-arcadia-extra-vol.-47/page/n200/mode/2up

Side Story: Ch Kusse Ihre Hand, Fraulein
https://archive.org/details/kof-maximum-impact-regulation-a-positive-workout-arcadia-extra-vol.-47/page/244/mode/2up

Ninon Beart: Melancholia
https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/01/01.html

Terry Bogard: Brothers and Sisters
https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/02/01.html

Alba Meira: Casablanca
http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/03/01.html Part 1= The ring of church bells rang in the cold autumn wind. Sitting on a bench, Alba was still and only moved his pupils at first as the sound of footsteps came near. He raised his head to look up.

What a gloomy sky.

Cutting under such a sky were men clothed in black. One said nothing, another lit a cigarette, but they all had dark expressions as they walked along the gravel footpath. Beside him, he heard Soiree hum a sad and nostalgic sounding melody. His younger brother saw the men coming and gave a slight wave.

"Hey."

"If possible, I didn't want to ever wear these clothes."

At the head of the group, Gallagher fumbled with his necktie as he looked around.

"...What is it, you can't be leader just for today?"

"I can't come to school wearing this get up. Noel just told me out of the blue to change into this."

"Is that so..."

Gallagher wisely nodded, stroking the short cut beard along his jaw.

"We're going on ahead. We'll head back to the shop and get tonight's preparations ready."

"You sure you don't need our help?"

"Yeah, we can take care of this. Besides, you two need to stay by Anne. ...She'll probably cry."

"You're right about that."

Alba said with a wry smile, looking back up at the sky.

"It came quickly."

"Yeah..."

While Alba uttered these words, Soiree nodded, his countenance losing its usual wondrous charm. After Gallagher's group walked away, Alba heaved a heavy sigh as a distasteful silence crept its way into his heart.

"We're leaving!"
 * -|Part 2=

A bright voice had said, followed by a series of thundering footsteps on the steel stairway. Alba was leaning against the handrail of the stairs and waving, and Anne called out to Noel as he made his way down the stairs.

"The other teams have calmed down lately but don't lose your guard, Noel."

"Leave it to me! Compared to one of Soiree's rides, I'm much safer."

Roaring up the Cadillac's engine, Noel gave her a wink. Soiree was biting back a large yawn when he happened to hear his remark. He leaned over and roared.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Nothing."

"Ah...! N, Noel, you little...!"

Soiree gritted his teeth as he glared at Noel. They were the mood makers of the team and they got along, though they bickered over trivial things. At least when it came to arguments, Soiree didn't stand a chance against Noel. He was always hot-tempered and impatient and the smooth-talking Noel could always silence him with a single word. It was impossible for him to match up.

Walking over to the Cadillac's passenger seat, Anne looked up at the red-faced Soiree and giggled.

"Geez, Soiree always gives into Noel's taunts."

"Go out with Soiree later, Anne."

"Okay."

"Right, we're going now, Alba."

"Yeah."

Anne got inside the car and Alba watched them until Noel drove off. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Did something upset you, Soiree?"

"Well, yeah."

Soiree was leaning his waist at the middle of the stairway, eyebrows knit with objection as they wrinkled a straight line on his forehead. He grudgingly remarked about Noel.

"That Noel, thinking so highly of himself just because he's got the car a little more often---"

"Noel is a steady driver because of it. When I consider for Anne's safety, I'd probably would've done the same."

"Ugh, even I know that. It's just he didn't have to drag me into it, you know?"

"So tell me. When Anne came back with you earlier, who was responsible for the big scratch on my car?"

Pushing up his sunglasses, Alba suppressed his accusing tone as he asked. Instantly, Soiree sucked in his breath and understood.

"That-that was.... I-I already apologized for that!"

"Your apology still can't dramatically improve your driving skills."

"I know but---"

"I'm not going to get angry at you for that. I'm just saying that when it comes to Anne, I trust Noel to drive her around than you. As for why Noel had to say what he did... Think more about what you yourself did earlier."

"Huh? Did I do something to him?"

Soiree asked, looking back at his brother doubtfully. Alba daringly answered for what he insinuated.

"What are you taking about? At the hamburger stand at Emmanuel Street, there's a waitress working there"

"Huh? What happened to Catherine?"

"No... it's nothing."

Every member in "Sons of Fate" knew that Noel held a thing for that cheerfully spirited and slightly freckled waitress. Everyone except for probably Soiree. The child would frequently visit the place more than Noel and, as he wolfed down his hamburgers with big appreciating bites, he didn't see the admiring gaze from the girl as he ate. Soiree probably didn't notice her at all.

"Not realizing Noel's feelings... it's like watching a solo wrestling match."

Saying this more to himself, Soiree perked his eyebrows when he heard his brother,

"Hey, why are you laughing, Bro? You know something, don't you?"

"Even if I do know something, it's pointless coming from my lips. You're going to have to face Noel on that. ...All I can do is give some advice."

"And that is?"

"Refrain from eating hamburgers for awhile. That shop's double double cheese burgers pack too many calories. Combining it with the soft drink they offer isn't healthy for you either."

"What?! You mean I'm getting fat?! Am I that chubby now?!"

As Soiree misunderstood the meaning behind his words and panicked on his own, Alba kept a cool visage as he polished the lenses of his sunglasses. The silhouettes of the buildings on the business street dyed the area black as the dazzling morning sun began to rise. It was more like autumn as of late, but it seemed like today would be one clear day.

"Good morning, gentlemen."
 * -|Part 3=

Alba straightened his sunglasses and put them back on. Soiree sat upright with an unfaithful expression to address the woman's voice above them.

"Morgen, Shirley."

Looking up at the beautiful brunette who was blushed slightly red from the morning chill and yawning away, Alba twisted his lips into a frown.

"It's not "good", Shirley. I know I always tell you this, but you're sleeping in too often. Anne already went to school a long time ago."

"Oh."

The men started to shuffle in their jumpers as the beauty walked down the steps. Shirley Coleman placed a hand over her lips as her eyes opened wide like saucers.

"Ah, this person's an embarrassment to all mothers. If you're a mother, at least wish your child to have a good day before they leave."

"Who took her today?"

"And there she goes ignoring my words as usual---"

"Noel did this time. ...But she's growing up to be a bright girl."

"Haha... well, her mother's teachings is topnotch."

"...You're one to talk."

As Soiree grumbled his misgivings under his breath, this time Shirley's eyes became like a kite's and she narrowed them with a fierce glare to him.

"Did you say something, Soiree? ...Now that I think about it, you haven't paid your tab for my shop, have you?"

"Ah, excuse me, miss! It's nothing really!"

Flailing around his arms in distress, he emitted a frightened yet cheerful laugh. Soiree wasn't the only one. Jay, William, and the other young men were frequently allowed to drink liquor for free at her shop. Therefore, whenever she threatened them with a bill, there was nothing they could do but spout apologies and surrender. Shirley deeply inhaled the chilly morning air before relaxing again with a sigh.

"...Ah, but joking aside, you two really do help me out by looking after Anne."

"Please don't worry about it. We're doing it because we enjoy it."

"Yup. Everyone in "Sons of Fate" is like one big family. We see Anne like our little sister and you're the old---"

"The young, ever so lovely, good older sister. Right, Soiree?"

"Right. Exactly."

Facing Shirley's glare once more, Soiree's neck shivered a bit. Just as quickly though, her expression loosened and she lapsed into a silly chuckle.

"Heheheh... But, it's really interesting."

"Beg pardon?"

Alba was observing the children playing in front of the apartment, but he inquired to Shirley's attention at that moment.

"You two, you and Soiree. You look half like Fate and Chance."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Alba, your conduct and sense of responsibility is just like Fate, but your level-headed calculations is more like Chance."

Shirley was famed as a person who was exceptionally talented at reading people's character, but Alba couldn't help his dry smile at her analysis.

"I admit that my height and character may seem a little like Chance, but I'm nothing like Fate. That's overrating me too much."

"Hmm, you think so?"

"Yeah. If we're talking only about similarities, then wouldn't Soiree be more like Fate than me? Soiree is popular with people and has the shining ability to draw people towards him. That's something I don't have."

"Oh? Did you say something good about me just now, Bro? Praise me more! Come on, come on!"

While Soiree rejoiced and hopped up with joy, Shirley quietly learned towards Alba and whispered.

"But his habit of hitting on women is more like Chance, isn't it?"

"...I must talk with Chance about that sometime."

Alba begrudgingly uttered with his expression souring. Shirley continued mischievously.

"It's a problem, huh. It must pain you to see your treasured brother take after such a frivolous man."

"Nope! Chance looks cool and flashy when you first see him. Just like me, right?"

Soiree cleared his throat a little after his comment and nodded approvingly. Alba's neck tilted a little in disbelief before he turned back to the wiser woman who wasn't marred with make-up.

"...Do you hate Chance?"

"No."

"Heh, then what about Fate?"

"Of course I like him."

Answering the twins' questions without thinking twice, Shirley spoke at once.

"---But right now, the one who is most important to me is that child."

"I see..."

"What is it now, Alba? What did you mean with that vague phrase?"

"Nothing... Our team just has a reliable and strong goddess on our side."

"You won't get anything from me if you try to flatter me in that manner."

After rapidly tapping the shoulder of the one called "King", Shirley made her way down the steel stairs.

"Ah, it wasn't meant to be like that! You're already a part of "Sons of Fate", Shirley!"

"And for that you have my thanks."

She stopped for a moment and gazed back at where Alba and Soiree were standing, suddenly looking at them as if she were in a daze.

"...Hey, you two."

"Yes?"

"There are a lot of good men in "Sons of Fate", but if anyone is going to try to become better than Fate or Chance, I think both of you are the only ones capable of doing it."

"It's like she says, Bro."

Soiree gave his older brother a tiny smile as they looked at one another.

Shirley was a fiery spirit and an iron-willed woman. Even if she was facing Fate or Chance, she was the type of person who said precisely what she wanted without fail. An unworldly woman to be sure.

Alba couldn't say anything after that, content to watch her from afar as she greeted the neighborhood children while opening her shop.

"Bro. Hey, Bro."
 * -|Part 4=

Slowly feeling himself float above the abyss of slumber, Alba felt Soiree shaking his shoulder. Looking above the lenses of his sunglasses, he noted the patches of blue barely in view as the clouds spread throughout the heavens and the cold-hearted breeze had softened. Amazingly, it looked as though only ten minutes have passed. The minute hand of his watch confirmed his observations. Alba heaved a lengthy sigh.

"That's strange. Didn't think that Bro would have taken a nap on a bench."

Bending his waist to be closer to him, Soiree's face crinkled with worry for his brother.

"---Can it be that you're really tired?"

"No, just a little. ...I saw a dream of the past."

"The past?"

"I had a dream of when Shirley was still alive."

"Ah... It's been a year since then..."

Frozen there together, they looked up at the clouds above. The clouds had bundled together to the far west blocking the beams of sunlight from a faraway summer day, blackening and thickening the twins' shadows, stretching from their feet far beyond them.

"Alba! Soiree!"

From a distance, an upbeat girl was calling out to them. Upon hearing her voice, both men stood up from the bench at the same time, perhaps due to some secret synchronized beat they had from being born on the same day. They may not look alike or act the same, but it was times like this that Alba thought they were truly twins.

"You're both late!"

"Ah, sorry."

Coming towards them from the same walkaway that their companions had left a little while ago, Noel was walking in a black suit. Beside him was Anne, her brunette hair just like her mother's and kept tidy in a ponytail. Adjusting his sunglasses, Alba's eyes were drawn towards the big bouquets that they held near their chests.

"Casablanca flowers..."

"Yes."

Anne glanced at the white lily with a lonesome nod.

"...Because Mama liked these flowers."

"Even so, you two bought quite a lot of them."

"Of course! We bought all of the ones the store had!"

Noel, who looked like he didn't belong in a black suit, curved his necktie chest forward proudly and bellowed a laugh.

"What are you acting so proud of? You're being too happy with yourself, Noel."

"Ah, it's fine, isn't it? At least you two will know that Shirley would be pleased to have these. It's the least we could do for her."

Noel pouted his lips as he complained while Anne's neck quivered as she shook her head.

"Oh no, it's not like that... Everyone was really nice to Mama."

"Thank you, Anne. ...Yeah, seriously though, we really feel like we haven't paid back Shirley's kindness, so we're obligated to go to extra lengths for her. She was the one who was always taking care of us."

"...That's true."

Soiree lightly scratched his nose as he bobbed his head quietly. To make the usually cheerful Soiree and Noel adopt a stern complexion showed the respect they had for the woman who laid in the ground beneath them, Alba thought. Then he found himself pondering.

Shirley... Fate and Chance... Why have all the adults that he admired disappear from them, one by one?

One was Shirley's grave. The other one adjacent to hers, though it was slightly newer, was Fate's spot. Placing the bouquet in front of her mother's resting place, Anne's voice died in her throat as tears began to flow down her cheeks. Soiree and Noel could be the trustworthy men to look after her, but, as expected, they couldn't flip the one page of memories regarding her mother's death for her.
 * -|Part 5=

Noel was on one knee next to the girl, placing a single hand on her shoulder, rubbing it as an awkward form of comfort.

About a step away behind them, Alba silently watched their backs. Maybe next year, he would witness a similar sight, but he was sure Anne's sorrow would lessen over time. Alba's hand formed a cross over his chest and he uttered a voiceless prayer, yet he noticed that next to him, Soiree had been oddly silent and was biting his lip.

"What's wrong, Soiree?"

"Nothing..."

Perhaps due to the casablancas' sweet fragrance drifting through the air, Soiree sniffled and whirled his heel away. Noticing the uncharacteristic movement, Alba followed Soiree's exit. Walking aimlessly amongst the numerous line of crosses, Soiree voiced his thoughts once more without looking back to his brother.

"...It's been a year since then."

"Didn't you already say this before?"

"It's fine though. First, it was Chance, then it was Shirley, and Fate went and died--- right, Bro."

"What are you trying to say?"

"When I left the orphanage with Bro, I never imagined that I would feel this sadness about losing anyone except for you. And then, standing before Shirley's grave like that, I remembered when we were together and I got sad all over again, y'know? ---I'm still just a kid..."

Scratching through his silver hair with a rough hand, Soiree's voice hushed itself. Alba wasn't close enough to see Soiree's face, but he imagined that if his younger brother continued, Soiree would start crying uncontrollably. In a voice that seemed to withhold the same inclination, Alba spoke.

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's the same as how I feel."

"You're fine, Bro. You don't have the type of face to be like that. It's impossible for me to have a pokerface like yours in my lifetime."

In fact, unlike Alba's cool ability to keep himself in check, Soiree was the one who couldn't hold back his true feelings in front of anyone. It was one of Soiree's merits but also one of his faults. Being a little envious of Soiree's honesty at the time, Alba broke out sarcastically.

"In other words, you're saying that I don't feel emotions, Soiree?"

"Huh? Is that how you took it?"

Taking the joke in stride, Soiree became his usual self again.

"But, Bro."

"What is it?"

"Don't leave me without saying anything, okay?"

"-"

"Sons of Fate" had young members who'd lost their leaders too soon in succession. Alba might be next- is probably what Soiree was likely thinking. With their gang's history, he couldn't necessarily blame him. Balling his fists within the pocket of his black slacks, Soiree's eyes narrowed as the wind blew from the opposite direction.

"If you were to suddenly disappear, I would look everywhere for you. The place where we belong is here. It's this town, right?"

Brushing aside his lock of silver hair, Alba shook his head.

"Those are my exact words to you, Soiree."

"Ha?"

"Rather, you're the one who seems more likely to disappear on whim."

"Hey, hey, don't talk like people are so quick to leave their roots. I'm not the man who would live the life of a groundless warrior and go on a journey. Huh, Bro?"

"You don't look it."

"Right?"

Soiree laughed as he poked Alba's shoulder lightly.

"---Hey, you guys!"

Upon hearing Noel's voice, both twins turned their gaze simultaneously.

"What are you guys jabbering to yourselves over there?"

"It was nothing."

Alba tightened his necktie as they headed back to the other awaiting party.

"---Tonight, we'll drink until dawn in Shirley's honor. ...At any rate, are you fine, Anne?"

"Yeah."

The girl patted a white handkerchief to her eyes as she nodded, even braving a small smile to assure him. Although she didn't act like her departed mother, who was a strong woman who wasn't afraid to deface the toughness of manhood, Anne was definitely Shirley's daughter.

"Thanks for today, everyone."

"Ah, don't worry about it. ...Okay, we've got to hurry up and go to the places we need to be!"

"Yeah. Gallagher maybe leader for today, but he could be going crazy with his new position and doing who knows what."

"Gallagher wouldn't do such a thing. He isn't like you and Noel."

"Hey."

Putting Anne between them, Noel and Soiree walked away as a group. Alba gazed at them from afar, witnessing the all-too-familiar sight. Ever since the time Shirley had brought Anne to Southtown, those two had naturally became her big brother figures on their own will. Stopping before Shirley and Fate's graves, Alba felt a smile grace his lips.

"With those two noisy older brothers and three people acting as her guardians, do you think that girl is a little troubled? Anne is already a teenager, but at times, I have no idea what to do for her when planning out her future... What do you think?"

Alba listened, but he knew the cold grave markers couldn't give him an answer.

"Yo, Alba! What are you doing?"

Noel had turned and waved towards him.

"Hey, Mr. Driver--! The little miss is waiting for you--!"

"...I'm going now."

Softening to Soiree's comment, Alba smiled wryly at the two graves.

"---We'll come again, Fate, Shirley."

Soiree Meira: Las Vegas
http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/04/01.html Part 1= Italian cities have a seasonal cityscape, one which is patterned by calming and ever-changing colors. People tread through the streets with light footsteps and enjoy the peaceful humdrum of life. Southtown was no different. Once the day was done and the night beckoned, and the cold darkness seeped in with a silent crawl, the trees along the walkways would then flash their dresses of gorgeous illumination, and the shadows would fade into the asphalt. The spectacle wasn't restricted to the busy shopping districts. It was a common sight to see one or two houses peppered with their own set of Christmas lights.

Even the apartment Alba and his gang lived in were swept into the spirit, as some of the richer inhabitants gathered up from who-knows-where some of their own decorative lights. They were put up around their place a month before the holiday. It wasn't a fanciful artist with a good eye for coordination who put them up; it looked more like everyone simply celebrated and put any bricka-brack anywhere they pleased. He couldn't truly compliment it as a refined masterpiece, but-

"A bad bush is better than the open field."

Alba's aesthetics may have been repulsed by the vulgar mess of electric bulbs, but he thought it best to at least keep it for the brighter lighting in their neighborhood. He knew there was no reason to remove them. The children frolicked happily whenever they saw them, and Alba strangely felt content to let Soiree and Noel entertain them.

He cut the engine of his beloved car after he parked it in the garage, just as the sinking embers of sundown touched the earth and the glow of lights began to flicker throughout the town. Alba looked up and thinly smiled. The children who had played with the layer of snow around their place yesterday were running to him.

"Welcome home, Alba!"

"Yeah. I just came back."

"Alba, did you get in a fight with Soiree or something?"

The boy asked so innocently that Alba's head tilted.

"Not to my recollection. ...Is something wrong with Soiree?"

"Um, we came here because we wanted to play with him. So we ran up to his room."

The girl started to explain in an uncertain tone.

"But when we got in, the electricity and the stove weren't being used. He was on a corner of his bed, wrapped up in a blanket and holding his knee."

"We thought maybe Alba had yelled at him and he was being sad about it. Is that true?"

"I wouldn't know..."

At least Alba wouldn't know when he left earlier today. Soiree was the same old Soiree. He had spent all night out in the town with Noel, but he noticed Alba leaving and saw him off, half-asleep as always.

"Thank you for waiting here to tell me. The sun's already setting, so be sure to go home before it's too dark."

"Okay, we know. See ya, Alba!"

"Bye-bye!"

The children with rosy apple cheeks swiveled on the snow and gravel and ran off. Soiree watched them until they were out of view before he turned back to the apartment with a sigh. Soiree's room was dark, no light on at all. Alba cradled the bag of groceries and walked up the steel stairs, heading to his brother's room.

"---Soiree?"

Alba knocked lightly, but there was no answer. Alba bowed his head and opened the door.

"Soiree, I just got back."

Just like the children described to him. Soiree had wrapped himself in a blanket and was holding his knee on top of a corner of his bed. The chilly air blew in from the opened door, causing his brother to shiver involuntarily in the already freezing room.

"... Soiree?"

"B-Bro..."

Alba addressed his brother, and Soiree looked at him as a violent chill quaked through his shoulders.

"You'll catch a cold if you stay like this. How about turning on the heater?"

The older twin placed the groceries on the table –soon wondering why was there a rose bouquet resting in Soiree's room– and turned on the oil heater standing near the wall.

"Wha-What am I gonna do!?"

"... Beg pardon?"

Soiree ripped off the blanket and rattled his perplexed brother for all he was worth.

"What am I gonna do!? Tell me, Bro!"

"I can't be expected to give an answer if I don't know the details. What exactly happened?"

"I-I did... Anne got upset and..."

"Anne?"

Now that he thought about it, he didn't see Anne in the kitchen. She would always be there around this time to cook something up for the residents in this apartment. If Soiree had angered her like he professed, then her absence would be explainable. It would be more productive to get a second opinion about the incident.

Alba threw Soiree a single apple, told him he would return, and dashed out of the room.

A bath, a toilet, and a kitchen in a single room. A combination present decades before the gang came there. It was a simple age-old apartment. Half of the first floor was the garage, the other half was for the entrance hall. Every floor above it were residential spaces. The second, the third, the fifth, the sixth floor: each floor had three studio type rooms. Fourth level was the party room with a communal kitchen. The room for the apartment manager was parked next to it.
 * -|Part 2=

Alba stayed in his own room on the fifth floor. His neighbor next door was Soiree, and Noel took the third living space available.

It's a mystery how Fate claimed the apartment building for the gang, and no one knew how it was done. To the Sons of Fate, however, it was their safe haven. It was the one place in Southtown they had claimed as their turf. Fate fondly called it their home. And it still continued to be their home when Alba took over. The cramped building couldn't hope to fit all the gang's members, but it was the one place where everyone could meet. If anything happened, the gang would always come to this apartment.

Alba left Soiree's room and headed down to the fourth floor.

"Yo."

Gallagher greeted him when he reached the table in the communal kitchen. As he watched him set down a bottle of Grolsch, Alba spied the mountain of empty bottles and the pizza well past its heated goodness resting on the table. Glancing at the unlit stove, Alba hitched his lips.

"A somber dinner."

"Don't start with me. You know how much I didn't want to resort to this."

Gallagher sighed with disgust. He may not have a gourmet taste or the talent for cooking, but his tastebuds only had the heart for Anne's dishes. He lowered his voice to a whisper and gestured towards the manager's room.

"...What's up with Anne? I've already called for her, but I don't get an answer. Quiet as death in there."

"It certainly appears as though something occurred. No other leads besides that."

Anne's room was the manager's room, the biggest residential space in the building. Shirley and Anne once lived there together as mother and child, but Shirley's death left Anne alone. In retrospect, the entire apartment the gang lived in was Anne's house.

Alba stood before the door to the room. He gently raised his right hand to knock yet he immediately froze it in place. He barely heard the soft sobs of a crying young women beyond the door.

He turned on his heel and headed to the fridge. Pulling out a chilled Schnaps instead, Alba said to Gallagher.

"... Let's leave her be for now."

"If you say so. But what in the world happened?"

"The child we knew won't be one forever. She's at a difficult stage of her life... probably."

He took a swig of his drink and exhaled, already walking back to Soiree's room. The alcohol's warmth spread from the back of his throat and rigidly heated the rest of his frozen body.

Ring, ring, ring. The ringing of a cheap bell bellowed constantly in the room. Just when he think it stopped, it would start chiming again in a systematic cycle. Whoever it was, they were persistent.
 * -|Part 3=

"So annoying..."

Soiree wiggled his head out of his blankets to stop the never-ending chime. Last night, he had adjusted the lights in front of the apartment, went with Noel to stock up on casablanca flowers, chatted this way and that about the Christmas party with him --an all out spree on the town. Before he knew it the night had ended, and he managed to crawl underneath the blankets to hide from Mr. Sunshine.

Pressing a hand to his splitting head, he glanced at his bedside clock.

"It's not even noon yet."

The words spilled bitterly from his mouth, and his headache did nothing to raise his spirits.

"You gotta be kidding me..."

Last night's leftover mineral water wet his parched throat as he squirmed out of his blanket and lugged his heavy body towards the door.

"Who the hell visits at this hour..."

He tossed his hair with one hand and opened the door. The moment it swung open vivid colors and the scent of roses invaded his five senses.

"What the hell!? What's with the flower-"

"G-Good day!"

Forcing his face past the red rose bouquet, Soiree barely saw a boy bowing before him. He looked about fifteen or sixteen with a body and face thin as a lamppost, wearing a set of glasses emphasizing the boy's intelligence. Soiree never attended school, but even he could tell the boy was one of those obedient, honor roll students.

"H-He-Hello! I-I'm Tony Marcus!"

"Huh?"

"H-Here! M-My mom's own r-rose bouquet! She-She calls them L-Las Vegas, so-so-so please accept them!"

The boy's face was flushed as he stuttered and gibbered with his words, shoving the flowers towards the confused Soiree insistently.

"No, seriously. What's your problem?"

"Y-You're the older brother!? I-I... go-go out-on a date... with me?"

"Ha!? What type of crap you trying to pull!?"

"N-No! Not you! I-I meant... Um..."

"Ugh, you just can't keep your trap shut."

Soiree's eyebrows knitted together as he massaged his throbbing temples.

"To begin with, you've got it all wrong. I'm the younger brother."

"R-Really? You're the older one? Are-Aren't you?"

The color drained from Tony's face as he faced Soiree's grumpiness. He was not in the mood to deal with him, and the boy began to quiver when the irritation rose in his voice.

"You've got ears, don't you? I just told you I'm the younger one! Bro is out right now. Don't you dare tell me these flowers are for him!"

"No-No! You-You're mistaken! These roses are for... Ah, but, maybe it's better if you have... Here!"

"I don't know what fantasy world you're living in, but taking flowers from men is not what I do!"

"Pl-Please just take them from me without saying anything! If you don't, it'll be death of me!"

Tony's eyes were hurting behind his glasses.

"Whoa, wait up, don't cry. Now it feels like I was bullying you."

"I-I just-"

"Wha- Tony, is that you?"

Soiree and Tony looked up towards the female voice cutting through their conversation.

"A-Anne!"

Finally gazing at the brunette girl he sought for, Tony happily smiled. But for her, for she was Anne Coleman, she looked at Soiree and Tony with an unsettling weariness. Soiree scratched his head and muttered,

"Oh, I get it. You know him, Anne."

"Uh, yeah. He's a ...friend from school. But why are you here, Tony?"

"Ah, I-I just wanted to pay a visit to your home once. I met your younger brother here, yup."

"Younger brother?"

Anne absorbed Tony's words slowly before they took effect. She gave a small gasp at her belated epiphany.

"Oh, oh no. You can't mean Soiree?"

"Ah, Lil' Soiree, is it? He sure is big for his age. I could've sworn he was older than you."

"Lil'... Soiree."

Tony's strange misunderstanding finally hit Soiree. His lips drooped into a frown.

"Hey, you. Who are you calling Anne's younger brother?"

"B-But you said it yourself. Y-You said you were younger-"

"Wait, wait, Tony! Soiree isn't my brother! ---Well, I admit he acts like a child and I have to take care of him all the time..."

"Whoa, time out, Anne! What did you mean with that?"

"Tee-hee, I guess you heard me."

She stuck out her pink tongue with a small giggle when Soiree turned to her.

"Don't laugh at me! Besides, you're always going-"

"Now, now. Don't be so cross with your older sister."

He was tearing up only moments ago, but Tony came between Soiree and Anne like a completely different person.

"Shut up!"

"Heee!"

Soiree barked and Tony hopped up with fright.

"Who do you think is responsible for this mess in the first place!?"

"Who-Who... Whose was it?"

"Don't play dumb with me!"

He jabbed his fingers into Tony's chest as his voice grew louder. Soiree's eyes pierced into the boy as his words carried a harsher edge.

"You! You! It's all your fault, Tony! Get a clue, dimwad!"

"Wait, cut it out, Soiree!"

"Anne, shut up and stay out of this!"

The girl tried to sooth Soiree out of his tantrum, but he wasn't going to let go of his intimidation that easily.

"You listen here, Mr. Honor roll student. I am not Anne's younger brother. If anything, she's the younger sister to me. I've always looked after her since she was a kid."

"So-So Lil' Soiree- I mean, Mr. Soiree, who are you?"

"Me? I'm Soiree Meira, Sons of Fate! Remember that, because there's gonna be a test!"

"So-Sons of Fate? Isn't that a ga-ga-ga-gang?!"

"Heh, some smart guy you are. At least you know that much."

As Tony's eyes became wide like saucers, Soiree felt smug. He leaned closer and he continued,

"Sons of Fate is the gang that took over all the others in Southtown, and you're talking to one of its prime members: the Soiree. And my real Bro is the leader of Sons of Fate, the one this town calls "King", Alba Meira! Got that?!"

"A-Anne's brother figure...? G-Gang?

"That's..."

Tony looked at her, and Anne couldn't continue. She lowered her eyes from him.

"Hey, Lil' Tony."

Soiree lightly tapped the boy's shoulder with one of the most forced smiles to have ever crossed his lips.

"If you think you can date our idol, Anne, here, you've gotta show us more spirit than this. Something more than these roses. I'm talkin' about the guts to protect Anne from anything with your life. That's the stuff we appreciate. See if you've got what it takes to replace us brothers."

"Stop it, Soiree!"

Breaking the two men apart, Anne looked at Tony apologetically.

"I'm so sorry, Tony."

"N-No... It's fine."

Shaking like a broken robot, Tony shook his head rapidly with an awkward smile.

"I-I'm... Today-today going..."

"Huh?"

"I-I'm, um... I need to prepare... Uh, um, I... Ah, bye!"

"Tony!"

Shoving the red roses towards Anne, Tony bolted away from the suffocating room and disappeared like a flash from the building.

"Who was that guy?"

Soiree heaved a small sigh and shrugged his shoulders.

"Sure got scared all of sudden. Pretty pathetic if you ask m-"

His words were cut off by a dry sound.

"..."

A sharp pain stung his cheek. It took Soiree a moment for him to understand what had happened, and he couldn't think. He didn't want to believe that their calm and collected Anne would lose her temper and slap him. Swallowing the reality of the situation, Soiree lightly shook his head and looked at her.

"What was that for, Anne!?"

"Soiree, you idiot!"

"I-Idiot..."

What does that mean! -is what he wanted to say, but the words died in his throat. Anne's spilling tears of anxiety had killed them instantly. If Alba was in the same position as Soiree, it was doubtful if he could say anything either. More so, if he realized that her tears were his fault.

"You idiot, Soiree! I hate you! I never want to see your face again!"

"Bu!"

Anne threw the bouquet at Soiree's face and ran away crying.

"Ah! Wait, Anne! Anne!!"

The empty Schnaps was filled with water and a few roses found a new home within it. Setting the makeshift vase by the window, Alba heaved a heavy sigh.
 * -|Part 4=

"I see... I now understand why something so out of place is in your room. Your words were truly insensitive."

"Insensitive? Well, yeah. I've got nothing to say against that this time."

Soiree sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his brother now and then, while he nodded deeply. Alba leaned against the wall and removed his sunglasses.

"---But it was bound to happen sooner or later."

"What?"

"Anne didn't pay attention to it when she was younger, but she is probably aware of it now."

"About what?"

"About everyone else in the world thinking that she is a part of Sons of Fate."

"Uh, yeah? What's wrong with that? She's one of us, isn't she?"

Soiree gazed at Alba's face interrogatively.

"...You haven't realized it either it seems."

Alba couldn't hold back his smile. Soiree's natural optimism helped him blend into Sons of Fate. He probably never considered the brooding realism Alba mustered. It just never occurred to his younger twin to think of the world in his perspective. Polishing his sunglasses, he ventured again,

"You're wrong, Soiree."

"Huh? I am?"

"... Anne is like our younger sister, but she has never been a part of the gang. She's not in Sons of Fate."

"Oh. Oh..."

His younger twin's eyes widened at the realization.

"Yeah, Bro. I get it now."

"That's how it is. Anne is a normal girl who has never dirtied her life with violence. We mustn't think of her as one of us. ---But the world won't be as understanding. People will only think she is a part of the gang. If someone else were to know Anne's association with Sons of Fate, their attitude towards her would change instantly. Like that boy, Tony. It's sad but, in a sense, it's a completely natural reaction."

Alba chased after Fate's humanistic ideals and kept true to them with the gang. The people in the slums didn't fear them, rather they have grown to rely on Sons of Fate. But Alba was practical enough to know that their supporters were the minority. Reality was much crueler, as many people would prefer to avoid the mere mentioning of gangs much less associate themselves with them.

Soiree's hands pressed themselves against his lowered head.

"I was so stupid. I shouldn't have said we were Sons of Fate like that."

"Don't blame yourself, Soiree."

"B-But...!"

"I said this before, but sooner or later that boy would've known about us. We can't hide who we are, even if we tried. It may be hard on Anne, but perhaps this is for the best. She needs to be aware of it before she gets too deep. There's always the possibility that we'll drag her into trouble in the future."

"I know that much. I know, but... What should we be doing for Anne for now on!?"

Soiree clenched the empty bottle of mineral water as he pondered aloud,

"What should we be doing for her happiness?"

"...I don't know yet."

Alba lowered his head thoughtfully.

"... This is a shot in the dark, but maybe Anne would be better without us."

"Anne leaving us... Then what?"

"We could take her to a peaceful place where no one knew about us and enroll her in a proper boarding school. She could throw away her past of being with a gang and be allowed to live the life of a normal woman-"

"Hey, hold up, Bro!"

Soiree interrupted his brother's thoughts and stood up. He had been seriously hanging onto his older brother's every word until that moment. He glared at Alba fiercely.

"Do you really think that Anne would want that!? Do you really want for Anne to forget the time she spent with us!? Is that what you're really thinking, Bro!?"

"I didn't say that. I'm proud of Sons of Fate and to be a part of it. It's just---"

Alba couldn't bring himself to finish, but the thought lingered in both their minds. He wouldn't regret it if people knew he was in a gang. He wouldn't mask his genuine feelings. He just couldn't say that it was right for them to drag Anne into their ideals. He didn't want to believe it. Yet, as long as they carried the label as a gang, she would never feel the true rays of the world's sun.

"I don't get it, Bro! ...I don't."

Uttering the line with all of his pent up frustrations, Soiree sat down.

"Neither do I. ---In any case, Anne will be the one to decide. It's her life."

"... Yeah, maybe."

Soiree quietly buried his face in his hands.

"... Anne's thinking more like an adult than we are. She's not thinking like a kid anymore."

"Shocked by the reveal of her boyfriend?"

Wanting to dispel the dreadful mood, Alba had said the line with playful ridicule.

"Ah! It's-it's not like I'm jealous of that boyscout or anything. If he was a more reliable tough guy who I feel I could trust with Anne, then I wouldn't-"

Alba couldn't help smiling as he watched Soiree panic, juggling between several amusing expressions at the drop of a hat.

"... Let's leave it at that, shall we?"

"What's that supposed to mean? Hey, Bro, don't misunderstand me!"

"Oh, I don't think I am."

"You totally are! Look, that smile of yours is loaded with it!"

"I'm doing no such thing."

"Yes, you are!"

The twins' interaction continued as such until Soiree's stomach --tired of gnawing on the lone apple he ate the entire day-- grumbled loudly in the room.

The next day came and nothing changed. It was nearly noon, and Anne was still cooped up in her room.
 * -|Part 5=

"Oi, Soiree. How'd you mess it up this time?"

"You're tellin' us that we gotta eat crap again?"

"Tonight's party is ruined if this keeps up."

Noel and Gallagher knew it was Soiree's fault for upsetting Anne and had marched into Soiree's room. They heartlessly helped themselves to the beer and apples stored in his refrigerator. Even if Alba had originally bought the refreshments for him, Soiree knew he was to blame for his comrades' hunger. He merely bowed his head to their complaints with a sorry expression.

"Would you guys forgive him with this?"

Coming to them from a corner of the room, Alba presented a flourish of dollar bills to the men at the table.

"Uh, Bro. Is that my---"

Ignoring Soiree's staggered comment, Alba counted some of the dough and handed the parted stack to Gallagher.

"Use this to eat out for now. We'll try to manage here until your return."

"Ah, that's Alba for ya! So grown up, unlike Soiree here."

As he eyed the cash in Gallagher's hand, Noel whistled. It was enough to feed the entire gang breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their fast food joint.

"Ah... my money."

Soiree dribbled the words regretfully from his lips, but Alba kept his gaze towards Gallagher.

"Give my regards to Catherine and company."

"OK. I'll get everyone in the apartment and head off. ...Anne is in your hands."

Gallagher folded the wad of bills in half and somehow stuffed the thick stack inside his leather jacket. He gave Alba a knowing wink before he left the room.

"Oh yeah! I get to see Catherine all day!"

Noel pumped his fist with joy as he followed his compatriot's exit.

The twins were left in the room by themselves. Soiree crawled to his hidden stash to see what remained. His thoughts were voiced deplorably.

"B-Bro, that was cold..."

"No complaints. You hurt Anne in the first place, remember?"

"I know, but still---"

"Consider it as a cheap loss if you come out of this in one piece."

"Huh? Aren't I'm fine though?"

"Not now. You're still in the thick of it."

Soiree took the hint in his twin's warning. If they failed to appease Anne's anger by nightfall, there was nothing to stop the gang's disgruntled fury for Soiree. The twins walked out and headed down to Anne's room. Whether it was cooking or for tea, Anne would be humming in the communal kitchen for their everyday needs. That morning it was untouched. Perhaps it was due to the morning chill, but it felt awfully cold as they walked past it.

Alba approached the manager's room and knocked softly.

"Anne, it's me. Are you awake?"

Even with his voice ringing past the door, there was no reply from Anne. Alba nudged his brother, and it was Soiree's turn to try.

"Ah~ ...I-It's me, Anne. I-I'm really, really sorry for yesterday. So, could you please cheer up and come out? Everyone's worried about you."

Alba and Soiree leaned their ears closer to the door, waiting for an answer from the girl.

Absolute silence.

Soiree frowned and looked at his brother. He spoke in a lowered voice,

"... Maybe she's still asleep?"

"You two are nothing alike. Anne is not a deep sleeper. She should be awake by now."

"Then why isn't she saying anything?"

"Are you suggesting she has no reason to still be angry with you?"

"Uh... When you put it that way..."

The younger twin's words were hushed as his head lowered.

"Hey, An---"

Alba's fingers were curled to knock again until the door clicked open. The infernal flat crevice was replaced with Anne's face.

"A-Anne!"

Stupefied would be the word to describe Soiree. He was happy to finally see Anne's face, but he was at an utter loss for coherence. His mouth shaped and bobbed dumbly, and her name was the sole word he said with success. In place of his younger brother, Alba decided to speak for them in his casual tone. He removed his sunglasses as he greeted her.

"Good morning, Anne."

"... Good morning."

Her tone was disappointed yet she responded. She had spent most of last night crying, her eyes faintly swollen red and her clothes unchanged from the day before. Timing it so she wouldn't see it, Alba discreetly kicked Soiree's shin before he continued,

"May we have a moment? Soiree wants to say something."

"Y-Yeah, that's right! Anne, about yesterday, I just--"

"... You don't have to apologize."

Soiree was interrupted by the weak shake of her head.

"R-Really!? So, so does that mean you forgive me?"

"No, that's not it..."

Anne walked into the hallway. She closed the door behind her and leaned her back against it. Her eyes were glued to the tiptoes of her shoes as she muttered,

"I was the one who snapped and lashed out at Soiree. But, when I calmed down and thought about it, Tony's reaction was probably normal. ...It must have been. It's scary to hear someone's in a gang."

"Anne..."

"Ah, but don't take it that way."

When she heard Soiree's dispirited tone, Anne raised her face and tried her best to muster a happy smile.

"There aren't any downsides for me living here. ...This place is filled of my memories with Mama, and I really like it. Besides, I love everyone in Sons of Fate, including both of you. Even if I'm burdened with the Sons of Fate label, I'm really happy being here with all of you."

"Oh, is-is that how it is. If that's how you feel about it, then that's good..."

Soiree's gaze met with Alba. The twins shared a sigh of relief.

"Bu-But what about that bookworm guy? Didn't you like him or something?"

"I can forget about Tony. He's smart and very sweet, but he's also naive and would be hopeless in a fight. I think we might be ov--"

"Huh? Are you talking about me?

"Uwah!?"

"Kyah!?"

The voice interrupted their conversation so leisurely that Soiree and Anne couldn't hide their surprise as they turned towards it. Speak of the devil, there he was. Tony Marcus, dressed in a duffel coat to keep warm with glasses slightly misting, stood in the kitchen with a bewildered expression.

Alba wore his sunglasses promptly,

"That was sudden. ...I presume you are Tony?"

"Yes siree! I'm Tony Marcus! Are you Anne's older brother figure, Mr. Alba?"

"I am..."

Politely exchanging handshakes with the boy's extended hand, Alba shook his head. He never imagined the boy would return. Apparently Anne shared the same thoughts. Yet his countenance hardened when he observed the sheer surprise and joy which swept across her face.

"T-Tony... Why did you come back?"

"Oh, posh! I told you yesterday, didn't I? I needed to mentally prepare myself for my comeback."

"Ha? Is that what you said? I could've sworn--"

"Come on now, Mr. Soiree!"

Tony swept his hand through his dull, slicked-back hair with a jolly laugh. A massively exaggerated gesture with the hint of embarrassment. It was though he was trying to suffocate his shame with it.

"My love for Anne can't be stopped just because she's next to a gang! I was just startled yesterday. Really!"

"H-Hold up! Don't take advantage of the situation, Tony!"

Her face was red and her words sounded upset, but she couldn't hide the happy smile across her lips.

Soiree placed his hand on Alba's shoulder as he huddled to him,

"Hey, what're we gonna do, Bro? Honor roll's full of it."

"Indeed. As Anne's legal guardian, I simply can't bring myself to approve of him."

"Eh? N-No way..."

Before he had realized it, Tony felt his pedestal in the conversation had been stolen away from him with the twins' short exchange. The excitement drained from his voice.

"You, you look too slim."

Alba casually pounded his fist against Tony's sternum as Soiree circled around to the boy's back, easily bouncing the blow with his own,

"Yeah, doesn't seem reliable at all."

"Power may not be everything in this world but, at the very least, I expect you to have the strength to protect Anne."

"Huh!? Wait, no! I-I'm more of the brains over brawns type... Uh, A-Anne! Please say something to them!"

As the two gang members appraised Tony, he looked at Anne for help while on the verge of tears. But Anne spared him no mercy as she cheerfully retorted,

"Good luck, Tony."

"Aw~!"

They shared a laugh over Tony's expense before Anne's hit her palm with an idea.
 * -|Part 6=

"Oh, good timing! If you'd like, would you stay a little longer, Tony? We're going to have party at the apartment tonight!"

"A-A party? Really? I wouldn't be barging in, would I?"

Soiree had trapped Tony's head into a noogie, but his face brightened with Anne's invitation.

"Is it okay, Alba?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

Alba nodded to the proposal, as he rattled the pot warming his wine on the stove. He hasn't been to Germany in years, yet Alba never failed to make Glühwein --spiced white wine-- during the Christmas season. He poured the drink into a mug on top of the table, a warm steam emanating towards them as he continued.

"---Many of our friends are gathering here tonight, and it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce Tony. As Anne's boyfriend, of course."

"Really!?"

A smile burst onto Anne's faced as she rushed towards Alba and captured him in a grateful embrace.

"Danke, Alba!"

"Easy now, don't shake me too much. I'll spill the wine."

"I'm going to put my heart and soul into tonight's meal!"

She kissed Alba's cheek before she skipped back to the manager's room to change.

"Hey, Bro..."

As Anne closed the door of her room, Tony stood outside of it and waited. The happy lovebirds innocently chatted to one another while Soiree leaned closer to Alba and softly whispered,

"Is it really okay?"

"Do you have a problem?"

"Kinda, well... I mean, are we really gonna introduce him to Noel and the guys when they're drinking? I don't think everyone's gonna be civil when they learn the cute little sister we've cherished got a boyfriend out of the blue..."

"That's exactly why it's fine."

He sipped his Glühwein and exhaled with a warmed breath. Alba's lips curled upwards.

"This is our chance to see how serious this boy is about Anne. If he crumples before our gang's intimidation, it means he can't possibly assume to be Anne's knight."

Alba was wearing his sunglasses, but Soiree could clearly see the cold sting in his twin's eyes.

"Überzeugungsverbrechen? B-Bro, you're scary..."

"Huh? What are you guys talking about?"

Anne had finished changing into a clean set of clothes and noticed the twins huddled next to one another, curious to know why they were whispering.

"It's nothing. We were just looking forward to tonight's party. Right, Soiree?"

"Uh, yeah."

His older brother's voice had dropped its unnerving tone seconds before. When Alba signaled for Soiree to follow suite, he knew he would have to fold and quietly obeyed.

"Okay then, see you guys in a bit. I'm off to buy groceries with Tony."

She linked her hand with Tony's and they cheerfully walked out of the room. Anne strangely didn't notice the awkward smile plastered on Soiree's face.

"Wow, I feel so grateful! I thought gangs were much more scarier, but they're actually really nice to know in person! It must be because they're your brothers, Anne."

"Tee-hee. I knew Tony would understand."

Soiree overheard their happy banter as the couple walked towards the stairs, watching their backs inquisitively. He huffed a sigh as his hand leaned against the door frame.

"Nope, we're really scary. You just haven't really realized it yet, Lil' Tony. Don't know what you heard about Bro from other gangs, but he's really not that easygoing--"

"Soiree."

Alba was at the table drinking his Glühwein; he used the moment to gesture his mug towards his younger brother.

"Don't say anything unnecessary."

"Uh, right..."

Thinking about it now, the one who was most shocked about Anne's boyfriend was probably Alba himself. Soiree knew his brother's current temperament. If he had pointed that out now, he would probably fall victim to his brother's wrath so he immediately shut his mouth.

"Soiree."

"What is it, Bro?"

"Could you inform Noel and the others about Anne? We didn't get anything set up last night, so everyone needs to work together for the preparations now, right?"

"Oh, good save, Bro. The sooner I get to them, the better. Gotta stop 'em before they treat themselves to an all day drinking fest with my stash!"

"I've been so focused on Anne, I almost forgot what party we were hosting. ...If I recall correctly, wasn't Dude supposed to get the tree?

"Yup."

"Then I'll fetch one instead. It's impossible to move the car when it starts snowing."

Pushing the mostly filled mug towards Soiree, Alba hurried to the stairs.

"Wait a sec, Bro."

"Hmm?"

"Merry Christmas."

Soiree lightly winked to his brother as he drank the Glühwein.

"Fröhliche Weihnachten."

Alba fondly answered the sentiments in their mother language before he departed. The familiar jangle of his car keys sang in the morning as he descended the stairs.

"Alrighty then..."

Wanting to disperse the stagnant feeling in the room, Soiree opened the kitchen windows to air it out. The chilliness of the morning rushed in and prickled lightly against his skin. He hummed a jolly tune as he returned to his room, rummaging for the oiled coat he seldom wore and wrapping a scarf around his neck. As he checked his hair in the mirror, he heard the growl of his brother's Mustang.

"... Bro sure is being unexpectedly cooperative."

Soiree smiled wryly as he watched the Mustang speed off from his window. Alba acted like he had no interest in the party, but that assessment was far from the truth. In some ways, he was probably more eager than Soiree about it. Of course, he knew Alba wouldn't express it in the same extroverted and merry way as him or Noel. It was more subtle than that. Alba was the perfectionist of the group; he wouldn't feel satisfied until he confirmed everything had been prepared and carried out exactly as planned.

"I think it wouldn't hurt for him to be a little more open, but that's my Bro."

He balled his hands in his coat's pocket while leaving the room, gazing up at the sky which was begging to snow. His breath tinted his sight with a whitish haze. They would have to sit down and think of Anne's future someday, Soiree thought. He could leave everything else to Bro, but he was not excluded from seriously considering the security of her wellbeing.

But that can happen another time. Today, he didn't mind forgetting about his worries to celebrate.

His steps seemed to bounce of their own accord as he walked towards the burger stand, seeming to dance in sync to a silent rhythm. Sharing the Christmas spirit with nearby acquaintances and well wishers, Soiree kept the merry jig in his gait to town.

Yuri Sakazaki: Face Change
https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/05/01.html

Xiao Lon: In Shanghai
https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-mi-ra-plus/story/06/01.html

CD Story
The following translation is for the story printed in the booklet of the game's official soundtrack.

Page 1= A noise reverberated nearby. It pierced through the fog of the sullen night, rousing the stray dogs to attention as though one of their own called them. Whether it was the horn of freighter ship or the howl of a dog was indeterminable, yet it echoed within the quiet darkness enveloping the midnight scenery of Southtown Port. Turning his back to the tips of the nearby shopping district, he was quite sure he had left the men behind him barely clinging to life.

So what else was out there?

People often fought for their own ideals, and those men likely held something dear to them when they faced him. Yet the man walking with the eclipsed circle on his back could care less. His only concern was leaving the fog which surrounded him, searching for the one clear exit. He was hardly dazed by the violence he experienced.

Then, he heard it. He directed his attentions to a container nearby, visible through the fog. A young man in Western fashion waited atop of it, his portable audio player booming a lively tune in his ears. The youth was listening to his music until he noticed the man. He spoke to the one below in a small voice,

"Yo, I was waiting for you."

""

He glared at the youth speaking to him. His shadow concealed his face along the concrete, and his calm killing intent had frightened the stray dogs away. But the youth met the man's gaze head on. He plucked the headphones out of his ears and hopped down from the container.

"Care to join me for a dance, Mister Yagami?"

The jocular youth winked at him. The man didn't bother with a reply, already removing his fists from the pockets of his red pants.

• • • • •

Atop a tall red skyscraper which seemed to defy the aging of time and next to the cycling movie of the building's digital billboard was the shadow of a woman. She stood atop a mechanical crane stretched from the construction which loomed down below. The height would have been a dizzying horror for most people, but her composure was calm and erringly natural. With her ornate butterfly hairpin clipped in her hair, Luise Meyrink looked below as though she could see all of Southtown.

"Bonsoir, mademoiselle."

Luise turned to the voice, as though it had flown to her from the rooftops.

"It's a good night for excitement, miss."

She saw a young man --or a boy to be precise-- dressed in a red leather body suit. A smile was sketched across his tricky face.

• • • • •

"Guh!"

The attack stung like a serpent's bite and sent Soiree Meira's body flying backwards. His back smashed against a chain-link fence in his path.

"Don't interfere with my quarrel with him."

Blue flames circled around his right hand and united into a fist-like shape; Iori Yagami extinguished them without blinking.

"Unless you want to die."

"See, it's like this... We're not interested in your guys' fight, and we didn't want to butt in."

Soiree used his body strength to hop back to his feet, rotating his shoulders and neck back into place with a smirk. He didn't appear to be too hurt.

"If that's all you're here for, then why do you even bother with KOF, huh? You guys can settle your grudge anywhere else without all of the fuss, can't you?"

"... It's a pathetic farce."

Iori hissed the remark from his breath, his lips grimacing.

"Yet, if it remains the shortest path leading to him, it serves my purpose."

"So it's all a show to you. ...But we're still the big shots living in this city! It may look like a big act, but it ain't that petty to us!"

Soiree bounced back into his fighting pose and glared at Iori. The intricate rhythm of his self-taught Capoeira footwork shone through. The cheerful Soiree moved like a genius of the art. His legs were no longer warmed up for harmless street performances; they were deadly weapons.

"Iori Yagami--- Us brothers couldn't hope for any other prey to raise our rep. I've got nothing against you, but I'm gonna take you down!"

"Hmph... You won't obtain fame from me, just a futile death by my hands. Deluded fool."

Facing the brunt of Soiree's dynamic twelve kicks, Iori's cursed flames struck back.

• • • • •

The abandoned parking outlet was the stage for the clash of two ambitious contenders. Passing headlights kept giving and taking the light away from the area, but the faces of the fighters within were undeniable.

Alba Meira and Kyo Kusanagi.

"I'm not in the mood for games. Do you want to get burned that badly?"

Crimson flames surrounded his figure. In the heavy fog around them, it looked as though a boat of flames had manifested into the mortal realm.

"Burn, and be reduced to ash... Fine, if that's what you desire."
 * -|Page 2=

The sunglasses on his unreadable face opposed the red heat of the flames. Alba uncrossed his arms and methodically readied his defenses. Kyo was the first one to move. Kicking off the asphalt at the chime of an imaginary signal, he rushed towards Alba's opening. As though he were empowered with the life of war, Kyo came crashing towards him with a kick.

"...Weak."

Alba had predicted Kyo's attack and dodged at the last second. He used the momentum against Kyo to flip him off his feet, smashing his fist onto his downed opponent.

"Tch!"

Feeling the force of the counter, Kyo counterattacked with a flame powered fist.

"...!"

Alba narrowly evaded the fist and immediately distanced himself. A section of his glove was seared away, puckered black by the ash around it.

"...The rumors hardly do you justice."

"Could say the same about you. I thought the gangs around here were nothing but chumps."

Facing Alba's pokerface once more, Kyo readied his guard. Alba adjusted his sunglasses and smiled.

"Why would a gang be in KOF--- is that what you're thinking?"

"Maybe a little."

"It might be pointless explaining it to you... But it's because we're a gang."

"...What?"

"This town is locked in an endless power struggle between numerous gangs. If I'm going to unite those who remain divided and prevent them from repeating their disputes, I need proof of my power. One which can't be disputed and can be easily understood by everyone in this city. For instance--- winning KOF as its champion should suffice."

"So that's your reason for entering? Pretty messed up."

"I care not if you mock me. You won't win against me."

Alba moved. He instantly closed the gap between them, slamming his fist straight into Kyo's torso for a heavy blow.

"That's... my line!"

Even as he guarded the attack, Kyo flew back into a wagon from the nearby scrapheap. The smile had vanished from his lips as he barked,

"I'll burn you alive!"

• • • • •

The boy who appeared was at the tip of the crane. His body disappeared in a flash of green flames before he materialized once more closer to her, joining her at the dangerous height. Ash Crimson accepted the feat to be as natural as breathing. Luise, who bore witness to the spectacle, was similarly unmoved.

"You don't look surprised. That's kinda a letdown for me."

He admired the glamorous nail art on his manicure as he chuckled. When he noticed she was ignoring him, Ash's lips pouted as he peered to the town below.

"Fufu, they're really going at it. Everybody's trying so hard, aren't they. There's nothing to be so tense over."

"---"

"Ah, but it's such a waste. Lil' Kusanagi and Lil' Yagami have no idea why their powers exist and they're like that. ...Don't you agree?"

"I am not familiar with those two."

It was the first response Luise had said to Ash. After a slight pause, her eyebrows creased her forehead.

"But, yes, those brothers are the same. They don't understand their powers, themselves, or their true will. They know nothing."

"Looks like we both have it rough, mademoiselle."

"I have nothing comparable to you. At least, I don't share the same schemes as you do."

"And why would you ever think that~?"

"Your face can't lie to me."

And with that last remark, Luise's body vanished. Basking in a flash of blue light, a swarm of butterfiles seemed to scatter from within her. It seemed they would join wings in the sky before they dissipated with a blue shimmer.

"I don't know who she was or where she came from, but she seems special."

Ash's eyes squinted with his renewed smile. He gazed down at the town.

"But it does look fun. There's people strong enough to entertain 'Lil Kusanagi and 'Lil Yagami and me."

• • • • •

"I know a certain someone will tell me that it's too soon to fight them, but it's my first escape in awhile. Maybe I should cut loose."