KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

Yan Yue was frantically protecting Xiao Long's heart, feeling incredibly anxious because he didn't know how to save her. Seeing Duo Long standing there in a daze, he immediately shouted, "Duo Long! Quickly go and call someone to save Xiao Long! I feel like she's about to collapse!"

"Duolong!" Yan Yue's voice was filled with anger.

Upon hearing Yan Yue's shouts, Duo Long turned around as if waking from a dream. When he saw his younger sister, Xiao Long, with her eyes tightly closed, spitting out blood and displaying an expression of extreme pain on her face, he immediately ran away in a panic.

"Wait for me! You have to hold on!" After saying that, Duolong disappeared from sight in an instant.

Not long after, Duolong arrived in a hurry with Tang Fulu, Lin, and the one-eyed expert.

"Lay her flat on the ground and let me see..." the one-eyed expert said calmly. "Yan Yue, continue to protect her heart meridian with your spiritual energy."

Yan Yue nodded and did as instructed.

As soon as he finished speaking, the one-eyed expert quickly took off his gloves, took out a small dagger from his body, sterilized the dagger with a flame, and then performed emergency surgery on Xiaolong's wound without hesitation.

When Yan Yue saw that professionals had finally come to treat Xiao Long, she felt an indescribable sense of gratitude and joy, and a huge weight was finally lifted from her heart...

The fire burned for a full day and night, finally extinguishing on the second night. During this time, the other grandmasters had already departed, leaving only Chin Gentsai, Kusanagi Shizuru, and Heidern behind. Yan Yue initially didn't know the one-eyed master was Heidern, because Heidern had disguised himself in China and wasn't wearing a military uniform, so Yan Yue didn't recognize him at first.

Heidern, in Yan Yue's past life, held this vampire general in high regard. On the surface, Heidern is the mysterious supreme commander of a mercenary force, but in reality, he is a general of a righteous special forces unit secretly protecting world peace. Tall, silent, calm, and incredibly powerful, he commands his two strongest mercenaries, Ralph and Clark, also known as the Ikari Warriors duo.

In his youth, Heidern was full of ambition and high spirits, but later he encountered Rugal. Rugal was a war fanatic, ruthless and brutal, and one of the world's top fighters. During a mission, Rugal casually killed Heidern's wife and daughter, and also gouged out one of Heidern's eyes. From then on, Heidern had been searching for Rugal to take revenge.

During their journey, they encountered Gadeer's daughter, one of the Eight Orochi Warriors. Due to the rampage of Orochi's blood, the little girl had killed her parents. Heidern, seeing this little girl, was reminded of his own deceased daughter and felt pity for her. He adopted her, named her Leona, trained her to be a special forces soldier, and taught her assassination techniques. After that, the Ikari Warriors consisted of three people.

Furthermore, Yan Yue remembers that Heidern should have a Metal Slug squad under his command. She must see them when she gets the chance, because they might show up to help in the fight against NESTS.

Heidern's visit to Yan Yue wasn't entirely unexpected, given that he had lied about NESTS' involvement, and Yan Yue had actually been right. Heidern had heard of NESTS before; recently, many children around the world had mysteriously disappeared, and Heidern suspected it was related to NESTS. Moreover, NESTS had previously interacted with Rugal, so they were definitely not benevolent.

Yan Yue was surprised that Kusanagi Shizuru would come. After talking with him, she learned that Kusanagi Shizuru came mainly because he heard that Kusanagi Kyo was being targeted. As it turned out, Yan Yue lied and got it right. According to Heidern, NESTS really did target Kusanagi Kyo on the day of the martial arts tournament.

Kusanagi Shizuru, Sakazaki Takuma, and Heidern are old friends and have a good relationship. Yan Yue suspects that Sakazaki Takuma's disappearance is likely related to the story of "Art of Fighting," because Yan Yue remembers Sakazaki Takuma appearing after the King of Fighters storyline began. "Art of Fighting" should also be connected to the story of "Fatal Fury," since both events take place in South Town, USA, so there must be a connection.

On the third day, most of the members of the Flying Thieves who had gone out returned. They counted the number of people; there were more than 20 survivors in the village, plus more than 10 who had returned. Of Long's nine children from his legal wife, only Duolong and Xiaolong were protecting the three children; the rest were all dead. After learning that Long had betrayed them and massacred the village, everyone was filled with mixed emotions. Duolong was currently outside arguing incessantly with other Flying Thieves.

Yan Yue had been tending to the injured Tang Fulu and Xiaolong in the makeshift tent. Yan Yue felt guilty; she had lied to her grandfather out of selfishness to save Xiaolong and Duolong, but she hadn't expected her grandfather to trust her so much, even going so far as to gather so many help and get injured fighting Zero. However, Yan Yue couldn't say anything, and could only return to Wudang Mountain to take good care of her grandfather before seeking revenge against NESTS. When Tang Fulu told her about Zero's situation, Yan Yue guessed it was a clone of Zero, since the real Zero was a relatively positive character and wouldn't commit such an act as massacring a village.

Afterwards, Yan Yue chatted with Heidern and Kusanagi Shizuru for a while. Heidern left the village that day due to being busy with work.

At night, Yan Yue sat cross-legged on a tree branch, sensing the sleeping people in the tent. He fell into deep thought for a moment, and then fell asleep.

……

On the morning of the fourth day, Yan Yue woke up to find Xiao Long not in his hospital bed. Sensing his surroundings, he discovered Xiao Long rummaging through the ruins of the village. Yan Yue figured he was probably looking for something important. Just as Yan Yue jumped down from the tree, ready to wander around, Duo Long came to find him, accompanied by a woman dressed in a long red robe but with a very revealing bust.

In the ruins of the village, Xiaolong found the location of his room and began searching. After a while, he found a broken crystal that was blackened by smoke.

Xiaolong picked it up, wiped off the dust, and said dejectedly, "It's already broken like this?" After saying that, he picked it up and ran to the place where Misty had knocked him away, and looked around for something.

“There it is.” Xiaolong found it and hurried over.

She picked up the broken pager from the ground and said dejectedly, "This one's broken too, sigh..."

……

The woman in red stepped forward and politely bowed to Yan Yue: "Yan Yue, my name is Luan. Thank you for your timely rescue. On behalf of all my people, I thank you."

Yan Yue replied politely, "No need to thank me. I only came because I was worried about Xiao Long and Duo Long. I didn't expect it to be such a serious matter."

He nodded haphazardly and said respectfully, "You will always be the benefactor of the Flying Thieves clan."

At this moment, Duolong said, "The tribespeople are planning to leave. They want to find a new village to settle down in. I came here to say goodbye to everyone, and I will leave tonight."

"Okay, be careful. If anything happens, you can come find me at Wudang Mountain." Yan Yue replied simply. He could tell that things weren't so simple. After interacting with the Flying Thief Sect these past few days, Yan Yue discovered that there were far too many rules. As the son of a dragon, and thus the son of a traitor, Duolong would probably not be welcomed by his clan if he returned.

Duolong nodded and said, "I don't plan to go with my people. You know, I have a special identity..." Duolong looked at Luan as she spoke. Luan also had a headache. She had argued with Duolong all day yesterday because she wanted him to stay.

Yan Yue nodded without saying much, then suddenly remembered that Duo Long had said that Xiao Long was also a dragon's daughter.

"What about Xiaolong?" Yan Yue asked.

Duolong sighed helplessly, a trace of worry in his eyes, and slowly said, "She's too kind. I've actually been trying to persuade her to leave the Flying Thief Sect." His voice was deep and firm, as if expressing the deepest concern in his heart.

“Xiaolong is Lin’s apprentice. After Lin finishes teaching Xiaolong, he will leave the clan… Xiaolong… I don’t want her to get involved.” Duolong’s eyes became increasingly deep, as if she was recalling her past with Xiaolong, her heart filled with contradictions and entanglements.

Yan Yue listened quietly to Duo Long's words, her mind filled with images of Duo Long and Lin searching for the dragon and seeking revenge. In truth, any expert in the clan would have gone to hunt down the dragon. However, Xiao Long was too kind; even if she became powerful in the future, she might find it difficult to bring herself to do it. But ultimately, it was their own decision, and Yan Yue knew she couldn't interfere too much. Nevertheless, Yan Yue hoped to persuade Xiao Long to leave the Flying Thieves Sect, because she could sense that Xiao Long wasn't happy in this village. For some reason, Yan Yue always felt Xiao Long's pain and wanted to help her.

The thieves expressed their gratitude to Yan Yue and the others, and decided to leave the next day.

That evening, Xiaolong combed Duolong's hair again, her movements gentle and delicate, as if she were cherishing a precious treasure. Duolong sat there quietly.

“I’m sorry, brother, I couldn’t save the mistress… I was awakened by the mistress’s voice…” Xiaolong suddenly broke the silence.

"All I know is that my mother followed the wrong person."

After a while, Duolong asked, "Did you see the dragon back then?" The dragon, who is now an enemy, can no longer be called father.

"I saw it. But..."

She had indeed seen the traitor who cruelly murdered women and children. But she didn't want to admit that it was her father. The face did resemble a dragon, but the look of pleasure he had indulging in killing was definitely not that of her loving father.

“That man has completely changed… possibly in pursuit of greater power… he has become…”

"What has changed?" Xiaolong was recalling the scene a few nights ago when he was almost killed when he was suddenly interrupted by Duolong's question.

"He's gone completely mad..."

"Sigh..." Duolong stopped asking questions and let out a long sigh. She remembered that Xiaolong had almost lost his life. Fortunately, Yanyue used her spiritual energy to protect Xiaolong's heart meridian and held him off until someone came to rescue him. If Yanyue hadn't left a pager for Xiaolong because of her feelings for him, even more people would have died in the village.

"Are you really leaving?" Xiaolong's voice trembled slightly.

"You know, I want to avenge my brothers, sisters, and mother." Duolong couldn't bear to look at her sister crying in the mirror, so she closed her eyes.

"Xiao Mei, please leave the Flying Thief."

"..." Xiaolong did not answer, only sobbing could be heard.

"Leave... You and Yan Yue are both too kind. Leave the Flying Thief Sect and live the life you want." Duolong's tone was full of sadness and concern.

Xiaolong did not answer, but instead put on the last crystal headdress.

Xiaolong then took a few steps back and said softly, "Goodbye... Brother."

Duolong stood up, turned around to look at her sister who was crying her eyes out, gently patted Xiaolong's head, and said in a tender tone, "Goodbye, sister..."

After saying that, Duolong instantly left the tent.

Yan Yue stood a short distance outside the tent, quietly waiting for Duo Long to come out and see him off. Suddenly, he keenly sensed Duo Long appearing behind him in an instant. He quickly turned around and hurried to catch up. Duo Long also saw Yan Yue coming to see him off, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Saying goodbye to Xiaolong must be very painful," Yan Yue asked with concern.

"Mmm," Duolong responded softly, a barely perceptible sadness flashing in her eyes.

"Yan Yue, are we friends?" Duo Long suddenly asked, her tone serious.

"Yes..." Yan Yue hesitated in his answer, sensing that Duo Long's words seemed to hide some deeper meaning.

Duolong solemnly instructed, "After Xiaolong finishes her studies with Lin, she will face the world alone. I hope you can take good care of her, because she is my only family."

"?" A sense of doubt welled up in Yan Yue's heart. His intuition told him that Duolong's words seemed to have an ominous premonition, as if she was making her final arrangements.

Before Yan Yue could react, Duo Long continued, "After she returned to the village, she would think of you from time to time..." Duo Long's voice was full of sincerity and expectation as he earnestly told Yan Yue about Xiao Long.

The bright moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the two of them. Yan Yue listened silently to Duo Long's words, a complex mix of emotions surging within him. He knew Duo Long's love and concern for Xiao Long, and he also knew Xiao Long's feelings for him.

"Don't worry, I will do my best to protect her," Yan Yue promised firmly.

Duolong nodded slightly, a hint of relief in her eyes. Their gazes met, conveying trust and friendship between them.

"Bon Voyage."

"Practice diligently, and we'll have another match next time."

……

At dawn, everyone bid farewell to the Flying Thieves, while Xiaolong was talking to Yanyue.

"Yan Yue, I will miss you," Xiao Long said softly, his face flushed.

"I'll miss you too, Xiaolong sister." Yan Yue gently patted Xiaolong's head.

"Next time you meet General Haderan, remember to thank him for me."

"Okay, I promise you." Yan Yue continued to stroke Xiaolong's head.

"Will I ever see you again?" Xiaolong asked reluctantly. His brother had already left yesterday, and only his master remained among the clan members. His master would also leave soon.

Yan Yue frowned, understanding Xiao Long's predicament. She replied, "You want to see me at Wudang Mountain, but remember your cultivation and don't slack off."

"Yes, I will." Xiaolong nodded with a smile, looked at Yanyue carefully, and said, "Then I'm off... Goodbye, Yanyue..."

"Goodbye, Xiaolong." As Yan Yue sensed Xiaolong's departing figure, she secretly resolved to become stronger and protect those around her.

"Grandpa, your Yan Yue is something else! She's only ten years old, and you've completely bewitched her. Hahaha..." Kusanagi Shizuru couldn't help but tease, watching Yan Yue and Xiao Long's conversation. A hint of cunning and mockery flashed in his eyes, as if he was very satisfied with Yan Yue's performance.

The mention of Kusanagi Shizuru temporarily eased everyone's emotions amidst the somber transition following the demise of the Flying Thief Sect.

Upon hearing this, Tang Fulu jokingly added, "Hmm! As expected of my good disciple, he has the style of his grandfather back in the day... Hahaha..." His laughter was hearty and unrestrained, as if he had returned to his carefree youth.

At this moment, Zhen Yuanzhai also came over, a smile on his face, and asked Yan Yue, "Yan Yue, which one do you like, Athena or Xiaolong?" His eyes were filled with curiosity and anticipation, wanting to know Yan Yue's heart.

Yan Yue replied expressionlessly and in a very calm tone, "Can I have them all?"

This remark stunned everyone present; they hadn't expected Yan Yue to joke like that.

"?"

"Good boy!"

"Hahahaha..." Laughter erupted from the crowd, filling the scene with a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. Yan Yue didn't feel embarrassed or ashamed in this situation; he was already used to such occasions. He simply smiled and let it go at the old guys' jokes.

"Of course it's Sister Xiaolong!"

Upon hearing this, everyone paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

After all, what storms haven't I weathered? This little incident can't shake Yan Yue's resolve at all. Hmph!

Yan Yue looked up at the sky. Although she couldn't see it, she thought to herself, "Little sister Xiaolong, you must be careful. When I become strong, I will be able to protect you! I also really want to see what you look like."