"The Four Kings" is the twelfth chapter of Act One in A Shadow Falls.
Synopsis
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| Act/Chapter/Scene | Act One, Chapter 12, Scene 1 |
| Location | City in Chaos |
| Characters | Shadaloo Soldiers, F.A.N.G, Balrog, Vega, M. Bison |
| Previous | Amidst the Chaos |
In an abandoned part of the city in New York, the Black Moon hovers in the sky to display Shadaloo's dominance. The sounds of ambulance sirens echo throughout the area, with no kind of first responders or EMTs in sight. On the streets, a Shadaloo soldier looks over the bodies of three unconscious cops. As the soldier remains on the premises to lookout for unwanted guests, F.A.N.G is dancing around happily inside a bank with a wall busted on the outside. The Chinese man is delighted that the Artificial Soldier demonstration has been successful.
Standing next to him are Vega and Balrog. The boxer taps his foot impatiently and glowers at F.A.N.G, questioning him about why the other Moons haven't detonated. Appalled by Balrog's intelligence, F.A.N.G replies that the control keys were stolen by a programmer. He also brags about recovering one of the keys, which allowed him to destroy the entire city's electrical functions.
However, Vega remains unimpressed. After reminding F.A.N.G that he was put in charge of this operation, the claw-wielding fighter blames him for allowing the programmer steal the control keys. F.A.N.G rebuttals by claiming to be the one who made "Operation C.H.A.I.N.S" happen. However, when he blames Balrog and Vega for their incompetence that made the programmer escape struck a nerve with the other Shadaloo generals. Before they can attack, a portal of swirling energy formulates above the vault. M. Bison appears and relishes how his subordinates are fighting among themselves.
F.A.N.G becomes amazed at how the dictator's Psycho Power is getting stronger, thanks to "Operation C.H.A.I.N.S" and the Black Moons. When M. Bison demands a report of the other device, F.A.N.G summons a couple of Shadaloo soldiers. According to him, the men of gained strength from M. Bison's Psycho Power. By creating more chaos, despair, and fear, the dictator will become even more powerful. Despite these claims, Balrog is unamused; declaring that the soldiers are still lowly puppets. After a long pause, F.A.N.G teases his the other two generals by challenging them to fight the powered Shadaloo soldiers. Regardless of F.A.N.G's mockery, Balrog and Vega drop to their stance and engage with their own soldiers.
- FIGHT: AS-Y vs. Balrog
Both of his and Vega's fight occurs at the same time. Even with the added enhancements from the dictator's Psycho Power, Balrog's combination of ruthlessness and rage allows him to defeat his opponent effortlessly.
| Act/Chapter/Scene | Act One, Chapter 12, Scene 2 |
| Location | City in Chaos |
| Characters | AS-D, Vega |
- FIGHT: AS-D vs. Vega
Both of his and Balrog's fight occurs at the same time. Sensing their lack of will and strength, the soldier appears to be nothing more than an ugly sight for Vega. He finishes off the Shadaloo soldier with minimal resistance.
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| Act/Chapter/Scene | Act One, Chapter 12, Scene 3 |
| Location | City in Chaos |
| Characters | Shadaloo Soldiers, Balrog, F.A.N.G, Vega, M. Bison, Guile, Chun-Li |
Regardless of the Psycho Powered enhancements, the soldiers are no match for the two Shadaloo generals. Both soldiers lose consciousness and fall forward. Balrog stomps on his defeated opponent's back, like a pesky insect. Still enraged with the stunt F.A.N.G had pulled, the boxer calls him out. Vega wordlessly joins in, dropping in his stance and targeting the Chinese man. F.A.N.G smirks arrogantly, ready to take on the two generals. However, before any one of the can make a move, the sound of footsteps interrupted their confrontation. When M. Bison realizes that guests have arrived, a malicious grin appears on his face.
Guile and Chun-Li arrives at the scene, believing that the source of the incident is in this location. Before long, Guile notices the bodies of police officers laying on the ground, apparently lifeless. When Chun-Li further inspects the scene, she immediately spots M. Bison and his generals. Guile sticks an arm in front of Chun-Li, preventing her from advancing. Blinded by revenge, Chun-Li knocks Guile's limb aside and confronts the men; believing they are the ones who created the chaos. F.A.N.G steps forward to deal with the interlopers, but M. Bison descends to the ground and releases a burst of Psycho Power. Chun-Li gets in her stance, prepared to stop him. The dictator accepts her challenge, stating that coming here was a mistake.
- FIGHT: Chun-Li vs. M. Bison
The Interpol agent and the leader of Shadaloo clashes once again. While Chun-Li is a skilled fighter, her desire to avenge her father's death affects her. With his Psycho Power growing, M. Bison defeats Chun-Li.
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| Act/Chapter/Scene | Act One, Chapter 12, Scene 4 |
| Location | City in Chaos |
| Characters | M. Bison, Chun-Li, Guile, Vega |
M. Bison unleashes a blast of Psycho Power to push Chun-Li back. The Interpol agent lands hard on the canvas. Guile rushes to his partner's aide, but Vega intervenes; landing between him and Chun-Li. He challenges the American soldier. Despite the condition of his partner, Guile drops to his stance, knowing he has to defeat Vega to get to Chun-Li.
- FIGHT: Guile vs. Vega
Guile tries to end the fight as quick as possible. Unfortunately, Vega's elusiveness made it hard for Guile to land a hit. During the fight, Vega constantly mocks Guile for his lack of elegance in battle, making it difficult for his opponent to win.
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| Act/Chapter/Scene | Act One, Chapter 12, Scene 5 |
| Location | City in Chaos |
| Characters | Guile, Vega, M. Bison, Chun-Li, Cammy, F.A.N.G, Balrog |
| Next | Reunion |
Guile and Vega are evenly match, resulting the fight in a stalemate. Meanwhile, M. Bison approaches the injured Chun-Li, ready to finish her off. He charges his palm with Psycho Power and aims his hand at the frightened Interpol agent, who realizes that the end is near for her. Just as the dictator is about to deliver the finishing blow, Cammy immediately rushes in and tackles Chun-Li out of the way to rescue her. The Chinese woman opens her eyes and sighs with relief to see her friend, Cammy, has rescued her. Realizing that they are not in a safe place, the Delta Red soldier helps Chun-Li back to her feet and, along with Guile, make a hasty retreat. F.A.N.G is about to chase after them, when M. Bison sticks his hand out; allowing the interlopers to escape. As the generals savor their victory, the dictator watches and chuckles with satisfaction.
Music
Trivia
- This is M. Bison's, Balrog's, Vega's, and Cammy's first appearance in A Shadow Falls.
- While this is Cammy's first appearance (and will make several appearances throughout the story), her first of five fights doesn't occur until Act Three.
- While the title of the chapter is called The Four Kings, three of them are featured in battles with the exception of F.A.N.G.
- Vega battles twice in the same chapter against two different opponents.
Scene 1
[Later, in New York City, Shadaloo officers survey the damage: a huge traffic accident resulted of the sudden shutdown of electricity - which, of course, includes traffic lights - , with some casualties such as police officers. At the lobby of a nearby bank, the Chinese assassin, who calls himself F.A.N.G (although his name is never mentioned in the story) can be seen dancing around happily. Next to him are to Vega and Balrog, who stand by an open vault.]
F.A.N.G: Niihahahahaha!! The "AS" demonstration was a complete success!
[Tapping his foot in impatience, Balrog suddenly turns to the Chinese man.]
Balrog: So? What happened to the other places? Why the hell haven't other Moons gone off?
[F.A.N.G stops, looking dejected at Balrog's comment.]
F.A.N.G: Did I ever tell you that you have the attention span of a five-year-old? I already told you that the other control keys were stolen by that programmer! But since I took quick actions to recover one of the keys, I've destroyed all this city's electrical functions! Quite an accomplishment, I might say. Speaking of which, [accusingly, to Vega and Balrog] what were you two doing all this time I was working so hard?
Vega: Hah! Look who's talking. Did you forget that you were in charge of this plan? And it was you who let a programmer steal the control keys. I would say that's a huge disgrace!
[F.A.N.G looks very offended as Vega talks.]
Vega: It's obvious who should be taking the blame for this. Besides...
[The Chinese assassin assumes a fighting position, angry.]
F.A.N.G: Tread cautiously when you dare say such insolent things to me! I successfully enacted "Operation C.H.A.I.N.S".! And the fact that the programmer escaped so easily is all because you two are incompetent!
[His words strike a nerve with the two Shadaloo lieutenants, who prepare to attack him, when a sort of portal, swirling with purple energy, appears. From it, Bison emerges, radiating Psycho Power from his body.]
M. Bison: My generals are all killing each other. This is delicious entertainment!
[F.A.N.G is absolutely ecstatic at the sight of the overlord of Shadaloo, and gives him a quick reverence.]
F.A.N.G: Oh! It seems Lord Bison's Psycho Power has become even more powerful! This proves the power of my PSA weapon. If Operation C.H.A.I.N.S. succeeds, Lord Bison will be all powerful and invincible!
M. Bison: No need to discuss the obvious. Now tell me the current status of the other device.
F.A.N.G: Yes, Lord! Over here!
[Two Shadaloo soldiers step forward as F.A.N.G demonstrates.]
F.A.N.G: These two soldiers... have been able to gain strength from your Psycho Power, Lord Bison! Until we get all the control keys back, we will spread more fear and despair, so that we can add more strength to you, My Lord!
Balrog [scoffs dismissively]: Just a couple of puppets.
[There is a long silence as F.A.N.G lets Balrog's words sink in. He then quickly whips around to attack Balrog, who dodges just in time.]
Balrog: What the hell are you doing?
F.A.N.G: Oh, please don't be like that. Both of you, why don't you test them out at least once? Certainly two powerful fighters like yourselves are not frightened by "puppets" like them?
Vega: How silly! Do you think you can fool me?
[The Chinese man quickly spins about and then takes some steps back, behind the enhanced Shadaloo soldiers, as Vega and Balrog enter fighting stances.]
F.A.N.G: You are already fools!
Balrog: Bastard!
AS-Y vs. Balrog
- Pre-fight (Balrog): "Idiot! I'll kill you!"
- V-Gauge Full (Balrog): "Punching bag."
- V-Trigger Activation (Balrog): "Too slow chump!"
- At 25% health (Balrog): "Defective puppet!"
- Opp. 25% health (Vega): "Just rot away!"
- Critical Gauge Full (Balrog): "Piece of junk!"
- Critical Art Activation (Balrog): "Pulverize you!"
- KO (Balrog): "Get lost, puppet!"
Scene 2
AS-D vs. Vega
- Pre-fight (Vega): "You filthy puppet!"
- V-Gauge Full (Vega): "I'll slice you!"
- V-Trigger Activation (Vega): "Foolish!"
- At 25% health (Vega): "You scum!"
- Opp. 25% health (Balrog): "Weakling."
- Critical Gauge Full (Vega): "Kneel before me!"
- Critical Art Activation (Vega): "True beauty!"
- KO (Vega): "How revolting."
Scene 3
[Both soldiers collapse on their knees and fall on their face, with Balrog stomping on his defeated opponent's back like a bug serving as an exclamation point. Even after winning, the boxer is still enraged at the second-in-command.]
Balrog: You piece of crap! Now it's your turn!
[He and Vega assume offensive positions to take on F.A.N.G, but stop themselves upon hearing footsteps of someone approaching in the distance. It is Guile and Chun-Li. Bison smirks evilly.]
Guile: Must be here.
[Guile takes notice of the dead policemen on the ground, their trail leading to the bank, where the Four Kings stand watching them.]
Chun-Li: Bison!
[Blinded by her thirst for revenge, she tries to charge forward, and even though Guile tries to stop her, it is useless, as she runs toward the bad guys.]
Guile: No, wait!
Chun-Li: It had to be you guys.
[F.A.N.G steps forward to deal with the Interpol agent, but Bison, knowing it is him she wants, drops down before his lieutenant and lets out a burst of Psycho Power, which makes Chun-Li and Guile cautious enough to assume fighting stances.]
M. Bison: You were foolish to come here, girl.
Chun-Li vs. M. Bison
- Pre-fight (M. Bison): "Know your limitations!"
- Pre-fight (Chun-Li): "I'll settle this here and now!"
- V-Gauge Full (M. Bison): "Start the lesson."
- V-Trigger Activation (M. Bison): "Mwahahahaha!"
- At 25% health (M. Bison): "Impudent girl."
- At 25% health (Chun-Li): "Prepare to lose."
- Opp. 25% health (M. Bison): "This isn't even entertaining"
- Opp. 25% health (Chun-Li): "I'm not backing off."
- Critical Gauge Full (M. Bison): "Insignificant."
- Critical Art Activation (M. Bison): "I’ll crush you!"
- KO (M. Bison): "You were too frail to fight."
Scene 4
[With this, Bison dominates the fight easily and defeats her, launching her away with a blast of Psycho Power.]
Guile: Chun-Li!
[Guile runs to her aid, but Vega jumps in between them.]
Vega: I will be your opponent.
[With no choice, Guile drops in his stance to take on the claw-wielding fighter.]
Guile vs. Vega
- Pre-fight (Vega): "Dance of death"
- Pre-fight (Guile): "Get out of my way!"
- V-Gauge Full (Vega): "This is beauty!"
- V-Trigger Activation (Vega): "Time to die!"
- At 25% health (Vega): "Can't be."
- At 25% health (Guile): "I'll end this."
- Opp. 25% health (Vega): "You don't have a strain of beauty."
- Opp. 25% health (Guile): "Shut up!"
- Critical Gauge Full (Vega): "Hehehehe."
- Critical Art Activation (Vega): "Stain with blood!"
- KO (Vega): "Effortless."
Scene 5
[Despite being evenly matched, Guile cannot get pass Vega, allowing M. Bison to approach and take out Chun-Li, who is reeling nearby.]
M. Bison: Now it is time to finish you!
[He charges Psycho Power in his hand, holding it right up to Chun-Li's face as she is trying to stand up. She simply looks on, terrified beyond her imagination, as this next move might spell her certain death.]
Cammy: I think not!
[Unexpectedly rushing into the scene, Cammy pushes Chun-Li out of the way of Bison's attack in the nick of time.]
Chun-Li: Cammy...
Cammy: Let's go, Guile!
[The Delta Red agent picks Chun-Li up off the floor and, together with Guile, they beat a hasty retreat.]
F.A.N.G: I'll never let you leave!
[Bison holds his hand out to stop his new right-hand man from following them. He watches in apparent satisfaction; he has dealt enough damage to them for today.]
