KOF Extras

Rose's Festive Birthday

5th March
Rugal and his son busily discussed what they should do about Rose's birthday.
"I think we should call Ash," Adel suggested. "Because he's a good party planner. Planned yours too."
Rugal frowned when he remembered what they did for his birthday. But it was still fun, and he didn't suspect a thing.
So he shrugged. "Sure."
Adel pulled his phone out and started calling Ash on speaker mode. He even had a caller ringtone, which happened to be The Second Joker.
"Sup, Adel," Ash greeted as soon as he picked up.
"Hey, Ash," Adel replied. "We need your help."
"What is it?" Ash asked. "And the answer better not be One Love."
Rugal started laughing when he saw what he meant. "No, not One Love. It's about Rose's birthday."
Ash gasped. "When is it?!"
"Next week," Adel said.
"Next week? What's the date?" Ash sounded as if he was frowning.
"On the twelfth," Rugal answered.
There was a slight groan on the other end, followed by Ash muttering "Aww man!"
"Is everything okay?" Adel asked. "You're free that day, right?"
Ash sighed. "Guys, we can't make it. We'll be in China to celebrate Duo's birthday."
"When is that?" Adel asked, surprised.
"One day before Rose's, on the eleventh. Yeah... sorry about that, guys. Maybe you can ask Gas and his twelve siblings. They might help."
"No, Ash, we're in Germany now," Rugal sighed. "I don't think we should disturb that boy..."
"Aww, man..." Ash groaned again. "Sorry guys, but we already prepared everything for Duo's party. I'd really come, but we're staying in Hebei for a whole week."
The Bernsteins thanked him and hung up. Both father and son groaned, slouching back in their seats.
"So what do we do now?" Adel sighed. "We don't even have an idea."
"I'm stumped..." Rugal sighed too.
"But Dad, you're the one that arranged that surprise back in Vegas Last Christmas," Adel pointed out. "Dad, spawn one up again."
Rugal frowned thoughtfully and leaned into a more comfortable position on the chair, hands behind his head. He suddenly leaned forward, as if gotten an idea, but shrugged.
"Nah, I've got nothing," Rugal sighed. "What about you, Adel?"
"Nothing too," Adel sighed too.
"Eh, let's just sleep on it," Rugal shrugged. "Maybe we can get something tomorrow."
They went up to their rooms and decided to turn it. It wasn't even that late, but they had nothing else to do.
So they slept.

***

As usual, Rugal left the house early to go for his morning walk. The morning Berlin air was gentle yet bitingly cold, even though Spring was due in a week.
He plugged his wireless earphones into his ears and walked down the streets, admiring the scenes while listening to his favourite classical music. Of course, he put the volume low so he could still listen to his surroundings.
All of a sudden, his music was interrupted by an opera-like singing.
It was Wolfgang's theme, Dies Irae. A classic theme for funerals. It was also the ringtone that Rugal set for another German man.
"Wolfgang is calling me?" Rugal muttered in surprise. He shrugged and tapped one of his earbuds to answer the call.
"Hello?" Rugal greeted as soon as the ringtone stopped midway.
"Hey, Rugal," Wolfgang's deep voice greeted him back. "It's Wolfgang here."
"I know," Rugal smirked, running a hand through his hair. "I set a ringtone for you. What's up?"
"Alright, so you know how ancient castles have their own festivals and whatnot, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Okay, so there's one coming this Saturday. The Stroheimer Erbenacht. The Stroheim Heritage Night. It's gonna big. You guys wanna come?"
Rugal frowned for a moment, then gasped. "This Saturday?! Wolfgang, it's Rose's birthday!"
"Oh... so you guys must be throwing her a nice big party of your own then. I'll let you guys better enjoy yourselves, I won't intervene."
"No, no, we're coming, Wolfgang! Your festival... splendid timing!"
"You guys are coming?"
"Yeah! You see, Adel and I have no idea what to do, and Rose is getting tired of social gatherings in the name of a 'birthday party'. This festival is perfect for her to have some fun and explore Germany's heritage too. Send me the address."
"Eh just look up Stroheim Castle and it's the first to pop. But I'll still send you the coordinates, don't worry."
"Great, we'll come in on Saturday morning. The festival is at night, right?"
"Yes, that's why it's the Erbenacht and not the Erbemorgen."
Rugal snorted. "Okay, we'll be there."
"Great. You can stay here a few nights too, we have lots of space. I'll prepare for rooms right away. See you guys this Saturday, Bernstein."
"You too, Krauser," Rugal grinned. "And thanks again for the invite."
"Don't mention it. It's my pleasure, Rugal."
Rugal ended the call and now walked with great determination, changing the song to The RR instead.