Well, guys... it looks like due to personal stuff I have going on, I won't be able to make it out to AA before I move back up to NorCal this Thursday. I just wanted to say that you guys are all part of an amazing group of players, who are not only good at the game, but overall just a bunch of fun guys to hang out with. Though I didn't get to play or train as much as I would have liked to, I enjoyed each and every game.
Kane: The man who started it off. I remember meeting you at AI the first day I tried the game. You told me about DC and we played a few games. From there you introduced me to the rest of the guys and kept me informed about tournaments and just what was going on in general, so I really appreciate it. Taught me a lot about some of the little things about the game and we would often about things during downtime between matches. Tons of respect to you for being an honest and down to earth guy, Yuhang.
Mr. KOF: We actually played a few times at AI before anybody explained to me who you were. I remember just thinking, "Who is this guy beasting on everyone? And why does he play SSF4?!" I was under the impression that SF was your main series, because the nights I went initially, I would always see you owning it up with Juri and only occasionally toss up a token for XIII. I really admire that regardless of what people say or think of you, you play how you want to: WITH STYLE. If you end up retiring from KOF in the near future, I'm glad to have experienced some of your epic beatdowns.
Ash: I remember the first time we played at AI you came in at like 10pm or so, and I had been there since opening but no one had showed up all day. I was actually planning to leave, but since someone (you) finally showed up, I figured I might as well stay and make the most of it. I remember the matches being the most memorable we had even though it was pretty early on in my experience with XIII. I remember going on the boards the next day and saying I played some Asian dude who plays Iori, with Yuhang replying "it's probably Duc" or something like that lol. Thanks again for providing all the technical support lately. I know it goes on behind the scenes and a lot of people don't recognize it, but it really is appreciated. Lastly, I AM NOT BAD LUCK! LOL
Metaphysics: Good ol' honest Abe. Mexican/scientist with a French last name. Crazy. We had some good matches and good talks. Still surprised how well you adapted and performed during tourneys coming out of the SF scene and not having any experience with SNK games. I hope you stick with it, Big ups to the drive too. Your drives were a bit farther than any of the regulars, including mine, so respect to that and R.I.P. gas money lol.
Answer: I actually thought you always used to hella mug me when I would come to AI, but you turned out to be a pretty friendly guy lol. Thanks for working with Giby during events to get things done and pushing for the board after AI closed down. Otherwise we'd have to go to Vid94 (and you thought AA was ghetto lol). Also, gratitude and respect for hosting at your home. I know a lot of people don't feel comfortable about that so to know that you were willing to do that for all of us at a moments notice was pretty cool. Best of luck with your job and everything. You know how hard times can be.
Reynald: You're a pretty quiet dude, so we hardly ever talked, but you were always fun to play against. Don't break that Duo mechanic you and John got goin' on. Mad respect for protecting your girlfriend from Japan LOL
4leaf: Dude, I swear you were never around or you always had to go somewhere lol Was good getting some games in and i liked to watch when you played Leona since Yuhang stopped using her *cough*. Funny that the thing I remember from you the most was the conversation about Shen's far C to Kunio over dinner hahahaha
CaliMexicans: I will write about them as a whole since I didn't get to talk to them much, personally. The fact that they would show up, be as good as they were and as friendly as they were garners them respect from me. Whether it was showing up or leaving, they would always give a handshake or a nod even if they didn't feel comfortable speaking to me. Always fun to watch and play against. Special mention to Romance for playing those MvC3 matches at AI before they closed and shaking my hand lol GGs and for sticking with King even though no one else really bothered with her.
Random others: Thanks for the GGs. The SNK community is full of characters.
Just my way of saying thanks and acknowledging those of you who welcomed me into the SoCal scene, whether it was by words or matches or just being able to watch you play. You guys are all stand-up dudes and I hope to throw down again when I come to SoCal for visits. I'll still be on the boards, posting about things I obviously don't know anything about lol, so i won't be disappearing anytime soon. Until then, let me know if any of you are ever in NorCal and we'll hit up some good food joints!
P.S. If I'm forgetting anybody, my bad, just remind me lol