Disclaimer: I don't own Tekken
A/N: Hello there. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for reading. Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? Yeah, I know; it took me long enough. Finally, I'm here with the next part in my series, Tekken 8. For those who don't know, we're taking a big step into the future, which you could probably tell from the title of the first chapter. Anyway, you've waited long enough, so let's get to it. And here … we … go:
The King of Iron Fist Tournament 8: The Legendary Battle Returns
Welcome to the Future
Welcome to the future, Welcome to the future...
Get into the new speed, Get into the enemy...
Mass communication, Gene-manipulation
So, what's the occupation? What's your dedication?
Welcome to the future, Straight into the future…
Welcome to the future, Welcome to the future...
Talking about the old times, Scared about the new times...
Does anybody know you? Will anybody need you?
Can anybody please you? Does anybody have to?
Welcome to the future, Straight into the future…
Big time, We're all partners in crime,
Big time, We've all been left behind,
Big time, We're all partners in crime,
Big time, We're all standing in line…
The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and exemplary weather. Appropriately, a certain set of twins were enjoying it, sitting on the steps of their home while they waited for their friends to arrive. The teenage boy, Haku, reclined on the steps as he listened to his music, the frenetic riffs of Daisuke Ishiwatari blaring over his headphones. His tennis shoes-adorned feet tapped in beat to the song. His hands were stuffed into his blue jeans. Around his neck hung a rather peculiar pendant: it was composed of his father's mark, which doubled as a company logo, with the word 'Scion' across it. This was the symbol for the twins and their friends, all descendants of Kazama G Incorporated in some way or fashion.
Haku's twin sister, Jun, sat in meditation astride the stone support of the stoop. Her 'KGI Scion' earrings swayed in the wind. Her boot-clad feet hung over the edges. Her weight-lifting gloved hand rested on her knees with her eyes closed in concentration.
"Hey, Sis…" Haku started to ask.
Jun quickly answered, "No, I don't know when the others will be here."
Feeling his sister's anxiety, Haku took off his earphones and commented, "Ooh, someone's testy today."
Jun explained, "Shouldn't you be? We have to go to the shark tank today, remember? I can't stand those conceited executives."
Haku optimistically retorted, "Don't let those fat cats get to you; they're going to doubt us regardless. But when this whole thing takes off, they'll have no choice but to 'respecognize' us."
Jun gave her brother a very confused look as she asks, "'Respecognize'?"
Haku explained, "Yeah, they'll have to respect us and recognize our skills: 'Respecognize'. You like it?"
Jun chuckled at the portmanteau and said, "It sounds like something you'd think up."
Suddenly, something caught Haku's attention: a familiar scent, and, when it gently wafted into his nose, it immediately sent his senses crazy. His heart began to race… His pupils dilated... He subconsciously sat up straight… It was the sweet smells of strawberries and vanilla, which meant one thing… She was coming.
The first of their friends, Akane Hirano, was getting very close. Her red hair shimmered in the sun. Her skirt and the 'KGI Scion' charm on her bracelet swayed with her as she walked. She was, as she'd done countless times before, traversed quickly up the path between her home and the Kazama mansion, when she stopped at the base of the Kazama walkway … after seeing him. She automatically looked him over: observed his hair from the fang-shaped bangs that framed his face to the crest of hair at the back of his head, his vibrant different-colored eyes, his infectious laugh… It drove her wild: her heart pounded… She began breathing heavily… Her hands and knees started to shake ever so slightly… Finally, she was able to force herself forward.
Haku happily exclaimed as he waved to her, "Yo, Akane-chan!"
Trying to hold her nervousness down, Akane greeted as she stopped in front of them, "Hello, Jun-chan… Hi, Haku-san…"
Jun asked, "How's everything, Akane-chan?"
While the ladies talked, Haku just couldn't take his eyes away. He stared at her deep red hair, her lucid brown eyes, her soft and innocent smile… A smile inevitably crept onto his face.
Haku offered, "Akane-chan, would you like to … sit down?"
Akane saw him smiling at her and stammered, "Umm…"
Jun replied before Akane could even get an answer out, "And ruin her dress? She can't sit down there."
Haku shot his sister an irritated look, but turned back in time to see the blood rush to Akane's face, turning her cheeks a noticeable shade of pink. Instantly, he felt as if his heart would blast out of his chest. That was yet another thing about Akane that raised Haku's temperature a few hundred degrees. It was all he could do to not grab his hair. Still, Akane stood next to the opposite stone support. The roar of a motorcycle the next moment caught the attention of all three.
As the sound suggested, a yellow and black motorcycle with two people atop it appeared and raced down the driveway. After a moment, the cycle came to a halt and parked off to the side, when it became apparent that this was another pair of their friends. On the back was a guy with jet-black hair, the 'KGI scion' logo on his goggles, and a South Korean flag emblazoned on his jacket. The driver was a girl wearing a white leather riding outfit with a red rose on the shoulders of both sleeves, and the 'KGI scion' logo on her helmet. Immediately, the guy got off the bike on wobbly, while the girl however deftly flipped over the handlebars in an elegant dismount.
"Miss Lilith…" Kyou wished aloud as he lifted his goggles onto his head, "I really wish you wouldn't go so fast on this machine."
Lilith flipped her hair in her hands as she responded, "Oh, you can be such a stick in the mud. Don't worry so much. If you just loosen up, you'd enjoy things a lot more including joyriding with me…" She then poked him in the chest and said with an odd mix of menace and playfulness, "Oh, and don't ever insult my beloved my beloved 'Foudre' again. Okay … Jhun?"
That name again… Kyou let out a subtle grumble as Lilith started toward the porch. He hated being called by the name the orphan agency long ago called his 'real' name. Of course, Lilith knew of this and used it against him whenever she wanted to irk him. Nevertheless, Kyou followed behind the Monegasque heiress, and took a place next to Akane…
"What am I going to do with her, Akane?" Kyou asked in exasperation.
Trying to help as always, Akane replied, "Lilith-chan is a free spirit, but she is very strong. I'm sure she can handle just about anything."
Kyou let out a sigh before saying, "I know, but that just makes it that much harder to keep my promise to Master Hwoarang and Miss Lili."
Meanwhile, Lilith made a beeline right for Jun…
Lilith proclaimed with some hostility, "Kazama, my archrival…"
"It's nice to see you too, Princess. I see you're still tormenting your protector."
Lilith said with unconcern, "Oh, he torments himself; I'm simply enjoying my life."
"I can see that. And the Queen and King, how are they?"
My parents are fine, but I've got a better question for you…" Lilith proceeded to ask with desire, "Where is that silver-haired bishonen cousin of yours?"
"'Vincent' is on his way. Be patient, you lovelorn fan-girl."
Lilith observed aloud with a hint of anger as she looked down the driveway, "I bet he's with that Jane person."
Jun pointed out, "Jill… Her name is Jill."
Lilith irritatedly retorted, "Whatever. These two are still talking every day."
Jun laughed a little, "You've definitely lost it. He's her direct superior. Of course, they talk every day; it's called reporting in."
Crossing her arms, Lilith brought up, "I still don't like her. Then, there's that other woman who runs the labs…"
"You mean Anna? She's like five years older than him. Lilith-chan, get a grip."
"Oh, here he comes…" Lilith exclaimed the next moment in excitement.
At that moment, a luxury car appeared and turned into the driveway, before parking halfway down. From inside emerged the remaining two friends. From the passenger seat leapt a young woman with short blond hair, her frame obscured in jeans and a t-shirt, and the 'KGI scion' logo on her right pant leg. From the driver's seat emerged a young man with silver hair, a wallet chain on her right leg, and his belt buckle fashioned into the 'KGI scion' insignia.
Whispering to Jun, Lilith immediately expressed, "He brought that girl again."
Jun whispered back, "Calm down; you know they're relatives."
Lilith, skeptical of the whole thing, said, "Yet she won't tell us how. Yeah right; I don't trust her as far as I can throw him."
Jun let out a frustrated sigh and said, "Why do I even bother?"
Running ahead, the young woman, named Vanessa or Van as she liked, yelled out, "What's up, cool kids?"
Upon reaching the stoop, Van, as she's apt to do, physically acknowledge as those present, fist-bumping the guys and giving high-fives to the girl. Haku immediately jumped off and ran right for 'Vincent'.
"My man, Yushin-san…" Haku exulted as he half-hugged the silver haired youth.
Vincent smiled as he returned the gesture, "Haku-san, my best bud!"
Haku continued as they walked back, "Now, what took you so long? Was traffic really that bad?"
Vincent explained, "No, but you see I had to pick up Van-can from the airport."
"Yeah, what's up with that? I thought she and Leo-sama had some expedition to go on."
"I did too, but she said there's no way she was gonna miss this." He then called out as they approached, "Hey, everyone."
"Hey!" they all said unison.
Lilith walked right up to him and said, "Hi, Yushin. You look really handsome today."
"Thank you."
Lilith persisted, "So… I just got this new riding outfit. Do you like?"
Vincent said with a subdued smile, "Yes, it looks very nice on you."
Lilith smiled as she said with exaggerated flattery, "Oh, stop. You'll make me blush."
Vincent added, "Then again, everything looks good on you. Your beauty is unquestioned."
Lilith then got really close to him, saying, "Oh, Yushin. You're so sweet."
Vincent, uncomfortable with the positioning, slipped past her, saying, "Umm, right…"
Yushin quickly rejoined Haku, triggering a sigh of disappointment from the Monegasque heiress. The two then joined their other friends and sat on the steps.
Van, rubbing her hands together in eagerness, said, "So, when is this celebration set to kick off?"
Jun calmly pointed out, "Hold your horses, gang. We don't even know if we have something to celebrate yet."
Lilith confidently countered, "It doesn't matter. Even if they try to block the idea, you just show them who's really in charge. The company's named after you; it's not like they can tell you 'no'."
Haku chuckled a little, "I really don't think they'll appreciate us strong-arming them. They already hate us enough as it is."
Vincent added, "Not to mention, we don't really have the authority to do that. Then, when we finally do get it, they probably won't be happy about our tactics."
Akane retorted encouragingly, "But, your proposal's very good and very smart. You have a lot of strong evidence and good research. It would be very good not just for us and the company but a lot of people. They simply can't stop you because of their personal feelings."
Kyou said with skepticism, "You'd be surprised. Spite can be a very powerful motive."
Van added in her input enthusiastically, "It doesn't hurt to tr. You guys, hit them with your best shot; we know you'll do great. Then, we can party."
The twin and Yushin couldn't help but smile at their friends' support. Finally all three of them got the call. A chorus of guitar riffs suddenly rang out as three ringtones were activated. All three turned off their phone alarms.
"Twins, that's the bell…" Vincent confirmed.
Haku said with some excitement, "Alright; it's show time."
Jun said as they rose, "Well, guys, we'll catch you later. Don't tear up the place."
The remaining four shouted encouragement as they start off…
Lilith adamantly said, "Knock 'em dead, Yushin!"
"Haku-san…" Akane impulsively called out just before they got too far away. After Haku stopped and turned to her, she nervously continued, "Um… Good luck."
The young Kazama froze for a second, but quickly gave a smile and a nod in response. The trio then hopped into Yushin's car and took off…
ANGEL We Haven't Heard
In a pristine white hallway of a high-tech building, two young men waited, the pair of brothers oddly resembling a photograph and its negative. The younger one wore his black hair in a long ponytail, his white shirt sat free, and his suit jacket rested unbuttoned and free. His relaxed demeanor seeped out even into his body language as he coolly leaned against the wall. The older brother meanwhile was the epitome of proper. He wore his hair slicked back; his shirt and suit were dressed to the nines with cufflinks, a red tie, and a watch. Indicative of his shortening temper, the older stood as he impatiently twirled a switchblade in his hand.
Then, their third member arrived. He was a taller, slightly older man, his sideburns cut curving downward to his clean-shaven chin, his relatively ordinary suit under a distinctive brown bear-skin long coat.
The man, named Susano, quickly said remorsefully, "My apologies, Kamikage-san, Ryunosuke-san."
Ryunosuke, the younger brother, said, "Don't sweat it, Susano. We know that event ran long."
Kamikage, the older brother, said as he put his knife away, "Let's just go. The others are probably waiting."
The three eagerly started off, and Ryunosuke immediately began whistling 'Imperial March' from Star Wars…
Becoming annoyed after a while, Susano voiced, "Why do you always whistle that song?"
Ryunosuke calmly and quickly replied, "It's too appropriate. This place already looks like a space ship, and we look like the empire. I mean seriously…"
"Settle down you two," Kamikage said, "We're too close now."
Eventually, the trio came to a meeting room, a large white conference room with a medium-sized table, multiple chairs around it and a small angel statue in the center of the table. However, there was someone was already there. With his back to the door sat a pale young man in a military battle suit, the SPETSNAZ symbol on each shoulder, cleaning an unassembled handgun. Ryunosuke immediately ran up to the Russian.
"Drags, how is everything?"
Dragunov remained silent, taking time to only glance at Ryunosuke for but a moment…
Ryunosuke persisted, "You sure got here early. Bet you had to sprint to get over here in time."
Dragunov simply reassembled his gun, and stayed mute…
Determined to get him to speak, Ryunosuke placed an arm around him and continued, "So, how's life treating you? I know a ton of interesting things go on with you all the time."
Finally, Dragunov responded … but not in the way that Ryunosuke had hoped. The Russian deftly slid a clip into the gun and aimed right under Ryunosuke's chin! It was a definite 'get away from me'…
Backing off and taking the hint, Ryunosuke conceded, "I get it. Not a good time to talk."
Dragunov gave a succinct nod of confirmation, and put his gun into his holster as Ryunosuke let him be. Suddenly, a young woman entered, a Spanish woman wearing a green matador's outfit with her short wavy hair styled closed to her head and a single curl on her forehead. She naturally sat at the table, and Ryunosuke immediately took the seat across from her…
Ryunosuke said in an intrigued tone, "Esmeralda, it's really nice to see you. You're looking lovely as always."
Esmeralda coldly replied, "Gracias…"
Ryunosuke went on, "You now, if you're still having trouble finding anything, I'd be more than happy to show you around the city sometime."
"Uh, no…" Esmeralda answered before saying in Spanish, "Crazy fool!"
Ryunosuke surprisingly said in Spanish, "Just crazy about you, Senorita."
The Spanish torera simply scoffed with an exaggerated cringe. Kamikage meanwhile exited the room looking for the other members … when he got an unexpected visitor. Sensing someone behind, he took out his knife, but was greeted by two hands on his shoulders … a woman's hands. He then felt her get closer until her lips were inches from his ear.
"Finally … we're alone."
The older Nodachi brother spun around without a fight and saw her completely. It was a young Asian woman his age with her red hair is a long braid, and wore a red body suit with a pair of metal arm and shin guard, a pair of tanto knives at her sides. Lifting her 'Kitsune' mask off her face, she tilted to the side, revealing one of her green eyes.
Putting his knife away, Kamikage said with slight annoyance, "Mitsuko. You shouldn't sneak up on me; you know I hate surprises.
Mitsuko replied in a tempting voice, "Aw. I'm so sorry, my 'divine shadow'. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"I don't think so, not now at least."
The kunoichi persisted, "So how about later?"
Before he could even answer, a second female appeared whose presence caused Mitsuko to immediately put her mask back on. It was another Asian woman who looked much younger despite being in their age range. She had short and shaggy black hair, and wore a high-tech black body suit with kunai along both legs and a ninjato on her back including a half-mask covering the lower part of her face. But the most distinctive trait was the X-shaped scar on her left cheek.
Mitsuko, irked by the untimely appearance, expressed, "Raven. I see your timing is as awful as always."
Raven replied plainly, "Odd. According to my time, I'm right on time."
Kamikage focused on his goal and said, "Raven's right. There's no time to waste, so let's get inside."
Mitsuko shot Raven an irritated look which the second kunoichi simply ignored, and the three went into the room… All sat down, and most noticed the new face, Esmeralda.
Kamikage began and addressed them all, "Welcome back, everyone. I'm sure most of you are wondering about the newest face among us. So, allow me to introduce to our newest member…" He gave her name as he gestured toward her, "… Esmeralda Raquel Rojo."
"Rojo…?" Raven wondered aloud, "Your father wouldn't happen to be Miguel Caballero Rojo, would it?"
Kamikage complimented, "Very receptive of you, Raven."
Mitsuko shuffled uncomfortably in her chair slightly at the show of recognition...
"Tell me…" Esmeralda then asked, "Are the rumors true … about another tournament?"
Ryunosuke eagerly offered, "You betcha! Well … so to speak. We still have to pass the idea during a confirmation meeting."
Kamikage added, "Which is not long from now. Ryunosuke, why don't you start setting us up?"
The younger Nodachi instantly got up, saying, "You got it, big boss!"
As Ryunosuke took off into another room, Esmeralda said under her breath "Lap dog…."
A split second later, a knife flew through the air and spiked into the table millimeters from Esmeralda's wrist, thrown expertly by Kamikage Nodachi!
The older Nodachi threatened the new recruit, "Watch what you say about my brother. Got it? I won't warn you again."
Stunned by the accuracy and quickness, Esmeralda sat in silence at how close it came to slicing her arm open. Susano grabbed knife up and handed it back to Kamikage.
Changing the subject, Mitsuko said, "So, Miguel Rojo is your old man? In that case, it's no wonder why you're here."
"Yes, my motivation is the same as yours. Jin Kazama destroyed my father. So now his children have to pay … the same way I paid. What about you all?"
Susano offered, "Jin Kazama killed my master, but I also want to teach Lee Chaolan's son a lesson on the way for disparaging my master's name."
Dragunov simply nodded in the affirmative…
Mitsuko added, "I'm here because I was made an offer I couldn't refuse, but my dedication to this cause is unquestioned."
Raven gave cryptically, "I'm sorry, but … I prefer to keep my motives to myself."
Mitsuko jeered, "Yes, we're not good enough to be let in on your secrets, no matter how sketchy."
Raven said bluntly in response, "I assure you, they're better than your schoolgirl causes."
Mitsuko almost jumped over the table, but Kamikage quickly switched things around, "Stop it, you two. As for our plans…"
Mitsuko quickly said, "We take some of their friends, and lure them here."
"If one of them gets too active or becomes an issue…" Raven added, "Feel free to silence them."
"Sir…" Susano began, "Does the tournament change our strategy?"
Kamikage said coldly, "No. The tournament only offers opportunity and more leeway with execution. Since a certain amount of violence is expected there, any 'unfortunate accidents' will be overlooked at a higher percentage. Other than that, it changes nothing… There may be witnesses, but that is where Mr. Dragunov's expertise comes in: to ensure safe capture and escape."
"And what if we fail?" Esmeralda asked.
Kamikage ominously replied, "Failure is not an option…"
"So, if we succeed?" Esmeralda continued,
Susano answered, "We scatter, never to speak of this."
Raven brought up, "And what happens to Ryunosuke?"
Kamikage answered succinctly, "He stays where he belongs: right here. He won't tell them anything because he doesn't know anything. That's why he's in the other room…" The older Nodachi rose to his feet as he finished his sentence, "… where I should be."
Susano then asked, "What if the tournament is rejected?"
Kamikage explained as he walked for the door, "We will proceed as planned with increased caution. But, in the meantime, I'll do what I can to bring it about. It would afford us vastly more chances and give us a lot more room for error."
"You still didn't answer one question." Esmeralda pointed out, "What's your motivation? Why are you doing this?"
Suddenly, Kamikage stopped and his calm seemed to slowly melt away. He hunched his shoulders and started to tremble. He dove a hand into his hair, rustling his once smooth hair, and slowly let out a high-pitched, creepy chuckle…
Not turning around, the older Nodachi replied, his voice sizzling with restrained madness, "Two lives for two lives… Bloodshed for bloodshed… Not all lambs are innocent… Pain and suffering … calls their names!"
As slowly as his manner dropped, he pulled himself together just as fast, as if realizing how he sounded. Kamikage quickly stood upright, fixed his hair, and coughed as if to clear to his throat. With that exclamation point, the older Kamikage walked into the next room for the conference.
End Chapter
Next Time: "Well, now that we know we all hate each other … we should get back to the proposal."
A/N: And there you have it. It took me long enough, I know. Thanks for reading, I hope you liked it, and I hope you come back for the next chapter. Please R&R, and as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.
