Disclaimer: I don't own Tekken
A/N: Hello once again, everyone. I'm sorry it took me so long to update. Well, I've waited long enough, so I'll get right to the Part 2. And here … we … go:
The King of Iron Fist Tournament 7: A Final Tragedy for the Finest Future
The Festival: Grand Re-emergence pt.2
Center of Conflict
Nightfall had come upon the Tekken Festival, but the celebration was going strong and showing no sign of stopping. In every way, it was as all street festivals are: the swarms in attendance were packed closer than usual, restricting movement but not enough to discourage anyone. Countless vendors lined the sides and the middle of the street, selling merchandise and concessions to unbelievably long lines of people. The sights, sounds, and overall fanciful bombardment of the senses gave the event an almost ethereal quality as it drowned out any noise from the outside world.
Also, as always with festivals though somewhat ironic for the reason for it, the spectacle had an unbelievably joyous atmosphere. The bright lights shone brightly against the beautiful night sky. The music boomed heavily through the streets as several J-pop idols and J-rock bands performed from several stages. The fighters, even the usually silent and stoic ones were vastly enjoying themselves. They were happily signing autographs, shaking hands, laughing, joking, and generally socializing. In all, it was a rapturous mood before a Rave War.
In the midst of the crowd, there was one rather solemn figure steadily moving, somewhat miraculously managing to be alone: Jin Kazama. Also rather miraculously, a vendor managed to spot him, and quickly moved to get his attention.
"Kazama-sama! Kazama-sama! Please, a moment of your time!" The vendor shouted to the crowd at him.
Hearing this, Jin stopped as the call broke the pseudo-trance he was moving in, and turned in the direction it came from. Jin quickly spotted the rather small man waving at him from behind one of the food stands, and slowly walked to the table.
Having Jin's attention, the vendor began to entreat him, requesting, "Kazama-sama, it would be great if you would try some of my baozi. Please."
Not really hungry but having already approached the table, Jin mulled the idea over in this mind as he mentally took note of the setting. Slowly, he looked over the small golden ovals dusted with sugar, the sound of a sizzling wok in the background, the smell of fried dough funneling into his nose. After a moment, Jin reached a decision.
"Alright," Jin succinctly replied.
The vendor's face lit up with excitement when he heard that. Quickly, he took out a long wooden skewer, speared the three warmest dumplings in the batch, and handed the portion to his customer.
"Please, let me know how they taste, sir," the vendor persisted.
Taking the subtle suggestion, Jin pulled one off the skewer in his teeth, and began eating it, rolling it around in his mouth to get the full taste. Thought he hadn't expected it, the baozi tasted the same as when he first tried it. From the sweet sugar on the outside to the warm fruit on the inside, it tasted almost exactly the same, which was a good thing… Jin liked it.
"They're great," Jin said in an ironically somber tone.
Nevertheless ecstatic over the proclamation, the vendor exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent! Do you mind if I tell people that you liked them?"
Jin gave a mere head shake to the negative.
The vendor continued to exclaim, "That is great! Thank you so much, sir!"
"How much?" Jin asked as he reached in to his pocket for his wallet.
The vendor replied in a grateful tone, "For you, Kazama-sama, they're free of charge. Please come again."
Jin gave the man a slight nod and walked off as he ate another of the dumplings. As he chewed the second baozi, Jin began to stare at the final one as he started to remember the first time he'd ever tried the Chinese confection. After all, it was the reason he enjoyed them in the first time … and the reason the taste was bittersweet for him now. It wasn't long before Jin began to descend into reverie, reminiscing about the whole event.
---
"Come on; just one…"
"No," Jin responded to the last baozi pushed in his face.
"Please, Jin-kun, just try one," Xiaoyu sweetly pleaded to her then-boyfriend.
Jin replied rather sternly, "Xiao-chan, you know I don't eat that sweet stuff, and you shouldn't either."
"Aww, come on; what's life if you don't live a little," Xiaoyu protested as he continued to push the dessert at him.
"I said no," Jin asserted.
Xiaoyu then took him by surprise, asking, "… Are you in a bad mood?"
Jin answered in confusion, "No."
"Then, just try one," Xiaoyu persisted, half-singing her plea, "Pleeeeease! Try it for me. I promise you'll like it."
Jin started to tell her one more time until … she gave him the look. Xiaoyu gave a sweet puppyish look, one she'd discovered over time, one she knew he couldn't resist. As always, he was rendered powerless by it. With a groan, Jin relented to her insistence, plucking the baozi up and sort of throwing it into his mouth.
After a moment, Jin couldn't pinpoint the source, but he knew he liked it. There was a hint of cinnamon in the sugar. The whole thing was light, much lighter than expected of a fried dessert. In the center was a single strawberry, warm but still fresh, some rather remarkable considering it preparation. These Chinese dumplings that Xiaoyu that liked so much were actually good, not just sweet.
"Well?" Xiaoyu eagerly anticipated.
"… It's not bad," Jin replied, not saying what he really thought.
This too garnered a look from Xiaoyu; this time it was look she gave when she knew Jin was holding something in. She was good at this, Jin realized.
"Alright…" Jin admitted, "It's pretty good."
Xiaoyu merely responded with that vibrant smile of hers, enjoying her 'victory'.
---
Jin could only absently eat the last one and toss the skewer in a nearby trashcan as the happy memory only served as a painful reminder, causing his insides to drop like an anvil. He continued to walk somberly through the festival crowd until he came across a completely unexpected site in a corner leading away from the festival: an unbelievably unoccupied park table with no one anywhere near it. Taking the chance to actually escape the high spirits surrounding him, Jin approached and sat on the table, and promptly buried his head in his hands, again overwhelmed by the magnitude and bleakness of his situation.
Soon after, Asuka spotted him tucked in this neglected corner. It was really amazing what time had done for the two Kazama cousins: at the same point in the last tournament, Asuka wanted nothing more than to pound Jin, maybe kill him if needed. Now, the two had bonded more than could be expected, to the point that they'd become like brother and sister, especially considering their shared admiration for Jun Kazama. Asuka had grown very fond of Jin, which only made it that much painful that he was going to be leaving soon, and, with that in mind, she could empathize with what Jin was showing. After all, if she was feeling as bad as she did over the whole thing, how much worse must Jin be feeling?
As she moved toward him to give him any kind of support possible, Asuka called to him, "Jin-kun?"
"Asuka-chan?" Jin replied as he slowly lifted his head, "I thought you'd be off signing autographs or something."
Asuka explained with concern, "I was, but … I wanted to see how you were doing."
Jin let out a dejected sigh before expressing, "About the same as before; physically, mentally … I'm still in pain… I miss Xiao-chan already."
"Well … you can still call her," Asuka suggested, "It's not too late to talk to her."
Jin briefly wrestled with idea until he relented to his desires, agreeing, "You're right…"
Jin slowly reached for his phone … when something seemed to grab both his and Asuka's attention. Out of nowhere, a sudden sense of unrest and dread gripped them. A chill ran down Jin's back as his anxiety rose. Jin soon felt an uneasy feeling akin to something tugging at his heart. Asuka was no different as she experienced the same apprehension. Their pulses quickened to a sprint. Their bodies tightened and grew warm as they anticipated what they felt.
"Asuka-chan … did you feel that?" Jin asked as he vaulted off the table to his feet.
"…Yeah," Asuka slowly responded.
Jin warned as he alerted himself, "Get ready … Someone's coming."
Suddenly, they were greeted by the sound of footsteps, causing them to quickly spin in their direction, away from the carnival. Slowly and steadily, the cadence of footsteps grew louder … closer … and louder … very close now … louder still … and almost near them now. With the sound, the image of the figure making them became clearer and clearer until the person stepped out of the shadows.
"Well, well, it's been too long, Jin. You sure look horrible."
Standing in front of them, wearing a white suit and white coat, was none other than Kazuya Mishima.
"You don't look so good yourself, Kazuya." Jin shot back.
Kazuya continued as he stared deeply at Jin as if trying to look into his soul, "I wasn't expecting to dispose of you so soon especially with so many people around… There will be casualties…"
"Get behind me," Jin quickly whispered to Asuka.
"No!" Asuka snapped back at her cousin, "We're in this together."
A second later, Kazuya, as a display of his power and a more-than-subtle attempt at intimidation, released his wings. Much larger than before, Kazuya's leathery, violet, bat-like wings barely fit in the alleyway, and they almost glowed sinisterly against the darkness.
"But I think I can live like that," Kazuya finished his statement.
"Get behind me now!" Jin whispered, this time with authority.
Asuka had seen all she needed to see. Stunned by Kazuya's exhibition, she followed Jin's order this time. Jin then responded to Kazuya with an unveiling of his own: Jin's wings burst from his back with the force and suddenness of a parachute, and filled up the alleyway behind him. Just like Kazuya's, Jin's wings had also changed as they too were much bigger than before, and, most strikingly, his once raven-black feathers were now pristine white, both wings visibly glowing despite the great light of the festival behind him.
"I see you've changed as well…" Kazuya said, intrigued by Jin own reveal.
Seeing no intimidation but feeling he made his point, Kazuya retracted his wings. Although confused, Jin very slowly retracted his wings as well.
"What are you up to?" Jin asked with obvious and understandable suspicion.
Kazuya explained in a matter-of-fact tone, "I wanted to see how you've grown … and I wanted an explanation… Why did you call this tournament? You waited four years and then this whole thing practically came together out of thin air… Why call this tournament all of a sudden? What changed?"
Jin responded hostilely, "That's none of your concern!"
"Come now … you can tell your dear old dad," Kazuya sarcastically insisted.
Jin simply replied, "To put it frankly … I just can't afford for you and Heihachi to be roaming around anymore."
"Oh?" Kazuya asked, "And … why might that be?"
Jin replied rather cryptically, "Let's just say … being near-death tends to change a man's priorities."
Kazuya let out a mocking, evil laugh and said arrogantly, "If that's what worries you then you can rest easy. Because with me here … you're as good as dead already…" Kazuya's tone gained an additional sinister air as he continued, "I didn't forget about Lee holding me in that coma all these years, but I'll get to him soon enough after I deal with you first. Then, once I'm done tearing you apart, I'll see what kind of mess I can make … out of that pretty wife of yours."
Jin immediately became livid and growled, "…Kazuya!!"
That comment drove Jin past the point of the standoff, and he was ready to fight. He set his feet as he prepared to either defend or attack. His fists clenched tightly and began to tremble with anger. A whitish steam began to emanate from his body as power began to seep out of him. His power began to affect his surroundings as the ground underneath him and Asuka began to tremble.
"Now, that's more like it…" Kazuya said with a sinister chuckle as he turned his attention to the other person present, "And to the girl standing behind Jin, don't think I forgot about…"
Quickly, Asuka assumed her fighting stance, prepared to defend herself. With that motion, Kazuya was forced to notice her, really pay attention to her. Her fighting stance, the white headband that was tied around her forehead, the pristine white aura that covered her body, the benevolent power that gently pulsed from her direction… It was all eerily familiar to Kazuya. After a moment, Kazuya's eyes widened as he remember just where the feeling was coming from… Everything about this girl was almost like … her.
"…You," Kazuya finished, his arrogant manner replaced with one of almost trance-like bewilderment.
At that moment, as if the altercation wasn't tense enough, another presence, a similar yet different presence, could be felt approaching the alleyway, causing another round of anxiety from Jin and Asuka. Suddenly, all the lights in the in the alleyway began to flicker madly. A static feeling filled the area, causing hair on the back of one's neck to stand on end. The taste of electricity in the air was prevalent, an evident power pulsing through the area. Finally, Kazuya spotted the approaching figure, coming in behind Jin and Asuka.
"Heihachi…" Kazuya snarled.
Jin and Asuka quickly spun around to face their new visitor. There, wearing a black karate gi shirt with a tiger on the back and black hakama pants with a dragon design at the bottom, stood Heihachi, his upper arms and insteps heavily taped.
"Heihachi?" Jin said with obvious surprise and contempt, "… What pit did you crawl out of?"
Heihachi boastfully replied as he crossed his arms, "The very pits of hell , boy! But even the Devil himself couldn't satisfy. Speaking of which…"
"I was right about you, Heihachi…" Kazuya chimed in, "It does get harder and harder to stomach you face the more I see you."
"Hmph, the feeling's mutual…" Heihachi replied, "But I wish you would've stayed longer the last time … that way, I wouldn't be look at you right now."
Hearing this, Jin inquired, "You two saw each other again before now?"
"We had a run-in … a few months ago," Kazuya plainly replied.
It didn't take long for Jin to put the pieces together in his head, thinking to himself, "A few months ago?! That means … they started what's happening to me?!"
Heihachi added to Kazuya's answer, "Yeah, we ran into each other … that is, until Kazuya ran away … again."
"I was merely giving more time, Heihachi." Kazuya explained rather conceitedly, "After all, what fun would it have been to destroy you in the middle of nowhere anyway. Besides, you looked like you could have used the extra training."
"Oh, really?" Heihachi sarcastically said.
Heihachi then gave the table that Jin and Asuka were sitting on a simple tap, but the resulting action was indicative of the blow dealt to it. Immediately, the opposite end of the table was catapulted upward to here it was completely upright. Heihachi then hit the now upright table with what looked a simple hand swipe, but again the strike had a much more dramatic effect. With Heihachi's indifferent strike, the table was reduced to mere splinters, literally blasted into shreds with minimal effort. Asuka couldn't help but be impressed (and a little frightened) by Heihachi's strength. Meanwhile, Jin and Kazuya simply held fast as they didn't plan to give Heihachi any kind of satisfaction, but they made sure to note how much powerful he'd become.
Heihachi finally declared, "You two have done well in my absence. Kazuya, you built up my rival to great heights, and Jin, you lifted my company even higher. Then, you brought both companies together into an organization of unrivaled power. You two done very well indeed, but … it's about time I took back what is mine."
Heihachi slowly moved forward to get on with his intentions until he was met with an unwelcome surprise. Out of nowhere, another person came running out of the crowd behind Heihachi. In one fluid motion, he sprinted into the alleyway, ran along the wall around Heihachi, and landed squarely between him and Jin. Again, Lars, now wearing a dark blue jacket with an extended collar and a white design at the top, red gloves, white pants, and brown shoes, had come to Jin's aid.
Asuka, relieved to see another ally, exclaimed, "Lars! Great! I thought we were gonna have to fight them alone."
Kazuya let out a mocking laugh, and said, "You sound as if his being here actually makes a difference."?
"No." Jin asserted softly, "Asuka, Lars, don't get involved. Kazuya and Heihachi are my problem."
Noticing Lars' unbreaking gaze at him, Heihachi harshly asked, "What are you staring at, boy!"
Lars hostilely offered, "…Nothing."
"You calling me 'nothing'?" Heihachi asked.
"I didn't stutter, did I?" Lars hostilely replied.
Heihachi menacingly responded to the insult, "Watch your words, Lars. Remember; I was the one who brought you into the Tekken Force. You're only where you are because of me."
Lars explained further, "You're also the one who offered up my employment to the highest bidder. The way I see it … You showed on loyalty to me, so why show you any?"
Heihachi replied in an ominous tone, "Sound logic … sound logic that will cost you I'm afraid…" Heihachi then redirected his attention as he declared in a threat, "But why am I talking to an insect like you anyway… Jin, Kazuya, this three-way charade has gone on long enough, so it's about time I ended it… This place will be your grave."
Having spoken his piece, Heihachi finally turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Kazuya let out a slow maniacal chuckle and asserted, "If you two value your lives, you will abandon Jin now or be wiped out as mere obstacles… Jin, the next time we meet… be ready to have your wings tore off."
Slowly, Kazuya backed away into the shadows he emerged from, an evil snicker on his face. Lars, Asuka, and Jin stayed frozen in fighting position for a moment until there was no sign of the two Mishima returning, and finally they rested.
Jin then expressed with concern, "Lars-san, Asuka-chan, I need you to promise me … promise me that when the time comes that you won't interfere.
Asuka adamantly refused, "Forget it, Jin-kun! I told you before… I'm not ditching you, no matter what!"
Jin contended with seriousness, "Asuka-chan, listen to me. I'm counting on you; I need you here to help take care of Xiao-chan. Like I said, Heihachi and Kazuya are my problem. This is my fight, and I don't want you getting hurt by being in the middle.'
Asuka again protested with resolution, "I'm sorry, but I just can't make that promise. Even if I did stay out of it, Xiao-chan would never forgive me. Besides, you're not the only Kazama her, you know. You're not just my cousin, Jin; you're my brother… Aunt Jun wouldn't abandon you, and I won't either. So if there's something, anything I can do, I will do it! I won't think about it, I won't stop, and I won't apologize! Got it?!"
Jin started to protest, but again he was stopped by a single look. He knew the look on Asuka's face. She had her mind set on this, and there was no chance of changing it. In the end, Jin couldn't help but smile. Asuka was stubborn as always, almost like a pit bull. That was one of her strengths after all. It was a pain when you argued with her, but she was one of the best partners when she was on your side.
"Alright, Asuka-chan," Jin finally relented before moving to the other person, "Lars, what do you say?"
Lars was silent for moment before succinctly replying, "I've stood by your side these past four years … and I don't see reason to desert you now. Besides, with all due respect sir …the fight with one of these men isn't completely yours."
Although Jin and Asuka missed it, a small bolt of electricity trickled down and off Lars' arm as he clenched his fist. Asuka hugged her cousin, 'sealing' their agreement and marking Jin's acceptance of her help. Jin then turned to Lars, and Lars saluted him, but he was met with an unexpected response: Jin extended his hand to him. Lars wasn't used to that gesture, and it understandably confused him. Ultimately, Lars returned the handshake. Suddenly, the announcer boomed over the loud speakers.
"Ladies and Gentleman, It's time to start the tournament proper! Please, gather around the center festival stage for the Main Event!!"
Furious Fists, Dancing Legs
It wasn't long before all festival-goers had gathered around the 'Grand Festival' stage. Huge Parade balloons, numerous streamers with many national flags, and Japanese lanterns flew blissfully overhead. In the middle was a raised, large rectangular stage, brilliant lights shone outward from underneath it. The many fighters were stationed right up front with the crowd closely behind them. Cheers went up at a steady clip, the excitement in the air nearly palpable as the fighters were eager to get down to business and the fans were eager to see them get to it. As expected, the Announcer's voice resonated through the loud speakers and over the entire festival grounds.
"Ladies and Gentleman… It's been a long time, but after a four year rest, The King of the Iron Fist, the biggest and greatest fighting competition in history is back!!! The buzz has been great, but the response has been much greater. The turnout has been excellent, and the start has been auspicious to say the least … but now the time has come!
Many fighters have traveled from around the globe to test their skill and fighting spirit, and put everything they have on the line, body, mind, and soul. And it's all for the chance to prove that they are the best fight in the world, but it's also for each and every one of you fans in this audience and watching at home, for whom without none of this is possible.
So, without further delay, get ready for an event and spectacle that you will never forget!! Get ready to see competition that you've never dreamed in your wildest imaginations!!Get ready to see feats that will impress and amaze you beyond belief!!! Ladies and Gentlemen get ready … for The King of Iron Fist Tournament 7!!!"
The sound that came immediately after was akin to a sonic boom or explosion as a massive cheer erupted from the crowd, chants of "TEK-KEN SE-VEN" beginning to pick up. After a moment, the announcer's voice continued.
"Now to get us started the right way, we have our first match of the tournament, and tonight's MAIN EVENT!! Introducing first, from Brazil, the 'Capoeira Queen' Christie Monteiro!"
Wearing black pants with a butterfly design on each thigh and striped bands on the sides, feathered gloves, and a pink, bra-like top, Christie walked up onto the stage to many cheers, a lot of them from the male fans.
"And her opponent, from England, the 'British Boxing Champion' Steve Fox!"
Wearing a white shirt with a crest on his sleeves, red pants, white shoes, and blue gloves, Steve walked on to tournament stage also to cheers, many from the female fans.
"Right Let's give it a go, aye chap," Christie said in a poor imitation of an English accent.
Steve briefly laughed at the imitation, and said in his authentic Southern English accent, "You makin' fun of my accent again, are you 'luv'?"
"You know it … 'luv'." Christie replied with a smile in her real voice.
Steve threw a flurry of rapid-fire punches in the air as he said, 'Well, don't think that because I like ya … I'll go easy on ya."
"I wouldn't think of it, champ…" Christie said as she stretched her legs a little, "Now, let's dance."
Both of them assumed fighting stance as Christie rhythmically moved from side to side and Steve bobbed his shoulders up and down.
Finally, The Announcer's voice boomed through the area, "Round 1! Fight!"
Over the four-year hiatus, Christie, who befriended Lili in the prior tournament, and Steve, who needed working after all boxing events were cancelled, had been hired and served as Lili Rochefort's bodyguards. They also spared together regularly, and, as such, were very familiar with each other's moves and strategies. Unbeknownst to Steve, Christie recognized that Steve had advantages over her, and, when he went away to compete in the recently restarted boxing competitions, developed several new moves and tricks … just for him.
As soon as the round started, Steve flew out of the gates, launching string after string of punches at his opponent. After training with her, Steve knew that Christie needed a little time to set up her offense, something he couldn't afford to give her. Moving furiously, Steve rushed headlong at Christie, his fists firing over and over. In response, Christie could only use her fast movement and rhythm to dodge and dance around his quick, hard strikes. It didn't look good for the 'Capoeira Queen' as the only offense she could launch where single kicks and quick pokes to keep Steve out of range, which he closed up quickly…
But, the truth was Christie had him right where she wanted him; he had planned how she thought he would, and thus played right into her hand. Now, it was all about picking the right spot. And then…
Steve out a ducking right fist aimed straight at Christie's midsection, a 'Gut Drill', when Christie came back with an excellent counter: Swaying gracefully to the right, Christie evade the strike, and struck back with a lightning-quick mid-punch that hit Steve squarely in the head and sent flipping sideways, an 'Asfixiante'. That single move changed the entire tide of the fight a full 180 degrees right in Christie's favor, something Steve wasn't expecting.
Quickly taking advantage of the momentum swing, Christie went on the offensive, using her vast array of moves and attacks to hit Steve from every direction. The British Champion had no choice but to get defensive, something he was not suited or prepared for and a huge disadvantage for him. He wouldn't recover.
Steve, realizing he was in trouble, tried to get back into the fight, but, when he threw out one of his punching strings, Christie was ready. Dodging his attack, Christie leaned backward, and slammed Steve with both arms as she came back up, giving him a 'Double Arm Stinger' and bouncing him off the ground. As he rose helpless into the air, Christie performed a front flip, a 'Reversao', hitting Steve with both legs and slamming him into the ground. This round was done.
"Christie Monteiro wins!" The announcer's voice boomed through the arena.
Christie playfully exclaimed as she circled around Steve, "What's the matter, Champ? You know you can't let me dance circles around you."
Steve sat up and replied, "I wasn't lettin' ya. I must say it looks like you've been workin' hard."
Christie stopped and explained, "Naturally. But, come one, champ. With all the time we trained together … It's a given I'd know how to fight you … and how you'd fight me."
Steve dusted himself off as he jumped to his feet, and replied, "Well, Congrats, Chrissy; you caught me sleepin'. But that's done now. No more messin' around."
"That's what I like to hear." Christie said.
Both fighters then reassumed fighting stance.
"We're just getting started!" The announcer's voice resonated through the area, "Round 2! Fight!"
In a rather odd series of events, the second round started just like the first one. Immediately, Steve began to rush toward Christie, throwing out punching string after string, and Christie dodged and evaded his pressuring offense, baiting him into a disadvantage. Just like the first time, Christie countered his offense, dodging a strike and hitting him with another 'Double Arm Stinger', and Steve had no choice but to take the hit. Unfortunately for Christie, Steve wasn't surprised by the hit, and instead took the hit; he'd planned it ahead of time.
Like the first time, after her counter, Christie quickly went on the offensive, but something was different. Steve was ready this time. The boxing champion immediately went into an evasive offensive, attacking mainly through his evasive techniques. This allowed him to avoid Christie's offense, meanwhile keeping offensive pressure on her. 'Ducking Left' … 'Ducking Right' … 'Ducking In' … 'Cobra Weave' … 'Quick Spin' … 'Swaying' … he used them all, and they all worked as Christie couldn't get a hit in and was forced to take Steve's attacks. Soon, Steve completed his comeback.
Christie tried to hit Steve with a 'Roundhouse', gliding forward and attacking with a sweeping kick. Smoothly, Steve ducked backward with his 'Swaying' ,and countered with a swift overhead punch, a 'Billy Club'. Christie was brought to her knees with the force of the hit, and Steve finished off with lightning-fast overhead-uppercut combination, a 'Sonic Fang'.
"Steve Fox wins!" The announcer's voice reverberated into the crowd.
"Looks like it's your move, 'luv'." Steve playfully offered to Christie.
Christie rose to her feet and complemented, "Way to dance, Champ, but It looks like you and I are about even."
"Aye. First to the finish then?" Steve agreed.
"May the best win." Christie finished.
Finally, Christie and Steve assumed their fighting stances once more.
"It's all down to this!" The announcer's voice echoed through the stage to the persistent cheers of the crowd, "Final Round! Fight!"
This time, Christie was the one who got the fast start, going right on the offensive, but, though he was caught off-guard for a moment, Steve quickly got back in it through his evasive offense. As the round went on, it was obvious that it was something to behold. Christie and Steve's experience from training together and skill came to the forefront as they traded blows, and went back and forth with their attacks and counterattacks. The crowd easily recognized it and reacted as such to the captivating bout. They stood, cheered loudly with each sway of momentum, and watched eagerly at every move.
Eventually, Steve started to pull away from Christie. Fortunately, Christie wasn't done yet, and she one more trick she hadn't unveiled yet, a brand new move she came up with and perfected. First, she performed a slow double leg sweep, a move that resembled her 'Twister', ducking under a high punch from Steve … gathering a purplish aura around her legs as she gathered her strength. With no loss, Christie transitioned into a sideways front flip, similar to her 'Boomerang' … going over Steve's following low strike … unleashing all her energy as she slammed both legs down. Steve took the full impact, the move unblockable, and bounced high off ground as a pained grunt escaped his body. The impact and result of the hit caused the crowd to erupt into cheers in recognition of an incredible finish.
"Christie Monteiro wins!!" The announcer's voice blasted to the exhilarated audience. "She advances to the next round!"
Steve slowly sat up and held his head as he complemented, "Whoa! I've never seen that move before. What was that?!"
"That … was my 'Janeiro Carnival'." Christie replied before continuing half-singing while she waved a finger at him, "Now, if you were around more, you would have seen it."
With that, Christie departed to cheers as she waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Not long after, Steve slowly got to his feet, left the stage as well, garnering cheers from the crowd as well. Just then, The Announcer's voice came boomed through the Festival again.
"What an excellent match! But ladies and gentlemen, we're just getting started! Fighters, your journey through the tournament ranks begins promptly in the morning, so get some rest because you will need it as the real struggle gets underway. Ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the 'Tekken Festival', but we encourage you to stay tuned and to come out to any tournament stage near you because, if you liked what you saw tonight, then you've haven't seen anything yet and it's only going to get better. Tekken has only just begun…"
End Chapter
Next Time: "You're my opponent? This is going to be easier than I thought."
A/N: There we go. Again, I'm sorry for taking so long, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Again, I would ask that you please visit my profile about this fic. Again, I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you come back. I'll see you next time and, as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.
