Author's Note: Hello again, thank you for returning.
"How is this happening?" Liam said while straightening his posture.
"What do mean? I was informed by my assistant that something interesting finally occurred at this dull Academy." Heihachi smiled. Liam eyes adjusted in the dim room to see how well the man dressed. Decked out in a pair of white shiny dress shoes, his suit also was snow white, his undershirt was black and Heihachi also had a maroon jacket with a grey fleece outline. The colors contradicted each other but it was very appealing; Liam envied how that Heihachi had the funds to have such an exquisite outfit.
"Well sir, don't you have anything else better to do besides issuing my expulsion?" Liam scratched the back of his head.
"Hell no. This old man just wanted to meet you in person. I have to admit you're better than what I have previously imagined. I expected to see an overzealous punk trying to prove something to the world."
"I'm sorry, I am very confused. What is happening?"
"Ah, I guess this is happening too fast." Heihachi scratched his chin. "Ok, allow me to explain. You are not expelled; those punks apologized to that kid you helped and I spoke with your guardian."
"Uncle Howard? What did he say, sir?"
"He told me he understands the situation and that he is not upset with you, proud even. Anyway, Howard was it? I told him that he doesn't need to worry about you being in trouble. He added that he will call you later today."
"Well, thank you very much sir. If there is duty that needs to be attended to, please don't hesitate to ask me." Liam bowed again.
Heihachi laughed, "No no, don't worry young man. Though I will keep your offer in mind for the future. I just wanted to inform you that everything is fine. This better than overseeing petty tasks of the Zaibatzu. Now return to class."
"Yes sir." Liam turned around and exited the room. Did I just create this event in my mind? He sighed, along with it a heavy burden faded away. Liam wondered what Howard will say to him. He shrugged then he raised a fist to the roof and smiled.
As Liam roamed the halls, he realized that he needed to be emotionless. For that if he doesn't, it may give the students the wrong idea about Heihachi. Eventually, Liam slid the door open. Half of the students stared blankly, several grinned while a couple were concerned.
"Glad to see you made it back with all your limbs attached." Waturu gestured for Liam to take his seat. By the time he sat down everyone returned to the lecture.
The day breezed on. The bang rang alerting students that lunch has started. At his desk, Liam raised his bag then rested in onto the platform. Opening the bag and noticed an empty void that is just papers with supplies. "Aw crap." He reached into his pocket only to be greeted by condensed air. "Double crap." Liam inspected the room, no Asuka Kazama. "Damn…."
Wandering to the window Liam noticed several heavy clouds gathered above. The school store swapped though the water fountain is completely neglected. "Oh well," Liam thought. The trip downstairs was pleasant and the air smelled of rain. The sensation tickled his nose. He loved the rain. It reminded him of the day Liam was taken in the care of Howard. "Awesome." Liam said to himself as he twisted the faucet. With no food/funds, water is the only option to fool his stomach until the day ended.
"Thank you." A shallow voiced called. Liam recognized it; it was the boy he helped.
Lifting up his head. "No problem."
"I am very sorry that you were sent to the main office. You can hit me to make up for it." The boy braced himself.
"Not going to happen. Now leave me alone please." Liam continued to drink more water.
"If you money for a lunch, I would be more than happy to help you." The boy exclaimed.
"Forget it."
"Um ok. If you need help just ask. My name is Iori Takashi."
"Whatever."
"Ok bye."
"Finally alone." Liam thought. I could have used Iori's help.
"So you're the American?" A feminine voice called.
Liam stopped. "What now?" he moaned as he wiped his lips.
"Oh nothing, just curious to see if this boy I hear so much about is a brute or a moron maybe both." The voice continued.
Liam rotated his head. Before him was a blonde girl in odd white dress. Against the dress code definitely. Liam stood at five foot eleven while this girl is just three inches shorter than Liam. Her pale skin complimented her dress. From Liam's memory the kind of clothing is called Lolita gothic. Her bangs are perfectly leveled. Though the most defining feature about her was her lovely blue eyes. They are just a beautiful as the sky on a clear less day. After the observation, Liam laughed.
"Is there something that amuses you?" The blonde girl tilted her head.
"Oh nothing, this just confuses me why would a spoiled princess would want to talk me."
"Princess!? Why you arrogant-"
A well-dress man with silver hair leaned forward. "Mistress Lili, you must go inside, your class will begin shortly. Your father will not approve of your actions."
"Be quiet, Sebastian."
The silver hair man took a step back.
"You're name is Lili?"
"Just a nickname, you should respect me for I am Emilie de Rochefort."
"Meaning 'rival to the fort of stone' I believe. A very clever name, for a princess."
"Take that back you moron."
"No." Liam responded.
"Take back what you said. Now."
"No."
Lili took a step forward to be stopped by her butler, he then turned his head. "I recommend that you leave." Sebastian broke his silence.
"Good idea, I do not want to test my luck." Liam circled around the two individuals.
Lili scoffed. "I take back what I said, you're not brute or moron… you're a coward."
Liam stopped in his tracks.
"A coward who happened to be in the right place and knows only to throw several cheap punches. Skills taught by a worthless instructor to an even worst student, in this case, you."
Liam took a very deep breath. "Choose your words carefully princess."
"Stuck a nerve did I? Well then, how about you prove me wrong?"
"Gladly."
"WAIT!" A voice called out. Both parties looked into the direction of the voice. It was Asuka. "Lili, what are you doing?"
"What? Just wanted to test this coward's abilities."
"Oh Lili, you need to stop causing fights. Liam just go inside."
Liam didn't say a word, he just continued into the building... Eventually the bell rang. It took an hour for Liam to release his rage from what he allowed himself to feel against the proud princess. No one calls Howard worthless. Liam gritted his teeth. Counting the minutes, the school day ended. Liam packed his things and looked up to see Asuka.
"Good afternoon. Thank you for interrupting the potential fight between Lili and I."
"You're welcome. Be careful around that girl, she loves to fight; she keeps trying to do so with me too. She even claims herself to be my rival."
"Lucky you."
"She is not here now is she?" Liam wondered. Half of him wanted nothing to do with her but the other half wanted to prove that arrogant girl wrong.
"No, sometimes she returns home as soon as possible for an unknown reason."
Liam jus nodded his head as a sign of understanding.
The two talked for ten minutes and said their goodbyes. At that moment in time the clouds completely blocked the sun and the grey sky was preparing for the upcoming downpour. It was by chance that the rain did not start during Liam's journey home though the flashes of lightning revealed themselves in the distance seconded by the cracks of thunder. After he unlocked his door, he released his bag and made his way to the fridge. It wasn't fully but it still had enough to last several days, Liam proceeded to pull out a Cherry Coke. Not being too excited to start his homework, Liam turned on his TV.
"Welcome to the rising stars corner, today's topic: Who is that pink wrestler, known only as Jaycee? I mean this woman was small time wrestler but rose quickly in the ranks to be entered in the Wrestling championships and defeated the best wrestler known only as Armor King, who held the title for 3 years. Apparently the girl is so strong the champ has even decided to team up with the goddess for future events. I can't wait to see how Craig Marduk will react this. More of this story until later this evening because we have breaking news!"
"Well can you believe it ladies and gentlemen, The Mishima Zaibatzu has officially announced that the next King of Iron Fist Tournament is a go!"
"Wow that was fast." Liam sipped his drink.
"This exciting announcement was done five minutes ago and there is more to come, there is more to this than initially thought. A press conference is set to start in several minutes, so stay tuned."
"What else could they do?" Liam said out loud. Suddenly Liam's phone began to ring inside his bag.
"I know what I've been told the wishes of the people can't be controlled. I know what I've been told the wishes of the people can't be controlled. Heat of the Desert dust-" The ringtone stopped suddenly.
"Hello?"
"Hey runt, how are you doing?"
"Hi, Uncle Howard, I'm ok, and you already know how I've been doing."
"Indeed. Glad to know that my training didn't go to waste. Make any friends?"
"No. Not yet."
"I know you're there for your education but it doesn't hurt to have fun you know. I hope you'll at least get a girlfriend before you come back."
"Not right now."
"I said the same thing before something awesome happened to me when I was your age. Just checking up on you, get into trouble, you hear?"
"I hope you're joking."
"You'll thank me later, trust me kid. Bye." The phone hung up.
Liam just smiled and closed his phone. "Whatever old man." The TV show finally came back on.
"Hello everyone, we are just moments away from the conference starting and we hope you are as thrilled as I am." The lights dimmed in the background. "It's starting."
As seen through the camera there is a well-lit podium displayed and a white haired man with the name card Lee on the bottom of the screen approached the podium. The man stretched.
"Thank you for coming out this evening. It is with great pleasure to announce that with this year's tournament, there is a major change for those who wish to enter this year. Always in previous tournaments contestants had to compete by themselves but with the tournament this time contestants will have to can enter with a partner. Same rules apply but if the contestant does not have partner, one will be appointed by lottery. I know this change may not be a huge one but the employees of the Zaibatzu are excited to see how this will end with such rules in place." The room was silent for a moment. "I would also like to add that this year the tournament will be in held at the Zaibatzu district in Tokyo. With that the arena has been completely overhauled and improved for the contestants to fight in. That is all thank you." The room was flooded with questions as Lee has exited the room.
"Major change my foot." Liam laughed.
At the door there was an unexpected thud at the door, neither forceful nor weak. It was someone who was trained in manners. Liam stood up and strolled toward the door. Looking through the eyehole there was a well-dressed man in a black tailored suit. Shades and a clear eyepiece in his right ear. This guy worked for someone important. Liam opened the door.
"How can I help you?"
"Hello, I am one of the personal drivers under the employment of the Mishima Zaibatzu. I am here to inform you that Heihachi Mishima wishes to speak to you."
"Can you show me some proof of this request?"
"I cannot, I'm sorry. I implore you please come with me."
"No thanks. Now would you please leave me alone?" Liam closed the door.
Liam turned around to see a dark figure before him. "You should have left with him, kid." A deep feminine voice echoed. Before Liam could react he was sprayed with some sort of mist. His eyes felt heavy and his body numb. "…Damn it..." Liam collapsed to the floor.
I hope you're enjoying this as much as I am. I know I could have done a better job at the announcement of the Tekken Tag Tournament but I think I did ok. In my future chapters I'll thinking using recommended music in the background as you read, for fights or anything else. See ya in the next chapter.
