Chapter9: The Darkness in the Light

The registration was complete, and the tournament would begin tomorrow night. Kyo was talking with Benimaru and Daimon about the tournament over at an all night café, while Iori sipped a glass of an unidentifiable substance in the corner. Ryu was sitting on a bench outside the café watching the unsuspecting people walk by. He was fading in out of consciousness, nodding off occasionally. It had been a long journey, and his body was in dire need of some rest. His wounds had finally scarred over, his gi was blood stained and in some parts sticking to his skin. He figured it was time to clean up.

He stood up and went next door to the Rising Sun, a hotel owned by the Garcia Foundation. Because of their wealth, the Garcia's could provide free stay for those participating in high caliber tournaments such King of Fighters. As a matter of fact, Robert Garcia himself was expected to participate in this years tournament. Ryu walked inside the building and was directed to his room, which would be a luxury suite in most cases, but was standard in the Garcia's case.

Ryu tossed his duffle bag in the corner of the room and yawned. He walked into the bathroom and proceeded into the painful process of peeling off his gi. First he unwrapped the wounds he had covered up. He yelped in anguish as he removed the cloth. The cloth was so blood saturated that no other use could be found for it. He decided that since slow removal would be slow and painful, he'd go for the wiser approach-quick and painful. He ripped his shirt off as quick as he could. He couldnt suppress it any longer. He let out a scream that the whole hotel could hear. Oddly enough noone came to check on him, indicating that what Ryu was doing wasnt uncommon when tournaments were just around the corner. After a half hour of torment he managed to get into the shower to clean himself up, and cap the night off with a long sleep.

Back at the café, Iori was still in the corner drinking and watching the townspeople go about their buisness. As uninviting as Iori was, that didnt stop people from coming over to him asking for his autograph. Iori would normally just snear at them, or just walk up and leave. Sometimes he had to be careful, do to his Riot Blood. Iori set his glass down and reclined at his table. Next thing he knew Kyo was sitting in front of him.

"Iori, do you know if the tournament is singles,3-team, or 4- team this year."

Iori opened his eyes and glanced up at Kyo, almost annoyed. "No I dont," he responded in a disinterested tone, " but i'll be competeing regardless.."

Kyo smiled,stood up, and extended his hand to Iori. "You're more than welcome to fight with Daimon,Benimaru, and myself. I have a feeling we'll need each others help in this tournament."

Iori grinned slightly and let out a deep sigh. "The last time a Kusanagi and a Yagami joined forces is was to destroy a mutual enemy. '97 was the last time we needed to do so. I can handle Rugal myself."

Kyo wasnt offended, nothing less was to be expected from Iori. Suddenly a massive burst of light shot from the center of the tower. People outside stood in awe, gazing at the majestic sight. Some couples decided it would be a good time for a kiss.

"GAAAAUUHH!!!" Iori stormed up and smashed the glass in front of him into millions of pieces. His eyes turned blood shot as he slammed his fist yet again on the table. "He...HE'S ALIVE!!! HE'S HERE!!!! KUAAAAHH!!!" The Riot Blood began taking over. "Cant!..CANT YOU SENSE IT!!!"

Kyo could definately sense it. He staired at the ball of light with great grief on his face. The long sealed off power had been reawakened. The energy was fairly strong, but not as strong as when it showed up 5 years ago.

Kyo glanced over at Iori who was breathing heavy, but now was under control.

"Kyo...I..will..take..you..on..your..offer..if he is indeed being revived..it will take..all.we..have.." Iori said trying to completely regain strength.

Benimaru and Daimon walked over to the table where Kyo and Iori were. "Eh, whats up over here..heard yelling.." Benimuru asked.

"Iori will be joining us in the tournament" Kyo said with a feint smile.

Benimaru was shocked, and speechless man Daimon didnt say anything. "How can you join up with HIM!! He's tried to kill us all at one time

or the other!" Benimaru said in blind rage.

"We're not sure yet..but we think its been reawakened..." Kyo said grimly. "Its been around five years..but.."

"MAYBE!!" Iori screamed " THERE'S NO DOUBT HE IS BACK!! YOU DIDNT JUST SEE..DIDNT JUST FEEL THAT!!!"

Kyo couldnt deny it, as much as he wanted to. He couldnt feel it inside the the reawakening had begun. However, as to what part it would play in the tournament, and the forthcoming battle with Rugal, they could only speculate.

Up in the hotel room, Ryu was standing on the balcony that overlooked the city. He saw the large eruption from the tower and felt the energy displaced by it. He wasnt aware of what it was, but he could feel that is was something evil..and possibly more powerful than the Dark Hadou.

Ryu peered down into the city. He was going to be responsible for all those people, but it appeared he wouldnt have to carry this burden alone.

Ryu walked away from the balcony and layed in his bed. He had a long day ahead of him, and he needed to be in top shape. This would be the last peaceful nights sleep he would get, and he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted, for tomorrow marked the beginning of his greatest struggle.