For These Scars

~Chapter 30~

Written by: RinoaDestiny

King of Fighters, Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Saisyu Kusanagi, and Benimaru Nikaido belong to SNK

"What were you doing in my study, Kyo?"

Kyo kept his gaze focused on his father. The desk lamp had been turned on, green glass backlit by warm light. He hadn't waited for Saisyu to pull him out of the tunnel; instead, he'd pocketed his phone and crawled out, aware of how much trouble he was in. Any time now, Uncle Hajime would return with Takeo in tow. His presence in the study was bound to confirm his uncle's suspicions and Kyo expected a tongue-lashing from the two older men.

That would only be the start, though.

His father would want the truth from him. But the truth would kill.

Iori's life was in his hands. If he stepped wrong here, he'd condemn the other man to death. His father wouldn't hesitate and neither would his uncle in following Saisyu's lead. Should he oppose them – he would – his actions would be considered treasonous (if they weren't already) and he'd be marked for the same. It wasn't fair, though, for Iori to carry all the weight. Not in this. Not for something both of them swore commitment to.

Kyo clenched his jaw. Maintained his level stare.

"Silence won't work on me, Kyo. What were you doing in my study?"

His father liked asking questions. If that was the direction this was taking…

"You didn't answer me earlier. About Yagami. Why?"

Pushing his luck. His father's expression darkened in the light being reflected off the wall. "You're in no position to ask."

He didn't miss the omitting of his name. "I've always suspected you knew something, Dad. That you did something to him. That's it, isn't it? You didn't want me to know."

"And if you did, what would you have done, hm?"

Same as he was doing now. Trying to bridge the gap made. Trying to fix the shattering, no matter how insignificant his efforts were. Trying to be there for Yagami, who wasn't going to die abandoned. Somehow, his father's question hardened his resolve.

"You did do something to him, didn't you?"

Not a question. A confirmation – Saisyu's phrasing clarified it for him.

"What if I did? That does not excuse your actions. Your very –"

"How did you hurt him?" He wasn't in the mood for niceties or politeness; neither, he noted, was his father. "Why did you do it?"

Silence. It stretched for several seconds, as if frosted by the first sheen of ice.

"That's why you're here, right? To find out?"

How his father figured out his motive took Kyo aback. Was he probing too much? He couldn't have possibly given himself away just by…

"I'll ask again and I want your answer. What were you doing in my study?"

No way out. His father wasn't giving him one.

Kyo didn't let his gaze waver. "You said I was a liar. So are you. You hurt Iori Yagami and pretended you knew nothing." He saw Saisyu register the deliberate naming of the rival clan's heir and the omittance of being called 'Dad'. "You want answers? So do I. Since you're not giving them to me –"

"You decided to seek them out yourself. A foolish decision, Kyo."

"I was forced to it. By you. You could've given them to me earlier."

Two months before, when he'd asked. He hadn't forgotten.

"Did you find what you're looking for?"

A question asked with deceptive mildness. Wariness enveloped Kyo. He had to be extremely careful here. He also had to maintain eye contact with his father or give himself away. Not far behind him was his father's writing table with its secretive volume hastily bound under it. He couldn't read his father's expression. Didn't know what Saisyu was thinking.

The sliding door opened.

"Hajime-san said that…" Takeo's voice trailed off at the sight of him.

"My brother can join us here. Let him know and you may rest for the night, Takeo."

Takeo did a slight bow and closed the door. His footsteps were light on the wooden floor. After a few seconds, it was quiet.

His father turned back to him. Through the thickness of Saisyu's beard, Kyo glimpsed the tightening of muscles in his father's jaw and cheeks. It was frightening. Shadows flickered around them, cast into darker places by lamplight and the study seemed different now.

He was on trial. No mistake about that.

His father was a judge. Not yet executioner. He was waiting for Uncle Hajime to arrive – to finish this interrogation with him. The change upon the older man was startling – a conclusion reached and a steeling within. To advance to the next step and knowing what it meant, Kyo drew on his own inner strength so that he didn't look away. He couldn't. His own fortitude had to hold, or else all was lost.

Iori, consigned to the flames without even ashes for burial.

Himself, sentenced to death by the clan's ancient regulations. Being heir wouldn't protect him – not if they stripped the title from him first.

Was that his father's intent? Was that why…

Silence stretched long and vast like the corridor outside the room. It deepened with the enduring night, darkness past the still-burning lamps with clan members on guard. Not against anyone from without but from within.

He was the threat. The loose piece. The nail sticking out.

The full weight of the Kusanagi clan's regulations backed by Saisyu's edict was next. He felt it in his bones – a certainty, almost like Iori's uncanny instincts. But Iori's instincts hadn't saved him from Saisyu's vengeance and his own father wasn't shying away from delivering the ultimate penalty.

He couldn't lose here. He wouldn't lose here.

Iori had lost almost everything.

If he failed here – if he couldn't stop this – then everything would end.

At that moment, the sliding door opened again and his uncle's heavy tread marked his entrance into the study. When the door closed and Uncle Hajime stood next to his father, Kyo gathered within himself all he had to maintain resistance. For it was critical now at this point – to do any less would guarantee failure.

He didn't look away. Didn't flinch.

"Takeo told me he was here. Where was he?"

"In the tunnel." Saisyu's voice was hard. "You're right, Hajime."

"What was he here for?"

"Finding answers." His father's dark eyes went cold. "Of a particular sort."

His uncle arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

Saisyu strode past him, face set like stone, and Kyo's wariness increased as his father neared the writing table. Without a word, without pause, his father bent, reached under the table, and pulled the book free of its sloppy binding. Turned and thrust the slim volume at him, level to his chest. "You were looking for this, weren't you?"

Kyo remained silent.

"What is that, brother?"

"The ancient killing techniques." Saisyu's tone didn't alter but his father's eyes narrowed, continuing to observe him. "The ones every heir learns when he's ready."

"Your son was looking for that?"

"I assume so, since the binding was tampered with."

Killing techniques. Ancient, to the point where Kyo didn't know them. Killing techniques. Had his father used one against Yagami? If his hunch was correct and this was the book, then his father meant to kill Yagami. Meant to and Iori survived. But he was still going to die because of it – techniques like those weren't for sparing lives – which could only mean one thing.

Either Iori's will to live surpassed the initial fatal strike or…

He recalled the conversation between Uncle Hajime and his father – the one he overheard his first time in the secret tunnel.

Or, his father permitted Iori to live in fear, doubt, and pain because it was a greater show of hostility against their relationship. Against Yagami's apparent error in believing he could have more in life besides rivalry and hatred. Every day Iori lived reminded him of Saisyu's rage.

Of this, Kyo harbored no doubts.

"You were looking for this, weren't you?"

Kyo kept his expression neutral and didn't respond, much like the first time.

His father flipped the book open. The pages made a crisp sound as they turned.

"I know you did, Kyo. You didn't cover your tracks well."

He'd bound the book back under the table, but it'd been untidy. Also, without glancing down at himself, he felt the dust smeared on his body. On his arms and chest. His shirt and shoes were in the archival building. There was probably dust on the tatami matting – could've been what gave him away.

"Why'd you come for this? Whatever made you suspect this?"

Dangerous ground here – a wrong answer and he'd never see Iori again.

"Yagami dropped out of my life. That doesn't happen."

Saisyu flipped another page and Kyo saw one of the diagrams. "Still doesn't explain your suspicions. You believe I did this to him?"

It took everything he had to contain his rage. "Yes, I do."

"Why? You haven't seen the boy since that day."

Another trap laid – caution in his mind as he answered. "One of my friends did."

"And he told you? Why would he do that?"

"Would this friend happen to be Nikaido-san?" Uncle Hajime interjected, giving him a knowing look.

Shit. He didn't want to implicate Benimaru. Bad enough Iori got hurt; Benimaru getting caught by his family's justice would... There were ways to threaten Benimaru and his family without resorting to similar tactics. If his father cut off his contact with Benimaru – thereby, the other members of the Japan Team – then, he truly was alone. Aoi was the exception but she was family. He'd be as stranded as Iori – without ally or friend.

"Well? Is he, Kyo?"

He hadn't taken his eyes off his father. "Benimaru told me, yes."

"Why?"

"I asked him. Our team's familiar with Yagami's usual prowling."

"What did you ask him?"

"If he'd seen Yagami."

"That's it? You're not withholding anything from me, are you?"

"That's all." As for the other things he'd asked Benimaru about and their later conversation with Iori, that was his own business. Nothing his father needed to know.

"What did he tell you?"

"He saw him. I asked what he looked like."

"And?"

"Yagami was ill. Didn't look like he could fight."

"He could just be sick –"

"Timing's odd, isn't it?" His father still pretended he'd no hand in Iori's condition; Kyo refrained from grinding his teeth. "He was healthy before and suddenly, he's sick. Suddenly can't even fight. Doesn't that seem strange?"

"Only if you read into it."

"I know Yagami. He wasn't like this. Before."

Because he'd been watching his father, Kyo saw Saisyu's jaw tighten. The book in his hands closed, the silkbound covers concealing its contents. His father took a step forward. "Bold accusation, son. Do you have any evidence to back it?"

"I couldn't reach Yagami that day. The same day you told me you knew. Why's that?"

"Maybe he was busy."

"Yagami always gets back to me. But he didn't since that day. You did something to him. You're the only one who has any reason to."

"Any Kusanagi standing with the clan would see no wrong with that," his uncle said, tone sharp. "If your father saw reason to deal with Iori Yagami, that's his right."

"What'd he do to deserve it? Killing techniques? You'd kill a man over –"

"He crossed a line."

"What line did he cross?"

"You're a Kusanagi," Saisyu said, drawing his attention away from his uncle. "When he was your rival, that was the natural order – the way it was meant to be. If he'd become your friend, even, it wouldn't merit further notice. But to become your lover?" His father shook his head. "That was the line he crossed. He should've known better."

"That wasn't his choice."

"He's a Yagami with his clan's reputation. Nothing removes or changes that."

"I don't believe it."

"Kyo," his father said, the severity in his voice causing Kyo's jaw to clench, "my study's off limits unless permission's given. What made you think you're exempt?"

Lines crossed. His was more flagrant by far. Yagami's was…

How was that punishable? By death?

"I asked you for answers," he responded, standing his ground. "I needed to know."

"Unbecoming of an heir."

"I wouldn't have done it if you'd just told me."

"Your father's the head patriarch, nephew." Uncle Hajime glowered at him, arms crossed over his chest. "That's at his discretion, not yours."

Kyo was about to fire back a retort – something – when the sliding door opened. Startled, he and his father and uncle turned to face the person who'd interrupted the interrogation. With her hair bound into a bun and her modest long blue robe, it was apparent Shizuka Kusanagi had only received word of this nighttime incident. While her expression was mild – his mother usually looked sweet and reserved – Kyo wondered at her presence here and what it meant.

"Saisyu…since this concerns our son, I should be here, should I not?"

"Shizuka," his father said, uncertainty in his face, "it does not –"

"He's our son, Saisyu. If you're making any judgments, I should be here."

Uncle Hajime opened his mouth as if to say something, closed it, and glanced at Saisyu in surprise. Whatever his uncle was going to tell his mother or his father, Kyo was glad he didn't. There were certain things one never told Shizuka, and once told, his mother never forgot. For the same reason, there wasn't any opposition from his father towards her unexpected visit. It'd be unwise to, knowing her.

"What were you discussing before I arrived?"

"I…err…our son broke one of the rules."

"Which one?" His mother had slid the door shut and stood a few steps away, harkening back to traditional etiquette, but her gaze was keen.

"He entered my study without permission."

"Kyo…" His mother shook her head in his direction. "That was wrong."

He looked at her, saw the concern in her eyes, and decided to keep peace. Somehow, she was fighting for him. What she'd said wasn't incorrect, either. It was why he sneaked in, after all.

"Why did he do that?"

"He was looking for something."

"Anything in particular, Saisyu?"

"This." His father walked over to Shizuka and held out the clothbound book to her. Recognition lit her eyes. "Leveled an accusation at me."

"What did he accuse you of?"

"He thinks I did something to Iori Yagami."

"Did you?"

Kyo heard his uncle shuffle uncomfortably beside him. Kept his focus fixed on his mother and father. Shizuka's question was asked in a quiet voice, tone serene and yet…there was a slight barb in it. His father tilted his head, as though hearing the same.

"What did you tell him, Saisyu?"

"Even if I did, Shizuka – why does it matter?"

"What crime did that young man commit for you to lay hands on him?"

"Now, wait, Shizuka…I did not –"

"You might be able to pull that on Kyo, Saisyu but not on me. This –" his mother laid her palm on the book in his father's hand, "– was this what you did to Iori Yagami?"

"He transgressed. Had to pay a price for that."

"His life? For love of our son? Saisyu…why?"

"He forgot his place. Who he is. A reminder was needed."

"A reminder," his mother said, hand slipping off the silken cover. She stepped back, away from his father. "Saisyu, that was unnecessary."

"May I remind you, Shizuka, that he's our greatest enemy besides Orochi?"

"He's in love with our son. Why would he continue the feud?"

"The Yagami are devious."

"And we're free from fault? Saisyu…" His mother turned to look at him; Kyo started, surprised. "What judgment were you about to pass?"

"Our son's a traitor, Shizuka."

"A traitor? On what evidence?"

"Aligning himself with Iori Yagami. Going against the clan. Refusal to submit to his elders. Trespassing into my study."

"And for those, you'd kill him? Disown him? What were you thinking, Saisyu?"

"Clan regulations must be followed."

"What were you and your brother going to do, Saisyu? Sentence him without telling me?"

His father fell silent.

At that moment, his uncle stepped forward. "Now, Shizuka-san…we weren't going to do that. But Kyo did offend and –"

"Hajime-san," Shizuka interrupted, "this is between me and my husband and our son. While I understand Saisyu brought you into this, this discussion is only for our family. Kyo, please join us."

Leaving his position next to his uncle, Kyo walked over to where his parents were. His mother gazed at him and then turned to his father. "Saisyu, what were you planning to do with him? He needs to know."

His father looked at him. Kyo stared right back.

"You know about the woman in our clan history, Shizuka."

"She was killed. You were going to do the same? With your own hands?"

"If he continued to be incorrigible, then, yes."

With tremendous effort, Kyo struggled to remain calm. His father would've executed him – would he have been an unfortunate recipient of one of those techniques? – mourned, and then moved on. Two deaths, then, at his hands. Iori was the first; he'd have been the second. There was no forgiveness, unless he bent his head in submission and disavowed Yagami. Since that wasn't happening – would never happen – the consequence was clear.

"You think I wouldn't fight back?"

"You'd lose, son, against so many."

"Enough," his mother said, putting an end to that part of the discussion. "Saisyu, you are not to do anything unless you run it by me."

His father didn't reply.

His uncle, staying silent behind them, continued doing so.

"Kyo, there are rules you cannot break. Entering your father's study is not permitted."

"I got my answers. Most of them."

"Even so."

He knew without a shadow of a doubt now that his father was responsible for Iori's crisis. That Iori would die – no hope there – and his initial gut instinct regarding the situation was correct. He'd just never been able to get a straight answer until tonight. Until he forced the issue. Until his mother stepped in, concerned for his safety, and pulled those answers from his father without effort. Now that he knew, seeing Yagami in two days was even more crucial.

He wanted to see him. To speak to him. To hold him. To let him know he was with him and would never leave. That he'd stay by him until the end.

He'd told him that. He wasn't about to break his promise.

"Kyo, it's late. Go get some sleep."

He nodded at his mother and made to leave, moving towards the sliding door.

"Wait."

Saisyu's voice behind him, tone steely. Kyo turned, glimpsed the quick questioning glance Shizuka threw at Saisyu, and then focused on his father.

"You're still going out Saturday, aren't you?"

"Yes," he said, wariness returning.

"I'm curious about your recent excursions, so I'll be joining you."

It felt like a gut punch, debilitating simply from being dropped on him out of nowhere. "What?"

"You're just meeting your friends, right? So there shouldn't be any problems."

Yagami. He was seeing Yagami. If his father…if he knew…if he saw… "No," he managed to say, trying not to strangle on the word. "It's…it's fine."

He couldn't even cancel. Iori didn't have much time left. If he didn't…

"I look forward to it. You stay here tomorrow, though, Kyo."

His mind spun. Did his father suspect something? Did he inadvertently let something slip?

"Like your mother said, it's late. Good night, Kyo."