King of the Iron Fist Tournament 5
Rambling: Thank you for reading my work ^_^ I really appreciate it… the more readers the more support I get… now… onto Chapter 4… and yes, for all the Jin fans, like myself, Jin is alive and well… WOOHOO! And so is Ling Xiaoyu… ^_~
Warning: Yaoi… male x male relationship in any degrees… let me put this simply… *smirk* in this fic… there's GUYS having SEX… okay? If you're close-minded or just unable to handle such things… then you have the option of turning back… thank you~
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Chapter 4
Confession
3rd day of the tournament
Ryuu's POVTwo days I've spent with you, two tormenting and happy days that I spent by your side as we laughed and conversed. Each moment, I feel myself falling deeper into the abysmal pool of your eyes and the desire to take you growing more fervent. It's also quite strange because my feelings for you are in rivalry with those of many others. Eyes that watch your every movement in the same manner as mine do, minds that desires to do the same as mine do… it's come to a point where those observation and desires are intolerable. But I'm hoping, regardless of all oppositions, that it is I whom you'll accept and love. I do the best to quell the desires in my heart, desires to hear you scream, but my mind has already betrayed me long before my body; it yearns to feel your heart beat at the same beautiful rhythm as mine; it yearns to feel us become one.
It's morning now and I looked over at the clock to see that it's 6:30am. Yesterday was a day full of excitement. Kouji had fought against some American fighter and won. He and I took you to a bar and we bonded immediately. But why can't you see that the bond I yearn to share with you is beyond that? Bond of friendship is as deep as the water of a lake, the bond I want to share with you is deeper and wider than the ocean and stronger than the currents of a river. Last night was quite fun, but my mind contorted with concern when you became inebriated after one drink. You couldn't sit up straight so you kept leaning on my shoulder, nuzzling your soft skin and once again testing my composure. We had brought you back to the hotel, you fell asleep in the cab, and I carried you to bed.
I stretched, not wanting to wake you up, and turned onto my side to face you. Soft, pink lips left agape… rosy tinge on creamy skin… crimson locks hiding your beautiful face away from my view… your breath awakening the devil in me.
I rolled off the bed and headed over to the bathroom, cleaning myself up. Today I was set to fight. I didn't really know who my opponent was, but it's not like I really cared. I walked out of the room and closed the door as I stepped out into the hallway.
Right now the passion burning within me is the hatred for Heihachi Mishima, a man I am ashamed to call a distant family member. My father told me the story of his greed setting foot upon the path of light and hope, tainting the purest hopes of all and leaving the world to live in darkness. I must end this reign of darkness in any way possible… because if I don't, there's a chance harms may cross your path, my love…
Fixing on the arm-guards that had belonged to my father, I headed to the dojo to train for a while. Within the proximity of the dojo, I stopped as I heard loud cracks and panting from the large room. I stepped onto the ancient wooden floor, my gaze fixing upon the sight of my best friend.
Normal POVKouji stopped his training to glance over at the cause of interruption, a smirk crossing his face as he saw whom it was. After punching the wooden dummy and cracking it in half, Kouji sauntered over to his friend. Wiping the sweat away with his towel, he asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to train a little before my fight…"
Kouji quickly put Ryuu in a playful headlock shouting, "Then you'll have to beat me!"
Laughter mingling with the silence, the two youths rolled on the hard wooden floor of the dojo for a while before stopping their antic. The dojo had an archaic ambience to it, the candles draping dreary lights on the wooden walls and the marks on the walls acclaiming the past presence of many great fighters. Ryuu shoved Kouji aside, smiling triumphantly, and sat on the floor. Kouji leaned against the wooden buttress of the room, glancing over at his friend. Wiping off the cascade of sweat, Kouji said, "You better win… if you want to impress him…"
Ryuu's eyes questioned the words of the other, the silence furtively creeping back between them. Kouji grinned.
"Don't think I dunno about your little 'crush' on Hwoansang… it's obvious. Last night, whenever he got close to you, you started blushing and stuttering like a fool."
Heat crept to Ryuu's face, deep crimson shade dominating the normally tan skin, and Ryuu muttered, "I didn't think it was that obvious... don't tell him, though! 'K?"
Kouji grinned mischievously, earning a playful punch on the shoulder from his friend. Shaking his head, he said, "Don't worry… I won't tell him, your secret is safe with me. Besides, what kind of a friend would I be if I went and blabbered out all your secrets?"
With a faint smile through his blush, Ryuu said, "Thanks…"
Then the two stood up and headed out, the gaze of unnoticed pair of yellow eyes following them from the shadows. The owner of the pursuing eyes stepped out of the dark corner and smirked, pointed fangs glistening from the dim light of candles. Three long bronze claws on each hand promised defeat and demise to those who dared to challenge this man.
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Hwoansang woke up, feeling the cold wind brush its icy touch on his face, and looked around the room. Where was Ryuu? Sitting up, his gaze wandered around the room, searching for his roommate. Rolling out of the bed, he walked over to the window and closed it, cold still clinging onto him. He failed to notice the two arms snake around his waist, pulling him close against another body. Cold, husky voice whispered in his ear, chills running down his spine.
"No wonder he fancies you so… such delectable appearance…"
Frightened, Hwoansang quickly turned to meet the gaze of unwavering gaze of another. Brushing his cold hand on the soft face, the stranger felt the smaller boy quiver at his touch. Fear strikes quickly, fear is the sole reason of complete immobility of the mind and body. The yellow eyes glistened imminently as the stranger pulled out a small spherical pill and held it between his lips. Lowering his lips onto the soft ones of Hwoansang's, the unknown individual claimed the innocent lips and pushed the object into the open mouth. Hwoansang fell, limp, into the arms of the stranger, who merged with his shadow and disappeared.
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Time passed slowly, each second dreading to strike the awaited moment. Ryuu's black eyes searched the empty dojo for the presence of his opponent. A letter was written to Ryuu, requesting that they fight in privacy and away from the boisterous audience. But where was he? Ryuu bit his lip in frustration, nervous and excited.
"You're early… or have I lost in the race of time?"
Turning around to face the owner of the voice, Ryuu smirked and replied, "I'm early, I guess. So, how come we couldn't fight in the regular arena? Wouldn't that have been more convenient?"
The yellow eyes seemed to mock him as they fixed themselves upon Ryuu. The long strands of hair fell over his eyes, casting dark over the brilliant yellow luster of them.
"No… a quiet fight is more preferable…"
Ryuu caught a glimpse of the fangs, chill running down his spine. Shrugging the uneasiness off, Ryuu looked at the stranger as he approached an unlit candle. The long, dark brown braid followed obediently behind its owner, the tip stopping at the lean waist. Ryuu's body yearned for a fight and this stranger had put it off for quite a while. Ryuu's eyes flickered with impatience and slight amazement as his opponent waved his hand over the candle, lighting it with a small flame.
"I don't think that was really necessary… we could see perfectly clearly…"
The long braid swayed at the shake of the head, the pointed fangs glistening as the lips curled up in a smirk.
"What you see… is not all that is there to see…"
With a quick movement of the hand, the strange diviner allowed one of the walls of the dojo to revolve. When it had come to a stop, tension gripped tightly at Ryuu's entire body.
"Hwoansang!"
The chains snaked across and around the pale body, tearing into the boy's thin attire. The shackles that bound the boy's wrists were too tight, cutting into the soft skin to squeeze out droplets of crimson. Heavy breathing tore through the dreary silence that had draped itself over the occupants and the entire dojo. Sweat beaded down the unconscious face, slight shade of ailing crimson tinting the skin.
Ryuu turned his gaze onto his opponent, eminent anger burning within his eyes. Only a smirk crossed the face of the bitter stranger.
"How could you do this to him? You don't even know him! What did he ever do to you?"
The barrage of questions had no effect on the stranger; he only smirked in response. He walked over to the chained body and ran his fingers through the matted hair, tightly gripping a handful and pulling the head back abruptly. Anger usurped Ryuu's body, hatred and concern tempting every muscle in his body to attack the enemy. The yellow eyes seemed to mock him as the stranger said, "Don't try anything stupid… just listen… I am Shin, one of the loyal minions of Heihachi Mishima. The great one is aware of the threat of your presence and your audacity to challenge him… highly unfavorable in your case. I am to give you a fair chance at life and allow you to choose to leave… if you decide to give up these silly games. If you decide to leave quietly, I will free this boy and let you both go without harm… but if your decision is the contrary, then you must fight me to free him. Take your time and choose carefully…"
"I don't need to take my time," Ryuu spoke quietly, menace in his voice. "Heihachi will learn that I, Ryuu Kazama, never submit to threats… nor do I let anyone threaten any of my friends… especially those whom I love… You both will pay for even laying a finger on Hwoansang… "
Shin's eyes widened slightly, but a cool smirk masked the uneasiness he felt from the youth's fiery determination.
"Very well… then you will have to defeat me to save the boy…"
With that, the long bronze claws protruded from each hand, and Shin crouched low into a fighting stance. Ryuu took a deep breath and evenly apportioned his weight on each foot, eyes catching a quick glimpse of Hwoansang. Then both fighters lunged forward, bare skin clashing with bronze claws, black burning into yellow as both fighters locked in a brief stalemate and glared into each other's eyes. Ryuu quickly stepped back and kicked Shin at the side of his head, following it with a quick punch combination. Raising his leg high, he had intended on cracking the skull of his opponent, but Shin quickly rolled out of the way and landed a swift kick on Ryuu's side. The resplendent glaze of the bronze claws flashed as each dangerous slash cut into Ryuu's skin. Taking a step back, Shin regarded the condition of his opponent, taking in each cut and gash into his observation. Ryuu had his hand pressed tightly on his chest, suppressing the rush of blood, and was breathing raggedly. He took a shaky step back, straightening his body, and lifted his head. Shin was gone. Distressed, Ryuu looked around and shouted, demanding Shin to reappear and face him like a man.
"Kazama… it's time I teach you the lesson of why you should never defy the great Heihachi Mishima…"
Ryuu only saw a blinding flash of the bronze claws before feeling each of the million swipes cut into his body. Each slash ripped an agonizing scream from his throat, crimson splashing onto the wooden floor of the dojo. There was no sign of Shin, but the claws slashing away at his body proved to him that Shin was close, very close. Another swipe ripped open a new wound in Ryuu's chest. Ryuu felt his knees shake, unable to support his weight, and pressed a hand against a wall for support. At each breath, his vision became more and more hazy… drops of blood loud and clear in his ears.
Give up… his body begged. Give up and get out of here… you can't win…
Ryuu turned his head and fixed his eyes on Hwoansang, something pounding within his body, shouting at him for liberation. If he wins… if he wins, he would be able to feel the smaller boy's arms wrap around him and the soft breath on his skin… if only he could win…
/then let me free…let me break out of this confinement… I'll guarantee you victory…/
Ryuu felt his soul tap into something dark and hidden, unleashing a new surge of power through his body. He felt the rush of wind as he felt his soul tap into an ancient and hidden power… the devil. Black markings appeared around his eyes and chest, his hair became rigid and longer, and blades ripped through his skin on each elbow.
/Freedom…let me breathe the air of victory… and demise of others…/
The chains that restrained the power broke from the strains, Ryuu unleashing the enhanced and dark power of the devil. His body doubled over, arms clutching at his upper body in pain. Then with a sickening sound of rearrangement of bones and tearing of the skin, two bloody and dragon-like wings sprouted. Unholy laughter echoed throughout the dojo as he straightened up. Blood-red eyes studied his new body… complete knowledge in fighting running in his new, dirty blood…
"Let me teach you a lesson, Shin," Ryuu's voice thundered. "That you should NEVER lay your filthy hands on what is mine!"
Shin had been watching the whole dramatic change in his young opponent, the roaring voice pounding fear into him. Forfeit crossed his mind once, never to cross again… he couldn't lose… he had to win… or else…
Shaking off unnecessary thoughts, Shin lunged out of the shadows and at the monstrosity. A strong grip was fixed on his throat, catching him off guard, as he was lifted a few inches off the ground. The snarling, blood-thirsty voice of the Devil mocked him, "You've lost… you should never poke your damn head into something you cannot win…"
Blinding pain struck every part of Shin's body as he felt himself fly and hit the wall, direct impact inflicted onto his body. With a shaky gasp, Shin fixed his eyes on the crimson ones of the Devil, fear burning into his soul. Clawed hands gripped tightly at Shin's arms, enjoying the feeling of the bones crumbling underneath them, and Devil was more than ready to feel the pathetic fighter die in his grasp when…
"Stop! Don't hurt him!"
Both figures turned to the direction where the voice had come from. Fear flickered in Hwoansang's eyes, tears streaming down the small face. Fear… of what? Warmth glinted to the Devil's eyes, and he let Shin fall to the ground. Walking over to Hwoansang, Devil reached out and held the boy's face in his clawed hands.
/Why did you stop me? I could've killed that bastard! Do not tell me that you're going soft on me!/
//He's afraid… of us… I don't want him to be afraid…//
/So this is the human that you lust after… nice taste…/
//… I love him…//
/'Love' is for fools… if you love, you suffer… you become weaker and weaker…/
Devil's eyes wandered restlessly, observing Hwoansang's delicate features and the tears on his face. A smirk formed on the lips, fangs glistening dangerously. Lowering his head onto Hwoansang's neck, Devil intended to mark the boy as his own. A soft whimper escaped the lips of the smaller boy.
//Wait! Not now… let him rest… //
Devil growled, frustrated, but lifted his head. Wiping a single tear off the small face, Devil smirked and allowed Ryuu to take over. The wings disappeared, along with the marks and the blades, the warmth returning to the touch, eyes, and the voice of Ryuu. Gripping the chains tightly in his hands, Ryuu broke them into pieces and freed Hwoansang. Picking up the redhead in his arms, Ryuu smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry… I'll take you back to our room…"
Turning to where Shin was, Ryuu spoke in a different tone, "Be glad I didn't rip you from limb to limb."
Soft footsteps accompanied the two boys as Ryuu walked out of the dojo, Hwoansang safe in his arms and everything at peace for the moment…
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- Thoughts: This is the longest chappie I wrote so far… I think ^-^;; I hope you enjoyed it… please R&R!!