Author's notes: This story is mostly based on Tekken 4 and the currently (2004) released information on Tekken 5 and its characters. Though some infos were taken from Tekken Official, some situations, events and characters are all fanmade. Rated G
Disclaimer: Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, Asuka Kazama, Heihachi Mishima, Ling Xiaoyu, Jun Kazama, Feng Wei and all Tekken characters referred in this fanfic are the property of NAMCO. This is only a fan fiction from the imagination of an obsessed fan. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 10: Confrontations
"Ah, Ms. Sanada. Why have you--"
THUMP!
Dr. Larne stared at the print outs Aiko had slammed against his desk. Realizing what they were, he closed his eyes and began to clean his specs with a handkerchief.
"I see you've really browsed through the files," he stated after putting his glasses on again. "How did you think to search for them?"
"I didn't. I heard some people talk about them and--" Aiko paused and glared suspiciously at the scientist. "Wait a minute...how did you know I'd search for them?!"
Dr. Larne bit his tongue and shrank to his seat. He felt like Aiko's piercing golden eyes could see right through him. Thinking fast, he loosened his tie and started an explanation.
"Are these three men somehow familiar to you?" he queried.
"Yes! Vaguely at least."
"That's because they are part of your past."
"Part of my..." Aiko trailed off. She leaned against the desk. "Explain."
"Our company once sent you to assassinate them," Dr. Larne smiled, his shoulders, relaxing. Aiko's silence made him feel a sense of relief until she noted something.
"I don't believe you," she said, pointing at Jin Kazama's picture. "How could I, have the same tattoo as one of my supposed targets?!"
"I think it's time you told her the truth, Professor," Vivian Vetra made her dramatic entrance into the office and stared hard at Dr. Larne. The elderly scientist glared at her before finally sighing.
"Fine," he huffed and took out a piece of paper from his desk drawer. He then presented it to Aiko.
"What is this?" she asked.
"An invitation to a martial arts competition that Heihachi Mishima sponsors. The--"
"The Iron Fist Tournament?" Aiko interjected.
"I see you already knew about that too."
"What does this have to do with my past?"
"My dear, it's the ticket to your past," Dr Larne nodded. "I'll make a deal with you. See these two men?"
"Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama?"
"Yes. They will be entering the fifth Iron Fist Tournament. I want you to dispose of them like you should have years ago," Dr. Larne shot a penetrating glare at Dr. Vetra, who backed off a few steps towards a corner.
"Dispose of them?!" Aiko gasped. She didn't know why, but the thought of killing them appalled her.
"Yes, and if you do that, Aiko, if you are successful, we will tell you everything you need to know about your past. But first, you have to eliminate these two men. Don't worry. They are but a mere part of your life. Like I said: they were once your targets; nothing more."
"And my tattoo?"
"I will also explain that after you finish with this task. So...do we have a deal?" the scientist held his hand out. Aiko stared at it for a while. With a heavy heart, she reluctantly took it.
"Very good," Dr. Larne approved. "Don't worry. We won't be holding back on any information once you're done. It may be better for you to take things slow too so for now, concentrate on your retraining and we'll send you to the tournament soon."
Aiko nodded softly and walked out the door, still pondering on whether she made the right decision or not. But right now, she'd do anything to reclaim her life. She was desperate enough to kill.
The door slammed shut. Dr. Larne flicked the lock and hobbled towards his young protégée
"Professor..."
SLAP!
Vivian Vetra held her cheek and turned frightened blue eyes at this feeble old man who was undeniably intimidating especially with his anger.
"Have you lost your mind?!" Dr. Larne yelled. "What are you trying to pull, Vivian?! Are you trying to sabotage all we've worked for?!"
"I...I just d-don't think it's right," Vivian stammered, her palm still over her cheek. "All of you think of her solely as an experiment; a genetic marvel. Can't you see that she's still human with feelings and emotions?!"
"Human..." Dr. Larne stifled his laughter, after which, he turned serious again. "You and your silly naivety. Thoughts like that will never get you to the top of the genetic community. Don't waste your time on sympathy. That woman is the first of the next generation of bio-weapons: the Eve of a new race. And I will have no one...not even my it for me! Understand?!"
"Y-yes...U-Uncle Arnaude..."
Chapter 11