Chapter5

Lara was deep in thought when she bumped into someone in the hall. Her heart nearly stopped when she realised that it was Kazuya Mishima. He was wearing an expensive dark blue suit and sunglasses. She thought she was prepared for anything after sitting next to Lee Chaolan for half an hour, but not for the reaction she got, after all it was her fault and Lee was supposed to be a nice guy compared to his brother.

"Oh, I am terribly sorry, Miss. Did I hurt you?" he said in a soft but also very deep voice, taking off his sunglasses.

He looked straight at her and she couldn't but notice his nearly black eyes which seemed to glow from somewhere deep within.

"No, no. It was my fault." Lara replied.

"Don't blame yourself; I wasn't watching my steps either. Can I invite you to a drink? Oh, I'm sorry; I guess I didn't introduce myself, how rude of me. My name is Kazuya Mishima."

"Lara Croft." she replied.

"That's a very nice name. Is it..."

"... British." Lara said.

"You are a long way from home, Miss Croft. What brings you to Japan?" he asked.

She didn't know what to reply. 'I am after your father' wasn't exactly the best phrase. Luckily her survival instinct took over and she said "I am an adventurer, I love visiting other countries."

"Your Japanese is really good. How many languages do you speak?"

"About ten."

"Ten? Impressive. I have only learned English, which I need for international business dealings, and some words of Chinese which my foster brother Chaolan taught me."

"I don't wanna hear them." Lara said before she could think.

He looked at her surprised. "I see you already met my brother!? So how about a drink? But I warn you, you will miss the next fight." Kazuya continued.

"Sure, why not, I was planning to take a break anyway."

"I would prefer somewhere quiet, less crowded but I am afraid I have to be back in 1 1/2 hours." he said when they worked their way through the crowd towards the Cafe.

Kazuya got two teas for them and they were standing at a table outside. He was very interested to learn more about Lara's travels and in stories about Egypt. Lara was careful enough not to tell him, that she is in fact a treasure hunter. All the while she made him believe that she was just a rich kid who liked to travel. As they were standing there a guy with blond hair which was building a tower on his head came by. He glared at Kazuya.

"You are next, Mishima!" he growled.

"We will see about that." Kazuya replied calmly without even looking at the other guy.

"My opponent for tonight, Paul Phoenix" he said turning towards Lara.

"He looks quite brutal." she commented.

"Maybe. I'm not worried about him. He should worry about me. Anyway, I guess I have to leave you now; I have to get ready for my fight. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Croft." he said kissing her hand.

Before she could react he was gone.

****

It was still another 45 minutes till the next fight would begin, a long time for someone who's just watching. So Lara went out into the open and took her mobile phone out of her bag. She made sure that no one was around and then dialled Downey's number.

"Hello Lara" his gentle voice said.

"Hello Professor Downey"

"How is the tournament?" he asked.

"Quite interesting so far. I saw Heihachi Mishima fight, he was very convincing. All the time Lee was sitting next to me and I have to tell you, I don't like him one bit. He is a mean bastard. Ah, and Kazuya Mishima invited me to a drink, he is quite charming, a real gentlemen." Lara told him.

"Oh Lara, I think you might have gotten the wrong impression. Lee Chaolan might seem a bit rude, but that's just his protection, from what I have heard he is a nice guy if you get to know him. His brother is the real bastard in the family." Professor Downey said worried. "Well, watch the second fight, before you judge anybody."

"I will. But it didn't hurt getting into contact with Kazuya Mishima."

"I hope you will still say that tomorrow. Take care now Lara, I guess the fight begins soon."

"Goodbye, Professor, I will call you tomorrow."

"Goodbye, Lara."

She hung up and then called Hilary and Bryce to tell them how she was doing. Then she returned to the arena.

****

She found her seat and was relieved to see Lee Chaolan sitting far away on the other side of the ring. With him was Heihachi Mishima who was now wearing a long dark-red coat over his suit. He didn't look like one who had just been fighting. This underlined Lara's impression that the fight earlier on had been quite easy for him.

A guy next to Lara noticed her interest in the two men.

"They are dominating the tournament. This is the second round and so far none of the Mishima Clan got more than a bruise. Oh sorry, my name is Marshall Law." said the young man who had short black hair.

"Lara" she replied. "I just saw the first fight, Heihachi Mishima was very convincing."

"Yes... he was..." he paused for a moment. "I am in the tournament as well. I have to fight against whoever wins this one in the third round." he then continued.

"Paul Phoenix seemed quite, how shall I put it... brutal to me." Lara said.

"Yeah, but I hope he wins. I wouldn't bet on it though."

"You hope he wins? Why?" Lara asked.

"Better him, than Kazuya Mishima."

Secretly Lara was hoping that Paul Phoenix would lose, but she didn't tell the young man next to her. Paul had been so arrogant earlier on. She couldn't tell why she didn't like him, she just didn't.

It wasn't long before the fighters came out. Kazuya was the first one in the ring. He had changed and was now wearing traditional martial arts trousers. Paul Phoenix came out shortly after him, still wearing his red motorbike outfit he had worn out in the hall.

"Welcome to our last fight for tonight, ladies and gentlemen. Kazuuuyaa Mishiiiimmmmaaa versus Pauuuuuul Phoeeeeeenix." the announcer's voice boomed.

Lara noticed that Lee on the other side of the arena got tense while Heihachi looked like he didn't care much. He was speaking to another guy who seemed to be one of his guards.

****

The fight began. Kazuya said something to Paul which couldn't be heard outside but this seemed to make Paul angry. He lunged at Kazuya who just got out of the way and Paul flew through the air. He landed rolling on the other side and got up again. This time he was more careful when approaching Kazuya. But Kazuya was quick, before Lara knew what happened Paul was bending over as Kazuya had hit him in the stomach with three well placed punches.

"Ouch" Law said next to Lara.

Kazuya then wanted to kick Paul hard but he had regained his strength and got out of the way. This time Paul did not miss and Kazuya staggered. He ducked just in time to avoid Paul's next punch. But now it was his turn again. He spun around and kicked Paul hard in the chest, then he kicked his legs and just when Paul staggered he hit his head with a third kick. Paul went down and with amazing speed Kazuya sent another kick after him. He now gave Paul enough time to get back up. He seemed to say something to him, which made Paul even angrier.

"Don't listen to the bastard, he just wants you to lose control." was Law's reaction.

"Well, if he falls for it, it's his fault." Lara replied.

Paul rushed again but Kazuya caught him and Paul went flying over his hip. Paul got up in one move and again rushed at Kazuya who kicked him hard. Paul bounced back. His face was red in anger. Now Kazuya rushed at him, his fist aiming for Paul's head. Paul blocked the first punch, but not the second that went straight into his stomach. Again he bent over. This time he got Kazuya's elbow on his head and went down again. But when Kazuya tried to kick him Paul got hold of his leg and pulled him down. They both jumped up again at once. Paul now placed a few hits in Kazuya's stomach who caught the last one and twisted Paul's arm. He pulled Paul forwards and kicked him in the back of the head and before Paul could fall forwards he kicked him in the face. Paul fell backwards and landed on the floor. Kazuya picked him up and threw him to the ground again. Then he waited for Paul to get up, pretending to be bored.

"Arrogant bastard, come on Paul, show him." Law was now really angry.

Lara couldn't understand him. To her Paul was no less arrogant. Finally Paul got up, but Kazuya was only waiting for him. He sent Paul down again with two hard punches and a kick at his legs.

"Noooo..." Law screamed.

He was starting to get on Lara's nerves.

"Can you shut up please? I want to watch this fight." she said.

Law was quiet at once. But the fight was over soon. Kazuya brought Paul down once more, this time so hard, Paul wouldn't get back up. Lee was cheering and jumping up and down. Meanwhile Heihachi got up and just walked out with a grim look on his face, motioning his guard to follow him.

"I hope you are satisfied now." Law said to Lara accusingly.

"Why should I support Paul? He was very unfriendly in the hall earlier on." Lara defended herself.

"And that's a reason for you to side with the devil." he asked.

"I was not siding with anyone; I was just watching the fight and your pro- Paul comments annoyed me." Lara got up and walked out.

****

"Hi darling" said someone from behind.

She turned and saw Lee again. 'Out of the frying pan into the fire.'

"Can I invite you to something, now the fighting is over?" he continued.

"No thanks, I can pay for myself." Lara replied.

"Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart."

"Listen, my name is Lara. Call me that or leave it. But if you call me darling or sweetheart again you will regret it." With that Lara left him standing alone.