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. This is also the sequel to my previous fanfics, Tekken 5: The Kazama-Mishima Connections & The Kazama-Mishima Connections 2. Rated G
Disclaimer: Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Jin Kazama, Asuka Kazama, Wang Jinrei, Ling Xiaoyu, Hwoarang, Steve Fox 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 6: Model
"Oh...I'm sorry...Ms. Castinelli," Asuka bowed apologetically at Eva Castinelli, who stood gracefully, her red lips pursed slightly. As in the pictures, she wore the same white scarf around her face, obscuring her hair down to her collar bone. Pushing her dark shades further up the bridge of her nose, Eva walked towards the balcony, the hem of her long, strapless, black gown trailing behind her.
"I see you know me already," Eva smiled. "I assume you've seen me in on the cover of Vogue. Are you an avid fan of fashion?"
"Hardly," Asuka replied, harsher than she had intended. Strangely, Eva didn't seem upset. Instead, her smile widened even more.
"Then, how did you know my name?"
"I saw your profile in the tournament participants folder," Asuka looked at the woman curiously. "You're not like any other model."
"Oh? And why do you say that?"
"You're not stuck up or full of yourself. I saw it in the way you didn't get disappointed by my lack of interest or knowledge about you. Plus, you entered this tournament..." she bit her lip. "If you don't mind me asking, Ms. Casti"
"Please dear, call me Eva. Ms. Castinelli is too formal."
"Eva. Can I ask you why you entered?"
"Ah, curious now, aren't we?" Eva put her arms on the railing, mimicking Asuka's position. Her smile faded and she took on a serious expression. "I'm a model, yes, but I'm also a martial artist in my own right. I came here, hoping to win some money. The problem with my profession is that, as you grow older, there's less demand for your assets. I need the money to...to get my life back."
"You must've told that story to a lot of people, huh?" Asuka asked, making Eva turn towards her with raised brows. "You sounded like you memorized lines from a script."
"My, my. You're such a clever little girl," Eva laughed. "Yes, I've been retelling my summarized life story to every interviewer and reporter that came across my way. Guess my tongue got used to it."
"What's up with that?" Asuka pointed to Ms. Castinelli's right shoulder, which was wrapped in a bandage.
"This?" Eva rubbed the bandage. "I got hurt practicing this morning. I just came from the infirmary, actually."
"Eva...if you don't mind me asking...how old are you?" Asuka dared to ask. Eva held up her forefinger and wagged it.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Wrong question, dear. One thing you must never ask a model is her age. I wouldn't want to lie to you but I wouldn't want to tell you either. I don't know you that well, but you're a sweet girl and I like you," Eva reached out to touch Asuka's hair with her fingers. Surprisingly, Asuka didn't find it intrusive or uncomfortable. She even managed a smile. "And you, dear? Why did you enter this tournament?"
"Me?" Asuka blinked and sighed. "I...my dad's running the tournament so, naturally, I should enter. My brother and I are both martial artists."
"And your mother? What does she think about it?" Eva turned her head slightly to watch a swallow, sailing past.
"My mother..." Asuka bit her lip. "I don't know if she approves. I'll know when I finally mee...er...when she comes. She's coming sometime soon; maybe today. That's why the tournament's been postponed. My dad wanted my mom to be here when it starts."
"Really?" Eva adjusted her shades again. "She must be very important to your father, huh?"
"I don't know..." Asuka mumbled but when she saw how Eva was looking at her, she immediately added, "Dad doesn't exactly like revealing his feelings and such...but he cares for my mother. I know he does."
"I sense a bit of anger in you," Eva said softly, causing Asuka to look and make sure she was still talking to the same woman. She was a total stranger, and yet they have both shared some intimate aspects of their lives.
"Asuka!" a voice cried out. The two ladies turned to see Jin Kazama, who was just as surprised after seeing Eva Castinelli with his sister. He walked closer and greeted her properly before turning to Asuka.
"Asuka, we have to go," Jin said, his eyes fleeting from Eva to his sister.
"I assume this is your brother?" Eva directed her question at Asuka, though she was gazing intently at Jin. "You look so much like your father."
"How do you know that?" Jin asked in surprise. Even Asuka looked at the model with new interest.
"I've seen him around," Eva shrugged. "Can't miss him. You have the same hair and eyebrows."
"Oh...well," Jin scratched his head uncomfortably. "Asuka, I"
"I'm not in the mood to go anywhere," Asuka presented Jin with her back. "And you know why."
"I'm sorry, okay?" Jin tried to control his voice. "If need be, I'll apologize some more later but right now, we have to go...to Dad's office."
"Dad's office? Why?"
"I think he found out about you-know-what," Jin shook his head. "He didn't say it exactly, but he was fuming when he demanded that you and I go up there. If Xiao hadn't been with me, he'd surely have cut my head in a second."
"You have a marvelous way of reassuring people," Asuka grumbled sarcastically. However, the prospect of confronting their father frightened her. Jin's descriptions certainly didn't help. Kazuya was already a hot-headed person as it is but now, he may unleash his wrath upon them. That was certainly something Asuka had never seen or ever wanted to see.
"You'll both do fine," Eva spoke up, putting a hand on the Kazamas' shoulders. "I've had a few rows with my own father. They usually blow off a lot of steam but once they simmer down, everything will turn out alright."
"Arigato gozaimasu, Eva," Asuka bowed.
"You're welcome, dear," Eva gave a soft nod to Asuka, then Jin, before sauntering out the balcony. "Good luck, Asuka...and you too, Jin."
Chapter 7