Now....
Kazuya Mishima ended the match with clinical brutality, typical of his performance throughout the tournament. After his decimation of Marshall Law, one can't help but fear for his next opponent, Michelle Chang-
Kira clicked off the internet broadcast, and closed her eyes against the grief that was never far away. Nearly a year had passed since she had left Japan, but the pain was still raw. The tournament was coming to a close now, down to the final eight contestants, but Kira knew who the final battle would be between; Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima, locked together in hatred.
She had promised herself that she wouldn't do this, but she couldn't help but check on the tournament's progress. In a way, it was a good thing; the coldness of Kazuya's demeanour, the utter lack of mercy in his eyes...
He was gone, Kira knew, her own ears filling with tears.
*******
On the other side of the world, another woman knew that Kazuya had descended into darkness. Unlike Kira, she was still convinced she could do something about it.
As you can see, Mr Mishima, these reports clearly show that several divisions of your company have been engaging in activities which have been deemed illegal by the Environment Act of-
Miss Kazama, Kazuya interrupted, his voice filled with cold amusement. What exactly do you hope to achieve? You can prove nothing. This zaibatsu owns half of the courts in this country, and practically all of the government...and I think that both you and your organisation know that.
Jun Kazama cursed inwardly. Yes, her organisation had indeed deemed any action against the Mishima Zaibatsu futile, but she had to do something. She had hoped that she could appeal to the man's conscience, but it appeared that he didn't have one. Indeed, his entire essence seemed shrouded in shadow...
Ever since she was a child, Jun had been aware that she was different somehow. She could see things that others couldn't, and had a natural empathy with those around her. What she saw now frightened her; a swirling violet mist, centred around Kazuya. She blinked, and it was gone.
Are you going to stand there all day? Kazuya asked lazily, returning his attention to the sheaf of paper in front of him. Jun looked around the office, and her attention fell on the wall, where there was a faint outline of where a picture once hung. She closed her eyes, and tried to see...
Who were they? she asked suddenly. Kazuya looked irritated.
Who was what? he snapped, increasingly annoyed by the woman's presence.
The woman and child in the picture that once hung there, Jun clarified gently.
The effect was immediate; Kazuya's face drained of all colour, and for a very brief moment his face was an open expression of the raw grief that still coursed through him. It was quickly suppressed, however; his eyes narrowed to slits whilst his mouth drew into an ugly snarl.
Get out, he said quietly, so unlike the roar of rage Jun had been expecting.
His cold rage was far more menacing than a the expected outburst, and Jun found that she had taken a few steps back without even realising it. She looked at Kazuya, and to his disgust, she wore an expression of pity.
Very well, Mr Mishima, she said with a small bow. But consider what I've said, please.
Kazuya sat silently for many minutes after she had left, before surreptitiously sliding open a draw in his desk. His eyes fell on the photo that lay within, at Kira and Hana, who were smiling happily back at him.
He choked back the lump in his throat, reviled by his weakness. Slamming the draw shut, he vowed silently that he would not allow this weakness to get in the way of his vengeance. Thinking of happier times was futile; they were nothing more than a passing illusion.
************
Back then....
Despite his light-hearted protestations that she was getting dangerous, Wang Jinrey continued his training of the English girl. She had brought an open-hearted joy to the Mishima dojo that had been missing for decades.
Kira stood grinning at the broken boards that lay at her feet. Brilliant. If I'm ever attacked by a rogue two-by-four, I'm sorted.
Her mentor chuckled. It's not just to show off. It's a test of the techniques' effectiveness, and a way of ensuring that you are performing them correctly.
And it looks really cool-
That too! he laughed. He clapped a hand on her shoulder. You are a quick learner, and more importantly, dedicated. A teacher could ask for no more - ah, Kazuya!
Kazuya walked in, wearing a gi - well, wearing half a gi; the top was slung over his arm. Wang tutted.
You should wear proper attire in the dojo, young master. Besides, you'll catch a cold.
It's thirty-eight degrees out there! Kazuya laughed. He flung the top into a corner, and the old man sighed. Kira was trying hard not to blush.
Don't stare at the heavenly body. Don't stare at the heavenly body. Don't stare at the heavenly body. Don't stare at the heavenly body....
She repeated the phrase in her head like a mantra; ogling the boss was rude. Try to act normal, she chided herself.
So, er, is your brother not training today? she asked, her voice sounded slightly higher pitched than normal.
Kazuya answered, sounding amused. He was all up for training before he found out that you would be here. Then he said something about his physiotherapist advising him to take it easy...as if he ever does anything else.
Kira was relieved; Kazuya hadn't seemed to have noticed her odd behaviour. Her heart sank when she saw the expression on Wang Jinrey's face.
He knows, she thought. She quickly looked at the floor.
You're too hard on your brother, the old man chided Kazuya. He takes time to enjoy life. There is more too this world than the zaibatsu. He pointed a finger at Kazuya. You should take a leaf out of his book!
Kazuya said slowly, looking at the old man as if he had gone mad. So I should be decadent, arrogant, and obsessed by my appearance?
I think he said a leaf', not the entire volume, Kira grinned. Being abusive about Lee Chao Lan was a conversation starter she could readily involve herself in, regardless of her embarrassment. She caught Kazuya's eye and, for a second, they just grinned at each other.
Uh, I think I'll call it a day, master, she said, bowing to the old man. She bowed to Kazuya. Mr Mishima.
Kazuya watched her as she left the dojo, and her teacher sighed in exasperation.
So when are you going to start courting her? he said, a twinkle in his eye. Kazuya turned, his expression shocked.
Are you going senile, old friend? he muttered. Much to his consternation, the old man roared with laughter.
Perhaps. Perhaps it is age that betrays my eyes, makes me see things that don't exist. He looked at Kazuya shrewdly. Like your obvious admiration for her. Like the fact she can't keep her eyes of you. He laughed again. If you weren't so embarrassed around each other, and actually looked at each other, perhaps you would see what is obvious to my old, but perhaps senile eyes.
