Love Worth Fighting For
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco. I am making no money from this fan fiction; it is just for fun. I however own all the characters that are not apart of the Tekken franchise. All rights reserved.
A/N: I believe there would be preliminary rounds - I think more people would be starting off in the competition. Well, enjoy!
Chapter 4
The sandy floor kicked up as people moved about frantically to put their equipment aside for the upcoming match. The sounds of directory calls were lost in the cheers and horns that crawled around the small arena. Everyone was ready to watch a good match.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the preliminary rounds of the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4. Our first bout today, Miharu Hirano versus Harmony Jade…"
"Well, here I go…" Miharu said as she stepped out into the battle arena, her presence picking up the cheers of the gathering people.
Miharu stepped into the large white chalked centre circle, adjusting her wristbands, kicking up the dusty ground beneath her feet. She shook her head, leaning it back as she made sure the band keeping her hair out of her face stayed on. She looked up at the bright cerulean sky and closed her eyes with a smile. She could feel the heat of the sun rest against her face.
The day was perfect, and it made her ever more ready for this fight.
She began her stretch routine. She leaned onto one leg as she spread the other behind her, feeling that slight twinge that pulled on the muscle, then traded legs to do the same to the other. She dealt with other parts of her body, loosening up all her muscles. A light, cool sweat had softly built up on her skin. She was glad she was wearing a loose sleeveless top and shorts, as the sweat wouldn't cling too badly now or even during the bout, that is, if her opponent was as well prepared and able to put up a decent fight.
Miharu turned on the sound of footsteps and found herself standing a metre or so away from the young woman whom she was about to fight
She was a tall, broom handle thin, Canadian girl with a long mane of golden brown hair, tied back with a long red ribbon. She wore a cropped pink spandex top that hugged tightly to her well-bloomed front. It strained as she stretched her arms back, looking rather painful to wear. Her trousers were blinding as they shimmered with a glittering, light material, which rolled like liquid over her legs with her movement. This Harmony Jade girl was out just to look pretty, and it made Miharu wonder if her fighting skills were up to much.
"Ah, Miharu Hirano," she said, a cocky grin on her face. "So, you're the one I'm gonna beat, eh?"
Miharu frowned. "Don't be too sure."
It was always good to do a background check on the competition, and what Miharu had read up on about this girl, seemed iffy. Her fighting style was just written as standard fist fighting, which made her think she was a girl who practised with a street brawling style and very little technique. No way would she advance far into the tournament, even if she beat Miharu or not.
Harmony Jade warmed up slightly as the official came over to explain the rules. They nodded as he went through the short list and wished them the best of luck. He stepped away from the starting white circle.
The announcer's voice boomed through the large speakers:
"Miharu Hirano vs. Harmony Jade. Ready? FIGHT!"
And so it begun…
Harmony Jade didn't waste any time when the fight call was made, and she launched herself at Miharu, throwing a heavy fist towards her face. Miharu jumped slightly and took a step back, grabbing the incoming arm and turned, using the momentum from the punch against the attacker as the force threw the other girl onto the sandy floor. Miharu heard her make a shocked shriek as she fell.
Harmony had been stunned. She didn't think the girl would react so fast. She boiled inside at how stupid she must have looked. She wouldn't let her get away with such a humiliation.
She was up on her feet like lightning, turning sharp eyes on her Japanese opponent. She rushed her again, this time leaping into a jumping kick. Miharu anticipated this kind of action and rolled to her right, coming up on the other side as the girl landed roughly.
Harmony Jade shook her head as she ignored the stinging scrape on her leg and she clambered to her feet, turning back to Miharu. If her eyes could have turned red, they'd have been blazing the colour of like hell's fire there and then.
She ran at Miharu again, this time, going low with a baseball slide. But still, Miharu managed to dodge her, performing a 'Front Layout', leaping high into the somersault. The Japanese girl proved she could do well on the defensive.
The Canadian was getting aggravated. "Can't you stand still for one minute! You're such a coward!"
Miharu landed and instantly turned, smiling cheekily. "Stand still in a fight? No way! Catch me if you can!"
Miharu was slowly backing away, in a teasing manor that made Harmony Jade get up in a huff and stomp her foot like a child with a temper tantrum. Miharu shook her head lightly, putting up her defences, as the girl looked ready to attack again.
'She's got the strength, but she's too overzealous and tactically weak,' Miharu thought.
With a loud battle cry, Harmony Jade came at Miharu again, confirming that she'd been right of her strategy. She swung her fist towards her face again, but Miharu parried fast, swinging the girl's arm away from her, opening up the opportunity for her to clip her under the chin with the 'Butter the Bread' uppercut.
Harmony Jade stumbled back, rubbing her jaw. "Oh, so you do fight and not just perform circus tricks!"
Miharu smiled. "You'd be surprised…"
Harmony Jade swiftly stepped forward and attempted to roundhouse Miharu, but wasn't fast enough to catch her as she dodged with a cartwheel to the left. She turned just as Miharu performed a 'Cloud Kick', connecting her foot with the side of her opponent's head. Harmony Jade gasped as she was flipped down sideways, landing hard on her side.
Miharu knew that she had a strong chance of winning this bout, with the way the other fighter seemed to work.
She was very generous to let Harmony Jade have a few seconds breather, as this time around, she got up slower with a disorientated expression on her face. The kick to the head must have been an effective one, and now she was holding her ribs as she stood, as it seemed the heavily landing had had some effect.
"You are so gonna pay for that," she hissed breathlessly.
"Oh really, let's just see about that," Miharu said, deciding it was her turn to go on the offence.
She went straight into the 'Fortune Cookie' combo, with the first two moves snapping Harmony Jade's head down and then backwards, before the last shot thundered into her gut, sending her soaring backwards onto the sandy ground. Harmony Jade rolled onto her good side, coughing harshly, staggering up to her feet, though she was close to dropping to her knees.
The crowd was drinking in the action and begging for more with their rowdy cheers.
Miharu watched the girl lean over, having trouble taking in her breaths. It seemed she could throw the punches, but not be able to take them herself.
Miharu considered that one good move would be all it would take to floor her, the way she was. She needed to use quite an uplifting move, which would be sure put her down.
It was time for a change of style. She shifted stances and moved in closer. She closed her eyes and prayed for Jin, wherever he was, to give her strength now. She hoped his teachings, which seemed she'd learned so long ago, would help her now and she was determined to show the world that in some way, he would always be a part of her.
Harmony Jade had seen Miharu beginning to close the gap between them and screamed, leaping forward, hoping to catch her off guard in a chance to win the fight.
It was what Miharu was waiting for and she instantly side-stepped, rushing forward and hooking her arm up into the 'Tooth Fairy', the uppercut smashing her square in the face, lifting her momentarily into the air. Time stalled if only for a moment and Harmony Jade finally hit the ground. She gave a half-hearted moan, not bothering to get back up.
Miharu stepped back, eyes wide. The official came over, and checked Harmony Jade and shook his head, signally to the stands then pointed to Miharu.
"MIHARU HIRANO WINS!"
The Japanese girl almost fell over when hearing her name announced. It had been too easy, and her opponent totally unprepared. She never even got hit during the bout! It didn't help her out much as she knew she's have to face much stronger and better-trained opponents later. But besides all this background feelings, she was thrilled to have won her first match and thus began her victory revel.
***
Near the back gate of one of the shaded stands, a hooded man stood, fixated with Miharu who was jumping about in a post-match celebration. He smiled faintly. He was glad to see her happy. Just looking at her made him realise she was just as beautiful as ever, maybe even more so. He had been surprised by the last move to finish the match. After all this time, she had never truly forgotten the Jujitsu style. He knew she'd never forget. He sunk back into the shadows wishing he could reveal himself to her, to hold her in his arms. But he knew if he feed the craving for just one touch, he'd find his heart asking for a whole lot more.
***
"She truly is a worthy fighter, Mishima-sama," Konoha said as he stood from his seat in the stands. "Don't you agree?"
Kazuya turned to look him, just beginning to stand as well. "She has a lot to learn."
"Yes, yes, true," Konoha quickly said in agreement.
Kazuya had already returned his focus to Miharu when Konoha was talking. He saw she was now celebrating with the young Chinese fighter, Ling Xiaoyu, who'd come from the back to meet her after the bout.
'Miharu Hirano… a name I may grow accustomed to,' he though. 'For I have a feeling you have a connection that is useful to me.'
He was about to turn to leave when his senses went wild. Something sparked inside him, coming to life with a presence. He looked about, eyes scanning the stands.
"Are you alright, Mishima-sama?" Konoha asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Kazuya said monotone, following the smaller man.
Though he hadn't seen him, he sensed his son near by. The pieces were slowly forming a perfect picture and he knew this Miharu Hirano had something to do with his close presence.
If he kept her close, maybe he had a better chance of finding his son.
***
Miharu felt refreshed from the quick shower she took in the locker rooms and stepped out, now dressed in jeans and a long sleeved, form fitting, V-neck top.
On stepping out, she saw Xiaoyu was talking to Yamaki. She was surprised he'd actually come to watch her match. She groaned inwardly, knowing he always loved to unknowingly pester her and try so hard to chat her up.
She greeted the pair, and felt her hopes of having a decent conversation with Yamaki fade as he suddenly seemed to forget Xiaoyu existed, eyes becoming completely infatuated on her.
"Wow, Miharu! I never knew you were such a good fighter! You said you'd trained, but, seriously! WOW! You're amazing!"
Miharu just smiled. "Thanks. Had to see for yourself, did you?"
"I never doubted you," he said attentively.
Miharu just nodded at that and turned to Xiaoyu. "Oh, Xiao! I just remembered, we have some stuff to catch up on."
Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. "Stuff?" She questioned and suddenly realised that she was driving at something. "Oh yeah! Stuff! Sorry, Yamaki, got to go!"
Yamaki just nodded, eyes still staring at Miharu. "Yeah, sure, we could hang out another day, if you want?"
"Sure, yeah… uh, that would be great," Miharu almost stumbled on her words as she took Xiaoyu's arm and dragged her away as she broke into a run. "Bye!"
"Bye!" He said after them and sighed. "Ah, a woman playing hard to get. She's so great…"
***
"Uh, Miharu, what's going on?" Xiaoyu asked, as they came to a stop at the back of the large car park. "Why did we just run away from Yamaki?"
"Oh, Xiao, it's so obvious that he's trying to come on to me," Miharu put her head against the large wall there, stopping herself from smashing her head against it repeatedly. "I can't stand him!"
"Why not?" Xiaoyu imposed upon her friend. "He's cute and quite popular, and for once, he's one of the nicer crowd."
"It's the little things, Xiao," Miharu explained. "He's just so irritating when he's near me. It's like I'm some sort of addictive drug. And he also blabs too much about stupid things or about himself. It doesn't impress me."
"Most of the time, it's called idle chit chat," Xiaoyu tried to reason. "And besides, you're a single girl, why don't you go for a guy like Yamaki?"
Miharu was about to say, 'Because It'd be like cheating on Jin,' but she stopped herself. Xiaoyu didn't know and it was best she didn't.
She sighed. "I guess I'm not ready for a relationship."
"I'd say you are," Xiaoyu pushed on, taking her friends arm as they walked across the car park. "I think we've reached a stage in our lives when its time to start thinking about long term relationships. Why don't you give Yamaki a shot, even just one date. Then you can be sure if he's your type or not."
"I'll think about it," Miharu said, and she knew her voice wasn't convincing by the look she received from Xiaoyu. "Okay, I'll REALLY think about it."
"I hope so," the Chinese girl said. "Because you can't let all the nice guys just walk away."
Miharu's thoughts drifted onto Jin. Such a wonderful, kind person, and the perfect candidate for the nice guy category.
Being with him had been a dream she never knew she wanted, and then, he'd walked away, disappearing off the face of the Earth, as it seemed.
Could she afford to wait now?
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco. I am making no money from this fan fiction; it is just for fun. I however own all the characters that are not apart of the Tekken franchise. All rights reserved.
A/N: I believe there would be preliminary rounds - I think more people would be starting off in the competition. Well, enjoy!
Chapter 4
The sandy floor kicked up as people moved about frantically to put their equipment aside for the upcoming match. The sounds of directory calls were lost in the cheers and horns that crawled around the small arena. Everyone was ready to watch a good match.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the preliminary rounds of the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4. Our first bout today, Miharu Hirano versus Harmony Jade…"
"Well, here I go…" Miharu said as she stepped out into the battle arena, her presence picking up the cheers of the gathering people.
Miharu stepped into the large white chalked centre circle, adjusting her wristbands, kicking up the dusty ground beneath her feet. She shook her head, leaning it back as she made sure the band keeping her hair out of her face stayed on. She looked up at the bright cerulean sky and closed her eyes with a smile. She could feel the heat of the sun rest against her face.
The day was perfect, and it made her ever more ready for this fight.
She began her stretch routine. She leaned onto one leg as she spread the other behind her, feeling that slight twinge that pulled on the muscle, then traded legs to do the same to the other. She dealt with other parts of her body, loosening up all her muscles. A light, cool sweat had softly built up on her skin. She was glad she was wearing a loose sleeveless top and shorts, as the sweat wouldn't cling too badly now or even during the bout, that is, if her opponent was as well prepared and able to put up a decent fight.
Miharu turned on the sound of footsteps and found herself standing a metre or so away from the young woman whom she was about to fight
She was a tall, broom handle thin, Canadian girl with a long mane of golden brown hair, tied back with a long red ribbon. She wore a cropped pink spandex top that hugged tightly to her well-bloomed front. It strained as she stretched her arms back, looking rather painful to wear. Her trousers were blinding as they shimmered with a glittering, light material, which rolled like liquid over her legs with her movement. This Harmony Jade girl was out just to look pretty, and it made Miharu wonder if her fighting skills were up to much.
"Ah, Miharu Hirano," she said, a cocky grin on her face. "So, you're the one I'm gonna beat, eh?"
Miharu frowned. "Don't be too sure."
It was always good to do a background check on the competition, and what Miharu had read up on about this girl, seemed iffy. Her fighting style was just written as standard fist fighting, which made her think she was a girl who practised with a street brawling style and very little technique. No way would she advance far into the tournament, even if she beat Miharu or not.
Harmony Jade warmed up slightly as the official came over to explain the rules. They nodded as he went through the short list and wished them the best of luck. He stepped away from the starting white circle.
The announcer's voice boomed through the large speakers:
"Miharu Hirano vs. Harmony Jade. Ready? FIGHT!"
And so it begun…
Harmony Jade didn't waste any time when the fight call was made, and she launched herself at Miharu, throwing a heavy fist towards her face. Miharu jumped slightly and took a step back, grabbing the incoming arm and turned, using the momentum from the punch against the attacker as the force threw the other girl onto the sandy floor. Miharu heard her make a shocked shriek as she fell.
Harmony had been stunned. She didn't think the girl would react so fast. She boiled inside at how stupid she must have looked. She wouldn't let her get away with such a humiliation.
She was up on her feet like lightning, turning sharp eyes on her Japanese opponent. She rushed her again, this time leaping into a jumping kick. Miharu anticipated this kind of action and rolled to her right, coming up on the other side as the girl landed roughly.
Harmony Jade shook her head as she ignored the stinging scrape on her leg and she clambered to her feet, turning back to Miharu. If her eyes could have turned red, they'd have been blazing the colour of like hell's fire there and then.
She ran at Miharu again, this time, going low with a baseball slide. But still, Miharu managed to dodge her, performing a 'Front Layout', leaping high into the somersault. The Japanese girl proved she could do well on the defensive.
The Canadian was getting aggravated. "Can't you stand still for one minute! You're such a coward!"
Miharu landed and instantly turned, smiling cheekily. "Stand still in a fight? No way! Catch me if you can!"
Miharu was slowly backing away, in a teasing manor that made Harmony Jade get up in a huff and stomp her foot like a child with a temper tantrum. Miharu shook her head lightly, putting up her defences, as the girl looked ready to attack again.
'She's got the strength, but she's too overzealous and tactically weak,' Miharu thought.
With a loud battle cry, Harmony Jade came at Miharu again, confirming that she'd been right of her strategy. She swung her fist towards her face again, but Miharu parried fast, swinging the girl's arm away from her, opening up the opportunity for her to clip her under the chin with the 'Butter the Bread' uppercut.
Harmony Jade stumbled back, rubbing her jaw. "Oh, so you do fight and not just perform circus tricks!"
Miharu smiled. "You'd be surprised…"
Harmony Jade swiftly stepped forward and attempted to roundhouse Miharu, but wasn't fast enough to catch her as she dodged with a cartwheel to the left. She turned just as Miharu performed a 'Cloud Kick', connecting her foot with the side of her opponent's head. Harmony Jade gasped as she was flipped down sideways, landing hard on her side.
Miharu knew that she had a strong chance of winning this bout, with the way the other fighter seemed to work.
She was very generous to let Harmony Jade have a few seconds breather, as this time around, she got up slower with a disorientated expression on her face. The kick to the head must have been an effective one, and now she was holding her ribs as she stood, as it seemed the heavily landing had had some effect.
"You are so gonna pay for that," she hissed breathlessly.
"Oh really, let's just see about that," Miharu said, deciding it was her turn to go on the offence.
She went straight into the 'Fortune Cookie' combo, with the first two moves snapping Harmony Jade's head down and then backwards, before the last shot thundered into her gut, sending her soaring backwards onto the sandy ground. Harmony Jade rolled onto her good side, coughing harshly, staggering up to her feet, though she was close to dropping to her knees.
The crowd was drinking in the action and begging for more with their rowdy cheers.
Miharu watched the girl lean over, having trouble taking in her breaths. It seemed she could throw the punches, but not be able to take them herself.
Miharu considered that one good move would be all it would take to floor her, the way she was. She needed to use quite an uplifting move, which would be sure put her down.
It was time for a change of style. She shifted stances and moved in closer. She closed her eyes and prayed for Jin, wherever he was, to give her strength now. She hoped his teachings, which seemed she'd learned so long ago, would help her now and she was determined to show the world that in some way, he would always be a part of her.
Harmony Jade had seen Miharu beginning to close the gap between them and screamed, leaping forward, hoping to catch her off guard in a chance to win the fight.
It was what Miharu was waiting for and she instantly side-stepped, rushing forward and hooking her arm up into the 'Tooth Fairy', the uppercut smashing her square in the face, lifting her momentarily into the air. Time stalled if only for a moment and Harmony Jade finally hit the ground. She gave a half-hearted moan, not bothering to get back up.
Miharu stepped back, eyes wide. The official came over, and checked Harmony Jade and shook his head, signally to the stands then pointed to Miharu.
"MIHARU HIRANO WINS!"
The Japanese girl almost fell over when hearing her name announced. It had been too easy, and her opponent totally unprepared. She never even got hit during the bout! It didn't help her out much as she knew she's have to face much stronger and better-trained opponents later. But besides all this background feelings, she was thrilled to have won her first match and thus began her victory revel.
***
Near the back gate of one of the shaded stands, a hooded man stood, fixated with Miharu who was jumping about in a post-match celebration. He smiled faintly. He was glad to see her happy. Just looking at her made him realise she was just as beautiful as ever, maybe even more so. He had been surprised by the last move to finish the match. After all this time, she had never truly forgotten the Jujitsu style. He knew she'd never forget. He sunk back into the shadows wishing he could reveal himself to her, to hold her in his arms. But he knew if he feed the craving for just one touch, he'd find his heart asking for a whole lot more.
***
"She truly is a worthy fighter, Mishima-sama," Konoha said as he stood from his seat in the stands. "Don't you agree?"
Kazuya turned to look him, just beginning to stand as well. "She has a lot to learn."
"Yes, yes, true," Konoha quickly said in agreement.
Kazuya had already returned his focus to Miharu when Konoha was talking. He saw she was now celebrating with the young Chinese fighter, Ling Xiaoyu, who'd come from the back to meet her after the bout.
'Miharu Hirano… a name I may grow accustomed to,' he though. 'For I have a feeling you have a connection that is useful to me.'
He was about to turn to leave when his senses went wild. Something sparked inside him, coming to life with a presence. He looked about, eyes scanning the stands.
"Are you alright, Mishima-sama?" Konoha asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Kazuya said monotone, following the smaller man.
Though he hadn't seen him, he sensed his son near by. The pieces were slowly forming a perfect picture and he knew this Miharu Hirano had something to do with his close presence.
If he kept her close, maybe he had a better chance of finding his son.
***
Miharu felt refreshed from the quick shower she took in the locker rooms and stepped out, now dressed in jeans and a long sleeved, form fitting, V-neck top.
On stepping out, she saw Xiaoyu was talking to Yamaki. She was surprised he'd actually come to watch her match. She groaned inwardly, knowing he always loved to unknowingly pester her and try so hard to chat her up.
She greeted the pair, and felt her hopes of having a decent conversation with Yamaki fade as he suddenly seemed to forget Xiaoyu existed, eyes becoming completely infatuated on her.
"Wow, Miharu! I never knew you were such a good fighter! You said you'd trained, but, seriously! WOW! You're amazing!"
Miharu just smiled. "Thanks. Had to see for yourself, did you?"
"I never doubted you," he said attentively.
Miharu just nodded at that and turned to Xiaoyu. "Oh, Xiao! I just remembered, we have some stuff to catch up on."
Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. "Stuff?" She questioned and suddenly realised that she was driving at something. "Oh yeah! Stuff! Sorry, Yamaki, got to go!"
Yamaki just nodded, eyes still staring at Miharu. "Yeah, sure, we could hang out another day, if you want?"
"Sure, yeah… uh, that would be great," Miharu almost stumbled on her words as she took Xiaoyu's arm and dragged her away as she broke into a run. "Bye!"
"Bye!" He said after them and sighed. "Ah, a woman playing hard to get. She's so great…"
***
"Uh, Miharu, what's going on?" Xiaoyu asked, as they came to a stop at the back of the large car park. "Why did we just run away from Yamaki?"
"Oh, Xiao, it's so obvious that he's trying to come on to me," Miharu put her head against the large wall there, stopping herself from smashing her head against it repeatedly. "I can't stand him!"
"Why not?" Xiaoyu imposed upon her friend. "He's cute and quite popular, and for once, he's one of the nicer crowd."
"It's the little things, Xiao," Miharu explained. "He's just so irritating when he's near me. It's like I'm some sort of addictive drug. And he also blabs too much about stupid things or about himself. It doesn't impress me."
"Most of the time, it's called idle chit chat," Xiaoyu tried to reason. "And besides, you're a single girl, why don't you go for a guy like Yamaki?"
Miharu was about to say, 'Because It'd be like cheating on Jin,' but she stopped herself. Xiaoyu didn't know and it was best she didn't.
She sighed. "I guess I'm not ready for a relationship."
"I'd say you are," Xiaoyu pushed on, taking her friends arm as they walked across the car park. "I think we've reached a stage in our lives when its time to start thinking about long term relationships. Why don't you give Yamaki a shot, even just one date. Then you can be sure if he's your type or not."
"I'll think about it," Miharu said, and she knew her voice wasn't convincing by the look she received from Xiaoyu. "Okay, I'll REALLY think about it."
"I hope so," the Chinese girl said. "Because you can't let all the nice guys just walk away."
Miharu's thoughts drifted onto Jin. Such a wonderful, kind person, and the perfect candidate for the nice guy category.
Being with him had been a dream she never knew she wanted, and then, he'd walked away, disappearing off the face of the Earth, as it seemed.
Could she afford to wait now?