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.
Chapter 7
The huge crowd was chanting long and loud, dying to see the fight they'd paid especially for. The bout involved two women going at it, enough to make the men hoot and call to urge it on. Everyone was growing restless as security crews and people dealing with the technical aspect were still setting up for the match. Slow work so far, but well worth it.
In the locker room, Xiaoyu was sitting, listening to the voices echoing through the vents from the audience. She turned to Miharu, whom was obviously trying to ignore it, adjusting her glove for probably the third time, fingers wriggling and shaking, looking for more comfort that couldn't be given.
"Ease up, Miharu," Xiaoyu soothed, patting her shoulder.
Miharu lifted her head to the look of confidence emanating from her friend's eyes. It was supporting but didn't assure her that she'd truly walk out of this bout victorious and with her head intact. Miharu sighed and finally stood. This meant everything to her; she just had to buck up the courage…
"I guess I'll never be more ready in my entire life," she said, biting her lip as the tension mounted within her.
Xiaoyu clamped a hand to her shoulder and smiled with an expression full of faith. "You're going to win, Miharu. You're one of the best fighters here. I've seen you work at your moves. You have the power, the speed and the agility to win. The preliminaries proved that. You just have to believe you can win. I may have taught you, but it takes a true spirit to have the power you do."
Miharu faced Xiaoyu, fists clenched up to her chest. "I believe I can win. I know I will win… are you sure I'll win?"
Xiaoyu nodded, being as sure as she could be. "Yeah, this Christie Monteiro girl is going to be a walk over."
"I hope so…" Miharu breathed out a long sigh.
A member of the staff stuck her head around the door. "Miharu Hirano, it's time."
Looking at the woman, Miharu almost felt faint. Her message was the beginning of her walk into battle. She had to face it, the only way to be strong and get her answers in the end.
"Alright," she said and began to walk for the door.
"Good luck," Xiaoyu called behind her. "I'll be in the stands cheering you on!"
"Thanks, Xiao." And the Japanese girl trudged onwards to face her upcoming battle.
***
The crowd was huge; a much bigger attendance then there was at the preliminaries. She'd been, at one point, part of the crowd, but having to stand out there and face it as she fought was a completely different thing. She took in a deep breath and walked out, the roar of the crowd picking up to her entrance.
She scanned about at the people in the stands, looking for Xiaoyu. Easily enough, she spotted her sat with Lei Wulong and Julia Chang. She waved to Xiaoyu and walked out into the central part of the arena floor. Her skin prickled as she felt all the people watching her. Her black nylon mid-drift top and biker shorts began to itch under the intensity. She ignored it, putting it all down to her nervous imagination.
Stepping into the inner circle she scanned the space for opponent. Surely enough, there she was, talking to some officials at the side near the stands. Miharu's jaw dropped. It was that busty woman with the burgundy hair. So now she knew who Christie Monteiro was. Her attire was defiantly something she used to get the men gawking. She proudly sported a thin strapped bikini top, decorated by bright, shiny sequins and a pair of flared, holographic purple bottoms.
'That's not a fighting outfit,' Miharu thought. 'That's something you wear when you cheaply sell your body…'
She cringed and turned to do some warm ups, casting brief glances up at Christie whom had turned her attentions to someone in the stands, the officials now doing other things. Fiery red hair from the man she was talking to told her it was the punk, Hwoarang. She was flirting like crazy with him and he was touching her as much as possible, giving her encouragement. She exchanged a kiss with plenty of tongue before she reluctantly departed his company to approach Miharu. The Japanese girl gagged slightly, but just decided that it was best not to think about it.
Christie swung her hair over her shoulder as she approached, smiling so irritating and perfect like. "So you're my opponent! I'll have to take it easy on you."
"You don't have to, I won't do the same for you," Miharu merely said, still stretching herself out.
Christie frowned. "Yeah, whatever, just prepare yourself for a beating."
"Oh, I will," Miharu said, still not properly facing the other girl.
Christie just let out a groan, seeing she couldn't aggravate her opponent and went to her side, doing some stretches of her own.
The officials read over the rules as both women stretched out properly. They wished them luck and departed the fighting area, with only the two of them left, facing each other. Christie glared harshly, a small heartless smile appearing on her lips. Miharu just stayed blank faced.
The broadcasting system came to life. "Welcome to today's match of Miharu Hirano versus Christie Monteiro! Are you ready?"
The crowd's cheers picked up, the whole arena buzzing in anticipation.
"Here we go!" Christie said grinning, doing a gunshot like motion at Miharu, who just ignored it and bowed respectfully.
"Fight!"
It didn't start off as quickly as expected as the girls just began to circle each other carefully, eyeing up their competition. Miharu kept up her guard, knowing somehow that this Christie Monteiro girl might not exactly be a walk over if she got this far.
"Sorry to break it to you, but I've got to hurt you to win," Christie jeered and charged with incredible speed.
Miharu had never seen it coming and didn't have chance to side step as the girl launched herself up from low and drove her elbow against Miharu's face. Miharu stifled a cry and felt herself leave the ground. She quickly regained her senses to twist her body in mid air and land carefully, going down to one knee. She rubbed her cheek, narrowing her eyes at the Brazilian girl, who was chuckling.
"Sorry, did that hurt?" Christie laughed through her mocking.
Miharu retaliated, leaping up with an uppercut that snapped under the girl's chin. Christie staggered backwards, regaining her balance so she wouldn't fall down. She grabbed her jaw and growled.
"I'll make you pay for that one," she sneered.
"Come on, milking it with your sweet talk isn't going to buy you time," Miharu snapped and leapt into a kick at Christie.
The other girl dropped backwards so that she was sitting propped up on her hands. Miharu went straight over her and landed on the sandy ground, rolling over and getting back up quick sharp as Christie pushed herself up into a 'Helicopter' like move.
Miharu frowned but gasped as one of those deadly feet of Christie's struck her chest. She backed off as her opponent moved carefully on her hands, spinning those long deadly legs in an attempt to lay a hit on her again. Miharu stayed out of striking range and rubbed the afflicted area. She'd seen these moves before done by Eddy Gordo at the last tournament. She knew what to expect after watching one of his matches, and for a fact, Christie wasn't going to be an easy opponent to beat with the Capoeira style at her disposal.
The Brazilian flipped back onto her feet and smirked. Miharu matched the smirk and charged at her.
***
Xiaoyu winced as the two clashed, gripping her seat as finally constant blows were being exchanged between the two. Christie had started off with the blocking, but seemed a bit more inclined to throw the punches. Miharu had much more affective blocking and slowly backed up to ease up the blows effect, picking the right moments to catch her off guard with her own hits.
The Chinese girl cheered. "YOU GO MIHARU!"
"That Christie sure is a spitfire," Lei remarked, digging into his pre-match bought food.
"I think that Monteiro girl will lose," Julia commented. "Judging by the way she has performed so far, I think her arrogance will get the best of her."
"I agree," a voice came from next to Xiaoyu and she jumped, smiling.
"King! It's a surprise to see you again!" She greeted, hugging his arm as he sat down.
"And to see you too, Xiaoyu," the Mexican wrestler said, patting her hand that was carefully wrapped around his arm. He looked up towards the two opponents now circling each other once again. "Is that your friend out there?" He pointed to the auburn-haired one.
Xiaoyu nodded. "Yeah. I helped train her. She's a really good fighter."
"By her posture and attitude, I'd have to agree there. She'd be a worthy advisory. Too bad she's been put up against someone like Christie Monteiro, who has more cleavage then brains."
Lei spluttered out some of his food, laughing hard at King's comment.
Julia cringed. "Lei, that's disgusting."
The Chinese man wiped his mouth, trying to hide the grin. "Sorry about that."
Xiaoyu was giggling at the older man and turned her attention back to Miharu, who was now showing off some of her great offensive skills.
***
Christie had to leap out of the way of the incoming 'Storming Flower'; the thrust of the ki-powered palm was powerful enough that it would have been a devastating move. She growled and tried to roundhouse kick Miharu, whom ducked, going into the 'Road Sweeper' side-stepping kick. Christie tripped but put a hand down to stop her fall, pushing back up, only to walk into the 'Butter the Bread' uppercut that sent her onto her back, a rush of air leaving her lungs.
Miharu backed off a step, keeping up her guard just in case Christie tried to surprise her.
The Brazilian only laid startled for a moment, before pushing herself up with a flip, letting out a enraged cry and tackling Miharu down. The Japanese girl tumbled backwards with the girls weight pinning and put up hands to protect her face as her opponent sent vicious fists her way.
One or two successful fists managed to clip Miharu's face and she cried out, making a grab at the next incoming fist. Christie yelped in shock, trying to pry her hand free from the girl's grip and cried out frustrated, launching her other fist at her, only to have repeat performance. Both hands locked, she couldn't hit her.
"GET OFF ME!" Miharu yelled, pushing against those fists and sending Christie off her. Miharu back rolled up and went in for a 'Step in' kick, which Christie quickly blocked. On doing so, Miharu forced herself to leap at her, pressing her weight behind her feet as she back launched herself off Christie with a somersault, evidently breaking her guard and making her fall back onto her rear.
The crowd was surprised with that move and directed their laughter at the now embarrassed Christie Monteiro.
She flushed, fuming. "YOU WON'T GET OFF LIGHTLY, YOU LITTLE BITCH!"
Miharu began to charge Christie's way, her aim to go into a baseball slide, but she didn't expect to be intercepted as the girl rolled up and dived into her. The impact to her midsection was tremendous, throwing her across the sandy ground, scrapping any exposed skin. She cried out, rolling onto her side to relieve the burning sensation.
***
"GET UP MIHARU!" Xiaoyu yelled, suddenly on her feet.
"That was a nasty move," King said. "I don't think she expected that one coming. Christie isn't as bad a fighter as we thought."
Xiaoyu stomped her foot. "That won't stop Miharu." She leaned over the banister. "COME ON MIHARU, IT TAKES MORE THAN THAT TO KEEP YOU DOWN! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT!"
"She needs support, but take it easy," Julia said and the Chinese girl flopped back into her seat. "If Lei gives you some candy, will you calm down?"
"Hey!" Lei protested.
Xiaoyu's eyes lit up. "You say candy?"
Lei covered his face and reluctantly handed over a candy bar to the hungry little Chinese pixie girl.
"KEEP IT UP CHRISTIE! YOU'VE GOT THE MATCH IN THE BAG!"
"I see she has her own one man fan club." Julia sarcastically pointed out Hwoarang whom was across the other side of the arena, belting out his support like a lunatic.
"Forget Hwoarang, he's just with her because she has big breasts," Xiaoyu said, in-between munching on the candy bar at hand. "I could have breasts that big if I shoved watermelons in my top too."
The group laughed, but stopped when they saw Christie kick Miharu in the back as she was getting up, sending her across the sandy ground.
"If I could, I'd jump in there and show Christie a thing or two!" Xiaoyu seethed.
"Calm, Xiao. Go get some more candy bars. I'm sure Miharu will pull off a win easily. Let's not doubt her," Julia said.
Xiaoyu sighed. "You're right." She turned in her seat looking up the aisles for people carrying refreshment trays. She scanned about, disgruntled not to see one first off.
Her scanning eyes stopped their search when she found someone whom she took more interesting to look at, half hidden by shadows in the upper stand. Her eyes were wide, unbelieving.
'Could it be… but…' Her mind couldn't register whom she was seeing
***
"Hey, d'ya hurt yourself?"
Miharu got up to her knees, angry with Christie for taunting her so dishonourably. She looked over her shoulder at the smirking face of the Brazilian, whom leaned over with a hand on her knee, looking completely cocky. Christie beckoned her with a finger to get up, all the more mocking. Miharu's eyes narrowed to thin slits.
"You should watch your mouth… it might get you into trouble one day," Miharu warned.
Christie just chuckled. "Oh, and what would you do about it?"
"This…" Miharu 'California' rolled backwards and raised into the 'Mistrust' kick, connecting squarely under Christie's jaw, picking her up off the ground. Miharu side rolled out of the way as the surprised Christie landed with a heavy thud, crying out.
Miharu decided it was her turn to taunt, and give Christie as taste of her own medicine. She turned with half her back to the girl and slapped her posterior, laughing at her. Christie instantly took offence and staggered up, swaying, ignoring the pain in her head.
She was the one who would be dishing out the taunts, in no way planning to lay there and take anything from Miharu.
"Don't you dare do that to me again!" Christie threw a kick at Miharu, who dropped down under it into the 'Phoenix stance'. The Brazilian was disoriented and at first didn't notice that the girl had dropped downwards. She took a step back, confused with where she could be. When she did see her, she jumped, scowling hard. She didn't hesitate to go in for the attack.
'Just as I thought,' Miharu regarded and decided to go in for her attack as well.
Christie quickly dropped, pushing down onto one hand, her leg coming over her head, while underneath her position, Miharu pushed her weight backwards onto a hand and performed a corkscrew upwards with her feet. The three spinning kicks from the 'Phoenix talon' attack connected against Christie's head, but not before her kick cracked Miharu over the top of her skull. Christie was lifted up, twisting in the air, before landing roughly on the ground. Miharu fell back, but quickly rolled up. She struggled with her balance, literally seeing stars.
She blinked, hoping to clear her foggy vision, standing very still on uneasy feet, waiting to see if Christie would get back up. The girl on the floor shifted and moaned, but didn't bother to get up again. Miharu sighed with relief, worried now that she was seeing grey dots flicker over her vision, but she kept standing nonetheless.
An official went over to check Christie. When they were sure she was out, they signalled up for the end of the match.
"Miharu Hirano wins!"
The crowd went ballistic, and Miharu smiled tiredly, excited she'd won.
"I won… I really won!" She cried, hands in the air, turning to where Xiaoyu was in the stand. "Xiao! I won! I won! I…"
The world spun into a black abyss and Miharu collapsed.
***
Tapping of soft feet against the pavement, seeming nothing unusual. But listening to them of her own accord, she became slightly disorientated. It didn't seem right…
Her echoing footsteps stopped, her body freezing up. She had been walking for a short while, thinking about problems as she usually did, how life was… well, was she?
Miharu stood there in the middle of a street, confused. She wasn't supposed to be walking anywhere. She was supposed to be at a fight… or had she been?
The only thoughts running through her head were about failing schoolwork, no love life and her mother's disapproval. But, her mother… no… her mother was dead…
She had a sudden notion to check her bag, digging through with a sense of uncertainty. She finally dug out two sheets of paper, staring at them surprised. Two low scored test papers, one English and the other maths. Her eyes widened.
They were dated two years ago…
Then she knew… this was the past.
But why was she here?
She stuffed the papers back in her bag, walking along thoughtfully, looking around at people cycling home past her from school. She remembered these people, all looking two years younger. So strange…
She looked up at the sky as she felt drops of rain tickle over her uniform and dripped finely down her cheeks.
"Great, I didn't even bring an umbrella," she murmured, remembering saying exactly that two years ago.
She sighed and closed her eyes, carefully stepping out into the road. Something was nagging her… something had happened that day more then the bad tests, but what?
A loud honking noise sounded as she crossed into the middle of the road.
Now she remembered…
… The truck that threatened to run her down.
This time, she didn't scream when turning to look at it, instead just staring as if it wasn't real. She turned to look around for Jin, as he saved her last time. He was nowhere to be seen.
"He's not here for you anymore…" Her heart whispered and she kept tearful eyes shut, arms stretched out, accepting fate… waiting to die.
She felt a force impact against her, a deadly slap that sent her falling. Instead of concrete however, she felt soft, wet grass on her back. She gasped, opening her eyes, thrashing as she sat up, greeted by the continuing beating of the rain, now falling from a glittering night sky.
Looking around, she found herself on her favourite hillside at the park. She shuddered, curling her arms around her frame. It was so cold…
She turned when she heard voices coming up the long path, running feet trying to beat the falling raindrops.
Two people were desperate to escape the rain, the girl squeaking as the long streaks of cold water soaked into her shimmering dress.
Miharu paused. She recognised that dress… that very silver, but she was unsure somehow…
She looked up at the face of the man who was covering up the smaller girl and she gasped.
It was Jin! And he was with another girl!
She got up quickly, and started towards them as they headed into the wooded part, looking for cover. She caught a glimpse of the girl's face and almost fell onto the sodden grass.
'No way…' Her mind wouldn't let it process and she was running after them, pushing past the long tree branches and into the open area near the bandstand. She stood openly in the rain, as they went under cover, face pale and confused.
Jin took a seat away from the girl, who turned out to be none other, then a sixteen-year-old version of herself.
"It's me," she whispered. "It's… another memory, or something…"
She approached them, her feet shaky, everything slowly coming back to her.
"I'm a mess," her counterpart said, slapping her hands on the stone of bench undercover. "It had to happen while we were on a date! This is so typical. The last time we get to see each other this way for a while and the weather goes against us."
'My last date with Jin…' Miharu remembered, lips trembling with sadness.
"Rain isn't going to ruin my date with you," Jin said, wrapping his arms over the girl's shoulders and she instantly huddled against him. He kissed her wet hair, holding her tenderly there. "Though there's rain, this date is still perfect… as long as you're here with me."
"You're so sweet," she answered him.
Miharu backed up slowly, staring at the past scene in front of her eyes, tears beginning to well in her eyes and spilling as she watched them kiss with a passion that seemed it could never be matched.
She turned, choking on a whimper within her throat. She remembered it all clearly. Her last embrace within his arms, which just felt all so bitter now with a broken promise. She covered her mouth, the sobs escaping her lips, no longer able to hold them back. She cried, not afraid to be heard, though she knew she truly couldn't be seen there.
Arms carefully encircled her shoulders and she jumped, pressing back against the figure standing there.
"J-Jin…" She stammered.
The past version of her boyfriend stood encasing her in his warmth, no sign of her younger self anywhere.
"Why do you cry?" He asked.
She sniffled slightly, looking down at the ground.
"Because I'm alone…" She whispered.
"You're never alone, you have your friends there for you…" His breath tickled her ear as he pressed her face to her wet hair. "… And I'll always be in your heart."
She shuddered, turning to face him. "I'm so confused. Why am I here? Why must I be tortured by these memories? One minute I'm loved, the next I'm hated, then loved all over again. Why?"
He just kept smiling at her, though he heard her words laced with a heart wrenching sadness. "We dream things for a reason. Hidden messages there to guide us, and sometimes warn us. You see me because you want to remind yourself not to forget the good times. Even though you get messages that may hurt you, you still fight to see the good of it all."
"I'm just hurting myself more," she sobbed.
He held her tighter. "No, you aren't. Memories and dreams can never hurt you."
"But life can…" She shook, reaching up carefully to touch the arms that enfolded around her. So warm and soft. So real. "… And now I can only bring you to me in my dreams…"
"And I will always come," he said.
She turned around in his arms, looking into his handsome face, trying to search for answers, and wondering if he'd turn on her like in the other dream she had. But he was calm, and peaceful, with kind eyes looking her over. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling herself against his warm body once more, more crystal tears appearing in her eyes.
"Then, if I can only truly find your love and embrace within my dreams, then I never want to wake up." She cried softly against his chest and he ran gentle fingers through her hair soothingly.
"We all have to wake up eventually, and you will face life again, with or without me…" He said.
She looked up, eyes streaming. "Will you be there for me when I awake? Please tell me you will. I can't face the world alone."
He finally looked sad, touching her wet cheeks. "I don't know."
She cried once more. "I'm scared. I don't want you to go away…"
"As long as you keep my close, I never truly will," he answered, kissing her salty, tear stained cheeks, finally bringing those soft lips of his to hers.
She could taste her own bitter tears pressed to her the edge of the mouth from his, but she didn't care, as long as she could taste his warm mouth to hers, nothing else mattered in the world. Right there and then, with time being none existent, she was lost in the sweet embrace that she dreamed for. It felt so real, his arms pressing her close as he dipped her backwards and tongues finally clashed in long yearned passion.
She could pretend, if only for a moment that he was really there, and she grabbed as his hair, soft tresses grasped between her delicate fingers, bruising her mouth to his with the pressure she laid on him. He was never deterred from her need, submitting to what she wanted.
She began to feel light headed, finally parting, and staring into his eyes. He smiled at her and leaned in and kissed her forehead.
"I will always love you," he told her sincerely.
She whimpered, her whole body becoming limp in his arms. The world around her began to fade through a glowing brightness, and she tried her best to cling to him, but he felt like he was melting away from her, disappearing.
"Please don't go…" She uttered softly, feeling she was weakening.
The world was becoming enveloped by white and she was reaching out for him to stay with her. He still smiled, his hands taking hers, whispering something that was taken away in the wind. Finally, his hand melted away from hers too and he was suddenly gone with the bright light.
"No… Jin…" She barely was able to say as she felt herself falling in a spiral, closing her eyes from the blinding light.
"Miharu?"
She was listening to the echoing voice that surrounded her, trying to reach out for support. Her mind was just an endless chasm of uncertainty, with nothing to grab onto. But finally, that echoing voice was wrapping her up, pulling her back.
"Miharu?" The voice finally became recognisable, so sweet and feminine.
She opened her eyes slowly, the white beginning to fade, and a new place beginning to form. Where was she now?
A blue painted ceiling, the colour of a bright morning on a summer's day, a bright white light in the centre, seeming to represent the sun. She tilted her head away from that blinding light and looked at the anxious face leaning over her.
"Xiaoyu?" She finally made out, her voice properly returning.
She was back where she should have been. In the present, real world.
"I'm glad to see you finally woke up, sleepy head," Xiaoyu said, smiling. "You were out for a good half hour. Christie really did kick you hard."
"Where am I?" Miharu asked, uncertain of the new surroundings. Last thing she remembered was an arena full of people and sandy floors, now, she was somewhere quiet and secluded.
"You're in the medical room in the locker room area," Xiaoyu explained. "The EMT's said you weren't badly hurt. They gave you something in a needle and they left you here to wake up."
Miharu finally noticed the pang in her arm and winced. Okay, that explained that.
"Where's Lei and Julia?" Miharu asked.
"They came with me to watch you here, but Julia had to go meet a college friend about her project and Lei was running up on some leads he had for his case," Xiaoyu said. "They told me to tell you they hope you feel okay."
"I should be soon," Miharu said, sitting up slightly, feeling the heavy mass of pillows behind her. "I'm going to have a headache tomorrow!" She chuckled lightly and swallowed, her throat feeling raw. She flinched.
"Oh, you need a drink?" Xiaoyu noticed her discomfort.
"Yes, please."
Xiaoyu nodded and stood from the stool she was on. "I'll be right back then." And she hurried off, shutting the heavy echoing door.
Miharu just lay there, listening to the nothingness in the room. It was so peaceful, no more noise of screaming crowds… or really anything. She was still paralysed from her dreams, or, flashbacks, whatever she saw them as. The warmth in her lips rose, a tingling there like in a memory, as if it had actually happened. Her eyes were dry, there were no tears to shed, or maybe, she was just afraid to cry.
The door reopened and Xiaoyu stepped back in with a plastic cup filled with ice cold water. Miharu accepted it, her throat parched. Xiaoyu retook her seat, watching her friend drink like a woman deprived of water in a hot desert.
"You know, it was strange, during your match, I saw Jin watching in the audience…"
Miharu nearly gagged on the water, but had just swallowed as Xiaoyu mentioned his name.
"H-he was?" She could only say.
"Yeah, weird. After so long, he was just… there." Xiaoyu was just as shocked as she was. "I tried to find him after you were brought in here but I couldn't find him. I asked around, but they said he'd just disappeared. Weird, huh?"
Miharu clasped the cup tightly, almost crushing it. "Yeah… weird." She was dying to go on her own search for him, but knew she'd just be as unsuccessful as everyone else. He was hiding away, and there had to be a good reason why.
"You okay?" Xiaoyu asked.
Miharu nodded, taking the last sip of water, quenching her thirst. "Yes, I'm fine. The bump is just disorientating me is all. I'll be back to my normal self in no time."
"Scary thought," Xiaoyu joked.
Miharu grinned lightly and looked up as the door opened, a blonde man walking. He was the flirtatious one from the banquet; the one fawned over by the female population there.
"Hey, so you're finally awake!" He said smiling. "The was one hell of a match you had out there. You showed that Monteiro a thing or two."
"Why, uh, thank you," Miharu answered, a little confused on who this guy was.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself," he approached the makeshift bed, extending his hand. "The name's Steve Fox, I'm fighting in the tournament too. I'd love to face you as an opponent. You're an excellent fighter."
She nodded, shaking his hand. "Thank you very much, Mr. Fox."
"Just call me Steve," he insisted, turning to Xiaoyu and shaking her hand. She introduced herself to him and they made small talk.
Miharu looked at this bright, bubbly British man and sighed. She had to admit that he was pretty hot, but she had promised herself not to look at any other man. She had literally dug herself a hole to sleep in for the rest of her life. She sighed inwardly.
"Well, you see," Steve continued with Miharu paying half attention. "There is a club opening up a party in honour of the tournament and I was hoping to find some people to go with. It's in a couple of day's time and will give Miharu here the chance to recuperate. As was wondering if you lovely ladies would go with me."
"That would be nice," Xiaoyu said, then turned to the Japanese girl. "What do you think, Miharu?"
She looked between them and felt obligated not to refuse. "Oh, okay."
"Great!" Steve said brightening.
"I really want to go home and rest now," Miharu said tiredly.
"I don't think the medics are keeping you here," Xiaoyu said to her. "I could call out for a limo to pick us up."
"No need," Steve said. "I've got a car. I could give you both a lift home?"
"Oh, you don't have to," Miharu said, swinging her legs carefully around so she could climb off. She still felt a bit woozy but that would eventually pass.
Steve carefully took her arm. "Oh, it's no trouble. It would be better to get you home quickly. You like you need a good rest up."
Miharu gave in, as it seemed a better idea to get straight off home with the way she was instead of hanging around for a limo. "Okay."
"Good. Okay, Xiaoyu, you take one arm, I'll take the other," he directed and they bother helped the girl off the table onto her numb feet.
"I never knew the floor was made of jelly," she muttered, looking down at her feet.
"You wish," Xiaoyu said giggling and she and Steve helped her out of the locker room.
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.
Chapter 7
The huge crowd was chanting long and loud, dying to see the fight they'd paid especially for. The bout involved two women going at it, enough to make the men hoot and call to urge it on. Everyone was growing restless as security crews and people dealing with the technical aspect were still setting up for the match. Slow work so far, but well worth it.
In the locker room, Xiaoyu was sitting, listening to the voices echoing through the vents from the audience. She turned to Miharu, whom was obviously trying to ignore it, adjusting her glove for probably the third time, fingers wriggling and shaking, looking for more comfort that couldn't be given.
"Ease up, Miharu," Xiaoyu soothed, patting her shoulder.
Miharu lifted her head to the look of confidence emanating from her friend's eyes. It was supporting but didn't assure her that she'd truly walk out of this bout victorious and with her head intact. Miharu sighed and finally stood. This meant everything to her; she just had to buck up the courage…
"I guess I'll never be more ready in my entire life," she said, biting her lip as the tension mounted within her.
Xiaoyu clamped a hand to her shoulder and smiled with an expression full of faith. "You're going to win, Miharu. You're one of the best fighters here. I've seen you work at your moves. You have the power, the speed and the agility to win. The preliminaries proved that. You just have to believe you can win. I may have taught you, but it takes a true spirit to have the power you do."
Miharu faced Xiaoyu, fists clenched up to her chest. "I believe I can win. I know I will win… are you sure I'll win?"
Xiaoyu nodded, being as sure as she could be. "Yeah, this Christie Monteiro girl is going to be a walk over."
"I hope so…" Miharu breathed out a long sigh.
A member of the staff stuck her head around the door. "Miharu Hirano, it's time."
Looking at the woman, Miharu almost felt faint. Her message was the beginning of her walk into battle. She had to face it, the only way to be strong and get her answers in the end.
"Alright," she said and began to walk for the door.
"Good luck," Xiaoyu called behind her. "I'll be in the stands cheering you on!"
"Thanks, Xiao." And the Japanese girl trudged onwards to face her upcoming battle.
***
The crowd was huge; a much bigger attendance then there was at the preliminaries. She'd been, at one point, part of the crowd, but having to stand out there and face it as she fought was a completely different thing. She took in a deep breath and walked out, the roar of the crowd picking up to her entrance.
She scanned about at the people in the stands, looking for Xiaoyu. Easily enough, she spotted her sat with Lei Wulong and Julia Chang. She waved to Xiaoyu and walked out into the central part of the arena floor. Her skin prickled as she felt all the people watching her. Her black nylon mid-drift top and biker shorts began to itch under the intensity. She ignored it, putting it all down to her nervous imagination.
Stepping into the inner circle she scanned the space for opponent. Surely enough, there she was, talking to some officials at the side near the stands. Miharu's jaw dropped. It was that busty woman with the burgundy hair. So now she knew who Christie Monteiro was. Her attire was defiantly something she used to get the men gawking. She proudly sported a thin strapped bikini top, decorated by bright, shiny sequins and a pair of flared, holographic purple bottoms.
'That's not a fighting outfit,' Miharu thought. 'That's something you wear when you cheaply sell your body…'
She cringed and turned to do some warm ups, casting brief glances up at Christie whom had turned her attentions to someone in the stands, the officials now doing other things. Fiery red hair from the man she was talking to told her it was the punk, Hwoarang. She was flirting like crazy with him and he was touching her as much as possible, giving her encouragement. She exchanged a kiss with plenty of tongue before she reluctantly departed his company to approach Miharu. The Japanese girl gagged slightly, but just decided that it was best not to think about it.
Christie swung her hair over her shoulder as she approached, smiling so irritating and perfect like. "So you're my opponent! I'll have to take it easy on you."
"You don't have to, I won't do the same for you," Miharu merely said, still stretching herself out.
Christie frowned. "Yeah, whatever, just prepare yourself for a beating."
"Oh, I will," Miharu said, still not properly facing the other girl.
Christie just let out a groan, seeing she couldn't aggravate her opponent and went to her side, doing some stretches of her own.
The officials read over the rules as both women stretched out properly. They wished them luck and departed the fighting area, with only the two of them left, facing each other. Christie glared harshly, a small heartless smile appearing on her lips. Miharu just stayed blank faced.
The broadcasting system came to life. "Welcome to today's match of Miharu Hirano versus Christie Monteiro! Are you ready?"
The crowd's cheers picked up, the whole arena buzzing in anticipation.
"Here we go!" Christie said grinning, doing a gunshot like motion at Miharu, who just ignored it and bowed respectfully.
"Fight!"
It didn't start off as quickly as expected as the girls just began to circle each other carefully, eyeing up their competition. Miharu kept up her guard, knowing somehow that this Christie Monteiro girl might not exactly be a walk over if she got this far.
"Sorry to break it to you, but I've got to hurt you to win," Christie jeered and charged with incredible speed.
Miharu had never seen it coming and didn't have chance to side step as the girl launched herself up from low and drove her elbow against Miharu's face. Miharu stifled a cry and felt herself leave the ground. She quickly regained her senses to twist her body in mid air and land carefully, going down to one knee. She rubbed her cheek, narrowing her eyes at the Brazilian girl, who was chuckling.
"Sorry, did that hurt?" Christie laughed through her mocking.
Miharu retaliated, leaping up with an uppercut that snapped under the girl's chin. Christie staggered backwards, regaining her balance so she wouldn't fall down. She grabbed her jaw and growled.
"I'll make you pay for that one," she sneered.
"Come on, milking it with your sweet talk isn't going to buy you time," Miharu snapped and leapt into a kick at Christie.
The other girl dropped backwards so that she was sitting propped up on her hands. Miharu went straight over her and landed on the sandy ground, rolling over and getting back up quick sharp as Christie pushed herself up into a 'Helicopter' like move.
Miharu frowned but gasped as one of those deadly feet of Christie's struck her chest. She backed off as her opponent moved carefully on her hands, spinning those long deadly legs in an attempt to lay a hit on her again. Miharu stayed out of striking range and rubbed the afflicted area. She'd seen these moves before done by Eddy Gordo at the last tournament. She knew what to expect after watching one of his matches, and for a fact, Christie wasn't going to be an easy opponent to beat with the Capoeira style at her disposal.
The Brazilian flipped back onto her feet and smirked. Miharu matched the smirk and charged at her.
***
Xiaoyu winced as the two clashed, gripping her seat as finally constant blows were being exchanged between the two. Christie had started off with the blocking, but seemed a bit more inclined to throw the punches. Miharu had much more affective blocking and slowly backed up to ease up the blows effect, picking the right moments to catch her off guard with her own hits.
The Chinese girl cheered. "YOU GO MIHARU!"
"That Christie sure is a spitfire," Lei remarked, digging into his pre-match bought food.
"I think that Monteiro girl will lose," Julia commented. "Judging by the way she has performed so far, I think her arrogance will get the best of her."
"I agree," a voice came from next to Xiaoyu and she jumped, smiling.
"King! It's a surprise to see you again!" She greeted, hugging his arm as he sat down.
"And to see you too, Xiaoyu," the Mexican wrestler said, patting her hand that was carefully wrapped around his arm. He looked up towards the two opponents now circling each other once again. "Is that your friend out there?" He pointed to the auburn-haired one.
Xiaoyu nodded. "Yeah. I helped train her. She's a really good fighter."
"By her posture and attitude, I'd have to agree there. She'd be a worthy advisory. Too bad she's been put up against someone like Christie Monteiro, who has more cleavage then brains."
Lei spluttered out some of his food, laughing hard at King's comment.
Julia cringed. "Lei, that's disgusting."
The Chinese man wiped his mouth, trying to hide the grin. "Sorry about that."
Xiaoyu was giggling at the older man and turned her attention back to Miharu, who was now showing off some of her great offensive skills.
***
Christie had to leap out of the way of the incoming 'Storming Flower'; the thrust of the ki-powered palm was powerful enough that it would have been a devastating move. She growled and tried to roundhouse kick Miharu, whom ducked, going into the 'Road Sweeper' side-stepping kick. Christie tripped but put a hand down to stop her fall, pushing back up, only to walk into the 'Butter the Bread' uppercut that sent her onto her back, a rush of air leaving her lungs.
Miharu backed off a step, keeping up her guard just in case Christie tried to surprise her.
The Brazilian only laid startled for a moment, before pushing herself up with a flip, letting out a enraged cry and tackling Miharu down. The Japanese girl tumbled backwards with the girls weight pinning and put up hands to protect her face as her opponent sent vicious fists her way.
One or two successful fists managed to clip Miharu's face and she cried out, making a grab at the next incoming fist. Christie yelped in shock, trying to pry her hand free from the girl's grip and cried out frustrated, launching her other fist at her, only to have repeat performance. Both hands locked, she couldn't hit her.
"GET OFF ME!" Miharu yelled, pushing against those fists and sending Christie off her. Miharu back rolled up and went in for a 'Step in' kick, which Christie quickly blocked. On doing so, Miharu forced herself to leap at her, pressing her weight behind her feet as she back launched herself off Christie with a somersault, evidently breaking her guard and making her fall back onto her rear.
The crowd was surprised with that move and directed their laughter at the now embarrassed Christie Monteiro.
She flushed, fuming. "YOU WON'T GET OFF LIGHTLY, YOU LITTLE BITCH!"
Miharu began to charge Christie's way, her aim to go into a baseball slide, but she didn't expect to be intercepted as the girl rolled up and dived into her. The impact to her midsection was tremendous, throwing her across the sandy ground, scrapping any exposed skin. She cried out, rolling onto her side to relieve the burning sensation.
***
"GET UP MIHARU!" Xiaoyu yelled, suddenly on her feet.
"That was a nasty move," King said. "I don't think she expected that one coming. Christie isn't as bad a fighter as we thought."
Xiaoyu stomped her foot. "That won't stop Miharu." She leaned over the banister. "COME ON MIHARU, IT TAKES MORE THAN THAT TO KEEP YOU DOWN! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT!"
"She needs support, but take it easy," Julia said and the Chinese girl flopped back into her seat. "If Lei gives you some candy, will you calm down?"
"Hey!" Lei protested.
Xiaoyu's eyes lit up. "You say candy?"
Lei covered his face and reluctantly handed over a candy bar to the hungry little Chinese pixie girl.
"KEEP IT UP CHRISTIE! YOU'VE GOT THE MATCH IN THE BAG!"
"I see she has her own one man fan club." Julia sarcastically pointed out Hwoarang whom was across the other side of the arena, belting out his support like a lunatic.
"Forget Hwoarang, he's just with her because she has big breasts," Xiaoyu said, in-between munching on the candy bar at hand. "I could have breasts that big if I shoved watermelons in my top too."
The group laughed, but stopped when they saw Christie kick Miharu in the back as she was getting up, sending her across the sandy ground.
"If I could, I'd jump in there and show Christie a thing or two!" Xiaoyu seethed.
"Calm, Xiao. Go get some more candy bars. I'm sure Miharu will pull off a win easily. Let's not doubt her," Julia said.
Xiaoyu sighed. "You're right." She turned in her seat looking up the aisles for people carrying refreshment trays. She scanned about, disgruntled not to see one first off.
Her scanning eyes stopped their search when she found someone whom she took more interesting to look at, half hidden by shadows in the upper stand. Her eyes were wide, unbelieving.
'Could it be… but…' Her mind couldn't register whom she was seeing
***
"Hey, d'ya hurt yourself?"
Miharu got up to her knees, angry with Christie for taunting her so dishonourably. She looked over her shoulder at the smirking face of the Brazilian, whom leaned over with a hand on her knee, looking completely cocky. Christie beckoned her with a finger to get up, all the more mocking. Miharu's eyes narrowed to thin slits.
"You should watch your mouth… it might get you into trouble one day," Miharu warned.
Christie just chuckled. "Oh, and what would you do about it?"
"This…" Miharu 'California' rolled backwards and raised into the 'Mistrust' kick, connecting squarely under Christie's jaw, picking her up off the ground. Miharu side rolled out of the way as the surprised Christie landed with a heavy thud, crying out.
Miharu decided it was her turn to taunt, and give Christie as taste of her own medicine. She turned with half her back to the girl and slapped her posterior, laughing at her. Christie instantly took offence and staggered up, swaying, ignoring the pain in her head.
She was the one who would be dishing out the taunts, in no way planning to lay there and take anything from Miharu.
"Don't you dare do that to me again!" Christie threw a kick at Miharu, who dropped down under it into the 'Phoenix stance'. The Brazilian was disoriented and at first didn't notice that the girl had dropped downwards. She took a step back, confused with where she could be. When she did see her, she jumped, scowling hard. She didn't hesitate to go in for the attack.
'Just as I thought,' Miharu regarded and decided to go in for her attack as well.
Christie quickly dropped, pushing down onto one hand, her leg coming over her head, while underneath her position, Miharu pushed her weight backwards onto a hand and performed a corkscrew upwards with her feet. The three spinning kicks from the 'Phoenix talon' attack connected against Christie's head, but not before her kick cracked Miharu over the top of her skull. Christie was lifted up, twisting in the air, before landing roughly on the ground. Miharu fell back, but quickly rolled up. She struggled with her balance, literally seeing stars.
She blinked, hoping to clear her foggy vision, standing very still on uneasy feet, waiting to see if Christie would get back up. The girl on the floor shifted and moaned, but didn't bother to get up again. Miharu sighed with relief, worried now that she was seeing grey dots flicker over her vision, but she kept standing nonetheless.
An official went over to check Christie. When they were sure she was out, they signalled up for the end of the match.
"Miharu Hirano wins!"
The crowd went ballistic, and Miharu smiled tiredly, excited she'd won.
"I won… I really won!" She cried, hands in the air, turning to where Xiaoyu was in the stand. "Xiao! I won! I won! I…"
The world spun into a black abyss and Miharu collapsed.
***
Tapping of soft feet against the pavement, seeming nothing unusual. But listening to them of her own accord, she became slightly disorientated. It didn't seem right…
Her echoing footsteps stopped, her body freezing up. She had been walking for a short while, thinking about problems as she usually did, how life was… well, was she?
Miharu stood there in the middle of a street, confused. She wasn't supposed to be walking anywhere. She was supposed to be at a fight… or had she been?
The only thoughts running through her head were about failing schoolwork, no love life and her mother's disapproval. But, her mother… no… her mother was dead…
She had a sudden notion to check her bag, digging through with a sense of uncertainty. She finally dug out two sheets of paper, staring at them surprised. Two low scored test papers, one English and the other maths. Her eyes widened.
They were dated two years ago…
Then she knew… this was the past.
But why was she here?
She stuffed the papers back in her bag, walking along thoughtfully, looking around at people cycling home past her from school. She remembered these people, all looking two years younger. So strange…
She looked up at the sky as she felt drops of rain tickle over her uniform and dripped finely down her cheeks.
"Great, I didn't even bring an umbrella," she murmured, remembering saying exactly that two years ago.
She sighed and closed her eyes, carefully stepping out into the road. Something was nagging her… something had happened that day more then the bad tests, but what?
A loud honking noise sounded as she crossed into the middle of the road.
Now she remembered…
… The truck that threatened to run her down.
This time, she didn't scream when turning to look at it, instead just staring as if it wasn't real. She turned to look around for Jin, as he saved her last time. He was nowhere to be seen.
"He's not here for you anymore…" Her heart whispered and she kept tearful eyes shut, arms stretched out, accepting fate… waiting to die.
She felt a force impact against her, a deadly slap that sent her falling. Instead of concrete however, she felt soft, wet grass on her back. She gasped, opening her eyes, thrashing as she sat up, greeted by the continuing beating of the rain, now falling from a glittering night sky.
Looking around, she found herself on her favourite hillside at the park. She shuddered, curling her arms around her frame. It was so cold…
She turned when she heard voices coming up the long path, running feet trying to beat the falling raindrops.
Two people were desperate to escape the rain, the girl squeaking as the long streaks of cold water soaked into her shimmering dress.
Miharu paused. She recognised that dress… that very silver, but she was unsure somehow…
She looked up at the face of the man who was covering up the smaller girl and she gasped.
It was Jin! And he was with another girl!
She got up quickly, and started towards them as they headed into the wooded part, looking for cover. She caught a glimpse of the girl's face and almost fell onto the sodden grass.
'No way…' Her mind wouldn't let it process and she was running after them, pushing past the long tree branches and into the open area near the bandstand. She stood openly in the rain, as they went under cover, face pale and confused.
Jin took a seat away from the girl, who turned out to be none other, then a sixteen-year-old version of herself.
"It's me," she whispered. "It's… another memory, or something…"
She approached them, her feet shaky, everything slowly coming back to her.
"I'm a mess," her counterpart said, slapping her hands on the stone of bench undercover. "It had to happen while we were on a date! This is so typical. The last time we get to see each other this way for a while and the weather goes against us."
'My last date with Jin…' Miharu remembered, lips trembling with sadness.
"Rain isn't going to ruin my date with you," Jin said, wrapping his arms over the girl's shoulders and she instantly huddled against him. He kissed her wet hair, holding her tenderly there. "Though there's rain, this date is still perfect… as long as you're here with me."
"You're so sweet," she answered him.
Miharu backed up slowly, staring at the past scene in front of her eyes, tears beginning to well in her eyes and spilling as she watched them kiss with a passion that seemed it could never be matched.
She turned, choking on a whimper within her throat. She remembered it all clearly. Her last embrace within his arms, which just felt all so bitter now with a broken promise. She covered her mouth, the sobs escaping her lips, no longer able to hold them back. She cried, not afraid to be heard, though she knew she truly couldn't be seen there.
Arms carefully encircled her shoulders and she jumped, pressing back against the figure standing there.
"J-Jin…" She stammered.
The past version of her boyfriend stood encasing her in his warmth, no sign of her younger self anywhere.
"Why do you cry?" He asked.
She sniffled slightly, looking down at the ground.
"Because I'm alone…" She whispered.
"You're never alone, you have your friends there for you…" His breath tickled her ear as he pressed her face to her wet hair. "… And I'll always be in your heart."
She shuddered, turning to face him. "I'm so confused. Why am I here? Why must I be tortured by these memories? One minute I'm loved, the next I'm hated, then loved all over again. Why?"
He just kept smiling at her, though he heard her words laced with a heart wrenching sadness. "We dream things for a reason. Hidden messages there to guide us, and sometimes warn us. You see me because you want to remind yourself not to forget the good times. Even though you get messages that may hurt you, you still fight to see the good of it all."
"I'm just hurting myself more," she sobbed.
He held her tighter. "No, you aren't. Memories and dreams can never hurt you."
"But life can…" She shook, reaching up carefully to touch the arms that enfolded around her. So warm and soft. So real. "… And now I can only bring you to me in my dreams…"
"And I will always come," he said.
She turned around in his arms, looking into his handsome face, trying to search for answers, and wondering if he'd turn on her like in the other dream she had. But he was calm, and peaceful, with kind eyes looking her over. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling herself against his warm body once more, more crystal tears appearing in her eyes.
"Then, if I can only truly find your love and embrace within my dreams, then I never want to wake up." She cried softly against his chest and he ran gentle fingers through her hair soothingly.
"We all have to wake up eventually, and you will face life again, with or without me…" He said.
She looked up, eyes streaming. "Will you be there for me when I awake? Please tell me you will. I can't face the world alone."
He finally looked sad, touching her wet cheeks. "I don't know."
She cried once more. "I'm scared. I don't want you to go away…"
"As long as you keep my close, I never truly will," he answered, kissing her salty, tear stained cheeks, finally bringing those soft lips of his to hers.
She could taste her own bitter tears pressed to her the edge of the mouth from his, but she didn't care, as long as she could taste his warm mouth to hers, nothing else mattered in the world. Right there and then, with time being none existent, she was lost in the sweet embrace that she dreamed for. It felt so real, his arms pressing her close as he dipped her backwards and tongues finally clashed in long yearned passion.
She could pretend, if only for a moment that he was really there, and she grabbed as his hair, soft tresses grasped between her delicate fingers, bruising her mouth to his with the pressure she laid on him. He was never deterred from her need, submitting to what she wanted.
She began to feel light headed, finally parting, and staring into his eyes. He smiled at her and leaned in and kissed her forehead.
"I will always love you," he told her sincerely.
She whimpered, her whole body becoming limp in his arms. The world around her began to fade through a glowing brightness, and she tried her best to cling to him, but he felt like he was melting away from her, disappearing.
"Please don't go…" She uttered softly, feeling she was weakening.
The world was becoming enveloped by white and she was reaching out for him to stay with her. He still smiled, his hands taking hers, whispering something that was taken away in the wind. Finally, his hand melted away from hers too and he was suddenly gone with the bright light.
"No… Jin…" She barely was able to say as she felt herself falling in a spiral, closing her eyes from the blinding light.
"Miharu?"
She was listening to the echoing voice that surrounded her, trying to reach out for support. Her mind was just an endless chasm of uncertainty, with nothing to grab onto. But finally, that echoing voice was wrapping her up, pulling her back.
"Miharu?" The voice finally became recognisable, so sweet and feminine.
She opened her eyes slowly, the white beginning to fade, and a new place beginning to form. Where was she now?
A blue painted ceiling, the colour of a bright morning on a summer's day, a bright white light in the centre, seeming to represent the sun. She tilted her head away from that blinding light and looked at the anxious face leaning over her.
"Xiaoyu?" She finally made out, her voice properly returning.
She was back where she should have been. In the present, real world.
"I'm glad to see you finally woke up, sleepy head," Xiaoyu said, smiling. "You were out for a good half hour. Christie really did kick you hard."
"Where am I?" Miharu asked, uncertain of the new surroundings. Last thing she remembered was an arena full of people and sandy floors, now, she was somewhere quiet and secluded.
"You're in the medical room in the locker room area," Xiaoyu explained. "The EMT's said you weren't badly hurt. They gave you something in a needle and they left you here to wake up."
Miharu finally noticed the pang in her arm and winced. Okay, that explained that.
"Where's Lei and Julia?" Miharu asked.
"They came with me to watch you here, but Julia had to go meet a college friend about her project and Lei was running up on some leads he had for his case," Xiaoyu said. "They told me to tell you they hope you feel okay."
"I should be soon," Miharu said, sitting up slightly, feeling the heavy mass of pillows behind her. "I'm going to have a headache tomorrow!" She chuckled lightly and swallowed, her throat feeling raw. She flinched.
"Oh, you need a drink?" Xiaoyu noticed her discomfort.
"Yes, please."
Xiaoyu nodded and stood from the stool she was on. "I'll be right back then." And she hurried off, shutting the heavy echoing door.
Miharu just lay there, listening to the nothingness in the room. It was so peaceful, no more noise of screaming crowds… or really anything. She was still paralysed from her dreams, or, flashbacks, whatever she saw them as. The warmth in her lips rose, a tingling there like in a memory, as if it had actually happened. Her eyes were dry, there were no tears to shed, or maybe, she was just afraid to cry.
The door reopened and Xiaoyu stepped back in with a plastic cup filled with ice cold water. Miharu accepted it, her throat parched. Xiaoyu retook her seat, watching her friend drink like a woman deprived of water in a hot desert.
"You know, it was strange, during your match, I saw Jin watching in the audience…"
Miharu nearly gagged on the water, but had just swallowed as Xiaoyu mentioned his name.
"H-he was?" She could only say.
"Yeah, weird. After so long, he was just… there." Xiaoyu was just as shocked as she was. "I tried to find him after you were brought in here but I couldn't find him. I asked around, but they said he'd just disappeared. Weird, huh?"
Miharu clasped the cup tightly, almost crushing it. "Yeah… weird." She was dying to go on her own search for him, but knew she'd just be as unsuccessful as everyone else. He was hiding away, and there had to be a good reason why.
"You okay?" Xiaoyu asked.
Miharu nodded, taking the last sip of water, quenching her thirst. "Yes, I'm fine. The bump is just disorientating me is all. I'll be back to my normal self in no time."
"Scary thought," Xiaoyu joked.
Miharu grinned lightly and looked up as the door opened, a blonde man walking. He was the flirtatious one from the banquet; the one fawned over by the female population there.
"Hey, so you're finally awake!" He said smiling. "The was one hell of a match you had out there. You showed that Monteiro a thing or two."
"Why, uh, thank you," Miharu answered, a little confused on who this guy was.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself," he approached the makeshift bed, extending his hand. "The name's Steve Fox, I'm fighting in the tournament too. I'd love to face you as an opponent. You're an excellent fighter."
She nodded, shaking his hand. "Thank you very much, Mr. Fox."
"Just call me Steve," he insisted, turning to Xiaoyu and shaking her hand. She introduced herself to him and they made small talk.
Miharu looked at this bright, bubbly British man and sighed. She had to admit that he was pretty hot, but she had promised herself not to look at any other man. She had literally dug herself a hole to sleep in for the rest of her life. She sighed inwardly.
"Well, you see," Steve continued with Miharu paying half attention. "There is a club opening up a party in honour of the tournament and I was hoping to find some people to go with. It's in a couple of day's time and will give Miharu here the chance to recuperate. As was wondering if you lovely ladies would go with me."
"That would be nice," Xiaoyu said, then turned to the Japanese girl. "What do you think, Miharu?"
She looked between them and felt obligated not to refuse. "Oh, okay."
"Great!" Steve said brightening.
"I really want to go home and rest now," Miharu said tiredly.
"I don't think the medics are keeping you here," Xiaoyu said to her. "I could call out for a limo to pick us up."
"No need," Steve said. "I've got a car. I could give you both a lift home?"
"Oh, you don't have to," Miharu said, swinging her legs carefully around so she could climb off. She still felt a bit woozy but that would eventually pass.
Steve carefully took her arm. "Oh, it's no trouble. It would be better to get you home quickly. You like you need a good rest up."
Miharu gave in, as it seemed a better idea to get straight off home with the way she was instead of hanging around for a limo. "Okay."
"Good. Okay, Xiaoyu, you take one arm, I'll take the other," he directed and they bother helped the girl off the table onto her numb feet.
"I never knew the floor was made of jelly," she muttered, looking down at her feet.
"You wish," Xiaoyu said giggling and she and Steve helped her out of the locker room.