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 10
The day of the match has finally come. No more time to contemplate… It was all about being able to put words into action.
***
Miharu swapped shoulders with her heavy bag of gear; the numbness now released as her other one took the pressure. She came to the back gateway of the arena, two hours earlier that the scheduled time of arrival. She knew she had much training to do. Reaching for the handle, she jumped as she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She spun defensively, and sighed with irritation at the face she saw now in front of her.
"Yamaki, don't do that!" She scolded him. "Hey - are you following me?"
"No! N-no never!" He quickly said, but couldn't stop a goofy smile spreading onto his face. "Sorry, I just wanted to come see you, is all."
"Well, as you know, I have a match to prepare for," she pointed out.
"Oh yeah, I know, I'm coming to watch! I hear it's going to be a tough one. News on the grapevine says that Kazuya Mishima has competed in these tournaments before, and even won one!"
"Uh huh, good for him," Miharu tried to brush off, hiding the fact that she was absolutely petrified going into this match. "I'll give him a run for his money."
"You're so brave, Miharu," Yamaki complimented.
'If only you knew…' she thought.
"You know, Miharu, I was thinking… maybe in a few days, you would be interested in, uh, studying with me…"
Her eyes widened slightly. Was he actually asking her to study, or in retrospect, asking her to go out with him? She let out a groan, which was not heard by the boy.
"Look, Yamaki, I know your intentions and I'm flattered, really I am. But… well, it just wouldn't work out," she said honestly.
"It wouldn't?" He asked, practically dropping himself directly in it without knowing.
She nodded sombrely. "You're a great guy and all, but… there is someone else…"
"Someone else?" He was growing more depressed by the second.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, opening the door behind her. "I've been taken for quite sometime. In any other case… it would be a maybe. Anyway, I have to train. See you around?"
He nodded slightly and she smiled, walking inside, the door clicking too behind her. He remained there, blinking blankly.
"Miharu, taken? By who?" He wondered.
***
Low kick to high, two jabs to a palm thrust, set combinations of punches ending with a swift high kick. The punch bag took the toll, bucking and swinging on the squeaky chain as each burdening attack pounded into its thick exterior. The noise of each fist and foot connecting was satisfying as it heaved a sound that she could clearly pretend was her opponents.
Miharu psyched herself up, working on her combinations, never wanting to be too predictable. Each hit she launched she prayed would be one closer to victory. She needed to have power, though in the case of her opponent, she needed to be quicker then more powerful. If she could move faster and strike when he was open, maybe she'd have a chance. But of course, Kazuya was a veteran of the Iron Fist circle, and had probably faced his fair share of opponents like her, as speedy and limber as they get. Maybe he was fast for his age? He was an Iron Fist champion for pity's sake! She had a long way to go to match up, but yet, she was younger and counted that age eventually pulls on the strings of the body, wearing it down. Of course, this was a theory, for a fact, he could still be as good as he was when he first competed.
With fingers clenched tightly into her palm, she felt the energy build up, surging until it burned through her fingers like a raging fire. She yelled and thrust the palm forward, imagining little sparks were flying from her hand. The bag rocked wildly until the chain snapped and the heavy bag went crashing against the stone wall, sand lifting from the top into the air in a hiss that had been dying to be released.
Then, all was quiet.
She stood down from her stance, hands going down over bent legs as she panted, trying to catch her breath after the power she had just dished out. She'd been working out so hard, testing her limit. It was worth a lot to find out. She stood, sucking in a large gulp of air, stale with the sweat lingering in the room. Peeking up at the clock, she noticed she had forty-five minutes before her fight. Good, enough time for her to warm down and get a drink and relax for a bit.
She did a few light, feeble stretches, loosening up her body. Feeling she'd done enough, she took a seat on one of the stools in the middle of the room, looking into the large mirror panelling on the wall. Her pale skin was layered with a glisten of sweat, soaking into the T-shirt she was temporarily using. The look on her own face was determined, strong, though weary as her eyes gave away.
'Am I trying too hard?' She wondered, raking her fingers through her sticky hair and cringing.
She needed a shower before going out, and luckily, she had packed shampoo and shower gel, Dipping through her bag, now filled to the brim not only with her fighting clothes and other items for after, she also had an array of guards for her body. Elbow pads, knees pads, extra padding for her chest. She had plenty of tap for her wrists and to keep her guards in place. She wasn't taking any chances.
Grabbing her fighting gear, the shampoo and the gel, she rushed off for a quick shower.
***
"You have five minutes, Miharu Hirano," came the voice of one of the backstage crew, whom was checking over the clipboard.
"Right," she acknowledged, and continued doing small punches at the air.
"I see you're ready to take this fight on." A female voice came over her shoulder.
Miharu turned and smiled. "Hi Julia. Well, not really."
"I'd be nervous too if I was facing him," Another voice said and Miharu jumped and turned the other way.
"Oh! Hi, Lei! I didn't think you'd be here!" Miharu said surprised, casting a glance at Julia, who looked away blushing slightly.
"I couldn't miss your match. I think a lot of people are interested on how this turns out," he said, grinning. "So, where's Xiaoyu? I thought she'd be here to cheer you on?"
"Oh, we've had a fall out," Miharu said sadly.
"Oh?" Julia interjected. "When did this happen?"
"The night when we went to the club. I'm sure we'll work it out," Miharu said, smiling slightly.
"Yeah, these things blow over." Lei patted her shoulder. "Well, me and Miss Chang better go find our seats before someone decides to commandeer them. Good luck, we'll be rooting for you."
"You show him what you're made of," Julia lightly punched her shoulder.
"Thanks, guys," she said, giving the thumbs up.
Lei mock saluted her and beckoned Julia along with him, who linked his arm, winking at Miharu as they walked away, disappearing out towards the stands.
"They have more faith in me then I do," Miharu muttered to herself.
"It's match time, Miss Hirano," said one of the backstage operatives.
"Alright," she answered, took one more last deep breath to steady her nerves and walked towards the entrance.
"Good luck," a husky whispered into her ear, and she turned quickly, searching for the individual. But she was well and truly alone in the cold corridor. Wait, was it cold before?
She turned, closing her eyes, hearing the voice like and echo over and over again. She knew who it had been, and she hopped he'd be somewhere close, watching her with pride…
***
This was it. Finally, she had come this far, her fear pressing over her like a cold hand. She knew she had to win, or at least try, but the odds were insurmountable when staring at the man in front of her.
Kazuya stood proudly across the sand from Miharu, who was trying not to meet his gaze, fidgeting and opting to concentrate on the balancing of her own feet. Crazily enough, it seemed very interesting to her now. She did however look him over, seeing him for the first time in his fighting gear. His gi pants looked silky and expensive, something you wouldn't expect him to fight in. She couldn't help but admire the fiery golden yellow like pattern flowing up the right leg. Besides that, he only wore red studded gloves and red foot guards. One thing she was afraid to keep staring at was that huge scar lining down his chest; obviously, it was rude to stare, but something about it was ominous and frightening. Anyway, she wasn't there to stare him like some statue worn by time; she was there to fight.
She shook her head and heard an official call them closer together as he began reciting the rules like an automated machine. She half listened and half tried to gather her wits to pull together a strategy. She cast a small glance up at his face, curious because she hadn't seen him without those sunglasses of his on. Her jaw dropped slightly.
'Oh my…' It felt like she was looking right into the fiery pits of hell. His left eye was red - not bloodshot, just a red pupil and iris combined. Redder then anything she'd ever seen. The other eye was not much better, so dark it was almost black. She shot her gaze from him, trembling in her shoes.
"Alright, good luck," the official said, now finished reading the rules. He walked away to the safety of stadium barrier.
'Take me with you,' a little voice inside her called. 'Don't leave me alone with this man…'
Kazuya stood with folded arms looking at her, a slight smirk creeping onto that dark face of his. "Are you ready for this?"
"No…" She mumbled, stretching out slightly.
He chuckled hoarsely. "Honest girl." He moved his head side to side, cracking his neck loudly, enough to make Miharu sick to her stomach. "You do know I'm not going to hold back on you."
"I won't hold back either," she declared boldly, wishing she hadn't.
"Good." He dropped into stance, and Miharu followed suit.
The announcer's system sprung to life. "Kazuya Mishima versus Miharu Hirano. FIGHT!"
'Well, now or never,' that same little voice inside Miharu said and her hold body went into overdrive, running on the adrenaline created of her fear. She was fighting to survive, and to win in the process.
Her speed was her greatest asset, and she was planning to use it. Moving with fluid grace, she leapt at Kazuya with a high kick, hoping to catch him off guard. Instead of a solid connection with his face, she met his arm blocking firmly, forcing her to hop back and spring her other foot around at him. He caught her ankle incoming and held it vice like, making her wobble on an unsteady foot.
He smirked. "You'll have to do better then that." Her eyes widened, and she felt his hand push up with one mighty shove, nearly making her fall head over heels airborne, landing flat on her back. She flipped back up to her feet, backing off slightly, on her guard.
'What power!' Her mind contemplated the action. 'He didn't even flinch when I tried to kick him. What am I suppose to do on this guy to take him down? He looks like a big stone wall.' She almost backed another pace as he began to advance on her. 'Oh no, he's coming this way…'
Eyes locked, the intimidation faltered her judgement and he quickly slipped into the 'Mist Step' and moved lithely, going down then up with a crooked uppercut, lightning crackling up the arm. The raw power in the air in front of Miharu was frightening, and she had narrowly come to her senses to avoid it. That would have sure turned her inside out. She wasted no time in stepping in with a kick, thumping it into his rock like gut. He was forced back from her, looking quite surprised, but it was soon replaced by another dark smirk.
"So, you truly will be worth my time…" He cracked his knuckles. "Enough of these games. Fight me properly!"
'But I am!' Miharu mentally screamed, insulted that he thought she was running rings around him.
He came at her with two powerful left hooks, forcing her to bring up her guard, stepping back to relieve much of the impact. The force of the punches felt like that had snapped her arms into bits. Blocking was a good idea, but not the best option if he could break down her cover. She was unable to block the right hook that came at her as she tried to side step him. The next thing she knew, she was kissing the dirt, her right side of her face throbbing like crazy, and her ears rung with a loud whine.
"What the heck did he hit me with? A truck!" She mumbled, cupping her now bruised cheek. She rolled over and squeaked loudly as his foot was descending over her. She side rolled like lighting and 'California' rolled backwards, stumbling to stay at a safe distance away. But he was closing the gap; the look in his face was almost that of desire - the desire to fight. It burned in that fiery red eye. She reacted by dropping low, swinging her leg around to catch his ankle, clipping it, giving her enough chance to bring it up towards his head. But his arm shoved the leg around, and she was back turned to him, reverting to using an elbow to the midsection. The wind was pulled from his lungs and she felt her heart leap for joy though it was short lived.
Kazuya breathlessly chuckled. "Too clever for your own good, aren't you?"
She didn't see, just felt what happened next. It was like having tons of bricks crash over her head as his elbow slammed down on top over her cranium. She dropped to her knees, bringing an arm up to guard it feebly. If that hadn't cracked her skull, nothing could.
Trying to rise was a heavy task with the aching her head was doing, but he ultimately had her meet the floor again as his leg cracked at her knees and she was sent onto her back, crying out.
Looking up just in time, her hands clapped around his incoming foot ready to stomp her further into the ground. It was a heavy load, his whole body weight seemingly ready to splatter her across the sand.
"Give up before it's too late," he hissed at her as he fought for the release of his foot.
"I… can't…" She said lowly, her strength ready to give in on herself. She wasn't just fighting for herself, but for answers… truth and understanding. If she gave up, she'd never know the truth… most likely she'd be dead. Watching the positioning, her mind ticked over a battle plan, though the pain was clogging up most of the thought process. Finally, she had an idea.
"Give me strength," she breathed and quickly side rolled under his positioning, taking the leg backwards, this time, having him balance on one foot. She shot up dizzily to her feet and yanked up and around. He didn't realise what she was doing in time to counter and he was cranked up and spun over, landing back first on the ground. He was shocked to say the least.
Miharu's feet gave in and she dropped to her knees, breath shaking and tired. It had been a desperate manoeuvre and she knew she'd well and truly messed up her co-ordination. Looking up again, she almost cried when she saw him back on his feet in no time, barely scratched. What did she have to do to keep him down, drop the entire arena on him?
"Nice move, I never saw that coming, though I think you wore yourself out… surprisingly so soon. Oh well, your loss!" And he performed the high spinning 'Rising Sun' kicks.
Miharu was horrified as he leapt at her with such a powerful assault. Her body refused to move, and she was frozen like a rabbit staring into the headlights of a car. She tried to imagine less pain then she felt, but it was useless. She was juggled with the two low kicks smashing her midsection and slammed down with the high kick smashing at her face.
The crowd was screaming around them, enjoying it to a high level, though some were appalled by the action taking place. This man, a well-trained fighter for most of his life, beating up a schoolgirl, with probably a few years of fight training on her at best - mostly what some people were thinking, rooted into their seats to see if she would be alright.
Miharu ignored them completely, her body scolding from every punch and kick he had laid into her. Warmness welled from her lip and spilt a crimson line across her chin, raining onto the sand in red drops. She was suddenly aware of the coppery taste that filled her mouth, leaking from her busted lip and she rolled onto her side, coughing and spitting the blood onto the ground.
***
In the stands, Julia was nearly breaking the plastic cover of her seat.
"Oh my God, this is really bad," she kept saying over and over. "Poor Miharu."
Lei was disturbed by how ruthless Kazuya was proving to be. He didn't care who this girl was, just another stepping stone he could shatter at his will. The Chinese man but a firm hand on Julia's shoulder, but she was plainly ignoring it, hands clasped together in prayer for her friend.
***
"Had enough?" Kazuya asked, as Miharu rolled up slightly.
Miharu was staring at her own blood on the ground, rubbing at her lip as she pushed on an arm to get her up to her knees turning eyes on the man.
"N-No… I won't give up… not yet…"
"Suit yourself," he coldly said, walking over to her. She tried to scoot back out of his attack range, but it was too late and his foot drove into her ribs. He was close to satisfied hearing her scream. She rolled away from him, curling up with arms around her midsection, holding back the tears. He continued to walk towards her. "Get up if you are going to fight. I will not make this any easier on you. I'll treat you like any other bastard fighter…"
When she failed to move on his wishes, he grabbed her arm and dragged her up with no problem and she cried out in pain. He held her up, the grip on her arm bruising.
She rose a hand and slapped him across the face. For a moment, a pause, before he turned back, looking royally pissed.
"For the last time… Will you give up?" He hissed lowly.
She pulled on the grip slightly, lapping at the blood on her own lip. "I'll never give up to you…"
"You're a foolish child, wasting your life without purpose…"
His leg cracked her in the back of the head sending her forwards, but she was still held there. Looking up, she was just in time to see the leg reverse direction and careen with her face, with a force like no other, the pain excruciating. This time, he did let her go, and she was back on the floor once more.
***
"MIHARU! STAY DOWN!" Julia cried to her. "IT'S NOT WORTH IT!" But her pleading was obviously being ignored as the auburn-headed girl was once more battling to stand on her own two feet. "NO, MIHARU! PLEASE STAY DOWN!" Her hands cracked the plastic of her seat, and she was suddenly rising up, watching Kazuya lift the girl up, and quickly tossing her over his shoulder. The thud of the girl's body was sickening.
"YOU MONSTER!" Julia screamed, charging for the barricade, wanting to get involved with the fight. She had to save the girl from this beating.
"No, Julia!" Lei yelled behind her, trying to catch her as she jumped over a few of the front seats. Before she could make the barrier, a swarm of security caught her.
"You can't go in there!" They were yelling at her, holding her back.
"LET ME GO! DON'T YOU SEE WHAT HE'S DOING!" She was screaming at them.
"Stand back, Miss! Take your seat or be removed," the head of security was roaring into her ear over the crowd's ruckus.
"Just try!" She hissed, ready to hit him when she was pulled back by Lei.
"Stop Julia," he said softly.
"Aren't you seeing this? AREN'T YOU!" Julia screamed at him. "She's a kid… she isn't experienced… HE'S GOING TO KILL HER! NOW LET ME GO!"
But he refused to remove his hold on her. "You'll cause more harm then good getting in there! You could get hurt yourself! It's Miharu's choice what she does. You know the rules of the Iron Fist Tournament."
Tears were streaming down the native girl's face. "YOU DON'T CARE IF SHE DIES! SHE'S GETTING HURT IN THERE! YOU JUST DON'T CARE!"
"Of course I care!" Lei protested, shaking her. "But this isn't our fight. You'll dishonour yourself and Miharu. She chose to risk everything. With every fight there is a chance to be hurt badly… but we have to take it."
"Honour is nothing if you're dead," she said weakly, breaking down against him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I can't watch this anymore. I can't watch him break her."
Lei comforted her, eyes on the match with concern. "We have to wait and see, for Miharu's sake."
***
Kazuya stalked around Miharu, who was slowly moving up on the floor, refusing to stay down. Somewhere deep inside, he hated to do this. He knew she wasn't as well trained as himself and as many of the fighters in the tournament, but she had a true burning spirit for it. It would be a true shame if he had to snuff it out…
He could hear Julia Chang's screaming in the stands with her conviction to get involved with the match up; as if it would do any good. He ignored her, looking down on the small opponent, rising up carefully, heaving breaths in her lungs. He sighed and kicked her chest, forcing her back down.
"Do yourself a favour, just lie down and accept defeat," he told her.
She shook her head, trying to form words, but was too busy trying to breathe properly. He turned away from her, knowing she was no threat to him, looking out to the crowd as they picked up in a roar of anticipation. He could feel every their life thriving on the fight's progression, except one… one particular that flared out different then the others. One that touch him in a way that felt personal, that felt a part of him… of flesh and blood. He couldn't see him, but he could feel his son close; the essence of the devil gene reaching out with invisible lightning, crackling over him. He didn't falter from the coldness, only smiling to himself in acknowledgement of the presence.
"Am I breaking your little girlfriend, Jin? Do you hate me for inflicting so much pain on her?" He chuckled. "She was begging for this… all of it. She's a fighter this one… it would be a shame to kill her…"
The invisible lightning suddenly picked up like a thunderstorm, the air ready to ignite around Kazuya, who just basked in it, the sense of being so close to what he reasoned belonged to him was so enticing. He turned from the crowd, looking at Miharu, who was gasping, hissing 'no' over and over, shakily trying to get up again.
Kazuya grumbled something and turned to an official, pointing down at Miharu. "She's finished. It's over."
"NOOOOOOO!" He turned as she sprang up at him, with every ounce of strength she had left; though it be little. He intercepted her charge with a roundhouse kick swiftly to her face, and she was spun in waves of blackness to the ground, moving very little.
He approached her; his face set stone cold. "I've had enough of you!" He rose his foot directly over her head. "Take with you the thoughts that at least your spirit stood out against me." And he brought his foot down for a final blow.
"SPIRITS HAVE MERCY!" Julia was screaming towards the centre of the arena.
Lei just sat there, unable to look away.
Everything missed a heartbeat… words passed, screams roaring in the air… but then…
"Kazuya…"
He stopped, his foot just above Miharu's face.
He knew that sweet voice. "Jun?"
And he was suddenly backing off from the girl, seeing a light over-print of the woman he once loved staring at him from over Miharu. She gave him a soft, sad look before melting away, leaving Miharu's pale, battered face turned up weakly to him, though she was responding very little.
Kazuya blinked, for a moment, thinking he was going crazy. He looked around at the now quiet crowd, whispers now and again hitting the crisp, silent air. He turned back to Miharu and resided, leaning down.
"You're lucky I didn't crush you where you lay," he said softly, the words meeting her ears like a far off call as the darkness took her and she lay still with unconsciousness.
An official carefully came over, checking over Miharu then turning other officials and shaking his head and making signalled for medical help as he ran backwards towards his fellow workers.
"And the winner by knock out. Kazuya Mishima!" The radio announced, and after the long spell of silence, people actually began clapping and cheering again, though maybe a partially strained.
Officials were rushing over to attend to Miharu, first aid packs and a stretcher in close tow. But before they could reach her, Kazuya stepped in the way, staring at them with such an icy glare, it could have melted them all into the ground. They stepped back from him, afraid of what the first King of Iron Fist would do.
Now satisfied he wouldn't be swamped by officials, Kazuya turned back to Miharu, standing over her for a moment before bending down and carefully lifting her limp form in her arms.
"You were watched by an angel today," he whispered to the unconscious girl. "You're very lucky to be favoured by Jun Kazama." He cast a look to the officials as he back to part their crowd forming, walking towards the back area with Miharu in his arms.
***
"Miharu? Wake up child…"
"Hmm, huh? Where am I?" Her eyes opened to a blackness that enfolded her and she was suddenly overcome with a cold dread. "What? Am I dead?"
"No, far from it… you live…"
"Jun, is that you?" Miharu asked.
"Yes, it's me," the voice answered a small light appeared in front of the Japanese girl, growing bigger until it formed the beautiful woman in white, now accompanied with flowing, wide, white wings. "You've fought well, though the road is hard, you will overcome all obstacles…"
"But I lost, didn't I?" Miharu asked, sadness in her voice.
"I'm afraid so. But fear not, your quest for truth is not over yet, in fact it's just beginning…"
"It… is?" Miharu wasn't sure anymore, lying there in the eternal darkness with this beautiful Japanese woman as her light.
"Keep searching, you'll find your answers…" Jun whispered and the light grew blinding, forcing Miharu to shield her eyes. When it grew dimmer, she looked back to the light, her jaw dropping.
"Jin…"
He was smiling, so angelic, just like his mother; and now, he had those beautiful white wings. He reached a hand out to her and she was compelled to touch him, her arm not feeling like a lead weight like it had been from the fight. Touching her hand to his was like melting into the softest of silks, heart in the safest keep.
"I failed you…" She whimpered, but he shook his head to this.
"No, you never did. You'll find you answers… soon enough…" He whispered.
"I hope so…" She said, and watched the darkness in engulf him as she settled back into the peace of the black.
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 10
The day of the match has finally come. No more time to contemplate… It was all about being able to put words into action.
***
Miharu swapped shoulders with her heavy bag of gear; the numbness now released as her other one took the pressure. She came to the back gateway of the arena, two hours earlier that the scheduled time of arrival. She knew she had much training to do. Reaching for the handle, she jumped as she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She spun defensively, and sighed with irritation at the face she saw now in front of her.
"Yamaki, don't do that!" She scolded him. "Hey - are you following me?"
"No! N-no never!" He quickly said, but couldn't stop a goofy smile spreading onto his face. "Sorry, I just wanted to come see you, is all."
"Well, as you know, I have a match to prepare for," she pointed out.
"Oh yeah, I know, I'm coming to watch! I hear it's going to be a tough one. News on the grapevine says that Kazuya Mishima has competed in these tournaments before, and even won one!"
"Uh huh, good for him," Miharu tried to brush off, hiding the fact that she was absolutely petrified going into this match. "I'll give him a run for his money."
"You're so brave, Miharu," Yamaki complimented.
'If only you knew…' she thought.
"You know, Miharu, I was thinking… maybe in a few days, you would be interested in, uh, studying with me…"
Her eyes widened slightly. Was he actually asking her to study, or in retrospect, asking her to go out with him? She let out a groan, which was not heard by the boy.
"Look, Yamaki, I know your intentions and I'm flattered, really I am. But… well, it just wouldn't work out," she said honestly.
"It wouldn't?" He asked, practically dropping himself directly in it without knowing.
She nodded sombrely. "You're a great guy and all, but… there is someone else…"
"Someone else?" He was growing more depressed by the second.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, opening the door behind her. "I've been taken for quite sometime. In any other case… it would be a maybe. Anyway, I have to train. See you around?"
He nodded slightly and she smiled, walking inside, the door clicking too behind her. He remained there, blinking blankly.
"Miharu, taken? By who?" He wondered.
***
Low kick to high, two jabs to a palm thrust, set combinations of punches ending with a swift high kick. The punch bag took the toll, bucking and swinging on the squeaky chain as each burdening attack pounded into its thick exterior. The noise of each fist and foot connecting was satisfying as it heaved a sound that she could clearly pretend was her opponents.
Miharu psyched herself up, working on her combinations, never wanting to be too predictable. Each hit she launched she prayed would be one closer to victory. She needed to have power, though in the case of her opponent, she needed to be quicker then more powerful. If she could move faster and strike when he was open, maybe she'd have a chance. But of course, Kazuya was a veteran of the Iron Fist circle, and had probably faced his fair share of opponents like her, as speedy and limber as they get. Maybe he was fast for his age? He was an Iron Fist champion for pity's sake! She had a long way to go to match up, but yet, she was younger and counted that age eventually pulls on the strings of the body, wearing it down. Of course, this was a theory, for a fact, he could still be as good as he was when he first competed.
With fingers clenched tightly into her palm, she felt the energy build up, surging until it burned through her fingers like a raging fire. She yelled and thrust the palm forward, imagining little sparks were flying from her hand. The bag rocked wildly until the chain snapped and the heavy bag went crashing against the stone wall, sand lifting from the top into the air in a hiss that had been dying to be released.
Then, all was quiet.
She stood down from her stance, hands going down over bent legs as she panted, trying to catch her breath after the power she had just dished out. She'd been working out so hard, testing her limit. It was worth a lot to find out. She stood, sucking in a large gulp of air, stale with the sweat lingering in the room. Peeking up at the clock, she noticed she had forty-five minutes before her fight. Good, enough time for her to warm down and get a drink and relax for a bit.
She did a few light, feeble stretches, loosening up her body. Feeling she'd done enough, she took a seat on one of the stools in the middle of the room, looking into the large mirror panelling on the wall. Her pale skin was layered with a glisten of sweat, soaking into the T-shirt she was temporarily using. The look on her own face was determined, strong, though weary as her eyes gave away.
'Am I trying too hard?' She wondered, raking her fingers through her sticky hair and cringing.
She needed a shower before going out, and luckily, she had packed shampoo and shower gel, Dipping through her bag, now filled to the brim not only with her fighting clothes and other items for after, she also had an array of guards for her body. Elbow pads, knees pads, extra padding for her chest. She had plenty of tap for her wrists and to keep her guards in place. She wasn't taking any chances.
Grabbing her fighting gear, the shampoo and the gel, she rushed off for a quick shower.
***
"You have five minutes, Miharu Hirano," came the voice of one of the backstage crew, whom was checking over the clipboard.
"Right," she acknowledged, and continued doing small punches at the air.
"I see you're ready to take this fight on." A female voice came over her shoulder.
Miharu turned and smiled. "Hi Julia. Well, not really."
"I'd be nervous too if I was facing him," Another voice said and Miharu jumped and turned the other way.
"Oh! Hi, Lei! I didn't think you'd be here!" Miharu said surprised, casting a glance at Julia, who looked away blushing slightly.
"I couldn't miss your match. I think a lot of people are interested on how this turns out," he said, grinning. "So, where's Xiaoyu? I thought she'd be here to cheer you on?"
"Oh, we've had a fall out," Miharu said sadly.
"Oh?" Julia interjected. "When did this happen?"
"The night when we went to the club. I'm sure we'll work it out," Miharu said, smiling slightly.
"Yeah, these things blow over." Lei patted her shoulder. "Well, me and Miss Chang better go find our seats before someone decides to commandeer them. Good luck, we'll be rooting for you."
"You show him what you're made of," Julia lightly punched her shoulder.
"Thanks, guys," she said, giving the thumbs up.
Lei mock saluted her and beckoned Julia along with him, who linked his arm, winking at Miharu as they walked away, disappearing out towards the stands.
"They have more faith in me then I do," Miharu muttered to herself.
"It's match time, Miss Hirano," said one of the backstage operatives.
"Alright," she answered, took one more last deep breath to steady her nerves and walked towards the entrance.
"Good luck," a husky whispered into her ear, and she turned quickly, searching for the individual. But she was well and truly alone in the cold corridor. Wait, was it cold before?
She turned, closing her eyes, hearing the voice like and echo over and over again. She knew who it had been, and she hopped he'd be somewhere close, watching her with pride…
***
This was it. Finally, she had come this far, her fear pressing over her like a cold hand. She knew she had to win, or at least try, but the odds were insurmountable when staring at the man in front of her.
Kazuya stood proudly across the sand from Miharu, who was trying not to meet his gaze, fidgeting and opting to concentrate on the balancing of her own feet. Crazily enough, it seemed very interesting to her now. She did however look him over, seeing him for the first time in his fighting gear. His gi pants looked silky and expensive, something you wouldn't expect him to fight in. She couldn't help but admire the fiery golden yellow like pattern flowing up the right leg. Besides that, he only wore red studded gloves and red foot guards. One thing she was afraid to keep staring at was that huge scar lining down his chest; obviously, it was rude to stare, but something about it was ominous and frightening. Anyway, she wasn't there to stare him like some statue worn by time; she was there to fight.
She shook her head and heard an official call them closer together as he began reciting the rules like an automated machine. She half listened and half tried to gather her wits to pull together a strategy. She cast a small glance up at his face, curious because she hadn't seen him without those sunglasses of his on. Her jaw dropped slightly.
'Oh my…' It felt like she was looking right into the fiery pits of hell. His left eye was red - not bloodshot, just a red pupil and iris combined. Redder then anything she'd ever seen. The other eye was not much better, so dark it was almost black. She shot her gaze from him, trembling in her shoes.
"Alright, good luck," the official said, now finished reading the rules. He walked away to the safety of stadium barrier.
'Take me with you,' a little voice inside her called. 'Don't leave me alone with this man…'
Kazuya stood with folded arms looking at her, a slight smirk creeping onto that dark face of his. "Are you ready for this?"
"No…" She mumbled, stretching out slightly.
He chuckled hoarsely. "Honest girl." He moved his head side to side, cracking his neck loudly, enough to make Miharu sick to her stomach. "You do know I'm not going to hold back on you."
"I won't hold back either," she declared boldly, wishing she hadn't.
"Good." He dropped into stance, and Miharu followed suit.
The announcer's system sprung to life. "Kazuya Mishima versus Miharu Hirano. FIGHT!"
'Well, now or never,' that same little voice inside Miharu said and her hold body went into overdrive, running on the adrenaline created of her fear. She was fighting to survive, and to win in the process.
Her speed was her greatest asset, and she was planning to use it. Moving with fluid grace, she leapt at Kazuya with a high kick, hoping to catch him off guard. Instead of a solid connection with his face, she met his arm blocking firmly, forcing her to hop back and spring her other foot around at him. He caught her ankle incoming and held it vice like, making her wobble on an unsteady foot.
He smirked. "You'll have to do better then that." Her eyes widened, and she felt his hand push up with one mighty shove, nearly making her fall head over heels airborne, landing flat on her back. She flipped back up to her feet, backing off slightly, on her guard.
'What power!' Her mind contemplated the action. 'He didn't even flinch when I tried to kick him. What am I suppose to do on this guy to take him down? He looks like a big stone wall.' She almost backed another pace as he began to advance on her. 'Oh no, he's coming this way…'
Eyes locked, the intimidation faltered her judgement and he quickly slipped into the 'Mist Step' and moved lithely, going down then up with a crooked uppercut, lightning crackling up the arm. The raw power in the air in front of Miharu was frightening, and she had narrowly come to her senses to avoid it. That would have sure turned her inside out. She wasted no time in stepping in with a kick, thumping it into his rock like gut. He was forced back from her, looking quite surprised, but it was soon replaced by another dark smirk.
"So, you truly will be worth my time…" He cracked his knuckles. "Enough of these games. Fight me properly!"
'But I am!' Miharu mentally screamed, insulted that he thought she was running rings around him.
He came at her with two powerful left hooks, forcing her to bring up her guard, stepping back to relieve much of the impact. The force of the punches felt like that had snapped her arms into bits. Blocking was a good idea, but not the best option if he could break down her cover. She was unable to block the right hook that came at her as she tried to side step him. The next thing she knew, she was kissing the dirt, her right side of her face throbbing like crazy, and her ears rung with a loud whine.
"What the heck did he hit me with? A truck!" She mumbled, cupping her now bruised cheek. She rolled over and squeaked loudly as his foot was descending over her. She side rolled like lighting and 'California' rolled backwards, stumbling to stay at a safe distance away. But he was closing the gap; the look in his face was almost that of desire - the desire to fight. It burned in that fiery red eye. She reacted by dropping low, swinging her leg around to catch his ankle, clipping it, giving her enough chance to bring it up towards his head. But his arm shoved the leg around, and she was back turned to him, reverting to using an elbow to the midsection. The wind was pulled from his lungs and she felt her heart leap for joy though it was short lived.
Kazuya breathlessly chuckled. "Too clever for your own good, aren't you?"
She didn't see, just felt what happened next. It was like having tons of bricks crash over her head as his elbow slammed down on top over her cranium. She dropped to her knees, bringing an arm up to guard it feebly. If that hadn't cracked her skull, nothing could.
Trying to rise was a heavy task with the aching her head was doing, but he ultimately had her meet the floor again as his leg cracked at her knees and she was sent onto her back, crying out.
Looking up just in time, her hands clapped around his incoming foot ready to stomp her further into the ground. It was a heavy load, his whole body weight seemingly ready to splatter her across the sand.
"Give up before it's too late," he hissed at her as he fought for the release of his foot.
"I… can't…" She said lowly, her strength ready to give in on herself. She wasn't just fighting for herself, but for answers… truth and understanding. If she gave up, she'd never know the truth… most likely she'd be dead. Watching the positioning, her mind ticked over a battle plan, though the pain was clogging up most of the thought process. Finally, she had an idea.
"Give me strength," she breathed and quickly side rolled under his positioning, taking the leg backwards, this time, having him balance on one foot. She shot up dizzily to her feet and yanked up and around. He didn't realise what she was doing in time to counter and he was cranked up and spun over, landing back first on the ground. He was shocked to say the least.
Miharu's feet gave in and she dropped to her knees, breath shaking and tired. It had been a desperate manoeuvre and she knew she'd well and truly messed up her co-ordination. Looking up again, she almost cried when she saw him back on his feet in no time, barely scratched. What did she have to do to keep him down, drop the entire arena on him?
"Nice move, I never saw that coming, though I think you wore yourself out… surprisingly so soon. Oh well, your loss!" And he performed the high spinning 'Rising Sun' kicks.
Miharu was horrified as he leapt at her with such a powerful assault. Her body refused to move, and she was frozen like a rabbit staring into the headlights of a car. She tried to imagine less pain then she felt, but it was useless. She was juggled with the two low kicks smashing her midsection and slammed down with the high kick smashing at her face.
The crowd was screaming around them, enjoying it to a high level, though some were appalled by the action taking place. This man, a well-trained fighter for most of his life, beating up a schoolgirl, with probably a few years of fight training on her at best - mostly what some people were thinking, rooted into their seats to see if she would be alright.
Miharu ignored them completely, her body scolding from every punch and kick he had laid into her. Warmness welled from her lip and spilt a crimson line across her chin, raining onto the sand in red drops. She was suddenly aware of the coppery taste that filled her mouth, leaking from her busted lip and she rolled onto her side, coughing and spitting the blood onto the ground.
***
In the stands, Julia was nearly breaking the plastic cover of her seat.
"Oh my God, this is really bad," she kept saying over and over. "Poor Miharu."
Lei was disturbed by how ruthless Kazuya was proving to be. He didn't care who this girl was, just another stepping stone he could shatter at his will. The Chinese man but a firm hand on Julia's shoulder, but she was plainly ignoring it, hands clasped together in prayer for her friend.
***
"Had enough?" Kazuya asked, as Miharu rolled up slightly.
Miharu was staring at her own blood on the ground, rubbing at her lip as she pushed on an arm to get her up to her knees turning eyes on the man.
"N-No… I won't give up… not yet…"
"Suit yourself," he coldly said, walking over to her. She tried to scoot back out of his attack range, but it was too late and his foot drove into her ribs. He was close to satisfied hearing her scream. She rolled away from him, curling up with arms around her midsection, holding back the tears. He continued to walk towards her. "Get up if you are going to fight. I will not make this any easier on you. I'll treat you like any other bastard fighter…"
When she failed to move on his wishes, he grabbed her arm and dragged her up with no problem and she cried out in pain. He held her up, the grip on her arm bruising.
She rose a hand and slapped him across the face. For a moment, a pause, before he turned back, looking royally pissed.
"For the last time… Will you give up?" He hissed lowly.
She pulled on the grip slightly, lapping at the blood on her own lip. "I'll never give up to you…"
"You're a foolish child, wasting your life without purpose…"
His leg cracked her in the back of the head sending her forwards, but she was still held there. Looking up, she was just in time to see the leg reverse direction and careen with her face, with a force like no other, the pain excruciating. This time, he did let her go, and she was back on the floor once more.
***
"MIHARU! STAY DOWN!" Julia cried to her. "IT'S NOT WORTH IT!" But her pleading was obviously being ignored as the auburn-headed girl was once more battling to stand on her own two feet. "NO, MIHARU! PLEASE STAY DOWN!" Her hands cracked the plastic of her seat, and she was suddenly rising up, watching Kazuya lift the girl up, and quickly tossing her over his shoulder. The thud of the girl's body was sickening.
"YOU MONSTER!" Julia screamed, charging for the barricade, wanting to get involved with the fight. She had to save the girl from this beating.
"No, Julia!" Lei yelled behind her, trying to catch her as she jumped over a few of the front seats. Before she could make the barrier, a swarm of security caught her.
"You can't go in there!" They were yelling at her, holding her back.
"LET ME GO! DON'T YOU SEE WHAT HE'S DOING!" She was screaming at them.
"Stand back, Miss! Take your seat or be removed," the head of security was roaring into her ear over the crowd's ruckus.
"Just try!" She hissed, ready to hit him when she was pulled back by Lei.
"Stop Julia," he said softly.
"Aren't you seeing this? AREN'T YOU!" Julia screamed at him. "She's a kid… she isn't experienced… HE'S GOING TO KILL HER! NOW LET ME GO!"
But he refused to remove his hold on her. "You'll cause more harm then good getting in there! You could get hurt yourself! It's Miharu's choice what she does. You know the rules of the Iron Fist Tournament."
Tears were streaming down the native girl's face. "YOU DON'T CARE IF SHE DIES! SHE'S GETTING HURT IN THERE! YOU JUST DON'T CARE!"
"Of course I care!" Lei protested, shaking her. "But this isn't our fight. You'll dishonour yourself and Miharu. She chose to risk everything. With every fight there is a chance to be hurt badly… but we have to take it."
"Honour is nothing if you're dead," she said weakly, breaking down against him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I can't watch this anymore. I can't watch him break her."
Lei comforted her, eyes on the match with concern. "We have to wait and see, for Miharu's sake."
***
Kazuya stalked around Miharu, who was slowly moving up on the floor, refusing to stay down. Somewhere deep inside, he hated to do this. He knew she wasn't as well trained as himself and as many of the fighters in the tournament, but she had a true burning spirit for it. It would be a true shame if he had to snuff it out…
He could hear Julia Chang's screaming in the stands with her conviction to get involved with the match up; as if it would do any good. He ignored her, looking down on the small opponent, rising up carefully, heaving breaths in her lungs. He sighed and kicked her chest, forcing her back down.
"Do yourself a favour, just lie down and accept defeat," he told her.
She shook her head, trying to form words, but was too busy trying to breathe properly. He turned away from her, knowing she was no threat to him, looking out to the crowd as they picked up in a roar of anticipation. He could feel every their life thriving on the fight's progression, except one… one particular that flared out different then the others. One that touch him in a way that felt personal, that felt a part of him… of flesh and blood. He couldn't see him, but he could feel his son close; the essence of the devil gene reaching out with invisible lightning, crackling over him. He didn't falter from the coldness, only smiling to himself in acknowledgement of the presence.
"Am I breaking your little girlfriend, Jin? Do you hate me for inflicting so much pain on her?" He chuckled. "She was begging for this… all of it. She's a fighter this one… it would be a shame to kill her…"
The invisible lightning suddenly picked up like a thunderstorm, the air ready to ignite around Kazuya, who just basked in it, the sense of being so close to what he reasoned belonged to him was so enticing. He turned from the crowd, looking at Miharu, who was gasping, hissing 'no' over and over, shakily trying to get up again.
Kazuya grumbled something and turned to an official, pointing down at Miharu. "She's finished. It's over."
"NOOOOOOO!" He turned as she sprang up at him, with every ounce of strength she had left; though it be little. He intercepted her charge with a roundhouse kick swiftly to her face, and she was spun in waves of blackness to the ground, moving very little.
He approached her; his face set stone cold. "I've had enough of you!" He rose his foot directly over her head. "Take with you the thoughts that at least your spirit stood out against me." And he brought his foot down for a final blow.
"SPIRITS HAVE MERCY!" Julia was screaming towards the centre of the arena.
Lei just sat there, unable to look away.
Everything missed a heartbeat… words passed, screams roaring in the air… but then…
"Kazuya…"
He stopped, his foot just above Miharu's face.
He knew that sweet voice. "Jun?"
And he was suddenly backing off from the girl, seeing a light over-print of the woman he once loved staring at him from over Miharu. She gave him a soft, sad look before melting away, leaving Miharu's pale, battered face turned up weakly to him, though she was responding very little.
Kazuya blinked, for a moment, thinking he was going crazy. He looked around at the now quiet crowd, whispers now and again hitting the crisp, silent air. He turned back to Miharu and resided, leaning down.
"You're lucky I didn't crush you where you lay," he said softly, the words meeting her ears like a far off call as the darkness took her and she lay still with unconsciousness.
An official carefully came over, checking over Miharu then turning other officials and shaking his head and making signalled for medical help as he ran backwards towards his fellow workers.
"And the winner by knock out. Kazuya Mishima!" The radio announced, and after the long spell of silence, people actually began clapping and cheering again, though maybe a partially strained.
Officials were rushing over to attend to Miharu, first aid packs and a stretcher in close tow. But before they could reach her, Kazuya stepped in the way, staring at them with such an icy glare, it could have melted them all into the ground. They stepped back from him, afraid of what the first King of Iron Fist would do.
Now satisfied he wouldn't be swamped by officials, Kazuya turned back to Miharu, standing over her for a moment before bending down and carefully lifting her limp form in her arms.
"You were watched by an angel today," he whispered to the unconscious girl. "You're very lucky to be favoured by Jun Kazama." He cast a look to the officials as he back to part their crowd forming, walking towards the back area with Miharu in his arms.
***
"Miharu? Wake up child…"
"Hmm, huh? Where am I?" Her eyes opened to a blackness that enfolded her and she was suddenly overcome with a cold dread. "What? Am I dead?"
"No, far from it… you live…"
"Jun, is that you?" Miharu asked.
"Yes, it's me," the voice answered a small light appeared in front of the Japanese girl, growing bigger until it formed the beautiful woman in white, now accompanied with flowing, wide, white wings. "You've fought well, though the road is hard, you will overcome all obstacles…"
"But I lost, didn't I?" Miharu asked, sadness in her voice.
"I'm afraid so. But fear not, your quest for truth is not over yet, in fact it's just beginning…"
"It… is?" Miharu wasn't sure anymore, lying there in the eternal darkness with this beautiful Japanese woman as her light.
"Keep searching, you'll find your answers…" Jun whispered and the light grew blinding, forcing Miharu to shield her eyes. When it grew dimmer, she looked back to the light, her jaw dropping.
"Jin…"
He was smiling, so angelic, just like his mother; and now, he had those beautiful white wings. He reached a hand out to her and she was compelled to touch him, her arm not feeling like a lead weight like it had been from the fight. Touching her hand to his was like melting into the softest of silks, heart in the safest keep.
"I failed you…" She whimpered, but he shook his head to this.
"No, you never did. You'll find you answers… soon enough…" He whispered.
"I hope so…" She said, and watched the darkness in engulf him as she settled back into the peace of the black.