2: Imperatives
"Every man has his own destiny:
the only imperative is to follow it,
to accept it,
no matter where it leads him."
Henry Miller
The tie looked strange. He adjusted it again, pushing the knot to the right, then the left. The man in the mirror wore a suit that ran over his muscular frame perfectly, but his handsome face was etched in discomfort. He swallowed hard, then loosened the knot altogether.
"This is not you, Kusanagi," intoned a smooth voice behind him. A blond man came into view, his lean figure similarly clad in a silver suit. He fingered his white tie. "It's not me either. Even though the tuxedos are sweet."
The two old friends were in the bridal studio, trying on suits for Kyo's big day. They both cut striking figures, but the rare expression of apprehension on their faces was unmistakable.
Kyo Kusanagi tightened his jaw, closing his eyes. "This is what we've always wanted. You have no idea how happy Yuki was when I proposed."
A sardonic snort escaped Benimaru Nikaido's slim nose, but coming from him it seemed oddly elegant.
"I've been reading up on philosophy lately. Been thinking about our lives, and how I can face you in the arena and yet be your best friend when we're not kicking each other's heads for thrills.
"I think you and me, we're the real soul mates. Marry me, dump Yuki. Now, Kyo."
Kyo gave an exasperated sigh, glaring at his childhood friend.
"What exactly have you been reading?"
Flicking a few gold strands of hair behind his ear, Benimaru took a seat on the sofa, folding his legs and gazing disinterestedly around the dressing room.
"I see my last-ditch attempt at hooking up has failed. Look, I don't mean to sound preachy, but all your obligatory talk about 'what you've always wanted' is the first step on the road to chaos and destruction. Now, no no, don't start complaining about how your life already is chaotic; this is not about you, it's about you two.
"My advice is this: Listen to that little voice inside of you. We all have one. Mine says that the tailor just now may be my chance at getting some tonight. What does yours say? Does it sound like yada yada til death do us part? If not, get out while you still can."
Throwing himself down beside Benimaru, Kyo shook his head.
"But it wouldn't make sense if we don't marry. She's stuck with me through so much of the KOF shit. We've been together since middle school. And our futures are practically promised to each other. What other reason do I need?"
"Hey calm down, man," Beni said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's logical that you two marry. But logic doesn't govern love."
Kyo looked at him.
"That's the most philosophical thing you've said all day. And the most impossible."
"You and I both know nothing's impossible," Benimaru said, stifling a yawn as he surveyed his manicured nails. It was no mean feat keeping perfect fingers when you were a boxer, but he tried hard. Admiring evidence of that hard work through mirrors and self-examination was one of his favourite pastimes.
Unravelling the tie that was choking him, Kyo shook his head.
"This year's the final tournament for me," he said, quietly. "It's been tiring, these ten years. I just… Just get Chizuru and Yagami's powers back and I can start my own family before it's too damn late."
The two of them sat there in silence for the next minute, gazing at the mirror. Kyo thought he saw a glimpse of them in their school uniforms—young, optimistic, arrogant.
"Let's catch a movie."
Kyo gave a wry laugh. "Which one?"
"That one with the superhero. You know, the one who saves the day and gets the girl. Happy ending."
"What a waste of good money."
"You know you want to."
Beni was right. He was, more often than not.
The lady sat down on the antique chair, sighing.
"I'm getting old," she said, calmly. It's time to let go…Tranquility was her trademark.
She knew her sister would be fuming: "We cannot let this continue!"
All her strength and fiery determination were traits she admired and desired to possess. Her sibling's resolve kept the goal of the clan crystal-clear in Chizuru's mind. It pushed her forward, even when hope seemed to be lost.
Gazing into the mirror, Chizuru suddenly felt feather-light. The burdens on her shoulder were overbearing, indeed, she would not be able to take it for much longer…
The phone rang, breaking the silence.
Chizuru gazed at her tired face, taking her own time to retrieve the receiver.
As the message was conveyed, the heaviness on her shoulders grew.
We do what we must. Such is destiny.