A/N; This chapter has been something of a problem child. I apologise for the lateness of this chapter but this was a very difficult one to get right.
Japanese translations:
Tousan - Father
-san - Mr/Mrs.
-sama - term of respect.
Swedish translations:
Fan - Fuck
Shik - Shit
Chapter 4; Greed and Avarice Canto I
11:00pm.
En route to the drop off point.
Heh almost sounds like a movie opening.
Except they were not going on some secret mission, nor where any of them off to save the world. For Lars Alexandersson and his comrades this mission was completely and utterly pointless.
Damn headaches.
In the dark Lars flipped a pouch on his belt and withdrew a small, white tub of aspirin. As he flipped open, he looked at the contents.
You know life's a bitch when the high point of your day is taking pills.
High points in foul tasting, capsule form. Lars popped one into his mouth and swallowed.
Possibly a day of my life wasted...
A day of his life wasted, a day that could have been spent fighting for something worthwhile not here in this wilderness. Lars was a man of his job, he loved it and breathed it but why did he take this mission?
Why?...
***
(…Beep! Beep!
"...Oh... what now?"
Lars Alexandersson, Tekken Force hero, groped around in the wrong area for the alarm clock, his form lying face down and naked upon the floor.
Beep! Beep!
Oh shut up.
Beep! Be-crack!
Lars smirked, his hooded death glare now risen to the crumpled wreck where his fist had smote.
"Lars...?"
His right hand grasped at the bed sheet as he staggered to his feet, his gaze meeting the lowered eyes of his girlfriend.
"Hey," he replied, the smirk becoming a smile.
"What time is it?" Alisa asked in her voice of drowsiness.
Lars scratched the back of his hair.
"I smashed the alarm clock."
"Oh... oh well, I may have Tousan see if he can install one in me to prevent that."
"Alisa, you already have enough machinery in you," he soothed, pinching the bridge of his nose and blinking to refocus his sight, "and besides you're not a machine anyway, you're human."
Her ever present smile widened.
"Lars."
He turned his head back.
"Are you planning to have your breakfast naked?"
He laughed a soft laugh and shrugged.
"Why not?" he replied before walking through the door…)
***
No music…
That was the first sense to greet Jin to his awakening.
Where am I?
His gaze locked to the vaulted ceiling as his touch felt the comfort of silk beneath his body.
Huh?
His arms and legs were moving, pulling him up from this bed yet it was not by his own will!
What the hell is going on?!
His gaze cut the train of thought in two as his eyes set upon the room. It was a child's dream room, gigantic posters of Kamen Rider and Super Sentai hung high on the walls, collosi of a child's ideologies while life-size statues and small toys jostled for affection.
Jin groaned within.
Oh please no...
He felt these limbs pull him off the bed and a further inward groan escaped at his small vantage point.
I'm in a body of a child, terrific.
Tap, tap.
A child trapped in a veil of claws that descended over this room in long shadows, the tap of rain against the single window a constant in the silence.
Tap tap.
From this underlying monotony of emotion, Jin felt a sudden shock as the gaze turned to a simple toy, a cup and ball.
I'm happy?
"No Jin, it is merely the feelings of this child."
Elaborate.
"You will see and feel everything this child will experience."
Immaturity, the last thing I need.
"I thought you of all people would appreciate the experience."
True emotion is not understood by those so young.
"Yet you wish to connect back to that time? Is that not a paradox?"
It is a foolish wish...
"...that you still dream of..."
It is dream, it will never come to pass.
"Are you so sure?"
I will always be.
Click.
The twist of a brass-handle as the door opened. Jin felt this happiness reach an abrupt end, the boy tossing the toy aside and standing rigid as the figure of a man in a black suit and shades walked in.
"Tousan wishes to see you in the breakfast hall."
The gaze of the boy dipped in a short nod.
"He says he wants you washed and change within five minutes, Kazuya-sama."
Kazuya... oh no.
***
("So you're going to be seeing Mishima Heihachi-san today?"
Lars nodded as Alisa as her fingers worked upon his blue tie.
"You seem unhappy," she commented, her eyes not gazing up to his face.
"There are only two things I hate in life; the Mishima Family and suits."
"Which do you hate more?"
"Suits."
"You have to wear it over your armour though…" she continued.
He nodded.
"I know, until the time comes when walking down the street in Tekken gear does not get me shot at."
"You refer to a day after the press conference?"
"Unfortunately yes."
Her fingers pulled the tie through the last loop into a full Windsor and pulled the tie up to his-
"Ack!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
Two violent coughs escaped from Lars throat as his hands loosened the noose around his neck, his face returning to a normal colour.
"I'm-"
Lars raised a placating left hand.
"Don't... worry... about... it."
Her hands retreated to her chest as she exhaled a breath.
"Alisa, just please watch your strength in future," he continued.
"Yes, I will," she replied with a resolute edge.
He smiled as he slipped the suit coat on over his arms and turned to the mirror.
"I look like a robot."
To him, the man that would always stand tall, his will was being sapped by the blue pinstripe as it crushed him to rigidity, the tie a chain collar that begged for a new master to reach for. Alisa walked next to him, her head cocked to the right as she gazed at their reflection.
"No, you look more human to me," she replied turning her head to him with a widened smile.
Lars returned with a warm smile of his own.
"How's school been for you?" he asked as he tied up the buttons on his jacket.
"It's been... good. We have a new student attending soon."
"Oh?"
"Her name is Lilli Rochefort."
"Lilli Rochefort? The daughter of the owner of Rochefort Enterprises?"
Alisa nodded.
"She was beaten in the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 by Asuka-san."
"She also goes to your school as well, doesn't she?"
She nodded again.
Someone is going to get hurt. Badly.
He chuckled before it faded in the shakes of his head.
"I still don't know why Geppetto sent you to that school in Osaka, especially one owned by the Mishima Zaibatsu."
"Tousan said I needed 'life experience."
His free right hand cupped her cheek.
"All that matters is that you're contented."
His gaze turned downwards to the school uniform she was wearing.
She still makes me feel like a paedophile sometimes...
Lars sighed.
"What's wrong?" Alisa asked.
"Nothing," he replied, "just have a good day."
She planted a quick and rather surprising kiss on Lars' forehead.
"You too. Stay safe."
He smirked.
"I will, mum," he replied as he turned to open the front door, "but I'm still not having lamb for dinner."
"I know," replied Alisa with a nod...)
***
Jin's gaze settled as his unwitting host sat at this table. The entire table in its extreme length was completely bare of any substance, the silence the only meal for the two occupants. Neither made eye contact, neither talked, all was waiting.
He's here.
Upon his throne, a more youthful Heihachi sat.
His grandfather, one of the few people in the world able to draw emotions from him.
Hate, rage and... fear.
Jin shook his metaphorical head.
He is just an illusion, a memory, that is all.
An illusion that burst into life.
The two oak doors were cast open as butlers in black dress hurried forward balancing morsels of giants upon silver platters. The scents and sights of fresh bacon, fried ostrich eggs and all manner of other exotica lit the hall with ribbons of life, the inanimate gargoyles dancing on their perches and the pillars reverberated with opera.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Quickly! Quickly! Quickly!"
The head butler clapped his leather hands for the servants to continue serving the dishes until the last one was placed and the line of butlers retreated, the head butler with his long, handlebar moustache bowed deep and true signalling the end to this first overture.
All was silence again.
Sickening...
"Kazuya's happy, Jin, that's all."
I didn't think he was this childish when he was young.
"All people are Jin, even you recognise these emotions."
Maybe... at one time....
As Kazuya wolfed down the food in front of him though, he kept seeing the careful glances to a stern faced Heihachi.
Was he scared of him?
That just doesn't make any sense.
Yet Jin could sense that a cold, rotting skeleton lay beneath the glazed skin of joy. The boy was trying to drown himself in this food, in this false feeling.
But why on earth would Kazuya do something like that for Heihachi?
Why?
***
(...Why?
Years later and that same question was asked in the same place.
Why I am here?
Sitting in full, uncovered armour, Lars could only massage his forehead as the auditor stepped up to the pedestal.
"Pay attention, Lars," hissed Tougou next to him with a jab in the guts.
"We already know all of this."
"It's a good recap and besides its your job as leader to listen, not act like some spoiled teenager."
Lars shook his head ever so slightly.
Maybe it's not the briefing but the shik on the throne...
The "shik" was one of many expletives that Lars used to describe the man upon the throne. Even after twenty years, Heihachi Mishima proved that he could still fill a tiger jacket and suit without effort. Lars watched as Heihachi scanned all the soldiers in the room in silence.
He thinks our unit is weak.
His right fist clenched, his headache spiked yet oppressed.
The old man caught sight of his gaze and lock onto him. A wry smirk spread across Heihachi's face as he saw the boy hold his gaze with narrowed eyes. Three seconds pass before Lars turned his attention back to the droning auditor.
The boy has spirit, more than Kazuya did.
He narrowed his eyes.
Jin was the same.
"Now here we have a hologram map of Honshu Island..."
All eyes turned to the auditor. Within his hand he pressed a button on an object the size and shape of a pen. The silver ring on the floor illuminated the gothic hall as a map of Honshu island.
"G Corporation will enter by Hercules, their troops will be dropped off near Shin-Nanyo where they will depart for the oil refinery."
"Yeah we're going to kick some ass."
"Woo-hoo!"
Lars exhaled a short, exasperated sigh.
Why did G Corporation have to get involved?
"Cheer up Lars, they're not going to be an impediment," whispered Tougou.
"Our unit is enough to handle a situation like this. We don't need these cowboys..."
Lars' words were of lighter fuel to oil.
"What did you say?"
"You callin' us amateurs?!"
"Quiet!"
"Yes, sir!"
The two bolted down into their seats at the barked order. The source of the order turned on Lars.
"Although I do wanna' know, were you calling us amateurs?"
I don't have to listen to this.
"Are you calling the people I've drilled and put through shit a bunch of amateurs?!" snarled the voice.
"I apologise," replied Lars without looking back.
"No, that ain't good enough, kid," snarled the attacker, "mind you its not like your soldiers are any better. All a bunch of traitors from what I heard."
Lars whirled to his feet, his eyes smouldering.
Somebody else beat him to the mark.
"You calling us a bunch of traitors? That's a rich come from a one time hitman!"
"That's enough, Daniel!" shouted Tougou.
Crack.
The impact of thunder rolling upon waves tore through the room, a single lightning bolt within the pouring rain off in the distance. Heihachi rested his fist back upon the arms of the throne.
Every gaze was drawn back to him.
He surveyed every single subject with a gaze of imperious indignation and anger as he spoke again.
"I see that none of you have any recollection of manners, especially you Bruce-san. The argument was amusing but you will sit yourselves back in your seats."
Heihachi saw the whelp in his blue jeans and black tank top walk forward, his arms held wide.
"Forgive me if my manners are lacking but I only answer to one boss," stated Bruce in reply.
A sneer curved Heihachi's upper left lip.
"The little girl has you on a chain and leash to her ideals already?"
Bruce shook his head.
"Leo pays well."
"Hmph, we'll see about that. Regardless we having a briefing to finish so sit."
Bruce snorted as he dropped back onto his chair.
"Ahem, thank you everyone," announced the auditor, "now if I may continue..."
Lars settled his aching head back as the auditor continued to bore holes with words.
"...the other troops will enter..."
"At twelve hundred hours..."
All sentences were fragmented to his ears as he tried to listen.
"Lars, you... okay?"
He nodded to Tougou's question. His comrade shook his head.
"It's those headaches, you need to see a doctor about them."
"I already did."
"And?"
"They said they couldn't find anything wrong."
Tougou raised his right eyebrow.
"Let's just leave it." replied Lars.
Tougou nodded as he leaned back into his seat.
"...the mission objectives are as follows:
Meet at the designated points.
Penetrate the enemy's defences.
Neutralise the enemy.
Capture the oil refinery."
He makes it sound so damn easy...
"I would like to add one thing..."
"Mishima-sama?"
The old martial artist rose from his seat and surveyed the room.
"Let me make this clear to you, you are protecting my interests when you go on this mission. If either one of your institutions causes large scale damage to my facility then I will hold you responsible and reimburse myself from your coffers."
I should have known.
"What the hell-?!"
"You kidding me...!"
"Be quiet!" shouted Tougou and Bruce in unison.
Lars had pulled himself to his feet as the silence descended.
"This is combat, Heihachi, people die in combat, property is destroyed in combat. That's reality!"
The old man's gaze descended upon him again, his eyes blazing at his kin's thorough disrespect.
"There is no other option, boy! You will do as you're told or I will take every last penny from your pocket money, is that understood?!"
"Clearly."
"You are all dismissed," announced the auditor.
The clank of boots and the deep grumblings of the soldiers summarised Lars mood as he left with the group, commingled in its misery.
Damn him...
The headache was pounding an obsidian spike into his brain, he wanted... he wanted to punch a hole through that old man's head! None more so than this time, dropping this weight of black gold upon him. He stopped.
In fact...
No.
I've got a job to do.
The headache eased its beat as he walked out of the hall...)
***
"Hurry, hurry, Kazuya-sama!"
Jin felt the tightening of yet more buttons on this suit as Kazuya hurried on his little legs after the female servant.
"Kazuya-sama!"
A loving hand found Kazuya's with its tender grip.
"We don't want to be late for tousan do we, Kazuya-sama? C'mon."
To Jin it was a rush of affection from Kazuya and footsteps as he was hurried out into the rain by this servant.
Damn it's cold!
Even he, a man of hollow ice, could not deride that this body felt the attack of dark sleet. He could feel the penetrating needles stabbing deep, all the warmth of nourishment decomposing under the attack.
"Kazuya-sama, let's get in the car."
Jin looked up to see that the female servant had opened a black umbrella, shielding him from the rain. He felt the muscles of Kazuya's mouth upturn into a small smile in response, so filled with gratitude before he climbed into the cavernous space of the limousine.
"You took your time, boy."
All that Kazuya could muster was a timid glance at his father and his entourage of Yakuza.
"Well have you anything to say?" demanded Heihachi.
Kazuya shook his head.
"Then sit."
The small boy set his rigid form upon the hard leather seat, his hands fidgeting for the seatbelt.
Pitiful.
"What is?"
I expected Kazuya to put up far more of a fight.
"He is just a child, Jin."
He is still Kazuya.
"Yes he is still Kazuya but he is also still a child and children like every other beast upon this Earth feel fear, you included."
…
"Kazuya-sama, let me help you with that belt."
The little boy flashed a small smile to the female servant's face, such a young face framed in her long, ebony locks.
"It's rather sweet isn't it?" questioned the voice again.
No; nauseating.
"Don't coddle him, June," groused Heihachi, "he is my son, he is supposed to be strong."
"Yes, Mishima-sama," replied June, bowing her head.
She sat down next to Kazuya in silence as the engine rumbled into life. The young boy's gaze turned to the shades of monochrome outside. Jin shared the gaze, his consciousness resigned with his dark brooding.
Kazuya feeling fear... it makes some sense...
The concession left a bitter taste though.
Heihachi's behaviour... he's different to the way he used to treat me.
It was hard to reconcile two images of this father-figure. So confusing in its swirl of raindrops and hale, each one hitting hollow buildings, each one melting in monochromatic globs into mires of bleakness. The world passed to Kazuya's and Jin's eyes as the small boy's eyelids veiled over into black...
(…"Boy."
What?
"Boy!"
The harsh bark of Heihachi shocked Jin's senses from slumber.
What's happening?!
His panicked thought was shown in the face of these new surroundings. The traditional white screens of the Mishima Estate encased these new surroundings, the only constant the tap...tap...tap of the rain...
"Do not fall asleep in the middle of breakfast, boy!"
"Yes, ojiisan."
It is my own voice...
Yet he had never willed to say those words, they were words once spoken. The dishes laid out on the table were foods once eaten...
"Jin, eat!" he commanded.
"Yes, ojiisan."
...And Heihachi was a man he had once called Ojiisan. Once.
"Remember to eat if you wish to become strong enough."
The younger Jin obeyed as he started to quicken in his pace of the food.
He must become stronger.
He had to become stronger.
Once.
To Jin, he could not have seen a greater fool in the entire universe. This want, this need would be filled by the cold ejaculation of a pistol barrel. The rising of his grandfather caught the younger Jin's attention.
"I expect you back by 5:00 sharp and by the time I get back from the meeting with Doctor Abel I want to see you working on your homework. I sent you to my school and I expect the work to be done, not for you to be lounging around in that pathetic arcade."
"Yes, ojiisan."
Heihachi's gaze lingered upon the boy,
"What is it you wish to ask?"
"I...I wanted to know what you are doing at the meeting today."
Jin internally groaned at that comment.
Heihachi's eyelids lowered.
"I am going to be seeing Dr. Abel about his advances in gene therapy. Now finish your meal."
"Yes, ojiisan."
He turned on his clogs leaving Jin's younger self alone...)
"Kazuya-sama!!"
The boy's eyes blinked twice before opening to June's words.
"Wha-?"
"We've arrived at the G-Corporation building."
***
Because it's right?
... That idea went out of the window long ago.
Because of contractual obligations?
...Are the unit and I that amoral?
"Sir, we've arrived."
The APC's tracks ground to a halt as he looked to his subordinate, Tashigi with a nod.
"Everyone ready yourselves," Lars commanded.
Several clicks followed in pattern as machine guns were cocked for the ready. Lars slid out the gun's magazine.
Full, good.
"Everyone remember the briefing?" he called again.
The black armoured soldiers nodded in unison, there orange eyes a mask for insect unity.
"Remember we have two miles to cover in quick time. Once at the designated point we split into two teams, one under Tougou, one under me, is that clear?"
"Yes sir!" roared the soldiers.
The door of the vehicle swung open crashing into the sump.
I hate rain.
Lars' boots were the first to slam into the quagmire, the cold torrents pouring over his face and into all the little cracks of his armour.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
After we've split, we'll assault the compound from three sides. Me and Tougou leading two groups and the third lead by G Corporation.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Tougou's group will assault from the behind, G Corporation will assault from the front and mine will assault from the side. The three heads of the Cerberus.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
At precisely twelve a.m. The Jacks will be fired into the compound from the Chinooks and the assault should draw to a close.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Hopefully.
He rubbed a gloved hand across his face to wipe the cold water obscuring his vision. He knew his unit would be facing former comrades, rogue Tekken Force, supporters of Jin. These people said they wanted money but Lars knew they were trying to make a statement, about Jin, for Jin. They would live for him until the end yet the dead man would only watch with an apathetic gaze.
As in death as in life.
His eyebrows furrowed.
Still no word on Jin's body.
The thought was distracting and couldn't help but send an increased shiver to the water drops. Could his nephew be out there... watching?
***
Yes, Jin was watching but only upon this meeting of bores.
"So the contracts for the Jacks has been signed?"
"Yes, the Mishima Zaibatsu will be the manufacturers but the management will be handled by the G Corporation."
"What about Boskonovitch-san's plans for the cyborg?"
"Too expensive, they will be shelved."
The little men tried to play demi-gods over the invisible as the rain continued to beat against the glass walls. Still Kazuya watched onwards, his body rigid within the seat.
"Are you listening, Kazuya?"
The growling voice caused Kazuya to the burning sidelong gaze of his father.
"Well?"
"Yes, tousan."
The reply was too quick. Heihachi's smouldering eyebrow lowered.
"If you have been listening, then tell me... what has the meeting been about so far?"
Er....
Jin could feel the boy's emotions trapped in a pneumatic spin cycle, terror and confusion clashed against each other in disharmony.
"Have you got an answer boy?!"
Er...
The room was darkened, his world a million and twenty miles away.
Er...
Every suit was an expecting glare, every member a want for respect.
Especially him.
"Heihachi-san, he is just a child."
Freeze.
The soft spoken individual drew the sidelong gaze of Heihachi, his gaze keeping the boy under the scrutiny of his corners.
"Xiaoyu-san, I suggest you remember who holds the keys to the wallet," he growled, his gaze flicking across the room.
Mr. Xiaoyu nodded his head slowly before re-seating into incongruity as several other grey suits shifted in their chairs.
"Good," continued Heihachi, "I gather that everything has needed to be said has been said?"
All nodded.
"Fine then, that concludes this meeting."
The shades of grey stood and started their procession to the exit. Kazuya pushed back his metal chair-
"Wait, boy."
The dark weight that had settled and oppressed within Kazuya sank deeper through into Jin as he heard that growl. The last suit evacuated before it was just the two of them. The rain outside was turning into a torrential downpour as it continued its beat against the glass.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
"You embarrassed me."
Heihachi never looked at the boy, only staring into the dead sky.
"I'm... I'm sorry, tousan."
His father whirled around in his chair.
"Is that all you have to say for yourself?!"
Kazuya said nothing, only Jin could hear the thundering of small heart strings. Heihachi's lip reared backwards underneath his bristling moustache.
A calloused hand lashed out and caught Kazuya by the collar.
"Aah!"
The boy's cry was cut off his body was slammed against the cold concrete.
"Answer me, boy!"
"…"
Jin's widened gaze took in the sight of Heihachi. All light had been rendered asunder to the void of his hulking silhouette, his eyes blazing with Lucifer's flames as he bared down upon him. Stern grandfather, sneering betrayer and powerful opponent, three images Jin had seen within his lifetime but a fourth was forced upon him, the tyrant of children's nightmares who lurked in the shadows of consciousness.
For the one of the few times in his life Jin was cold.
"You were too weak to answer a simple question," snarled Heihachi, his voice lowered, "you humiliated me in front of them because of your incompetence."
Jin could feel the shivers running through Kazuya's body, the terror leaking on his eyelashes but still the boy did not react.
Heihachi leaned in closer, his grip shifting on the boy's neck.
"You will never..."
A flick of his wrist caused Kazuya's head to crack against the wall.
"Ever."
Crack.
"Repeat."
Crack.
"That."
Crack.
"Mistake.
Crack.
"Again."
Kazuya's gaze was shut tight but the words of tousan were always audible in the dark.
"Is that clear?"
The boy bit his lip and nodded fast.
Again the silence of a world so cold seeping through the wall. Heat prickled against the side of his cheek, it's touch harsh to bleed the tender skin.
"Remember, weaklings don't cry."
Heihachi dropped him into darkness...
(...Everything swam...
A long exhalation.
Exhausted...am I?
It was just a statement, a word as the vision cleared. Pale, yellow light poured upon the booklet.
Equations... more equations...
Both Jin's didn't care.
The younger Jin slumped within his seat. The older felt the shock, the frozen fear morph in his breast, strangled by a pressure of rocks as the exhaustion entered into his system.
Too fast...
"Are you okay?"
I'm fine.
"You don't sound it..."
Why have done this to me?
"For understanding, of course."
Understanding of what?!
"You tell me."
What was there to tell?
What had he understood?
His younger self was now scribbling at the questions, his emotions set at the level of "bored".
Heihachi acting like a complete and utter bastard.
Nothing new there then.
Kazuya; a mentally abused child...
It's wrong.
Yet...
Were those memories genuine?
"They all were Jin."
You haven't tampered with them?
"No, I have not."
The tone was of indignation from the voice as he wondered.
Kazuya's emotions had been a storm of paradoxes, he had felt storms of fear pounding on the surface, sharp icicles of self-hate within the sleet but beneath the sodden ground, large seeds of bitterness grew fat upon the world's nourishment. Those seeds were the ones to grow and then consume him whole...
(Yes it was a cruel, hollow laugh yet now I see that it was directed at no one, just himself...)
His mother's words rang in his mind's ears.
A small spark of emotion.
Pity?
The pale screen to his right was slammed open, catching the younger Jin's attention. Tall and suited his grandfather stood in the doorway.
"You still haven't finished?"
The younger Jin remained silent, riveted to his chair.
Damn fool.
Heihachi folded his arms over his chest.
"I told you not to got that arcade, didn't I?"
His younger self's eyes dropped.
His grandfather let out a growling sigh.
"I want the work finished by dinner, is that clear?"
The younger Jin nodded once with a slight inclination of his head.
"Remember weaklings don't give up."
Jin felt a cold chill wave through his soul.
He slid the door back into place as he walked out. The younger let out relief in a small breath. The older could think of one thought, one question...
How lucky was I?
"Kazuya-sama!"
The cry was echoed as the light from the lamp obscured his vision in stars and blurs. Emotions became effervescent, colours of oil in rain drops as Jin's consciousness was siphoned across time...)
...His gaze morphed to tear-smudged lenses and a head that hurt like hell.
"Kazuya-sama, are you okay?" asked the bleary shape of June.
Jin heard the whimper of his host and the self pity wash through the fright.
"Was it Heihachi-sama again?"
Her voice had lowered.
Kazuya remained in whimpering refusal, his eyes barricading the tears.
June put a hand to his face.
"Kazuya-sama, I'll know something that will cheer you up."
"Really?"
She nodded once with a small smile and took him by the hand.
***
11:17.
Lars' boots paced through the undergrowth, soldiers following as thralls in his wake, each visor dimmed of orange life. Their footsteps were a quiet rustle in the bushes but a rustle that the rain could barely hide.
I hate this sluggishness.
Cracck.
Lars' eyes widened. His left hand flicked up as the soldiers stopped.
Cracck.
It sounds like crashing branches.
He motioned with a downward flick of his hand for all the soldiers to crouch.
Cracck.
Who or what ever is making that noise must be either big or stupid.
"What the hell did you think you were doing?!"
I stand corrected.
"It's damn hard to walk in this area, you know?"
Was that guy doing a fake Italian accent?
Lars smirked.
"That doesn't mean having to trample around like a bull..."
Female.
"You don't know what could be out there."
Old and with more sense than the other one.
"What you mean? In this forest?!"
"Lorenzo...."
Lars let out a short breath. He checked his watch again.
11:22... fan! I've got no time for this.
They were standing roughly ten metres away in the bushes, ten metres was enough for two bullets. His right hand moved to the trigger-
A crackle of static.
"Shit, it's the C.O," muttered the older soldier, "yes, sir?"
Wait...
"I want you to report back to base immediately Lieutenant Jean," commanded a voice of low bass notes, "a patrol from the has been missing for twenty minutes. The Colonel believes they have finally come."
Finally come...?
"Understood, over and out. Lorenzo, let's get moving."
"Yes, m'am."
"Shut up and just move."
The two ran off again through the forest, their footsteps fading in the rustling of bushes. Lars and his men pulled themselves to their feet.
Seems G Corporation are making their move.
He raised his right arm to his face.
11:25.
Lars motioned with his right hand to move forward again.
We have to get moving.
Smalls steps became longer strides as everyone quickened in pace.
"Finally come...?"
The part of the message rebounded in his skull as he thought about it.
Do they know we're coming?
How the hell did they know in the first place?!
It was a question that had so many answers, answers that he could ponder at a desk or in a bar later, not on the battlefield. A battlefield that he would be 'sharing' with other soldiers. Ones he had once trained and considered comrade.
They chose the side they're on and we chose ours. That's just life.
Lars frowned under his soaked brow.
Still why am I doing this?
He inwardly shrugged.
Act now, think later.
He allowed himself a quick glance left and right.
Trees seem to be thinning out...
The boggy ground pounded under his feet as he moved onwards and onwards until-
At last!
Lars breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the last of the trees fade out and the rising of the hill.
Finally at the point of attack.
The bear pounded up the muddy slope.
"Argh!"
His left boot slipped upon the hillside.
Thud.
Lars slammed his right boot down and he stopped. He pushed his feet onwards.
Squelch.
Squelch.
Squelch.
We're here.
He ducked down low as the men came up behind him. His raised his right wrist to his face.
11:28.
Eleven twenty eight and a steel hell stretched before Lars' gaze, miles of pipes and towers intertwined together in a maze, a random fortress where a man or machine gun could waiting round every corner. The high pitch blare of an air raid siren resonated outwards from the innards of the building.
Lars unbuttoned a pocket to his left on his belt and produced a pair of binoculars.
Let's see...
He flicked his gaze downwards.
Wire fences reinforced with barb wire... oh great...
"Move it men!"
Soldiers ran in single and groups from one area to the next, their footwork in mechanical harmony.
Disciplined and alert... I wouldn't have expected anything else...
Thump.
Thump.
Lars winced.
Stupid headaches.
"Sir?" asked one of the soldiers.
"It's nothing, Leon."
Leon gave a slow nod before abating. Lars rubbed his right temple, the headache slowing in its beat.
Better.
He raised the binoculars to his eyes again.
Four sentries... maybe five...damn this rain!
"Sir!"
Lars flicked his head right to Tashigi.
"It's st-!"
A whistle.
Two explosions.
Beep beep.
11:30.
G Corporation is on the offensive.
"Look up there!"
Two gunshots flew overhead.
"Fan," he muttered.
He flicked his head to his right.
"Tashigi get the RPG ready!"
Lars ducked as successive gunshots tore up the ground in front. He flicked back up, firing down the sights.
Ratatata.
One soldier ducked behind the sandbag cover.
The other fell limp over the barricade.
"Grenade!!"
Leon's scream.
"Move!!"
Lars command.
Bang.
One of Lars' own was sent flying into the mud.
Shit!
"Tashigi where the fucks that RPG?!"
Bang.
"My leg!!"
Ratatatata.
Ratatatata.
All noise so near and distant.
Blood, cordite, sulphur...
A white rocket shot forth.
"Run!!"
Kaboom.
Bodies and body parts flew.
A gap had been torn open.
Heihachi can pay for that one.
"Daniel, Yomashta come with me! Leon, you, Nina and Kurosev cover me!"
"Yes sir!"
Ratatatata.
He ripped the walkie-talkie from his belt.
"Tashigi, get three others to come with you! We're going in!"
The crackle of static.
"Yes sir!"
Kaboom.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
The three pushed down the hill.
Lars felt his feet slip with every step.
"Stop them!"
Ratatata- Argh!
Thanks Leon.
Lars raised his machine gun.
Ratatata.
Another dead.
Reload.
Cha-chunk.
Ratatata.
"Argh!"
One caught in the arm.
Lars frowned.
We're close enough.
His machine gun fell loose.
He pressed fingers to palm.
Ching.
Curved blades sprang from the back of his wrists.
He leapt forth in a kick.
Crack.
The first was sent flying backward.
Another soldier was sent flying backwards.
He glanced right.
Yomashta.
Another soldier aimed his gun at Lars.
Crap.
Ratatatatata.
Lars leapt to the left.
Closed in.
Swept his left arm up in an arc.
Shing.
The barrel was cut clean off.
A spark of purple lightning.
Slam.
His right palm connected with the soldier's chest.
Cracck.
Four ribs had broken.
The soldier folded.
Cla-click.
He glanced behind.
Four soldiers had him in their sights.
Lars shifted his feet.
Got to-
Ratatatatatata.
Two were shot dead.
Slam.
One fell to the floor.
Skull crushed.
Tashigi.
The fourth blocked the kick with the back of his arm.
Ratata.
Three shots from Daniel.
The fourth soldier crumpled.
"What did you that for?!"
"We don't have time to waste!"
Four shots came from nowhere.
"There's more coming!"
Lars grabbed hold of his gun again.
"Let's go."
He walked forward.
Hands.
Feet.
Legs.
Heads.
Skull pieces...
To the feet that stepped over, to the eyes that only glanced, the living and the dead were indistinguishable, all united by the stench that filled Lars' nostrils.
I hate that smell.
His sodden feet stepped upon solid tile.
We're in.
***
(...I'm in.
Jackpot!
A word of shock display upon the machine.
I knew that surprise once.
The smoke, the gold dragons hanging overhead watching with their acrylic eyes, the smell of cheap tobacco, the bleeding ears, the chattering of win and loss and of course...
Cha-chung!
Cha-chung!
The old pachinko machine lit up in red and blue LEDs as it vomited more balls for him.
The younger self pulled a small smile.
He wound the lever again, tightening the spring then...
Cha-chung!
Chaos!
Balls of different colour rebounded everywhere over the pins.
Cha-chung!
Cha-chung!
Some landed in three and four balls slots.
Cha-chung!
Cha-chung!
Jackpot again!
He was lucky today.
Cha-chung!
What a satisfying noise knowing that he had blown more money.
Especially as it wasn't his own.
He had told Ojii-san that he was going to an arcade.
Well, it was a half-truth.
It didn't matter though.
The chances of Ojii-san finding out the truth were minute considering the amounts were so small.
Small but enough to give that little sense of rebellion.
Cha-chung!
The older Jin couldn't help but wish a smirk as he felt the small moment of satisfaction.
I always loved the older machines.
Cha-chung!
The simple mechanism gave wings to his form, even for only a second.
He could forget destiny, forget rigorous training.
He could just... be.
If Ojii-san found out, so what? More brutal training regimes?
That was a price he was willing to risk for what he had.
He had found a small part of life in a pachinko parlour of Shibuya, Tokyo.
A life... a memory.
Cha-chung.
The younger Jin smiled as he pushed the spring button.
Ratatatatata.
The balls cascaded out in a hole at the bottom.
"Time to leave?"
Yes.
The younger version was already heading for a pair of doors.
Light blinded Jin's vision.
Fade out...)
Fade in...
"We're finally here!"
The light morphed into shapes of opal light as Jin heard June's voice. The joy that Jin felt was as if it had exploded out of a tight space in this transition.
I'm small again.
This was the first time he truly noticed the difference in size between his younger self and Kazuya as June looked down upon him. It was a sign that he was vulnerable and that was... uncomfortable.
"Kazuya-sama, do you wish to take a look?" offered June.
Kazuya's gaze flicked up to the racks of endless shoes, his eyes flitting back and forth until he saw a section that felt so familiar to him. On long rows that were stacked high than his eyes could see. They were his pillars of fortitude as he approached them. Jin couldn't help but want to smirk.
Some things never change with time.
The young Kazuya grabbed two pairs of sneakers and turned around with them to June.
"So which do you want?"
"Can I have both?" asked Kazuya with the tiniest amount of pleading in his voice.
June sighed.
"It is never bad to want or to covet anything, Kazuya-sama, it is in our nature as living beings," she intoned, taking one pair from Kazuya's hand and placing it back on the rack, "but we must take things in moderation otherwise these little belongings lose their special qualities."
"But tousan says that I can have whatever I want," asserted Kazuya with wide eyes.
June's mouth dipped as her gaze turned away.
"That's just like Heihachi-san isn't it?" she murmured.
She turned back to him.
"Kazuya-sama, there are people like tousan that live in this world who place weights so close to their hearts that in the end the weight become their heart."
"You might get in trouble for saying things like that!"
She looked straight into his eyes.
"Kazuya-sama, why do you stand up for him?"
His gaze dropped to the floor as he slammed his arms rigid to his sides.
"Because... because I need to be strong enough."
"What do you mean?"
"Tousan says that I'm too weak," he mumbled, his eyes searching the ground for salvation, "I have to be perfect otherwise I'll never be strong enough..."
Her eyebrows lowered.
" You don't have to be perfect, no one expects you to be perfect."
Kazuya looked back up at her with a straight gaze.
"Tousan does."
It was a sudden flare of bitterness that spat on the four syllables. June's eyes lowered as her lips curved into a sad smile.
"Kazuya-sama let's go pay for these," she offered.
He nodded, his face withdrawn.
***
Lars nodded to his lieutenant.
Ratatatatata.
He checked his watch.
11:45.
The Jacks have to get here soon!
He took his machine gun in both hands.
Cha-chunk.
Good.
Lars ducked out from behind the pipe.
Ratatatata.
Missed...
He ducked back behind the pipe.
Ratatatata.
Shots from Tashigi.
We have to get out of this passageway.
Bang.
A grenade's explosion.
One enemy soldier lay scattered.
Lucky the explosion didn't hit us...
He poked his head out from his left side.
His eyes squinted as his gaze searched the second floor.
There's a sniper up there
Ratatata.
He moved back.
Too close.
He took the walkie-talkie from his belt .
The crackle of static.
He spoke into the receiver.
"Tashigi!"
"Yes sir!"
"Throw a smoke grenade on my throw!"
"Yes sir!"
He placed the walkie-talkie back on his belt.
His gaze switched up to Tashigi up on the other side.
Lars motioned with two fingers to his eyes.
Tashigi nodded.
He turned back to Daniel and Yomashta.
He repeated the motion.
They nodded, the orange dimming.
I hope the range is great enough.
Lars unlatched an E.M.P. grenade from his belt.
Here goes...
He pulled the pin and threw it.
Bam.
Bang.
Tashigi's smoke bomb had detonated.
Go.
They ran in.
Ratatatata.
"Argh!"
The body twitched and slumped.
Ratatata.
Another body fell to the floor.
"Urgh."
Kurosev's cry.
Everything a blur.
Colours of rain swirled in grey
The touch of lingering static.
The choke of smoke
Have to move.
Leon was running alongside him.
Then...
A fast shriek.
Glosh.
The right side of Leon's scalp exploded.
Lars was showered in dark blood and brain.
Leon!
The range wasn't far enough.
The smoke was fading.
A second shot.
"Argh!"
Lars' cry.
A hit to the left shoulder.
"Crap..."
His right hand dropped his gun.
It clamped upon the bleeding wound.
His feet stumbled in shock.
"Lars!!"
He felt the scope upon his chest.
He felt the breath upon his cold, cold skin.
Damn it...
***
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Does it ever stop?
"The rain for some never stops."
Tap.
Tap.
Was it always like this for Kazuya?
"Not at first, he once had a loving family..."
I have hard time believing that with Heihachi around.
"Yes, even Heihachi but then his mother died..."
...
"It fell apart from there..."
...
"Do you feel any differently about your father?"
You expect me to hate him less?
"No, I just wish for you to understand."
"Understand what? That he was a mentally abused child?! It was wrong but it never prevented him from becoming what he became!"
No... it didn't.
Tap.
Tap.
Will I ever... awaken?
That depends...
On what?
If you even survive.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
"Kazuya-sama, we're here..."
Clunk.
The little boy unclipped his seatbelt at the sound of the doors unlocking.
"The fair will be three thousand yen."
June nodded handing the driver the notes before turning back to Kazuya.
"Hold on for a second."
She pulled herself out, unfolding her umbrella.
Cha-chung.
June opened the door.
He ducked into the shadow of her umbrella, taking her hand in eagerness withdrawn. Kazuya's gaze ascended to the neo-gothic architecture of the Mishima Mansion as it stood tall against the metal sky. The leather of his shoes tightened against his ankles as he ascended the marble steps. June pushed against the glass door as they entered.
"Hello?"
Her voice resonated but no one answered.
She frowned.
Kazuya swallowed.
"I see you've returned..."
Metaphysical and physical spines crawled.
Heihachi strode onto the top of the stairs.
Tap.
Tap.
The march of souleless feet.
From an entrance to the right four Yakuza walked into the room
"Why are you late, June-san?"
"I was taking your son out shopping, Mishima-sama."
Heihachi's gaze intensified, his head tilting back.
"Did you even ask for permission?"
June lowered her head, her eyes staring up from beneath fringe.
"I didn't think-."
"Of course you didn't. If you did you should have asked and you would have known that I would have said no because he already has everything he wants here."
Kazuya felt June's grip on his hand tighten.
"Are you so sure about that, Mishima-sama?"
"Oh-ho, so you're questioning me now?"
He leapt over the railings.
Crash.
Upon impact the ground had shattered.
Jin could feel Kazuya's increased breathing as he stared up at June.
She stood firm in silence.
"I commend you for even standing there to face me," complimented Heihachi, "it takes someone with true spirit to question me on such a personal issue."
I've done that many times, Heihachi.
He continued to watch.
Heihachi's brow had lowered.
"You think you know what is best for Kazuya?"
"After seeing what you've done to him for the past six months, I think I know he deserves better than this."
"Six months?! Pah! I've been there since the beginning," he shouted, thrusting his finger forwards with every point," I changed his nappies in the middle of the night when he crapped himself, I am the one that brought him all the presents he ever wanted, I am the one who has been a true parent to him! In six months youcoddled him! You made him weak..."
June pushed her right foot out in front, swinging her right arm round wide.
"He's weak because he is a child, he doesn't need presents, he needs LOVE!!"
Nothing was spoken in reply.
Nothing, only the slow approach of Heihachi.
Terror and bitterness were dividing Kazuya in two.
Should he run behind June?
Should he run to Hei-Tousan?
Jin could tell this just from his emotions.
The boy was helpless.
Stand your ground.
It was the only way Jin knew.
Heihachi approached June, her feet shifting two steps.
He stopped two paces from her and leaned into her ear.
Kazuya could feel her palm shaking.
"What I have done for him, that is love."
Click.
Huh?
Bang.
Her grasp slipped.
Her body fell.
Crack.
Kazuya watched.
Jin watched.
The Yakuza crouched over her slumped body.
Bang.
Bang.
Kazuya looked.
Jin looked.
Her lips were open. Those lips would have made a statement.
"Clear up this mess," ordered Heihachi, shaking his head.
Two Yakuza picked up the body by the arms and dragged it away.
A third ran off to find the cleaning equipment for the large pool of blood staining the floor.
"Stupid woman..." Heihachi muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Kazuya looked at the stains, his eyes wide.
A trickle of water slid down his right cheek.
He flicked it away.
He may have shed tears.
Once.
The cold shaking never stopped though.
Jin watched.
...
Heihachi turned to Kazuya.
"Boy, get changed. We're going training in Hokkaido."
Kazuya nodded fast and then ran past.
A/N; I am thinking about raising the rating to an M after this chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, regardless of feeback good or bad, I wish you the best.
Hplo.