Before you guys read this chapter, I would like the thank you for taking the time out to read my story. Especially you, SolSParda36. Not only are you my number one supporter, but the entire reason why I'm motivated to continue writing this story. I know its not the best Tekken/DOA that I've made, but as long as you guys are enjoying, then I'm willing to make it the best cross fic you ever read. Thank you all so much for your support.

CHAPTER SEVEN: MATERIAL GIRL

"We are living in a material world and I am a material girl"

The sandy floor kicked up as people moved about frantically to put their equipment aside for the upcoming match. The sounds of calls were lost in the cheers and horns that crawled around the small arena. To the people in the crowd, it was entertainment.

Like the previous KOIF tournament, people all over the world were watching. People watched the fifth Tournament from their TVs, cellphones, and computer devices, and ratings were high. People also went to the venues where matches were held in Ming place. Tekken consistently had high viewership. However, this year, even more people were tuning in. Even people who weren't into fighting or Tekken were watching.

"Scuse' me! Sorry...coming through!" Honoka politely said, shuffling through many people crowded around the front row tier while trying to offset and keep hold of the huge load of snacks in her arms. She grabbed the empty seat next to Asuka and carefully placed the snacks in her lap while placing the lemon soda in the cup-holder beside her.

Asuka's smile broadened in gratitude as Honoka offered her an additional can of lemon soda from her stash. "Thanks," she said with heartfelt appreciation.

Honoka flashed a radiant smile. "You're welcome," she said with warmth that lit up the moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming!" the announcer called out excitedly, "Welcome to the First Round of the King of Iron Fist Tournament!"

The crowd cheered wildly as the man continued. Honoka's smile deepened, excitement filling her to the brim. Ever since the DOA tournament, she couldn't wait to see the match and even up this close. Luckily for her, Asuka had managed to snag her two seats in the front row before it was filled with people who were just as eager to see the fight besides her.

"Our first match-up will be between two tournament veterans!" The lights grew dim as the announcer continued, "He's a user and the master of Jeet Kune Do. Please welcome...Marshall Law!"

As the crowd roared in excitement, the spotlight shone on the stage, illuminating the confident figure of Marshall Law. Dressed in his traditional martial arts attire that only consisted of his black pants that were designed with golden dragons, Law exuded a sense of calm readiness as he stepped into the arena. His experience as a tournament veteran was evident in the way he moved, each step carrying the assurance of a master of his craft.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, "And his opponent, a formidable contender known for his lightning speed and precision strikes, please welcome Baek Doo San...!"

The crowd's roar swelled with fervent energy, a thunderous chorus of excitement that filled the amphitheater. Yet amidst the undulating waves of euphoria, Honoka stood like an island of calm, her red eyes sharp and analytical. She was there not merely as a spectator but as a student of the martial craft, hungry to dissect each feint, parry, and strike the combatants showcased. As the fighters danced their deadly ballet, with muscles rippling and fists cutting through the air like blades, Honoka's mind whirred, visualizing herself mirroring their movements, weaving their expert techniques seamlessly into the tapestry of her own fighting style.

It was hardly unexpected that fellow fighters would brand her a copycat, accusing her of pilfering their techniques to claim as her own. Fortunately, imitation was not a felony in their arena of combat.

Flashback

An eleven-year-old Honoka sat in front of a large TV on her stomach, watching one of her favorite martial arts films her grandmother had put on. By her side was her loyal stuffed companion in the whole world, Momo-chan.

Honoka's little feet rocked back and forth, her focus invested heavily in the groundbreaking fight breaking out between two characters. "What was that?" she questioned with interest, after seeing the first character perform a fighting technique against their opponent. She mentally rewinds what recently occurred in the movie; while their opponent was on the ground, the fighter that was the last one standing, claiming the victory.

"That was so cool!" Honoka exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. "I've got to try that move!"

With a mischievous grin, she positioned herself to mimic the fighter's stance, her little body wobbling as she attempted to imitate the martial arts technique. In her mind, she was a warrior, ready to take on any opponent.

"Hi-yah!" she shouted as she clumsily launched into the air, trying to execute the move with all the enthusiasm an eleven-year-old could muster.

Just as she attempted to land, her foot caught the edge of the coffee table, causing her to stumble and flail wildly. In a split second, Honoka's hand made contact with her grandmother's beloved vase, sending it crashing to the floor in a cacophony of shattered ceramic.

Wide-eyed and mortified, Honoka looked at the wreckage in shock. "Oh no, Momo-chan, I didn't mean to break it!" Honoka wailed, her bottom lip quivering as she realized the consequences of her overzealous martial arts display.

Momo-chan gave no response, but Honoka imagined her stuffed friend nodding in agreement.

Suddenly, she heard her grandmother's voice from the other room, calling out, "Honoka, what was that noise?"

In a panic, Honoka scooped up Momo-chan and darted to the kitchen, desperately trying to come up with an explanation for the broken vase. As she frantically brainstormed, her heart sank as she realized that her brilliant plan to become a martial arts master had not only failed spectacularly but also resulted in a household catastrophe.

End Flashback

Honoka suppressed a giggle, recalling the incident as she observed the match unfold before her. The sight of her grandmother's cherished vase lying in pieces on the floor, its once-vibrant flowers wilting amidst the debris, had not amused the matriarch. The memory of the stern punishment that followed still sent chills down Honoka's spine. Fortunately, her grandmother had never subscribed to the archaic practices of corporal punishment, instead opting for more creative forms of discipline. It was a testament to her grandmother and many other parents who effectively communicated the consequences to their children without raising a hand.

Honoka's eyes sparkled with astonishment, witnessing Law perform an acrobatic somersault to confront his adversary. She couldn't help but burst into applause. "Wow, did you see that move? Law is incredible! His Jeet Kune Do skills are so effective."

Asuka's laugh rippled through the light and infectious air at the sight of Honoka's wide-eyed wonder. Honoka stood rooted to the spot, her gaze darting around with the untamed curiosity and unbridled joy of a young child who had just stepped into the vibrant pandemonium of a circus tent for the first time. The world around her seemed to burst with novel allure, and amid the sea of new sights and sounds, Honoka's innocence and astonishment were as palpable as the electric excitement that quivered through the air under the big top.

Asuka nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of awe and respect as she watched the fighter's fluid movements in the tournament ring. "Yeah, he's definitely one of the best fighters in the tournament. Jeet Kune Do has some really powerful techniques." she agreed, her voice low and tinged with unmistakable admiration.

Honoka's eyes gleamed with a mix of confusion and curiosity as she pondered the intricate web of martial arts rules. "It's just surprising, you know?" she mused aloud, her voice rich with thoughtful intrigue. "Some of these techniques are banned in competitive tournaments. I mean, they're so effective, why not allow them?" Her words hung in the air, reflecting a genuine bewilderment at the paradox of banning what seemed to be the quintessence of martial prowess.

The Osaka fighter gave a nonchalant shrug, her voice tinged with concern. "Well, some of those techniques can be too dangerous or have a higher risk of injury. The rules are there to keep the fighters safe." shrugged Asuka.

Honoka pressed a slender finger to her chin, her brows knitting together in a tapestry of contemplation. "I guess that makes sense," she said, her expression clearing as she nodded slowly, the motion as deliberate as the ticking of a well-crafted clock. "It's just a shame that we can't see the full extent of someone's skills in the tournament."

The brunette's lips curled into a mischievous smirk, her eyes glinting with the thrill of her own suggestion. With a playful tilt of her head, she leaned in as though about to share a scandalous secret. "You know what would be absolutely insane?" She paused, letting the suspense hang between them. "They should totally throw a special exhibition match where anything goes. No rules. No limits. Just pure, unadulterated chaos." She chuckled, her voice tinged with excitement. "Now, wouldn't that be wild?"

Asuka begrudgingly acknowledged Honoka's profound expertise in martial arts.

At the banquet last evening, it was clear to Asuka from her first encounter with Honoka that she did not possess the keenest intellect in the room. Her lack of cunning had become apparent to the other fighters over time, marking her as an easy mark. Yet, as Asuka's acquaintance with Honoka deepened, she discovered a genuine warmth at her core—a tenderness belied by her love for the adrenaline rush of combat.

Her self-awareness was the only attribute that required refinement.

A gentle voice pulled Asuka from her reverie. "Hey, Asuka?" Honoka ventured timidly, almost hesitant to intrude on the other girl's solitude.

Asuka tilted her head, fixing her gaze on Honoka. "What's up?" she asked in a gruff voice, marked by her usual rugged candor.

Honoka pressed her lips together, contemplating her curiosity. "Um, your last name... it's Kazama, right?" she inquired, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit of hers.

The question lingered between them, a simple inquiry wrapped in layers of unspoken context. Asuka felt her heart skip subtly, the mention of her surname pulling at threads of her past she seldom wished to unravel. She paused, fixing her gaze upon the horizon before turning towards Honoka, her expression an intricate tapestry of pride and vulnerability.

Asuka leaned back, her stance relaxed yet alert. "Yeah, Kazama's the name. Why? Does it ring a bell or something?" she asked, a touch of defensive challenge infusing her words.

Sheepishly, Honoka offered a small, half-hearted laugh, shifting on her feet. "No, not really... just piecing things together," she hastened to add, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue. "Anyway, I've been wondering... your family wouldn't happen to run a dojo, would they? You know, because of the way you carry yourself, it's very... disciplined."

The shift in Asuka's demeanor was palpable, a mix of pride and resolute firmness settling into her features. "We do have a dojo," she replied, eyes narrowing slightly as if measuring the weight of the confession. "How'd you figure it out?"

Honoka felt the gravity settling between them, the topic evidently close to Asuka's heart. She took a cautious breath before responding. "Just a lucky guess based on the way you fight. It's obvious you've been trained by someone who specializes in Kazama-Style Self Defense, right?"

Asuka relaxed slightly, but her eyes still held a cautious spark. "Well, your guess was spot on," she conceded, and for a moment, perhaps the first time, Honoka saw the barrier Asuka erected around herself waver, revealing a fleeting glimpse of pride for her heritage.

Honoka slid her phone from her pocket and started scrolling, her eyes briefly sparking with recognition upon landing on a familiar webpage. "You know, I saw your dojo's ad online. It said you were accepting new students." She glanced up, offering a tentative smile in a gentle attempt to infuse some warmth into the somber atmosphere. "I was actually thinking about signing up. But, you know, school's been a monster, and my grandma needs me around."

The Osoka girl folded her arms, a shadow of resentment darkening her features as she scoffed. "Not like you could've joined even if you wanted to," she muttered, her bitterness seeping into the air like a poison, refusing to let hope take root.

Unfortunately for Asuka, her words had not fallen on deaf ears, for Honoka's acute hearing caught the faintest trace of her muffled reply. With a tilt of her head, embodying the innocence and persistence that marked her every action, Honoka inquired, her voice threaded with unmistakable intrigue, "Hmm? Why? What's going on, Asuka?" She took a gentle step forward, her eyes gleaming with concern. "Is your dojo fully booked? No space for one more?"

Caught off-guard, Asuka opened her mouth to answer, feeling the words form at the tip of her tongue. But something within her recoiled. Her breath hitched, her lips sealed shut once more, and she abruptly turned away, her gaze darting to the ground. "It's... not about space," she eventually muttered, with a vulnerability that felt foreign to her usually confident demeanor. Her voice, barely more than a breath, trembled as it carried the weight of unsaid fears.

Honoka's eyes narrowed with worry as she observed the subtle shift in Asuka's posture—a tenseness that spoke volumes. The air seemed to grow heavier, laden with unspoken thoughts. She reached out, her voice tinged with a gentle, yet insistent curiosity, "Is everything okay? You seem a bit tense about it."

Asuka's frown deepened, betraying a flicker of inner turmoil as if she stood at the edge of a precipice, weighing the cost of her words. Her fingers twitched, brushing against the sleeves of her blouse in a fleeting bid for composure. "It's nothing," she finally murmured, but the words stumbled out, hollow and unconvincing.

Honoka's eyes brimmed with concern as she momentarily averted her gaze from the intensity of the match. She leaned closer to Asuka, her voice soft and earnest. "Are you sure?" she whispered, the weight of her worry evident in her tone. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Asuka's head whipped around, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto Honoka's. The stark intensity in them made Honoka recoil slightly. "It's really none of your business," Asuka hissed, a serrated edge to her voice as her hands balled into fists at her sides. She took in a deep breath, fighting to steady her tone. "Can we just... please focus on the match?" The plea was cloaked in irritation, marking the unwelcome intrusion of Honoka's well-meaning probe into her private turmoil.

Honoka's voice quivered, her words laced with regret. "A-Asuka, I-I didn't mean to upset you," she stammered, her gaze dropping to the floor, unable to bear the weight of Asuka's glare. "It's just that...I found it interesting, and—I thought...I just wanted to understand—"

Asuka's eyes blazed with a wounded ferocity as she cut Honoka off mid-sentence. "I said it's fine, okay?!" She snapped, her voice tinged with a desperate edge that suggested anything but fine. "I don't need your pity or your probing questions, Honoka. Just drop it!" The words, spoken more to herself than to her friend, were a shield, an armor hastily put on. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor like an echo of their fracturing conversation.

Honoka reached out, her voice a breathless whisper, fraught with panic. "Asuka, wait! Please!" She pleaded, standing hastily, the desperation clear in her eyes. She watched, heart sinking, as Asuka's retreating form melded into the sea of faces, disappearing among the crowd. "Where are you going?! The fight's not—"

But her plea was drowned out by the booming voice of the announcer, his declaration echoing through the space: "Winner, Marshall Law!" Honoka's head snapped around, drawn by the finality in the tone, to see the referee raising the hand of the Chinese martial artist victoriously. The surrounding cheers of the audience seemed distant, a hollow celebration to the turmoil churning inside her as she stood alone, grappling with the hurt of the exchange and the abrupt end to the match.

"Over," she declared, her gaze fixed on the solitary fighter remaining upright in the arena. The match had passed in a blur, yet Honoka's expression bore no hint of surprise.

"Hmm, color me surprised," A velvety voice laced with intrigue caused Honoka to snap to attention. "With Baek ranked as the Taekwondo champion in sports entertainment..."

'That voice...' Honoka's pulse quickened. There was no mistaking the sultry timbre she had committed to memory, a sound interwoven with countless memories.

Turning slowly, anticipation prickling at the back of her neck, Honoka's eyes met the enigmatic gaze of the woman seated casually a row behind her—Anna.

A sly smile played on her lips as she leaned forward, her eyes locked onto Honoka's with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "I must admit, I'm as surprised as anyone," Anna confided playfully, her voice dancing with feigned innocence, "to see Baek go down without much of a fight." Her expression was a perfect picture of mock disbelief and concealed pleasure, inviting Honoka into a shared moment of unexpected outcome in the ring.

"Anna Williams," the young schoolgirl declared, her eyes wide with a mix of reverence and curiosity as she gazed up at the striking figure before her, draped in a Chinese dress of vibrant red.

"You're Nina Williams's little sister, aren't you?" Her voice carried a hint of awe; she had heard stories of the infamous siblings.

Anna's lips curled into a knowing smile, her gaze softening as she looked down at the schoolgirl's innocent expression. "And you must be Tamaki's latest charming companion," she said, her voice laced with playful mirth. "Honoka, if I'm not mistaken?" Her head tilted slightly, the smile touching her eyes as she awaited confirmation from the bashful new acquaintance.

Honoka faltered, her voice barely a whisper as she nervously twiddled her fingers, "Y-Yeah, that's right. Uh, you've mastered the same martial arts as your sister, haven't you?" She bit her lip, her cheeks tinged with a rosy bloom of embarrassment. "I mean... I would be truly honored if—if you might consider teaching me?"

Honoka's innocent request was like an unseen gust of wind trying to extinguish a candle's flame - it made Anna's smile flicker unsettlingly at the edges. Memories of her and her sister endlessly battling with one another shimmering to the surface, both sweet and sharp, like shards of glass.

"Oh, Honoka," Anna responded, her voice wrapped in a strained cheeriness. "I'd appreciate it if we kept conversations about my dear sister to a minimum." She exhaled softly, the word 'rough' carried out with a sigh. "We're currently navigating some... tumultuous waters, shall we say."

Honoka's heart sank. The recent memory of Asuka's anger towards her because of her endless curiosity entered her head. If Honoka was a feline, she wouldn't be breathing, let alone standing. "Please forgive me, Miss Anna. I didn't mean to stir up any...bad memories," she murmured, the regret in her voice a clear reflection of her sincerity.

Anna's eyes softened, the lingering discomfort melting away as she gave a forgiving chuckle. "Think nothing of it, my dear. You were blissfully unaware of our familial discord. Under the circumstances, I'll forgive the oversight — just this once," her smile returned, touched by grace and a dash of mischief.

Anna circled the pink-haired girl, her keen gaze cutting through the deceptive guise of an air-headed bubblegum persona. The closer she got, the more apparent it became—beneath that candy-floss canopy of hair, Honoka's form was a tapestry of quiet strength, each well-toned muscle a silent testimony to a resilience unspoken.

She stopped before Honoka, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips as she assessed the contrast between her initial impression and the reality before her. The revelation was akin to unearthing a gem in a pile of pebbles, the unexpected intricacy of Honoka's character weaving itself into the air between them.

With a tenderness that belied her scrutinizing stare, Anna reached out, her voice soft yet commanding, "Lift your arm, dear."

The instruction hung gently in the space, a bridge for Honoka to reveal more of herself, an invitation to display the strength hidden under the whimsical veneer. Anna's eyes, sharp with interest and a glint of respect, followed the movement, ready to discover more layers to Honoka's enigma.

Honoka gave a small, trusting nod, her movements reflecting the ease that familiarity bred. With innocent compliance, she raised her arm. Watching Anna's hand envelop hers was like witnessing a sparrow alight on a delicate, tender branch.

Anna's fingers, warm and careful, began their tender journey along the contour of Honoka's slender arm. She paused at her bicep, fingers pressing ever so slightly, a silent language of love and care spoken through a light, reassuring squeeze.

"My, my, Honoka dear, you train very often from what I can tell," Anna said, praising the young girl.

"Of course, I trained really hard to get where I am and I trained even harder so I can win this tournament. I don't want a repeat of the DOA tournament even though I barely remember what happened," Honoka explained to Anna.

"That's quite unfortunate. Fighters like us look upon our past mistakes to reflect on them so that it will not happen again. You seem like a very strong girl, so whatever happened must have been unexpected". Anna answered.

"Yeah, it was very unexpected. Sometimes I get headaches whenever I try to remember what happened," Honoka told Anna.

"Don't push yourself. You want to be in top shape in your upcoming fights," Anna said in a concerned voice.

"Thank you for your concern, Anna. I would really love to have a spar with you one day," Honoka said with a cheerful smile.

"No problem, little one," responded Anna.

1 Hour Later

Honoka's footsteps whispered across the gleaming tiles of Aqua Garden Mall, her gaze distant, brushing over the window displays without seeing them. Thoughts swirled like leaves caught in an autumn breeze, her brow knitted in concentration. Each step was measured, a silent dance weaving through the throng of shoppers that moved around her, oblivious to the storm brewing behind her eyes.

She exhaled a soft sigh, barely audible amidst the gentle murmur of the mall's ambiance. "I don't get it…" she whispered to the emptiness before her.

A sense of guilt had firmly rooted itself in her heart since Asuka's abrupt departure, that stinging, wordless goodbye haunting her. Honoka fretted,

"Was it something I did? Something I said?" Her voice trembled, a mix of worry and confusion lacing each word as she clutched her arms. Even unintentionally, the thought of wounding Asuka seemed to tighten the invisible bands around her chest.

~"Honoka!~" The unexpected call jolted her from her reverie, and her heart skipped a beat for a moment. "~Yeehoo. Earth to Honoka! Over here!~"

It took only seconds, but to Honoka, it felt like an eternity before she spotted Tamaki and, to her surprise, Anna standing casually outside a boutique.

With her vibrant green hair, Tamaki beckoned with a wave, prompting Honoka to approach.

"Hey, you guys. What's up?" Honoka greeted both Tamaki and Anna. "Whatcha doin'?"

Tamaki's response came swiftly, drenched in anticipation, "~Oh, just prepping for my upcoming match. Finding that perfect outfit is key, right?~"

"Right! And you, Anna?" Honoka asked, turning to the Irish beauty. "Are you going shopping for your match too?"

Anna's reply came with a lopsided grin, "Something like that. Consider me your fairy godmother for the day."

"Fairy godmother?" Honoka's brow quirked in confusion. "For me?"

Tamaki chuckled, "~Yep, you've got a big date tonight, remember? But hang on—you've never done this before, right?~"

"Mm-mm..n-no. Not at all." Honoka confirmed, shaking her head.

"Never?" Anna pressed, raising an eyebrow. Honoka shook her head once more. "How old are you, Honoka?"

"Seventeen."

"~Seventeen and never been on a date?~" Tamaki's tone carried disbelief. "~Come on, you've got to be pulling our leg!~"

"Nope," Honoka protested, a flush creeping up her cheeks. "I mean, guys have asked me out, but I've always said no. I didn't want to lead them on. My grandmother used to say that "nothing beats honesty—that giving someone a sliver of hope under false pretenses is the cruelest lie of all.""

Anna regarded her with amusement and disbelief, her words frank and unvarnished. "That was quite the noble—but foolish—act, my dear. If I had a figure as alluring as yours," she said, punctuating her remark with a head-to-toe glance at Honoka, "I would've let the boys dangle a bit. No need to give them a straight answer; let them imagine they have a chance when it's truly hopeless."

Honoka's eyes widened, her frown deepening as she struggled with the concept. "But isn't that cruel? Playing with someone's feelings like that?"

A chuckle escaped Anna's lips as she leaned back, the confidence in her expression unshakeable. "'Tis the game, little one. Men, some of them at least, they enjoy the pursuit. The idea of 'hard to get' ignites something primitive in them," she explained, a devilish twinkle in her eye as she spoke of the mysterious dance of attraction. "It's about the thrill of the chase—the eagerness to prove themselves, to display the lengths they'd go to capture the heart of a woman they desire."

Honoka bit her lip, the uncertainty clear in her voice. "Do you really think so? That it's... exciting for them?"

"~Oh, don't be silly.~" Tamaki chuckled softly. "!Our darling Honoka's too pure-hearted to play such games. She's no femme fatale.~"

Honoka's mind tripped over the term 'darling .'Was she really that naïve?

"Oh? Attempting to imitate me, aren't you?" Anna said with a brazen smile.

Honoka turned to the direction Tamaki was in and blushed. Standing before was Tamaki, wearing a revealing translucent dress with pink designs and a white feather scarf.

"~Anna, you know I need to dazzle just as brilliantly as you do in the ring,~," Tamaki said, her tone teasing but firm.

"But… isn't that a bit much?" Honoka's concern tinted her voice with a note of alarm. "I can almost see your panties through that dress!"

"~Hmm, is that so?" Tamaki glanced down at her attire, then back at Honoka with a smirk. "~Perfect. The more they see, the more they'll want to look.~"

"But how come?" Honoka asked further. "Wouldn't the officials say something about it?"

"~Mmm…No, not really." Tamaki answered with a small shrug. "Everyone knows it's not just the fight everyone in the audience pays attention to.~"

"What do you mean?" Honoka inquired out of curiosity.

"Allow me to explain."

"FANSERVICE!" said Anna and Tamaki at the same time

"~Hey, I thought I was going to say it…~"

"It sounded much more interesting to her if we both said it. See? Look," replied

Anna, pointing to Honoka.

Turning her head, Tamaki saw a star-eyed Honoka looking like she had a sudden flash of inspiration.

"Oooooh, I see you're playing on the fact that a lot of guys think with their lower brain," said Honoka, shocking Tamaki and Anna.

"That- That's correct. I never expected that to come out of your mouth, Honoka." Tamaki answered.

"My goodness, you shocked out her honey trap voice." Anna voiced, adding to her shock.

"Umm, Honoka-chan, not to sound rude, but how did you come up with that response?" Tamaki questioned, tilting her head.

"I didn't… It's something my grandma tells me from time to time. Especially when I hit puberty and entered junior high. Still trying to figure out how guys think with a weiner," replied Honoka.

"Ahh, I see…"

'I thought for a second she was faking being an airhead. Even if she was acting, I wouldn't see through it,' thought Anna.

After several minutes of perusing the clothing racks, Tamaki and Anna agreed it was time to shift their focus to assisting Honoka with her upcoming date.

Inside the dressing room, Anna took charge. "Okay, sweetie, let's start by taking off your overalls."

A hesitant voice replied, "Uh... O-Okay, sure." Honoka complied, peeling away her cow print overalls, her cheeks warming with a bashful glow. She instinctively crossed her hands over her lower region.

Anna's voice was calm but firm. "Your top and bra need to come off as well."

Honoka shed her lemon-lime shirt and undergarment with a shy nod, leaving her only in her panties and white thigh-highs. Anna couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle when Honoka immediately shielded her chest with crossed arms. "Is something the matter?" she asked with a playful lilt in her tone.

"M-Ms. Anna is just showing you my…my breasts. I'm just a bit…"

Anna's laugh, warm and disarming, cut gently through my embarrassment.

"Oh, sweetie, there's absolutely no need to be shy. It's just us girls here, right?" She winked at me, her confidence wrapped in kindness. "Everything is going to be perfectly fine. You're in safe hands, I promise."

Honoka's gaze lifted tentatively to meet hers, searching for the reassurance her words suggested. The vulnerability must have been clear as day in her eyes because Anna's expression softened even further. With an anxious pulse thrumming in her throat, Honoka yielded to Anna's comforting presence, her voice barely a whisper. "O-Okay... I'll... I trust you." Honoka sighed and lowered her arms completely to her sides, her exposed breasts bouncing a little.

The assasin's lips curled into a sly, satisfied smile, her eyes gleaming with predatory ease as she watched the girl before her. There was something delightfully simple about commanding obedience from someone so utterly trusting. The girl before her represented an unsuspecting lamb; it made Anna's job a game—a game she was exceedingly good at. "Good girl," Anna cooed, a velvety lilt to her voice as if she were praising a particularly well-behaved pet.

"Now, be a sweetheart and slip into this gorgeous dress for me, won't you?" she asked with a honeyed tone, her words wrapping around the young girl like tendrils of sweet smoke. The satin garment dangled from her fingers, a silent, sinuous promise of what was to come.

Honoka's response was meek, dusted with a nervous stammer. "O-Oh, right." Her words were a hushed murmur, a bird-like peep swallowed by the charged silence of the room. With trembling hands, she accepted the dress.

Tamaki lingered anxiously outside the dressing room, her gaze fixed on the unmoving curtain with curiosity and concern. Inside her head, a small hope fluttered—perhaps Anna was finally coaxing Honoka into trying on something that truly suited her. Honoka's beauty was effortless, yet her style never seemed to acknowledge that she was far from a little girl anymore.

Inside, the sound of Anna's theatrical voice floated through the air. "My, my, Honoka. You're quite the blossomed beauty, aren't you? But you hide it so... childishly." "

That tickles…" came Honoka's shy reply, a note of vulnerability in her tone.

"Oh, sorry… Should I go up from the bottom?"

"H-Hey… Anna, what are you doing?" Honoka stammered, her words fluttering like a trapped butterfly.

"My my. How soft… They're like delicate peaches. Look at the way they bounce…"

"Anna, please…" Honoka's voice cracked, vulnerability seeping through.

"T-This isn't making me feel any better. You're embarrassing me."

Eavesdropping on the exchange, Tamaki's concern started to bubble within her. An incredulous arch formed on her brow as she wondered, 'Just what are they up to in there?'

Anna's laugh, rich and unapologetic, filled the room. "Forgive me, dear. But Tamaki wasn't exaggerating about your innocence. It's utterly charming."

The dressing room fell into a tense silence, punctured only by a soft whimper from Honoka."N-No…" Honoka's hushed voice was fraught with embarrassment. "Not here, Miss Anna. Someone might walk in..."

Anna's laugh sent a chill through the air, her voice blending danger and grace. "And if they do? Let them watch." A pause tickled the anticipation. "The anticipation of an audience only adds to the excitement of the reveal."

"B-But I'm not ready…"

Tamaki's patience snapped. 'This has gone far enough!' Fueled by protective

instincts, she stormed towards the curtain. "Enough of this tantalizing banter! If you're going to involve Honoka in such teasing games—"

Her sentence was immediately cut short upon being met with an image greatly different from hers. Instead of Anna and Honoka doing naughty things together as she had initially expected in her head, she saw the brunette assisting the young girl in fitting into an orange and floral printed ruched side bustier mesh strappy bodycon dress.

"~Wow.~" marveled Tamaki, her eyes roaming Honoka's curvaceous figure in the dress that hugged her curves perfectly. She looked nervous.

"U-Um…T-Tamaki…could you not stare at me, please? You're actually making me feel weird here."

"~Hold on, now. Why wouldn't I stare?~" Tamaki asked with an amusing grin. "~You look great!~" she added.

"But it's too tight. I feel like this dress is sucking the life outta me," complained Honoka, who was trying to adjust to the dress that hugged her body perfectly.

"Stop your whining and try on the rest I picked out for you." Anna teased, shaking her head.

The pink-haired girt groaned inwardly. "Do I have to? I can barely move in this dress without it hiking up my behind. It's already bad enough that it's short." she said, attempting pull down the hem of her dress to cover her mid-thigh.

Tamaki nodded in agreement. "I have to admit, it does look a bit uncomfortable, but I'm sure there are other styles that you'll feel better in."

Undeterred, Anna rummaged through the hangers, pulling out a variety of colorful options. "Look, here's a flowy maxi dress. It's loose and comfortable, and this one has a cute floral pattern too." She held the dress up to Honoka, trying to entice her to give it a try.

Honoka hesitated, eyeing the maxi dress warily. "I guess I could give that one a shot, but I really don't want to try on anything too flashy."

"Of course, I understand," the beautiful assassin reassured her, scanning the rack for a more subdued option. "How about this simple, navy A-line dress? It's classic and elegant, and I think it would suit you perfectly."

Honoka sighed and relented. "Alright, I'll try on the maxi dress and the navy one, but that's it. I really don't feel like doing this."

"That's a good girl." Anna said with a wide grin, handing the dresses to her. "I promise you'll find something you love. And if not, we'll stop and go grab a snack, deal?"

Honoka nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Deal. Snack sounds good right about now."

With Anna's encouragement and Tamaki's supportive nod, Honoka made her way to the changing room, hoping to find some relief from the uncomfortable situation.

As the pink-haired girl struggled to fit into yet another dress, she couldn't help but wish for the ordeal to be over.

"I'm not sure about this," Honoka called out from the fitting room, her voice muffled by the fabric. "I feel like a doll being paraded in front of everyone."

"~Oh, come on out and let us see, Honoka." Tamaki insisted cheerfully.

After a moment, Honoka emerged from the fitting room in the flowy maxi dress, looking surprisingly elegant and at ease.

Tamaki beamed with delight and exclaimed, "~See, Honoka, you look absolutely gorgeous! This dress was made for you.~"

Honoka couldn't help but smile at Tamaki's excitement, feeling a slight shift in her discomfort. She then turned her attention to Anna for her approval, who simply nodded with a smile. "Well, it is more comfortable than the others," she admitted, giving in to the faint glimmer of satisfaction at two women's approval.

As Anna encouraged her to try on a few more dresses, Honoka found herself gradually becoming more open to the idea, seeing Tamaki's genuine enthusiasm and realizing that maybe, just maybe, she could find a dress that she would actually enjoy wearing.

30 Minutes Later

After Honoka tried on outfit after outfit, she was finally finished and exhausted. Soon after, she changed to her original clothing and continued her journey through the mall.

Before they could stop and grab a bite to eat, they decided to stop by a rather fancy and luxurious jewelry shop titled "Enchanté Bijoux Boutique" as Tamaki wanted to check it out for herself.

The boutique was a cathedral of opulence, bathed in the soft glow of elegance. Chandeliers cast prismatic light across the displays where diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones off a silent, yet dazzling siren call. The sound of heels clicking on the polished marble floor echoed softly as Anna, Tamaki, and Honoka browsed the displays with keen interest.

Tamaki was far off to the side, examining a display of fine necklaces with a critical eye. Anna, the ever femme fatale, casually inspected a set of bold, statement rings. Lastly, Honoka was wide-eyed, almost pressing her nose against the glass of the case that contained an assortment of colorful gemstone earrings.

"~Hmm. The craftsmanship of these pieces is quite remarkable. Each one is more stunning than the last. Wouldn't you say, Anna?~"

Anna, overhearing Tamaki, smirked and held up a particularly extravagant ring that featured a large, fiery opal. "Perhaps," she said as she continued to observe the ring in her fingers. "but nothing says "look at me" quite like this beauty. It's almost as striking as I am." she playfully jabbed.

Bemused, Tamaki turned to Anna with a smile, acknowledging the competitive jab with a nod. "~True, Anna. That ring is quite bold. It would take a certain...dare I say it?~" she paused, questioningly putting a finger to her chin in thought. "~...flair to pull it off.~"

Honoka, meanwhile, was captivated by a pair of delicate, flower-shaped earrings. She pointed them out excitedly to the others. "Oooh! These are so pretty! They're like little cherry blossoms!" she gushed.

Tamaki chuckled at Honoka's wonderment. It was like bringing a child into a candy store for the first time.

The trio was so entranced in observing their respective pieces of jewelry, they barely noticed an attentive salesperson approaching them, who has been watching them with a practiced eye. "Welcome, ladies. Those are our newest spring collection. Each piece is inspired by nature's own artistry. Would you lovely ladies like to try anything on?"

Immediately becoming interested, Tamaki gave the salesperson a nod of approval. "~That would be delightful. I'd like to see this necklace, please.~" she said, pointing to a delicate platinum necklace with a teardrop diamond pendant.

"And I'll try on this ring. I'm curious to see if it's as captivating on my finger as it is in the case." Anna decisively said.

Not wanting to be left out of the loop, Honoka bounced slightly on her toes, barely containing her enthusiasm. "Can I try on these earrings, please? They're so cute and I wanna see how they look on me." she asked optimistically.

The salesperson deftly unlocked the display cases and carefully handed each of the girls their chosen item. Tamaki clasped the necklace around her neck, the diamond pendant catching the light with understated elegance.

Anna slipped the opal ring onto her finger, her blue eyes alight with a sense of victory as the gemstone glinted back at her.

Honoka gently fastened the earring in her earlobes, her reflection in the mirror beaming back at her with pure joy.

The salesperson delicately admired each girl adorned with the jewelry, noting how the glimmering pieces seemed to complement each of their personalities. "Oh, each of you looks absolutely stunning," the salesperson remarked, observing the radiant smiles on their faces.

Tamaki smiled, her eyes aglow with the reflection of the sparkling pendant. "~Thank you, it's absolutely beautiful. I can feel the allure of this piece.~" Her voice was filled with appreciation as she admired the necklace, feeling a sense of refinement.

Meanwhile, Anna gazed at the opal ring on her finger, her expression a mix of satisfaction and pride. "This is quite exquisite," she remarked, her tone a blend of admiration and self-assuredness. "The opal seems to dance with fire and light. It holds a captivating charm."

The salesperson nodded in agreement, her eyes attentive to every detail. "You carry it with such poise. It's as if the ring was made just for you."

Anna's grin widened, the glint of triumph evident in her eyes. "It does feel like it was meant for me, doesn't it?"

As for Honoka, she twirled in front of the mirror, her earrings catching the light, reflecting her joy and enthusiasm. "These earrings...they look amazing!" she exclaimed with infectious glee. "They feel so delicate and lovely. They make me feel like a fairy princess."

The salesperson chuckled warmly at Honoka's exuberance. "They suit you perfectly, little lady. The way they frame your face is charming, just like the blooming of a flower."

Honoka beamed, feeling a sense of wonder and happiness as she admired her reflection. "Thank you so much! I love them!"

For a moment, their individual reflections mingle in the boutique's mirrors-three fierce competitors from different competitors from different arenas, sharing a rare moment of tranquility and mutual appreciation for the finer things in life.

Honoka walked alongside Anna and Tamaki, shopping bags in both hands.

The airhead's face scrunched into frustration when her stomach made a sudden growl. "Ugh, why me?" she sulked, lowering her head. This earned a chuckle from Tamaki.

"~Hmm, I suppose it has something to do with the fact that you're so cute.~" Tamaki said.

"I'm starving," Honoka said, putting a hand on her abdomen. "I haven't eaten anything since this morning," she added, despite eating a lot of high-calorie snacks earlier.

"But hon, I just watched you eat back in the arena." Anna reasoned. "You can't possibly still be hungry, right?" Anna had to wonder how such a beautiful girl like Honoka could have such a lovely figure girls would kill for and eat so much. She was just gonna go out on a limb and assume that her breasts absorbed all the calories. It would make sense, considering they were ten times bigger than her abdomen.

Honoka groaned and rolled her eyes, feeling a bit of irritation creeping in. "I don't know what it is, but I'm still feeling hungry," she admitted, giving her friends a sheepish smile. "Maybe all that shopping back there burned off the calories, or maybe my stomach just has a mind of its own."

Anna and Tamaki shared a knowing glance, teasing smiles playing on their lips. "~Or maybe,~" Tamaki chimed in, "~you just have a bottomless pit for a stomach, my dear Honoka.~"

Anna chuckled and wrapped an arm around Honoka's shoulder. "Honestly, I envy your metabolism," she said with a mix of admiration and envy. "You eat like such a cow and still maintain that enviable figure. I have to count every calorie just to stay in shape."

Honoka raised an eyebrow and shot back playfully, "Yeah, well, my metabolism has nothing on your fashion sense, Anna. I mean, how do you manage to look so effortlessly chic all the time?"

The banter between the friends continued as they made their way to a nearby food court. Honoka's stomach growled again, and she laughed sheepishly, scratching the side of her head. "Okay, okay, I get it. Time to refuel."

Before some of you ask why Anna is being so friendly to Honoka, it will later be explained and revealed in future chapters. And speaking of future chapters, there will a lot of fan service and sexual situations because Dead or Alive was a franchise that was not only known for fighting, but for its sexually themes and fan service.