Okay, before you all read, I'd like to give my special thanks to my number one supporter of this story, SolSparda36. You're the sole reason why I'm motivated to create more and more chapters for this story each day.
And of course, I haven't forgotten about you Wlyman2009. Thanks for the advice on what I could possibly do with the story of Tekken 6. Me and boyfriend(my co-writer) had both ultimately decided that we were gonna retcon the story for both TEKKEN and DEAD OR ALIVE because it's genuinely confusing that every single even took place in only ONE year and these characters haven't aged.
I'll have to be honest, it was hell writing this chapter because I was having difficulty coming up with the match-ups with these characters of TEKKEN, due to being unsure of which fight was canon or non-canon in the TEKKEN lore. I do know, however, is that both Kazuya and Bruce entered the tournament, but decided not to compete. I do also know that Wang Jinrei canonically lost to Jin. While trying to come up with these matches, I just said "FUCK IT" and just did what I had to do. Just randomly pair the rest of the characters up against random fighters.
The credit for the fight scenes rightfully go to my boyfriend because writing fight scenes is a skill issue for me. LOL
CHAPTER EIGHT: I'M ALL EARS
"Tell me everything. It's alright if it takes all night."
The arena buzzed with excitement as the crowd eagerly awaited the next match. The spotlight illuminated the center of the arena, and the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, filling the air with anticipation.
"Next up for our second match is between a former contender of the previous DEAD OR ALIVE tournament and a newcomer to the KING OF IRON FIST tournament." The lights grew dim as the announcer continued, "She's a former swimsuit model whose designs now grace the catwalks, but tonight, she's all about the throwdown. Give it up for the fierce and beautiful, Tamaki!"
Tamaki strutted down the ramp with a playful energy, wearing the same outfit she had picked out earlier for her match. She waved enthusiastically at the fans, her every move exuding confidence. She paused to blow kisses to the crowd, eliciting cheers and whistles from her adoring spectators. Reaching the end of the ramp, The green-haired woman struck a pose, with one hand on her hip and the other playfully tossing her hair. She winked at the crowd, her charm captivating everyone watching.
"With each wave and kiss, Tamaki steals hearts, but don't let her alluring appearance fool you! She's all business inside the ring, and her opponents quickly learn that her fighting skills are as formidable as her charm is irresistible!"
Honoka was seated next to Anna in the third row of the tiered seating. Her ruby-red eyes sparkled with admiration at how confident she was in front of a crowd of people in the arena. It filled the enormous stadium, infusing the air with an exhilarating mixture of poise and power with the way she strutted down the ramp gracefully with zero effort.
Honoka deeply longed for that form of confidence. The type of confidence where one could make an entire room of people turn heads just by breathing.
"She's incredible…" she mumbled to herself. "But…how does she do it without having a nervous breakdown?"
Unbeknownst to Honoka, Anna, who overheard the quiet words, turned to her, crossing her arms.
"Do "what" exactly?" Anna asked.
Honoka's cheeks immediately flushed with a hint of pink, nearly matching her hair. She had forgotten about Anna's presence next to her and had unknowingly allowed her thoughts to escape her head.
"O-Oh…I mean, I was just admiring how confident Tamaki is right now. No matter what, she always seems so cool without any problem. Even in almost all her matches."
Anna released a chuckle, which surprised Honoka. Her laughter was smooth as the silk of her signature red dress.
"My dear girl, as much as all of us wish it were possible, confidence is hardly something you're born with," she explained with a slight smirk. "It's something you build, piece by piece. Say, for instance, like a wall to protect your spirit."
Honoka's head tilted slightly with both interest and confusion. "Build it? But how do I do that?"
"It's honestly quite simple." smiled the beautiful assassin. "The first thing you wanna do is know yourself better than anyone else. When you know what you can do, really know it, that's when confidence starts to grow." Honoka listened intently, her eyes fixed on Anna as though her words were the key to a great secret. "Then, it's all about mindset." Anna continued. "You have to step into the ring believing you'll come out victorious. That belief? It's rather catching. It intimidates your opponents and it can even convince you."
"But what if you're not sure you can win?" Honoka asked, doubt evident in her question.
Anna's expression softened a bit and she placed a hand on Honoka's shoulder with a gentle firmness.
"That's the second piece: Pretend. Sometimes, it's best to fake it until you make it. Stand tall, smile, and walk like you've already won the match. Before long, you won't be pretending anymore."
Honoka nodded, absorbing every word. A flicker of understanding passes through her eyes.
"Act like a winner…to become a winner…" Honoka murmured to test it on her tongue. Yes. Just how it sounded made Honoka like it even more. It was very poetic and unique.
Anna nodded in approval. "Mhm. Exactly. But remember, dear Honoka, confidence isn't about being the best. It's about being the best you. You've already got something none of us have—your kindness, your unique style and your…" she paused as her eyes landed on Honoka's large breasts. "…a rather big heart. Own that."
Honoka looked down at her hands, considering Anna's words, then back up at her with newfound resolve.
There were so many questions swirling in her head. Was her reality illusioned or real? Anna Williams, one of the legendary fighters, had just offered her helpful advice.
Honoka decided to think about it later and returned to the beginning match. She pulled her phone from her pocket to look at the match-ups scheduled for today.
Rounds of 8 (GROUP 1)
Match 1 - Baek Doo San vs. Marshall Law - Winner: Marshall Law
Match 2 - Tamaki Aoki vs. Isaak
Match 3 - Paul Phoenix vs. Kuma
Match 4 - Hwoarang vs. Steve Fox
Match 5 - Ganryu vs. Lili
Match 6 - Christie Montiero vs. Panda
Match 7 - Bryan Fury vs. Dragonuv
Match 8 - Lei Wulong vs. Julia Chang
Honoka's eyes narrowed as Tamaki's name appeared in the list of other fighters fighting in the matches scheduled for today. She turned her attention away from her phone and to Tamaki, who was doing warm-ups from the upcoming battle. 'I wonder…Just how strong is she?' she wondered.
As if she heard her thoughts, Anna turned to her and asked. "So, dear Honoka, how do you think Tamaki will fare in the match?"
Honoka began to ponder and recall the fights she saw with Tamaki after the DOA tournament ended. Then, she met Tamaki at the banquet last night, but it wouldn't count as a real encounter since Tamaki was nearly buzzed then. She and Brad Wong would likely hit it off if they ever met in person.
"Well, Miss Tamaki is a great defensive fighter that can counter anything you throw at her. Even drunk, she can counter anything. So sober, she is a monster of a fighter in her own right. The times I have seen her take the offensive in fights, she plays mind games to mess with her opponent's head. They easily break their guard and land a decisive blow as if it's nothing while still being as flirty. So, I should say that Miss Tamaki will win as soon as she gets under her opponent's skin long enough in this match." Honoka explained in great detail her thoughts on Tamaki winning, which caused a great surprise in Anna.
'Such observation skills. If she gets more experience, I could see her fighting those three head-on. No, it's way too early to think that.' thought Anna with a slight nod, impressed.
Impressed by her knowledge, Anna patted Honoka on the head. "Good girl." she praised, shocking her.
Honoka blinked, at a loss for words. Were her ears deceiving her? Now, she didn't know if she was REALLY dreaming or imagining it, but she couldn't believe that Anna Williams, one of the legendary assassins, not only gave her helpful advice but also complimented her.
"Knowing Tamaki, she'll probably find the match pretty boring. Oh, it's starting…"
The two stared each other down, but one was serious while the other one held mischief and playfulness. This pissed the former off.
"Grrr… This is a fight, not a mall woman," said Isaak
"~Ara? Is the generic cannon fodder punk getting in his feelings?~" Tamaki teased.
"I'm here to prove to myself that I am more than a street kid! That I can be something more in life! What you here for, huh? To go feeling up everyone thinking this is a game?!" Isaak shouted, getting more mad at Tamaki's attitude by the second.
"~You done? 'Cause from what I'm seeing and hearing, you're nothing special. Also, to answer your question. I sure am here for the liquor and fun 'cause this is nothing but a game to me~" Tamaki replied, damaging Isaak's ego.
Isaak was at his boiling point and waited for the nanosecond after the first round to start. In his fit of anger, he shouted. "Just you wait bitch!"
All this did was make Tamaki smile and then give a simple yet ego-bruising reply for Isaak. "~ CANNON FODDER!~"
Anna chuckled in amusement at the drunken woman taunting her opponent. 'She hasn't changed one bit.' she thought, shaking her head. Typical Tamaki. Always poking fun at her opponents for the thrill of it, though
Anna herself couldn't judge as she had a habit of forcing her opponents to "squeal" like helpless pigs being skewered and tortured.
She then turned her attention to Honoka, who was heavily engrossed in the fight and cheering loudly for Tamaki. "YEAH! YOU GOT THIS, TAMAKI-CHAN! GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT!"
Tamaki turned away from her opponent to Honoka and shot her a smile. "~I make no promises, my darling Honoka.~" she winked.
This irritated her opponent furthermore, who wasn't pleased about her lack of focus on the fight at hand. "Hey, woman! Quit screwing around!"
Tamaki chuckled. "~Oh, don't worry, darling. I haven't forgotten about you.~" she smirked flirtatiously. "~You have my full undivided attention. ~"
Some viewers among the audience began to whisper about her odd behavior, but more importantly, what she was wearing.
"Does she normally act like this in all her matches?"
"Who knows?"
"Hey! What's with all the complaining? I'm loving the view here."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who said we're complainin'? I'm just not used to seeing this."
"Go to a DOA tournament. You'll like what you see here." The match began with a burst of energy as Tamaki launched herself forward with lightning speed, her movements fluid and precise as she aimed to gain the upper hand against her formidable opponent. Isaak, a powerhouse of brute strength, stood his ground, his muscles tensed and ready for the impending clash.
Tamaki's agility and acrobatic prowess were on full display as she weaved around Isaak, delivering a flurry of precise strikes and evasive maneuvers, aiming to exploit her opponent's size and power with her speed and agility. Isaak, however, proved to be a formidable adversary, his every move infused with raw, unyielding power.
The arena reverberated with the thunderous sound of their blows as they clashed, each strike resonating with power and determination. Tamaki's swift and elegant movements were pitted against Isaak's dynamic and forceful fighting style, creating a mesmerizing display of skill and agility.
Honoka's eyes shone with bewilderment and admiration. She clapped her hands, impressed with Tamaki's fighting style. "Oooh, Tamaki's really amazing, isn't she, Miss Anna?"
Anna nodded. "Hmm. She sure is." she said coolly. "I suppose I can't be surprised with how quick and effortlessly Tamaki is in a fight. Especially when drunk."
Tamaki's speed and agility began to wear down Isaak's defenses as the match progressed. With a burst of determination, she unleashed a relentless flurry of strikes, her every move a testament to her unwavering resolve and dedication to her craft.
Despite Isaak's immense strength, Tamaki's unparalleled skill and agility allowed her to outmaneuver her opponent, finding openings in his defenses and capitalizing on them with precision strikes. With a final, explosive combination of kicks and punches, she delivered a decisive blow that sent Isaak staggering to the ground.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause as the announcer declared Tamaki the match's victor. She stood in the center of the arena, her chest heaving with exertion but her spirit unbroken, a testament to her unwavering determination and unparalleled skill.
A couple of males in the audience began to gossip about Tamaki and the fight. "Sonuvabitch. For someone wearing such a lewd outfit, she sure kicked his ass and without breaking a sweat."
"No, kidding. How does one move like that in heels? I know her feet hurt like hell." chimed in another male.
"She has some nice fee-"
"Your kind Isn't welcome here!" another male interject abruptly.
"Kink shaming much."
"Almost every kink is better than feet."
Although weirded out by the conversation, Honoka silently listened bewildered. She then remembered what Tamaki and Anna had explained to her back at the mall…
Flashback
"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.
End of Flashback
"So you guys were right…" Honoka mused, entirely forgetting that Anna was right next to her watching the match.
Anna turned to her in question. "Hmm? Right about what, darling?"
Like earlier, Honoka's face flushed with a hint of pink. Once again, she had unknowingly allowed her thoughts to speak for herself."O-Oh, nothing."
Anna chose not to probe further and merely chuckled. 'She appeared to have a few loose screws, but she ultimately proved that she was smarter than she let on.' she pondered, eyeing Honoka like a hawk.
After Tamaki's match with her claiming the victory fair and square, Honoka walked through the bustling mall, her eyes lighting up as she spotted the colorful ice cream stand. She made her way over, her mouth watering at the thought of a cool, delicious treat. Honoka shuffled through her pockets, hoping to find some spare change hidden away. Her fingers brushed against the fabric, but no coins jingled to her touch. With a rueful sigh, she glanced at the colorful array of ice cream flavors behind the glass counter. She had been so focused on training that she hadn't thought to bring any extra cash.
"Excuse me, miss," the ice cream vendor called out to her with a friendly smile. "What can I get for you today?"
Honoka scratched her head, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Um, I, uh, don't have any money on me. I guess I forgot to bring any."
The vendor's smile faltered for a moment as she sympathetically regarded Honoka. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But you know what? I'll treat you to a scoop of your favorite flavor today. Consider it a random act of kindness."
Honoka's eyes widened in surprise, a soft "A-ah, thank you!" escaping her lips. She chose a scoop of matcha ice cream and watched as the vendor skillfully scooped it into a cone.
As she took her first lick of the sweet treat, she couldn't help but let out a satisfied hum, savoring the creamy texture and the subtle hint of green tea flavor. The kindness of a stranger had brightened her day, and as she strolled through the mall, she couldn't help but feel a warm sense of gratitude toward the unexpected act of generosity.
Days ago, while preparing for the tournament, she didn't even think to at least bring an additional amount of cash with her.
Honoka stopped when she spotted a familiar Osakan girl standing a few feet from her near a boutique window. She appeared to be looking at some fighting gear behind the glass window in deep thought.
Honoka's face lit up with joy as she realized who it was. "Asuka!" she called cheerfully, waving at the brunette.
Asuka turned around with a startled expression, her deep brown eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected encounter. Her demeanor was guarded, giving off an air of mystery as she assessed Honoka with a curious gaze.
"There you are!" exclaimed Honoka, jogging up to Asuka. "Where'd you go? I've been looking all over for you," she worriedly added.
Asuka's guarded demeanor softened as she saw her friend's genuine concern. "Nowhere in particular." she shrugged. "I just needed some time alone to clear my head, that's all," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. Asuka turned her gaze away from her Honoka back to the glass window.
Upon observing the dark storm of Asuka's fury at the arena, with her narrowed eyes casting daggers and her lips curled into a snarl that sent shivers down the spines of all who dared meet her gaze, Honoka felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, an undeniable realization that she was the catalyst for the storm. "Clear your head, huh?" she nodded, understandingly. "I get that. Sometimes, we all need a little break from everything, right?"
Asuka gave a faint smile, grateful for her friend's understanding. "Yeah, exactly. You know me too well, Honoka." Despite the brief span of their acquaintance, Asuka found herself inexplicably drawn to Honoka, as though an invisible thread had intertwined their souls. There was an effortless ease to their budding friendship, a natural affinity that belied the shortness of the time they had known each other.
The two friends stood shoulder to shoulder, their reflections merging with the elegant attire exhibited in the boutique window. They found solace in the shared quietude, an unspoken understanding blossoming between them. Outside the sanctuary of their stillness, the street bustled with life as a stream of shoppers flowed endlessly forth, each individual absorbed in the rhythm of their own pursuits, oblivious to the bond forming in their midst.
Honoka tilted her head, her eyes softening as she surveyed Asuka's downcast figure.
Breaking through the smothering silence with a warmth only she could muster, she piped, "Hey!" The single word hung, inviting. With a quirk of her lips, she waved a half-melted ice cream cone before Asuka's eyes—like a magician flaunting a prized trick. "I know what'll turn that frown upside down. How 'bout some ice cream?" Her voice lifted at the end, hopeful and tender.
The corners of Asuka's mouth twitched upwards, a sliver of sun through heavy clouds. Her eyes met Honoka's, and despite the chaos of emotions brewing inside, she found solace in that simple, sweet gesture. "Ice cream, huh?" She mustered a faint chuckle, a lightness threading through her words. "Yeah. That sounds great. I could really use some."
A Few Minutes Later
Honoka lightly fingered over the ice cream cone as she and Asuka sat on a bench in the bustling mall, surrounded by the scent of various fast foods and the chatter of passing shoppers. With a hesitant breath, she looked at Asuka, her eyes filled with confusion and concern.
"Hey, Asuka. Can I ask you something?" she murmured, her voice wavering with uncertainty.
"Shoot," Asuka replied, taking a bite of her ice cream and looking at Honoka with a curious expression.
"Back at the arena… why'd you take off so fast?" Honoka's words were hesitant as if she was afraid of prying into something she shouldn't.
Asuka paused, her eyes narrowing a bit as she processed the question. "What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head inquisitively.
"When I brought up your family's dojo… you seemed upset," Honoka continued, her gaze fixed on Asuka, searching for answers. "Did I do something wrong-"
"No," Asuka swiftly interjected, setting her ice cream aside. "It's fine. You were just curious, that's all. It's part of the reason why I'm here in the first place."
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Honoka asked, her concern evident in her gentle expression.
"My grandma always said it's good to talk about your feelings. You'll feel a lot better afterwards."
Asuka hesitated, her mind swirling with memories and emotions she had long tried to bury. The image of her father injured and his dojo destroyed sent a shiver through her.
"I... It's complicated, Honoka," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness as she struggled to find the right words.
The image of her father lying in the hospital was still fresh in her mind. The clear and vivid memory of her father's dojo in ruins, his precious students severely injured, haunted her thoughts. However, it was nothing compared to the pain of learning about her father's hospitalization from them. It was all due to an unknown Chinese man, as Detective Lei described. He was responsible for the destruction of her father's dojo, the injuries inflicted upon his students, and the reason he was hospitalized. But above all, her father was the motivation behind her participation in the tournament. He had been her first opponent and the one who had taught her the art of fighting, even though she was only 12 years old.
She practiced martial arts daily in her father's beloved dojo. Memories of him teaching her every move flooded her mind. He was a true master, admired and cherished by everyone who knew him. The honor and discipline he instilled in his students also became a part of her identity.
"I understand, but I really want to know. I'm here to listen, and I care about you." Honoka's voice brought Asuka out of her deep thoughts, conveying understanding and genuine care. Asuka met her best friend's gaze and sighed, a mixture of sadness and unease filling her eyes. The day had been taxing, and her emotions were on the verge of overflowing.
Aware that the sweet, yet oblivious girl wouldn't give up until she shared what was troubling her, Asuka decided to surrender. "It's not that, Honoka. It's just... It's hard to explain." Asuka said, releasing a sigh.
Nevertheless, Honoka persisted in encouraging the brunette to open up. She settled beside Asuka, her expression filled with concern. Tenderly, she reached for Asuka's hand, providing comfort and support. "Don't rush. I'm here for you. Whatever it is, you can trust me," Honoka reassured, her voice radiating warmth and sincerity.
The brunnette turned towards Honoka, resolved in her decision. "You really wanna know why, Honoka?"
"Mmhmm." Honoka nodded. "When I talked about joining, you mentioned I couldn't. Why?"
Asuka realized she had underestimated Honoka. Though she didn't initially seem intelligent, she was incredibly observant. "It's because we don't have a dojo for you to join anymore."
Honoka was shocked by what she heard. Her eyes widened as she questioned, desperately hoping it wasn't true. "W-What? Are you kidding?" she asked further, not wanting to believe what was being told to her. "But it's so popular. Don't tell me it's been closed down."
Asuka let out a bitter laugh in disbelief. If only Honoka knew the full truth behind her words. She wished she had come home to a closed-down dojo instead of finding it completely demolished. "Tch. Closed down? I wish."
Curious, Honoka furthered her confusion. If the dojo wasn't closed, why would anyone want it to be? "How come?" she asked. "Don't you-"
"It's been destroyed." Asuka cut her off, uttering the words with a heavy heart.
"Oh." Was all Honoka could say. "W-Well, I'm sure getting it repaired with the prize money shouldn't be a problem."
Asuka narrowed her eyes, her brows knitting slightly confused. "You're competing too, remember? You could end up facing me in this tournament."
"Huh? O-Oh yea! That's right! How could I forget?" Honoka sheepishly giggled, giving herself a tiny bonk on the head.
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Asuka couldn't help but smile at her friend's infectious energy.
Asuka's gaze met Honoka's, her voice firm. "That sounds great and all, but I don't care about the prize money." she paused, gazing away from Honoka to her gloved hands. "There's only one reason alone why I entered this stupid tournament and that's to take down the man responsible for my father's dojo being destroyed along with him."
"Your father?" Honoka reiterated, wondering if she heard right. "W-Wait, you don't mean…"
"Yes. That bastard not only destroyed our family's legacy, but he also ruthlessly beat my father within an inch of his life. I won't rest until I make him pay for what he's done." Asuka replied, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain.
Honoka remained silent, not only due to shock but also due to her guilt. She couldn't escape the haunting images of her grandmother, a strict yet loving figure, lying in the hospital, replaying in her mind like a remorseful slideshow. An overwhelming sense of guilt consumed her, threatening to engulf her entirely.
"I... I had no idea, Asuka. I… I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
The brash, yet kind teenager reached out, placing a comforting hand on Honoka's shoulder. "It's okay. Being curious doesn't make you responsible, right?" she attempted to joke, but the weight of the situation stifled any hint of fun.
Honoka forced a weak smile, appreciating Asuka's attempt to inject some normalcy into their shattered reality. However, the guilt gnawing at her heart could not be easily dismissed. She had always been a curious soul, delving into the depths of her imagination and tirelessly seeking answers to life's mysteries. But this time, her curiosity had unknowingly led her to uncover a truth that shattered her sense of security.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Honoka and Asuka shared more similarities than they were aware of. Much like Asuka, Honoka also had a cherished person fighting for life in a hospital bed.
Honoka's voice wavered as she called out to her friend, "Asuka..."
Her words sliced through the ambient noise, bringing Asuka's world to a standstill.
"Yeah?" she said, sporting a puzzled expression. "What's up?"
Honoka hesitated, her breath stuck somewhere between hope and despair. "You... you mentioned your dad's in the hospital, didn't you?"
Asuka nodded slowly, a dawning comprehension in her gaze. "I did. But why do you ask?"
"There's..." Honoka faltered, her voice dropping to a whisper tinged with sorrow. "My grandma's there too. In the hospital, I mean."
She couldn't bring herself to meet Asuka's eyes, opting instead for the cold comfort of her unfinished dessert.
Asuka looked at her with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Your grandma?"
The once bubbly martial artist clenched her fists, the icy chill from the ice cream crone seeping into her skin.
"Yeah, she has cancer." The words felt heavy, saturated with unshed grief. "I found her that afternoon—collapsed on the floor, and there was just... so much blood."
Honoka's pause was tortured as she relived the harrowing memory.
She remembered too much - the vivid scarlet that had invaded her once safe home, staining her grandmother's cherished dresses. "The doctors... they said she might not wake up for a while," Honoka continued, feeling the bite of harsh reality.
Asuka's concern deepened as she prompted gently, "What do you mean 'might not wake up'?"
With each word, the lump in Honoka's throat threatened to choke her. "Her heart... it gave out multiple times. Cardiac arrests."
Honoka's eyes shimmered, the glossy sheen of restrained tears catching the light. "They're not sure if she'll make it, Asuka. The cancer's super advanced."
Asuka gave her newfound friend a compassionate expression. "Honoka… That's why you're entering the tournament, isn't it? To win the prize money for her treatment."
Honoka nodded, her voice heavy with emotion. "I have to do this for her. She means everything to me."
A fragile smile tugged at Asuka's lips, a ghost of her usual bravado. She let out a soft, huffing laugh, her eyes locking with Honoka's in a moment of shared understanding. "Heh. Funny, isn't it? We're birds of a feather, it seems."
Honoka felt the knot of emotion tightening in her throat, but she fought to push the words past the blockage, her voice trembling slightly. "Y-Yeah," she whispered, her eyes glistening with the vulnerability she rarely showed. "Birds of a feather..."
Despite the tentative exchange of laughter and half-spoken confirmations, Honoka and Asuka remained oblivious to the depth of their connection. The very struggles they unearthed in their hesitant confessions would unknowingly weave a bond of friendship, resilient and enduring—stronger than either could have ever predicted.
Honoka's voice was soft yet carried an unexpected steel, "Despicable," she whispered, her tone drawing Asuka's gaze.
Asuka tilted her head, eyebrows arching in that familiar, inquisitive dance. "Hmm? What's that?" she murmured, the hue of intrigue painted across her face.
An intense fire flickered in Honoka's eyes, a torrent of emotions swirling within. "I can't believe… someone would do something so despicable," her voice trembled with compassion and a newfound resolve. She reached for Asuka's hand, gripping it with quiet strength. "We have to stop him, Asuka."
Asuka's features knotted in bewilderment, a touch of annoyance pricking at the edges of her voice. "Hold on a minute...what are you getting at? Who needs stopping?"
Honoka's gaze was steady, imbued with a sincerity that was both heartwarming and fierce. "Don't you see? The bad guy responsible for the wreckage of your family dojo—the same brute who landed your father in the hospital," she said, her words striking Asuka with the weight of reality. The determined glint in Honoka's eyes seemed almost comical, given her usually soft demeanor, yet it only underscored the gravity of their quest. "We can't let him get away with his crimes."
Asuka's breath left her in a rush, her chest tightening with a cocktail of fury and purpose. She squared her shoulders, her voice hardening like tempered steel. "I know. Winning this tournament... that's my shot. When I get my hands on him, he'll regret ever crossing paths with me."
Honoka's hand squeezed tighter, her resolve mirroring Asuka's own. "But you don't need to walk this path by yourself," she said, her words firm and absolute. "Let's team up! You and me. Together, we're going to take down that monster."
Asuka blinked, the news hitting her like a lightning surge—sudden and disorienting.
A mix of shock and an oddly placed amusement flickered across her face, not at the news but at Honoka's fierce demeanor.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Asuka couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected warrior spirit emanating from her usually gentle friend. "You seriously think we—the two of us—can bring him to justice?" Asuka's tone was incredulous but laced with a burgeoning respect for Honoka's unexpected tenacity.
Honoka nodded, her eyes never wavering. "That's right, Asuka. We have to try. It's about more than just vengeance; it's about doing what's right. And I'll be by your side every step of the way!" she vowed cheerfully.
The weight of determination in Honoka's voice began to seep into Asuka, kindling a fire that grief and disbelief had smothered. She straightened up, the seed of a plan already forming as her resolve crystallized.
They had a purpose now, not just a shared sorrow. Together, they would confront their adversary—the one who would come to fear the relentless strength of their combined spirits.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Asuka's lips. "Thanks, Honoka. I knew I could count on you."
The two friends locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. They were ready to fight through the tournament for the thrill of battle and seek justice for Asuka's father. Their combined strength and determination made them a force to be reckoned with.
As they stood side by side, a new determination filled their hearts. The stage was set for an epic showdown, and nothing would stand in their way.
To Be Continued...
I'm, but can we talk about how sweet and innocent Honoka is in this chapter. She's just so adorable :D