Reina Hachijo Mishima took a deep breath as she stepped into the quiet forest clearing, a chill dancing up her spine as the crisp air stilled around her. She had been searching for weeks, following whispers and rumors about a hidden protectorate where Heihachi Mishima's loyal bear was rumored to reside. She clenched her fists, determination flickering in her eyes. She was here for answers—answers about her father, about the Mishima legacy, and most of all, about her own dark heritage.
"Kuma," she muttered under her breath, scanning the trees. "Heihachi's trusted companion. Let's see what's so special about you."
Just then, a rustling sound echoed from the dense brush, and a massive figure lumbered into the clearing. Standing on his hind legs was Kuma, the towering bear, his posture somehow exuding both menace and curiosity. Reina raised an eyebrow as she took in the sight: a massive, muscular, fluffy bear with an armband from the Mishima Zaibatsu, standing as if ready to pounce. The sight was almost too bizarre.
"Heh… you're the famous Kuma?" Reina scoffed. "A bear? Really?"
Kuma grunted, his dark eyes narrowing as he appraised her. In a swift movement that made her instinctively step back, he thumped his chest and let out a low growl that shook the leaves around them.
"I came here for answers about my father, and you're the one who can give them to me," Reina continued, undeterred. "You fought alongside him, didn't you? As ridiculous as that sounds."
Kuma rolled his eyes—a surprisingly human gesture that irked Reina further—and then let out a sharp huff, shaking his head as if he found her doubt both irritating and amusing.
"Don't give me that look!" she snapped. "If you're supposed to be some kind of protector, then prove it. Show me what you've got. I've heard the stories, but it's hard to believe you're more than a furry mascot."
Kuma's nostrils flared, and he gave a deep, rumbling growl that vibrated through the ground. Without warning, he dropped onto all fours and charged forward, the ground shuddering beneath his weight. Reina's eyes widened, but her instincts kicked in as she threw herself to the side, narrowly avoiding his massive paw as it crashed into the dirt, leaving a small crater.
"Whoa!" Reina gasped, scrambling to her feet. "Guess you're not just for show!"
She barely had time to think before Kuma turned, this time swinging one of his massive arms at her. She ducked, feeling the rush of air above her head, but Kuma was relentless. He moved with surprising agility for his size, his powerful muscles propelling him as he went from one swipe to another, each blow packing the potential to knock her unconscious.
Realizing she needed to step up her game, Reina steadied herself, her hands glowing faintly as she summoned the energy within her. She lunged forward, aiming a kick at Kuma's side, but he caught her foot mid-strike with astonishing reflexes. In one fluid motion, he hurled her through the air.
Reina managed to twist her body, landing on her feet in a crouched position. She narrowed her eyes, gritting her teeth as she felt a surge of anger and excitement. This bear was no joke.
"Fine," she muttered, "guess I'll have to take you seriously."
Kuma tilted his head, letting out a small huff that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. Reina's hands sparked with energy as she focused, feeling the Devil Gene within her stirring. She let out a shout, releasing a burst of dark energy towards Kuma. He dodged it with ease, weaving through the blast like he had done this a hundred times before.
"Oh, so you're used to this?" Reina challenged, smirking. "Bet you didn't expect this from a Hachijo!"
She charged forward, aiming a series of rapid punches at Kuma, who deflected them with his paws, each strike resonating with an impact that reverberated through her arms. Kuma didn't miss a beat; he retaliated with a powerful swipe that caught her off guard, sending her staggering back. Reina steadied herself, surprised by how strong he was. Heihachi must have trained him as much as he trained himself.
"Alright, Kuma," Reina said, her tone more respectful now. "Let's see if you can handle this!"
She let loose a flurry of energy-charged strikes, each one aimed with precision. Kuma dodged, blocked, and countered, moving with a surprising fluidity that was almost dance-like. She could see why Heihachi had kept him around; the bear fought like a seasoned martial artist.
After several exchanges, Reina noticed something peculiar in Kuma's eyes—a flash of recognition, perhaps even approval. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by a hardened focus. Kuma advanced on her, his movements more aggressive now, as if acknowledging her as a real opponent.
Reina smirked, her pulse racing. So he thinks I'm worthy, huh?
She tapped into the dark energy within her, feeling the Devil Gene begin to pulse through her veins. Her eyes flickered with an eerie glow as she charged at Kuma, dodging his swipes with inhuman speed. She unleashed a powerful roundhouse kick that struck Kuma's side with a shockwave of energy. Kuma grunted, finally stumbling back, but his eyes were sharp as ever, and he growled in approval.
Kuma took a defensive stance, seemingly ready for her next move. Reina panted, sweat dripping down her face, but she felt a surge of pride and respect for her unusual opponent.
"You… you're actually really good," she admitted grudgingly. "But I'm not done yet."
Kuma thumped his chest in response, his growl a mixture of challenge and encouragement.
Reina felt something shift within her—something she hadn't felt before. This battle wasn't just about testing her strength. It was about something deeper, something that connected her to her father's legacy. In Kuma's eyes, she saw a reflection of her father's unbreakable will.
"Alright, Kuma," she said, her voice steadier, softened with respect. "You and I—we're going to do great things together. I may not be Heihachi, but if you fight with me, I'll honor his memory."
Kuma let out a low, approving growl, and Reina could almost swear he nodded. She took a step closer, cautiously reaching out a hand. Kuma leaned forward, his massive paw gently touching her outstretched fingers.
With a small, proud smile, Reina knew she had found not just a fierce opponent, but an ally—one who had been by her father's side until the very end. Together, they would carry forward the Mishima legacy and perhaps, in time, uncover the full potential of the Devil Gene that coursed through her blood.
And that's how Kuma joined her side in her alter ending in Tekken 8 :p