SFU's Fan Fic Archive

Shizu sighed, watching the tiny droplets of water descend onto the garden as she sat from the veranda of her home. The shower was certainly a welcome relief after the heat of July's summer to many of Osaka's inhabitants, but it did nothing to soothe the anxiety that was present in Shizu's mind.

" Kyo..." She whispered as she swept off strands of her dark brown hair that carelessly fell on her forehead. Kyo Kusanagi, her beloved son. And yet, a headstrong one. It was barely a week ago when he announced during dinner that he was entering this year's King of Fighters tournament. Shizu could still recall the shock that went through her at that time; it was as if her heart had stop beating. When she demanded for an explanation for this decision, Kyo only said that he wanted 'answers'. Shizu thought. She was worried what would become of her son in the tournament, just like what any mother would.

For the last 2 years, Shizu prayed with all her heart as Kyo struggled to beat all odds in the previous tournaments; prayed that he arrives safe and sound at the Kusanagi home. Her son, being a Kusanagi, was destined to face numerous dangers, and this was proven by his prior encounters with Rugal Bernstein, the mastermind of the tournaments. And the thought of the Yagami clan's involvement through their vengeful young member, Iori, didn't help with her worries either. Whatever it is, Shizu felt that this time, Kyo would be facing something more challenging, dangerous, and...evil.

Shizu gasped.

Quickly, she got up from the wooden floor and straightened her rumpled kimono. Sliding the door, she went inside her home, almost rushing in a way. She made her way down the dark corridors, knowing precisely the path that she should or should not take. It was not long when she finally reached her destination. Opening the bamboo door, the smell of incense immediately rushed out from the room, and Shizu stepped in- side.

Before her was an altar of sorts; it was a beautifully carved wooden ledge that was filled with numerous articles, namely sticks of burning incense, flowers, and a picture. It was a framed photograph of a smiling girl with beautiful brown eyes with a ponytail of long chestnut tresses.

" Mika...," the middle aged woman said as she knelt before it, her brown eyes gazed at it lovingly, " It's kaa-san (mother)."

" Your brother left this morning, Mika," Shizu smiled bitterly, " He's going to compete in King of Fighters'96 soon. I tried to talk him out of it, but he just wouldn't listen. He's so...obsessed with it."

" I'm worried about his safety, my daughter. Although I pray for him always, I don't know if he will be as lucky as he was in the years before. I sense...great danger in his decision this time, it's so terrifying that I shiver at the thought of it. I don't want to lose him, I don't want him to share your fate."

" Please, Mika," Shizu continued with tears welling up her eyes.

" Protect Kyo for me."

A week had passed since his meeting with Ryuhyo.

Iori glanced out of the window from his bedroom. The courtyard of his mansion was empty that evening, except for the dead leaves that scattered all over. They floated around unpredictably in the wind. Fluttering down, they would jump up again dancing and prancing around without a care in the world. Then they would surrender themselves to the force of gravity, and settle themselves down on the cold pavement, dead and lifeless.

Iori moved his gaze away.

Today was the day; he will be flying off to San Francisco in the next hour where the scheduled preliminary rounds of the King of Fighters'96 tournament will take place. He will be going there alone since his team-mates would only join him at the tournament. He didn't know where they were now, and he couldn't care less. All he knew is that if they failed to keep their side of the bargain, Iori would personally see to it that Ryuhyo and his lackeys will pay with their screams of pain.

" M..master Yagami."

" What is it?" Iori replied coldly without turning towards the door, knowing that it was a servant who addressed him.

" They are here."

" Hmph...I'll be down. See to my baggage in the meantime."

" Y..Yes, master."

The servant went away as silently as she came. Iori snorted in disgust. He knew that his servant was terrified of him; the trembling in her voice was enough proof of that. By not facing her, it would spare him from the pathetic show of fear. It was something he was familiar with; wherever he goes and whatever he does, he will bring fear with him, striking it down the hearts of men, women and children alike. The sharp gaze from his grey eyes alone was capable to break their spirits. That was probably one of the reasons to why Iori was such a lone wolf.

Family? It doesn't really matter to him now. He never knew his mother; she died while giving birth to him one stormy night 21 years ago. His father, a powerful member of the clan, raised him well during those years, providing him with the best education money can buy, training him in the fighting arts of Magatama, providing him with everything he could have ever wanted; wealth, power, possessions. All, except for one thing; his affec- tion. He was a stern, no-nonsense man. Whenever Iori was with him, the man was somewhat incapable of expressing his emo- tions. Smiles and laughter did not exist when he was around; Iori's father had never even praised him in his successes, but was quick to condemn him in his failures. Iori felt as if his fa- ther blamed him for the death of the woman he loved years ago, and thus his ignorance in providing the fatherly love that Iori craved. But that craving has now ceased, for it was replaced by a strong aversion towards the man that sired him.

His relatives were no different. Outside, they may be loyal clan members that has pledged loyalty towards one another, but in reality, it was a whole different story. Although the Yagamis were seen to be a united faction, it truth it was but an illusion. Each faction will be plotting their own agenda, to someday raise to the ranks of leader of the clan. Resorting to trickery and deceit was the norm in advancing their ambitions; they wouldn't even hesitate to stoop to backstabbing their own kin, even murder, if it was necessary. In the dangerous life of a Yagami, Iori can't help but lose his humanity in order to survive the ruthless mind games set out for everyone in the clan.

Friends? He stopped believing in that word years ago. He re- membered the time when he was a child; children his age tried to befriend him with false smiles and sincerity. As if he didn't know, that the only reason they approached him was that their parents urged them to, adults who fear the Yagami clan's power or the ones who seek his family's favour. They were nothing but hypocrites, liars, deceivers! Only lies behind their facades of camaraderie.

" They are weaklings, Iori, weaklings who only seek to use us. They deserve nothing other than to be pawns in bringing glory to the Yagami name!" Iori could still remember his father's exact words.

Iori threw back his head, trying to dispel the details of his life that went through his thoughts. He needed to have a clear mind now, for in the tournament he will face the world's greatest fighters, all possessing commendable skills and abilities. His concentration will be vital in determining his advancement, and for the inevitable meeting he had been looking forward to all this while; his meeting with Kyo Kusanagi.

One might wonder, what was the reason behind this hatred towards the seemingly noble young man? Was it his handsome appearance? His unending charisma? His superior dabbling in Magatama? Does it all come from envy?

In a way, yes. Iori had always been jealous of Kyo. Jealous that his life was filled with happiness, filled with laughter, filled with friendship, and above all, filled with love; the things that were missing from Iori's own existence. His heart burned every time he recalls the imagery of Kyo's caring family; his honourable father Saisyu, his gentle mother Shizu, and his feisty older sister Mika. When news of her death reached the Yagami household 13 years ago, a part of Iori was rejoicing in malice, for Kyo's perfect life had been dealt with a most traumatising blow. But at least he still had fond memories of her he can still cherish, unlike Iori. Iori didn't even have any recollection of his mother. Iori had...nothing.

Iori also can never forget the humiliation Kyo had caused him. In the final match of The King of Fighters'95; their head-on duel, the first time their generation of their respective clans clashed. Crimson and blue flames both intermingle in a wild frenzy of sweat and blood, of screams and roars. And it was...a draw. Iori was aghast; IT WAS A DRAW! To not be able to defeat an oppo- nent was one thing, but failing to topple his most hated rival was the worst. It was a shameful slap to both him and his clan. It was something that Iori had sworn never to forgive Kyo for. Add this to their recent encounter...and it was clear...

" Shine (die), Kusanagi," Iori grinned hideously as sparks of blue flames crackled between his fingertips. Not long after that, he turned and made his way out of his dark room, to the limousine below that will bring him to the airport. To KOF'96.

It was another fine day in Switzerland. The greenness of summer was truly evident in the vast fields of grass that stretched out for miles and miles ahead. Goats and cows were grazing in them, scattering around as they bask in the morning sun. Far behind the fields hovered a breathtaking view of the Alps. Snow-covered mountains that blended harmoniously with the azure blue sky created an atmosphere of harmony and tranquillity that anyone would find delightfully calming, an overwhelming beauty of earth's wonders.

In a distance loomed a building; a fortress to be exact, which was situated in a large area not far away from the grasslands. It was a big castle, it's architecture dating back to the 12th cen- tury. The fortress' age was undermined by its appearance that still resisted the test of time.

Beside the castle was a large platform. Crowds of people were present there, some of them scurrying around in haste, as if they were racing against time itself. In the centre of the platform was a large helicopter, it's color sleek black, the smooth metal reflected the sun's ray. At it's middle was an insignia; a golden falcon.

A few figures emerged from the castle, making their way to the platform. In an instant, movement in the area ceased for everyone was making way for the newly-arrived figures towards the heli- copter. The first to walk in was a tall, youthful man dressed in a dark crimson suit. His greenish-black hair was slicked back, hol- ding his stubborn bangs in place. As he strode down the path, his green eyes watched the people flanking him bowed in respect. He nodded his head slightly, acknowledging their greeting. He also noticed the smiles and admiring eyes of the female composi- tion of the crowd, to whom he beamed politely.

Behind him followed three people, namely two women and a man. One of the women was a short-haired brunette. She looked particu- larly lovely; her face was radiant while her slender figure was clad in a loose-fitting green dress over tight black pants. Her movements were graceful yet swift and silent, like a cat's. The other woman was a blonde dressed in a white business suit, magnificently beautiful as a swan as she walked sexily; one could see that most of the men there were tempted to give out cat calls and wolf whistles. The man who walked behind her was also tall. His skin was fairly dark and his facial features were sharp that hinted at an exotic heritage. His hair cropped very short, the grey-suited man carried a file his hand.

As they approached the helicopter, a middle-aged man approached the crimson-clad one. He was in a pilot's uniform, a helmet covering his head. His face truly showed the signs of age, but the man's smile easily covered the traits. A short beard, pepper-grey in color, covered the lower part of his face. His brown eyes greeted the man before him warmly.

" Greetings, Lord Ryuhyo," he said, " Fine weather this morning, eh?"

" Wonderful, Becker," Ryuhyo smiled," How's everything? Have all the preparations have been made?"

" Of course, m'lord. Everything's all done according to yer liking, and since the weather's looking good, she's all set to fly!" Becker pointed his thumb at the helicopter behind him.

" Good. Get her started then, old friend."

Becker gave a nod, and made his way to the aerial vehicle. Ryuhyo turned around and faced the brunette.

" Well, Vice, I guess this is goodbye." He said, looking at her lovingly.

" For now," Vice wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss on his cheek," We'll see each other again soon, and until then, my thoughts will always be of you, my love." Another kiss followed, this time a deep and longing one planted on his lips.

After a while, Ryuhyo pulled away and whispered, " Take care of yourself, okay?"

Vice nodded with a smile. Ryuhyo then turned to look at the blonde. " How about you, Mature? Ready to go?"

" Always, Ryuhyo," Mature beamed," Too bad you're not coming with us. The Yagami boy's skill is nothing compared to yours."

" Maybe, but don't underestimate him," Ryuhyo said," He's very unpredictable, and he may as well surprise you. Anyways, just remember to be careful. You'll be fighting the world's best, you know. And I'd hate to see my right-hand woman get hurt."

" You worry too much, Ryuhyo. Vice and I will be fine." Mature gave a pat on his shoulder.

" I'll pray for that always. Oh, and one other thing," Ryuhyo looked at the grey-suited man, " Please pass me the envelope, Akshay."

Akshay obliged, immediately opening his file and pulling out a red envelope. " Here you go, boss," Akshay handed it over to Ryuhyo.

" Thank you." Ryuhyo took it and held it up," I have some additional instructions in this. Read it during the trip, and afterwards destroy it. We can't risk them knowing our motives. Understood?"

Mature nodded as she took the envelope. At that moment, the helicopter's blades begun to spin, and the loud sound had forced them to shout in order to talk." YOU BOTH SHOULD BE GOING NOW!" Ryuhyo yelled, " GODSPEED, LADIES!"

" FAREWELL, RYUHYO!" Mature responded, and made her way towards the helicopter.

Vice approached Ryuhyo and kissed him again. " I love you," she whispered as she pulled away, her eyes reluctant to cease the view of Ryuhyo's face. She then quickly ran after Mature, both entering the helicopter. A few minutes passed, and it soon took off. It hovered above the fortress for a while before it flew away until it was out of sight.

" So, what now, boss?" Akshay asked Ryuhyo who was still looking at the sky.

Ryuhyo was silent at first, his mind deep in thought, somewhat oblivious to the question posed by his secretary. Akshay was about to ask it again when the young Orochi lord suddenly spoke.

" Now? We make our move."