SFU's Fan Fic Archive

Now it was time to put his vagabond on hold, for he had more important things to attend to. Iori turned into the street corner and found himself at his desired destination.

The street, as usual, was closed to the traffic today, and will be as so for the next few. Huge crowds were present there that day. It's common to see ordinary people as spectators, but Iori noted that there was more press coverage for this match. TV crews and reporters were scattered around like ants, and Iori had to admit even he was puzzled. Nothing like this had happened yesterday, the first day of the King of Fighters'96 tour- ment. (Must be someone famous in there...) Iori thought to himself, drawing up a conclusion from the attention the match was getting, (I wonder who could it be?). With the question embedded in his mind, Iori made his way through the crowd to find the answer.

" Ouch!"

" Hey, watch it, you jerk!"

" Who pushed me?!"

" Can't you say ' Excuse me?' "

Iori only grinned.

Finally, he reached the front section of the crowd. Before him was the 'arena' of asphalt where the participants of the tournament were cur- rently engaged in combat. At the sidelines of the arena were their res- pective team-mates; a blonde girl and an auburn-haired woman were shouting their support to their fighting team-mate on one side while two brawny looking men were on the other, one looking dejected as his large body slumped on the ground in defeat.

Iori's eyes moved to the centre of the arena. One of the fighters was a man, another muscular one, clad in punk regalia of leather and metal accessories. He was bald, and his face wasn't the best of lookers; the expression on it was full of anger and frustration. It seemed that his opponent was giving him a really hard time. And that other op- ponent was a woman; Iori couldn't see her face as her back was to him. Clad in black vest with a 'tail-cape' flowing behind her, and a tight, white one-piece suit under it, the woman was quite a tall one. She was now evading the man's punches, her movements were fast. Jumping back, ducking, side-stepping; all of these where done with ease.

At one point, however, a kick delivered by the man was blocked un- successfully by her, and the woman fell back from the impact. She landed near to where Iori was standing, and it was then when Iori caught a glimpse of her face, partly-hidden under the visor of her cap.

Iori blinked. He knew who she was.

" REI, YOU MORON!!!" Alice yelled, " THAT WAS A LOUSY BLOCK, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD!"

Rei groaned as she got up from the ground. Not from the pain, but from the loud comments from her team-mate; one whose shouts that rang throughout the round could break anyone's morale. But Rei didn't really mind; Alice was a kid after all and she just wanted her team to win. If only she was calm and collected like her friend...

" Hey, baby!"

Rei raised her head, knowing that her opponent was talking to her. She saw the man standing roughly 4 metres away from her, grinning widely at her.

" I've listened to your stuff, chick, and I think they're full of crap!" He continued with a leer.

" Really? Well, they're worthy enough of your attention..." Rei res- ponded with a sneer,"...which makes YOU full of crap all the same!"

The man wasn't amused. He started to approach her with his fists in front of him, ready for an offensive. Rei did the same, advancing slowly in her fighting stance. A punch was delivered by her oppo- nent, and she parried it successfully with her arm. At the same time, she slammed her thigh hard; between his legs. In an instant, the face of the macho man melted into jello. His eyes were bulging out with tears flowing down his cheeks. His face was red as a beet-root, and his mouth was gaping wide-open as he shouted weakly...

" Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..."

" Ow...did she hit him that hard?" Alice remarked with a laugh while Mathilda covered her mouth demurely to refrain herself from giggling.

The crowd, especially the males, flinched at the painful scene.

" Ouch...that must hurt!"

" My heart goes out to that dude, really..."

" He has my sympathies,"

" Ooooh...look at his mug!"

" Always be very careful when attacking, honey!" Rei shouted, striking a punch at the now-immobilized man's face as he stood there with his hands grasping his groin. " And I think I've wasted enough time here with you, so I'll make this fast!" Grabbing his jacket, Rei continued to punch and slap the man a few more times, hitting him mostly in the torso and face. The man had no chance to counterattack at all, and finally Rei sent both him and herself upwards with a kick. It was immediately followed by another, and this time the sweep was covered with crackling white energy.

" HYAAAAH!" Rei roared as she twisted around, bringing down her attack as it slashed the man right across his body. He fell onto the ground with a thump, unconcious. To everyone's amazement, the asphalt under him had cracked from the impact. The medical team that had been standing by throughout the match quickly stormed toward the man whose team-mates also did the same.

Rei, who stood triumphantly at her victory, took off her black cap, and stroked her brown hair that was drenched in sweat. She looked at the crowd and smiled, saluting them with her hand. The crowd responded with cheers that rang wildly in the area. Alice and Mathilda joined her, and the trio made their way through the path through the crowd made by the security officers, and questions by reporters rained upon them as they moved on.

" Rei, is it true that you joined the tournament as a publicity stunt?"

" What's the story behind this, Rei? And who are the two young ladies?"

" Are you doing this for the money?"

" Rei, please say a few words about the reason you participated!"

" No comment," Rei refrained from answering any of them. She was eager to get away from this place, away from the growing media attention. Suddenly, a reporter, made through the security barrier. The young man thrust the microphone in his hand before her face intimidatingly.

" Rei, c'mon and spill it out, will ya? We know that you entered this to satisfy your violent fetish! Imagine beating up all those muscular dudes; must've stroked your S&M Queen ego, eh? Cough it up!"

Rei, agitated by the man's rudeness, was about to tell him off when suddenly a hand appeared out of nowhere and grabbed hold of the microphone.

" The lady said no comment, bastard."

Rei looked to her side, and blinked. It was him. The man she helped a week ago in Japan.

The reporter looked at Iori angrily," Hey, who the f-k are you? Stay out of this pal, before I..."

Before the man could finish his sentence, Iori crushed the microphone which immediately burst into blue flames. " OW!" the man yelled in pain, taking his hand away. " You son-of-a bitch!" The reporter seethed as he stroked his hand," I'll sue you for this!!"

" I'd like to see you try." Iori replied coldly. His grey eyes looked deeply into the reporter's. It seemed normal at first, but the reporter suddenly found himself unable to break the gaze. Drops of sweat flowed down his cheek when he saw the ferocity of Iori's stare; it was so cold, so emotionless, so...vile. It was like a demon hungry for his soul; hungry that he would rip up his flesh with his long, razor-sharp claws without any mercy. Deaf to his screams, he would continue ripping out the ca- sing of his mortality, spurting his blood everywhere. The demon tasted his blood, and then began to laugh hideously, laugh like the maddest of madmen; the laugh of pure, unadulterated evil. With the foul vision embedded in his brain, the man began to panic, and quickly turned around, hastily retreating in fear.

Iori smiled, relishing his success, but it soon faded when he felt himself being pulled back.

" Get back behind the line, pal!" Said the security officer who grabbed Iori's arm.

" No, let him go, officer."

The man turned to Rei with a puzzled look.

" I know him," Rei explained with a smile.

The security officer obliged Rei's wish and released Iori from his grasp. Iori gave an evil look at the officer, straightening his rumpled black shirt.

" What a surprise!" Rei exclaimed cheerfully, " I didn't think we would meet again."

" Fate works in mysterious ways..." Iori smiled warmly, strangely finding it easy to do with her around, " How have you been doing?"

" Fine. What about you? Have your wounds healed fully?"

" Yes...I'm much tougher than you think, Miss Hamada."

" AHEM!"

Rei and Iori turned around, for the sound came from the back. It was Alice.

" I know you're both SOOOO busy with this reunion thing, but I'm very TIRED and HUNGRY, okay?" Alice said sarcastically.

" Alright, Alice..." Rei said, and then turned to look at Iori again, " Why don't you join us?"

" Huh?" Iori uttered.

" Since you've been so kind to get that pesky reporter off my back, how about I treat you to lunch?"

Lunchtime!

The hotel's restaurant was certainly full of patrons that day, all atten- ding to the important afternoon ritual. As they eat and relish the pro- ducts of talented chefs, their conversations filled the air. They were talking and chattering amongst themselves, detailing the happenings of the day, or talking of the past, or discussing about what their future holds for them. They were all talking.

All, except for two patrons who sat at a lone table at the corner of the restaurant. Even then, one of them decided to break the silence that held them both.

" Kyo."

" Whuh...what?"

Benimaru wiped off the ketchup from his lips, sliding the white satin napkin delicately. Laying it on the table, his blue eyes focused on his friend who had been sitting silently before him ever since they sat down for lunch. Kyo initially refused to order anything when the waiter arrived with the menu, but was obliged to do so after some convincing in Benimaru's part. Even then, his tuna sandwich laid in front of him untouched.

" Kyo...what's bothering you?" Benimaru asked," Aren't you hungry?"

" Uh...not really," Kyo replied with a tired sigh.

" Then tell me what's on your mind. You've been so quiet for the past few days."

Kyo smiled weakly at Benimaru. Just like any other friend, he worry when Kyo wasn't behaving like his usual self; a jovial, smart-alecky guy with a zest for life. To see him brooding would mean that he was depressed or upset, and no friend would want to see that state prolonged.

" It's..." Kyo started to speak, but faltered for a moment," ...I've been thinking whether joining this tournament again was a mistake."

" Hmm?" Benimaru raised a brow, " What makes you say that?"

" When I look back at everything, we've involved ourselves in so things we could've never imagined. That bastard Rugal was to- ying with peoples lives when they participated to try their luck at fame. Most of them were just street fighters, people who had no- thing to lose or maybe they just didn't cared. They led vagabond lives where the sole purpose is just to fight and win. Fight and win... and lose. Some would choose to go on if that should happen, and others would just...wither. And even if they could continue, they only detached themselves more from their families and friends for that dream...that one shot that will change their lives forever. But Rugal crushed them all like flies."

" I think that fate intervened when he finally died at his own hands. The thought that the tournament was over for good was something that I would always remember. But now...it's here again. KOF'96 arrived. So, the 'endless' circle repeats itself..."

" We've been lucky to get past the previous tourneys in one piece. Our lives were back to normal when we get back home. Maybe it isn't perfect, but at least it's a life free from anyone tugging at the strings. It makes me think; with so much to live for, do we have a right to forsake everything by putting our lives at stake once again?"

" My ramblings doesn't bother you does it, Beni?" Kyo looked at his friend apologetically.

Benimaru shook his head slightly, " Not at all, Kyo. I also share your sentiments. But as you said yourself, it was an Orochi who gave you the invitation. And we all know that something ain't right if the clan is involved."

" Yeah, that's true," Kyo agreed.

" And you made the right decision by taking up the challenge. Not many people are willing to do the same. Some might say we're just plain idiots, but Goro and I don't care; we'll always stand by you, even if you make wrong turns. 'Cause if we don't handle whatever the Orochis are handing out this time, then who will?"

Kyo didn't say anything; only his thankful smile graced his face. He was glad to have the charismatic Benimaru fight along with him and Goro; he was such a positive thinker. He was always prepared to lend a hand when there was a need for it, and he sometimes helped Kyo get over his worries with his pep talks and encouragement. Combining the traits with his exceptional fighting skills made him a truly valued comrade, even more so with the uncertain challenge that faced them all.

" Now eat something will ya?" Benimaru grinned as he flicked his long locks aside, " If we are going to fight, you have to get the nutrition in check!"

" Okay, okay!" Kyo grumbled jokingly as he picked up the tuna sand- wich," Y'know, you're starting to sound like my mother!"

" She cares for you, child, and I'm making sure that she won't be worried sick about her Golden Boy."

(That couldn't be more true), Kyo thought as he opened his mouth, and proceeded to take a bite.

The chill of the wind made her shiver.

Chizuru brought the tiny cup to her mouth and sipped the tea from it. The liquid was warm and refreshing, a welcome feeling in the coldness of the night. Standing at the balcony of her study, her brown eyes centered their attention at the full moon, glowing brightly in the blackness of the sky. No stars were present that night, leaving the moon to majestically stand alone; to assert its dominance over the world. But soon it will lose the battle, when the sun rises to greet the world with its rays; engulfing the land with the rhapsody of life.

Chizuru had always prayed for that.

She sighed, and again she sipped the tea. The wind began to blow again, sweeping her raven locks across her face. She cursed as she swept it back, displeased at the interruption.

" Damned wind!" She hissed.

" Tch, tch...why do you condemn the wind, Chizuru? It's only acting by the will of nature."

Chizuru, surprised, looked up beside her. A large tree was present near the balcony, and amongst the leaves and branches was a human form. Casually sitting on a sturdy bough, the dark figure looked back at Chizuru, the face hidden from her view.

" It's you!" Chizuru gasped," Why...don't scare me like that!"

The mysterious form gave out a laugh. The tone that was emitted was not insulting, instead it had a tinge of delight to it.

" I apologise if it was such. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

" Baka ( silly)," Chizuru's bewildered expression had melted into gladness," Of course you had. Come down here, will you? You might fall off."

" No thanks," The figure waved its hand, " I'll take my chances. I'm not supposed to be seen with you, remember?"

Chizuru smiled weakly," That's...true. But why not for a moment..."

" It's for your own sake, Chizuru," The figure interjected, its voice firm and adamant, declaring that it will stay there on the branch whether Chizuru liked it or not. " So," It continued," How have things been getting on?"

" It's only the second day! We still have to wait and see."

" What about him? Any sign that he's there?"

" No," Chizuru shook her head," None of my servants have spotted him...he still hesitates. But I can feel him...his hunger is growing by the minute. It's so evil...and monstrous, and it's a matter of time when it will be unleashed."

Chizuru sighed, "Sooner or later, he will come...and I fear that many will fall in his path. I'm so...afraid."

There was only silence.

" Un?" Chizuru waited for a response.

" He's testing the water, Chizuru. He may hover around at first... waiting for the right time to swoop in."

" He knows we're waiting for him, he may even toy with us for his own amusement, but I know more than ever that he's too over-confident for his own good. The conceited bastard may be more powerful than us, but his hunger for the power will be his undoing, I swear you that!" As it spoke, Chizuru could hear traces of bitterness in the voice; it was full of both scorn and despair, sorrowful melancholy intermingling with repressed anger. She knew the deep scar that harboured deep in the heart of the person she was talking to; it was something that even she could identify with.

" I'll try my very best to make this happen," Chizuru said in a firm reassurance," You'll get your revenge."

" And so will you," The person responded, " But you're wrong, Chizuru. I'm not motivated by the need for vengeance. I've already put the past behind me; what concerns me now is the future."

" If that bastard gets his hand on the Orochi power, the world will be nothing more than ashes. A man like him will only use it for his own means, even if it means consuming his own clan, his "loved ones" but I honestly doubt he has them at all. Even if he destroys himself in the process, he doesn't care. Chaos will reign, and I will not stand by and do nothing while his machinations of destruction are nearing the ending point."

" I want to still wake up in the morning and breathe fresh air as I watch the rising sun. I want to walk on lush fields of grass as I admire the white clouds in the heavens above. I want to hear the chirping of birds that break into hymns that soothe my heart. I want a world fit for my children to live in, and I would do anything to make it that way."

Chizuru beamed," Under that foreboding facade of yours, your aspirations are still the most basic and simple of all. How I wish all human beings share your dreams."

" As long as humans are humans..." The dark figure said,"...no such unity can exist."

" Humph," The person continued," How can I say such a disturbing statement on a beautiful night like this. A cold one too; so drink up the tea, Chizuru. I wouldn't want you to fall ill with the heavy task upon us."

Chizuru couldn't agree more. Turning back to the cup in her palm, she was about to bring it to her mouth when she suddenly realised something.

" Iya...how rude of me! Would you like some tea,...!" Chizuru exclaimed as looked at the tree again, but her speech was stopped halfway.

She was alone.

The cold wind began to blow again, embracing her while she stood at the balcony of her mansion; embracing her with the knowledge of the foreboding future that awaited humanity.