SFU's Fan Fic Archive

Of course, nothing could calm the anxiety that sprung from the know- ledge of Kyo's impetuosity. How could Kyo had just run off to KOF'96 when he was away? Although Kyo might think highly of himself as a magatama wielder, he was still a hot-blooded youth who would suc- cumb occasionally to rashness when the situation goes beyond his control, easily swayed by his emotions in the heat of battle. Kyo still needed Saisyu's guiding hand, and his action might as well had put him in a disadvantage when he goes deeper into the tournament.

" Good Afternoon, Kusanagi-ojisan (Uncle Kusanagi)!!"

The voice came from the main gateway, and Saisyu knew its owner.

" Come in, Shin-kun." Saisyu replied the call.

A creak followed his words. The sounds of footsteps broke the peace- ful silence of the Kusanagi abode. It was heading towards Saisyu, who stood firmly as he waited. Soon, the person he was expecting emerged in his view. It was a boy, a teenager around 16, dressed in a neat white shirt and greyish-black jeans. His short, dark brown locks were combed agreeably, bringing them away from his large brown eyes that complimented his friendly features. A sling bag hung from his arm, and Saisyu noticed that he was carrying a tray in his hands. The contents of the tray was hidden under a cloth, but Saisyu knew what the concealed item was.

" I'm terribly sorry that today's delivery is grossly late, Kusanagi-ojisan! But..."The boy smiled meekly, presenting it to Saisyu," Here's your bread ...fresh from the oven!"

" Thank you, Shin-kun." Saisyu took the tray with a nod, " I thought that your sister couldn't send it in the morning for some reason... and where's your sister, anyway? She's the one who usually does the delivery, isn't she?"

" Not today, sir! The thing is that my sister's gone somewhere with Yas-oni- isan (elder brother) and won't be back for two weeks, so, I'll be doing the delivery until then."

" Two weeks!" Saisyu raised a brow," How are you going to manage the bakery by yourself? And you are schooling, aren't you?"

" Oh, don't worry about that!" Shin said with a slight chuckle," Makoto-nechan always think of everything! Her best friend, Yayoi, will take care of the bakery. And as for me...well, ne-chan has talked to the principal to let me go to school an hour later so that I can attend to the deliveries."

" Ooh, I've gotta go now, Ojisan, or I'll miss my tuition!" Shin turned to leave, but looked at Saisyu for a moment," Kusanagi-ojisan, I think you should know that today's delivery is late because ne-chan wanted me to bake her special recipe for you and Shizu-obasan ( aunt). So...I hope you'll enjoy the Cinnamon cheese-loaf!" And with that, Shin broke into a run.

Saisyu smiled as the boy left his view, and then brought it to the tray he held in his hands. The pastel cloth that covered the bread hid its physical form from him, but not its scent. The aroma emitted from the loaf was lovely; fragrant and ambrosial, a sweet aroma that was tempting to those around its presence. Saisyu couldn't wait to share this with his wife.

(Makoto, Makoto...) Saisyu thought of Shin's sister (You're so hardworking I wonder if you're really a mortal like all of us. Your parents would've been proud to see how well you've done for yourself.)

Saisyu began to walk, intending on leaving his peaceful garden. He felt that he should get to his abode quickly if he and his wife were to enjoy the home-baked delight in its finest form.

Then, a thought appeared in his head. (Where could she and Yasuhide had gone to?)

" Osu!"

Ryo Sakazaki shouted as he walked up the platform that stood in the park's centre. Although his surroundings was filled with chanting voices from the large crowd around the arena, nevertheless his power- ful voice surpassed that with ease. It was late in the afternoon that day, the third day of KOF's qualifying round. The rays of the sun was for- tunately filtered by the lush greenery of the park, and that was enough to make Ryo more confident of his destined victory that day. Nothing was going to stop him!

" Hang tough, oniichan!!!" Yuri shouted excitedly at ringside, waving her arms in the air. Standing beside her was Robert Garcia, smiling dashingly as he gave Ryo a thumbs-up sign, wishing him well in his match. Ryo grinned in return, acknowledging their support.

Standing on the arena, Ryo could see his opponent before him on the other side of the arena. It was a girl, a petite lass clad in a white t-shirt and blue knee-length denims. Her dark, greenish hair were at shoulder's length, a lock tied behind her head with a long yellow ribbon.

Ryo could then see a man calling her from outside the arena. It was a tall, burly male; his height was gigantic compared to hers. The Asian man was saying something to her, looking at her with concern in his dark brown eyes, which the latter listened attentively to with her nods. The short hair man then gave her a gentle pat on her back, and Ryo could see the girl smile, albeit weakly. Suddenly, the ringing of bells was heard in the air.

It was time to begin.

Both opponents walked to the centre of their battle stage. As they faced each other, Ryo thought that the girl wasn't really pretty; she had features that seemed awkward for her round face. Thin lips, puffy cheeks, not to mention her overly large brown eyes; they definitely looked unusual for an Asian girl such as her. But nevertheless, what she lacked in physical aspects was compensated by an air of demureness that surrounded her, making her somewhat a comely sight.

" Good afternoon, sir," She greeted Ryo with a bow, her voice had a slight squeak to it, not to mention a tinge of nervousness.

Ryo bowed slightly in return, pleased by the polite gesture.

" And to you, too, ohjyo-san ( Miss)" He replied. He could see her full, snow-white cheeks blushing slightly, and Ryo couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the scene; she was definitely cute. Raising his fist before him, he smiled.

" Shall we begin?"

The girl looked at him innocently, as if unsure what to do next.

" Ha...hai (yes)," She said slowly," We should do that. I wish you good luck."

" Thank you."

Both were now in their fighting stances, each observing the other carefully; preparing their minds for the battle that will subsequently follow. Ryo breathed rhythmically, calming his inner self and asserting complete control over both his mind and body.

Soon, the announcer's voice was booming throughout the area.

" RYO SAKAZAKI VERSUS MAKOTO KUROKI!"

The scent of barbecued meat was present all around him.

The garden housed a boisterous atmosphere that day; children were running here and there like wild horses on the grassy land while their parents were frantically persuading them to calm down for the sake of the elderly present there. Even then, everything somehow had contributed towards a harmony that was favourable, managing to warm even his often icy-cold heart.

" So, are you enjoying yourself?"

Iori nodded slightly," Yes."

Rei, wiping her hands with a cloth, smiled with gladness.. She hardly had time to talk to him since he arrived at her teacher's home, being busy with the food preparations and all. She feared that Iori would feel out of place here with people he hardly knew, but she wasn't so now. She really hoped that this would be an enjoyable experience of San Francisco for him.

" I'm really sorry for leaving you on your own," She grinned apolo- getically," But kitchen work is terribly taxing when you work on a staff shortage...and having more than 50 mouths to feed. Anyways, have you mingled with the crowd yet?"

" Ah yes, I've talked to quite a few people," Iori replied," One of them being a lady called Marjorie who's been persuading me to... um...'ditch' you and go to a club in the city with her."

Rei turned aside and saw Marjorie; a long-haired brunette who was talking with the other guests. Seeing Rei, she waved to her a little with a slight smirk lining her thick crimson lips. Rei replied her by sticking out her tongue childishly.

A sweatdrop went down Iori's head.

" Hmph," Rei snorted annoyingly, both hands firmly planted on her waist," Just like her to hit on any cute guy within a 3 mile radius. She hasn't changed a bit since high school at all."

" Eh?" Iori arched a brow.

Rei, seeing Iori's dumbfounded expression, gave him a mischievous wink, " Come on, cute guy. It's time to eat!". Holding Iori by the arm, Rei dragged the 'hapless' man towards the rows of tables nearby, which was beginning to be surrounded by other guests. The spread on the table they approached looked appetizing; fresh assortments of salad topped with creamy dressing, bread, mashed potatoes with gravy. And with the smell of cooked meat in the air, Iori can't wait to dig in. Taking a seat, Iori clasped his hands, rubbing them as his thoughts dreamily pictured himself sinking his teeth on the scrumptious barbecued meat that would be his late lunch.

What Iori was expected was true; it was truly an enjoyable feast. Never in his life had he been delighted with something so simple like a gathering such as this; of friends and family sharing their joy while dining on home-cooked delicacies. It wasn't a function of formality that permeated with extravagance and snobbery, and for that Iori really appreciated the experience.

" How do you like the barbecue so far?"

Iori looked up after taking another bite from his hamburger. He could see that there was a man standing beside Rei; an old man of Asian heritage, probably in his 60s, his grey hair and wrinkled features backed Iori's assumption correctly. Wearing a pale blue shirt and dark pants, he looked like a decent man.

" It's wonderful, Mr. Wong." Rei smiled at the old man," It's so good to be among the same crowd again."

" Ah, so you do miss your schooldays, Rachel," Mr. Wong chuckled," I thought that you may have forgot about your homework-toiling days by now, being a singer and all."

" Perish the thought! Oh, how do you like the present I gave you? I thought that it's something you might like."

" Indeed I do! With a $10 000 cheque, it's hard not to, especially when it will be used to upgrade the school's facilities. Thank you, Rachel, it's a truly fine gift."

" You have always loved the school, Mr.Wong. I thought that improving it for the benefit of the students would be most ideal. Besides, the $9.90 teddy bear at the supermarket was already sold out."

A sweatdrop went down Mr. Wong's head.

Mr. Wong then turned to the crowd, raising the glass in his hand. Beaming, the elderly man began to speak," I want to thank everyone for being here; it's the best birthday I've ever had! A toast to all, and a DAMN fine party!"

In unison, everyone cheered along, raising their drink glasses in agreement with his statement. Their lively laughter seemed to brighten up the atmosphere even further. Upward arches decorated the lips of the young and old alike, value-less yet precious gestures that was often taken for granted.

" And who might this be?" Mr. Wong asked, looking straight at Iori with curious eyes.

" Oh! I forgot to introduce you both!" Rei exclaimed in sudden realisation," Iori, this is Mr. Henry Wong, my history teacher back in high school."

" Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir," Iori greeted Rei's mentor with a faint smile as he extended his hand, to which was received graciously.

" And this..." Rei continued,"...is Iori Yagami."

Suddenly, Iori could feel the man's hand tense up at the mentioning of his name, the warmth of his flesh dispersing almost immediately. Mr. Wong quickly pulled his hand away, and Iori could clearly see that it was shaking. Rei, surprised at the action, looked at her teacher's pale face. What she saw was his wrinkled expression, straining with fear, anger and confusion; she couldn't tell them apart. All she knew was that it was an expression she had never seen from him before.

" Mr. Wong...are you alright? Is there something wrong?" Rei asked, concerned.

" Ya...Yagami..." The old man uttered Iori's family name, in a tone one could only describe it as disdainful. A realisation hit Iori. He knew what would soon follow this.

Mr. Wong's brows begin to darken, and as he stepped back, he growled in unmasked disgust, " I want you out of my property now, Yagami! I don't know how you got past the front gate, but know this; none of your evil, filthy brethen will ever, EVER be welcomed! So, GET THE HELL OUT!"

Iori, expecting the outburst, received the scornful words calmly. If Mr. Wong was an ordinary man on the street, Iori could've just killed him with just one blow of his Magatama, but he held back his anger for Rei's sake. All eyes were now focused on the three of them as the loud outburst had informed the guests of the existing conflict.

Rei, on the other hand, was shocked. She had never thought that he of all people could do such a thing; humiliating her friend right before her eyes, without any consideration of the disgrace he brought upon Iori and her.

" Mr. Wong--!! What are you---" She asked in dismay, but was cut off before she could finish.

" This is none of your concern, Rachel!" Mr. Wong growled," This lunatic sneaked in here..."

" None...of my concern...?" Rei seethed, a spark of ire had ignited inside her by Mr. Wong's rude retort. The tone of her voice had changed; the sweet melodic timbre had been replaced by a colder and icier edge, it was as if the transformation was immediate. Iori could see Rei's friendliness dissipate, revealing a different face, the presence of aversion was indisputable; hateful eyes and clenching teeth. Even Iori was surprised at the abrupt change in her.

" Yes, Rachel, this is not!" Mr. Wong replied in annoyance, somehow failing to see the change in Rei's disposition," I don't see why--OOF!!

Grabbing Mr. Wong by the collar, Rei looked into Mr. Wong's now flabbergasted face with haughtiness. " It is MY concern, old man..." Rei growled coldly,"...when you insult someone who happens to be my friend right before my two eyes. I don't think Iori likes being treated like a mangy dog, so imagine what I feel to have invited him, hoping that he could enjoy a civilized gathering with people I look up to and respect. But I guess I was wrong. VERY wrong."

" You invited him...?!" Mr. Wong gasped," I didn't know--OOF!!"

Mr. Wong fell to the ground, pushed by Rei's hand. Most of the guests were shocked and aghast at her action, never expecting her to suddenly act like a totally different person; a ruffian, to be more precise. Whispers could also be heard, probably the beginning of the spreading of gossip.

Turning around, Rei looked at Iori and motioned with her head, her hair swaying in the wind. " We're not welcomed here anymore, Iori, " Rei said coldly," Let's go."

Iori didn't hesitate. Getting up, he walked beside her as they made their way out of the garden, leaving the other guests wondering what the ruckus was all about.

" Mr. Wong! Are you alright?" Marjorie asked in concerned as he helped the fallen elder up onto his feet," How could Rachel do that to you? She's an insolent woman, I tell you! She always been that rude, little bit..."

" Keep your opinions to yourself, Marjorie." Mr. Wong cut him off in annoyance," That's my favorite student you're bad-mouthing."

Marjorie, taken aback by his response, loosened her support on him. She instead hastily walked away, and Mr. Wong could hear her grumbling something like ' ungrateful old coot' all the way.

Looking at the gateway to his home, Mr. Wong sighed, realising his folly, his heart condemned his ill-timed action.

(I know I've acted like an ungrateful old coot, Rachel, so please forgive me. But please let it not be true about that Yagami. You have no idea of how destructive they are, and the terrible story behind them...)

The match was declared to be in the Sakazaki Team's favor.

Finally out of the ring, Ryo was sipping the lemon tea an official got for him. As he quenched his thirst, his mind focused back on the past 15 minutes of his life. It was an easy victory for him that day, but that was it; it was much too easy. Even from the beginning he had the upper hand in the fight; he was the only one on the offensive. His demure opponent was no match for him at all. Many a time did his strikes hit her, and she didn't do anything but cry out in pain as she received the blows, to the point that made him feel guilty of hurting the somewhat fragile girl. Her parries are ill-timed, her evasion tactics are poor, and her fighting prowess...zero. Ryo was convinced she was an amateur, no, even worse than that...

She finally forfeited the match after 5 minutes, after sustaining a rib injury that prohibited painless movement. Even Ryo was truly relieved at her decision, for the thought of having to continue their one-sided bout was going to hound his consience. When he helped her out of the ring, Ryo caught glimpse of the burly man who was with her; he was staring at him with a gaze that bordered on animosity; a stern yet angry warning if one might sum it as. It was a gaze all too familiar for him; Ryo knew that he had fought the man's sister. Uh oh.

" ONIICHAAAAAAN!!!!!"

Ryo choked on his tea at the shrieking sound.

" YURI!" Ryo coughed, slapping his chest in desperation, " Don't EVER sneak up on me like that!! Do want me to choke, huh?"

" Serve you right if that happens!" Yuri replied annoyingly, pointing her finger at her brother with a frown, " How could you hit the poor girl like that? You didn't have to punch her so hard!"

" Hey, hey!" Ryo exclaimed," I didn't know she wasn't going to PARRY! You think I don't feel bad to realise that?!"

" Oh, after punching her a dozen times you finally felt bad?! After all this is over, I expect you to go and apologize to her!"

" WHAT?! I...can't do that! I saw her brother's eyes when I helped her out of the ring, and THEY told me the owner would maim me if I even get an inch near her!"

"Excuses, excuses! Some gentleman you are...if dad hears about this, you'll get your sorry..."

" Oh, OKAY, OKAY! Just shut up, willya?" Ryo growled, his heart feeling remorseful than ever," Look, Robert's match is going to start already. Con- centrate on HIM right now with that shrieky voice of yours...at least it won't sound twice as annoying..."

WHACK!!!

" OWWW!" Ryo cringed, rubbing the back of his head painfully.

Robert yawned as he looked at his watch. It was already 4 p.m., and his opponent was 10 minutes late. " Is there actually going to be a match here?" Robert thought aloud, finding the prospect of wasting his time undesirable. He was hoping that whoever it was that was going to face him will be a worthy opponent, unlike Ryo's little damsel in distress. So long as his Kyokugenryu skills weren't put to waste.

THUMP!

Robert raised a brow. He was surprised he didn't notice the person that had just entered the ring, which was now standing a few metres from him. It was a man, as tall as him, with short strawberry-blonde hair. He was dressed in a greenish blue vest over a white shirt that was torn at the sleeves. Loose black pants covered his legs, at the ends revealed ivory white leather shoes adorning his feet. LARGE feet, for that matter.

" Oy there," Robert smirked," What's with the sleeves? No new shirts today, huh? "

The man didn't reply verbally at this, but his eyes did. Icy cold, his blue stare greeted Robert's sentence with undeterred composure.

" A joker, aren't you?," The man said, his voice dripping with thick French accent," But if you think you will get far in this match with mere humor, then I'd tell you to stop dreaming."

" Are you so sure, Frenchman?"

" Indeed I am."

" Don't be so overconfident then." Robert sneered as he dropped into his fighting stance, never taking his eyes off his adversary, " That trait has often been the downfall of my unlucky opponents."

" Then luck has run out for you today..." The man swung his hand in some sort of salute before following suit in Robert's actions," ...for I am never that. Prepare yourself for a good fight!". Positioning his fists firmly before him, the Frenchman stared at Robert with a determined soul reflected in his cerulean eyes.

The bell rung.

Overpowering the cheers from the now fervent crowd, the announcer's voice boomed again.

" ROBERT GARCIA VERSUS FRANCOIS AMRILLE!"

"SHIT!"

Rei swore as soon as she got into her car. Covering her face with her hands, she reproached herself in mind and words at her unexpected action back at the party. " God, what did I just do..." she whispered under her breath.

Iori, sitting next to her, said nothing. In fact, he didn't know what to say. What he saw was truly unexpected; he had never thought of seeing her personality change so drastically. And extreme, too. He had synonymously associated her with kindness and warmth, but never that glacial person he saw filled with cool anger.

" I'm sorry all this happened, Iori," Rei said bitterly," I didn't know he was going to mock you like that..."

" It's alright," Iori assured her," Really."

" It's just that...I sometimes lose my temper in a terrible way, even since childhood. I regret having let you see that other side of me."

" Please don't, Rei. Truth is...I'm touched that you would vouch for me like that. No one has done that before."

Rei looked up, facing Iori. Her brown eyes looked at him as if in stupefaction.

Iori smiled," What your teacher said is true. I'm not the greatest of all people to be associated with."

" Why?" Rei asked in concern," Are you a...yakuza?".

" Yakuza...?" Iori repeated the word, knowing that she was referring to the Japanese version of the Mafia," They are by leaps and bounds heavenly than what I am, Rei. But, yes...my family is something like that."

" You've more or less known what I am..." He continued," So I think you can make the decision for yourself. I won't blame or hate you if you refuse to be near me, since I can never change the past and deny my future."

An air of silence followed his ended speech. Iori turned away, moving his gaze from hers, not fully willing to see the expression on her face when the bond of yet another blooming friendship is broken. He braced himself for her expected response.

" Oh, Iori," Rei sighed, her hand reaching for his. Putting it in her soft palm, she closed her hands around, clasping the strong hand gently. Iori, surprised, turned to look at her. He saw the same smile; the smile that greeted his opening eyes at the hospital ward merely a week ago.

" There are many things that make a person bad, Iori," Rei said in her melodious voice," Being born into the world isn't one of them."

Iori felt his heart leap. A smile broke his despaired grimace, her words filled his soul with an overwhelming sense of joy he had never expe- rienced for a long, long time. " A...arigato (thank you), Rei," Iori beamed, bringing their hands to his cheek in a gesture of appreciation. Her unconditional acceptance was the best gift that he could ever receive from a friend.

A true friend.