SFU's Fan Fic Archive

Those words followed her no matter where she went. The injury that caused her discomfort was not serious at all according to the doctor, but the pain was something else. It clung to her like sharp rose thorns, sticking onto her flesh like nails to wood. Of course, wood doesn't have the pain sensory humans were supposed to be "blessed" with, so good for them. Meanwhile, it's a little taste of hell for her.

" I should never quit my day job..." she groaned as she stepped into the caf�. Scanning the area with her large brown eyes, she could clearly see that there weren't many patrons in the brightly- lit dining room; there were around ten people present there. Oh well, the less the better, since she'd probably get to eat faster.

Finding a seat, she immediately relieved her feet from supporting her. The table she took was one for four, but why should she care? There were many others for people to sit, so if anyone bugs her about this in her current state of pain, she'll just scream at the top of her voice. That should do well to impair anybody's hearing.

The waiter arrived a few minutes later, bringing her the menu with somewhat a lazy expression on his face; droopy eyes and the absence of the smile waiters were supposed to be born with. She wasn't going to delay her supper over this, so she quickly picked a black pepper steak from the menu. The waiter left quickly as he came, and as he disappeared into the kitchen, she stuck out her tongue.

Some people might think; black pepper steak for supper?! Oh well, she preferred to eat a bowl of the neighbourhood ramen ( Japanese noodles), but she wasn't in Osaka anymore. So she might as well eat something big; she can't wait to taste her favorite Gaijin morsel, and no nagging brother around to complain about her gaining weight from them and spoil her session. After all, he was stuck in a discussion with that Gaijin guy, and was not hungry enough to join her.

She waited, waited, and...waited. she thought , her fingers tapping on the table's smooth surface. Her tummy was already churning melodies; she imagined it was chanting "Feed me, feed me". She was getting annoyed, since food was a matter she took very seriously. You can tease her, make fun of her, or even hit her, but when it comes to food...there'll be hell to pay if she doesn't get it soon!

" Here's your steak, Miss!"

" Finally! You were this close to getting a piece of my mind, okay?" she turned around to the source of the voice, arming herself with a frown she hoped looked threatening enough to scare the waiter. Instead, what she got was a hearty laugh, and an unexpected surprise.

" Go...Goro-san?!!" she exclaimed wide-eyed.

" The one and only, Mak-chan!" Goro Daimon chuckled, holding up the tray of Makoto's ordered meal. He was as tall as her brother, his large frame clothed in a bluish-black jacket over a white shirt and blue jeans. Decorating his wide face was a generous smile which did well in shedding his generally serious image.

" Waaait..." Makoto thought aloud," If you're here, then so must be..."

" KONBANWAAAAAAA ( Good evening), MAK-CHAN!!!" A duo of voices immediately chimed in from behind Goro before she could finish.

Makoto, recognizing her greeters, beamed happily.

" Kyo! And Beni-san!" she squeaked. Both men, dressed casually, arrived at the table with grins etched on their lips, each also carrying a tray of items.

" Here's what you ordered; iced tea...," Benimaru set the beverage down in front of her, and proceeded to take a seat next to her,"...and the char- ming, handsome model who always makes you smile!"

" Vain girlie-boy," Kyo muttered, taking the plate of tarts from his tray and placing it on the table. " We hope you don't mind us doing this, but the waiter couldn't help but let us after some...uh...'persuasion'."

" That's okay, Kyo," Makoto nodded slightly," Compared to that waiter, I'd prefer to be served by you guys anytime."

After both men settled down on their seats, Goro began the conversation's first question.

" How's the ribs?" He looked at Makoto who was picking up a fork.

" Oh, it's nothing serious, really," Makoto replied," The doctor said it's just a pulled muscle or something; not bad enough to keep me bedridden. I'll be fine!" She was about to cut the steak with the knife in her right hand when she emitted a gasp of pain.

" Hey there!" Benimaru exclaimed, taking the knife and fork from her immediately," Let ME do the cutting; you definitely won't enjoy your meal if you feel pain all the way."

" Thanks..." Makoto smiled, somewhat in relief, for the movement of her right arm was the cause of the discomfort. Benimaru had always been more gentlemanly compared to his team-mates; he was quick to jump to a girl's aid if there was trouble, even if it was a matter as small as cutting steak into little pieces. Not only that, he's polite and kind, but sometimes a little too vain of his unique good looks courtesy of his Japanese-American parentage. It made him somewhat more elegant and dashing than any guy she knew. Chivalry, that's Beni.

" What happened yesterday, Mak-chan?" Kyo questioned," Most im- portantly, how did you get here in the first place?"

" It's...a long story, Kyo. I received an invitation around two weeks ago. A man came to deliver it personally to me while I was cleaning up the bakery before closing. "

Kyo raised a brow," A man?"

" Yeah, a tall Indian guy. Why, is there something wrong?"

Kyo, who was expecting Ryuhyo's description, felt relieved as he shook his head. At least it was clear there was no connection to that enigmatic man in her case. The invitation was clearly a genuine one with no strings attached.

" I expected it was for Yas-oniichan, since he's the only person who can fight well. But it was for me."

Kyo's relief had dissipated all too soon at this remark. Now that was something weird, for Makoto was not good at martial arts. She had always been weak physically ever since childhood, and having quitting her karate classes five years ago did nothing to help that. And now to be invited by a world-class tournament... things are starting to get a bit...fishy.

" Why did you enter then?" Kyo slowly asked.

" I..." Makoto hesitated to answer the question, stopping her words. But then she continued to speak again, although heavy-heartedly.

"...I have to. Or else my bakery is doomed."

Iori was exhausted.

He felt as if it was taking him an eternity to reach his hotel room. He could've taken the elevator to get to his floor, but the face of the bell- boy disgusted him with the expression of greed etched in his features. Iori had seen him earlier practically hounding the patrons for cash in exchange for his services, bearing no shame whatsoever in his actions.

No shame.

Twisting his key in the latch, Iori heard a clicking sound. He immediately turned the door-knob, and let himself in his shelter.

It was a pretty big room, and it was a luxurious one, lavishly furnished with everything from a wide-screen TV to soft satin sheets that covered the huge master bed. It was a room deserving of a rich man like himself. Closing the door behind him, Iori took off his shirt as he walked towards the bed. He moaned, feeling the strain in his muscles as he pulled the clothing from himself; the pain of his last battle had not completely disappeared from his flesh. Seating himself on the mattress, Iori took out a cigarette from his pocket and planted it between his thin lips. Blue flame instantly flickered around his finger, and he lighted his cigarette with it. After a moment, as he puffed out the smoke, Iori spoke.

" What do you want?"

It wasn't apparent at first, but Iori had noticed the presence of two figures inside his dimly-lit room, hiding behind the silk curtains that covered the doorway to the balcony. A voice began to chuckle nefariously as the figures emerged, both clothed in seductive night-time attire.

" My, my, Yagami. If all are as perceptive as you, assassins like us would be out of jobs in no time," Vice smiled.

Iori grunted, " Hmph. What are you doing here?"

" We both just wanted to see how you were doing," Mature purred, seating herself next to Iori," To make sure that you are in fine condition for the match tomorrow. After all, you're the one who'll lead us to victory."

" Is that all you're here for?" Iori said, unconvinced.

" Not just that, Yagami. We are also here to ensure that your needs are... fulfilled," Mature continued with a suggestive glint in her eye.

Iori knew what they were insinuating at, but he was not in the mood for anything that night. " I'm not interested," Iori spoke firmly," So get out."

" Why, are you rejecting us, Yagami?" Mature said with an amused tone in her voice," Do you not desire us? Are we not good enough for you? We are yours to command, don't you see?"

" Or is your mind already set on another woman..." Vice continued with a grin,"...What's her name again...ah, the one called Rei is it?"

That's it.

CRASH!

Mature and Vice groaned as they lay slumped on the floor. Iori, standing at the door with an annoyed expression on his face, growled at them.

" I don't care even if you are Ryuhyo's prized underlings; if you dare to meddle in my affairs again, I'll tear you limb from limb, do you hear me?"

The slamming of the door followed soon after.

Mature slowly raised herself, rubbing her pained back as she did so.

" Bastard." She uttered under her breath, " And a rude one at that."

When they got up, both women decided to go back to their rooms, seeing that their actions would be of no further use there.

" Ryuhyo's right, though," Vice said as they both walked down the cor- ridor," He's not easily swayed...the truth is, I wouldn't want to spend the night with him even if someone paid me to. He gives me the creeps!"

" The hell he does," Mature tossed her hair back," After all, he's willing to murder just so that he can get his hands on that Kusanagi boy. And not just ANY murder at that. When he accepted our offer, I could see the intensity of his hatred in his eyes; it's frightening! It's a pity that his talents had to be wasted on petty rivalries."

"Yeah," Vice agreed," Now, what about this Rei Hamada? Shouldn't we do something about her?"

" Hmm?" Mature gave Vice a puzzled look.

" I mean, Iori seems to have an interest in her. This might cause some distractions in his case...she seems to be quite an influential person from what I've heard. And what's worse, she's so goody-goody . I'm worried she might..."

" Soften Iori?" Mature broke in," Now that you mention it...yes, she might do that. Iori was pretty touchy when we mentioned her name."

" Who wouldn't if your private life is constantly spied upon?" Vice sighed, her eyes looking up at the ceiling; staring into the empty space, as if pondering deeply about the situation that faced them. Not long after, she began to speak again," Come to think of it...we should not let them be...I think that she will do us harm if this prolongs..."

" Starting to feel the heat, are we?"

Vice raised a brow at the somewhat sarcastic response of her colleague. She directed her gaze at Mature, her brown eyes asking, no, demanding an ex- planation, conveying it with her dismayed and irked stare.

" I don't find that amusing, Mature," Vice said coldly.

" Oh, can't the cold-hearted Orochi assassin take a joke?" Mature grinned, " Where's your sense of humor, woman?"

" There is no humor in what we're dealing with," Vice said," I say we separate them when their bond is not yet strong..."

" Not if I have anything to say about it..." Mature said," Let matters take their own course. I want to see what happens next!"

" Mature!" Vice grabbed her arm," This is not a game! We shouldn't deviate from Ryuhyo's instructions...you know he wouldn't approve of that! You're behaving like a child!"

Vice's outburst was greeted by Mature's ice-cold stare; it was so intense that it made her feel greatly uneasy. Her grip on Mature's arm loosened, and she quickly pulled her hand away in a mix of fear and cautiousness.

" A child, am I?" Mature mouthed her words with an icy tone," I do what I please, woman, so if you dare to stand in my way, I'll make sure Ryuhyo knows what you've been hiding from him all this while."

" You...you wouldn't dare!" Vice gasped, suddenly realising that Mature has gained the upper hand in the argument.

Mature smirked," Just try me...I don't have anything to lose, but YOU do."

Vice fell silent. She knew that Mature was right; she had much to lose if Mature talked. She felt so helpless, weak and tiny, knowing that she couldn't go against Mature's demands, for what she had hid from Ryuhyo would surely cause her to...

" Ah, cheer up, Vice!" Mature laughed," At least now we both agree on some- thing. Besides, I'm doing this for Ryuhyo, so you should at least be supportive."

" What other choice do I have?" Vice replied solemnly.

Mature winked at Vice," Don't worry...Iori will not stray away from his deal... if he knew what we already know..."

" What?!" Goro was surprised," You're bakery is...doomed? I don't under- stand..."

" With the new rent price and maintenance costs," Makoto lowered her view, somewhat trying to hide her grievous expression from her friends, "...and oniichan's suspension, I don't know how long I can keep it open. I need the prize money."

Kyo could see her sadness, and could not prevent from sympathising. Makoto's bakery was a labour of love; she opened it with her own savings after finishing high school, dismissing her chance of a college education to look after her family. Her parents passed away sometime ago; her mother died of cancer when she was 10, and her father, who was a policeman, died in the line of duty five years ago. Although carrying the burden of supporting her family of 3 brothers, she never complained or lamented over her decision, for she had always loved culinary arts and the joy of knowing her creations were appreciated by the neighbourhood crowd. Even Kyo liked to hang out there because of the homely atmosphere where one could enjoy a meal in peace ( and the fact that Makoto always gave her friends discounts). But with Yasuhide's recent suspension from police duty on brutality charges, it was clear the burden was beginning to take its toll on her. It must be difficult to have all odds against you.

" I wasn't supposed to fight in the tournament, actually," Makoto continued, " But the man who was supposed to be joining us didn't materialise when we agreed to meet at the airport."

" I see," Beni remarked with a slight nod," Who's the French guy, anyway?"

" He's an...Interpol officer," Makoto replied," Yas-oniichan worked with him during a manhunt operation in Tokyo last year. And because we were one member short, I had no choice but to participate."

" Do you think you can go through with this?" Kyo asked," Your inju..."

" It'll be tough initially," Makoto smiled weakly," But I think I can go through with this. I don't want to give up that easily."

" That's the Kuroki girl we know," Goro grinned, feeling cheerful on seeing such a determined spirit," Anyway, should I go and give that Sakazaki boy a few knocks on the head? He wasn't very nice to you in the ring..."

" No, Goro-san! Don't do that!"

" Oho~! What is this I see?" Kyo exclaimed in sudden delight," You're protecting the guy who gave you that nasty muscle sprain? My, Makoto, do I detect a sign of...affection?"

" WHAT? I don't know what you mean..."

" Mak-chan, you KNOW what I mean...heh,heh..."

" Oh, woe is me! Has my angel forsaken me for another man to shower with her culinary creations?" Benimaru lamented, a hurtful tone appeared in his voice," I am heart-broken!"

" Be...Beni-san..." Makoto mumbled nervously, a sweat drop falling down her head.

Kyo and Goro began to laugh, amused by both of their antics. It was like watching a scene from a comedy drama on TV, and it was just as funny. Makoto blushed at first, somewhat embarrassed at being the centre of attention. But merriment was hard to resist, and soon enough Makoto began to giggle, sharing and enjoying the happy moment together.

" Although my fragile heart is broken..." Benimaru grimaced sheepishly, bringing up a small piece of the steak,"...I still care. So, open up that cute little mouth of yours."

Kyo grinned as he saw Benimaru feeding Makoto playfully, deliberately missing his aim to deprive her of her meal before she wore a mock frown that finally persuaded him to relent.

(They look so cute) He thought.

SHKKKT!!

A spine-chilling scream echoed in the darkness of the night, the horrifying sound was terrible enough to strike fear in the heart of every living being in the forest. The sheer suf- fering in the voice was apparent, the agony and the excru- ciating pain was undeniable, but it soon passed as quickly as the slashing sound prior to it.

Splashes of blood spilled onto the soil, drenching the earth with the life-sustaining elixir of the whimpering deer. The crimson color was unseen in the gloom of the surroundings, but he could smell its fragrance penetrating his mind. It revi- talised his spirits, giving him a sense of power within his soul that was truly agreeable. In other words, it was sheer pleasure to his senses.

He looked around, as if scanning for something to emerge. Although there was nothing but silence, broken from time to time by the eerie murmur of the light breeze, he knew very well that he was being observed. He knew that his action had achieved the desired effect.

He stood unmoving as he waited.

" MAELSTORM!"

The shrill yell came from behind him.

He moved swiftly aside. As expected, an intense, spiralling surge strike the ground he had previously stood on. Dust flew in the air at the crashing impact, dispersing to reveal a large, deep crevice carved in the solid earth. There was no mistake; it was the person he had anticipated for.

" Fool." The feminine voice was clear as crystal, it's tone was calm compared to the violent yell preceding the attack," You dare step into MY territory?"

The man began to chuckle, a nefarious resonance permeated the action.

" You haven't changed a bit," he remarked," It has always been like you to turn vicious in my presence. I have actually missed that, you know."

" What's past is past," the voice spoke again," If you don't leave here now, I'll show something more extreme than that nasty force that you just avoided."

" Why, that's pretty rude of you," The man smiled," Is that how you say to a guest who visits with good will?"

" Good will? Don't make me laugh. You certainly are certainly destined for Hades with all your deceit and lies."

" Well, you reap what you sow, and I don't regret it one bit. Now, show yourself. I want to...see you again."

" Till hell freezes over. You have no business here. As if you can undo the damage you did..."

" Oh, but I can. Whether you want me to or not."

" ENOUGH!" The voice yelled, aggravated by the constant banter," I command you to cease your presence in this forest NOW! Or else you will face my wrath..."

" Then...," The man smirked, raising his hands before him, planting them into position in his stance,"...shower me with it. I have no qualms in seeing how fiery you've become during these last years."

" Hmph. This will be the last mistake you will ever make in your mortal life, fool."

Silence followed the words. None of the antagonists made their moves. The man stood his ground steadfastly, his senses expanded to detect whatever action that would be the first offensive of the unavoidable contest of brawn.

Suddenly, the wind began to blow in the air, shaking the leaves of the trees that surrounded him. It was a strong gust, a force of unnatural means, and he knew very well that it was time.

A roar emerged from his left, followed by the rustling of foliage that signalled the appearance of his enemy. He saw the clawing attack approaching him at high speed, so he immediately ducked and straightened his legs on the ground. With one hand supporting his weight, he quickly spun around, swinging his legs against his adversary in order to trip her.

The attack was successful, and his enemy was already falling to the ground. But before she could reach it, the figure slammed her palms on the soil, flipping over her lithe form in a blink of an eye. His enemy landed on her feet merely a metre away from him, her com- posure unshaken at all.

" Quick but pitiful!" The figure scoffed, her face hidden in the dark- ness," Let's see if you can avoid THIS!". Barely finishing her words, she immediately slid her left foot on the ground, making a line shaped like a semi-circle before her. The man knew the air above the marking was solidifying, but before he could move, the woman thrust her open palm upwards in the air, yelling at the top of her voice.

" RAPID CRUSH!"

"UNH!!" The man gasped as the solid wall of air slammed into him, throwing him back. His flying body crashed onto a tree; the force was so vehement that the wood was nearly broken. Slumping onto the ground, the man groaned painfully.

The woman, seeing the success of her blow, began to laugh.

" Oh, this is too farcical!" She chuckled derisively, but her face showed a strained expression;the action had somewhat drained her," A truly disappointing display, I must say. Just go back to wherever you were from, my dear opponent. You have wasted my time far enough." With that, she turned to walk away.

The man slowly raised himself from the ground, his blue robe soiled with earth. He stroked away the strands of blonde hair that covered his vision, and his blue eyes observed the departing figure intently. He was far from beaten, and he still had unfinished business to deal with. She cannot leave.

" Coward." He announced firmly.

Nothing like the right words to turn the tables around. Sure enough, the woman stopped in her tracks.

" What did you say? She asked, somewhat demandingly.

" I said, you are a coward," The man replied," You have always been like this; running away from reality, always afraid to face the truth. You are a coward."

" Is that so...?" The woman snarled," If I'm so much of a coward, then what are you, you bastard? Who are you to say what I am, WHO I am? You have no business meddling in my affairs! It's been like that since fifteen years ago, so don't think you can just waltz in and pretend that you can change anything at all!"

" But I can."

" Just...leave."

" No. Not until you agree to talk."

" Don't test my patience..." She warned, her voice was straining.

" I'm not budging," The man gestured to her with his hand, shaking it in the air.

Time was definitely not wasted. The woman, agitated by his sheer stubbornness, spun around with a punch leading her way. The man quickly blocked it with his left arm, pushing the fist away from him. He instantaneously pushed against her gut with his right, striking her with a firm and steady blow. She stepped back, a curse whispering from her lips. She however failed to see the split-second movement of her enemy, and paid the consequences of her folly.

" YOU LEAVE ME NO CHOICE!" The man yelled, his arm slashing down before him, sending solidifying blades of air towards her. She shrieked as the force reached her, feeling the tearing pain that overwhelmed her senses. She fell back, her svelte form descended on the dry ground.

" Don't force me to do this!" The man announced, approaching the fallen woman," I truly don't want this confrontation!"

He was reaching her when the woman swung her arm, slapping his hand aside.

" Leave me be, you swine!" She hissed, the moonlight that penetrated the dense leaves above them shone on her, finally revealing her true face. She had a face that could be summed up as fascinating; her violet eyes were enigmatic as they were striking, complimented by thick but delicately-shaped eyebrows, balancing her oval face perfectly. Her hair was short, almost boyish in a way, the effect enhanced by the silky curls that seem to stay in place, its dark colors providing a contrast to her fair skin.

" Don't be so headstrong, Geneiva," The man said to her softly, finally calling her by name. He offered his hand again.

The woman glared at him, still adamant on refusing him. He was tall as he hovered above her, a towering 6-foot man. He was clothed in militaristic blue robes. A short black cape adorned his shoulders, held in place by a gold chain connecting its ends. His face was partially hidden in the shadows, but she knew very well how he looked like. Raven-colored goatee, that sly smile, blue eyes, the golden-earring perched on his left earlobe, and of course the blonde hair. Even after all those years she had never forgotten even a single bit of that vision.

" Why do you disturb me, Goenitz?" Geneiva turned away, voicing her words bitterly," Isn't it enough that I am at peace?"

" At peace?" Goenitz repeated the words," That is not something you hear from a person who's cursed to be constantly plagued by fatigue. Even as you are now, is it not?"

" I've learned to live with it." She said," And I don't need you to spoil that for me."

" Don't pretend, Geneiva. I know you hate what you have become since that day. To create that illusion of your 'unsuffering' being is too much for anyone to bear. "

" So? This is MY life. I took that risk, and I paid the price. And why should you care? You stopped doing that years ago."

" I..." Goenitz was suddenly at a loss for words.

" Hmph," Geneiva smirked," So the Great Orochi Master doesn't even know how to answer that. As I said, lies and deceit seems to be the only things you can ever say to anyone."

Geneiva slowly got up from the ground, a pained and tired look etched in her face as she stood. " Goodbye, Goenitz. We have nothing more to say."

" Wait."

" No."

" You haven't heard what I have to offer you..." Goenitz said.

" Offer? Please, spare me. Your 'gifts' in the past brought me nothing but misery. I want none."

" Not even if it can cure you of your curse?"

Geneiva fell silent. That was something she had never expected from him. A cure for her affliction? The remedy for the bane that had plagued her body for ten years now, cursing her with a life of weakness? A fatigue that will weaken her everytime she uses her power of air-manipulation, both physically and mentally. That sounded impossible; it wasn't a disease caused by natural calamities like epidemics, or radiation. It wasn't even a type of cancer. It was an agony caused by...an Orochi.

Goenitz sighed, approaching her still form. His hands held her shoulders, his fingers firmly holding onto the crimson silk of her robe, " There is only truth in what I say this time, Geneiva. I have found a way to reverse that wretched devil's handiwork...but in order to achieve that, I need you to help me."

" So, there's actually a catch to this," Geneiva sneered, chuckling bitterly," How likely of you."

" Isn't everything? Now, join me."

Silence.

" Please. This will benefit us both."

Silence.

" I cannot deny there will be blood for you to shed along the way. You would like that, wouldn't you? It will be just like the old times..."

Silence.

Goenitz waited.

A breeze caressed his cheek when Geneiva finally looked up to him. A smile formed on his lips when he saw that look in her eyes; the burning, insistent soul ignited again by his words, a fiery spirit regaining its strength after faltering in the past. He had succeeded in blowing life into the Dark Tempest, his closest rival in wielding the force of the wind. Succeeded in gaining a valueble ally in his cause.

" What do I have to do?" Geneiva whispered.