“Take your seats, boys and girls...But first let’s get our hand baggage in the compartments above us and then we can all get some rest. We have a hard day for us tomorrow but you need not worry too much.”
“Why is that, sir?” asked Susan as she and Sean were eager to fight in the tournament too like everyone else in their class that has accompanied them.
“Well, because if I am not mistaken that the time over there would be two maybe three hours behind.”
“Of course...Sean.”
“Yep?”
“Is it two hours or three hours?”
“Hmm...If I stand corrected that it would two hours behind.”
“Right...Because we are in the winter season.”
“Indeed.”
“I can always count on you two’s intellect.”
“Thanks, sir.”
“Anytime, general.”
With the students and other fellow staff putting their hand held luggage in the compartment above them. They all then took their seats and some started to buckle in their safety belts. Sure enough, Jun comes in and meet with both Carreidas and Alcazar.
“Laszlo, Ramon.”
“Jun...Have you made the necessary travel arrangements for Kuma and Panda?”
“I have.”
“Excellent...I am sure they will be comfy back there.”
“Indeed.”
The teachers check their students that they are all here and soon they all sat down as well.
“Well, here we go to Macau.”
“Right, amigo.”
Sophie sat with Shirley as Xiaoyu and Miharu were behind them as Sophie looks out the window and stares at it with an emotionless look. Shirley stretches her arms as she was sleepy and Xiaoyu and Miharu were looking at the magazines and pamphlets in front of them and behind the seats of the those that sat in front of them.
“Look at this, Xiaoyu...All these expensive perfume and stuff.”
“Yeah, no way we can afford that much, Miharu.”
“Indeed.”
Behind them sat Natsu and Alisa as Natsu yawns out loudly indicating she was quite tired and could barely keep her eyes open.
“Oh, man...I am beat.”
“You need to recharge, Natsu?”
“Maybe, Alisa...Maybe.”
“Well, I think I might recharge in a minute.”
“Yes, I will help.”
“Thanks.”
The other students all sit patiently as the plane captain made the announcement over the P.A. system.
“Welcome onboard, passengers on the plane AC-122 bound from Sydney to Macau...We expect sunny and rather humid weather over at Macau and a temperature of 32 degrees but other than that the weather that is our flight path is generally clear. We shall expect to get there in 9 or so hours. Remember, this is a no-smoking plane as the no-smoking is on and please be aware that whenever the seatbelt sign is on please put on your seatbelts. We hope you enjoy the flight.”
Afterwards, a Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) translation commences as there were quite a few Chinese people onboard with most in the economy class. Xiaoyu knew exactly what the announcement was since she knows Chinese herself and Alisa can use her translator option in her systems.
“9 hours...I think it’s better than the previous flight we took...Wouldn’t you say so, Alisa?” asked Xiaoyu glancing back at Alisa and Natsu.
“I would think so, Xiaoyu.”
“Good.”
“I have never being to Macau.”
“Me neither, Natsu...I heard it is not a very big city.”
“I would think so...But I read about there’s great food dishes there.”
“Where did you read that from?”
“Lonely Planet.”
“Right.”
Sure enough, the seatbelt signs tell on as the staff strolls up and down the aisle to double check that everyone has their seatbelts fasten as the plane itself. Afterwards, they stood near the emergency exit stairs as the recorded voice over the P.A makes the announcement of how to respond to an emergency when the aircraft is in trouble. Everyone onboard listen as they either watch the staff perform action motions that syncs in with the P.A voice or their small LED screens in front of them that explains the evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency. The aircraft itself taxis is way out onto the runway as it pauses briefly for a moment as the control tower tells the pilots that the runway was cleared and they have the green light to take off. Soon enough, the plane engages its full speed down the runway and then it takes off and flies high into the night sky. During the flight, most of the class 10A and B students have fallen asleep while a small dinner was being served and the teachers kindly accepted it. Sophie looks out the window as the seatbelt sign turn off as Shirley decides to head to the toilets to refresh herself.
“I am just heading off to the restroom.”
“Very well.”
Shirley unbuckles her seatbelt and heads to the restroom while Natsu orders a drink of soda as she uses Alisa’s cable and plugs her into the power point allowing her to recharge.
“All good?”
“Good...I am recharging now.”
“That’s good...Oh, man. I am exhausted.”
“So am I.”
Heihachi was sitting next to Jun as the two were getting along quite well now.
“Heihachi.”
“Yes, Jun?”
“I have been wondering...”
“Wondering about what?”
“I have this feeling.”
“Feeling?”
“Yes, perhaps he is still alive. I just know it.”
“You mean Jin, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I am glad to hear that but...”
“But you think he will still feel hateful towards you, yes?”
“That’s what worries me, Jun.”
“I know...You realize your mistake and try to make up for it and at first Jin may not accept you just yet. It will take time.”
“I am wondering...You think he heard about this? The 7th Iron Fist tournament?”
“I reckon he would and more likely he will join.”
“That’s good...In a way.”
“I don’t know how it will turn out but I am sure it would be good.”
“Let’s hope so...Kazuya will pay for what he has done.”
“Indeed.”
Eventually, all the passengers onboard the aircraft have fallen asleep as the flight went smoothly and now it places them just over Cairns, a city in north eastern Queensland area.
Meanwhile, back at the ‘Mishima G Casino’, Kazuya was looking at the rules of the tournament as he and Lee, his half brother came up with.
“So, this is the structure for the tournament?”
“Yes, brother...We will have the Athlete screening rounds. We will held it in a small stadium just beside the back of the casino and the main stadium itself. All fighters will then compete in three 1-on-1 battles.”
“I see.”
Suddenly, Bruce enters as Kazuya tells him that Lee is just briefing him of the tournament’s structural stages.
“Ah, Bruce...Thank you for coming. Lee has just told me that in the first part of the tournament that we will have the Athlete screening rounds.”
“And they are?”
“All fighters will compete in three 1-on-1 battles.”
“I see.”
“And...” began Lee showing his smile on his face as he makes eye contact with both Kazuya and Bruce. “A single loss doesn’t automatically disqualify a fighter from moving on to the next round however...”
“However what?”
“The competition is tough as this stage reduces the number of fighters say from 200 to just 48.”
“Wow...That is tough indeed, Lee.”
“No matter, Bruce...I am sure that you would be among the best.”
“I will not let you down, Kazuya.”
“Good. I know you won’t.”
“So, what’s the next stage of the tournament, Lee?”
“Well...We will have a short opening ceremony in the main stadium during night fall and I made the announcement and then Kazuya will speak his short speech and then the Round Robin Semifinal or Preliminary elimination stage begins the next day after the opening ceremony night.”
“Okay. So, how does this stage go?”
“Well, the 48 fighters who pass the previous stage will then be sorted into groups of three for a series of three round battles. Each fighter will fight the other fighters in their group once and only the fighter with the most points can advance. A win earns you 3 points.”
“3 points.”
“A draw is one point.”
“Okay.”
“And a loss is zero points.”
“Sounds logical.”
“So, after the completion of this there will only be 16 fighters left and of course...A vacation day to allow those 16 lucky and ‘excellent’ fighters to rest and prepare for the so-called ‘Victory tournament’.”
“I see. So, Kazuya...”
“Yes, Bruce?”
“What are the rules of the victory tournament?”
“It’s very similar to the athlete screening rounds and the same as every other fighting match held like in the previous tournaments. One on one, with a field of ‘choosing’ and the conditions are simply...Knock out your opponent or kick the person off the fighting field.”
“Basically...A ring out.”
“Okay.”
“And in the final two stages the winner shall face both Lee and our dear Anna.”
“Right...I suppose you will be the last one standing, Kazuya.”
“That’s right, Bruce...You are a clever and ambitious man.”
“Thank you.”
“Yes, Kazuya...You will be the final boss...If that is anyone could get to you.”
Kazuya stands up and heads to the window glancing out at the city landscape.
“I am sure someone that I know would.”
“You mean...”
“Yes, Lee...I know.”
“Indeed...I think I look forward to seeing her again.”
“As am I. Lee, double check the fighters entering this tournament again.”
“Of course.”
Lee then uses his iPad to check as Kazuya sits back down in his office chair as Bruce decides to help himself to a drink by heading to the mini-fridge.
“You mind, Kazuya?”
“Of course not, Bruce...Help yourself.”
“Sure.”
Bruce helps himself to a glass of champagne as Lee finds that many fighters that they know have signed up as were Jinpachi, Heihachi, Lars and someone eerily familiar.
“Well, brother...You would like of what I am about to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Well, it would seem our grandfather, father, Lars...”
“Lars, that weakling...HA!”
“And last but not least...I know you will like this, Kazuya.”
“Who is it then, Lee?”
“It is Jin Kazama.”
“Jin? I know he couldn’t die. Deep down I know that.”
Kazuya always knew that Jin would not die that easy as he smiles and smirks.
“Those fools! By their own and arrogant choice...They are all walking straight into my trap.”
“It is indeed excellent!”
“Indeed excellent, Lee...HA HA HA HA HA HA!”
“HA HA HA HA HA HA!”
Both Kazuya and Lee laughed as Bruce watched with astonishment.
“Well, I suppose I would get a chance to meet my foes too and settle the score with them.”
Both Kazuya and Lee’s laughter echo throughout the building and the city as at that moment, Anna walks in.
“Kazuya.”
“Anna, what is it?”
“So, you feeling great?”
“Great? I feel ‘excellent’.”
“I see.”
“So, dear Anna.”
“Yes, Lee?”
“What ‘excellent’ news do you have for us?”
“Our guest is resting well in his quarters.”
“Is he now?”
“Where’s Liam and his thugs?”
“Oh, they are helping with the set up of the main stadium.”
“Very well...Take charge of the detail yourself, Anna.”
“Sure...But who is going to take charge of the opening ceremony?”
“Well, Bruce.”
“Yes, Kazuya?”
“Would you take charge of that detail?”
“I will be delighted to.”
“Good...We have very little time left because tomorrow at high noon is the athlete screening rounds of the 7th Iron Fist tournament.”
“Understood...Let’s go, Anna.”
“After you, Bruce.”
Bruce and Anna exits the office and closes the door behind them leaving both Kazuya and Lee alone in the large office.
“Drink, Lee?”
“No thanks...I have enough wine for one day.”
“I suppose you are right. Well, I think we should take the chance to train ourselves.”
“Excellent...We shall prove we are the strong and powerful Mishimas.”
“Indeed...Let us go and I have a surprise for them all.”
“A surprise?”
“Yes, a surprise...But I can give you a hint of what it is, Lee?”
“I am keen to know?”
“It has something to do with ancient Egyptian gibberish.”
“Oh, well...I think I would have to wait and see.”
“Indeed...So, why don’t we head off to the gym and train and after that we will paid our friend, Alex Choi a surprisingly visit?”
“Excellent, Kazuya...I think we should give him a V.I.P spot. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Excellent, Lee...Let us go then. HA HA HA!”
“HA HA HA!”
Both Kazuya and Lee once again laugh out loud as their laughter echo throughout the whole building once more as both seem fairly confident that they will win and they are looking forward to the ultimate battle with their fellow family members.
Meanwhile, the plane of AC-122 was just flying over the equator as everyone was fast asleep in their seats. Sophie eventually wakes up and decides to head to the restroom to wash up. The moment she was inside she locks the door behind her and quickly turns on the tap water and she begins to wash her face with cold water.
“Alex...Stay safe.”
Her sorrow for Alex instantly turns to hatred for her father, Kazuya.
“Father, you will pay for what you have done...To me and to my friends.”
She then exits out of the restroom and heads back to her seat and sits back down as she buckles back her seatbelt. She then decides to get back to sleep and thinks about Alex and praying that he would be all right.
“Hang in there, Alex...I am coming. Hang on.”
Sure enough, the sun begins to rise as the plane was now over the South China Sea. By now everyone on the plane starts to wake up including the cabin crew as the captain kindly uses the P.A to make a morning call.
“Morning, passengers of flight AC-122 bound from Sydney to Macau...It is a beautiful weather out there and our position places us just over the South China Sea. The cabin crew will be serving breakfast and we will be arriving to Macau in three hours time.”
Afterwards, a Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) translation commences as Xiaoyu stretches up her arms.
“Oh, boy...I slept well last night.”
“Yeah, I most certainly did.”
Miharu’s hair was all messy as Xiaoyu was just doing back up her ponytails because she loosen her hair when she slept.
“Boy, only three more hours to go.”
“Yeah, we will get there, Xiaoyu.”
Alisa also wakes up as she was fully charged as Natsu was still asleep.
“Morning, Xiaoyu. Morning, Miharu.”
“Morning, Alisa.”
“So, you all recharged up, Alisa?”
“Indeed I am, Xiaoyu.”
“Well, I don’t know what kind of breakfast we are having. But maybe I will just stick to bread and milk.”
“Uh, okay.”
The boys and girls of class 10A have woken up as they all slept well last night. Samuel and Joey sat beside one another as Joey gives out a small yawn.
“Oh, boy...Did you ever sleep well last night?”
“I sure did, Joey.”
“Yeah, I wonder...”
“Wonder what?”
“Would we get a day of rest before this tournament starts?”
“I am not sure.”
“Well, I think let’s keep our fingers crossed for now.”
“Indeed.”
Andy, Michael and a few others have already ordered some breakfast, pancakes with Jasmine tea.
“Thanks.”
“Thank you.”
Sophie orders something special: hash brown with soup and vegetables as Shirley got the same dish as she did.
“Man, this is great. The food here certainly looks good.”
“That’s the benefit of flying business class, Shirley.”
“Indeed.”
The teachers too were offered the same dishes as their students as Carreidas orders a fine latte while Alcazar orders flat white.
“Yes, take your time.”
“Understood, Mr. Carreidas.”
“So, Laszlo...Still like latte, yes?”
“Yes, it has a good taste...Better than cappuccino.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, amigo.”
Heihachi was having fine tea as was Jun and the other teachers as they all look forward to some rest in a fine bed as they didn’t sleep too well on the plane.
“You slept well, Jun?”
“Kind of. Personally, I prefer a bed.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, Jun.”
“I for one would look forward to sleep on a nice comfortable bed.”
“I couldn’t agree with you, Julia.”
“Thanks, Zafina.”
Jun meanwhile feels something disturbing as she had a headache all of a sudden with her clutching one hand on the left side of her forehead.
“No.”
Heihachi showing concern asks if she was feeling all right.
“You feeling all right, Jun?”
“Ah, yes...I just sense something disturbing.”
“You mean Kazuya, yes?”
“Yes...Something tells me he is more than ready for us.”
“Hmm...Well, we better be on our guard.”
Meanwhile, Paul Phoenix and his friends have arrived in Macau airport as they were escorted to a limo where then they were driven to Kazuya’s place known as ‘Mishima G Casino’, which of course includes hotel, resort and other high class facilities.
“Well, here we are, guys...Kazuya’s place.”
“Hmm...It certainly looks great.”
“Great? No, Bryan...It’s magnificent.”
“Of course, Marshall...You are absolutely right.”
“Man, we should get ourselves one back home. Isn’t that right, King?”
“Grrr.” (Indeed, my friend.)
“My, this place is top of the line.”
“I am glad you see it that way, Miguel.”
Lee Chaolan eventually comes out of the limo’s front passenger seat as he decides to escort them all inside.
“My friends...Follow me if you please.”
“Lead the way, Lee.”
Therefore, Lee leads Paul and his friends into the front of the casino where there were armed G Corp soldiers standing guard out front and they make their inside as there were more guards and these G Corp soldiers wear high class suits and were armed with machine guns and wear strong body armour.
“More guards?”
“Yes, Kazuya has place many guards in all areas of the casino...Some wear those suits while the rest wear their default battle armour.”
“Indeed.”
“Where is his royal holiness?” asked Craig.
“In his office.”
“So, let us go and see him.”
“Yes, Bryan...Lead the way, Lee.”
“Follow me.”
Lee then leads Paul and his friends down the large hallway as they make their way to the elevators where they all enter inside the elevator car and Lee presses the top level casino floor button, which was not the roof level as the elevator themselves do not lead up to the roof top all except for the express elevator.
“Here we go.”
Lee, Paul and the others head to the top level where it was the high rollers level and where Kazuya’s office was located.
“This way.”
Lee leads Paul and the others down the corridor and sure enough, they arrive outside of Kazuya’s office doors. Lee then knocks on the door and Kazuya answers.
“Come in.”
Lee opens the door and finds Kazuya in a meeting with Anna and Bruce discussing the matter that the stadium preparations are currently at a standstill.
“Brother.”
“Ah, Lee...Thanks for escorting our friends here.”
“My pleasure.”
“Kazuya.”
“Paul.”
“I will just head back to the security room then.”
“Of course...Later, Lee.”
Lee then heads back out of the office and backtracks the way he came as Paul approaches Kazuya who does the same and the two men have a firm handshake.
“It has been too long, my friend.”
“Indeed.”
Kazuya has great respect for Paul as the first time they met in the 1st Iron Fist tournament, both men were evenly matched and Kazuya was deeply inspired that he had found a worthy opponent.
“You certainly haven’t change much.”
“Neither have you, old friend.”
“Well, it is a great place you have.”
“Why don’t you and your friends come with me to the conference room and we can all have a little reunion and meeting together?”
“Sure, why not.”
“Anna, Bruce.”
“Yes, Kazuya?”
“Yeah?”
“Would you be so sincere to escort our friends to the conference room?”
“Of course...Gents, follow me if you please.”
“Sure, Anna...You look dashing as ever.”
“Thanks, Paul...How are we, gents?”
Anna’s alluring and sexy looks made Craig and King blushed.
“Oh, you are as sweet and hot as ever, Anna.”
“Grrr.” (Indeed, a very charming lady you are.)
“Perhaps if we could go out and...”
“Hello, Craig! Hello, anybody home?!” barked Paul angrily as he pounds Craig on the head with his right knuckle.
“OW! What’s that for this time, Paul?” asked Craig sounding astonished as to why Paul hit him on the head again.
“Think, Craig! Think!” barked Paul.
“Think of what, buddy?”
“Anna belongs to Kazuya, got it?”
“Oh, I see...Sorry, Anna.”
“That’s all right.”
“Anna, darling...You look great.”
“Thanks, Bryan...You still haven’t change a bit. That deadly charming look of yours.”
“Oh, you flatten me, Anna.”
“You look great, Anna...Doesn’t she, Miguel?”
“Indeed, amigo...Indeed.”
“Thanks, Marshall...Miguel.”
“This way, my friends.”
“Thanks, Bruce.”
“Indeed.”
Sure enough, all but Kazuya left the office as he decides to do some checking first on his computer as he looks up Ryuji Yamazaki, the person he knew and the person that Nina is supposedly working for.
“Hmm...I smell something fishy.”
Kazuya found no records of Yamazaki as he was listed deceased, which quickly meant that Nina was lying. However, Kazuya still needed more prove as he literally finds the death certificate of Yamazaki as this was more than enough to convince Kazuya that Nina was lying to him about her working for him.
“I should have known...You really are a cunning one, Nina.”
Kazuya then shuts down his computer and heads out of his office and head to the conference room where Bruce, Anna, Paul, Bryan, Marshall, Miguel, Craig and King were waiting.
“Kazuya.”
“My friends...Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we get started then?”
“Of course.”
Kazuya sits down as Anna pours everyone in the room a glass of ice water from a large glass jug and into a nice decent glass cup.
“First item on today’s meeting...It would seem we have some delays in the preparation for the Athlete screening rounds.”
“Why is that, Kazuya? Isn’t that today?”
“Yes, Paul...But unfortunately the small stadium’s ceiling collapsed and it caused a short circuit knocking out the power to the small stadium as well as a small area of the casino. It is currently under repairs right now.”
“I see.”
“Well, how long would it take?” asked Marshall eager to know.
“Oh, a few days.”
“How long is a few days?”
“Maybe three or four, Craig.”
“I see.”
“Then the whole tournament will be...”
“Postponed...Anna.”
“I will make the announcement. I will have Lee help me on that.”
“Good...And Bruce.”
“Yes, I will supervise the repair crew and make sure they do it as fast as they can.”
“Excellent.”
“So, how does the tournament go?”
“Well, Paul...There’s the athlete screening rounds then followed by the opening ceremony, which by then it would be consisting of only 48 fighters.”
“And after that?”
“Then there’s the Round Robin Semifinal or Preliminary elimination stage begins the next day after the opening ceremony night after Lee and I make our necessary announcements.”
“I see...Then there’s the main climax of the tournament, yes?”
“Indeed...The victory tournament...16 of the best fighters left.”
“I see.”
“Well, I am sure you will all do your best. You will all be paid thoroughly but first you will need to sign this agreement.”
“Agreement?”
“Anna?”
Anna was carrying a black folder case and she searches for the document that Kazuya had requested and she finds it and hands it directly to Kazuya.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks...Here, Paul.”
Kazuya hands Paul the document of Kazuya will pay Paul and to his friends for their participation in the 7th Iron fist tournament. Paul reads the conditions and he checks that everything was to his satisfaction.
“Hmm...Everything here is good.”
“Very well.”
Kazuya takes out his ball point pen that he put in his shirt pocket and hands it to Paul as he signs his signature at the bottom of the page just under the paragraph reading that the conditions of the agreement.
“Here you go.”
“I will have Anna send the money to your account.”
“Thanks, Kazuya.”
“So, what now?” asked Bryan. “Considering we may have to wait a few days or so before we can participate in the fighting tournament.”
“Well, you can stay here and enjoy my humble hospitality.”
“Thanks...I think my buddies and I are a bit tired.”
“Of course...Allow my staff to show you to your rooms.”
“That would be good, Kazuya.”
“Bruce, would you show our friends to the first class suites?”
“My pleasure. Come, my friends.”
“Sure, Bruce.”
Paul and his friends then follow Bruce out of the conference room and as they left Kazuya calls them back for a moment.
“Uh, just a second, Paul.”
“What’s up?”
“I trust your flight here was good?”
“Indeed...I didn’t expect to arrive here so soon.”
“Well, thanks to my flight engineers all my planes can fly 20 times faster than normal planes so it would get you to your destination a little sooner than a normal plane.”
“I know...See you later.”
Bruce leads Paul and his friends out of the conference room as Kazuya remains with Anna as Kazuya asks when would his enemies especially his daughter whether or not have arrived in Macau.
“Anna. Has Sophie and the others arrive in Macau yet?”
“Not yet...Our men are at the airport and will let me know the moment they do.”
“I see.”
Since Kazuya is the head of G Corp he has nearly unlimited resources as a few moments later, Kazuya got an SMS from an agent onboard designated flight AC-122 and informs them that his daughter as well as Heihachi and many others that are all Kazuya’s enemies are onboard the flight as well.
“Well, well...About time.”
“What is it, Kazuya?”
“One of our spied send word that Sophie, my old man and many others are on route to Macau onboard flight number AC-122.”
“I will do some checking.”
Anna takes out her red coloured iPad and looks up the information through the Airline registers and found the information that the plane will land in Macau in half an hour’s time.
“Here we are, Kazuya...Flight AC-122 is scheduled to land at Macau airport in half an hour’s time.”
“I see...Well, inform our men there to call me the moment they arrive.”
“You wish them to take them, Kazuya?”
“No, no...I only want them all under surveillance. Find out where they go and learn of their intentions.”
“Very well.”
Kazuya then decide to head back to his office as he tells Anna to get started on the things he had told her to do and he knows she will do it in her very best performance.
Once he got back into his office Kazuya decides to go for a workout at the gym as knowing the fighting tournament he sponsored would be filled with many fighters all wanting to take him down, make him pay for his crimes or to seek their own fame.
“Well, this year’s tournament would suddenly be one to remember.”
Kazuya then got his fighting clothes and head off to the gym where along the way someone calls him on his cell and he picks it up instantly.
“Hello?”
“Sir, it’s the surveillance team at the airport.”
“Okay, what news?”
“Our comrade onboard flight number AC-122 has landed and has docked at gate 21.”
“I see.”
“We will send you and update shortly again, sir.”
“Do that...Carry on.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kazuya then hangs up as he makes his way to the gym and he quickly gets changed into his white and red coloured karate pants that same attire he wore in the past fighting tournaments. He first does a few warm ups by stretching his arms and does pushups and sit ups when finally he trains his fists and kick attacks against a scarecrow dummy built just like Heihachi Mishima. Ironically, he had other dummies too in the shape of Jin Kazama, his grandfather and Lars. As he train his cell phone rings once more and he pauses for a breather to answer it.
“Hello.”
“Sir, it’s the surveillance team at the airport again.”
“Right, what’s the latest development?”
“They have arrived, sir...Your daughter as well as your father and others.”
“I see.”
“There’s a woman too...A woman with a beautiful face and black hair.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. You sure?”
“I am sure, sir.”
“Very well...Find out where they are staying and keep them under surveillance.”
“Understood, sir...Miss. Anna Williams has informed us already.”
“Excellent. Carry on...And next time send me a SMS text message.”
“Understood, sir.”
Kazuya then puts his cell phone away and quickly gets back into training as he punches harder and harder.
“Well, this time...I shall triumph over all the Mishimas...HA HA HA HA!”
At that moment, inside the terminal of Macau airport, Carreidas and Alcazar led the students as well as their fellow colleagues through the customs counters and to the baggage area to collect their luggage. Their baggage area was numbered 3 as all the flight’s luggage would soon be made available for them to collect. Sophie and many others were tired as some were still half asleep.
“Man, I could really use a good night’s rest.”
“You can say that again, Shirley.” replied Patricia as she gives a loud yawn. “Oh, sorry.”
“That’s all right.”
“I am tired too, Pat.”
“I know, Sophie.”
“Tell us about it.”
“Yeah.”
Clearly the boys were tired as well as Carreidas sees a newspaper machine and strolls over to check it out with Alcazar following him and he himself found something very interesting.
“Well, what do you know? I think we might be able to get some rest.”
“I think I know what you mean, amigo.”
“Yes.”
Carreidas then uses his foreign coins of Macau to purchase the newspaper as Alcazar grabs it and reads the front page.
“Well, sudden delays of the tournament...That is quite unexpected.”
“Indeed, my friend...Let’s tell the students and our friends.”
“Hear, hear.”
Both men head back to where they left their students and fellow colleagues as Carreidas makes his announcement.
“Students and my fellow colleagues...I have some good news and bad news to tell so...Which one would you like to hear first?”
The students all voted to hear the bad news first as they would rather not have something bad burden their stay in Macau.
“We will hear the bad news, sir.” announced Samuel as he speaks on behalf of all the male students in the group as Joey does the same.
“Indeed.”
“Okay then, the bad news is that the tournament would not being as it was suppose to be.”
This news made almost everyone feel slightly down as they were eager to get straight into it as Patroklos asks what was the good news.
“Sir, what is the good news then?”
“Well, Patrick...The good news is we can rest for a short while here in Macau and do some sightseeing.”
“YEAH!”
“Sightseeing? Don’t you think it is good, Miharu?”
“Yeah, Alisa...I suppose so.”
“What do you think, Xiaoyu?” asked Alisa as she and Miharu looks at Xiaoyu as she was quite distracted by something.
“Hey, Xiao.”
“What? Oh, sorry, Miharu.”
“You okay?”
“I am fine.”
“You sure, Xiaoyu...You know Miharu and I are worried about you.”
“I am fine, Alisa...Honestly.”
“Oh, okay.”
Xiaoyu shows a small innocent smile in an attempt to disguise her true feelings. She feels quite skeptical whether sightseeing in this city would probably draw Kazuya’s attention.
“So, Laszlo...You have a place for us to stay?”
“Well, sure...I have already made the necessary arrangements. We will be staying at the hotel called: ‘La England Dolores’.”
“The ‘La England Dolores’?”
“Yes, it’s a hotel that I own.”
“Well, I am surprised.”
“I thought I told you that there are quite a number of them in the Asia and Europe regions.”
“Sorry...I must have been preoccupied with other things and forgot.”
“Understandable.”
“So, Laszlo...”
“Yes, Heihachi?”
“Have we got any transportation that could take us there?”
“Well, I will get right onto that...I can’t do everything at once though.”
“Of course.”
“Once we get outside to the arrival area we will find a place to fresh up as I will make the travel arrangements to get us there...Hopefully it won’t take too long.”
“I sincerely hope so, my friends...Our students are quite tired. Well, most of them anyway.”
“I understand that. Well, let us hope we can get our baggage and then get out to the arrival terminal.”
“If only.”
Time went by as all the students and teachers got their baggage and prepare to head out to the arrival terminal as there were quite a number of people in the airport itself and the security on patrol were wearing suits bearing the symbol of ‘G’. Sophie spots them easily despite her a little tired.
“G Corp soldiers.”
“There are here too, Sophie?”
“Yes, Shirley...Those guys in the suits.”
“No doubt.”
“Grandpa.”
“Sophie?”
“I think we are being watched.”
“Well, Sophie...I wouldn’t be surprised. Kazuya knows we are here and he would not make his move until during the tournament where he would get his hands dirty.”
“I see.”
“Well, I think we could rest here.”
Carreidas and Alcazar stops just outside a congee and noodle restaurant that was not exactly high class but it would for the time being accommodated them all.
“Okay, Ramon...You and Heihachi wait here and look after our students while I make the travel arrangements.”
“Sure, amigo.”
“Yes...But might I recommend that someone goes with you?”
“Well...It’s safer, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Miss. Zafina.”
“Yes?”
“Would you come with me, please?”
“Very well.”
“Hey, where’s Jun?” asked Steve as eventually they all see Jun coming out with Kuma and Panda as they check out through customs.
“There she is.”
“Sorry for my lateness...We were held up a little.”
“That’s all right...Kuma, you okay?”
(“Sure, pops...Never better. But I could use some sleep.”)
Heihachi chuckles slightly and pats his bear bodyguard on the chest.
“Ha ha...Do not worry. We will be heading off to our hotel soon.”
(“Oh, that’s good...That’s really good, pops. Wouldn’t you say so, Panda?”)
Panda meanwhile was busying hugging Xiaoyu to keep her warm and happy as Xiaoyu very much appreciated it and kindly asks her pet and bodyguard to loosen the hold as she was suffocating.
“Hey, Panda...Would you loosen your hold?”
(“What? Oh, sorry.”)
Panda then let go as Xiaoyu grasps and takes some deep breaths.
“Thanks.”
“You okay, Xiaoyu?”
“I am, Alisa...I just need a moment to catch my breath.”
“Okay, everyone...” began Alcazar as he takes charge until his fellow colleague returns. “Until Mr. Carreidas comes back we will have a light meal or rest up until he comes back. The restrooms are over there and I think it is best that a teacher accompanies you or at least to the doors that is.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Yes, general.”
“So, I think we should all rest here for now.”
“What about food, sir?”
“Food? Well, unless you have Macau money...”
“I do, sir.” said Michael as he carries a sufficient amount of Macau currency in his wallet as this made everyone feel quite at ease but obviously they cannot ask Michael to spend on all his Macau money for them on food. “But...I cannot use it all just on food.”
“That’s true, young lad...Does anyone else have some Macau money on them?”
“I do as well, sir.”
“Good for you, Patricia.”
“Indeed.”
“Well, I will have a talk with Mr. Carreidas and we will see what we could do.”
This made the rest of the students who don’t have any Macau currency on them feel much at ease as Michael asks the general for permission to buy some food at the food counter.
“Sir, with your permission...”
“Yes, Michael?”
“Patricia and I will buy us some Chinese donuts.”
“Sure, go right ahead and um...Steve.”
“Yes, Ramon?”
“Perhaps you will like to accompany them to the food counter.”
“It will be my pleasure.”
“Good to hear.”
“Well, let us go then.”
“Sir.”
Sure enough, Michael and Patricia goes to buy some Chinese donuts at the counter accompanied by Steve Fox and Michael makes the order as Patricia and Steve get acquainted.
“Uh, sir.”
“Yes, Patricia?”
“How are you?”
“I am well, thanks...You nervous of fighting in this tournament?”
“Uh, not really, sir...You?”
“Uh, not really...I have been in a couple and you know what I have learn, Pat?”
“What is that, sir?”
“Keep your head cool at all times...Focus on victory and do not let the appearance of your opponent distract you.”
“I understand.”
“But I am sure you would do fine...As well as the others even Sophie.”
“I know.”
Steve turns and sees Sophie looking a little down knowing that as time passes the less of a chance that her love interest, Alex would survive.
“Is Sophie still thinking about Alex?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I envy her...We will help get him back. Alex is a good lad.”
“Indeed he is, sir.”
“I am done, Pat.”
“Okay, let’s head back and join the others.”
“Uh, sir.”
“Yes, Michael?”
“Would you like one?”
“Uh, no thanks...But thanks for offering anyway.”
Steve along with Michael and Patricia arrives back as Andy asks whether he could have a Chinese donut.
“Hey, Mike...Mind if I have one?”
“Sure, Andy.”
“Thanks.”
Michael hands one to Andy as he takes a first quick bite to see if it tasted good and much to his delight it tasted very good.
“Hmm...Quite remarkable.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, maybe when we get back home...I will try cooking some.”
“I bet you would.”
“Anyone else like one?” asked Patricia looking around at her classmates as they all feel tired and didn’t look hungry.
“Thanks, but no thanks, Pat.” replied Kathy.
“Yeah, our stomachs are kind of full right now.” uttered Susan as she feels quite tired herself.
“I understand.”
Sure enough, Carreidas returns and has great news to tell his fellow staff and the students.
“Well, I am back.”
“What’s the news, amigo?”
“Well, Ramon...We have transportation. A tour bus is outside in the bus terminal area and the license registration is designated: ‘LC 1921’.
“LC 1921...Got it. I will inform the others and the students.”
“Good...Anything else you would like to ask me?”
“As a matter of fact, yes...The students.”
“What about them?”
“Well, most of them don’t have any Macau currency on them.”
“I see...Well, when we get to the hotel. I will take care of it and I will need Zafina’s help.”
“Her help?”
“Yeah, she’s quite an accountant herself.”
“Very well, Miss. Zafina.”
“Yes?”
“Mr. Carreidas wants to have a word with you.”
“Very well.”
“And Ramon.”
“Yes?”
“Would you inform our students of the good news?”
“Sure, amigo.” replied Alcazar as he gives a small cough to get all the students’ attention. “Ahem!”
All the students pay their attention to them as Alcazar makes the announcement.
“Listen up, my fellow students...Mr. Carreidas has arranged what transportation we need to get to the hotel.”
Immediately all the students feel happy and at ease as Sophie still feels a little disturbed and Shirley assures her that everything is all right.
“You feel okay, Sophie? Everything would be fine.”
“I am fine, Shirley. Just fine.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“So, if you all will...Let us head to the bus terminal where our transport to take us to the hotel will be waiting.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Class reps, take point. Follow Mr. Carreidas. We will bring up the rear.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Understood.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Aye, sir.”
Therefore, Samuel, Joey, Patroklos and Lili follows their deputy principal to the bus terminal with Alcazar and the remaining teachers as well as Kuma and Panda brings up the rear. Jun knows that there were G Corp spies and soldiers watching them like hawks and eagles waiting to strike but knew that they will not move because Kazuya would rather make his move during the tournament instead. Zafina was walking alongside Jun and she too senses something fishy.
“Jun.”
“Yes, Zafina?”
“I have a bad feeling there are people watching us.”
“Yes, I can sense it as well...This disturbance.”
“I know...I can feel a great evil presence in this city.”
“It’s Kazuya...He will however not make a move until the right time.”
“I think you are right. Nevertheless, we cannot let our guard down.”
“Very well.”
Sure enough, they made it all the way out to the bus terminal as Carreidas spots their transportation, their tour bus with license registration number: ‘LC 1921’.
“There we are, my students...Our bus to our hotel. So, let us hop onboard.”
Carreidas leads his students and staff to the bus where the bus driver greets Mr. Carreidas.
“Mr. Carreidas.”
“Ah, good to see you...Uh, what was your name again?”
“It’s um...It’s Fred.”
“Ah, Fred...So, shall we go?”
“Ready when you are, sir.”
“Good...I think we could all do with some rest.”
“I can understand that, sir.”
All the students except for Sophie, Shirley and the class reps from both classes and teachers hop on the bus as Carreidas as the bus driver along with Sophie, Shirley and the four class reps help load the luggage into the bus’s baggage compartment. Carreidas asks the bus driver whether it was okay to allow animals on the bus and he kindly obliged to say it was okay.
“So, Fred?”
“Yes, sir?”
“You mind if we have two animals on the bus?”
“Sure...That would be okay.”
“That’s good.”
“And our doors are just enough for them to pass through...So, we can all be at ease.”
“Indeed.”
“All done, sir.”
“Right, let us go...I suppose we all could do with some rest.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Sophie.”
“Yes, Mr. Carreidas?”
“You feeling okay?”
“Yes, sir...I am fine.”
“Good...Remember you are the only one who feels concern for Alex.”
“I know that, sir. I thank you.”
“Well then...Let’s get onboard, shall we?”
“After you, sir.”
“No, after you.”
Sophie and Carreidas boards the bus as Samuel, Joey, Patroklos and Lili were the last ones to hop on and Alcazar as well as both Heihachi and Steve do a head count of their students.
“So...All present and accounted for?”
“Uh, yes...All my students who are fighting in this tournament are here.”
“Good to hear, Heihachi...Steve, amigo?”
“Everyone from my class who is participating are here too.”
“Great...Laszlo, amigo. We are good to go.”
“Good.”
Carreidas then informs all the students that once they get to the hotel they can assemble inside the main lobby and that is all.
“Okay, students...It would be a short trip. So, the moment we get there you will head inside and stay in the main lobby area. That is all.”
Carreidas then sits down and informs the bus driver that they are good to go.
“Okay, Fred...Let’s get going.”
“Right away, sir.”
The bus then heads out of the airport terminal and out onto the main road as the students look outside at the beautiful and elegant scenery with some decide to take a short nap.
Meanwhile, Kazuya was back in his office as his agent sends him a text message that Sophie and the others are bound for a hotel but which one he doesn’t however he did reveal to Kazuya the license registration number for the bus: ‘LC 1921’. This made Kazuya smile as he sends a text message back to his agent and informs him to keep shadowing them and call him the moment he could see where they were staying at. Sure enough, Anna comes in with Bruce as both have good news to report.
“Kazuya.”
“Yes, Anna?”
“All the work you want done is being done.”
“Excellent...Bruce, what about you?”
“Well, I had a talk with the construction and renovation crew and they told me that they have begun work on the damaged area right away.”
“I see.”
“And the good news for that...It wasn’t that badly damage at all.”
“Indeed it is. Well, looks like lady luck is smiling on me.”
“It would seem so, Kazuya.”
“I agree, Anna.”
“Anyway, Kazuya...Perhaps I should get back to supervising the repairs.”
“Yes, Bruce...Carry on. I want regular updates every 5 hours.”
“Understood.”
“Is that all, Kazuya?”
“Yes, Anna...That is all but I would like to have a word with you.”
“Very well.”
“Bruce, you may go.”
“Yes, Kazuya...Anna.”
“See you later.”
Bruce leaves the office as Anna sits down in the comfy chair in front of Kazuya’s desk.
“So...”
“So what, Kazuya? Is there something on your mind?”
“Well, just how is our guest, Alex Choi holding up?”
“He’s fine...He’s resting comfortably in one of the hotel rooms.”
“Good...Is the room secured?”
“It is secured, Kazuya...I check it myself.”
“Good, good...Then all we can do now is hope that we can finish repairs to the stadium and the 7th Iron Fist can get underway.”
“Indeed.”
Suddenly, Kazuya’s cell phone rings as he had a feeling it was one of his spy agents tailing the tour bus carrying his daughter, father and many others who have come to participate in the tournament itself.
“Well, it’s one of our agents.”
“What does he have to report?”
“Let’s find out...Hello?”
Anna has a look at her iPad and researches on hair salons and fashion stylists as Kazuya was quite pleased with what he was hearing so Anna knew it must be good news.
“Okay, keep me posted...Co-ordinate with the surveillance team.”
“Yes, sir. What is their location?”
“Hmm...Hang on a minute.”
Kazuya puts his agent on hold and asks Anna where was the surveillance team located.
“Anna, where’s the surveillance team that I ordered?”
“Just a minute.”
Anna searches her iPad and uses the G Corp secured website and sends an email to the surveillance team commander and in a matter of seconds he sends back a reply with an address and she shows it Kazuya.
“Here you go...It’s all there.”
“Good.”
Kazuya puts his agent back on and tells him of the location and address of where the surveillance team was located and that is all. Anna continues to look up fashion stuff as Kazuya hangs up and puts his cell phone back in his blazer pocket.
“Well, so far so good.”
“I am pleased that everything is going as planned, Kazuya.”
“Indeed.”
Meanwhile, the students and teachers of Milson’s Point Grammar Academy have arrived outside the ‘La England Dolores’ as the bus stops outside the drop off and pick up zone where there were other limos parked there waiting for their clients and such.
“Here we are, students...So, once the bus has stopped. You will proceed into the main lobby. The hotel staff here will take care of the luggage and I will make sure it is carried out so you don’t need to worry one bit.”
The bus stops and Fred, the bus driver opens the doors.
“Okay, off we get!”
Carreidas as well as the teachers all except for Jun step off the bus followed by the students as once they were all off, Jun escorts both Kuma and Panda out as they all quickly make their way inside the giant lobby of the ‘La England Dolores’ hotel as all were in awe of the place itself especially the interior design.
“It’s amazing.”
“Yeah.”
“I never seen anything like it.”
Carreidas was at the reception desk as he has a friendly chat with the staff and soon was greeted by the hotel manager.
“Mr. Carreidas...Welcome back.”
“Yes, it is good to be back.”
Carreidas and the hotel manager have a talk as Alcazar and the other teachers stand guard around their students as were both Kuma and Panda were all sitting down and standing in one of the waiting areas close to the front revolving doors.
“Well, this place sure looks high class...Would you say so, Xiaoyu?”
“In a way...Man, I am so tired I could sleep for the rest of the day.”
“I know how you feel. Wouldn’t you say so, Alisa?”
“Indeed...I think we should all have a recharge before the big tournament.”
“Of course.”
Sure enough, Carreidas strolls back and informs the students that their rooms have been arranged with them all staying in twin hotel rooms.
“So, every one of you would be staying at twin rooms located on the 16th floor. And you are free to choose who your room mate would be. So, has everyone decide on who they are staying with?”
“Yes, sir!” replied all the students all except for Sophie who literally was the odd person out of the group as Carreidas smiles and gives the first set of key cards to the class representatives and let them hand it to their fellow classmates and Alcazar approaches Sophie as did both Heihachi and Jun.
“Sophie.”
“Yes, grandfather?”
“I suppose you would like a room to yourself, yes?”
“Ah, yes...Grandpa.”
“Very well...I will ask Mr. Carreidas.”
“Thank you.”
“No need to worry, Sophie...We are here to help.”
“Thank you, mother.”
“Hey, Laszlo.”
“Yeah?”
“May I have a word?”
“Sure.”
Heihachi then has a small word with Carreidas and remains him that since there were 35 students then one has to either stay in a single room or join a group.
“Blast it all? How could I have not known?”
“Well, I think my granddaughter would like to live in a room by herself. She’s not feeling too...”
“Great?”
“Yeah.”
“Very well...I will take care of it.”
“Thanks.”
“Sophie.”
“Yes, Mr. Carreidas?”
“Could you stay behind for a moment, please?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Sam?”
“All my classmates have their roommates and key cards, Mr. Carreidas?”
“Patrick?”
“Same here too, sir.”
“Good...Now you may go to your rooms and dinner would be at 7 held in the dining hall area. And just one last reminder...”
All the students stop and looks at their serious and yet quite easy going and friendly deputy principal.
“That you are representing our school back home...So, be on your best behaviour. However, I trust you will not let me down.”
“Yes, sir...We will not let you down! Right, Joey?”
“Right!”
“Patrick?”
“Yes, Mr. Carreidas...Lili and I will do our part.”
“Good...Off you go and get some rest.”
“Sir!”
“Yes, Andy?”
“Would we be permit to use the recreation facilities?”
“Well, all except for the poker machines and gambling tables...Besides those two you can do pretty much everything else.”
“Uh, swimming, sir?”
“Of course, Xiaoyu...I trust you brought what you need along?”
“Indeed, sir...Swimming is also part of training, right?”
“Yes...But I think we should all now get some rest first after such a long flight.”
“You heard Mr. Carreidas...Off to your rooms, pronto. Class reps, take point.” Uttered Alcazar in his discipline master tone of voice.
“Yes, general!”
“Let’s go!”
Samuel and the other class reps lead their fellow classmates to the elevator as Sophie brings up the rear and was accompanied by Heihachi and Jun.
“So, Jun.”
“Yes, Heihachi?”
“What about Kuma and Panda?”
“Well, Laszlo himself said he will handle it.”
“Of course...He’s the owner so he has the right to make such an executive decision.”
“Indeed.”
Carreidas had a word with the hotel manager of where their faithful pet bodyguards could stay and they were allow to stay in a special animal room or somewhat like a small size protected zone for endangered animals. Carreidas along with Alcazar escorts the animals to the area and both Kuma and Panda found the place to be most tolerable and quite luxurious in a way.
“So, you two can hang out and sleep here? It has everything you need.”
“One of us will check up on you every once a while.”
(“Thank you, thank you.”) growled Kuma as he was already happy with the place itself as Panda decide to catch some forty winks.
(“I am beat.”)
“Well, Kuma...You too might want to get some decent rest after such a long flight.”
(“Oh, you are right, Mr. Carreidas.”)
“And do not worry...The hotel manager has proclaimed this area out of bounds to all except us.”
(“Well, that is good.”)
“So, get some rest.”
(“Right.”)
Kuma and Panda both rest up as Carreidas and Alcazar head to the elevators and prepare to head up to their single hotel rooms located just one floor above where the students were staying.
“So, you tired, amigo?”
“Not really...But the food on the plane was quite good.”
“Yes...It’s a good thing too we get to travel in business class style.”
“I couldn’t agree more with you, Ramon.”
Sure enough, most of the students were fast asleep on their comfy beds as Sophie in her single room was washing her face as suddenly, someone lands on the balcony and she moves to investigate by stepping out onto the balcony. Once she was outside someone was standing on her right.
“Well, you certainly are beautiful, Sophie.”
Sophie turns and was quite astonished that the person was her brother, Jin Kazama dressed in his black suit with a coat and fedora hat as he needed to keep a low profile in Macau.
“Brother...I am glad to meet you.”
Sophie have never actually met her brother, Jin in person until now and Sophie knows Jin is not actually a bad person just ambitious to eliminate the devil inside him but at a cost to others.
“Mother told me what you have been doing.”
“I know...I just want to see how you were doing?”
“I am fine, brother...You should look after yourself.”
“I suppose you are right.”
“You still have the mark of the devil?”
“Yes...I have try many ways to rid of it but it just won’t go away.”
Sophie can understand what his brother has been going through and she urges him that maybe it was fate that he was branded with this power.
“Maybe it was fate that you were given it.”
“I um...I don’t understand, Sophie.”
“Maybe you should embrace it...Use that power for a better purpose. To protect.”
“Use the devil power inside of me to fight for the good…”
“You are a good person, brother...I know it. If you want people to know you are not like father then you know what you must do.”
“I um...I understand.”
“I will be in the tournament and are you participating as well?”
“I am...But in disguise of course.”
“Very well...I will fight up to father and when the time comes you will know what to do.”
“Right.”
Suddenly, Jin could sense that someone was watching them and he had an idea of who it was, Ling Xiaoyu who right now was peeking out the window and fortunately she didn’t hear the conversation between Jin and Sophie and could only see Jin’s back and therefore she can’t tell if it really was him.
“I have got to go, sis...I will see you.”
“Take care, brother.”
Jin then leaps off the balcony without as much of hesitating and he disappears as Xiaoyu who was peeking from the window was startled to see that Jin had just vanished without a trace.
“He’s gone.”
“Hey, Xiao...What’s up?”
Miharu gets up wearing her bed clothes, which was just an oversize men’s T-Shirt and she rubs her tired eyes.
“Oh, sorry about waking you, Miharu.”
“Well, what did you see out the window?”
“I thought I saw Jin.”
“Jin? Jin Kazama?”
“Or at least I thought so.”
“You sure it was him?”
“Can’t tell really...But whoever it was just had a talk with Sophie.”
“Really?”
“Yeah...Anyway, I think I might just go to bed too.”
“Okay...I am going back to sleep then.”
Miharu then lies back down on her comfortable bed and slept while Xiaoyu gets change into sleepwear that she brought with her, a pink nightgown as she puts it on and after that she climbs onto her bed, take off her pigtail holders and puts the mattress quilt over her and closes her eyes to sleep as she mutters Jin’s name as she slept.
“Oh, Jin...Jin, where are you? I know you are still alive. I just know it.”
Time went by as all the students and teachers took some time to rest up and at around half past six, everyone got a wakeup call reminding that dinner would be in half an hour as by then everyone was refreshed...Well, almost everyone.
“Man, I am worn out.”
“Come on, mate...It’s time to get up.” uttered Adrian as he was awake but unfortunately his good friend Ernest wasn’t. He was still sound asleep and daydreaming with him tucking his head below his pillow.
“Ernest! It’s time to head down and have dinner.”
“I will have dinner in bed, Pyrrha darling...Yes, could you just leave it on the table.”
“Come off it, Ernest! It’s not Pyrrha...It’s me, Adrian! Wake up!”
With no other options, Adrian pulls off the pillow and then pulls one of Ernest’s ears as he drags him up to his feet and of course Ernest was no particularly happy nor comfortable with it.
“Hey! Hey, watch it, man! OW! Okay, okay...I am awake!”
“Sorry about that, mate...But I have no choice.”
“That’s quite all right...I do not blame you.”
“Well, come on...We do not want to miss dinner.”
“No, I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Both of them got dressed as at that moment, other fellow classmates were awake too with Patricia taking a quick shower with Catalina getting dressed and comb her hair in front of a large circular shape mirror.
“You slept well, Pat?”
“I did, Cat...You?”
“The same.”
“Well, I wonder what they are serving tonight? I will bet it’s some fancy or good dishes.”
“So, Pat...You are from Macau, yes?”
“Hmm...Not really as I am from Hong Kong. However, I know some fancy and good dishes that you might like.”
“I am certainly looking forward to it.”
“Well, it would most likely be a buffet or a self serve dinner.”
“Right. I like buffets but don’t like having one too often.”
“Ha! That makes two of us.”
One by one, the students all got dressed in their casual clothes that they brought with them as Sophie was wearing her smart casual attire, black collar shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers and she was joined by Joey and Kathy as the two were having a friendly chat about horses, which Kathy has taken quite an interest in.
“So, about certain horses, Joey?”
“Well, there are many kinds, Kathy...Some are good and have the sense of beauty and elegance in them while others are...”
Kathy sees Sophie as she was heading to the elevator just like them.
“Hey, Sophie!”
“Oh, hi there, Kathy.”
“Sophie.”
“Joey.”
“You look okay?”
“Yes, yes...I am.”
“Man, I don’t mind telling you, girls...I am starving.”
“Well, that makes two of us, Kathy.”
“Indeed, Joey...So, wonder what we would be having?”
“Beats me...As long as it taste good and smells good.”
“Of course.”
“Maybe it’s a buffet.”
“A buffet?”
“Self serve dinner...Hotels often do that at breakfast and such.”
“I see you have been living in hotels and know some of the inside story, Sophie.”
“Well, I read it in books and look up on websites...In my spare time that is.”
“Of course.”
“So, shall we go?”
“Indeed, Joey...Let’s go, Sophie.”
“Right.”
The three girls head down to the dining hall using the elevator as soon more of their fellow classmates join them. They make their way to the dining hall where Mr. Carreidas, General Alcazar as well as Heihachi and Steve Fox were already there having their first meals.
“Ah, welcome, students...Please feel free to eat as much as you want.” announced Carreidas sitting at a rectangular table with his fellow staff drinking a nice cup of cold coffee.
“Just don’t eat too much...There’s dessert and pudding in a little while or so.” said Alcazar sounding quite sarcastic.
“Sure thing, sir.” replied Andy as he was eager to eat himself.
“Help yourselves.” uttered Heihachi with a smile as Steve does the same.
“Yes, it is good food here. You would like it.”
“Okay, sir...Everyone, let’s eat.”
“RIGHT!”
“Oh, by the way...By quarter past eight would you all gather to the assembly hall? It’s located just behind those doors over there by the rest rooms?”
“Sure, sir.”
“No problem, Mr. Carreidas.”
“Good to hear, Sam...Joey. And if you and the others could pass the word to the others who have not arrive yet? That would much appreciated.”
“Okay, sir. Got it, guys?”
“Got it, Sam!” replied all the boy students present.
“You know what to do. Right, girls?”
“Right, Joey!” replied all the girl students.
“Excellent...So, go and enjoy dinner. There’s plenty for everyone.”
Therefore, all the students present help themselves by choosing the food they like from the self serve tables after they got themselves a plate, utensils and tissues as Andy always like curried stuff from curried beef to curried rice with sauce.
“Hmm, smells good. Don’t you think so, Mike?”
“In a way...It pains me that Alex is not here with us.”
“I know.”
Andy too feels remorse for Alex but he does not let the negative stuff cloud his mind and instead focus on the positive.
“We will rescue him, Mike. Trust me.”
“Of course.”
“Maybe when we get out of this...The three of us could make one fantastic dish with curry sauce.”
“Sure, that would be a good idea.”
“Indeed...Wow, French fries and really good ones too.”
“Yep.”
“And not to mention the wonderful chicken with lemon sauce.”
“Yes, it tastes well all right.”
“Indeed.”
The girls all pick the food they like as soon more of their fellow classmates join them and among them was Patroklos, Xiba, Natsu, Leo, Asuka and Lili.
“Ah, we are here at last, Miharu.”
“Indeed, Patrick...Looks like we are not too late.”
“Indeed.”
“Man, I am starving. I could eat two maybe three sittings.”
“I am glad you think so, Xiba.”
“Really, Patrick? I could eat a whole whale right now.”
“A whale? What kind of whale?”
“Well, Natsu...Uh, killer whale.”
“Oh, I see.”
“But that’s not the biggest right.”
“Course not...Blue whales are the giants of the sea.”
“Blue whales? Hmm, maybe they taste good.”
“Oh, you are so gross.”
“What’s the matter, Natsu?”
Natsu darts off to get her dinner as both Patroklos and Leo were left stunned and bewildered.
“Hey, guys...What’s her problem?”
“Beats me.”
“Well, I think I know.”
“You do, Leo?”
“Natsu has been reading books on whales and how they are often killed for money.”
“And she likes whales?”
“Yes...Especially the blue whale and of course it is one of the endangered species.”
“I see.”
“Well, anyway...Let’s go, I am starving.”
“Yeah, Asuka is right. My stomach is making all sorts of funny noises.”
Suddenly, Asuka’s stomach growls indicating she was indeed quite hungry and all.
“Whoops. Guess I am in need of some food after all.”
Patroklos and the others laughed as they all head off to get what they like for dinner.
Eventually, all the students and staff enjoy the self serve dinner as there were indeed lots of food to eat, plenty to drink and the room itself has a giant 54 inch flat screen television screen with it playing some top rated movies. Xiaoyu, Miharu as well as Alisa, Michelle, Ivy, Patricia, Catalina, Shirley were all sitting together at a table discussing what would await them in this city.
“I wonder...”
“Wonder what, Xiaoyu?” asked Alisa as she was drinking a nice glass of water as her drinking of water is stimulated.
“I mean...What can we expect in this place?”
“Well, perhaps trouble.”
“No doubt.”
“Yeah, Kazuya and his minions are here in this city too and watching us.”
“You really think so, Miharu?”
“I have no doubt of that, Michelle.”
“Of course.”
“Well, we are going to fight in this tournament and hopefully get a good look at that mean Kazuya’s face.”
“I am glad you are determined, Ivy...Believe me, Kazuya is mean, nasty and...”
“Evil?”
“Yes, Alisa...Evil.”
“I get you, Xiaoyu.”
“And he has Alex...What can we do to save him?”
“A diversion no doubt.”
“You have a plan, Shirley?”
“Of course I do, Pat...And I have the perfect candidate in mind.”
“And that would be...”
“Sophie, of course...While she fights the big bad we can diverse to rescue Alex.”
“You mean in the tournament we will have to let Sophie get to the finals.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s like taking a dive and you know I don’t like that.”
“I understand, Pat...But we will just have to make it tempting and not lose the fight on purpose.”
“Of course...I will bear that in mind.”
Sophie was sitting by herself at a table having fish and chips as well as a bowl of chicken and corn soup.
“Shirley.”
“What’s up, Xiaoyu?”
“Why is Sophie sitting there all by herself?”
“Oh, sometimes she is like that...She just wants to have her own space. Don’t worry, if you join her then she wouldn’t mind as long as you ask.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Hey, Xiaoyu...Want to grab a drink?”
“Sure, I will go and have a talk with Sophie first.”
“Okay...What can I get you?”
“Uh, Coca-cola.”
“Sure.”
While Miharu grabs her and Xiaoyu’s glass cups and head to the self serve drinks machine, Xiaoyu sits down in the chair on the opposite side of the table where Sophie was sitting.
“Sophie.”
“Xiaoyu.”
“So, why not join us? We could use the company.”
“No thanks...I like to be alone for the moment.”
“But you don’t mind if I join you here.”
“Of course not...I could use your company.”
“Great. So can I.”
Xiaoyu then sits down as Sophie finishes the last of her bowl of chicken and corn soup.
“That was good.”
“I should have one of those.”
“Well, there’s plenty, Xiaoyu...You can grab a bowl yourself.”
“Maybe I will.”
“Xiao!”
Miharu comes over with two glasses in hand and they were both coca-cola.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks a bunch, Miharu.”
“Sophie.”
“Hello, Miharu.”
“May I join you as well?”
“Certainly.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Miharu and Xiaoyu sat down in the chairs on the opposite side of the table as Sophie finishes off the rest of her fish and chips dinner.
“So, Sophie...Where are you from?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know um...What nationality.”
“Well, it’s a long story.”
“How long?”
“It’s complicated, Xiaoyu.”
“Meaning...”
“She means that she doesn’t want to talk about it.”
“Oh, thanks for telling me, Miharu.”
“No problem.”
“Is this true, Sophie?”
“It is.”
“Right.”
“Man, I am very nervous seeing that Kazuya Mishima again...Face to face.”
“Me too...He is really a mean and nasty guy.”
“That’s right, Miharu...And to think his daughter is completely different than he is. Not to mention she is beautiful, cool, reserved and a good friend to us all.”
“Thanks, Xiaoyu.”
“Anytime, Sophie.”
Sophie then decides to go and get herself a drink and asks both Xiaoyu and Miharu to mind the table.
“I am just going to get a drink. Would you both mind the table?”
“Sure.”
“Leave it to us.”
“Thank you.”
Sophie stands up and heads off to where they serve the drinks as Xiaoyu and Miharu have a chat amongst themselves.
“I wonder...”
“Wonder what, Xiaoyu?”
“Why has the Mishima family changed all of a sudden?”
“Beats me...But you did mention this before, yes?”
“Well, I don’t seem to remember.”
“You sure?”
“I am sure.”
“Never mind...Just tell me what’s on your mind?”
“Okay, in the past, the Mishima family has always fight with each other, brawling and causing havoc wherever they go but somehow the conflict has died down...Or most of it.”
“I see...I too wonder why?”
“Well, I guess we will find out soon enough, Miharu.”
“Right you are, Xiaoyu...Right you are.”
Time went by as it was now quarter past eight as all the students and teachers all head to the assembly hall where Mr. Carreidas and General Alcazar both have an announcement to make.
“Thanks for all coming so promptly...Now for the remaining time here we do have some rules we would like to talk with you all. During our stay in Macau...” began Carreidas as he gives a small cough and then continues with what he has to say. “Pardon me...During our stay in Macau...We shall not be doing any sightseeing.”
Most of the students moan and were very disappointed when they heard the announcement as Carreidas finishes with what he has to say in a positive way to cheer his students up.
“However, you may use most of the facilities in the hotel...The pool, the badminton or squash courts, the gym and other facilities all except for the gambling area but billiards and snooker are okay as long as a staff member is there to stand watch.”
This made the students feel quite satisfied as Carreidas passes the torch to Alcazar.
“General.”
“Mr. Carreidas?”
“Do you have anything you want to add?”
“Well...”
Alcazar realizes that his fellow colleague has pretty much covered all he wanted to say anyway so he just say what was on his mind.
“The reason of no sightseeing in Macau is because of our enemy...G Corporation is watching us and they may take action against us the moment we expose ourselves outside...We will also update you on when the tournament is going to commence so keep training hard because it would be bound to happen soon.”
“Anything you want to add, general?”
“Nope.”
“Okay, students...You may go and enjoy yourselves and remember to go back in your rooms by 2300 hours.”
All the students nodded as Carreidas gives them the green light to go.
“Good...Go and enjoy yourselves.”
At once, all the students head out of the assembly room as Xiaoyu and Miharu asks Jun whether they could see Panda and Kuma.
“Uh, Miss. Kazama.”
“Yes, Xiaoyu?”
“Could Miharu and I go see Panda?”
“Of course...I will take you there myself.”
“Thanks.”
“Thanks, Miss. Kazama.”
“Follow me.”
While Xiaoyu and Miharu follows Jun to the area where Kuma and Panda were. Patroklos decides to go and have some fun in the recreation room facility located near the badminton courts.
“Let’s go to the recreation room.”
“Okay, Patrick.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Sophie decides to do some training and first she wants to have a small workout at the gym before going to do some swim training and Patricia decides to keep her company.
“Sophie.”
“Patricia.”
“Mind if I tag along?”
“Certainly.”
“Mind if I join as well?”
“You may, Shirley.”
“Well, let’s go then.”
Sophie feels quite better as being with good friends cheers her up as Andy and Michael decide to go and do some sparring of their own in the small dojo area.
“Come on, Mike...Why don’t the two of us have a bit of a spar in the small dojo area?”
“There’s a dojo here?”
“Yeah, I ask Mr. Carreidas a little while ago myself. Don’t you remember?”
“Of course...When you went to get some ice cream.”
“Yeah, a nice excuse for that, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, come...I like fighting with a good friend and sparring partner.”
“Take that as a good compliment from a friend.”
“Come, let us go then.”
Andy and Michael prepare to head off but somebody calls out to Andy making him and Michael stop dead in their tracks.
“Andrew Zhang! Where do you think you are going?!”
“Uh oh.”
“Is that Michelle or Ivy?”
“Well, judging from her voice...That’s Ivy.”
“Ivy?”
“Yep...Her voice sounds quite...”
“High?”
“Childish might be the word that I was going to use.”
“I see.”
“Andrew Zhang!”
This time, Andy knew it was Michelle as her voice sounds more mature.
“Oh no...Double trouble.”
“Tell me about it.”
Andy then turns around and sees both Michelle and Ivy looking quite annoyed and displeased at Andy himself.
“Girls, what’s up?”
“You are just going to dump us?”
“Ivy, please...Why would you think of such a thing?”
Andy tries to calm her down as Michelle calmly explains to him.
“We thought you and Michael could spar with us instead.”
“Two of us against two of you?”
“Precisely, Andy.”
“Well, that sounds good...What do you think, Mike?”
“I think that is a good idea.”
“Right...So, shall we get started?”
“Of course.”
“You gamed, Andy?”
“Ready as I will ever be, Ivy.”
“Okay...I am going to spar with...You!”
“Oh, okay. Mike, you can go with Michelle.”
“Sure...Michelle.”
“Yes?”
“I just hope Patricia won’t be...”
“Jealous?”
“Yeah, that’s the word.”
“Don’t worry...Patricia and I are good friends and she would understand.”
“Well, if you say so.”
“Come on! To the dojo! Let’s go, Andy!”
Ivy grabs Andy by the hand and drags him forward and headed for the dojo. Of course, the way Ivy drags Andy by the hand made him feel most irritable.
“Come on, slowpoke!”
“Hey, HEY! Take this easy! Easy with my arm...OW!”
Michelle and Michael watches with amusement as Michelle comments that her twin sister really likes Andy.
“You know what I think? Ivy really likes him.”
“Yes, I know what you mean.”
“So, shall we?”
“After you.”
Meanwhile, Susan, Kathy as well as the other girls of class A decide to go and have some fun together at the basketball court located in the sports hall. Samuel and the others from both classes decide to go and have a crack at billiards and snooker and Samuel kindly asks Heihachi to accompany them.
“Mr. Mishima.”
“Yes, Sam?”
“We are going to have some quality time at the billiards and snooker room. If you could accompany us as Mr. Carreidas had...”
“Of course...Let us be on our way.”
“Right. Let’s go, everyone.”
“OKAY!”
The remaining other students decide to either go and have some fun at the swimming pool or head back up to their rooms to watch television. The remaining staff decide to relax themselves by staying in the dining hall eating some snacks and discussing of their true purpose here in Macau.
“Well, my friends...It would seem our purpose in Macau has already attracted a bit of attention.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, amigo.”
“Indeed, Ramon...Indeed.”
Steve, Jun, Julia and Zafina were all in agreement that Kazuya being the evil man he is has got to be watching them and the only question is why hasn’t he made his move yet.
“I wonder...”
“What is it, Steve?” asked Jun.
“Why hasn’t that Kazuya made his move yet?”
“Well, he doesn’t think that it is time yet.”
“You certainly of this?”
“Without a doubt...He would save his strength for the real battle that is yet to come.”
“I see.”
“Yes, his evil presence is stronger than before. I could sense it.”
“I feel it too, Zafina.”
“Well, we must know what he has installed for the students and us as well.”
“We will find out in good time, Julia.”
“I say we spring whatever he has installed for us.”
“That is kind of a bold move, Steve.”
“Well, time is of the essence with one of our students in their hands. We will not abandon our students and leave them to torment and suffering.”
“I agree, Steve.”
“Indeed...So, Steve.”
“Yes, Laszlo?”
“You, Jun, Zafina, Julia as well as Heihachi will keep an eye out for the students.”
“Very well.”
“Understood.”
“As you wish, Laszlo.”
“You can rest assured we will keep the students safe.”
“Good.”
“And hopefully more of our allies will help us.”
“Ramon, you mean...”
“Yes, amigo...We can expect some of our allies and friends of theirs to come and aid us.”
Suddenly, a ninja leaps out from nowhere and appears right behind where Alcazar was sitting and Steve as were as Jun, Zafina and Julia instantly recognizes who he was.
“Raven, it’s been a while.”
“Jun, everyone...It is good to see you all again.”
“Indeed.”
He still wore his prefer outfit, a black knitted ninja combat suit with combat boots. He still retain his buzz haircut with yellow hair and wore black sunglasses to cover his eyes.
“Raven.”
“Yes, Ramon?”
“Any news?”
“Well, I have scouted parts of the casino where Kazuya is resided in.”
“And?”
“It is heavily guarded and I dare not go any further as the place is very well guarded and several of our fellow friends are there too.”
“You mean...”
“Yes, Bruce Irvin, Anna Williams and Lee Chaolan.”
“I see.”
“There could be others...I have a feeling Alex Choi is held inside somewhere.”
“You know about Alex?”
“Yes, Heihachi...Ramon here briefed me on the matter.”
“I understand.”
“So, I think it is time to make Kazuya and G Corp pay for their crimes and chaos throughout the world.”
“I agree, Raven...It has gone far enough.”
“Can we do it, Laszlo?”
“We can, Ramon...We have our soldiers as well as the division led by Lars Alexandersson.”
“Lars?”
“You know he is your son too, Heihachi.”
“I know, Jun...I just don’t think us meeting together would be a good idea.”
“At first, yes...But eventually the two of you have to know to work together towards our common goal.”
“Of course.”
“So, who else would help us?” asked Steve eager to know.
“Well, Lei Wu Long has got half of the HK police and Interpol forces mobilized so they are standing by at the New Territories area.”
“Good.”
“And who else, Raven?”
“Well, as strange as it may sound, Laszlo...Nina Williams is going to help us.”
“Nina? Isn’t she the acting head of the Mishima Zaibatsu?”
“She is, Ramon...She told me she use some of her own deceiving techniques to fool Kazuya to think she is helping him but in truth she is really on our side.”
“Well, that’s comforting.”
“It is, Steve...I know about your past with her.”
“Tell me about it, Raven.”
“Well, with these allies of ours rallying together...Kazuya does not stand a chance.”
“There is another who will help us.”
“Who might that be?” asked Heihachi sounding most curious.
“Well, we all know him and I think Jun here knows him the most.”
Jun doesn’t have to answer as she knows who it was already and the others like Heihachi, Zafina and Julia also have an idea of who it was.
“That’s all, Raven?”
“That is all, Laszlo...I might go for another scout around the casino.”
“Yes...Also check out the stadium if you can. But this time have someone with you.”
“I will bear that in mind...See you, my friend.”
“Later.”
Raven then gives a cool nod farewell to the others and then disappears in a flash as Heihachi compliments his amazing agility and skill.
“He’s always makes a dramatic entrance and exit.”
“He does.”
“So, why don’t we all have a bit of ‘fun’?”
“Fun, Laszlo? What do you have in mind, amigo?”
“Well, a game of Uno.”
“Uno?”
“It’s fun...Even for people at our age.”
Alcazar chuckles as he remarks he never knew the game itself in his seventy or so years.
“Well, if you ask me...I never heard of it until now.”
“Well, that is ironic.”
“I think I have a pair in my room...I will just go and get it.”
“We will be waiting right here, amigo.”
“Sure, Ramon. Sure.”
Carreidas then heads out of the dining hall and back to his room as Alcazar and the other teachers wait patiently for his return and at the same time, they wonder what their students were doing.
“I just wonder...”
“What is it, Steve?”
“Wonder how are our students enjoying their downtime?”
“Beats me...I am sure they are having fun.”
“Yeah...But we also must get prepared for the tournament. I just smell something fishy.”
“You mean the whole delay thing is a ploy engineered by Kazuya to get our guard down?”
“My thoughts exactly, Jun.”
“We must not lower our guard...Kazuya is the cunning devil as we know it.”
“I agree with you, Zafina.”
“I know, Julia...He has already caused us enough pain.”
“Yes...Pain.”
Jun still feels attached to Kazuya as he too deep down has a soft spot for her as despite now merged with the devil Kazuya processes a tiny bit of pity for Jun.
“I can still feel his pain.”
No comments:
Post a Comment