“You are holding back, aren’t you?!”
“Me? NEVER! Andy Zhang never holds back!”
“I know you holding back when I see it!”
“Yikes! Ivy sure has lots of energy.”
Michael and Michelle spars with each other in a more calmer way as they trade blows with each other.
“Your skills with your hands is equally as strong as you wielding a sword.”
“Thanks, Michael...Take that as a compliment.”
“You should.”
Michael wonders how was Patricia doing as Michelle ensure him that everything would be just fine.
“I wonder...”
“Wonder what, Michael?”
“I saw Patricia going with Sophie and Shirley. You think Patricia is trying to cheer Sophie up?
“Of course...If I was in her shoes I would have done the same thing.”
“I too hope we could get Alex back.”
“Me too.”
“Well, shall we continue?”
“Of course.”
Sophie, Shirley and Patricia use the swimming pool after doing some warm ups at the gym facility. Sophie was wearing her usual black swimsuit as Shirley and Patricia were also there in the swimming costumes with Shirley wearing her school issued dark blue swimsuit as Patricia herself was in the same colour swimsuit as Sophie. The three having a nice relax swim from the shallow to deep end despite the length of the pool only 30 metres long with anti-turbulence ropes. All three enjoy themselves so much that Sophie feels much happier. They all paused for a breather at the shadow with Sophie and Patricia taking their swimming goggles off while Shirley doesn’t but she eventually thought about getting some to protect the chloride in the water from getting to her eyes.
“Well, we should think about joining the swim team.”
“I have been thinking about it, Shirley.”
“Yeah...Sophie, what do you think?”
“Well, I think that might be a good idea. Next year that is.”
“Of course...Man, I cannot wait to get into the tournament itself.”
“Me either.”
“Me three.”
“Well, it will happen soon...Hopefully.”
“Yes, soon it would be time to face my father...And while I do that make sure you rescue Alex.”
“You have our word, Sophie.”
“Yes, mine too...I will also pass the word to the others...Again.”
“Thank you...I cannot thank you enough.”
“So, shall we continue?”
“Yes, a few more laps then we will call it a night.”
“Let’s say six laps, Sophie...Whoever comes last has to do a hundred sit ups.”
“You are on, Shirley.”
“Good...How about you, Pat?”
“Count me in.”
“Right...On three then.”
“Ready.”
“One, two and...Three!”
At once, all three girls swam their fastest using the freestyle stroke as it was the easiest and probably the fastest out of the four swimming style strokes. Time went by as it was now close to quarter past ten as Sophie, Shirley and Patricia make their way out of the water and Shirley quickly gets to doing her one hundred sits up since she was the one who came last out of the three.
“So, forty-five minutes before we have to get back to our rooms.”
“Indeed.”
“Well, Shirley...Time to take a crack at it.”
“Sure, Patricia...Sure.”
“You can do it, Shirley.”
“Certainly.”
Shirley gets right into doing one hundred sit ups with Sophie holding her ankles so she could do it easier. Shirley puts her backbone into it and does the sit ups and ironically it only took her ten minutes to twelve to finish as she does her final ones.
“98...99...100 and done!”
“Nice work, Shirley.”
“Thanks, Pat.”
“Anyway, let us go back to our rooms...It’s almost half past ten.”
“I know, Sophie...Let’s take a quick shower, get change and head back to our rooms before you could say ‘goodnight’.”
“Agreed...Let’s get to it.”
“Oh, I hope the tournament will start soon...I hate coming all this way for nothing.”
“I don’t envy you, Shirley.”
“Thanks.”
Carreidas was in his room as he then gets a SMS text message on his phone telling him the tournament would begin in two days time, the day after tomorrow. Carreidas knew that Kazuya intend to speed things up as he is eager to do so. He then contacts Alcazar via cell phone and informed him of the situation as Alcazar in turn send a text message to all staff and make sure to inform the students tomorrow of the ‘good’ news. Carreidas cannot feel that Kazuya has some sort of evil scheme for them all.
“Hmm...Looks like this confrontation with Kazuya seems inevitable.”
Meanwhile, back at the ‘Mishima G Casino’ building, Kazuya was in his office and was happy to hear from Bruce that the repairs will be completed by tomorrow morning as Kazuya sees that his plans are starting to come nicely together.
“Well, this is good news, Bruce.”
“Yes, it is.”
There was a knock on the door and Kazuya allows whoever it was to come in.
“Come in.”
The door opens and strolls in Lee Chaolan and Anna Williams.
“Ah, Lee...Anna.”
“Kazuya.”
“Kazuya.”
“So, it would seem everything has gone according to plan.”
“Excellent...We best get ready for the tournament ourselves.”
“Agreed.”
“Yes...Soon I will be able to get what I desire.”
“And that is?”
“You know what it is, Lee.”
“Of course...No sense in asking you again.”
“Good.”
“You can do it, Kazuya.”
“I will, Anna...The hatred that I have for my father is strong as your hatred for your sister is just as strong. Hate gives strength to those who know how to use it.”
“That sounds cryptic.”
“In a way, Anna...However, to an evil person’s point of view it is as simply as reading simple English.”
“No doubt.”
“In the meantime, let us get ready. Lee, prepare the athlete screening procedures.”
“Of course. I will make sure they are working in tip top shape.”
“Give me a total count of fighters participating...This time it maybe more than last year.”
“A hunch, brother?”
“A hunch it is, Lee.”
“Right.”
Lee then heads out of the office as Kazuya issues orders to Bruce.
“Bruce.”
“Kazuya.”
“As head of security...Make sure all vital areas of the stadium are well secured.”
“Understood.”
“And you are fit to do as you see fit.”
“Uh...Of course, Kazuya.”
“I have every confidence in you.”
“Thank you, Kazuya...Thank you. I will make the necessary preparations.”
“Very well.”
“Anna.”
“Later, Bruce...I will catch up with you.”
Bruce heads out of the doors of the office and closes it gently behind him as Anna sits down in one of the chairs in front of Kazuya’s desk.
“Well...”
“So, Anna...How is our guest?” asked Kazuya as he and Lee paid a visit to him earlier and after a short while Anna paid him another short visit.
“He’s all right and you wouldn’t believe what I saw.”
“What?”
“Despite being a prisoner and for someone his age...He still retains his good manners and is quite matured.”
“Indeed.”
Kazuya was quite inspired by Alex being calm and courteous even when being held as a prisoner.
“Well, I am sure he will love to see his friends take a good beating at the tournament.”
“You are going to...”
“Just give him the results of the first and second proceedings and when the victory tournament starts we will show him to his new V.I.P spot.”
“Good idea.”
“Yes, I am so looking forward to this.”
“You know, Kazuya...Your father would definitely be there as well as Jin and many others of your family would be there too.”
“Indeed...I have a trump card I have yet to use.”
“I am keen to know.”
“It’s from some ancient Egyptian sorcery.”
“Really?”
Anna was quite surprised and astonished as Kazuya trusted Anna extremely well enough to tell her the remaining facts. However, Kazuya was very cautious and he stands up and goes over to Anna and whispers the remaining facts into her ear.
“Hmm...I see.”
What Kazuya said to her remains a mystery and it would appear he is no longer afraid to face his family members in combat.
“All these years my hatred has kept me alive and gave me the will to fight...This time, I shall offer my utmost...Thanks to them.”
“You are a cunning man, Kazuya.”
“Indeed I am, Anna...Indeed I am.”
Kazuya then chuckles evilly and after that he laughs out loud.
“HA HA HA HA! I shall mite them all! HA HA HA HA!”
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, in Sophie’s room, she was sleeping peacefully but at the same time, she had this dream of someone talking to her sub-conscious. Sophie finds herself in a place that was like dreamland, she was standing on a white cloud and around her were other white clouds and the sky itself was light blue.
“Where am I?”
Sophie looks around as she then hears a voice talking to her.
“You must be ready.”
“What?”
“Be ready to show who you really are.”
“Who I really am?”
“Yes...You are the beacon of hope. The one who could face the devil’s might himself and defeat him.”
“You mean?”
“There is the power in you...Use the power inside you when the time comes.”
The voice sounds quite cryptic as Sophie understood a bit of it and she finds the place fading away.
“Be prepared...He will be ready.”
“Wait...Who are you?”
The voice did not answer as Sophie sees a giant vortex pulling all the clouds in and eventually it started to pull her in.
“Oh no. Please no...No...”
Sophie meanwhile jerks wide awake as she sits up and takes many deep breaths.
“What a dream.”
She then gets out of the bed and heads to the bathroom to wash her face and as she did she wonder what was all that about. She stares at the mirror and sees her beautiful and cool, reserved self.
“I am who I am...I wonder what that voice meant when I have to be ready to show who I really am.”
Sophie then made up her mind to tell Jun, her supposed ‘mother’ as she might be able to shed some light on this.
“Perhaps I will tell mother tomorrow.”
Sophie swallows her anxiety and hops back into bed as she slept peacefully until morning.
Early next morning, down in the dining hall, breakfast was served as Carreidas and Alcazar were the first ones there already having an English type of breakfast, bacon with sausages along with potato and leek soup.
“You slept well, amigo?”
“I most certainly did.”
“Yeah, I nearly couldn’t when I...I mean we got the heads up that the 7th Iron Fist tournament would begin in two days.”
“That’s the day after tomorrow.”
“Indeed.”
“So, when are you thinking of informing the students?”
“Right after breakfast?”
“You sure?”
“Well, what do you suggest? Before breakfast?”
“Perhaps...Get the news out of the way instead of it burdening on our minds.”
“That’s a fair assessment...But I think after would be a good idea.”
“Whatever you say...Amigo.”
“No problem, amigo.”
Sure enough, Heihachi, Steve as well as Jun and Zafina came in dressed in casual clothes as they all had some decent sleep last night.
“Morning.”
“Morning.”
“So, where’s Julia?” asked Carreidas.
“Well, she’s gone to feed both Kuma and Panda their morning breakfast. She will join us in a minute.”
“Of course.”
“We will just get our things and join you.”
“We will be here, Heihachi.”
Heihachi, Steve, Jun and Zafina head off to get their breakfast meals and like last night, it was self served. Eventually, the students of class 10A start to come in and in quite a well mannered fashion that impressed Carreidas and Alcazar.
“Hmm...The students know how to really act like well mannered people.”
“Yep...Class 10A is the best.”
“Indeed.”
Samuel, Joey, Sophie as well as the others bid good morning to both Carreidas and Alcazar.
“Morning, sirs.”
“Morning...Breakfast is self serve so feel free to pick out what you want.”
“Thank you, sir...Okay, everyone...Let’s eat.”
“Yeah!”
The students then head off as afterwards the few members of class 10B moved in as earlier, the class reps of both classes were outside doing a head count and they moved in an orderly fashion.
“Morning, sir.”
“Morning, Patrick...I trust you and your fellow classmates slept well last night?”
“I did, sir...So did Xiba and others.”
“Jolly good.”
“Well, help yourself...There’s plenty to eat.”
“I always like your sarcasm, general.”
“Thanks, Patrick...I take that as a fair compliment.”
“You should, sir...Okay, gang. Let’s eat.”
“Hear, hear...I am starving. Aren’t you, Leo?”
“Indeed.”
“I am thrill to eat myself.”
“Well, glad to hear it, Natsu.”
Xiaoyu, Alisa, Miharu as well as Asuka and Lilli were all eager to eat themselves as some wonder what kind of breakfast food would they be expecting.
“I wonder what food would be there?”
“You got me, Xiaoyu. I always like pancakes and probably um...Waffles.”
“Waffles?”
“Yeah, I like those, Xiaoyu.”
“I can imagine.”
“I always fancy cereal.”
“You do, Alisa?”
“Yes, it’s very simple and makes me feel just like new.”
“I am glad you feel that way.”
“Come on, you three...I am starving so let’s eat while the getting is good.”
“Hear, hear...Let’s go, Asuka.”
“After you, Lili.”
The students of class 10B then moves in and helps themselves with the self serve food as Xiba and Asuka glad two plates of big food from bread to muffins as well as a small bowl of cereal. Xiaoyu decide to go to the Chinese breakfast food section as they serve Fish fillet congee and other kinds as well as Chinese donuts, Stirred fried noodles and other Chinese breakfast meals. Xiaoyu helps herself to a bowl of beef meatballs with lettuce congee, two long Chinese donuts and a plate of stirred fried noodles.
“My, my...You like Chinese food all right.”
“I do, Miharu...You should try it.”
“Well, all right.”
Alisa follows them as she picks out just a bowl of chicken bones with lettuce congee and heads to a table that was next to an aquarium tank filled with numerous type of goldfish.
“Xiaoyu, Miharu...Over here!”
“Coming! You go, Miharu...I will join you later.”
“Sure...I will just go and fix myself a drink.”
“Okay.”
Alisa starts to eat as her food intake is stimulated and Natsu eventually joins her sitting beside her with her holding a tray of pancakes served with beef and bacon as well as a cup of hot chocolate.
“Alisa.”
“Natsu...You like having an English type of breakfast?”
“I don’t know...I fancy both English and Chinese foods.”
“I see.”
“So, you slept well? All batteries recharged?”
“Yep...I am at 100%. All systems are green.”
“That’s good. You nervous?”
“For the tournament? Not really.”
“Okay...I only hope it would be soon. I hate long delays.”
“I can imagine.”
Carreidas then personally remind the class reps of each class to tell their fellow classmates that the tournament would begin in two days time as Samuel, Joey, Patroklos and Lili found it all quite stunning.
“You serious, sir?”
“I am, Sam.”
“Well, I am speechless.”
“So am I.”
“And I.”
“Count me too.”
“Well, tell your fellow classmates that they best get prepared in the four...I mean three days ahead.”
“Right.”
“What day would the tournament begin?”
“Hmm...According to my calculations. It would be Thursday today.”
“Very well...Thanks, Mr. Carreidas.”
“My pleasure...And train hard.”
“We will.”
Carreidas then lets the class reps go as Samuel, Joey as well as Patroklos and Lili inform their fellow classmates of the good and rather stunning good news. They were all overjoyed that the tournament is going to start soon and their class reps carefully remind them to train hard as there would be many other strong opponents competing as well. Susan and Sean asks both Samuel and Joey of the tournament rules and what they would be expecting.
“Hey, Sam.”
“Yes, Sean?”
“What are we to expect?”
“What do you mean?”
“The rules and procedures of the tournament?”
“Well, I will have to get back to you both on that one.”
“Sure. It would be good to know what to expect.”
“Sean is right...We need to know what to expect.”
“I get you...Let’s go, Joey.”
“Right.”
Samuel and Joey head back to Carreidas as Sean and Susan continue to enjoy their cup of English herb tea together.
“Four...Three days before the tournament. Are you nervous, Susan?”
“Hardly...I just wonder how many would participate in this year’s Iron Fist tournament?”
“Who knows.”
“Yes, there would be loads of people I imagine.”
“No doubt.”
Patroklos and Lili rejoin their fellow 10B classmates as they all have a talk amongst themselves of what would they expect in the 7th Iron Fist tournament.
“So, Patrick.”
“Yes, Xiba?”
“What can we expect?”
“Who knows, Xiba. It just might be like the previous Iron Fist tournaments.”
“You know what I am thinking, Patrick.”
“No, I don’t know what you are thinking, Lili?”
“Ask Mr. Carreidas about it...Maybe he knows more details.”
“No need to bother...Sam and Joey are already one step ahead of us.”
“Oh, you overheard them I take it?”
“Precisely.”
“Good...I wonder what would our good deputy principal would tell them?”
“Who knows, Lili? Who knows.”
Sure enough, Samuel and Joey came to see them as Patroklos and Lili wonder what news have they got for them.
“Guys.”
“Sam, Joey.”
“So, what’s the poop?”
“The poop? When did you learn how to speak like that, Patrick?”
“I don’t know, Sam...It just pop into my head.”
“Uh, okay.”
“Joey.”
“Yes, Lili?”
“What did Mr. Carreidas say?”
“Well, he will look it up for us.”
“And will get back to us on that, right?”
“Right.”
“Good...Fingers crossed.”
“Oh, yeah.”
“So, in the meantime...I think we should all get trained up for the big event. Wouldn’t you say so, Joey?”
“Indeed, Sam. Indeed.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
“Time to train.”
Therefore, Samuel, Joey met up with their fellow classmates and they all decide to use the dojo for some training together as Patroklos and Lili consult with their fellow classmates and decide to use the gym facilities for their training. Some of the teachers too took advantage of the gym facilities and sporting facilities as Heihachi does weights, Steve practicing his punch attacks on a sandbag, Jun and Zafina practice in their tai chi to help clear and calm their minds strengthening their inner selves. Julia uses the treadmill to improve her stamina as Alcazar and Carreidas were in their sports and casual wear doing some simple stretch exercises.
“Nothing like a good work out.”
“Indeed, Ramon...Even though the two of us are not participating in the tournament doesn’t mean we cannot still keep ourselves in good shape.”
“Well said...There is no problem with that.”
“Indeed...Afterwards, I am going to look up on more information about the tournament and find out what is the structural guidelines for it.”
“Okay, I could give you a hand if you like.”
“Sure, two heads are better than one.”
“Of course.”
Heihachi finishes his lifting weight exercises and decide to rest for a bit.
“Well, that was rather refreshing.”
“How many kilograms was that you just lifted, Heihachi?” asked Steve as he practice horizontal and vertical punches on the sandbag in front of him.
“Well, at least 200 kilograms.”
“That is super strong for someone your age.”
“Indeed.”
Heihachi then takes a breather and stretches his arms and biceps.
“Well, I could lift more but don’t want to tear my muscle tissue.”
“I can imagine.”
“Well, I am eager to fight in this tournament. Are you, Steve?”
“Indeed...I have to fight in order to perfect my skills.”
“I see.”
“So, what motivates you to fight, Heihachi?”
“Partially to make amends...I have to put an end to the monster that I create.”
“Kazuya, no doubt.”
“No doubt...The thing in the past still haunts me. I was blinded by power and could not grasp to see the consequences of my actions.”
“I understand.”
“I will put an end to Kazuya’s tyranny so that I could rest easy.”
“I know.”
“I feel Kazuya has some wicked scheme up his sleeve.”
“A hunch, yes?”
“It’s more than a hunch, Steve...It is like you always knew he has something dirty up his sleeve.”
“Right.”
Jun and Zafina continues with their tai chi movements as Jun halfway could sense something afoul and stops as she clutches her head wincing in slight pain and agony.
“Oh no...Not this again.”
“Jun, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know, Zafina...But I am fine.”
“You sure?”
“I am sure.”
Jun feels all right now as Zafina shows signs of concern as she knew for a fact that Jun has sense something bad and afoul.
“Hmm...A dark power I sense. Jun must have felt this too.”
Jun continues to do tai chi as she could sense the power of the devil rising and she cannot shake this bad feeling.
“That power...It is stronger than before and it’s growing.”
Zafina realizes Jun could sense something and it could be a bad omen for them all.
“Jun, you okay?”
“No, I sense something, Zafina.”
“So do I...Some dark power is rising.”
“Yes, this power I have felt before.”
“The devil?”
“Yes, the devil.”
“Kazuya...I wonder what diabolical scheme does he have installed for us this time?”
“I don’t know...We will have to wait and see.”
“Very true.”
Julia also knew something was amiss and consult with both Jun and Zafina.
“A dark power is going to rise up, yes?”
“Yes, an old powerful one that is...The devil.”
“Kazuya.”
“Yeah.”
“And who can stand up to him?”
“I don’t know...Jun.”
“Nothing yet...But I know that person will reveal his or herself when the times comes.”
“Of course...Kazuya has done so many bad things. It is time for him to pay for all he has done.”
“Indeed.”
“Yes, the time to vanquish the devil has begun.”
The students meanwhile were all training their hardest on the roof tops, the back lawn of the hotel and in the swimming pool area as some decide to train themselves by swimming to improve their stamina and endurance. Carreidas searches for more detail information about the tournament itself using his small laptop that he had brought with him as he found it with the first part of it would be the so-called: ‘Athlete screening rounds’. Those would be held in a small stadium just beside the back of the casino and the main stadium itself where all participating fighters will then compete in three 1-on-1 battles. Carreidas then reads more as he discovers that a single loss doesn’t automatically disqualify a fighter from moving on to the next round however the competition is tough as this stage reduces the number of fighters say from say about 200 to just 48.
“Hmm...Very tough indeed.”
Alcazar finishes his workout and sits down next to Carreidas on the bench.
“So, amigo...Found out anything?”
“Yeah, the first part of the tournament called: ‘Athlete screening rounds’.”
“Really?”
“Yes, have a look for yourself.”
Carreidas moves the laptop screen so Alcazar could see and read it for himself as he found it very interesting.
“Hmm...Quite tough indeed.”
“That’s almost exactly to what I just said.”
“Of course...So, what’s the next part?”
“Let me see.”
Carreidas then scrolls down further and finds out the next part of the tournament.
“Well, there’s the small opening ceremony during night fall where Lee Chaolan made the announcement and then the big bad Kazuya will speak his short speech and...”
“And then what, amigo?”
“Then the Round Robin Semifinal or Preliminary elimination stage begins the next day after the opening ceremony night.”
“Okay, what is the Round Robin Semifinal or Preliminary elimination stage?”
“Well...Let me check for a second.”
“Take your time, amigo.”
Carreidas then clicks to the next page as it describes the main details of the Round Robin Semifinal stage.
“Ah, here we are.”
“What’s the poop?”
“Well...”
“Well what?”
“Well, the 48 fighters who pass the previous stage will then be sorted into groups of three for a series of three round battles.”
“Uh, okay.”
“Literally each fighter will fight the other fighters in their group once and only the fighter with the most points can advance.”
“Right...So, what happens when you win?”
“A win earns you 3 points.”
“3 points.”
“If it is a draw then it would be one point.”
“Okay.”
“And if you lose then it would zero points.”
“No doubt.”
“So, after the completion of this...” began Carreidas as he clicks onto the next page and finds out the final part of the 7th Iron Fist tournament.
“What?”
“Eventually, there will only be 16 fighters left and there would be a vacation day to allow those 16 lucky and ‘excellent’ fighters to rest and prepare for the so-called ‘Victory tournament’.”
“The finals?”
“In a way it is, Ramon?”
“And no doubt Kazuya is the final boss.”
“No doubt about it.”
“All right...So, are we going to get this information to the students?”
“Well, literally...Yes. I will make an announcement and at the same time we organize a plan to rescue Alex. No student of ours gets left behind.”
“That’s true, amigo...We and Jolyon made up that room including Tintin and Haddock.”
“Yes...We will need to have a few students strong, clever and cool headed in the face of a crisis for the mission.”
“Hmm...I think I know which ones would be most suited for the job.”
“I know what you are thinking.”
“Come on.”
“Okay.”
Both Carreidas and Alcazar decide to brief on the students of their findings but being the courtesy staff members they are, they first inform their fellow colleagues of their findings. Heihachi, Steve, Jun, Zafina and Julia were all rather astonished and bewildered by this procedure of the tournament whereas the previous ones were more simply as there’s the elimination rounds and then afterwards it’s the main matches fighting from the best 32 to the finals.
“This is rather peculiar. Wonder why Kazuya planned it this way?”
“You’ve got me, amigo.”
“So, Laszlo.”
“Yes, Jun?”
“Have we got a plan to rescue Alex?”
“Not yet?”
“And I think we should pick out the best students in the group for such a dangerous mission.”
Carreidas was not surprised of Jun actually knowing his intentions as after all, she has psychic and telepathic abilities.
“Of course...Maybe you could help us with that, Jun.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, Kazuya knows we will be participating and let us not disappoint him.”
“I agree with you, Zafina...We will show him what we still can do.”
“Indeed, Julia.”
“Okay, Ramon and I will inform the students so in the meantime, my friends...You can stay here and keep training and all.”
“Of course...Thanks, guys.”
“You are welcome, Heihachi...Let’s go, Ramon.”
“Sure, amigo.”
Carreidas and Alcazar then heads out of the gym facilities to find their students. It was not a hard task as they found the first group that consists mostly of class A students in the back lawn of the hotel. After a quarter of an hour later, they head to the roof where they find a few students from both class A and B training just as hard as the first group was.
“Really, sir? You have found it?”
“I have indeed, Patrick...It’s not quite a complicated structure but it is all plain easy.”
“I sure hope so.”
“Perfect...I know I can get to the finals.”
“I like your determination, Xiba.”
“Yes, Patrick...I would love to fight you in the so-called: ‘Victory tournament’.”
“Indeed...I am going to do my best in the whole tournament anyway.”
“Hear, hear.”
“Is that all we need to know, Mr. Carreidas?”
“It is, Xiba. It is.”
“Jolly good...I cannot wait.”
“Just keep your guard up...We have no idea what Kazuya really has in mind. He may try something during the course of the tournament so do not let your guard down.”
“Understood, sir.”
“We will not let our guard down.”
“Good.”
John, Colin and Chris were also among the group as they all take in what their deputy principal had suggested as did a few others of both classes.
“We will keep an eye out, sir.”
“We will not let our guard down at all.”
“You can rest assured, sir.”
“Good, that is good...Uh, Chris.”
“Yes?”
“Would you come with me, please?”
“Uh, very well, sir.”
“Carry on, everyone.”
“Sir!”
Sure enough, Chris accompanies both Carreidas and Alcazar as they make their way to the swimming pool area having a hunch some more of their students would be there training. They arrived and found a small number of class A girls as Sophie, Shirley, Patricia, Catalina, Kathy and Jenny were training hard by swimming to improve their stamina and endurance. Carreidas then stood at the shallow end of the pool as Sophie stops when she arrived, she takes off her swimming goggles and glances up.
“Mr. Carreidas.”
“How are you, Sophie?”
“I am good, sir.”
“Well, I have something important to tell all of you. So, could I spare you and your friends for five minutes?”
“Sure, sir.”
At that moment, Kathy swims back to the shallow end in the lane next to Sophie as she used the breaststroke style and she wore her navy blue coloured school swim suit and goggles. She literally prefers swimming in her light blue bikini and all but decide to only wear it to beaches and water park resorts.
“Sophie, what’s up?”
“Kathy...Could you call the others that Mr. Carreidas has something important to talk with us?”
“Sure, Sophie...Sure.”
Kathy then calls out to the others as Shirley and the others stop at either the shallow end or deep end of the pool.
“Hey, girls! Let’s take a break! Mr. Carreidas wants to have a word with us!”
“Uh, okay!”
“Sure!”
“No problem!”
The girls one by one got out of the water as Alcazar had someone else in mind for the dangerous rescue operation.
“Hmm, I wonder if...”
“What is it, Ramon?”
“I was just thinking...Maybe Andy and Michael would also be suited for the job.”
“Well, that is an excellent idea.”
“I will go back and get them...Darn it! Why didn’t I thought of it sooner?”
“Spout of the moment, I guess.”
“Whatever...I will be back.”
“Okay.”
Alcazar then heads off as Sophie heads over to where Carreidas and Chris were as Chris admires Sophie’s beautiful body not to mention wearing a nice black swimsuit.
“Sophie, you look um...You look good.”
“Thanks.”
Shirley and the others soon join up as well and Chris was quite blushed of Shirley’s sexy and alluring appearance with her being in a swimsuit and all.
“Shirley.”
“Hey, Chris...Feel a little embarrassed with you being the lone guy in a group of beautiful girls?”
“Well, of course not.”
“Ahem.”
“Mr. Carreidas...Please tell us what you need to say.”
“Thank you, Sophie...I have the details of the running procedure of the tournament.”
“Okay.”
“So, how does it run?”
“I will tell you.”
Therefore, Carreidas tells them all in full detail about the running procedures and guidelines of the tournament. Sophie and the others were also warned by Carreidas not to let their guard down.
“Now remember, girls...No matter what happens in the tournament never lower your guard.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Understood, Mr. Carreidas.”
“Of course, you are all well aware that our enemies have a habit of doing what we least expect them to do, right?”
“Right.”
“Good, that is good. Shirley.”
“Yes, Mr. Carreidas sir?”
“Could I have a word with you for a second?”
“Sure.”
“Sophie, you and the others may continue with what you were doing.”
“Thank you, sir...Girls.”
“Aye!”
Sophie and the others girls excluding Shirley as Carreidas briefs her in on the matter by whispering. She learns that she would be part of a secret rescue team to rescue Alex Choi from the enemy’s clutches as she also learn Chris would play a part as well.
“You sure about me playing a part in this, sir?”
“Yes, Shirley...Your skills would be um...Most valuable in this.”
“Mr. Carreidas is right, Shirley...Your aid would be most welcome.”
“Uh, of course...But in order to do that someone has to keep the big bad occupied, yes?”
“Yes...And we all know who is the person.”
Shirley knew right away who the person that Carreidas was referring to.
“Of course.”
“Good...We will brief on the matter again tomorrow on Friday...Carry on.”
“Yes, sir...See you, Chris.”
“See you later, Shirley.”
“Chris.”
“Sir.”
“Sure we?”
Chris follows Carreidas out of the swimming pool as Carreidas asks Chris a very interesting question out of the blue.
“Chris.”
“Sir?”
“You like Shirley, don’t you?”
“Sir, what are you saying?”
“She has a good body, doesn’t she?”
“Well...”
“It’s okay to admit she’s good looking.”
“Well, yes...She has a good body, sir.”
“Of course...Back when I was your age the girls I saw weren’t that beautiful and attractive.”
“I see.”
“So, sure we go and find General Alcazar then?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then let’s go.”
The two head back the way they came as along the way they met up with Alcazar himself and he was accompanied by both Andy and Michael whom both were keen and eager to take part in the dangerous assignment to rescue their fellow classmate Alex Choi.
“General.”
“Carreidas.”
“I see you have found two more suitable candidates.”
“Indeed...Both are eager to join the party.”
“I am sure they are...Boys.”
“Yes, sir!”
“We are eager to help, Mr. Carreidas.”
“Good, jolly good...So, briefing tomorrow on Friday.”
“Right...Where?”
“At the um...We will use the maintenance room near the squash courts. You know where that is?”
“Yes, sir...Mike and I will find it. Piece of cake.”
“Good...Well, later.”
“Later, sir.”
“Chris.”
“Sir?”
“We will see you then.”
“Of course, Mr. Carreidas.”
“Ramon.”
“Yes, amigo?”
“Care to grab a drink you and I?”
“Sure...I am looking forward to it.”
Alcazar and Carreidas heads to the bar to grab a drink as Chris joins with Andy and Michael as each in their own way they share care and concern for their good friend, Alex Choi.
“I am worried about Alex.”
“Me too, Andy. Me too.” replied Michael looking just as concerned and worried as both Andy and Chris.
“Me three.”
The three make their way down the hall and decide to have a bit of rest in the vacant smoking room.
“Let’s go in here.”
“In there, Andy? It’s a smoking room...We are not allow in...”
“Come on, Mike...We will only be in there for a few minutes.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Chris?”
“Sure...I think we will be all right.”
“Good...Let’s go in.”
Therefore, the three went inside the empty and dark smoking room as Chris switches on some of the lights so they could see better.
“Ah, that’s better.”
“Let’s sit down over there on the big couch, Andy.”
“Good idea, Chris.”
Andy, Michael and Chris quickly head over to the big black couch and sat down with Andy and Michael sitting beside each other and Chris ironically sat on the single black couch on the opposite side of the brown glass rectangular coffee table made of solid wood that has been painted and vanished.
“So, us three and possibly maybe one or two others would be rope for the rescue mission.”
“It looks that way, Andy.”
“Right...I am a little curious?”
“Curious about what?” asked Chris.
“I don’t know...We don’t even know where to look for Alex. If he is being held in the casino then it is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
“I know...But we have other allies doing some scouting for us and check the place out.”
“For some inside information?”
“Yep.”
“Good, Chris...That would ease things a lot better.”
“Remember, guys...Alex is counting on us. All of us to do our part.”
“Of course...I would never abandon a good friend of mine from torment nor death...Not while I have strength left.”
“Nor will I.”
“That’s the spirit, Mike.”
“I am in.”
“Yep...We three shall do our part.”
All three made a vow of promise to each other as Michael decide that it was time to leave and head off someplace elsewhere.
“I think it’s time we vacant this place.”
“Hear, hear.”
“Let’s go.”
All three make their way to the other as Chris once again shuts off the lights and heads out into the hallway and much to their luck no one was about.
“Well, lady luck has certainly smiled on three of us.”
“Indeed.”
“I think I might head back down to the gym for a bit of a workout.”
“Okay, Chris...See you later.”
“Later, guys.”
Chris then heads off in one direction while both Andy and Michael heads off in the other direction.
“So, back to our rooms?”
“Yes...For some rest and freshen ourselves up.”
“Of course, Andy...Let’s go.”
“After you.”
Andy and Michael heads back to their room as at that moment, Carreidas was sitting by himself in a park bench next to the beautiful water fountain located at the outside area west of the hotel.
“What peace...Maybe someday I will take some time off and enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“Hey, Laszlo.”
“Ramon.”
“How are you, amigo?”
“I am good...Yourself?”
“The same...So, you find some suitable candidates?”
“Yes...Andy, Michael, Ross, Vivian and um...”
“Who else?”
“Colin.”
“Colin?”
“He has good motivation skills...He would be good help to the mission.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“So, what are you thinking?”
“I don’t know...What do you thinking I am thinking?”
“I don’t think I know what you are thinking about, amigo?”
“Fine...You want me to be modest with you?”
“Sure...Shoot.”
“I am thinking of taking some time off.”
“You are? Where?”
“Uh...Haven’t decide that.”
“What a coincidence...I have been thinking about taking some time off myself.”
“Oh, where would you go?”
“Probably Brazil...Sao Paulo.”
“Sao Paulo? Well, you sure?”
“I am sure, Laszlo.”
“Well, when do you plan to go?”
“Haven’t decided yet...Maybe I will take 6 months leave.”
“6 months? Well, I will need someone to fill you role for the time being.”
“I will help...No need to worry.”
“Good...For now let us concentrate on coming up with a good plan to rescue Alex Choi from the enemy’s clutches.”
“Agreed...Let’s head to my room and plan the um...plan.”
“Plan the plan...That’s a good one.”
“Indeed.”
Both head back as Alcazar follows Carreidas to his room to make the plan preparations of the rescue operation to rescue Alex Choi from the enemy’s stronghold. The students rest up and trained again as they decide to make sure they are fit and able to participate in the tournament. Xiaoyu was training hard as she had a feeling that her long-time friend Jin Kazama might be alive.
“Jin...Are you still...Still alive?”
“Hey, Xiaoyu.”
“Oh, what is it, Miharu?”
“You still thinking about Jin?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you are certain he is alive.”
“This time, I am certain...I don’t know how but my gut tells me that he is.”
“Well, that’s an understatement.”
“It’s true, Miharu.”
“And I don’t doubt you for it.”
“Good.”
“Neither do I...A person’s bond with each other is strong especially when it is true love.”
“Ha ha...I remember you saying that somewhere before, Alisa. Or at least almost the same.” said Xiaoyu chuckling slightly.
“Yes...I remember. That time in Mr. Lee Chaolan’s mansion.”
“Yeah...I just cannot believe he would side with Kazuya.”
“Well, Mr. Lee Chaolan is Kazuya’s half brother so he has Mishima blood in his body.”
“No doubt.”
“We can do this, Xiaoyu.”
“Do what?”
“What you want...End the Mishima family war.”
“Yes, somehow I think that has all changed...Mostly.”
“Indeed.”
“I wonder...”
“Wonder what, Miharu?” asked Alisa with a curious look on her face.
“Would the Mishima family war end for good?”
“That remains to be uncertain.”
“Right...I was just curious.”
“Well, no matter what...Let us give it all we got in the tournament.”
“Yeah.”
“And if we fight each other in the tournament...No hard feelings.”
“No hard feelings, Xiao.”
“Glad to hear it, Miharu.”
“Count me too.”
“Yeah...Good to hear, Alisa.”
Early next morning on Friday, Andy and Michael got out of bed and dressed in their smart casual clothes as a message was left on their service phone telling them to meet Mr. Carreidas at the maintenance room near the squash courts by 1000 hours.
“Well, first we have some breakfast then go to that maintenance room.”
“Of course, Andy...I wonder what they are serving us this time?”
“Who knows...I am just eager to eat some fancy dishes.”
“Indeed.”
Chris got the message as well as did Shirley, Ross, Vivian and Colin and all remember to attend the secret meeting. Sure enough, down at the dining hall area, the place itself was packed with the students and teachers with them all eating certain types of breakfast food from Chinese style to the English style and no doubt your normal breakfast meals from cereal, oatmeal, toast sandwiches, pancakes and waffles. Miharu and Xiaoyu sat together and both were having waffles together as Miharu mentioned earlier on that was her favourite breakfast meal as Xiaoyu decides to have a try of it as well.
“Hmm...It’s delicious.”
“You’ve said it, Xiaoyu.”
“Boy, I think I might go and get some pork buns.”
“Yeah, grab the white ones.”
“Okay.”
“Grab us four of them.”
“Sure, no problem.”
Xiaoyu then gets up and heads over to the self service table to get what Miharu had asked her to get. A minute or so later, Alisa, Natsu as well as Asuka and Lili ask Miharu whether they could sit with her as they each already have a plate of their selected and mixed breakfast food with them.
“Hey, Miharu.”
“Morning, Alisa.”
“Morning...May we join you?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Thanks, Miharu...Morning.”
“Morning, Natsu...You slept well I see.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, your hair is still kind of...Messy.”
“It is?”
Natsu then rubs the back of her head with her hand as Miharu was right, her hair was still kind of messy.
“Oh well, that’s my bed hair.”
“Is mine okay?”
“Yours is okay, Asuka.”
“Word of honor, Miharu?”
“Word of honor.”
“Good.”
“Indeed...Mine is fine as always.”
“Of course yours is always fine, Lili.”
“Take that as a fair compliment, Asuka.”
Eventually, Alisa, Natsu, Asuka and Lili sat down in the vacant seats around the table as they begin to eat their delicious breakfast food. Xiaoyu eventually returns with a plate of four white BBQ pork buns as Asuka and Lili love the smell of it.
“Hmm...That smells good.”
“Top of the line if I don’t say so myself.”
“Hi, girls...Morning.”
“Morning, Xiaoyu.”
“Hey, Natsu.”
“Xiaoyu.”
“Asuka, Lilli.”
“Those really smell good?”
“There’s still more...Would you want some?”
“No thanks...We are fine.”
“Miharu.”
“Thanks, Xiao.”
Xiaoyu then sits back down in her seat and puts the plate of four BBQ pork buns on the table as Miharu quickly grabs one of the them right off the plate.
“Wow, it’s still kind of hot.”
“I wager they are fresh out of the oven.”
“No kidding.”
Miharu takes a first bite of it and was deeply pleased with the taste of it.
“Tastes very good.”
“May I try one?”
“Sure, Natsu...Be my guest.”
“Thanks.”
Natsu then grabs one as Xiaoyu grabs the third one as Alisa asks whether she could have the last one.
“So, can I have the last one?”
“Sure, Alisa...Go for it.”
“Thank you.”
The girls then all have a chat about what they like to do during the term break that’s coming up soon as some have plans to go on a short holiday or rest up.
Time passes as it was getting pretty close to 1000 hours with Andy and Michael already making their way to the maintenance room near the squash courts. Both of them were quite pleased with this morning’s breakfast.
“The food was fabulous, wasn’t it, Mike?”
“Indeed it was, Andy...The pork buns were good.”
“Yeah, I also like the chicken buns themselves...Maybe when we get back to school in Sydney I might give that a try.”
“I am sure you will, my friend.”
“Ah, here we are.”
“Yes, so do we knock?”
“Be my guest.”
Michael then knocks on the door and someone literally was inside and asks them both to come in.
“Come in.”
“Well, after you.”
“Thanks, Andy.”
Michael opens the door and heads inside as Andy follows after him and the moment they were inside they found the place was almost completely dark.
“Boy, who forgot the lights?”
“I don’t know, Andy.”
“Well, I better find them and turn them...”
“Ahem.”
Both Andy and Michael then looks ahead and literally spots Carreidas who was already present with Alcazar as they have place a table in the middle with them sitting at the far end with only two candle lights place on the solid wood table.
“Boys.”
“Sirs.”
“Please grab a seat.”
“Thank you...It would seem we are the first ones here.”
“You sure are.”
Andy and Michael grabs one of the vacant seats that were already place beside the table, as the moment they sat down, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
The door opens and strolls in Ross and Chris as both were not surprised by the environment they were in.
“Morning, sirs.”
“Morning, Ross...Chris.”
“Sirs.”
“Please grab a seat.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, fellows.”
“Hey, Andy, Michael.”
“Hey.”
Sure enough, the others selected for the secret assignment came in as Shirley, Patricia, Vivian and Colin all came in and after friendly greetings all around they all then grab a seat as Carreidas has Alcazar lock the door from the inside as he strolls over to the doors and promptly locks it from the inside so that way only they could get out without someone from the outside trying to get in.
“All done.”
“We are okay, aren’t we, sir?”
“Of course, Andy. Is there something troubling you?”
“Not at all, sir...I was just curious that only we could open the door from the inside, yes?”
“Correct.”
“And might I suggest to avoid suspicion...Shouldn’t we put up a sign of something on the door?”
“A sign? Like under maintenance and such?”
“Yeah.”
“Hmm...Not a bad idea. Don’t you think so, Laszlo?”
“No, not at all...There might be one lying about. Everyone, keep your eyes peeled.”
“Sir!”
Everyone keep their eyes peeled as literally Colin finds one that was placed near where he sat when he turn his head around and spotted it.
“I found it, sir.”
“Nice work, Colin.”
Carreidas then picks it up and sees that it was a sign they were looking for and hands it to Alcazar as he will hang it up outside the maintenance doors to prevent people from suspecting something. Once he unlock the doors from the inside and place the sign up, Carreidas carries on with the briefing as Alcazar locks the doors from the inside once more.
“Now, this assignment that I am about to tell all for you is extremely dangerous and challenging.”
“We are all with you, sir.”
“Good lad, Andy...The eight of you will be undertaking the task of finding and rescuing Alex Choi, your friend held in captive by the enemy.”
“How do we do that, sir?” asked Michael.
“Well, during the tournament...You will do your best to advance to the top sixteen and deliberately lose on purpose.”
“Lose on purpose...You mean take a dive, sir?”
“Yes, Chris...But of course the dive has to look legit.”
“Of course.”
“I am not rather comfortable with this.”
“I know how it is, Andy...But your friend’s life could be at stake so what is more important. Your pride or the life of your friend?”
“Well, I suppose you are right, Mr. Carreidas.”
“Anyway, do your best and take the dive when the time presents itself and also make it good so people won’t suspect it.”
“Of course.”
“After that, the seven of you will head to the casino building located near the stadium. In order for you all to get inside we have provided you with iPhone 5s and are all equipped with floor plans of the building. General.”
“Very well.”
Alcazar then heads to where he left his bag and he picks it up and places it on the table cautiously so that he does not by accident knock the candles on the table over.
“Here we are...Four iPhone 5s and of course they are being borrowed.”
“On loan, sir? From whom?”
“Sorry, Ross...That’s need to know. You know the drill.”
“Indeed.”
“So, they are all equipped with floor plans of the whole building. In order to maximize your chances of success and to avoid being spotted easily...Go in teams of two.”
“I see.”
“So, Andy, Michael...You both would be the first team.”
“Okay, sir.”
“Understood, general.”
“Your entry point would be from the ventilation ducts located close to the underground car park to the south side of the building. Be cautious though the ventilation ducts maybe booby-trapped and the underground car parks would be installed with surveillance cameras.”
“Understood, sir.”
“After that, search your way up from the car parks to the ground floor ranged from G to 4.”
“Okay.”
“How many floors are there, sir?”
“There’s 21 floors in total, Shirley.”
“Right...So, Vivian and I will be together as the second team.”
“Very well...The two of you will find a way in from the east side of the building. Search from floors 5 to 10.”
“Understood.”
“You can be rest assured, sir.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Sir...Chris and I will be the third team.”
“Good, Ross...You and Ross will find an entry point from the north.”
“Roger that, sir.”
“Colin.”
“Sir?”
“You will be the getaway driver for the event. Find some suitable transportation.”
“I will, sir...I will also do my best in the tournament.”
“Glad to hear it...So, everyone clear on what they have to do?”
“Yes, general.”
“Good...Laszlo, you have anything you like to add?”
“No, I think that is all...Just a reminder to do your absolute best in the tournament and also let Sophie get her way to the top.”
“Of course...We know she must face her old man alone.”
“Glad to see you know, Shirley.”
“I think we all...Right?”
“Right!”
“Good...This meeting is adjourned. Once you find Alex get him out of there and proceed to the rendezvous point.”
“Where might be the rendezvous point, sir?”
“Well, it is on the helipad of this hotel. I, myself will be there waiting.”
“Okay, sir.”
“So, any more questions before we leave?”
“One, sir.”
“Yes, Vivian?”
“What would we be wearing?”
“Well, if you really want to know...You may wear whatever you wish but my suggestion would be your favourite outfit.”
“Favourite outfit?”
“You know the ones I mean.”
Vivian and literally the others knew exactly what Carreidas was talking about.
“We get you, sir.”
“Good...Dismissed and um...Best of luck.”
“Thanks, sir.”
“Thank you, general.”
“Remember not to get too carried away with fighting the enemy...Your top priority is to rescue your fellow classmate.”
“Aye!”
Sure enough, everyone departs the maintenance room as much to their relief no one was walking by so they could make their way back to their rooms or someplace else without anyone noticing. Carreidas and Alcazar remains as they both knew that the mission to rescue Alex Choi would be a most difficult one even for their eight selected student agents.
“I have a slight bad feeling about this.”
“I feel the same, amigo...What do you think we should do?”
“Well, my suggestion is have a backup team.”
“A back up team?”
“Yes, consist of one maybe two more students from the other class.”
“Class B?”
“Precisely...I think Alisa and um...Natsu would be the best candidates for this.”
“You want me to go and inform them, amigo?”
“Sure, Ramon...That would be a good idea.”
“I shan’t be long.”
“Okay.”
Alcazar goes off to find Alisa and Natsu as they were training alongside Xiaoyu and Miharu. All four cease what they were doing and paid their respects to their discipline master.
“General, sir.”
“At ease, girls...Alisa, Natsu. May I speak to both of you for a moment?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Of course, sir.”
“It would only take a minute.”
“Okay.”
Alcazar lead both Alisa and Natsu outside of the dojo training room and informs them both that they would be a part of a convert operation to rescue Alex Choi. Alisa knew rescuing one of their fellow classmates was higher priority than winning the tournament itself.
“Our top priority is to rescue Alex from the enemy.”
“Indeed, Alisa...I am most glad you understand.”
“Of course, sir...Wouldn’t you say so, Natsu?”
“Uh, well...”
Natsu however had some doubts and Alcazar knew exactly what was she doubting.
“I know what you are doubting, Natsu.”
“I can imagine, sir.”
“I know you want to give it your best...But it is all part of the plan.”
“The plan?”
“Yes...Sophie would fight Kazuya to keep him occupied while some of us rescue Alex. Divide and conquer.”
“Indeed, sir...Most cunning.”
“Thanks...So, here’s your part in the mission. The moment you both get um...eliminated in the tournament find me at once. I will be in the stands of the ‘MPGA’ name stand.”
“Understood, general.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Good...Anymore questions?”
“No, sir.”
“Alisa?”
“Negative, sir.”
“Good...Carry on and best of luck in the tournament.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Thanks, sir.”
Alcazar heads off to find Carreidas as Natsu and Alisa rejoins both Miharu and Xiaoyu with the training as Xiaoyu curiously asks what did Alcazar spoke to them about.
“Hey, what did the general say to the both of you?”
“Oh, nothing big.”
“Nothing big, Natsu...I maybe not so smart but I know something big is about to go down.”
“Me too.”
“So, Alisa...Level it with me. What did the general say to the both of you?”
“Well, General Alcazar wants us as part of a convert operation to rescue the captive, Alex Choi.”
“I see.”
“So, you both have been selected for a dangerous assignment.”
“It would seem so, Miharu.”
“Okay, Alisa.”
“So, can we get back to our training?”
“Whatever you say, Xiaoyu...Let’s train.”
During the weekend, everyone from students to staff who signed up for the 7th Iron Fist tournament continues to train hard and thinking about the big day of the tournament as it was not too far away. Sophie thinks about Alex and decides to not let that worry her as she intends to focus on fighting her way to her father knowing Alex would be all right and that she is not alone in the fight. Shirley trains hard as she intends to settle a score with the enemy for her lover’s untimely demise. She also knew that Sophie would help avenge her lover’s death for her because she is going to make Kazuya, her evil father paid for all he has done. The others of class A trains hard as do all of those from class 10B. The teachers mostly previous Iron Fist tournament participants all train just as hard and were all ready to for the big day. Heihachi spars with Steve Fox as they both now share something they have in common, Kazuya.
“I have a question for you, Heihachi.”
“Go ahead.”
“You are really going to fight with Kazuya?”
“Well, yes. I have planned a surprise for him.”
“A surprise?”
“Yes, my father, Lars, Jin will show up as well as they will take a dive on purpose and then spring into action when the time comes.”
“I see...Would he suspect it?”
“Maybe...But even if he does he wouldn’t care.”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“Because he knows us well, Steve...We are family and he knows how I and the others think.”
“Good point.”
“Anyway, I will not disappoint him.”
“I know you won’t.”
“I reckon it is time for the Mishima family to make amends and show the world that we can change...We can make a difference.”
“Hear, hear.”
At that moment, Kazuya was in his office as he was having red wine, his favourite favour and was joined with Lee Chaolan who too likes the red wine itself but likes the colour more as to him red is a colour that displays spirit and power.
“So, the big day is coming tomorrow?”
“It would seem so, Lee...I trust you will do your part.”
“You know I will...But I have a funny feeling our family members will have something planned for us.”
“Indeed...I have that same feeling too.”
“But you are not worried?”
“Why should I? I know what they would throw at me. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“That’s a fair assessment.”
“Besides, it would save me a lot of effort with them coming to us instead of us committing numerous resources to find them.”
“I trust your teams have returned from their duties?”
“Teams? Oh, the ones to find our old man? Yes.”
“Well, I guess you will be relieved that he will show up.”
“Yes...For too long have I hated him ever since he told me I was weak.”
“Weak is a word not in the Mishima vocabulary.”
“Precisely, Lee.”
“Your anger and hatred for him still burns strong.”
“As strong as I will ever be.”
“But if I recall what you have told me...You always lose to him.”
“Well, this time it will be different.”
“You seem determined this time?”
“Indeed...Because, dear half brother...I have a trump card I have yet to use.”
“I am keen to know.”
“I can give you a hint...It’s from some ancient Egyptian sorcery.”
“Really? What kind of sorcery?”
Lee himself was quite surprised and astonished as Kazuya decide not to spill the rest of his so-called secrets as he doesn’t fully trust Lee himself probably knowing Lee might use it for his evil and foul purposes.
“That is all you need to know.”
“Oh, very well. I won’t press it any further.”
“Good...So, Lee. Let us get ready for tomorrow.”
“Oh, yes...I think we will soon find out just how many participants will enter in the 7th Iron Fist tournament.”
“Indeed...There will be a lot of people. I am sure of it.”
“No doubt.”
“So...A toast. To our evil successes.”
“To evil!”
Kazuya and Lee then drank their glass of red wine as both laugh out loud.
“Let us show our father and others that walking the right path is weak.”
“Hear, hear.”
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