“You know what, Mike...I like these costumes.”
“So do I, Andy.”
“So, let’s do our best in the so-called Athlete screening rounds.”
“Yeah...I wonder how is Kazuya going to play this anyway?”
“Oh, Mike...Knowing Kazuya he will play dirty.”
“I can imagine.”
Samuel and Joey both wore something fine and quite dashing as most of them were inspired by their looks all except for Xiaoyu who obviously is jealous of class A’s beautiful and elegant looks as in her eyes they are better looking than she and her fellow classmates of class B were.
“Why are they all look so...So...So...”
“Good, Xiao?”
“Yeah, Miharu...I can’t stand it and not to mention they are all taller than me and you.”
“Come now...Let us not get jealous now.”
“She was like that the moment she saw them.”
“Really, Alisa?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Hmm...Very interesting.”
Patroklos, Xiba and Leo were both pumped and ready for this as Xiba wonder how would he fare during the tournament.
“Hmm, I wonder...”
“What’s the matter, Xiba? You worried?”
“Well, not really.”
“I see...You, Leo?”
“Never better...I have been done in this road before.”
“Right...Well, I suppose we will have to fight with our fists this time.”
“Of course.”
“So, let us do our best out there and...” began Patroklos as Leo finishes off the rest of the sentence.
“And let Sophie do her part.”
“Do her part, Leo?”
“She has to fight Kazuya.”
“Why?” asked Patroklos sounding most curious.
“Well, Patrick...Only a Mishima could stand up to another.”
“I know...I heard the rumours someone was able to defeat him other than a Mishima family member.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, Leo...I forgot who it was.”
“Well, let’s just show some courtesy to Sophie, okay? She on behalf of all of us is going to pay for what all that Kazuya has done.”
“Indeed...Especially for Simon’s death. He will pay all right.”
“Right, so will what he has done with my mother’s death.”
“He killed you mother, Leo?”
“Yes, Xiba...He is a very evil man.”
“Right...So, I have just one question.”
“Just one, Xiba?”
“Yeah...What about Simon’s funeral? I heard the rumours about it but don’t know when it is going to be held.”
“Right. Maybe we should ask a teacher.”
“Sure, Patrick...But whom?”
“Well, there’s plenty...Ask anyone of them.”
“Uh, sure.”
“Let’s ask Mr. Mishima.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
“Let’s go then...Coming, Leo?”
“I will be right here, guys.”
“Sure, let’s go, Xiba.”
Leo watches them go as Asuka and Lili whom were moving to where Leo was wore respectively in their battle attires and doing some stretch exercises.
“Hey, Leo.”
“Asuka, Lili.”
“Leo.”
“So, you both pumped for some action?”
“We most certainly are. Right, Lili?”
“Indeed.”
“Good.”
“Well, Leo...All the best. And no hard feelings if we have to fight each other during the tournament.”
“Of course...Same to the both of you.”
Sophie was silently praying to herself that she would do all right as the other girls of class 10A all comfort her and support her that she will get to the finals to face her old man.
“Sophie, we are counting on you.”
“Yes, don’t hold back if you have to fight us.”
“Well...”
Sophie doesn’t hold back in battle but when it comes to good friends like Shirley and the others she has a slight hesitation.
“I know you have a doubt, Sophie...We will be fine.”
“Okay, Joey.”
“Just provide that you don’t ruin our pretty faces.”
“Or try to kill us.”
“Ha ha...Very funny, Kathy.”
“Just showing some sense of humour, Shirley.”
“Right.”
“Okay, let’s do our best out there.”
“YEAH!”
All the girls then put one of their hands on top of the other as a vow that they would do their best in the tournament. The boys in their corner did the same thing as Samuel reminds everyone to do their best but on the condition they allow Sophie to get to the finals. This was something no doubt that Ernest and Adrian weren’t most comfortable with.
“That is very disgraceful.”
“Absolutely.”
“Ernest, Adrian...I know it is hard for both of you.”
“It is like we have to hold back and lose on purpose.”
“Yeah, taking a dive and rigging the whole thing.”
“I understand...But sometimes this happens in other sport games as well.”
“Like what, Sam?”
“Yeah, like what?”
“Like a game of soccer.”
“A game of soccer?” asked them both looking flabbergasted and mostly curious.
“Yes, if I recall during the world cup soccer held in Germany, 2006 in the finals with Germany against Italy the game was fixed.”
“Fixed? How?”
“With the German team holding back and allowing the Italy team to win since the Italian Mafioso has make their statements that their team will win or consequences will be made.”
“Ouch.”
“That’s...That’s gross.”
“I know...I too feel it is bad for all of us.”
“Hey, Sam.”
“Joey, girls.”
The girls led by Joey all came and gather beside the boys as Joey asks Samuel are the boys all gamed to fight in the tournament.”
“Sam.”
“Joey.”
“Your boys gamed?”
“Yeah...Most of them actually.”
“Most of them?”
“Well, some are not happy that they have to take a dive in the tournament and that it is all fixed.”
“I see.”
Joey then tells the boys whom were having doubts and anxiety that no matter what happens just do your best out there and show them what little tiger cubs they are.
“Listen up...We are the little tiger cubs of Milson’s Point Grammar Academy, right?”
“RIGHT!” uttered all the girls and most of the boys excluding Ernest, Adrian and apparently John as well.
“We will not go down easily. We shall fight to the best and show the world whom we really are.”
“Well...”
“Um...”
“Come on, guys...Think about it. Game faces on. We have bigger fish to fry.”
“Bigger fish to fry?”
“Yes...Right, Mr. Mishima?”
“Indeed.”
Heihachi comes over and tells them that he and the teachers along with the police and Interpol have put together a plan to arrest Kazuya and all the men present for their crimes but the plan cannot work unless the leader is defeated. It was clear that Heihachi was told by Alcazar and Carreidas of this as were the teachers and both Samuel and Joey.
“You see, we have also planned a big surprise for Kazuya.”
“A big surprise, sir?” asked Susan.
“Yes, Susan...While Sophie engages Kazuya the rest of us will join with the police strike force and take down all the G Corp soldiers.”
“Wow.”
“We will show the world that Kazuya is a bad and evil man. He will pay for all the crimes he has done including the recent loss of one of our own.”
Eventually, both Ernest, Adrian and John were now convinced that even if they lose in the tournament they will still get a chance to show off their skill in combat.
“So, remember during the finals while Sophie is engaging the big bad...Most of you are to assemble outside the main courtyard outside the stadium and wait for our backup.”
Heihachi was briefed by Alcazar and Carreidas about the secret mission to rescue Alex Choi and the seven students involved.
“Backup, sir?”
“Yes, Sam...Once the backup as arrived then we shall attack. Steve.”
“Yeah?”
Steve Fox steps forward as Heihachi informs all the students that he will be leading the strike force.
“You will be leading the strike force. Everyone, you are follow his directions as if they were my own, understood?”
“Understood!”
“Good...”
“Grandpa Heihachi.”
Heihachi knew that voice anywhere and sees Xiaoyu waving her hand up high and looking quite disappointed.
“What about our class?”
“Well, you will be our backup, Xiaoyu?”
“Really?”
“Yes...We are all a part in this together. I suppose you would like to repay those G Corp soldiers in kind for what they did to you a while back.”
“Indeed, grandpa...I will love to show those bad guys not to mess with me.”
“That’s the spirit.”
“I am with you, Xiaoyu.”
“Thanks, Miharu.”
“Me too.”
“Alisa.”
“We shall all support each other in times like this...Right, guys?”
Asuka, Lili as well as Patroklos, Xiba and Leo all nodded yes as they all too support Xiaoyu’s sense of bringing the enemy to justice for their hideous crimes.
“Thank you, everyone.”
“Sir.”
“What is it, Vivian?”
Vivian literally wore her orange dancing costume the very same one that Shirley wore as Alcazar listens to what she has to say.
“So, I just need to know some final details.”
“Details...Oh, yes. You mean once you have rescue Alex then where would you go?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, you shall head to the main lobby area and wait for your allies to arrive and take down the whole G Corp army.”
“I um...I see.”
“You up for that, Vivian?”
“I sure am, sir.”
“Good.”
“General!”
“Yes, Shirley?”
“So, we are not meeting up at the helipad after we rescue Alex of the hotel where Mr. Carreidas would be?”
“Yes, that goes for those involved in the secret mission you are not to head to the previous rendezvous point and instead head back down to the main lobby of the casino and hold up until your allies arrive.”
“Then we storm the place.”
“Indeed...Interpol, the HK police and the Mishima Zaibatsu...”
“You serious, sir? The Mishima Zaibatsu is on our side?”
“Yes, Adrian...They are. Heihachi has full confidence they will obey him just as they will obey their acting CEO.”
“And who is their acting CEO, sir?” asked Andy.
“Nina Williams.”
“Nina?”
Xiaoyu and Alisa spoke up as Xiaoyu points out she is Anna William’s sister but unlike Anna she does not share her evil traits.
“Yes, Andy...She is a good person and not like that evil sister of hers. Well, mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“She does have a cold and collected personality.”
“Catchy.”
“And...” began Alisa as Andy pays his attention from Xiaoyu to Alisa. “And she is Jin Kazama’s right hand and our ally.”
“You mean former ally, yes?”
“Well...”
“Right?”
Alisa then looks at Heihachi as he knows that Jin was not dead as Alisa looks at Sophie who gave a slight nod that this secret shall not be revealed until the right moment.
“Right...Former ally it is.”
“That’s good.”
“So, my good students...All dressed up and ready for the big event?”
“YES, SIR!”
“Good.”
Steve also like Heihachi address his small group of students and reminds them to be careful and do their best out there.
“Remember, everyone...We must show the crowd what we can do. Game faces on!”
“AYE!”
“Good, best of luck to you all!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Heihachi.”
“Well, I guess it is time.”
Sure enough, the P.A announcement no doubt Lee Chaolan makes the announcement as everyone in the stadium could hear it loud and clear.
“Good morning, everyone...I, Lee Chaolan, as the personal representative to the host, Kazuya Mishima will announcement the first part of the 7th Iron Fist tournament. We shall begin with the ‘Athlete Screening Rounds’. Would all contestants please assemble in the assembly area, which is located where the ‘Assembly’ sign is...Thank you and luck to you all!”
“Okay, this is it...Students, follow me.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Let’s go...Double time and remember show a good face as we are representing our beloved school.”
“Sir, yes sir!”
Therefore, all the students from class 10A and B head out while accompanied by their homeroom teachers, Heihachi and Steve as Jun, Zafina and Julia Chang brings up the rear and were all in their favourite and prefer battle clothing. Julia wore her original outfit and not her wrestler one as she in this tournament wants to fight as herself and not use the alias: ‘Jaycee’.
“You look good, Julia.”
“Thanks, Zafina.”
“Tell you won’t...I am a little anxious of what Kazuya has in mind for us.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Well, let’s do our best out there and hopefully we get to meet some familiar faces.”
“That makes two of us.”
They all made their way out and found themselves in a corner area of the small stadium and literally it was packed with people and all were cheering for them as they came out.
“My, my...What a crowd this is. Don’t you think so, sis?”
“Yeah, I can see that, Ivy.”
“Well, let’s head to the assembly area.”
“There...Let’s go.” uttered Joey as Heihachi also sees it too and orders everyone to follow him.
“Okay, everyone...Follow us.”
All the students follow Heihachi alongside Joey, Sophie and Samuel as Steve Fox follow close behind with his few students. They make their way to the assembly area as it was already packed with quite a number of well-known fighters and some eerily familiar faces. Xiaoyu and Miharu spots a few familiar faces as they could see the cruel and grumpy Hwoarang as he was in his favourite fighting outfit.
“Look, Xiao...There’s the big bad wolf.”
“Yeah, I can see him, Miharu.”
“And look...There’s Paul Phoenix and his gang.”
“Yeah, looks like most of the leaders are here all right.”
“So, it would seem.”
Paul and his buddies Bryan Fury, Miguel Rojo, Craig Marduk, King and Marshall Law were all present as they were in their fighting clothes and looked pumped and ready to get their hands dirty.
“Look at their faces, Xiao...Like a pack of dogs ready to go after their bones.”
“Yeah, Miharu...This tournament would certainly get very ugly.”
“You girls gamed?”
“What about you, Natsu?”
“Oh, I am pumped for action.”
“I can see that.”
Natsu was wearing her yellow and green coloured ninja costume as she feels most comfortable in that particular outfit.
“I am gamed for this.”
“Yeah, so are we.”
“Good.”
There were other well-known fighters like Yoshimitsu, Raven, Lei Wu Long as well as Bruce Irvin, Sergei Dragunov, Robert ‘Bob’ Richards, as well as Anna Williams herself.
“Well, a lot of familiar faces here, Xiaoyu.”
“Indeed.”
Kuma and Panda also joined in as Panda made her way to Xiaoyu as Xiaoyu asks if Panda was feeling all right.
“Panda, you feeling okay?”
Panda growls happier and shows a smile on its face as Alisa comes over and asks how Panda was faring.
“You feeling all right?”
Panda happily nods as this made Alisa smile and look most cheerful.
“That’s great to know.”
Kuma goes over to Heihachi as he asks how his bodyguard was faring.
“Kuma, you pumped for some action?”
(“I am, pops.”)
“Good...Show them what we can do.”
(“UNDERSTOOD!”)
“Well, it is good to see you haven’t change a bit.”
“Thanks, Steve.”
Jun stood in between them as she spots a mysterious man standing near Yoshimitsu as he was wearing a cowboy hat, a ninja-like mask and smart casual clothes that resemble a suit with black leather shoes. Jun senses something eerily familiar about that person but keeps it to herself. Sure enough, Lee Chaolan announce on the P.A that the Athlete Screening Rounds for the 7th Iron Fist tournament was about to begin as Lee explains the rules of the round.
“What an excellent band of fighters we have in this year’s tournament...We shall begin with the ‘Athlete Screening Rounds’.”
The crowded cheered loud and clap their hands as Lee Chaolan’s was talking on live through the large television screens that were placed around the two points of the circular stadium.
“As you know, the ‘Athlete Screening Rounds’ where all participating fighters will then compete in three 1-on-1 battles. The fighters will fight three of my tough Combot fighters. A single loss doesn’t automatically disqualify a fighter from moving on to the next round however the competition is tough as you will be graded on your fighting techniques ranging from attack, defense and techniques being used...Now we shall use our roulette selecting program to select our first participating fighter!”
The crowded once more cheered with the television screens changing to the fighter selection screen as the computer itself does a shuffle of all the fighters with everyone anxiously wondering if they would be selected first. Xiaoyu was nervous but kept her cool as she knows she can do it by talking to herself constantly.
“I can do this...I can do this, I can do this.”
“Tell me about it.”
Eventually, the shuffle stops and the first fighter called was literally Hwoarang. Lee gets right on the way of announcing the first participating fighter and he made it sound so thrilling.
“We have our first selected fighter, Hwoarang from Korea and first um...Second class Taekwondo fighter.”
“What?”
The crowd react with a mixture of cheers and boos as half the crowd cheered for him whereas the other half boo Hwoarang as he made his way out of the assembly area and into the middle of the stadium. Kazuya who was in the V.I.P stand was sitting down in his throne-like chair watching and smiling.
“Well, Hwoarang...Let’s see what you can do.”
Suddenly, a soldier in G Corp uniform shows up and has something important to inform his leader.
“Sir.”
“What is it, soldier?”
“Our prisoner, sir...We have done what you have asked.”
“Excellent...Where’s Liam and his gang?”
“They are standing guard over his cell, sir.”
“Good...That is all.”
“Sir.”
The soldier heads off as Kazuya smirks with an evil and wicked smile on his face.
“Alex Choi...At least I will grant you the right to watch the tournament via live television and watch your friends perform in the tournament where I plan to secretly eliminate all of you.”
Kazuya then bursts into evil laughter as Hwoarang’s face was displayed on all the television screens in the stadium as Hwoarang was rather displeased with the way Lee announced him into the arena.
“That Lee Chaolan...How dare he call me a second class Taekwondo fighter? Second class my ass!”
Hwoarang scoffs as Lee announces that the battle is about to begin as suddenly, the lights within the stadium went pitch back for a moment and in the next split second they went back on but was turn to a fluorescent setting.
“What the...”
Sophie and the girls as well as the others were rather taken in by the sudden change of atmosphere.
“Whoever is behind this sure has good taste.”
“If you say so, Shirley.”
“Yeah, Sophie...This would also give us a chance to see how does this ‘Athlete Screening Round’ would go?”
“True.”
“Hey, girls...A spotlight just came on.”
“Yes, I can see that, Pat.”
Sure enough, a spotlight appears and points at the same spot where something comes up from a hidden area beneath the stadium grounds and it was one of the Combots made by Lee Chaolan and his company called: ‘Violet Systems’. Lee gets right into announcing Hwoarang’s opponent.
“And our first battle is about to begin...Behold Combot J model.”
The crowd was most amazed, astonished and bewildered as the Combot was unlike the original model of that of a robot with joint arms and ankles. The Combot was upgraded and was covered with rubber skin on with hair, eyes and such and the moment Hwoarang saw it he was furious and clutch his fists tightly as the Combot was like his hateful enemy, Jin Kazama.
“Grrr...I have to fight this?! You have got to be freaking kidding me!”
“Let the battle begin!”
Then a giant timer appears from underneath the booth where Kazuya was sitting as it slowly counts down from 60 seconds as Hwoarang and the Combot first circles around each other with their fists held up and after five seconds, Hwoarang makes the first move as the Combot anticipate his move and dodges. Hwoarang then makes several kicks, very powerful ones with the Combot blocking every single kick. The crowd throw mixed cheers and boos as Kazuya smirks and communicates with his equally cunning half brother via an earpiece that was on a separate channel frequency.
“Impressive, Lee...Most impressive.”
“They are truly excellent fighters, Kazuya...They have been downloaded with certain data from other fighters and have the capacity to learn and study their opponents moves, which shall give them the edge.”
“Indeed...But of course it lacks only human frailties.”
“Ha ha...True, too true.”
“I have a feeling that our enemies have a plan or something.”
“A plan?”
“Yes, I have a hunch that most would probably lose on purpose as they will let my daughter fight her way to the top.”
“You don’t say.”
“Well, it is expected and I am not surprised at the very least.”
“Indeed.”
“As stated...It takes only a Mishima to fight and be able to defeat another Mishima.”
“Well, that is true...Mostly that is.”
“Don’t remind me of that incident, Lee...I will deal with her soon enough.”
“Oh, before I forget...What about Ling Xiaoyu?”
“Ah, now that you mention it...I will put that on hold and put the plan back into action when the time comes.”
“Excellent planning, my brother...Truly marvellous.”
“Take that as a fair compliment.”
Sure enough, Hwoarang in a flash defeats his opponent with a swift kick blow to the head knocking the Combot down to the ground as Hwoarang catches the Combot off guard with a false move to distract it and uses another to strike instead and it worked much to the dismay of Lee Chaolan. Lee however just smirks and knew this was to be expected.
“Oh, well...A machine sometimes is no match for the human mind.”
Hwoarang triumphs over his first opponent with the majority of the crowd throwing cheers and clapped their hands making Hwoarang feel much better.
“I love being cheered.”
Lee then congratulates Hwoarang on his first win and reminds him that there are two more opponents to go and literally warns him to be cautious. However, much to Lee’s slight surprise Hwoarang dismiss his warning with great pride.
“Well done, Hwoarang...Now you have two more opponents to fight and do your best against them...However, these ones would be much tougher than the first one that you just triumphed so use extreme caution.”
“Thanks but no thanks, Lee Chaolan...I will be fine and nothing can stand in the mighty Hwoarang’s way!”
The crowd cheers as Lee finds Hwoarang being overconfident to be most amusing and he then announces via the P.A his second opponent.
“Behold Combot B model.”
The moment it appear from below, Hwoarang was shocked to see that the Combot is in the wear and tear shape of his old master Baek. It was a factor that often troubles Hwoarang.
“What? You have got to be freaking kidding me!”
“Now...Let the battle begin.”
Hwoarang hesitates at first with the timer underneath where Kazuya sat counts down from 60 seconds with Hwoarang and the Combot yet again circles around each other with their fists held up and this time, the Combot attacks first with Hwoarang moving in on the defensive. The crowd watches with amusement as the fighters in the assembly area all watched the match as well.
“Well, that Hwoarang sure is good, Paul.”
“Hey, Craig...Who’s side are you on?!”
“Oh, sorry about that, Paul.”
“Hmm, I think this round is indeed quite tough.”
“Yeah, I happen to feel that you are right, Bryan.”
“We can do this, amigos.”
“Si, Miguel...You are right.”
Eventually, Hwoarang defeats his opponent by smashing the Combot into scrap metal as he threw an insult to the already destroyed Combot.
“No one mocks my master...Capiche?!”
“Well, well...Using an Italian taunt.”
“Yeah, quite amusing. Isn’t it, Paul?”
“Indeed, Marshall.”
Kazuya and Lee just smiles as Hwoarang faces his final opponent, which was a normal Combot and Hwoarang puts all his effect into it and manages to defeat it in a matter of seconds. The moment the Combot was down, Lee announces on the P.A that Hwoarang has indeed done well and will do an assessment on his attack, defense and technique skills.
“Well done, Hwoarang...Now we will do an assessment on your attack, defense and technique skills. So, please head to the R.R area located on the opposite side of the stadium.”
“Fine, whatever...”
Hwoarang heads to the R.R area, which was abbreviated as the Round Robin round, the next stage of the tournament. Paul then tells his buddies to do their best as they have a reputation to uphold.
“Let’s show the people out there what the ‘G.F.H’ can do.”
“Yeah!”
Sure enough, the fighter selection appears on the television screens once again as the computer itself does a shuffle of all the fighters with everyone nervously wondering if they would be selected next.
“I wonder who is next? Patrick, any clues as to who might be next.”
“Beats me, Xiba.”
“Leo?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
Eventually, the shuffle stops and the first fighter called was literally Robert ‘Bob’ Richards. Lee gets right on the way of announcing the first participating fighter and he made it sound so thrilling.
“We have our second selected fighter, Robert ‘Bob’ Richards from U.S.A!”
The crowd cheered for him as Bob was standing close to Julia as they were old acquaintances with Julia wishing him luck.
“Good luck, Bob.”
“Thanks, Julia...I could use some.”
Bob then made his way out of the assembly area and into the middle of the stadium. Kazuya in the V.I.P stand was watching and smiling and even clap to his hands.
“Time to show what the fat hero can do, Bob.”
Lee then announces on the P.A the match for Bob is about to begin.
“And our first battle for Bob Richards will begin with his opponent as...Combot J model.”
Bob was not surprised to see the Combot in the shape of Jin Kazama as he was more than prepared to show the world what he could do with his ‘fat’ power.
“Now let the battle begin.”
Once more, a giant timer appears from underneath the booth where Kazuya was sitting as it slowly counts down from 60 seconds as Bob in the first three seconds lunges several fast speedy punches at his opponent stunning the Combot at first but returns the attack with a fast body slam that sends Bob a few steps back but he was not hurt at all, not even a scratch.
“Well, looks like I have use both my full strength and wits to defeat this one and the upcoming two. Okay, bring it on.”
Bob’s taunt seems to work as the Combot charges forward and Bob lures him to a false sense of him attempt and tricks the Combot, which it worked and Bob manages to easily defeat his opponent much quicker than Hwoarang. The crowd cheers as Bob raise his hand of his first victory and Julia was most pleased with Bob’s performance.
“You never cease to amaze me, Robert.”
“He is good.”
“You can say that again, Zafina.”
Bob performs exceptionally well in the next two matches with the crowd throwing a big cheer for his victories as this made Bob feel most pleased and overjoyed.
“I always like a good crowd cheering me on.”
“Excellent performance, Bob Richards...Now while we do an assessment on your attack, defense and technique skills. You may kindly head to the R.R area located on the opposite side of the stadium.”
Bob then heads to the R.R area as the crowd clapped their hands as he departed and even Kazuya show some mutual respect by clapping his hands as well.
“Nicely done, Bob. Nicely done.”
Once again, the fighter selection appears on the television screens once again as the computer itself does a shuffle of all the fighters with everyone nervously wondering if they would be selected next.
“I wonder who is next, Michael? Maybe it’s you or me?”
“I don’t know, Andy. I just don’t know.”
After a minute or so, the shuffle stops and the first fighter called was literally Bob Richards. Lee gets right on the way of announcing the first participating fighter and he made it sound so thrilling.
“We have our third selected fighter...Welcome newcomer, Patricia Wong.”
The crowd throws in a big cheer as Michael, Shirley and many others wish her luck and all the best.
“Oh, well...I guess it’s my turn.”
“Good luck, Pat.”
“Thanks, Michael.”
“Hey, show them what you can do.”
“You can do it.”
“Thanks.”
Sophie also offers her friend her best wishes to do her best out there.
“Do your best out there, Pat.”
“I will not let you down, Sophie...Would I see you in the finals?”
“Count on it.” replied Sophie with a confident smile.
Patricia takes a deep breath and heads out to the battle area as the crowd literally clap their hands as she makes her way to the middle of the battle area. During the course of the round, she easily overwhelm her three opponents and thus Kazuya took an interest in her.
“Hmm...She is good.”
Next up was Andy followed by Michael, Shirley and eventually Chris as the four of them perform exceptionally well and Kazuya clap his hands out of pure mutual respect.
“Most impressive.”
Afterwards, the fighter selection shuffles once more and this time Sophie was selected and she then calmly heads out to the battle area with Kazuya fully watching her from where he was sitting.
“So, my daughter...It’s your turn to show your father just how strong you are.”
Sophie maintains a calm and collected look as Sophie comes face to face with her first opponent, a normal Combot model and in less than three seconds she destroys it with a powerful blow decapitate it in half as Kazuya was most inspired by this.
“That’s my daughter.”
Lee too was amazed as Sophie truly possess the strength of a Mishima while Heihachi as well as his father, Jinpachi was most pleased.
“That’s my granddaughter.”
“She is, son...I think we should show the people that we are no longer the power hungry people that we are.”
“My thoughts exactly, father.”
Sophie performs well against her next two opponents and Kazuya clapped his hands hard for the exception performance by his daughter.
“Nicely done, Sophie...Very nicely done.”
Elsewhere, Alex was held in a cell wearing his old worn clothes and watching live television of the tournament and he was most impressed of the way Sophie fought against her three opponents.
“You are strong, Sophie...Well done.”
Liam Bryant and his goons were outside as Liam decide to go and grab something to eat while he orders his three friends/accomplices whom were Milton Ma, Raphael Pythagoras and Joseph Cameron to stand guard over the prisoner.
“Okay, guys...I am going to grab a bite to eat.”
“Sure, Liam.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Well, Milton.”
“Yes?”
“You come with me?”
“Sure.”
“Yes, Liam?”
“You and Raphael will stay here and guard the prisoner while we are gone.”
“Sure.”
“No problem.”
“We will be back in thirty or so minutes so in the meantime keep a sharp eye out and make sure our prisoner does not try anything.”
“Sure, sure.”
“Leave it to us.”
“Good...Let’s go, Milton.”
“Right, Liam...I mean, boss.”
“Boss? That’s the good one.”
Liam and Milton heads off to find something to eat as both Joseph and Raphael remain outside the cell door to stand guard over the captive Alex Choi.
“Oh, well...At least it would be an easy duty for us.”
“You can say that again, Joseph.”
Meanwhile, back at the small stadium, the ‘Athlete Screening Rounds’ continue with many fighters excluding the veterans and those of class 10A and B didn’t make it through or did well as in less than three or so hours the round was over as then the opening ceremony begins with parade people doing their rounds and Lee Chaolan making his opening statement.
“Thank you for being here, everyone...Our participants perform quite well in the first round of the tournament. I hope everyone enjoyed it and now our host of the tournament, Kazuya Mishima would like to say a few words. A round of applause, everyone!”
Dramatic music was then played as the spotlights focus on Kazuya as he stands up and heads to the wall balcony and shows a confident smile on his face. Kazuya had a microphone in his suit as he presses a button to activate it and presses it to make sure it was working.
“Testing, 1,2,3...Thank you...Thank you.”
The television screens now show live images of Kazuya himself making his speech while all the fighters were watching from the R.R area. Heihachi smirks as he is rather amused that Kazuya can be a civilized man at some point despite being cruel and evil.
“I am surprised.”
“What is it, Heihachi?” asked Steve looking curious.
“Oh, nothing.”
Jun gets acquainted with Jinpachi as they both have a small heart to heart talk with one another.
“I liked Kazuya when he was young and I knew he liked me.”
“I can tell.”
“And now that young boy I love is gone.”
“Yes, I know.”
Jun looks at the television screen as Kazuya gave his opening speech. She examines his face and looks carefully and thinks back to the time when she first met him when he was young.
“You suffer a lot, Kazuya...It is truly a pity that you have to walk this path.”
“Well, I think I will walk a new path myself.”
“I know you can, Jinpachi.”
“Yes...Son.”
“Yes, father?”
Heihachi strolls over as Jinpachi tells his son that Jun has a question for him.
“What is it?”
“Jun here wants to ask you something.”
“Okay, I am listening.”
“Do you feel some regrets?”
“Regrets on...”
“Making Kazuya that man he is today.”
“Well...”
Heihachi then thinks back to the time he was still power hungry and deem Kazuya a weakling when he was a mere child and the way he throw him off the volcano to deem if he was strong.
“Yes, I do...However, the past is the past. Now we must focus on the present.”
“Of course.”
Jun then sees Lars standing near Raven and Bob as Jun advises Heihachi to go and have a friendly chat with his illegitimate son.
“Why don’t you go and have a talk with Lars?”
“Well, I um...Maybe that is not a good idea.”
“I will come with you.”
“Uh, okay.”
Heihachi followed by Jun heads to where Lars was as he told himself that he did well in the ‘Athlete Screening Rounds’ as Raven and Bob cheered him up at the same time.
“I wonder...”
“You wonder what, Lars?”
“Did I do well or...”
“You did. I know you did. Didn’t he, Robert?”
“Absolutely.”
“See?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Raven and Bob have a word with each other as surprisingly Nina Williams joins them whereas Anna have made her way back up to where Kazuya was just finishing the last touches of his opening speech.
“I hope everyone would enjoy tomorrow night as we will commence with our next round of the tournament, the Round Robin Round! Thank you all!”
Everyone in the audience clapped and the opening ceremony begins with performances, dancers doing their part and the famous lion dance. Kazuya sits back down in his throne chair as Anna strolls up beside him.
“Kazuya.”
“Dear Anna...Well done on your outstanding performance.”
Anna sits on Kazuya’s lap and flirts with him with Kazuya showing an evil grin on his face.
“It must be great for you being the host of this tournament...”
“It does, my dear Anna. It means you get to do what you want.”
“Yes, getting even with our enemies.”
“Precisely.”
Bruce then shows up and Kazuya gives him his full compliments of his performance as well.
“Well done, Bruce...You never cease to amaze me.”
“Just doing my part, Kazuya.”
“Yes.”
“So, it would seem in the next round we will have 48 fighters who will be participating.”
“Good...Very good.”
“And Lee and I have begun to assess the fighter’s performances and we will in a few hours get the 48 best out of the whole group.”
“Have you started on that?”
“We just started, Kazuya.”
“Good...Everything is going as planned.”
“Yes, boss.”
“Thank you...Carry on.”
Bruce then heads out as Kazuya calls him back.
“Hold on a moment, Bruce.”
“Yes, Kazuya?”
“How many have you assessed so far?”
“Well, just fifteen.”
“Fifteen.”
“Yes...Only a few of them passed.”
“And which ones did?”
“Some we know.”
“Like Hwoarang and Bob Richards, yes?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Hmm...No surprise.”
“Anybody else so far, Bruce?”
“Yes, Anna...Those kids from the school. So far three of them have passed including Sophie.”
“Is that so?”
Kazuya smiles as he was pleased to see that his daughter did not disappoint him.
“Well, I am most impressed.”
“Your daughter surely prove herself strong.”
“So far, Anna...Bruce.”
“Kazuya?”
“Update me as you and Lee do your assessment progress.”
“Understood...Anna.”
“Later, Bruce.”
Bruce heads out as the fireworks continue with Kazuya watching.
“I am sure we will win this.”
“I know we can, Anna...In this tournament we can both get what we want.”
“Of course...I hate the way my sister deceived us.”
“Don’t I know it...We will get even with her. This I promise you.”
“Good.”
Meanwhile, Heihachi, Steve, Jun, Zafina and Julia as well as all the students were back at the hotel and then gather in the assembly hall where the teachers were informed by their allies Raven and Bob that the Round Robin rounds will begin tomorrow night at 1700 at the small stadium again. Both of them head off back to their safe house with Lars, Nina and the mysterious man.
“We will see you later then, my friends.”
“Thanks...Later.”
“Good luck to you all.”
“Thanks.”
Nina gives a slight nod to the students and her fellow allies as Lars also bid everyone farewell.
“Until we meet again...Luck to you all.”
“Thank you, Mr. Alexandersson.”
“Yes, best of luck to you all.”
Lars heads off with the others as he looks at his old man with a stern look. He was still a bit uneasy with Heihachi however he starts to see he has changed. Heihachi could see Lars still had some doubts about him just from looking at his facial expression. Jun approaches him and tells him that when he try to make a conversation with Lars was a most brave thing to do.
“You sense doubt in him?”
“Yes.”
“You were brave, Heihachi. At least you two got talking to one another on even terms.”
“I suppose so...However, I can tell he still had some doubts about my loyalty and change.”
“That is understandable...Considering what has happen in the past between you and him.”
“Indeed.”
“I think the time would come when he sees you as an ally is when you both fight against your common enemy.”
“Of course...Thanks, Jun.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Sure enough, they were then joined by both Alcazar and Carreidas as the two express their congratulations to them all for their exception performance in the first stage.
“Well done, everyone...Well done.”
“Bravo! I am proud of my fellows colleagues and all the students of course.”
Everyone was happy and pleased as Heihachi then tells his colleagues that the Round Robin round will begin tomorrow night at 1700 and not surprisingly both Carreidas and Alcazar already knew this information.
“Guys, you know the next round of the tournament begins...”
“Yes, Heihachi...We know.”
“You do, Laszlo?”
“Yes...Someone already told us.”
“Whom?”
“Well, we found it on the website.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Well, now all you have to worry about is whether or not you made it to the next round.”
“True.”
“Okay, students...Time to get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow...Maybe.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Class reps...Take point.”
“SIR!”
Therefore, Samuel, Joey as well as Patroklos and Lili lead their fellow classmates back to their hotel rooms as Heihachi, Steve, Jun, Julia and Zafina decide to head to a place where they could all sit down and discuss recent events.
“Might I suggest we go somewhere quiet and um...Chat?”
“That would be a good idea, Steve.”
“I for one are in agreement.”
“So am I.”
“And I.”
“Okay, let’s head to the smoking room.”
The teachers all head to the smoking room as they arrive and sat themselves around the rectangular table for card poker playing as Alcazar just checks his text messages to see if he has got a new one, which made Steve himself quite curious.
“Why are you checking your messages, Ramon?”
“Oh, I text Raven a little earlier that to send us an update when do we see the list of fighters that have made it to the next round.”
“Uh, okay.”
“I send two actually...One to Raven and the other to Lei Wu Long.”
“Right.”
“I was just wondering...Would we all make it to the next round?”
“Your guess is as good as mine, Jun.”
“Even if we don’t...We will still play a part in taking down Kazuya.”
“Well spoken, Julia.” replied Carreidas showing a small genuine smile on his face.
“Thanks.”
“You Zafina?”
“The same as Julia...I have no regrets.”
“Good.”
Suddenly, Alcazar gets a text message on his cell phone as he then immediately checks to see who the sender was but going to the information category.
“Well, well...It’s from Raven.”
“What does it say?”
“Hold your horses, Steve...Let me check.”
“Of course.”
Alcazar then sees a big list of fighters who have made it to the next round, the fortunate 48 and instead he scrolls straight to the bottom and reads the line where Raven tells him that all the students including Heihachi, Steve, Jun, Julia and Zafina have made it to the next round.
“Well, this is rather...Pleasing.”
“What is? What’s the news?”
“Well, Steve...Not so good news all around. It would seem not all the students among us made it to the next round.”
“Oh, that is a shame.”
“What about us?”
“Well, Heihachi, you along with Steve, Jun, Julia and Zafina have made it to the next round.”
“Is that so? Well, I am relieved.”
“I know I can do it.”
“Well, this is good news.”
“It sure is, Jun.”
“That makes three of us.”
“I think I should tell the students.”
“Maybe first thing tomorrow, Ramon.”
“You think so, Laszlo? You know they would be anxious to hear it so why don’t we give them a good night’s sleep by telling them all what has just transpired.”
“Well, Ramon...We will do it your way.”
“Thanks, amigo.”
“However, I think some of those students would not be pleased about it.”
“Well, losing is part of learning...A loss is not bad as it only gives you a hint that you will do better the next time.”
“Most wise words, Ramon.”
“Thanks, Heihachi.”
“So, Steve...”
“Yes, Laszlo?”
“Jun, Julia, Zafina.”
“We are listening.”
“Let us let our students know the good news.”
“Very well.”
“Indeed.”
“I am in.”
“Then let us go.”
Therefore, the teachers along with Alcazar and Carreidas go to each room where their students were staying and tell most of them the good news and the bad news. Among those that didn’t make it were Susan, Jenny, Ken, Ernest, Adrian and Kevin from class A and from class B only both Patroklos and Xiba didn’t make it to the next round, which both found it most disappointing. However, Patroklos was pleased to see his friend, Leo made it to the next round and decides to cheer for his friend and in time Xiba does the same as they explain this to their class teacher, Steve who was the one that came in and gave them the news.
“As long as Leo made it...We are happy.”
“Yes, we indeed are.”
“We will support her, sir.”
“Well, I am glad to hear it.”
“So, what do we do in the meantime, sir?”
“Well, the most appropriate thing to do is to cheer for your fellow classmates who made it to the next round.”
“Okay.”
“And enjoy yourselves at the hotel...Alcazar will brief you on the part where you will help the secret team to rescue Alex Choi.”
“Oh, okay...Thanks, sir.”
“Understood, sir.”
Meanwhile, Xiaoyu and Miharu were pleased to hear from Heihachi that they both made it to the next round and curiously ask whether Alisa and the others from their class made it.
“So, grandpa?”
“Yes, Xiaoyu?”
“Did Alisa made it?”
“She did.”
“That’s good.”
“What about the others, Mr. Mishima?”
“Well, Miharu...There’s Natsu, Asuka, Lili and Leo.”
“And...”
“And that’s all, Xiaoyu.”
“What? You mean the boys didn’t make it to the next round.”
“That is correct.”
“Oh, poor them.”
“It is a shame.”
“I know.”
“Hey, grandpa...What about Panda?”
“Well, she made it too...No need to worry.”
“Whew...What a relief.” replied Xiaoyu as she curiously asks Heihachi again about the others from class A and she was in such an energetic mood. “Hey, grandpa? What about class A. Did they all make it?”
“Hmm...You seem in an energetic mood.”
“Well, I am anxious to know.”
“She is often like that, Mr. Mishima.”
“I can see why, Miharu.”
“So?”
“Well, all I can you is that six out of the twenty four did not pass.”
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
“Oh, what a shame.”
“It is...Well, get some rest both of you...There’s a big day ahead of us tomorrow and the next round begins tomorrow at 1700 back at the small stadium.”
“Wow...Tomorrow?”
“Yes, Xiaoyu...My advice to you both is to train hard and not too hard.”
“Yes, grandpa.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent...Now both of you get some rest. Good night.”
Heihachi heads out of the room as he meets up with Zafina who was in the next room telling both Asuka and Lilli the good news.
“Heihachi.”
“Zafina.”
“Well, we have a big day tomorrow.”
“Indeed...I think I might turn in.”
“Same here...But I am just going to check on Julia and Jun.”
“Oh, where are they by the way?”
“I think they might be checking up on Kuma and Panda.”
“Is that so? Well, I will check up on them if that is okay with you?”
“Sure, follow me.”
“Ramon, Laszlo...Night.”
“Night.”
“Good night.”
Heihachi follows Zafina as they head to the place where both Kuma and Panda were as Jun and Julia were checking up on them to see how they were doing.
“Both sure look happy, Jun.”
“Yes, their hearts tell me that they are looking forward to tomorrow.”
“Well, that is truly amazing.”
“Yes, I could sense the hearts of animals and humans.”
“To tell you the truth, Jun...I feel a little nervous.”
“About tomorrow you mean?”
“That is correct.”
“Well, I too feel quite nervous.”
“You can say that again...Wonder what diabolical scheme does Kazuya have up his sleeve this time?”
“We will find out soon enough.”
“Hey, ladies.”
Jun and Julia finds both Heihachi and Zafina coming to join them.
“Hey.”
“What’s up, Heihachi?”
“Just dropping by to say hi.”
“Okay.”
“So, how is my Kuma?”
“Well, he is sleeping.”
“Hmm...No doubt he is happy that he made it to the next round.”
“I am sure he is.”
“And Panda?”
“The same I guess.”
“Right...Well, we will let them sleep it off while we too get some rest ourselves.”
“Agreed.”
Heihachi follows Jun, Julia and Zafina back to their rooms for some much needed rest. While in their rooms, the students that made it to the next round were happy and overjoyed and slept very peacefully while those that didn’t make it except for Patroklos and Xiba were a little disappointed. Susan doesn’t seem to mind as she knows if there is another she would train harder and do better. Jenny does the same as well as Ken with Catalina comforting her and Ken wishing Catalina all the best.
“Good luck out there.”
“Thanks, Ken...Good night.”
“Night.”
Kevin was a little disappointed but cheered up when Kathy reminds him to cheer for her in the next round.
“You will remember to cheer for me, won’t you?”
“Sure, Kathy...I will remember.”
“That’s great...I will do my best out there.”
“And I will cheer my best for you.”
“Great...And I expect you to be there in the next tournament if there is one that is.”
“You have my word, Kathy.”
“Good.”
Meanwhile, both Ernest and Adrian were not feeling happy about this as they were very disappointed with Ernest losing his temper by kicking the side of the bed.
“Damn...How could we not pass?”
“Your guess is as good as mine, Ernest.”
“We kick those robots...”
“Combots.”
“Whatever...And yet we didn’t pass? Why is that?”
“I don’t know, mate...I just don’t know.”
“Grrr...This is very...”
“Very what?”
“Unacceptable.”
“That’s right...Unacceptable.”
“I wonder...”
“Hey, Adrian. You know what? We will get a chance to fight anyway.”
“Yeah, we get to fight the G Corp soldiers and all during the finals while Sophie fights Kazuya himself.”
“It would be a walk in the park.”
“Perhaps...But we have to be careful.”
“Right.”
“So, good night.”
“Yeah, night.”
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