Tekken Fan Fiction ❯ Teal Isn't Just a Color ❯ Tazuneru ~ Ask ( Prologue )

This is my repost of the original 'Teal Isn't Just a Color' from September, 2002. The fic got deleted somewhere along the way and I am clueless as to the cause of its removal. Fanfiction.net decided it was going to play god again...

With the re-post, I have decided to revise each old chapter before the new ones are posted. Over the past months I have matured more in my writing skills and I am able to spot holes in the plot as well as other errors. If this is your second time reading this, you will notice significant changes throughout.

I will add revisions/new chapters as often as possible because my schoolwork is top priority. I just found out that if I don't have a 3.0 GPA or higher, our insurance company will charge us about $400 more a half when I get my temps in May (I'm 15). In other words no driving privileges unless I get straight A's. That's more for me to worry about..

Please let me know if I got any Tekken history wrong. I've done heavy research for this fic and I want the information to be as accurate as possible.

Expect most updates to be on the weekends. And before I forget...

<.begin copyright crap.> The only things I own in this fic are my original characters (I.E. Genkai Kageri [Quing Chin Zhen], Iyamu Daiyaku, plus the 16 other etceteras). I also own the detestable excuse of a plot line that you probably aren't able to understand anyway. Please do not sue me for the usage of Namco's characters (you should know who they are) because I have no money. If you did decide to sue, all you would receive is *K~Desu fishes around her in pocket* 13 cents, a paper clip, some pencil lead, and a strawberry flavored pocky wrapper. <./.end copyright crap.>




*~Ja Ne~*

xX Iron_Reaver Xx
(~*Kokuei~Desu*~)
(originally posted under Naguriau-Chan before alias change)




Word use key:
Zaibatsu: A large financial company that is family-run; often used as a replacement for 'Mishima Financial Empire'.
Dojo: Japanese fighting arena or training center.

(Character name key at end.)




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Tea l Isn't Just a Color
Prologue:
Tazuneru ~ Ask
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When I pretend everything is what I want it to be,
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to see,
When I pretend I can forget about the criminal I am,
Stealing second after second just 'cause I know I can,
But I can't pretend this is the way it'll stay,
I'm just [trying to bend the truth],
I can't pretend I'm who you want me to be,
So I'm [lying my way from you].
- Lying From You
Linkin Park, Meteora

'Last week the Mishima Zaibatsu announced a forthcoming King of the Iron Fist. It is the fifth tournament of its kind ever conducted in Zaibatsu history. People from all corners of the world flock to a particular location just to get mutilated by others, or so it seems.'

'Oddly, if you can pay enough money you're allowed to enter. The entry fee is a large chunk to some and small to others... somewhere around $250,000 per fighter. Twenty people on the planet are willing to pay the amount to have a chance in the 'most prestige fighting tournament in the world'. If you are one to notice things, most happenings within and based off the Zaibatsu end ironically in one way or another. Should this be any different? After paying all that only one person can receive the title of 'king of the iron fist'. Thus with all its glorious irony, the 'winner' gets into the tournament free: an heir to the Mishima Zaibatsu.'

'Why even enter if there is no possible chance of winning? Do these people seriously think money is something to be abused or tossed around? Sadly, ignorance is something that all living creatures are cursed with. People foolish such as this assume their ignorance is intelligence; no one could tell them otherwise. To them, each thought that appears is intellectual and correct.'

'I guess I'm also ignorant. Despite all rationale thoughts on my part, amazingly I have reason behind my actions. I may be a hypocrite, but I do stand firm to my beliefs. At least, those beliefs that I let others know about.'

'This is why I'll enter the tournament at any cost. To stand firm to my beliefs and find out if the unfortunate chain of events in my life has a purpose. This course of action is reckless, but this is the only way I'll get the answers I want when I want them. It is said that the only way to obtain what you want is through force.'

'I look at myself differently than I do other people. I was not born as a product of love as they all were, but of rape. I still live knowing that very few people want me for who I am and what I have come to be. They make me feel as if I was a mistake, that my life is here at their disposal. I need to know if I have a purpose here. It's a simple reassurance; I need to know if I can make a difference in this world.'

'I made my decision a long time ago, however, what was left of my family resented. My stepfather strongly disagreed with my decision. He knew very well of the consequences that could befall. He kept telling me that he didn't want to loose me: I'm all he had left. I truly understood why he was so concerned - he was being the father that I never really had.'

'I was finally able to make him budge on his judgment. There was only one way to convince him so... Bring up my mother.'

'Mother was the most loving and generous person I'd ever known: she didn't deserve the cards fate dealt her. She was struck down with cancer and passed shortly after she started treatment.'

'Even though she was so sick, she stayed happy.'

'Because of her I must ask why the kindest souls meet such unkind ends, and those unclean pass calmly. After her death he refused to even look at me; I was too much like her yet so different. He locked himself up in their room for days, not even coming out to perform the most mundane tasks. I tried to convince him that we should remember who and what she was before she became ill; she wouldn't want us to remember her like that.'

'We were both absolutely devastated and yet things seemed too calm...'




And speaking of fate, it decided to cut off her train of thought. Forcefully making her return to a place called 'the real world'.

"Great. I've been too engrossed in my thoughts that I have forgotten my purpose here. I have a ride catch. It should be much better than walking in this downpour..." She barley acknowledged that she was speaking aloud.

The drizzle lightly pelted against the cars and buildings nearby. Early summers in Tokyo were such as this; damp and even more so dreary. Lightening flashed and could be seen across the tops of skyscrapers and slightly on the pavement. The yellow cab had by chance assumed that she needed a ride and parked beside her (maybe because she had no umbrella). In no hurry, she slowly opened the back door and climbed inside.

The cabby greeted her in a slight French accent. "Mademoiselle, where are you headed?"

"If possible, the G-Corporation building."

"Pardon me for asking, but since when does pretty lady of your age have business with G-Corps? You barley look sixteen. Shouldn't you be in school today?"

"I am meeting my father for his lunch break at 12:30," she lied. "Our summer vacation just started so logically I should not be in a school building. You also got my age wrong. I'm older than that: seventeen. Would you like me to write you a book? I would if you'd like."

"No. I was just curious mademoiselle. Old men like me barley see people of your age in the city anymore."

"Just drive. I'm already late as is."

Sighing loudly, she returned to her thoughts.




'Anyway... where was I? Yes. Now I remember.'

'Once he recovered he felt that I was too naïve. I didn't deserve to be uneducated about my past as he once had been. He explained something to me that I could not avoid in the future... The nature of Heihachi and the Mishima Zaibatsu.'

'As far as I know, the new Mishima generation disregarded their ancestor's wishes. If Jinpachi could see what has become of the company he birthed, he'd have a heart attack and die for a second time. The Zaibatsu was courteous then and now they are far from. Heihachi had taken advantage of his situation and abused his privileges: killing innocent people and what not.'

'In another part of Zaibatsu irony, an 'unknown assailant' ended up murdering him. The usual questions were being asked by the media; 'who' killed him and what were their motivations. Was that not to be expected by anyone who knew Mishima nature?'

'If you had known or were involved with the Mishima Ziabatsu in any way, you would have accurately predicted the outcome. Since my mother was such, she knew who had killed him without a doubt. According to my parents, or at least my father, having your dad throw you off a cliff_possibly_could make you form a small grudge.'

'After much deliberation and examination of available evidence, they had a key suspect.'

'Kazuya Mishima was charged with the highest possible degree of manslaughter.'

'Kazuya is not one to be caught so easily. He was let off for the horrendous murder for various reasons. Is that nothing new? Kazuya was obviously guilty of the crime, but all of the evidence against him was too hazy. He is close to their fingertips, yet, cannot be touched. Having a Democratic country doesn't help the situation; it royally screws you over.'

'His name makes you think of one word: flawless.'

'He covers up his tracks almost effortlessly, as if he were never involved. He destroys everything and anything that would give them a reason to arrest him. It isn't too odd when you hear that in some cases he purposely throws them for loops. Even though the evidence doesn't lead to him, something in the back of your mind thinks differently. It's almost like your subconscious Connections with the Mafia, drug smugglers, and poachers could get you some time in the local penitentiary. With those contacts no wonder he's learned to cover his footsteps so well.'




"Mademoiselle? Are you listening? We're here."

"Hunh? Oh, yeah... um... what's the fare again?"

"$6.35 Mademoiselle. Tips are appreciated."

"Here. Not today old man. You might have if you didn't call me Mademoiselle. I'd prefer something in lets say... Japanese or maybe even English?"

She hands him the money and starts to climb out the taxi. She could hear him mumbling things... He was cussing her out in French.




'That is what you get for calling me Mademoiselle!'




Chuckling, she pushed through the revolving door and began to absorb her surroundings. The building was lavishly decorated in gray and silver tones; both colors complimented each other as well as the outdoors.

The floor tiles were grayish white and showed the reflection of some of the other objects in the room. Two rows of plush silver chairs lined the hallway she was in; they faced opposite each other and were around a few white side tables. The ceiling was around and twenty feet high and used decorative plaster formed into spirals: a 18th century silver chandelier hanging in the center. A fountain was strategically placed directly under it, water flowing from it in steady streams. In it's center stood an elevated statue... it was a statue of a combot.

After some more gawking, she walked up to the front desk. A middle aged woman sat behind it and was obviously not doing her job - she was reading a newspaper and munching on a donut; she didn't even notice her walk up.

Behind the lazy intern several combots were filing papers. It was the first time she had really seen one from this close a distance.

They were filing papers diligently - three of them total. Each was decorated to match the building; one was white, one gray, and the other metallic silver. This color scheme seemed smart and trendy at first, but now she was beginning to have other thoughts about it.

Breaking the silence, she spoke.

"Excuse me ma'am, may I ask a question? I am quite sorry for interrupting you."

The woman was startled.

"Um, how may I help you young lady?"

"Yes, do you know where I could find Mr. Lee Chaolan?"

"Do you have an appointment? You seem quite young to be having a meeting with Mr. Lee..."

"No I do not. Would it be possible to get to see him anyway?"

"Absolutely not. I am not allowed to let anyone to see him unless it is an utmost emergency."



'Okay. Now it is time to play with this poor woman's head. I feel so bad for doing this... Yet again, giving people complexes can be fun! I just hope it works... better cross my fingers...'



"So, Ma'am, you're telling me I am not allowed to see my Uncle Lee? I must have an appointment for being family?"

The woman snapped, "You are not related to him! Mr. Lee has no family! Please leave before I call security on you!"

She had yelled so loud each combot froze and stared at her, still holding folders and what not. The secretary had started *another* fight and they surely didn't want to miss it.

"Yes I am. Will you please let me see my Uncle? I have something very important to discuss with him."

"Miss. This is your last chance to leave..."

"No. I am not going anywhere until you let me see Lee!"

"NO! I AM CALLING SECUR..."

Her communication link suddenly flashes over and a voice can be heard coming from it.

"Ms. Iyamu? What is all the commotion down there? One of the combot guards notified me of it. Don't tell me you got into another fight with someone in the lobby..."

"I... I'm... I'm sorry, Mr. Lee. This heathen girl claims that she is your relative and has some business with you. Shall I dispose of her? She seems to be very..."

"No. Miss Tsubo. Send her up with an escort. I may be able to help."

"Y…Yes Mr. Lee."

She presses a red button to turn the communicator off.

"Well, little girl. You've gotten your wish!"

"Thanks lady. Like you really helped me any..."

"#4768093! I have a job for you."

One of the combots filing papers suddenly ceased. It filed the folder in its iron claw accordingly and walked over by the desk. It started to chirp awkwardly in something that sounded like an Internet dial-up, but slightly different. The woman seemed to understand what it was trying to tell her.

"#4768093, Please escort this girl to Mr. Lee's office. It would be greatly appreciated."

It chirped again in response and waved at her to follow it, She obliged. The combot pressed the elevator button labeled 'up' and after a few seconds of waiting, the door opened. It took its mechanical arms and made a gentlemanly gesture for her to proceed in first. She walked in and leaned casually against the glass window that allowed a view out. She began to think once again.



'If I remember right Lee became the CEO of this place by default. The original owner had no will and no family, so when he died, he didn't state the future of the company. People were confused and had to guess for themselves on the issue; they finally decided to let the company council make the decision. Since Mr. Lee was the major financial contributor on the combot project and owned much of their stock, he should rightfully get the company. That was about nine years ago and he seems to have settled into the lifestyle well.'

'There was no doubt about his experience with things such as this. After all, didn't he run the Zaibatsu alongside Kazuya?'



The elevator doors opened to the 73rd floor. The combot stepped out before she did and bowed. Before following it, she took in her surroundings. This room was so much different than the lobby. It covered the whole floor and was decorated in Oak and had a few statues; she expected it to be gray. Was this floor also used as a dojo? The size was perfect for fighting...

It then chirped in impatience and gestured her to come again. In front of her stood a tall purple leather chair, with the back facing her. The person sitting there began to speak.

"So, you're the girl who wanted so badly to see me?"

She stepped forward as the combot retreated.

"Yes, that I am."

The chair swivels around and there is a man with radiant silver hair. He looked to be about 66 in age.

"And what is your name and age then?"

"My name is Genkai Kageri and I am seventeen years of age."

"You've come this far so get to it. Tell me what brings you here."

She nodded, snickering somewhat evilly and responded, "Yes, Mr. Chaolan. I have come to you regarding information on the next King of the Iron Fist Tournament..."

"And you want me to pay your way into the tournament, am I not wrong? I hate filthy beggars like you. You're the ninth person to ask me this. Leave before I have someone come and drag you out."

"There is no need for that my dear Lee. You've already drawn the wrong conclusion about my intentions. I am not here to waste your time, so I shall tell you what you wish. I have come with a proposition that you may find considerable..."




... To be Continued ...
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A little spoofy on name usage because I know you'll be asking! Remember, first name comes last!
Kageri Genkai (Quinq Chin Zhen [the explaination on this will come with the following chapter])
Genkai: Strange or mysterious and troubling (adjective); limit/bound (noun); wordbook/dictionary (noun).
Kageri: Shadow or cloud (e.g. on someone's happiness) (noun); shade (noun); gloom (noun).

Daiyaku Iyamu
Iyamu: to detest (noun); to dislike (noun)
Daiyaku: important mission; heavy role; substitute actor; stand-in; double (all nouns).

Please review! R&R! Comments and criticisms are accepted and taken seriously ^_~. I'd like to know what you think! Anonymous reviews are accepted. I leave RR's (review responses) at the end of each chapter.



First Draft: September 26th, 2002.
Revised and Edited: April 4th, 2003.