AFTER 8 MONTHS OF WRITING AND NONSENSE AND WRITING- I PRESENT 'LA VIE EN ROSE' PART 1
ASULILI NATION MAKE SOME NOISEEEE | thanks to @scalproie , @headlessstar , @pettyeti for your encouragement and feedback
Summary:
'The Seventh Iron Fist Tournament has ended. In its aftermath under the Mishima-G Corp conflicts, the world lays fractured into ravaged wastelands and pockets of civilization under a facade of normalcy. Asuka Kazama returns home, reminded there is no ground she can stand on untouched. And with persistent Lili sticking like a bad itch, their entwined fates form her a lone island.'
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20k words per part from here on. Three parts total. I will be building the events between Tekken 7's ending for Asuka and Lili into just before Tekken 8 would start. I will be using canon, Harada's statements, and my two essays I recommend reading as guides.
Asuka Essay | Lili Essay
PLAYLIST GO BRRRRRRR
EDIT: I decided to also just dump the entire part 1 on tumblr then decide how I wanna share the rest moving forward
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1
SE BATTRE C'EST TOUS
She held her breath and the numbers came. One, two, three, four, fiveâŚshe could still smell the roses piled in the training hall. Sighing she opened her eyes and paced, arms crossed, around and around the doorway until she tripped over a shoe. Asuka threw out her hands, let herself collapse then slide down the wall into a slump. Tightness gripped her chest as she chewed her bottom lip. First had been the roses, roses of every color, size, and shape sheâd never attempt counting. Everything was polished blinding like the sun and all things broken were now shiny replacements; Asuka still had no idea which button on the new microwave simply heated her leftovers.
Next had been coming home, standing in their kitchen, to watch Dadâs face worn and lined face split with a grin. The pile of bills that used to sit on the table had vanished, becoming a single check heâd waved like itâd disappear. Then of course Lili didnât even bother showing up with her for any of it; creating yet another mess before pulling out of reach. The confused silences punctuating arguments between them over the flight home were broken when theyâd landed at the airport. âReturn ahead of me Asuka Kazama. I need a day to arrange my things.â Lili had said, wearing a smirk before flipping her hair and strutting away. The once in a lifetime thrill at hot meals and extending seats aboard first class had evaporated. How the hell did you respond to that? So sheâd braced herself and crossed the threshold of her house, alone.
Now she was crouched here, her mind in knots. Dad would probably be halfway done shopping for the huge welcome party dinner heâd bragged about. They needed to thank Lili properly, of course, his eyes seeming to go right through Asuka when he said so. To the end no matter how she protested or hovered over his limping strolls from point A to point B, he gave her a glare. Said that heâd taken her coddling for too long; the doctors had discharged him for a reason. Her hand curled a fist but stopped short of hitting the wall. No point in ruining what was indeed fixed, even if it could be fixed again. No way would she create another reason for Lili to call her a brute. Then the rumble and crunch of a car tire beyond the door perked up her ears; snapping her from her stillness.
Asuka looked through the peephole.
The white off Liliâs limo flashed orange into her eyes under the setting sun. The thing blocked off their courtyard as the driverâs side opened; out came a wrinkled old man hustling in his tailed suit for the passengerâs side door. She turned away. Sheâd hold out on looking at her until that final, final second it became unavoidable. Instead she could imagine Liliâs self-satisfied smirk, the confident strut as she dragged her suitcase worth a hundred little hole in the wall houses, the haughty air in her laugh thatâd come whenever Asuka so much as stared. She hummed in concentration imagining her perfect hair, perfect poise, flawless as she claimed her prize. No! The brave thing would be looking that dumbass right in her stupid eyes. âYou donât get control of everythinâ you want!â
Suddenly the doorbell rang making her jolt and yelp. Â She opened the door and there stood Queen Dumbass, lifting pink tinted aviator shades that covered her face. A silver rope necklace glinted around the collar of an outfit Asuka didnât attempt guessing the price for. The limo was gone. Lili clicked her tongue; somehow her long blonde hair remained flawless. But there was, if only for an instant, tiredness beneath her stare. She leaned over her tall and wiry enough to block the door. Like so many times before Asukaâs words died on her tongue.
âGood day Asuka Kazama. Have you recovered from our flight? We have much to do if Iâm going to train, and I canât have you slacking.â
Stand tall, now.
âIâm fine. Donât go expecting a summer camp here you ass. Might be your name on the deed these days but I was born here, right in the living room.â
Her thick Osakan drawl dragged and cut the words of her temper by their syllables. Lili stood unfazed, cocking her head in that blurred line between annoyance and amusement Asuka never understood.
âWell then youâll know which room Iâll be staying in, how many meals Iâll eat, and exactly what our regimen will be already. I am the only student after all. Or are my expectations too high for one as knowledgeable as you? Perhaps you will find some other way to meddle and fuss during my stay. Fatherâs wealth is why we can stand where we are.â
Lili flicked Asukaâs forehead, swaggering inside and rolling her luggage behind her. A duffle hung from her shoulders, jostling Asuka as she passed. She scowled jostling her right back.
âWhaâ was that for?!â
âFor being so very you. Now, my room if youâd please?â
âYeah, yeah upstairs follow me.â
Upstairs meant passing several floorboards whose every creak made her heart lighter. Some things stayed the same. Asuka carried the suitcase as they climbed, and after a pause realized another floral scent was flooding her senses. It grew stronger each step she watched Lili climb forward.
âPerfume? Damn it smells good.â
She bit her lip. Give them a week and she doubted this girl would keep primping herself up like a show dog. The gears in her mind whirled rearranging tomorrowâs plan as they reached the top.
âItâs on the left, close to the stairs for any going back anâ forth. Iâll put your things down so you donât knock nothinâ over.â
âHow rude! Donât treat me like some monkey; Iâm capable of minding my surroundings!â
âAs capable as those fancy kicks of yours leave you wide open in a fight, sure.â
âAsuka Kazama you insufferable littleâŚâ
Growling Lili spun around setting upon her, pride wounded. She spotted the way her body drew back a second too long and rushed forward. âYou still have that habit?â One step sideways slid her out the way letting Lili pitch into air. Asuka lunged. It came an instant too late. Grappling and tussling each other had them tripping through the doorway, until forgetting the weight of her duffle saw Lili topple to the floor. Asuka planted her feet on instinct and pulled Queen Dumbass up as if it were reflex. The force thrust Lili clinging against her chest; for an instant she stood close enough to feel her gasp.
Asuka felt her body freeze, her face fixed in confusion finding Liliâs doe eyed expression. Then it was gone when she watched her glance around. Shelves covered in books, photos, and trophies lined the north most wall above a computer desk. The curtains were white around an opened window above a single bed. A dresser with a mirror and CD player hugged the western wall. Several spare bicycle parts were piled in a corner peeking out of a full trunk. At their feet a futon sat atop a plush rug.
âAre weâŚin your room?â
Asuka let go of her and stacked the luggage aside, crossing her arms.
âThis ainât a five star hotel; there wasnât no other place to put you. Itâs my room, my rules. Donât go gettinâ ideas. Youâre sleeping on the floor.â
She expected protest, an insult, any kind of resistance. Instead Lili nodded and gave the futon a once over. She spent greater time standing in awe like this were a museum exhibit sheâd paid a personal tour for. Asukaâs skin flushed, but before her temper spilled Dadâs voice called from downstairs.
âGirls? Asuka? Is our guest home yet or can you help me with the cooking?â
âCooking? Did he say cooking?â
âYeah itâs for your moving in anâ all. Just stay here and look pretty. I doubt youâve ever cooked in your life.â
She stuck her head out and yelled back.
âIâm cominâ Dad! Sheâs here in my room donât worry.â
From behind her came the sounds of bags being unzipped. When she turned around Lili knelt knee deep in stacks of clothes for every occasion, dresses included. There were several tailored bags some of them spilling makeup tools next to bottles she couldnât see the labels of. She watched her lean back and forth from bag to bag; it was like a cat pawing at yarn. Asuka swallowed a laugh. Lili didnât notice. Instead she shooed her with a wave of the hand.
âGo on then. I need to make myself presentable. Where is your bathroom?â
âLast door on the right down the hall.â
âDonât sound so dejected. You are killing the mood.â
She didnât look at her as she spoke. A suck of her teeth felt reply enough. When she walked away she heard a confident âThank you as always.â Her chest tightened. A breeze followed her wake down the stairs.
Dad limped around the kitchen pulling out pots and setting oil to heat on their best skillets. Meat, vegetables, seasonings, a fruit platter, tiny cakes, even the takoyaki fryer- her mind grew fuzzy just counting everything. For a pause her eyes followed him, the tightness lingered.
âOh there you are girl. Come and cut the lettuce for me.â
She gave him a once over from his strong and sweaty lined brow down to his quietly bent leg. He must be straining just standing there. Without thinking she set about washing her hands, placing things within his reach before he knew he needed them; then came prepping. Her face felt stiffer than her chopping once they settled into a rhythm. From the corner of her eye she watched him drag his steps a breath too long; at times when she passed on one prepped ingredient, he stood slumped over the counter. Asuka set down her knife.
âDad. Why?â
Takoyaki sizzled.
âWhy what?â
âSelling the houseâŚnot chasing after that bastard who crushed the dojo anâ gave you your wounds. Your coma. We couldâve figured it out ourselves.â
ââŚWe talked about this.â
âAnd it makes no sense to me!â She shouted, slamming her palms and rattling the cutting board with a thud.
He glared dead at her straight backed, cold eyed, impassable. His lips were pursed with the unsaid that no longer bore repeating. Immediately she recoiled and the fire that twisted her face in anger began wavering. Goosebumps shot across her skin. When he spoke it was deep, rough as gravel; resigned but not bitter.
âAsuka, Asuka I wonât say this again. Weâve gotta survive. Thatâs all there is to it. They can bust me up, they can drive our students away, but thereâs always a way out if youâre alive. You donât spit on a helping hand.â
âIâm your daughter; itâs my job to be the helping hand. I just need to double my training and some time. Thereâs no point begging from anyone, much less the asshole that keeps picking fights with me! This is another one of her shams Dad; you should kick her to the curb and let me protect us!â
âKeeping my family does not mean Iâve lost!â
His nose flared and eyes shot wide with ferocity, with pain, as if sheâd pressed fingers into an open gash. She recoiled, shuddering in silence. There remained nothing left to say. Slowly, slowly her breath returned; her blood warmed again. Then someone cleared their throat behind her. Asuka turned, rushing the break of the spell hanging over the air, to find Lili stood like a deer in headlights. Thinly applied blush and the sheen of lip gloss colored her face. Dadâs stare felt as if it kept burning holes through the back of her head. Whatever kept Lili stunned broke when she gave them a graceful bow. âYouâre lovinâ this arenât you.â
Yet the look Lili wore made her chest ache.
âGood Evening Mr. Kazama, sir. I apologize for any disturbances my presence has caused; a pleasure to meet you face to face.â
âYes, please come in make yourself at home. Help yourself to as much as youâd like.â Dad said softly, ignoring Asukaâs bent, pleading expression as he wiped his hands on his apron.
Only a few finishing touches remained for the dishes. As she worked Lili sat waiting lost in thought each time she glanced a different spot. Sometimes, for the barest instant, she felt her stare linger a second too long. But whenever she glanced back Lili had moved on. When they plated the okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon, oshizushi, and more around the hot pot center piece- that made her balk.Â
Itâd been Dadâs idea to offer her everything Osakan and the kitchen sink if need be; Lili accepted bite after bite with firm grace. With turns of phrase she joked, listened, chatted as if Dad were an old friend. Asuka sat mute unless asking for seconds or giving a clipped word or two, or three. Her glares seemed to deter nothing. She watched one of Liliâs smiles, oshizushi stuffed in her mouth. For whatever reason Lili didnât focus on her, didnât pry the fresh cuts sheâd overheard. âI think I used too much broth in the hot potâŚâ
Steeping in the bath after a wash, Asuka watched the moon hang obscured by clouds. Heart pounding, she rolled back her head. The ceiling was blank.
Night was giving way to blue dawn when her alarm blared. Fumbling she flipped her phone open to shut it off, eyes squinting as half of her read the time- the other half still dreamed of darkness. The screen blasted full on her face. Five thirty in the morning; time to get up. Various bottles, makeup tools, and pouches littered the surface of her dresser. Hairclips, brushes, ties, and ribbons (one set for the hair another to pin at the chest) were scattered in the space between. A handful of mirrors in a ridiculous range of sizes threatened toppling when she rummaged for clothes; she sucked her teeth. Even her things were starting to smell expensive. Â
Her closet had been overtaken until the hangars were bursting, and the most enormous or excess dresses that couldnât fit hung from wall hooks. What had been hers with its white and aqua walls, bike posters, and her parts box now became something cheaply soundproofed by lace. Lace buried even the flutter she once enjoyed from her white curtains. Everything was pink or silver or both or cream and red and grey and purple and she swallowed a scream. The last drops of sleep evaporated under her anger as she kneeled. Lili slept piled under the futon straight backed; a velvet mask embroidered with flowers over her eyes. A neat collection of stuffed animals ringed her body. Her breaths were so quiet she could pass for dead. Asuka considered it for a split second. She poked her cheek.
âHey wake up. Training starts before school.â
Nothing, she poked her harder.
âCâmon you can hear me canât you?â
A sudden mumble then jerk, but still she slept. Asuka groaned into a growl, leaning right into her face.
âWake the hell up dumbass!â Â
âAAAUGH!â
Lili shot upright slamming them together, a breeze from the impact shifting Asuka and sending her rolling across the floor. Pain exploded, purple spots flashed her vision then were gone.
âFuck fuck fuck fuck fuck-â
âFuuuckk!â
âMy god whatâs wrong with you?â
âYou! You and your forehead nearly killed me.â
âWhat did you expect yelling so close like that? Youâre not even bleeding. I thought someone came to kill me! Or rob us, or both.â
Asuka grumbled then settled into a scowl. She felt her face tenderly; Lili was right. Her head throbbed but hadnât caught a scratch.
âWhatever. Keep your voice down or Dad might wake up. Sorry.â
Lili grimaced as she pulled off her eye mask, tossing it over a shoulder as she stood and yawned.
âWhy are we up before the sun anyway? My beauty sleep will be ruined.â
Asuka sighed.
âTraining.â
By the time theyâd each had their turn fishing in the dresser true dawn dappled through the windows. Thankfully Lili matched her careful pace and save for their footfalls the house laid blanketed between quiet and natureâs white noise. Asuka glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Lili wore her hair pinned in a bun with an upturned tail, a headband cupping her bangs; both were paired by a compression tank top that hugged everything, and flowy sweatpants. From the midriff down were stitched roses and sharp curving vines. It wasnât bad, and that made her bite her lip.
Her nose twitched when she could smell the training hall before they entered it. The rainbow of roses was now wilted; their grey brittle shells crunching under her feet. Musk of decay mixed with rancid sweetness filled her mouth. Behind her she heard coughing followed by a dry gag. Lili threw a hand over her lips; her eyes startled wide.
âMy poor thingsâŚâ
She watched her shift forward and Asuka threw out an arm to stop her, gently. Liliâs body had a softness to it, but to her surprise she felt muscle only practice produced. A jolt like a warm electric shock raced up her arm. She replied firm like it could restrain a tinge of regret.
âI saved the ones I could but they were already half dead when I came home. Then the ones I threw into vases died a little while after too.â
âYou tried.â
Lili whispered absentmindedly, a hint of disbelief. Asuka sucked her teeth. Did she come off heartless to this girl? It was completely unfair, after all-
âNone of them had to die if you hadnât thought to leave a bunch of flowers without water. Thatâs so wasteful and stupid.â
âMaking things beautiful is not stupid; you lack refined tastes. Being an uncouth boor seems to better suit you.â
âYeah well, whatever that means, at least I have sense.â
They stomped at one another, their faces drawn close enough to feel the heat rising after every word. Asuka bit her lip; her jaw tightened into a scowl. Then, rather than argue and scrunch further, Lili âHmphâdâ and turned away.
âWeâre wasting time if weâre going to get any practice done before school.â
âNo. I will be practicing forms. You can clean this up; itâs your mess. Iâm not showing you squat for however long that takes.â
Before Lili could bark another complaint from her twitching mouth Asuka pointed a finger.
âLook up.â
Above the doorway rested the outline of bright untouched wood versus the rest of the dark wall polished by age. Its straight lines and angles formed the shape of a missing rectangle. Lili cocked her head, her expression stilled.
âWhat was there?â
âDad hung our schoolâs motto on a plaque before I was born. It was nailed right in that spot, until that Kempo bastard snapped it like a twig when he trashed the place.â
Every syllable saw her blood boil, every word guiding the drum of her heart pounding in her ears. The hairs on her nape stood not stiff in fear as it was rage howling for release. In her vision there rested only the naked wall, nothing else.
âI need to get stronger, hunt him, and then Iâm taking our school sign back. That one he stole like it was nothinâ but some cheap trophy. When heâs begging mercy at my feet, it wonât be over till heâs pissing, shitting, and eating through tubes!â
Spittle flew through the bite of her last word. Her heart turned to roaring in her ears; not her heart entirely but the rush of air, she realized, when she heard a gasp beyond it. Lili stood, that doe eyed stare returned now bordering on panic as she trembled softly. Glancing at the floor Asuka found her own fists had clenched. Since when? Her body had grown tight, pain beginning to throb in deeper knots along her limbs, her back. She breathed in then out. Her voice became stifled.
âWhenever weâre here we have to bow at the sign, got it? Thatâs all.â
She did so, half in demonstration and half in fervor; a perfect tilt neither too high nor too in the middle. When she walked away roses parted at the force on her heels. Lili said nothing, but she heard faint shuffling, a pause, followed by more movement fuzzing at the edge of her awareness. Forms, she needed to concentrate on her forms now. Bending down in the middle of the hall she cleared a circle then straightened into position. Breathe in then out.
First came arm stretches followed by meaty pops from both shoulders, she shivered into a sigh at those. Then she bent over feeling the burn in her hamstrings before it fizzled out. Slowly she stretched out one leg at a time for her sitting hamstring work, then ankle flexes. The routine loosening each limb emptied her mind, honed her focus into a single razor point.
There was a nagging presence circling the edge of her awareness, she launched into White Heron Dance. Its sequence was familiar, her roundhouse kicks spinning her with whirlwind momentum into a sucker punch that curved the air in passing. Moon Scent would be next. She threw herself downward, bouncing from a handstand as she speared her legs into an upward arc. Like a looping bird she let gravity carry her backflip, fluid as water. Her stomp boomed when she landed upright again. She caught her breath, readying to jab when the presence danced across her skin, refusing now to hide.
 Asuka glanced at Lili, wrinkling her brow in confusion when the girl kept staring as if mesmerized. She scoffed. A rich girl had probably never seen anyone who worked for their skills, much less the sturdy muscle years of technique carved along Asukaâs body. Even other girls during P.E. class at school were prissy about it- until sheâd once sent a few flying. None of them had ever turned as red as Lili now was though.
âWhat? Quit grilling me unless youâve got something to say.â
Lili turned away and swept the roses slower. The flush on her face reached her fingertips.
âSh-Shut your mouth.â Was all Asuka heard her grumble.
She adjusted her crop top and shifted her shorts. The modest room seemed to shrink the longer neither moved. Then just like that Lili went back to sweeping as she jabbed the first steps of Bashoâs Dance.
Together they faced the walk to school. One glance at the battered frame and missing bolts of Asukaâs bike had her tugging Lili along before a word could shoot out her mouth. It was left leaning against the house; her stomach sank at Lili having seen it at all. Then she was under a barrage.
First the streets were nice to walk but crowded easily yet it was better than Monaco. The weather was too cold at a slight breeze despite it being May. They were too far away to smell the ocean. There were no gull calls floating readily through the air in their neighborhood. Despite this the buildings were beautiful, quaint, and street signs were a splendid rainbow. Asukaâs uniform, though handsome with a popped collar and short sleeves, was too typical. Nothing could change it being a sweater vest over a dress shirt and a skirt, how very dull. It lacked the refined precision of a superior tailor- Lili had a dozen points proving as much. And that was why sheâd had hers custom ordered to her measurements in a green complimenting her as well as the hand sown cuffs. Her butler, Sebastian, had arranged paying off their principal so she could keep it on. She had something to say after every other block; it took only three before Asuka wished sheâd shut the fuck up. Instead she rested her bag over her shoulder, her chin held high, and humored her anyway.
Homeroom finally divided them by school year, and even if she whined about it and rolled her eyes, Lili relented. Teachers shooed her away toward the Second Years by the time Asuka sat her ass in the Third Year class she rightfully belonged with. Everyone else clustered around their circles of the room, chatting about gossip she didnât understand. Understanding hadnât been a privilege sheâd held since her first time storming back, that Kempo bastard having been nowhere she could reach. It would be almost a year ago since sheâd flung desks out the window when one boy joked âAt least you got to be a tourist while the rest of us took exams!â The suspension afterwards marred her student record, yet when sheâd been yelled at in the faculty office sheâd felt nothing. Thereâd been only the off white of the florescent lights, fury killing the pain into numbness.
Their homeroom teacher whose name she couldnât remember called everyoneâs attention. The pockets of gossip went back to their rank and file seats for roll call and bowing. Waiting for her name to be called she stood, a handful of glances finding her staring at the wall clock. Behind her more gazes merged and bore upon her shoulders. Whispers tickled her ears buzzing like gnats, silenced when their tired teacher asked,
âAsuka Kazama?â
âHere.â
She sat down when he passed her over and leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, brow narrowed. It was every day with this shit. When the lecture started she pulled out her notebooks in silence. Half of her listened; reason kept her anger lidded to a simmer.
History was todayâs first subject. It was something about the Sengoku Era picking up off yesterdayâs lesson. She hadnât kept track since chasing Lili at the seventh Iron Fist Tournament; with the bombings, cities in rubble, and armies mowing each other down on the news, studying felt as much a moot point. Her hand clenched in her hair absentmindedly as she took notes on Nobunaga Odaâs last stand at HonnĹ-ji. His own men had turned and cornered him like a rat. In the crowd around her some jeering or nervous faces turned away when she returned their stares. Many had been weak little squirts running to her covered in bruises when they were in elementary school. Sheâd charged their bullies and taken blows sheâd showed off to Dad wearing a toothy grin. Her enemies were left groaning on the pavement, worthless against the latest technique sheâd trained. Asukaâs eyes stuck to her paper, gritting her teeth.
Math came next. An equation that stretched a good width of the chalkboard had her cocking her head, a brow raised incredulously. Then the worst possible thing happened as she squinted in frustration- the teacher locked eyes with her.
âMs. Kazama, can you tell us the correct answer?â
Two people snickered. She stood and crossed her arms. It was algebra she recognized but never exceled at. If she multiplied, subtracted, carried the one and divided sheâd getâŚ
âEr, uh, is it four?â
Pain swatted against her forehead flashing purple spots in her vision. Something clattered at her feet and when she crunched it underfoot she found chalk dust.
âPerhaps youâd know if you took your education seriously. Next.â
She balled her hands at her sides growling into a scowl. Not caring for surrender she flopped back down into her seat and stared into her notes. Then came more whispers,
âKazama struggles with math worse than I doâŚâ
âOf course she does all she cares about is fighting.â
âDonât let her hear you or sheâll turn into Violent Kazama!â
Literature class left her tongue tied and head swimming in muddy metaphors. One bookâs story could contain a million answers and counter answers, and then there was the view teachers wanted you to have. She wasnât picked for a read aloud, sighing in relief at that. Still, she tried looking as neutral as her face could tolerate. Her fists clenched on her desk.
âHow the hell am I supposed to know what some authorâs going through? Nothingâs going right with me!â
She didnât even want to attempt English. The straight and curved squiggles of letters on the board were jumbled nonsense. Her notes tapered into messy lines. The borders of her page became busy with scribbles. In one she trampled that Kempo bastard underfoot, holding her dojoâs sign above her head, triumphant. In another Dad practiced his form grinning ear to ear. Then without thinking she drew curve after curve until Liliâs arrogant eyes and unknowable smile framed in a detailed portrait stared up at her. She sucked her teeth quietly.
Lunch came without fanfare when everyone again went in their little corners eating together. Some people scraped their chairs loudly when they moved seats; when she looked around she sat alone. Even the bullied loner kids had made a camp of their own. They shot her nervous, pitiful glances. Tch. She scowled into a sigh. Her lunch amounted to a protein shake and the bento she normally made slapped together without order. The rice, unshaped and seaweed scattered, half buried her sliced sausage. The pickled radishes, lettuce, and sliced carrots spilled over the rectangle cut omelets and nearly the rest of the box. Her hamburger steak felt fucking pathetic squished at the center of it all. The nonsense that morning, and Liliâs cluelessness doing anything herself made Asuka rush in the kitchen. Before she could wallow her stomach growled.
Whispers beat against her as she ate.
âStupid.â
âNosey.â
âThug.â
âDidnât you hear? What if sheâs related to that Jin Kazama, the terroristâŚ?â
âEnough people end up in the hospital âcuz of her. Even if theyâre mostly punksâŚâ
She gritted her teeth and glared like she could punch using her eyes. Her name went quiet after that. After the final bell for the day she checked the chalkboard and breathed a sigh of relief. She wasnât on cleaning duty this time, and that made her steps ten times lighter out the door. Her bag went on her shoulder, swaggering even as the tips of her ears flushed. A pair of girls walking toward her staggered and speed walked away at one glance. Asuka growled and the weight in her steps thud off the walls like trampling hooves. She turned the corner to find them opening their shoe lockers. They gasped, bug eyed as they gaped like the idiots they were, fumbling to get their loafers on. The taller one fell against the lockers and yelped letting her lackey drag her away. She dashed forward and yelled after them,
âGo ahead and fuck off! Thatâs right! I hate you too!â
She sucked her teeth kicking off her school slippers, angry enough to never care again. When she opened her locker a presence hovered by her left-
âThese people are largely lacking in the social graces, it seems. How awful.â
The hairs on her nape stood and her grip grabbing her shoes turned her knuckles white. Her jaw clenched, for a breath she stared ahead utterly still. When she slammed her locker shut Lili jolted but recovered as if not a hair were out of place. She threw her shoes to the ground and shoved into them one foot at a time. She didnât bother looking at her until there were no options left. The heat rose like steam off her skin; her face scrunched into a glare that made Lili cock her head. Asuka stared her up and down. Lili stood rod straight holding her bag in front of her with both hands; a picture perfect schoolgirl waiting poised like some clichĂŠ out of an old drama. Like a cat sitting in a high place it didnât belong; ignorant to any wrong itâd done.
She leaned up right in her face. The air wrapped around them hot, stale, bristling.
âYou made it worse.â The words practically spat out her mouth.
âI beg your pardon?â
âFirst I had to go chase my Dadâs enemy halfway across the world; people gave me shit for âoverreactingâ. People started doubting what Iâve done for them. They think I just want to fight. Then you came along pulling me into whatever this petty bullshit grudge you have is. You made me show up to the Iron Fist Tournament on live TV missing more school, and what do I find when I meet you? Youâre not making any sense talking about my family, what fucked up bloodlines I belong to; the drama thatâs destroying the world could come after me. Buying my house, moving in! Now they think Iâm like the idiots I clean up on the streets and treat me even worse!â
Finally Liliâs brow pinched.
âPetty? You think what I do is petty?â
âWhat else is this shit supposed to be? Iâve only met you three times and youâre already ruining my life.â
âRuining- I canât believe this. Our rematch outside this school was for my honor after you trounced me at our first meeting. Everything since however has been for your benefit-â
âDonât you dare say that-â
âI just donât understand your anger over something practical-â
âTHIS IS YOUR FAULT!â
A gale roared flinging Liliâs hair wild as a shaking tree; she stumbled then froze in terror. Asuka felt nothing but the stinging of her blood, a burning on her skin. Then she followed Liliâs stare. Her right fist trembled, raised mid punch, her twitching muscle all that leashed it as if it were a tugging dog. Her ears were ringing. Â Her tongue felt like pins and needles. Blood trickled down her knuckles from a few tiny cuts. It was so strange; she could see the heat haze rising off her wounds. Her mind went blank.
âAsukaâŚâ
Her tendons flexed as she forced her arm down. The thud of her bag hitting the floor came muffled to her. To breathe shook her body one wheeze after another. Behind her long shadows smothered all warmth from the room.
Her voice was ice.
âFuck you.â
She took off sprinting outside not caring what direction took her so long as she flew anywhere else. Far, far, and far away; anywhere else. The streets blurred past into denser and denser blocks lined with bright neon or metal signs. Lanes and corners went from mostly empty to small crowds parting at her wrath.
âWhereâŚwhereâs some punksâŚwhere?!â
The soles on her shoes squeaked as she dipped into an alley. She heard voices pop into existence and her ears perked.
âGot a problem asshole? This is our turf.â
âNot last week it wasnât, you assholes keep pushinâ your way in here. You got no respect!â
âWhatâd you say fuckinâ tough guy?â
âEat shit and give it up!â
Ahead of her figures lunged together until they became two big guys locked in each otherâs grip. She flung herself high, tucked in, then thrust out both legs.
âHold it right there!â
Instantly her heels bashed against their skulls crashing them together; she flipped and rolled safely off their domes. When she stood up there were no exits, just two gangs bunched shoulder to shoulder. At least twelve boys her age now circled her gawking and silent. She got up slowly, catching a deep breath then stopped.
Stand tall, now.
The pair sheâd crashed into rolled and groaned clutching themselves before going dead still. They were blacked out. Good. She liked these odds. A guy wearing a jumpsuit stitched with catchphrases and his hair slicked back pointed at her.
âWho the fuck are you?â
She dusted off her hands then put one on her hip and smirked.
âNothing belongs to either of you; the least you can do is not fight where everyone can see. Youâre disturbing the peace. Go knock each other out in private, got it?â
Taking a step forward she stabbed her finger on the flashy guyâs chest.
âThatâs me telling you as the Gang Mediator of Osaka, Asuka Kazama!â
A heavy silence passed where only a breeze whistled through. Then roaring laughter burst into her ears without buildup. She scowled but before she could react the guy grabbed her wrist.
âYouâre so full of it, look thereâs blood on her knuckles and sheâs talking about âdisturbing the peaceâ gyahahahaha!â
âShit.â
Then something deeper hummed, it liked these odds.
âWhatâre you gonna do arrest us? Whereâs your badge?â
âWe can handle cunts like you!â
She tried snatching her hand away but he gripped it tight; his eyes narrowed like heâd stepped in fresh shit. She sighed.
âPut the turf on hold letâs get this bitch.â
As he grinned she gripped him by the hand he held and yanked them together. One of her legs swept his left shin; the instant he stumbled her fist slammed into his jaw. Woozy, he started crumpling when her kick flew into his nose. Â The next guy hurled a right cross she dodged, seizing his arm and flipping him to let momentum do the rest. He hit the ground with a smack, her heel stomping his throat. More goons scrambled to corner her from every side; thinking fast she chopped oneâs windpipe and shoved another with both palms. She dashed between the gaps he left as he fell into the others, toppling some into a groaning pile.
 The guys left standing chased her into the alley sheâd come from, not bothering to look around until she readied herself. By then their mistake sealed them into a single file row but still they raged.
âNow ya really asked for it!â
She went low planting her hands on the ground before kicking in a perfect arc on her backflip. The rubber of her soles bounced knocking a guyâs chin backwards. A few teeth clattered to the pavement. She caught her breath and ran as more trampled him underfoot. It was a few meters until she could see the sign lined street peeking ahead. She booked it, narrowly emerging in time to sidestep a grab for her hair. Again she ducked sweeping the guyâs ankle; bashing his shin, and then sprung into a one two punch. Â In an instant his head knocked around harder than a jiggling water balloon. With a roar she thrust a kick forward booting him easy as a door. They cried and shouted under another pile up. One avoided the spill and charged; two punches whipped together was her answer.
âSomebody hit her already!â
âStop pushing!â
âWho stepped on my new sneakers?â
âThis bitch is stronger than a fucking gorilla!â
Again some lunged after her but she was shorter, faster, and nimble as the wind she sent them falling in a row. Then pain slammed her from behind shooting lightning across her spine. Crying out she stumbled but didnât slump. Not wasting precious seconds she felt her neck rock sideways as she turned; the boyâs punch glanced her and even half its power crashed like a waterfall.
âFuckâŚâ
âI got her!â
Roaring, Asuka pivoted into a back turn throwing herself behind her right shoulder; he slammed against a building, bouncing off the wall. His body dropped useless as a sack of meat. Everything went quiet; every eye had traced the arc of his flight. She gathered her breath, huffing and slinking back into stance. Her hands waited, palms slicked with sweat the same as her hair sticking to her forehead. Her clothes were getting damp; this had to end soon, Dadâs voice chided echoing in her mind. A grimace shut him out. Carefully she watched them and planted her feet. Anger cinched her into one piece, one feeling that demanded nothing but to sit beside her. Whether it was bravery, stubbornness, or still being pissed the boys started getting up.
She shook her head, grinned, and was gone in the fray.
Darkness filled the gaps of the sign lights curving over twelve sprawled bodies. She huffed, bent and holding her knees to stand. Everything from hair to socks stuck against her skin as if sheâd spent hours rolling in cement. Her muscles pooled heat in knots. Tenderly she prodded her face; a swell around her left eye would definitely bruise by morning. Blood had long dried just under her left temple too, she wasnât worried about that. When she tugged her sweater and checked for stains, she groaned finding streaks of it. Swaying she managed getting herself upright. The world wobbled the way your balance tipped lifting a heavy block. Her throat was sandpaper she couldnât swallow enough to wet.
Someone moaned stirring painfully slow near the edge of the sprawl. Asuka gnashed her teeth into a growl and limped toward him. Winding a kick she slammed his head planting him on his back. Then finally she was alone. She roared into the sky,
âNext time listen to me you dumbasses! No fighting!â
She spat at them and kept going down the cleared street. The fighting must have shooed everyone when sheâd been busy. It wasnât even a long walk, she knew this area the more she looked around, but each step was lead. The streets could have stretched a few meters or several kilometers, time lessened nothing. At least she had her vision, scanning for the familiar signs and lanes that would turn into home. Like an idiot sheâd left her phone in her school bag, and sheâd never gotten into watches despite Dad swearing by them. Whenever it was she guessed the trains still ran with as many people crossing intersections as there were. That made it late enough though that sheâd probably missed dinner. People quickly turned not daring to look her in the eyes. Or they gasped, froze in place, and then scurried off. She sighed softly but never once rested.
When she turned a familiar intersection her chest tightened; another punk crowd lounged outside a Lawsonâs. They laughed, pretended to fight, and ate snacks loud enough to set her head aching halfway down the block. She sucked her teeth. To her left opened up another tight alley; if she could just limp across, if she could just stay low then-
âMs. Asuka? Izzat you?â
âWhatâs she doing out this late?â
âYeah thatâs her look, look!â
Their sneakers hit the pavement thundering closer and closer. Growling she pulled herself up, readying her hands. Their eyes glinted under the streetlights bouncing from surprise to shock. She squinted and studied their faces, their casual dress. For once her relief seemed like it could melt her pain away. Sheâd broken these guys in months ago. Their fussing was music to her ears, and when the leader insisted two people help her stand while they walked her home, she didnât resist. Everyone rained down questions scrambling her thoughts until she swore she might explode. So instead, urging them to shut up for a second, she gave them the rundown start to finish. Lili however, of course, was none of their business.
They oohâd and ahhâd and that got a snicker out of her. Twelve guys at once, they kept passing it around as if the words were something they could touch. Someone slapped her shoulder. Another offered her an energy drink she gulped greedily. As it dribbled down her chin she asked them if theyâd been making nice around town. Silence fumbled in the darkness but when her eyes narrowed they nodded and reassured her. Yesterday they hadnât even fought anyone, helping a granny cross the street instead. Exhaustion drowned her will to question. They chatted until she had nothing but listening to their jokes.
She said goodbye waving off their good cheer two blocks from home and felt lighter. A dog barked somewhere when she leaned against her courtyardâs fence; her head throbbed. Huffing for breaths she looked up. Lili sat on the front step head in hand and scrolling her phone. Seconds passed and when she blinked they were staring. Out came her next breath and Lili ran toward her; Asuka had never seen her move so fast. She found herself in her arms and managed a protesting groan but didnât pull away. Liliâs fingers tenderly grazed her black eye.
âMy god where the hell have you been, what happened?! Do you have any idea how late it is? You idiot running off like that without even taking your thingsâŚâ
Asukaâs temper smoldered, fizzled into ash.
âIâm fine, go get my Dad he knows about patching me up. And quit hugging me youâre not making this hurt any less! Youâre the idiot.â
âStop talking or I shall drop you where you stand so you may crawl inside.â
âDamnnit.â
Dad wove the gauze tight between her knuckles. She hissed then shuddered when he glared back. With a sigh she put her chin in her other hand. She couldnât tell if he read her regret; the ice pack taped to her face blocked half her vision. Her shoulders sagged pathetically. A cold jolt prickled along the cut beneath her eye; on reflex she hissed and instantly the pain began dulling. Lili had a steady hand applying a second thin streak of ointment.
âAt least warn me when youâre gonna do that.â
âHush, thereâs no time to waste keeping these from ballooning overnight.â
âListen to her Asuka. Itâs you who went looking for trouble when unfocused in the first place.â
She swallowed hard then huffed quietly.
âLift your head and hold still, Iâm applying your bandage.â Lili said.
Asuka obeyed; this time she could feel their body heat hovering close. Liliâs touch worked so softly on her skin, Asuka couldnât find it in her to feign annoyance. It didnât hurt at all like it should. A low gentle hum rumbled in her throat when Liliâs thumb smoothed the bandage, the white noise of an absent mind filled the space. Then Dad cleared his throat breaking the spell; her eyes widened driving that weird calm away like someone throwing stones after a fleeing dog. She rubbed her head and scoffed, crossing her arms in silence. Lili humphâd and did the same.
âSo, what started this?â
Dad looked dead at her. Anger rolled when she flexed her tense shoulders, fogging as it curled her voice. Â
âMy classmates avoid me and talk crap about what weâre going through at school. Itâs nothing I canât handle so donât worry yourself.â
âYouâre the one coming home like this. Defending yourself or someone is what I encouraged you to do, not chase idiots proving how tough you are. What have I kept telling you-â
âFight with a clear head.â She sighed.
âThatâs right.â
âIf I might add Mr. KazamaâŚâ
She turned expecting Lili stone faced or cocky. Instead a frown wrinkled her mouth, her eyes narrowed just enough. It was like sheâd seen this before; daughters at odds with fathers.
âI saw some of the bullying myself. Anyone would have found it insulting, and though I didnât mean to contribute, some misunderstandings between us worsened everything. I suppose I played a part in her rage.â
âPlayed a part, you are-â
âAsuka. I understand Lili and I appreciate you admitting fault. But in the end she is responsible for her behavior.â
He leaned back stretching his sinewy legs, worn into silence. Then he sighed and she saw even his shoulders deflate.
âJust go Lili. Thank you for your help.â
Without a word she watched her bow her head, give her an unreadable glance, then she was gone. Gently Asuka pressed the ice pack closer against her skin. Immediately her body winced, saving her from looking him in the eye.
âTimes like these make me not know what to do with you girl.â
âWhat else am I supposed to do? Itâs between this and the world going to shit, I...â
He leaned forward taking her hand with both of his. His face softened. Asukaâs heart seized up her throat.
âI know what happened while I wasâŚgetting better. I wouldnât wish the burden you had on my worst enemy. Watching while what our family built gets sold off piece by piece. The bills. Not a single old student asking what we, what you needed. Whole thing haunts me waking or dreaming.â
Her muscles locked; she hung her head before her lip began quivering. A cry choked and died inside. She felt hot tears dripping into her bangs. Dad smoothed her hair, tucking parts behind her ears. Asuka cried.
âMy poor girl.â
ââŚIâm confused Dad. Iâm so confused.â
He kept petting her hair, each new pass making her weightless.
âWhatâs confusing, which part? Tell me what it is.â
âShe just, that girl never tells me what she wants! And if she does itâs wrapped up so fast I canât keep track. Nothing makes sense anymore and she wants to make that worse. Sheâs so fucking cocky about driving me in circles.â
He sighed.
âWell, if I know you the way I do, did you press her to talk straight- or did you feel lost and get fed up when you werenât hearing what you wanted?â
She snapped up glaring, pointed as a knife. He chuckled like he knew something she didnât.
âYou want me sitting there and taking stupid crap?â She growled into a sniffle.
âNo. Iâm saying sometimes you gotta find out as much as you can before you hold grudges. Canât punch your way through life kiddo.â
Again her lip quivered, no longer pained. He leaned close. He put on his firm voice.
âSomeone like that never wears their heart on their sleeve. Not usually.â
He clapped her forearm and shuffled toward the fridge. She sat there, blinking. Her knuckles stung flexing her hand. Spots of blood seeped into the bandage; the red pinpricks tightening her chest when she couldnât help counting them.
âDad.â
âYeah kid?â
âWhenâŚwhen I got mad and shouted at LiliâŚmy arm moved on its own. I didnât even feel pain or my skin tearing. I was just making a fistâŚand the wind went crazy. It blew; around me. I blinked and it shot out everywhere.â
His spine went ridged, lamp post straight. His eyes fixed something hard and tighter than his discipline at training.
âI didnât mean to!â
âThe heat of the moment got to you. I know your temper; you let it blind your mind. Youâll get pissed enough and forget about stopping yourself. And youâve been stressed. Yes I could tell donât look at me like that. Rest is what you need.â
He said it matter-of-factly erasing any questions. Not entertaining a single one even if she got them out. Her stomach bundled a knot she felt pinch her breath. She nodded and glanced toward the wall. There was nothing more to say. Already she cast it down her lake of memory, where it sank with a swordâs weight.
Burying under her thin summer covers she stared at the ceiling. A plate of dinner had been saved for her, setting her stomach near bursting now. Only their breathing filled the night, Lili having taken her place among her stuffed animals. Slowly Asuka sat up, squinting to make out her silhouette; the girl was fast asleep. She had no idea how. It never seemed she did much all day save for homework and experimenting ridiculous skin routines. Unless they crossed paths or ate dinner Asuka kept to herself. Though sometimes, without meaning it, sheâd overhear soft conversations; phone calls reassuring Sebastian, and other things she was sure. Words slid back down like watery noodles. She lay flat again on her doubled pillows, until her throbbing head lulled her away.
When she dragged herself out the bath the next morning her wobbling steps wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed. She yawned gripping the towel around her neck; the tips of her wet hair kept passing out at bay. As she stood drying off, a distant thump echoed almost as if it were right beside her. Fumbling into a shitty stance she nearly tripped over the towel, scrambling to snatch it before it might hit the floor. Another thump echoed to match the first. Then a third, faster stomp followed, scared to miss the rhythm of what came before it. Her feet moved toward the training hall; not a thought in her mind giving voice to the goosebumps climbing her arms.
She poked her head through the entrance; Lili landed a perfect backflip. There came a calculated pause for catching her breath, before she pivoted into a roundhouse kick. Its arc spread a bit too wide but that didnât lessen how it snapped the air. Her back was turned to Asuka as she wiped her face with a handkerchief. From wall to wall the floors were spotless. A grin touched her. Quiet and gingerly she leaned against the doorway.Â
Tucking the handkerchief into a pocket, Lili huffed, hands on her hips. Asuka blinked, and she threw another roundhouse. This one snapped sharp, corrected into something sleek. She watched her throw out five more never resting save for the turn from one to another. Groaning, Lili launched into a somersault; when their eyes met she tumbled out her landing. Asuka laughed so hard her towel shook free crumpling at her feet.
âNique ta mère!â Lili shouted.
Asuka slid down wiping tears, twitching when her laughs grew louder. She slapped her thighs nearly tipping sideways. Lili slammed her fist, tried to stand, then tripped over herself. In a few steps she towered over her, and offered a hand. It was met with a glare. She cocked her head and shrugged, but Lili grabbed it as she pulled away. Asuka stood her up slow; the girl dusted her hands off, her thanks amounting to a simple âHmphâ.
âI could have done without your sneaking around, but what did you think?â
âAbout the practice or you eating shit on the floor?â
âThat tongue of yours should be traded for some manners.â Liliâs dry tone pinched her expression.
Asuka snorted a tiny laugh into her fist.
âAt least I can see youâre not lazy, even when you get sloppy. I remember a few students used to quit after barely starting. Just âcuz they thought theyâd be action heroes in a day. Then when it turned out they didnât get it perfect in a second, poof.â
Lili smirked.
âYes well, I do not intend on going âPoofâ; I intend to win.â
âAgainst me?â
Liliâs expression hardened sensing wariness.
âAgainst whatever stands in my way.â
Then she smiled flipping her bangs. She was being a dumbass again.
âAnd that may include you, or it may not. Time will tell. Now let us ready for school.â
ââŚYouâre so damn annoying.â
Lili curtseyed and walked past with a spring in her step. When she disappeared silence lingered for how long Asuka didnât count until she heard birds singing outside. The world was waking up. She took in the empty hall. Crisp air cleansed her lungs; everything spotless. A smile came without thinking. Her satisfied chuckle warmed like a cloudless summer. She looked it over one last time, and then left the pull of childhood behind.
Lunch at school was no longer the hard won lesser evil she could tolerate. The left side of her face formed a minor swell beneath bandages and one of several fresh ice cubes in plastic baggies Dad had tossed in a thermal bag. Fixing it to her head had her fumble an entire roll of gauze. Every bite of food brought tiny hammers down on her jaw. The whispers had outright ballooned into normal chatter.
âWhoa look at that! Itâs a blue black plum!â
âDid she seriously go look for a fight right after school? So typical.â
âHow dangerousâŚoh my god she glared at me.â
From the side of the room a door slid open. Asuka didnât bother checking to see until suddenly she heard no sound. Â Lili flipped her hair as she swaggered in, sitting right beside her and smirking. She watched her place her briefcase and take out her own boxed lunch like this were some prissy cafĂŠ and dozens werenât gawking. Several pounding heartbeats passed for anyone to find the mind to speak.
âHow the hell did you find my class?â Asuka whispered.
âItâs called asking around donât be stupid.âÂ
A few people crowded them, walling Lili off before others got the chance for five seconds of her presence. Keeping the utmost poise, she gave them not a single glance as she opened her food. They may as well have not existed when she began setting the table. It was impressive. A wide faced girl at the front who Asuka recognized as the Third Year gossip bitch grew antsy, tugging the hem of her skirt. Her flunkies flanked her mimicking the shy act better than a clone. The whole thing gave Asuka chills.
âWow are you the new transfer girl? Hiii, my nameâs Ayako and-â
âWhat appointment did you schedule to interrupt me?â
Asuka watched Ayako freeze in her tracks; the plastic smile now stiff and twitching at the corners. Her robot wiring had short circuited. The circle of her little goons threw their hands over their mouths. They glanced from their leader to Lili and back again.
ââŚSorry, we just thought youâd want to eat with better company. Among people who can show you all kinds of things so youâre not lost. Your hair is sooo pretty by the way. Whatâs the secret?â
Lili unfolded a napkin onto her lap and started cutting the filleted swordfish beside her salad of tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers. All things she had insisted on bringing to Japan in a cooler, of course. Ayako leaned forward sticking her hands on the desk mere centimeters from Liliâs arm.
âJust so you know, for your own good you know, that girl next to youâŚshe puts people in the hospital. Sheâs sooo unsafe, you know?â
Neatly Lili set down her knife and fork, dabbing the napkin at her mouth. Asuka made a choked sound watching her stand and push past them. Without warning she planted her ass right in front of Asukaâs lunch and crossed her legs. Her hands folded on her knees while Asuka sputtered for the right words. She never found them when Lili cocked her head and bore polite, surgical venom.
âWho told you to wear that cheap makeup and slouch like a slob when talking?â
âExcuse me?! Whatâs your problem?â
âOh, nothing. I simply cannot recall when I requested a small minded cow offer their opinion. Much less dictate anything toward me, of all people. Perhaps being so comfortable brown nosing, thereâs another ass you should be licking.â
Chopsticks fell from Asukaâs grip clattering into her rice. She stared at her wide eyed and mouth gaping. Ayako burned so red she could be a dynamite stick that sparked itself. All at once the flunkies clung to each other rubbing Ayakoâs arms and shoulders. They showered her in nasally compliments, but that didnât stop her shoving them aside, balling her fists.
âB-Bitch!â She shrieked.
âI must get back to eating, if youâll excuse me.â
She threw herself to her feet giving them a dismissive wave. Bumping them out her way she set everything as itâd been, and dug into lunch. Ayako moved to snatch Liliâs knife; Lili plucked her wrist mid thrust and twisted it in reverse. She bent it at an angle taking a bite off the fork while the girl sank to her knees, screaming breathlessly.
âAh ah ah I would not flail if I were you. Run along now. Â Adieu.â
She gave Ayakoâs wrist a jerk then released her. Wheezing and shaking Ayako scooted on her ass, crawling and tripping over the floor. Together her goons pulled her up. Wobbling they stumbled into the corner they came from. Asuka who stood ready on reflex found herself reduced to a dumb stare.
âBetter?â
Lili asked, smiling, eyes studying. Slinking down in her chair Asuka pinched her brow and held her head in her hands. Gripping her chin couldnât conceal a tiny smile.
From then on she never ate alone. Each day Lili announced her arrival by striking some model pose or with a hair flip. Then sheâd park her ass beside Asuka surrounded by everyone pretending they werenât scared. At least Asuka no longer heard her name in gossip. For a day someone tried slipping Liliâs name within earshot. No one said so, but the immediate silence could only have been under Ayakoâs orders. For her part Lili didnât seem to give a shit; in fact sheâd never seen her so self-assured. At first she felt her skin crawl, that ugly nervousness she hated even imagining. But not a week passed before she started grinning too.
Each day her eye got lighter, the bruise centimeters smaller, and soon she better recognized her reflection. Once, when Dad was out on an errand, she brought it up over tea. Without Sebastian there, Lili kept trying to brew the way he knew she liked. After Asuka showed her how water boiling worked obviously. Â So far thereâd been no success.
âI havenât forgotten about the other day you know.â
Lili stopped stirring sugar into her tea. Her tone had a way of looking at Asuka even if she herself wasnât.
âThen you remember what I said.â
âYeah I do. Donât be an idiot.â
A silence passed. A hesitation. She got a tight lipped smile for a reply.
âPlaying the long game huh? I can do that too. Iâll figure you out.â
As long as her head kept pounding she never stepped foot in the training hall; instead sheâd park herself at the door, watching Lili move. Each morning brought something new. Tighter swings, jumps and flips that belonged at the Olympics, Asuka chuckled remembering knocking Lili out the air for those. She refused to abandon the most ridiculous nonsense in the name of âaestheticsâ.
âYou need techniques that wonât leave you wide open!â
She couldnât help but blurt it out while watching her fling herself around. Her nerves grinded like pepper through a shaker the longer sheâd watched. Lili landed on her feet this time, wiping sweat as it touched her skin.
âWhat do you suggest that wonât rob me of my grace? Or will I be rolling across all manner of ground as youâd prefer.â
âNuh uh, keep that attitude and Iâm leavinâ.â
Lili stopped running her handkerchief along her nape. Her eyes softened and for once she stood waiting patiently. Asuka grunted, satisfied. Stepping in slowly she bowed at the old sign spot then positioned herself behind Lili.
âIâm gonna have to touch you to explain.â
âDo as you must.â
âOk so first, you tend to put your front foot a bit too forward in stance. Thatâs why Iâve never had much trouble sweeping it.â
âThis can be done without reminding me of-â
Asuka planted a hand on Liliâs left thigh, guiding it until both legs were shoulder width apart. Against her warmth Lili shivered. But her body didnât tense, staying loose when Asuka realized they were practically stuck together. An electric feeling coursed through twisting her gut. For a few seconds sounds were sharper, her touch sensitive; she thought she even tasted her. She pulled back just enough. Glancing up, the faintest blush painted Lili pink, even her eyes mightâve blushed if they could. Â
âIâm not gonna touch anything if thatâs what yerâ worried about! I used this kinda stuff to help our students when we had âem.â
âNoâŚdo more of that. I didnât imagine youâd be so bold about it is all.â
âShaddup youâre makinâ me sound like a pervert!â
âWhen did I say that? I am not. Are we continuing, or have your suggestions been cut short?â
âTch. Keep your feet shoulder width apart. And your back should be straighter itâll keep you balanced.â
Gentle yet firm she pressed the small of Liliâs back easing her into place. Their bodies drew close enough without hugging this time. Asuka felt Liliâs heart pound through the touch of her palm. It couldnât explain why hers started racing too. Not a single movement was forced. Her tongue tied when Lili gave another unreadable glance and a smile. Like Asuka had once again played into her schemes. Another electric feeling rode under her skin.
âWhat next?â The smile hiked into a grin. Â
âMovement; you dodge well but you over rely on it because your moves come out slowly. Donât just hurl those complicated flips at an enemy. Make them want to come to you.â
Asuka barely kept her words together; everything had grown too hot. Finding strength she pulled her hands away. Lili smirked.
âMy, youâve studied me with an interest Iâd never have imagined.â
ââŚI fightâŚany good fighter knows about paying attention.â
âCertainly. But after having fought only three encounters? Iâm beginning to think youâre fonder than you let on.â
Immediately Asuka jabbed a finger at Liliâs chest. It was soft to the touch.
âI dunno what âfondâ means but weâre not friends! Donât go actinâ like you know me for me.â
She huffed and stormed off without her heart in it. Her hopes were it read as âScrew You!â, but instead it fizzled into âWhateverâ. Sucking her teeth she left Lili standing there; burying how sheâd made her body sing a new song under silence.
That night they sat at the kitchen table, notebooks and worksheets piled between their dinners. Asuka had eyes on her homework and ears for her pencil scribbling. The swell around her eye had shrunk from a plum to a cherry tomato. The long form equation taunting her from the page met her glare. She scratched her head in frustration. A groan died in her throat when Lili beat her to it.
âThese damned dates! I cannot believe anyone memorizes so many periods by heart.â
âHistory?â
ââŚYes.â
Asuka snorted.
âThatâs easy âcuz itâs all copying stuff down. Nobodyâs asking you solve their problems that make no sense.â
Lili looked up at her, pencil butt pressed under her chin.
âMath?â
âYeahâŚâ
âSimple. Give it here and I shall explain, slowly.â
âFuck off.â
She paused.
âYou mean you can do stupid numbers and variable crap, but canât read a few paragraphs?â
Lili leaned forward, a scowl splitting her mouth.
âAnd you are a year older than me but canât do better than counting.â
Asukaâs grip squeezed a groan from the table when she leaned in too. They glared at each other; neither budged. Her brow quirked but Lili kept a straight face; who would break first? Time stopped. Then they each grabbed the otherâs work sighing as they swapped.
âIâll have you know I received top marks at home for this ânumber crapâ. Numbers matter in business. And Iâd hate seeing Daddy-Father, keel over from worry.â
âDaddy? Are you five?â
âQuiet! You must have your reasons as I do mine.â
She slouched thumbing the pages.
âHistory tells us whatâs happened so weâll be less stupid. Itâs like tradition; you learn what to do and stuff. And why you should do it. That way youâre not confused.â
One glance and she found Lili staring into her eyes.
âAnd it can be rewritten too.â
Asukaâs face pinched. She looked at the notes.
âWhatever.â
Liliâs handwriting was neat and clear, highlighting chunks in a rainbow of inks, some glittery. Her brow rose. From the corner of her eye she spied Dad washing dishes. He smiled to himself.
The next time she saw her math teacher swagger in she slid a second notebook under the first. Terms and equations decorated its pages in lists. Sheâd copied them down herself with a pencil, much to Liliâs annoyance at how colorless that was. But she got through class without any chalk or suspicion hurled her way. A full picture stayed out of reach yet now she no longer drowned among the waves, sputtering for answers. When he left she slumped over her books with a relieved sigh. The notebook bent tight in her embrace.
Lunch came and went; Lili only gave her another unreadable smile when Asuka asked about history. Sheâd shrugged, eating with a silence between them she didnât mind. Though she swore at some point, if this werenât her imagination eating away her sense, Lili had shifted her seat closer. Now Asuka reached for her shoes; aching for the walk home, dinner, and beating numbers to a pulp. She saw blonde hair the instant her locker clattered shut. She jumped crying out,
âWhat the hell? At least say something moron.â
âSince we cannot train thanks to your eye, I insist you show me your city.â
âAh, not listeninâ to me again. Alright.â
âPleaseâŚâ
Asuka gnashed her teeth before turning to find a sight so pathetic she giggled. Lili stood pouting. Her hands balled at her sides not as if she wanted a fight, but like a kid about to stomp their foot. The hopeful glimmer clouding her eyes spilled over. It was a plea. Asukaâs breath hitched realizing this girl was at her full mercy. She grinned. She could do something with this.
âYou can ask nicer than that.â
âWell, may I please ask you show me the rest of your beautiful home?âÂ
Asuka kicked off her school slippers for her shoes. She held a hum as she put her heels in one at a time, thinking nothing. When she was done Lili was still pouting, slouched in a kicked puppy way. She crossed her arms and rubbed her chin.
âHmmmâŚI dunno how much I buy it. Doesnât sound sincere enough.â
She knew that Lili knew. It was plain on her face. The girl was too clever not to know, too stubborn for-
Lili turned around placing her bag at her feet. Carefully she smoothed her hair, tucking whatever came loose. Her cuffs, blazer, and skirt were straightened. From her pockets came a compact with a round mirror. She checked her face. Asuka saw resolve in the briefest glimpse of her reflection. Finally ready, she tucked it away and picked up her bag, facing her again.
âAsuka Kazama. This is my first venture into Osaka. I would like your perspective as a native; to see what you feel it offers.â
ââŚWellâŚsince you put it that way, maybe I will. Câmon.â
She slung her bag over her shoulder and walked off before Lili could react. Not a few seconds passed when she heard footsteps hurrying behind her. If they were going together, then so was Liliâs wallet. Quickly she flipped her phone open.
[To: Dad]
[ Hanging around with Lili after school; do you need anything from the market? ]
Lili caught up just as she hit send. Asuka smirked flipping the phone closed.
âWhat? Do you have somewhere in mind?â
âYeah. Of course I do.â
The catlike grin Lili wore vanished the moment they met the swell of Dotonbori. People packed the bridge end to end bringing their bags, their noise, and each other. Open aired boats trucked beneath the underpass, carrying gawking tourists and their readied cameras. Neon signs dotted every billboard and restaurant woven between those lit by paper lanterns. Though their light was dim in the afternoon sun it grew by the second. They had few hours left before the nightlife stirred and nothing would be left for anyone their age. The entire city loved to come crawling out when the sun kissed it goodnight.
She found Lili frozen stiff in place, gripping her bag. A man passed her sending her recoiling against Asukaâs side. More people walked around them, two boulders diverting the stream. Still Liliâs eyes refused to shrink smaller than saucers of wonder as much as uncertainty. Asuka elbowed her gently. Lili stuck closer to her.
âWhatâs your problem? Changed your mind?â
âIâd seen pictures and heard rumors from Fatherâs business trips but, these are your streets? Is there nowhereâŚprivate?â
âItâs the street princess; didnât you walk anywhere back home?â
Lili turned her head, mumbling.
âSeriously? No way-â
âSebastian drives me around! Itâs what we pay him to doâŚand he insisted anyway. And Father gave me my limo soâŚâ
With a roar Asuka burst out laughing and slapped her leg not caring who stared.
âStop that! Shut up! Idiot! So what if itâs my first time? You should be nicer about it.â
âI canât, I canât. Iâm gonna pass out.â Asuka wheezed, gripping Liliâs forearm for balance and clutching her mouth. Her hand couldnât contain another laugh from bending her over.
âAsshole. But you did call me princess so, I suppose, it isnât all terrible.â
âEh?â
When she looked up Lili wouldnât look at her, but her skin turned a furious pink. Asuka huffed. Her heart kept racing.
âWeirdo. Letâs go already.â
She grabbed her hand and parted the crowds. Wave after wave would press them close until a break appeared, then it grew packed again. Not once did she feel their hands slip. When she slowed down descending the bridge stairs, Lili practically tipped them over. Asuka planted them against the handrail and let her right herself. The rest of the city flowed, some people throwing glares at having to step around them. She forgot about their hands feeling Liliâs breaths, her warmth, watching the flutter of her eyelashes. Her face felt hot; sweat started beading her clothes. Lili didnât notice, instead scanning for their opening to move. Asuka licked her lips and tugged her along. Â
The street thinned out beside the river. They stopped beneath a flashy yellow sign with a giant statue depicting Ebisu sitting above that. Don Quijoteâs. She grinned.
âIs that a built in ferris wheel?â Lili blurted out, craning her neck toward Ebisu with awe. The lights on the carriages framing him were off.
âIf itâs running every damn tourist and their family will want to ride it. Itâd be dark by the time we left.â
Lili flashed her puppy dog eyes. Asuka quickly looked at the display shelves.
âWhatâs more important is the discount store! We need a new frying pan and I wanna check the deals.â
Something smooth swiped across her fingers. She saw Liliâs thumb retreat; they were still holding hands. Sucking her teeth Asuka let go. Taking her coy smile and bottomless poise with her Lili went ahead. It took strength to swallow and straighten her collar. Her phone beeped like a nagging little bird; tension fled her for sweet relief. Flipping it open, Dadâs message was a button away.
 [ Be home before 19:00. Get a few instant udon, eggs, milk, and some instant curry. If I think of more Iâll text; have fun. ]
[ Thanks. ]
âWhat is this, a lineup of counterfeits? And so much candy and liquorâŚâ
âAh shit.â
âDonât go touchinâ anything we donât need. Iâm not trying to buy the place-â
She moved beside her with the halfhearted worry of an owner letting their dog free roam. Her words fell on deaf ears. Lili stood checking the bag display; her judging reflected off the glass case.
âThis is a âdiscount storeâ as you said no? Designer names truly do go places.â
âThose are second hand or something I dunno; canât afford and donât care about that crap.â
 âNeither do I; most are hideous and after a dozen or so from Father, simply boring.â
Asuka gawked.
âWhat? Theyâre only a few thousand euros itâs nothing. Â Itâs unlike here, where everything could be worth one but together bring such variety. For instance,â
She reached for something colorful off a shelf and thrust it at Asuka.
âWhat am I holding?â
âA water bottle.â
Lili grabbed another item. Asukaâs eyes narrowed, confused yet compelled to answer.
âHouse slippers.â
Another.
âHair dryer.â
Another.
âCandy box.â
âSee? Isnât it interesting?â
âI donât see your point. Youâre just being weird.â
Liliâs expression soured.
âNo. Iâm demonstrating how you can gain so much at once for relatively little. Thereâs so much in fact you may be accustomed viewing it not as it is, but for what it does. And I find that fascinating.â
All her focus stretched and stretched then snapped wire thin. Asuka scratched her head absentmindedly. No matter how she tried there came nothing to say. Lili sighed, gesturing toward the row after row of displays, shelves, and cases boxing them in.
âThough I suppose, in the end, what value is there to anything unless it is beautiful.â
Their eyes met. There was a conviction, sincerity so keen from Lili, the feeling pierced Asuka warm as a sunbeam. She talked not through her but at her. Nothing hurt, and everything seemed a bit brighter. Fumbling for words took too long; Lili moved on checking the next thing over. Asuka spied kitchenware to her left. She wandered rather than move with purpose, winding her way without worry. Rifling through the pans she grabbed what called to her.
She spun a wide set thing whose steel mirrored her pondering in its pan. The handle was basic, sturdy, good. It carried a plain grace, a thing that knew what it was. She smiled. Looking around, there were a few grandmas downwind of her. Carefully she gave it a few swings; balanced weight too. Â Playful laughter burned her ears; the grannies had glanced her way. Her face flushed and she scurried to find Lili, setting free a giggle at herself.
When they finally left she found herself loaded with their bags. Really, both were almost entirely for Lili. The frying pan sheâd picked was drowned in a bright candy sea. Never in her entire life had she imagined becoming a spectacle at a cash register. Liliâs self-assuredness grew to confidence; embarrassment wasnât in her dictionary. Asuka stood pretending they didnât know each other when the clerk rang them up, trying to keep cool. But not a minute later she felt a squeeze on her arm, Lili gesturing toward the bags, wearing a winnerâs smile. âWe must agree you possessâŚa strength I do not.â Sheâd said. Asuka sighed and found she couldnât resist. It didnât stop her grumbling and shoving at least one in Liliâs hand though.
She set their steady pace crossing the bridge again. This time Lili wasnât all but on top of her ass, yet she didnât stray. Asuka glanced up putting out an arm to stop her. Rainbow lights flashed then danced across their faces.
âI pass by this guy whenever Iâm out yâknow. Sometimes I tell myself his smile looks goofy but, the colors are beautiful. Then I might smile too.â
The Glico Man posed arms raised in triumph mid running stride. Behind his thick bold lines a sunny day at the track curving into Osakaâs skyline framed a massive rectangle. She stepped back, watching. Lili stared at him, holding her chin, studying. She didnât look at Asuka as she cocked her head. The curves and angles of her face were outlined in a glow that softened the shadows.
âI suppose I do see why. Thereâs an aesthetic bringing every element together.â
Asukaâs stare lingered gently, foolishly, opening a smile holding an ember of her heart. She drank her in, unnoticed with nothing to rip them away. A feeling washed over her the way mist in summer snapped sleep from oneâs eyes. Again she took Liliâs hand guiding her across the bridge.
âHey! I was still looking.â
âWe can come back whenever. Thereâs more around before the adult places open up.â
She tried not looking at her, and hoped the heat from her hands would be mistaken for the weather. They wandered keeping off the alleys and anywhere crowd thick. Every once in a while Liliâs nerves made them huddle under an awning. Asukaâs grip slid to her fingers, squeezing gently whenever the street thinned enough. She wanted an answer, tried guessing why she bothered as they walked. Why not let her go untethered? In the end she had nothing. The thought of leaving her helpless just felt wrong. If there was anything Asuka was ever gonna do, itâd be not sinking lower. Dad had taught her better. And such a fact meant she was more considerate. For some reason Lili never pulled away either.
She watched her so busy taking in whatever they saw that for once Lili wanted answers from her. They found a rhythm. Theyâd walk silently until Asuka felt her arm tugged. Then sheâd nod enduring the waterfall of precise questions and give a matter-of-fact answer. If they passed a food stall they didnât leave till they each got something. If it went with sauces, Lili wasnât satisfied unless she asked to try them one by one. More than a few cooks threw Asuka a glare or surprised stare. Sheâd smile her apology and pretended nothing mattered except eating as much as possible. Whenever they slapped a wad of bills from Liliâs designer wallet, all was forgiven. The more they went on the longer she gave her tour speech bite sized memories or rumors. A place could never stay a place- it was a feeling understood. Still, there were too many people around for Liliâs nervousness to go away.
âCâmon Iâll get us outta here.â
She brought them to the arcade sheâd stuck herself in before the Kempo bastard appeared. Every other day after school Asuka would sink a few hundred yen trying anything new before falling back on her favorites. Whenever she wasnât scheduled for teaching at the dojo, time meant nothing unless Dad showed up and dragged her home. Then sheâd get an earful. She grinned. Itâd been worth it anyway. The neon sign stood small as ever. Most of the posters plastering the entrance walls were alien to her. Some she remembered by shape only; as forgettable now as they were for the girl whoâd once made a home here. The white walls and checkerboard linoleum floor tricked people into thinking the rows of glittering cabinets were infinite. Half the customers were kids their age or younger. Planted at the fighting games like dried gum under a desk were the same grown men she remembered practically living there. She closed her eyes, and breathed in, at ease.
âWhat is this?â
âNot even an arcade? This is starting to feel like a joke. You play video or claw type games here. This placeâs my favorite but I havenât come in a while.â
The words were barely out her mouth before Lili dragged them along. A huge neon lit pad on the floor for a dancing game lay at their feet. Techno music banging from the cabinet thumped her chest as a tutorial played itself on the screen. She cocked her head.
âReally?â
Lili brushed back her bangs and cleared her throat.
âAsuka Kazama. I challenge you at a duel of dance!â
âPft. Youâre ridiculous. Donât cry when you lose!â
They piled their bags against the wall; Asuka rolled her short sleeves further back. She started stretching against the rail fencing in the game cabinet and Lili joined her.
âFather sent me to ballet lessons Iâll have you know.â
âIs everything you have always because of âDaddyâ?â Asuka taunted.
Lili rushed the stage, punching in a song and readying herself. She stood hands on hips as the bass started pulsing. Asuka snorted, crossing her arms. Â Then she watched her move.
Her body all but glided, twirling from direction arrow to direction arrow effortlessly. Her long legs couldnât take an instant off her speed; Asukaâs brow rose hearing the stage creak. Sometimes, when studying for weaknesses, a flash of Liliâs thigh might catch her eye. Or sheâd linger on the flutter as her freed hair spun. Above all else was her face; the shit eating grin wiped from existence. And in its place the hard set of her jaw, a knit brow, and intense gaze. She found the rhythm and matched it, outpaced it before it might outpace her. What Lili would call grace wrapped her in pure determination.
When the last note faded Lili wiped her neck with a handkerchief. She turned smiling that little self-assured smile; Asuka hummed. Then she made herself scoff, they werenât alike.
âDo your worst.â Lili chirped.
âShaddup.â
Asuka jostled her and straightened her shirt. She glanced at the screen; a new high score. She sucked her teeth. Breathe. Picking a song was easy, something fast but steady. Just right to make her heart race through her skin. A guitar strummed; the world narrowed to this moment. One step at a time, thatâs all she needed. The notes rushed forward for her to stomp and chase. Sweat prickled her nape but she didnât lose breath. Guitar riffs wailed rushing her as the arrows raced into each other. Her limbs became a storm; the wind curved softening her blows. She threw herself harder, hit each note faster.
Then her foot slammed through one of the pads like a hammer through a paper screen. Behind or in front she heard a crash. Though it slowed her the wind couldnât keep her from falling- she felt herself grabbed. She glanced down. A centimeter or two right and her ankle would be finished. Lili sighed in what felt weird calling relief as she pulled her up.
âI suppose we shall call a draw.â
 One fat stack of cash later and the owner whistled on his way to calling a repairman. Her head still rang from panic and insults. They stood on the street, nothing but the summer heat to fog their embarrassment.
âThis sucks.â
âYou Kazamas and your sheer strength.â Lili sighed.
Asuka turned her head slowly, glaring.
âDonât lump me in with that stupid dickhead.â
âNever. I find that insulting.â Lili scoffed, all softness gone.
Asukaâs face widened in surprise, her smile was gentle.
âThanks.â
ââŚAhemâŚYou are welcome.â
She watched her move to fix her hair but Asukaâs hand got there faster. Carefully she tucked loose strands behind Liliâs right ear. Â The stunned blush on Liliâs face made her stomach flip.
âDad asked me to get some groceries before weâre home.â
âPerhaps this time youâll save us both the spectacle of collapsing property.â
Lili laughed, full of mockery and teasing that came up short at the edges. It felt as if laughing would paint over her blush with anything else.
âWill you drop it?! This is why youâre annoying.â
âWhat does a market look like by the way?â
âArrrghh!â
Passing under the Kuromon banner Asuka stood just to breathe it in. Fried food, flowers, loud signs, fruits, seafood, store clerks, people- this was Osaka. Her city. This time Lili glanced around and went ahead, strutting like a swan. Asuka cocked her head.
âLet us be on our way. Unless youâd prefer going hungry tonight I presume.â
âI donât think soâŚâ Asuka smirked.
They fell into another pattern at her lead; sheâd hover around what she wanted, working over to the most expensive cut. After a few minutes Lili would find her and question what made that one special, did Asuka get it often, and on and on. Â Sheâd sigh or pretend getting lost in her thoughts. Then sheâd throw in a version of âWeâve been too broke for that; wanna try it with me?â or âDuh! Get it all the time, never had it before huh?â reminding her Dad mustâve shortchanged her allowance. Lili would pull out her wallet gasping and crying âThat wonât do!â then buy whatever Asuka picked.
In this way, remembering theyâd each have to carry a bag home, they bought everything off the top shelf. When they made it home she grinned until her face hurt and Dad stood stunned silent. He gave her ear a twist behind Liliâs back as she shared âtheir wonderful adventureâ, stopping when Asuka winced.
âDonât trick people.â He grumbled, whispering.
Then he saw the premium tuna cuts and marbled beef.
âWell, it can be harmless here and there.â
Asuka snickered into her wrist. Lili read it as a muffled cough, insisting they serve a hearty stew at dinner to âkeep from feeling illâ. That night and many nights after they ate like kings.
She gripped the ends and tightened her headband. Her hakama was cinched just right as she checked the ties one last time. She straightened her gi collar, itâd picked up the laundry smell from her closet since sheâd quit teaching; breathe in then out. Behind her Lili finished stretching, smirking. Her catlike stare couldnât fog the pure clarity of Asukaâs mind. Strength surged filling her out as it coursed through her muscles, barely held by her smile. Her body had healed. Out of habit she rolled her right shoulder as they stood five paces apart.
âAre you prepared to be humiliated Asuka Kazama?â
âJust show me what youâve got. I wonât make it hurt too bad.â
âYouâve made me wait long enough.â
Her heart jumped seeing that smile widen. It toyed with her. Her face went hot.
âExcitingâŚâ
âLetâs go, moron.â
They readied, the quiet held itself tight.
Liliâs kick was slapped away as Asuka closed distance, striking her with a left punch. To her surprise Lili turned with the blow, but even when it glanced, Asuka leaned into a right. That one connected and she wasnât about to let her breathe; lunging threw her elbow forward, aiming for the jaw. In the move to dodge Lili narrowly escaped but glanced again on her scalp as she ducked low. A yelp cut her ears. She felt her balance waver in the feedback. Asuka stepped into her weight, bringing down her elbow at the blink of an eye. A certain hit- she met empty air.
Barely, just barely, Lili had rolled out the way. A streak of blood stained the back of her hand as Lili wiped her lips. Her already pale face almost dazzled all sweaty as she was. Asuka watched her panting, bent on one knee and big eyed. She watched her and washed in nothing but the clarity of this moment reset her stance.
âEt merdeâŚâ Lili sighed.
Asuka didnât move.
âThatâs right youâre coming to me.â
She knew, and Lili knew she knew. Those glaring eyes calculated, hating how every option ran toward the same end. The distance begged to be closed or theyâd get nowhere. Still a grin split Liliâs mouth flashing crimson teeth like a dog tasting raw meat. She felt her heart race. One heartbeat and she saw her launch from a cartwheel into the flight of slamming her heel on Asukaâs nose. No time to think! She sidestepped, grabbing Liliâs shin and tossing her behind. Riding that momentum into another roll, she recovered raining a waterfall of strikes. Most of them Asuka slapped away or dodged but soon her sides stung. Knocking Liliâs fist aside with her forearm she twisted and spun sending a back heeled kick flying up.
Her foot crashed missing Liliâs temple by centimeters. The impact shook her bones; it was enough to send Lili tumbling down. She crumpled on her side, groaning loud enough to wake the dead. Asuka felt herself huffing and shut her eyes. A good pause forced her to center again. The hairs on her nape relaxed.
Grunting and stirring Lili came back to life one limb twitch at a time. Somehow she found the strength to wobble into standing. A gleam shined under her disheveled blonde hair, an animal instinct. Their eyes met in an instant. Asuka leaned back; the strike scraped the tip of her chin. On reflex she shoved Lili aside with both palms flat against her chest. Deflated, Lili lay sprawled on the floor, a heap of sweat, loose hair, hard breathing, and biting shame. Frozen, it took a chill up her spine for Asuka to unclench. Several beats passed silently. She laughed; lightning storming through her veins. An adrenaline rampage withered, hollowing her into a drum pounding thunder in her chest to keep her standing. It was a thrill. It was joy. It was the world. Â Her laugher roared, bursting like playful rain. Â
Coughing and wincing Lili flipped herself onto her stomach. She curled inside the shape of Asukaâs towering shadow. She crouched and Liliâs stare followed. Reaching over she tilted Liliâs chin.
âYou lost âcuz you think too much.â
She chuckled at her squinting eyes.
âLaugh at my failure would youâŚâ    Â
Asuka gave her an amused smirk. She pulled her hand away. The world felt so light and airy with another whirlwind behind them.
âItâs my win but you can come at me any time.â
Again Lili sighed and rolled on her back. She started to pout but the longer it went the more it fizzled. Instead her brow scrunched. âWhy are you better than me?â it asked. And she pressed her answers in her mouth. She stood, reaching for her water bottle on the sidelines.
âWhereâŚwhere did I overthink?â
âBetter question is where you didnât.â The water was still cold, liquid smooth.
Silence. She pressed.
âYou waited before dodging, weighing where to go. You hesitated planning your approach when I gave you room. You were so focused on how youâd overwhelm me with your hits that you forgot paying attention to my tells.â
Lili draped her arm over her face. From under it Asuka saw her lips purse.
ââŚYou almost got my chin though. Itâs obvious you can move faster than before. And you can lean into a punch now.â
More silence. She started wiping off with her towel even if she didnât need it as much. When she finished on her hairline Lili was staring at her. Those blue grey eyes were hard; the way a river stone is hard and smooth, anchoring itself against touch. Reassuring but muddied; it left a tingle in Asukaâs brain.
âThe Mishimas could come take you whenever they please. Your records are childâs play for them to trace, for Jin Kazama.â
Asuka went stiff; her brow narrowed as if it were a gear turning through rust. Her cold gaze betrayed a drop of fear. She clenched her fist in place of a steady heart.
âHe is blood related to you. And his mother Jun is alive, though I have no way of knowing if heâs realized. Iâm not sure your father knows either. If Ms. Jun has plans I believe she will track down her son. Depending on his thirst for war and schemes he may learn about you and grab you to prevent her from asking your help. He can turn you into a bargaining piece. Perhaps Kazuya Mishima will come to a similar conclusion and take you first instead. He was looking into the Kazama Clan after all. It wouldnât be wrong to assume he knows of your familyâsâŚinnate gifts.â
âGifts?â
Asuka couldnât feel her clenched fingers anymore. Her knuckles were fit to split the skin.
ââŚThat fucking moronâŚand you think Iâd just let him take me?â
âDonât be ridiculous.â Lili snorted.
âThen what do you get out of it? Why are you here?â
Lili sighed crossing her arms over her forehead. She stared into the ceiling.
âItâd be awful if you faced that devil alone, no?â
ââŚWhat?â
She backpedaled when Lili sprung to her feet.
âNow Iâm afraid I must retire and bathe before this filth turns my stomach.â
âHey wait, wait tell me more!â
But her long legs carried her from Asukaâs reach before her brain understood the weight of what sat on it. This was as far as sheâd get today. Sucking her teeth, every hair on her body stood. Alone and aching she stomped around; a vicious cracking yell scattered her frustration. Then as she caught her breath, its echo faded in the hollow of her chest. She felt exhausted. Her will formed rods that kept her legs from sinking.
When she gathered her things she stopped suddenly. Leaning against the exit, she gripped the towel slung around her neck. Her eyes widened.
âDoes she like me?â
Every morning after they met for practice, took turns in the bath, ate a simple breakfast while making lunch, then they were off to school. Her bike still sat battered in the yard and Lili gave her the peace of not mentioning it. But now, sometimes, Asuka found herself giving it a glance. One tire pump here, a new chain, new brakes, some replaced bolts, and itâd be ready for new paint. She should probably replace the rubber on the grips too, or trim where it frayed. There were a million, million ideas.
At lunch the day theyâd sparred, people of course noticed the split on Liliâs lip. Despite how Asuka had made her stay still to press some ice and rub a bit of petroleum jelly, the red and purple mark read as bright as a road work sign. Of course Asuka had apologized, scratching her lowered head and looking her in the eye. Lili chuckled at her. As if it had been a game or nothing at all. âNow weâve each landed a blow on the other havenât we?â
Asuka couldnât claim to understand that girl, but it made a sort of sense. They were finally even at something.
She learned many things day by day. While not a genius Lili was a fast learner, diligent as much as she was disciplined. Whatever she did was finished almost as quick as it started with calculated execution. Lateness cut into time for âthe simple pleasures.â Asuka had never seen one person drink tea like it replaced water. Despite appearances she wasnât well read, only keeping up enough to, âplease my Fatherâs expectations.â Yet those put her ahead of most people, and she thought nothing was worse than falling behind, or the idea she might.
At training her moves were explosive when left to herself. There was always more to perfect, another river to cross until her muscle memory submitted. When given a form for practice, she talked of strategies as she shuffled it into her arsenal. No matter the situation, sheâd pull some technique or the theory of one out her ass. She had to be motivated with more praise than even the mildest critique or else she turned moody at best, bitchy otherwise. The longer she spent encouraging Lili (at times making Asuka tear at her own hair) the faster something dawned on her.
Maybe it wasnât that Lili enjoyed toying with people so much as she wanted to never stop moving. There had to be another problem to solve, another scheme, another fun thing to start- enough so that they were never bogged down sharing their feelings. She weaved between teasing, sass, or halfhearted sulking. Anything more earned silence. And the unreadable wall formed in her expressions. Well, even when it made Asuka gnash her teeth this was about patience. Like Dad said. Â Â Â Â
It wasnât that Lili couldnât remember moves or plan either; she just couldnât get out her own head when faced with being hit. The possibility didnât scare her sheâd said, and for once Asuka agreed. She could counter Lili again and again, bruise her by occasional accident. Lili would trip over herself if thatâs what it took to attack. Nothing dented whatever instinct drove that craving to win. She knew thatâs what it was; a person couldnât abandon themselves unless the rest of the world fell away. Few things matched the living lightning found in a fight.
They were sat on a day off school sipping water and drenched in the sweat of another practice.
âUnacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable! I should have gotten you when I went from low high jabbing to Matterhorn kick. It was the perfect cover.â
âThe âunacceptableâ thing is youâre still using that. Youâre wide open before anything lands.â
âHush! I gave it a tremendous level of style. Who expects a rising kick with both legs from the ground? Thereâs an element of surprise worth the effort.â
Asuka squinted then shrugged. Their session replayed in her mind. This time thereâd been no cartwheels or insane flips. Thereâd been jabs, lots of jabs from every direction pushing Asukaâs reflex but never breaking it; the kicks she answered with her own as they missed each other by a hair. If she couldnât dodge, she made sure Lili collided against the hardest bones. Her knees and elbows were wearing off from numbing pins and needles. Lili was fast; if only her battle sense could match pace.  Even a sweep kick forced her to adapt on the fly if it didnât toss her outright. She took a long sip. Whenever Asuka had an answer for one method that moron fell back on what she best knew worked. That routine made her predictable.
WaitâŚpredicable?
âHey, how long have you been fighting again?â
âWhy does that matter?â
Asuka flicked her forehead. Lili yelped and scowled.
âYou want help then answer me.â
ââŚA year, if you must know.â
Instantly Asukaâs water sprayed from her mouth mid drink.
âA year?! And you ran to fight in two tournaments. Is your head on right?!â
âI fail at seeing the problem here. I can guard, I can attack, I train rigorously- thereâs no reason I should be denied a test of my skills the same as anyone else.â
âThatâs not evenâŚyouâŚI canât believe this.â
âHow many years do you have under your belt?â Lili snapped.
She stared at her in disbelief, gripping her water bottle to make sure this was real. The look on Liliâs face fell and a blush like a wave rose in its place. Neither said anything as they stared into space hugging their knees. Loud traffic revved through the walls. Another beat of gathered silence.
Asuka giggled.
âDonât laugh.â
She laughed. Her mouth quivered as she set the bottle down. She laughed so hard her chest felt ready to cave in. Asuka tipped over collapsing at Liliâs side, pedal kicking her feet as she clutched her stomach.
âIâm not an idiot! Stop that!â
Softly, playfully, Lili whacked her everywhere demanding Asuka stay still. But not a minute passed before they were piled together roaring with laughter. She sat up.
âNo wonder then why you keep being an easy read. You arenât confident in your style!â
Again Lili scowled.
âYouâre suggesting I lack experience.â
A loaded statement already, a question; Asuka groaned. Saying yes would have them bickering until the point ran away.
âWhat I mean is no oneâs a master so quickly. Right now what Iâd expect is someone comfortable in the basics. Theyâve only started putting a foundation together for what they know and how theyâll use it. What school are you studying under?â
âIâm self-taught of course.â Lili said flipping her bangs and smirking.
Asuka buried her face in her hands.
âForget feeling comfortable in the basics; youâre stuck at making shit up!â
âSuch an accusation is ridiculous-â
âWeâre doing you over. From the beginning.â
âThis is unfair-â
âYou can keep your crazy style. But since you wanna learn my school we do things my way when I think we should. Otherwise youâre not gonna learn a damn thing. Youâll never get any better.â
A growl rumbled her words as she took her hands off Liliâs cheeks, leaning over her. She was stared at as if sheâd shot her; being stunned was the best way of getting through the concrete wall Lili had in place of a skull. They stared each other down. Asuka refused to budge her scowl a centimeter. Finally, Lili âHmphâd and looked at the floor.
On their off days they started jogging around the block, staying in the quiet parts. After a rest when that was done they switched to spotting each otherâs workouts and stretching. Each week Asuka would ask Lili to demonstrate a move from her flashy toolkit. That became the assignment she worked on until the next week. Lili would show the result of her drills by combining it with last weekâs move; only then would Asuka teach her a complimenting Kazama technique.
At class Asuka never said so, but Liliâs notes started covering whatever went over her head. She never missed homework again; getting a test back now meant she got to wear her own smug grin. Not one teacher kept from throwing her a confused glare. Most kept their mouths shut. In their study sessions, Asuka either understood within Liliâs schedule, or else it got carried over to next time and not a second earlier. Even so, there always came a tease if she needed more than one explanation. Lili knew her way around cocky smirks and looking down her nose. Itâd piss Asuka off more than it always had, if this time she didnât need what the cat dragged in. Nothing could disturb Liliâs bubble baths, which she insisted on and Dad allowed so long as she used the tub last. She insisted on writing with fountain pens because âtheyâre mature donât you agree?â and easily color coded everything. Once, flipping through a notebook Lili lent her, she stopped dead at the table.
Page after page lay covered in sketches from top to bottom. The scenes included nature, random household objects, and an alley here and there. But those were just the scrap pages. Every picture before and after them showed Asuka. Some were labeled as âHer smileâ or âAfter todayâs trainingâ. Some were close ups of different expressions paired with figure studies in everyday poses. Did Asuka really look tough and handsome this much? There were the hard angles of her just before she got mad, the obvious confusion and wonder when she had to think. The carefree joy or satisfaction in her smiles, smirks, and grins. The cocky pride whenever she felt in control. The aimless frustration when she showed sadness. That one made her wince.
Each detail touched her greater than the last. Her heartbeats made a home in her throat when she saw their hands holding one another. She froze in her seat.
âPut that down this instant!â
She didnât fight it when in a heartbeat Lili leapt up and snatched the book. Asuka chuckled nervously, no not nervous, she didnât know why. She didnât know what she was saying.
âIf you keep drawing like that people will think youâre gay.â
Lili slammed the book closed, glaring. Then Asuka gasped softly; Liliâs lips were trembling, the entirety of her face grappling against bursting into tears. She watched her swallow. Then without a word she gathered all her stuff and stormed off. Asuka wanted to give chase, to throw any excuses but thatâs exactly what theyâd be, excuses. The air felt thick; a sand pit thatâd drown her if she struggled. So she sat there, suddenly very small.
When Dad came home that night after visiting a friend, she told him Lili was too tired for dinner. She didnât think of it as a lie; anger and sadness knew about killing anything that made you alive.
âYouâve been working her hard like youâve always done when I needed you teaching. Iâll fix her a plate and you take it up, alright.â
âI guessâŚâ She stirred her miso broth absentmindedly.
Asuka found her room door opened a crack with only her lamp light on. She balanced the food and went to knock- Lili started speaking, soft and hoarse. She mustâve been crying. Maybe Asuka shouldnât have, but she stood, listening.
âI wonât be returning home SebastianâŚof course I thought about it. No, a De Rochefort is not a coward! Spare me the thoughtâŚIâd rather die if so. No I donât need you staying with me. Not yet at least. This is no pain or challenge I cannot handle. Oh but, well, thank you for your words. Yes, good night.â
She heard the thump of a phone on cloth. Lili spoke louder to herself, voice cracked.
âWhy God, of all the people in the world why this one?â
Well she wasnât gonna let her talk like Asuka wasnât there. She gave the door a push with her foot.
âYo, brought ya something.â
Lili stayed face down in the futon; her face lost in her pillow and under her hair. She groaned.
âOh leave me alone you brute.â
âIâm sorry. It wasnât serious.â
ââŚIf it isnât serious then why are you apologizing?â
Again Asuka went numbed. She had nothing but her fists when someone stuck their fingers in her own wounds. What was she supposed to do here, hit her? Over what, being mad at Asuka getting her to cry? It was stupid. She was stupid. But she wasnât, sheâd done a stupid thing. She didnât go around living so that everyone else got inconvenienced. Saying nothing she cleared space and set dinner on her desk.
Her body tingled, restless, her blood vibrating her veins. The shapes of her room didnât register. She kept herself together as she stepped out and down the stairs. Her mind was blank. She stepped inside the dojo not caring about having her pajamas on. She rushed past the wall sign stopping at the center of the hall. And she trained. The forms were muscle memory, all routine. Safe. They didnât ask anything except that her body keeps up. In the middle of stumbling some lift kicks she saw Dad watching. He looked more patient with her than she deserved.
âEverything alright?â
âI can handle myself.â
âSure you can, kicking off center like that.â
She narrowed her eyes. He shrugged and made his way over.
âIâll observe. Take it from the top.â
A crack called gratitude broke her frenzy.
Lili wouldnât speak to her. Day after day they still met for morning practice, but did their work in separate corners. Dinner was spent taking turns talking to Dad as they ate in a race to not finish together. He threw Asuka a look sometimes in between but held whatever he couldâve said. She read an understanding on his face. This was their problem. Breakfast was cold silence without him; a performance where they tried everything stupid or practical to not make eye contact. The study sessions stopped. She tried giving a sign to ask about it. Lili pretended she didnât exist.
The next week she got back a failed test, a red thirty two took up a huge corner so anyone could see. Her math teacher adjusted his glasses, condescending down to his walk. He let her stew in failure as she curled against her desk. Her failure, again. The rumor flies picked her clean with the feel of their stares.
At lunch Lili did stay near her, but ânearâ became moving her desk six meters apart facing away. Not really sitting with anyone else and not a message she couldnât read either. It made her collar itch. Try as she might thereâd be no way she could approach without causing a scene. Burying herself in her food and keeping quiet became the new routine. Once after a few days of this, Ayako and her goons saw opportunity. Lili glared at them as if she were a knife, like she might snap them as easy as a twig. It gave Asuka hope.
Hope? Why was she letting this matter the way it did? If Lili, the nail sticking her ass whenever she appeared, finally stopped annoying her then how was this bad? It was stupid.
âI did a stupid thing.â
That was the reason; it had to be.
âI hurt someone just because.â
The truth, then, cut sharper than everyone elseâs lies.
On their off days Asuka started solo training, putting wherever her sulking half was out of mind. The basics were forever there. Shadow fights imagining opponents carried a real challenge. There was always more to try, more to perfect, a feeling of faster or stronger. She started with one random punk then added them in twos. She dodged; swept their legs, whipped their momentum around until they opened for punches. Kicks were a whirlwind leaving rippling winds in her wake, force whistling as it cleaved the air. Her foot bounced whenever she launched herself high; her body rocketing along the flight sheâd set herself. As if she switched from floating into a pebble flying from a slingshot. The tip of her nose brushed the ceiling. A jolt of panic fried her; she killed it and tucked into a roll as she fell.
What the hell was this?
Her skin turned hot where the wind had touched it. Not a burn or ripping of blood; this time it passed over her like hands of sunlight. Under the summer heat it breathed into her as if the first clear day of spring. She lifted her head, standing, comforted by its embrace. All her worries blew, carried on the breeze. Then being the wind it passed and settled faster than it arrived. Every part of her felt light. Clenching her fist, she smirked. Whatever this was, it seemed ready to help. And that meantâŚ
âTime for a test!â
âIâm headinâ out!â
âBe back before nightfall.â Dad called as she slipped on her shoes.
âI know.â
Lili came down the stairs minding her business. Had Asuka left a second earlier she would have missed the slightest curious glance thrown at her. But that was it before Lili disappeared into the kitchen. Her chest jumped. Whatever, she could think about that later.
The sky stretched clear forever with the sun hanging gold smack in the center. People were a guarantee. Today she didnât run, stuffing her hands in the pockets of her shorts and drinking in the day. People started crowding as she hit the main avenues; no one paid her any attention. Even if someone did, theyâd see a friendly smile not the hunger leashed in her eyes. She kept her ears sharp ignoring any chatter; she wanted shouting. She wanted action. Asuka waited and walked and waited. Then she crossed into Shinsekai. A wolfish grin twisted her mouth.
In the middle of a shopping square some boys were in each otherâs faces, seven altogether by her count. Lined up and shouting enough to spit theyâd clash at the drop of a hat. Immediately she broke into a run. Someone at the front raised his fist; she jumped, flipped, and tucked in the air.
âHold it right there!â
Scattering like bugs they yelled in surprise and cleared some space. Her effortless, cool landing left them speechless. When she stood she gave them a smile; camera, lights, action! Justice!
âWho the hell- oh not you again!â
âMs. Asuka? Crap, crap, crap!â
Dusting off her hands Asuka shook her head. One gang she recognized not as the guys who helped her home, but a separate group sheâd left in pieces before them. The others made her right eye twitch to remember. Theyâd get theirs as many times as it took till they learned their lesson.
âIâm disappointed. Havenât I already told ya off? No fighting! No fighting where people are either. What if you dragged some grandma into your mess or busted down a shop? You canât go around doing that.â
The boys who she thought knew better bowed their heads; someone she assumed was a new member had his head forced down by a senior.
âWeâre deeply sorry Ms. Asuka. For sure, for sure we wonât lift a finger!â
âDonât apologize to me. Just play nice like I ask.â
The leader guy with slicked back hair, his nose had healed crooked after its visit with her fist, got right in her face.
âIâm not like these pussies you little bitch. Try harder. We can go right now.â
Asuka sighed. His gang glanced at each other, afraid, backing him up anyway.
âIf thatâs true you wouldnât bother talking. But you brought me on yourself!â
Roaring he threw out punches she knocked away, lunging himself in pursuit until she glanced the wobble of his left leg. Now! She went low sweeping him so fast it wasnât a question of waiting for his fall, he just hit the ground. One moment he was a body under gravity, then the shutter on a camera, and he laid a groaning wreck. Her kicks wouldâve gone off course as she reined them in within an instant. Her rhythm needed a new tempo. Her limbs were free and her muscles flowy, like how paper streamers became part of a breeze.
âAmazing!â
Leader boy stumbled up as she flung her knee into his stomach. The wind wheezed from his lungs; her elbow drop swiveled his head with a thud. In that same second she wheeled around and with a single kick slammed him into the pavement. His gang threw themselves out the way. A tailwind curled from the force of her leg, cracking the concrete of a building behind them. The crash vibrated for longest blip in their lives.
At her feet leader boy made no sound. She saw the shallow rise and fall of his back; at least he was still alive. His friends took a look at him, then back to her, and back to him. Without build up their screams exploded; each one bundled into shrieking fear. They sprint away white as ghosts, clinging to any value they saw left in living.
She breathed in. She exhaled, giddy. Her mind blanked.
Asuka turned around and found the remaining boys gawking. Stunned until not only had they forgotten words, their eyeballs were gonna pop out their sockets. Her movement carried more energy than she knew what to do with. She could fly around the sky till the Earth itself was just a blue ball. Say something, anything to come down again!
âSo, like I was saying! If you guys wanna be good then make nice with each other. Cuzâ if you donâtâŚâ
She rested her foot on leader boy. Finally he groaned.
The boys watched, their mouths hanging open. Someone cried out,
âIf we behave enough can we feel your boobs?â
Sailing in midair, everyone placed bets on how long till he came down.
Another morning at training she finished early and watched Lili work. Bit by bit she started leaving the simple behind. She weaved in and out of jabs and kicks, and backflips into stomps. She threw herself twisting into a cartwheel that became a flip. Down went her foot preparing a heel drop; Asuka remembered the hawks diving for fish on one of Dadâs favorite nature shows. Lili landed safe doing a split. Her sweaty face turned red steadying her breathing. A picture of focus came to Asukaâs mind.
She sat cross legged and watched, resting her chin on her hand as Lili got up. Then the routine reset. The forceful flurry of Sunrise Sunsetâs striking twirled into a somersault that brought Lili low against the floor. When Asuka asked her about the silly name Lili had scoffed, âbecause Iâm hitting high then low obviously.â Of course, she angled herself, sticking her legs together and launching high into Matterhorn. Sweat splattered off Liliâs brow; her grimace carried the strain holding her muscles in place. Practicing or on the street under chaos, they earned the same effort. Tired, Lili finally flopped on her back.
âYouâre not so bad at this, yâknow.â
No response. Lili stared at the ceiling catching her breath. Reaching to undo the bun her blonde hair spilled around her slender neck. Her heart shaped face looked outlined by a gold brush. Her pink bow shape lips parted for sweet air, not pursed or confusing Asuka like she knew everything in the universe. Lili was so, normal. Normally pretty. Asuka tried imagining her real smile.
âIâm sorry, Lili.â
The spell broke; they stared into each otherâs eyes. And for the first time, joy and joy alone bloomed open across all Lili was.
âWait a minute. This is my first time saying her name!â
Lili giggled playfully, honestly, waking herself from a bad dream and relieved. She sat up.
âMy, youâre in agony after trampling a beautiful flower.â
âDonât push it.â
Lili chuckled.
The next day off Asuka stepped out the bank. She walked smiling for herself alone. It was time to fix her bike.
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