The Kazama Home

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Xiao was surprised by her husband's words, she didn't expect the words to hit her with emotion. She grew a wide smile, with a hint of blush that crept upon her cheeks.

"Y-you mean that Jin?" Xiao wondered about his reasoning, was it because of their marriage? Or was it because of the history that they both shared with one another.

---

"Sure!" Ikari responded with an enthusiastic tone, and took heed to Nesta's words. She walked out of the home, and continued her stroll down to the neighboring Kazama Dojo.

[rykezois]

Jin didn't expect such an emotional reaction from his wife, he hadn't realized that what he said meant so much more to her.

"Of course Xiao. I mean it with all sincerity in my heart. You being with me all your life, it's helped me in this life I never expected to have." He said clearly with emotion.

---
Nesta put her hands on the table as tears fell from her eyes once more. Although she was silent. She felt strange, she felt.. guilty. Even with what Orin said, she still felt guilt about killing all of those people, as she would never do such a thing consciously, even with the urge to do so. It scared her, and if Kazuya is trying to see what Eiji's is like...

The tears stopped and she eventually changed into the Gi that was a birthday gift given by Orin. She went down to the family Dojo and saw Ikari in a white Gi, stretching and preparing.

The Gi felt light and flexible, while also feeling like a barrier, a perfect mix. The double flames mimicking her father's and Eiji's one flame, although they were orange, meant to represent Xiao's influence and bloodline in Nesta.
She wore her signature gloves which she still held with her at all times, constantly reminding her of who her enemy is.

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Xiao felt a tear escape and fall down her cheek, she too didn't expect to get so emotional but Jin's words were what she needed to hear through the tough time she's having internally with Eiji being kidnapped.

Maybe it was just a barrage of emotions that built up but either way, it was pleasantly welcomed. She walked over to her husband and gave him a hug, of course, standing on her tippy toes since Jin normally towers over her short stature.

"Thank you Jin, you have no clue how much those words actually meant to me.." She said to her husband as she buried her face into the crook of his neck...

---

Seeing Nesta walk into the dojo, Ikari sprung to her feet as she was excited and eager to be training with her cousin. It's been a while since they both trained with one another, so this would prove rather interesting.

"Ready to start?" Ikari said to Nesta, as she placed on her gloves...

[rykezois]

"Perhaps not... but I know that I'll always be here for, and with you." Jin replied, wiping the tears away from her small and beautiful face.
"We should get ready and prepare for the guests. I know it doesn't feel right without Eiji here but they don't have a clue about what has happened yet. Let's at least give our daughter some form of happiness." He said.


---


Nesta didn't smirk like she usually did whenever training between the two started. Instead a cold stare back was given, but it didn't feel hostile.

"Always." She said getting into her fighting stance. The two clashed in what was suppose to be a spar, but it turned into much more that. Not out of hatred or rage towards each other. But out of the fact that they felt so weak to not even be able to save Eiji.

They were both flustered with their emotions, and went on for hours. Nesta could feel herself gain of semblance of strength and dexterity, but was it truly what she desired? What kind of power did she truly want?

It wasn't long before blood came out of their mouths, but they kept on anyway.

At the climax of the match, Nesta managed to push back Ikari with a strong mid kick, but noticed something weird. Ikari's breathing became heavier, and a red aura started to pulsate and form around her. Nesta had never seen anything like it. What was it?

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Xiao smiled at her husband, it amazed her at how much faith he had in their children, so much so, that she thought it was...cute. She knew that Jin loved their children, there was no doubt about that at all.

Walking downstairs with her husband, Xiao thought it was best to set up everything for the party. It wouldn't be the same without Eiji here, but she tried her best to keep herself in positive spirits.

---

Back in the dojo, Ikari felt an overwhelming amount of power that seeped into her body, it was relentless yet, she didn't know how to control it.

Looking up at Nesta, she charged at the elder Kazama sibling, preparing to strike at any moment. Delivering devastating blows and a barricade of hits, it was as if she was under a spell of some sort.

[rykezois]

"Ikari..?" Nesta said as her friend ran toward her. She managed to block some of the attacks, but was hit by the others, and they were strong enough to send her against the wall.

"W-what the hell is this..?" She said in astonishment, as Ikari's speed also seemed to increase. As if she wasn't fast already.

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Ikari didn't hear Nesta call her, she was in a fit of rage and had no clue as to how to control it. The barrage of attacks ensued not long after that.

Ikari gave one final hit, before collapsing to her hands and knees, accompanied by heavy breathing. She didn't know what came over her, she got up and noticed Nesta on the ground.

"Nesta!" She called over to her friend as she ran towards her and knelt down next to her, "Nesta? Are you okay?"

[rykezois]

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Nesta's head. It wasn't particularly a smart one, but she wanted to test it.

"Ikari... I know for a fact you're in love with Hwoarang's son." She said with a slight smirk on her face knowing how sensitive a subject love was for Ikari.

The red aura immediately came back and a swift punch went to Nesta's face. However, anticipating this attack Nesta caught the fist right in front of her face. It almost seemed as if Ikari's eyes seemed to glow... like a demon's...

"I knew it. This sudden power has to do with your anger... rage as it is... Well I suppose if you can't control your rage you can't control this either." Nesta said putting the fist away as she stood up.

The aura around Ikari went away but she stared dead center at Nesta, straight into her eyes. "I won't hesitate next time." She said in a low quiet voice, sighing as she went to get bandages.

"Ikari you really think I meant that? Plus that boy has his sites on Erin, so at this point it's not like it matters." Nesta responded, standing side by side with Ikari as they both got bandages. Ikari stayed silent and began applying the bandages on herself using a mirror that was in the Dojo. Nesta did the same.

Suddenly the door opened behind them, Naomi being the one to open it. She seemed like she was in a pretty good mood especially for the morning.

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Naomi walked into the dojo and was accompanied by her daughter and Nesta. She noticed that they were placing bandages on their wounds and were pretty beaten up.

Something told her that this wasn't just a plain old sparring match. Her face grew worrisome, as she suspected something was astray.

Placing her hands on her hips, she eyed Nesta and Ikari. "Okay you two, what's going on here? This doesn't seem like practice to me, look at you!"

She placed a hand under her daughter's chin, to level her face, she had a cut on her bottom lip, Naomi sighed before letting her grip go. "How do you expect me to explain this to your father?" Her eyes looked at Nesta, "Yours too."

[rykezois]

Ikari immediately moved her face away from her mother, crossing her arms. Nesta sighed in response. "With all due respect Mrs. Alexandersson, this is sparring for us at this point now. If we are to get Eiji back, if I am to win the King of Iron Fist Tournament 8, then I do whatever is within my reach. My younger brother's safety and return is all that matters at this point Mrs. Alexandersson. If you know how this feels, then I pity you." Nesta said as she left the Dojo, back to the house.

Ikari simply walked outside and rested near the entrance, watching Nesta walk back to her home.

---
Nesta came back to see her two parents with gifts and a cake, but Jin immediately went to her as soon as he put what he was carrying down. He sighed as he saw the bandages, and even looked at her devil gene afflicted arm."You really are going through with this aren't you little one?" Nesta nodded. She was very serious about this whole ordeal. She personally didn't even want this party to happen, but knew it was inevitable. And there was no point in ruining the mood for everyone, so she would try to be as upbeat and enjoy the party as much as possible.

[Ling Xiaoyu]

Naomi walked outside and placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, "Hey." She didn't want to seem like the overprotective parent, but when it comes to the safety of Ikari, sometimes Naomi tends to get a little overboard.

"I understand what you're trying to do for Nesta. If I were in your shoes, I would do the same as well." She looked ahead as she watched Nesta walk back home, her heart ached for the elder Kazama child, she must be going through a lot.

---

Back at home, Xiao noticed Nesta walk into the house, she was about to sing happy birthday to her but stopped suddenly when she noticed the expression on her daughter's face. She watched the interaction between Jin and Nesta, the overwhelming tension grew over her. She knew that Nesta wanted to get her brother back, but, it would cost her safety which is something that Xiao couldn't live with.

It was a growing internal conflict that left her on edge...


Xiao walked over and hugged her daughter gently, she felt as if she needed it. For her own sanity. Xiao couldn't stand to see her child struggle with her emotions, it broke her heart to witness it.

[rykezois]

Ikari looked at her mother and then looked down. "I need to talk to father about something." Ikari said quietly. She also needed to take a shower.

---

Nesta also took a shower as well, cleaning whatever blood she had on her and getting rid of that sweaty and tired smell she had on her. She of course changed out her gift from Orin and put on a black undershirt and white/gray jogging pants with white socks. She was in the shower for at least an hour, thinking about what she was going to do and how she was going to do everything. When she came out of the bathroom, it was a surprise to suddenly see here. The Alexanderssons, the Hanakos, the Rangs, Jasmine Raymond, and even Lee Chaolan. They were all here.

"Happy 19th birthday Nesta!" They all exclaimed in joy. Even Ikari somewhat raised her voice for the occasion.

[Lei Wulong]

Li-Mei finally arrived, with Jasmine and her brothers in tow. The twins both wore a fancy dress-shirt, with formal slacks and matching shoes, though it was pretty easy to tell the two apart. Shenlong even had to shave again for the occasion, since Li-Mei didn't think the whole 5'o clock shadow look was something you'd have at a formal event. Li-Mei tied her hair up for the occasion, as well as wearing a full cheongsam.

She had a gift for Nesta in a small box. It was simply a charm of a jade bat, symbolizing good health and wealth. As small as it is, it means a lot to someone.

"Sorry, I had to finish up some quick paperwork, but we're all finally here!"

[mrdak3000]

"Bonjour Nesta. Happy Birthday." Jasmine greeted in French before going back to Japanese. "So how's the party going for you? Im sure it's going wonderful, yes?"

As Jasmine was talking to the birthday girl, the sound of a helicopter close by but it was was actually the house. By the looks of the helicopter, it appears to be from Rochefort Enterprise.

"Oh my, that was a lot faster than I expected." Jasmine said as she was looking at the helicopter before turning to everyone else. "Don't be alarmed, I requested a gift to be delivered her." The moment the helicopter reached a reasonable landing point for the delivery man to climbed down, Jasmine stepped outside and retrieved the present. "Merci beaucoup~!" Jazz said to the workers before they left.

[Ling Xiaoyu]

With everyone at the party, Xiao was in the kitchen with her husband, it was the only place that they could talk in private for now. She didn't want Nesta to go through with the tournament, she felt as though it wasn't safe at all.

"Jin. I don't like Nesta going through with this." She said to her husband, keeping her voice low wanting to be discreet about it so no one else but him could hear.

"What if this is some stupid ploy that your father is trying to pull to lure you to him? Have you ever thought about that?" She placed her hands on her hips, "I don't want our children to get caught in the middle between you and your father's bullshit shenanigans."