I can feel it deep down in my very being; and I know that my father, Orochi, is right. Humans are headed for a final judgment, and it doesn't matter if they wish to accept it or not, for it will come, regardless. I look forward to it. I've had so much happen to me, and yet I can't help wondering if it's what I truly want. The end of it all, so that a new beginning can come. Sure, we often say we want the change; but when the time comes, how many of us are really willing to change, and how much?
One of the things that is so wrong is the hatred, and we all feel it, for it is our nature. If we deny this, we deny our very nature, something that we can say, but in which we have little say (if we are that lucky). From the moment of arrival into this nightmare, the fires of different levels of Hell are burned into us. Hate, fear, hopelessness, death, rejection, and more. We are told that we "are dying from the moment we are born." What a way to brighten another's day! It is all that, and more.
Then, as little kids, the hate and resentment festers to fatal levels. This is especially true in large families, but can be true for small ones. It is bad enough to have to compete in sibling rivalry, but to have a child with "special needs," the hatred can turn very ugly, very fast. In the other kid's head, EVERYONE ALWAYS IGNORES THEM! No matter what they do, it is overcast by the "special child," and their "special needs." They are told that the other needs extra attention, more help, and that sorta thing. All the thoughts that pass through the mind are BS! The thought that if you'd treat them more like a regular person so that they could learn how to be a regular person is always at the front of their mind.
Special Holidays aren't so special for them. The schools, neighbors, and family give more to the "disadvantaged child," leaving the other with a burning rage. When they try to talk about it, they are merely brushed off. They are told a lie--that their sibling needs some extra stuff due to their condition, or some other crap like that. On occasion, they may recall it, once upon a nightmare. It is usually lost in the blur of hate for "their own flesh and blood." So rejected are they, that they often question if this is really their family. At best, they are merely tolerated...only in times of utter depression do they dare to think the worst.
Over time, everything seems to loose meaning. Time no longer seems to exist, as everything seems virtually the same; a reoccurring, painful, living Hell! For some, they can't even sleep, so painful is their existence. For some, they sleep only as a result of pure fatigue. They no longer dream, for each night is an episode of bad dreams, torment, and the pondering of their very existence.
They almost laugh at others' "pitiful problems." They want to say that they can easily top it. They haven't had a good night sleep in such a long time, that the very idea is but a fantasy. They can't let others get close to them, for fear of dragging them to a path of chaos, and ultimately, their death. They refuse to take somebody they care for, and make them endure the curse of their life. Do you still think your problems can top that? But few say such, for they know the results, which will only add to their never-ending ache.
Some sarcastic ass holes have had the nerve to ask them why they don't simply end their life. Responses vary from "I won't give your kind the satisfaction" to "I'm afraid that what may wait for me on the other side may be worse." You see, when one commits suicide, they usually assume that they go off to a better world...but they don't know for sure. There's no promise that where they go will be better. It could be even worse.
As time goes on, there is constanly a calling for blood, to ease their pain. Some will inflict as much as they can on others, so mad have they been driven by the dark power. No matter what they do, they are always looked down upon. They are made outcasts, one way or another. Either they are due to the venom of those around them, or by choice...usually because they don't want to go through the same HELL, over and over. In a few, rare cases, they do so to keep those that they may love safe from their curse.
Beware, for the silent individual that you see, seemingly a harmless person could be one of our kin...or one who has been ensnared in the web. They are the ones to be wary of, for they may be a key part in the forthcoming fight of destiny.
"Hey, Shermie! Whatcha doing?"
Shermie nearly fell out of her seat when she heard her name.
"Oh, Chris, it's you. I was in deep thought, and you startled me."
"I'm sorry. Can you tell me what you are writing? Is it a diary?"
"...No. It's just some...thoughts I've had, and have heard. Where's Yashiro?"
"He's out at the gym. He's then going to meet Max at Rage, or whatever that place is," Chris inched closer to Shermie, a strange look on his face, "Shermie? You are shorter? Or am I getting taller?"
"Chris...please get off my feet! Your shoes are hurting my bare feet."
Chirs nearly fell back, then apologized. She said it was ok. Chris then said Yashiro wanted them to meet up for lunch, and left.
Believe me, I want Orochi's cleansing to come more than anyone, but to have one as young as Chris...It is a good strategy on our Father's part. Having Chris as his way back threw off those who would stop us. While their aura tells them that this is the one, their minds can't accept that he will be the bearer of the world's end. Some even doubt themselves, unsure as to what is right. Others, can be more of a problem.
I don't trust Iori or Ryuji, period. They have already attempted to fight each other head-on, several times. At their most recent fight, Orochi separated them. Should they ever learn that Chris is--Orochi, I'd be very afraid. They may try something, and I'm not sure if they'd succeed or not.
Then, there's Goenitz. He is probably the strongest of our Clan, just barely a second to Orochi himself. Some say that the reason he is as strong, if not stronger, is that Orochi takes the body of a child. Chris hasn't had time, nor the experience, to do what Goenitz can. One would wonder what would happen if Orochi merged with Goenitz. The end could come quickly.
"Hey, Shermie, are you ready for lunch?" called Yashiro from a few doors down.
Quickly, she hid what she had written. He's a great guy, and has really done so much. When Iori laid waste to our fans, we were all beside ourselves. It was too much for Chris, and it took me a long time to comfort him. We weren't into our music, but we needed money. Yashiro got in contact with some pals, and got a lot of cash from the gambling ring. I didn't approve, but we needed to be able to live, so I gave support. I didn't want Chris to see us have a falling-out; not after all the burnt bodies he had seen. Still, deep down, I fear he'll be the death of us.
She just finished putting on her boots as Yashiro entered, and he looked at her, dreamily.
"So, Shermie. Are you, er, set to eat?"
She gave him a firm look, and he realized what he had been doing. He turned redder than a cherry, and Shermie giggled at his "male-type mistake."
They met at the bar, and Shermie knew there was nothing to worry about. They all knew Yashiro, and he could easily grind any of them. She and Chris were safe. The same could not be said for the bar itself. As they learned, some young guy who seemed to be able to control the wind had cut loose in there. Max thought it was an Orochi, and Yashiro agreed.
"From what I overheard, they said that he's what you'd call a `half-breed.' He has half Orochi, and half Guardian."
Shermie and Yashiro both looked at Max bewildered. How could one be of both? It was unheard of. It's impossible--or is it?
Later, over lunch, Yashiro asked Shermie what had been bothering her.
"Oh, nothing we haven't been over before. What if Ryuji or Iori were to come for Chris? What if Goenitz..."
Yashiro interrupted her with a deep laugh, before commenting, "Oh, Shermie, you're still worried about that? There's nothing to worry about. We all know that Orochi gave us our power, and can take it back. That is why we are his chosen. While he rests to regain his full power, we will guard over him. If need be, your mastery of lightning, and my mastery of the Earth; we will make sure nothing happens to our father."
"Yes, I know. You are right...I can't wait for tonight. It will be our comeback!" exclaimed Shermie, and Chirs joined in as they each talked about the excitement of going on stage again.
Afterwards, they were enjoying their fans and having the times of their life. One asked Shermie what she thought of the afterlife. She said she wasn't sure, but to think out what you do now, to be ready for it. When they returned to their rooms, Shermie burned that which she had written.
I feel it coming, unlike anything I have ever felt before. It is like the darkness I felt when Rugal had restored me a while back. Death, killing, pain, hurt, and more...those were my thoughts. It seemed that Saishu of old died, and was replaced with a lackey for Rugal. I was freed when I fought my own flesh and blood, my own son, Kyo. Defeated, I told him to kill Rugal, and seemingly faded away.
He won, as I knew he would. I spoke of his true test that he would soon face. He faced Goenitz, and barely made it. Then, history was relived as he, Iori, and Chizuru defeated Orochi himself.
It brings forth an interesting imagine to my mind: Shermie, Chris, and Yashiro on one side, and facing off on the other's Iori, Kyo, and Chizuru. Behind them, I am facing down Rugal, nearly head-on. Leona, Vice, Mature, and Ryuji round out this odd, poster-like vision. In dark colors, in the background, is Orochi. Who knows...just maybe, it could happen.
I think I'll pay Kyo and his friends a visit, soon. I heard that he went through his own Blood Riot, and I think it's important, more than ever, that we talk about what may soon happen. Maybe they can confirm the rumors I've heard since my arrival of a young man who is half Orochi, half Guardian.
"I was right, I can feel the gathering of various members of The Bloodline. Iori, the fool who thinks the power is his. Kyo, the dog, and the fossil, Saishu. The goody Guardian, Kagura, and the baby, Leona. They will soon learn that the Mighty Rugal is very much alive!"
Rugal thinks back to the previous fights, and recalls what he had done, and had done to him. He held the 1994 King Of Fighters Tournament in order to get the greatest warriors together for his vile plan to overthrow the world's governments. He failed, and then he literally bombed. The following year, he was renewed, with a strong a fire as ever to carry out his plan. He was now enhanced with cybernetics, but not without price. He lost his right eye to a man called Goenitz. Until recently, the Orochi power had nearly eaten him up. He had been struggling endlessly to pull through it. Now, the time for it has come, and there will be HELL to pay. He also wants to see Goenitz again. He knows that if he still lives, Goenitz can't be truly dead. It is only a matter of time before the Chaos bringer resurfaces. When that happens, Rugal vows to do more than merely take an eye. Goenitz tried to destroy him, so it would be Rugal's turn to return the favor.
"Everything's set, boss. The jet's ready, and awaiting us."
"Good, Billy. Next stop, Japan! Then, I want to finally grab this Orochi power. It has eluded me for too long. Soon, the Dark Power will be mine!" Geese finished with his mad, sinister laugh, and they boarded his personal jet...and the darkness continues to swallow more lost souls.
©1999