Author's Note: This takes place right before Tekken 4. It's pretty much my take on if Jin and Julia had crossed paths. I'm not sure exactly where I'm taking it, so if you have any ideas, let me know! I'd also like to throw some other Tekken characters into the mix too, so if you have any suggestions, you may leave those too. I would love some reviews or any other comments you may have. Other than that, enjoy the story. :D
Summary: Two young adults who have preconceptions of each other meet once again in Brisbane, Australia. The rest, as they say, is history. –Jin/Julia.
Brisbane's Secret
CHAPTER 1: Maybe She Was Wrong
She was supposed to hate him.
His dark eyes bore into hers behind his long sharp bangs, and she thought she might've felt a sort of dislike or hesitation, but she didn't.
Julia Chang was now a student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, planning to major in archaeology. She had always felt a connection with the environment and her Native American ancestry, and she wanted to stay and study in Arizona. However, she had recently discovered that her homeland was in danger of being destroyed, and began to focus her research on that area.
Professor T first introduced her to the idea of reforestation. This seemed to be the only way to restore the ecosystem where she lived as well as other parts around the world that was affected by today's changing weather and man's destructiveness.
As part of their research, Julia made an effort to take business trips around the world to compare and create new studies. More specifically, she visited desert or desert-like areas that were similar to Arizona's climate. The research had brought her to Brisbane, Australia, where she was to stay at least three months, continuing her research with peers at the University of Queensland. She rather enjoyed seeing different parts of the globe, and how the people and culture were. This being her first time in Australia, she was delighted with the bustle of the city but more importantly, the environment surrounding the city.
Julia had learned of a dojo called Kyokushin from a friend, and desired to visit it. She hadn't practiced any martial arts for a good half year, and though she might be rusty, she rather missed the adrenaline rushes and excitement it used to give her. Curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to stop by after a week of stay in Brisbane.
She hadn't expected to face Jin Kazama there.
He stood before her now, seemingly with more maturity and knowledge than the last time she saw him. At first, she thought she was seeing things, and peering through her scholarly-looking glasses, she made the initiative.
"Jin?..."
He grunted in response, and she was positive that it really was him. He looked older, maybe a little taller, with a navy-flamed hoodie pulled over his head. She was sure that his hair was probably the same under the hood, since those familiar dark bangs still covered his face. At first, she briefly wondered if he actually took time to style it that way, but feeling rather silly, she ignored it. While still not being completely open to the fact that a Mishima could actually have feelings, she neither smiled nor frowned, instead raising her eyebrows.
"Well, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, finally breaking eye contact as he looked to the floor, obviously uncomfortable. "Practicing," he answered simply.
She hadn't expected much of an answer anyway, and she didn't want to push the issue. "At a dojo? I thought you practice Mishima-style." It was an art that was carried on only through their bloodline, if it could even be called an art. She doubted that something called a Mishima-style would hardly be fair. But it was still odd that he would be here, out of all places.
"I'm unlearning." His eyes met hers again, and she had to look away. They were piercing into her too much, as if he was looking somewhere beyond her eyes, somewhere deeper.
She felt a slight shudder, but mentally slapped herself. It was probably some weird Mishima thing, like staring down your opponent or something. She decided not to make anything of it, instead wondering about his answer. He was unlearning it? That in itself was odd.
"Julia!"
She turned to see her friend Jennifer Liu from the University of Queensland walking up toward her with a little wave and a smile on her face. Julia was staying in her dorm for the time being, and Jennifer was involved in the reforestation research. The research group had quickly bonded as a team of about 15 people dedicated to finding a solution for the ecosystem problem. "What are you doing here?"
Jin watched to see Julia give her a dazzling smile, one she had held back from him, and thought about leaving, but the Asian girl had grabbed his arm before he could.
"Oh, who's this, Julia?" Jennifer ignored her friend's question and pulled off her sunglasses. "Your friend?" She waggled her eyebrows at Julia, who elbowed the girl.
"Um, no." Julia had the urge to just leave the dojo and hope Jin would forget all about their chance meeting. "This is Jin Kazama. He… We were in a tournament together a couple years ago."
"Oh, really? Danny told me you'd be here. I didn't know you did martial arts, Jules." Jennifer seemed very interested, turning her eyes to Jin." It's nice to meet you. I'm Jennifer, by the way. You can call me Jenn, if you like." She stuck out her hand and Jin shook it warily. "Julia and I were planning to go clubbing tonight. You should come!"
Julia's eyes widened as Jennifer bubbled all over Jin, and she wanted to grab her friend and run out of the dojo like no tomorrow, but instead she smiled politely, knowing without a doubt that he would say no, and they could be on their way like nothing happened.
But what he did next surprised Julia more than anything.
"I guess," he shrugged. "Where are you going?"
Jennifer was obviously happy with Jin's answer. "The Mustang Bar. Wanna meet us there around 8?"
"Sure. I have to get back to training, but I'll… see you later." He turned to leave, as Julia gaped after him and Jenn gave a little squeal.
As they left the dojo, Julia couldn't decide which was more surprising: that Jin Kazama had just agreed to go clubbing, or that he actually went out to nightclubs. She supposed that she didn't know much about him, though, other than basic assumptions. He had seemed broody, unfriendly, and distracted. But the way she saw him talk with Jennifer… he seemed like a regular guy, almost.
"Your friend is really hot," Jenn gushed as they walked down the sidewalk. "Do you know him very well?"
"I guess I don't," Julia said in almost disbelief. But part of her was glad that he agreed to join them.
Maybe she was wrong about Mishimas after all.