Almost forgot the disclaimer :P I don't own Tekken or Namco, or any of the characters. Everyone needs a dream I guess. :)

-Not the Same-

The hotel was a free-for-all compared to the mansion.

There was so much surveillance equipment that Xiaoyu began to wonder just how much danger Jin could possibly be in.

A guard jabbed her rudely with his rifle, motioning for her to go into the mansion.

Once inside, Xiaoyu saw just how beautiful the mansion was. The atmosphere was unsettling to her though. With dark furniture and two armed guards at every door, this wasn't exactly a relaxing place.

The guards led her all the way to the throne room. After her presence was announced, Xiaoyu was allowed to walk down the carpet to the throne. Jin stood to greet her. Dressed in an attractive black suit, minus the tie, he looked even more serious than usual.

Looking Xiaoyu up and down, Jin found himself a bit surprised.

She looked so much older. Her cute little pigtails seemed to be the only traces of the bubbly 17 year old Jin once knew. He noticed that her figure was much more pronounced now, and the kimono she wore hugged her in all the right places. Jin reprimanded himself for his thoughts.

She was so happy to see Jin again, that Xiaoyu forgot about the guards. She ran towards Jin at full speed trying to hug him.

Jin! she opened her arms to him.

All of the guards instantly turned their guns on her. Almost fully covered by red lasers, Xiaoyu froze in place.

Jin signaled for the guards to lower their weapons.

After hesitating for a moment, Xiaoyu walked up the stairs to where Jin stood. She wrapped her arms around him.

I'm so happy to see you, Jin, she whispered.

Jin reluctantly returned her embrace.

He could feel so many memories flooding back to him. Just her presence melted some of the chill around his heart.

Xiao..he whispered aloud.

For a moment, Jin felt completely at peace. Then he remembered what he was keeping from her, and how dangerous it was for her to be there. His anger shattered the peace in his mind, and he pushed her away.

You know that this tournament is dangerous Xiao. You and Panda should not be here, he scolded her.

Xiaoyu noticed that Panda wasn't trying to come any closer to Jin. She practically pushed Panda up the stairs to see him.

Jin looked down at Panda.

She wasn't as easily fooled as Xiaoyu, and she could sense that Jin was not himself.

Jin? Aren't you going to hug Panda? Xiaoyu asked him.

Panda looked into his eyes. They were clouded with evil, and Panda wanted nothing to do with him. She hid behind Xiaoyu.

What's wrong Panda? Jin is your friend, isn't he? she asked, confused.

Panda shook her head furiously, and refused to go near him.

So, Panda already knows. Jin thought. Xiaoyu would hold the same fear of me if she knew.

Jin had been fighting himself over whether or not to invite Xiaoyu to stay with him during the tournament. Any attack on the hotel could put her life at risk. Still, if he was unable to control the devil in him, the mansion would be one of the most dangerous places for her to be.

Xiaoyu's voice tore him away from his thoughts.

I've been worried about you Jin. There are so many things we have to talk about, she said seriously.

Jin nodded, looking at the watch on his wrist.

Well, we can talk at dinner. Two hours from now. The guards will show you to your room in the meantime, he told her.

All right. I think I'll let Panda get some rest though. I'll see you then, she replied.

A few guards began to lead her out of the room.

Until then, Jin said solemnly, watching the door close behind her.

Xiaoyu flopped down on the soft bed.

This place needs a serious woman's touch, she said to Panda. It's way too dark and depressing.

Jin seems… different. I could feel electricity from him from the moment I hugged him. Something's wrong though. He's as dark and depressed as this mansion he's living in.

She gazed out of the window towards the sky.

Even the heavens seemed to be in a state of unrest.

Jin didn't smile once today. Not even a wisp. She sighed.

Oh well.. Maybe dinner will be better.

Xiaoyu searched in her suitcases until she found the long-flowing black kimono she had packed. Everything around the mansion felt so sophisticated, she figured that a short pink dress would be inappropriate.

She had just finished getting ready when the guards knocked on her door, and informed her that it was time for dinner.

See you later Panda, she said as she made her way to the dining hall.