A/N: Hello readers! I'm back with another update. Sorry this one took a bit longer, I've been SWAMPED with work, school stuff and boring financial crap about my income tax returns...it's not very interesting. This chapter however is! At least I'm hoping it is...be sure to let me know in the form of reviews!

Chapter 12 - Day 1: You Kinda Creep Me Out

"I'm not interested in talking to you."

Jin abruptly turned his back to Kasumi and resumed watching Asuka's match with Mokujin. The kunoichi was a bit taken back by his sudden dismissive behavior, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't expecting it on some degree.

"Please," Kasumi began, "I would just like to know what your reasons are for entering the tournament."

Jin didn't turn around but after a couple moments his soft voice broke through the tense silence.

"...Why?"

Kasumi had to think fast. She of course couldn't explain her real reasons for questioning the young man, but Jin seemed like a guy who wouldn't be fooled easily.

"I'm friends with a girl I believe you know. Ling Xiaoyu?"

There was more silence for what seemed like forever. Kasumi didn't say anything, but the more time passed, the more she began cursing herself for what she was beginning to think was a pretty terrible lie. Well, it wasn't a complete lie; Kasumi had in fact talked to Xiaoyu here and there during lunch, but nowhere near enough for them to be considered friends yet. Barely acquaintances.

The moment soon turned from tense to awkward, and Kasumi sighed as she turned to leave. Perhaps Jin had just decided to ignore her. She would have just left it at that and tried to get something out of him another day, but then...

"Xiao must leave here immidiately."

Kasumi turned back around. Thankfully, Jin had finally decided to face her. His hood however was up, obsucring his face from the kunoichi somewhat. She could only see the young man's almost abnormally long bangs.

"Why don't you want her to compete?"

Jin let out a small sigh, "This tournament is not what it seems. You would do well to leave as well. In fact, I still have no idea who you are."

The Kazama looked up into Kasumi's eyes then, his deep brown eyes almost piercing her own auburn orbs.

"Like I said, I am a friend of Xiaoyu's. From school."

Jin didn't say anything, but his expressionless face developed slightly into one of annoyance. Kasumi sighed, knowing she wouldn't be able to lie anymore.

"I am a kun-"

"Her identity is unimportant. You already know her name, that's more than enough."

Ryu stood behind both of them, still partially in the shadows of the ruins. Kasumi looked a bit startled, but Jin didn't move a muscle. He let out a single, humourless laugh when he saw the Hayabusa's attire.

"So you're both ninjas."

Ryu crossed his arms, saying nothing. Kasumi felt like she was caught in some kind of crossfire.

"Um..."

"Kasumi, we're leaving.

The kunoichi sighed, knowing that Ryu was going to be upset once again. She nodded to her guardian and turned to face Jin one last time.

"I hope we meet again, Jin."

Jin said nothing and watched the two ninjas disappear in a plethora of green and pink. He shook his head and turned back to the fight.

Asuka appeared to be winning, but also appeared incredibly tired. Mokujin was currently on the ground, but soon got up and looked rather unaffected. Though he was quite a bit of distance away, Jin suddenly heard the Osakan yell out in annoyance.

"What the hell, man! This is SO unfair! Why won't you stay down!"

Mokujin just stared blankly at the frustrated teenager. Asuka looked dumbfounded and lost in regards of what to do next. Jin just sighed to himself. Perhaps he was wrong about this girl.

Maybe there wasn't a talented fighter underneath...maybe they weren't even related...

...and maybe that was for the best.

The lobby of the hotel was another place that was extremely tense at the moment. There was complete silence except for the faint humming of a couple vending machines against the walls.

Hitomi was quite literally at a loss for words as Kazuya Mishima stood opposite her. He had his arms crossed and was regarding the German with a slightly unimpressed expression. Kazuya's red eye was unnerving her to the point where Hitomi had to actually conciously focus on breathing normally. To make matters worse, Kazuya was in a pretty expensive looking business suit, while Hitomi was clad in pajamas which may or may not have been covered in tomatoes and cabbages.

Finally after what seemed like hours, Kazuya gave Hitomi a small smirk, "You were at the banquet with that pitiful Xiaoyu and her pathetic group of friends. A new face though...your name would be?"

The karateka was of course upset with the way Kazuya regarded the new friends she had made since coming here, but she also knew that the Mishima definitely didn't care enough to hold his tongue. She composed herself enough to narrow her eyes at him.

"Hitomi Heinrich."

Kazuya quirked an eyebrow, "Heinrich...I see. You'd better hope your skills match that of your father's."

"Just wait," replied Hitomi, her shock from seeing Kazuya starting to wear off.

Kazuya's smirk widened slightly, but he remained silent. Hitomi was now directing a full glare towards the man, which he seemed to be enjoying too much. Even though she barely knew him, Kazuya was almost pissing off the German more than Feng...

...which was saying something considering the fact that it normally took a lot to piss her off.

The Mishima must have noticed Hitomi's rising anger, since his face contorted to one of what was surely only mock-confusion.

"Have I done something to upset you, Hitomi?" he asked sarcastically.

The German clenched her fists, "Well for starters, you talk about Xiao like she's worthless and you're a total jerk to your son."

Hitomi was expecting Kazuya to at least try and defend himself somewhat, or maybe just laugh in her face...

...she wasn't expecting him to just shrug and say, "So?"

Hitomi gaped at the man, "You don't see why that's wrong...?"

The Mishima's face finally lost the arrogant smirk completely and was replaced with an expression of complete seriousness.

"What is 'wrong', Hitomi? Is it 'wrong' to save a girl the pain of giving herself completely to an emotion that will do nothing but cause her to drown in her own sadness? Xiaoyu yearns for my fool of a son so blindly that she is completely ignorant to the demon within him. Jin shares my affliction, but does not wish to embrace it. That makes him weak, and the weak do not deserve a place in this world."

Hitomi furrowed her brow, utterly baffled by Kazuya's warped logic in regards to life and morals. There was only one thing she got from his little rant that she was able to question clearly.

"...What 'affliction' are you talking about?"

Kazuya let out a dry laugh, "Hmph. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into by entering this tournament. My advice to you is to take care of whatever it is you're here for and leave."

The German's glare returned to the Mishima's retreating figure as he walked away. Before she could say anything however, Kazuya suddenly stopped in his tracks as he turned back around.

"One last thing," he started darkly, "tell that Kazama girl to stay out of Jin and my own affairs. I get the impression that brat doesn't know how to mind her own business. It would be a shame if anything were to happen to her."

With that, Kazuya disappeared down the hallway of one of the hotel corridors. Hitomi sighed in annoyance; the man just appeared out of nowhere and had left her with a ton of questions, and she had no idea who to look to for answers. The German dejectedly headed back to her room.

Focusing for her match tomorrow now seemed like a much more daunting task.

For what must have been the tenth time at least, Mokujin landed on the soft grass with a hard thud. Asuka had her gloved hands resting on her knees and she was breathing heavily with her head hung low.

"Please..." she muttered, "Please don't get back up..."

And for a moment, the Osakan thought she had finally won. All that could be heard in the moonlit fields were the quiet rustling of Mokujin's chains...

...but then it got back up. Again.

Asuka slumped to the ground on her knees and hit the grass with her fist, "Am I even hurting you? This feels so pointless..."

The Osakan looked up at her opponent then. Instead of advancing towards her again, Mokujin just stood there watching her, though it was in it's fighting stance. It looked like it was waiting for the girl to get up, but really, who the hell knew?

Asuka's cheeks were slightly tinged with red – a sign that she was becoming utterly exhausted. Her muscles were already a little too tight for her liking from watching Feng's match, and were now aching almost everywhere. This was leaving Asuka at a severe disadvantage against Mokujin, who didn't even have muscles to worry about.

She was growing more envious of that fact by the second.

"It'll probably be a test of endurance for you."

Hitomi was right; Mokujin couldn't feel pain, and if it could, it felt it for maybe 2-3 seconds before the pain disappeared completely. This meant that continuing to fight the dummy head on relentlessly was pointless. Asuka had to find a way to incapacitate her wooden opponent somehow so that it couldn't get back up, thus making her the victor of this stupid match.

The Osakan was still grounded, but was thinking hard about how to achieve this goal. Her eyes instantly went to Mokujin's chains. The dummy had 6 in total – 2 on its forearms, 2 on its waist and 2 on its ankles.

Getting up slowly, Asuka analyzed each chain closely. While 5 of the chains ended with complete rings, Mokujin's left forearm chain's end ring was broken, creating a sort of hook instead. If she could hook that onto on of its ankle chains...

Asuka smirked and resumed her stance, "I've gotcha now, Mokujin. Come on."

As if on command, Mokujin charged at the Osakan. It appeared Asuka's luck was finally changing, as the dummy came in fast with a left hook – exactly what she needed it to do.

Quickly dodging the punch easily, Asuka grabbed Mokujin forearm with one hand and snatched its chain with the other. She then used her leg to trip her opponent while still holding it's arm and the chain. With both of her arms currently occupied, Asuka used her knee to hold Mokujin down as she attempted to twist its arm awkwardly and hook the broken chain with its right ankle.

It was a difficult task. Mokujin struggled endlessly beneath Asuka's weight, almost as if it knew what she was planning to do – perhaps this had happened to the dummy in the past. Despite having to use almost all of her strength to force the chains together, Asuka had to smirk. This whole struggle probably looked utterly ridiculous to anyone watching.

Asuka grunted loudly as she attempted with all of her strength to connect the chains.

"Come...ugh...on...just a little bit...guh...more..."

The hook was almost in place...just one final big tug and...

Snap!

As soon as she released her grip on the chains, Asuka rolled off Mokujin and onto her back. Despite having next to no energy left, the Osakan forced herself to stand up and see if her efforts paid off.

They did.

Mokujin looked absolutely absurd as it rolled around helplessly on the ground. It's left wooden arm had been successfully attached to its right wooden leg, and because it had iron balls instead of hands, Mokujin couldn't unhook itself. All it could do was roll around for a couple more pathetic moments until finally, the life left it's body and it stopped moving all together.

Asuka let out a sigh of relief, and immediately after burst out laughing as she collapsed onto the soft grass.

"Serves you right you wooden pain in the ass!"

After a couple minutes of well earned rest on the quiet grass, Asuka got up and unhooked the now lifeless Mokujin. She then knelt down and patted it's wooden head.

"You were probably one of the most annoying opponents I've ever fought, and you can't even talk. You should be proud of that. Later."

Standing up with a smug grin on her face, Asuka took a moment to have a couple more breathers before turning around to leave the area...

...and walk straight into Jin.

Kasumi and Ryu appeared in a field far away from the main part of the city. This place looked more rural, which was a bit strange to see in such a mainland part of Tokyo.

The kunoichi said nothing as Hayabusa walked a few feet in front of her slowly. She was looking down at the ground sheepishly when he finally turned to face her. After a moment, Kasumi hesitantly brought her eyes to meet Ryu's.

The super ninja had his arms crossed and looked a bit imposing, but his green eyes betrayed how he really felt. Kasumi noticed that he just looked...worried.

"Kasumi..."

The kunoichi shook her head, "Jin plays a big part in this Ryu. I don't know exactly what that part is yet but-"

"You've gotten yourself involved in something very dangerous, Kasumi. Going directly to what very well could be the source of all the evil surrounding this tournament was rather idiotic."

Kasumi gasped, "I...I was just trying to get more info-"

Her guardian put up a hand, silencing the kunoichi, "I know what you were trying to do, but we must be smart about this. Do you really think that man would have told you anything considering the way you approached him? We are ninjas; our job is to observe from the shadows until it is necessary for us to act."

Kasumi sighed. Hayabusa was completely correct and she knew it. She also knew however, that it wasn't necessarily a mistake for her to just walk up to Jin the way she did. She had wanted to do that. She almost couldn't help herself...

...it was her damn curiosity over the situation! Her emotions were becoming a very large obstacle with this mission, and for some reason they were growing by the hour – especially concerning Jin.

The young man had such a powerful aura, but he just seemed so...sad. He was always alone, and if he wasn't then he didn't stay with people for very long. Kasumi just wanted so badly to know what had happened to him in the past.

"Ryu...there is more to him than meets the eye. I feel there are a limited number of ways we can go about finding out more about Jin. I wasn't even following him to begin with...I was following Asuka, the other Kazama."

The super ninja sighed, "I'm aware of this, but I am thinking it would be best if you stayed as inconspicuous as possible with this mission. Act as you are with the German girl and this 'Asuka'...and become closer with the Chinese girl as well. She knows more about Jin, and being around her will be much safer."

Kasumi suddenly felt herself getting rather annoyed with Hayabusa. He was coming across as almost...overbearing.

"I don't need constant protection. I can defend myself, Ryu."

Ryu turned around and looked into the distance, "I promised your brother that no danger will come to you. I will honour that promise, even if it means I must force you to stay out of harm's way."

The kunoichi clenched her fists tightly for a moment in anger, but the feeling soon dissipated when she came to a certain realization:

She stood no chance against Ryu Hayabusa.

Relaxing herself, Kasumi nodded slowly, "I will do as you ask."

Ryu turned back to her, his emerald eyes once again softening at Kasumi's defeated expression. He walked up to the kunoichi and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you, Kasumi. I will keep a closer eye on any suspicious characters in this tournament, while you focus on getting anything you can from your new friends. Then together, we will bring our findings back to Raven."

Kasumi just looked up at her guardian and gave him a gentle smile, "Yeah."

Even though his mask was on, Kasumi knew that Ryu was smiling back at her. All was quiet for a moment until the ninjas heard rustling nearby. Ryu quickly ducked down behind the tall grass. Kasumi followed without a second thought.

In the distance, an elderly man was limping through the vast fields. His clothes were tattered and singed, and he had nasty looking gashes and cuts all over the visible parts of his body. As he got a bit closer to the ninjas, his identity became clear as day.

Kasumi had to bring her hands over her mouth to prevent her from gasping in surprise. Ryu stayed completely still, but his green eyes visibly widened at the sight.

Heihachi Mishima was somehow walking after being in an explosion just over a week ago with no medical assistance.

And by the looks of it, he was utterly pissed.

"Uh...hey."

"Follow me."

Jin began walking back towards the ruins in the distance of the moonlit wilderness. Asuka felt obligated for some reason to actually do what he said and follow him instead of walking back to the hotel.

Jogging up to his side, Asuka placed her hands casually behind her head, "So, Jin...Where are we going exactly?"

Jin said nothing and kept looking straight ahead. If he hadn't been the one to approach Asuka, he could have probably fooled any bystander into thinking he didn't even know she was there.

The younger Kazama just sighed in annoyance, "Ugh! What is your problem man? You're the one who came up to me, remember?"

"We are going to those ruins. It is where I'm staying currently."

Asuka pointed straight ahead and furrowed her brow, "There? You know you probably have a room at the hotel like the rest of us, right? It's so nice too, way better than the few I've-"

"I do not belong there."

"Uh..." began the Osakan awkwardly, "...why's that? I mean I bet Xiao would really love it if you were hanging out with us."

The two finally arrived at the foot of the castle ruins. Jin stopped and turned to Asuka.

"I witnessed your match against Mokujin. You're strategy was very clever."

Asuka smiled sheepishly as the two entered what was left of the building, "Oh, heh, thanks."

There was silence for a while as the two Kazamas climbed to the second floor of the castle. There were stairs, but they seemed to be unstable and destroyed in places and Asuka would rather not risk serious injury if it wasn't during a match.

When they finally arrived, Jin sat against the wall of the building and removed his hood. Asuka just looked at him for a couple moments. His eyes were the same chocolatey brown as her own, though his hair was midnight black while she was a brunette.

"You must be tired," said Jin suddenly, "sit down for a while."

While it was only a suggestion, for some reason Asuka felt like it was a demand. Jin's voice, while soft, had some kind of...distant tone to it. It unnerved her a bit.

"Uh, yeah, sure."

The Osakan slowly sat against the same wall as Jin, though she was sure to put a fair amount of distance between them. The older Kazama seemed to notice this and smiled at her.

"I'm sorry if I frighten you."

Asuka, being the independent and brash girl that she was, naturally took offense to Jin's comment.

"Are you kidding me? There was just more light here! I'm not scared of you; see?"

She abruptly got up and planted herself right next Jin, "Not scared at all. Why would I be?"

Jin couldn't help it, he had to laugh. Hearing it after so long was a strange sound, even to him, but Asuka had somehow made it come so easily to him for the first time in a while. Of course, the fiery young girl took offense to this as well...

"What are ya laughing at?"

Jin took a few moments to compose himself before shaking his head, "I apologize, but you are just so peculiar to me. There is much evidence to suggest we are related, but I have never heard of a Kazama that acts like you do before. It is...strange."

Asuka sighed, "Yeah...cause we're all supposed to act a certain way, right?"

The male Kazama glanced at Asuka for a moment before gazing back out towards the immense fields, "I suppose you have a point, Asuka."

Silence once again fell over the two. This one however felt more awkward, and Asuka was looking for some way to break it.

"So why do you think we're related? I mean I know we sorta look alike but..."

"You fight like my mother."

Asuka started, "O-oh. Sorry, I just sort of assumed you were...well...I mean..."

As the girl awkwardly fumbled her words, Jin stood up suddenly and walked into the middle of the room where the moonlight shone through the ceiling. He looked up and gazed up into the night sky, almost longingly.

"She is no longer with us. As far as I'm concerned, I have no family left."

Asuka stood up too but stayed leaning against the wall, "I'm sorry to hear that...but I mean there's that Kazuya guy-"

Jin whipped around and looked at the younger Kazama with a stern expression, "I have no family left."

The Osakan swallowed hard under his gaze, "...right."

Jin sighed and looked rather guilty for his slight outburst, "I'm sorry...it's just...this is new to me."

"What is?" asked Asuka, walking towards him slowly.

The young man hung his head slowly, "Opening up...I've been alone for a long time."

More silence. Asuka was suddenly torn on what to do. She didn't know if Jin wanted comfort right now, or if he just wanted someone to talk to. Either or, she had already left the wall and returning to it now would look awkward...

Ah...what the hell...

Asuka walked up to Jin and wrapped her arms around him. He tensed, clearly surprised by what was occuring, but after a couple more awkward moments he slowly brought his arms up to rest on the younger Kazama's back.

He was suddenly filled with a feeling of gentleness. As Asuka embraced him, Jin felt as though the demon he was constantly battling within him had subsided, if only for a moment.

It was at that point that Jin realized that they were definitely related. Asuka was definitely family.

"You don't have to open up to me, in fact I'd prefer if you didn't," Asuka broke the hug but kept her hands on Jin's broad shoulders, "You kinda creep me out anyway."

Jin gently removed her hands, but allowed his relative a small smile, "You should probably get back. It's late."

Asuka looked up at the sky and sighed, "Yeah...Looks like I'll be walking all the way back too."

She started towards the hole where they had climbed through, but suddenly stopped when she heard Jin's voice.

"Wait."

Asuka turned around expectantly. Jin had put his hood back up and was regarding her with a soft expression, though it had otherwise reverted back to being emotionless.

"Don't tell anyone I'm staying here."

The Osakan crossed her heart with her gloved fingers, "No worries, Jin. Feel free to sit alone in this trash can all ya want."

Jin smiled, "Thank you, Asuka."

The younger Kazama just smirked at him as she turned around and climbed back down to the base of the building. As soon as she reached the fields again, she began jogging back in the direction of the hotel. Jin just watched her as she left until she was out of view.

He then let out a sigh before turning his attention back to the stars.

A/N: DAY 1 IS COMPLETE! Once again, sorry this update took a bit longer. I'll try and make sure the next one at least comes within this week for you guys! I've got a super busy day tomorrow, so I'll only be back on my laptop at night. It'd be great if I received some reviews in the meantime! Also, I hope you guys enjoyed the fight with Mokujin...I was wracking my brain for so long trying to figure out how to write that scene...Until next time!