EDITED and I've just realised I've made Kazuya and his Devil sound like an old married couple XD

Chapter Thirteen: Mistakes

Jin had too much time to think. He was used to spending time fighting other people whenever he got angry or depressed. Now he couldn't, and he was forced to remember everything he ever tried to forget. Every mistake he'd ever made. He knew that Devil was probably doing this on purpose; unearthing memories of bad experiences and forcing Jin to relive them in his head. But he couldn't stop it, no matter how hard he tried. The more he tried to block it, the worse it got.

"I cannot lose you like that again."

Jun Kazama's voice rang in Jin's ears, making tears threaten to spill from his eyes. He closed his eyes tightly, gritting his teeth. But I've lost you,he thought, clenching his fists tightly. And that's not going to change. You're not coming back – I did. I came back…

Sentimental child.

"SHUT UP!"Jin yelled mentally and aloud.

NO. This is far too amusing.

Jin pounded his fists on the rotting wall, breaking off some mouldy paint and wood. He didn't even notice the smell now, after spending now three days hiding out, only leaving to buy food and things like that. Devil had been constantly provoking him, trying to force him to transform, but Jin had held out over the torment.

So far.

Why do you not just give up?

Because I do not give up, Jin replied painfully, the pain in his head heightening impossibly. Ever. My mother taught me that much before she died, and I will live in her name. I will make her proud, as long as I live.

Which is a fortunately long time. You're lucky that I'm not inclined to just kill you.

Why should I be thankful for that? You're torturing me!

Kind of the point, Jin Kazama, Devil replied, sounding almost like Hwoarang. While we're on that subject...

Devil continued presenting Jin with images of every mistake from his past. Jin pinched the bridge of his nose painflully hard, trying very hard to block it out. He would not succumb to this creature. He would not.

"You want us to stop looking for the boy?"

"Yes," Kazuya snapped, thoroughly irritated. "It's not that hard to understand."

"But, sir—"

"Just do as I say!"

The Tekken solider jumped and saluted before hurrying off to relay the new orders. Kazuya watched him go, smirking slightly despite his annoyance. He was getting bored with the cat and mouse games: he wanted to see his fool son suffer for himself. This wasn't, however, his decision. Apparently, higher – higher? No –older powers wanted the boy to continue to compete in the tournament without hindrance. As odd as this request seemed to Kazuya, he was willing to comply…to his own ends at least.

Are you sure this is wise? Devil asked mildly, seemingly neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Kazuya's actions. If he is left to wander free…he may try to kill you.

That is something I would love to see.

You are very certain of yourself.

He will not risk being chased again,Kazuya replied. I think he will keep his distance for a short while at least.

Is it really the cleverest theory? You do not know the boy, after all. He could react differently.

I see you're in a nicely pessimistic mood.

You would do well to listen! Devil snapped, slightly surprising Kazuya. If you make mistakes that I have warned you away from, it is alwaysmeyou blame! And you cannot deny it, because you know it is true! I am not one of the pathetic Angel brood, but I am no fool either. If you continue to ignore good advice when it is given, then it will ultimately lead to bad consequences. For once, heed my warning, Kazuya Mishima!

Kazuya was silent.

"You mean to tell me that my cousin is allowed to go about freely now? After you've tried to assassinatehim continuously for the past three days?" Asuka cried incredulously. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, ma'am. We have been given orders to stop pursuing him."

Asuka, Hwoarang, Steve and Xiaoyu stared at the command soldier in disbelief. He just shook his head minimally as if to say 'don't ask too many questions' and walked away without another word, leaving them standing in bewildered silence. None of them could make any sense of it whatsoever. Jin being allowed free, for no apparent reason? This couldn't be true...could it?

"D'you think they're for real?" Hwoarang asked, heavy suspicion in his tone and his eyes narrowed dangerously. "'Cause if they're messing with us…"

"Cool it, mate," Steve warned. "I don't think they're kidding. That guy looked pretty annoyed, but shit scared. I reckon Mishima got bored of chasing and wanted to get Jin back where he can keep an eye on him."

Hwoarang didn't look convinced, but the girls were looking more hopeful. At least, Asuka was looking slightly relieved, if a little sceptical, whereas Xiaoyu was looking positively ecstatic.

"He can come back!" she nearly squealed, making the other three cringe. "Ohmigod, someone has to call him!"

"I still don't think—"

"Hwoarang," Asuka interrupted. "The Tekken soldiers don't make mistakes, and very rarely joke. I think they're serious. But," she continued, now addressing all of them, "that doesn't mean we can assume that they're gonna leave him alone – or any of us, for that matter. Which means we'll all have to be on our guard, and keep an eye out for everyone.Yes, Xiao and Hwo, that means you two as well."

"Aw…" they groaned together, but they shared a brief smile.

"Anyway," Asuka continued, "I think we'll all need to make sure that Jin is kept as far from anymember of his family as possible, except me of course, and—"

"Wait, how d'you know about Jin's family connections?" Hwoarang demanded. Asuka sighed patiently.

"I just do. It'd take far too long to explain; time we don't have. As I was saying, we need to keep Jin away from them, and make sure he doesn't go off on another...flying trip."

Hwoarang sighed and ran his hands through his hair, conceding to the arguement. "So…who's gonna call and tell demon boy the good news?"

"Hwoarang!"Asuka, Steve and Xiaoyu chorused. Hwoarang looked at them, bemused.

"What? What'd I say?"

Author's Note: Ahaha…first mention of a new – and rather epic – character here…good for you clever, Tekken devoted people who can guess who it is Next chapter is gonna be more about Steve while Jin is on his way back. Steve's finally gonna have some long awaited answers! Oh, and to thenightmareangel...whoever you are...I really liked the review, but if you could please let me know how the hell you know me, because my Sherlock deduction skills are just not up to par, and I'm more than slightly freaked out :D kthnxbai.

And a very special thanks to CMR Rosa, who has asked all the right questions at the right times in order to help me keep my story straight. Thank you darling, I bloody love you. *tackle-hugs*

And now, as a small request to all my lovely, gorgeous, sexy readers (yes gooseandmooseandapplejuice, that means you too ;P)…PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE REVIEW! They make me sooooooo happy