Chapter Six

Chapter Six

She kissed him back. When he first placed his lips on hers he made no attempt to seek entrance, yet the second time around, both lost all train of thought. Hwoarang began to stand, hoping to get better contact with her. He held her tightly, refusing to let go. His arms encircled her waist, a ring of protection around the woman he knew he would never let go. Naya had her arms around his neck, gently massaging his throat. She had gotten her fist kiss at thirteen, yet it was only a peck. However, the kiss she received now was not a boy's kiss, but a man's.

Naya began to shake. She thought of stopping. However, her body did not want to. She felt safe and wanted. For the first time in her life she felt cared for and sad to say it came from a guy who hardly knew her. That concept made her stop. When she let go she stared into his eyes, a look of concern resting on her face.

Hwoarang frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Why did you kiss me?"

"Why did you kiss me back," he contradicted.

Naya became silent. She knew the answer. He kissed her for the same reason why she kissed him. Because I wanted to…

She closed her eyes, absorbing his warmth. If only she could spend eternity in his arms. Unbelievable as it sounded, she felt they belonged together. It's too soon to tell, this could only be a fling. Then again, how could she know it was one, she never experienced a fling before.

She responded to his embrace by clutching him harder. She rested her head on the crook of his shoulder while he leaned his head on top of hers. He had never felt so right. For the past two days he wondered how it would be to hold her, even kiss her. He was afraid she would reject him, expose himself as a fool for thinking they were right for one another. Then something occurred to him. Why had she come to him in the first place? How come she stayed with him now? It was pretty obvious that Fate deemed them worthy of each other.

Now he thought of the possibility of losing her. When offered the chance she would take him and leave him behind. Hwoarang knew he would find no other girl like her for ages. Naya was not at all like the other girls. He would hate to let her go. He couldn't even bear to free himself from their embrace. Suddenly, he gathered the courage to ask her something.

"Naya…stay with me tonight…"

She moved back to look at him, a question lingering in her eyes. He knew what she meant by that look.

"I don't mean that we-…what I'm asking is if you will sleep by my side. I had no intention of making love to you, at least not yet."

She blushed. "Too soon," she proclaimed, responding to his remark on sex.

He understood her. "Yeah, too soon. I'll wait, whenever you're ready, but from experience, I'd rather get to know you and then we'll see."

She liked his answer, which of course made her smile. On the other hand, Hwoarang turned serious.

"Please," he asked. "I don't want to sleep alone."

His eyes did it all. She could not refuse. Slowly, Naya nodded her head, and a small smile spread across his face. He gently took her hand and led her up the stairs to his room. They prepared for bed, performing their usual routine: getting dressed, brushing teeth.

Naya felt her heart crawl up her throat when she saw him getting into bed without a shirt on. In that moment, Hwoarang extended a hand to her and she received it. She slid into bed, wearing his button up shirt as a nightgown. The garment reached to mid-thigh, showing a decent amount of skin.

When she got in there with him he held her and then kissed her again. Hwoarang wrestled with temptation, inhibiting the urge to just do her there. Yet, before anything he respected her, and the last thing he wanted was to frighten her.

That night he would not release her. Naya slept trapped in his arms, but she did not care. She felt safe and wanted. Though, it took her a while to get over the fact that she was cocooned in a man's arms. Wasn't this against the law? She was a minor after all, but then again they weren't doing anything. She tossed the matter aside and closed her eyes. Revel the moment…and then she fell asleep.

**

Naya slept like a baby, not once stirring in night. Hwoarang was all she needed to get a good night sleep. When she awoke she found him smiling down at her.

"This is the first time I've actually wanted to wake up in the morning," he replied.

Naya blushed then pecked him on the cheek, which in turn made him blush. Naya laughed when she caught sight of his cheek discoloration. Hwoarang did not like to be embarrassed. However, he repaid the matter by throwing the sheet over her head and started tickling her.

Naya laughed until tears rained out of her eyes. Her laughter filled the room, which was sweet nectar to his ears. Hwoarang would have continued to tease her if she did not ask for him to stop. When he did, Naya had a difficult time finding her way out of the sheets. When she removed them from above her head, her hair covered most of her face, making her appear like an animal. Hwoarang started laughing when he saw her this way. Naya smirked and retaliated against him by hitting with a pillow.

Hwoarang fell of the bed.

"Come here!"

"Hell no," but she could not stop laughing.

He caught her by the waist and smothered her with a kiss. When he let go (which was after a pretty long time ^_^) he went to the bathroom to get ready for work. Naya did the same and then made the bed.

After breakfast they departed after making an agreement to meet up for dinner at a restaurant later on. On top of other things, Naya had a pretty good day. School went by fast and she was relieved when the bell signaled the end of the day. Each student left, saying good-bye to her, and then walking out the door. However, one student remained behind.

"Yes, Xiaoyu, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Are you busy this afternoon, Miss Yamato?"

"Well…is there anything you wanted to ask me about?"

"My grandfather and I wanted to invite you over for dinner. I'm afraid it's rather urgent. You see, he is skilled in the ancient arts and has the power to see into the past. He knows something about you and he can unlock the mystery of your past. I strongly urge you come and see him, Miss Yamato, please."

Naya did not know what to say. When she did not reply, Xiaoyu's plea became more urgent. "It is a matter of life and death."

What about Hwoarang? "Uh…Xiaoyu…I have plans this evening, but perhaps tomorrow? I promise to set aside some time for your grandfather and you. Today is just not a good day."

Xiaoyu smiled. "Sure, that would be good. My grandfather was hoping that it would be today, but I'm sure he would be just as pleased to meet with you tomorrow."

Naya smiled. "I am excited to meet him. He sounds…extraordinary."

"He's more than that…" And with that Xiaoyu departed. When she got home that afternoon, Wang awaited her at the front stoop of their home.

"How was your day, granddaughter?"

"Well."

"Did you ask your teacher?"

"I did, but she said she had plans. However, she has promised to come by tomorrow. Is that okay?"

Wang frightened her when he drooped his head. "Grandfather, what's wrong?!"

Wang sighed, and then replied, "I was hoping that she could come today…I was praying that she would come!"

"Well…she said tomorrow."

"I guess tomorrow is better than never…yet I can't still get over the feeling that she might live to regret it."

**

The old man's predictions were right. That evening, Hwoarang and Naya enjoyed a romantic dinner and did not get home until late. They had a difficult time bypassing the press, yet their presence failed to ruin the evening.

Later on that night, they shared a bottle of champagne while they gazed into the fire, wrapped in each other's arms. The silence was enough for them to know that for now the world was safe…only when they were together. The best part of the evening though was when they would engage into a conversation. One learned more about the other, and as they began know each other better, their feelings grew. Hwoarang was captivated by the way Naya spoke. Her words were a phonetic healing to every pain in his life. Her smile was a pleasing sight for sore eyes, and her laughter like honey to his heart.

He felt empathy when he heard her spoke of her childhood and felt regret for not having found her sooner. If he were involved in her life two years ago he would have stopped her from dancing. Still, he admired her courage.

He spoke softly when she finished her story. "I wish I was there at that point in your life. I would have done everything to protect you."

She smiled, but looked away, uncertain whether to believe him. She had a reason for that, for her past was filled with empty promises.

He took hold of her hands. "Look at me."

She did.

"I vow to honor my word." He pulled her in his arms, running a hand through her hair. "I care about you," he lovingly whispered.

He then cupped her cheeks and brought his face forward, sealing his promise.

That night they lay together, resting peacefully. Like the night before, Hwoarang was tempted, only this time it was stronger. He wished that she would do him the honor of being her first because the thought of another man touching her irked him.

Morning came and the two agreed to meet each other later on. Naya was the first to leave his house. Hwoarang lend his to her car during the day so she could drive to work. However, Naya left early that day and she did not tell him why for he would forbid her from going.

Naya made the twenty-minute journey back to her old apartment. She needed clothes and her current supply was running out. She could no longer play off any more outfits; she even hated the fact of borrowing Hwoarang's clothes. When she got there she went through the back entrance, trying to avoid a scene. She had to climb the four flights of stairs to get to her room. The staircase was located conveniently in front of her apartment. When she got there, the room was still taped with police markings and the door left open. She found the apartment the same way as the day she left it. Bastards, how long is it going to take them to investigate?

She slipped through the door and cautiously entered the ravaged apartment. Naya quickly made her way to her bedroom and got out a backpack and started filing it with her clothing. She got enough to last her another week. Quickly as she came in, she went out.

Naya ran down the stairs. While in the apartment she had an unsettling feeling. She felt like she was being followed. No matter what she did, she had to do it quickly before whoever got to her. Soon enough she was in the car and ready to go to school. Naya let out a sigh of relief and sped all the way.

The school day passed as expected and by the end of the day Xiaoyu was there to remind Naya about coming over.

"I promise," she said, and waved Xiaoyu good-bye.

Since the students were let out an hour early, Naya decided to go to the house and change. She planned on meeting Hwoarang not too long from now and she wanted to look presentable.

She sped on her way home, eager to see him again. She rounded another corner and then checked the rear view mirror to check for any police. No one, just a black car driving at a respectable distance. Soon she entered the driveway, but she frowned when the black car behind her pass by. As far as she knew, Hwoarang's house was the only one located on the back road.

It took her a couple of minutes to park the car. She then got out and grabbed her things. Once the garage door closed all the way, Naya entered the house and started walking up the stairs. When she finally gazed down at the lower level she froze. The back door was open. Hwoarang had no key for the lock, and the only way it could be unlocked was through the inside. Shit.

She walked over to the open door, keeping a cautious eye. As she walked to the door she felt a movement go past her. Naya turned and came face to face with Bryan.

"Hi sweet, happy to see me again?"

She could not say another word for someone came behind her and hit her senseless.

**

He left as early as possible. His excitement rose more as he drew closer to home. In a small compartment of his bike he stored a small flower. He happen to pass by the flower shop and at the same moment thought of Naya. He purchased a small white rose, knowing it was her favorite.

When he entered the driveway he did not even park his bike in the garage. Instead, he let it fall to the ground as he quickly walked over to the door. He rang the doorbell ceaselessly, knowing she would be home by now. After a small while the door opened. His mouth dropped.

"Anna!"

"Hello Hwoarang, it's been a long time."

He did not know what to say. He had not seen her for so long, he wasn't even sure if she actually stood there. "How-how did you get into my house," he choked out.

"Broke in," she replied honestly.

"Why," he asked, frowning.

"Because I wanted to see you…"

Hwoarang paused. She stroked a couple of strings in his heart. Did he still love her? He did not know what to say. "Why to you want to see me," he questioned.

"Because I still love you." Her reply was simple and sweet.

"…"

"I know I hurt you in the past, but I was too focused on claiming revenge on my sister. I realized that I sacrificed the one thing I loved dearly for something as meaningless as revenge. I am sorry for the choices that I've made, and your reasons for entering the tournament were more honorable then mine. You're everything to me and I without you I am nothing. Will you forgive me?"

"…I have forgotten that you even loved me. It took me so long to get over you."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she ran to him, claiming him in her arms. The impact of her hug made Hwoarang jerk, and the rose her held in his hand fell, along with the intention of giving it to Naya.

Anna saw it fall from over his shoulder. A small smile spread across her red lips. She closed her eyes and said, "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me! I thought of you everyday. I wanted you near. My desire to touch you burned inside of me to the point where I nearly went mad. I was selfish…but I think that Fate has given me a second chance. Please, Hwoarang…"

She gazed up at him, tears in her eyes. Hwoarang remembered that being his weakness. He was touched by her words and astonished by her behavior. He peered into her eyes. Slowly a hand came to rest on her cheek.

"I forgive you," he whispered.

She smiled and leaned forward and waited.

…..nothing. When she opened her eyes, Hwoarang was still looking at her only this time he was filled with rage.

"What's wrong," she asked meekly.

"Get off of me, Bitch."

"Wha-"

"You think you can play me? Where is Naya? What have you done with her?"

Her face turned dark, transforming her features into something hideous. "Why her? What has she done to you?!"

"Tell me where she is," he gritted savagely. When Anna did not reply, he cornered her into the house. Anna fell on the couch and landed there. Hwoarang stood over her, waiting for an answer. When she offered none, he started going upstairs.

"Don't tell me you're falling in love with that slut!" Anna shouted. "What does she have that I couldn't offer?"

Hwoarang turned to face her from atop the stairs. "Morality," he replied and continued his ascend. His heart nearly stop beating when he opened his bedroom door. She was not in there as he hoped. The only person who would know about her whereabouts was the same person who was responsible for her disappearance.

"Where is she," he growled when he came downstairs.

"What are you going to do about it, save her?"

"Yes," he replied curtly.

"Why would you," Anna inquired with disgust.

"Because…because…" he thought, trying to translate his want into words, and then he replied an answer that would shatter Anna's heart, "Because I need her."

Anna punched him across the face. Hwoarang's head flew back, his hair splashing across his face. His mouth started bleeding.

"Why did you do that," he yelled.

"Reality slap."

"For what?!"

"You were stupid for falling for her. There was one thing you never understood, Hwoarang, and that is your curse of never having true happiness. Hell, there's nothing you can do about it now; you're too late. She should be dead by now."

**

Bryan shoved her to her knees, making her kneel before a powerful, aged man. She had heard of him and knew to fear him. Heichachi Mishima.

"This is the girl," Bryan said proudly to his master.

Heihachi glared at her, not saying a word. He dismissed Bryan with his hand. Bryan left, leaving both captive and captor alone.

His presence intimidated her. Naya forgot the discipline she instilled when confronted by an extremely powerful enemy. She kept her head bent low, avoiding his ardent stare.

His gaze pierced through her back. Naya could feel the man searching her, cringing at her despicable presence.

"At last," he breathed. Heichaci approached a step and lifted her head by her hair. "I have been waiting to get my hands on you…" he gripped her hair even harder.

Naya bit back a scream. The pain engraved on her face made Heihachi smirk. "Those two did a good job finding you, I was about to lose my patience. For generations my family has been plagued by an evil presence. I lost my son to it and had to kill him in order to dispose of the evil being. Years later, I discover my grandson and agree to train him, hoping to reinstall the Mishima line, but like his father, he allowed himself to be swallowed by that evil being…the one they call the Unknown! It took me years to track her down, so that I could finally ward off her evil control and kill her for good, but…the evil doesn't stop there, no it doesn't…" he shook her head.

Naya yelped. She closed her eyes, barricading her tears.

"I have heard the Unknown has had a child, an evil spawn conceived from her cursed flesh…a life sprung from my own seed! I should have known that whore would use me to get you! But she will pay for tricking me into her bed…that bitch will pay!"

Naya opened her eyes, astonished beyond belief. Was this man telling the truth? Him…he…Heihachi Mishima is my…father!

Heihachi jerked her head. Naya could no longer sustain the pain. She briefly cried out, her voice gone broke, forcing the tears to now cascade down her cheeks.

"I have no compassion for you…I will kill you like I did my son! I did it once and now I shall do it again! Some say you are naïve and vulnerable to evil, but you must be kept alive. Bull shit! I don't give about the legends. You're better off dead!"

And with that he would not spare her any words. Heihachi grabbed Naya's head and began to compress it. His intention was to crush her skull, and put her out of her misery. Naya could not stand the pain. She tried to break free, yet he had a firm grip on her. She started to scream as the pain became intense. Soon she would be dead.

Suddenly, the room was filled with a bright light. It came from under his hand, the one that threatened to crush Naya's skull. Heihachi started to scream and released Naya's head. He held up his arms to shield his eyes, trying to ward off the light. Somehow it frightened him and being a huge man, he now coward like a child. He backed into a corner, the ball of yellow light following him. The light slowed its approach and soon it exploded. Heihachi yelled then fell unconscious.

Naya froze. She did not know what happened, but despite her confusion her mind told her to get up and get out. She started running through the halls of the unknown fortress. Her breathing came out in a rushed pace, her heart ready to explode. Her fear allowed her to run faster than she ever had in her life. When she rounded a corner a couple of guards saw her and started to make chase. No matter how desperate the situation, Naya would not allow them to catch her. She bolted through an open door and started running down the stairs. She ran to the bottom floor and went through the door at the bottom of the stairs. Her first instinct told her to go left, but from out of nowhere a voice called out to her…beckoned to her.

Naya…Naya.

She had no time to object. She followed the voice, praying that it would lead her to Hwoarang. If only he were here.

She followed the voice, trailing it through hallways and corridors. She could tell that she was in the basement of a corporate building judging by the gas tanks and pipelines.

She heard the voice call out to her again, only this time it grew closer. Now it was all around her…repeating her name endlessly.

Naya…Naya…

Naya thought she would grow crazy.

She backed into a dark corner, trying to hide from the invisible phantoms, until suddenly the phantom exposed himself. Naya bumped into him and then turned around.

Out of the shadows a tall, built figure appeared. His hair stood up, nearly making him look sinister. He had a red mark in between his eyes, an inscription of evil.

"Who-who are you?"

His reply was terse. "I've been waiting for you, Naya Mishima."

"How did you know my name? Who are you? Damn it, answer me!"

"I am you're lover's rival…Jin Kazama."