Chapter 2
Hwoarang woke up, and heard grunts of a struggle. He sat up straight, and saw Dionne outside kicking and punching. He ran to her, but noticed a black punching bag and sighed. Dionne held the bag.
"Good morning," taking off her gloves, and putting he knuckles on her hips. Hwoarang took her bleeding hands.
"What happened?"
She snatched her hands back, "I was playing my guitar, and then I was practicing," notioning her head at the punching bag.
"When do you sleep?" groaning and rubbing his eyes.
She narrowed her eyes, "When you're prostituting yourself,"
He clenched his jaw.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a shower," loosing her hair, and heading into the bathroom. Hwoarang tried to walk to his suitcase, but fell on the bed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Breakfast.
Everyone who was to compete stood in the buffet. Dionne waltzed downstairs in a black minidress. She noticed Hwoarang, and he was actually alone. He was, however, talking to a girl with brown hair and glasses. They apparently knew each other based on the looks and they way they talked. She walked towards the donuts, and bumped into what looked like a tin man on steroids. She forced a weaki smile, and then headed to the coffee table instead. Once more, she bumped into someone. He was dressed in brown pants, a white shirt, and brown leather boots. He had black hair, and bangs. His eyes were soft. She could have melted.
"Sorry," she said. She narrowed her eyes in recognition. It was the man who let her in the hotel.
His eyes smiled with him, "It's alright. Nice seeing you again, Dionne,"
She blushed a bit, "You remember me?"
He nodded, "Jin,"
They shook hands, and someone going to the pulpit and tapping the micraphone caught their attention. An old man with grey peaked hair stood there. Dionne felt Jin's body tense.
"Good morning fighters, and welcome to the Fourth King of Iron Fist Tournament. I welcome you on behalf of the Mishima Zaibatsu."
Jin looked ready to kill.
"I'm sure you all are aware of your prize. If you defeat me," with a devilish coy grin, "the Zaibatsu is yours. The tournament begins tomorrow. Good luck to all of you,"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Pretty long winded, huh Jin?" Dionne muttered sarcastically. When she turned around, he was gone. She felt a bit disappointed. Suddenly, the blonde from the bus walked over to her.
"Pardon me, miss, but do you know where the John is?"
Dionne arched a brow, "The what?"
"The toiler," rolling his eyes, "Duh,"
Dionne clenched her jaw, thinking how much of an asshole he was. She looked about the room, and grinned malevolently, "Of course. How stupid of me. It's that way," pointing to a door that read `josei-no shawa'. He nodded and left in the direction as Dionne laughed and headed upstairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang's eyes skimmed the room. Julia left, and he noticed his roomate heading upstairs. He grew curious, but became more interested in female screams nearby. He looked over, and saw girls spraying a blonde guy in the face with pepper spray, and sauntering back in. The people didn't seem to notice the British boxer squirming upstairs. Hwoarang arched a brow.
"Those wacko brits," he muttered, deciding to go up for a few hours more of sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dionne was dressed in a black camisole top, a matching pair of pants, and she wrapped her hands in the white cloth.
"Where are you going?" Hwoarang asked her while she whisped her hair into a quick bun, and folding his arms, "And what happened to the dress?"
She rolled her eyes, "I won't be your trophy, and you aren't my father," she said, grabbing her bag, "I decided I was going to like you," she muttered bitterly.
He narrowed his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dionne walked into a full gym. She was beginning to believe that she was probably one of the only women at the tournament. She walked to an empty corner, and put her bag down. She held the punching bag, and then vehemently kicked. A few of the men looked at her as she chopped at the bag. She flipped behind the bag, and delivered a series of strong punches. When she noticed the silence, she looked around, and saw everyone looking at her.
"What?"
They all went back to their fighting, except for a silver haired man who she also remembered from the bus.
"You're truly something," he commented.
"I hope that's a compliment,"
He chuckled, "What else would it be, my dearest?" giving her an elaborate bow.
She smiled in spite of herself.
"Would the lady have a name?" taking her hand to kiss.
"Dionne,"
He moved away, and licked his lips, tasting blood...but not his own. He looked at her, and she put her hands behind her back and looked down in embarassment.
"What happened?"
"You saw," motioning her head to the punching bag.
"All that because of five minutes?"
She launched a punch at the punching bag, and it hit Lee in the side. He would have toppled over if she hadn't held his hand. He shook his head, feeling dizzy.
"Sorry," she muttered, cracking her knuckles.
He looked at her seriously, "I hope I don't get matched up against you,"
She couldn't help but smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The Next Morning.
Hwoarang was up earlier than his roomate. He stretched, and kicked a bit. He was swift and silent. He cracked his knuckles, and slipped on his gi. He grabbed his bag, put on his gloves and sneakers, and kissed Dionne's head. Her eyes flapped open like window shutters.
"Why are you up so early?"
"I've got a match in half an hour,"
Dionne looked at her clock, "It's nine already?"
He shrugged, "I turned off your alarm clock to let you sleep. Your match isn't until noon,"
Dionne swore, and got up, "But I wanted to watch your match,"
He turned to look at her, "So the ice queen finally breaks?"
She touched his cheek, "We might as well get along, right?"
He nodded, "Yeah,"
"Alright then," she said, stripping down, "Mind if I borrow this?"
He arched a brow at her in a sports bra and a matching bikini bottom, "Go ahead," he muttered, watching her slip on his pants. She put on a black shirt that had no sleeves and safety pins on it. It said `see a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have a penny.' He couldn't help but smile. She put a matching black beanie on, and put on black sneakers.
"Let's go," she said, making sure the shirt was loose enough.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"For our first match of the day...Hwoarang vs. Yoshimitsu!!!"
The tin man on steroids stepped into the ring, sharpening his sword. It shimmered like a ray of light in the sun. Hwoarang took off his jacket and sneakers. He went into the ring, and stared down his opponent.
"Ready...FIGHT!!!"
With that, both men stood in a stance for a while. Once they each noticed one wouldn't move without the other, Hwoarang decided to make the first move. He grabbed Yoshi's arm, and kicked him in the head, sending him sprawling in the opposite direction. He quickly got up, and sat on the ground as if in meditation. He disappeared, and reappeared behind Hwoarang. He picked up the redhead, jumped up high, and slammed him to the ground. Hwoarang got up, shaking his head to regain his balance. He tightened his muscles, and did a smooth torpedo kick. Yoshi was turned around now, and Hwoarang kicked him. Then, he grappled him, and got him on the floor, cracking his neck. Yoshi got up, barely, and Hwoarang tripped him. Yoshi tried to move again, but failed. Hwoarang stood ready for action for a moment, and then eased.
"Hwoarang is the victor!!!"
Dionne sighed, glad that her roomate had withstood. He walked out of the ring, but stumbled over to his friend.
"I didn't think you were going to make it out there," she admitted.
He shook his head, "Neither did I,"
She smiled, "Let's get lunch on me,"
He grinned mischeviously, "I hope you mean on top of you,"
She rolled her eyes, and slapped him upside his head, taking him to a small café.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Noon.
Dionne stood in the ring, cracking her knuckles. The crowd roared, and she swallowed. Her opponent was a giant of a man, but he looked middle aged.
"Dionne DeLavega vs. Paul Pheonix!"
"You shouldn't want to scar that pretty little face," Paul muttered viciously, grabbing her arm, and doing a strange move that sent Dionne skidding across the floor. She got up, and wiped her blood. Paul was right over her. He kicked her in the chest, and she screamed out in pain. Then, a surge of violent energy rang through her. She got up, and kicked at Paul in his head. He stumbled, and then, she grabbed him by the neck, flipping him half way across the ring. She ran with a speed of lightning, and charged into him. He went skidding more. She kicked him in the stomach, until he started to bleed at the mouth. The whistle went off, and she moved away, snapping back to reality. She looked at the older man, and the hazy image of her father slipped away. The sound of the screaming crowd dulled as they announced her the victor, and she walked off the ring. She closed her eyes, and walked past a few reporters.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang met up with Dionne.
"Di, that was amazing!"
She kept walking, and remained silent. He could see sorrow in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
She turned and looked at him, "I just busted an old man..."
He shook his head, "Exactly. One of the best old men of all time, might I add,"
Her eyes watered, "I've disgraced myself,"
"By fighting? Dionne, in case you haven't noticed, this is a tournament! It's what's..."
"No! Battles are about honor and dignity!"
"Bullshit! It's about honor alright, but not the kind you know. It's about revenge. Do you have any idea how many lives this tournament has destroyed?"
She looked down, "That doesn't mean I had to add one more,"
He snorted, "Dionne, as long as you play miss cuddlie, I'm afraid that your beginner's luck won't last you long. I don't even know why you bothered fighting," turning his back on her. She grabbed his shoulders, digging her nails into his flesh. He winced, but didn't face her.
"That old bastard killed my father. I'll be damned if I let him kill me. He raped my mother, and had her killed. My brother disappeared, and my life was destroyed. All for the Mishima Zaibatsu. So you think you know so much, I think you'd better reconsider," she spoke, shocking him, and pushing past him. He sighed, looking down.
* * * * * * * * * * * * The next day.
Dionne observed the fighters. She made mental notes on all of them as they fought, and then she felt a hand clamp on her shoulder. She looked up, and saw Lee smiling down at her. She sighed in relief.
"Hey there, Lee,"
"Hey, short stuff. What's going on?"
She smiled, "Not much, actually. You fighting today?"
He nodded, "You'd never believe who,"
Her eyes narrowed, "Who?"
"You,"
Her eyes went wide, "What?"
He nodded, "See for yourself," handing her a program. She looked, and sure enough, there it was.
She looked at him, "Well, till then, partner, we can still get a drink on me, right?"
He smiled, "Very well then," offering his arm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Fifteen minutes later.
Dionne watched Jin fight while Lee was coming back from the stands with a hot pretzel. She watched the young man as his powerful punches sent his opponent--a guy named Steve--to his knees. She was totally under his spell as Lee came back. He looked down, and then passed Dionne the pretzel.
"You can have it. I've suddenly had a loss in apetite,"
"Yeah, I know. He's good isn't he?"
Lee shook his head, "It's not that. I just need some fresh air,"
Dionne looked up at him, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
He shook his head, and left.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
That was the last she had seen of Lee until the match. But now, he stood in front of her as the announcer boomed the match. She swallowed, and went down in a sunset fan, and kicked him in the chin, sending him sprawling onto his stomach. He got up, and delivered several harsh kicks to her chest. He did a flashy rainbow kick, and her skull impacted the ground, causing a loud `pow' on the cement ground. The crowd's cries grew silent for a moment in her mind as she got back up, and felt tiny drops and streams of blood coming from her lip. She stood up, and lunged at him, doing a shark attack combo. Both competetors got up. Lee grinned at her coyly.
"Be my guest," he said, staying still for a moment. Dionne grabbed him, and used his back as a stairway to get behind him. She then grabbed his head, and slammed him in front of her. He leaped up with grace, and grabbed her neck with his legs. He flipped, putting her beneath him, and jumping off to kick her stomach. She coughed, and got up. She was going to deliver a strong punch to his eye, but the bell tolled. There was a draw. Neither one was down. The officials decided that they would each continue to compete, and see who won after more fighters. Dionne exited the ring, and went back to her hotel room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that night.
"I'm going out, Di," Hwoarang spoke lowly, moving his hands through his hair.
She looked at him, and then continued playing Final Fantasy Tactics on her PSOne. He sighed, and left. She continued playing until she heard a thud against her window. She looked up, but there was nothing. She continued playing, and convinced herself that she was simply paranoid. She heard it again, and she opened her window to allow fresh air to come in. She turned off her PS, and went to the bathroom. There was a loud noise as if something had just hit the floor. She dashed out of the bathroom--and found a creature trying to get up from the floor.
It had wings as black as dusk, dark hair with a few streaks of long strands hanging over either sides. As Dionne looked closer, the creauture took a more human form. She went over, forcing it to look at her, and she gasped. It was Jin--or at least what looked like Jin.
"Dionne," he spoke in a deep and raspy unfamiliar voice. A blood red ruby was directly in the center of his forehead, and what looked like eyes were tattood on him. He had on black pants with red flames coming up the leg, and his bangs passed his chin.
"Oh..." she spoke, feeling her stomach oozing within her. "Jin, what happened to you?"
He coughed, and shook his head, "I don't know," speaking once more in a familiar voice. The black wings on his back seeped back into his back, and he screamed in agony. Dionne hugged him as the wings cut him as they went back into their hiding spot under his skin. The tatoo on his forehead slipped away, and the ruby moved under his skin like his wings. A tattoo burned into his arm, and it burned Dionne's fingers as she touched his arm. He collapsed after the transformation. Dionne was frozen in fear for a moment, but then she helped him onto the bed. She ran in the bathroom, and filled a cup with ice.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later.
Dionne moved the ice along his back while he slept. The marks faded from the wings, but the frame was still aparent in his back. She traced the mark with her finger, and then continued moving the ice across. She sighed, putting the melting ice into a bucket, and setting it in the bathroom. By the time she got back out, he was awake and stretching.
"Ow," he muttered, sitting up and holding his head.
"Lay still," she cautioned him. He looked surprised.
"Where did you come from?"
She arched a brow, "You're the one who flew into my room. It seems I should be asking you that,"
His eyes pained, "Not again,"
She sat next to him, "Sh. I was kidding. Lay down and rest,"
He stood up instead, "I have to get back to my room,"
She stood up, and took his hands, "I'm not letting you leave in your condition. I want to help you,"
"Di, I can't even help myself right now. There are so many things I cant explain to you right now,"
She folded her arms, "I've got time, and I'm a good listener,"
"If I don't believe this stuff, there's no way you will,"
She sighed, "Jin...'
He sighed, "Fine. I'm dead,"
She arched a brow, "Excuse me?"
He rolled his eyes, and grabbed her pocketknife. He slit his own throat, and fell on the bed. Dionne ran to his side in fear, but a moment later, his eyes opened, and he rubbed at his wound. She suppressed a scream.
"I told you," he muttered like a spoiled child, and set the knife back down after cleaning it, "So you see, I'm a freak. Now, can I please go back to my room?"
She was extremely shocked, but she wasn't letting him go so easily, "I'm still going to try to help you the best I can," she said, "Now sit down until I'm done with a nice cold shower," she said, making him chuckle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang went up the elevator, deciding how he should apologize to his roomate.
"I never was good at this crap," he muttered lowly. He sighed, and felt a bulge in his back pocket. He pulled at it, and a red thong emerged in his hands. He paled, as the elevator binged. He swallowed, and decided he was better off getting rid of the underwear before deciding how to apologize. After all, that would be a good way to start.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang woke up, and heard grunts of a struggle. He sat up straight, and saw Dionne outside kicking and punching. He ran to her, but noticed a black punching bag and sighed. Dionne held the bag.
"Good morning," taking off her gloves, and putting he knuckles on her hips. Hwoarang took her bleeding hands.
"What happened?"
She snatched her hands back, "I was playing my guitar, and then I was practicing," notioning her head at the punching bag.
"When do you sleep?" groaning and rubbing his eyes.
She narrowed her eyes, "When you're prostituting yourself,"
He clenched his jaw.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a shower," loosing her hair, and heading into the bathroom. Hwoarang tried to walk to his suitcase, but fell on the bed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Breakfast.
Everyone who was to compete stood in the buffet. Dionne waltzed downstairs in a black minidress. She noticed Hwoarang, and he was actually alone. He was, however, talking to a girl with brown hair and glasses. They apparently knew each other based on the looks and they way they talked. She walked towards the donuts, and bumped into what looked like a tin man on steroids. She forced a weaki smile, and then headed to the coffee table instead. Once more, she bumped into someone. He was dressed in brown pants, a white shirt, and brown leather boots. He had black hair, and bangs. His eyes were soft. She could have melted.
"Sorry," she said. She narrowed her eyes in recognition. It was the man who let her in the hotel.
His eyes smiled with him, "It's alright. Nice seeing you again, Dionne,"
She blushed a bit, "You remember me?"
He nodded, "Jin,"
They shook hands, and someone going to the pulpit and tapping the micraphone caught their attention. An old man with grey peaked hair stood there. Dionne felt Jin's body tense.
"Good morning fighters, and welcome to the Fourth King of Iron Fist Tournament. I welcome you on behalf of the Mishima Zaibatsu."
Jin looked ready to kill.
"I'm sure you all are aware of your prize. If you defeat me," with a devilish coy grin, "the Zaibatsu is yours. The tournament begins tomorrow. Good luck to all of you,"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Pretty long winded, huh Jin?" Dionne muttered sarcastically. When she turned around, he was gone. She felt a bit disappointed. Suddenly, the blonde from the bus walked over to her.
"Pardon me, miss, but do you know where the John is?"
Dionne arched a brow, "The what?"
"The toiler," rolling his eyes, "Duh,"
Dionne clenched her jaw, thinking how much of an asshole he was. She looked about the room, and grinned malevolently, "Of course. How stupid of me. It's that way," pointing to a door that read `josei-no shawa'. He nodded and left in the direction as Dionne laughed and headed upstairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang's eyes skimmed the room. Julia left, and he noticed his roomate heading upstairs. He grew curious, but became more interested in female screams nearby. He looked over, and saw girls spraying a blonde guy in the face with pepper spray, and sauntering back in. The people didn't seem to notice the British boxer squirming upstairs. Hwoarang arched a brow.
"Those wacko brits," he muttered, deciding to go up for a few hours more of sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dionne was dressed in a black camisole top, a matching pair of pants, and she wrapped her hands in the white cloth.
"Where are you going?" Hwoarang asked her while she whisped her hair into a quick bun, and folding his arms, "And what happened to the dress?"
She rolled her eyes, "I won't be your trophy, and you aren't my father," she said, grabbing her bag, "I decided I was going to like you," she muttered bitterly.
He narrowed his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dionne walked into a full gym. She was beginning to believe that she was probably one of the only women at the tournament. She walked to an empty corner, and put her bag down. She held the punching bag, and then vehemently kicked. A few of the men looked at her as she chopped at the bag. She flipped behind the bag, and delivered a series of strong punches. When she noticed the silence, she looked around, and saw everyone looking at her.
"What?"
They all went back to their fighting, except for a silver haired man who she also remembered from the bus.
"You're truly something," he commented.
"I hope that's a compliment,"
He chuckled, "What else would it be, my dearest?" giving her an elaborate bow.
She smiled in spite of herself.
"Would the lady have a name?" taking her hand to kiss.
"Dionne,"
He moved away, and licked his lips, tasting blood...but not his own. He looked at her, and she put her hands behind her back and looked down in embarassment.
"What happened?"
"You saw," motioning her head to the punching bag.
"All that because of five minutes?"
She launched a punch at the punching bag, and it hit Lee in the side. He would have toppled over if she hadn't held his hand. He shook his head, feeling dizzy.
"Sorry," she muttered, cracking her knuckles.
He looked at her seriously, "I hope I don't get matched up against you,"
She couldn't help but smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The Next Morning.
Hwoarang was up earlier than his roomate. He stretched, and kicked a bit. He was swift and silent. He cracked his knuckles, and slipped on his gi. He grabbed his bag, put on his gloves and sneakers, and kissed Dionne's head. Her eyes flapped open like window shutters.
"Why are you up so early?"
"I've got a match in half an hour,"
Dionne looked at her clock, "It's nine already?"
He shrugged, "I turned off your alarm clock to let you sleep. Your match isn't until noon,"
Dionne swore, and got up, "But I wanted to watch your match,"
He turned to look at her, "So the ice queen finally breaks?"
She touched his cheek, "We might as well get along, right?"
He nodded, "Yeah,"
"Alright then," she said, stripping down, "Mind if I borrow this?"
He arched a brow at her in a sports bra and a matching bikini bottom, "Go ahead," he muttered, watching her slip on his pants. She put on a black shirt that had no sleeves and safety pins on it. It said `see a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have a penny.' He couldn't help but smile. She put a matching black beanie on, and put on black sneakers.
"Let's go," she said, making sure the shirt was loose enough.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"For our first match of the day...Hwoarang vs. Yoshimitsu!!!"
The tin man on steroids stepped into the ring, sharpening his sword. It shimmered like a ray of light in the sun. Hwoarang took off his jacket and sneakers. He went into the ring, and stared down his opponent.
"Ready...FIGHT!!!"
With that, both men stood in a stance for a while. Once they each noticed one wouldn't move without the other, Hwoarang decided to make the first move. He grabbed Yoshi's arm, and kicked him in the head, sending him sprawling in the opposite direction. He quickly got up, and sat on the ground as if in meditation. He disappeared, and reappeared behind Hwoarang. He picked up the redhead, jumped up high, and slammed him to the ground. Hwoarang got up, shaking his head to regain his balance. He tightened his muscles, and did a smooth torpedo kick. Yoshi was turned around now, and Hwoarang kicked him. Then, he grappled him, and got him on the floor, cracking his neck. Yoshi got up, barely, and Hwoarang tripped him. Yoshi tried to move again, but failed. Hwoarang stood ready for action for a moment, and then eased.
"Hwoarang is the victor!!!"
Dionne sighed, glad that her roomate had withstood. He walked out of the ring, but stumbled over to his friend.
"I didn't think you were going to make it out there," she admitted.
He shook his head, "Neither did I,"
She smiled, "Let's get lunch on me,"
He grinned mischeviously, "I hope you mean on top of you,"
She rolled her eyes, and slapped him upside his head, taking him to a small café.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Noon.
Dionne stood in the ring, cracking her knuckles. The crowd roared, and she swallowed. Her opponent was a giant of a man, but he looked middle aged.
"Dionne DeLavega vs. Paul Pheonix!"
"You shouldn't want to scar that pretty little face," Paul muttered viciously, grabbing her arm, and doing a strange move that sent Dionne skidding across the floor. She got up, and wiped her blood. Paul was right over her. He kicked her in the chest, and she screamed out in pain. Then, a surge of violent energy rang through her. She got up, and kicked at Paul in his head. He stumbled, and then, she grabbed him by the neck, flipping him half way across the ring. She ran with a speed of lightning, and charged into him. He went skidding more. She kicked him in the stomach, until he started to bleed at the mouth. The whistle went off, and she moved away, snapping back to reality. She looked at the older man, and the hazy image of her father slipped away. The sound of the screaming crowd dulled as they announced her the victor, and she walked off the ring. She closed her eyes, and walked past a few reporters.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang met up with Dionne.
"Di, that was amazing!"
She kept walking, and remained silent. He could see sorrow in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
She turned and looked at him, "I just busted an old man..."
He shook his head, "Exactly. One of the best old men of all time, might I add,"
Her eyes watered, "I've disgraced myself,"
"By fighting? Dionne, in case you haven't noticed, this is a tournament! It's what's..."
"No! Battles are about honor and dignity!"
"Bullshit! It's about honor alright, but not the kind you know. It's about revenge. Do you have any idea how many lives this tournament has destroyed?"
She looked down, "That doesn't mean I had to add one more,"
He snorted, "Dionne, as long as you play miss cuddlie, I'm afraid that your beginner's luck won't last you long. I don't even know why you bothered fighting," turning his back on her. She grabbed his shoulders, digging her nails into his flesh. He winced, but didn't face her.
"That old bastard killed my father. I'll be damned if I let him kill me. He raped my mother, and had her killed. My brother disappeared, and my life was destroyed. All for the Mishima Zaibatsu. So you think you know so much, I think you'd better reconsider," she spoke, shocking him, and pushing past him. He sighed, looking down.
* * * * * * * * * * * * The next day.
Dionne observed the fighters. She made mental notes on all of them as they fought, and then she felt a hand clamp on her shoulder. She looked up, and saw Lee smiling down at her. She sighed in relief.
"Hey there, Lee,"
"Hey, short stuff. What's going on?"
She smiled, "Not much, actually. You fighting today?"
He nodded, "You'd never believe who,"
Her eyes narrowed, "Who?"
"You,"
Her eyes went wide, "What?"
He nodded, "See for yourself," handing her a program. She looked, and sure enough, there it was.
She looked at him, "Well, till then, partner, we can still get a drink on me, right?"
He smiled, "Very well then," offering his arm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Fifteen minutes later.
Dionne watched Jin fight while Lee was coming back from the stands with a hot pretzel. She watched the young man as his powerful punches sent his opponent--a guy named Steve--to his knees. She was totally under his spell as Lee came back. He looked down, and then passed Dionne the pretzel.
"You can have it. I've suddenly had a loss in apetite,"
"Yeah, I know. He's good isn't he?"
Lee shook his head, "It's not that. I just need some fresh air,"
Dionne looked up at him, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
He shook his head, and left.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
That was the last she had seen of Lee until the match. But now, he stood in front of her as the announcer boomed the match. She swallowed, and went down in a sunset fan, and kicked him in the chin, sending him sprawling onto his stomach. He got up, and delivered several harsh kicks to her chest. He did a flashy rainbow kick, and her skull impacted the ground, causing a loud `pow' on the cement ground. The crowd's cries grew silent for a moment in her mind as she got back up, and felt tiny drops and streams of blood coming from her lip. She stood up, and lunged at him, doing a shark attack combo. Both competetors got up. Lee grinned at her coyly.
"Be my guest," he said, staying still for a moment. Dionne grabbed him, and used his back as a stairway to get behind him. She then grabbed his head, and slammed him in front of her. He leaped up with grace, and grabbed her neck with his legs. He flipped, putting her beneath him, and jumping off to kick her stomach. She coughed, and got up. She was going to deliver a strong punch to his eye, but the bell tolled. There was a draw. Neither one was down. The officials decided that they would each continue to compete, and see who won after more fighters. Dionne exited the ring, and went back to her hotel room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that night.
"I'm going out, Di," Hwoarang spoke lowly, moving his hands through his hair.
She looked at him, and then continued playing Final Fantasy Tactics on her PSOne. He sighed, and left. She continued playing until she heard a thud against her window. She looked up, but there was nothing. She continued playing, and convinced herself that she was simply paranoid. She heard it again, and she opened her window to allow fresh air to come in. She turned off her PS, and went to the bathroom. There was a loud noise as if something had just hit the floor. She dashed out of the bathroom--and found a creature trying to get up from the floor.
It had wings as black as dusk, dark hair with a few streaks of long strands hanging over either sides. As Dionne looked closer, the creauture took a more human form. She went over, forcing it to look at her, and she gasped. It was Jin--or at least what looked like Jin.
"Dionne," he spoke in a deep and raspy unfamiliar voice. A blood red ruby was directly in the center of his forehead, and what looked like eyes were tattood on him. He had on black pants with red flames coming up the leg, and his bangs passed his chin.
"Oh..." she spoke, feeling her stomach oozing within her. "Jin, what happened to you?"
He coughed, and shook his head, "I don't know," speaking once more in a familiar voice. The black wings on his back seeped back into his back, and he screamed in agony. Dionne hugged him as the wings cut him as they went back into their hiding spot under his skin. The tatoo on his forehead slipped away, and the ruby moved under his skin like his wings. A tattoo burned into his arm, and it burned Dionne's fingers as she touched his arm. He collapsed after the transformation. Dionne was frozen in fear for a moment, but then she helped him onto the bed. She ran in the bathroom, and filled a cup with ice.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later.
Dionne moved the ice along his back while he slept. The marks faded from the wings, but the frame was still aparent in his back. She traced the mark with her finger, and then continued moving the ice across. She sighed, putting the melting ice into a bucket, and setting it in the bathroom. By the time she got back out, he was awake and stretching.
"Ow," he muttered, sitting up and holding his head.
"Lay still," she cautioned him. He looked surprised.
"Where did you come from?"
She arched a brow, "You're the one who flew into my room. It seems I should be asking you that,"
His eyes pained, "Not again,"
She sat next to him, "Sh. I was kidding. Lay down and rest,"
He stood up instead, "I have to get back to my room,"
She stood up, and took his hands, "I'm not letting you leave in your condition. I want to help you,"
"Di, I can't even help myself right now. There are so many things I cant explain to you right now,"
She folded her arms, "I've got time, and I'm a good listener,"
"If I don't believe this stuff, there's no way you will,"
She sighed, "Jin...'
He sighed, "Fine. I'm dead,"
She arched a brow, "Excuse me?"
He rolled his eyes, and grabbed her pocketknife. He slit his own throat, and fell on the bed. Dionne ran to his side in fear, but a moment later, his eyes opened, and he rubbed at his wound. She suppressed a scream.
"I told you," he muttered like a spoiled child, and set the knife back down after cleaning it, "So you see, I'm a freak. Now, can I please go back to my room?"
She was extremely shocked, but she wasn't letting him go so easily, "I'm still going to try to help you the best I can," she said, "Now sit down until I'm done with a nice cold shower," she said, making him chuckle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hwoarang went up the elevator, deciding how he should apologize to his roomate.
"I never was good at this crap," he muttered lowly. He sighed, and felt a bulge in his back pocket. He pulled at it, and a red thong emerged in his hands. He paled, as the elevator binged. He swallowed, and decided he was better off getting rid of the underwear before deciding how to apologize. After all, that would be a good way to start.
* * * * * * * * * * * *