Hwoarang awoke groggily, wincing at the throbbing at the back of his skull. He wasn't in the grubby motel where he had been staying for the past three weeks - the place smelt too good, and the bed beneath him was far more comfortable than what he was used to. He opened an eye slightly, hoping that the new sensory input wouldn't cause his head to explode.

The room around him was clean and bright, but somewhat bland. A decent hotel room, he concluded - it didn't have the sense of being lived in that most people's homes have. The only personal touches were a CD Walkman on the side table with a few CDs, and an electric guitar propped up against the opposite wall, its case also neatly rested next to it.

Ah, you're awake, a female voice said, surprisingly in his native Korean - the accent was odd, but understandable. How's the head?

He looked to the source of the voice. It belonged to the girl he had rescued' the night before. Was it the night before? He couldn't be sure how long he was out for.

he said. What happened?

She eased a new ice-pack under his head, wincing in sympathy. You took your eye off the ball. You failed to assess how may hostiles were in your vicinity. She grinned mischievously. I thought they were supposed to teach you to do that in the army?

Hwoarang jolted up, then immediately regretted it. He lowered himself back down gingerly, eyes watering. What...do you...know? he grunted, face contorted.

I know who you are, she said, And I know you've gone AWOL from the army - which is why I took care of you myself, rather than leaving to the police or hospital to deal with. They both may have raised rather awkward questions concerning your papers.

As for last night, you attempted to save me from the unwanted attentions of a drunken git. Unfortunately, the drunken git had friends, one of whom gave you that rather charming bump on the head. Fortunately, you have a thick skull.

Hwoarang shifted on the bed, frowning. You saw him start to attack me-

-And warned you, yes. A little late, perhaps, she conceded, But I wanted to see if you were as good as they say.

I am, he said, with surprising confidence considering his current predicament. He grinned lopsidedly. I'm just a sucker for a pretty face. Does the face have a name?

she replied, Dai Martin.

What happened after I got knocked out, then? Hwoarang asked. And how did I get here?

A full scale brawl started. Words were said, punches were thrown, and me and the barman were the last standing, she chuckled darkly. Apparently, we're now both barred from that esteemed establishment.

As for how you got here, I carried you-

No way! Hwoarang interjected disbelievingly. You're kidding, right?

Sadly, no, Dai grinned. You should have seen the expression on the receptionist's face when I walked into the lobby with you slung over my shoulder!

Hwoarang just looked at her, not sure if she was being serious. She rolled her eyes.

If you would have held back in the bar, you would have seen that I'm more than capable of looking after myself. She paused. But I appreciate the thought, really.
Last time I help out a damsel in distress, Hwoarang muttered, still trying to picture this delicate looking girl finishing up a brawl then carrying him halfway across town. he began, trying to change the subject, What're you doing here?

I decided to stop over here before carrying on to Japan for the tournament, Dai replied.

You're entering the tournament? Hwoarang paused. Any particular reason?

You mean other than untold riches and power, not to mention being officially recognised as the world's greatest fighter? Dai pauses as if she was thinking about it. Hwoarang smirked.

Didn't anyone tell you that sarcasm is the lowest form of humour?

Who says I was being sarcastic? she smirked back. But no, you're right. I imagine I'm entering the tournament for much the same reason that you are - I'm looking for Jin Kazama.

Hwoarang's face fell. Oh. Him.

Hmmm, no love lost there, I see, she said. So, as we have similar goals, I suggest we travel together.

Hwoarang looked surprised, then distrustful.

Dai folded her arms. I have no interest in the tournament - I just need to find Kazama, and as you know, he's a difficult man to find. I think that there's very few people that stand a chance of beating him. You're one of them. I'd really hate for him to be knocked out of the tournament and go underground again.

Hwoarang pondered her words. If I said I understood, I'd be lying. And how would this arrangement benefit me?

She raised an eyebrow. Apart from the loving care and attention you'll recieve every time someone smashes a bottle over your head-

That won't happen again, Hwoarang muttered. She nodded, as if to concede the point.

The main advantages for you is that my employers will pay for accomodation - you won't have to rely on friends or motels that your army friends may be paying close attention to. And my employers may - may - be able to cut a deal with your superiors, get them off your back.

Hwoarang looked mystified, then skeptical. And how do I know I can trust you?

Jeez, tough crowd, Dai laughed slightly. I thought you were a sucker for a pretty face'? Quite frankly, you can't know whether to trust me or not. But what have you got to lose? She shrugged. If I had wanted to, I could have handed you back to your superiors trussed up on a plate. We can travel alone or we can travel together. It doesn't bother me.

Hwoarang sighed. Okay, I'll don't see why not. Besides, he said, plumping the pillows behind him, I could get used to this.