What are you doing?

Checking for grey hairs! Hwoarang stopped looking at himself in the motorcycle's mirrors, and looked at Dai. Do you always ride like that?

Only when I'm being pursued by strange men with guns, she answered dryly. We're still alive, aren't we?

Hwoarang sighed. and began following Dai up the path. He had no idea where they were, other than they were in a pleasantly forested area. It suddenly occurred to him that despite the number of times he had been to Japan, he had never once ventured outside of the cities.

I'm fairly certain we're alive, he agreed with Dai. But where are we?

It'll be safer if we stay with people that can be trusted, Dai explained as they walked. So we're going to visit some old friends of mine. Then, she smiled, and said in Japanese, Hello, Yamada-sensei.

Hwoarang frowned, glancing around as they carried on walking. Dai, who are you talking to?



The young Korean started as he turned. Walking no more than a step behind him was a man, slight in build and in his late middle years. He smiled as they turned and faced him, and Hwoarang noticed that she was almost glowing with happiness.

I see that you have kept up with your training over these years, little one, he said, giving a respectful nod. He then grinned at looked at Hwoarang, This one however, needs much improvement.

Hwoarang glared at him balefully, but decided to bite his tongue. A few years ago, he would have floored someone for saying something like that, but over recent months he had been able to curb his temper slightly. He wondered if that was a good thing - Baek, he thought would have approved, so it was probably a good thing. Knowing that however, didn't make it any easier.

Dai patted Hwoarang's arm. Hwoarang, this is my old instructor, Yamada-sensei. Yamada-sensei, this is...my friend, Hwoarang. He's here for the tournament.

the ninja nodded. I see.

Hwoarang frowned again. There was something in the way he spoke that he didn't like, but again, he said nothing.

Please, come to the house, Yamada gestured. We've been expecting you.

Dai's brows rose quizzically.

He nodded. He called about an hour ago. He said something about you causing a scene in the city whilst escaping from unknown pursuers. I'm sure you could have escaped far more discreetly if you had tried. He looked at her with an expression which could have been mock-seriousness, or just plain seriousness.

Dai grinned. But where's the fun in that?

The ninja sighed. Really, Dai, Jeremy is worried about you. This isn't a game, you know that.

Dai rolled her eyes. Sensei, I came here for refuge, not for a lecture-

I know. I'm throwing the lecture in free of charge. His expression softened slightly. Reiko has prepared some breakfast for you, so come on to the house.

Once in the home of the Yamadas, Hwoarang shifted uncomfortably as they ate. The food was delicious, but the enjoyment was spoiled slightly by his unease. Dai, on the other hand, was talking merrily to the Japanese couple.

-he's become an accountant?! You've got to be joking! Mr Yamada roared with laughter. Who would have thought, little Tetsuji an accountant!

Not so little now, Dai reminded him. He's going to be twenty-six this year. He still owns the dojo, though.

Reiko shook her head. Well...at least he didn't become a lawyer! She glanced at Hwoarang. So, Hwoarang, what do you do?

Hwoarang started, surprised at being suddenly introduced into the conversation. I'm in the army. Well, I was. Still am. Sort of... He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. It's complicated.

The ninja and his wife looked at each other with raised eyebrows, and Hwoarang sighed. Laughingly , Dai chastised her friends.

Will you two stop? I'm sure Jeremy's told you everything, so stop teasing the poor boy.

Hwoarang looked visibly rankled by the use of the words poor boy'. He finished his meal and nodded to his hosts. Thank you, it was a real feast. Now, if you don't mind my excusing myself, I have a fight to prepare for tonight. He smiled tightly and quickly left the room.

The ninja master grinned. He takes himself far too seriously. You do realise that Jeremy's absolutely apoplectic over your decision to travel with him?

I know, Dai smirked, and Mr Yamada laughed knowingly.

Which I'm sure is a good enough reason in itself to have him tagging along-

He's useful! He has experience from both the previous tournament and from his role in the Korean special forces which could be useful to my mission, Dai answered, a touch of defensiveness in her tone.

And he has a cute behind. Don't forget that, Reiko dead panned. That could be vital-

Dai exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson. I said that to Jeremy as a joke-

Jeremy? Jeremy never said anything about you saying that, Reiko grinned impishly, I was just pointing out the obvious-

Do you think his behind is cuter than mine? her husband asked in mock earnestness. Her grin widened.

Of course not dear. But I do think his would be more useful to have around on a mission-

-Well of course, the ninja agreed. That's obvious...

Dai shook her head. It's obvious that you two are in a daft mood, so I'm going to check on Hwoarang. Hopefully you'll have calmed down by then.

She bowed slightly and left the room, leaving the couple alone. Reiko turned to her husband, her head tilted quizzically. So...what do you think?

He paused, considering his answer. He'll do.