Hwoarang eyed his opponent warily as he stretched his legs - which was now much easier in his own clothes rather than the too-small uniform of the janitor. The man he was preparing to fight, Brian Fury, had a strange lethargy about him; in Hwoarang's opinion, the guy looked like a walking corpse.

Of course, Hwoarang didn't know how accurate that assessment was; Fury had indeed been resurrected by the Mishima Ziabatsu's resident mad scientist, Dr Abel. He was reborn' with almost supernatural reflexes and strength, but the power came with a price; before his death, he was possessed a misanthropic nature - now that fault had been magnified tenfold. Evidently, Dr Abel wasn't particularly concerned by the consequences of what returning from the dead would have on a man's psyche.

Whether by accident or by design, it had also seemed that Abel hadn't built the former police officer to last. Brian knew that his artificially extended life was coming to an end, and wasn't exactly pleased with the situation. He didn't feel fear, like some who know that their death is approaching, nor did he feel remorse or resignation. No, Brian felt what seemed like the only emotion left to him, and the one which most befitted him; fury. Coupled with that was an almost animalistic instinct to survive; if he won the tournament, he could force Abel to cure him. If not...

If not, at least he could crack a few skulls on his way out.

Hwoarang continued his exercises, oblivious to his opponent's thoughts and motivations. He nearly lost his balance as Dai made her entrance, laughing and joking with Paul Phoenix like he was her best friend. He regained his composure quickly, and put on an air of nonchalance.

-and he does some really nice custom work, too. You should see his Kawazaki displays, he's got like fifteen of

Dai nodded with interest. I'll have to check the place out. She stopped by Hwoarang. Hwoarang, Paul Phoenix. Paul, Hwoarang.

Hwoarang gave a curt nod, trying to hide any grudging respect he may have for the man, whilst also trying to figure out how Dai had calmed him down. His list of possible conclusions weren't entirely pleasant, and stirred uncomfortable feelings in his gut. She's a nice girl, and he's old enough to be her father. Don't be stupid.

Why should you care anyway?

Hey kid, you're one of Baek Do-San's students, ain't you? Paul broke into Hwoarang's thoughts. Hwoarang stiffened slightly, hoping that the American was smart enough to keep a respectful tongue in his head. He'd hate to spoil Dai's diplomatic efforts by punching Phoenix in the face.

Yeah, that's right, Hwoarang said gruffly.

He was a great martial artist. I wish I'd had the chance to fight him. Paul paused. And I've heard great things about you, too. If you're as good as they you say you are, tonight should be a great match.

Uh, thanks, Hwoarang answered, not quite sure what else to say. He looked around, a sudden frown appearing on her face. Where's Dai?

Ah, she's showing us that great English tradition - getting the drinks in', Paul smiled, gesturing to the make shift bar. Hwoarang glanced sideways at the American.

So...you seemed to have calmed down, Hwoarang ventured. Paul chuckled.

I must be getting soft. A couple of years ago, I would've battered anyone who touched my bike, regardless of reason, or age, or gender. But...I dunno, your girlfriend just seems to be... He shook his head. I can't explain it, but I just trust her.

She's not my girlfriend, Hwoarang said softly.
I can't explain it, but I just trust her.

Hwoarang knew the feeling.

Sure, kid, Paul grinned as Dai sauntered over, carrying drinks.

Beer for you, she said, handing a glass to Paul, Orange juice for me, and...

She passed a glass to Hwoarang. And an orange juice for you.

Hwoarang made a face. Orange juice. Great.

Hey, no alcohol before the fight! she smirked. I've just put a whole load of yen on you, so you if you lose...

What are the odds? Hwoarang asked curiously. Dai grimaced.

Are you sure you want to know? she asked. Hwoarang glared. Okay, okay, it's pretty much evens. Well, slightly in Brian Fury's favour-

What!? They think I can't beat that jerk?!

Calm down, she said. They think you've got technique and speed on your side, but he's got strength and psychosis on his. And, she dead panned, If you lose, it's not the end of the world.

Why, you got money riding on Fury too? Paul laughed. Dai didn't think Hwoarang's expression could get any darker. She was wrong.

Psychosis, my ass, he scowled, downing his juice and scowling. He headed to the central area that was to serve as a ring.

Hey, when we gonna get this show on the road, he bellowed. Dai leant back with a satisfied smile, swirling her juice in her glass.

You really enjoy winding him up, don't you, Paul smiled. Dai shrugged.

Guilty as charged, your honour. What can I say? It's easy and it's free.



The slightly startled commentator stumbled backwards as Brian launched at Hwoarang with an inhuman bellow. One of his colleagues, a slightly portly cameraman, gave an ineffectual cry of protest as Hwoarang used one of his cables as a trip wire, sending the enraged cyborg flying.

Hwoarang brought his heel down towards his opponent's chest, but Fury rolled away deftly. Hwoarang leapt as Brian swung his leg in a low sweep - an error, he realised, as Hwoarang swiftly snapped his leg out, connecting loudly with Brian's jaw. Hwoarang hopped back a few steps, putting some space between himself and Brian - it was obvious that his opponent was less fazed than he had thought he would be, as Brian flipped onto his feet.

They exchanged blows, parries, and counterattacks, until finally one of Brian's punches landed, square in Hwoarang's chest. Hwoarang grimaced, his eyes watering in response to the pain. In the time it had taken him to register the pain, Fury had landed four more blows with supernatural speed.

Dai whispered, her own eyes almost watering.

He certainly feel that in the morning.

Dai turned to the owner of that familiar, Japanese voice.



The ninja nodded approvingly. Ah. He recovers quickly.

Dai quickly moved closer to the action. Hwoarang had indeed recovered, and was rebounding between Brian Fury and a marble-effect pillar like a pinball. He leapt to the side of the dazed man , and swung him with great force into the pillar.

GO ON HWOARANG! Dai screeched, jumping up and down, whilst Paul and the Yamadas winced at her volume.

Hwoarang grinned as he heard Dai shouting for him, filling with a strange exuberance he couldn't quite explain. He landed a few more kicks on his opponent's head. Fury, he could see. was fading fast.

But not too fast.

Hwoarang felt a jolt of pain as Brian grabbed his ankle. One look at Brian's face revealed his intention.

He's going to break my ankle.

In that split second Hwoarang made a decision. Using Brian's twisting grip as an anchor, he threw his entire body around in the direction Brian had began twisting, bringing his free leg swinging around to land on the side of Brian's head with a sickening thud.

The grip on his ankle went limp as he put his hands out to the floor. He rolled away from his opponent, before springing to his feet and facing the cyborg once more.

Brian lay slumped against the pillar, his eyes flickering with muted awareness. A dark trickle ran from his nose, and bruises mottled his entire body. The commentator waved his hand in front of him, rather cautiously. He stood back, apparently satisfied.

Aaand the winner..HWOARANG!

It was years of training and discipline that stopped Hwoarang from yelping as his arm was lifted in victory. Dai came bounding over to him, gleefully clutching a wad of high value yen.

I knew I could count on you, she grinned. Her face abrubtly fell. Well, apart from the moment when I thought he was going to kill you. Then I was going to see if I could change my bet-

You pasted him, kid, Paul slapped him on the back, ignoring Hwoarang's sharp intake of air. But it was tough. The calibre of opponents if really up this year. Even my bud Law didn't make it through the first round.

Well, he is rather old, Dai smirked. Paul jabbed a finger at her.

There's a lot to be said for experience, kid he said. Reiko chuckled.

And there's a lot to be said for youth, she said. But your opponent Hwoarang...you did well to beat him. There's something unnatural about him.

Yeah, look at who he hangs out with, Hwoarang managed to say, gesturing towards the lethargic form of his beaten opponent, which was being assissted out of the ring by a fellow contender - Yoshimitsu, who had earlier been beaten by Jin Kazama. Must be heading to the loser-wierdo party.

Reiko began. We'd better head off home. You're also welcome, Mr Phoenix, if you need somewhere to stay.

Nah, I'm fine. Besides, he looked sideways at Dai, I gotta get my bike.