What?! What are you looking at?

Dai sounded exasperated as she drove towards the coast. Hwoarang shrugged, then shot her a winning smile.

'Cos you're so beautiful, he said, lacing his voice with saccharine. More beautiful than the blooming cherry blossoms.

He struggled to keep a straight face as she shook her head, moaning. she said, Was the single weakest line I have ever heard you utter. Now do you want to tell me the real reason you've been looking at me like I've got three heads?

Well, I do like looking at you, he said, his face earnest. It was true, after all. Dai blushed, and her eyes on the road.

I'm also marvelling at the fact no-one would ever guess that you nearly had your nose broken less than an hour ago, he added. That admission was less romantic, but just as true. I mean no bruising, no more blood-

I'd bloody guess! Dai exclaimed. I feel like I've got a flipping badger stuck up my nasal cavity. I'm just fortunate that I don't bruise easily...unlike more delicate, fragile people that I know.

Hwoarang said. It was his fight next, against Craig Marduk. He was certain that he would win - he always won, unless he was fighting Kazama...and that would change this tournament. But despite his confidence, he knew that his opponent was brutal, and almost inhumanly strong. He would get hurt. He frowned.

What now? Dai asked, seeing his expression.

Why is it, he began, That I have to fight psychopaths like Brian Fury and Craig Marduk, whereas you get to fight guys like Steve Fox and Paul Phoenix?

What's that supposed to mean? Dai chuckled. You think that they're lesser opponents than you've faced, just because they're sane? Hwoarang, Steve is a world champion of boxing, and Paul has nearly won this tournament three times - technically, this is his first loss!

I'm not trying to run you down, Hwoarang said defensively. Dai chuckled again.

I know, I know. But what I'm trying to do is remind you that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. She smiled slyly. I mean, look at you. You're as weak as a kitten, but somehow you still manage to win...

Hwoarang glared at her, then folded his arms in a sulk.

Is that...is that really what you think of me? he asked quietly, and in perfect seriousness. Dai looked dismayed, hearing sadness rather than the usual surliness in his voice. She pulled the car over, and stopped the engine.

Hwoarang, I was joking, she explained. He remained silent, avoiding her eyes. Exasperated, she unbuckled herself, and leant over to him. He carried on looking out of his window.

You didn't answer the question, he said. She rolled her eyes.

She pulled herself out of the driver's seat and into Hwoarang's lap. Placing a hand on both sides of his face, she turned his head towards her...and saw the hurt in his eyes.

She kissed him softly. No, Hwoarang, I don't think you're weak. I think that you're an awesome fighter...and also that you're funny, and smart, and absolutely gorgeous. And, she said quietly. I love you.

Hwoarang's eyes widened. He had felt it, suspected it...but it was still a surprise to hear her say it. Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled.

Well...are you going to say anything? she asked expectantly.



Um'? she laughed playfully. He loved that laugh. I pour out my heart and soul, declare my undying love, and you say

Hwoarang broke into a grin. Sorry, I was just focussing on the funny', smart' and gorgeous' bit...



Dai propelled herself back into the driver's seat, frowning. Trying to frown, anyway...and trying not to laugh. Eventually the effort was too great, and she burst into hysterics.

That's right, she said, wiping away a tear. I forgot

Hwoarang shook his head, still smirking. Just drive.

As Dai pulled out she glanced at the man who had come to mean so much to her. His posture and expression suggested someone who was completely at ease, as his arm rested on the open window, the wind flicking his scarlet locks away from his face. His eyes, however, told a different story, and were still troubled. Dai wondered if she should just leave the subject alone, but as Jeremy had often commented, she frequently went where angels fear to tread.

So, are you going to tell me about it?

Hwoarang looked startled.

About why you went funny about my stupid joke. You're usually pretty thick skinned. Thick skinned, thick skulled... She smiled. I would go on, but I'd probably offend you again.

Hwoarang shifted in his seat, and the expression on his face went from anger to resignation, via exasperation.

It's just stuff I've been thinking about. If I'd been stronger, maybe I could have helped Baek somehow, stopped Ogre.

Dai's expression was pained. Were you there?

Hwoarang's expression soured. No. But I should have been.

So you could die with him?

Hwoarang looked shocked. So I could save him.

Dai sighed. Hwoarang, there's nothing you could have done-

You don't know that! he said angrily. He calmed himself.

Do you have any idea how many people have lost their lives to Toshin over the years? Thousands, Hwoarang, thousands. Dai looked grim. But those were the lucky ones. The unlucky ones had their very essences absorbed-

Is this meant to make me feel better? Hwoarang asked incredulously. Knowing that the man who was like a father to me is now part of some monster for all eternity?

I hadn't finished, Dai said quietly. And sometimes, you do have to hear things which are harrowing - believe me, I know.

Toshin was defeated, but not permanently. I don't think Ogre can ever be killed - it's a being so utterly beyond our comprehension, I doubt we'll ever know the full truth behind its existence. But, Dai said, cutting Hwoarang off before he could speak, It's different in every incarnation, both in chosen form and fighting style. And, our research shows that with each resurrection the creature chooses great warriors and fighters as its initial kills. What does that tell you?

Hwoarang pondered the question. He hoped that it meant what he thought it did...

That every time Ogre's defeated, it releases the souls it has captured?

Dai nodded. That was our conclusion. And that every time it's reborn, it requires a new slew of fighters to make itself complete.

Hwoarang sat in silence sombrely, before speaking again.

I guess I owe Kazama, then, if he freed Baek. He was the only one who could defeat it.

He has the Devil Gene, Dai said. Then she added thoughtfully, But I've often wondered if the souls Ogre had captured had any form of resistance. After all, his mother's spirit was in there somewhere - maybe she could have held the beast back.

His mother? Hwoarang inquired curiously. Dai looked at him, slightly exasperated.

His mother, Jun Kazama. Consumed by Ogre when he was fifteen. She sighed. Do you ever do any research into your opponents?

I usually find beating them sufficient, he said, although the comment lacked its usual bravado. Dai pulled the car over in the allotted parking area. Despite the overcast sky and sharp winds, there was still a sizable crowd gathered on the beach. It was early in the year, and late in the afternoon, but Hwoarang was fairly certain that the chill down his spine had nothing to do with the weather.

So let me get the straight, he said. Kazama's mother was killed by Ogre, his father and grandfather have spent the best part of their lives trying to kill one another, and he's got a genetic quirk which means that a lot of people are after him, to use him as source material for a weapon?

That's about it, Dai confirmed, getting out of the car. Oh, but there is another thing.

Which is?

Heihachi shot him. In the head. After the Tekkenshu emptied several machine gun rounds into him, that is.

....Wow. No wonder he's pissed off, Hwoarang muttered. You know, every time I learn something new about the Mishimas...I wish I hadn't.