As Hwoarang was tossed along the beach front like a rag doll, he found many odd thoughts passing through his mind; what did Craig Marduk's mother feed her boy? Why did Marduk insist on wearing that ridiculous day-glo spandex? And why oh why did the tournament committee think that it was really a good idea to fight on a beach, in the late afternoon...in the winter?

Perseverance...indomitable spirit...Baek's teachings came easily to him as he sprang to his feet. Marduk was strong, but he was slow. He also had one hell of a temper. A weakness to be exploited? Hwoarang wondered, remembering his conversation with Dai. Hwoarang's expression settled into a satisfied smirk as he eyed Christie Monterio. In a bizarre twist, she had apparently taken to travelling with the brute, and was currently cheering him on.

Hey, Marduk, Hwoarang grinned, Which whorehouse did you pick your girlfriend up from?

The vale tudo champion went from being merely pathologically aggressive to potentially murderous. He lunged at Hwoarang in a raw display of power, possessed by an unthinking rage...exactly as Hwoarang had hoped. He leaped high, and then came down, landing on the small of his opponent's back with both feet. Marduk stumbled, winded and in pain. It did nothing to lessen his anger, and everything to increase it.

Hwoarang landed a few well placed kicks to Marduk's torso, but backed off when he saw that the colossus was regaining his wind. He folded his arms, noticing from the corner of his eye that Dai was watching with an amused smile. Now what? her pose seemed to ask. Again, Hwoarang grinned.

Hey Marduk, he began. I heard you were in jail recently. Anyone call you Nancy' while you bent over and took it?

Dai stifled a laugh as veins she didn't know existed popped on Marduk's head. She thought he could get any angrier. She was wrong.

I'M GONNA BREAK YOUR FACE!

With an inhuman bellow, he launched at Hwoarang, who stood there. And carried on standing there...

Move you idiot, she cursed him mentally.

He was bowled over by the monolith, but was not unprepared. As Marduk wrestled him to the ground, he used his powerful legs, combined with his opponent's own momentum, to roll them over again. He was on top now, with his hands clutching Marduk's windpipe. The announcer eventually motioned for him to stand, which he did.

As did Marduk.

Hwoarang shook his head as Marduk lunged at him groggily. A powerful wheel kick broke his opponent's jaw...and finally knocked him senseless.

Christie rushed over to Marduk as Hwoarang's arm was raised in victory. Dai ambled over to him, still laughing.

I don't think there's a word in Korean, English or Japanese that describes how reckless you just were, she chuckled. In fact, do you know what it reminded me of?

Surprise me, he said, still breathing heavily.

A bullfight. You know, like they have in Spain?

Hwoarang grinned. I'd say that the average bull is smarter than Mr Marduk, though.

The announcer was conversing with another official, who in turn was speaking into a phone. Marduk, on the other hand, was sulking whilst Christie brushed sand off of his close shaven head, trying to console him. Rather unsuccessfully, by the look of it, Dai thought with a grin.

You know, I had no idea your grasp of English was so...colourful, she chuckled. I particularly liked the use of the term

Baek was really good at English, Hwoarang smiled. He started teaching me when I was a kid. Although, he said wryly, I don't think unleashing rampant abuse was what he had in mind. That I learnt from old Jerry Springer reruns.

They show those in Korea? Dai laughed. Hwoarang nodded, laughing himself.

Of course! We're cultured! It was even subtitled, not dubbed! And then, switching from Korean to English, in an astounding imitation of a Texan drawl- Ah ain't trashy, Ah'm classy!

Dai laughed so hard that she was finding it hard to breathe. Some of the crowd turned to see what the commotion was, and in response, Hwoarang shrugged. Hey, I'm a funny guy.

Suddenly the atmosphere tensed, and the announcer motioned for quiet. The crowd duly obliged, eager to hear where, when and what the next round would be. No-one noticed or cared that Marduk and Christie were leaving.

Ladies and gentlemen! the announcer cried. We are pleased to announce the next rounds, as we draw ever closer to the final, against the legendary Heihachi Mishima!

The crowd dutifully whooped and clapped.

Tomorrow will be the original champion from very first The King of Iron Fist, Kazuya Mishima, versus the Blood Talon, Hwoarang!

Hwoarang nodded. Bring it.

Also tomorrow, the ferocious blossom, Dai Martin, against last year's champion, Jin Kazama!

Ferocious blossom'? Dai muttered in disbelief. That was the best they could up with?

Both fights will take place in the Hotel Oban. Tickets are limited-

Ferocious blossom? How come you get Blood Talon', and I get lumbered with ferocious blossom?!'

Hwoarang kept a straight face, although it was difficult given Dai's indignation. I agree, they could have done better. How about...vicious pot plant?

Dai pointed at Hwoarang. You...watch yourself, otherwise, when we get back, I'm going to stick an ice pack where the sun doesn't shine.

Hwoarang queried with a grin. Dai gave a dismissive wave of her hand. He looked thoughtful. Okay...how about...ruthless flower?

Hell, I would have taken that over ferocious blossom', Dai said, finally laughing. Heihachi really needs to hire better guys. Or pay the existing ones more.

As they walked to the car, Dai noticed that Hwoarang was uncharacteristically quiet, especially considering that he had just won. She smiled as they climbed in; they had only known each other a matter of weeks, but she could already guess what he was thinking at almost any given time. He sat there, pulling his hair back.

Hey, I think I can nearly tie it back, he said, making a tiny ponytail. Dai brushed a few stray hairs away from his eyes.

So...are you hoping that I'll win or lose tomorrow, she said, a note of teasing in her voice. Hwoarang looked guilty.

Win, of course, he said, a little too quickly. Dai laughed, and stroked his cheek fondly.

Okay, so it wouldn't bother you in the slightest if I beat Jin Kazama, the guy you've been waiting to fight for the past two years. And if you beat Kazuya-



If you beat Kazuya, she continued. You'd then have to fight me.

You can handle yourself, he said. He patted her head in mock condescension. And I'll go easy on you.

she said. That's not answering the question.

I want you to be happy-

But you're torn, she said. Because you want to fight Jin, and you don't want to fight me, but you want me to be successful because you think that that is what I want.

Hwoarang admitted. Don't take it the wrong way-

Dai silenced him by landing a kiss on him. He reciprocated, appreciating the change in subject.

he began uncertainly, one brow raised, Does this mean you're not going to do unspeakable things with ice packs?

Oh, I wouldn't say that, she replied primly, starting the car. I'm not mad at you for thinking those things, but I am a little hurt that you felt you couldn't be honest with me.

What was I supposed to say? Hey, I hope you fall flat on your face tomorrow'?

Dai looked horrified. Flat on my face'? she began angrily. You want your own girlfriend to fall flat on her face?!

I meant-

He stopped when he realised that Dai was wearing a huge grin. She pulled out of the car park, wondering if tormenting the man she loved would ever get boring.