Chapter Nine: Final Four
Craig was in the hospital. King was fine, but he and Craig had been eliminated for fighting outside of schedule. Yoshimitsu and Bryan were nowhere to be found. Lei was in the hospital, but recovering at remarkable speed. When it was all said and done, there were only four fighters left: Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Christie Monterio, and Paul Phoenix. It was perfect for putting together the final matches. All four finalists met outside in the Mishima Hotel lobby. A tournament official held a small box with no lid.
"There are four pieces of paper in this box. Each has a letter, A,B,C, or D. Each of you will draw out a letter to determine who will fight whom. The person who draws the letter A will fight whoever draws letter B, and likewise, C with fight D. You will draw in alphabetical order. Jin Kazama, you're first."
Jin reached in and pulled out a letter. "B." He said.
"Kazuya Mishima, you're next." Jin held his breath. Kazuya reached in and looked at it.
"C." He said. Jin sighed, not really knowing if it was a sigh of relief or disappointment.
"Christie Monterio, you're next." She reached in and pulled a letter, then looked at Jin.
"A."
"I guess that means I'm D." Paul said. "Alright! You and me, Kazuya! Just like it should've been 21 years ago!"
Kazuya raised a brow behind his dark shades. "You actually think you could've won that fight?"
"You bet I do! And I'll beat you now!"
"I look forward to proving you wrong."
"Just keep talking, pal. You're gonna really feel pathetic when I pummel your face into the ground!"
Kazuya just shook his head.
"So I guess it's you and me, huh?" Christie said to Jin.
"Yeah, I guess so." Jin said.
"May the best fighter win." She shook hands with him. "But don't think that means I'll hold anything back."
"Same to you."
"Mr. Kazama and Ms. Monterio will be fighting on the beach at 2:00 today. Mr. Mishima and Mr. Phoenix will be fighting right outside this hotel at 4:00."
"Good." Paul said, then he turned to Kazuya. "That way, everyone will be able to see me whoop your rear."
"Bring it on." Kazuya countered calmly. Then the all headed back to their rooms.
* * * *
Ling Xaioyu was feeling much better. The doctors said she could walk if she wanted, and she did. She found out what room Lei was staying in and went to go see him with Panda at her side. Lei was sitting up in his bed with a laptop open. He had various bandages across his face and around his head. Ling knocked on the door and he looked up.
"Ling! What are you doing here?"
"They said I could walk around if I wanted to. I saw your fight on TV. You okay?"
"For the moment. Come on in! Hello, Panda." He scratched Panda behind the ears. She moaned in delight.
"Hard at work, I see." Ling said.
"I've tried everything to find Bryan, but I'm getting nowhere. So I figured I should work on my lead with Nina Williams."
"What have you found?"
"A lot. In every tournament, she's come only to kill someone. In the first tournament, it was Heihachi. In the second, it was Kazuya. And last time, it was Jin."
"Jin?! We have to warn him!"
"Hold you horses! I don't think she's after him this time."
"Then who is she after?"
"I believe it's that Steve Fox character."
"Why?"
"As it turns out, he's running from the biggest gang in Britain. It's like a British Mafia. Anyway, he was supposed to lose a boxing match, but won, and since then, the mafia has been after him. He thought he'd be safe in America, but they followed him. He joined the tournament because if he won, he'd have the resources and information to take out the mafia."
"But he lost . . .I beat him."
"I know. Now he's in real danger. I believe the mafia hired Nina to take him out. That's why she joined the tournament."
"Whoa."
"I know. It's amazing. I've almost put all the pieces together. When I do, and once I'm out of here, I'll nail her. I didn't win the tournament, but I intend to come home with at least one trophy."
"That's one way to put it. By the way, where do you get all this information?" She tried looking at the screen, but Lei turned it away from her.
"I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you."
"Oh, okay. Hey, do you know anything about the tournament? I mean, who's fighting who and stuff."
"Hang on." He typed in the tournament's web address "Uh-huh, here we are, right there at the top. Jin Kazama vs. Christie Monterio at 1:00 today, and Kazuya Mishima vs. Paul Phoenix at 4:00."
"So Jin and Kazuya aren't fighting yet."
"Yet?"
"I really think they'll fight each other one way or another."
"If you're right, they'll be up against each other after these two fights."
"It'll happen that way, I just know it."
"But only one will be able to face Heihachi, you know that. Either way, however, the winner will rightfully own the company anyway, if you're right."
"I just hope they can beat Heihachi."
"Yes, what do you think of that?"
"Hm?"
"I mean, you could be working for one of them!"
"I have no problem with Jin, and Kazuya's not bad either. Either one would be good."
Lei smiled. "I should probably get back to this lead."
"Yeah, I'll leave you alone. C'mon, Panda." Then they left.
* * * *
Paul Phoenix was also in the hospital. He came in wearing his biker uniform, drawing stares. He got to Law's room and found him watching TV. He knocked on the doorframe. Law looked over at him.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Come on in." He did.
"Whatcha up to?"
"Nothing, really. I'm bored. Nice to have company." He took a bit of the food on his lap. "This is actually pretty good. Here, try some."
"Uh . . .no."
"C'mon."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"No."
"You didn't answer my question."
"Okay, here's your answer: because I said no!"
Law chuckled. "Good choice, it's terrible. You usually trust me when it comes to food, though."
"When it comes to YOUR food. When it's the hospitals, I don't trust anyone who says it's good unless they have wings and a halo."
Law chuckled again.
"Hey, Marshal . . .about our fight . . .I, uh,"
"Paul, if you hadn't fought like you did, I'd have been very disappointed and though less of you."
"Really?"
"Yes. You gave it your all just like I asked you."
"So . . .we're still okay?"
"Yes, in fact, I think that fight strengthened us. Speaking of fights, I hear you're fighting Kazuya next."
"Yep. We couldn't do it 21 years ago, so we're doing it now."
"Don't get cocky."
"That's like telling a snake not to bite."
"I guess it is."
"But if I do win, I'll go through on my promise and help you out."
"You'll also be making yourself known, like you wanted."
"Yeah, I guess I am."
"Anyhow, what's your strategy for beating Kazuya?"
"Um, let's see . . .beat him up . . .beat him up some more . . .then when he's down on the ground, keep pounding him."
"That's it?"
"That's what I always do."
"In any case, good luck."
"Thanks."
"You should probably go practice some more to get your edge up. Kazuya won't go down easy."
"I know, and you're right. Guess I should. See ya."
"Good bye."
Paul left the room and headed for the exit. He rounded a corner and ran right into a patient. He quickly reached out and grabbed her before she fell. She was a good deal shorter than him with black hair, and she looked Chinese.
"Sorry!"
"It's okay."
"Hey, you're that Ling Shah . . .shoo . . .shae . . .you're that Chinese chick, aren't you?"
"Yeah, Ling Xaioyu. And you're Paul Phoenix, aren't you? Hard to recognize you without you're hair up."
"Yeah, yeah, I saw your fight. How you feelin'?"
"Better than I was. How's your friend?"
"Good. He's fine."
"I, uh, hear you've got a fight coming up."
"Yep. Against Kazuya. I'm looking forward to it."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. Hey, I gotta go."
"Nice talking to you."
"You too. Later." Then he left. Ling really meant what she said about wishing him good luck. If he won, Jin wouldn't have to face his father.
* * * *
The sun was high in the sky, the waves lapped the coast from the cool breeze blowing through. It was a beautiful day at the beach. But there would be no swimming for two people. This was Christie's territory. She grew up in Brazil, a land with a warm climate and plenty of beaches. Jin wasn't familiar with this territory, he never had gone to the beach before, even in Australia! But, of course, he wasn't going to back out either.
A pretty big crowd had gather, both for the beach and the fight. Christie was dressed in a bikini top and long, white pants. Jin had his black and white pants and his open black and white shirt. They came together in the middle of the "arena" and shook hands.
"Here we go!" Christie said.
"Let's do this."
"FIGHT!!" The ref shouted.
Christie's fighting style was like a dance. She kept moving back and forth across the sand, never really staying in one place, which would make it hard for Jin to hit her and easy for Christie to hit him at any angle. She struck first, swinging a low kick, which Jin jumped over. Then he came down with a punch, but Christie moved out of the way and kicked his head, knocking him over. He got back up quickly. She got onto her hands and spun her legs around like helicopter blades, kicking his stomach a few times, then she swung her legs around, tripping him and kicking him about before he finally landed on his head. Luckily, the sand broke his fall. Jin rolled out of the way and stood again, a bit dazed.
Christie circled Jin for a little while. Finally, he swung a punch, but Christie moved dodged it, grabbed his arm, and flipped over, kicking his head into the sand again. Jin still got up. She was fast, but her moves weren't that strong. Jin still stood in his stance and waited. Christie leapt into the air, swinging her legs around towards his head, but he ducked under and kicked her, just as the landed, then bashed her in the face with his elbow. She got up, looking a bit dazed. She couldn't take a hit too well, Jin noticed.
Jin came forward and faked a kick, then swung a punch, but Christie caught it perfectly and grabbed his arm again, but this time, instead of pulling him down, she actually crawled onto him and began sliding all over his body like an eel! It's kind of impossible to describe it better than that. Then, for the last part of the move, she kicked off his chest, knocking him into the sand. Jin got up, but he was really dizzy this time. That was her strategy: daze her opponent and not get hit. Well, Jin's mind was a little too solid for that.
Jin charged and swung a high kick, which Christie ducked under and Jin leapt into the air before she could catch his legs and just as she got up, he gave a double-kick, tossing her into the air. Just as she landed, Jin got a hold of her again. He grabbed her by the shoulders and kicked her away. She got back up, but Jin could tell she was in pain.
Christie shook it off and got serious. She had to win this. She ran at him and slid along the sand, going right past him. As he turned around, she did a back-flip kick, then tripped him and swung her legs around her body like a gymnast, keeping him in the air for some time. Finally, she landed on his stomach and she got onto this back and pulled his leg back and bashed his head with it, then grabbed his opposite arm and pulled it back, then she spun his body around entirely and leapt away, leaving him to land on his awkwardly-positioned arm and leg. He shouted in pain and Christie got back up, smiling.
Jin slowly got up, clutching his arm. What was that move?! She ran at him again and leapt into the air, aiming for his head, but he leaned back and spun out of the way and when she landed, he punched her three times, then yanked her back and punched her to the ground. She slowly got up and Jin performed his "Blade Kick" moved. He reeled his foot back and gave a mighty kick, shooting her across the sands. She hit hard and didn't get up. The referee began to count.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . .seven . . .eight . . .nine . . .TEN!! You're out!!" The crowd cheered and booed and Jin took a few breaths. Christie was having trouble getting up, so Jin walked over to her and extended his hand. She took it and he helped her up.
"Good job." He said. "You almost had me there."
"Thanks," She said, with a small smile, then she walked away sadly.
* * * *
After his fight, Jin went to the hospital to see Ling. He peeked in the door and saw Ling moving around the room, trying to get back into the Chinese Martial Arts. He knocked on the doorframe.
"What are you up to?"
"Don't want to be caught off guard!"
He chuckled. Then a nurse walked by and shot her a double take and sighed.
"Ms. Xaioyu, you are supposed to be in bed, you've been up and about enough."
"Fine, fine." She walked back to the bed grumpily. "If she had as much energy as I do, she'd understand what a death trap she's setting."
"Death trap?" Jin asked, confused.
"Once I'm out of here, I'll have more energy than even you can comprehend!"
Jin laughed and kissed her. She leaned back into the bed.
"I'm bored."
"Why don't you watch TV?"
"Nothing on."
"Then I'm out of ideas."
"Well, you're here now, so we can have fun."
"Uh . . .how?"
"We can talk! I saw your fight. You kicked butt!"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Guess? You threw her all over the place!"
"Nice to know I have such a fan."
"You bet! So, you worried about fighting your father?"
Jin shrugged. "I don't know. When I first saw him, I wanted nothing more but to pummel him to the ground. But now that I know him better, I don't really know what to think."
"Just give it your all and so will he. Either way, one of you will go to face Heihachi, and I know you'll win, either of you."
Jin slouched in his chair and looked at the ceiling. "I wonder what I'd do if I won."
"Lead the Mishima Zaibatzu into a glorious age."
"I don't know. I never really pictured myself the leader of a company like this." He thought a little more. "I'd probably sell it to the highest bidder."
"Or give it to your father?"
"Maybe. You think he'd do good with it?"
"He ran it great for a year after the first tournament. I think he could do it again."
Jin shrugged.
"But what would you do, though? I mean, if you're going to just give it away, what would you do afterwards?"
"I don't know." He rubbed his chin, then smiled. "Perhaps you and I would go off somewhere."
Ling smiled. "You have my attention."
"A cruise first, to celebrate the defeat of Heihachi. A nice long one along the ocean in the biggest and best ship there is."
"Go on."
"And, um, then we'd go wherever we wanted! Kick back, relax, live our lives the way we should be!"
"With your dad's support, we could travel the world!"
"Yeah! We could go to China and I could see your home."
"And go to Europe. I've longed to see it. We could ride those boats in Venice, Italy!"
"Or see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the city of loooove." He said that last part with a hilarious tone.
"Or go to England and see that giant clock, Big Ben!"
"I hear Spain if beautiful."
"And America! See all the wondrous cities. New York!"
"L.A."
"Chicago!"
"Miami!"
"Vegas!"
"San Francisco!"
"St. Louis!"
"Yeah! That's it! We'd go anywhere and everywhere!"
"But what about after it all?"
"Find someplace great to live together."
"Yeah! Hey, maybe even have a kid or two!"
"Uh, let's get back to just us."
"We'd live happily ever after, the two of us." Ling's face was glowing now.
"Yeah.that'll be great." Jin said, calming down from the fantasy.
"I can't wait." Ling said, smiling, and laying back on her bed.
"How you feeling now?"
"Mm.tired."
"Wore you out, did I?"
"Mm-hm."
"I'll let you sleep then."
"Mm. G'night."
"Goodnight, Ling." He kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams." Then Jin left, full of anticipation of making their dream come true.
* * * *
The last match of the semi-finals would start in just a minute. Marshal turned on the TV in his hospital room. Paul and Kazuya were both heavy-hitters. They would be pretty equally matched.
"Alright, C'mon, Paul. You can do this. Just keep your guard up, then knock him out. Show him what American fury can do!"
* * * *
Paul cracked his knuckles. "I gotta win this one. I will win this one! Kazuya's goin' down!"
Kazuya crossed his arms. "Fool."
Paul had his black muscle shirt and blue jeans on again. Kazuya had a black shirt and pants and black shades. They were right outside the hotel, on the streets-which had been blocked off-, so there was a massive crowd watching. Paul and Kazuya stepped forward. This area was full of danger: concrete sidewalks, the road, the glass telephone booths, lampposts, and much more.
Kazuya and Paul shook and the ref asked them both, "You ready?"
"I'll wipe you out here and now, Kazuya!"
"Try me."
"Okay.FIGHT!!"
Paul swung the first few punches, but Kazuya dodged them all. Paul combined them with various kicks, but Kazuya blocked them all. He took a few steps back, but didn't attack. He was going to use the same strategy he had used against Hwoarang: keep a defensive stance until he wore out, and then strike. Paul swung down and Kazuya sidestepped away, but Paul swung both fists sideways, pushing him back, then giving a mighty uppercut. Kazuya stumbled back, but stayed in his stance.
If there was one thing Paul didn't like, it was when an opponent treated him like a wimp. He wasn't even attacking! Paul thought it over and looked behind Kazuya. If he wasn't going to attack, he'd pay the penalties. Paul gave a few more punches, pushing Kazuya back, then he made his move. He reeled back, then shot forward, knocking Kazuya back through one of the phone booths. Glass shattered and Kazuya hit the concrete in pain. Paul walked around and picked him up, then gave his burning fist, punching him through another phone booth.
Kazuya didn't get up, and the referee ran over to him.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . ."
Kazuya got up.
"C'mon, Kaz." Paul said. "You're gonna have to step it up a notch."
Kazuya cracked his neck. "Be careful what you wish for."
Paul swung another punch, but Kazuya ducked under it, then gave his "Dragon Uppercut" move. Paul stumbled and Kazuya tripped him. Paul got back up. Kazuya punched his face, the backhanded it with the other hand, then kicked him, then bashed his face with his elbow. Paul spat out blood, but wasn't giving up.
Kazuya struck again, but reeled back and bashed him again, then performed the Unblockable Tackle when he tried getting up again. Kazuya shook it off and got back to him. He tried the Dragon Uppercut, but Paul moved, then performed the gave two powerful kicks to Kazuya's face, then spun him around and performed the Burning Fist again, smashing him through the remaining phone booth.
Paul raised his fists in victory as the ref began to count.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . .seven . . .eight . . .nine . . ."
Kazuya leapt up with one last energy surge. He spat out blood, then took off his shades and looked at them. They were shattered.
"I liked these." He said, tossing them away and getting back into position.
"You just don't know when to quit, do you?" Paul snorted.
Paul tried the Shredder again, but Kazuya moved and gave a mighty kick to Paul's head, then tackled him to the ground and pounded his face. Paul rolled him over and gave him the same treatment until Kazuya bashed his face and rolled him off.
Both fighters jumped back to their feet. Paul rushed forward planting three powerful punches to Kazuya's face. Kazuya returned it with three Dragon Uppercuts. Neither man could keep the upper hand. For the longest time, they attacked each other with basic moves, until Paul smashed Kazuya down to the ground with both his fists and stomped on him. Kazuya rolled away and stayed crouched, then spun around, getting closer and closer until he was right next to Paul and leapt upward, giving his Lightning Screw Uppercut, sending Paul flying. He came down Kazuya gave his most powerful kick, and Paul landed head-first on the ground.
The referee counted to eight, then Paul got up. He had to win. Kazuya punched, but Paul caught it and sent it back into his face, but Kazuya still got a shot to his ribs, the swung the fist up, bashing his face. Paul brought his foot up and kicked him back. Kazuya tripped on the sidewalk and fell onto his back. Paul got down and began pummeling his face. Kazuya's then supercharged himself. His fists glowed with electricity and he swung both of his fist up, knocking Paul into the air, then he got down and spun around on the ground and when Paul came down, the leapt up smashing him back into the air with the Lightning Screw Uppercut. Then, he leapt into the air and kicked Paul away. He crashed into the side of a building and hit the ground hard. The referee counted off.
"One . . .two . . .three . . ."
Paul breathed heavily.
"Four . . .five . . .six . . ."
Kazuya clenched his fists in case Paul wanted more.
"Seven.eight.nine."
Paul put all his strength into getting up.
"TEN!! You're out!!"
Paul fell back onto his stomach and closed his eyes. With his last ounce of strength, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Martial.I failed."
* * * *
After his fight, Kazuya didn't have anything else to do, so he went to see Ling. As he began to enter, she jumped back into her bed.
"I'm in bed! I'm in bed!"
"What?"
"Oh, it's you. I thought you were that nurse who keeps saying 'you're supposed to be in bed.' Boy, I'd like to tear her head off!" Just then, that nurse came in.
"Well, finally, you're sitting still. It's nice to see you're finally listening." Then she left.
"Can't sit still?" Kazuya asked.
"Mm-mm. Hey, I saw your fight. Intense stuff. You okay?"
"I will be."
"Let's hope so. You have to fight Jin at eight."
"Yes . . .I do."
"Nervous?"
"No. Jin and I both knew this would come. I shall give it my all and I expect him to do the same."
"That's what I told him. He came by earlier."
"It seems you're feeling better, being up and about."
"Yeah, hopefully, they let me go to see you or Jin kick Heihachi's butt!"
"I look forward to seeing you there."
Kazuya sat down and they were silent for a minute. After her conversation with Jin, Ling was pushed to ask.
"So, Kazuya, if you won the tournament, and got the Mishima Financial Empire, what would you do?"
"Lead it into a glorious age."
"Kinda thought so. I saw you as more of the business man than Jin."
"What would he do, I wonder."
"I asked him that earlier. He said he'd probably give it to you."
"Me?"
"He isn't much of a business man."
"Then what would he do?"
"He and I came up with this great idea of traveling the world together. We'd see everything, all the great cities of the world, travel on the finest cruises, do everything."
"Sounds nice."
"Either way, I just know one of you will beat Heihachi, and that's be great, no matter which one of you it is."
"Yes, it would. As long as Heihachi is gone, the world can rest peacefully."
"Yup. So, you think you'll be in better fighting condition tonight?"
"Probably. Even if I'm not, I'll still go."
"Then you should be training, shouldn't you? I mean, Jin's not gonna go down easy."
"Mm. You're right, I probably should. Yes, I'll do that. Well, goodbye, Ling."
"Bye! I'll be sure to catch the fight on TV!"
Kazuya turned and headed for the elevator.
"Soon, Jin." He whispered. "Soon it will be over."
* * * *
8:00, that night.
The arena was at the top of the Mishima hotel, where King and Craig had fought. The glass part of the roof had been replaced, but still proved just as dangerous. It was time for the last match before Heihachi, who was personally overseeing this fight.
"Everyone's itching for some action." The reported said. "Jin Kazama, the mysterious runaway going up against his father, Kazuya Mishima, who was thought to be deceased! This one will be remembered for all time! Mr. Heihachi Mishima himself is even here to see it! No one can wait for the fight to begin! But one question still remains: Where the heck is Jin Kazama?!"
* * * *
"Good question!" Lei said to the TV he and Ling were watching.
"He'll be there." Ling said. "I know he will." But inside, her hopes were fading.
* * * *
Kazuya paced back and forth on the roof.
"Come on, Jin! Where are you?! Don't chicken out now! We both knew this was coming, now let's do this honorably!" But still, he didn't come.
After waiting a few minutes, the referee came over. "Mr. Mishima, due to the absence of Jin Kazama, we have officially declared you the-"
"Wait!" Kazuya interrupted. "Please.just give him ten more minutes."
The referee thought it over. "Alright. Ten more minutes. But if he isn't here, the match is over, and you will win by default."
* * * *
"Now here's a twist!" the announcer said, "Just as he was about to be officially declared the winner of the match, Kazuya asked for ten more minutes to wait for Jin!"
"Remarkable!" Lei said.
"He wants to do this honorably." Ling said. "He wants to give Jin a fighting chance."
"Even so, Jin better show up soon."
* * * *
Everyone waited a little while longer. Kazuya became nervous. Where was that boy? Then, the referee came over to him.
"The ten minutes are up. Due to the absence of Jin Kazama, I officially declare you the winner of the match by default."
Kazuya looked down and sighed. Then he looked up at Heihachi, who was grinning in the midst of all this. Kazuya glared furiously. He didn't know how, but he knew Heihachi was involved in Jin's sudden disappearance, and he would pay for it.
* * * *
"I don't believe it!" Ling said. "He didn't show up!"
"Why would he miss out on something as great as this?" Lei asked.
Ling didn't have any answers.
"Where are you, Jin?"
Author's note: That better? You like the attempter Xioujin? But where has Jin gone off to? That answer will be revealed in the next, and sadly final chapter. Please review!!
Craig was in the hospital. King was fine, but he and Craig had been eliminated for fighting outside of schedule. Yoshimitsu and Bryan were nowhere to be found. Lei was in the hospital, but recovering at remarkable speed. When it was all said and done, there were only four fighters left: Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Christie Monterio, and Paul Phoenix. It was perfect for putting together the final matches. All four finalists met outside in the Mishima Hotel lobby. A tournament official held a small box with no lid.
"There are four pieces of paper in this box. Each has a letter, A,B,C, or D. Each of you will draw out a letter to determine who will fight whom. The person who draws the letter A will fight whoever draws letter B, and likewise, C with fight D. You will draw in alphabetical order. Jin Kazama, you're first."
Jin reached in and pulled out a letter. "B." He said.
"Kazuya Mishima, you're next." Jin held his breath. Kazuya reached in and looked at it.
"C." He said. Jin sighed, not really knowing if it was a sigh of relief or disappointment.
"Christie Monterio, you're next." She reached in and pulled a letter, then looked at Jin.
"A."
"I guess that means I'm D." Paul said. "Alright! You and me, Kazuya! Just like it should've been 21 years ago!"
Kazuya raised a brow behind his dark shades. "You actually think you could've won that fight?"
"You bet I do! And I'll beat you now!"
"I look forward to proving you wrong."
"Just keep talking, pal. You're gonna really feel pathetic when I pummel your face into the ground!"
Kazuya just shook his head.
"So I guess it's you and me, huh?" Christie said to Jin.
"Yeah, I guess so." Jin said.
"May the best fighter win." She shook hands with him. "But don't think that means I'll hold anything back."
"Same to you."
"Mr. Kazama and Ms. Monterio will be fighting on the beach at 2:00 today. Mr. Mishima and Mr. Phoenix will be fighting right outside this hotel at 4:00."
"Good." Paul said, then he turned to Kazuya. "That way, everyone will be able to see me whoop your rear."
"Bring it on." Kazuya countered calmly. Then the all headed back to their rooms.
* * * *
Ling Xaioyu was feeling much better. The doctors said she could walk if she wanted, and she did. She found out what room Lei was staying in and went to go see him with Panda at her side. Lei was sitting up in his bed with a laptop open. He had various bandages across his face and around his head. Ling knocked on the door and he looked up.
"Ling! What are you doing here?"
"They said I could walk around if I wanted to. I saw your fight on TV. You okay?"
"For the moment. Come on in! Hello, Panda." He scratched Panda behind the ears. She moaned in delight.
"Hard at work, I see." Ling said.
"I've tried everything to find Bryan, but I'm getting nowhere. So I figured I should work on my lead with Nina Williams."
"What have you found?"
"A lot. In every tournament, she's come only to kill someone. In the first tournament, it was Heihachi. In the second, it was Kazuya. And last time, it was Jin."
"Jin?! We have to warn him!"
"Hold you horses! I don't think she's after him this time."
"Then who is she after?"
"I believe it's that Steve Fox character."
"Why?"
"As it turns out, he's running from the biggest gang in Britain. It's like a British Mafia. Anyway, he was supposed to lose a boxing match, but won, and since then, the mafia has been after him. He thought he'd be safe in America, but they followed him. He joined the tournament because if he won, he'd have the resources and information to take out the mafia."
"But he lost . . .I beat him."
"I know. Now he's in real danger. I believe the mafia hired Nina to take him out. That's why she joined the tournament."
"Whoa."
"I know. It's amazing. I've almost put all the pieces together. When I do, and once I'm out of here, I'll nail her. I didn't win the tournament, but I intend to come home with at least one trophy."
"That's one way to put it. By the way, where do you get all this information?" She tried looking at the screen, but Lei turned it away from her.
"I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you."
"Oh, okay. Hey, do you know anything about the tournament? I mean, who's fighting who and stuff."
"Hang on." He typed in the tournament's web address "Uh-huh, here we are, right there at the top. Jin Kazama vs. Christie Monterio at 1:00 today, and Kazuya Mishima vs. Paul Phoenix at 4:00."
"So Jin and Kazuya aren't fighting yet."
"Yet?"
"I really think they'll fight each other one way or another."
"If you're right, they'll be up against each other after these two fights."
"It'll happen that way, I just know it."
"But only one will be able to face Heihachi, you know that. Either way, however, the winner will rightfully own the company anyway, if you're right."
"I just hope they can beat Heihachi."
"Yes, what do you think of that?"
"Hm?"
"I mean, you could be working for one of them!"
"I have no problem with Jin, and Kazuya's not bad either. Either one would be good."
Lei smiled. "I should probably get back to this lead."
"Yeah, I'll leave you alone. C'mon, Panda." Then they left.
* * * *
Paul Phoenix was also in the hospital. He came in wearing his biker uniform, drawing stares. He got to Law's room and found him watching TV. He knocked on the doorframe. Law looked over at him.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Come on in." He did.
"Whatcha up to?"
"Nothing, really. I'm bored. Nice to have company." He took a bit of the food on his lap. "This is actually pretty good. Here, try some."
"Uh . . .no."
"C'mon."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"No."
"You didn't answer my question."
"Okay, here's your answer: because I said no!"
Law chuckled. "Good choice, it's terrible. You usually trust me when it comes to food, though."
"When it comes to YOUR food. When it's the hospitals, I don't trust anyone who says it's good unless they have wings and a halo."
Law chuckled again.
"Hey, Marshal . . .about our fight . . .I, uh,"
"Paul, if you hadn't fought like you did, I'd have been very disappointed and though less of you."
"Really?"
"Yes. You gave it your all just like I asked you."
"So . . .we're still okay?"
"Yes, in fact, I think that fight strengthened us. Speaking of fights, I hear you're fighting Kazuya next."
"Yep. We couldn't do it 21 years ago, so we're doing it now."
"Don't get cocky."
"That's like telling a snake not to bite."
"I guess it is."
"But if I do win, I'll go through on my promise and help you out."
"You'll also be making yourself known, like you wanted."
"Yeah, I guess I am."
"Anyhow, what's your strategy for beating Kazuya?"
"Um, let's see . . .beat him up . . .beat him up some more . . .then when he's down on the ground, keep pounding him."
"That's it?"
"That's what I always do."
"In any case, good luck."
"Thanks."
"You should probably go practice some more to get your edge up. Kazuya won't go down easy."
"I know, and you're right. Guess I should. See ya."
"Good bye."
Paul left the room and headed for the exit. He rounded a corner and ran right into a patient. He quickly reached out and grabbed her before she fell. She was a good deal shorter than him with black hair, and she looked Chinese.
"Sorry!"
"It's okay."
"Hey, you're that Ling Shah . . .shoo . . .shae . . .you're that Chinese chick, aren't you?"
"Yeah, Ling Xaioyu. And you're Paul Phoenix, aren't you? Hard to recognize you without you're hair up."
"Yeah, yeah, I saw your fight. How you feelin'?"
"Better than I was. How's your friend?"
"Good. He's fine."
"I, uh, hear you've got a fight coming up."
"Yep. Against Kazuya. I'm looking forward to it."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. Hey, I gotta go."
"Nice talking to you."
"You too. Later." Then he left. Ling really meant what she said about wishing him good luck. If he won, Jin wouldn't have to face his father.
* * * *
The sun was high in the sky, the waves lapped the coast from the cool breeze blowing through. It was a beautiful day at the beach. But there would be no swimming for two people. This was Christie's territory. She grew up in Brazil, a land with a warm climate and plenty of beaches. Jin wasn't familiar with this territory, he never had gone to the beach before, even in Australia! But, of course, he wasn't going to back out either.
A pretty big crowd had gather, both for the beach and the fight. Christie was dressed in a bikini top and long, white pants. Jin had his black and white pants and his open black and white shirt. They came together in the middle of the "arena" and shook hands.
"Here we go!" Christie said.
"Let's do this."
"FIGHT!!" The ref shouted.
Christie's fighting style was like a dance. She kept moving back and forth across the sand, never really staying in one place, which would make it hard for Jin to hit her and easy for Christie to hit him at any angle. She struck first, swinging a low kick, which Jin jumped over. Then he came down with a punch, but Christie moved out of the way and kicked his head, knocking him over. He got back up quickly. She got onto her hands and spun her legs around like helicopter blades, kicking his stomach a few times, then she swung her legs around, tripping him and kicking him about before he finally landed on his head. Luckily, the sand broke his fall. Jin rolled out of the way and stood again, a bit dazed.
Christie circled Jin for a little while. Finally, he swung a punch, but Christie moved dodged it, grabbed his arm, and flipped over, kicking his head into the sand again. Jin still got up. She was fast, but her moves weren't that strong. Jin still stood in his stance and waited. Christie leapt into the air, swinging her legs around towards his head, but he ducked under and kicked her, just as the landed, then bashed her in the face with his elbow. She got up, looking a bit dazed. She couldn't take a hit too well, Jin noticed.
Jin came forward and faked a kick, then swung a punch, but Christie caught it perfectly and grabbed his arm again, but this time, instead of pulling him down, she actually crawled onto him and began sliding all over his body like an eel! It's kind of impossible to describe it better than that. Then, for the last part of the move, she kicked off his chest, knocking him into the sand. Jin got up, but he was really dizzy this time. That was her strategy: daze her opponent and not get hit. Well, Jin's mind was a little too solid for that.
Jin charged and swung a high kick, which Christie ducked under and Jin leapt into the air before she could catch his legs and just as she got up, he gave a double-kick, tossing her into the air. Just as she landed, Jin got a hold of her again. He grabbed her by the shoulders and kicked her away. She got back up, but Jin could tell she was in pain.
Christie shook it off and got serious. She had to win this. She ran at him and slid along the sand, going right past him. As he turned around, she did a back-flip kick, then tripped him and swung her legs around her body like a gymnast, keeping him in the air for some time. Finally, she landed on his stomach and she got onto this back and pulled his leg back and bashed his head with it, then grabbed his opposite arm and pulled it back, then she spun his body around entirely and leapt away, leaving him to land on his awkwardly-positioned arm and leg. He shouted in pain and Christie got back up, smiling.
Jin slowly got up, clutching his arm. What was that move?! She ran at him again and leapt into the air, aiming for his head, but he leaned back and spun out of the way and when she landed, he punched her three times, then yanked her back and punched her to the ground. She slowly got up and Jin performed his "Blade Kick" moved. He reeled his foot back and gave a mighty kick, shooting her across the sands. She hit hard and didn't get up. The referee began to count.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . .seven . . .eight . . .nine . . .TEN!! You're out!!" The crowd cheered and booed and Jin took a few breaths. Christie was having trouble getting up, so Jin walked over to her and extended his hand. She took it and he helped her up.
"Good job." He said. "You almost had me there."
"Thanks," She said, with a small smile, then she walked away sadly.
* * * *
After his fight, Jin went to the hospital to see Ling. He peeked in the door and saw Ling moving around the room, trying to get back into the Chinese Martial Arts. He knocked on the doorframe.
"What are you up to?"
"Don't want to be caught off guard!"
He chuckled. Then a nurse walked by and shot her a double take and sighed.
"Ms. Xaioyu, you are supposed to be in bed, you've been up and about enough."
"Fine, fine." She walked back to the bed grumpily. "If she had as much energy as I do, she'd understand what a death trap she's setting."
"Death trap?" Jin asked, confused.
"Once I'm out of here, I'll have more energy than even you can comprehend!"
Jin laughed and kissed her. She leaned back into the bed.
"I'm bored."
"Why don't you watch TV?"
"Nothing on."
"Then I'm out of ideas."
"Well, you're here now, so we can have fun."
"Uh . . .how?"
"We can talk! I saw your fight. You kicked butt!"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Guess? You threw her all over the place!"
"Nice to know I have such a fan."
"You bet! So, you worried about fighting your father?"
Jin shrugged. "I don't know. When I first saw him, I wanted nothing more but to pummel him to the ground. But now that I know him better, I don't really know what to think."
"Just give it your all and so will he. Either way, one of you will go to face Heihachi, and I know you'll win, either of you."
Jin slouched in his chair and looked at the ceiling. "I wonder what I'd do if I won."
"Lead the Mishima Zaibatzu into a glorious age."
"I don't know. I never really pictured myself the leader of a company like this." He thought a little more. "I'd probably sell it to the highest bidder."
"Or give it to your father?"
"Maybe. You think he'd do good with it?"
"He ran it great for a year after the first tournament. I think he could do it again."
Jin shrugged.
"But what would you do, though? I mean, if you're going to just give it away, what would you do afterwards?"
"I don't know." He rubbed his chin, then smiled. "Perhaps you and I would go off somewhere."
Ling smiled. "You have my attention."
"A cruise first, to celebrate the defeat of Heihachi. A nice long one along the ocean in the biggest and best ship there is."
"Go on."
"And, um, then we'd go wherever we wanted! Kick back, relax, live our lives the way we should be!"
"With your dad's support, we could travel the world!"
"Yeah! We could go to China and I could see your home."
"And go to Europe. I've longed to see it. We could ride those boats in Venice, Italy!"
"Or see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the city of loooove." He said that last part with a hilarious tone.
"Or go to England and see that giant clock, Big Ben!"
"I hear Spain if beautiful."
"And America! See all the wondrous cities. New York!"
"L.A."
"Chicago!"
"Miami!"
"Vegas!"
"San Francisco!"
"St. Louis!"
"Yeah! That's it! We'd go anywhere and everywhere!"
"But what about after it all?"
"Find someplace great to live together."
"Yeah! Hey, maybe even have a kid or two!"
"Uh, let's get back to just us."
"We'd live happily ever after, the two of us." Ling's face was glowing now.
"Yeah.that'll be great." Jin said, calming down from the fantasy.
"I can't wait." Ling said, smiling, and laying back on her bed.
"How you feeling now?"
"Mm.tired."
"Wore you out, did I?"
"Mm-hm."
"I'll let you sleep then."
"Mm. G'night."
"Goodnight, Ling." He kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams." Then Jin left, full of anticipation of making their dream come true.
* * * *
The last match of the semi-finals would start in just a minute. Marshal turned on the TV in his hospital room. Paul and Kazuya were both heavy-hitters. They would be pretty equally matched.
"Alright, C'mon, Paul. You can do this. Just keep your guard up, then knock him out. Show him what American fury can do!"
* * * *
Paul cracked his knuckles. "I gotta win this one. I will win this one! Kazuya's goin' down!"
Kazuya crossed his arms. "Fool."
Paul had his black muscle shirt and blue jeans on again. Kazuya had a black shirt and pants and black shades. They were right outside the hotel, on the streets-which had been blocked off-, so there was a massive crowd watching. Paul and Kazuya stepped forward. This area was full of danger: concrete sidewalks, the road, the glass telephone booths, lampposts, and much more.
Kazuya and Paul shook and the ref asked them both, "You ready?"
"I'll wipe you out here and now, Kazuya!"
"Try me."
"Okay.FIGHT!!"
Paul swung the first few punches, but Kazuya dodged them all. Paul combined them with various kicks, but Kazuya blocked them all. He took a few steps back, but didn't attack. He was going to use the same strategy he had used against Hwoarang: keep a defensive stance until he wore out, and then strike. Paul swung down and Kazuya sidestepped away, but Paul swung both fists sideways, pushing him back, then giving a mighty uppercut. Kazuya stumbled back, but stayed in his stance.
If there was one thing Paul didn't like, it was when an opponent treated him like a wimp. He wasn't even attacking! Paul thought it over and looked behind Kazuya. If he wasn't going to attack, he'd pay the penalties. Paul gave a few more punches, pushing Kazuya back, then he made his move. He reeled back, then shot forward, knocking Kazuya back through one of the phone booths. Glass shattered and Kazuya hit the concrete in pain. Paul walked around and picked him up, then gave his burning fist, punching him through another phone booth.
Kazuya didn't get up, and the referee ran over to him.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . ."
Kazuya got up.
"C'mon, Kaz." Paul said. "You're gonna have to step it up a notch."
Kazuya cracked his neck. "Be careful what you wish for."
Paul swung another punch, but Kazuya ducked under it, then gave his "Dragon Uppercut" move. Paul stumbled and Kazuya tripped him. Paul got back up. Kazuya punched his face, the backhanded it with the other hand, then kicked him, then bashed his face with his elbow. Paul spat out blood, but wasn't giving up.
Kazuya struck again, but reeled back and bashed him again, then performed the Unblockable Tackle when he tried getting up again. Kazuya shook it off and got back to him. He tried the Dragon Uppercut, but Paul moved, then performed the gave two powerful kicks to Kazuya's face, then spun him around and performed the Burning Fist again, smashing him through the remaining phone booth.
Paul raised his fists in victory as the ref began to count.
"One . . .two . . .three . . .four . . .five . . .six . . .seven . . .eight . . .nine . . ."
Kazuya leapt up with one last energy surge. He spat out blood, then took off his shades and looked at them. They were shattered.
"I liked these." He said, tossing them away and getting back into position.
"You just don't know when to quit, do you?" Paul snorted.
Paul tried the Shredder again, but Kazuya moved and gave a mighty kick to Paul's head, then tackled him to the ground and pounded his face. Paul rolled him over and gave him the same treatment until Kazuya bashed his face and rolled him off.
Both fighters jumped back to their feet. Paul rushed forward planting three powerful punches to Kazuya's face. Kazuya returned it with three Dragon Uppercuts. Neither man could keep the upper hand. For the longest time, they attacked each other with basic moves, until Paul smashed Kazuya down to the ground with both his fists and stomped on him. Kazuya rolled away and stayed crouched, then spun around, getting closer and closer until he was right next to Paul and leapt upward, giving his Lightning Screw Uppercut, sending Paul flying. He came down Kazuya gave his most powerful kick, and Paul landed head-first on the ground.
The referee counted to eight, then Paul got up. He had to win. Kazuya punched, but Paul caught it and sent it back into his face, but Kazuya still got a shot to his ribs, the swung the fist up, bashing his face. Paul brought his foot up and kicked him back. Kazuya tripped on the sidewalk and fell onto his back. Paul got down and began pummeling his face. Kazuya's then supercharged himself. His fists glowed with electricity and he swung both of his fist up, knocking Paul into the air, then he got down and spun around on the ground and when Paul came down, the leapt up smashing him back into the air with the Lightning Screw Uppercut. Then, he leapt into the air and kicked Paul away. He crashed into the side of a building and hit the ground hard. The referee counted off.
"One . . .two . . .three . . ."
Paul breathed heavily.
"Four . . .five . . .six . . ."
Kazuya clenched his fists in case Paul wanted more.
"Seven.eight.nine."
Paul put all his strength into getting up.
"TEN!! You're out!!"
Paul fell back onto his stomach and closed his eyes. With his last ounce of strength, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Martial.I failed."
* * * *
After his fight, Kazuya didn't have anything else to do, so he went to see Ling. As he began to enter, she jumped back into her bed.
"I'm in bed! I'm in bed!"
"What?"
"Oh, it's you. I thought you were that nurse who keeps saying 'you're supposed to be in bed.' Boy, I'd like to tear her head off!" Just then, that nurse came in.
"Well, finally, you're sitting still. It's nice to see you're finally listening." Then she left.
"Can't sit still?" Kazuya asked.
"Mm-mm. Hey, I saw your fight. Intense stuff. You okay?"
"I will be."
"Let's hope so. You have to fight Jin at eight."
"Yes . . .I do."
"Nervous?"
"No. Jin and I both knew this would come. I shall give it my all and I expect him to do the same."
"That's what I told him. He came by earlier."
"It seems you're feeling better, being up and about."
"Yeah, hopefully, they let me go to see you or Jin kick Heihachi's butt!"
"I look forward to seeing you there."
Kazuya sat down and they were silent for a minute. After her conversation with Jin, Ling was pushed to ask.
"So, Kazuya, if you won the tournament, and got the Mishima Financial Empire, what would you do?"
"Lead it into a glorious age."
"Kinda thought so. I saw you as more of the business man than Jin."
"What would he do, I wonder."
"I asked him that earlier. He said he'd probably give it to you."
"Me?"
"He isn't much of a business man."
"Then what would he do?"
"He and I came up with this great idea of traveling the world together. We'd see everything, all the great cities of the world, travel on the finest cruises, do everything."
"Sounds nice."
"Either way, I just know one of you will beat Heihachi, and that's be great, no matter which one of you it is."
"Yes, it would. As long as Heihachi is gone, the world can rest peacefully."
"Yup. So, you think you'll be in better fighting condition tonight?"
"Probably. Even if I'm not, I'll still go."
"Then you should be training, shouldn't you? I mean, Jin's not gonna go down easy."
"Mm. You're right, I probably should. Yes, I'll do that. Well, goodbye, Ling."
"Bye! I'll be sure to catch the fight on TV!"
Kazuya turned and headed for the elevator.
"Soon, Jin." He whispered. "Soon it will be over."
* * * *
8:00, that night.
The arena was at the top of the Mishima hotel, where King and Craig had fought. The glass part of the roof had been replaced, but still proved just as dangerous. It was time for the last match before Heihachi, who was personally overseeing this fight.
"Everyone's itching for some action." The reported said. "Jin Kazama, the mysterious runaway going up against his father, Kazuya Mishima, who was thought to be deceased! This one will be remembered for all time! Mr. Heihachi Mishima himself is even here to see it! No one can wait for the fight to begin! But one question still remains: Where the heck is Jin Kazama?!"
* * * *
"Good question!" Lei said to the TV he and Ling were watching.
"He'll be there." Ling said. "I know he will." But inside, her hopes were fading.
* * * *
Kazuya paced back and forth on the roof.
"Come on, Jin! Where are you?! Don't chicken out now! We both knew this was coming, now let's do this honorably!" But still, he didn't come.
After waiting a few minutes, the referee came over. "Mr. Mishima, due to the absence of Jin Kazama, we have officially declared you the-"
"Wait!" Kazuya interrupted. "Please.just give him ten more minutes."
The referee thought it over. "Alright. Ten more minutes. But if he isn't here, the match is over, and you will win by default."
* * * *
"Now here's a twist!" the announcer said, "Just as he was about to be officially declared the winner of the match, Kazuya asked for ten more minutes to wait for Jin!"
"Remarkable!" Lei said.
"He wants to do this honorably." Ling said. "He wants to give Jin a fighting chance."
"Even so, Jin better show up soon."
* * * *
Everyone waited a little while longer. Kazuya became nervous. Where was that boy? Then, the referee came over to him.
"The ten minutes are up. Due to the absence of Jin Kazama, I officially declare you the winner of the match by default."
Kazuya looked down and sighed. Then he looked up at Heihachi, who was grinning in the midst of all this. Kazuya glared furiously. He didn't know how, but he knew Heihachi was involved in Jin's sudden disappearance, and he would pay for it.
* * * *
"I don't believe it!" Ling said. "He didn't show up!"
"Why would he miss out on something as great as this?" Lei asked.
Ling didn't have any answers.
"Where are you, Jin?"
Author's note: That better? You like the attempter Xioujin? But where has Jin gone off to? That answer will be revealed in the next, and sadly final chapter. Please review!!
