Chapter 12: Surprise!
"The fate of many; lies in the hands of one."
Disclaimer: stop pestering me, I don't own for the last time!!!!
Kotou: OOPS!! I made a BIG Mistake!!! Let me clear that up. The first sentence in the last chapter said that Zenrei was only 1 day old. I meant 1 month old!!! My bad! Sorry for the confusion. So in chapter 11, Zenrei is a month old. Ok? Ok!!! So how was it? Good? Bad? Confusing? Bloody? Yeah, well anyway, I'm going to keep on writing!!!
Opside: Yeah, you have the right ideas!! I was going to do something just like that. (The whole Jin and Kazuya thing.) Not now, soon. This chapter is pretty much about Jin, Ling and Zenrei. I'm not going to say much so you can read, but don't worry, they will meet soon!! ^__^! Maybe, no, they will definitely, no, ok, wait...yeah, I got it. To find out, read on!!!
Forevermore: Wow! We get to see a new side to Razan! (her cuter bubbly side!!! Well sorta!) Anyways, I hope you like it, thanx for the mail! I appreciate it greatly!
SkittlesX_treme: So, you like it? I had you worried? Come on! You had to know that they'd win, right?? *__^!
Chandavatika: Yes! More action on the way!!!!
Lacrease: The Best? Me? OH THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!! I Love the flattery, don't get much of that!!!! Tee Hee! Jin's daughter is an Angel? You think so? Or maybe...she isn't!!! Maybe she's just being pulled in by both worlds, and they are both controlling her...could be?
Fox Lady: Yups! Kanji's dead. And he died horribly at that!!!!
Nessa: *Looks around* You reviewed once again!!! Now we can bug Brittany, (AKA: Miharu) about these chapters. Can you believe that she didn't even finish reading the first one? Yeah, she got grounded from now till next year!!! So anyways, you still better review me. Or maybe you would like it if I asked Vegeta to sneak in your window tonight and...MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!! EEEWWW! I know, but that would be a dream come true for me!!! ^__^!
Chandavatika: I hope I don't confuse you with what I'm writing next, but most of all, I hope I don't BORE YOU TO DEATH!!!
So many things passed Jin's mind as his daughter was now six months old. She was definitely a beautiful sight. Her hair was a dark brown color with some strands darker than others. Her hair stood up and it was noticeable. She even had the Mishima eyebrows, yet with a feminine touch to them and her gentle face. Ling laughed looking at Jin and looking back at her daughter.
"Looks like she has a lot of Mishima in her." She said. Jin lowered his head and rolled his eyes.
"I know." He murmured.
"Oh come on Jin, its not that bad!" She put two rubber bands in Zenrei's hair, making her pigtails. She smiled and kissed her belly. "Oh my little Zenrei, I love you so much! Yes I do! Yes I do!!" She said playfully. Jin smiled and laughed. It was funny to see her act so...parental. "What?" She asked looking at Jin who was laughing at her.
"It's been a while since I've seen you so carefree. I like you better this way." He rubbed Zenrei's cheek with his finger. She smiled and grabbed it. "It looks like Zenrei does too. She loves her mama just the way she is. Truthful and honest." Ling smiled. She loved it when Jin said nice things to her.
"Here, while you're just standing there, why don't you feed her." She handed Zenrei over to Jin and gave him the bottle of smashed carrots.
"Smashed carrots?!" He said in disgust. "Well, I guess whatever works..." He opened the lid and took out the baby spoon. 'How does Ling do this again?' He thought. 'What does she say that gets her to eat this stuff?' Jin tried the normal way. Zenrei was stubborn and didn't open her mouth. "Pretty please!" Jin begged the child to open her mouth.
"Try pretty please with sugar on top, ice-cream in the middle, chocolate fudge on the bottom, and covered with nuts and sprinkles." Jin put the spoon closer.
"Pretty please with sugar on top, ice-cream in the middle, chocolate...Ling! You're mocking me!" He said. Ling sat beside him.
"Do ya need help?" She laid down by her daughter patting her head. She took the spoon from Jin and fed Zenrei. Jin stared at her astonishingly.
"No way! Why did she listen to you?" Ling smiled.
"Try approaching it in a more playful manner." Jin didn't understand.
"How do you feed someone in a playful manner?"
"Well, what did your mother do when you didn't want to eat?"
"What do you mean? I always listened to my mom!"
"Ugh! Be realistic! I'm talking about when your mom tried to feed you."
"She didn't feed me this stuff, that's for sure!" They both laughed. It was obvious to both Jin and Ling that he needed more help in the parenting department. Sure he loved Zenrei and being a father. That was never the question. He loved her with all his heart and would do anything for her.
"Try moving the spoon around and say that it's an airplane."
"Does she even know what that is?"
"Jin! I'm trying to help you!"
"Ok! Ok!" Jin moved the spoon around. "Vroom, vroom, vroom! This is captain Kazama speaking." Ling couldn't help but to burst out in laughter.
"Airplanes don't go vroom!" Jin stared at her with a slight grin.
"I'm doing my best here! Just bear with me. Ok, where was I? Oh yeah. Captain Kazama needs to get into the airport! We need your help to open up!" Zenrei opened her mouth wide. Jin had put the spoonful in without any hassle. "Wow! That was fun!" He said."I could have easily done that! I am the greatest parent!" He marched around the room with Zenrei.
"Yeah, sure!" She said boastfully. "Come on Zenrei, your daddy needs to change. He's taking you out while I go to work." Jin grabbed Ling's arm before she left the room.
"Ling, I don't want you to work today. I want you to stay home with us." He said with sadness in his voice. She pouted looking at his sad distraught expression. She wanted to stay home too. She wanted to stay and play with Jin and the baby. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"I have to go in today, but I will see what I can do to change my schedule so I can have more time with you guys. Ok?" She smiled and went into the nursery. She set Zenrei on the changing board. "Oh Zenni, I want to stay home with you and daddy, but I have a responsibility." She smiled and began to change her diaper. As she went to pin the diaper on, she had sensed a familiar presence.
"Let the light be your guide..." Said the angelic voice. She picked up the pin in her hands and stood there, gazing aimlessly at the wall, concentrating on the voice. "Don't give in to the temptation, protect our only hope..." Without realizing it, she stabbed herself and let the blood drip down her finger. She paid no attention to it, like she was in some kind of trance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In his room, Jin had also heard a voice calling out to him.
"Jin..." It said. He raised his head and looked around.
"Ling? Was that you?" He asked. There was no answer. He felt a sudden chill run through his body. Something wasn't right. "Ling? Is everything ok?" He began to suddenly feel dizzy, like the floor beneath him was moving around him. He felt his head begin to hurt and his stomach churn.
"The fate of many, lies in the hands of one...Do you feel it Jin?"
"Who are you?" He asked angrily.
"That all depends, I could be whatever you want me to be." Said the voice. Jin felt a tugging at his pant leg. He looked down and saw Zenrei. He gave out a big sigh.
"Oh Zenrei, it's only you." He went to pick her up, but she ran away. It surprised him to see her just walk up and run away when she could barely even stand on two feet. "Zenni?" He asked chasing her down the stairs. He then saw an older looking girl in front of him. It was the young girl he had seen before.
Flashback*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jin was in the training room with Ling Xiaoyu. They were just about to kiss when he had heard a loud crash in the guest room
"Who could that be?" Xiaoyu asked. Jin shrugged his shoulders and helped her up. They walked to the guest room together. He saw a young girl, about the age of sixteen or so, wearing a jean jacket with a blue tube top on and a short jean skirt. She had fallen over a table and stared directly at Jin. He saw that she had his glass frame in her hands. She slowly regained her posture and stood upright. Jin had an awkward feeling about her. He had some kind of understanding about her. She wore her hair short, like Ling's, but different. She was too scared to speak. Jin slowly walked towards her. "Don't be scared." He told her. The sound of his voice was comforting to her. She gallantly walked towards him and handed back the picture and frame. Ling could see the joy in her eyes, which made her jealous. Now she knew how Makoto felt.
"I'm sorry. You see-I came here for a reason. But everything seems ok." She said staring at Jin lovingly. Ling wanted to beat the hell out of her. She gasped. She was really starting to sound like Makoto. Ling walked up to the girl, in a friendly manor, and bowed her head.
"Hi. I am Ling Xiaoyu." She said bringing her head back up. She pointed to Jin saying, "This is Jin Kazama." The girl's eyes widened.
"Kazama!" She said astonished. Her jaw dropped and she moved back some. "I know that name!" She proclaimed. Jin stared at her in disbelief. He never expected anyone else to know the name. She wanted to tell Jin more about her, but she felt something tell her that she couldn't. "I've gotta go now. My mother and father are waiting for me back home." She said. "I'll see ya guys later!" She yelled waving her hands back and forth as she disappeared into the crowd.
"We gotta go catch her!" Jin said running towards the door. Ling grabbed onto his legs, not letting go.
"No. We don't have to go anywhere." She said pleading for him to stay. He looked down at her sadly.
"But Xiaoyu, I felt something about her. Something-special." He said sweetly. Now, she wanted to beat the hell out of him! What was he talking about? One minute he was telling her how much he loved her, and the next; he says he feels something 'special' about someone else. She gave him a murderous look and stood up in his face. He saw her evil look and then noticed that she took it the wrong way. "No! Not that kind of special!" He said waving his arms around. She looked away and sat on the chair.
"Then what kind of special?" She asked. He sat next to her, trying to gather up the right words.
"You see, when I first saw her, I immediately thought about my mother. I could tell she had a good spirit. It was a gift from my mother to me. Something told me that she isn't an ordinary girl. I think she has some kind of psychic power." She sort of understood him. She knew that Jin had some psychic powers of his own, but she didn't know of what he was capable of. She nodded her head to tell him that she was ok.
"All right. I understand." She said. She wondered, just a little about that girl. Ling could sense something about her too. A sudden familiarity filled her heart when she saw her for the first time. "Jin, do you think-" she stopped. She didn't know what she was saying anymore. She leaned her head back and stared in his eyes. "Whoa!" She said. She stood up straight and pinned Jin to the couch. She looked in his eyes and noticed that the girl's eyes look exactly like Jin's eyes. She could feel a sudden uneasiness rise through her body.
End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's you! The girl I met a few years ago." She smiled and bowed her head. A few tears fell from her cheek.
"Yes daddy! It's me!" She said running into his arms. He stood in shock. The girl was Zenrei, only grown up. He hadn't noticed it before. He felt sudden warmth inside of him and wrapped his arms around her.
"Zenrei." He whispered. She closed her eyes and smiled, but it soon disappeared. She backed away slowly frowning. "What's wrong Zenni?" He asked with concern. She took a deep breath and looked over by her right arm. She slowly picked up her sleeve, wincing at her father's pain in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Papa. I tried to save myself." She cried and wiped the tears from her eyes. "But I couldn't win, I was too young." Jin stood there with hurt in his eyes and in his heart.
"How?" Was all he could manage to say. She closed her eyes and he had closed his. Suddenly, there was a flash of visions.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jin held the baby in his hands as he looked at Ling.
"Go Jin, and take Zenrei as far from here as you can!" He bent down by her and looked at the fire surrounding them.
"No, I won't leave you!" He cried. Ling smiled meekly and shook her head.
"You must go. Forget about me, I will survive. For now, take her out of here and as far from Devil as possible." Jin held her hand and nodded.
"Ok, but I will be back for you."
"And I'll be waiting." She kissed him one last time before he left.
As he was running through the fiery woods, Akuma and Devil had both approached him. Devil and Akuma both worked together to take Zenrei from Jin. The little baby screamed as she was torn away from her father. Jin tried to fight back, but could not win. Then, with one final stroke...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"No!!!" Screamed Jin as he launched from his bed. Sweat dripped from the tips of his hair and onto his hands. He breathed raggedly as he searched his room looking for Ling and Zenrei. "Ling? Zenrei? Where are you?" He got up and looked in the mirror. He saw that a few markings on his body were starting to disappear.
Ling wasn't moving, wasn't breathing, and wasn't showing any form of life. Her blood ran lazily down her finger and onto Zenrei's cheek. She grabbed hold of her mommy's finger and slowly placed it in her mouth, sucking at her finger.
Jin came into the nursery and saw Ling changing Zenrei's diaper. He sighed, walking over to her.
"There you are. You had me scared for a moment there." He looked up at her emotionless face and looked down at Zenrei. She was sucking on her mother's finger, letting the blood drip down her corners of her mouth. Jin had no idea of what was going on. When she had released Ling's finger, the cut was gone, and Ling returned to normal. She turned around and saw Jin staring at her.
"Hi Jin! Ya ready to take Zenrei for her walk?" She looked at his half changed body and messed up hair.
"You didn't see that?" He asked.
"See what?" Hadn't she seen what happened? Was she oblivious to the whole matter?
"Ling, Zenrei just..."
"Oh Zenrei, What happened to you?!" She gasped looking at the baby. She wiped the corners of her mouth that were stained with blood. "What did you do Zenni?" She kissed her cheek and finished changing her diaper.
"That's what I was trying to tell you. Zenrei just put your finger in her mouth and...healed you." She looked at Zenrei who was smiling back at her. She definitely had her father's gorgeous smile. "I think her powers are coming into play." Ling thought the exact same thing, which worried her. Now, everyone was going to be after her.
"Yeah? You think so?" She tilted her head from side to side. "Maybe, but lets not rush anything. "I'm happy that she has some light in her-but, what if her dark side starts reacting too?" She asked worriedly. "I just want her to grow up to be a normal kid. I almost regret it myself, having this light in me. It scares me Jin...I'm scared." Jin knew how she felt.
"I know. Sometimes the things we don't know can scare us. It can make us cold and uncaring; It can separate us from our family, and those who care about us; It could even cause us to give pain and suffering to those who do not deserve it." He leaned his head to hers. "But fear doesn't have to be all bad. Fear and trepidation can also make us stronger people." Ling raised her head and touched his nose with hers.
"I understand. I was afraid I was never going to find you again; I was afraid that you might have been killed or tortured; I was afraid to know what would happen to you if we met again; I was afraid of loosing you to someone else besides me." Her voice became shaky. "But the fear of not knowing what was going to happen to you-between us, made me stronger. I think."
Jin went to grab Zenrei but Ling pulled her away. She looked at Jin and laughed. "Uh, Jin?"
"Yeah?"
"You might wanna get changed first." She said chafing his hair with her fingers. Jin looked in the mirror and went into the room.
As Ling went down the stairs, she saw Yuki sleeping next to the door. She sat next to her and stroked her behind the ears. "Hey girl, where's your parents?" She asked. Yuki pointed out to the back of the forest. Ling smiled and pat her head.
The sun began to rise high over the horizon. She walked with Zenrei in the living room in her arms as she rocked her back and forth. She sang a song to her. It was sweet and smooth. She sang it in Japanese. The language had come easy to her now. Zenrei listened to her every breathing word as she laid her head next to Ling's heart.
" The light that brought miracles, I have seen it with my own eyes. If dreams could tell me what you wished, I would listen and fly to your heart."
She sang until Jin had finished changing. He came down the stairs and heard her gentle voice. It reminded him of his mother. She sang songs to him when he was an infant. He listened carefully and instantaneously knew the song she was singing. He put his hand on her shoulder. She stopped, but did not turn back. She knew in her heart what he was going to say next.
"Ling. I...I..." He lowered her head. She did not want to make him sad.
"I'm sorry Jin. I didn't mean to make you sad."
"No. I'm not sad. I'm not sad at all. I want you to keep on singing, it comforts me." She smiled to herself. She wasn't sure how to explain what happened next. It was probably her soul speaking to Jin through a song.
" I can't remember the words I said, But the wind brings back the pain. When the dove flies at night, Brightening the abandoned stars, A white feather will fall. Nothing can express it in words."
Jin knew it. It was the song that he once heard Ling sing before he left. She stopped; the pain of remembering what happened was far too unbearable.
"You sang that song to me the night I left you. The last night we spent together. Why? Why did you sing it, to me?"
"Jin. I wanted you to know what I felt. I didn't want you to change your mind, but know that I would be there beside you. Forever." Jin smiled. It was a sad beginning to their relationship, but had a happy renewal. Zenrei was beginning to fall asleep in Ling's arms. "Aw, Jin you'd better take her now. I've got to go to work." She handed the baby to Jin.
"What about us?"
"I promise I won't be gone long." She kissed him on the cheek as she got her bags and left the house. Jin looked at his daughter who gave a big yawn.
"My little angel. I guess it's just you and me now. Mommy should get back around two." Jin carried his daughter up to his room, and set her on the bed. He put the baby bag on the bed and opened it. "Let's see. What should we take?" He went through Ling's drawer. He grabbed two bottles, two diapers, a bottle of baby food, a rattle, and a few others of Zenrei's favorite toys. "That's good enough, right?" He looked at her for an answer. Jin shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, that'll do. At least for now." Jin grabbed a small baby-blue gi and dressed her up. He decided it was best to have Zenrei go barefooted, rather than not getting acquainted with the rough turf. He picked her up and carried her on his shoulders. "Alright, let's go!"
Jin walked for a good half an hour to get to a special spot he felt comfortable in. It was near a long river, the same spot where he always liked. He had never thought about living here. This was just a small quiet place to relax. The next thing he knew, he had built a house, married his one true love, raised bears, and trying to manage father hood and raising a family. Everything was happening quickly, but nicely. Jin set Zenrei on the ground, laid out a blanket for her, and gave Zenrei her toys.
"Ok Zenni, daddy's going to be busy for a while. Stay here and don't move. I'll be right here." Jin walked a little further; more towards the lake where he could relax and keep an eye on his daughter. Jin had started with the basic warm-ups.
10 feet away, behind a large tree, Kazuya and Razan stood watching over Zenrei.
"Oh, She's so cute!!" She said in a giddy chuckle. "Yeah, her parents are the perfect couple, and look at the cutie they brought into this world!" She said. She looked at Kazuya whose face was full of longing. "Kazuya, what's wrong?" She asked sadly.
"Nothing." He mumbled. She smiled at him and looked at the small child.
"You wish you could hold her, don't you?" She said teasing him. "Aw, Kazuya wants to hold her! How cute." Kazuya rolled his eyes.
"Quiet. We're supposed to be watching them from afar." Razan pouted and crossed her arms.
"Why's that so?" He lowered his head and looked at Jin who was getting stronger with each punch.
"Jin doesn't know that I'm still alive. I think it's better to keep it a secret that way." She sighed and sat down next to him.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She said. "Kazuya?" she looked up into his eyes smiling.
"Hm?"
"Don't you wish that you could hold her?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was hot at work. Ling had just finished getting everything together and was on her way home. She cleared off her desk, took her bag, and punched out. "Phew, another day's work finally completed! I think Jin's going to like the surprise when I tell him that I have a month's off paid vacation! Just as she was about to leave the door, she had seen Miharu and Europa come in with the emergency team.
"Hurry! Get them to the room quick!" Ling stood by the door wondering what happened. Miharu began to cry as she said what she had found.
"Miharu, what's going on?" She asked worriedly. Miharu gave Ling the red scarf covered with blood. "This...this is Kuma's." She examined it further. "Yeah, that's Kuma's alright. I don't see what it has to do with anything though. She gave Miharu the scarf back and saw a mess of blood all over her hands.
"I found Kuma and Panda lying on the ground. There was a giant pool of blood along with them too. Oh Xiao, I hope it's not too late." Xiaoyu ran inside the emergency room. She saw Kuma and Panda lying helpless on the bed as they were rolled down the hall. Pain tore at her heart as she watched the sad and dying expression of the two bears.
"Oh Kuma, Panda. Hold on you two. You have to hang on!" She held onto Panda's paw. "Panda." She whispered. "My best friend, don't leave me. Don't leave me now." She cried as she saw her friend slowly wither away. "No. Hang on there girl." She gently ran her fingers through her soft fur. She looked at the man next to the heart monitor. "Raikou, what's the stats?" He looked at the monitor.
"Not good. I don't think they'll have much longer." She closed her eyes and clenched her fists.
"No! We have to do something!! Give them more fluids, do something! They can't die!" She looked over at Kuma and gently laid her hand over his wound.
"Mrs. Kazama, you know as well as I that we cannot save all of our patients. We can only do our best and let whatever happens, happen." She shook her head.
"No. You don't understand. They have a young cub still. She needs her mama and papa." She wrapped her arms around Kuma's neck. "Kuma has become so proud of his daughter, I cannot let him die. Not like this."
"I'm sure that the cub is old enough to live on her own. They become self- reliable at a young age." She looked at Panda, holding her big bear face in her hands, gently brushing at the fur on her cheek.
"And Panda has been my friend since I can remember. I won't just let her die. I won't let her, or Yuki down!" There was a silence in the room. Raikou looked at the other doctors. He signaled for them to meet in the corner of the room.
"We've done all that we can do. There is no way of saving them. The wound is much too grave, and it will take a lot of time, and a lot of patience. And in the end, we aren't even sure if it'll work out." They smiled and agreed.
"I understand." Said the older male doctor. "All we can do is give her some time to herself. She'll realize that it was God's will, and not ours." Raikou nodded.
"Thank you doctor."
"Come now, let's leave them alone. It won't be long now." They walked passed Ling.
"Wha-where are you going?" She asked in a choked voice. Raikou saw the redness in her eyes.
"We are just going out for a while and ask about this situation. We are giving you a moment of peace with them." Said the elder man as he led the team out of the room. It was silent. The lights were a bright white and the only sound that could be heard was the heart monitor. A steady beat played over and over. Beep...beep...beep. It played. It was a nice steady rhythm that was a sign of hope.
"Oh Kuma. I don't know what happened, but it looks like it got the best of you." She gave him his scarf and put it around his neck. "There. Now you look half better than you did when you came in." She looked at Panda whose tears were clearly visible in her glossy eyes. "Oh Panda, please don't cry. For me? Please, I want to see you healthy, and you can't be healthy when you are crying like that." She kissed her dry nose. Beep...beep...beep...the sound still played on. There was still hope. She patted Panda on her head. "Yuki, she was waiting for you this morning." She consoled. "She and Zenrei have become great friends. I know that she can't wait to see you two again. She really misses you." Kuma slowly lifted his head. Beep...beep...beep...she looked at the monitor again; things were still going smooth. "Kuma, stop moving will ya?" Her voice was soft and serene. "You're going to lose energy that way." He pulled the scarf off of his neck with his teeth and held it in his mouth. He growled, signaling for Ling to come to him. "Shh. Save your breath." She said patting his head. He dropped the scarf in her hands. "No. This is yours, take it." Panda pushed the bracelets off her paws. "Panda stop it." Ling bent down to pick up the bracelets. Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep!!!!!! The last beep was a long and still one. Ling snapped her head back looking at the heart monitor. She felt her own heart drop. "No!!!! No, come on! Get up!!" She ran to Kuma, then back to Panda. "Please!!" She fell to her knees and put her hands on her face.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kazama." Said Raikou through the glass window.
Half an hour later, Ling came out of the room and went into the waiting room. She hung her head down and held the scarf and bracelets in her hand. Miharu walked up with Zenrei. She saw the stinging pain in Ling's eyes.
"Oh Xiao." She rested her hand on Ling's shoulder. "I wish I could help." Ling didn't say anything.
"Hahahahahahahaha!!!!" Ling looked up and saw an ethereal figure above her. "Well, wasn't that fun?" Asked the voice. Ling pushed Miharu behind her.
"Devil?!?!" She asked with fear streaming throughout her voice. Her hands shook and her heart raced. Miharu started screaming until her voice couldn't carry anymore.
"Why are you so afraid girl? I didn't do anything yet; except the little fun I had with the two excuses for animals, but that's all! Mwahahahahaha!!!" Ling backed away frightened. She had no idea of what she was up against.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kazuya sat behind the tree sleeping soundly after watching his granddaughter entertain herself. Razan had moved closer to get a good look at the child. She also watched Jin train and train and get better each time. Zenrei played with her little rattle. She shook it around and it had accidentally slipped out of her hands flying high, and hitting Kazuya on the head. It woke him and he abruptly jumped up.
"What the-" Razan put her finger over her lips. Jin looked back and saw that Zenrei was still ok. He confirmed that she was not in any danger and went back to his Katas. Razan sighed, giggling at Kazuya's sudden shock. Zenrei looked at Kazuya and spread her arms out to reach him. Razan pointed to the rattle on the ground. 'This is going to be quite difficult.' He thought as he picked up the tiny toy. Slowly, he diligently made his way towards Zenrei and gave her the rattle himself. He carefully opened her tiny hands and placed it in her grip. He smiled and for the first time in his life, he felt his heart become full. He had touched his granddaughter's cheek and felt her soft, smooth skin.
"That's so cute!" Razan said quietly. Jin stopped training. When he turned around, there was no one there, but Zenrei holding her rattle up in the air. Zenrei began to cry looking at her father. Jin smiled walking back towards her. He sat down beside her and placed her in his lap, bouncing her up and down. Zenrei stopped crying when Jin held her. "I see. You missed me. It's ok, I'm here for you now." Jin looked at the area where Kazuya was hiding. He didn't see him.
'I wish that I could have said those words to my son. I think if I could have shown him a little more love, he would have been happier. He seems content with his new life. I wont change that. I wont take his only happiness away from him.' Kazuya thought. Jin sat down and took out one of the bottles of baby food out.
Over a few trees, Razan saw that someone had come into the woods. She looked behind Jin and saw Ling, Miharu, and little Europa rushing in here. Ling's clothes were tattered and Miharu had blood running down her leg.
"Jin!" She called. He turned around and saw her rush into his arms. Miharu had laid Europa next to Zenrei and fell next to them. Jin looked at the two of them.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"It's devil, he's back!!" She cried. Jin felt scared; not for his life, but for his daughter's who was most likely his next target. Jin took Ling a few feet away and talked to her privately.
Razan ran towards Kazuya.
"What are we gunna do now?" She asked. "How can we save her without..."
"We're just going to have to take chances!" He said. The two of them agreed.
"XIAO!!!!!!" Miharu yelled. At the same time, both Jin and Kazuya looked at Zenrei from where they were. Devil was hovering right over Miharu, Zenrei and Europa. Jin ran to Zenrei and so did Kazuya. Kazuya got to her first, picking her up in his arms.
"Uh oh!!!" Razan said looking at Jin's Jin stared at his father unbelievingly. He was speechless to see him alive.
"Father?"
Kotou: Another chapter done!!!! I wasn't going to have them meet so soon! I was planning on something different, but this turned out better. So actually, things turned out great! And now, I'm late for school!!!! So I better be going now!! Tee Hee! Thanks all for reading and reviewing. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!! Chapter 13 shall be up shortly...as soon as I think of a good battle scene! ^__^!!
"The fate of many; lies in the hands of one."
Disclaimer: stop pestering me, I don't own for the last time!!!!
Kotou: OOPS!! I made a BIG Mistake!!! Let me clear that up. The first sentence in the last chapter said that Zenrei was only 1 day old. I meant 1 month old!!! My bad! Sorry for the confusion. So in chapter 11, Zenrei is a month old. Ok? Ok!!! So how was it? Good? Bad? Confusing? Bloody? Yeah, well anyway, I'm going to keep on writing!!!
Opside: Yeah, you have the right ideas!! I was going to do something just like that. (The whole Jin and Kazuya thing.) Not now, soon. This chapter is pretty much about Jin, Ling and Zenrei. I'm not going to say much so you can read, but don't worry, they will meet soon!! ^__^! Maybe, no, they will definitely, no, ok, wait...yeah, I got it. To find out, read on!!!
Forevermore: Wow! We get to see a new side to Razan! (her cuter bubbly side!!! Well sorta!) Anyways, I hope you like it, thanx for the mail! I appreciate it greatly!
SkittlesX_treme: So, you like it? I had you worried? Come on! You had to know that they'd win, right?? *__^!
Chandavatika: Yes! More action on the way!!!!
Lacrease: The Best? Me? OH THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!! I Love the flattery, don't get much of that!!!! Tee Hee! Jin's daughter is an Angel? You think so? Or maybe...she isn't!!! Maybe she's just being pulled in by both worlds, and they are both controlling her...could be?
Fox Lady: Yups! Kanji's dead. And he died horribly at that!!!!
Nessa: *Looks around* You reviewed once again!!! Now we can bug Brittany, (AKA: Miharu) about these chapters. Can you believe that she didn't even finish reading the first one? Yeah, she got grounded from now till next year!!! So anyways, you still better review me. Or maybe you would like it if I asked Vegeta to sneak in your window tonight and...MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!! EEEWWW! I know, but that would be a dream come true for me!!! ^__^!
Chandavatika: I hope I don't confuse you with what I'm writing next, but most of all, I hope I don't BORE YOU TO DEATH!!!
So many things passed Jin's mind as his daughter was now six months old. She was definitely a beautiful sight. Her hair was a dark brown color with some strands darker than others. Her hair stood up and it was noticeable. She even had the Mishima eyebrows, yet with a feminine touch to them and her gentle face. Ling laughed looking at Jin and looking back at her daughter.
"Looks like she has a lot of Mishima in her." She said. Jin lowered his head and rolled his eyes.
"I know." He murmured.
"Oh come on Jin, its not that bad!" She put two rubber bands in Zenrei's hair, making her pigtails. She smiled and kissed her belly. "Oh my little Zenrei, I love you so much! Yes I do! Yes I do!!" She said playfully. Jin smiled and laughed. It was funny to see her act so...parental. "What?" She asked looking at Jin who was laughing at her.
"It's been a while since I've seen you so carefree. I like you better this way." He rubbed Zenrei's cheek with his finger. She smiled and grabbed it. "It looks like Zenrei does too. She loves her mama just the way she is. Truthful and honest." Ling smiled. She loved it when Jin said nice things to her.
"Here, while you're just standing there, why don't you feed her." She handed Zenrei over to Jin and gave him the bottle of smashed carrots.
"Smashed carrots?!" He said in disgust. "Well, I guess whatever works..." He opened the lid and took out the baby spoon. 'How does Ling do this again?' He thought. 'What does she say that gets her to eat this stuff?' Jin tried the normal way. Zenrei was stubborn and didn't open her mouth. "Pretty please!" Jin begged the child to open her mouth.
"Try pretty please with sugar on top, ice-cream in the middle, chocolate fudge on the bottom, and covered with nuts and sprinkles." Jin put the spoon closer.
"Pretty please with sugar on top, ice-cream in the middle, chocolate...Ling! You're mocking me!" He said. Ling sat beside him.
"Do ya need help?" She laid down by her daughter patting her head. She took the spoon from Jin and fed Zenrei. Jin stared at her astonishingly.
"No way! Why did she listen to you?" Ling smiled.
"Try approaching it in a more playful manner." Jin didn't understand.
"How do you feed someone in a playful manner?"
"Well, what did your mother do when you didn't want to eat?"
"What do you mean? I always listened to my mom!"
"Ugh! Be realistic! I'm talking about when your mom tried to feed you."
"She didn't feed me this stuff, that's for sure!" They both laughed. It was obvious to both Jin and Ling that he needed more help in the parenting department. Sure he loved Zenrei and being a father. That was never the question. He loved her with all his heart and would do anything for her.
"Try moving the spoon around and say that it's an airplane."
"Does she even know what that is?"
"Jin! I'm trying to help you!"
"Ok! Ok!" Jin moved the spoon around. "Vroom, vroom, vroom! This is captain Kazama speaking." Ling couldn't help but to burst out in laughter.
"Airplanes don't go vroom!" Jin stared at her with a slight grin.
"I'm doing my best here! Just bear with me. Ok, where was I? Oh yeah. Captain Kazama needs to get into the airport! We need your help to open up!" Zenrei opened her mouth wide. Jin had put the spoonful in without any hassle. "Wow! That was fun!" He said."I could have easily done that! I am the greatest parent!" He marched around the room with Zenrei.
"Yeah, sure!" She said boastfully. "Come on Zenrei, your daddy needs to change. He's taking you out while I go to work." Jin grabbed Ling's arm before she left the room.
"Ling, I don't want you to work today. I want you to stay home with us." He said with sadness in his voice. She pouted looking at his sad distraught expression. She wanted to stay home too. She wanted to stay and play with Jin and the baby. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"I have to go in today, but I will see what I can do to change my schedule so I can have more time with you guys. Ok?" She smiled and went into the nursery. She set Zenrei on the changing board. "Oh Zenni, I want to stay home with you and daddy, but I have a responsibility." She smiled and began to change her diaper. As she went to pin the diaper on, she had sensed a familiar presence.
"Let the light be your guide..." Said the angelic voice. She picked up the pin in her hands and stood there, gazing aimlessly at the wall, concentrating on the voice. "Don't give in to the temptation, protect our only hope..." Without realizing it, she stabbed herself and let the blood drip down her finger. She paid no attention to it, like she was in some kind of trance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In his room, Jin had also heard a voice calling out to him.
"Jin..." It said. He raised his head and looked around.
"Ling? Was that you?" He asked. There was no answer. He felt a sudden chill run through his body. Something wasn't right. "Ling? Is everything ok?" He began to suddenly feel dizzy, like the floor beneath him was moving around him. He felt his head begin to hurt and his stomach churn.
"The fate of many, lies in the hands of one...Do you feel it Jin?"
"Who are you?" He asked angrily.
"That all depends, I could be whatever you want me to be." Said the voice. Jin felt a tugging at his pant leg. He looked down and saw Zenrei. He gave out a big sigh.
"Oh Zenrei, it's only you." He went to pick her up, but she ran away. It surprised him to see her just walk up and run away when she could barely even stand on two feet. "Zenni?" He asked chasing her down the stairs. He then saw an older looking girl in front of him. It was the young girl he had seen before.
Flashback*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jin was in the training room with Ling Xiaoyu. They were just about to kiss when he had heard a loud crash in the guest room
"Who could that be?" Xiaoyu asked. Jin shrugged his shoulders and helped her up. They walked to the guest room together. He saw a young girl, about the age of sixteen or so, wearing a jean jacket with a blue tube top on and a short jean skirt. She had fallen over a table and stared directly at Jin. He saw that she had his glass frame in her hands. She slowly regained her posture and stood upright. Jin had an awkward feeling about her. He had some kind of understanding about her. She wore her hair short, like Ling's, but different. She was too scared to speak. Jin slowly walked towards her. "Don't be scared." He told her. The sound of his voice was comforting to her. She gallantly walked towards him and handed back the picture and frame. Ling could see the joy in her eyes, which made her jealous. Now she knew how Makoto felt.
"I'm sorry. You see-I came here for a reason. But everything seems ok." She said staring at Jin lovingly. Ling wanted to beat the hell out of her. She gasped. She was really starting to sound like Makoto. Ling walked up to the girl, in a friendly manor, and bowed her head.
"Hi. I am Ling Xiaoyu." She said bringing her head back up. She pointed to Jin saying, "This is Jin Kazama." The girl's eyes widened.
"Kazama!" She said astonished. Her jaw dropped and she moved back some. "I know that name!" She proclaimed. Jin stared at her in disbelief. He never expected anyone else to know the name. She wanted to tell Jin more about her, but she felt something tell her that she couldn't. "I've gotta go now. My mother and father are waiting for me back home." She said. "I'll see ya guys later!" She yelled waving her hands back and forth as she disappeared into the crowd.
"We gotta go catch her!" Jin said running towards the door. Ling grabbed onto his legs, not letting go.
"No. We don't have to go anywhere." She said pleading for him to stay. He looked down at her sadly.
"But Xiaoyu, I felt something about her. Something-special." He said sweetly. Now, she wanted to beat the hell out of him! What was he talking about? One minute he was telling her how much he loved her, and the next; he says he feels something 'special' about someone else. She gave him a murderous look and stood up in his face. He saw her evil look and then noticed that she took it the wrong way. "No! Not that kind of special!" He said waving his arms around. She looked away and sat on the chair.
"Then what kind of special?" She asked. He sat next to her, trying to gather up the right words.
"You see, when I first saw her, I immediately thought about my mother. I could tell she had a good spirit. It was a gift from my mother to me. Something told me that she isn't an ordinary girl. I think she has some kind of psychic power." She sort of understood him. She knew that Jin had some psychic powers of his own, but she didn't know of what he was capable of. She nodded her head to tell him that she was ok.
"All right. I understand." She said. She wondered, just a little about that girl. Ling could sense something about her too. A sudden familiarity filled her heart when she saw her for the first time. "Jin, do you think-" she stopped. She didn't know what she was saying anymore. She leaned her head back and stared in his eyes. "Whoa!" She said. She stood up straight and pinned Jin to the couch. She looked in his eyes and noticed that the girl's eyes look exactly like Jin's eyes. She could feel a sudden uneasiness rise through her body.
End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's you! The girl I met a few years ago." She smiled and bowed her head. A few tears fell from her cheek.
"Yes daddy! It's me!" She said running into his arms. He stood in shock. The girl was Zenrei, only grown up. He hadn't noticed it before. He felt sudden warmth inside of him and wrapped his arms around her.
"Zenrei." He whispered. She closed her eyes and smiled, but it soon disappeared. She backed away slowly frowning. "What's wrong Zenni?" He asked with concern. She took a deep breath and looked over by her right arm. She slowly picked up her sleeve, wincing at her father's pain in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Papa. I tried to save myself." She cried and wiped the tears from her eyes. "But I couldn't win, I was too young." Jin stood there with hurt in his eyes and in his heart.
"How?" Was all he could manage to say. She closed her eyes and he had closed his. Suddenly, there was a flash of visions.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jin held the baby in his hands as he looked at Ling.
"Go Jin, and take Zenrei as far from here as you can!" He bent down by her and looked at the fire surrounding them.
"No, I won't leave you!" He cried. Ling smiled meekly and shook her head.
"You must go. Forget about me, I will survive. For now, take her out of here and as far from Devil as possible." Jin held her hand and nodded.
"Ok, but I will be back for you."
"And I'll be waiting." She kissed him one last time before he left.
As he was running through the fiery woods, Akuma and Devil had both approached him. Devil and Akuma both worked together to take Zenrei from Jin. The little baby screamed as she was torn away from her father. Jin tried to fight back, but could not win. Then, with one final stroke...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"No!!!" Screamed Jin as he launched from his bed. Sweat dripped from the tips of his hair and onto his hands. He breathed raggedly as he searched his room looking for Ling and Zenrei. "Ling? Zenrei? Where are you?" He got up and looked in the mirror. He saw that a few markings on his body were starting to disappear.
Ling wasn't moving, wasn't breathing, and wasn't showing any form of life. Her blood ran lazily down her finger and onto Zenrei's cheek. She grabbed hold of her mommy's finger and slowly placed it in her mouth, sucking at her finger.
Jin came into the nursery and saw Ling changing Zenrei's diaper. He sighed, walking over to her.
"There you are. You had me scared for a moment there." He looked up at her emotionless face and looked down at Zenrei. She was sucking on her mother's finger, letting the blood drip down her corners of her mouth. Jin had no idea of what was going on. When she had released Ling's finger, the cut was gone, and Ling returned to normal. She turned around and saw Jin staring at her.
"Hi Jin! Ya ready to take Zenrei for her walk?" She looked at his half changed body and messed up hair.
"You didn't see that?" He asked.
"See what?" Hadn't she seen what happened? Was she oblivious to the whole matter?
"Ling, Zenrei just..."
"Oh Zenrei, What happened to you?!" She gasped looking at the baby. She wiped the corners of her mouth that were stained with blood. "What did you do Zenni?" She kissed her cheek and finished changing her diaper.
"That's what I was trying to tell you. Zenrei just put your finger in her mouth and...healed you." She looked at Zenrei who was smiling back at her. She definitely had her father's gorgeous smile. "I think her powers are coming into play." Ling thought the exact same thing, which worried her. Now, everyone was going to be after her.
"Yeah? You think so?" She tilted her head from side to side. "Maybe, but lets not rush anything. "I'm happy that she has some light in her-but, what if her dark side starts reacting too?" She asked worriedly. "I just want her to grow up to be a normal kid. I almost regret it myself, having this light in me. It scares me Jin...I'm scared." Jin knew how she felt.
"I know. Sometimes the things we don't know can scare us. It can make us cold and uncaring; It can separate us from our family, and those who care about us; It could even cause us to give pain and suffering to those who do not deserve it." He leaned his head to hers. "But fear doesn't have to be all bad. Fear and trepidation can also make us stronger people." Ling raised her head and touched his nose with hers.
"I understand. I was afraid I was never going to find you again; I was afraid that you might have been killed or tortured; I was afraid to know what would happen to you if we met again; I was afraid of loosing you to someone else besides me." Her voice became shaky. "But the fear of not knowing what was going to happen to you-between us, made me stronger. I think."
Jin went to grab Zenrei but Ling pulled her away. She looked at Jin and laughed. "Uh, Jin?"
"Yeah?"
"You might wanna get changed first." She said chafing his hair with her fingers. Jin looked in the mirror and went into the room.
As Ling went down the stairs, she saw Yuki sleeping next to the door. She sat next to her and stroked her behind the ears. "Hey girl, where's your parents?" She asked. Yuki pointed out to the back of the forest. Ling smiled and pat her head.
The sun began to rise high over the horizon. She walked with Zenrei in the living room in her arms as she rocked her back and forth. She sang a song to her. It was sweet and smooth. She sang it in Japanese. The language had come easy to her now. Zenrei listened to her every breathing word as she laid her head next to Ling's heart.
" The light that brought miracles, I have seen it with my own eyes. If dreams could tell me what you wished, I would listen and fly to your heart."
She sang until Jin had finished changing. He came down the stairs and heard her gentle voice. It reminded him of his mother. She sang songs to him when he was an infant. He listened carefully and instantaneously knew the song she was singing. He put his hand on her shoulder. She stopped, but did not turn back. She knew in her heart what he was going to say next.
"Ling. I...I..." He lowered her head. She did not want to make him sad.
"I'm sorry Jin. I didn't mean to make you sad."
"No. I'm not sad. I'm not sad at all. I want you to keep on singing, it comforts me." She smiled to herself. She wasn't sure how to explain what happened next. It was probably her soul speaking to Jin through a song.
" I can't remember the words I said, But the wind brings back the pain. When the dove flies at night, Brightening the abandoned stars, A white feather will fall. Nothing can express it in words."
Jin knew it. It was the song that he once heard Ling sing before he left. She stopped; the pain of remembering what happened was far too unbearable.
"You sang that song to me the night I left you. The last night we spent together. Why? Why did you sing it, to me?"
"Jin. I wanted you to know what I felt. I didn't want you to change your mind, but know that I would be there beside you. Forever." Jin smiled. It was a sad beginning to their relationship, but had a happy renewal. Zenrei was beginning to fall asleep in Ling's arms. "Aw, Jin you'd better take her now. I've got to go to work." She handed the baby to Jin.
"What about us?"
"I promise I won't be gone long." She kissed him on the cheek as she got her bags and left the house. Jin looked at his daughter who gave a big yawn.
"My little angel. I guess it's just you and me now. Mommy should get back around two." Jin carried his daughter up to his room, and set her on the bed. He put the baby bag on the bed and opened it. "Let's see. What should we take?" He went through Ling's drawer. He grabbed two bottles, two diapers, a bottle of baby food, a rattle, and a few others of Zenrei's favorite toys. "That's good enough, right?" He looked at her for an answer. Jin shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, that'll do. At least for now." Jin grabbed a small baby-blue gi and dressed her up. He decided it was best to have Zenrei go barefooted, rather than not getting acquainted with the rough turf. He picked her up and carried her on his shoulders. "Alright, let's go!"
Jin walked for a good half an hour to get to a special spot he felt comfortable in. It was near a long river, the same spot where he always liked. He had never thought about living here. This was just a small quiet place to relax. The next thing he knew, he had built a house, married his one true love, raised bears, and trying to manage father hood and raising a family. Everything was happening quickly, but nicely. Jin set Zenrei on the ground, laid out a blanket for her, and gave Zenrei her toys.
"Ok Zenni, daddy's going to be busy for a while. Stay here and don't move. I'll be right here." Jin walked a little further; more towards the lake where he could relax and keep an eye on his daughter. Jin had started with the basic warm-ups.
10 feet away, behind a large tree, Kazuya and Razan stood watching over Zenrei.
"Oh, She's so cute!!" She said in a giddy chuckle. "Yeah, her parents are the perfect couple, and look at the cutie they brought into this world!" She said. She looked at Kazuya whose face was full of longing. "Kazuya, what's wrong?" She asked sadly.
"Nothing." He mumbled. She smiled at him and looked at the small child.
"You wish you could hold her, don't you?" She said teasing him. "Aw, Kazuya wants to hold her! How cute." Kazuya rolled his eyes.
"Quiet. We're supposed to be watching them from afar." Razan pouted and crossed her arms.
"Why's that so?" He lowered his head and looked at Jin who was getting stronger with each punch.
"Jin doesn't know that I'm still alive. I think it's better to keep it a secret that way." She sighed and sat down next to him.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She said. "Kazuya?" she looked up into his eyes smiling.
"Hm?"
"Don't you wish that you could hold her?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was hot at work. Ling had just finished getting everything together and was on her way home. She cleared off her desk, took her bag, and punched out. "Phew, another day's work finally completed! I think Jin's going to like the surprise when I tell him that I have a month's off paid vacation! Just as she was about to leave the door, she had seen Miharu and Europa come in with the emergency team.
"Hurry! Get them to the room quick!" Ling stood by the door wondering what happened. Miharu began to cry as she said what she had found.
"Miharu, what's going on?" She asked worriedly. Miharu gave Ling the red scarf covered with blood. "This...this is Kuma's." She examined it further. "Yeah, that's Kuma's alright. I don't see what it has to do with anything though. She gave Miharu the scarf back and saw a mess of blood all over her hands.
"I found Kuma and Panda lying on the ground. There was a giant pool of blood along with them too. Oh Xiao, I hope it's not too late." Xiaoyu ran inside the emergency room. She saw Kuma and Panda lying helpless on the bed as they were rolled down the hall. Pain tore at her heart as she watched the sad and dying expression of the two bears.
"Oh Kuma, Panda. Hold on you two. You have to hang on!" She held onto Panda's paw. "Panda." She whispered. "My best friend, don't leave me. Don't leave me now." She cried as she saw her friend slowly wither away. "No. Hang on there girl." She gently ran her fingers through her soft fur. She looked at the man next to the heart monitor. "Raikou, what's the stats?" He looked at the monitor.
"Not good. I don't think they'll have much longer." She closed her eyes and clenched her fists.
"No! We have to do something!! Give them more fluids, do something! They can't die!" She looked over at Kuma and gently laid her hand over his wound.
"Mrs. Kazama, you know as well as I that we cannot save all of our patients. We can only do our best and let whatever happens, happen." She shook her head.
"No. You don't understand. They have a young cub still. She needs her mama and papa." She wrapped her arms around Kuma's neck. "Kuma has become so proud of his daughter, I cannot let him die. Not like this."
"I'm sure that the cub is old enough to live on her own. They become self- reliable at a young age." She looked at Panda, holding her big bear face in her hands, gently brushing at the fur on her cheek.
"And Panda has been my friend since I can remember. I won't just let her die. I won't let her, or Yuki down!" There was a silence in the room. Raikou looked at the other doctors. He signaled for them to meet in the corner of the room.
"We've done all that we can do. There is no way of saving them. The wound is much too grave, and it will take a lot of time, and a lot of patience. And in the end, we aren't even sure if it'll work out." They smiled and agreed.
"I understand." Said the older male doctor. "All we can do is give her some time to herself. She'll realize that it was God's will, and not ours." Raikou nodded.
"Thank you doctor."
"Come now, let's leave them alone. It won't be long now." They walked passed Ling.
"Wha-where are you going?" She asked in a choked voice. Raikou saw the redness in her eyes.
"We are just going out for a while and ask about this situation. We are giving you a moment of peace with them." Said the elder man as he led the team out of the room. It was silent. The lights were a bright white and the only sound that could be heard was the heart monitor. A steady beat played over and over. Beep...beep...beep. It played. It was a nice steady rhythm that was a sign of hope.
"Oh Kuma. I don't know what happened, but it looks like it got the best of you." She gave him his scarf and put it around his neck. "There. Now you look half better than you did when you came in." She looked at Panda whose tears were clearly visible in her glossy eyes. "Oh Panda, please don't cry. For me? Please, I want to see you healthy, and you can't be healthy when you are crying like that." She kissed her dry nose. Beep...beep...beep...the sound still played on. There was still hope. She patted Panda on her head. "Yuki, she was waiting for you this morning." She consoled. "She and Zenrei have become great friends. I know that she can't wait to see you two again. She really misses you." Kuma slowly lifted his head. Beep...beep...beep...she looked at the monitor again; things were still going smooth. "Kuma, stop moving will ya?" Her voice was soft and serene. "You're going to lose energy that way." He pulled the scarf off of his neck with his teeth and held it in his mouth. He growled, signaling for Ling to come to him. "Shh. Save your breath." She said patting his head. He dropped the scarf in her hands. "No. This is yours, take it." Panda pushed the bracelets off her paws. "Panda stop it." Ling bent down to pick up the bracelets. Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep!!!!!! The last beep was a long and still one. Ling snapped her head back looking at the heart monitor. She felt her own heart drop. "No!!!! No, come on! Get up!!" She ran to Kuma, then back to Panda. "Please!!" She fell to her knees and put her hands on her face.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kazama." Said Raikou through the glass window.
Half an hour later, Ling came out of the room and went into the waiting room. She hung her head down and held the scarf and bracelets in her hand. Miharu walked up with Zenrei. She saw the stinging pain in Ling's eyes.
"Oh Xiao." She rested her hand on Ling's shoulder. "I wish I could help." Ling didn't say anything.
"Hahahahahahahaha!!!!" Ling looked up and saw an ethereal figure above her. "Well, wasn't that fun?" Asked the voice. Ling pushed Miharu behind her.
"Devil?!?!" She asked with fear streaming throughout her voice. Her hands shook and her heart raced. Miharu started screaming until her voice couldn't carry anymore.
"Why are you so afraid girl? I didn't do anything yet; except the little fun I had with the two excuses for animals, but that's all! Mwahahahahaha!!!" Ling backed away frightened. She had no idea of what she was up against.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kazuya sat behind the tree sleeping soundly after watching his granddaughter entertain herself. Razan had moved closer to get a good look at the child. She also watched Jin train and train and get better each time. Zenrei played with her little rattle. She shook it around and it had accidentally slipped out of her hands flying high, and hitting Kazuya on the head. It woke him and he abruptly jumped up.
"What the-" Razan put her finger over her lips. Jin looked back and saw that Zenrei was still ok. He confirmed that she was not in any danger and went back to his Katas. Razan sighed, giggling at Kazuya's sudden shock. Zenrei looked at Kazuya and spread her arms out to reach him. Razan pointed to the rattle on the ground. 'This is going to be quite difficult.' He thought as he picked up the tiny toy. Slowly, he diligently made his way towards Zenrei and gave her the rattle himself. He carefully opened her tiny hands and placed it in her grip. He smiled and for the first time in his life, he felt his heart become full. He had touched his granddaughter's cheek and felt her soft, smooth skin.
"That's so cute!" Razan said quietly. Jin stopped training. When he turned around, there was no one there, but Zenrei holding her rattle up in the air. Zenrei began to cry looking at her father. Jin smiled walking back towards her. He sat down beside her and placed her in his lap, bouncing her up and down. Zenrei stopped crying when Jin held her. "I see. You missed me. It's ok, I'm here for you now." Jin looked at the area where Kazuya was hiding. He didn't see him.
'I wish that I could have said those words to my son. I think if I could have shown him a little more love, he would have been happier. He seems content with his new life. I wont change that. I wont take his only happiness away from him.' Kazuya thought. Jin sat down and took out one of the bottles of baby food out.
Over a few trees, Razan saw that someone had come into the woods. She looked behind Jin and saw Ling, Miharu, and little Europa rushing in here. Ling's clothes were tattered and Miharu had blood running down her leg.
"Jin!" She called. He turned around and saw her rush into his arms. Miharu had laid Europa next to Zenrei and fell next to them. Jin looked at the two of them.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"It's devil, he's back!!" She cried. Jin felt scared; not for his life, but for his daughter's who was most likely his next target. Jin took Ling a few feet away and talked to her privately.
Razan ran towards Kazuya.
"What are we gunna do now?" She asked. "How can we save her without..."
"We're just going to have to take chances!" He said. The two of them agreed.
"XIAO!!!!!!" Miharu yelled. At the same time, both Jin and Kazuya looked at Zenrei from where they were. Devil was hovering right over Miharu, Zenrei and Europa. Jin ran to Zenrei and so did Kazuya. Kazuya got to her first, picking her up in his arms.
"Uh oh!!!" Razan said looking at Jin's Jin stared at his father unbelievingly. He was speechless to see him alive.
"Father?"
Kotou: Another chapter done!!!! I wasn't going to have them meet so soon! I was planning on something different, but this turned out better. So actually, things turned out great! And now, I'm late for school!!!! So I better be going now!! Tee Hee! Thanks all for reading and reviewing. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!! Chapter 13 shall be up shortly...as soon as I think of a good battle scene! ^__^!!