Chapter eight: Julia
Julia entered the tournament alongside partner King. Earlier, she had struck a deal with the judges of the tournament, wondering if there was any way she could avoid fighting King. Her wish was granted, so she had no worries of fighting the wrestler in a battle. With confidence of destroying Abel's bio-weapon before he got the chance to create it, Julia climbed up the ladder of battles, defeating Bruce, Steve and Jack respectively. Quickly, Julia came upon her fourth fight.
(Fight 4: Julia vs. Bryan)
Julia shivered as she stood outside of a lodge at the bottom of a snowy mountain. Out of all places, why did those judges have to send her to Alaska? She wanted to fight her opponent quickly so she could get to someplace warmer. Skiers and lodge members stood around the area the battle would take place, preparing to watch the fight.
Suddenly, Julia heard a muffled 'crunch' coming from behind, followed by several more. Turning around, Julia saw her opponent walking towards her, his army boots making the crunching noises from stepping in the deep snow. Although he didn't have the same hair colour or facial features, Julia recognized the man.
"Bryan Fury?" Julia asked.
Bryan raised an eyebrow. "You recognize me?" He asked.
"It was hard at first glance, but yes, I recognize you." Julia replied with a smirk.
Bryan chuckled slightly, but got straight to the point. "I hear that you and King are out to destroy Abel's bio-weapon."
Julia's eyes sprang open. "How did you know that?" She asked.
"I have my reasons." Bryan replied. "Well, Yoshimitsu and I are also trying to do that."
"Really?"
"Yes. The only difference is that we're also trying to retrieve my old body at the same time."
"Then maybe we can all work together." Julia suggested.
Bryan put up his fists. "Maybe so, but in the meantime, we must fight. The rules apply."
Julia smirked. "Okay. Don't hold back!" She said as she put up her fists.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Bryan collapsed to one knee, using one hand to prop himself up. He used his other hand to rub his chin, where Julia had just struck for the final blow. Julia stood over him, fists still raised.
"Had enough?" Julia asked.
Bryan slowly got to his feet. "Quite." He said. "I'm not easily impressed, Chang, but you're getting real good at fighting."
"Thank you." Julia said as she dropped her stance.
"I'll be sure to tell Yoshimitsu about your offer for the four of us to work together." Bryan said. "You just continue fighting. You're not finished yet."
Julia nodded. "Yes. I must press on. Wether I win or not, I must penetrate the Zaibatsu and destroy Abel's bio-weapon!"
After her bout with Bryan, Julia continued, defeating Miharu and Law. Julia was getting closer and closer to winning. The only thing standing in her way from Heihachi was the seventh fight.
(Fight 7: Julia vs. Kazuya)
Julia stood in an arena that she actually liked: A forest. Everywhere around her, there was vegetation. Small forest animals were gathered around to watch the oncoming battle curiously.
Julia looked around several times. Her opponent was nowhere to be seen, and she had been waiting for a good fifteen minutes. She was almost ready to leave when she heard a twig snap behind her. Turning around, Julia saw her opponent: A tall man with jet black hair wearing shades. Julia's eyes snapped open.
"K-Kazuya Mishima!"
Kazuya smirked. "Yes, it is I. So, you're my opponent?"
Shakily, Julia nodded. "That's right."
"I understand that you and King are attempting to destroy some sort of bio- weapon being created by Heihachi." Kazuya said.
Julia sighed. "How does everyone seem to know about this mission? It's supposed to be a secret!" She said.
"Don't feel too upset. I got the information from King after I defeated him." Kazuya said. "You can say that I'm on a mission do defeat Heihachi myself."
"Oh?" Julia asked.
"Yes, but I don't have the time to explain it yet." Kazuya replied. He put up his fists. "We must fight if I'm to continue my mission."
"Yes. I guess you're right." Julia replied, also putting up her fists.
Kazuya smirked. {She's got the confidence of her mother.} He thought.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Julia thrust her foot out, catching Kazuya in the stomach. Kazuya staggered back, clutching his stomach. He stared at Julia for a few seconds before smirking. "Very well. I give up." He said. "You are an incredible fighter, Chang. Just like your mother."
Julia's eyes widened. "You knew my mother?!" She asked.
"I did." Kazuya replied. "Anyway, now that you've won, I must ask you to do me a very big favour."
"Yes?"
"Heihachi's kidnapped a teenager to lure Jin into a trap. Now that you've won, I need you to fight Heihachi and stall him long enough for Nina, Steve, Miharu and I to get into the Zaibatsu to rescue her." Kazuya explained.
Julia raised an eyebrow. Was this the same Kazuya that wanted nothing more than to steal Jin's genes and transform completely. Now here he was, trying to help a kidnapped girl. Still, she thought it was a good choice. "Sure." She said.
Kazuya nodded. "I don't normally say this, but thank you."
(Fight 8: Julia vs. Heihachi)
Julia stood in an arena packed with hundreds of screaming fans, waiting for Heihachi to arrive. It was nighttime, so all the spotlights were on and focusing on the arena. She only hoped that fighting Heihachi would give Kazuya enough time to get into the Zaibatsu.
Suddenly, Julia heard the screams of the crowd get wilder. Looking up, she saw an old man walking down the platform towards the arena. Julia narrowed her eyes at the old man, but kept quiet until he reached the arena.
"I'm surprised that you're the one who won the tournament." Heihachi said to Julia. "I was much more expecting that renegade son of mine."
Julia put up her fists. "I'll show you how well I can fight! Just like I showed Kazuya!" She shouted determinedly.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Julia lashed out her fist, catching Heihachi in the chest. Heihachi staggered back, clutching his chest, trying to catch his breath. Julia took this opportunity, leaping into the air. Julia came down, kicking Heihachi across the face. The old man spun around once and collapsed to the arena mat, defeated.
The crowd went wild for Julia as she dropped her stance. Finally, at long last, she had won a tournament. She saw the press starting to swarm her. As much as she wanted to answer the many questions, Julia knew she had more important things to do. Walking past the press, Julia left the arena and walked off.
In the direction of the Mishima Zaibatsu.
(Final battle)
Upon entering the Zaibatsu, Julia found King waiting for her. The two fighters rushed through the many hallways of the Zaibatsu, looking for a door that could lead to a laboratory where the bio-weapon could be.
After a while, the two came upon a door with a window. Julia stared through the window, looking inside the room. Inside, there were several scientists, more male than female, all working on computers. What shocked Julia most though, was the fact that one ankle of every scientist was shackled to a nearby post. It was obvious that these scientists were being forced to work on something against their will. Julia suddenly spotted a huge machine against the far wall. It had several cords attached to it, all of which ran through the computers. Julia's face hardened, knowing that this was the room they were looking for. She looked away from the door and looked at King. "This is it." She explained.
King nodded once as he grabbed the handle to the door. Julia suddenly heard King let out a frustrated growl.
"It's locked, isn't it?" Julia asked. King nodded as Julia sighed. "Great! How're we going to get in?"
Suddenly, Julia heard what sounded like loud, metallic footsteps coming down the hallway across from the door. Both Julia and King looked in the direction of the noises and saw a huge, robotic man barreling down the hallway, charging right towards the door.
"Save...Jane!...Save...Jane!" Jack droned as his red eyes glowed bright.
Julia's eyes widened, realizing what Jack was thinking of doing. She quickly turned to King. "Get out of the way!"
King complied quickly, dashing to the side. Julia did the same, running to the other side. And just in time too, as Jack flew past them and plowed his way through the door, creating a way into the room.
Julia and King quickly rushed through the Jack-shaped hole in the door, into the room. She spotted Jack quickly aiding a woman scientist by snapping the chain around her ankle like a twig. Julia knew that this was the 'Jane' Jack was looking for. Jack quickly ran to help out the other scientists. Julia's attention was focused on the machine against the wall.
"We need to take out that machine before the bio-weapon is created!" Julia stated. King nodded.
"Hold it right there!" A cold voice ordered from the shadows.
Julia froze when she heard the voice. She knew it all too well. She turned to the shadows with a hardened face. "Come on out, Abel!" She shouted.
"Gladly." The evil scientist said as he strode out of the shadows, hands behind his back. He looked at Julia and King and got straight to the point. "What do you thing you're doing here, miss Chang?" He asked. "You no longer work here."
"King and I are here to take out your machine before you create your bio- weapon!" Julia stated boldly. King put up his fists and nodded.
Suddenly, much to Julia's surprise, Dr. Abel started laughing. "Oh, is THAT why you want to destroy it?" He asked. His smirked evilly. "You're too late!"
Julia's eyes widened. "You mean that..." She asked, horrified.
"I'm afraid so!" A male scientist behind Julia said. "I'm sorry, but we were forced to do it!"
Still smirking, Dr. Abel turned to face the shadows. "Come on out, my creation!" He ordered.
Julia heard a noise that sounded like doors being forced open as a huge creature lumbered out of the shadows to stand by Dr. Abel. Julia's eyes widened, recognizing the furry body, fangs and snake arm.
"Ogre!"
Dr. Abel smirked. "Not quite. It's only a clone, yet it's as powerful as the original." He turned to the giant creature. "Destroy her, Ogre!" He said.
Suddenly filled with confidence, Julia quickly turned to King. "King, you help Jack release the scientists and get them to safety. I'll take on Ogre." She said.
King gave Julia a concerned look that read 'Are you positive?'. Julia nodded. "I'll be fine. I just want those scientists safe."
King hesitated, but turned around to help Jack free the scientists. Julia faced Ogre, and saw that Abel was gone, probably to escape to save his own tail. Julia charged past Ogre and ran into the room it had come out of: A huge room that could substitute as an arena. After running in halfway, she turned around to see Ogre run in and charge at her. Julia's face hardened as she put up her fists.
(ENDING)
Julia leapt into the air and kicked Ogre in the jaw. Ogre flew back ten feet before landing on the ground, seemingly defeated.
Julia stood still, making sure Ogre was defeated. Feeling satisfied, Julia turned around to go back into the laboratory she came from when she heard a low growl coming from behind. Turning around, Julia saw Ogre struggling to get to its feet. When it finally got upright, Ogre breathed a couple times before rearing back and letting out a howl of pain. Julia saw a beam of light sprouting from Ogre's back. Julia knew what this meant. Ogre was going to explode!
Turning around again, Julia ran from the room as fast as her feet could carry her. Running back into the laboratory, she saw that Jack, King and all the scientists were gone.
Julia continued running, trying to remember the way out of the Zaibatsu. Julia rushed down the many hallways, soon coming across the door leading out of the Zaibatsu.
As quick as she could, Julia ran out the door, and not a moment too soon, for as soon as Julia was down the hill from the Zaibatsu, the building exploded in a ball of fire, sending debris everywhere.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Julia stood on a cliff overlooking a valley of vegetation. The orange light from the setting sun reflected off her glasses.
Julia sighed sadly as she looked down. She had been searching for so long and she still hadn't come up with any way to help the wildlife of the forests. She was beginning to think that she would never accomplish such a wonderful dream.
"I knew I'd find you here."
Julia snapped her head up as she spun around. She saw Bryan Fury standing several yards away, a small and cute Prairie Dog on his shoulder. Seeing Bryan with any kind of small animal was a complete surprise to Julia, but she decided not to show it.
"What are you doing here, Bryan?" Julia asked.
"No real reason." Bryan replied. "I just came by to congratulate you on destroying the bio-weapon. As it turns out, Yoshimitsu and I were a little too late to retrieve my old body."
"Oh." Julia said. "Well, thank you. I trust your mission WAS a success, though."
Bryan nodded. "It was."
"Congratulations, yourself." Julia said.
Bryan walked up beside Julia and stared off into the valley. The Prairie Dog on his shoulder turning its head to look at Julia with its big, black eyes.
Julia snickered. "If I may ask, Bryan, why do you have a Prairie Dog on your shoulder?" She asked.
Bryan turned his head to look at Julia and smirked. "It followed me after I beat the tar out of Lei and I've been attached to it ever since." He replied.
Both fighters were silent until Bryan spoke up. "How's your reforestation plan coming along?" He asked.
Julia sighed. "Not good. I'm wondering if I'll ever accomplish it at all."
Bryan shook his head. "You shouldn't say that." He said. "It's always been your dream to save the forests. You shouldn't back down now. In fact, I have confidence that you'll actually be able to accomplish your dream."
Julia looked at Bryan. "You think so?"
Bryan simply nodded. Suddenly, he looked at his watch. "I'd better get going. Yoshimitsu found a new recruit he wants me to meet." He turned around and started walking away. "See ya next year, Julia."
Julia turned around. "Bryan?" She called out.
Bryan stopped walking and looked over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
Julia smirked. "Thanks."
Bryan smirked as he nodded. He continued walking away.
When Bryan was gone, Julia turned around to face the valley again. Staring out over the many trees, several rivers and the setting sun that was dousing the whole scene in orange, she smiled.
END of Julia's story
Author's notes: Well, I'm almost halfway through the fighters. Now, if you want to find out who this 'new recruit' is, I'll explain it in Yoshimitsu's story. Please read and review!
Julia entered the tournament alongside partner King. Earlier, she had struck a deal with the judges of the tournament, wondering if there was any way she could avoid fighting King. Her wish was granted, so she had no worries of fighting the wrestler in a battle. With confidence of destroying Abel's bio-weapon before he got the chance to create it, Julia climbed up the ladder of battles, defeating Bruce, Steve and Jack respectively. Quickly, Julia came upon her fourth fight.
(Fight 4: Julia vs. Bryan)
Julia shivered as she stood outside of a lodge at the bottom of a snowy mountain. Out of all places, why did those judges have to send her to Alaska? She wanted to fight her opponent quickly so she could get to someplace warmer. Skiers and lodge members stood around the area the battle would take place, preparing to watch the fight.
Suddenly, Julia heard a muffled 'crunch' coming from behind, followed by several more. Turning around, Julia saw her opponent walking towards her, his army boots making the crunching noises from stepping in the deep snow. Although he didn't have the same hair colour or facial features, Julia recognized the man.
"Bryan Fury?" Julia asked.
Bryan raised an eyebrow. "You recognize me?" He asked.
"It was hard at first glance, but yes, I recognize you." Julia replied with a smirk.
Bryan chuckled slightly, but got straight to the point. "I hear that you and King are out to destroy Abel's bio-weapon."
Julia's eyes sprang open. "How did you know that?" She asked.
"I have my reasons." Bryan replied. "Well, Yoshimitsu and I are also trying to do that."
"Really?"
"Yes. The only difference is that we're also trying to retrieve my old body at the same time."
"Then maybe we can all work together." Julia suggested.
Bryan put up his fists. "Maybe so, but in the meantime, we must fight. The rules apply."
Julia smirked. "Okay. Don't hold back!" She said as she put up her fists.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Bryan collapsed to one knee, using one hand to prop himself up. He used his other hand to rub his chin, where Julia had just struck for the final blow. Julia stood over him, fists still raised.
"Had enough?" Julia asked.
Bryan slowly got to his feet. "Quite." He said. "I'm not easily impressed, Chang, but you're getting real good at fighting."
"Thank you." Julia said as she dropped her stance.
"I'll be sure to tell Yoshimitsu about your offer for the four of us to work together." Bryan said. "You just continue fighting. You're not finished yet."
Julia nodded. "Yes. I must press on. Wether I win or not, I must penetrate the Zaibatsu and destroy Abel's bio-weapon!"
After her bout with Bryan, Julia continued, defeating Miharu and Law. Julia was getting closer and closer to winning. The only thing standing in her way from Heihachi was the seventh fight.
(Fight 7: Julia vs. Kazuya)
Julia stood in an arena that she actually liked: A forest. Everywhere around her, there was vegetation. Small forest animals were gathered around to watch the oncoming battle curiously.
Julia looked around several times. Her opponent was nowhere to be seen, and she had been waiting for a good fifteen minutes. She was almost ready to leave when she heard a twig snap behind her. Turning around, Julia saw her opponent: A tall man with jet black hair wearing shades. Julia's eyes snapped open.
"K-Kazuya Mishima!"
Kazuya smirked. "Yes, it is I. So, you're my opponent?"
Shakily, Julia nodded. "That's right."
"I understand that you and King are attempting to destroy some sort of bio- weapon being created by Heihachi." Kazuya said.
Julia sighed. "How does everyone seem to know about this mission? It's supposed to be a secret!" She said.
"Don't feel too upset. I got the information from King after I defeated him." Kazuya said. "You can say that I'm on a mission do defeat Heihachi myself."
"Oh?" Julia asked.
"Yes, but I don't have the time to explain it yet." Kazuya replied. He put up his fists. "We must fight if I'm to continue my mission."
"Yes. I guess you're right." Julia replied, also putting up her fists.
Kazuya smirked. {She's got the confidence of her mother.} He thought.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Julia thrust her foot out, catching Kazuya in the stomach. Kazuya staggered back, clutching his stomach. He stared at Julia for a few seconds before smirking. "Very well. I give up." He said. "You are an incredible fighter, Chang. Just like your mother."
Julia's eyes widened. "You knew my mother?!" She asked.
"I did." Kazuya replied. "Anyway, now that you've won, I must ask you to do me a very big favour."
"Yes?"
"Heihachi's kidnapped a teenager to lure Jin into a trap. Now that you've won, I need you to fight Heihachi and stall him long enough for Nina, Steve, Miharu and I to get into the Zaibatsu to rescue her." Kazuya explained.
Julia raised an eyebrow. Was this the same Kazuya that wanted nothing more than to steal Jin's genes and transform completely. Now here he was, trying to help a kidnapped girl. Still, she thought it was a good choice. "Sure." She said.
Kazuya nodded. "I don't normally say this, but thank you."
(Fight 8: Julia vs. Heihachi)
Julia stood in an arena packed with hundreds of screaming fans, waiting for Heihachi to arrive. It was nighttime, so all the spotlights were on and focusing on the arena. She only hoped that fighting Heihachi would give Kazuya enough time to get into the Zaibatsu.
Suddenly, Julia heard the screams of the crowd get wilder. Looking up, she saw an old man walking down the platform towards the arena. Julia narrowed her eyes at the old man, but kept quiet until he reached the arena.
"I'm surprised that you're the one who won the tournament." Heihachi said to Julia. "I was much more expecting that renegade son of mine."
Julia put up her fists. "I'll show you how well I can fight! Just like I showed Kazuya!" She shouted determinedly.
(AFTER BATTLE)
Julia lashed out her fist, catching Heihachi in the chest. Heihachi staggered back, clutching his chest, trying to catch his breath. Julia took this opportunity, leaping into the air. Julia came down, kicking Heihachi across the face. The old man spun around once and collapsed to the arena mat, defeated.
The crowd went wild for Julia as she dropped her stance. Finally, at long last, she had won a tournament. She saw the press starting to swarm her. As much as she wanted to answer the many questions, Julia knew she had more important things to do. Walking past the press, Julia left the arena and walked off.
In the direction of the Mishima Zaibatsu.
(Final battle)
Upon entering the Zaibatsu, Julia found King waiting for her. The two fighters rushed through the many hallways of the Zaibatsu, looking for a door that could lead to a laboratory where the bio-weapon could be.
After a while, the two came upon a door with a window. Julia stared through the window, looking inside the room. Inside, there were several scientists, more male than female, all working on computers. What shocked Julia most though, was the fact that one ankle of every scientist was shackled to a nearby post. It was obvious that these scientists were being forced to work on something against their will. Julia suddenly spotted a huge machine against the far wall. It had several cords attached to it, all of which ran through the computers. Julia's face hardened, knowing that this was the room they were looking for. She looked away from the door and looked at King. "This is it." She explained.
King nodded once as he grabbed the handle to the door. Julia suddenly heard King let out a frustrated growl.
"It's locked, isn't it?" Julia asked. King nodded as Julia sighed. "Great! How're we going to get in?"
Suddenly, Julia heard what sounded like loud, metallic footsteps coming down the hallway across from the door. Both Julia and King looked in the direction of the noises and saw a huge, robotic man barreling down the hallway, charging right towards the door.
"Save...Jane!...Save...Jane!" Jack droned as his red eyes glowed bright.
Julia's eyes widened, realizing what Jack was thinking of doing. She quickly turned to King. "Get out of the way!"
King complied quickly, dashing to the side. Julia did the same, running to the other side. And just in time too, as Jack flew past them and plowed his way through the door, creating a way into the room.
Julia and King quickly rushed through the Jack-shaped hole in the door, into the room. She spotted Jack quickly aiding a woman scientist by snapping the chain around her ankle like a twig. Julia knew that this was the 'Jane' Jack was looking for. Jack quickly ran to help out the other scientists. Julia's attention was focused on the machine against the wall.
"We need to take out that machine before the bio-weapon is created!" Julia stated. King nodded.
"Hold it right there!" A cold voice ordered from the shadows.
Julia froze when she heard the voice. She knew it all too well. She turned to the shadows with a hardened face. "Come on out, Abel!" She shouted.
"Gladly." The evil scientist said as he strode out of the shadows, hands behind his back. He looked at Julia and King and got straight to the point. "What do you thing you're doing here, miss Chang?" He asked. "You no longer work here."
"King and I are here to take out your machine before you create your bio- weapon!" Julia stated boldly. King put up his fists and nodded.
Suddenly, much to Julia's surprise, Dr. Abel started laughing. "Oh, is THAT why you want to destroy it?" He asked. His smirked evilly. "You're too late!"
Julia's eyes widened. "You mean that..." She asked, horrified.
"I'm afraid so!" A male scientist behind Julia said. "I'm sorry, but we were forced to do it!"
Still smirking, Dr. Abel turned to face the shadows. "Come on out, my creation!" He ordered.
Julia heard a noise that sounded like doors being forced open as a huge creature lumbered out of the shadows to stand by Dr. Abel. Julia's eyes widened, recognizing the furry body, fangs and snake arm.
"Ogre!"
Dr. Abel smirked. "Not quite. It's only a clone, yet it's as powerful as the original." He turned to the giant creature. "Destroy her, Ogre!" He said.
Suddenly filled with confidence, Julia quickly turned to King. "King, you help Jack release the scientists and get them to safety. I'll take on Ogre." She said.
King gave Julia a concerned look that read 'Are you positive?'. Julia nodded. "I'll be fine. I just want those scientists safe."
King hesitated, but turned around to help Jack free the scientists. Julia faced Ogre, and saw that Abel was gone, probably to escape to save his own tail. Julia charged past Ogre and ran into the room it had come out of: A huge room that could substitute as an arena. After running in halfway, she turned around to see Ogre run in and charge at her. Julia's face hardened as she put up her fists.
(ENDING)
Julia leapt into the air and kicked Ogre in the jaw. Ogre flew back ten feet before landing on the ground, seemingly defeated.
Julia stood still, making sure Ogre was defeated. Feeling satisfied, Julia turned around to go back into the laboratory she came from when she heard a low growl coming from behind. Turning around, Julia saw Ogre struggling to get to its feet. When it finally got upright, Ogre breathed a couple times before rearing back and letting out a howl of pain. Julia saw a beam of light sprouting from Ogre's back. Julia knew what this meant. Ogre was going to explode!
Turning around again, Julia ran from the room as fast as her feet could carry her. Running back into the laboratory, she saw that Jack, King and all the scientists were gone.
Julia continued running, trying to remember the way out of the Zaibatsu. Julia rushed down the many hallways, soon coming across the door leading out of the Zaibatsu.
As quick as she could, Julia ran out the door, and not a moment too soon, for as soon as Julia was down the hill from the Zaibatsu, the building exploded in a ball of fire, sending debris everywhere.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Julia stood on a cliff overlooking a valley of vegetation. The orange light from the setting sun reflected off her glasses.
Julia sighed sadly as she looked down. She had been searching for so long and she still hadn't come up with any way to help the wildlife of the forests. She was beginning to think that she would never accomplish such a wonderful dream.
"I knew I'd find you here."
Julia snapped her head up as she spun around. She saw Bryan Fury standing several yards away, a small and cute Prairie Dog on his shoulder. Seeing Bryan with any kind of small animal was a complete surprise to Julia, but she decided not to show it.
"What are you doing here, Bryan?" Julia asked.
"No real reason." Bryan replied. "I just came by to congratulate you on destroying the bio-weapon. As it turns out, Yoshimitsu and I were a little too late to retrieve my old body."
"Oh." Julia said. "Well, thank you. I trust your mission WAS a success, though."
Bryan nodded. "It was."
"Congratulations, yourself." Julia said.
Bryan walked up beside Julia and stared off into the valley. The Prairie Dog on his shoulder turning its head to look at Julia with its big, black eyes.
Julia snickered. "If I may ask, Bryan, why do you have a Prairie Dog on your shoulder?" She asked.
Bryan turned his head to look at Julia and smirked. "It followed me after I beat the tar out of Lei and I've been attached to it ever since." He replied.
Both fighters were silent until Bryan spoke up. "How's your reforestation plan coming along?" He asked.
Julia sighed. "Not good. I'm wondering if I'll ever accomplish it at all."
Bryan shook his head. "You shouldn't say that." He said. "It's always been your dream to save the forests. You shouldn't back down now. In fact, I have confidence that you'll actually be able to accomplish your dream."
Julia looked at Bryan. "You think so?"
Bryan simply nodded. Suddenly, he looked at his watch. "I'd better get going. Yoshimitsu found a new recruit he wants me to meet." He turned around and started walking away. "See ya next year, Julia."
Julia turned around. "Bryan?" She called out.
Bryan stopped walking and looked over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
Julia smirked. "Thanks."
Bryan smirked as he nodded. He continued walking away.
When Bryan was gone, Julia turned around to face the valley again. Staring out over the many trees, several rivers and the setting sun that was dousing the whole scene in orange, she smiled.
END of Julia's story
Author's notes: Well, I'm almost halfway through the fighters. Now, if you want to find out who this 'new recruit' is, I'll explain it in Yoshimitsu's story. Please read and review!