A Tale of Two Seeds

Chapter 3 – A Tree Grown

The wind whipped through the branches of the tall oak tree that stood in the middle of the garden. It was 17 years ago to this day that the now giant tree was planted in the ground.

"Amazing!" Thinks Jun Kazama as she stands by the giant oak. "I can't believe how tall and fast this tree has grown." She slowly runs her hand across the rough bark of the tree. Not a blemish can be found and an aura of peace and love emanate from every pore. "Simply Amazing!"

Jun Kazama was back on the grounds of the Mishima complex for the first time in 11 years. She and her family had moved to Tokyo when she was twelve. She stayed there through her teenage years and then went away to school. Her main interest had always been nature and animals so she became a Wild-life Protection Agent. However, her return to the Mishima complex was not a trip for remembrances. She was here to right a wrong. There had been reports of animal torture by the Mishima Syndicate and she was here to stop it.

Jun turns around as a familiar sound hit her ears.

"It is amazing isn't it," says the soft voice. "It has grown so tall in so short a time."

"Uncle Wang," Jun says with a smile. She quickly runs over and embraces the old man. "I've missed you so much. How have you been? You look simply....."

"Old...." he interrupts with a gleam in his eye. From the look of embarrassment that crossed Jun's face the old man knows what she is thinking. With a chuckle he states, "I am old. I am old and I am at peace with myself. Now child, what brings you back?"

Slowly Wang lets Jun help him to the small bench by the oak tree. "I am here to fight in the tournament. I must find out who is responsible for the deaths of all the animals in this area."

"It is a dangerous tournament child. There was much death in the first tournament. Are you prepared?"

"Yes, I have trained hard over the years and I know how to take care of myself."

Wang gently reaches over and puts Jun's hand in his. His eyes close and he seems to be listening for something. Suddenly a smile crosses his face and he speaks, "My child you are ready for the task that is ahead of you. Watch, learn, listen, and most of all you must trust those whom you should never trust. That is all I may say." With these last words the old man quickly gets to his feet and with a grace that defies his age briskly walks up toward the mountains.

Jun slowly sits back to ponder his words. "Trust those whom I should never trust. What does that mean?" She slowly stands to her feet and walks back to the tall oak. Placing her hand gently on the bark once again she lets the peace and tranquility fill her mind. It is then that she senses another presence far behind her. Turning quickly she sees the briefest flicker of a shadow fading in the distance. She quickly runs to try and catch the figure before it disappears, but he is already gone. "HE!" she thinks with surprise. "I know he is male. He seems so familiar to me. I don't know anyone here but Wang, but I feel like I know him somehow." With these thoughts running through her mind Jun makes her way back to the seclusion of the garden and the great oak.

Meanwhile, Kazuya Mishima nears the secret entrance to his office suite. His thoughts are confused as he thinks on the girl.... no the woman he saw in the garden. "Who is she? She seems so so ......familiar. I must find out more!"