Scarlet Lady: The Toshin Quest
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco, and that all characters mentioned from under this label are only used in this fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. No money is being made from this story; it is just for fun. I do however own the basic concept and characters of my own creation.
A/N: Been a while since I've written some of this. Hope its as good as my earlier chapters.
Chapter 11
The welcoming warmth was the first thing she felt as she arose from her unwanted slumber.
Anna had specifically recalled being out on the cold streets, facing life and death on her own, and now it greatly surprised her that she was surrounded by a much nicer feeling.
The warmth of life and not the eternal cold of death.
'I survived,' she told herself surely. 'And I was so stupid to rush in against Toshin. Why don't I listen to people?'
The comfortable bed beneath her made her want to drift off to sleep, but being switched so suddenly between environments had her keen to discover more about the lodgings that were housing her temporarily. With the very little light from a table lamp across the room, she could only make out so much. The walls looked light, and were most likely a yellow colour, but she couldn't be too sure by how the room was lit. There were very little furnishings, mostly the essentials like a table, chair, set of draws, wardrobe and a television, if they could be called just mere essentials. Very basic in such a high tech world.
She shifted carefully, the numbness of her body becoming apparent as she moved stiffly. There had been no doubt she'd taken a powerful hit, but there was no pain like before, when she'd first felt the shot. Now, she just felt dull and mainly tired. Any injury she'd taken from earlier in the evening had brought up bruises, but they were nothing more than light blemishes; not a single one was what she could see to be a worthy battle wound.
Deep down, her heart didn't know whether she wanted to cry or not for what had happened. She'd been so close to becoming another victim and yet so close to saving Nina from Toshin's clutches. But it was something that was out of her reach alone. She knew she needed help, but like her usual manor, she was afraid to admit it aloud.
If anyone heard 'help me' from her lips, she knew they'd surely see her as going soft. She'd always been one to solve things herself.
Coming to think of her aide. 'Hwoarang…'
Her eyes searched the room, wondering why she couldn't she the man of question in sight. And by the room's eerie silence, she was most surely alone. But of course, the man was stealthy, and could probably be a good sneak if he wanted to.
Why on Earth had he decided to save her?
It had been assured to her supposedly by their last encounter that he would not have cared if she'd lived or died, as long as he was assured a good sum of money at the end of his mission. He'd had a perfect opportunity to pull out all the shots to defeat Toshin, though notably, bullets wouldn't have been enough to finish the job. Whatever other little trick he had up his sleeve would have been helpful to him, and also made Anna wonder to what his capabilities were.
This still didn't answer her question of why he saved her?
Was it some personal reason? She'd be damned if she knew.
The door squeaked slightly and she was suddenly looking straight to it, hands gripping tightly to the bed. It was very assuring to her, after what had happened that night.
Hwoarang was now stood in the doorway; a tray nestled in his arm. A mug, a plate of assortments and a can of beer were the contents. Most likely the beer was for him.
"Ah, you're awake. Was worried I'd have to find a place to bury you without looking suspicious," he said, a smirk lighting up his face.
Anna scowled deeply in response, lying back down carefully. "You're aiming for a punch in the mouth."
"Ooh, still got some fire left in you, though, I don't think you're going to up for any more action tonight," he assured her, seeming to like how frustrated she looked. He approached the bed and took a careful seat on the side, setting down the tray on the bedside table. He lent back, giving her a glance over. "So, how are you feeling?"
"Crappy," She reported dully. "I just got zapped like a fly in a trap. What other word could I use to describe how I feel?"
"Well…"
"Say nothing, for the sake of your health," she warned him.
Hwoarang chuckled softly and gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."
Anna didn't say anything to that and just stared up at the ceiling in thought. Hwoarang went back to the contents of the tray. He brought the mug and plate overhead of her view, making her turn her eyes to him.
"I made you some coffee - strong coffee. You look like you need some perking up. And I have some chocolates and stuff. The ultimate snack food indulgence time. Interested?"
She sighed and sat up, pushing aside the plate and mug as she settled back. She took them from him carefully. "Why not. And you have to promise me you haven't laced them with poison or something."
He gave her a boyish grin. "Nah, I wouldn't do that! If I was going to kill you, I'd shoot you in the face with my trusty magnum."
"So reassuring," she said monotonously, before turning a little sarcastic. "A man of such a reputation of death and destruction amongst the demons… I feel so safe in your hands." She took a drink of the coffee. Rather bland, but yet soothing. The warmth made her feel better and calmed her inner shakes. Her insides were still reeling from before.
"You've got yourself a reputation too, but not like me. So anyway, no name calling, I've heard them all."
"Hmm…" She rolled her eyes.
Hwoarang didn't waste any time to crack open his beer. He shifted across to the end of the bed, leaning against the end board. He watched her from his opposite position as he continued to consume his alcoholic beverage. Anna didn't look up at him, instead, focused on picking out the better-looking chocolates in the plate.
The silence seemed to go on and on…
"You're quiet. I thought you'd have more to say for yourself," Hwoarang said from a pause away from drinking.
Anna tasted a chocolate, seemed slightly satisfied and finally turned her attention on him. "What do you want me to say? I'm not really going to spring out into a friendly conversation, am I? Aren't we suppose to be rivals or something?"
"You could say that," he confirmed and quickly finished off the can, letting out a satisfied belch. Anna rolled her eyes for the second time that night. "What? You want me to mind my manors?"
"I'm not exactly a lady of perfection, so no need to waste anything on me," she told him and went back to finishing off her coffee.
Hwoarang was a bit put off by her sudden tilt to silence. It made him feel a tad bit nervous, if what he was feeling could be called nervousness. Anna was one unique woman he had to admit and she straight up interested him. She was strong willed and pretty understanding - and for a fact, she had huge breasts. But that wasn't the point (or points, whichever way you see it). She seemed to be too insistent for his liking. But tonight, she was nothing but reclusive. She wasn't going to open up much, unless to snidely reply to him. He hadn't known her that long but he wanted to think he'd sussed out her typical personality.
'Always like women to get bitchy,' he concluded. 'And especially to go all quiet just to be annoying.' He watched her sip her coffee, not looking at him; she was more or less looking past him towards the window. She had a cold set expression, her lips small and tensed from what he could see from between her sips of coffee.
'She's got a sexy pout…' He grinned to himself.
Anna caught this grin and scowled hard his way. "What's to grin about?"
"Oh, nothing really," he said with an irritatingly coy voice. "Just want to say you have a very voluptuous pout."
She stopped drinking and stared at him for a minute. He waited for her to say something sharp back at him but was quite surprised to have her laugh quite heartily, leaning back and covering her mouth.
This really took him back. "What?"
When the dying had died down, she just shook her head with glittery eyes focused on him. "Trust you to start picking out sexual indignities at a time like this."
"I'm what?"
"My lips are that fascinating, are they?"
He just couldn't help but blush. "Hell, I was only commenting. You know you've been uptight - so cold set. Glad to see you've still got a happy card to play."
She just gave him a half smile. "Well, I guess I can't be all angry. I'm relieved mostly…" She paused, thinking of way to phrase the next part. She let the words come out fairly slowly so she wouldn't make a mistake. "Though, my relief is kind of with you… you know, saving me. Though, you might not have been saving me, just, well…" She sighed and gave a normal, unmitigated smile. "I'm relieved to be alive. Thanks."
Hwoarang didn't hide his smug staid. He was proud of himself and was going to act modest about it. "Yes, I saved you. You owe me a lot."
Anna rolled her eyes - number three. "I could just imagine you being one to hold onto favours. But I'm not going to give you some personal ones… you know what I mean, boy."
He chuckled, but it seemed to fade all of a sudden to a seriousness that made even Anna seem defensive. "Though, I had a choice between saving you or going after Toshin. I was so close to stopping that bastard - more lives are on the line because of this."
"I didn't ask you to save me," Anna said, snapping away from the much more friendly tone. "And for a fact, your bullets alone wouldn't have stopped Toshin. Don't you get it? Toshin is more powerful then mere weapons. It takes souls for God's sake. Mere bullets are nothing to the unworldly power it possesses."
"I wasn't planning on killing Toshin with just bullets - well, not just ANY bullets! I have some, what I could call, enchanted bullets."
Anna snorted and shook her head. "Now I've heard everything."
"I've bullets empowered by witches magic. I even went to a priest - a friend of mine to bless my bullets and allow me a fair bit of holy water to put inside."
"You aren't religious though. I don't believe for one…" His hand went up to her face.
"You don't know me. How would you know if I'm religious or not, hmm? I don't have to wear a whole horde of religious garments to say I follow this and that." He cleared his throat, taking his hand away from her sour face. "I follow a lot of the religions. I have my faith and it helps me out. I'm not saying I stick to one or the other."
"You're a bounty hunter, you shouldn't say you support any faith if you are a relentless killer," Anna said stonily.
"I do what I have to do," He said simply. "And besides, it's not my faith we're questioning here, it's you and your stupidity."
"Now wait just a minute…"
"You put your life on the line in half-witted attempt to get Toshin all by yourself."
Anna had flustered a dark crimson with anger. "And what about you! You're doing it by yourself!"
He laughed. "I at least have a plan. By the looks of things, you were just hoping your will was strong enough."
She shook her head and fell silent, enraged by him calling her stupid. How dare he! She didn't like how his attitude was working towards this situation. He didn't think she, a special force IPD officer, the Scarlet Lady, could take Toshin down - and even try and save Nina at the same time. To him, she was a fool on a pointless crusade. But what could she argue back; he'd been right, she didn't go out there into the battlefield with a plan. It had been a live or die situation.
"You nearly got yourself killed. And for what? For your little scheme of trying to save your sister from Toshin. Face it, Anna. She's far beyond reach, even for you. You can only do so much. I saved you because I realise that I can't do this alone, and that I need someone as understanding and strong as you to help me out. You shouldn't aim to die so pointlessly."
Anna brought her knees up so she could rest her cheek to them. She didn't want to show Hwoarang the tears that threatened to pour down her face. "I have to try and save her. I can't just give up and let her die," she said softly.
"It's pointless…"
"IT'S NOT POINTLESS!" She shouted, looking up at him.
He couldn't believe she was crying. The tears, like tiny crystals, fell across her cheeks. She was such an emotional woman, set in her ways - when she wanted to do something, she'd do it. He sighed, shaking his head with sadness.
Carefully, he reached out a hand and stroked her cheek, wiping away a few of the escaped tears. "Toshin will kill you before you can safe your sister. By all these mistakes you're making, you're only making Toshin angrier and pushing it to kill more. I can't help you save your sister, you know that don't you? I have to destroy this monster, before it's too late. Can't you see that you need to fight back too?"
"Please… don't…" Anna hated to beg, but if she didn't, she knew it would be the end for Nina.
Hwoarang couldn't meet her eyes, instead, he looked down at her immaculate hands, and his own rough ones pressing over the top. He'd never been one for all this emotional sap, but he felt that he couldn't just be cruel when he knew this tough woman had a heart that was fit to break. It wasn't worth making things anymore painful by getting nasty.
"I'm sorry, but it's the only way. You have to think about the good of the majority over the minority. Would you sister hesitate to pull the trigger if she was in your situation?"
Anna put her head to her knees as she muttered her quiet response. "No."
"See, she would think about the people…"
"… And the fact she'd love to see me dead," Anna finished.
Hwoarang rose a brow to this. "And you want to save someone who would rather see you lying in a pool of your own blood."
"Sometimes she would love that, but others, I couldn't tell." Anna looked up at him, the tears not flowing as much as before. "Nina and me were always fighting - it was my father's fault. He loved her and refused to love me to the extent. My mother was my saviour. I loved her so much, more then you could imagine." Anna sighed, blinking her sore eyes. "One night, after a talent show I'd been in… on our walk home… she was murdered by a demon. I lost her and my protection from Nina and my father. All that hate that he laid out wasn't worth the time. The unmitigated cruelty… I just didn't understand why. But I don't want to blame my sister for any of it; all I want to do is make up with her. My father is dead now, and there is nothing to stop us doing that. I won't let it ever be too late."
Hwoarang listened to her, wondering what else he could say to make her at least see what she truly needed to do, but it would take an eternity and there after to try and convince her to pull the trigger and call it an end.
She turned to look past him, towards the window. "You know, after my mother died, it wasn't just family that make me hateful and bitter… it was the demons too. All of them. I wanted to see them all made to pay - that's why I became an IPD officer. I wasn't about death… It was about justice. I knew I'd never catch that demon that killed my mother - I just wanted to have a little satisfaction that I would have some sort of retribution against them. And you won't believe, after being set to hate them so much since I was little, I've finally grown past the mindless hate - this bias I've always had. I'll take down the demons that are bad… and I'll save the demons that are good. I guess they all don't deserve to die…" She distinctly remembered the hostel and Julia - how could she hate all of them when some had not even done wrong to begin with? And what Paul had said about not hating them all - damn, he'd been the right party all along - that was one thing Anna didn't want to admit.
"Why are you telling me this?" Hwoarang asked, rather clueless.
"Because I've decided to do what I have to do. I'll save Nina if I can, but if I can't… then she'd understand if she had to die for the sake of everyone else. An Assassin's way is to do or die…"
"Do or die…" He nodded to that. "Anna, think about your own life too. If you die, the people are going to lose such a great IPD officer and true heroine in red."
Anna chuckled, far beyond anymore tears for that night. "I think a lot of people would be glad to see me dead."
"Well… not me," he muttered.
"I thought you didn't care?" She questioned.
"Someone with a lot of fortitude like you deserves nine lives…"
"I'm a cat now, am I?" She chuckled.
He winked. "A sexy kitten."
"I'm glad you think so." She leaned in towards him. "You're not trying to come onto me now are you? Not going to try and change my mind?"
He chuckled himself. "Not going to try that, I've tried too many times already. But… coming onto you…" He leaned in close to her. "… What if I am?"
"Oh, I'd say I'm not such an easy nut to crack," she said, putting a finger on his nose pushing him back slightly.
That coy grin that was so trademark to him reappeared. "I'll have to work some magic before I get my own nuts cracked."
"You'd be sure that would happen first…" She went back to laying down, now feeling a gentle tingle of warmth run through her body, beating down the numbness that had once been cast over her. "… Since I definitely wouldn't go easy for a rival."
"It's worth the challenge," he said, coming to prop himself up over her. He could see the teasing nature in her wonderful ocean coloured eyes, and he let his hand come up to stroke through her hair.
"You know, I'm not easy, and don't for one second think I'm just going to throw myself into your arms for a one night stand…"
"… Who said it was going to be a one night thing?" He asked, grin bigger then ever.
"Not even two nights. I have morals you know," she said, putting a hand carefully between them, against his chest. What was she thinking for getting herself into a situation like this so close to a dangerous bounty hunter? She didn't really know him, and what she did know didn't really push her into his arms, but there was a sense of risk and thrill about him that made him such an interesting package to unwrap. But what did he mean by what he'd said?
"Not two nights…"
"Wait a minute! What are you asking?" She inquired, stopping him leaning in to kiss her.
"Well, if we survive Toshin and don't kill each other… maybe, you would be interested in a rough edged guy like me?"
Anna's eyes widened. "What?" She paused, giving him a strange look. "Why this attitude all of sudden?"
"Because you're not like any other woman I've met. All the others I've crossed paths with are whiney and snivelling, and always so needy and clingy. Now you're different. Out for yourself and taking no shit. Now, you're MY kind of woman."
"Oh, is that so?" She chuckled in response. "First you're all tough, giving me the low down, telling me my place, then you're threatening me… well, kind of, and now… oh dear, you've really made an impression haven't you?"
"I know, I know, but maybe we can forget about that…"
Anna just gave him an attentive stare. "Not so easy. You're after money, and with that comes my sisters life…"
Hwoarang just gave her a soft glance, less then what she'd expected to that response. "I'm not going to tell you I won't try and fulfil my mission, I'll do what I must, but I'll give you a chance to try… but I'm going after my taking."
Anna gave a half smile in comprehension. "I'll find a way to see we both get the best out of the situation. But don't go blowing her head off unless she's trying to gut you."
"Yes, ma'am," he mock saluted for the second time that night.
"And as for your question, I'll have to think about that one," she said.
He closed the gap between their faces until their noses were just touching, his breath tickling her face. "I can be persuasive."
"Oh?" It felt dangerous, but she liked it. Maybe just for once, she could be a little kinky and see where it took her. "As long as you don't try and kill me…"
"Don't worry you're pretty little face about that, I'm sure you'll agree this little arrangement needs us both alive and kicking…"
"And doing other stuff too," she added, obliged to finish what he'd started, pressing her lips to his. The first touch was soft and welcoming, each testing the water between them before they engaged in a more passionate embrace. It was crazy - through everything that had been said - this was what had come of it. Being pitted against each other meant nothing. PURELY crazy, but very much a great reason to dominate the other.
Anna thoughtlessly let herself become ravelled in Hwoarang's arms. She could feel his hands getting coy and exploring places that weren't usually on public display. But what the hell, she wanted to see if he was all talk. Of all the men she'd considered in a love way, Hwoarang had been definitely been one to borderline the between the lists of love and blowing his brains out.
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A/N: A strange turn of relationship status between Anna and Hwoarang, though, is his intentions only to soften her up? Or does he really want something between them? And what is going to happen with Toshin? And is Forest going to throw a tantrum because Anna stayed out the night? You'll find out soon! Until then, happy reading!
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco, and that all characters mentioned from under this label are only used in this fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. No money is being made from this story; it is just for fun. I do however own the basic concept and characters of my own creation.
A/N: Been a while since I've written some of this. Hope its as good as my earlier chapters.
Chapter 11
The welcoming warmth was the first thing she felt as she arose from her unwanted slumber.
Anna had specifically recalled being out on the cold streets, facing life and death on her own, and now it greatly surprised her that she was surrounded by a much nicer feeling.
The warmth of life and not the eternal cold of death.
'I survived,' she told herself surely. 'And I was so stupid to rush in against Toshin. Why don't I listen to people?'
The comfortable bed beneath her made her want to drift off to sleep, but being switched so suddenly between environments had her keen to discover more about the lodgings that were housing her temporarily. With the very little light from a table lamp across the room, she could only make out so much. The walls looked light, and were most likely a yellow colour, but she couldn't be too sure by how the room was lit. There were very little furnishings, mostly the essentials like a table, chair, set of draws, wardrobe and a television, if they could be called just mere essentials. Very basic in such a high tech world.
She shifted carefully, the numbness of her body becoming apparent as she moved stiffly. There had been no doubt she'd taken a powerful hit, but there was no pain like before, when she'd first felt the shot. Now, she just felt dull and mainly tired. Any injury she'd taken from earlier in the evening had brought up bruises, but they were nothing more than light blemishes; not a single one was what she could see to be a worthy battle wound.
Deep down, her heart didn't know whether she wanted to cry or not for what had happened. She'd been so close to becoming another victim and yet so close to saving Nina from Toshin's clutches. But it was something that was out of her reach alone. She knew she needed help, but like her usual manor, she was afraid to admit it aloud.
If anyone heard 'help me' from her lips, she knew they'd surely see her as going soft. She'd always been one to solve things herself.
Coming to think of her aide. 'Hwoarang…'
Her eyes searched the room, wondering why she couldn't she the man of question in sight. And by the room's eerie silence, she was most surely alone. But of course, the man was stealthy, and could probably be a good sneak if he wanted to.
Why on Earth had he decided to save her?
It had been assured to her supposedly by their last encounter that he would not have cared if she'd lived or died, as long as he was assured a good sum of money at the end of his mission. He'd had a perfect opportunity to pull out all the shots to defeat Toshin, though notably, bullets wouldn't have been enough to finish the job. Whatever other little trick he had up his sleeve would have been helpful to him, and also made Anna wonder to what his capabilities were.
This still didn't answer her question of why he saved her?
Was it some personal reason? She'd be damned if she knew.
The door squeaked slightly and she was suddenly looking straight to it, hands gripping tightly to the bed. It was very assuring to her, after what had happened that night.
Hwoarang was now stood in the doorway; a tray nestled in his arm. A mug, a plate of assortments and a can of beer were the contents. Most likely the beer was for him.
"Ah, you're awake. Was worried I'd have to find a place to bury you without looking suspicious," he said, a smirk lighting up his face.
Anna scowled deeply in response, lying back down carefully. "You're aiming for a punch in the mouth."
"Ooh, still got some fire left in you, though, I don't think you're going to up for any more action tonight," he assured her, seeming to like how frustrated she looked. He approached the bed and took a careful seat on the side, setting down the tray on the bedside table. He lent back, giving her a glance over. "So, how are you feeling?"
"Crappy," She reported dully. "I just got zapped like a fly in a trap. What other word could I use to describe how I feel?"
"Well…"
"Say nothing, for the sake of your health," she warned him.
Hwoarang chuckled softly and gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."
Anna didn't say anything to that and just stared up at the ceiling in thought. Hwoarang went back to the contents of the tray. He brought the mug and plate overhead of her view, making her turn her eyes to him.
"I made you some coffee - strong coffee. You look like you need some perking up. And I have some chocolates and stuff. The ultimate snack food indulgence time. Interested?"
She sighed and sat up, pushing aside the plate and mug as she settled back. She took them from him carefully. "Why not. And you have to promise me you haven't laced them with poison or something."
He gave her a boyish grin. "Nah, I wouldn't do that! If I was going to kill you, I'd shoot you in the face with my trusty magnum."
"So reassuring," she said monotonously, before turning a little sarcastic. "A man of such a reputation of death and destruction amongst the demons… I feel so safe in your hands." She took a drink of the coffee. Rather bland, but yet soothing. The warmth made her feel better and calmed her inner shakes. Her insides were still reeling from before.
"You've got yourself a reputation too, but not like me. So anyway, no name calling, I've heard them all."
"Hmm…" She rolled her eyes.
Hwoarang didn't waste any time to crack open his beer. He shifted across to the end of the bed, leaning against the end board. He watched her from his opposite position as he continued to consume his alcoholic beverage. Anna didn't look up at him, instead, focused on picking out the better-looking chocolates in the plate.
The silence seemed to go on and on…
"You're quiet. I thought you'd have more to say for yourself," Hwoarang said from a pause away from drinking.
Anna tasted a chocolate, seemed slightly satisfied and finally turned her attention on him. "What do you want me to say? I'm not really going to spring out into a friendly conversation, am I? Aren't we suppose to be rivals or something?"
"You could say that," he confirmed and quickly finished off the can, letting out a satisfied belch. Anna rolled her eyes for the second time that night. "What? You want me to mind my manors?"
"I'm not exactly a lady of perfection, so no need to waste anything on me," she told him and went back to finishing off her coffee.
Hwoarang was a bit put off by her sudden tilt to silence. It made him feel a tad bit nervous, if what he was feeling could be called nervousness. Anna was one unique woman he had to admit and she straight up interested him. She was strong willed and pretty understanding - and for a fact, she had huge breasts. But that wasn't the point (or points, whichever way you see it). She seemed to be too insistent for his liking. But tonight, she was nothing but reclusive. She wasn't going to open up much, unless to snidely reply to him. He hadn't known her that long but he wanted to think he'd sussed out her typical personality.
'Always like women to get bitchy,' he concluded. 'And especially to go all quiet just to be annoying.' He watched her sip her coffee, not looking at him; she was more or less looking past him towards the window. She had a cold set expression, her lips small and tensed from what he could see from between her sips of coffee.
'She's got a sexy pout…' He grinned to himself.
Anna caught this grin and scowled hard his way. "What's to grin about?"
"Oh, nothing really," he said with an irritatingly coy voice. "Just want to say you have a very voluptuous pout."
She stopped drinking and stared at him for a minute. He waited for her to say something sharp back at him but was quite surprised to have her laugh quite heartily, leaning back and covering her mouth.
This really took him back. "What?"
When the dying had died down, she just shook her head with glittery eyes focused on him. "Trust you to start picking out sexual indignities at a time like this."
"I'm what?"
"My lips are that fascinating, are they?"
He just couldn't help but blush. "Hell, I was only commenting. You know you've been uptight - so cold set. Glad to see you've still got a happy card to play."
She just gave him a half smile. "Well, I guess I can't be all angry. I'm relieved mostly…" She paused, thinking of way to phrase the next part. She let the words come out fairly slowly so she wouldn't make a mistake. "Though, my relief is kind of with you… you know, saving me. Though, you might not have been saving me, just, well…" She sighed and gave a normal, unmitigated smile. "I'm relieved to be alive. Thanks."
Hwoarang didn't hide his smug staid. He was proud of himself and was going to act modest about it. "Yes, I saved you. You owe me a lot."
Anna rolled her eyes - number three. "I could just imagine you being one to hold onto favours. But I'm not going to give you some personal ones… you know what I mean, boy."
He chuckled, but it seemed to fade all of a sudden to a seriousness that made even Anna seem defensive. "Though, I had a choice between saving you or going after Toshin. I was so close to stopping that bastard - more lives are on the line because of this."
"I didn't ask you to save me," Anna said, snapping away from the much more friendly tone. "And for a fact, your bullets alone wouldn't have stopped Toshin. Don't you get it? Toshin is more powerful then mere weapons. It takes souls for God's sake. Mere bullets are nothing to the unworldly power it possesses."
"I wasn't planning on killing Toshin with just bullets - well, not just ANY bullets! I have some, what I could call, enchanted bullets."
Anna snorted and shook her head. "Now I've heard everything."
"I've bullets empowered by witches magic. I even went to a priest - a friend of mine to bless my bullets and allow me a fair bit of holy water to put inside."
"You aren't religious though. I don't believe for one…" His hand went up to her face.
"You don't know me. How would you know if I'm religious or not, hmm? I don't have to wear a whole horde of religious garments to say I follow this and that." He cleared his throat, taking his hand away from her sour face. "I follow a lot of the religions. I have my faith and it helps me out. I'm not saying I stick to one or the other."
"You're a bounty hunter, you shouldn't say you support any faith if you are a relentless killer," Anna said stonily.
"I do what I have to do," He said simply. "And besides, it's not my faith we're questioning here, it's you and your stupidity."
"Now wait just a minute…"
"You put your life on the line in half-witted attempt to get Toshin all by yourself."
Anna had flustered a dark crimson with anger. "And what about you! You're doing it by yourself!"
He laughed. "I at least have a plan. By the looks of things, you were just hoping your will was strong enough."
She shook her head and fell silent, enraged by him calling her stupid. How dare he! She didn't like how his attitude was working towards this situation. He didn't think she, a special force IPD officer, the Scarlet Lady, could take Toshin down - and even try and save Nina at the same time. To him, she was a fool on a pointless crusade. But what could she argue back; he'd been right, she didn't go out there into the battlefield with a plan. It had been a live or die situation.
"You nearly got yourself killed. And for what? For your little scheme of trying to save your sister from Toshin. Face it, Anna. She's far beyond reach, even for you. You can only do so much. I saved you because I realise that I can't do this alone, and that I need someone as understanding and strong as you to help me out. You shouldn't aim to die so pointlessly."
Anna brought her knees up so she could rest her cheek to them. She didn't want to show Hwoarang the tears that threatened to pour down her face. "I have to try and save her. I can't just give up and let her die," she said softly.
"It's pointless…"
"IT'S NOT POINTLESS!" She shouted, looking up at him.
He couldn't believe she was crying. The tears, like tiny crystals, fell across her cheeks. She was such an emotional woman, set in her ways - when she wanted to do something, she'd do it. He sighed, shaking his head with sadness.
Carefully, he reached out a hand and stroked her cheek, wiping away a few of the escaped tears. "Toshin will kill you before you can safe your sister. By all these mistakes you're making, you're only making Toshin angrier and pushing it to kill more. I can't help you save your sister, you know that don't you? I have to destroy this monster, before it's too late. Can't you see that you need to fight back too?"
"Please… don't…" Anna hated to beg, but if she didn't, she knew it would be the end for Nina.
Hwoarang couldn't meet her eyes, instead, he looked down at her immaculate hands, and his own rough ones pressing over the top. He'd never been one for all this emotional sap, but he felt that he couldn't just be cruel when he knew this tough woman had a heart that was fit to break. It wasn't worth making things anymore painful by getting nasty.
"I'm sorry, but it's the only way. You have to think about the good of the majority over the minority. Would you sister hesitate to pull the trigger if she was in your situation?"
Anna put her head to her knees as she muttered her quiet response. "No."
"See, she would think about the people…"
"… And the fact she'd love to see me dead," Anna finished.
Hwoarang rose a brow to this. "And you want to save someone who would rather see you lying in a pool of your own blood."
"Sometimes she would love that, but others, I couldn't tell." Anna looked up at him, the tears not flowing as much as before. "Nina and me were always fighting - it was my father's fault. He loved her and refused to love me to the extent. My mother was my saviour. I loved her so much, more then you could imagine." Anna sighed, blinking her sore eyes. "One night, after a talent show I'd been in… on our walk home… she was murdered by a demon. I lost her and my protection from Nina and my father. All that hate that he laid out wasn't worth the time. The unmitigated cruelty… I just didn't understand why. But I don't want to blame my sister for any of it; all I want to do is make up with her. My father is dead now, and there is nothing to stop us doing that. I won't let it ever be too late."
Hwoarang listened to her, wondering what else he could say to make her at least see what she truly needed to do, but it would take an eternity and there after to try and convince her to pull the trigger and call it an end.
She turned to look past him, towards the window. "You know, after my mother died, it wasn't just family that make me hateful and bitter… it was the demons too. All of them. I wanted to see them all made to pay - that's why I became an IPD officer. I wasn't about death… It was about justice. I knew I'd never catch that demon that killed my mother - I just wanted to have a little satisfaction that I would have some sort of retribution against them. And you won't believe, after being set to hate them so much since I was little, I've finally grown past the mindless hate - this bias I've always had. I'll take down the demons that are bad… and I'll save the demons that are good. I guess they all don't deserve to die…" She distinctly remembered the hostel and Julia - how could she hate all of them when some had not even done wrong to begin with? And what Paul had said about not hating them all - damn, he'd been the right party all along - that was one thing Anna didn't want to admit.
"Why are you telling me this?" Hwoarang asked, rather clueless.
"Because I've decided to do what I have to do. I'll save Nina if I can, but if I can't… then she'd understand if she had to die for the sake of everyone else. An Assassin's way is to do or die…"
"Do or die…" He nodded to that. "Anna, think about your own life too. If you die, the people are going to lose such a great IPD officer and true heroine in red."
Anna chuckled, far beyond anymore tears for that night. "I think a lot of people would be glad to see me dead."
"Well… not me," he muttered.
"I thought you didn't care?" She questioned.
"Someone with a lot of fortitude like you deserves nine lives…"
"I'm a cat now, am I?" She chuckled.
He winked. "A sexy kitten."
"I'm glad you think so." She leaned in towards him. "You're not trying to come onto me now are you? Not going to try and change my mind?"
He chuckled himself. "Not going to try that, I've tried too many times already. But… coming onto you…" He leaned in close to her. "… What if I am?"
"Oh, I'd say I'm not such an easy nut to crack," she said, putting a finger on his nose pushing him back slightly.
That coy grin that was so trademark to him reappeared. "I'll have to work some magic before I get my own nuts cracked."
"You'd be sure that would happen first…" She went back to laying down, now feeling a gentle tingle of warmth run through her body, beating down the numbness that had once been cast over her. "… Since I definitely wouldn't go easy for a rival."
"It's worth the challenge," he said, coming to prop himself up over her. He could see the teasing nature in her wonderful ocean coloured eyes, and he let his hand come up to stroke through her hair.
"You know, I'm not easy, and don't for one second think I'm just going to throw myself into your arms for a one night stand…"
"… Who said it was going to be a one night thing?" He asked, grin bigger then ever.
"Not even two nights. I have morals you know," she said, putting a hand carefully between them, against his chest. What was she thinking for getting herself into a situation like this so close to a dangerous bounty hunter? She didn't really know him, and what she did know didn't really push her into his arms, but there was a sense of risk and thrill about him that made him such an interesting package to unwrap. But what did he mean by what he'd said?
"Not two nights…"
"Wait a minute! What are you asking?" She inquired, stopping him leaning in to kiss her.
"Well, if we survive Toshin and don't kill each other… maybe, you would be interested in a rough edged guy like me?"
Anna's eyes widened. "What?" She paused, giving him a strange look. "Why this attitude all of sudden?"
"Because you're not like any other woman I've met. All the others I've crossed paths with are whiney and snivelling, and always so needy and clingy. Now you're different. Out for yourself and taking no shit. Now, you're MY kind of woman."
"Oh, is that so?" She chuckled in response. "First you're all tough, giving me the low down, telling me my place, then you're threatening me… well, kind of, and now… oh dear, you've really made an impression haven't you?"
"I know, I know, but maybe we can forget about that…"
Anna just gave him an attentive stare. "Not so easy. You're after money, and with that comes my sisters life…"
Hwoarang just gave her a soft glance, less then what she'd expected to that response. "I'm not going to tell you I won't try and fulfil my mission, I'll do what I must, but I'll give you a chance to try… but I'm going after my taking."
Anna gave a half smile in comprehension. "I'll find a way to see we both get the best out of the situation. But don't go blowing her head off unless she's trying to gut you."
"Yes, ma'am," he mock saluted for the second time that night.
"And as for your question, I'll have to think about that one," she said.
He closed the gap between their faces until their noses were just touching, his breath tickling her face. "I can be persuasive."
"Oh?" It felt dangerous, but she liked it. Maybe just for once, she could be a little kinky and see where it took her. "As long as you don't try and kill me…"
"Don't worry you're pretty little face about that, I'm sure you'll agree this little arrangement needs us both alive and kicking…"
"And doing other stuff too," she added, obliged to finish what he'd started, pressing her lips to his. The first touch was soft and welcoming, each testing the water between them before they engaged in a more passionate embrace. It was crazy - through everything that had been said - this was what had come of it. Being pitted against each other meant nothing. PURELY crazy, but very much a great reason to dominate the other.
Anna thoughtlessly let herself become ravelled in Hwoarang's arms. She could feel his hands getting coy and exploring places that weren't usually on public display. But what the hell, she wanted to see if he was all talk. Of all the men she'd considered in a love way, Hwoarang had been definitely been one to borderline the between the lists of love and blowing his brains out.
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A/N: A strange turn of relationship status between Anna and Hwoarang, though, is his intentions only to soften her up? Or does he really want something between them? And what is going to happen with Toshin? And is Forest going to throw a tantrum because Anna stayed out the night? You'll find out soon! Until then, happy reading!