Life So Complicated
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco. I do not own any of the characters involved, besides the ones of my own creation. I am not making any money from this fan fiction; it is just for fun. All rights reserved.
Chapter 8
"Come on, Xiao, give up already," Julia insisted while she was stood stirring two cups of hot chocolate on the kitchen counter top. "You've been at it for hours."
"I've really got to get this done," the young Chinese girl insisted, fingers tapping at the keyboard of her computer with urgency. "They expect us to write up reports within days of receiving the assignments. I could hardly find a book about marketing strategy. It's not exactly a well-known book topic. Darn, stupid grammar!"
Julia smiled. "Well, this isn't school, you know. Things do get a little bit harder."
"You're telling me," she grumbled.
Lei appeared from the bathroom doorway, stretching his arms tiredly behind him. Rather then being in his usual working dress, he was now casually sporting a long, baggy T-shirt and a pair of shorts. He wasn't even going to think of walking around in boxers with Xiaoyu around, but it wasn't such a bother with Julia.
"It's getting late, pixie. You should really take Julia's advice and think about packing up for the night," he said, crossing the room past the young, working girl. He heard her groan and mutter something about being nearly finished. Julia came from the kitchen and handed the older man one of the cups of hot chocolate. "Oh, thank you."
They both took a seat on the couch, half watching the TV documenting a wildlife show, and talking over the stereo sounds of tapping and lion roars.
"Another long day over, huh?" Julia asked, sipping her drink with satisfaction.
"I've been doing much of the paperwork, so, not much action but rather sitting around in an office being bored," he said with a sigh.
The American girl looked sympathetic, putting an arm around his shoulder. "Oh, you poor thing. Not much fun these days…"
"Oh, yeah, there's the fun, but then again, the fun kind of ran out when the coffee machine refuses to give me my daily caffeine intake - then, no fun," he said, smiling, and instinctively putting his arm around her, drawing her against him.
"Well, I assure you, if you don't fall asleep on me, you won't be bored for long," she said, winking at him.
"The entertainment of a long boring day," he said, stroking her hair.
There was a synthesised chime and Xiaoyu jumped. "Oh, I got mail!"
"Check your mail then turn off for the night," Julia ordered, suddenly feeling all motherly, and for the fact that Xiaoyu's persistent typing was starting to get on her nerves.
"Okay…" The girl finally relented and clicked on the letter icon.
"So, do you want to retire now?" Julia asked, voice hinting. He was made to grin by the coy look that appeared on her face.
"Oh, why not," he said, finding the remote nearly stuffed down the side cushion and turned the TV off.
Julia winked. "Entertainment awaits!"
Lei laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure that…"
"Julia…" Xiaoyu's strained voice drifted between the pair, whom turned to see her almost ghostly face.
"Xiao?" She asked concerned, suddenly up away from Lei and at her friend's side. "What's wrong?"
Xiaoyu had covered her mouth, eyes trying to hold back the tears. "It's from Rubi. Read the attached article," she muffled out, clicking on a link to a large picture of a newspaper cutting. Lei had come to join them at this point, leaning over with Julia to read the contents.
Miharu's student ID picture was in one corner of the cutting. The article read out the reasoning:
'Yesterday evening, Hirosaki University student, Miharu Hirano went missing after a mysterious raid on her apartment home in suburban Hirosaki City. Locals who heard the rutcus and managed to catch glimpses of the proceedings were confused by the dark figures, described as a SWAT team, whom forced their way into Miharu's home. Nobody could give a good description of the attackers and before officials could be called in, all traces of the group and any vehicles disappeared into the night. It isn't certain where they came from and police have not been able to pin point a hiding place. The reasoning for Miharu's kidnap is uncertain and police are researching into any links that the student could have had with outside groups. More information on the situation is pending.'
"What the hell…" Lei muttered, his hand coming to rest on a distraught Xiaoyu's shoulder.
"Could it be… It can't be?" Julia contemplated, face contorted in anger. "It maybe me just wanting to concoct a story here but I think the Mishima Zaibatsu could have something to do with this. How else could everything be so… unresolved?"
"I've never been sure if she had problems with the Zaibatsu before," Xiaoyu said, choking with her attempt to keep the blubbering from her voice. "She talked about an incident, but she didn't elaborate. She said it was a misunderstanding. Could it be something linked?"
Lei nodded. "Julia, I think you're right. Something is being covered up here. Someone would have identified some markings on those men. The Mishima Zaibatsu is well known." He paused and remembered something, handing more griping on Xiaoyu. "She's dating Jin, right?"
"Yeah, she's pregnant with his baby," Xiaoyu confirmed.
"I think Jin went missing all that time ago because he was running from the Zaibatsu." He cursed. "It's all too confusing."
"And I can't do anything to help," Xiaoyu said, finally breaking down and crying. "Miharu… oh it's not right!"
Julia hugged the girl from behind, looking at Lei whom shared great sympathy for the young girl, but she noticed that behind his dark eyes, there was a deep, inextricable look which was trying to figure out the situation.
Why became the only thought and question in the room.
***
Weeks had gone by, and there was no trace of Miharu. Local reports had been kept up to date with her disappearance, but many were losing hope of finding her; though, there were still people who hung on to threads of prayer for her.
Especially Rubi and Kyasha.
The former girl was coming from her lesson, heart heavy over her friend's disappearance. It wasn't something that was easily going to go away, as this was the girl who she was suppose to sit lessons with and hang around with, and her link back to the old days at Mishima high school.
She was hoping that some good news would come along soon, but she'd heard nothing since an article a few days ago. The newspapers were barely focusing on it now and it was making her immensely frustrated.
Rubi sat down on a bench just within the promenade where all the benches were lined up, overlooking the lower terrace. She stared out at all the people coming and going, hanging around, hardly disturbed by the situation. Only a few people had know Miharu and truly befriended her, but none had been effected like she was. And Kyasha, whom was now walking towards the girl after coming from the cafeteria. Her usual hyperactive mood had been reduced to a somewhat placid demure.
"Hey, Rubi, good lesson?" She asked pleasantly, coming to sit down.
"It dragged on a bit. But Miss Touka did try to bring some interesting things into the subject."
"Hmm, my lesson was okay, got a bit out of hand with everyone being a bit restless with the teacher," she said, a smile half playing on her lips, but it soon faded with the very wearied look on her companions face. "You okay?"
"I'm just… bothered," she admitted, looking up to her friend. "I can't help lose faith."
"They'll find her, and she'll be okay," Kyasha assured, though something nagged her that maybe Miharu wasn't going to be coming back.
"Yeah," she sighed and put on a smile. "I'm sure she will."
"Let's take our food back to our dorm," Kyasha suggested. "We can put on a few CDs and cheer ourselves up."
"Okay, yeah, I like that idea," Rubi agreed and the pair stood up and left the promenade.
Just from behind a wall, Miss Touka emerged, a dark look in her eyes.
'Yeah, I hope she's found, then our enemies shall be out of our and finally, the real kidnap shall begin.' She just smiled in thought and slipped away quietly.
***
Unknown to her friends and the authorities, Miharu was fit and well, and now in hiding within a small rural town. It was usually said to be the place for those who could afford big, luxurious houses within a quiet, undisturbed haven.
Though, the house she was staying in was far from luxurious. It was a small, cramped place, which was one of many that ran in a long a row of tiny, attached houses. It was like the slum area of the picturesque town, but it was not as bad as people described.
In one of the middle, pebbled-fronted houses, Miharu resided.
The young woman yawned, stepping into the small dining area of the house, stretching out achy muscles. The room was fairly dark, the early morning sun blocked out by heavy blinds. Kazuya specifically told her to keep curtains shut unless things were clearly safe. Still, she wasn't going anywhere for a while with the Zaibatsu chasing after her. For now, she had to stay the kidnapped University student of Hirosaki. Jin wasn't in the papers for the fact nobody knew he lived with her.
She'd already showered and changed into a soft flannel shirt and a pair of cycling shorts, sitting herself down at the breakfast table. Getting the clothes had been a risky job, but Kazuya had opted to go back for a few of hers and Jin's belongings. He'd gone days after the incident, covered by the night, having to access the area carefully. It had been safe to tread, but he hadn't let his guard down for a second, in case of a booby trap. They had already packed bags before hand, putting them under the wardrobe, in case anything like this has happened. Since it had been a much more dangerous assault then anticipated, they'd had no time to grab them. Kazuya was able to get to them, seeing they were barely touched by the police or anyone else. He'd returned with their goods without a hitch, hardly even disturbing the crime scene.
She dreaded to go back to her apartment to see the mess. She also hated to think what her father and Hanii must have been going through since she'd gone missing - they definitely must have known by now!
It tormented her that she couldn't tell her family and friends that she was okay, for risk of being caught. Sat there in the kitchen by herself, she'd reached the pinnacle of lonely. Kazuya and Jin had disappeared on routine like they usually did early in the morning. Kazuya was dealing with business as usual and Jin had gone off to do some training and meditation, and he wished not to be disturbed for a while. So, Miharu was left to her own devices, as long as she stayed in the house.
A bulky figure moved into the doorway that led from the lounge to the dining room. The rounded, aged face of an elder man beamed at her.
"Good morning, Miharu," the man greeted as he moved slowly into the kitchen, waddling side to side by the imbalance of his weight.
"Good morning, Hoshi," Miharu greeted in return, watching the man take a seat next to her.
The elder man, Hoshi Mizuno, was the friend Kazuya had wanted to hide Miharu with. He was a former G-Corporation scientist, but he retired a few years back because of illness. He'd be one of the men who'd helped bring Kazuya back to life, and since then, the man of the hated Mishima name had felt he owed him a lot. When he'd taken over the company, he'd appointed Hoshi as one of his head researchers, up until his retirement, which was roughly a year or so before the fourth Iron Fist tournament. Since then, he'd lost his wife to cancer and had lost touch with his son, finding himself alone in a small house. That was, until he was suddenly welcoming guests along with Kazuya, needing a place to hide out. Hoshi was trusted to always be of help when direly needed. He was the most kind and giving man, and despite what his bulking appearance, he was still a highly active man.
"You been left by yourself again? Not much fun being cooped up and then being left to it," he said, understanding her situation.
"The excitement in my life seems to have just collapsed in on itself," Miharu sighed tiredly, crossing her legs beneath the table idly. "All I'm doing is sitting fearing when I could be at least doing something so I wouldn't have to think about it."
"Yes, but you don't want to over do it. You're carrying precious cargo," Hoshi pointed out with a smile. Miharu looked down at his indication to her small, rounding stomach. She touched it softly and nodded in recognition of what he'd said.
"This little life is the reason why I'm here," she said softly. "But I don't wish to blame an innocent unborn child for this stupid situation. It's all Heihachi's fault and his idiotic dream of power. I don't want to lose my child to that heartless monster."
"You'd end up losing your own life as well, you know. Heihachi is not a man to let anyone against him walk away so easily," Hoshi hated to say, but it was obvious that if the Zaibatsu got their hands on her, she wouldn't have a future either.
Miharu shuddered deep down, trying not to conjure images of death to her mind. She hated to think what she'd leave behind and what would happen to the world if Heihachi got his way. She had to fight until her last breath - to give up was a sentence of death on everyone and not just herself.
"I am very afraid of what is going to happen," Miharu admitted, obviously unable to hide it behind some bold remark. "I don't think I can fight this alone."
"You've got Kazuya and Jin, and even an old fool like me," he said, his voice turning light-hearted.
She smiled weakly, looking to her hands resting on the table. "It's like having a barrier around me, that can't last forever. You're all not made of metal or can fight forever. One mistake and it'll all come crashing down, despite any added bonus that comes with father and son." Hoshi nodded, knowing she meant the whole 'Devil Gene' matter. "When their gone, it's just me versus the Mishima Zaibatsu, and I hardly think a single, pregnant woman with four years worth of Chinese Martial Arts training is going to stand for much to their forces."
"Better then nothing at all," Hoshi said softly, putting his hand over hers in support. "You can't lose faith in those who are willing to help you."
"Jin, yes, I trust him, but Kazuya… it's taking a lot of will power to give him the benefit of the doubt," she said truthfully. "He's proved himself so far, but a few good deeds doesn't make him a good man. He's had a dark past and a man with so much hate to his name isn't going to trade his gun for a harp."
"No, he isn't exactly the most liked man, and he definitely hasn't done anything that has made the world happy with him." Hoshi just came out with it, because sugar coating his dirty deeds wasn't going to make it all sweeter to swallow and easy to forget. "But every action comes with a reason, and his were that the effect of his treatment as a child made him have a hate for life. But as you get older, you become wiser, and Kazuya isn't stupid and accepts that for a fact, not everyone wanted him to just die. He made a lot of friends at G-Corps, including myself, and he treated us a lot better then he ever did for anyone else under the Mishima Company name. Goes to show, building something of his own made him change for the better."
"Hmm, I guess, got to see if it lasts for the duration and that he isn't a really good con artist." There was a quiet moment between the two, before Miharu spoke up again. "I'm hungry, how about you?"
"Oh yes, I haven't had breakfast yet. Please, don't get up. I'll cook up something healthy and nutritious. Your eating habits could really rub off on me," he said, patting his ample belly, clambering to his feet.
"I'm cutting down the greasy stuff for my little star," Miharu said rubbing her stomach affectionately.
Hoshi got down to cooking breakfast - consisting mostly of vegetables and not of the most traditional ingredients. Miharu decided to read one of her host's stacked cooking books, to relieve a little of the boredom until breakfast was served. It was during this time that Kazuya returned from where ever he'd disappeared to. He'd brought with him a few groceries.
"Ah, you've returned," Hoshi said, turning from his stirring the rice. "You were up before dawn yet again."
"Security measures, I keep getting a feeling," he said, sitting himself at the table and stacking a few of the items from the bag on the table. A few oddments to be put aside, but there was also a magazine and a thick book about babies. Kazuya coughed when she looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. It must have been embarrassing to pick that one up off the shelf.
"I think this might be useful to you… and especially for Jin," Kazuya said, watching her pick it up.
"When did you suddenly start going all… baby fetish on us?" Miharu asked, joking.
Kazuya snorted. "I'm not exactly an expert, and even if I was, could you imagine me trying to sit down and explain the a to z to you both?"
"Actually, I don't think I could picture that." Miharu felt embarrassed, but she knew he was more then anyone else. He was just trying to help after all.
"Will make good… reading material, along with this magazine," he said, pushing that towards her as well. "Jin kept telling me you were complaining about being bored, so, this is the best I could do for you."
"I'll treasure the book and read the magazine EXTRA slow," Miharu said, trying not to sound too sarcastic about the magazine. Thankfully, he'd picked up something reasonable to read. It wasn't exactly a woman's magazine; it must have been enough of a blow to his ego that he had to pick up a baby book.
"Are you going to join us for breakfast?" Hoshi asked.
"I've got to shower. Leave me something on the side. I don't have that long to sit down as it is. Things to do…" Kazuya put the tinned and packaged items on the side to be put away for later and headed for the sliding door, heading for the upstairs.
"Kazuya," Miharu called softly after him. He stopped and turned to her. She smiled, feeling a little shy. "Thanks."
He paused, a little lost for words. Usually he had to swear and fight verbal arguments with people. Pleasantries like this weren't his usual thing.
"You're welcome," he replied, disappearing quickly there after.
She just shook her head at his abrupt exit. He needed to get better with the social stuff. He usually played boss to employee. This was a totally different story between them too. They were almost family. Almost.
***
Jin let out a long, calm breath as he drew himself back to reality. From the peaceful plain he'd let himself travel to, he came back to the naturally decorated environment of an old, sturdy built hut, that was used as a small shrine. He blinked a few times; his vision a little blurred at first, but soon his eyes re-adjusted to the lighting. He stood, recited a few soft-whispering prayers he was once told and bowed to the head of the shrine. It was a place of memory, decorated with many candles, being the guiding light for the single face it watched over.
The dearly departed wife of Hoshi Mizuno. But here, it was safe to pray under her watchful eyes to his mother too. Here, the love from the spirits could truly have meaning.
His body had tensed from having sat in the same position for hours on end and he began to stretch out his limbs, feeling the careful pop of his joints as everything began to loosen to a more relaxed state. Well, as relaxed as he was going to get.
The main meaning of him constantly meditating was to escape from the world for a little while, after the recent events had taken wing so fast. His father had suddenly and truly planted himself into his life and in that of Miharu's. Her fate especially relied a lot on his help and honesty. But Jin was still unhappy with this arrangement. He would give his father a chance, even let him help him and try and form a bond, but he would never truly be willing to forgive so quickly for the injustice of the past. No help for him when he was a child and no mercy for him over this power. And now, all of a sudden, he wanted to be saved from the devil mind? How would he be able to help him accomplish this?
All these questions were for a later date, as he slipped on his shoes and departed the shrine, having been in long enough. He had to return to Miharu, feeling guilty that he disappeared a lot and neglected to be with her. He was slowly coming to terms that some day soon, he'd be a father - even at such a young age! But it was fate and he was going to accept it.
Jin pushed open the flimsy door shutter door into the small conservatory, which was filtering in the midday sun in bright, white beams. He hadn't realised he'd been in all morning.
As he came into the kitchen, he noticed Miharu was the only one there now. Everyone had eaten, even Kazuya had made his brief appearance, but now, there was peace as the young Hirano was sat, engaged in reading a book. A baby book. He did a double take in seeing the cover, but he wasn't exactly going to say anything against her reading it.
She finally noticed his presence and put a piece of paper in to bookmark her page, wanting more to have Jin in her regard. The young man eagerly brought her from her seated position and carefully embraced her in a warm hug.
"You were gone when I woke up. I knew you'd be meditating, you always are," she said.
"I'm sorry if I leave you alone for too long. I know it's boring to be kept inside," he apologised.
She sighed, resting her head to his chest. "You have no idea. You only understand when you get an ear full from me."
Jin chuckled lightly. "I know."
"Kazuya knew, you told him," she said, looking up to him. He expected her to be angry for some reason, but she wasn't. Not a single change in her demure.
"Yes, he's been mindful of you, a bit more than I have. I'm sorry," he apologised yet again.
"Stop being sorry! I'm not angry with you. And besides, Kazuya was helpful and got me a magazine and…" She reached down and picked up the baby book. "… And this."
Jin was a little gob-smacked. "He picked that up for you?"
"Must have taken a lot of courage for a man of his power and stature to reach onto the shelf and pick this up. This pink, girlie-looking book about babies and go purchase it at the counter." She laughed. "Though, I am grateful he'd buck up the courage for me."
Jin gave her a half smile. He was impressed that Kazuya would do something so menial, yet ego shattering for Miharu. But still, it wasn't going to make it all happy and perfect between him and his father.
"Well, you can put the book aside for a while and come spend some time with me. I don't know if there is anything on the TV, but you know, we could just sit and talk as well…"
Miharu's face brightened, hugging him tighter. "OH! I like that idea!"
Jin led the way into the lounge with an almost over the top, happy Miharu trailing. It was nothing to be all giggly and over excited about, but since she'd been withering in boredom, this kind of activity felt like a trip to Disneyland.
***
Hours had slipped by without notice and darkness had claimed victory over the daylight. Jin and Miharu were sat on the couch, like they had been all day, relaxing and just enjoying being together. The TV was still on, blithering on with a news report about a strike at an old factory. Miharu was cuddled up, snoozing against her beau, as he just sat there, taking in the calmness of the room.
He almost jumped out of his skin when Kazuya appeared in front of him.
"Do you always creep around?" Jin asked irritably, his dozing state broken.
"I wasn't creeping," Kazuya corrected. "You're just jumpy. Now, if you're not busy, I wish for us to do something. I feel it is time that you helped me."
"What do you mean? Are you going on about… well, me helping you to push back the Devil consciousness?"
"It could come to more then that, but we shall see. We may find a way even to help you too," he said and turned for the door. "Meet me in the shrine."
And he was gone, leaving Jin feeling restless and tense. He carefully moved Miharu's head instead to rest against one of the cushions. Planting a soft kiss on his porcelain cheek, he left the room to follow after Kazuya.
***
Kazuya had lit all the candles that decorated the shrine, bringing the wooden room into a glow of warm orange. Jin came to stand in the doorway, watching his father blow out the stick he'd used to light the candles, his eyes coming to meet his.
"We'll least honour her if we're going to be doing something rather unholy in her house of prayer," Kazuya said softly and beckoned his son to come up. Jin sighed inwardly and shut the door behind him, circling around the opposite way his father walked as he was kicked off his shoes. Jin did the same. They knelt opposite each other on the soft woven mats occupying the floor space.
There was a moments silence between the two before an agitated Jin spoke up to break it. "So, what do we do then?"
Kazuya's silence didn't give Jin much hope to what the man planned to do to begin with, or for that matter, know what to do during the whole proceedings. It made him edgy.
"It all starts with you." Kazuya's deep voice made Jin jump. "Your 'Devil-Gene' is a key into my own, which is like the lock. If the key damages the lock, there is a way to break open the seal and be able to use the powers without things being locked on us."
"That doesn't make much sense to me," Jin said honestly.
"If the Devil mind can be destroyed, then there is a chance for us. I think this maybe beyond just holding back the power now, as it sure will know and maybe even anticipate our action. We just have to try."
Jin couldn't back out now. Maybe, just maybe, this could work out good for them both. Maybe he could get rid of most of the power that resided inside him and his own gene could be forced into dormancy. He had to give it a try and not cower away.
"Fine, let's get this over with," Jin said tiredly, closing his eyes. 'I hope for Miharu's sake things don't go badly wrong. I don't want to leave her on her own.'
***
Miharu stretched out, surprised and yet disappointed to reach for thin air where Jin should have been sat. She sighed, frowned and stood, getting the feeling back through her body.
"Gone off and left when I'm asleep again," she said, trying not to be grumpy, but for the fact she'd just woke up didn't help.
She heard footsteps around the kitchen and her smile peeked as she padded nimbly across the lounge to the doorway of the kitchen, peering in, and instantly, her smile slipped, noticing it wasn't her Jin, but just Hoshi, making a sandwich.
He looked over his shoulder towards her, seeing her glum face. "What's wrong? You want a sandwich too?"
"Oh, nothing's wrong. Just Jin disappeared again. Thought it might be him in here," she said.
"Ah, sorry, I'm not him. I think he went outside to the shrine with your father," he said.
"Oh, right," Miharu conceded, going to pick up her baby book and opening her marked page. "You know, I think I'll have that sandwich. I'll be in the conservatory."
"Okay," Hoshi called after her as she went into the glass room. The shutter door was closed to keep the night chill out, but the room wasn't that warm. She turned on a small light that sat on a white little white table by the soft padded outdoor sofa. She carefully laid a blanket across her lap and put the book on top. On peering up to look at the light coming from the shrine, she gave a faint smile.
'I'll wait up for you,' she thought. 'I at least want to see you before I settle down for the night.'
***
It was like nothing he'd ever experienced in his life. Jin could feel himself merely as a small flickering light, not a person. He was the missing piece to a larger puzzle. All he could see was flickering spots and a large bubble of purple light that seemed to take up nearly everything, ready to swallow this strange existing world around him. He was somewhere in a space created between his mind and his father's. How'd they'd managed to do it, he didn't know, but it had just happened. He couldn't really see, only sense what existed. His father was close, somewhere in some sort of collaborating existence to the devilish purple light, which was missing a piece.
Him.
The hisses of anger echoed through the void and whips of light seemed to try and engulf him, but he moved quickly, too fast to be caught. He was like a fast, tiny little fly trying to be splatter by a large, slow hand. He could feel the anger that emanated from the disembodied being. And then, he could feel his father, tenfold. The Devil didn't know what hit him. It had felt like his father was really fighting him, pounding him mercilessly. He was making an opening for Jin.
He felt himself being pulled in, but not towards the Devil, but more towards his father's own consciousness that battled the Devil's. Jin could see not only with his own eyes, but Kazuya's as he could feel the opposing power that felt one and the same with his own.
There was a moment when there was silence and then, out of nowhere, light burst. It was coming from Jin himself, his essence smashing right into the Devil's own, overwhelming it with it's own power. It wasn't exactly prepared to be attacked with it's own power. And he felt it's mind melt. The attack had been mental and not physical as first thought.
Jin could suddenly feel his own body again, as if he'd been blasted back into it, but he could still see this void, see how the Devil was just collapsing, only becoming a power and an embodiment, and not a whole other being. But the emotions that would have resided with the being, the raw ones that were apart of it's existence were attacking at Jin himself, and not knowing what he could do, he just felt himself become overwhelmed by these dark emotions.
Somewhere behind the screams, he could hear his father's own voice, calling to him, but he was going death to his own cries.
Kazuya was staring at his son, looking at him across the shrine and not in the void of devil power. He was shocked that it had actually worked, but at what price? The Devil mind had easy fallen to such a domination that came from between the two fighters, but the vacant devil body that Kazuya now possessed within his spirit had needed to get rid of the raw, unneeded emotions that existed in every devil. It had sent them straight into essence that still had some demon mind that could harness them. No, the Devil mind was gone, it couldn't reform, but the feral animalistic part had to be put somewhere else…
Jin's body had morphed, and now, a very feral Devil-Jin was knelt before his father.
"Shit…" Kazuya said under his breath.
The demon roared in insurmountable rage leaping at Kazuya.
***
Miharu had almost dropped her book when she heard her lover scream, but the deepening howl that ripped into the night suddenly had her whole body shaking in fear.
"What the hell was that?" She heard Hoshi calling through the house.
Miharu couldn't help herself. Book and blanket discarded on the floor, she threw the shutter door open and was bounding down the path as fast as she could go. Her hand reached for the shrine door and pulled it open. She squeaked, just managing to duck a candle that flew over her head, bouncing on the path, flame instantly extinguished.
The sight before her was horrifying. The small shrine was in ruins, candles splayed and the centralised picture now smashed on the floor, forgotten by the two fighters facing each other. Kazuya was stood to the far side, slightly hunched but still in fighting stance, facing a half crouched, ready to pounce Jin, his eyes hungry for blood as he was eyeing the bloody scratches on the elder man's chest and arms. Kazuya had already been weakened from having to use a lot of inner strength to squash the devil mind - this he didn't need.
Kazuya saw Miharu in the entranceway, suddenly worried for her safety. "No! Get out of here!"
The distraction had Devil-Jin leaping at the older man, smashing him back hard into the wall behind, the man slumping down, groaning in a heavily dazed state.
"NO JIN! STOP!" Miharu cried in horror.
The devil turned his attention from the downed man, eyes locking with the frightened woman. All her instincts told her to run away, but she just couldn't do it. It was too late for her to decide what to do, as his speed caught her off guard and he was suddenly pressing her up to the wall.
'I have to defend the baby and myself. I don't think I can reach him…'
She brought up a foot to press between them and slam her foot against him several times, getting him to release her. Infuriated by this, he took a swipe at her, catching her arm with his deadly claws. Miharu screamed in pain, griping her injured arm, blood running between her fingers. When his eyes fixed on this, he went crazy.
Before she even blinked, he'd grabbed her painfully and exposed the scratches on her arm. Him mouth locked around the wound, fangs digging into the skin. The pain was horrific, and she was yelling as loud as her lungs would allow. Her spirit wasn't going to relent, doing what she could to fight back against such a powerful incarnation of her lover. Her other freed arm was in a good enough position for her to swing a shot as his face. The thud made him pull away instantly, looking at her with anger and blood lust.
Miharu pulled herself as far back from him as she was restricted to as he still had her injured arm. Focusing hard and conjuring her strength she kicked up her right leg so the inner side of the foot would pop him straight in the cheek. The infamous 'Cloud Kick'. She felt sorry for doing it, as it was Jin, but his mind wasn't there at all - it was merely a monster now in front of her.
He hold lessened, and she thought she'd get away, but like lightening he'd recovered from the shot and clocked her one around the face, letting her go, stumbling back hard to the wall and sliding down. Her head spun like crazy and she instantly curled up on herself to protect her stomach from harm.
But Devil-Jin didn't attack her, or Kazuya, who was now rising to his feet. He instead bounded out the shrine door, smelling the fresh night air and spread his wings to greet the night.
Hoshi managed to waddle out in time to see the devil take off. He almost fell over in surprise.
"What the in the name of…" He stammered quietly afterwards and proceeded towards the shrine. On entrance, he was devastated to see the mess that had become of it, but he was not worrying about that right now, he focused on Kazuya, who was leaning over a shaking Miharu, who was cowered in a ball.
"Damn it, I shouldn't have let this happen," Kazuya grimaced and looked up to Hoshi. "Get some medical supplies out. I'll bring her inside."
"Are you going to be okay?" Hoshi asked, seeing Kazuya had a few injuries of his own.
"Look, I'll be alright, let's just focus on Miharu for now." Kazuya shook his fuzzy head and look down on the young woman, who was not far from crying. For once, he could feel himself pity.
***
Miss Touka sat on the bonnet of her car, a cigarette sat between her lips. She wasn't in a good mood. Sent out into the night to keep a look out for any signs of Miharu as punishment for not properly keeping her area covered. She'd be doing this for a while, enduring cold nights for the Mishima Zaibatsu.
"Damn it, I can't feel my toes anymore," she grumbled, throwing her cigarette on the floor in frustration, hugging herself tighter.
Looking up, she could see the moon, full and bright, the only real source of light besides a few dim streetlights and a few neon signs a bit further down the street.
"Did I forget to say I hate the dark," she muttered sardonically.
It was at that instant, she could see something high up in the sky. At first, she thought she was hallucinating, but something winged was up above.
'That's a weird looking bird,' she thought, squinting.
It took her a moment as she got a better of view of it to know what sort of creature it really was. She chuckled lowly, tracking the way it flew and pinpointing a direction it came from. After that, she was instantly on the phone to her boss.
"Mishima-sama! I have great news for you! I believe I just saw your dear grandson! I may be able to point us in the right direction after all!"
*********************************************************************************
A/N: Uh oh! Problems! Will Jin be alright? Will Miharu be alright for that matter! What is going to be the outcome? Find out soon.
By Indigo Siren
Disclaimer: Tekken is © to Namco. I do not own any of the characters involved, besides the ones of my own creation. I am not making any money from this fan fiction; it is just for fun. All rights reserved.
Chapter 8
"Come on, Xiao, give up already," Julia insisted while she was stood stirring two cups of hot chocolate on the kitchen counter top. "You've been at it for hours."
"I've really got to get this done," the young Chinese girl insisted, fingers tapping at the keyboard of her computer with urgency. "They expect us to write up reports within days of receiving the assignments. I could hardly find a book about marketing strategy. It's not exactly a well-known book topic. Darn, stupid grammar!"
Julia smiled. "Well, this isn't school, you know. Things do get a little bit harder."
"You're telling me," she grumbled.
Lei appeared from the bathroom doorway, stretching his arms tiredly behind him. Rather then being in his usual working dress, he was now casually sporting a long, baggy T-shirt and a pair of shorts. He wasn't even going to think of walking around in boxers with Xiaoyu around, but it wasn't such a bother with Julia.
"It's getting late, pixie. You should really take Julia's advice and think about packing up for the night," he said, crossing the room past the young, working girl. He heard her groan and mutter something about being nearly finished. Julia came from the kitchen and handed the older man one of the cups of hot chocolate. "Oh, thank you."
They both took a seat on the couch, half watching the TV documenting a wildlife show, and talking over the stereo sounds of tapping and lion roars.
"Another long day over, huh?" Julia asked, sipping her drink with satisfaction.
"I've been doing much of the paperwork, so, not much action but rather sitting around in an office being bored," he said with a sigh.
The American girl looked sympathetic, putting an arm around his shoulder. "Oh, you poor thing. Not much fun these days…"
"Oh, yeah, there's the fun, but then again, the fun kind of ran out when the coffee machine refuses to give me my daily caffeine intake - then, no fun," he said, smiling, and instinctively putting his arm around her, drawing her against him.
"Well, I assure you, if you don't fall asleep on me, you won't be bored for long," she said, winking at him.
"The entertainment of a long boring day," he said, stroking her hair.
There was a synthesised chime and Xiaoyu jumped. "Oh, I got mail!"
"Check your mail then turn off for the night," Julia ordered, suddenly feeling all motherly, and for the fact that Xiaoyu's persistent typing was starting to get on her nerves.
"Okay…" The girl finally relented and clicked on the letter icon.
"So, do you want to retire now?" Julia asked, voice hinting. He was made to grin by the coy look that appeared on her face.
"Oh, why not," he said, finding the remote nearly stuffed down the side cushion and turned the TV off.
Julia winked. "Entertainment awaits!"
Lei laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure that…"
"Julia…" Xiaoyu's strained voice drifted between the pair, whom turned to see her almost ghostly face.
"Xiao?" She asked concerned, suddenly up away from Lei and at her friend's side. "What's wrong?"
Xiaoyu had covered her mouth, eyes trying to hold back the tears. "It's from Rubi. Read the attached article," she muffled out, clicking on a link to a large picture of a newspaper cutting. Lei had come to join them at this point, leaning over with Julia to read the contents.
Miharu's student ID picture was in one corner of the cutting. The article read out the reasoning:
'Yesterday evening, Hirosaki University student, Miharu Hirano went missing after a mysterious raid on her apartment home in suburban Hirosaki City. Locals who heard the rutcus and managed to catch glimpses of the proceedings were confused by the dark figures, described as a SWAT team, whom forced their way into Miharu's home. Nobody could give a good description of the attackers and before officials could be called in, all traces of the group and any vehicles disappeared into the night. It isn't certain where they came from and police have not been able to pin point a hiding place. The reasoning for Miharu's kidnap is uncertain and police are researching into any links that the student could have had with outside groups. More information on the situation is pending.'
"What the hell…" Lei muttered, his hand coming to rest on a distraught Xiaoyu's shoulder.
"Could it be… It can't be?" Julia contemplated, face contorted in anger. "It maybe me just wanting to concoct a story here but I think the Mishima Zaibatsu could have something to do with this. How else could everything be so… unresolved?"
"I've never been sure if she had problems with the Zaibatsu before," Xiaoyu said, choking with her attempt to keep the blubbering from her voice. "She talked about an incident, but she didn't elaborate. She said it was a misunderstanding. Could it be something linked?"
Lei nodded. "Julia, I think you're right. Something is being covered up here. Someone would have identified some markings on those men. The Mishima Zaibatsu is well known." He paused and remembered something, handing more griping on Xiaoyu. "She's dating Jin, right?"
"Yeah, she's pregnant with his baby," Xiaoyu confirmed.
"I think Jin went missing all that time ago because he was running from the Zaibatsu." He cursed. "It's all too confusing."
"And I can't do anything to help," Xiaoyu said, finally breaking down and crying. "Miharu… oh it's not right!"
Julia hugged the girl from behind, looking at Lei whom shared great sympathy for the young girl, but she noticed that behind his dark eyes, there was a deep, inextricable look which was trying to figure out the situation.
Why became the only thought and question in the room.
***
Weeks had gone by, and there was no trace of Miharu. Local reports had been kept up to date with her disappearance, but many were losing hope of finding her; though, there were still people who hung on to threads of prayer for her.
Especially Rubi and Kyasha.
The former girl was coming from her lesson, heart heavy over her friend's disappearance. It wasn't something that was easily going to go away, as this was the girl who she was suppose to sit lessons with and hang around with, and her link back to the old days at Mishima high school.
She was hoping that some good news would come along soon, but she'd heard nothing since an article a few days ago. The newspapers were barely focusing on it now and it was making her immensely frustrated.
Rubi sat down on a bench just within the promenade where all the benches were lined up, overlooking the lower terrace. She stared out at all the people coming and going, hanging around, hardly disturbed by the situation. Only a few people had know Miharu and truly befriended her, but none had been effected like she was. And Kyasha, whom was now walking towards the girl after coming from the cafeteria. Her usual hyperactive mood had been reduced to a somewhat placid demure.
"Hey, Rubi, good lesson?" She asked pleasantly, coming to sit down.
"It dragged on a bit. But Miss Touka did try to bring some interesting things into the subject."
"Hmm, my lesson was okay, got a bit out of hand with everyone being a bit restless with the teacher," she said, a smile half playing on her lips, but it soon faded with the very wearied look on her companions face. "You okay?"
"I'm just… bothered," she admitted, looking up to her friend. "I can't help lose faith."
"They'll find her, and she'll be okay," Kyasha assured, though something nagged her that maybe Miharu wasn't going to be coming back.
"Yeah," she sighed and put on a smile. "I'm sure she will."
"Let's take our food back to our dorm," Kyasha suggested. "We can put on a few CDs and cheer ourselves up."
"Okay, yeah, I like that idea," Rubi agreed and the pair stood up and left the promenade.
Just from behind a wall, Miss Touka emerged, a dark look in her eyes.
'Yeah, I hope she's found, then our enemies shall be out of our and finally, the real kidnap shall begin.' She just smiled in thought and slipped away quietly.
***
Unknown to her friends and the authorities, Miharu was fit and well, and now in hiding within a small rural town. It was usually said to be the place for those who could afford big, luxurious houses within a quiet, undisturbed haven.
Though, the house she was staying in was far from luxurious. It was a small, cramped place, which was one of many that ran in a long a row of tiny, attached houses. It was like the slum area of the picturesque town, but it was not as bad as people described.
In one of the middle, pebbled-fronted houses, Miharu resided.
The young woman yawned, stepping into the small dining area of the house, stretching out achy muscles. The room was fairly dark, the early morning sun blocked out by heavy blinds. Kazuya specifically told her to keep curtains shut unless things were clearly safe. Still, she wasn't going anywhere for a while with the Zaibatsu chasing after her. For now, she had to stay the kidnapped University student of Hirosaki. Jin wasn't in the papers for the fact nobody knew he lived with her.
She'd already showered and changed into a soft flannel shirt and a pair of cycling shorts, sitting herself down at the breakfast table. Getting the clothes had been a risky job, but Kazuya had opted to go back for a few of hers and Jin's belongings. He'd gone days after the incident, covered by the night, having to access the area carefully. It had been safe to tread, but he hadn't let his guard down for a second, in case of a booby trap. They had already packed bags before hand, putting them under the wardrobe, in case anything like this has happened. Since it had been a much more dangerous assault then anticipated, they'd had no time to grab them. Kazuya was able to get to them, seeing they were barely touched by the police or anyone else. He'd returned with their goods without a hitch, hardly even disturbing the crime scene.
She dreaded to go back to her apartment to see the mess. She also hated to think what her father and Hanii must have been going through since she'd gone missing - they definitely must have known by now!
It tormented her that she couldn't tell her family and friends that she was okay, for risk of being caught. Sat there in the kitchen by herself, she'd reached the pinnacle of lonely. Kazuya and Jin had disappeared on routine like they usually did early in the morning. Kazuya was dealing with business as usual and Jin had gone off to do some training and meditation, and he wished not to be disturbed for a while. So, Miharu was left to her own devices, as long as she stayed in the house.
A bulky figure moved into the doorway that led from the lounge to the dining room. The rounded, aged face of an elder man beamed at her.
"Good morning, Miharu," the man greeted as he moved slowly into the kitchen, waddling side to side by the imbalance of his weight.
"Good morning, Hoshi," Miharu greeted in return, watching the man take a seat next to her.
The elder man, Hoshi Mizuno, was the friend Kazuya had wanted to hide Miharu with. He was a former G-Corporation scientist, but he retired a few years back because of illness. He'd be one of the men who'd helped bring Kazuya back to life, and since then, the man of the hated Mishima name had felt he owed him a lot. When he'd taken over the company, he'd appointed Hoshi as one of his head researchers, up until his retirement, which was roughly a year or so before the fourth Iron Fist tournament. Since then, he'd lost his wife to cancer and had lost touch with his son, finding himself alone in a small house. That was, until he was suddenly welcoming guests along with Kazuya, needing a place to hide out. Hoshi was trusted to always be of help when direly needed. He was the most kind and giving man, and despite what his bulking appearance, he was still a highly active man.
"You been left by yourself again? Not much fun being cooped up and then being left to it," he said, understanding her situation.
"The excitement in my life seems to have just collapsed in on itself," Miharu sighed tiredly, crossing her legs beneath the table idly. "All I'm doing is sitting fearing when I could be at least doing something so I wouldn't have to think about it."
"Yes, but you don't want to over do it. You're carrying precious cargo," Hoshi pointed out with a smile. Miharu looked down at his indication to her small, rounding stomach. She touched it softly and nodded in recognition of what he'd said.
"This little life is the reason why I'm here," she said softly. "But I don't wish to blame an innocent unborn child for this stupid situation. It's all Heihachi's fault and his idiotic dream of power. I don't want to lose my child to that heartless monster."
"You'd end up losing your own life as well, you know. Heihachi is not a man to let anyone against him walk away so easily," Hoshi hated to say, but it was obvious that if the Zaibatsu got their hands on her, she wouldn't have a future either.
Miharu shuddered deep down, trying not to conjure images of death to her mind. She hated to think what she'd leave behind and what would happen to the world if Heihachi got his way. She had to fight until her last breath - to give up was a sentence of death on everyone and not just herself.
"I am very afraid of what is going to happen," Miharu admitted, obviously unable to hide it behind some bold remark. "I don't think I can fight this alone."
"You've got Kazuya and Jin, and even an old fool like me," he said, his voice turning light-hearted.
She smiled weakly, looking to her hands resting on the table. "It's like having a barrier around me, that can't last forever. You're all not made of metal or can fight forever. One mistake and it'll all come crashing down, despite any added bonus that comes with father and son." Hoshi nodded, knowing she meant the whole 'Devil Gene' matter. "When their gone, it's just me versus the Mishima Zaibatsu, and I hardly think a single, pregnant woman with four years worth of Chinese Martial Arts training is going to stand for much to their forces."
"Better then nothing at all," Hoshi said softly, putting his hand over hers in support. "You can't lose faith in those who are willing to help you."
"Jin, yes, I trust him, but Kazuya… it's taking a lot of will power to give him the benefit of the doubt," she said truthfully. "He's proved himself so far, but a few good deeds doesn't make him a good man. He's had a dark past and a man with so much hate to his name isn't going to trade his gun for a harp."
"No, he isn't exactly the most liked man, and he definitely hasn't done anything that has made the world happy with him." Hoshi just came out with it, because sugar coating his dirty deeds wasn't going to make it all sweeter to swallow and easy to forget. "But every action comes with a reason, and his were that the effect of his treatment as a child made him have a hate for life. But as you get older, you become wiser, and Kazuya isn't stupid and accepts that for a fact, not everyone wanted him to just die. He made a lot of friends at G-Corps, including myself, and he treated us a lot better then he ever did for anyone else under the Mishima Company name. Goes to show, building something of his own made him change for the better."
"Hmm, I guess, got to see if it lasts for the duration and that he isn't a really good con artist." There was a quiet moment between the two, before Miharu spoke up again. "I'm hungry, how about you?"
"Oh yes, I haven't had breakfast yet. Please, don't get up. I'll cook up something healthy and nutritious. Your eating habits could really rub off on me," he said, patting his ample belly, clambering to his feet.
"I'm cutting down the greasy stuff for my little star," Miharu said rubbing her stomach affectionately.
Hoshi got down to cooking breakfast - consisting mostly of vegetables and not of the most traditional ingredients. Miharu decided to read one of her host's stacked cooking books, to relieve a little of the boredom until breakfast was served. It was during this time that Kazuya returned from where ever he'd disappeared to. He'd brought with him a few groceries.
"Ah, you've returned," Hoshi said, turning from his stirring the rice. "You were up before dawn yet again."
"Security measures, I keep getting a feeling," he said, sitting himself at the table and stacking a few of the items from the bag on the table. A few oddments to be put aside, but there was also a magazine and a thick book about babies. Kazuya coughed when she looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. It must have been embarrassing to pick that one up off the shelf.
"I think this might be useful to you… and especially for Jin," Kazuya said, watching her pick it up.
"When did you suddenly start going all… baby fetish on us?" Miharu asked, joking.
Kazuya snorted. "I'm not exactly an expert, and even if I was, could you imagine me trying to sit down and explain the a to z to you both?"
"Actually, I don't think I could picture that." Miharu felt embarrassed, but she knew he was more then anyone else. He was just trying to help after all.
"Will make good… reading material, along with this magazine," he said, pushing that towards her as well. "Jin kept telling me you were complaining about being bored, so, this is the best I could do for you."
"I'll treasure the book and read the magazine EXTRA slow," Miharu said, trying not to sound too sarcastic about the magazine. Thankfully, he'd picked up something reasonable to read. It wasn't exactly a woman's magazine; it must have been enough of a blow to his ego that he had to pick up a baby book.
"Are you going to join us for breakfast?" Hoshi asked.
"I've got to shower. Leave me something on the side. I don't have that long to sit down as it is. Things to do…" Kazuya put the tinned and packaged items on the side to be put away for later and headed for the sliding door, heading for the upstairs.
"Kazuya," Miharu called softly after him. He stopped and turned to her. She smiled, feeling a little shy. "Thanks."
He paused, a little lost for words. Usually he had to swear and fight verbal arguments with people. Pleasantries like this weren't his usual thing.
"You're welcome," he replied, disappearing quickly there after.
She just shook her head at his abrupt exit. He needed to get better with the social stuff. He usually played boss to employee. This was a totally different story between them too. They were almost family. Almost.
***
Jin let out a long, calm breath as he drew himself back to reality. From the peaceful plain he'd let himself travel to, he came back to the naturally decorated environment of an old, sturdy built hut, that was used as a small shrine. He blinked a few times; his vision a little blurred at first, but soon his eyes re-adjusted to the lighting. He stood, recited a few soft-whispering prayers he was once told and bowed to the head of the shrine. It was a place of memory, decorated with many candles, being the guiding light for the single face it watched over.
The dearly departed wife of Hoshi Mizuno. But here, it was safe to pray under her watchful eyes to his mother too. Here, the love from the spirits could truly have meaning.
His body had tensed from having sat in the same position for hours on end and he began to stretch out his limbs, feeling the careful pop of his joints as everything began to loosen to a more relaxed state. Well, as relaxed as he was going to get.
The main meaning of him constantly meditating was to escape from the world for a little while, after the recent events had taken wing so fast. His father had suddenly and truly planted himself into his life and in that of Miharu's. Her fate especially relied a lot on his help and honesty. But Jin was still unhappy with this arrangement. He would give his father a chance, even let him help him and try and form a bond, but he would never truly be willing to forgive so quickly for the injustice of the past. No help for him when he was a child and no mercy for him over this power. And now, all of a sudden, he wanted to be saved from the devil mind? How would he be able to help him accomplish this?
All these questions were for a later date, as he slipped on his shoes and departed the shrine, having been in long enough. He had to return to Miharu, feeling guilty that he disappeared a lot and neglected to be with her. He was slowly coming to terms that some day soon, he'd be a father - even at such a young age! But it was fate and he was going to accept it.
Jin pushed open the flimsy door shutter door into the small conservatory, which was filtering in the midday sun in bright, white beams. He hadn't realised he'd been in all morning.
As he came into the kitchen, he noticed Miharu was the only one there now. Everyone had eaten, even Kazuya had made his brief appearance, but now, there was peace as the young Hirano was sat, engaged in reading a book. A baby book. He did a double take in seeing the cover, but he wasn't exactly going to say anything against her reading it.
She finally noticed his presence and put a piece of paper in to bookmark her page, wanting more to have Jin in her regard. The young man eagerly brought her from her seated position and carefully embraced her in a warm hug.
"You were gone when I woke up. I knew you'd be meditating, you always are," she said.
"I'm sorry if I leave you alone for too long. I know it's boring to be kept inside," he apologised.
She sighed, resting her head to his chest. "You have no idea. You only understand when you get an ear full from me."
Jin chuckled lightly. "I know."
"Kazuya knew, you told him," she said, looking up to him. He expected her to be angry for some reason, but she wasn't. Not a single change in her demure.
"Yes, he's been mindful of you, a bit more than I have. I'm sorry," he apologised yet again.
"Stop being sorry! I'm not angry with you. And besides, Kazuya was helpful and got me a magazine and…" She reached down and picked up the baby book. "… And this."
Jin was a little gob-smacked. "He picked that up for you?"
"Must have taken a lot of courage for a man of his power and stature to reach onto the shelf and pick this up. This pink, girlie-looking book about babies and go purchase it at the counter." She laughed. "Though, I am grateful he'd buck up the courage for me."
Jin gave her a half smile. He was impressed that Kazuya would do something so menial, yet ego shattering for Miharu. But still, it wasn't going to make it all happy and perfect between him and his father.
"Well, you can put the book aside for a while and come spend some time with me. I don't know if there is anything on the TV, but you know, we could just sit and talk as well…"
Miharu's face brightened, hugging him tighter. "OH! I like that idea!"
Jin led the way into the lounge with an almost over the top, happy Miharu trailing. It was nothing to be all giggly and over excited about, but since she'd been withering in boredom, this kind of activity felt like a trip to Disneyland.
***
Hours had slipped by without notice and darkness had claimed victory over the daylight. Jin and Miharu were sat on the couch, like they had been all day, relaxing and just enjoying being together. The TV was still on, blithering on with a news report about a strike at an old factory. Miharu was cuddled up, snoozing against her beau, as he just sat there, taking in the calmness of the room.
He almost jumped out of his skin when Kazuya appeared in front of him.
"Do you always creep around?" Jin asked irritably, his dozing state broken.
"I wasn't creeping," Kazuya corrected. "You're just jumpy. Now, if you're not busy, I wish for us to do something. I feel it is time that you helped me."
"What do you mean? Are you going on about… well, me helping you to push back the Devil consciousness?"
"It could come to more then that, but we shall see. We may find a way even to help you too," he said and turned for the door. "Meet me in the shrine."
And he was gone, leaving Jin feeling restless and tense. He carefully moved Miharu's head instead to rest against one of the cushions. Planting a soft kiss on his porcelain cheek, he left the room to follow after Kazuya.
***
Kazuya had lit all the candles that decorated the shrine, bringing the wooden room into a glow of warm orange. Jin came to stand in the doorway, watching his father blow out the stick he'd used to light the candles, his eyes coming to meet his.
"We'll least honour her if we're going to be doing something rather unholy in her house of prayer," Kazuya said softly and beckoned his son to come up. Jin sighed inwardly and shut the door behind him, circling around the opposite way his father walked as he was kicked off his shoes. Jin did the same. They knelt opposite each other on the soft woven mats occupying the floor space.
There was a moments silence between the two before an agitated Jin spoke up to break it. "So, what do we do then?"
Kazuya's silence didn't give Jin much hope to what the man planned to do to begin with, or for that matter, know what to do during the whole proceedings. It made him edgy.
"It all starts with you." Kazuya's deep voice made Jin jump. "Your 'Devil-Gene' is a key into my own, which is like the lock. If the key damages the lock, there is a way to break open the seal and be able to use the powers without things being locked on us."
"That doesn't make much sense to me," Jin said honestly.
"If the Devil mind can be destroyed, then there is a chance for us. I think this maybe beyond just holding back the power now, as it sure will know and maybe even anticipate our action. We just have to try."
Jin couldn't back out now. Maybe, just maybe, this could work out good for them both. Maybe he could get rid of most of the power that resided inside him and his own gene could be forced into dormancy. He had to give it a try and not cower away.
"Fine, let's get this over with," Jin said tiredly, closing his eyes. 'I hope for Miharu's sake things don't go badly wrong. I don't want to leave her on her own.'
***
Miharu stretched out, surprised and yet disappointed to reach for thin air where Jin should have been sat. She sighed, frowned and stood, getting the feeling back through her body.
"Gone off and left when I'm asleep again," she said, trying not to be grumpy, but for the fact she'd just woke up didn't help.
She heard footsteps around the kitchen and her smile peeked as she padded nimbly across the lounge to the doorway of the kitchen, peering in, and instantly, her smile slipped, noticing it wasn't her Jin, but just Hoshi, making a sandwich.
He looked over his shoulder towards her, seeing her glum face. "What's wrong? You want a sandwich too?"
"Oh, nothing's wrong. Just Jin disappeared again. Thought it might be him in here," she said.
"Ah, sorry, I'm not him. I think he went outside to the shrine with your father," he said.
"Oh, right," Miharu conceded, going to pick up her baby book and opening her marked page. "You know, I think I'll have that sandwich. I'll be in the conservatory."
"Okay," Hoshi called after her as she went into the glass room. The shutter door was closed to keep the night chill out, but the room wasn't that warm. She turned on a small light that sat on a white little white table by the soft padded outdoor sofa. She carefully laid a blanket across her lap and put the book on top. On peering up to look at the light coming from the shrine, she gave a faint smile.
'I'll wait up for you,' she thought. 'I at least want to see you before I settle down for the night.'
***
It was like nothing he'd ever experienced in his life. Jin could feel himself merely as a small flickering light, not a person. He was the missing piece to a larger puzzle. All he could see was flickering spots and a large bubble of purple light that seemed to take up nearly everything, ready to swallow this strange existing world around him. He was somewhere in a space created between his mind and his father's. How'd they'd managed to do it, he didn't know, but it had just happened. He couldn't really see, only sense what existed. His father was close, somewhere in some sort of collaborating existence to the devilish purple light, which was missing a piece.
Him.
The hisses of anger echoed through the void and whips of light seemed to try and engulf him, but he moved quickly, too fast to be caught. He was like a fast, tiny little fly trying to be splatter by a large, slow hand. He could feel the anger that emanated from the disembodied being. And then, he could feel his father, tenfold. The Devil didn't know what hit him. It had felt like his father was really fighting him, pounding him mercilessly. He was making an opening for Jin.
He felt himself being pulled in, but not towards the Devil, but more towards his father's own consciousness that battled the Devil's. Jin could see not only with his own eyes, but Kazuya's as he could feel the opposing power that felt one and the same with his own.
There was a moment when there was silence and then, out of nowhere, light burst. It was coming from Jin himself, his essence smashing right into the Devil's own, overwhelming it with it's own power. It wasn't exactly prepared to be attacked with it's own power. And he felt it's mind melt. The attack had been mental and not physical as first thought.
Jin could suddenly feel his own body again, as if he'd been blasted back into it, but he could still see this void, see how the Devil was just collapsing, only becoming a power and an embodiment, and not a whole other being. But the emotions that would have resided with the being, the raw ones that were apart of it's existence were attacking at Jin himself, and not knowing what he could do, he just felt himself become overwhelmed by these dark emotions.
Somewhere behind the screams, he could hear his father's own voice, calling to him, but he was going death to his own cries.
Kazuya was staring at his son, looking at him across the shrine and not in the void of devil power. He was shocked that it had actually worked, but at what price? The Devil mind had easy fallen to such a domination that came from between the two fighters, but the vacant devil body that Kazuya now possessed within his spirit had needed to get rid of the raw, unneeded emotions that existed in every devil. It had sent them straight into essence that still had some demon mind that could harness them. No, the Devil mind was gone, it couldn't reform, but the feral animalistic part had to be put somewhere else…
Jin's body had morphed, and now, a very feral Devil-Jin was knelt before his father.
"Shit…" Kazuya said under his breath.
The demon roared in insurmountable rage leaping at Kazuya.
***
Miharu had almost dropped her book when she heard her lover scream, but the deepening howl that ripped into the night suddenly had her whole body shaking in fear.
"What the hell was that?" She heard Hoshi calling through the house.
Miharu couldn't help herself. Book and blanket discarded on the floor, she threw the shutter door open and was bounding down the path as fast as she could go. Her hand reached for the shrine door and pulled it open. She squeaked, just managing to duck a candle that flew over her head, bouncing on the path, flame instantly extinguished.
The sight before her was horrifying. The small shrine was in ruins, candles splayed and the centralised picture now smashed on the floor, forgotten by the two fighters facing each other. Kazuya was stood to the far side, slightly hunched but still in fighting stance, facing a half crouched, ready to pounce Jin, his eyes hungry for blood as he was eyeing the bloody scratches on the elder man's chest and arms. Kazuya had already been weakened from having to use a lot of inner strength to squash the devil mind - this he didn't need.
Kazuya saw Miharu in the entranceway, suddenly worried for her safety. "No! Get out of here!"
The distraction had Devil-Jin leaping at the older man, smashing him back hard into the wall behind, the man slumping down, groaning in a heavily dazed state.
"NO JIN! STOP!" Miharu cried in horror.
The devil turned his attention from the downed man, eyes locking with the frightened woman. All her instincts told her to run away, but she just couldn't do it. It was too late for her to decide what to do, as his speed caught her off guard and he was suddenly pressing her up to the wall.
'I have to defend the baby and myself. I don't think I can reach him…'
She brought up a foot to press between them and slam her foot against him several times, getting him to release her. Infuriated by this, he took a swipe at her, catching her arm with his deadly claws. Miharu screamed in pain, griping her injured arm, blood running between her fingers. When his eyes fixed on this, he went crazy.
Before she even blinked, he'd grabbed her painfully and exposed the scratches on her arm. Him mouth locked around the wound, fangs digging into the skin. The pain was horrific, and she was yelling as loud as her lungs would allow. Her spirit wasn't going to relent, doing what she could to fight back against such a powerful incarnation of her lover. Her other freed arm was in a good enough position for her to swing a shot as his face. The thud made him pull away instantly, looking at her with anger and blood lust.
Miharu pulled herself as far back from him as she was restricted to as he still had her injured arm. Focusing hard and conjuring her strength she kicked up her right leg so the inner side of the foot would pop him straight in the cheek. The infamous 'Cloud Kick'. She felt sorry for doing it, as it was Jin, but his mind wasn't there at all - it was merely a monster now in front of her.
He hold lessened, and she thought she'd get away, but like lightening he'd recovered from the shot and clocked her one around the face, letting her go, stumbling back hard to the wall and sliding down. Her head spun like crazy and she instantly curled up on herself to protect her stomach from harm.
But Devil-Jin didn't attack her, or Kazuya, who was now rising to his feet. He instead bounded out the shrine door, smelling the fresh night air and spread his wings to greet the night.
Hoshi managed to waddle out in time to see the devil take off. He almost fell over in surprise.
"What the in the name of…" He stammered quietly afterwards and proceeded towards the shrine. On entrance, he was devastated to see the mess that had become of it, but he was not worrying about that right now, he focused on Kazuya, who was leaning over a shaking Miharu, who was cowered in a ball.
"Damn it, I shouldn't have let this happen," Kazuya grimaced and looked up to Hoshi. "Get some medical supplies out. I'll bring her inside."
"Are you going to be okay?" Hoshi asked, seeing Kazuya had a few injuries of his own.
"Look, I'll be alright, let's just focus on Miharu for now." Kazuya shook his fuzzy head and look down on the young woman, who was not far from crying. For once, he could feel himself pity.
***
Miss Touka sat on the bonnet of her car, a cigarette sat between her lips. She wasn't in a good mood. Sent out into the night to keep a look out for any signs of Miharu as punishment for not properly keeping her area covered. She'd be doing this for a while, enduring cold nights for the Mishima Zaibatsu.
"Damn it, I can't feel my toes anymore," she grumbled, throwing her cigarette on the floor in frustration, hugging herself tighter.
Looking up, she could see the moon, full and bright, the only real source of light besides a few dim streetlights and a few neon signs a bit further down the street.
"Did I forget to say I hate the dark," she muttered sardonically.
It was at that instant, she could see something high up in the sky. At first, she thought she was hallucinating, but something winged was up above.
'That's a weird looking bird,' she thought, squinting.
It took her a moment as she got a better of view of it to know what sort of creature it really was. She chuckled lowly, tracking the way it flew and pinpointing a direction it came from. After that, she was instantly on the phone to her boss.
"Mishima-sama! I have great news for you! I believe I just saw your dear grandson! I may be able to point us in the right direction after all!"
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A/N: Uh oh! Problems! Will Jin be alright? Will Miharu be alright for that matter! What is going to be the outcome? Find out soon.