Thanks for all the reviews:
Riri: You wrote my first review, thank you so much...hope you like it...
Reina-183: hope you like the story as much as I like yours...
TheSpiderMan999:thanks for the complements and you welcome. Upload your story as soon as possible, please...
TheWishofNight: thanks for your words, and I just wanna say that it wasn't this chapter that took me 3 years writing, it was the whole story. The Countdown (Part I) is completed but I wrote it in Portuguese (my language). Now I have to translate it. The Part II is called The Ultimate Fighting and it's also finished. The Part III has no title yet, and I'm waiting for Tekken 5 to decide if I go on or not...But don't worry, I'll try to publish Part I and II. Thanks again...
May the Final FX begin...
EAST-OSAKA
-Are you ready, Eijiro?-asked Hwoarang.
-Yes...I am now...
-Do you have the money?
-Yes. Why do I have to pay for the room?
-Because you'll be sleeping in it too!
-That's not fair, this was your idea!
-So?
-I don't want to go!
-Sure you do...besides, I'm a champion...I can't travel alone!
-Why, are you scared of the dark?
-Shut up...and lets go!
-Fine! But you could go with Julia and Michelle!
-They left yesterday...
-I know...but you could be with Julia, isn't that what you really want?
-Shut up...
-Why? Am I making you blush?
-You'll be sorry for that...sooner or later...
TOKYO
TOKYO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
-Welcome to Japan, sir!
-Thank you...you can call me Eddie!
-So, are you here on business?
-We can say that, mister Takino. Now, Gonçalo told me I can trust you...what can you tell me about the Mishima Empire? - asked Eddie entering in a black Honda.
-The president is Heihachi Mishima. He inherited a fortune when he was young. He's a true business man. Everyone thought his son would take his place, but Kazuya died, even though no one knows what really happened.
-Is there any more heirs?
-Yes. He has a grandchild. He's name is Jin; he has almost nineteen years old. But he ran off. People say they had a fight and now no one knows his whereabouts. Heihachi is still looking for him...
-That's good...I won't have to worry about his heirs...
-What are you thinking, sir?
-I need to get inside his company!
-The Mishima Empire? Are you sure?
-Yes. I need him to trust me...I'm here to seek my vengeance...and I'll succeed no matter what. I need another person to help me too...
-I'll see what I can do!
-Japan seems a nice country...it's very different from Brazil...I really miss the beaches!
NARA
2nd DECEMBER 2009
-Things are getting well!-said Julia.-We made our registration and we managed to get a room in all this confusion...
-Now we have to win this tournament!
-That's the spirit, sis! Do you think many people will come?
-I have no idea...but I heard that last year there were about two hundred contestants.
-Wow! This will be great...
-I think this year will be the same...the hotels are almost full. There are seven and three of them are already full.
-Lets just hang around a bit! I want to know Nara a little bit more...
-OK. It's seems a nice town...
-Hey Hwoarang, look who's there!-said Eijiro pointing at Michelle and Julia.
-Shit! They can't see us!
-You'll have to meet them, sooner or later. You can even have to fight them...
-I know, you moron...lets go find a room...and I have to register myself.
-They may not accept your registration...The tournament starts tomorrow.
-They always accepted registrations in the last day...besides tomorrow will be only to explain the rules, the draft and all that crap!
-If you say so...Number four Hotel is full, we'll have to go to number five...
-What difference does it makes? Since they have a room for me...
In the meanwhile, Ling was arriving and she was a bit more scared than she wanted to admit. She was alone in a strange town, where she didn't know a person. She desperately needed to know where the Final FX was held and where she could make her registration. So, she walked in circles and stopped in front of an antiquities store, where an old lady was sitting by the door.
-Please, Mrs...can you tell me where can I go to register on the Final FX?-Ling asked nervously.
-Are you lost, little girl?
-I think so...I not from here.
-Yes...I understand...the registrations are made in the Hotels...there are seven of them but I think they'll be full in no time...you better hurry.
-Thanks...
-You welcome...and good luck.
Ling headed to the number seven Hotel and five minutes later, Jin was passing by the same store. He was about to ask the old lady some information, but she didn't let him.
-If you want to register yourself for the Final FX you should go to that Hotel!-she said pointing at the number seven.
-How did you know?-asked Jin confused, thinking she was some kind of medium.
-A girl just asked me the same thing...good luck young man...
-Thank you...
In the number seven Hotel, Ling was making her registration.
-Hi!-she greeted the boy behind the counter.-I'm here to enter the tournament...
-What's your name?-he asked giving her a peace of paper.
-Li...Lum Cheng!-Ling thought it would be best to give a false name because her Headmaster could find out she was there.
-Your not Japanese, are you?
-No...I'm not...aren't you a bit young to be here all alone?
-Hey, I'm almost fifteen!
-OK...don't be mad...I was just asking!
-I think this year there are more girls than boys in the tournament...do you want a room?
-Sure!
-OK...sign this, and I'll get your key, Miss Lum Cheng...
-Thanks...
-Here...your room is in the fourth floor. The elevator is over there.
A few minutes later Jin was also making his registration and the Hotels were all full.
That night, all the contestants went to bed earlier to get some rest, except for Hwoarang and Eijiro, who were in the pub.
-I'm going to tell you a little story, my friend.-said Hwoarang after his seventh beer.
-Oh, shit...here we go...it's always the same bloody story about that night and that stupid ghost you thought you saw...
-I know what I saw...and I know it was some kind of super ghost!
-Lets go to the hotel room...you're drunk!
-I'm not drunk!!!
-You are!
-I'm not...
-You saw a ghost?-asked a boy around sixteen who was with his two friends in the next table.
-Yes...do you want to know the story?
-Sure...-the boy said.
-Why me???-said Eijiro in despair.
-Shut up and let me talk! I'm a champion, you know?
-Really?-asked the three boys.
-Yes. I won the Great New Mishima Tournament, a few months ago...and what did I win? A stupid golden statue...representing the ugly face of the sponsor of that bloody shit! It's so ugly that I couldn't even sell it! Besides it wasn't even gold!
-So?-asked one of the boys.
-So...I went to the harbour to send it to the ocean...But then...I heard some shots...and I saw a man hurt and running for his life. He entered an old factory building. I knew he was trapped so I decided to help him...
-Where were the ghosts then?
-Easy...I fought the guys and unarmed them very easily. But then I saw the man who I had saved. He was glowing in a white light...
-Glowing!?
-Yes...and he had something in his arm...but I couldn't see his face...then he looked at me and jumped over into the window, five feats above us, breaking all the glasses!
-A ghost doesn't break things...
-I know that's why I call him a super ghost!
-Maybe he was a mutant!
-Maybe...-agreed Hwoarang.
-Lets go boys...our story boy has to go to sleep! Tomorrow is a big day!-said Eijiro helping Hwoarang to stand up.
-I can do it on my own!
-No you can! You're helpless! How many times did I tell you not to get drunk before a tournament? You're so stubborn!
-Shut up!
NARA
3rd DECEMBER 2009
FINAL FX STADIUM
-Welcome everyone! I'm Ghastu Komeru, and here I am again, new and improved!-said the tournament presenter with a lot of energy in his voice.-I'm glad to announce that this year we have more women contestants than men!!! Isn't this great? For me it's heaven!
There were many applauses from the masculine contestants. But in that moment it started to rain, so they had to cover the stadium.
-So...I think you all know the rules...but I'll explain them again. You'll be divided into four teams: the green team, the red team, the blue team and the yellow team. We'll have the draft in a few moments.
Then you'll be given a number. When we'll have a winner for each team, we'll have the semi-finals! Deadly attacks are not allowed. A fight will end when one of you quits or is knocked out! We have a medical team ready to deal with emergencies of all kind. So...we're going to have the draft now, and tomorrow morning you'll have to come and check you're fights, OK? Good luck to you all!
NARA
4th DECEMBER 2009
-I can't believe this!-said Hwoarang felling very annoyed.-I'm in Julia's team...
-I told you so...now you'll have to fight her!
-Shut up, you idiot!
-Are you scared of a girl?
-No!!! But I know I'll hurt her!
-If she doesn't hurt you first!
-Are you insane? She's not a match for me!
-Maybe...but I think you like her a bit!
-And I think you'll be the first victim to go to the Nara Central Hospital!
-OK...don't be mad...I was just joking!
Jin was in the green team. Green meant hope, so Jin had a positive feeling about that tournament. Maybe his hard training would reward him and maybe he was now stronger than his grandfather. But he knew he had to keep his low profile, because Heihachi might have some spies after him. That's why he was always wearing a hood jacket.
Ling was looking to the huge list of contestants from her red team. She was number three, and she was going to fight after number one and two, that meant the second fight of the day. She was quite nervous, she even thought about quitting.
-My team doesn't seem that bad!-said Michelle.-And blue is my favourite colour!
-I hate yellow! And I'll be the first one to fight! Bloody shit!
-I'm glad we're on different teams...
-Yes, yes...I'll have to go and get ready.
-It will be fine, Julia...don't worry!
-I'm not worried!-lied Julia.
-Yes you are! You can't fool me!
-You will see my fight, right?
-Of course! And if you have any problem, just quit, OK?
-Yes...
It was precisely half past nine when the fights started. There were four arenas painted with four different colours to match each team. There was also four judges one for each arena. Everyone was trying to see the fights of their team mates. The stadium was full and the tournament organisation was trying to get everything in order.
Next to each arena there was a screen showing the fights, and the winners.
It was Julia's turn to fight. Michelle couldn't be near her sister because she had to be close to her arena, but she was trying to watch her fight.
Hwoarang and Eijiro were also paying attention. Julia's fight didn't last long, though her opponent was very strong.
-You were right!-said Julia joining Michelle.-It was easy!
-Of course I was right! And you were great!
-He never got the chance to attack me... When will be your fight?
-I don't know yet...it depends on the other fights time...maybe in the afternoon...
-God...that sucks!
-Did you see that?-asked Eijiro amazed.
-I'm not blind!
-She'll give you some troubles! She is stronger than I thought!
-I know...but it's not good enough!
Ling's fight was also in the morning and she had to work hard to win, even facing a women. In the end she was really lucky and she felt a bit disappointed with herself. She thought that if her first fight had been that hard, probably she wouldn't win the next one. Maybe it was better if she went back to Tokyo. But then again she wanted to stay, to see if her abilities were good enough.
Finally she decided to pay attention to all the other fights to know her opponents better.
Jin had to wait a few hours to fight. His fight and Michelle's were at the same time. He only used one single strike and won in a record time of two minutes. Everyone was amazed by his technique though he hadn't show much of it.
In the meanwhile Hwoarang was watching Michelle's fight. She won thanks to her sister words' of encouragement.
Hwoarang fought in the last fight of the day. He too didn't take much time to get rid of his opponent, who ended up unconscious.
-Did you really have to do that?-asked Eijiro.
-Do what?
-You let the man unconscious!!! You just had to be the first to do that, didn't you?!
-He was making fun of me...he said I looked like a girl!
-You're so childish...
-Have you seen Julia and Michelle? Were they around?
-I don't know...I'm not a baby-sitter!
-Fine...lets eat, I'm starving!
NARA
6th DECEMBER 2009
The fights were just getting better and better.
-The four teams are getting shorter!-said the presenter that day.-In the blue team we have the former champion, Suneo, who seems to be in a great shape! But he is not the only one with winning chances. In the yellow team I noticed some good talents like...Kerita, Jun-iti, Hwoarang and Julia Chang!
-Did you hear that, Michelle?-asked Julia.
-What?
-The presenter said Hwoarang!
-So?
-It's that guy from Osaka. The one I never met...
-He probably isn't the only Hwoarang in Japan...
-Maybe...but if is really him...than Mouse wasn't lying. He was training for the tournament, which was why he wasn't in Osaka.
-I still can see what's all the excitement for?
-Mouse told me he's the best fighter in Osaka. He is the leader of a famous gang there. I'm looking forward to fight against him...
-Then you'll just have to pay more attention to the fights to see who he really is.
-In the red team we've got Gary, Aleta, Lum Cheng and Bryan Fury!-the presenter continued.-And in the green team Jin Kazama, Naidu and Lamir. But personally, I think that all my bets are with Kazama.
When Ling heard Jin's name she looked around. She was thinking about the Headmaster's grandson, but then she thought there were probably thousands of Jins living in Japan. Besides, his last name was Mishima and not Kazama. She smiled thinking about what Miharu would say if she knew she was thinking about Jin Mishima just for hearing the same name.
NARA
8th DECEMBER 2009
-I hate that presenter jerk!-said Michelle.-He said Suneo was the only one with a chance of going to the finals, from the blue team! What an idiot!
-Take it easy, Michelle! You're far better than Suneo. I know it!
-If he wins his next fight, I'll be his next opponent!
-And I just know you'll beat his ass like hell.
-Yes, I am! And I'll show that creep that I'm the one to go to the finals!...By the way...you're being great too. Dad would be proud of you!
-Of us!
-Yes...of us!
-So...lets see. You won five fights, and so did Julia...-Eijiro said.
-I know how to count!
-You'll have to fight her in the team-finals!
-Do you know that Kazama guy?-asked Hwoarang to change the subject.
-No...but I heard about him...
-He just gives me chills!
-Do you think he's a ghost?
-You stupid idiot! He's not a ghost...but there is something about him that doesn't feel right!
-Don't be scared...I'll protect you...
-AH...AH...you're so funny!
-I suggest you to think about the team-finals first! Then you can start thinking about that Kazama guy!
NARA
11th DECEMBER 2009
-Tomorrow will start the team-finals.-announced Komeru.-I wish you all good luck! And now the main screen will show us the fights. Blue team: number twelve Michelle Chang against number thirty-one Suneo. Red team: number three Lum Cheng against number twenty-five Bryan Fury. Yellow team: number one Julia Chang against number twenty-seven Hwoarang. And green team: number fourteen Nairu and the incredible number twenty-two Jin Kazama.
The fights will not be all in the same day... tomorrow the two finalists from the blue team will fight... and so on. I'll see you tomorrow then!
NARA
12th DECEMBER 2009
-Are you alright, Michelle?-asked Julia when her sister was getting ready for her fight.
-Of course I am...
-You're shaking...
-I'm fine...so did you get to know who that Hwoarang guy is?
-No...not yet...I tried...but he seems to hide every time I get to the arena...anyway I'll meet him in two days...
-I've got to go!
-Good luck, sis...
Michelle was very nervous when she entered the arena. Suneo was waiting for her, and hold her hand before the start of the fight.
He was a respectable opponent and Michelle soon realise she couldn't beat him. The stadium was full only Jin wasn't there, and Julia was screaming to support her sister.
Suneo seemed to know many martial arts, so he wasn't intimidated by Michelle's powerful kicks, though she was making him hold his defences.
The fight went on until they were both exhausted.
In the meanwhile, Jin was thinking, he was sitting in a little park listening only to his thoughts. He had a sad expression in his face and he was so focused that he didn't see the old lady from the antiquity store coming.
-What's wrong? Are you alright young man?-she asked him.-Are you having problems in the tournament?
-No...I was just thinking...
-What about the tournament?
-I'm qualified for the team-finals...it will be fine!
-So, you must be very talented!
-I'm alright, I think...but I'm not good enough...
-You're going to be fine...but you seem very sad...
-I was just thinking about my memories...
-We have to remember things sometimes...so we wont forget...we have to hang on to our memories and to hope.
-I think you're right...
In the stadium Michelle had just quitted. Suneo was the winner. Julia was shocked when she heard her sister's words, and left in a hurry.
Michelle was disappointed and very tired. Suneo helped her getting up.
-You were awesome, Michelle! I hope I'll see you next year!
Michelle blushed. But now she was thinking that Julia would never forget her for quitting.
-I hope you win this tournament...you're a nice guy...
-Thanks! Do you know the girl who left?
-Yes...she is my sister...I have to find her...she's probably mad with me!
-You could have won...
-No, I know you're stronger than me...
-It was nice to meet you!
-You too.
Michelle left the stadium and headed to their room. Julia was waiting for her.
-Why?
-He was stronger than me...and I can't hurt myself before the Iron Fist.
-Dad would be so proud if both of us went to the final...
-I know...but you still have that chance.
-OK...I'll try my best!
-Tomorrow morning I'll help you training...and then you'll beat that Hwoarang's ass!
NARA
13th DECEMBER 2009
Ling was preparing herself for her fight. Her opponent hadn't showed up yet. Miharu wasn't there too, though she said she would go to Nara as soon as possible.
Ling was nervous, besides she had seen some of Bryan Fury's fights and he was really good, and a bit violent too. She wasn't scared, but she didn't want to go the Hospital.
In that moment Bryan Fury arrived to the arena and the fight started immediately. Jin was there too, in the front row. He looked to the small and brave girl standing in front of such a violent man. He thought she was quite beautiful and smiled seeing her pigtails. Ling felt someone was watching her and their eyes met, but then Bryan attacked.
He was very strong, Ling knew she had to use his strength against him or she wouldn't win.
Brian didn't care if she was a girl; he was fighting like she was an enemy.
Fifteen minutes later Ling couldn't stand up. She was badly hurt. She was now on her knees waiting for the next strike. She knew she was going to lose and was almost losing her conscience.
Bryan was going to give his last strike when someone jumped and stopped him. Ling saw his face, but then she fell and blacked out.
Jin had stopped Bryan's strike with only one hand and they both looked at eachother furiously.
-She can't fight in this state! Leave her alone!-said Jin.
The judge joined them to see if Ling was alright, but she was unconscious.
-He's right...she can't fight.
-I won then...she was too weak for me!-said Bryan smiling.
-You'll pay for this, I assure you!-said Jin.
-You're just a kid...
-Where are the doctors?-asked Jin to the judge.
-Outside! There's an ambulance waiting...
Jin took Ling in his arms and left. Then he handed her over to the doctors and the ambulance was leaving to the Hospital, when Miharu arrived. She saw Ling in the ambulance and asked to go with her.
NARA
14th DECEMBER 2009
-Julia!-called Michelle entering the room where Julia was getting dressed.-They said he is here! He's waiting for you!
-OK...I'll be right there!
When Julia walked into the arena, she almost had a shock. She recognised immediately Hwoarang's red hair.
-YOU!? You're Hwoarang?-she asked confused.
-No...I'm the Tooth Fairy, why?-he replied.
-That was why Mouse told me you weren't in Osaka!
-I told him to do that!
-Where's my mother's medallion?
-Chill out...I haven't sold it...I said I would keep it, didn't I?
-Give me back my medallion!
-No way...but we can make deal! You win and I'll give it back...but if you don't I'll keep it.
-OK...we have a deal! I'm going to kick your ass...
The fight started. Julia and Hwoarang measured up their techniques. Julia saw he was stronger; after all he was heavier too. But she wouldn't give up.
After twenty minutes, they stopped to rest.
-You're not bad at all...-said Hwoarang.-But I have an advantage over you...
-You do not!
-Yes I do!
-And what's that?
-I'm used to fight in this kind of tournaments, it's just like I'm at home...and you're nervous...
-I'm not nervous!
-Yes you are...you're nervous because you're fighting against me...
-No I'm not! I'm not afraid of your pathetic tae-kwon-do...
-Are you sure?
-Shut up...you smug!
Julia wasn't being honest. She was in fact nervous and she was thinking that his technique was really advanced, even for her. But she couldn't lose. Her pride was at stake, and she wanted her medallion back. And especially she wanted to kick his ass.
Hwoarang, on the other hand, wasn't giving all he had because he didn't want to hurt her much; after all, she was a girl.
People were really enjoying that fight.
NARA CENTRAL HOSPITAL
-Ling, I'm so glad you're OK!-said Miharu when Ling woke up.
-What happened...why am I here?-she asked a bit dazed.
-You lost your fight...you broke two ribs, but it's not serious...what happened? I thought you would easily win this tournament!
-Me too...but I found a tough opponent...
-Tough!? He was an animal! That pig! Look at you! You could have died!
-He just wanted the victory...and so did I!
-That's no excuse!
-By the way...where is he?
-The guy? What do you want from him?
-No...not him...the guy who helped me...
-Helped you? When?
-When I was in the arena...I saw Fury prepare the last strike, and then I saw a guy stopping him...I guess he saved my life!
-Do you know him?
-No...but I remember his face...I'll look for him when I get out of here!
-That's only in two or three days...so stay still and don't make any moves...
In the stadium, Hwoarang manage to break Julia's concentration and threw her out of the arena.
-We have a winner!-said the presenter.-Hwoarang will fight in the semi-finals...
The fight had lasted for almost an hour, but was finally over.
-Are you OK?-Hwoarang asked when Michelle was helping her sister to get up.
-Yes...
-Sorry about that but I had no choice!
-You cheated!
-You did your best but you're not good enough for me...besides I'm a champion!
-Smug!
-Look...on love and fights everything is allowed...
-It's on love and war...idiot, not fights!
-It's all the same crap! But here...take your medallion...
-No...a deal is a deal. You won, you keep it!
-Julia!? Just take it!-said Michelle.
-No.
-Listen to your sister...-said Hwoarang.
-I said no...what kind of thief are you?
-A good thief?-Hwoarang suggested.
-I don't want it!
-Fine...than I'll keep it!
NARA
15th DECEMBER 2009
-This will be the last team-final. Jin Kazama will fight against Nairu.-said Komeru.-Unfortunately three beautiful girls lost in the three last fights.
Jin's fight was the shortest. It only lasted seven minutes. Nairu was pretty mad but he had to face the defeat because Jin was really the strongest.
Jin wasn't truly happy, he just wanted to win the tournament and go to Tokyo to defeat Heihachi once and for all. He wanted to show his grandfather that he wasn't just a peace of chess in his hand so he could control. After defeating Heihachi, Jin was planing to tell the authorities all about his grandfather's crimes. That way he could help many students from the Mishima School. But he had to be extremely careful because he knew the tekken forces were still hunting him down.
-Tomorrow we'll do the draft to decide the semi-finals fights. The two fights will be in the same day. One in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
NARA
16th DECEMBER 2009
It was a half past eight when Jin, Hwoarang, Bryan Fury and Suneo walked in the stadium together.
Ghastu Komeru was very excited. After the draft he showed them their fights.
-Tomorrow morning, at ten a.m. Jin Kazama will face Hwoarang. Then, in the afternoon, at two p.m. will be Bryan Fury against Suneo. Don't be late or you can be disqualified after fifteen minutes. The rules are basically the same, and remember, deadly strikes aren't allowed.
Komeru looked at Bryan when he said his last words.
-Hey, Eijiro! I'm here!-screamed Hwoarang.-God, you're such an idiot!
-Sorry I wasn't looking! So who's your opponent?
-That Kazama guy...
-The one that gives you chills?
-Yes...his face seems familiar, but I can't remember!
-He is very good...you'll have to work hard!
-Yes...I know...
-Did you see when he interfered in that Chinese girl fight with Bryan Fury? He was awesome!
-Yes...but I could have done that!
-Do you know who I had been talking to?
-Do I look like a mind reader?
-With Julia!
-You're lying!
-No I'm not! She said she was going to see your fight tomorrow...I think she's starting to like you...
-No she's not! She doesn't like anyone! Is that clear?
-OK...don't be like that!
-Lets go...I'm hungry...
-Boy, you're so unpredictable!
-Were you serious?-asked Michelle.
-What are you talking about?
-When you said you're going to see Hwoarang's fight?
-Why not? I want to see if he's that good!
-You like him, don't you?
-No!
-I'm not going...I'm going to buy our tickets back to Osaka!
-OK...
-You know...you're unpredictable. You said you hated arrogant men and now you're going to see his fight!
-I'm going to see a fight, that's all!
-You can't lie to me...I can see you like him...
-I don't!
-I can't blame you...he is dead gorgeous!
-Shut up!
-You can't deny that...he's cute! Good looks, nice body, martial arts expert...what more do you want?
-OK...he is cute...but that's all. He's a thief...he's not worth it!-said Julia blushing. Fortunately, Michelle didn't notice.