I don't own Tekken.
To the readers of this story: thank you for reading, hope you like it!
I wanna thank Reina-183 and BloodCrested for the reviews of the last chapter. And a special thank to BloodCrested for your information. It helped a lot so thank you very much! And don't worry about Julia... :P
Dilemmas
FUJI-NION
14th JUNE 2010
-Julia, please just quit! It's dangerous!-said Hwoarang, still trying to convince her not to fight against Bryan Fury.
-I need to focus...I'm training!
-You're so stubborn! He is going to kill you!
-Please...shut up!
Julia left the gym were she was training and Hwoarang followed her. He knew he was just annoying her and that she wasn't going to change her mind.
They had lunch in a little restaurant without saying a word to eachother.
Julia knew Hwoarang was acting that way because he was worried about her, but she didn't need him to tell her that she was going to lose, she needed encouragement and hope.
-This can be you're last lunch...-said Hwoarang.
-Thanks...you're really making me feel good!
In the afternoon Hwoarang went to the Hospital to check on Baek. The doctors said that his condition hadn't changed, but there was a good new, he hadn't rejected the blood he was receiving.
At night, Hwoarang found Julia still training in the park. The weather was hot so she had decided to return to her room and take a shower.
-So...are you going to stop training?-Hwoarang asked.
-Yes...I am. I'm tired and it's almost mid-night...
-Lets go then...
-How's Baek?
-The same...we have to wait!
-Look, don't worry about me, ok? I can take care of myself...-Julia said entering her room.
Hwoarang just stood there for a couple of minutes, and then he listened to the water in Julia's bathroom and went to his room. He didn't know what to think. He knew she was a good fighter, but he was sure that she couldn't win that fight. He went to his room and took a shower. He was thinking that he could lock Julia in her room so she wouldn't go to the fight the next morning when someone knocked at his door.
-I know that's late, but can I sleep with you?-Julia asked.
Hwoarang didn't answer, he just froze. He was speechless. At first Julia didn't understand why he was blushing and immobilised but than she realised what she had said.
-Oh...don't get me wrong...I mean...I didn't mean sleep with you, I meant sleep in this room, in another bed...I think maybe I better go! This was a bad idea!-she said feeling her face turn red.
-No, wait!-Hwoarang said grabbing her arm.-You can stay...
Julia entered his room and sat down on Baek's bed.
-I...just needed some company...-she said.
-You came to the right place!-he replied smiling.
Julia couldn't stop noticing that he had a beautiful smile.
-Michelle was always with me before an important fight! I miss her...
-That's normal...I miss Baek too! Julia, I want you to know that if I see that Fury is getting to rough on you...I'll stop the fighting...no matter what!
-I know...I can see that in your eyes! Thanks...that means you care...
-Well...you're my friend...
-After all we've been through in Osaka...I never thought this could happen...
-Well, things change, right?
-Yeah...
They both laid down and stood in silence for a while.
-So...how is Arizona?-asked Hwoarang.
Julia told him about her homeland. She always felt better when she was talking about her country.
Two hours later Julia was sleeping, as for Hwoarang his brain couldn't solve a question he had: was he becoming a sentimental fool? How could that happen?
FUJI-NION
15th JUNE 2010
Half an hour before Julia's fight the Stadium was already full. Julia was quite nervous. She knew that Bryan Fury wasn't an ordinary guy. She had seen him fight and, though she couldn't face it, she was scared.
Before she entered in the arena she saw Hwoarang in the first row. Jin and Ling were right next to him.
Bryan arrived in that moment and he recognised Jin.
-Look who's here!-he said.-After this fight I'll deal with you two!-he said pointing at Hwoarang too.
-Is that a threat?-asked Jin.
-Jin is much better than you!-said Ling hiding behind Jin, because Bryan was looking at her.
-Wait a minute...I know you too...you're that girl from...
-Nara!-Hwoarang said finishing his sentence.
-Yeah...that's it! Now I remember.
Hwoarang was just waiting for Bryan to provoke him. If that happened he wouldn't be able to control his anger.
-So...today I'm fighting a girl too...I hope she's not as weak as you!-said Bryan walking towards Ling.
When he was about to touch her shoulder, Jin pushed him off violently.
-Hey...calm down lover boy...I wasn't going to hurt her...
In that moment Julia was watching the scene, when Bryan noticed her.
-Is that her?-he asked.-I never thought she was that pretty...she's a babe!
-If you hurt her...I'll kill you!-said Hwoarang.
-Enough with the death threats...I have a fight to start!
The fight began. The two opponents measured their strengths and Julia was going pretty well. She had seen Bryan fight and she knew some of his strikes and how to avoid them.
-Haven't you noticed that Fury only recognised us today?-asked Jin to Ling.
-What do you mean?
-He had seen us before, but he only recognised us today...this is not normal...
-I preferred that he didn't know me at all...he's so violent!
Ling was amazed by Julia's courage.
-She's strong!-Jin said when Julia managed to hurt Bryan in one arm.-But now he's really pissed off.
Hwoarang was yelling to Julia. He was giving her advice, but in her position was a bit hard to listen and to do what he was saying.
-She won't win!-said Jin to Hwoarang.
-Shut up!-said Hwoarang.-I told her that! She is stubborn like hell!
-I understand her...-said Ling making the two boys look at her.-She is trying her best!
-She has a great technique! And she has a powerful right punch. But that's not enough...Fury is not a normal opponent!-said Jin.
-Do you think you can beat him?-asked Ling.
-Yes...I know I can...I hope I'll find him in the next round!
Julia was now on her knees. She was getting tired. Twenty minutes had passed and Bryan was winning. She just didn't want to quit, but Bryan was being very rough, and she was getting weaker.
For Hwoarang the minutes that passed seemed hours. Then, after thirty minutes fighting, Julia made the most humiliating decision of her life and she quitted.
Hwoarang sighed in relief. She still had some common sense.
Bryan was declared the winner.
-You were lucky, babe!
Hwoarang jumped to the arena to help Julia. He took her in his arms and gave an ice glare to Bryan.
-Are you ok?-he asked her.
-I feel tired...-she said.
-I'm taking you to the Hospital...
-I can walk...you don't need to carry me...
A few minutes later Julia was being watched by a doctor. Hwoarang was with her.
-She has some bruises...-the doctor said to Hwoarang.
-I'm fine!-she insisted.
-No you're not!-said Hwoarang.
-Your boyfriend is right...tonight you'll feel some pain...so I'm going to give you some pills. Have one of these before you go to bed and you'll sleep the whole night, ok?
-Yes, doctor.
That night, Julia slept in Hwoarang's room again. She couldn't help herself of feeling better when she was with him.
-Are you ok?-he asked giving her the pill.
-Yeah...I mean...no...I quitted!-she said crying.
Hwoarang didn't know what to do.
-Hey...don't cry...you did the right thing.
-You think so? It just doesn't seem that way to me...I never quitted before. But that's not the problem...
-What is it then?
-I was scared! I was scared that he would kill me...that's why I quitted!
Hwoarang sat down besides her and hugged her.
-That's ok! Everyone feels scared sometimes...please don't be like this!
-It went all wrong...I'm a loser!
-No...you're not...I'm proud of you! People have to be brave to fight but they have to be really brave to quit from a fight, because when you quit you're showing that you know your limits and that you're human... Julia?
She had fallen asleep.
FUJI-NION
EMPIRE HOTEL
17th JUNE 2010
-Anna? Why don't you have scars from the accident?-asked Nina.
-What? Oh...yes....that's because I was projected out of the car.
-How long you were in the Hospital?
-I don't know...a couple weeks...why?
-Nothing...I was just thinking about the accident. I don't remember going to our parents' grave!
-But we went there a couple of times. Your memory was still very confused.
-Sure...
-What about Eddie Lima?-asked Anna to change the subject.
-What do you mean?
-I saw you two...you were talking.
-So? Is it against the law?
-No...but I wouldn't trust him, if I were you!
-But you're not me! And you don't run my life!
Nina left the room to take her breakfast alone. She was feeling that Anna wasn't telling the whole truth. She couldn't be sure of anything in that moment.
Anna left the room too, but she went to see Heihachi.
-If it's about your sister I'm not in the mood! This is a very important day!-Heihachi said when she entered his room.
-Why? Is it because your stupid student is going to fight?
-My student isn't stupid, Anna...she's still a child but not stupid!
-A child that is Jin's girlfriend!
-They may be always together but that doesn't mean she's his girlfriend...Jin was quite popular in School among the girls, but he never had a girlfriend. Besides, probably Xiaoyu doesn't know who he really is!
-Yeah...whatever!
-Jin is handsome, don't you think Anna?
-I guess...-answered Anna blushing.
-It's the Mishima charm...Kazuya was like this too...unfortunately he fell in love with the wrong girl...just don't worry about Xiaoyu, ok?
-Yes...
-At the end of this tournament, things will be different. I promise Anna!
In the meanwhile Ling was with Eddie. She was getting ready for her fight against Forest Law.
Eddie was encouraging her. Heihachi arrived and told her not to let him down. Then she went into the Stadium.
Jin was waiting for her in the front row.
-Good luck!-he said when she entered the arena.
-Thanks!-she said trying to put a smile on her face.
Ling was getting worried because she had never seen Law fighting. That was an important disadvantage.
Jin knew that and he was near the arena because he wanted to help her.
When the fight started, Law was impressed by Ling's agility, but he got used to that soon.
The fight was very balanced. Paul tried to give advice to Law the same way that Jin was doing with Ling.
Half an hour later the situation was the same, though they were both getting tired.
Ling launched a powerful attack and Law met the ground.
-Now!-yelled Jin.-A high kick, now!
Ling did what she was told and when Law got up he felt a sharp pain in his arm. He went to the ground again, and this time he didn't get up.
His arm was broken. Ling and Paul helped him.
-I was beaten up by a girl!-Law said leaving the arena.
-Well...I was beaten up by a kid!-said Paul laughing.-No offence!
-Non taken...-said Jin.
-You were great!-Law said to Ling.
-Thanks! I'm sorry!
-These things happen...I guess I was to sure about my abilities...
-Take care!-said Ling waving at him when he left to the Hospital.
-Don't tell my father I lost against a girl!-begged Law to Paul.
Ling and Jin laughed.
-You were awesome!-Jin said.
-Really?
-Yeah...you were!
-Thanks! But you should take the credits! It was your idea!
-That doesn't count! You're the star!
-I hope I don't have to fight with Fury in the next round!
-Don't worry about that...
Jin didn't finish his sentence because Hwoarang and Julia arrived.
-Congratulations!-said Hwoarang to Ling.
Jin didn't like his attitude.
-What do you want?-he asked Hwoarang.
-I'm talking to her...not you!
-Leave her alone...
-Hey...calm down. I don't wanna take your girl!
Julia stared at him. She seemed furious.
-Don't you have something else to do?-asked Jin.
-Nope!
-In that case, find something or you'll meet my fist!
-Jealous is such a nasty thing...
-I'm not jealous!-said Jin, but in fact he didn't know if that was true.
-Lets go!-said Julia to Hwoarang dragging him before he would hit Jin or something like that.
-You're an idiot! Why do you have to provoke him?-she asked him.
-I was not provoking him...why would I do something like that?-he asked trying to look innocent.
-Because that's the way you are...
-Ok...just lets forget about it!
-You provoked him!
-Are you interested in him?
-No...and don't change the subject!
-I didn't change the subject!
-You were the one trying to make a move on that girl!
-I was not!
-You were!
-Here we go again...
FUJI-NION
19th JUNE 2010
-What about your headmaster?-asked Jin when Ling asked him to have lunch with her.
-You don't see eachother often...he's a busy man...actually, I don't care!
-I told you that you wouldn't fight with Fury...-said Jin.
-Yeah...you will!
-The draft decided...I'm pretty glad it turned out this way!
-But you have to be careful!
-I know...I told you that you were a great fighter...you reached this far!
-With your help!
-That doesn't matter!
-If I win my fight, we'll meet in the final...and one of us will have to face the Boss!
-Yeah...that means you have to win that idiot...
-He seemed nice to me...what's his name?
-Hwoarang...I think!
-Weird name...but I'm in fine conditions...so I think I'll win!
-Have you done medical exams again?-asked Jin.
-No...actually I only saw Dr.B. once...maybe he had to leave...
-Yeah...maybe.
HOSPITAL
-Well, he is not in coma anymore because he moved his arms this morning.-the doctor said.-But his condition is still serious...
-How long will he stay here?-asked Hwoarang.
-Until this tournament is over. These facilities are provisory. This Hospital only works when the tournament is being held. After that the patients will be taken to the Memorial Kobe Hospital.
-So he can't go home?
-Not in this state! But I'll make sure he stays in Kobe...
-Thanks!
-What about you two? Are you still in the tournament?
-Yes!-said Hwoarang.-I'm in the semi-finals...
FUJI-NION
21st JUNE 2010
The semi-finals would be held at nine p.m. and the first fight would be Jin against Bryan Fury.
The second fight would be in two days and would oppose Hwoarang and Ling.
Paul, Law, Julia, Hwoarang and Ling were there to see Jin's fight. Lei wasn't there and Hwoarang didn't know why, though he had a theory that Lei had go back to Osaka because he was known as a workaholic.
Heihachi, Anna, Nina and Eddie were in their places too. That fight was very important to Heihachi; he was hoping that things would go as he planed.
-So...who do think is going to win?-asked Eddie.
-Bryan will!-said Heihachi without thinking twice.
-Fury!? But...I thought you would be glad if your grandson won! After all you are his master, right?
-Yes...but Jin is an ungrateful bastard! He doesn't care for me...so I won't care for him!
Eddie was amazed by these words. He thought that Heihachi would really support Jin, but he was supporting his grandson opponent.
-The fight is starting...-announced Nina.
In the arena, Jin and Bryan were already fighting.
Hwoarang was divided, but he finally concluded that he wanted Jin to win. Jin wanted to punish Fury as well so he was serving his interests.
Ling was scared. She knew Jin was strong but she couldn't help herself and she was scared for him. She didn't want to see him get hurt by that man. She knew how brutal he was.
But Jin was hanging on very well. That was the most violent fight that the public had experienced until then. None of them was in advantage. But Bryan knew something that would let Jin confused.
-I know the truth about you...-he said to Jin after a powerful strike.
-What?
-I know who you are...Mishima Jin...
Jin looked to Ling to be sure she couldn't hear them.
-Who are you?-asked Jin confused.
-That doesn't matter! All that matters is that I have to win this damn fight!
-My grandfather sent you...but why?
-So you know...he wants you back.
-Why now? Why didn't you catch me before? Why didn't you catch me in Nara?
-Nara?
-In the Final FX...
-I don't remember...I mean...I...
Bryan was confused too. He only knew one thing; he had to stop Jin to pass to next phase. He didn't know why but he had to follow Heihachi's orders.
-I know what's wrong...I know why you are confused...he used you, didn't he? What did he promised you?-asked Jin.
-What?
-Was it money? Power?
-I don't know...
Bryan was trying to understand why he was obeying Heihachi's orders. He didn't want to be there, he didn't want to follow Heihachi's orders. Heihachi wasn't his friend, he was his enemy, and he had done terrible things due to Heihachi's orders. Now he had the mission to win that fight but in reality that wasn't his wish. He just wanted to be away from that place and from Heihachi and Dr.B.
Why couldn't he live his life the way he wanted? He couldn't even remind his birthday and it was all Heihachi's fault.
He didn't have anything against Jin, he was just a kid.
-So...Why does my grandfather wants me out of this tournament?-asked Jin, bringing Bryan back to reality.
-Leave me alone!!!-said Bryan attacking Jin.
Jin felt that it was something wrong with Bryan; he wasn't fighting with so much violence anymore.
-You were used by my grandfather and Dr.B...that's why you couldn't remember us at first!
-Shut up!
-I was too...I know what it feels like!
-I don't understand...
-You're here to eliminate me...but I know you don't wanna do this! His manipulating you! Don't give up! Fight him!
In that moment the bracelet that Heihachi was wearing started to make a strange noise.
Heihachi got up furious.
-Finish him off!-yelled Heihachi.
Those words were echoing in Bryan's head. He attacked Jin violently, making him go to the ground.
Jin got up immediately to prepare himself for the next attack but then, without a warning, Bryan jumped off the arena and ran out of the Stadium.
A few minutes later Jin was declared the winner and Heihachi was completely furious.
-Damn it!-he said.
-What happened?-asked Eddie confused looking at Anna and Nina who were just as confused as him.
-This was weird!-said Anna.
-I have to go!-said Heihachi leaving.
Eddie and Nina changed a glance. They both knew that Heihachi was going to send his personal army after Bryan Fury, but there was nothing they could do.
-What the hell...-said Jin leaving the arena.
-Are you ok?-asked Ling.
-Yes...
-That guy is demented!
-Tell me about it!
-What were you talking about?
-Nothing much...lets go! I hope that he stays away from here! For his own sake!