I don't own Tekken.
Thanks to my reviewers ;)
BloodCrested: In the end it will all be fine! But you'll have to wait until then...: P
About Baek, I must say that I intend to explore a bit more of his character in the second part of this Trilogy. The Part II it's called The Ultimate Fighting and it's a sequel to The Countdown. It's complete but not translated yet! And I don't know if I'll publish it or not...I hope you like this chapter...
Meet the Boss
FUJI-NION
26th JUNE 2010
In the morning, when Julia woke up, she was in Hwoarang's arms. Some months ago she would just get up and slap him hard, even knowing that nothing happened, but now she didn't want to do that. He was so cute when he was sleeping. She got up without making any noise and cleaned all the mess in the room. He should be really angry because he had destroyed the furniture. She put the pieces of the furniture in a bag and went to put it outside on the garbage.
-So...it was a busy night with your boyfriend, right?-asked the hotel manager when she was getting back.
-What?-asked Julia blushing.
-Don't worry...it was just furniture and it was old...but don't do that many times, or I'll have to order new beds as well!
-OK...-Julia said feeling very embarrassed.
When she got to the room, Hwoarang was waking up.
-Good morning...-he said.
-Good morning...are you ok?
-Yeah...you cleaned up?
-Yes.
-You didn't have to!
-So...are we staying to see the Final?
-Absolutely! I can't let Kazama forget his promise!
In the meanwhile, Ling woke up in Jin's bed and she noticed she was alone. Jin returned ten minutes later with the breakfast.
-Hey...Good morning...princess!-he said.
Ling smiled.
-That makes you my prince!-she said and they both blushed.
-You better eat and go back to the hotel...
-Yeah...-she said feeling a bit sad.-I'm sorry you had to sleep in the floor again...
-That's ok...I'm used to it!
When Ling arrived to her room, Heihachi and Anna were waiting for her. Ling knew she was in troubles.
-Where were you?-Heihachi asked.
-I...I...
-She was with a boy...-Anna said.
Heihachi knew she was referring to Jin.
-I was with a friend!-said Ling looking furiously at Anna.
-A boy?
-Yes...he is a boy...but...nothing happened!
-I'm responsible for your safety! You can't just disappear in the night and stay with a boy...
-But...we were just talking! I'm telling the truth!
-Ok...I'll believe you! You'll stay here in the Hotel for the next two days...I'm busy...we probably won't be seeing eachother.
-Ok...
Jin was now the most famous person in Fuji-Nion. Paul and Law had congratulated him that morning. But Jin didn't feel that good. Now he had one more reason to win the Final. He needed to revenge his father death and to keep the promise he made to Hwoarang.
After lunch, Ling found him in the park.
-You're still sad?-she asked.
-I'm not sad...I'm just disappointed. I want to finish my fight with that creep!
-Why don't you like him?
-He thinks he's the best...I need to teach him a lesson! I'll fight him after this tournament again...
-You have to focus on your own problems, now...I don't want you to get hurt!
-I know...
-Whoever the Boss is, he's very strong...
-I can win...I have to!
FUJI-NION
27th JUNE 2010
-So where is the fight?-asked Julia.-Is it in the Stadium?
-No. It's in a different place. I heard the hotel manager call it the butterfly.
-I didn't know we could see the fight.
-Neither did I.
-Do you want to go?
-Of course!
Hwoarang and Julia spent the rest of the day in the Hospital. Hwoarang wanted to talk with Baek even knowing that probably, he wasn't listening.
-I'm sorry for what happened...it was my fault!-he said when they were about to leave.-I'll go after Fury, and I'll make him pay...I just want you to know that I'll be here for you afterwards...you can count on me Baek!
EMPIRE HOTEL
-So...are you really going to fight against Jin?-asked Dr.B.
-I have no choice! Fury was an idiot! I should kill him for this!
-Calm down...Fury will be with us soon. But you should send Nina and Anna after him. It wouldn't take this long!
-No...they will get suspicious! Besides Anna is always complaining about Nina...I think she's having memory flashes every night.
-This is curious...
-What?
-Ten years ago, you were dealing with the same problem...but your opponent was Kazuya!
-Kazuya was different!
-Really? Then I hope that things go different this time...
-Don't worry...This time everything will be different and Jin will be with us soon.
-What about the girl?
-Xiaoyu is still important to our plans...besides she likes Jin...and I think that he likes her too...
-Did something happen between them? Something that I should know?
-No, I don't think so...Jin wouldn't do that...
-I hope you're right...because that could change everything.
-My grandson has the same flaw as his father! I'm cursed with my family...damn it!
FUJI-NION
28th JUNE 2010
It was eight p.m. when Hwoarang, Julia, Jin, Law, Paul and Ling were called to make the Oath of Honour. In the ceremony were also three judges and they all had to swear not to tell anyone about what was going to happen in the Final, including the Boss' identity. If they broke the oath they could never return to an Iron Fist and their names would go to the police. Since the Iron Fist was illegal, his contestants could be arrested.
Half an hour later they were taken to the middle of the stadium where it was a tower. The fight would be held up there, in an iron platform.
-Wow! They did this in two days, how?-asked Ling amazed, when they were in the elevator.
-With hard work!-answered Paul.
-Did your Headmaster let you come?-asked Jin to Ling.
-I don't know...but he didn't say I couldn't so...I'm not worried about it!
When they arrived to the top, there were seven chairs in front of the arena. Only five were taken.
Only the last eight contestants of the Iron Fist could be there. Seven could watch the Final, because the other one was the Boss opponent, of course.
But from the seven that could be there, Bryan was gone and Lei was probably in Osaka, so only Ling, Julia, Hwoarang, Paul and Law were in their seats, waiting for the Boss.
Jin entered the arena, there were four floodlights illuminating them. Then, the three judges brought the trophy, a statue from a Fist in silver.
Now, everyone was expecting the Boss. Then, the first judge spoke.
-The Final of The Iron Fist Tournament 2010 welcomes Jin Kazama and the Boss...Heihachi Mishima!
Jin was speechless. He couldn't believe what he heard. Heihachi was entering the arena.
-Headmaster!?-said Ling getting up.
-What?-asked Julia next to her.
-That's my Headmaster!
-And you didn't know he was the Boss?-asked Hwoarang.
-Of course not!
In the arena, Jin wasn't moving he was still in shock. Heihachi gave him a malicious smile.
-So, now you're Jin Kazama? I should have known...to reject your father name is not nice...I wasn't expecting this from you...
-Shut up!-yelled Jin.-You can't be the Boss!
-Well but it's true!
-No! You can't...
No judge dared to interfere in that conversation.
-What the hell is going on?-asked Hwoarang.
Julia and Ling shrugged.
-You killed my father??? Tell me you didn't do it!-asked Jin.
-Kazuya was weak! He was just like you...he thought he was the best, but he didn't deserve to win! Like father, like son! Where did I go wrong with you! My grandson is just like his father!!!
-Grandson!?-said Ling.
-What's wrong now?-asked Hwoarang.
-Xiaoyu! My most promising student!-said Heihachi looking at Ling.
-Jin, what's going on?-asked Ling.
-Stay out of this, Ling...
-You didn't tell her, did you?-asked Heihachi turning to Jin.-This is Jin Mishima...my grandson, my ungrateful grandson...
Ling couldn't believe that. Jin had lied to her all that time. He was going to say something to her, but Ling looked to the floor, and Jin thought that it was better to stay quiet.
Ling sat down on her chair and remained there speechless.
-Does this means that this old guy is Kazama's grandfather?-asked Hwoarang.
Ling nodded.
-Wow...
Paul and Law where paying attention to all that was said between Jin and Heihachi.
-You killed my father!!!-yelled Jin.-He was your son!!! How could you?
-Things just got out of control!
-You're a monster!
-That wasn't supposed to happen! My plan failed...just like this time!
-What? You mean...
-Yes...
-You sent Fury to kill me? So I wouldn't come to the Final?
-He failed...
-You sent him to kill my father as well?
-No...it wasn't Fury, it was someone else! But that person failed too...
-You lied to me! You said my father died in a tournament because he was sick! But you killed him with your own hands!
-It wasn't easy!
-I don't believe you! You're so full of yourself! Will you kill me too?
-No...I don't want to kill you Jin...
-You lied to my mother too...
-You're mother was a sentimental fool! Kazuya left me because of her! I couldn't understand what he saw in her! He ran off just like you!
-My mother was the best thing that happened to him!!! It wasn't her fault!
-But she's dead now! And she'll remain like that! Kazuya belongs to the past...and you to the future! We have a fight to start!
-I'll revenge my father!
-We'll see about that!
Jin was shocked by his grandfather's words. How could someone by so cold? He managed not to cry, and soon his sadness turned to hate.
Everything was blurry and empty and then he lost control and attacked Heihachi.
At the beginning, Jin seemed to have everything under control, but Heihachi knew his techniques, after all he had been his master.
Soon, the two opponents reached the same level. Heihachi was surprised with his grandson abilities, but he had seen his previous fights, and he was expecting that.
As for Jin, he knew his grandfather was strong though he never suspected he was the Boss.
Hwoarang was trying to capture all of Jin's attacks so he could avoid them in the future. Julia knew, now, why the Iron Fist was considered the toughest tournament in the world. She would have to practice a lot to reach Jin and Heihachi's level.
In the arena, Heihachi and Jin were resting.
-So...did you love your father this much? Will you kill me to revenge his death?
-HE WAS MY FATHER!!! And he wasn't a liar like you!
-Are you sure? Your father was a coward and a liar too...
-No! My father had honour!
-Yes, sure...and look where he is now...
-He would NEVER kill his son to obtain more power!
-I'm not so sure...your dear father ran away from me, from his magnificent destiny, just to be with a girl! He never told me I had a grandson...
-Now I understand why...
-So...for you I'm just a monster, right?
-Yes!
-Well, I'm not! You are the monster, Jin! Remember that...you are a monster!
-Shut up! I'll never forgive you! NEVER!
The fight went on. Heihachi was now in control. Jin knew he couldn't do a thing to invert the situation because he wasn't in his right state. All he could think of was to kill Heihachi. Those evil thoughts weren't allowing him to fight with security and rationality. He wasn't focused enough to win that battle.
Heihachi was now sure that he was going to win. But then, surprisingly, Jin fell on his knees and the smile on Heihachi's face disappeared.
Jin seemed to be in pain. Ling, Julia, Paul, Law and Hwoarang got up to see what was going on with him.
Jin was sweating and his heart was pounding hard. He grabbed his chest but the pain just hit him harder. He was losing control. He could see the dark coming.
Paul looked to the sky and he saw that the clouds would be over the moon in a few seconds, so he decided to act.
-Take Jin out of here! Away from his grandfather!-he whispered to Julia, Ling and Hwoarang.-I'm going to help you!
In that moment Jin fell on the floor unconscious.
When the moon disappeared behind the clouds, Paul turned the floodlights off. They were all consumed by darkness.
-Now!-said Paul.
Hwoarang, Ling and Julia jumped to the arena and took Jin.
-Who's there?-asked Heihachi, but they ignored him and reached the elevator.
Law was there waiting for them.
-Look for a car in the Empire Hotel and take him out of Fuji. We'll keep Heihachi here.-he said in a low voice.
When the elevator reached the ground the lights were already on. Ling looked at Jin and then at Julia and Hwoarang who were carrying him.
-Lets go!-she ordered.
Heihachi was furious. Jin was gone; they had taken him right under his nose.
-Where is he, Phoenix?-he asked Paul, grabbing his shirt.
-Who?-Paul joked.
-What happened here?
-I don't know...-said Paul.
-Nothing happened.-confirmed Law.
-I guess you won again...old man!-said Paul.
-I'm not kidding...where are those three bastards taking Jin?
-I don't know...
-You're behind this...I know you are!
Heihachi was going to the elevator but Law cut his way.
-You have to receive your prize!-said Law.
-And the winner speech!-added Paul. He was just trying to buy some time.
-You'll pay for this, Phoenix...-threatened Heihachi being surrounded by the judges, who were giving him the trophy.
-I'm a legend...you can't touch me, Mishima!-said Paul amused.
In the meanwhile, Hwoarang and Julia were following Ling, and they soon arrived to the Empire Hotel.
-Lets go to the garage.-said Ling.
-Why am I here?-asked Hwoarang.-I agreed in a fight with this jerk...but now I have to carry his heavy ass!
-If you want your fight, you'll have to help him first!-said Ling.
-What's going on?-asked Julia.
-I don't know...but we have to get out of here! Maybe when Jin wakes up he'll tell us...
In that moment Hwoarang saw a limousine. It was Heihachi's.
-Wow...can we take this one?-he asked Ling.-Can we?
-I only see this car...so I guess we can!
-Cool! This car worth a fortune!
-It's just a car!!!-said Julia.
-Just a car!? Are you joking!? This baby could make me a rich man!
Hwoarang used his immense skills to open the limousine without setting the alarm off.
-You're going too fast!-said Ling when they left the Hotel.
-Don't you wanna leave this place fast?-asked Hwoarang.
-Yes, but you're going to kill us all!
-I know how to drive since I was thirteen...and I learnt all by myself!
-You don't have a driving license!?-asked Ling worried.
-How many thug leaders do you know with a driving license?
-OK...you have a point there!
A few minutes later Hwoarang was forced to stop on the road.
-There's the exit!-he said.-But it's guarded. I don't thing they will let us pass just like that...
-Yeah...so do you think you can run over that fence?-asked Julia.
-Please you're insulting me!!!-he said speeding.
-Oh God!-said Julia closing her eyes.
The guards were talking when they saw a car speeding in their direction. They aimed their guns but the limousine was too close, and they were forced to jump.
The fence was reduced to little pieces.
-You damn freaks!-yelled one of the guards shaking.
Hwoarang laughed with that comment.
-He will be traumatised for the rest of his life...are you alright?-he asked.
-Yes!-answered Julia.-What's next? Maybe we should take Jin to a Hospital!
-No! Phoenix said to take him away from my Headmaster...I mean, Heihachi. Besides Jin is just unconscious...just drive...
-To where?-asked Hwoarang.
-We have to leave Fuji-san...then we'll see...-said Ling.
Three hours later, Hwoarang stopped the car behind some trees. Julia and Ling were almost falling asleep when they felt the car stopping.
-What happened?-asked Julia.
-We have no fuel...and there's no gas station around!-explained Hwoarang.-We should have checked if we had enough fuel...
-Great...-said Ling.
-Do you want to walk in the night, or we wait until dawn?-asked Hwoarang.
-We wait!-said both Ling and Julia. They didn't appreciate to walk in a place like that at two in the morning.
-Ok...lets have some sleep...-said Hwoarang.
There was enough space in the limousine for the four of them. Ling put Jin's head on her lap and fell asleep immediately. Julia laid down in the limousine's seat in front of Ling. Hwoarang stood in the drivers' seat.
One hour later they were all in silence, sleeping, but that didn't last long.