Author's Note: Not much to say here. Oh... I finally realized that symbols and stuff…don't really work on this website…it took me about what, 24 chapters to realize this…oh well, I'm an idiot. I tried to put percents in my last chappie and they didn't show up…guess I'll have to actually write the word out…okay then, what ev…I'll stop rambling now, please read and review!!!
The mall's food court was home to several levels, with restaurants as far as the eye could see. Jamie Parker sat with his older brother at a table next to one of the many water fountains. Justin scarfed his philly cheesesteak with great relish…while Jamie had bought teriyaki chicken with rice, and a Coke in one of those humongous sized cups.
"So, you surprised?" Justin asked through mouthfuls of steak, cheese, and peppers.
"Yeah. You have no idea…I mean; I thought you were on that World Destruction Tour with Bam, and Tony." Jamie said.
"Well…funny thing. 'Bout a couple of weeks ago, I'm in Amsterdam with the others, and I move to call ya…y'know, see how many people you tooled, and instead of hearing your voice, I get this girls…" Justin grinned mischievously and Jamie blushed. "I didn't wanna ask questions. So, she asks me to come visit and surprise you. So, I say 'sure why not' and pretty soon, me an' the boys are in Tokyo!"
Jamie's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean Bam's here too? And Tony?"
That was never a good thing. Justin Parker was a professional skater…and had been so since he was nineteen. That gave Jamie nine years to get to know many pro skaters, and various other celebrities. Tony Hawk was like some kind of benevolent uncle to him, and Bam Margera was like a crazy cousin. Anywhere Bam went, mayhem and destruction followed suit.
At that precise moment, Jamie heard a loud boom, a shattering of something fragile and expensive, and a lovely "OH SHIT!!!!"
Yup, Bam Margera was definantely here.
"So, how's the tournament going? I hear you've made it in the top five!" Justin said.
"Yup. Me, and some of my other friends made it…one of the perks to being the Nephilim I guess…" Jamie said as he took a bite of chicken.
Another cardinal rule as far as Nephilim went was that they were supposed to keep their true identity a secret. No one could know what they were: family, friends, none of them…well, Jamie not only broke that rule; he shattered it into a million pieces with a sledgehammer. All of his friends, who knew, also knew that a Nephilim never got to live out the normal life expectancy…everyone knew this except for Justin Parker.
Jamie was not sure if it was fair or not to keep this key part of Nephilim life (or death) from his brother…but the last thing Jamie wanted to do was worry his brother…and besides, Jamie planned to live a long, and full life…Nephilim or not. It could be done. He was sure of it. Justin thought that his little brother was like some kind of super hero. Like Spider-Man, or Superman…or something to that effect.
Hell, even Jamie's extended "skater" family knew he was different. He had saved Tony Hawk from a Kraelok demon once, and saved his kids from being sacrificed to a demon named Laibach. He had also saved Bam Margera at Mardi Gras when a voodoo priest resurrected a cemetery full of zombies. They also held the same preconceived notion that Justin had of his brother.
Super hero, handed super powers, good guys always won…that sort of thing.
"So, is this tournament like Survivor or something? Once you lose, you go home?" Justin asked.
"Not really. If you lose, you're still a guest and an official competitor, but you can't fight anymore. They keep you around for PR stunts like this one." Jamie explained.
"Oh...so how's that Devil thing going?" He asked casually, as if discussing the weather.
"Um…" Jamie began. "Well, the tournament's almost over. If he's gonna do something, it's gonna happen pretty soon."
Out of all the people Jamie had ever had to lie too, he absolutely hated lying to his brother. He dare not tell Justin that he had faced Kazuya/Devil twice, and both times he had nearly died. Saying such things would upset his brother, and unnecessarily worry him. Justin would try to protect his little brother and wind up getting himself severely wounded or even killed.
No, Jamie could not even fathom it. He wouldn't. No way, no how.
Suddenly, Jamie remembered the dream he had had so long ago. It all came back with startling clarity. Immediately, Jamie remembered seeing his brother's life blood spatter everywhere.
On his face…in his hair…
And Jamie had been powerless to stop it. Powerlessly caught in Devil's grasp…
Justin must have noticed the change in his little brother's demeanor…he knew Jamie so well.
"What's wrong Jamie?" Justin forced a chuckle. "I mean, you're happy that I'm here, right?" He sounded hurt
Jamie had to stop lying to his brother some time…and no better then the present. It would hurt, but for his brother's own safety, he had to tell Justin about his cryptic dream. He had to tell him to be ready, and most importantly, to be safe. Jamie would try as hard as he could to protect Justin, but he couldn't be everywhere at once…and Devil knew that.
"Of course I'm thrilled that you're here. You have no idea what it means to me…but…Justin?" Jamie drew in a breath. "Listen, I don't think it's-"
Jamie was interrupted by Xiaoyu, who ran up to Justin and Jamie's table. She seemed out of breath.
"Sorry to interrupt you guys, but Kazuya wants everyone to meet him back at the tables. He's got an important announcement to make or something."
Inwardly, Jamie both cursed, and sighed with relief.
"Wanna come with? Could be cool?" Jamie offered with a grin.
"Bro, nothing could keep me away!" Justin said as he stood up.
Together, the two walked back to the mall's main square.
Ten minutes later, Jamie, Justin, and Xiao made their way to the main square. Kazuya Mishima, and the main tournament official Kenji Iwamura (who reminded Jamie of a Japanese Ryan Seacrest, or Carson Daily…someone lame-o like that) stood on a stage.
"First of all, I myself, and on the behalf of the competitors, would like to thank everyone for coming out here today! It means so much to us that you care enough to come out! Give yourselves a big hand!" Kazuya shouted.
The crowd cheered exuberantly and hooted and hollered. Cautiously, Jamie applauded along with the other fighters…something was up…but at this point, Jamie had no idea what it was.
"And for coming out here today We've got a special surprise for each and everyone of you!! Something that has never been done before, in the history of the King of Iron Fist Tournament!!" Kazuya added.
A hushed silence fell on the crowd. Warily, Jamie discreetly dropped into a fighter's stance. Fully prepared for Kazuya to transform into Devil and begin a massacre in this mall.
No, he wouldn't…he's not that stupid…something's up though…
However, there wouldn't be a bloody slaughter…but something far worse…
"When we call your names, please step on the platform." Kazuya instructed.
"He's everyone's favorite newbie! Kind, gracious, and pretty easy on the eyes! Give it up for skater turned fighter JAMIE PARKER!!!!!" Kenji shouted.
The crowd hooted and hollered as Jamie made his way on the stage. He waved, and played the part of the gracious competitor…but inside; he felt a tingling at the base of his ponytail.
"Next, he's the badass with the smile and charm to melt any girl's heart like butter!! Give it up for the legendary Baek's successor…HWOARANG!!!!!!!!"
Hwoarang leapt up on stage with a cocky grin, and a wave at the crowd.
"Jamie? What's going on?" He asked through smiling teeth.
"I have no idea….play along for the moment though."
"These two are fast becoming the best loved fighters the King of Iron Fist Tournament has ever seen…and both are in line to fight the tournament master…Kazuya Mishima." Kenji said.
A hushed silence fell on the crowd…and the color drained from Jamie's face. He glanced over towards Hwoarang who looked beyond pissed. With a rising sense of dread Jamie began to realize what Kazuya's latest tactic was…as did Hwoarang.
"These two will be fighting for a chance to battle me…and ultimately, a chance to obtain the grand prize. This is your surprise people! Two friends, battling it out! May the best man win…"
Kazuya continued to talk, but Jamie felt like collapsing. First of all, Nephilim powers or not, Jamie was not sure if he could beat Hwoarang…and besides…they were friends…good friends, who had been through a lot in the past three weeks. How could this happen? Hwoarang looked at Jamie…and he had the same look of utter disgust as Jamie.
"The match will begin in twenty minutes at the fountain next to the hotel…believe me people," He turned and glanced at Jamie, cruel smirk still planted on his lips. "It will be a match to die for."
Author's Note: DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN!!!!!!!!! OMG what's gonna happen? Jamie vs. Hwoarang…two good friends thrust together in the ring. Oh, and I don't mean to offend anyone who likes Carson Daily or Ryan Seacrest...um, I just don't think that as a character, Jamie would like them. Anyway, I have filled five pages of reviews now ::claps and does Xandir from Drawn Together squeal:: My wildest dreams are coming true!!! Please keep it up!!! And thanks for everyone who takes the time to review!!!! PPPPLLLLEEEEAAASSSEEE click the little purple box at the lower left corner of the page and write me a nice lil' note…or ya know, a critique, but please, let's keep it friendly okay? Thanks again!