Author's notes: This story is mostly based on Tekken 4 and the currently (2004) released information on Tekken 5 and its characters. Though some infos were taken from Tekken Official, some situations, events and characters are all fanmade. This is also the sequel to my previous fanfic, Tekken 5: The Kazama-Mishima Connections. Rated G
Disclaimer: Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Jin Kazama, Asuka Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, and all Tekken characters referred in this fanfic are the property of NAMCO. This is only a fan fiction from the imagination of an obsessed fan. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 6: Watashi no Okaasan
"Wh...what?" Asuka almost laughed but when she saw her father's expression, her smile faded. "No...no. That...that's not true. You're my father! You--"
"I lied," Master Kazama spoke bluntly. "I lied because your mother told me to."
"My...my mother?"
"Your mother was my sister," Master Kazama closed his eyes. He looked like he was in pain. "Darling, allow me to tell you everything and when I'm done, you can hate me like I deserve."
Asuka shook her head vigorously, denying the words that the man she had known to be her father all her life professed. Master Kazama squeezed her hand again, forcing her to listen.
"When our mother and father, your grandparents, died," he began, "I became your mother's only parent. I tried to raise her as best I could and thought myself successful. She grew up into a beautiful, kind and spirited young woman...very much like yourself. In fact, you inherited most of your features from her."
Asuka looked into Master Kazama's eyes. She wanted to speak but she was mesmerized by his words. He had never talked so much about her mother before. Master Kazama continued:
"I gave her everything she needed and in return, she gave me her love and loyalty. I thought of her more as my daughter than my sister. I loved her dearly. It was easy to do so. She was the kind of person who everyone would love at first sight.
"Then...that day came. She did something, that, to me, was so atrocious and unforgivable. I felt like she had betrayed me and disregarded all the values I and our late parents had instilled upon her. When she turned to me for help, I not only refused her: I disowned her and threw her out."
"Father..." Asuka gasped.
"I planned never to accept her apology. I hated her and hated myself. I felt like I was to blame since I was the one who raised her. I began to question my ability as a parent and because of that, I never married.
"But the years passed and the wounds began to heal. I visited her and realized what a fool I was to have done that to someone like her. We forgave each other and I asked her to come live with me and our other relatives here in Osaka, but she gently refused.
"Then, one day, she called me and asked for my help. This time, I accepted..." Master Kazama trailed off. Asuka patiently waited for his answer.
"Your mother was with child," Master Kazama finally spoke. "She was pregnant with you. She was already in her fifth month when she came to the dojo, so she only lived there for less than four months."
Then, Master Kazama smiled.
"Though she never left the confines of the dojo, she grew even more beautiful in the last months of her pregnancy...and that was because of you. It was her love for you that made her blossom. You weren't born yet, but she talked to you, read you stories and even sang lullabies for you.
"She gave birth to you at the break of dawn. You were the most beautiful infant anyone ever saw. After naming you, your mother kept on kissing your forehead, whispering how much she loved you. It was also the same day she gave you the necklace. Then...I took you away."
"Took me away...?" Asuka whispered, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Why?"
"It was your mother's wish the night she came to the dojo," Master Kazama was in tears himself. "She had told me that whatever happens, I must take the child in my care. She explained to me her situation and I agreed. But when she gave birth to you, it was clear that she had changed her mind. Remembering my promise, I took you away though it was very painful for both me and your mother.
"Before she left, she asked that she see you for the last time but I refused. 'Don't make this any harder than it already is' I said. She cried then, but she understood. She made me promise never to tell you about her until the right time. I never did find the right time...until last night, when I thought I'd lost the chance."
Master Kazama slumped back in his wheelchair, his shoulders drooping with exhaustion. Asuka wiped her tears away. Even though she admired her father for everything he had done for her, she couldn't help but feel bitter and disappointed.
"So..." Asuka sniffled. "You're really my uncle?"
"Yes."
"Who's my real father?"
"Only your mother can answer that."
"Why did Mother leave me?"
"She never meant to," Master Kazama defended. "But it was the only way to keep you safe. She was already in danger as it is. To keep you would not only risk your life, but the life of her other child as well."
Asuka snapped her head towards Master Kazama, her jaw dropping.
"What other child?"
"Your brother," Master Kazama answered. "He was the reason why I once disowned you mother. You see, just like you, he was born out of wedlock. I had once envisioned myself walking your mother to her husband on her wedding day. That child's conception shattered that dream. But when I visited them and saw how beautiful a child he was, I realized how blinded I've become.
"Truth be told, it would've been better if she left both of you here. You would both be safer growing up in the dojo. But I already took her baby daughter. I can't give her more anguish by taking the boy too. Besides, the child grew up with his mother. It would be harder for him to part with her."
Asuka suddenly went numb. Master Kazama seemed to sense what she was thinking.
"Asuka..." he covered her hand with his. "Remember when I told you the reason why I don't keep pictures of your mother around the house?"
"You said the memories hurt too much..." Asuka squeaked.
"That was a lie too," Master Kazama confessed. "We have pictures of her everywhere in the house."
Asuka felt absolutely faint at that point. The blood drained from her face as she turned to face her uncle fully.
"So...you're saying..." she swallowed. "Are you saying that...my mother is..."
Master Kazama nodded.
"Yes. Your mother...is Jun Kazama."
Chapter 7