I'm so mad! My computer broke and now I have to use a friend's computer to type up and upload my stories! Also, my friend is doing the uploading for me so I can have longer to write (I'm a slow typer and I can only be at her house for a half an hour), so I can't check my reviews. I can't bother her everyday, so I won't be able to write and update as quickly, probably only once a week! I'm really sorry, can you guys forgive me? Anyways, here's the new chapter.

Bonds of Love

Ling slowly descended the stairs. It was seven p.m., and she was finally ready to head to the party. She had cried all day thinking about the heinous sin she would commit. Guilt still flooded her mind, but Ling pushed it to the back of her mind. With the sorrowful frown she had plastered on her face she looked like a fallen angel. Her hair flowed freely around her face and shoulders, unbound by her regular hair ties. The lovely red dress accented her figure, and the low cutting v-neck gave a teasing view of her slim neck and collarbone. It showed some of her cleavage, but in a way that wasn't sultry or overdone. The color enhanced her rich skin tone, and the tasteful gold jewelry she gave her an older, sophisticated air. Ling sighed and continued down the steps until she reached the bottom and turned left. She was to meet Jin outside by the limousine Heihachi had decided they would ride in. Her heels made clacking sounds as she walked down the large hall and the sounded echoed, creating a lonesome scene. When Ling finally got out side she spotted Jin.

He was waiting for her, right where they'd agreed to, and Ling barely contained a gasp. The outfit Jin was wearing was perfect. He wasn't suited in a suit, but he was wearing an expensive looking button down silk dress shirt. It was a bit long, but unlike the rest of his wardrobe it wasn't baggy. The top few buttons were undone to give him a very masculine look. He wore black pants that Ling noticed were just a tiny bit baggy; but then again she couldn't expect him to change over night. The pants fit him well, and suited his muscular form.

Jin turned around to open the door for her, and she gracefully sat down, shortly followed by him. The drive was silent, both of them taking in the others beauty. They finally reached the manor, and Jin reached out and took her hand in his own. Together they walked up the steps to the manor. I feel... safe. I haven't felt safe for a long time.

Hwoarang examined the odd necklace in his hands. The jade center was set in gold plating, and it was unusually large, but that's not what was so unusual about the necklace. What was unusual was the odd pattern on the edging of the necklace. It was miniscule enough that a person had to strain their eyes to see it, yet it was a pattern rough enough for Hwoarang to feel it in his hands. Hwoarang sighed as he remembered why this jewel was so important. It was one half of a key to open some ancient Egyptian tomb that was supposedly filled with priceless jewels. It was also supposed to grant the user one wish. Both the other half of the key and the map that led to the tomb were owned by some Heihachi dude. He had tried to buy the other half of the key from CC, but she could see that he was a bad person and would only use what he found to increase his power. Hwoarang didn't really care about the supposed hidden treasures since his mission was to be able to find a fighter that could give him a good battle. He sighed and placed the necklace back in his pocket. He was supposed to attend a party for his boss Carmen Campbell or CC, but he didn't feel like dressing up. Then he saw Julia walk by dressed in a back less green dress. Perhaps the party is worth my time, he thought, and he hurried upstairs to get dressed.

Julia glanced up from her book to see her adopted mother there. Her mom snatched the book from her hands and said in heavily accented Japanese, "Julia! What are you doing! You're supposed to be getting ready for the party. "But mother," she pleaded reaching out for her book, "this is my senior year of high School. I need to study if I want to go to a good college." "Julia," her mother replied, handing her back her work, "do as you wish, but Hwoarang's going to be there." Julia glared at her mother, hard. She had somehow found out about Julia's secret crush on Hwoarang, and was quite amused by the whole thing. She said that Hwoarang was a strong, kind, and exceptionally handsome man that would do anything for Julia. "You should make a move," her mother nudged her in the ribs, "I can tell he likes you, but he's too worried about loosing his job to do anything. Hurry up and get with him already, I want grandchildren already!" Julia blushed bright red and replied, "sure, I'll come to the party, but you better not mention that ever again!" She got up and stormed off to her room to get dressed, but she couldn't outrun her mother's words. "At least thank him for the other day, he saved your life." Julia sighed, but didn't shout back down at her mother. She looked down at the bandage wrapped around her ankle and remembered the horrifying events of yesterday. She remembered her fear, the pain when the bullet barely missed her ankle, and the worried look in Hwoarang's usually cocky eyes when he picked her up to take her to safety. Taking one last look at her ankle she unwrapped it. The wound had mostly closed up, and it looked ok, but if Hwoarang hadn't pulled her to her feet when he did, she would be dead. I guess I do owe him my thanks at the very least... Julia let her raven hair down and added a beautiful flower comb that Hwoarang had given her for her last birthday, creating a beautiful effect. Her dress was a back less green gown that shimmered softly, showing her graceful figure. Feeling totally ready, she went to go find her hero.

Jin glanced around suspiciously at the crowd. He was looking for a tall red head, but no one fit that description. Ling was clutching his arm tightly, and he could tell she didn't want to do this. She's too nice for this, he thought. He squeezed her hand in an act of reassurance, and she smiled brightly up at him. "I can't find him right now, so why don't we take a seat." Ling nodded and they headed over to the sitting area, but suddenly Jin heard the music start to play. It was a slow dance, and he stopped Ling from heading to her seat by asking, "would you like to dance?" Ling nodded and they moved to the dance floor.

Julia looked around for Hwoarang. He was no where to be seen, but that didn't really surprise Julia. He had to remain inconspicuous for the obvious reason of staying hidden, but she still wanted to see him. Suddenly she was grabbed form behind by strong arms. "Hwoarang get off of me," she told him, plainly annoyed. "Fine," he grumbled and let go of her. She turned around to take a look at him and rolled her eyes. He would never act his age and dress up. "What?" he asked, seemingly confused. "Julia this is a nice out fit. It's not crappy denim or anything." Hwoarang was clad in a casual black dress shirt that was nice enough, but he was also wearing slightly baggy slacks. "Hwoarang, who wears baggy pants to a party like this?" she asked.

Hwoarang rolled his eyes and started to walk away but Julia grabbed him. "Hwoarang," she said quietly. He turned around, obviously surprised by her sudden change in demeanor, and Julia continued. "I wanted to say thank you for yesterday." Hwoarang shrugged and replied, "no prob, Jules," but Julia could see that his uncaring response was all an act. His regularly calm face had hints of a faint blush, and his lips were upturned in a small smile. Building her courage, Julia leant up and lightly brushed his cheek with her soft lips. She pulled back, but Hwoarang caught her and hugged her. Julia was shocked, but she returned the tender embrace, burying her head in his chest. This feels so right she thought. She wanted to stay like that as long as possible, but Hwoarang pulled away. She looked up at him, disappointed that he didn't want her, but he asked, "Julia, would you dance with me?" Julia looked up at him and smiled answering, "I guess I might have time for a badly dressed redhead like you."

Ling relaxed into Jin, her fears from the mission temporarily abated. He was so warm, and she let him guide her over the dance floor. She opened her eyes and gave a strangled gasp. A tall redheaded man was naught but a few people away, talking to a girl in a green dress. Could it be Hwoarang? "What is it?" Jin asked. Afraid of giving herself away, Ling glanced back in Hwoarang's direction. Jin followed the trail of her eyes, and saw him too. "Hwoarang," he muttered. "Ling it's time." "Here? Now? But everyone will see us." "Shh," Jin warned. We're not going to fight him, yet. Let's lead him away from all the others, outside." Ling glanced at Hwoarang. He and the girl in the green dress were dancing, and ling commented, "I don't think he'll leave her." Jin sighed. "You're right. Oh well, we'll just have to invite the girl too. The question is, how do we get them to go with us?" Ling suddenly had an idea. "Let me do the talking."

Ling walked up to Julia and Hwoarang and asked, "hi, do I know you two from somewhere?" Julia and Hwoarang looked confused, but Julia answered, "no...I don't think so." "Are you sure?" Ling asked. "Well, you do have a familiar face," Julia replied, analyzing her closely. "Well even if I don't know you, would you and your friend mind showing us around. This is a beautiful house, and I would like to see more of it." Julia's face brightened at the thought of giving someone an educational tour of her second home. "Sure," she replied ecstatically, and dragging Hwoarang along she started to lead Ling and Jin out of the ballroom. Ling felt Jin lightly nudge her, and he whispered, "well done."

Ling followed the girl through her house, waiting for the right moment. It had to be a relatively large room with only one door, and it had to be far enough away from the ballroom so that no one could hear them. Finally Julia led them to such a place. The large room was big enough to fight in, and it was on the third story. Ling slowly locked the door, and a loud click was heard. "What are you doing?" the girl asked anxiously. Ling didn't reply, but she got into a fighting pose, feeling so guilty. Jin did the same beside her and he calmly told Hwoarang, "give me the necklace and no one gets hurt. "No," Hwoarang laughed and continued, "if you think you and that little girl can take me on you're sadly mistaken." He and his friend prepared to fight, and Ling thought she knows how to fight too? This could cause trouble.

The other girl lunged at her but Ling held her ground and blocked her punch. She aimed a kick at the girl's head, but the girl blocked it. She isn't that fast, but somehow she's blocking my moves. The fight went on like this with neither fighter gaining or loosing any favor. Thenthe girl made an attempt to kick Ling in the stomach, and Ling saw her opportunity to gain an advantage. Nimbly leaping from the ground, she landed on the girl's extended legs, and pushing down she leaped off over her opponent's head. Before her opponent could turn around, Ling aimed a low kick at her and sent her tumbling to the ground. Before she could strike again her opponent rolled to the side and tripped her. Ling felt the cool marble floor on the back of her arms, and she immediately sprang up and used her momentum to kick her opponent. The girl was sent tumbling backwards and Ling chased after her to deliver the final blow. The girl was dizzy, and there was fresh blood dripping down her shoulder. Ling instantly felt guilty, but that guilt gave her opponent time to launch an attack. The kick caught Ling in the side of the head and sent her crashing to the ground. She felt her leg give, and pain ran through her left ankle. Holding back the pain and tears she righted her footing, and blocked the girl's next attack. Ling tripped her and the girl collapsed. As the girl's head was about to hit the ground, Ling remembered the hard marble floor. She raced forward and caught the girl right before her head hit. The barely conscious girl stared up at Ling and weakly asked "why did you save me?" Ling looked down at the somewhat older girl and answered quietly, her voice hardly louder than a whisper, "I'm already a thief. I don't want to be a murderer too." Ling set the girl down and watched the fight between Jin and Hwoarang.

Neither one was landing any hits whatsoever, and they were tiring at the same pace. Ling knew they had to get the necklace soon, for someone would definitely notice that Hwoarang was missing. She started to look for an opening in the fight but she didn't want to have to do anything to extreme. She was tired from her previous fight with the other girl, who was a very good fighter. Her ankle was killing her, and Ling looked down to see it swollen with large bruises. Suddenly the red headed fighter noticed his companion lying on the ground, and his eyes turned red with rage. He dodged Jin's next attack completely but instead of trying to launch a counter, he changed direction and ran towards Ling. "You! You were the one that hurt her." She tried to block his ferocious kick, but she was already tired and weakened, and the kick flung her to the ground like a rag doll. She landed hard on her left shoulder, but luckily she didn't break anything. She attempted to get back up, but another strong hit sent her back to the floor. This time Ling didn't even bother to try and et herself back up, she knew her body was to weak. Hwoarang lifted her to the ground and slammed her against the wall. Pain exploded from the back of Ling's head as it hit the wall. Hwoarang continually punched her, and just as she was about to loose consciences she hit him in the head. He backed away, and she weakly threw another punch. It hit him in the chest, but she was so drained of energy it didn't do much.

Suddenly Hwoarang was thrown to the side, and an extremely angry Jin went after him. He punched him three consecutive times before Hwoarang was able to block him. Jin's eyes were glowing red, and his nails lengthened and sharpened to form claws. Hwoarang's eyes widened and Jin continued to beat into him, blood flying into the air with each attack. Jin backed him into a corner and continued his assault. Hwoarang was soon too injured to fight, and Jin raised his clawed hand, readying the final blow. "Nooo!!!" Ling screamed. She ran across the room, ignoring her ankle, and grabbed Jin's arm. "You can't!" Jin struggled against her arm, and Ling knew he was far to strong for her to contain. She released him and put herself in front of Hwoarang. "Don't do it!" she screamed at Jin. He growled at her and Ling felt fear grip her. Is this even Jin? Will he hurt me? "Get out of my way girl." He spat and Ling looked defiantly up into his now blood red orbs. "No!" she replied. He lifted his fist back and punched her in the stomach. His strength was more powerful than anything Ling had felt before, and she could see black dots dancing in front of her face. She willed herself not to collapse, and she kept her place between Jin and Hwoarang. Desperate, she closed the distance between herself and the monster and while taking both his clawed, bloodied hands in her own she asked, "Jin, don't you remember me? It's Ling." He didn't respond to her plea, so she leaned up and kissed him. The red in his eyes faded and Ling could feel the claws on is hand retract back to nails. She broke away from their kiss and stepped back in front of Hwoarang just in case it didn't work. "Ling," he whispered. She nodded and satisfied with the fact that she saved another life, she passed out.

Jin looked at the unconscious girl in his arms. After she had passed out in his arms, Hwoarang had followed, collapsing against the wall. A trail of blood was left behind, and it guiltily reminded Jin of how he had acted. He searched Hwoarang's pockets and found the necklace. He slipped it around his neck and he carried it and Ling out of the house. Ling was silent, and he wished she would wake up. Jin felt horrible for punching her, but in that weird state he couldn't remember her. He walked over to the waiting limousine, and the doorman quickly opened the door for them. Stroking her hair he thought, what happened? Whatever it is, I need to learn how to control it. I could hurt her worse if it happens again. Jin felt Ling stirring in his arms and she looked up at him. "Did I hurt you?" he asked. "No," she replied. She suddenly switched to Chinese and said, "I don't think we should tell Heihachi about what happened. Me neither," Jin replied. The limousine stopped in front of the Mishima Manor, and Jin and Ling climbed out of the car. Jin saw Ling heavily limping, and he easily scooped her into his arms. "Thanks," she told him.

Heihachi was waiting for them in the entrance hall, and Jin tossed him the necklace. "What happened?" he asked. They walked over to the living room where Jin set Ling down on the couch. "There were two well trained guards. We both defeated them, but they managed to leave us with a few souvenirs." Jin completed his statement, and Heihachi replied "very well." He turned to Ling and told her, "your ankle is probably just sprained, but I'll have the doctor look at it tomorrow. In the meantime, Jin will wrap it for you. Get a good night's rest and be down here tomorrow to get your ankle checked out. Good night." Heihachi walked away, and Jin lifted Jin in his arms to carry her up to his room and wrap her ankle.

He got out and while he was wrapping it he commented, "Heihachi's right, it's only a sprain." Ling nodded and got up, trying to avoid putting her weight on her right ankle. She limped up to Jin and sweetly kissed him. He closed his eyes and responded gently, wrapping his arms around her. She tasted so good to him, like strawberries, he thought. The kiss was over too soon for Jin and Ling limped across the hall to her room. "See ya tomorrow," she called back to him. "Good night Ling," he replied. He changed into some nightclothes and went to sleep.

He was confused. Blood stained his claws. Wait claws! Terrified he looked around. He was in a strange place. Blackness surrounded him, but he could make out sand. It was all around him, and it stretched on for what seemed like forever. To his right was a large pyramid. It was unfamiliar, and there were no other landmarks around him to tell him where he was. Something inside him urged him towards the pyramid, and he walked into the entrance. Ancient hieroglyphics were painted on the walls, and they led away into various tunnels. He walked further in and tripped. Looking down he saw a feminine arm. He followed the arm back to its owner and gasped. It was the girl from the party! Her eyes were wide with terror, and she had a large claw mark that ran along the center of her chest. Did I kill her? Looking further up her saw the body of Hwoarang similarly slaughtered. A trail of blood led away from their bodies, and Jin had a sickening idea of who it would lead to. His worst fears were realized when he saw Ling sprawled by the wall. The necklace they had just stolen lay by her hand. She was clawed up, and Jin was forced to look away with tears threatening to spill. He let them loose and looked back at Ling. He gathered her up in his arms. She looked so peaceful. An air of finality lay around her still form and Jin hugged her closer.

Jin woke up. He was covered in sweat, and his blankets were in a tangled pile at the end of his bed. It was only a dream, he told himself. Still, it unsettled him. For the rest of the night he stayed up pondering what he saw. Looking at his hands he thought, could I really kill anyone? Jin startled himself by realizing that he didn't know the answer to that.

Hwoarang awoke to several doctors over him. He had several bandages wrapped around his torso and arms. He remembered what happened and turned to see a weak Julia sitting up in a bed beside his. She looked at him and nodded, and Hwoarang realized she was answering his many unasked questions. Yes she was all right, and yes, she wanted revenge. Suddenly a gasp was heard, and CC, his employer and Julia's mom rushed in. First she ran to Julia and hugged her, asking her if she was all right. Then, suprisingly, she ran up to Hwoarang and embraced him asking, "are you all right?" Hwoarang was taken aback and asked, "I'm not fired?" CC wiped some tears from her eyes and said, "no. You're like a son to me. How could I fire you. Besides, it's my fault. I shouldn't have left a responsibility as big as guarding that necklace to only one person."

She spoke to him and said, "I'm trusting you want your revenge?" Hwoarang nodded and she continued, "my sources tell me that it was the Mishima's who planned the robbery. You're to seek employment from Heihachi, as an assassin. Find out where the necklace is, and steal it from under his nose. He'll trust you if you say you were fired and want revenge." Hwoarang nodded once again. Julia interrupted, "let me go to mom. I want revenge, and unlike Mr. Macho here, I can keep a cool head." "No!" both her mother and Hwoarang replied instantly. "It's too dangerous, Honey," her mother added. "I don't care, that won't stop me. If you don't give me permission I can sneak out." A stubborn glaze appeared in her eyes and Hwoarang knew that they were fighting a loosing battle. Apparently her mom did too, and she conceded saying, "OK Julia. But I'll have to hide any records of your adoption." Julia nodded and her mother left.

"Julia, you shouldn't go," Hwoarang told her. In his head he added to himself, I don't want to loose the woman I love. "No! I'm going too! This is my fight also!" Hwoarang gave up and replied, "do what you want, but if you get so much as a scratch, I'm sending you back home. And remember, that Jin guy is mine to defeat!"

So, what do you think? I want to know what you think! Please R&R!

Reina-183