I don't own Tekken.
Lonelyngel: Hey, thank you so much for the review. When I'm translating the chapters (because I wrote this story in Portuguese) sometimes I have some fun, especially with chapters like the previous one! I'm glad you enjoyed!
Lady-Eliwen: I think Jin and Ling make a really cute couple, too! Thank you for your review. Hope you enjoy this chapter too.
A/Note: From now on, my updates will be only twice a week, because School (that thing from Hell) starts tomorrow ;.; Plus, my exams will start at the end of the month…
The Wedding
ARIZONA
PHOENIX
15th AUGUST 2011
Early that morning, Julia received a phone call from Liz. Her friend was talking so fast she didn't understand a single word.
-Calm down, Liz…I can't understand what the hell you are saying!-Julia said.
-I'm going to marry!-Liz shouted back.
-What!?
-Johny proposed me last night!!!
-Really? Congratulations! When is the wedding?
-When are you leaving?
-After tomorrow, why?
-Well…Johny wanted to get married in December, but you're not here in December, and since it was you who introduced us to eachother, we want you to come! So we decided to get married after tomorrow! In St. Francis Church at ten a.m.
-Are you sure about this?
-Absolutely! You are coming, right?
-Sure!
-You have two days to choose a dress! And so am I! This is going to be beautiful! You'll see!
-But my flight is at three in the afternoon!
-No problem. We go to the church and then we go to my house…we have lunch and then you and your boyfriend can go back to Japan! Is it ok?
-Yes…I guess…
-Good! Bring him with you!
-Ok.
Julia was really happy for her friend. Johny and Liz were the most adorable couple she ever met and she was really anxious to go to the wedding.
-We're going to a wedding!-she announced entering in Hwoarang's room.
-What?
-Wedding!
-Wedding!?
-Yep!
-I thought we were leaving in two days!
-And we are. But the wedding is in the morning. We can go to the church and then to the airport!
-I also thought you were angry with me for losing that tournament!
-And I am…
-So is this some kind of punishment?
-If you want to call it that way…
-I don't want to go!
-You have to.
-Why?
-Because I said you were going!
-I had never gone to a wedding before; I don't know what to do!
-You don't need to do a thing!
-Great, then I won't go!
-You will!
Hwoarang got up to face Julia.
-You will not boss me around! I will not dress like a moron!
-It's just for one morning…
-No! Geez…you're so stubborn!
Julia was getting angry again, but before she could say another word she started to blush violently.
Hwoarang was on his underwear, he had only his boxers on, and she couldn't stop looking to his strong and well shaped body.
Hwoarang didn't know why her face was so red.
-Just…get dressed and we'll talk later!-Julia said leaving his room in a hurry.
Hwoarang just stood there wondering what to do. He didn't want to go to a wedding, it wasn't his style. People could ask him to go to a tournament, a party, a rave, but a wedding was completely different. Julia was acting like she owned his life and he always had enjoyed his freedom.
After the breakfast, Hwoarang decided to sort things out.
-Look…I just think that probably I will embarrass you at the wedding…-he said.
-I can't go alone! After losing that trophy it's the least you can do!
-But…I'll have to wear those stupid clothes…
-I can invite another guy to go with me…maybe Sean, or Robbie…
-What do you mean?
-If you don't want to go, I'll have to find another date…
-Fine! I'll go!
-Great! Go pack your things; we're going back to my parents!
-Why?
-We need to go shopping!
-Oh…No, please…don't do this to me!
ARIZONA
PHOENIX
16th AUGUST 2011
Hwoarang was having a nerve breakdown for over the last two hours. He was waiting for Julia outside a clothes shop.
When she finally got out he sighed in relief.
-What the hell were you doing inside?-he asked.
-Liz is my best friend…I can't go to her wedding in an ordinary dress!
-You tried the whole shop, right?
-No…I wish I could.
-Can we go now?
-No. Now it's your turn!
-What!? Can't I wear one of your father's suits or something?
-No…my father is not your size…
-Damn it! I will not dress a suit! Or a tie! It's humiliating!
-Yes, you will! Now lets go!
Julia dragged him to a shop.
-Try this one!
-No…that's so gay!
-No it's not!
-Why are you doing this to me? I'm an outlaw, I can't dress like that! I have my pride!
-GO!
-Ok…fine…you don't need to shout!
It was almost dinner time when they got back from shopping. Hwoarang was thinking that Hell couldn't be worse than that. If his friends found out about that, they would laugh big time.
ARIZONA
PHOENIX
17th AUGUST 2011
Hwoarang was waiting for Julia by the car. Her parents had left earlier. Actually he was anxious to go to the airport; he was missing Osaka since he got there.
When Julia arrived he couldn't believe it was her. She was beautiful. She was wearing a long silver dress with no sleeves. Her hair was tied up in a plait. He remembered Eijiro's words a few months ago, saying that the right girl for him was in the States and she was like a goddess. In that moment he believed that Eijiro was right. Julia seemed a goddess, the most beautiful goddess he had ever seen.
-What?-Julia asked.-Is something wrong?
-No!-he said getting out of his trance.-Lets go!
-Here…-Julia said giving him the car keys.-You're driving.
-Me? I don't have a driving license…I can go to jail.
-My father will bail you out!-Julia laughed.
Before they got to the church, Hwoarang took off his grey jacket and his tie. Though he didn't want to admit, that suit made him look quite handsome, so when they arrived, almost every girl turned her head to see him.
-The church is full! I can wait outside!-said Hwoarang.
-No way!
-There are a lot of people!
-Liz's parents are very important…Mr. Tanner is a lawyer and Mrs. Tanner is a designer.
-Great! Just great!
The bride got there forty minutes later and Hwoarang was getting bored already. When the Priest started the ceremony, he almost fell asleep. He had never seen anything as boring as that.
-When does this end?-he asked Julia twenty minutes later.
-I don't know…and don't speak so loud! You're in the Church!
-I could be in the Emperor Palace and I wouldn't give a damn! This is boring!
-Psh!-whispered an old lady dressed in pink.
-Boring!-said Hwoarang a little bit louder.
An hour later they left the church and went to Liz's house.
-I thought I was going to die!-said Hwoarang.
-I'm glad you liked it!
-That's why I hate weddings! Do you really believe that they will be happier because they got married in a Church?
-No, not really. But it's their call…Look, there's the house!
-House!? You call that a house!?-he asked astonished.-That's a Palace!
-Well they are a very important family in Phoenix!
In the garden there was a huge crowd waiting for Liz and Johny.
Johny was with the guests while Liz went to change her dress.
-Hey!-Johny said with a smile.
-Hey, Johny…-said Julia hugging him.-Congratulations!
-Liz will be right back…-he said.
-This is Hwoarang.-Julia presented.
-Yes, I know…
-How are things with Mr. Tanner?-asked Julia.
-Better. He has to get used to the idea his daughter married a surfer!
-You could be an outlaw!-said Hwoarang.
-Good point! I'll have to say that to him some day…
-Julia! Hwoarang!-said Liz.-Sorry I'm late!
-That's ok, Mrs. Madison…-said Julia to Liz.-How are you feeling?
-Great!
-Hey, Liz your friends are looking for you…-said Mrs. Tanner, Liz's mother. Allison and Mike were with her.-Julia! I haven't seen you in a long time! You're great! I've seen your parents, they are with Harrison…
-I know…
-What did you think about my baby's dress?
-It was beautiful, Mrs. Tanner!
-I know…So, who's your friend?
-This is Hwoarang…
Mrs. Tanner studied Hwoarang with her eyes. He almost felt like he was in the doctors.
-You're leaving today, right?-she asked.
-Yes.-Hwoarang answered.
-Are you Japanese?
-No…South Korean, but I was raised in Japan, Mrs. Tanner!
-You can call me Helen, Hwoarang! You speak English very well! What do you think about our city?
-It's…great!
-Do you go to the gym often?-she asked noticing his muscles.
-No…I just practice martial arts…
-Oh, really? Have you won many tournaments?
-Yes…
-I won the Maclin's tournament this year!-said Mike.
-We both know that's not true!-said Hwoarang in a low voice.
-I'm going to throw my bouquet in a few minutes…so lets go girls!
Julia wasn't interested but she followed Liz anyway.
Hwoarang didn't want to stay there with Mike so he went to get something to drink.
In the meanwhile a huge crowd of hysterical girls was just next to him, watching Liz and her bouquet. Liz turned her back and threw the bouquet that hit a banner saying «Congratulations Lizzie and Johny» and changed direction. Hwoarang was having a drink when he felt something flying in his direction. He acted fast and grabbed it in the air, and then he saw a bouquet.
He was going to return the bouquet to Liz when he noticed a ten year old girl who was watching him closely.
-Do you want this?-he asked.
-Yes…
Hwoarang gave her the bouquet and she left running. In the meanwhile everyone was looking for the bouquet.
-Where is it?-asked Allison.
-Look…Sam has it!-a girl said.
-How the hell does she has it?
-I don't know! But she can't be the next one to get married!
After lunch, Hwoarang was anxiously waiting to go to the airport. He couldn't wait to put his feet back on Japanese soil.
Finally it was time.
Julia and Hwoarang were going to the car with Johny, Liz and other Julia's friends.
-Have a nice trip!-said Angie.
-Too bad you didn't catch the bouquet!-said Allison.-I guess you're not going to be happy with your boyfriend! You will probably be dumped…
-Hey, Al, tell me how was it to be ignored by a guy who was drunk?-asked Julia.-He didn't want to touch you even being drunk! Wasn't that humiliating?
Allison blushed with embarrassment.
-You bitch!-Allison said.
-Come on girls…-said Liz.-You are friends, remember?
-Friends? Are you joking?-asked Julia.
-You are so full of yourself!-said Allison.-You think you're the best, don't you? But you're not! You're just a stupid bitch! And I don't know what he saw in you!
-Don't you ever speak to me again, Allison!
-Why? Do you think I'm scared?
-You should be!
-Lets go Julia…-asked Hwoarang pulling her.
Hwoarang and Julia followed Michelle and Lao's car until the airport.
-Just in time!-said Michelle.-What was that all about with Allison?
-Nothing…she's just being stupid! I'll miss you mum!
Julia hugged her parents.
-If you need something, call us!-said Lao.-And please, come back after the tournament!
-Yes, dad!
-Keep in touch, honey!-said Michelle.
-Thanks for the hospitality!-said Hwoarang.
-You can come whenever you want!-said Michelle smiling. Hwoarang wanted to say that he didn't want to go to America ever again, but he kept his mouth shut.
Julia went to the plane and Hwoarang was going to follow her when Lao pulled him back.
-She's my daughter…
-I know! I'll take care of her!
-Yes…but I want to warn you that if you touch her, I'll hunt you down and then I'll kill you!
-Ok…Can I go now?
-Yes…But I'm not kidding!
Hwoarang got into the plane and took his seat next to Julia.
-What did my father say to you?-she asked.
-Nothing…he just wanted to wish us good luck for the tournament.
-I thought he was going to threaten you…or something like that!
-Why would he do that?
-I don't know…it's a father thing…
-Your father is a great guy…he trusts you!
-You sound happier than before…
-I'm going home!
-Yeah…we're going home!
It was almost mid-night when Hwoarang and Julia landed in Osaka. It was a bit cold, but they were finally in Japan. Hwoarang had missed his home more than he ever thought he would.
He promised to himself never repeat that experience. He was the kind of guy who loved challenges, but that hadn't been a challenge, it had been a nightmare.
JAPAN
EAST-OSAKA
18th AUGUST 2011
The next morning Hwoarang was still answering his friends' questions about the States.
-I can't believe you lost a fight…-said Eijiro.
-I didn't really lose! I let him win!
-Why? That's not your type!-said Roomax.
-Please, don't talk about this with Julia…she is still angry with me; she wanted me to win the trophy.
-Sometimes you act really weird!-said Eijiro.
-Lets forget about this, ok?-said Hwoarang.-Besides, those guys didn't know how to fight. I couldn't use all my strength because I was afraid to send them to the Hospital!
-That would've been great! Have you seen Michelle?-asked Mouse.
-Yes…sadly, she's still the same…
-What about Julia's parents?-asked Roomax.
-Her mother is great! Her father hates me!
-It's normal…he's only trying to protect his daughter.-said Eijiro.
-Protect her from what?
-From you!!!-said Roomax laughing.
-Shut up!
After lunch, Hwoarang decided to go training. He was thinking about Jin. He wanted to win at all costs, but unfortunately he had neglected his trainings by leaving the country. Now he had to train harder.
Julia watched him for a while.
-I bet Jin isn't training everyday!-Julia said.
-Do you think so?
-Sure! He's not the Super Man, though he's quite strong!
-Do you think he's better than me?
-A…No, of course not!
-Wow…you were quite convincing, Julia…-Hwoarang said ironically.
-I'm serious…Jin is not better than you, but sometimes you lose your concentration…that's your weakness! Your emotions take over you!
-What can I do to change that?
-You have to work with your mind! You can't be distracted by your emotions! Specially your ego!
-Ego?
-That's right…
TOKYO
Julia was wrong about one thing. Since he got back from Osaka, Jin had been training hard every day.
Ling was his partner, because she wanted to practice too. But she was far from thinking that Jin was studying her technique.
-Are you really studying me?-she asked surprised.
-Yes…I mean I'm studying basically Hakke Sho and Hikka Ken…
-Why? Don't you think you're strong enough?
-I want and I need to learn more…
-Why?
-Because I don't want to use the Mishima Karate anymore! I want my own martial art!
-Nowadays every martial art is based on another one that already exists…
-I know…but I want to create a new technique, involving the Kazama style…
-I understand!
-The problem is that the Kazama Style is an art of defence, and I need some bases to build my attacks. I think your techniques can help me out!
-Really?
-Yes…But I need your help!
-What for?
-I need you to teach me gymnastic!
-What? Are you kidding? I learned gymnastic when I was about five…
-I need to jump as higher as you, and to make those stunts just like you…
-You're twenty years old, Jin…
-Are you saying I'm too old?
-Well, basically you are! I'm not saying that you can't do it, but it will be difficult!
-I want to try! Will you help me?
-Sure, why not?
-Then show me some easy moves…
-Ok.
Ling started her demonstration and when she finished, Jin was paralysed. She was so fast and also so graceful. He didn't know why he was so astonished, if it was because of the difficulty of the moves, or her beauty when she was demonstrating her technique.
-Are you ok, Jin?-she asked.
-What? Oh, I'm fine…-he said smiling.-You were great! But I think you're right…It's going to be hard!
-Yes, it will, but you'll manage…I'm going to teach you how to be an expert! You'll see!
