I don't own Tekken.
Lady-Eliwen: You are lucky! This weekend I have to make a project about Bangladesh…it's so boring! And I'll have to do a presentation for my class one of these days! (I'm so nervous!!!). Anyway there are more cute moments from Ling and Jin coming, but not on this chapter! :C Hope you like this! Well I'm going to continue my project… ;.;
Lonelyngel: I'm really stressed out with this site…it's not the first time that I have problems with my updates!!! Yesterday, I tried to update the chapter 22 since morning! I only managed to do it almost at the end of the day! (Pure luck, I guess). Anyway thanks for your review, and I hope you had a great party…and, by the way, Jin WAS topless… O.O (OMFG). Hope you enjoy this! Now I really have to go and work on my project… T.T
Losing Eijiro
EAST-OSAKA
29th MARCH 2012
Julia was really upset that morning. She had received a letter from her parents and they said that they were going to Japan in the Easter holidays. It was sooner than she was expecting. They were coming next month. She missed them a lot, and Michelle, but she was sure that Lao would not be happy to see where she was living.
That day, another letter arrived. At first, Julia thought it was from her parents, but she was wrong. It was a letter for Hwoarang.
-It's from the Japanese Army!-she said.
Hwoarang read the letter and then he split it in tinny pieces.
-Are you crazy?-she asked.
-It's ok…they can't force me to go to the Army…-he said.
-Yes, they do! You're not working or studying, and you're twenty-one…so…
-I'm naturalised in South Korea…
-What?
-I'm South Korean…and they didn't call me…even so, they can't force me to go!
-I hope you're not wrong!
-Relax…I know what I'm doing!
At the end of the day, Hwoarang got the confirmation for the plan to get rid of Keizo.
It would be in three days. There was going to be a National Parade to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the District Police Department in Osaka.
The District Commander, Shigozu and Keizo were going to lead the Parade, and they were supposed to go to some schools and talk about security forces.
The plan was simple: Hwoarang and a small group of Tsunamis would dress with masks and would wait for Keizo and Shigozu in a certain place. Then they would approach Keizo as an old friend to let the Commander believe he was a dirty cop, and he was helping drug dealers.
Hwoarang had planned to use only false bullets, and one of the officers would change Keizo real bullets too, so no one could get hurt.
If they succeeded with the plan, Keizo would be out of their lives forever. His reputation would be ruined and he would be fired.
EAST-OSAKA
30th MARCH 2012
Eijiro noticed that Hwoarang was acting weird since Julia had announced her parents coming. That morning, he found Hwoarang training by the river at seven in the morning.
-You're early…what happened? Rough night?-Eijiro asked.
-Yeah…
-You're nervous…right?
-Nervous? About what?
-Julia's parents coming here.
-Are you stupid? I'm not…nervous…
-Yes, you are…you are afraid of what they can say about you…
Hwoarang stopped his training and looked at Eijiro. At first, Eijiro thought that Hwoarang was going to kick his ass, but he just sat down on the grass.
-Ok…I'm not too happy about this, but I'm not NERVOUS, alright?
-Fine…but why are you upset?
-They are good people…her mother was really great to me. And her father is an honest man, but…I think it will be hard for them to know that Julia is living here!
-It was Julia's decision…
-I know, but we have different life styles! It will be a week in Hell!
-You just have to keep your distance and be polite to them…
-No matter how hard I try, her father will not be happy…he hates me!
-Hates you? For real?
-Oh yeah…for real!
After lunch, Eijiro decided to speak with Julia. He wanted to know if what Hwoarang had told him was true. By coincidence, Hwoarang was entering the house when he heard Eijiro's questions.
-Your parents know that you live with us, right?-Eijiro asked.
Julia, who was reading a book, looked surprised with the question.
-Yes, they do, why?
-I think Hwoarang is a bit preoccupied with their visit…
-Really?
-He thinks your father hates him!
-Well…my father likes to criticise everything…
-But does he really hate him?
-I don't think so…he just finds hard to understand that I'm here and not with them…
-Yeah. And he probably blames Hwoarang for that!
-Maybe…But there's nothing to worry about! It's only a week, maybe two. And I'm planning to take them on a tour around Osaka…
-So you think Hwoarang is overreacting?
-Yeah…my father just doesn't appreciate some things…
-Like what?
-Piercing, tattoos, long hair…that sort of stuff!
-What if they ask you to go with them?
-I'll stay here…until I change my mind!
Hwoarang left the house in that moment. He was thinking about what Eijiro had told him. He should try to be polite and to please Lao. Julia had told that her father didn't like long hair, maybe he should cut it.
He didn't appreciate that idea because he always liked his hair that way, but maybe it would be for the best. After all, a change in his looks wouldn't kill him.
-I don't want to be like a pussy, a junky, a moron or a punk! So if you want to live after this, I suggest you do a nice job!-he said before he sat down on the barber chair.
He left a few minutes later, with a huge sorrow. He had cut his hair! What was he thinking?
When he got home, Eijiro, Roomax, Mouse and Julia watched him surprised.
-What the Hell!?-said Roomax.
-Where's Hwoarang?-asked Mouse.
-What have you been drinking? Gasoline?-asked Eijiro.
-I'm fine, thanks!-Hwoarang said in a bad mood.-I just wanted a change…
-Geez…-said Mouse.-You…
-Shut up, ok? I'm not in the mood! I'm not drugged, I haven't been drinking and I haven't smoked…Leave me alone!
Hwoarang locked himself in his room, but he still heard Julia's comment.
-I think he looks cute…
Everyone looked at her and she blushed. In his room, Hwoarang smiled; maybe the haircut wasn't so bad.
EAST-OSAKA
1st APRIL 2012
After a few anxious and stressing days, the big day arrived. Soon, if their plan succeeded, Keizo would be out of their lives forever. The Tsunamis and the police officers were hoping to celebrate a victory that night.
The plan began at three o'clock in the afternoon, when fifteen Tsunamis leaded by Hwoarang went to the place where everything would take place. Julia was also there. She had decided to go even against Hwoarang's orders. Then, they waited.
-Don't forget we have rubber bullets, but they can wound us…-said Hwoarang.-And you will stay always with Ryo and Eijiro!-he said to Julia.
-Fine!
-Put the masks on…they'll be here soon!
The police parade was moving again, after the lunch break. Keizo and the Commander were in the last car. Officer Tanamura was the driver and he new exactly what to do. In the last minute he changed direction without the two men knowledge. Then he stopped in an abandoned area. Keizo asked what was happening and Tanamura lied, saying that he had a call that it was something going on in that area. Keizo decided to check it out, but the Commander insisted and went too.
In that moment, Hwoarang was already prepared.
-A guest, Keizo?-Hwoarang asked.
-What's going on?-asked the Commander when he saw the group with the masks.
-I thought we had an agreement…No surprises, remember?-said Hwoarang.
-Who are you?-asked Keizo confused.-What do you want?
-We had a deal…so where's our stuff?
-What stuff?-Keizo asked putting a hand on his gun.
-Don't play with us…
-What's he talking about?-asked the Commander.
-I don't know…-said Keizo.
-You don't know!?-Hwoarang said.-You said you would bring the stuff today! Our suppliers need to see it!
-I don't know what they're talking about…
-Of course you do…we're partners!-Hwoarang confirmed.
The Commander was looking to Keizo with suspicion.
-Keizo, I want answers!
-I have no idea what's going on, sir!
-What!? You're joking, right?-asked Hwoarang.-If there's no stuff, we want our money back! You said you could get us the drugs because you work for the police and you have access to the storage where they keep that stuff…I don't know what are your games, but you better give me the money, now!
-I never spoke with you!-Keizo said angry.-Is this some kind of trap?
Hwoarang noticed that the Commander didn't believe in Keizo, which meant they were winning.
But then, Keizo lost control, and he took out his gun, pointing it to Hwoarang.
-Lets go…I want you in the police station…
Hwoarang wasn't afraid because he knew that the gun had rubber bullets, but then he saw a group of twenty boys coming in their direction. Their leader approached Hwoarang and Keizo.
-Who are you?-he asked to Hwoarang.-You're in the Tsunamis' area!
Hwoarang recognised him. He was Gaoji, the Drills leader. The Drills were a neutral gang. They didn't have a territory, because they were always travelling between cities. They weren't bad kids, and they had Hwoarang's permission to enter the East side whenever they wanted. Just like the Tsunamis, the Drills were always against drug dealers.
-Go away…-said Hwoarang quickly.
-I don't think so…first I want to know who you are! And why are the police Chief here?
Keizo looked to Gaoji, he didn't have a clue what was going on.
-Who are you?-insisted Gaoji.-A new group?
-Nobix.-said Hwoarang.
-I never heard of you…where are you from? Hwoarang doesn't like drug dealers!
-That's none of your business!
-Ok…I'm losing my patience! I want you too in the police station! NOW!-Keizo pointed his gun to Gaoji, but that was his big mistake.
In that same instant, he had nineteen guns pointed to him. The Drills were defending their leader.
-I want everyone out of this area!-said Gaoji.-Or my boys will be forced to fire!
Hwoarang was in a bad position. The other Tsunamis were pointing their guns to the Drills, but they knew that in a case of an open fire, they would lose because they didn't have real bullets.
Things were out of control, and then Keizo fired to the air. That was his second big mistake, because he only got things worse.
That single shot originated a shooting. Tanamura started the car and that allowed Keizo and the Commander to get inside.
-GO!-the Commander ordered.
-But…-started Tanamura.-We have to stop them!
-You don't have backups! And this way, maybe they'll kill each other!-said Keizo.
-What the hell was that, Keizo?-the Commander asked.
-I don't know…but I'll find out!
-You have many answers to do!
Tanamura smiled. At least the plan had worked.
In the meanwhile, the Drills and the Tsunamis were firing at each other, covered by the cars in the streets.
Fortunately there was no one there, only old cars.
Hwoarang knew that if he showed his face, everything would stop, but he could end up being shot. His friends needed help, so he decided to take a chance and jumped into a car, taking out his mask. Seconds later, Gaoji ordered a cease fire.
Hwoarang jumped to the floor to search for Julia. She was alright, but she was a bit in shock because she had never seen anything like that. They could all have been killed.
-Are you ok?-he asked.
-Yes…and you?
-Yeah…I'm ok!
-What happened?-asked Gaoji.-Why are you here?
-You're an idiot!-Hwoarang said.-The Nobix don't exist! I was in the middle of a very important plan!
-I didn't know! I was just trying to…
In that moment, Hwoarang heard Roomax scream. He approached him and paralysed immediately. Eijiro was on the floor, unconscious and bleeding. He had been shot in the chest.
-He has no pulse…I need to do CPR and someone call an ambulance! NOW!-Roomax ordered.
Julia watched closely what Roomax was doing. He was trying his best but there was so much blood.
The ambulance arrived a few minutes later. Roomax went in the ambulance with Eijiro.
Gaoji said sorry before they leave, but Hwoarang didn't answer.
In the Hospital, Eijiro was sent to the Intensive Care Unit and then he was submitted to a surgery that lasted six hours.
Hwoarang was waiting with Julia, Roomax and One, in the waiting room, and he was starting to lose control.
Finally a nurse came with news.
-How is he?-he asked.
-Well…I guess he's lucky to be alive! The shot was almost fatal…
-Will he live?-asked Roomax.
-The doctors said he can make it…but the next twenty-four hours will be crucial.
-He's not going to die, is he?-asked Hwoarang.
-He was really lucky…the CPR saved him…the bullet didn't reach his heart! So I guess he'll be ok…but it's too soon to tell! You can go home…come here tomorrow.
Julia, One and Hwoarang left the Hospital and informed the others. Roomax stood in the Hospital. One of the nurses was a friend of his mother and she let him stay there.
It was almost midnight when Julia heard Hwoarang leaving the house. She was worried about him, so she got out of her bed and went looking for him. He was sitting outside, next to the door.
She watched him and realised he was really scared for Eijiro's life. He couldn't stop thinking that the entire situation was his fault.
-Hi…-she said, sitting down next to him.-You can't sleep?
-No…while I'm here, safe and warm, he's fighting for his life in that Hospital bed! It's not fair!
-I know…but you couldn't do anything…
-I live here for six years…things were always like this, I mean; we face the danger every single day. But now, I can't understand how theses guys can trust me!? I let them down, like I always do!
-You didn't let them down…How could you know that the Drills would appear?
-I'm the leader, Julia…I have to protect my friends…
-When I left with you and the others, I knew that it could be dangerous…I knew the risks, and so did Eijiro and everyone else!
-I should've known that something like this could've happen…and even so, I agreed to use rubber bullets! I'm an idiot! And Eijiro is paying for my mistakes!
-The nurse said he's not that bad! He will make it! Besides, you can't protect all the Tsunamis…
-You wouldn't say that if you were in a Hospital bed! And it could've been you! What would I say to your parents?
-But it wasn't me! And Eijiro is going to be fine! Have faith!
-Faith!? How can I have faith, now? He almost died because of me! He's only eighteen! I can't lose him! Not like this!
-How did you two meet?-asked Julia to change the subject.
-It was when I arrived here. I was almost fifteen and I was looking for a place to stay for the night. I found out an old house that seemed abandoned and I went there. In one of the rooms there was a bed, and Eijiro was there. He was sick. I didn't have courage to leave him there, all alone! I took him to the Hospital and I waited there.
-So you saved him…
-Yes…in the next morning we ran away together, because they were going to call the Social Services! We became friends and then he told me that his mother was dead. He was living with his father, a drug dealer, but he didn't know where he was. A few months later, the Tsunamis were born and his father showed up. The police was after him, and he was going to leave Osaka. He wanted to take Eijiro, but then, Eijiro decided to stay with me!
-Where's his father, now?
-I don't know…we never heard of him again…we're like brothers…he replaced Baek by my side. Eijiro made me promise that we would always fight against drug dealers!
-I think you're a good friend…for all of them!
-Yeah…but I always mess up, right? And I can't take this anymore…
EAST-OSAKA
2nd APRIL 2012
When Julia woke up it was almost ten a.m. She remembered immediately what had happened and got dressed. Then she met Hwoarang. He was sitting down on the window ledge, watching the street.
-We have to go and check on Eijiro!-she said.
-Yes…I know…
-Are you ok?
-I've been thinking, and I decided to quit!
-Quit? What do you mean?-Julia asked surprised, because the word "quit" was never part of his vocabulary.
-I failed as a leader, so I guess the Tsunamis don't trust me anymore…I'm going to leave the group's leadership!
-Are you joking!? You can't leave them now! Eijiro would not want this!
-Eijiro is in the Hospital and I wasn't by his side when I should've been! I can't be the leader anymore!
-This was not your fault!
-I promised them protection and I failed!
-Look…they admire you…and I'm sure they don't think this was your fault!
-They have to learn to live without me! I'm the leader for six years; I guess it's time to choose another leader.
-Do you really think that way? Because if you do, you're an idiot! It's you that keep them together! If you quit, the Tsunamis will end!
-I can't be the leader forever! Things need to change!
-Can't you see that they don't respect you for your leader qualities, but for your friendship and support?
-What?
-You're a good fighter…you're their model! And you're a good friend! That's why they respect you…no one is going to let you quit! Not them and not me!
Julia hugged him out of the sudden. He was going to answer back when a car stopped just outside the house.
Lao and Michelle got out of the taxi and waved. Julia and Hwoarang let go of each other, and Hwoarang forgot he was on the ledge, he lost his balance and he fell.
-Are you ok?-asked Julia.
-Fine…-he said in a low voice.
Julia was now meeting her parents. They had forgotten that they were coming.
-What a sense of opportunity!-Hwoarang complained.
-Did we interrupt something?-asked Michelle.
-No, of course not!
-How are you, honey?-asked Lao.
-Fine. And Michelle?
-She's better! The surgery will be in about two months…the doctor said she is going to make it!-said her mother with a smile.
-You were supposed to pick us up in the airport!-said Lao.
-I know…I'm sorry!
Lao was watching the house closely. Then he watched Hwoarang coming to meet them.
-This house is not much…you could go to a Hotel. We could pay…-he said.
-Dad, you promised not to say a word about this!
-At least you don't seem like a girl anymore…-Lao said when Hwoarang arrived.-We are only here because it seems that the taxi drivers know the delinquents quite well!
-Dad!? Please, cut that out!
Hwoarang didn't say a word. He was sure that if he opened his mouth, things would be even worse.
Julia helped to get her parents' bags inside. Lao waited outside.
-Mum…I can't go with you to the Hotel right now…Hwoarang and I are going to the Hospital…we need to be sure that everything is alright!
-You need to be sure about what?-asked Michelle confused.-Oh God! Please don't tell me that you're…
-Please, mum, don't overreact, ok? It's nothing serious! It's just to be sure!
-Julia! How could you let this happen!? Are you aware of the consequences? I'm not going to tell you're father! You do it!
-Geez, mum…it's not like we're going to stay there forever!? Besides, it will be just a few minutes! I can be with you later!
-Your father will have a heart attack! Why didn't you tell me that you and him…?
-Mum, I'm just going to see a friend, who is in the Hospital! What's wrong with that?
-A friend? But I was thinking that you were…
-What?
-Nothing…forget it!-Michelle sighed in relief. She thought her daughter was pregnant, but it was just a misunderstanding.-So…is your friend sick?
-Yeah…kind of. Eijiro is like Hwoarang's brother…
-Ok…we can go with you!
A few minutes later, Hwoarang, Julia, Lao and Michelle were on their way to the Hospital. Hwoarang was driving a jeep that he had fixed with his friends.
-If this jeep was stolen, I'm not going to bail you out…-Lao said.
-This was not stolen…the jeep is mine, ok?-said Hwoarang.
Roomax was waiting for them in the Hospital. Lao and Michelle preferred to wait outside.
-He's going to be fine…-he said to Hwoarang and Julia. He looked tired but he was smiling.
-Are you sure?-asked Julia.
-Yes. He woke up early this morning, and the doctors said that he was going to make it!
-What about his recovering?-asked Hwoarang.
-There are no damages in his spine or vital organs. So he will recover totally. But it will take maybe three months…
-That's good!-said Hwoarang.-Can we see him?
-Maybe later…he's sleeping now.
-What's he doing here?-asked Julia pointing to Mouse, who was sleeping in two chairs.
-He arrived today…at five in the morning. He refused to go home!-explained Roomax.-Eijiro is like a brother to him…he prayed, he cried…and then he fell asleep.
-Poor Mouse…-said Julia.
-His father was here, but since he was sleeping he left!
-Well…we have to go…-said Julia.
-We'll be here later…to see Eijiro.-said Hwoarang.-Go home and rest, Roomax…you've done a nice job! You saved his life!
Roomax smiled and sat down.
-I'll stay for a while…
-Ok…keep us posted!
The lunch was a complete disaster. Hwoarang refused Lao's invitation and went back home. Lao didn't like his attitude, so he never stopped complaining.
-So, how many people live in that tinny house?-asked Lao.
-Six. But the house is ok. Please lets not continue this conversation.-asked Julia.
-How can you study in peace?
-I don't study every day…but I have my own room…
-What about your trainings?
-I practice with Hwoarang…I learned some fine moves from his tae-kwon-do.
-You're style is not tae-kwon-do! Look what this kid is doing to you!!!
-Hwoarang is not a kid! Don't talk about him when you don't know him!
-And you do? Is that it?
-Yes…better than you.
-How well do you know him?
-Stop arguing!-asked Michelle.-People are staring at us! Liz sent you a postcard from Buenos Aires, from her honeymoon!
-Really? How is she?
-She's fine!
-Why don't you come with us?-asked Lao.
-Home?
-Yes. You could train there and then you could come to Japan and meet your friends here!
-Don't start, dad!
-It was only a suggestion!
After lunch Julia met Hwoarang in the Hospital. Lao was upset because she had to leave her own parents to go see a friend with a bunch of outlaws.
In the Hospital the nurse called Julia, Hwoarang and Mouse to see Eijiro. Roomax had been with him earlier and had gone home to take a shower.
Hwoarang entered the room and Eijiro opened his eyes. He couldn't speak but he felt really happy to see that everyone was there.
-I'm sorry…-said Hwoarang sincerely.-It was my fault!
Eijiro wished he could say to Hwoarang that he wasn't upset and that it hadn't been his fault.
-We were so worried about you!-Julia said, holding his hand.-We'll take care of you!
-And I'll never argue with you again!-added Mouse crying.
Eijiro almost cried too. Hwoarang said sorry again, and then they left, because there were many other members who wanted to visit Eijiro.
That night, Michelle and Lao asked Julia to spend the night with them in the Hotel, since they had a big suite. Julia agreed.
-Your father is sleeping already!-announced Michelle, meeting Julia.-He wants you back!
-I know…but I can't go!
-Do you really like to live this way?
-Yes…I got used to. Things change mum…
-Yes, but what about your dreams?
-Dreams?
-You always wanted to be an archaeologist!
-I still want!
-It doesn't seem like that…you're different!
-I'm studying here…the Osaka University is quite famous! I'll be an archaeologist!
-Do you know why you're really here?
-I'm going to enter the next tournament…
-You're fooling yourself…you're here because of him!
-I don't want to talk about this!
-Why? Are you scared?
-Scared?
-You have to understand your heart, or you'll never be happy!
-I'm happy now!
-You're so young, Julia…you shouldn't waste your youth!
-Is that what you think I'm doing?
-No…but I don't want you to suffer…
-What do you mean?
-Your father is right about one thing…you don't know his intentions…Hwoarang can be a nice guy, but how well you know him? Do you really trust him? What if he uses you and then dumps you!?
-First…there's nothing between me and Hwoarang, and second I do trust him! I trust him my own life!
-What if you're wrong?
-I'm not! I'm sure…I trust him…I always will, and he will never hurt me!
