I don't own Tekken. (I never will)
I want to thank Lonelyngel, Lady-Eliwen and MooNTeARZ for reviewing the last chapter. Here it is chapter 30, I hope you like it! I don't know when I will post the next chapter because this week it will be my week in HELL, since I have two exams;.; but I'll try to post it as soon as possible! A nice week to all of you:D
Chapter 30
Final FX 2012
TOKYO
16th OCTOBER 2012
The organisation board to the Mishima Tournament, which included teachers and the Headmasters from the three schools, had been reunited all week deciding the schedule for the first round in their schools. The process was internal to each school, but the board had been reunited to clarify all suspicions of a possible fixed fight.
And the schedule was ready. Ling, Jin, Kazumi and Yuu were going to fight in that first round, meaning they had to fight during the Christmas holidays, in December.
Jin had decided to enter the tournament as Jin Mishima, not for his grandfather, of course, but because his mother would be very disappointed with him, if she knew he was neglecting his father name like that. Kazuya wasn't the perfect father, but he wasn't like Heihachi either. If he won, everyone would know that he was Kazuya Mishima's son.
In that afternoon, Jin told Ling about the trophies that Heihachi had kept in his office. Ling was surprised.
-He kept all that-she asked amazed.
-Yes…
-Wow…that's odd, considering he killed your father and tried to kill you too…
-I know…so, what do you think?
-I have no clue, but I guess that everyone has a heart!
-My grandfather's heart was a black hole Ling…you know that…
-Well, that doesn't mean that he didn't have some sort of feelings towards your father and you. I mean, he was a father too; it must be hard to ignore that! Being a father is very important, for some men…
-Yes, but Heihachi? Please!
-I don't know…but this is the only explanation, Jin. Do you have a better one?
-No…Man, what I wouldn't give to get rid of this Mishima curse!
EAST-OSAKA
27th NOVEMBER 2012
Yamada had left the Hospital and he was still recovering at home. The rumours about his fight with Hwoarang were very faint because no one knew what was that all about; except for them and a couple of officers from the police station, who knew that Yamada was trying to seduce Julia.
Fukumori was running the police station while he was at home, and he was doing a great job. But Yamada was planning revenge. He had never been so humiliated in his life. Hwoarang was going to pay. For now he couldn't do anything, and the news about Hwoarang and Julia plans to go to Nara for the Final FX, left him totally furious.
-Did you tell him-asked Fukumori.
-Yes. -answered Aoi. -I told him that Hwoarang and Julia will travel alone for a while…he was furious when I left.
-Good. Maybe now he'll leave Hwoarang alone…
-I don't think so; he still thinks that Julia will fall for him.
-That kid is a complete fool! Is he blind?
-Probably! Do you think we should warn Hwoarang?
-Are you crazy? Hwoarang knows how to take care of himself!
-Yes, I know…but this way Yamada will be in the Hospital again pretty soon!
-That's his fault…we can't do anything about it! If he wants a war, he will have a war! And he will surely lose!
NARA
2nd DECEMBER 2012
The Final FX 2012 would start in two days, so Hwoarang and Julia were already in Nara. After renting two rooms, they decided to go for a walk. When they were leaving the hotel, someone bumped into Julia.
-Baek-said Hwoarang surprised.
-I was hoping you would be here-Baek said smiling.
He seemed fine and stronger. Hwoarang didn't know what to do, if hug him or hit him.
-Are you alright-Julia asked.
-Yes, I'm fine. You read my letter, right?
-Yes, if you call that a letter! I call it a little note! You could've gone to Osaka…
-Yes, but I didn't want to waste my time!
-Waste time? Is that what I am to you, a waste of time-Hwoarang argued. -Thank you very much, I risked my life to catch the guy who almost killed you, you know?
-I didn't ask you to do that!
-Next time I will not give a damn! I was worried when the doctors told us you had left!
-Well, now you know how it feels when someone leaves you behind!
-Stop that-asked Julia. -People are staring at us! I'm going to have some lunch.
-How can she be with you all this time-asked Baek. -I thought she was leaving after the Iron Fist!
-She decided to stay!
-So you're finally dating?
-No! Don't be stupid!
-You live with her and there's nothing between you two, and I'm stupid? Give me a break!
-Look, just leave it, alright?
-Fine. And did you find Fury or what?
-Of course I did! He's probably in hell!
-You killed him? Are you crazy?
-I didn't kill him…but he died anyway…
Baek didn't look convinced but he smiled.
-I'm…proud of you, kid!
-Me too-said Hwoarang joking.
-You'll never change!
NARA
4th DECEMBER 2012
Surprisingly, Baek wasn't going to enter the Final FX because he didn't want to get injured before the Iron Fist.
Hwoarang and Julia tried to find Jin and Ling, but they didn't find them, so they just assumed that they hadn't gone to Nara. The rules of the tournament were the same and the draft was held that morning, in the stadium.
Julia was on the green team and Hwoarang on the blue team.
The first fights were quiet easy to handle for Hwoarang and Julia.
Julia couldn't believe when she noticed that, at the end of that week, she was on the team finals. Three years ago, she had fought against Hwoarang and he won, but now she had a chance.
Baek was just watching to study some strikes and new moves. He was surprised because Hwoarang's tae-kwon-do seemed much more efficient than his.
That wasn't good for him; after all he was Hwoarang's master. Baek was really furious to see that the student was now stronger than his master. So, Baek decided to provoke Hwoarang whenever he had a chance, and Hwoarang's weak point was called Julia.
NARA
8th DECEMBER 2012
Every morning Julia used to wake up very early and go to the gym, to practice a bit. Hwoarang had decided to stay and sleep a bit more. He knew he was being lazy, but he didn't mind.
In the meanwhile, Baek decided to put his friend's patience to a test.
-Julia left…Does she always wake up this early?
Hwoarang covered his head with the blankets.
-Don't you two share a bed-continued Baek. -I mean, you're living together!
-I don't want to talk about this, ok? I want to sleep!
Hwoarang didn't want to talk about that, because he was feeling confused. He knew that his idea about going with her to the Final FX had been the most stupid idea that had crossed his mind.
-Come on…just go for it-provoked Baek. -Aren't you a man enough for her? It's obvious that she likes you…
-Shut up!
-I mean no one would live with you for two years…
-You're pissing me off…
-You know I'm right…do you realise that you can be sorry if you keep on ignoring her like this?
-Julia has to go back to her country after the Iron Fist! Her parents don't want her here!
-And you?
-This in none of my business! She can do whatever she wants!
-You could ask her to stay! I think she wouldn't think twice!
-And why would I do that?
-Because you like her, you idiot!
-No…I like her as a friend! A good friend! And please, just stop bothering me!
-She LIVES with you for two years! And assuming that you are…what you are…I would say that she definitely wants you…
-What do you mean?
-I mean…she's a bit out of place, isn't she? What does a girl like her with a bunch of thieves?
-Oh…so that's what you think I am a thief? Thank you very much for your consideration, Baek! You're so kind!
-But it's true, isn't it?
-No. We're not just thieves! We're not terrorists!
-Anyway, I bet that Julia isn't with you just because she likes the landscape or your lifestyle!
-Will you leave me alone or what? I told you that we're just friends!
-I don't believe that in two years you never thought about her that way…
-What way?
-THAT WAY, you idiot! You know…
-No, I didn't! Stop invading my privacy-Hwoarang got up and threw the pillow over to Baek.
-Do you want to fight?
-You bet!
Baek and Hwoarang went outside to practice. They fought a bit against each other, and when it was lunch time they joined Julia.
-Hey…so you two were training-she asked.
-Yes. -answered Baek. -Hwoarang needs to practice hard because he is always thinking about something else when he's not training…
-Shut up, Baek!
-You're blushing…-Baek provoked laughing.
Hwoarang clenched his fists and he punched Baek hard in the face breaking his nose.
Baek was shocked.
-You broke my nose!
-You should pay more attention to your opponent moves! It's not my fault!
-Baek go and wash your face…your bleeding. -said Julia.
-Thanks to this moron…
-Bye-bye Baek…
-You'll pay for this-said Baek leaving.
-You shouldn't have done that! You're to rough on him and he wasn't doing anything wrong…
-He was trying to humiliate me…-complained Hwoarang.
NARA
10th DECEMBER 2012
It was almost midnight when Hwoarang left his room. He couldn't sleep and he didn't know why. Julia was having a fight the next morning, but he had watched her opponent and he knew that she would easily win.
-Why don't you ask him-a voice said.
-Julia? You should be sleeping…
-I know…but I heard you coming out…
-I can't sleep…
-Why don't you ask Baek what you need to know about your name?
-I don't know how to do it!
-Just ask…I think there's no other way!
-He's still angry with me for leaving him and our family…he will not understand!
-He's your brother…he will understand.
-I better ask him later…when the Final FX is over.
-You could ask him to go with us to Osaka. Until the Iron Fist, that way we could go together.
-Yeah…I'll do that!
NARA
11th DECEMBER 2012
Just before the fight, Julia was feeling a bit nervous but it was nothing much. Her opponent was a tall guy; he seemed a little older than her. His name was Dips and he was even more nervous than Julia.
Julia started the fight using an uppercut that made Dips lose his balance. She managed to block two powerful high kicks and attacked with a low kick. Dips tried to grab her arm, but she was too fast and with a kick he fell on his knees. Julia realised that Dips wasn't that strong, she was surprised even to see that he got so far on that tournament.
The fight lasted for twenty minutes; after that time Dips quitted.
In the next day it was Hwoarang's turn to fight. He was sure that we would win.
Actually, Hwoarang was right about his fight. It was no big deal. His opponent was even worse than Julia's. He won in seven minutes. It was a record time.
But there was someone among the crowd who was quite interested in watching all Hwoarang's fights.
NARA
14th DECEMBER 2012
The red team finalist was someone that Hwoarang and Julia had met a few months ago. It was Steve Fox.
Steve was famous, and that was why he was trying to get away from all the attentions. That was kind of hard for someone like him.
-You don't know who he is-asked Baek.
-Sure we do…he's a guy we met in Tokyo… -Hwoarang said.
-His name is Fox…Steve Fox…don't you watch the TV? Fox is a famous boxer…
-I didn't know… -said Julia surprised.
-Me neither! Anyway he's not good enough for me!
-He seems very interested in this tournament-said Baek. -Be careful with him…you never know…
-I saw him in a demonstration and he's not that good-insisted Hwoarang.
The draft decided the two semi-finals: Julia was going to face a man named Sheridan and Hwoarang was going to fight with Steve Fox.
NARA
15th DECEMBER 2012
Hwoarang was going to fight in that morning. Steve was already in the arena.
-So you're Steve Fox…-said Hwoarang. -You're not too bad…
-I know…And you're a great fighter…I've been watching your fights! Very efficient!
-Thanks!
-That day in Tokyo…I knew we would meet some day…too bad that Jin isn't here!
-Kazama and I have some scores to settle! Actually I'm glad that he didn't come…
-Lets see if you're that good!
The first ten minutes, Hwoarang and Steve only measured their strengths. Surprisingly, Hwoarang noticed that he had underestimated Steve.
-When I saw you fight with Jin, I knew that I had to keep training hard if I wanted to fight like you and him!
-You did a nice job! I thought you were just a boxer…
-I have to learn many things yet if I want to win the Iron Fist!
-You're going to the Iron Fist?
-Yes…I'm living in Japan for a year now…to get used to the language and the weather and stuff! Why? Are you going too?
-You bet…I almost went to the final in the last Iron Fist!
-Wow…that's awesome! Whoever fought with the Boss must be very strong…
-Actually it was Kazama…
-Wow!
The fight went on. Hwoarang hit Steve with an uppercut and then he tried to use a double kick, but Steve blocked it. It was hard to tell who was winning.
Steve hit Hwoarang with a right hook and he cut his lip. Hwoarang took a few steps back to regain his balance and cleaned his mouth from the blood.
-You'll pay for this!
Hwoarang managed to grab Steve's arm and threw him a powerful kick in the stomach. Steve fell on his knees, but he wasn't finished yet. He managed to escape Hwoarang's next attack, but he was hit on the chest by Hwoarang's left punch that sent him to the ground.
Now, Steve was really angry. When Hwoarang attacked to the left, Steve slid to the right and hit his leg with a low kick. Hwoarang felt a pain and he went to the ground.
Steve was really strong. Hwoarang kept on fighting but he knew that they had both good chances to win. If he won that fight we would go to the final against Julia. That wasn't a good perspective. He didn't want to hurt her.
Hwoarang decided in that moment that he wouldn't win. He would give Julia the chance to win the Final FX. In order to do that he had to quit that fight, but to quit a fight was always hard for him. His pride was at stake.
Hwoarang spitted more blood to the floor and then Steve grabbed him and with two powerful kicks sent him to the ground. Hwoarang pretended to be black out for some seconds and Steve was declared the winner.
Baek and Julia couldn't believe their eyes.
-Did you lose on purpose-asked Steve when Hwoarang got up.
-Nope… -lied Hwoarang.
-Are you sure?
-Yes…you should be happy! You won! Congratulations.
Hwoarang was clenching his fists; he couldn't believe he had done that. Baek went to talk to him, while Julia remained in her place. She knew him too well to know that it was something wrong.
-I hope we meet again in the Iron Fist-said Steve.
-Me too!
Steve waved as he was leaving the Stadium. Baek was arguing with Hwoarang, but he wasn't listening to him.
-It was a good fight-said Julia in Hwoarang's room. Baek had gone to get some ice for Hwoarang's cuts.
-Thanks…
-You lost on purpose!
-No, I didn't!
-Don't you lie to me! I know you! I remember that day when you lost against Mike! It was the same thing today!
-Look…I can explain…
-Then start talking!
-He's good, and I could get really hurt in that fight…and I don't want to get hurt before the Iron Fist because I need to face Kazama!
-You're an idiot! You're better than him! And you let him win!
-If I won, I would have to face you! Do you think it would be fun?
Julia looked at him and thought about it.
-No…
-See? This way you can win, and I'll make sure that you will! I promise! Now that I know his strikes I can teach you to avoid them!
NARA
18th DECEMBER 2012
Julia had won her fight against Sheridan, so she was going to the final against Steve. She was training with Hwoarang for three days.
-He is stronger than you, but that's his weak point-said Hwoarang before the fight.
-I know…
-You have to use his strength against himself!
-Right…I will remember that…
-Good luck!
Hwoarang joined Baek and Julia waited until Steve arrival.
-I saw your fights…-he said.
-And I saw yours…
-Then lets start this one.
Like usual, at first they just measured their strengths.
-You're much better than I thought-confessed Steve. -How did you do it?
-I had a great teacher!
Steve threw a powerful hook but Julia was faster and she ducked. Then she managed to hit him with a low kick followed by another kick on the stomach.
Steve blocked a third kick and hit her with an uppercut. Julia hit the floor, but she got up immediately.
Steve looked at her and thought that she was quite brave; too bad she was always with Hwoarang.
Just like Hwoarang had warned her, Steve was extremely fast with his fists; after all he was a boxer.
A half an hour later the fight was still going on and it was impossible to say who was winning.
Hwoarang was trying to give her advice but she could barely hear him.
In the meanwhile Steve kicked Julia in her left side; the kick was so hard that she felt some ribs breaking. She was in pain but she couldn't quit. Julia took a few steps back to catch her breath and then she hit him in the chest with a high kick. Steve was sent to the ground.
But the Final FX was a tournament with specific rules and the fights had a time limit that was ending.
An hour had passed and Steve and Julia were still fighting, so the jury ordered them to stop.
Everyone was in silence when the presenter spoke.
-This was a great fight but unfortunately we had to end it! The jury chose the winner of this Final FX…and it seems that this year winner is…
Steve and Julia looked at each other.
-Steve Fox…
Julia was disappointed but she smiled anyway.
-And…Julia Chang! We have two winners!
Steve looked at her and smiled. She had done a great fight and he had to keep on training to be better.
Julia and Steve hugged and they both received a trophy.
-It was a great fight-Hwoarang said to Steve.
-Yes…she was great-he said. -You are so lucky!
-Maybe we see each other in the Iron Fist!
-I'm counting on that!
Julia was being seen by the medical team, when Hwoarang arrived.
-Congratulations…-Baek and Hwoarang said.
-Thanks!
That night Baek and Hwoarang were in Julia's room. Baek had left to buy dinner.
-Do you really think I deserved to win-Julia asked.
-Of course!
-You should've been the winner, not me or Steve!
-There was no point…if I had win Steve, I would have to fight against you! One of us would have to quit!
-Would you quit?
-Yes…why?
-You would let me win?
-Yes…
Julia smiled and hugged him. In that moment Baek arrived.
-Geez…Am I interrupting something-he asked with a smirk.
-No-Hwoarang answered quickly.
-Then why did you blush-Baek asked in a low voice.
