I don't own Tekken.
A/Note: Guess what? My exams are finally over! Now I have a bit more time to work on this story…I think I failed one of the exams, but I was sick at the time when I did the damn exam and Sociology of Information is the most disgusting discipline I have ever had in my life! I hate it!
I'm so sorry if I kept you waiting, as for now I leave you with chapter 31! Bye and have fun!
Lady-Eliwen: I hope your exams went well too! I don't know about my marks yet, but I think that in 5 exams I passed 4… (History was ok, Diplomatic Practice too, SCIA was my best exam, European Institutions was so and so, and Sociology of Information was horrible! Dreadful!) Oh well…No one said that life is fair! Thanks for reviewing and wishing me good luck!
Lonelyngel: Hey! Well, yes, Hwoarang is a bit stubborn when it comes to showing his feelings! (Idiot) As for Baek…he had to come back, I was kind of missing him… :P Thank you so much for wishing me good luck in my exams! See you.
MooNTeARZ: I'm sad that your story is over, now I have to wait for the sequel, or prequel, right:D Hope you decide that really soon…
The Wish Of Night: I know the feeling about these machines that we call computers! Sometimes they drive us insane! Glad you liked the previous chapters!
Chapter 31
Mishima Tournament Phase One
TOKYO
19th DECEMBER 2012
The fights in the Mishima Polytechnical School were starting and they would be held in the next ten days. There were two fights a day, meaning that the sixteen first participants were grouped in eight fights. The winners from the first round would fight in the second round until there were only two fighters.
Jin would be the first to fight and he wasn't scared or even nervous. He was prepared for that tournament. Everyone was waiting anxiously for that fight because only a few students hadn't seen Jin in a fight.
It was ten a.m. sharp when Jin and Shinji Damya were in the arena. Ling knew exactly what he was capable of; after all he had fought against the Boss.
The fight was short was Jin won easily.
This is going to be boring…-he said at lunch.
In the end it won't…-announced Kazumi. -They have two surprise contestants!
I'm the only one who isn't competing in this phase…which means that all of you will have to face each other…-said Yang.
Well…that's life…-sighed Ling watching Jin closely. She was going to fight him sooner than she thought. This meant that only one of them was going to the finals, since that first phase would only decide one of the Mishima School contestants. The other one would only be known in April or May.
She was strong and all that, but Jin was better, and she knew she would never win against him.
TOKYO
20th DECEMBER 2012
The two fights that day were a huge disappointment to the crowd. They were very short. Ling won in eight minutes a girl named Yuki Naka and Yuu won too.
Yuu was the star of the day, since everyone knew that Ling was going to win easily.
But things weren't well for Yuu. His father was acting weird and the boy wasn't used to have problems at home.
In the end of the day, the group went to celebrate the victory in a very famous pub in the south of Tokyo.
Miharu and Ling weren't used to go to pubs but they felt like celebrating, besides the boys were there too.
How are things with your parents- asked Miharu to Yuu when they were left alone.
It sucks! I can't do anything now! It's too late!
Late? For what?
My father wants to leave Tokyo…he asked her the divorce when she left!
I'm sorry…
I don't! It's their fault! Besides it's their fifteen year marriage! I'm old enough now!
It's always said when a marriage ends that way!
I just wished that my father didn't want to go! I'll probably have to go with him…and he doesn't want me to finish school here!
Why?
He wants me to go to a military college!
What about your mother?
She doesn't care! She left and she never said a word ever since! My mother always took care of my education…she wanted me to learn martial arts when I was a kid so I could defend myself…my father always agreed on everything! Now he thinks that he has to undo everything my mother did!
You have to do something!
Tell me about it! Aren't you going to finish your drink-Yuu asked to change the subject.
No! I think I drunk too much already.
That's why you never have fun!
I don't mind!
I'll take home if you get drunk! I promise!
No way! Besides, I think you and Jin will have to take Kazumi, Yang and Ling…unless you drink too much and then Jin will have to carry you too!
Where are they?
Near the counter! Jin is tying to take Ling away from there!
Actually it wasn't from the counter that Jin was trying to take Ling away, it was the barman. The guy had some kind of thing about Chinese girls and he had invited Ling three times already to go to his place. Jin wasn't enjoying that, so he decided to stay close to Ling, just in case.
The guy was going to ask Ling again when Jin pulled his arm to cut his way off.
She turned you down three times already…what do you need a picture-Jin asked.
Let me go! Who the fuck are you?
I'm with her!
You're her boyfriend?
Not exactly…
Then leave me alone! Finder, keeper!
You're being stubborn and stupid…
Why? What will you do, pretty boy?
Jin clenched his fist and he just smashed the guy's faced. He fell on the floor, behind the counter and passed out.
No one noticed that and Jin just kept on acting normally. A few minutes later, they were on their way home. Miharu and Yuu walked Kazumi and Yang home to be sure they were alright and Jin took Ling. She was a bit drunk, but not too much.
TOKYO
23rd DECEMBER 2012
Two days had passed and four contestants were going to the next round of fights. Kazumi was part of that list. She had done well in her fight.
The second round from the first phase was about to start. The Headmaster was there.
This time Kazumi was the first one to fight. She had proved that she could fight well, but no one was expecting what happened. She was completely aware of her limits and she seemed to control the Mishima Fighting Style better than she used to say.
Even so, the favourites were Jin and Ling. The whole school was supporting them, especially Jin.
As for Jin, he was starting to get suspicious about Kazumi. He had noticed that she had some secret techniques and she knew the Mishima Style too well for someone who was only in that School for the second year.
Kazumi was in the semi-finals.
TOKYO
25th DECEMBER 2012
It was Christmas and the tournament was interrupted. Ling, Jin and Yuu were also in the semi-finals. The next fight would be Kazumi against Jin.
But that day, they could rest.
Jin had convinced Ling to go out a bit because she was driving him crazy. During all morning the only thing she could talk of was about the tournament and the possibility of a fight against him.
When finally she left home to go shopping she saw Miharu leaving in a hurry. She tried to call her, but Miharu was a bit far and she didn't hear her. So Ling decided to check on her.
When she realised, she was in front of the Ministry of Economics, talking to a man.
Mr. Murakama, I just think you should consider what you're doing to your son. -Miharu said.
Who the hell are you?
Hirano Miharu…I'm a friend…and he doesn't deserve what you're doing to him!
My private life is none of your business! Yuu is a just a brat who wants attention! He even needs a girl to defend him! He's going weaker since he went that Mishima School! That's why I'm going to send him to a real school!
You're being unfair! Yuu is one of the best students from our class…if his marks are lower that's because of you!
Miss Hirano, I don't have time for this! Yuu has to learn to face his problems alone! Go home and have a nice day!
I hope your conscience makes you suffer as much as you hurt Yuu!
Miharu left the place angry. Then she faced Ling who was observing everything. Miharu told Ling what had happened.
That bastard-Ling said.
Yeah…that's why I came…
Poor Yuu!
Please don't say anything to Yuu…he only told me…
Ok…don't worry! But if things don't get better, I'll have a private talk with his father too…and it won't be pleasant for him!
TOKYO
26th DECEMBER 2012
Jin and Kazumi were ready for their fight. The School was crowded, and as soon as the fight started the noise was impossible to bear.
Who taught you this-asked Jin.
No one…Yang helps me sometimes…-she said smiling.
You never said you were this good!
That's a compliment, Jin…thank you so much! You're amazing too…
Thanks.
But you're not using the Mishima Style.
I don't want to use it…You know the Mishima Style almost better than me…
Come on…you know that's not true! But anyway, it's not that complicated.
Really? Most of the students say the opposite.
Ling noticed that Jin wasn't giving his best; maybe he didn't want to hurt Kazumi, which was normal coming from someone like him.
In that moment Kazumi attacked. She hit Jin hard on his chest, he took two steps behind but he managed not to fell with the impact. Kazumi tried again with a double kick. This time Jin almost went to the ground. He decided to end the fight quickly because he didn't want to hurt her much.
Jin threw her a punch on the stomach and grabbed her right arm then he knocked her flat on her face, but not too hard.
Kazumi got up and used a powerful uppercut, but Jin knew the Mishima Style too well, so he blocked it and kicked her in the leg making her kneel down.
She was starting to feel tired, so Jin come at her again and managed to send her to the floor again. She tried to get up and hit Jin, but he jumped over her and kicked her hard on the back, a bit too hard.
Kazumi's legs were now shaking a bit. She knew that Jin was better than her and when she realised she was on the ground again. This time she stood there while Jin was declared the winner.
Then he helped her to get up.
Nice fight…-he said.
You too…
When Jin was going to the dressing room to change his clothes, he asked Ling to go with him.
What's wrong-she asked.
Do you think that there can be a person who knows the Mishima Style almost better than me-Jin asked.
No…only your grandfather knew it better than you.
Well, Kazumi knows it too well! She is almost at my level.
That's not possible!
Believe me…don't you think it's weird?
Of course…
Xiaoyu…thisis the boys dressing room, what are you doing here-asked the Martial Arts teacher.
Sorry…-Ling said a bit embarrassed.
Wait outside.-the teacher ordered.
Ok.
That afternoon, Ling was going to fight against Yuu, but he never showed up, so she was declared the winner.
I never thought it would be this easy to win a fight.-Ling confessed.
What happened with Yuu-asked Yang.
I don't know.-answered Ling looking at Miharu who shrugged.
TOKYO
27th DECEMBER 2012
Now it was up to Jin and Ling. One of them would represent their School in the Mishima Tournament. Jin and Ling had talked about that fight. Ling had accepted to quit the fight after some minutes. She just wanted to know if she was stronger and ready for the Iron Fist. For that she needed Jin to fight for real, though she doubted that. He said that he didn't want to hurt her and that he would quit if she wanted him to do that.
Ling didn't want him to quit, because she knew his reputation was at stake. Besides, it wouldn't be fair, she knew he was stronger.
The whole school was counting on Jin. Miharu, Kazumi and Yang were in the first row to see the fight. Yuu wasn't there.
When the fight began, they started to attack each other but no of them were hitting the other.
How can I know if I'm ready for the Iron Fist, if you're not hitting me-Ling asked.
You know I'm won't hurt you…I can't hit you!
But I need to know…
Three years ago you get to the semi-finals…against Hwoarang…you are ready!
That was three years ago!
Exactly! I know what you are capable of and believe me, you are ready for everything!
So, you're not going to fight me?
Nope!
You're such a gentleman…Jin Kazama…
Thanks!
When Ling announced she was quitting, there was disappointment everywhere. They never got to fight for real; they had spent the whole time blocking their strikes. But it was her decision.
Now they had to wait to know who was going to join Jin, but Jin had a strange feeling that Yang was going to be that person.
EAST-OSAKA
2nd JANUARY 2013
After the New Year things were pretty calm in Osaka, except for Hwoarang. The Tsunamis had a new member: Baek.
He wasn't a real member but he was living with Hwoarang and the others and everyone was getting used to him.
At the beginning, Baek was a bit surprised to see that Hwoarang was so popular in the East side, and every member respected him.
After all, Hwoarang wasn't just a delinquent; he had created a new family.
Eijiro was the only one who wasn't too happy with Baek's presence. Julia knew he was probably jealous, because now Hwoarang was always with Baek.
In the meanwhile, Hwoarang decided it was time to ask Baek some questions.
I need to have a word with you…-started Hwoarang.
What have you done now?
Nothing…I went to South Korea last May…
Oh…really? Were looking for your real family?
No…I had to do my military service there! It seems that I was naturalised South Korea before I came here.
I understand…how was it?
Nothing special…
So?
I learnt some stuff about my parents…
Oh…and are you happy now?
No! They're dead. The thing is, my father was a General, in the army and…
Wow…so he was a very important person, right?
Sort of…but his name was Hwoarang…Kim-So Hwoarang. Why do I have his name if mother didn't meet him? And how did she know my date of birth?
Maybe this will help you-Baek said taking something from his pocket.
It was a silver army plate, with the name KS Hwoarang on it.
It was your father's…mother gave it to me before she died. She gave you his name because you had this on you when she took you home.
But…
About the date, it was pure coincidence. She took you to the doctors to see if you were alright, and he said that you were born, probably in the first two weeks of December, so she picked a number!
Why didn't she tell me?
She was afraid of losing you…and she did, anyway…
And why didn't you tell me?
You left us, remember?
Yes, but we meet three years ago, and you never told me! If you had died I would never know about this!
But I didn't die! Besides…you never asked!
You arrogant bastard!
You're the arrogant bastard…you killed mother! And Yuri…so don't play the victim!
Fine!
Hwoarang left the living room. Julia joined him later; she wanted to know why he had argued with Baek.
What happened?
The usual! I tried to have a decent conversation with Baek, but it didn't work out!
Hwoarang told Julia what Baek had told him.
Well…at least now you know!
Yeah…I guess…
Don't worry…everything is alright-Julia said hugging him.
Hwoarang felt embarrassed but at the same time he felt that Julia's hug had been the best thing it had happened to him that day.
EAST-OSAKA
15th JANUARY 2013
Eijiro was still angry with Hwoarang. He felt that his leader was neglecting the gang, and he was right.
Baek and Hwoarang were always together, training and going to pubs, coming home at four or five a.m.
In the meanwhile Eijiro was forced to fix some motorcycles and cars all by himself and he wasn't happy about it.
Julia told Eijiro about Baek and Hwoarang's past, but even so Eijiro was thinking that Hwoarang was being selfish.
Baek almost died in the Iron Fist…-Julia said. -Give them time!
He barely speaks with me…
I know how you feel…but Baek is his family…
I'm like his brother too…Baek never had to put up the things I did with Hwoarang! The hangovers, the crazy ideas, the troubles with the police…
I know…I'll try to talk to him!
It won't work! He is pushing you away as well! Can't you see that?
No, he's not!
Are you sure? He's scared, that idiot!
Scared of what?
Forget it-Eijiro left the house.
Julia knew that Hwoarang was different, and that was because of Baek's influence. She decided to stay up to talk with Hwoarang that night, but she fell asleep. She woke up at two a.m. when she heard them coming in. They were drunk, as in the past few days. Julia decided to wait until the morning.
EAST-OSAKA
16th JANUARY 2013
Baek left early in the morning, as for Hwoarang he only woke up at ten a.m. He felt his head explode. He tried to remember what had happened last night but he couldn't.
Julia was going to knock at his door when he left to the bathroom. He had to throw up.
Are you alright-she asked coming in.
No! I'm sick and my head hurts!
How many times did I warn you?
Please, spare the lecture! Call Roomax…
Roomax is in the Academy, remember?
I need something for this headache!
You should've thought about that before! By the way where were you last night?
I have no idea! Oh, man, I'm sick again…
Julia left to the kitchen to make a strong coffee.
Have you finished-she asked putting down the coffee on his bed table.
Yes…
Julia tried to help him getting up, but he let go of her hand when he felt his arm hurting.
It's blood-she said worried.
Actually there was dry blood on his shirt and jacket. Julia almost panicked, but then she decided to take his shirt of to see if it was serious.
Fortunately it wasn't. It was just a cut, probably made by a knife in a stupid fight. She washed the wound and put a bandage on it. Then she took some washed clothes and helped him to get dressed.
What the hell happened-she asked putting him on the bed.
I can't remember but I think I fought some guy…
Julia made sure he hadn't fever and she gave him the coffee.
Drink that!
What is it? Coffee? I hate coffee!
I know…
But drink it!
No, please…I'll throw up again…
I don't care!
Hwoarang did what he was told and then Julia gave him a pill for the headache.
Now sleep! And don't move much! Idiot!
I'm not an idiot!
Yeah…right!
When she was closing his door, Baek arrived. He wasn't hurt and he didn't seem too affected by his hangover.
Julia was furious and she decided that was time to speak directly with him.
Baek…I need a word with you…-she announced.
What?
Hwoarang has been drinking too much!
He's a big boy, I'm not his mother!
He was never like this before you arrive! Stop taking him to pubs!
So, now it's my fault? I don't force him to come with me!
He has a cut on his arm…from last night!
You should've seen his opponent! He'll be in the Intensive Care for months.-Baek smiled.
Why didn't you stop the fight?
I was covering his back and I didn't know the other had a knife!
Hwoarang doesn't need this kind of influences…
So I'm a bad influence, right?
In this context, yes, you are! Hwoarang has responsibilities, you know?
Really?
Yes…he's a leader…and he's neglecting his gang…
And what's your role on this play?
What do you mean? I'm his friend…you know that!
No…you want him to be your perfect prince!
No! That's not true…-Julia said blushing. -Hwoarang worships you because you're his master, but you're leading him into the wrong way! He doesn't need more troubles, this way the Tsunamis will end soon…
Baek didn't look at Julia when she said the last words, and she understood everything.
That's it, isn't it? That's what you want! You want to destroy what your brother built!
No…
Yes…that's your revenge! How can you do this to him? He's your brother! After all he has done…
He has done nothing for me! NOTHING!
He risked his life facing Bryan Fury! He spent hours in the Hospital by your side! He was suffering! And he blames himselffor what happened to you!
I never asked him to do that for me! He deserves to suffer! He killed my mother and sister!
You have to forget them! You have to let that go, Baek! Please…forgive him!
I tried! I really did…
His your family…You can't go back in time, but this way your not going forward! You're stuck! What do you want now?
I don't know…- Baek sat down on the couch. -I don't hate him…that's the irony…I know he never meant to hurt us.
You should forgive him…
I know…I'm sorry. I was a jerk!
It's ok…but please sort things out…
I will! Things will change…I promise!
