.

(Face to Face)

Jun stared after Kazuya's secretary as she left the building, Sayuri had worn a smile when she saw her and was polite as usual, but there was something different about her, there was anger, resentment and hate in her heart, she was not the same person that she had met before. And Kazuya's new employee, Anna Williams, she was a ruthless criminal hiding behind a pretty face and wearing a false smile. For the first time since she'd visited the building, Jun felt like a mouse in a den of vipers.

She had never felt more weighed down by an ominous feeling in her life. It made her every step strenuous and her chest tight. She entered the elevator and pushed the button on the panel, she had been excited about her meeting with Kazuya the day before, but now... As the elevator moved closer to the top floor, she began to sense the dark energy and its terrifying strength; she felt it seeping through the walls and saturating the environment. It was obvious that Kazuya was not in control. Realizing that the dark energy was affecting her, she leaned against the wall and took a few steadying breaths before exiting the elevator.

She couldn't go in unprepared.

Her paternal grandmother, as well as many others in the Kazama family before her, had been born with the gift. Psychic, most people called it, but the Kazamas didn't like to call it anything, they were simply more sensitive to energies, moods, feelings, spirits, and entities that most people could not see or even sense. She had assisted her grandmother in removing negative spirits from individuals, she had helped her to detach a demon as well. The demon had been difficult and had left them both exhausted but they'd triumphed in the end. Jun herself had removed a demon from a young man during her internship in Thailand without any assistance, though admittedly it had not been as powerful as the one she had faced with her grandmother. This thing, Devil, was much stronger than either, but Jun was strong as well. Her grandmother had called her the strongest Kazama in generations.

She touched her fingertips lightly to the wall and closed her eyes. She could feel pockets of positive energy, light, as her grandmother had called it, scattered throughout the building coming from Zaibatsu employees and visitors. In her mind's eye, they looked like pinpoints of light pushing against the darkness. She focused on them, imagined the positive energy like liquid silver traveling up the walls and entering her body through her fingertips. She was not taking from anyone, light energy could be shared or spread and it would never deplete, one simply had to know how to channel it. She let the energy fill her, felt it coursing through her, it gave her a feeling of tranquility and helped her to remain focused.

She walked down the hall toward Kazuya's office and entered without hesitation. The last thing she wanted was Sayuri returning or someone else stopping by, she didn't want them to be exposed to that level of dark energy. It was so thick and dense that she could see it enveloping objects, its translucent tendrils reaching into spaces behind bookcases and under furniture. Jun resolutely opened Kazuya's door and entered.

She stood frozen with her hand on the doorknob. It took her a moment to fully take in what she was seeing; when she realized what it was, she felt her heart drum in her chest and her breath catch in her throat. Devil was sitting behind Kazuya's desk, a demon in an expensive suit with a twisted, malevolent grin that made her skin crawl and her stomach tie up in knots. She took in his appearance as she composed herself. There was a slight sheen to his purple skin, it looked smooth, much too smooth to be a human's. Pointed horns curved and twisted upward above his ears, and a vertically aligned third eye had appeared in the middle of his forehead. His red, glowing eyes sent a chill up her spine, they were soulless embers that made sure any semblance of Kazuya was gone.

"You're one of those," Devil's voice was deep and rasping, it made goosebumps rise on her skin. "I suspected it before, and now being out here, making use of all my senses, I felt you before you came in."

She couldn't show fear or hesitation and attempted to sound unfazed. "You've met others like me?"

He pointed a yellow-nailed finger to himself. "In my lifetime, thousands, in his, two, you're the third."

She let go of the doorknob and entered the room "What did you do to them?"

He threw his head back and laughed, his movements were exaggerated almost as if he were trying to mimic normal human reactions. "Everyone always assumes the worst of me." He shook his head and threw his arms up in the air. "I didn't do anything to them, if anything, one of them hurt me. There was a woman, a secretary in Taiwan last year, she was twice your age and twice as powerful as you are, also twice as smart because as soon as we set foot in her office she left the room and didn't come back." He stood up and walked slowly around the desk. "It's always the young ones who are so arrogant and brazen...stupid..." He stopped in front of the desk, facing Jun, she didn't move though she felt the evil energy radiating from him, attempting to suffocate her.

"Are you trying to intimidate me with those words, with veiled threats?"

Devil chuckled slightly. "There was a boy, a teenager in Berlin maybe ten years ago," he tapped his finger to his chin, "no, eleven, we were there for one of those business meetings where Heihachi felt that showing off his perfect sons would give him an advantage. The boy was working at his father's company during a break from school...I felt him instantly, his misguided intentions to help Kazuya, he tried to befriend him and when he showed no interest he invited Lee to a party knowing that Heihachi would make Kazuya go just to please his client. At the party, he did the same thing you did, fed off the energy of others-"

"We don't feed off or take," Jun defended, "we-"

He put up his index finger and cocked his head. "When Kazuya was sulking in a corner he attacked me, without provocation," Devil crossed his arms and shook his head, "he came up to Kazuya and put his hand on his shoulder, it felt like hot coals, it hurt, but all it did was make both of us angry, it did no real damage, he was much too inexperienced, much too anxious." He laughed lightly. "Kazuya was ready to beat him to a pulp in front of everyone, I was going to let him but Lee interfered...always in the way," The demon smirked, "but in the end, the boy got what he deserved."

There was a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. "You said you didn't do anything to him."

Devil put up his hands in mock defense. "I didn't touch him...but we did go to his home that night, showed him my true face, frightened him and his family and burned down his house. We haven't heard from him since."

"Is that what you plan to do to me? Follow me at night and burn down my home."

Devil shrugged. "Honestly, I hope it doesn't come to that, I don't want to waste my me time by spending it with you, or near you. However, if I am forced to do that, I will have to find a way to enjoy it...So many arts were lost after the Middle Ages, I feel inclined to bring some of them back..." Jun felt her mouth go dry but her face remained impassive, Devil regarded her carefully. "I so seldom have the opportunity to speak to someone like you, tell me, were many people in your family born with this...hindrance, or are you unique?"

"Hindrance?" Jun scoffed. "We call it a gift."

Devil cackled. "That is one shitty gift. It's that hindrance that brought you here and put you within my grasp... It is not a good place to be, it won't end well for you."

"My gift forced you out and put you face to face with me, I wouldn' t mock it." His eyes glowed brighter, brazen and stupid, perhaps Devil was right, but she couldn't afford to show fear or even allow herself to feel it.

"Face to face with what?" Devil advanced toward her, wanting to keep distance between them, Jun walked backward calmly. With superhuman speed, Devil put himself between Jun and the door and continued to slowly move toward her, forcing her to walk backward in the direction of the desk. "I know that I'm face to face with one more gold digging slut?"

"This is what you do every time he's interested in someone or someone is interested in him?" Devil stopped walking and Jun followed suit, she was left standing with the desk to her left and a wall to her right, the window behind her and Devil between her and the door, no way to make a quick escape.

"No, I don't." He shook his head and narrowed his eyes as he looked her in the eye. "He has this idea in his head, that you're different from other women he's associated with, and I see that you are. I see your pure little heart and I see that all you want to do is save the whales and endangered earthworms, or...whatever. I see that all you want is justice for your little animal friends that have suffered at the hands of vile, vile men." He sighed heavily. "And that is where our problem lies, you see, if you were any other woman, I'd let him have his fun then send you on your way, but you're not any other woman, you're you, and to someone like you, he is the perfect target. If you get rid of me you have him and his money," Jun shook her head in disgust, "don't give me that look, wealth is the only thing that can make a difference in the world, you know that. Money in your pocket, or more precisely, putting money in the pockets of the right people, the right governments."

"In other words, you feel threatened by me."

Jun didn't have time to react as Devil grabbed her by the front of her blouse and pushed her hard against the wall-length window. She winced from the pain on the back of her head and her shoulder blades, she tried to push him away but it was like pushing against a tree. "Threatened?" Devil hissed the words into her ear, she felt his hot breath and his unnaturally smooth skin brushing against her cheek, it made her skin crawl. "I have nothing to fear from anyone."

Jun wrapped her hands around his wrist, he was pushing on her chest with his hand, still holding tightly to the fabric of her blouse. She could hear the weakened glass cracking as Devil continued to put pressure on her body. She sensed his intent, he wanted to send her crashing through the window, wanted to put his hand around her throat and end her life then and there, but he was somehow hesitant, maybe unable to do it. She had to fight the urge to kick or hit, to make a desperate escape attempt; instead, she closed her eyes and focused the light energy coursing through her, and began to feel everything around her. She focused on the mass of black and evil energy that was Devil and the tar-like mess inside Kazuya's body. She pictured in her mind's eye the hundreds of pinpoints of light moving together closer and closer at incredible speeds, merging and fusing until they became a pool of light, Jun willed it to move through her, it felt like warm liquid as it moved down her arm, into her hand, out through her fingers and into Devil.

She opened her eyes as he released her, there was a look of utter shock on his face, then his mouth quickly twisted into a snarl. Jun gasped when he puffed out his chest and opened his arms, two leathery wings sprung from his back, the eye in the middle of his forehead opened and she had the urge to run and cower behind the desk. Her body did the opposite, she ran at him then executed a kick to his midsection and catching him off-guard covered his third eye with the palm of her hand and let the remaining light energy flow through her hand and into him. Devil made a futile attempt to push her away, she could feel the dark energy dispersing, the heaviness in the air lifting. Devil fell to his knees and the wings disappeared along with the horns.

When she saw that it was Kazuya she dropped to her knees beside him. He looked pale, barely able to open his eyes. When he tried to stand up she quickly moved to help him but he wrenched his arm away from her touch. "I can do it myself."

There was a raspiness and an edge to his voice, but it was clearly human. She waited until he stood then stepped back and watched as he made his way to the couch with heavy and unsteady steps. His shirt and jacket were torn completely asunder at the back, the memory of the wings, the horns and the unnaturally purple skin that had claimed his body mere moments before made her pause before walking toward the couch, but she wanted, needed to see his eyes. The dark energy had dispersed and logically she knew that Devil had been subdued and that he would be dormant or at least weak for a while, but still, she needed to look at his eyes, to make sure that they were the deep, dark-brown that was his own. To make certain that she had triumphed, at least for the time being.

"How are you feeling?" She sat on the couch as far from him as possible, she wanted to be closer but knew that he needed space.

"How do I look?" He snapped, the dark, oppressive energy in the room had been replaced with anxiety and apprehension. Kazuya leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes, she wished he would look at her.

She waited for him to say something, he looked as if he were sleeping, but a thick, unrelenting tension hung heavily over them. "...I couldn't tell you that I knew," Jun finally spoke feeling an overwhelming need to cut through the silence, "there is no subtle way to say it...and I knew that if-"

He spoke without opening his eyes. "How long have you known?"

"Since we met at the arena. I mean, I realized that there was something attached to you but I didn't know how much it could affect you until that day at the little restaurant and I didn't know the extent of his power until now."

Kazuya scoffed. "You still don't know the extent of his power."

She nodded slowly. "I've done this before, the amount of light that I used to repel him would dislodge most spirits or entities."

He slowly opened his eyes but didn't look at her. "Light?"

"It's what we call the positive healing energy."

He closed his eyes again. Jun could feel the anger and confusion clouding his tired mind, he had been drained of too much energy and needed rest. It suddenly occurred to her that during her encounter with Devil Kazuya must have been fighting to regain control.

"Why are you still here?"

The question stung but she kept her voice as casual as she was able. "Do you want me to leave?"

"...No," he opened his eyes and looked straight ahead, "after everything you saw...after…" he shook his head slowly as he looked at the window, a foot-long crack had formed near the middle where Devil had pushed her. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"I know."

He finally turned to look at her, his deep, brown eyes bore into hers and she felt her heart skip a beat. "Anyone else would have left, would never have let it go this far…"

"I want to help you get rid of him."

He chuckled softly as he rested his head on the couch and closed his eyes again. "What makes you think I want to do that?"

It was disappointing to hear him say that, it meant that he had invited Devil in, he wanted him. "Because he takes so much from you; everything from your energy to your soul, to-"

"He gives me power that you cannot even imagine." His tone was firm, resolute.

She shook her head and sighed wearily. "Yes, he gives you power...and you give him control."

He opened his eyes and straightened in his seat. "I need to rest, it's best if you leave," he said harshly.

"Can I help you with anything, your clothing-"

"I have spares."

She nodded then stood up. "I'm still a tournament participant, so I will see you more often than you think. If you need anything you have my number." He remained silent and immobile as she made her way to the door and left the room. She closed the door then stopped at Sayuri's desk to pick up a post-it note and a pen, she wrote, do not disturb and adhered the note to Kazuya's door, then left the office.

She hoped that she wouldn't see Lei Wulong on her way out, or Anna Williams or even Sayuri. To her relief, no one acknowledged her, save for the security guards who bowed as they opened the door.

She had not been aware of it, but as she stood on the sidewalk she realized that it was easier to breathe outside, with brisk and steady steps, she made her way toward the bus stop. Now that her adrenaline was back down, everything that had happened in the building began to sink in, she felt her hands begin to shake and became suddenly aware of the pain on the back of her head and her shoulder blades. Kazuya Mishima was possessed, truly possessed. She had known that he was, had expected an encounter, but seeing the demon face to face, fighting against it had left her more shaken than she thought it would. A thought suddenly occurred to her, Devil had said that he had sensed her power before she entered, if she joined with Angel, how would he react? How would Kazuya react? He didn't seem eager or even willing to set himself free… She wasn't fool enough to think that she had beaten Devil, she knew that it would take time as well as Kazuya's cooperation. She arrived at the bus stop and she sat on the bench for a couple of minutes as she steadied her nerves, but a sudden feeling urged her to continue walking. Following her instincts, she stood up and began to walk away from the Mishima Building, she took a left at the intersection and let her thoughts consume her once more.

It had been her grandmother who suggested she join the WWWC. Jun had other options after her internship was done, all outside of Tokyo, but her grandmother had told her that if she went to Tokyo she might change the world. She asked her how she knew and her grandmother had simply shrugged and said that it had been one of her feelings. Change the world might have seemed ludicrous at the time, but now… A man in Kazuya's position had the power to influence so many, if he was being guided by a demon and continued to gain power, there was no telling how much damage he could cause on a national or global scale.

After walking for a few minutes, Jun found herself in front of a one-level building housing a few businesses, a dojo, a dry cleaner's shop and a nail salon, along with a vacant office space that was for lease. The dojo caught her attention, it reminded her that she needed to train, she wished she'd gone straight home. Her body went rigid when she saw someone exit the seemingly vacant office space. She would recognize that man anywhere, his ridiculous hair and broad shoulders along with a gait that marked him as assertive and confident made him unmistakable. She watched Heihachi Mishima as he entered the small dojo, she had never seen him in person, only on television, the news channels had taken to showing clip after clip of the fights from the first tournament during the past month.

The memory of the nightmare from the night before surfaced as she saw the elder Mishima, that large, shadowy figure that she had fought against in the dream had been Heihachi Mishima, she was sure of it. She remembered how Devil had forced her to finish her opponent when he was already down. The Mishima patriarch had lost the Zaibatsu to Kazuya during the previous tournament, he had been presumed dead by the world, possibly Kazuya too. There was so much strife between two men that Jun was almost certain Heihachi was one of the reasons why Kazuya had allowed himself to become possessed. She wanted to get close, maybe speak with him for a bit, what if the way to help Kazuya was through him?

She walked to the dojo and stood on the sidewalk her eyes fixed on the door to the suite as she pondered how to go about it. She obviously couldn't speak to him about Kazuya directly, and she didn't want to lie unless it was absolutely necessary and even then… She hesitated before walking into the dojo, her hand on the door handle, she shook her head slightly before pulling the door open and stepping inside.

The interior of the dojo was small and unimpressive, it was simple with well-worn, light-colored wooden floors and walls adorned with weapons. What caught her eye was the punching bag in the corner as well as the training dummy, both looked new and of extremely high quality, they almost seemed out of place.

"Hello?" Jun called softly when she saw a balding man in his sixties dusting the weapons on display, she assumed that he must not have had many students, if any.

He wore a sour expression as he addressed her. "I'm closed for a private session."

"I'm very sorry to bother you, I...only wondered if you're looking for someone to teach additional classes."

"You're looking for work?"

"I'm...unemployed."

He shook his head. "Not interested."

"You haven't even seen what the young woman can do." Heihachi Mishima emerged from a door that she assumed led to the office. He had changed out of his suit and into a black gi.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but I'm not interested in-"

Heihachi folded his muscular arms across his chest. "I don't have to remind you that this is my dojo now. If it weren't for me, it would be another vacant room on the lot. I'm interested in seeing what this girl can do, you may benefit from bringing in a new demographic," he smirked as he gazed appreciatively at Jun, "maybe she can teach self-defense to young ladies who are afraid of men with ill intent."

Few things made Jun angry, but merely being in the same room with that man and his condescending attitude was irritating her. She spoke curtly."I would be more than capable."

"What style of martial arts do you practice?"

"It is a style unique to my family but I'm also proficient in traditional karate as well as-"

"What is your family's name?"

"Kazama."

"Never heard of you, I'll assume that you didn't have a proper master then."

"My father is a proper master, as is my brother, as am I."

Heihachi chuckled as he stroked his chin. "Is that so? Well, now I must see a demonstration."

Jun removed her shoes as Heihachi watched on with a condescending smirk on his face. He was highly amused, she knew that he fully expected her to make a fool of herself. She felt his eyes on her as she walked to the center of the room, but any other woman would have, whether she was a sensitive or not, he wasn't being discreet about it. She breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly, it was at that moment that she realized how much of her energy had been spent defending herself from Devil.

Deciding to perform a traditional karate kata, she turned to face Heihachi and the dojo owner, putting her arms at her sides she bowed deeply to them then stood with her back straight as a board. She began slowly, her arms and hands moving gracefully as if she were parting water, she put the two men out of her mind and imagined that she was alone on her favorite secluded beach, with magnificent cedars at her back and the blue water before her. She swiftly changed to a quick succession of punches and palm strikes, eyes ahead, imagining the salty breeze caressing her face and the soft, warm sand under her bare feet. Every turn was sharp and precise, every kick powerful and perfect. She slowed as she neared the end of the routine that had become part of her muscle memory, and found herself in the tiny dojo once more. She stopped and bowed to the two men.

"Hmph," Heihachi frowned, the lines of his mouth seemed to trace the horseshoe mustache, "I have seen worse, but you're not teacher material, still...you're not a completely lost cause. If we work on your form-"

"My form is perfect." It was offensive, her form had been perfect since she was ten years old. She could sense that the amusement he felt had turned to contempt, it wasn't envy or jealousy, he was one of the best martial artists in the world. Her guess was that he didn't' like a woman being proficient in anything. He would be no help whatsoever, and the way he was looking at her was beginning to make her uncomfortable.

"I see your father didn't even manage to teach you not to interrupt, a man who can't keep his children in line can't teach them anything of value, as I said, not a proper master."

Jun smiled slightly to keep herself from saying something that she would later regret, she walked back toward the entrance and put on her shoes. "Thank you for your time." She bowed slightly before turning to leave.

"I do see some potential in you," she turned at the sound of his voice, "I could teach you, I wouldn't mind taking you on as my special project."

"No." She had come face to face with a literal demon and yet she didn't know if she should be more disturbed by him or the man standing before her. She walked out of the dojo and began to search for the nearest bus stop.

She was tired and needed to go home to meditate, to light that cedar-scented incense that reminded her of her home. Her feet were tired of walking on asphalt day in and day out, she needed the sand, the grassy rain-soaked ground of the forest and the moss-covered rocks. She longed to hear the sounds of waterfalls and babbling streams that brought her peace, the chorus of crickets and frogs that lulled her to sleep. She needed to visit Yakushima soon to recharge her spirit and to see her family. If only she could take Kazuya with her… It would be easier there, fighting Devil would be easier in Yakushima. But he would never consent to going, not with the tournament commencing in only a couple of days. She arrived at the bus stop and sat on the bench, at that moment she felt an intruding presence. She knew her time was up, Angel would want her to make a decision.


Jun waited for Angel in the desolate desert. Though she could only see the cloudless, sapphire sky and the endless dunes that surrounded her, she felt as though she were being watched. She rubbed her arms despite the warmth of the breeze and the dry sand beneath her bare feet, she spun quickly when she felt Angel's presence behind her and was met with bright blue eyes that pierced into hers. Angel hovered a few inches above the sand, her arms were crossed delicately in front of her and her majestic, immaculate wings seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and change from silver to white. It felt like a show of power, a visual to remind Jun that she was a human standing before a divine being. The look in her eyes was almost admonishing, it made Jun feel like a little girl.

Jun breathed in deeply before speaking. You must already know what I'm going to say.

Angel raised a delicate brow. After what you witnessed today, you dare reject my assistance?

You saw what happened?

I can see anyone, anything I desire, but as I said, without the proper human host no one can see me or sense me, I am powerless. Her tone was somewhat accusatory, Jun felt a twinge of guilt but quickly suppressed it.

If you witnessed what happened then you know that I was able to subdue the demon.

Angel scoffed softly. You surprised him, girl, now that he knows what you can do he will double his efforts.

Kazuya fought against him, he didn't let him hurt me. I know that with Kazuya's help and with enough time I can loosen his hold on him and once it's diminished enough, rid him of Devil completely. I've done it before for others, my grandmother used to do it too.

Devil is far more powerful than anything you have encountered before… His help and your abilities may not be enough.

Her statement reminded Jun that Angel wasn't all-knowing, that she wasn't all-powerful. But they may be, you said yourself that nothing is certain.

Angel exhaled and nodded slowly. That is true.

Then it is possible for me to help him detach from that demon without your help.

Possible yes, certain is an entirely different matter. That is why I ask that you allow me to help you.

But if nothing is certain, then even your assistance may not be enough. Angel furrowed her brows slightly but remained silent, clearly irritated. Honestly, I do not feel comfortable being possessed.

Angel's demeanor softened. I understand your apprehension, but I assure you that I only surface when you allow me to do so...unlike Devil.

You would never...take control of me, do something that I'm not aware of?

Angel sighed. Your inquisitiveness is somewhat vexing.

Please answer.

I may interfere when mistakes are not something that I can afford, when a person's foolish or selfish decision risks throwing everything off balance, wasting all my effort.

Would you do that to me?

You are more intelligent than most, more spiritually aware than anyone I have met in many generations...the odds are low.

Jun wasn't satisfied with her answer but decided to set it aside for the time being. Won't Devil sense your presence in me? He said that he felt me, my power before I entered the room, won't he be more combative, more aggressive if he senses you? Won't he be able to sense your power from further away than he did mine?

That is possible.

What would I do then, if I'm not prepared for his full wrath?

That would be when you allow me through.

And you take over my body, my mind.

Yes, but I assure you, I never abuse my power.

Jun closed her eyes as she remembered how it felt to have Devil's voice inside her head, the shouting and the whispering and scratching. She wanted to fully trust Angel but it was difficult. She was a divine being, what if to her one human was no different from another? What if her only goal was to destroy Devil, where would that leave Kazuya then? And Kazuya himself had not seemed eager to be free, he wanted the power that the creature gave him, he needed to be convinced that he was better off without Devil and that was going to take time. It was entirely possible that being faced with Angel he would help Devil fight against her, and if Angle was defeated there would be no hope for Kazuya or for Jun, she knew that Devil would finish her right then and there.

Jun spoke resolutely. I don't feel comfortable being a host, I do not accept your assistance.

...You may regret it, young one. There was anger and disappointment in her voice, it frightened Jun but did not lessen her resolve. She took note of the word may again, but she did not comment on it. I will be close when you change your mind, you have but to call me.

Jun opened her eyes and breathed in the lingering scent of cedar from the burned-down incense, it made her feel homesick, she wanted to call her mother but felt too tired. She realized that it was an excuse, the reason she had avoided calling her parents in the last few days, was the tournament. If she told them that she was going to participate she would hear nothing but lectures from them both, her mother would worry about her wellbeing and try to guilt her out of it, and her father would remind her that the Kazama style of martial arts was not made for exhibitions...then he would try to guilt her out of it. Her grandmother would have understood, Jun missed her terribly. Thinking about her put her at ease and she went to lay down on her comfortable, well-worn couch to rest her eyes for a few moments. She quickly drifted into a dreamless sleep.


She woke to the sound of knocking on her door and feeling disoriented, not knowing if she'd slept a few minutes or a few hours. She opened her eyes to a dark apartment, so it must have been at least an hour. She got up from the couch and flipped on the light switch when she reached the door, she put her hand on the doorknob and hesitated before opening, even through the closed door she could feel him. He was filled with confusion and apprehension, also a bit of anger, but at least he was alone. She opened the door to let Kazuya inside and immediately wished that she'd had the chance to look in the mirror, it was silly, she was not the type of woman who usually worried about such things.

He looked tired and judging by the wrinkles on his black slacks, he was wearing the same ones from earlier in the day, though he'd changed from his torn clothing into a dark-gray dress shirt. She moved aside to let him through, he stepped inside and scanned his surroundings as Jun closed the door. She didn't speak, wanting him to be the first to say something, but she was quickly frustrated by the heavy silence and Kazuya's rampant staring and scrutinizing of random objects in her apartment.

She gestured toward the couch. "Have a seat."

"He's been gone all day," Kazuya fixed his gaze on her bowl of sand and incense as he spoke, he was trying to appear calm, but she could feel his anxiety. "I sense him...I know he's still with me but it's almost as if he's...sleeping, weak." There was a hint of accusation in his voice and a feeling of resentment mixing itself with the anger and confusion. "How did you do it? And why did you let me in knowing what I'm capable of?" There was the anger again, but it was different, he seemed to be angry with himself.

"What Devil is capable of," Jun corrected. "And I let you in because if he truly wanted to come in, my cheap door wouldn't stop him, and as I proved that I can defend myself against him, even subdue him, I don't see why letting you in is a problem."

Kazuya scoffed and shook his head. "You were able to subdue him because he wasn't expecting you, now that he's aware of what you can do-"

"He sensed me before I entered the room, I didn't surprise him, he was waiting for me...why?"

Kazuya turned to face Jun and locked eyes with her. She felt the urge to look away, his gaze was not intimidating or aggressive but no one had ever looked at her in that way before, it made her heart race and gave her a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. It was a terrifying feeling, but not at all unpleasant. The look in his eyes changed and he regarded her carefully, "How do you know the Interpol agent?"

"I don't know him, I-"

"Don't lie," he said, pointing his finger at her, it was something that Jun detested. "I saw you on the security monitor."

"I was not going to lie. And are you even legally allowed to monitor beyond your own building's premises?"

"Probably not, I didn't look into it."

"Didn't look into it?" Jun shook her head slowly, "Don't you have dozens of lawyers who keep you up to date on with what is illegal and what isn't?"

"Is that all you're concerned about? The illegal activities and deals that the Zaibatsu-that I am involved in? Are you working with that agent?"

"No, I'm not working with anyone, I don't even have a job, you know that."

She noticed the darkness in him begin to emerge, it was subtle, almost hesitant, his doubt seemed to be feeding it. "Then why were you speaking with him so casually, exactly where you thought you'd be out of the range of the building's cameras?"

"Agent Wulong came to see me yesterday, he-"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Jun crossed her arms. "Stop interrupting me," she said pointedly, "he came to ask me what I knew about you and the Zaibatsu because he's working with the WWWC now, he asked me what I learned during the time I was investigating you."

"What did you learn?"

"Nothing, you know that."

He seemed more confused than angry. "It's easy for you to say that, but how can I know that you're not hiding something, that you're not plotting with him?"

"You could just trust me." After everything that she had been through that day it did hurt to think that he might not trust her, but she quickly reminded herself that his doubt and distrust were more than likely the results of a seed planted by Devil.

Kazuya shook his head slowly and headed for the door, the darkness had not increased, but it was there. There was so much doubt in him. If she let him go Devil was sure to resurface quickly.

"Wait," she reached out and took his hand, he stopped short of grabbing the doorknob. She suddenly felt self-conscious and released her grip, she felt his calloused palm as her fingertips traveled down more slowly than she had intended. "Please wait," she said as casually as she could hoping that her blush wasn't noticeable. "The first thing you asked me was how I did it, how I was able to control him." He turned to her and crossed his arms, his left brow raising slightly. That was the word, control, the key his full attention. She realized that as powerful and intimidating as he was, he didn't have control over his own being, it made her heart ache for him.

"How?" He spoke cautiously, almost hesitantly.

"It begins with intent, confidence, and state of mind."

He exhaled impatiently. "That sounds like the tagline for weight loss seminar."

Jun shrugged. "Mock me if you want to, but you as you saw, it works."

He shook his head. "Fine, what else?"

"I...charge myself up, then I-"

"Charge yourself up? With what?"

"Positive energy."

He laughed lightly. "That sounds absolutely ludicrous."

His attitude was beginning to frustrate her and it was obvious that he was becoming frustrated as well, she was trying to be patient but it was grating on her. If he wasn't willing to cooperate there wouldn't be much that she would be able to do. She sighed softly then continued her explanation. "There is positive energy in nearly every living thing," she gestured to a beautiful, green fern adorning the end table next to the couch, "take my fern for instance-"

"The goddamned plant?" He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled impatiently.

Jun looked sternly at him. "Don't insult it."

Kazuya gave her a blank look. "...You're serious," he shook his head then looked toward the door.

"Fine," she put her hands up in surrender, "forget the plant, come sit." She sat on the couch and waited for him to do the same, he complied, though hesitantly. "Do you meditate?" He nodded. "Good, that will make it easier for you to exert control over him." She quickly had his full attention. "You want to be in that first stage when you can sense everything around you and draw from that energy, then use it to push him away."

"Is that something that someone without your ability can do?"

"It's easier for someone like me, but almost anyone can do it with practice. I've instructed many people on how to detach themselves from negative spirits. It doesn't have to be during meditation, it can also be done during that stage when your mind is between sleep and wakefulness, but if you're proficient in meditation it generally gives better results."

"I don't want to detach."

Her heart sank at his words, but she couldn't let him see her disappointment, at least he was willing to listen, willing to control it. "But you want control over him." He looked toward the door, she could tell that he felt vulnerable and was trying to be as casual as possible about everything. "Do you want to try?"

"Now?" She sensed his apprehension, but his face remained impassive.

"Of course," she stood up and lit a half-burned-down candle on the coffee table next to the bowl of sand, she took fresh incense out of a wicker basket and stood it up in the bowl then lit it. She went to the turn the light switch off and felt his eyes on her, it made her nervous. With the room in near darkness, she turned to face him and gestured toward the table. "This should help." It was difficult to see his expression in the dim light, but she could sense his anxiety. "What have you got to lose?"

He sighed and stood up. She sat cross-legged on the floor and looked up at him, he shook his head slightly but lowered himself to the floor and mimicked her pose. She watched his face for a few moments as the candlelight gave his skin a reddish hue and highlighted his cheekbones, his strong jawline, and his lips. She felt her heart begin to race again and that feeling in the pit of her stomach that was heavy and light at the same time. She looked into his deep, dark eyes and forced herself to think about the matter at hand.

"Close your eyes," she closed hers and hoped that he had done the same, "when you feel that you are ready, try to focus on my energy."

She could see his energy in her mind's eye, a mass of dark fused with light and lively sparks mired by tar-like negativity. It would take time to sort it all out, to convince him that he was better off without Devil, first things first, teach Kazuya how to control him.

"I can't see you." Kazuya's voice brought her out of her trance and she opened her eyes.

"Clear your mind, just like you do every time you meditate, you will feel me there."

She watched him sitting still as a statue, with his eyes closed and his chest rising and falling slowly, evenly, she had the urge to touch him, he was so close...she could just reach out with her fingertips and brush his cheek or his lips.

"I see you."

She gasped lightly and felt her cheeks flush, she closed her eyes when she realized he had meant her energy. "Good, now draw from my energy, picture it transferring to you, let it fill you." She felt as he drew from her energy, felt Devil retreat further as he did and she was filled with a sense of victory. "That was good, now try pushing him away."

Kazuya opened his eyes. "I pushed him away," it was simply a statement, but Jun could feel the apprehension behind his words, "it was very slight, but I felt it." He was afraid to part ways with Devil.

"You can do this any place, any time, whenever you need to." Though the very idea repulsed her, she thought of it as a shock collar, a way to show the demon who was in control. "Do you want to try again?"

"That's probably enough for now."

"You don't have to draw from the energy, just locate it, the more you do it the easier it will become, there will be times when you have no one around you and the light energy will be more difficult to find. Try again, maybe this time you can find the fern." He sighed, but closed his eyes again, she watched as he furrowed his brow and shook his head. "Here," she reached over and took his hand, it was rough and warm and it made her heart race, "it will be easier if I guide you to it."

He opened his eyes and looked intently at her, his gaze was like the pull of a magnet. Jun let go of his hand and felt her body move forward, she stood on her knees and leaned in toward him, her face even with his until their lips were close enough to touch. She took in the scent of his aftershave, something subtle and masculine that she couldn't place but it suited him perfectly. He didn't move away, she felt his hand on her waist and brushed her lips against his. She had intended to kiss him, more accurately, her body had decided for her, but now she found herself hesitating at the eleventh hour. She felt dizzy. She expected him to kiss her like he had the night when he walked her to her car, but he remained immobile, his hand on her waist and his lips touching hers ever-so-lightly. She knew that he wanted her as much as she wanted him but he wasn't reciprocating or doing anything and she began to feel insecure.

"...After everything that happened today?" His words tickled her lips and she felt his fingers slightly press against her waist.

She didn't speak, she simply answered by pressing her lips to his and moving her body against him in a way that she never had before. He responded in kind now, pulling her closer, his fingertips slowly moving up and down her back. His lips were a contrast to the rest of him, they were soft, eager and somehow gentle, his tongue pushed lightly into her mouth and she felt her heart race at alarming speed. Her cheeks felt flushed and the temperature of the room suddenly seemed too hot for a long-sleeved blouse.

Everything seemed surreal, the candlelight dancing on his face, his hands on her body, the very fact that she had kissed him. She felt her hands travel over his chest as he kissed her jaw and her neck, her fingers began to undo the buttons of his shirt and she felt the heat rise in her face. She had never imagined that she would be the one to initiate anything with a man, not even a kiss, let alone what she was doing now. Her fingers and hands were so steady that it genuinely surprised her, she should have been shaking or at the very least fumbling with the buttons, but she was pulling the shirt out of his waistband and helping him to take it off.

The shirt fell on the floor behind him and Jun looked down at his bare chest, she laid eyes on the large scar and felt a pang of dread but quickly chose to push it out of her mind as she felt Kazuya's hands under her blouse.

He got on his knees and kissed her deeply, with one hand behind her back, he began to lean in pushing her down softly, holding her steady so she wouldn't fall. She was soon on her back on the floor, with him settling himself between her legs. She ran her fingers through his hair as he kissed her and pressed his body against hers, his hands caressing her hips and thighs over the fabric of her jeans, a frustrating barrier between them.

Her shoulder blades and the back of her head were still sore from having been pushed against the window earlier and she quickly realized that the wooden floor was not where she wanted to be. She was already beginning to feel discomfort and slight pain, she wanted to get up and move but it was nearly impossible to pry her lips away from his, to stop touching him. When he began to undo the button on her jeans she spoke up.

"The bedroom would be more comfortable." Her voice sounded strange in her ears, it was low and somewhat uneven.

He didn't say anything as he stood and helped her up, she bent down and blew out the candle then took his hand and guided him through the darkened apartment and into her bedroom. She turned on the light and felt suddenly awkward. Under the candlelight, she had felt bold but now in the brightly-lit space, she was suddenly afraid to make a fool of herself, about what he would think of her, that maybe she was being too forward, that she was too easy. He didn't give her time to dwell on her thoughts he kissed her again and guided her toward the bed and lowered her slowly onto it.

He looked into her eyes as he unbuttoned her blouse, there was a strange combination of calm and anticipation inside her, nothing felt surreal anymore, it was real and it was lovely. She let him undress her as she focused on him, his mood, his feelings. He desired her but there was something else that made her heart grow warm, something that made her believe that she could get through to him, it made her believe that she could help him detach from the demon.

She melted into him, immersed herself in the feel of his body, his lips, his hands gripping her firmly and gently at the same time. She focused on his scent and the sound of his breathing, lost herself in a rhythm that she did not even know existed but that seemed so natural, so effortless. With all sense of space and time gone, she was left in that moment where the difficult battle ahead didn't matter, where his touch and his warmth were all that existed.


A/N: For some reason this chapter was easy to write but difficult to edit, so I hope it came out all right.

Thank you for reading and putting up with my choices. I truly appreciate each one of you for giving me your time, I know you could be doing something different with it but you're choosing to read this and it means a lot to me, I only hope that I'm putting forth something entertaining.