Chapter 12: Steve vs. Jin…for real. Nina's Challenge

Having returned to the Urban Jungle, Steve and Jin readied themselves for combat. Always eager Steve threw a few punches here and there while Jin adjusted his gloves to snugness. Jin had then noticed Steve's horrific scar and the tone of his face grew more serious.

"That scar looks familiar…" he muttered to himself.

"What'd ya say?" asked Steve with a hand to his ear.

"…It's nothing."

Once more the announcer began. "Ready…FIGHT!"

Instantaneously Steve threw himself at Jin with a speedy right hook. This didn't even graze Jin's defense as he easily countered with a blow of his own to the face. Steve's head went back a little ways only to retract and duck. Jin's hit missed making him wide open for assault.

To allure his opponent, Steve snake weaved in front of Jin dodging every continuous punch until there was a brief pause. Then came a rush of gut pounding blows each leaving Jin more and more open. After about 8 hits Jin finally parried the Brit's excessive movement and shoved him backwards. Yet Steve couldn't seem to stop moving. When he was far away he started to sidestep close to Jin until he was within range.

At this point Jin seemed to not care as his defense was most prevalent. Steve found this to be disappointing but saw it as a side effect to him not wanting to be here in the first place. Event then his ferocity did not let up and once the timing was right, a surprise stunning attack came at Jin so furiously he been in a daze.

"Gotcha!" exclaimed Steve as delivered several rapid pummels to Jin's beautiful mug. He was knocked unconscious, and Steve bragged an easy win in his head.

"Not as fun went ya don't want to be here is it gov?" he asked jokingly.

The knockout only lasted for a few minutes then Jin nonchalantly raised himself up.

"No response? Man you're cold-blooded! Let's just end this then!"

"Yes…let's!"

There was a fire in Jin's eyes that hadn't been seen by Steve ever. Crimson lightning circled around his body and his muscles were bulging under his jacket.

"Something tells me it won't be easy as before…"

For the first time ever someone other than the Mishima/Kazama family had confronted Devil. Nina was that someone and though she should've been terrified beyond reason she merely saw him as another hit on her list. Now he was returning to Kazuya's body and she needed to think of something fast before she ended up dead.

"What's the matter, Williams? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts about living."

Nina glared at this comment. True she's come close to death numerous times but she always came out on top. Now was as good a time as any to prove that point. With Kazuya still absorbing Devil Nina shot her dagger at his head in hopes of a swift death, but shockingly Kazuya caught the dagger in his mouth and snapped the blade in two.

The assassin turned frail at that instant. Her dagger, her cherished item given to her by someone dear was shattered. Adrenaline rushed through her equal to that of her flow of blood. Blinded by fury she charged full speed at Kazuya's nearly complete self. He cackled maniacally and vanished, making Nina's rage cease. Her sight was that of the stone floor and she soon found herself hugging it as a sudden crash came onto her back.

Kazuya's roughened foot stabbed right into her spine causing a surge of pain that flushed to her head. She cried out in pain as she squirmed underneath him.

"Do you see now why no one ever sees my true side? It means death!"

After a few seconds Nina's sight grew faint…

"Happy Birthday, Nina!" exclaimed a deep voice.

A young golden haired girl sat in a chair on the far end of a handcrafted dining table. Her surroundings were vast and extravagant, like she was some kind of princess in a castle. Presents of the fanciest variety flourished around her and a massive cake sat in the center of everything.

"Thank you papa! What did you get me this time?" she asked.

"Wait for it…ANNA!"

Another slightly smaller child entered the room holding an elongated box. She seemed a lot sadder than it is normal for a child to be.

"Since your sister didn't have the decency to get you a present, I'm having her give you this."

"Here." Said Anna bitterly.

Nina took the box and immediately started to rip it to shreds.

"Careful…" warned her father.

When it was opened, Nina's eyes lit up. She held in her hand a light dagger with the initials R.W. in the handle.

"Papa…your dagger…"

"I know it's not much nor is it a big threat, but I think its time I handed the torch down to you Nina. I won't be going away as much as I do anymore…I won't…"

"You won't kill innocent people anymore…" muttered Anna.

"Bite your tongue Anna! This is the very reason why you cannot take over my job! You too damn soft!"

Her spirit broken, Anna began to sob and sped off up the stairs. Richard closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

"Nina, the future of my duty rests with you…don't fail me…"

"Then he died…" whispered Nina.

"What's that?"

"My father died; no he was killed the day after my 7th birthday. Everything fell apart after that."

Her strength gradually returned to her and she channeled it to her back sending Kazuya flying off.

"I can't lose not now. I have things to do."

She was unstoppable at that moment. Her blows were so swift and perfect Kazuya couldn't even defend himself. From his face to his groin Nina showed no mercy and when he finally staggered she finished him off with a sharp kick to the chest. He was sprawled on the ground completely out of it. Even without her weapon she could still end his life once and for all. She moved in closer until the disruption of the announcer snapped her back to reality.

"Nina Williams is victorious! She will advance to the next round!"

"WHAT? You've got to be kidding!" she spat out loudly.

"Sorry but once your opponent's out cold that's it. You can kill him on your own time."

"Agh, so he'll live in my nightmares after all. But still, if what he said is true and Kazuya isn't the father…who else could it be?"

Her head down she went to pick up her shattered treasure. As she did so she heavily sighed and stated, "I'm sorry Papa for letting you down. I'll do better."