AN. And onto chapter four. Sorry it took so long: I've been very busy. I'm playing in the orchestra for the King and I (a Cairns Choral Society production) and opening night is tonight. It should be great, I'm very excited XD Enjoy!

Chapter Four – Honest Questions

Jin Kazama was one of the people surrounding the mysterious Sae Kurosawa. Her face was shielded by that impenetrable white mask, and her body language was cool, calm and reserved. It was eerie to watch the lips and eyelids of the mask move as she did.

"Are there any other questions?" she asked in that hauntingly familiar voice.

"What is the prize?" Paul asked, a typical question from him.

"Ten million dollars and a highly paid job offer at G-Corporation," Sae replied, seeming to recite from memory. "It's a fabulous prize."

"How many rounds will be fought?"

"As many as there need to be," she said. "It may vary."

"Will it be run like the other tournament?" Christie asked.

"No. It will have the same fighting rules, but all competitors are allowed to watch the rounds until the semi-finals. The final match may be witnessed only by the automated cameras that will send information directly to my quarters to be viewed and edited later. Anything else?"

"Will you go out with me?" Jin turned, raising his eyebrows. Marduk was looking at Sae in a very interesting manner.

"No." She laughed, a strangely musical sound. "I'm sorry, but I don't think it's wise to date competitors."

"Who are you?"

"I've already explained that," Sae said, turning to the questioner. Jin bit back a gasp when he saw Kazuya's impartial features. He didn't need to see Kazuya's eyes to know that they were narrowed at Sae.

"Yes, I heard. But who are you really?"

"I am really Sae Kurosawa," Sae replied in a slightly impatient tone. "And I don't want people asking me silly questions like that."

Kazuya tilted his head very slightly to the right, then turned away, heading out of the crowd. Sae looked after him, her mask revealing no emotion. Her right sleeve had ridden up slightly, and Jin's eyes widened when he saw the bottom of a tattoo. He put his hand over his left arm and stared intently at the thin black lines on her arm. Sae obviously noticed his gaze, because she discreetly pulled down her sleeve.

Who is this woman? Jin asked himself, realising after a moment that he sounded exactly like Kazuya.

He pushed his way out of the crowd and went to the notice board. He was fighting Marshall Law first, and he felt a small sense of triumph. At least he'd be able to take his anger out on someone, even it if wasn't Kazuya Mishima, the cause of all of his problems.

"Do we really have to fight you?" Lei asked, putting one of his hands over Sae's. She laughed and carefully moved her hand to her lap, away from his.

"Not technically; only one of you gets to fight me."

"Bet it'll be me," Paul whispered loudly to Law, who shook his head sadly.

"It could be any of you," Sae said, smiling around at them. "If you don't mind, I'm a bit tired." She pulled off an obviously fake yawn. "I'll see you all tomorrow, when the fighting starts."

"Goodnight, Sae," the older men chorused. She waved gracefully to them before walking out of the room. Jin noticed that Kazuya was studying her closely, and he felt a tinge of worry.

"It looks like I'm fighting you," Law said from behind Jin. "I am honoured that I will be beating you in the first round." He bowed.

"Yeah. You work on that," Jin said, patting the back of Law's head. "I'll see you there."

He saw Steve nervously tap Nina on the shoulder.

"Can I talk to you outside for a moment?" he asked, sweat breaking out on his forehead. Christie saw this and turned away, taking Xiao by the arm and stalking over to the list of competitors.

"Sure. Whatever." Nina followed Steve outside. After a moment Jin left, heading towards his own room. Steve and Nina were outside.

"I have to tell you something," Steve said.

"What?" Nina asked impatiently.

"You're my mother," Steve said quickly, before pulling Nina into a hug.

Her jaw dropped, and she visibly stiffened. Jin felt momentarily sorry for Steve. He had searched his whole life for his mother, and now is didn't seem as though she wanted him. But she surprised Jin by cautiously putting her arms around Steve.

"I know," was the soft whisper from her.

Jin smiled and walked to his room.

Kazuya's up to something, was the thought on his mind, and he knew from instinct that he was right. But what?

He could just see Kazuya's dark head disappearing into the darkness. Jin wandered towards his assigned room, turning his thoughts to Sae.

She was obviously beautiful; only a woman who knew something like that carried herself in such a confident manner. But Jin couldn't understand why she wore that mask. Was it to hide her face, so she couldn't be recognised? But by who? And why?

Jin reached his room – 25 – just as 24's door slammed shut. He shook his head and entered his room.

About ten minutes later – just as Jin exited the shower, towelling his hair – he heard voices go past. Random snippets of conversation drifted into his room.

"Don't worry. You'll get her next time," Paul said encouragingly, presumably to Marduk.

"I'm fighting Kazuya first. He's going to crush me," Julia said despairingly.

"That poor student of mine doesn't know what he's in for," Baek said impartially.

"I can't believe I have to fight Asuka. I want to fight Nina!" Anna complained.

Jin shook his head in disbelief and pulled on a pair of training pants. He tied up the sash, and climbed into his bed. He pulled the covers up to his chin, before deciding it was too hot and pushing it back down to his waist. His breathing soon slowed, his eyelids drifting closed.

Halfway through the night, without his knowledge, Jin sat up and uttered a low maniacal laugh, black symbols blazing into life on his chest.

AN. Grah... Oh well... I hope you enjoyed, please review XD