Chapter 13: Enter Lee Chaolan

Kazuya woke up with absolutely nothing to do as usual. There was still no word of a tutor from his father and he had asked him about it for the past few dinners that they spent together. Jinpachi didn't seem overly concerned about this—he simply reassured Kazuya that he had someone very dedicated looking into it and that his education would start soon enough.

"What exactly is so hard about finding a tutor?" Kazuya asked on one of these occasions.

"Let's face it, Kazuya, you're not one of the easiest people to connect with on any sort of level and a tutor needs that kind of thing in order to teach you well. That person must be willing to put in a lot of effort and have patience if nothing else. The part which is truly making our search hard is the fact that I am looking for someone with substantial experience or if not that someone who has dealt with difficult situations."

"All of that is unnecessary," Kazuya said with a frown, "I told you, learning is something I want to do so as long as this guy can talk and knows what he's talking about, I'll be fine."

"That won't be enough, trust me, Kazuya—you'll get bored with that pretty soon and take advantage of the situation."

"I wouldn't."

"You say that now. Remember, this isn't just a person you'll be seeing for a little while—you'll have to keep meeting with this person until 18. That is a long time to simply be listening to someone talk."

"For that long? ...I had no idea…"

"You thought you could just 'get this over with', right? No, this is certainly long-term. If you work hard, perhaps you could finish a little earlier than usual, but don't expect any more than that."

The very fact that education could take so long only added to Kazuya's annoyance at not already having one right now. He still did want to get this over with as soon as possible. The only thing he truly wanted was training and it seemed like there was one obstacle after another standing in his way.

Takahashi had not come over again since the last time. Kazuya didn't want to admit it, but he had hoped that that wouldn't be the case especially since on his own, he couldn't think of anything to do. His mind, in fact, was completely blank. If there wasn't training, he had nothing to think about. At some point in the morning after he was served breakfast by one of the housemaids, he went into the room beside his which held his budding collection of sneakers. He had managed to fill almost half of one wall.

It was the only form of entertainment he could come up with at the moment. While he was in the midst of examining each and every pair of sneakers (he had no idea how he was able to spend so much time on this), the doorman/escort came in and informed him that he had a visitor. Kazuya could already guess who it was, but he wasn't particularly upset about this fact. This time he opted to go with the doorman instead of waiting for him to bring someone back. Needless to say, it was Jun who had come to visit him once again in the afternoon after coming home from school. In fact, it must have been right after school because she still had her backpack on.

"Hi, Kazuya!" Jun said with enthusiasm that was a little uncommon even for her.

He nodded towards her in response.

"You want to come outside with me?"

"Why not?" Kazuya said after little more than a moment of contemplation.

He was unprepared for when she took up his hand and began to run in the direction of her house which was a ways down the street. Rather than complaining, Kazuya simply allowed her to lead him forth. Despite her frantic dashing, she was not out of breath when they made it to the front of her house.

"Jun, what exactly is going on?"

"You never told me you had a brother! Was it supposed to be a secret or something?"

"It's not a secret—I don't have a brother."

"But I saw him today in class. He's a new student and he claims to have just moved in to Heihachi's place."

"What?" Kazuya said with confusion, "I never heard of any brother. If he is, than that was a mystery to me as well. Hmph, I wouldn't be surprised either."

"Are you sure…you don't know him at all?"

"No," Kazuya said stolidly.

Jun looked at him with a flabbergasted expression.

"Well? What does he look like?"

"I guess he doesn't really look like you at all. He has this white hair and dark gray eyes."

"Doesn't sound like a Mishima at all."

"Umm, well, he was kinda' scary so I couldn't actually talk to him, but now that you're here we can go meet him no problem!"

"'Kinda scary?" Kazuya repeated in disbelief, "And what about me?"

"Ha, please! You're not scary at all. I don't know what happened in the woods that time, but I know it wasn't your fault. Besides, you're different from that now. I mean, the other day proves it. I'm glad you're not living with Heihachi anymore."

"Different?"

"Yeah. Now are you gonna' come with me or not?"

"I'm not going to Heihachi's."

"What if he's outside? Then we won't have to knock on the door."

"Alright…but we have to make sure Heihachi's car isn't there."

"And if it's there?"

"You're on your own. Besides, you're the curious one."

"Oh c'mon, you have to be a little curious."

"I couldn't care less who decides they want to be my brother."

"Don't be such a sourpuss, let's go."

Again, Kazuya found himself following Jun and this time they were headed to Heihachi's place which was a little ways away. There was a lot of property to traverse through. Their first stop was the garage which had one car missing. Satisfied, Kazuya went with Jun confidently to the front door. Jun knocked enthusiastically and they waited there on the doorstep for nearly five minutes, before Kazuya lost interest.

"He's not here. What do you plan on doing now?"

"We're going to look around first before leaving. All this land, he doesn't have to be inside."

"I know where to look first then," Kazuya said.

Jun looked at him questioningly but soon followed after Kazuya who was headed to the same field that he would meet his father at the crack of dawn. It was a bitter sweet feeling now that he found himself in the same place. He thought he'd feel—well, he didn't know how he would feel revisiting the very place that had started it all. While he clearly remembered the presence of the constant pain and belittlement, at the same time he recognized that this was also a time when he was carefree. There was no set goal, the world seemed bright and cheerful despite everything and most of all, he had been free to be himself. If someone were to ask him to describe himself, he would be at a loss of words. He just didn't know anymore and it wasn't a subject he liked to dwell on. The only thing he was certain of, the only thing that he could latch on to was his one true goal…

"Look, Kazuya, I think that's him," Jun said pointing in the distance.

And there he was indeed. He seemed quite peaceful laying there on his stomach reading a textbook that he laid in front of him. His chin rested on one hand and the other hand was poised to turn the page as soon as he was finished with. He swung his legs idly in the air indicating that he might have been enjoying whatever chapter he was reading.

"He really does have white hair," Kazuya said in low tones to Jun as they approached.

"Okay, let me do the introductions. I doubt you're any good at that sort of thing."

"This was all your idea in the first place," Kazuya said simply.

Jun gave him a "whatever" look and then came to stand directly in front of Lee strategically blocking his sunlight. He only looked up in mild interest.

"Ah, the girl from my class. So you live nearby."

"Yep, we're neighbors. I thought since we're in the same class and you live so close that I'd visit."

"Such enthusiasm. If you were so eager, then why not introduce this morning?"

"Well, uh…"

"Listen," said Kazuya growing bored with the pace of their conversation, "This girl here is Jun. The fact that she's your neighbor means she will visit so get used to it. She couldn't say anything to you in class because obviously you were unapproachable. I'm Kazuya, the person who she just had to drag along. There, now we're introduced."

"You're Kazuya? Kazuya Mishima?" Lee said with a hint of surprise.

"What of it?"

"See, he knows you, you guys are brothers!" Jun said excitedly.

"No, we're not," Kazuya retorted.

"Well not in a normal sense," Lee clarified. "I'm Lee Chaolan. I was recently adopted by your father, Kazuya. You're all he ever talks about really, but it doesn't bother me much. Heihachi has his own plans and I have mine—we hardly ever communicate. The only thing he wants of me is to become strong and well-educated."

"So he trains you," Kazuya stated.

"Without fail."

"But where is he now?"

"He's busy now, but at some point we do train together. Until that time, I study."

"That doesn't sound like him at all," Kazuya said in a disgusted tone. "Isn't there a set time? Don't you have to train for hours on end without rest? How are even able to go to school? And why do you act as if everything's so damn peachy?"

Lee only smiled at the other, "I'm grateful to have been adopted by someone who has such a vast amount of resources. I don't have anything to be upset about."

"You will be upset, no, angry, disappointed as soon as my father shows his real colors."

"I think I know what you're talking about, but that seems to be reserved for his real son—the only one who he would put so much energy into. I'm more of an afterthought really. Like I said, it doesn't bother me much."

"Nothing bothers you, right? Do you know what that man is capable of," Kazuya said darkly, "If anything should bother you it should be him."

"Well, it seems that you and your father have a lot of unresolved issues. You know, he'll be back tonight, maybe you could talk to him then."

"I don't want to hear from that bastard, understand?"

"But why? If I were able to even so much as speak to my parents, I wouldn't hesitate."

"Your parents were not Heihachi—he should already be rotting in the darkest corner of Hell."

"I don't pretend to really know someone I've only just met a few days ago, but if he's capable of adopting someone even if he does have his own agenda…then he's capable of love, don't you think?"

Jun didn't like the infuriated look that distorted Kazuya's face; his eyes were alight with fiery anger. It took a moment even for him to respond on account of his unseen clenched teeth.

"Don't ever…say that about my father again. It's disgusting…it's just disgusting. Heihachi does not 'love', he only 'hates' and 'destroys'. He does not love you—you are simply a pawn. He does not love me—I am just his disappointment. That kind of person is incapable of love. Do you understand?"

"I…think," Lee said cautiously. He was quite unprepared for the sudden onslaught of passionate anger, but he knew that he must have struck the wrong chord with his last statement.

"Tch, I'm leaving, I don't have time for this," Kazuya said as he turned from them.

"Wait, Kazuya, you can't just leave me here," Jun said, "Um, I thought…"

"I'm leaving. You can stay or leave."

Jun watched with a frown as the other stormed off in the opposite direction from them. She didn't dare follow him this time. The look on his face had thoroughly frightened her…he needed some space for now.

"Tell me. Is he always like that?" Lee asked when Kazuya was well out of earshot.

"Well…no, not really, but I guess so…"

"I don't understand."

Jun turned to Lee then, "Something…terrible happened between him and his father, I'm sure of it, but he's not ever going to tell anyone. Ever since that time, I guess he's been different. I think he's more like himself the further he is from this place. It's my fault really; I shouldn't have dragged him along. But, he's really a nice person, you know. You just have to get to know him."

"Right, I'm sure he is. I don't think we're going to get along, but you on the other hand seem sensible enough. I wouldn't mind it if you visited more often—it does get a bit lonely around here especially when the other kids at school want to keep their distance."

"Sure, we could be friends…but Kazuya and I…we're friends too."

Lee sighed, "I don't want to bother with him any more than I have to."

"But how are you guys ever going to get along if you don't ever talk to each other."

"Jun, it would be nice if the world worked like that, but not everybody is going to like everybody."

"Is that your excuse? I swear, both of you are stubborn. At least you share that in common."

"At least," Lee said with a grin. "Fine. I promise you I'll deal with him the best I can. But, Jun, my patience can only go so far."

"That's fine. 'Slong as we can play together."

"Hm, playing, you say?"

"You have a problem with that?"

"Not at all. It's just been a while since someone's asked me to do that. Maybe tomorrow then, I still have some reading to do."

"We didn't have any reading today."

"I know, but I like to stay ahead."

"Guess I know who to go to if I have any questions."

"Certainly."

If only Kazuya could be so accommodating, Jun thought to herself on her way back to her house, things would work out so much better. She hated to think what Kazuya was doing now all by himself with his own thoughts. Was he somewhere still fuming about what had happened that day? Was he surrounded by his own dark thoughts once again? Jun managed to convince herself to check in on Kazuya despite telling herself that she shouldn't wear out her welcome. She just couldn't help herself. She found herself knocking on his door.

"Can I see Kazuya?"

"A frequent visitor I see," said the doorman with a smile, "Well, do you know your way to his room?"

"Yes, I think so. Aren't you going to tell him I'm here first?"

"There's no need. It's nice to see that he's made such a good friend."

"I guess I'm the only one who visits, right?"

"As always. He's going to be homeschooled so he'll have even less contact with the real world. For his sake, I hope you do continue to visit."

The doorman moved out of her way and soon Jun was on her own as she climbed the many steps all the way up to Kazuya's room. The door was, as usual, closed, but it was also unlocked just like before.

"Go away," Kazuya proclaimed as soon as he heard the door open, he knew instinctively who it was.

"No," Jun said obstinately, "Not until you talk to me."

Kazuya was completely hidden under his covers in a futile attempt to block out Jun's very existence in his room.

"I'm going to take those covers off," Jun warned.

"Ha, you just try."

"I will," Jun said jumping on his bed much to Kazuya's surprise.

She pulled at the covers as hard as she could, but Kazuya's grip was deathly strong.

"Just quit it already and go home," Kazuya said with a muffled voice through the covers.

"I know, I'm gonna' tickle you."

"You wouldn't dare," Kazuya said in a serious tone.

"I will…unless you want to come out."

When she heard no response, her fingers went straight for his stomach. What she didn't know was that Kazuya was practically ticklish everywhere…there was really no way she could have gone wrong. And it was the first time she heard him laugh, but it sounded surprisingly natural. He tried to block her attacking hands, but Jun was quite resistant and evaded all the kicks he tried to dish out on her. It was pretty easy after that to yank the covers off as his body grew weak with laughter. The bed was large so as Kazuya tried to pull away from her, they managed to traverse the whole thing until he was trapped against the backboard.

"Okay…okay…enough already!" Kazuya managed through fits of laughter, "You've made…your point."

He was out of breath by then and Jun sat back with an amused expression on her face.

"Well, now I have a secret weapon," Jun said with an uncharacteristic mischievous smile. "Next time I want to talk to you and you refuse…be prepared."

Kazuya sat back on the backboard still gulping down precious air. He had to wipe the tears from his eyes, he was practically crying.

"So…Jun shows her true colors."

"Oh stop it, you enjoyed that, admit it."

"I'll admit no such thing. I hate laughing. Now you have my attention." He still gripped his stomach which was quite sore, "What is it you wanted to say?"

"I want you to make an effort, Kazuya, to get along with Lee."

"What is this? You come into my room just to order me around? If I don't like someone, then that's all there is to it."

"But Lee promised me he'd do the same thing."

"Well then Lee can do what he wants—it doesn't matter to me. It's not like I'll ever go and see him again."

"Kazuya, it really sucks that you're trying to so hard to be…well, alone. Nobody wants to be that. Lee isn't so bad…he's really understanding."

"Why are you so fixated on him?"

"He's your brother!" Jun said as if it was obvious. "I know he's adopted and all, but c'mon! You can't just hate him 'cus your first meeting didn't go so well."

"No, Jun, it really is that simple."

"You told me you don't like getting told what to do…but isn't your father still controlling you? I don't know what happened, but before I think you would've given him another chance…now you're just going to let that anger you hold towards your father get in the way."

"Get out."

"Now, Kazuya—

"Get out, I said! I said it a while ago, but you were too dumb to understand."

"Fine, I'm leaving, then! You won't have to hear from me anytime soon if that's how you feel."

"That's exactly how I feel. You're a nuisance!"

Jun was running now as she felt her eyes burning. She didn't want him to see them, the hot tears that had sprung to her eyes instantly. She thought she might have been stronger than that, but in the face of Kazuya…her feelings always seemed to be at the mercy of his every whim.