Chapter 22: Goodbye, Jun; Goodbye, Life

He couldn't move. No matter how hard he tried, he could no longer move his limbs. It was bad enough that even with his eyes open he could barely make out his surroundings. He saw enough of it to discern that he was indeed in his room, but how had it gotten to this? Why did he feel like a truck had been carelessly dumped on him and that now he was struggling to peel himself off the ground? He was in a bed, wasn't he? All he could see was the ceiling, a very familiar ceiling that he would often stare at in his long periods of boredom. When he tried to move his eyes to a different part of the room, his neck would not respond. It was as if, he lacked any control of his own body…Then his mood began to darken when a possible reason for all of this came to mind…Could it really be?

"Devil…?"

Kazuya was surprised that he was able to move his mouth or that his voice even worked, but then perhaps it would have been a hindrance to Devil.

"I just want you to suffer for a while."

"What good would that do you? I know full well what your goals are and I haven't done anything really to go against that."

"Going to your tournaments is a nice touch and I see that you have continued your training with Jinpachi, but that isn't what I'm concerned with now."

"Then what?"

"Haven't you noticed? I'm forced to do so much just to get your attention. If you really knew what my intentions were, you'd understand why this is necessary."

"Our coexistence—

"See, that's the problem. I do not want to simply coexist. If that were the case, I could have taken any other person besides you."

"Then why didn't you? Why do you continue to bother with me? Why don't you ply your trade on a weaker man?"

"I don't want to. I want the best."

"I have news for you. I'm certainly not the best."

"You would say that freely?"

"If it would help my case."

"It doesn't. Humans often fail to see the potential within themselves. I've been around for a very long time; I can tell when someone is worth my time."

"If you weren't trying to take over my entire life, I'd say you were being encouraging."

"The fact that we can still speak to each other like this, sickens me. For as long as I have stayed with you, your consciousness should have perished years ago yet here we are. Perhaps I'm not being thorough enough. It's clear to me that you'll continue to exist unless I do something drastic until I convince you to just let go."

"You chose me for a reason. Do you honestly think that I would simply bow to your will so easily? Just hearing you say it…makes me despise you even more. I never wanted this. Obviously you're running out of ideas. Don't you think you're trying to hard? Is it really worth this much effort?"

"If you only knew. You can only see in the context of yourself. A human can never truly understand my reasoning. Trying to talk your way out of this will do you no good. I've had an eternity to think about things and this is how I want it go. Now, be still. No amount of struggling will free you from your bonds."

"You plan on starving me to death?"

"That would take too long, wouldn't it?"

/

Jinpachi paced back and forth in the hallway in front of Kazuya's room. After Kazuya had been bandaged up properly, it seemed that he would recover normally. Then this happened. Kazuya had been bedridden all day and he just couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. He couldn't even speak on his own, it was infuriating. Jinpachi had no choice but to call the doctor again. At this very moment, the doctor was in there and Jinpachi was waiting rather impatiently for the doctor's diagnosis—if there was one to give. Jinpachi looked up when the door to Kazuya's room opened.

"Well?"

"I'm not sure what to think. Whatever malady he's suffering from, it has no name as of yet. I'm afraid all I can do is treat the symptoms."

"What do you mean symptoms? It's just that he's not very responsive, right?"

"You're right, he's not responsive at all, but he still seems to be lucid. When I checked, he was running a high fever and I'm fairly certain that he's suffering from some kind of internal pain. I'll have to run more tests."

Jinpachi had to go see for himself. Sure enough, when he checked the other's forehead it was on fire.

"I wish you could just tell me what's wrong with you, kid."

Kazuya's eyes weren't even looking at the other. Probably tiring of the whole thing, he stared out to space making no attempt at conveying emotion. Whatever was going to happen to him he had no control over. Kazuya only wanted to know for how long this would last. He had already resolved that he would outlast any attempt Devil made at controlling him. It wasn't going to happen—it was as simple as that, but Devil was persistent, very persistent.

It was like being locked in prison with no windows. He could no longer tell what time or day it was. Often, he would hear voices of those he knew as he came in and out of consciousness. Some days he could hear nothing at all as he was left to his own thoughts. Somewhere in his mind, Devil was laughing as if this was all a practical joke. Kazuya failed to see the humor in any of it. He was afraid even to drift off. Everything around him was so uncertain that if he really fell asleep he'd lose whatever sense he had regained. Eventually, Kazuya no longer had a choice in the matter after three days passed and the doctor intervened with his treatment. Devil was sure to plague whatever rest he should have gotten with nightmares. Too tired to even wake up from them, Kazuya simply went through all of them as if it were any other kind of dream.

"Kazuya, are you still there?" came the voice of his grandfather, "I know that you'll pull through this. It's only just a matter of time—I'm sure of it. It's been quite some time now, though. A week, if you wanted to know. I haven't said anything to anybody about what really happened back there in the coffee shop. I feel it is something that must be addressed in private. I have a feeling that this is something you've had to deal with for a long time. It's time that you let others help you. You don't have to go through everything alone. I'm here for you, remember that."

For some reason, Kazuya heard his grandfather's voice as clear as day. When he tried to turn his face towards the sound of it, he found that he was able to do so.

Perhaps…perhaps…

He opened his eyes slowly and they were met with a blurry image of a man that he had grown to feel even more than respect towards.

"Grandfather…" Kazuya tried to say, but it came out in more of a croaking sound.

"Kazuya, you're awake!"

"Grandfather…" Kazuya tried again. This time his voice sounded a little clearer.

"Yes, I'm here."

"I hear you, Grandfather," Kazuya said at barely a whisper.

"Tell me, Kazuya, how can I help you? What's wrong?" He became worried when Kazuya didn't answer for a long time. "Kazuya, it's alright, whatever you have to say, I'll listen. I can only help you, if you let me."

"…Have you…have you ever heard of a being known as Devil?"

"Like, a demon?"

"I guess."

"What about this demon?"

"When I was younger…when I lived with my father…I was thrown off a precipice and made to climb all the way back up…so that I could prove that I was a true Mishima…I should have died that day…but Devil had the power to revive me…but not without a price…I had given my soul…just so I could live. This hatred…I felt this strong hatred…towards my father. And since then…I've been consumed by it…all I've ever wanted to do…the only thing I cared about was killing him. I've always known…that Devil would soon…gain full control of my actions…Grandfather, you want to help me?...Then tell me…what should I do now…?"

Jinpachi was speechless to say the least. What exactly could he do about anything? He had only now heard of this and who's to say that all of it was the truth? Perhaps Kazuya wasn't thinking clearly. Perhaps his mind had made up something completely fictional to cope with some unresolved problems he had with his father. It was easy to sweep everything under the rug using such reasoning. But there was one thing that stopped him completely—the incident in the coffee shop. Nothing could explain that away. Could it be possible that it was all true?

"Kazuya, I'm sorry—I had no idea. I thought you were finally getting better, moving on from what you had to go through with your father, but now I see that it was much more than that. Tell me, what was it that kept you going for so long? Perhaps I could create a similar situation."

"You've…done everything you can…"

Kazuya was caught off guard when he felt himself being lifted by the strong arms of Jinpachi. He soon found himself in a tight embrace.

"What are you…?"

"One way to combat evil is with love."

"But…this is stupid…"

"Oh? And you have a better idea?"

Kazuya paused before he responded. "Fine." It wasn't often that Kazuya found himself in such a situation, but due to desperation, he decided to go along with it. He still thought it was stupid. When he finally convinced himself to proceed, he could barely get his arms around the large man. In many ways, Jinpachi reminded the other of a very over-sized teddy bear—warm and gentle in his own way. Kazuya wasn't sure how long they remained that way. When he found himself beginning to blush, he decided to be the first person to back off. Unaware of how much strength that he had or didn't have, Kazuya, without Jinpachi's support fell back clumsily onto the bed. Embarrassed, he tried to sit up on his own. To add insult to injury, Jinpachi helped him in his endeavor.

"See? Don't you feel better already?"

"I guess," Kazuya answered slowly, looking anywhere but towards Jinpachi.

"All this time, you haven't had any trouble with this demon of yours. Perhaps, whenever you're around other people who you love—it has no power over you."

"I don't even know why I said anything to you. You must think I'm crazy…"

"No," Jinpachi said as he placed a reassuring hand on Kazuya's shoulder, "I don't think you're crazy. How many times do I have to tell you? You don't have to keep things to yourself anymore."

"I saw this going so differently in my mind. That's why…there's never a point in telling people such things, but…"

"You don't have to worry any longer. I'll always be there. I'll protect you. And I will soon control every part of your life."

"What?" Kazuya said quickly as he looked up.

The room had suddenly grown pitch black and only crimson eyes glared back at him. Kazuya covered his ears to block out the insidious laughter that soon echoed about the room incessantly.

/

"Grandfather!"

"No, it's me, Jun."

Kazuya found that he was opening his eyes once again, but this time he was gazing upon the lovely face of Jun.

"You must have been having a bad dream. Fevers can do that to you. Here, let me change your rag. Oh, wow, it's pretty warm."

"How long…how long have you been here?"

"A few hours. The doctor didn't want you to be disturbed since you had finally gotten to some semblance of sleep so I just waited here quietly. Well, do you feel well rested?"

"No…"

"I wouldn't think so. You were tossing and turning almost the whole time. I guess it'd be silly of me to ask how you were doing. I hope you get better soon."

"How long…has it been?"

"I wasn't allowed to visit for the first few weeks and since that time I've been coming to see you—it's been a month and a half, Kazuya."

"A month…!"

"Don't get so worked up. This is really the most lucid I've seen you. Save your strength."

"That long?"

It was then that Kazuya began to hear the beeping noises of machines that kept continuous tabs on his vitals and IV's that came from his arm up to small liquid-filled bags on a hanger.

"I think you're getting better," Jun said with a smile, "I'm really glad."

Kazuya heard her voice waver a little and he noticed as she blinked a little more than what was natural, then as she placed a tentative finger under her nose for a split second as she sniffed once. He could only imagine how she had been affected by all this. Sitting at home for so long, trying to continue with her pressing work and at the same time worrying about him the whole time. Or maybe he was just seeing things. Maybe her voice hadn't wavered…maybe this wasn't even the real Jun he was talking to.

"Kazuya, are you alright—you have that strange look in your eyes again."

"Jun, you're really her, right?"

"Yes, it's me."

Her eyes seemed so full of concern that he almost regretted even asking the question. "I'm sorry…I just had to make sure."

"I can't do this…I don't think it's a good idea for me to leave for college right now. Not with you like this."

"For college? You were accepted into one? You can pay for it?"

"Yes, yes, and yes."

"That's good news."

"I wanted to tell you sooner…"

"I'm sorry…"

"You shouldn't be apologizing."

"Don't let me be an excuse for holding yourself back, Jun. You have to go to that college. It's your dream, isn't it?"

"But, Kazuya—

"No. You said it yourself, I'm getting better. I am."

"The doctors don't even know what's wrong with you. How can you know really?"

"Because I know better than any doctor about how I feel."

Jun smiled back at the other, "I guess I'll just have to take your word for it."

Jun stayed for as long as she could until Kazuya had fallen asleep once again. She kissed him on the forehead and then left. If she was really going to go off to college, she would have tonight and tomorrow to pack. Up until that moment, she hadn't had the will to even take out her empty luggage from the attic. Mom would be ecstatic. She knew her mom had not been too fond of Jun giving up on her dream so easily over a boy after working so hard just to give herself a chance to become a veterinarian.

/

Chaolan Lee found that he was once again left alone in the large mansion. It came as no surprise to him. Heihachi hardly existed in his life. Besides improving his existing fighting skills, Heihachi had not bothered to interact with him to any extensive degree. Presently, he was putting the last touches on his packing. He tried to take only the necessities. The less the better, he supposed. It meant that he would have less to carry. When he was finished, he rolled his luggage out onto the front porch and sat tiredly on the lawn chair. He still had about an hour to spare before the taxi would arrive and take him to the airport. Maybe he could say goodbye to some of his friends. He wound up texting everyone that he had come to know, even Jun. A few of them wished him luck others were too busy or simply didn't care to text anything back and still others failed to reach the recipient because their phone was turned off. He wouldn't miss this place at all. There was maybe one person he'd miss, but it didn't really matter. She had made it clear to him a long while ago that the feelings he felt for her was not the same that she felt for him. It was depressing enough to want to forget altogether. With a sigh, his eyes travelled to the wooded floor and his dress shoes.

"Hey, Lee. I got your text."

He had been so entranced in his own thoughts that he had not heard the footsteps of another person. He looked up already knowing who it was. He could pinpoint that voice in his sleep.

"Jun? Oh, hi. Didn't expect to see you here."

"Why not? This is the last we'll see of each for a long time. I couldn't miss the chance to say goodbye in person."

"Everyone else did."

"Well, I'm not everyone else. Since when did you become such a downer?

"A downer? Well, I guess. I'm sorry it isn't to your liking."

"You know, you really don't have anything to be upset about. You have a lot to be thankful for."

"I know, you don't have to tell me twice."

"So you're waiting for the cab, I'm guessing?"

"You guessed right."

"I'll wait with you," Jun said as she sat in the chair beside him.

Lee glanced over at her curiously.

"Is it so strange that I'm here? You act as if we're strangers."

"You've been busy with your studies."

"So I have."

"I guess I thought you had better things to do."

"Lee, you do know that you're the most popular kid in school, right? You're all I ever hear about. There's no way you weren't busy as well."

"In a way."

"It's too bad Kazuya couldn't be here too."

"He wouldn't waste his time like that. I sent him a text and he didn't reply."

"I wouldn't think so. He's fallen ill, you know. He hasn't been able to move from his bed for more than a month now."

"Really?" Lee asked with genuine surprise.

"You know, that almost sounds like concern in your voice. I've been visiting him and I think he's getting better so you don't have to worry so much."

"I wasn't worried."

"Right. If he could have, then I'm sure he would have come out to say goodbye in person."

Lee snorted at this.

"Or else I would have dragged him out here. Going out to college especially where you're going is a scary thing—it's the least we could have done. I'll be going too tomorrow."

"So you are leaving."

"The same as you."

"I wish I could be there when you leave. I know it'll be hard for you—you being away from Kazuya."

Jun looked away when he said this.

"I remember that time when you guys got into some kind of argument and you weren't able to see him anymore for a few days—you were a wreck," Lee said with a grin, "I wanted to make you feel better, but I guess I wasn't able to do that."

"It won't be like that."

"Oh, is that so?"

"I promise you. I was just a silly little girl back then. I know better now. I've moved on from that."

"If I may be so bold to ask, what did you see in him? I mean, what am I saying? I guess I shouldn't pry…"

"I don't really know."

Lee looked over at Jun as she said this; she had a faraway look on her face.

"I don't understand it myself. It was like I was drawn to him. I guess I saw that there was something wrong and I wanted to fix it. That's just who I am. I want everyone to be happy. When I first met him, it was like…meeting a stray cat. I wanted to take him home and teach him everything I knew. I wanted him to smile. I wanted him to become strong and healthy. Like I said, I was a silly little girl."

"I wouldn't say 'silly'."

Jun looked at the other with a little surprise.

"Just a little naïve," he said standing up, "I think Kazuya has a great deal to be thankful for as well. His father loves him even though he has a twisted way of showing it, his grandfather went through hell and high-water just to find him again—he never gave up on Kazuya being alive, and then he has you—a gentle, sweet girl who wanted nothing more than to see him succeed in life."

"Is that jealousy I hear?"

"Not at all. Jun, let's try and visit each other on the holidays when we have to come back home."

"It would be my pleasure. I know you won't have anyone to go home to anyways."

"You've given me something to look forward to."

"Now you won't have to leave here in a sour mood," Jun smiled knowingly.

It was then that the before mentioned cab drove up the driveway.

"There's my ride."

"Wait, before you go…"

Jun approached the other and wrapped her arms around him. Then he reciprocated immediately. After a moment, they parted. Lee soon took up his luggage and made his way to the cab. Jun watched as he climbed in. He gave a wave out the window just as the cab began to move and she waved goodbye back.

Looks like you're finally off on your own adventure…I'll have to say goodbye too…goodbye to the life that I knew before and walk boldly towards the future.

She didn't know what to make of Lee. When she had hugged him and gotten quite close to him, she had gotten a good whiff of a scent that reminded her more of perfume than cologne. From the way he had looked at her though…she knew where his "interests" lied.

/

She had questioned Lee about being such a downer before he left, but she could understand now what he must have been feeling. Her mom was there and she would drive her to the airport, but still there was something saddening about leaving everything she once knew. She'd already said her goodbye to Kazuya. What could be holding her back now? She sat in the living in anticipation. She had woken up too early and made herself some breakfast, but now she had to wait for Mom to roll out of bed. Instead of turning on the television, she sat silently in the dark. It was better that way, she supposed. At least she could ponder on what her life had been up until that point.

She was startled out of her thoughts when she heard someone pounding on the door. A confused expression came to her face. Who could it be at such an early hour? Maybe it was…no, it couldn't be. She trudged over to the door and opened it.

"K-Kazuya? What are you doing here? What are you doing out of bed?"

She opened the glass door quickly so that she could let him in. If this was a dream, then she didn't want it to end.

"Did I scare you?" Kazuya finally said when he thought that she was calm enough.

Jun looked at the other carefully. He still seemed rather pale and it looked as if he had lost a few pounds, but his eyes were quite vibrant—there was determination there.

"You didn't have to come all the way out here. I told you to save your strength. What if…?"

Kazuya placed both hands on her shoulders, "And what if I died tomorrow from a gunshot wound? Anything could happen, Jun. I just wanted to see you off, okay."

"You can walk—

"What of it? I told you I was getting better."

Jun gave him an accusatory look, "Does anyone know you're here?"

"I had to sneak out. You know Grandfather would never agree to any of this. Can I have a seat over there?"

"Oh, yes, yes, of course," Jun said giving him the seat that she had been sitting in before she had answered the door.

She walked over and sat on her knees next to him.

"Kazuya," she said quietly, "I'm glad you're here."

"I am too. I just wanted to tell you something. I want you to be successful in everything that you put your mind to. I know you're bound to run into some roadblocks along the way. When you do, I know you'll be prepared to weather the storm. Someone like you, someone like Jun will find everything that she's looking for. Don't waste your time worrying about other people so much. It's alright to think about yourself sometimes. You deserve it."

"Kazuya…"

"I wish I could go with you."

He had captured her eyes at that moment and she found herself moving closer and closer to him…

"But I can't," Kazuya said breaking her trance by looking away, "This is a journey that you must make on your own."

Jun found herself looking to the ground.

"That's what I came to say."

She looked up when she saw the other climbing to his feet. "You're leaving?"

"Well, I didn't plan on staying so long. I'm surprised I even made it this far."

"See, I told you, you were pushing it."

"I'll be fine for the time being."

"Can you make it back?"

"Don't worry."

"Get some rest."

"I will."

Kazuya pushed the glass door open and stepped back into the crispy morning air. He stood still for a moment longer and then climbed down the stairs. Jun watched as he made his way slowly across the street. She had never seen him so weak before. The old Kazuya would not have allowed her to see him in such condition, but the Kazuya which she had beheld at that moment was much more passionate and less concerned about such petty things. She smiled to herself.

Get better, you hear me, Kazuya. Continue to make your way in life and one day, I'll come back for you.

/

AN: I was on a typing frenzy. This chapter just seemed to flow.