**I do not own Tekken.
Chapter 8 : King of Iron Fist
The maids gave Xiaoyu a pink summer dress with floral patterns, its hemline two inches above her knee. If it was given on a normal day, the girl would have felt ecstatic. But seeing as this day didn't go as planned, Xiaoyu neglected the thought of rejoicing. Instead, she frowned as she slipped the dress on and gave no reaction to it. One of the three ladies curtsied before her and motioned her to sit. The lady insisted to tie her hair into pigtails as her master had ordered her to do. Xiaoyu bothered less about it and did as she was told. She sat there quietly and let the older female brush her hair softly. The other lady reached out to her foot to slip on pink flat shoes to match the dress, while the other lady gave her a refreshing lime and kiwi juice. After preparing the girl, the ladies escorted her to the room she was supposed to be in. She entered a small room with a huge one sided mirror. It had one seat, seemingly prepared especially for her, in front of the mirror. She sat down and recognized the familiar faces, it was the arena and Jin and Hwoarang were in there. It made her stand from her chair as her eyes widened.
"Master Hwoarang insisted for this room to be prepared in case lady Xiaoyu shows up on the day of the tournament." One of the ladies stated.
"Oh… SO he knew I was going to sneak in after all." Xiaoyu commented and sighed.
"No, miss. The master thought only of your sudden visit as Mr. Kazama had warned him of your sudden trait of 'showing up'." the lady answered.
Xiaoyu let a small smile creep on her face before glancing back to the two men.
Inside the arena stayed the two young bachelors, their thoughts scattered around the place. It wasn't just a fight about the girl they both treasured. It was a fight to finally end the conspiracy and rivalry between them. For Hwoarang, this final battle meant his life, and it also meant settling the endless rivalry between the two of them. If he ever wins, he'll have the G Corporation continue its peaceful plan to develop the country and extend its help to the neighboring countries. He'll have the mansion he had learned to love. He'll be a legacy, the only Iron Fist King who actually did well. And if he lost, he would go back to where he started; a penniless young boy with nothing but his motorcycle. He'll be back to annoying Julia so she would keep him for the night and another if he can't convince the Law family. It wasn't the best option but he knew it was possible. Yet, the thought didn't really strike him. He had lived like this before and he knew he could handle it. The only thought that distraught him was Ling Xiaoyu. He knew after he exits the arena, whether he wins or loses, she'd slip through his fingers. They had been friends for a long time but seeing as how he had treated her recently, it made him worry. He didn't want to lose her, ever. For Jin, however, it was a matter of family. He wanted the Mishima Zaibatsu back to operation and G Corporation to himself. He wanted the family business back and possibly give it a better cause. But he knew taking all of it was asking for too much. After all the thinking, they realized what they were really fighting for. Hwoarang was fighting not only for himself but for the change and peace he desired the most. Jin was fighting for the family he never acknowledged and for the one girl he had been adoring most of his waking moment.
"Kazama, let's get this thing started!" Hwoarang called out, placing his clenched fists in front of him.
Jin merely nodded as he placed himself to stance. The bell rang as a go signal, making Hwoarang make his first move.
"How intense can their glares more be?" Asuka commented, astonished on what she's been watching on the huge flat screen on the lobby.
"Boys are growing into men, I suppose." Lili answered, flicking her hair.
"Never thought I'd see Hwoarang frowning for so long, he usually smiles on every win he gets." Lei added.
"Oh hush, let the boys be!" Anna dismissively waved her left hand. "Their just being a bunch of stupid kids, as usual…"
"Well, you're one to talk." Nina made her point clear, somewhat seemingly defending her former boss.
Lili gave Nina a stern look while a few men merely sighed. They knew Anna's going to throwback a punch or more after a few more comments from her sister. The never ending feud between them felt normal for those who have been with them throughout the previous competitions.
"Oh, just shut the hell up! I'm trying to watch a good fight, ladies!" Paul suddenly yelled out loud, causing everyone to close their mouths and focus on the match instead.
On the battle area, fought two young and charming guys. They were chivalrous in their own ways, making it impossible for a viewer to bet on one against the other. The two were determined with their own reasons, both gave their best.
Jin gave the other a few basics and throws while the other tried to give one of his signature moves. As the battle progressed, the two worked themselves to their physical limits. Hwoarang sweated a lot just as Jin did, but paid no mind to it. He refused to succumb to his weakening limbs and concentrated on building his strategy. Jin, on the other hand, tried to catch up with his breath as he looked at Hwoarang who was panting. Both of them ignored the worn out feeling that was already growing from within. Jin skipped forward and kicked him twice on both sides, making the other crouch down as he swept his leg to make Jin fall on his back. Quickly, Hwoarang took a hold of Jin's left leg and with full force threw him to his side. Jin grew weaker on every hit he received, he felt Hwoarang's strength much more than how he used to. It must be because of his anemia that got him into a quite sensitive state. Or was it because of too much control with his devil gene that his energy seemed to have been sucked? Whatever the case was, Jin knew he had a match to win. He couldn't dare think of anything else other than taking home the crown. What felt like hours passed with no one backing down; the timer went off but no one can declare the winner just yet. For the first time, thirty minutes to an hour was not enough for just one match with just one round. The viewers exchanged glances, a few getting bored while the others excited. Everyone got their own thoughts in their minds till the unexpected happened; the devil gene was finally activated to finish off the match. Devil Jin was seen once again.
This scared a lot of people, may it be the staff or the other players. None of them wanted to go dare and rescue Hwoarang from his possible death if the devil decides to rip him apart. Even Asuka's eyes widened as she felt Goosebumps upon seeing her cousin look as if he had succumbed to the devil. Even Ling Xiaoyu stepped back as she witnessed her beloved man grow wings and horns. Her hands were cupped on her mouth as she feared the worst. This incident scared all of them, but no one felt more chills than the devils' rival. Hwoarang's jaw dropped as he saw the other. He fell on the ground as he moved back slightly, wondering whether his life will be spared. He hoped for the best, not knowing the truth behind the transformation.
"Rise, Hwoarang. We haven't finished yet, or have you decided to withdraw?" Jin smirked slightly as he addressed the other.
"K-Kazama?" his eyes widened, "You really in there?"
Jin nodded once in response. Of course, Hwoarang, deep inside, already accepted defeat. He knew it was impossible for a mortal to defeat the devil. So he merely gave out a light chuckle. "You've got to be kidding me" he told himself, stroking his auburn hair to his nape. "Kazama, cut the crap. I got the message already."
Jin turned back to his old self, making his wings and horns disappear. His eyes were back to hazel from being white. "I see" he mumbled, looking to his sides.
"I don't see you as an equal nor do I see you as someone superior to me, but one day I'll make you think of me highly!" Hwoarang mentioned before he took his jacket from the ground.
"I see you as my equal" Jin stated, watching the other.
Hwoarang chuckled, "Whatever, loser." He replied with a grin on his face to hide the frown he was about to show. "Then, I hereby declare a draw!"
Before the guy could leave, Jin called out to him to stop him. "You can have the G Corporation to yourself and make the better out of whatever crap it is that you're doing. I don't want to ruin the hopes the nation had with you. I just wanted the Mishima Zaibatsu back to where my great grandfather once found it."
"Got it" Hwoarang nodded. This made him quite satisfied. At least he had something to return to and continue his legacy.
After a few days, all the belongings of the next Iron Fist King were distributed to a few people. Hwoarang and Jin decided on who was to get what. The mansion went back to Jin, as well as the Mishima Zaibatsu and the Mishima Polytechnical School. He also hired Nina back to the company, Asuka, Julia, Paul, and Lee. Seventy percent of the left fortune was given to Jin, as well, leaving the rest to Hwoarang. The red head continued to operate Baek Doo San University and the dojo. He also decided to seek the help of a few people such as; Lei, Marshall, Jinrei, and Xiaoyu. All the legal papers have been signed and everything went according to plan. The only thing that was unfinished was their business with Ling Xiaoyu.
"You've sure grown a lot, monkey boy" Xiaoyu teased as she sat beside him outside the dojo.
"Whatever you say, Xiao" he mumbled, flashing a faint smile. He knew the girl couldn't and wouldn't feel the same way he does for her even after a gazillion years, so he decided to keep his mouth shut and just admire her from afar.
"I'm glad you did…" she whispered under her breath and placed her head on his shoulders as she closed her eyes, "older brother"
It made his heart sink but to no avail did he show it. He kept his cool composure before giving her a light kiss on her forehead. "I know"
Jin, on the other hand, told Nina to purchase the best operating ice cream parlor before the day would end. She merely gave a questioning look before leaving the room to do as she was told. Jin could be very unreasonable at times and she knew it, but still she felt surprised on just how much more he was willing to spend on simple leisure. Before closing the door, Nina gave Jin a raised brow and told him "If this is about taking the little lady out, then I'm sure you'll be in trouble once she finds out you bought the whole shop."
Jin gave a dismissive look. He always wanted to be superior, even when he's wrong; he just has to be right. He gave Xiaoyu a call that moment and asked her for at least an hour of her time so they could catch up. Of course, Xiaoyu would give all of her time to the guy so she said yes. And so, after Nina found the perfect ice cream shop, she told Jin about it and let him have what he wanted. Jin came in an instant, approving of the place and issuing a cheque with a big amount so Nina could buy it. It didn't take much time for Nina to negotiate with the owner, after all, the cheque covered much more than the price the owner had asked for. When everything was settled, Jin made sure the shop was titled to Xiaoyu. For him, this was a means of courtship, a way to show her his overflowing affections. And so, Xiaoyu came after a few hours. She was dressed in her uniform, carrying her usual panda backpack.
"Hey!" she greeted as she scooted to a seat in front of him.
"Xiao" he greeted with a faint smile. "Well, I called you here because I needed your signature on a few documents. I would've sent these to you via fax but I thought it would be better if you saw the place first."
"What do you mean see the place first? I mean, I love this shop if you're simply curious about me liking the place."
"No, I meant for you to own it."
"WHAT? NO! Just what are you thinking, Jin?"
"Well, I already bought the place so even if you dislike the idea, it's done."
"…How unfair of you to call me without even asking if I want this!"
"Don't you?"
"Of course I want it!"
"Then you can have it…"
"That's not what I meant!"
"I thought you said you like it…"
"I do!"
"It's yours, then.."
"But it shouldn't work that way!"
"But it does, Xiao."
Within a matter of minutes, the girl finally surrendered to the always superior man. He made her sign, of course willingly, the needed legal documents. And after a couple of moments more, a waitress approached with a three scoops of ice cream on top of a hot brownie covered with hot fudge, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. Xiaoyu glanced at Jin, wondering if he had ordered this for her. Jin shrugged as he took the cup from the waitress.
"Who cares about who ordered it? The shop is yours, anyway." He stated, smirking.
Xiaoyu sighed heavily as she took the spoon and dug her ice cream tower. Before she was about to fill her mouth with the tempting delight, a sparkle caught her attention. A seemingly metal object seemed to have been buried underneath the first scoop. She immediately took Jin's spoon from his hand and dug deeper on her cup. She carefully took it out and inspected it, learning that it was a solitaire cut diamond on top of a ring. She immediately sat back, widened her eyes and looked around the place.
"God, I think I just ruined someone else's proposal!" she blurted out, holding the ring out to Jin.
The taller male took the ring from her hand and gave a light chuckle. "Absolutely not, you just made it entertaining."
Xiaoyu pouted, gave a slight huff before looking around the area to see any couples nearby. "How do we return this, then?"
"Let me do the honors," Jin replied as he leaned over to reach her right hand. "Ling Xiaoyu…"
Surprised, the girl almost jumped on her seat as she gazed at him.
"Please be with me."
**Most likely, this will be the end of the story. I might add a sequel but am still not sure as of now. PM or leave a review for any suggestions or opinions. Thanks for reading up to this point. I appreciate the reviews and would always credit my muse to my readers. :")