Disclaimer: I don't own Tekken (but I can dream)…
A/N: Hello and welcome to my story. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it. Well, this is the second to last chapter, and if you remember, our heroes didn't look to good the last time. So, without further ado, let's get to it. And here … we … go:
The King of Iron Fist Tournament 8: VIII for Vendetta
In Recovery
"Haku-kun… Haku-kun…" a new but oddly familiar voice called out of the white void.
"Hmm… Who's there? That voice… Where have I heard it before? Wait; is it… Is it… Is that you…? Dad?"
"Yeah, it's me, son…"
"No way… But, you're… I mean, how are you doing this?"
"It's a long story; a long complicated story…"
"But, what about Jun-chan? And Mom?"
"Don't worry. I'll talk to your sister right after you, and I talk to Xiao-chan all the time. I have to ask permission first, but… I see you Mom at least once a year."
"Wow. This is amazing, Dad. I mean, I never thought I'd … get to talk to you… There are so many things I want to ask you…"
"I figured. But I don't have a lot of time, so ask away…"
"Oh, okay… Um, alright, okay… So these 'powers' Jun-chan and I have. I feel two: the first one is angry and violent; just being in it hurts, but it just seems like the easiest to fall into. The second one is completely new to me: its life and strength; I've been in it once, but just being there made me happy. These two powers… where did they come from? Did we get them from you?"
"Yes, you get that form me. The first one is from the 'Devil gene', a blood curse that stems from me and grandfather, but I think you and your sister should be fine because of the second one. That is the special power of the Kazama, a power you got from my mother and the woman your sister is named after: Jun Kazama. Just know that that second power, no matter how it may feel sometimes, is much stronger than what you get from Devil gene…"
Haku said with concern, "Dad, I'm scared … I mean, the tournament went so badly. Me and Jun-chan almost getting trapped… The beating I took… Yushin-san and I almost getting killed… And the worst part is … those people are still out there, and it will only be a matter of time before they come back… I just … don't know if we can win…"
Jin replied with remorse, "I know, son: I'm sorry. I'm sorry you and your sister have to pay for the sins of Kazuya and me. It's not fair, and you don't deserve it. I wish there's a way I could help you…" His tone turned encouraging as he continued, "But, listen. I can tell right now … that you two are going to be a lot stronger than even me. Also, you have a large advantage that I didn't: you have your mother, your aunt Asuka, your uncle Lee, all of your friends to help you and support you. Always look out for them, and always cherish them…"
"Thanks, Dad… Oh, and there's one more thing."
"Go for it, son…"
"Well, there's this … girl I like… And I think she like me too … but I'm not sure… What should I do?"
"Oh, son… I'm not exactly the best person to ask this. I'm not really a people person, as your mother and aunt have probably already told you, and I was lucky with your mother. I don't think I can help…"
"Please, Dad; I really need some help here. You see, she is my friend, so … do I say everything or keep my mouth closed? It would be great if I'm right, but, if I'm wrong, it's going to make thing really awkward…"
Jin chuckled as he said, "You say that as if it's not awkward now. I'm guessing, of course…"
Haku conceded, "Okay, Fair enough…"
Jin explained, "Alright. Again, I'm no expert, but… one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't spend more time with your mother when I had the chance. I don't want you to make the same mistake I did… If you really like this girl, I say tell her as soon as you can."
"Thanks, Dad. It's really great talking to you."
"It's great talking to you … but sadly it's time for me to go."
"Really? Already? But we only got started."
"I know. But I'm sort of on borrowed time. I am breaking a fourth wall here."
Haku 'hugged' Jin as he became choked up, "Dad… I just… I know it's strange, but … I miss you. Jun-chan and Mom miss you too… We wish you were here."
"I wish I were there too. Believe me, I do. Even after life, it still hurts me to no end."
"Please … don't go."
"If there was any way, I would… but there isn't. Before I go through, I want to tell you something: look out for your mother sister. Always cherish your family and friends. Stay close to your sister; you two need each other. And, from me… Know that I am so proud of you two and I love you both so much."
"I love you too, Dad…" Feeling Jin fading, Haku held Jin tighter, saying, "Will I ever talk to you again?"
Jin said as he faded away, "Maybe, but I'll definitely try… Goodbye, son."
"Goodbye, Dad…"
Haku awakened to the sights and sounds of a hospital bed, the only light being the one over his head. The smell of peroxide, gauze, and alcohol overpowered the clean scent of his private room. His body lay weak and aching as the room sat quietly. He immediately knew what he had just experienced, and quickly shed a few tears of happiness and sadness…
Kyou and Van stood outside Yushin's room, looking in. The silver-haired youth was hooked up to less machines, but he was still out cold. Lying next to him in the bed, Lilith slept beside him…
Van observed, "You're pretty worried about them, aren't you?"
Kyou somberly pointed out, "Of course. And you are too."
Van admitted, "Yeah … but it's not just that though. I can't help but feel guilty about all this. I mean, I'm supposed to look out for him… and I knew something was going to happen to him … but I still couldn't stop it."
"You shouldn't be hard on yourself. They had planned to attack well in advance. You got to him, and you got him here; you did all you could… and it doesn't make you feel any better, does it?"
"Not at all… What about you?"
"I can't even compare to what you did. Miss Lilith was kidnapped right from under me, and I didn't have a clue."
"That's not your fault. None of us knew that."
"It still hurts. But, now I have a whole other set of worries… Miss Lilith hasn't been home. She's barely spoken or eaten. She's just been spending her time here, keeping a constant vigil … with him."
Van reacted with slight shock, "Wow… She must actually, really love him."
"Yes, I was afraid of that. There's still one thing I don't know though…"
Van, getting the gist, revealed, "Well, this probably isn't going to make you feel any better, but… Even though he tried to hide it, he's the exact same way when it comes to her."
Kyou sighed saying, "Great… Van, what are we going to do with them?"
Van resolved, "I guess… We just have to accept that our younger siblings need each other more than they need us."
"I suppose you're right…" Kyou suddenly realized, "Wait? Did you say 'younger sibling'…?"
Van simply said, "Yeah. Yushin is my little brother. I mean, I told the doctor I was his sister."
"You were telling the truth? Unreal… Wait. So if you two are brother and sister, then that means your parents…"
In the waiting area, the parents sat awaiting the arrival of one more. Hwoarang rubbed the vestiges of his moustache as he sat next to Lili, her beauty only more mature with her being in her late thirties. Xiaoyu and Asuka stood waiting next to the door leading in the hospital area. Most restless of them all, Lee paced back and forth as he anticipated the arrival of his wife. Finally, they were greeted with the chime of the elevator when the doors opened to reveal an unexpected visitor. The short blond hair being a dead giveaway, Leo Kliesen, clad in a blue t-shirt and blue jeans, ran out and hugged. Needless to say, this confused Asuka, Hwoarang, and Lili.
Leo worriedly said, "I got here as fast as I could. How is Vincent?"
Lee replied as he struggled to keep his own worries down, "He's a little better, but it's still pretty bad. They're still waiting to see if the transfusion will take."
Breaking the ice with the relative new face, Lili said, "Leo Kliesen, is it? I would have never suspected. So you two are..?"
"Married? Yes." Lee responded.
"Right…" Lili continued, "So, Leo, it's been four days, did you just get in?"
Leo explained, "Yeah. I was in South America when Lee called me, but a huge tropical depression rolled in before I could take off. The whole city was grounded for two days; otherwise I would have flown myself."
Hwoarang chimed in, "You know, I can't help myself. It's uncanny how much those kids look like you two. You could never tell they were adopted."
Lee said out of pure confusion, "What are you talking about? Yushin-kun and Vanessa-chan aren't adopted."
Leo added, "Yeah, our kids are our kids."
Really confused, Hwoarang said, "What? Hold on a second… So, that means that…"
"Yes, Leo is my wife." Lee answered, "Can't you tell?"
"Well, actually…" Hwoarang started before Lili stopped him with an elbow to the ribs.
Lee and Leo looked at each other before Lee said, "It's rather obvious to me…"
Having never really seen Leo before, Hwoarang and Lili were mostly lost to the whole situation. Xiaoyu, on the other hand, could see it clearly now. Unlike her two friends she'd spent some time with Leo at family gatherings and such. It also helped that she and Jin served as witnesses for the couple and thus, were the only other people that knew the two were together. It was to the point that Xiaoyu noticed Leo's physical changes, time having brought out the German spelunker's more feminine features: Leo's chest was slightly fuller; her frame was a bit shapelier; her cheeks were even a tad rosy. These were very slight changes, but they were definite to anyone who had seen her when she was younger.
"So, where is Vince?" Leo asked, "Can I see him?"
Lee replied, "Sure, he's right down the hall to the right. I'll go with you."
Lee and Leo went through the door down the hall just as Jun came into the area and headed for her 'aunt'.
Jun solemnly said, "Asuka-sama, may I ask you something?"
Knowing that tone of voice, Asuka replied as they sat down, "Of course, kiddo. Have a seat… So, what's on your mind?"
Jun humbly asked, "Well, you know those' special' techniques you told me about… Do you think you cloud teach them to me?"
"I don't know, Jun-chan. This is some pretty heavy stuff; I don't even understand some of it."
Jun persisted with adamant despondence, "Please, Asuka-sama. I know there's some special power you and I have, that we got from my grandmother… Yushin-kun and Haku-kun almost died, and I couldn't help them… I don't… I can't go through this again; I need to learn this… Please."
Asuka replied with a smile, "You know you don't have to ask twice. You're in for some serious training… but first there's someone we need to see… Xiao-chan, do you know if Zafina-chan is still around?"
Xiaoyu paused to think, eventually answering, "I don't think so… I think her niece is in her place now."
"That's it then." Asuka quickly decided, "We'll start looking for her right away…"
Needless to say, Haku was in really bad shape. His body was riddled with bruises and beset by soreness. His arm sat in a sling and his midsection was heavily taped. It hurt to walk, let alone breathe. After finishing using the bathroom and washing the taste of blood out of his mouth, Haku noticed and began reading the doctor's clipboard at the foot of the bed. At first, he noticed it had been four days since the final match, but the very next moment, he cringed at a photo taken of him when he was brought in. His face was beaten to the look of ground beef, and his head was swollen like Thunder from 'Big Trouble in Little China'. Unnerved by the sight, he quickly buried the photo in the back, and went on reading…
Report: Haku Kazama… Multiple lacerations inside the mouth and on the tongue, broken nose, gash above the right eye, broken clavicle, bruised sternum, 7 broken ribs, extensive internal trauma with bruised organs… Notes: Incredible pain threshold; have seen people die from less injury… amazing one man could do this with his fists; some car crashes have caused less damage… recovery aided by terrific healing rate; almost all lacerations healed, all swelling gone, bruises and bones healing steadily… remains comatose…
Satisfied, Haku put the clipboard back, and started to leave, taking a step out of the room … when he saw Akane coming around the corner. He quickly ducked back into the room, and 'jumped' back into bed, feigning sleep in order to surprise her…
Akane softly said as she cracked the door, "Haku-san…"
Seeing Haku 'asleep', Akane quietly walked over, sat next to him, and cradled his free hand in her own. This position was where she'd been for the past four days…
Akane softly spoke, "Haku-san… I'm back. You look better today…"
Haku thought she had figured him out, and started to move, but he soon realized that she was just speaking as if he were awake. She didn't actually know he was feigning. With Haku listening, Akane went on.
Akane continued with pronounced tenderness, "The doctors say you're healing very well. It looks like you'll wake up soon… but … I just can't forget that night, and what you went through." Her voice began to crack as she started to break down, "It was so bad; I thought you were… I just really need you to wake up, Haku-san. I don't know what I would do if you…"
Saddened and concerned, the red-haired maiden lifted her hands to her mouth, and sobbed into her palm. Haku definitely felt for her, and it really hurt him to see and hear her cry. The charade no longer appropriate, Haku broke the ruse, turning toward her, and, trying to ease her pain, wiped the tears from her eyes .
Akane jumped at first, but automatically cheered up, saying, "H-Haku-san… You're awake?"
Haku said with a smile, "Yep.. I am alive; and let me tell ya, I am … starving right now. I mean, I'm really hungry. How about you?"
Akane, set at ease by Haku's unchanged peace, giggling and said, "I'm alright, but I really want to know how you're feeling."
Faking as if he had to think about the question for moment, Haku playfully replied, "Hmm. Well, I feel like … I fell off a small building into a truck full of broken glass. After that, I feel … like I've been sleeping in a hospital bed for four days… Other than that, I'm splendid…"
Akane again giggled before making a realization, "Um… Haku-san… just how long have been you been awake?"
Haku looked into her eyes, his smile unmoving, and said, "Long enough… I'm glad you're here; there's something I need to tell you… But you were talking; I'll let you finish…"
Akane was mortified, turning bright pink. She worried about how much he heard, the questions whizzing by in her head, and her mind just went blank as to what to say next…
She stumbled over her words, "I… um… Well, it's…"
Seeing her unrest, Haku comforted her, "Hey; it's okay. Tell you what; why don't I start…?"
Akane looked up in surprise as Haku took her hand and began to speak honestly…
Haku said with tenderness of his own, "Akane-chan… I remember the first time I saw you: your mom was bringing you up our walkway. You had that white ribbon in your hair. I remember I took one look at you, I shook my mom's hand, and I said 'Mommy, do angels have red hair?' It turns out I was right… Akane-chan, you are the kindest, gentlest, smartest, coolest, sweetest, most beautiful person I've ever met … and you're my favorite person."
Her face in full bloom, Akane responded, "Haku-san, you're so sweet. It's just .. I don't know how … to say…"
Slightly downtrodden, Haku slowly pulled his hand back, "Oh… I'm, uh … I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable I guess you don't … see me that…"
Akane quickly took his hand back into both of her own, and said, "No. Please don't think that. It's just … hard for me to say this…"
Haku cheered slightly and said with a smile, "It's okay. You can tell me anything."
Akane took a deep breath and, at once, let it all out, "I … I've felt the same way about you for a long time, from the day I met you … from the minute I looked into your beautiful eyes. We grew up together, and I've only liked you more and more. It's not just because you're handsome either… You're strong, brave, kind, funny, and sweet. You're always there when I need you… You've always believed in me, even when I didn't… You're my best friend and so much more. That's why I cried when I saw what happened to you, why I've been here every day, and why I'm here now… I… I just can't picture my life without you anymore… I am so in love with you…"
Haku was stunned silent for a moment, but broke into a smile as he said, "Wow. I didn't expect all of that… I guess I should have spoken up sooner, huh?" The two shared a short laugh before Haku continued, "Well, there's only one more question left then. I want to be with you, and you want to be with me. Then, why aren't we?"
Akane's eyes lit up as she responded, "Haku-san, that's all I've ever wanted."
As she came close, Haku stopped her saying, "Actually, I think it's best we wait on that, what with the blood in my mouth and all."
A little embarrassed but nonetheless a little disappointed, Akane conceded, "Oh, right."
Haku gingerly climbed out of the bed, and Akane stood. The Kazama son wrapped his arm around her, holding her warmly in a different sign of affection, and kissed her forehead. Akane returned the embrace, placing both arms around his waist, and laid her head on his chest, her smile unmoving…
"Well, it's about time." a voice said from behind them.
The new couple turned to see Jun in the door leaning against the side with her arms crossed. It seemed like she was there the whole time, but the smirk on her face was as if she knew this would happen. Akane laughed slightly at the added presence, but Haku shot her a look and waved at her to go away.
Slowly, his eyes flickered until they slowly spread open, Yushin waking for the first time in a week. He quickly became aware of a presence and looked down to see Lilith peacefully sleeping beside him. It didn't take a scientist to piece together her purpose there. Knowing her, Yushin figured she'd been next to him the whole time in some way or form. Gazing at her, Yushin couldn't pull his eyes away from his lovely visitor, and just managed to lightly brush her hair from her face…
Soon, the heart monitor beeped furiously as his heart started to pound… His eyes drifted into the same faraway look from before… Suddenly, his oxygen mask was internally painted red as blood sprayed from his mouth. He was going back into shock. Lilith was awakened by the sound of the heart monitor going crazy and the feeling of him trembling under her. The terrified heiress jumped up, and started pounding on the call button…
Frantic, Lilith opened the door and screamed, " PLEASE SOMEONES COME QUICK! SOMEBODY, HELP! PLEASE HELP ME!"
The room soon filled with single tone of the monitor going cold, picking up a flat-line…
End Chapter
A/N: Whew; there you have it. Now, we only have one chapter left, so please come back for the conclusion. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it, and again I hope you come back to read more. Please R&R, and, as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.