A/N: I am a big fan of Tekken! And I don't own anything all rights to Bandai Namco Tekken

By LADY

Chapter 7: "The Pact"

Asuka: "A tournament!"

Lili: "Yes, and it starts next month. We have to register immediately."

Asuka: "Wait, wait! Who said I'll join?"

Lili: "I did."

[Hwoarang enters the dojo, a sly grin on his face]

Hwoarang: "Oh, you guys are ready? Let's go."

Asuka: "What?! How did you kn..."

[Lili interrupts, pulling Asuka outside with Hwoarang]

Lili: "I already told Hwoarang about it. We're heading to register now."

[Jin arrives with his family back to the city. After settling into their new home, Jin heads to the Mishima Zaibatsu building, where he resumes his role as CEO.]

At the Mishima Zaibatsu Building

Lars: Welcome back! It's good to see you taking charge again.

Jin offered a fleeting smile in acknowledgment, but beneath the surface, a storm brewed within him. Memories of the past flooded his mind, reminding him of the havoc he had wreaked and the suffering he had caused. Despite his outward appearance of confidence, a mixture of determination and apprehension flickered across his features.

Lars noticed the change: "Remember, Jin, you're not the same person you once were. You have the power to make a difference now."

Jin walked to his office listening to his uncle's words, then he looked him: it won't drain me again..I promise

Approaching Jin, Lars placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I believe in you, Jin... You've always been my trump card," Lars said with a supportive smile before leaving.

Alone in his office, Jin looked out the window at the bustling city below. Despite the appearance of normalcy, a heavy sense of responsibility weighed on his shoulders. With determination, he gripped the armrest of his chair, silently vowing to redeem himself and steer the Mishima Zaibatsu towards a brighter future.

Elsewhere, in Italy

[Zafina and Claudio stand across from each other, surrounded by stacks of papers around the desk.]

Zafina: Claudio, these kinds of jobs don't suit me.

Claudio: Isn't it suitable for your lifestyle?

Zafina: Listen, you've been offering me jobs and promotions, but... (sighs) I'm not interested. I don't want an office job.

Claudio: It's more than just an office job. You'll accompany me to various places, leading us to many adventures and discoveries.

Zafina (mumbling): Hmm, in that case...

Claudio: So, what do you say?

[Zafina walks and takes a seat, her tone serious.]

Zafina: I don't have an answer for that yet, but I do have a question. How long are you going to make me wait before you tell me about whatever it is you called me for?

Claudio: I need more time.

Zafina: How much longer? I've been here for three weeks, and you've been avoiding this topic or, may I say, lying!

Claudio (surprised): How did you know?

Zafina: I didn't, but you just told me. Why did you lie? What is it that you want?

Claudio (hesitating): The reason I called you wasn't because of the research. It was a test.

[Zafina frowns, standing slowly.]

Zafina: What test?

[As Claudio approaches her, his gaze intense and earnest.]

Claudio: After our time in your hometown and working together for over eight months, returning to Italy left me with an inexplicable emptiness. It's as if a heavy shadow settled in my heart….rendering me incapable of feeling or understanding it. I struggled to comprehend this sensation until it dawned on me.

Zafina (puzzled): I don't follow.

Claudio: Since my departure, everything around me seemed devoid of depth and meaning. I grappled to grasp the source of this dissonance until it struck me with clarity.

Zafina (confused): What are you trying to say?

[Claudio locks eyes with her, his expression vulnerable yet resolute.]

Claudio: I've realized I harbor deep feelings for you.

[Zafina registers surprise before meeting his gaze with a mix of emotions.]

Zafina: It's unexpected, and I'm sorry if my actions led to this misunderstanding. That wasn't my intention.

Claudio: Are you rejecting me?

(Zafina looks away)

Claudio, speaking softly: Can I know why?

Zafina: It's nothing personal. I'm not seeking a relationship. I see us as partners, colleagues—nothing more, nothing less.

Claudio: Would you consider giving us a chance in the future?

[Zafina meets his eyes.]

Zafina: Do you think I'm interested in such matters?

Claudio: We could start dating and figure it out. If it works, we can discuss engagement—

[Zafina interrupts him sharply.]

Zafina: Engagement? We barely know each other.

Claudio: What do you mean?

[Zafina, her focus unwavering.]

Zafina: I'm not interested. That's not what I need right now.

[Just as Claudio is about to respond, he receives a call.]

Claudio: Give me a minute.

[Upon his return, Zafina makes a move to leave.]

Zafina: So, this was your reason for asking me here... How disappointing.

[Claudio looks away briefly.]

Claudio: No, actually, I did find something. Meet me in the lobby. I'll be there in minutes.

[Zafina glances at him before descending the stairs, where she waits for him.]

As Lili, Asuka, and Hwoarang approached the registration area, they spotted Lee Chaolan standing there.

Lili: Are you in charge?

[Asuka nudged Lili's ankle and whispered.]

Asuka: That's Jin's uncle. Why would he be in charge?

Lee looked at them with a smile: Why, hello there, beautiful ladies. Can I be of assistance?

[Lili shifted her gaze)

Lili: No thanks, we're just here to register.

Lee's smile widened: Best wishes to the three of you. But allow me to offer you something.

[Hwoarang stepped forward, his interest piqued.]

Hwoarang: What is it?

Lee: We're currently seeking strong fighters for a classified mission. And when I say classified, I mean it's colossal...

Asuka leaned in, intrigued: Tell us more!

[Lee handed them his card with a flourish.]

Lee: Meet me at this location tonight. It's a more conducive setting for our discussion.

[With that, he gracefully departed.]

Lili: what do you guys think?

Hworang: am down

Asuka: agree I wanna know what that old man is talking about

Lili hits her back and laughs: hey hahaa don't say that he's not that old, he's actually quite handsome if you look closely

Asuka disgusted: yeah yeah now we better go register before it's too late.

Back in Italy

Claudio: watch this and look at this photo what do you notice

Zafina focused: it looks like a spirit

Claudio: indeed, now look closely

Zafina turns to him in shock: ISN'T IT

Claudio assures: but we are not sure yet

Zafina: since when and how? I have so many questions

Claudio: would you rethink about working with me?

Zafina nodded: did you tell anyone about what you discovered?

"No, you're the first one to know," Claudio replied, his tone emphasizing the trust he placed in her.

Zafina then looked down at the photos and couldn't believe her eyes

In the Mashima Zaibatsu Building

Lee welcomed them with a warm smile, gesturing towards the gathered fighters. "It's great to see you all here as expected. Thank you for joining us."

Lili stepped forward, her curiosity evident. "Mr. Lee, would you mind telling us what the mission is all about?"

Lee grinned "I will, but I'm waiting for a few more guests to arrive before we begin."

An hour later, the room buzzed with activity as fighters like Law, Paul, Forest Law, Leroy, Shaheen, and Kuma filled the space.

Lee stood beside Lars and Jin, addressing the assembled fighters. "Welcome, everyone. Thank you for accepting my invitation. We've encountered a troubling issue, and while I'll spare you the details for now, please take a look at these."

[Photos of the Devil are displayed.]

"As you can see, we don't have clearer photos as we only recently discovered her existence. However, it's imperative that we keep this matter under wraps and locate her before she becomes a threat to the world."

Asuka voiced the question on everyone's mind. "What exactly are we supposed to do?"

Lee nodded, acknowledging her query. "A good question. We'll need to form three teams, each with a different objective."

"Team 1 will be responsible for searching, Team 2 for joining, and Team 3 will operate undercover," he explained. "But our primary goal is to ensure the safety and security of the citizens. Unfortunately, we lack any information about the Devil's whereabouts, identity, or origins. However, we do have resources to contain her for as long as possible."

Leroy interjected with a somber observation. "You mean a cure?"

Lars shook his head solemnly. "No, unfortunately, we don't have one."

Lee urged urgency. "Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly. So, are you all willing to join us in safeguarding the peace of the world?"

Hwoarang glanced at Asuka and Lili, receiving nods of agreement in response.

Poul questioned: will we get paid?

Law: are you copying me?! (they start fighting)

Forest sighs: not again

Leroy and Shaheen approached them confidently. "We don't have anything better to do, sign us up."

Lars whispered to Lee, concern etching his features. "Lee, when you mentioned capturing the Devil, what exactly did you mean?"

Lee's focus sharpened. "Do you recall Claudio and Zafina, the two partners?"

Lars nodded, recollecting. "Yes, wasn't Claudio the one who nearly captured Kazuya's Devil?"

Lee affirmed, "Exactly. I've been attempting to reach out to them, but so far, no luck."

Lars expressed doubt. "We can't be certain if they'll be willing to join us or even help us."

Lee reassured him. "Don't worry about that." He suddenly received a call, his tone becoming intense as he swiftly answered, "Connect me to him."

Claudio's voice came through the line. "Ciao?"

Lee seized the opportunity. "Finally, Mr. Claudio, I've been trying to reach you. Do you remember me? Regardless, I have important news to discuss. We've made a significant discovery and need your and Ms. Zafina's assistance."

Claudio sounded intrigued. "How did you know she was with me?"

Lee. "Lucky guess. And you two make quite an effective team. So, are you both available?"

Claudio glanced at Zafina, who had overheard the conversation. She nodded in agreement, prompting Claudio to respond confidently, "We're in."

Lee's satisfaction was evident. "Great! We'll arrange for a private jet to pick you up as soon as possible."

But before Lee could proceed further, Claudio interrupted with a pressing question, "Wait, are we talking about the Devil?"

Lee was taken aback. "How did you know?!"

Claudio's response was cryptic yet firm. "We'll discuss it soon. Ciao."

With that, the call ended, leaving Lee and Lars intrigued and eager for the impending collaboration.

Lee turned to Lars and Jin with a grave expression. "Claudio knows!"

Lars was taken aback. "What! How?"

Jin speculated, "It's possible she's been active for a long time, even before Xiaoyu encountered her."

Lee nodded in agreement. "True, but if Claudio saw her, it's likely that others may have as well."

Lars cautioned against jumping to conclusions. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Claudio's line of work involves dealing with devils. Perhaps he or his team sensed something."

Lee acknowledged Lars's point. "We'll have to wait and see."

Jin shifted his focus to the fighters training nearby. "I'm going to Yukoshima."

Lars, visibly frustrated, interjected. "I told you to let it go!"

Jin's tone was serious. "We don't have time to waste, and she may still be there."

Lee, curious, questioned Jin's reasoning. "Why do you think that?"

Jin turned to face them. "She can't fully control her devil. And back in Yukoshima, I found a stability that allowed me to focus. She might have sensed that too."

Lars made a firm decision. "Then I'm coming with you." He turned to Lee. "Lee, I trust you to handle the training and the forces."

Lee placed a reassuring hand on Lars's shoulder. "I've got it covered. You two, be careful. We'll join you soon."

Lars expressed a hopeful sentiment. "Hopefully, we'll find her there."

Steve carefully carried Leo to bed, concern evident in his eyes. "You shouldn't be working, you know you're pregnant."

Leo, stubborn as ever, responded, "I'm almost due, I should be moving around."

Steve shook his head, his worry deepening. "But you're tiring yourself out, and that won't be good for you."

Leo smirked, teasingly. "You mean the baby."

Steve sat on the bed, facing her. "Both. But you're more important to me. I'm truly grateful to have you in my life, and I don't regret what happened to me because it led me to you."

Leo's eyes softened at his words. "Don't say that. I couldn't bear to see you hurt because of me."

Steve tenderly brushed her cheek. "You're my everything."

Leo glanced away shyly, feeling a warmth spread through her.

Steve stood up: "I will make us some tea and let's chat some more."

Leo, with a sudden craving for a different beverage, quipped, "Can I have Azucena coffee instead?"

Steve's gaze met hers, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Yet, Leo's sense of responsibility as a mother-to-be quickly kicked in. "Okay, okay, I'm being stubborn. It's not good for me. Blame it on the baby," she joked, chuckling softly while gently caressing her belly.

Steve chuckled, his laughter filling the room. "The baby isn't even here yet, and you're already blaming him. What will you do when he's born?"

Leo blushed, feeling a bit sheepish. "So, are you getting the tea, or should I do it?" She attempted to get up from the bed, but Steve gently put her back with a playful grin.

"I'll take care of it. Stay right here," he assured her, heading off to the kitchen to prepare their drinks.

Steve is such a gentleman! do you agree? .. Anyway thank you for your patience with this chapter. I hope you enjoy what's to come! Also, Ramadan Kareem! Wishing you a month filled with blessings. And Happy Holidays!

Lady