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

By LADY

Chapter 10: "Unveiling Truths"

At the tournament

As Kazuya entered the tournament venue, all eyes turned to him. Despite his silence, his presence commanded attention. The security personnel, recognizing him, let him pass with a nod.

Kazuya found a seat among the spectators, his gaze sweeping over the arena. Amidst the buzz of anticipation, he remained composed, his mind focused on the upcoming challenges.

For Kazuya, this tournament was not merely a test of strength but a means to an end— an end for everything he started.

Leo: "You got this! I love you."

Steve leaned in to kiss her. "Wish me luck."

Leo's father interjected, stepping between them. "Hey, get far from my daughter."

Leo chuckled and hugged her father's shoulder. "Papa!"

Then, turning to Steve, she said, "We'll take our seats now. Have fun, my love."

Steve smiled and waved goodbye as they headed off.

Unbeknownst to Steve, his mother Nina was watching from a distance.

Nina exclaimed in surprise, "What is he doing here?"

The worker nearby responded, "He joined recently! Actually, his wife is sponsoring, under the name Fox."

Nina's expression changed. "His wife, you said?"

The worker shrugged. "I don't know much about his personal life."

Nina dismissed the worker with a wave of her hand. As the worker left, Left alone, she grappled with a tumult of emotions—anger, relief, and a deep-seated sadness she couldn't quite fathom. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, leaving her questioning "Who am I to blame? I asked for it myself" she wondered, grappling with a cascade of thoughts.

At the Mishima Zaibatsu building

Lee glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each person present.

Lee: "Are we all set?"

Nods and murmurs of affirmation rippled through the group, signaling their readiness for the task ahead.

Lars: "Then let's begin."

Jun turned to Lars and Jin, her expression resolute. "I won't come to the tournament yet. Go ahead of me."

Jin's concern was evident. "But where will you go?"

Jun's determination shone in her eyes. "There is someone I know who might help. I'll find him."

Jin nodded, understanding her resolve. "Then we'll meet you there."

With a firm nod, Jun turned and left, her purpose clear as she set off on her quest.

Zafina persisted, her urgency palpable. " What are the circumstances?

Claudio's expression tightened with concern. "It's a dangerous gamble. Rushing into her building might not yield any positive results."

Zafina: "Xiaoyu might be there, in peril. This risk could be our hope to rescue her!"

Claudio sighed, grappling with the decision. "We need to proceed with caution. Acting impulsively could make things worse."

Zafina remained resolute. "With everyone else occupied at the tournament and in Yakushima, … this can be our chance to save her"

Claudio's concern evident: "I understand your concern, but we must consider the consequences. We can't act recklessly, we're not going. It's final"

Zafina's resolve remained unyielding: " Then I'll handle this myself!"

Claudio's expression softened a hint of sadness in his eyes. "This is the first time we've disagreed. I thought we were a team."

Zafina hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Perhaps we should reconsider," she conceded before turning and walking towards the exit.

Claudio watched her go, feeling the disappointment. As he looked down at the scar on his hand, a reminder of their shared past, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision.

Jun entered the police station, her footsteps echoing in the hallway as she made her way to an old friend's office.

"Hey! If you're late to work again I swea-" Lei Wulong paused mid-sentence, his expression shifting as he caught sight of Jun.

Jun smiled warmly. "Long time no see…"

Lei Wulong's demeanor changed instantly as he took in Jun's presence. "Everyone out now!" he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Once they were alone, Jun spoke up. "You've become a chief. Congratulat-."

Lei Wulong placed both hands on her shoulders, concern etched on his features. "Where have you been... I thought…"

Jun's gaze faltered, and she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know, I'm going to tell you everything, I promise! But for now, I need your help… Will you help me?"

After a tense moment, Lei Wulong nodded a sense of determination in his eyes.

Lei Wulong leaned forward as they sat in his office, his voice serious. "The thing is, I can't do it if I don't have any evidence against her."

Jun pondered for a moment before a spark of realization crossed her face. "What if I have one?"

Lei Wulong's eyes widened with hope. "That would be perfect."

Jun reached into her bag and retrieved her phone, pulling up the video Reina had sent.

Lei Wulong's expression hardened as he watched the footage. Without a word, he stood up, grabbing his cap.

"Let's go," he declared, his tone resolute as they set off to confront the truth.

Zafina's mission into the depths of the building was shrouded in secrecy. With each step, she moved with caution, mindful of every shadow that lurked in the dimly lit corridors. The air was heavy with anticipation, the silence broken only by the faint echo of her footsteps against the cold floor.

As she delved deeper into the maze of corridors, Zafina's senses heightened, her awareness on high alert. She knew that finding Xiaoyu would be no easy task, but she was determined to leave no stone unturned. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

Suddenly, a voice sliced through the silence, sending a chill down Zafina's spine. She turned swiftly, her hand instinctively reaching for the weapon at her side. There, emerging from the shadows, stood Reina, a wicked smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, well, look who decided to pay us a visit," Reina's voice carried a tone of mockery as she observed Zafina's presence.

Zafina's expression remained stoic as she met Reina's gaze head-on. "Where is Xiaoyu?" Her voice was firm, betraying none of the anxiety that churned within her.

Reina's laughter filled the corridor, grating against Zafina's nerves. "Ah, what a loyal friend," she taunted "Sorry to disappoint, but she's not here."

Zafina's resolve hardened at Reina's words. " I won't leave until she's freed," she declared, her voice unwavering in its determination.

Reina's smirk widened a glint of amusement in her eyes. "How noble," she sneered, before swiftly activating a locking mechanism that sealed Zafina within a cell.

As the door slammed shut, Zafina found herself trapped, her frustration boiling over. She pounded against the unyielding metal, cursing her own oversight. "I should have been more careful," she muttered, her mind racing with thoughts of her next move.

Asuka, Lili, Forrest Law, and Hwoarang found themselves at the tournament grounds.

Hwoarang's gaze caught sight of Julia, prompting him to call out her name. "Julia?"

Turning towards him, Julia greeted him warmly. "Hwoarang, long time no see," she said, reaching out to gently touch his shoulder. "You look good."

Hwoarang "It's been a while. What are you doing here?"

Julia replied, "I'm looking for someone, and I also joined the tournament. I believe you did too?."

Hwoarang scratched the back of his head nervously. "Yeah, I did..."

Asuka observed their interaction from afar, while Lili recognized the situation

decided to intervene.

Extending her hand for a handshake, Lili greeted her. "Bonjour! I believe we've crossed paths before."

Julia reciprocated the handshake "Yes, we did."

Glancing at Hwoarang, Lili suggested, "We should get going."

Hwoarang nodded in agreement, adding, "Then we'll meet next time."

Julia smiled and bid them farewell, "See you later."

As Hwoarang and Lili walked together, Lili casually remarked, "You're acquainted with her?"

"Yeah," Hwoarang continued, "Julia, Xiaoyu, Jin, and I were among the first kids to step into the tournament ring ."

"oh, so that's how you met her," Lili remarked.

Hwoarang added, "Yeah, and the others, except Jin, we met in a fight."

They joined the group, and Lili asked: "So Julia is an old friend?"

Hwoarang considered for a moment before replying, "More like an acquaintance."

Lili: "anyways I will go with Forest you guys go ahead"

With that, everyone dispersed to their positions, awaiting a signal from Lee.

Leo chimed in unexpectedly "How did you know I was expecting twins?"

Leo's father "What! You're pregnant with TWINS!"

Leo pressed on " Papa… I know you know! those two beds weren't a coincidence"

Leo's father chuckled nervously, "You know how clumsy I am; I made that purchase by mistake, hehe."

Leo shot him a look * I know you're lying*

Leo's father sighed, his demeanor conceding, "Okay, you caught me...On my family's side, we genetically have twins."

Leo's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Is that how you knew?"

Her father confirmed, "Yeah... you actually had a twin yourself."

Leo was struck with shock as her father continued. "I didn't want to bring it up to you so you wouldn't worry... But when you were born..." He paused, crossing his arms. "Your twin was born after you. He was a boy, by the way... but he passed away after three months."

Leo's father turned to her; his expression solemn. "Your mother and I... It took us months to ease the pain, but we were grateful that you grew up healthy and you lived. And this won't happen to you, your mother had bad crumps her entire pregnancy, but you didn't you shouldn't worry it won't happen"

Leo embraced her father. "I understand... am sorry.."

"Don't worry about it," Leo's father replied warmly. "Now, let's watch the boy. Where is he?"

Leo chuckled. "Papa, they haven't started yet." She glanced at her bag, a hint of worry in her eyes. "I can't find it?"

Her father's concern grew. "Where did you leave it?"

Leo's voice trembled slightly. "At home, but we can't leave. It could start at any moment."

"I'll go, you stay. I'll be quick," her father reassured her before hurrying off, leaving Leo lost in her thoughts.

Claudio observed Reina's departure from the building with a watchful gaze, his senses attuned to any hint of deception in her movements. With each passing hour of silence from Zafina, his concern deepened, compelling him to take matters into his own hands.

Entering the building with cautious determination, Claudio navigated its corridors with purpose, his footsteps echoing against the cold, sterile walls. The dim lighting cast long shadows, heightening the tension that gripped him as he searched for any trace of his missing comrade.

As he delved further into the labyrinthine structure, Claudio's thoughts raced, considering every possible scenario that could have led to Zafina's confinement.

Finally, he reached a secluded area hidden from prying eyes, where he discovered Zafina trapped behind the bars of a cold, unforgiving cell.

Approaching her quietly, he asked, "Are you hurt?"

Zafina's eyes widened in alarm. "What are you doing here?! Leave! She might be around here!"

Claudio placed a finger to his lips, signaling for Zafina to lower her voice. "She left. I saw her exiting the building," he whispered reassuringly.

Zafina remained adamant. " Leave! I can handle this myself," she insisted, her tone edged with determination.

Undeterred, Claudio continued his search for a means to unlock the cell, his movements purposeful yet silent. The faint echo of his footsteps reverberated in the confined space as he meticulously examined every corner for a solution.

Zafina's frustration was palpable as she spoke again. "I tried to find a way out, but it's useless… Carrying this thing is impossible," she lamented, her voice tinged with resignation.

Claudio remained focused, his determination unwavering despite the obstacles before him. With each passing moment, he searched with increasing urgency, driven by the need to free her.

Zafina's voice trembled with desperation as she implored Claudio to reconsider. "You don't have to do this. I left you. I didn't listen. It's all my fault. Please, leave before she returns and finds you here."

Claudio's resolve remained unyielding, his determination evident in his unwavering gaze as he continued his efforts to unlock the cell.

After what felt like an eternity, Zafina's voice echoed once more, tinged with a sense of resignation. "Why did you come back? I betrayed you…"

Claudio finally spoke, his voice calm yet resolute. "If you could assist me, it would be greatly appreciated."

Zafina's voice softened with disbelief. "I treated you poorly, disobeyed you, and pushed you away. Why are you helping me? You should hate me by now."

Claudio paused, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering sincerity. : How could I hate you if I loved you…" He hesitated, his words trailing off before he shook his head. "Forget it… It's not the time. Let's focus on getting you out of here."

Zafina shook her head, her expression conflicted. "Why? After everything we've been through… I don't understand.."

Claudio remained silent, his focus on finding the key to unlock the cell. Finally, he exclaimed, "I found it!" But before he could proceed, his phone buzzed with an emergency alert, warning him of Reina's proximity to the building.

Zafina approached him quietly. "go…"

Claudio looked at her, his expression filled with sadness " I need more time I will be able to get you out of here"

Zafina's voice cut through the tension, her urgency matched only by her unwavering determination. "Listen to me! Go find a way to open this cell, and then come back! But for now, you must leave."

Claudio's brows furrowed with concern, his reluctance palpable. "I can't leave you here."

Zafina's resolve remained unyielding as she met his gaze. "You must. You found me; that's enough for now. But if she happens to catch you, it won't end well for either of us. Now please… go."

Claudio, though convinced, couldn't shake off the sadness in his tone as he replied, "I promise I will be back, and I will get you out of this."

"I know. I've never doubted you," Zafina reassured him.

With one last glance, Claudio left, but his thoughts remained with Zafina

At the Arena

Lars contacted Victor: "We're entering. What's your lead?"

Victor's response was swift: "She's not here."

"I was informed," Lars acknowledged, "but we must evacuate everyone first, then continue with the plan."

"Raven, my ally," Victor assured, "he will inform us of her arrival. Be ready!"

"Got it," Lars affirmed, bracing for the imminent developments.

Reina's voice cut through the tension. "Where do you think you're going?"

Claudio turned without a word, his expression guarded.

Reina observed his reaction with a smirk. "Ah, a lover... I won't let her go. And if you want her safe, don't try saving her. You or anyone else."

Claudio's tone was stern. "What do you want?"

Reina grinned wickedly. "I like people like you. What I want is revenge, but having you and the others might get in the way."

Claudio's gaze sharpened. "So you're using them as bait."

Reina clapped her hands mockingly. "Yes! I take them as bait and keep you guys chained because the minute you intervene..." She gestured to Zafina on the screen. "They will face the consequences."

A buzz from her watch interrupted their exchange. "The cats are out! That was fast," she remarked, meeting Claudio's gaze. "I believe you understand the task. I will take my leave." With that, she disappeared using a smoke bomb.

Claudio left the building, his resolve solid as he made his way to the Mishima Zaibatsu building, where he waited patiently.

Announcer: The battle commences, but before the fighters can even take their stances—

BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM!

Explosions shake the arena, engulfing it in a thick cloud of smoke and chaos. The deafening explosions reverberate through the arena, sending shockwaves of panic through the crowd.

Lars immediately reaches out to Lee: "What's going on?"

Lee's voice crackles with urgency: "Seems like we have an unexpected guest! We're still investigating."

Lars turns to Victor, his expression tense: "A third party?"

Victor nods grimly, his eyes scanning the chaos: "We'll get to the bottom of this. Priority is to evacuate the crowd."

With that, Lars's team begins directing people to safety, while Victor's squad ventures into the smoke to identify the culprits behind the explosions.

Jun arrived with Lei, the confusion evident on their faces.

Lei questioned, "What happened here? Didn't it just start?"

Jun glanced around, her eyes scanning the chaos. "Kazuya..." she murmured, her voice barely audible over the commotion. As she moved in his direction, she caught sight of a pregnant woman struggling nearby.

Jun rushed to her aid, offering support: "Are you alright?"

The woman, Leo, responded shakily, "I'm fine. My husband is here; I can't leave yet."

Jun insisted, "He'll be fine, but we must get you out. It's too dangerous here."

Leo cast a worried glance towards the arena, her heart filled with hope for Steve's safety, before slipping into unconsciousness.

Jun called out urgently, "Lei, get the car ready NOW!"

Together, they hurriedly carried Leo to the car and raced to the nearest hospital.

Lars turned his attention to Lee. "What's the update?"

Lee's voice was calm as he reported, "Everyone evacuated safely. There were no injuries, only slight ones."

Claudio interrupted, commanding everyone's attention. " This isn't our fight, it's between her and Kazuya. She has Xiaoyu and Zafina, and there's a possibility she's captured others. She's using them as bait, and our interference could result in harm to them."

Lars inquired "When did this happen?"

Claudio brushed off the question. "It's not the point. This fight is between them, and if anyone intervenes, she'll hurt them. I don't have a plan anymore."

Jin arrived, scanning the room. Lee reassured him, "She's in the hospital, don't worry. She's not hurt; she's helping someone from the arena."

Jin nodded, then turned to Lars. "You called me?"

Lars "Someone is waiting in the lobby. He wants to meet you."

As Jin and the others descended to the lobby, they encountered Eddy Gordo, Jin's former right-hand man alongside Nina Williams.

Jin extended his hand. "How have you been?"

Eddy accepted the handshake, his expression reflecting the passage of time. "I'm good. Years have really passed, because I see a different man standing in front of me."

Jin's demeanor softened. "I'm sorry about your master."

Eddy shook his head. "It's not your fault,, I'm here with Yoshimitsu. We came to join; we want to help."

Jin nodded appreciatively.

Lee's voice cut through the tension. "Everyone, watch the news." the screen illustrated the Live breaking news

The news reporter's voice filled the room, "So, we're live at the arena, witnessing the chaos surrounding what seems to be the end of this tournament before it even starts. The government is investigating with the police, but oh, is that Kazuya Mishima?! What is he doing here?"

The news presenter continued, "He's the prime suspect for now, but wait, there's someone else! ….. Ladies and gentlemen, we're live with some bad news. Steve Fox, Julia Chang, and Lei Wulong are missing. Anyone with information, please contact the numbers below."

Lars turned, his expression grave. "Looks like Claudio was right. What's our next move?"

Lee "We need to revise our plan."

Claudio emphasized, "We can't afford a direct approach; we need to keep low and devise a new plan."

Eddy, speaking to Jin: Nina... I'll reach out to her.

Jin:" Why"

Eddy: "She's working for Reina, and because Steve is her son. Reina took him as bait, so she would comply."

Jin furrowed his brow, questioning, "Do you believe she'll comply?"

Eddy confidently "I know she will"

At the Arena

Reina entered the arena and immediately contacted Nina. "Where is he?"

Nina's voice came through the earpiece. "He's right in front of you."

Reina glanced over and spotted him, her teeth clenching in anger.

As Kazuya approached her, Reina couldn't help but remark, "So you do have a heart."

Kazuya met her gaze steadily. "Leave her go.. I am the one you want."

Reina's expression darkened. "Not yet. Things are getting more interesting."

Kazuya's tone was firm. "I'm not here to fight you."

Reina's lips curled into a smirk. "Is that so?"

With a sudden transformation, Reina revealed her devil form, catching Kazuya off guard. He was in shock, unaware of the devil's presence until now.

Kazuya's voice was laced with disbelief "Who are you?!"

Reina's eyes burned with fury as she responded, "The daughter of the man you killed." With swift determination, she lunged toward him, seizing his neck. "I am going to avenge my father."

Struggling to free himself, Kazuya said, "Let her go."

But Reina's rage only intensified. "Trying to be a hero? Get yourself together, Kazuya Mishima!" With a forceful motion, she hurled him aside.

As Kazuya rose to his feet, his grip tightened on his arm. "I am not here to fight."

Reina's tone was merciless. "Too late. The moment you stepped foot in the arena was the moment you came to fight."

Kazuya's voice was strained with desperation. "It was a huge mistake. Release her and take me instead."

Reina: "You pathetic" She seized him and slammed him against the wall, raining down deadly blows

As Kazuya defended himself, he dropped Reina to the ground. "You know nothing! Heihachi isn't what you think!

Reina's retort was filled with venom. "You were the devil he had to deal with."

Kazuya's voice resonated with bitterness. "Listen to yourself. I was just a child; what did I know? He could have sought a way to get rid of the devil, but instead, he abandoned me, consumed by his lust for power!.. He killed me."

Reina's denial was swift. "LIES!"

But Kazuya's words were filled with bitter truth "Father never cared about anyone but himself! he was dead evil…. and you know that!

In a surge of anger, Reina charged toward him, fists clenched. "You know NOTHING!" she screamed as she unleashed a flurry of punches.

Kazuya blocked her attacks, but a vivid flashback of him striking Jin pierced his concentration, causing him to falter in his defense.

Reina remained steadfast "This is the END of you! I will avenge my father and ensure his memory is honored."

.

.

Dear readers,

Thank you immensely for your patience with this chapter. I know it's been a while. I'm currently working on a big project that's consuming a lot of my time and energy. I'll need to take a break, but I promise to return as soon as I'm done so I can write at my best.

Best wishes

Lady