"Are you Officer Jun Kazama?" a deep male voice asked.

 

Jun turned slowly to face the man that called her name. He was only a few years older than her by the looks of it, yet his face was lined with faint wrinkles and his mouth was set into a permanent frown. His hair was short, but thick, and blew softly against the cool winds left from that night's storm. His eyes twinkled with excitement though, shining brightly as they studied her. He was in good health, and his physique was a definite sign that he was a fighter, survivor, and here for the tournament. She could sense he was a good man. He was a man who fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves. So why was he asking for her? She arched a thin eyebrow at him, her curiosity burning to know.

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"I'm Detective Lei Wulong from the Hong Kong police department. I'm an investigator for international crime," he replied. "My superiors told me that another officer from a different organization would also be attending the tournament. A Ms. Jun Kazama, and here you are."

 

"I'm afraid I'm no longer in the tournament. My time was up yesterday."

 

"Oh, so the rumors of you facing Kazuya were true. I'm pleased to see you got that far, and that you are in good health."

 

She smiled out of pure nature. She could see he was arrogant, whether consciously or not. She had heard of his reputation as a "supercop" and it appeared as if he had the correct attitude to go with it. They remained in silence for a few minutes while Lei became uncomfortable under her stare, shifting from either foot. She sighed and resumed the conversation.

 

"Is there any reason you are searching for me, Detective Wulong?"

 

"Ah, yes, there is. I'm here to talk to you about Kazuya Mishima to see if there is anything you could tell me that could help my case."

 

"What kind of information are you looking for Detective Wulong? I work for a wildlife protection agency. I do not see how that involves your precinct."

 

"Ms. Kazama, you do understand that Kazuya is a dangerous man. I'm sure you know of the crimes he's committed even if they don't involve your agency. You've fought him and I'm sure you've found him to be just as brutal. He is the very…"

 

"Why do you want him?" she cut him off.

 

He huffed at her interruption. "A kick boxer by the name of Bruce Irving is in the tournament and also a `militant' force that protects Kazuya Mishima. Mr. Mishima himself has ties with very powerful bosses in the mafia. I am looking to apprehend both of these men."

 

"You do not know how wrong you have it, Detective Wulong. Kazuya is not all you think…"

 

"He is a ruthless and cold-blooded man. He feels no remorse and has no mercy on anyone he encounters. You can feel the evil surrounding this man, if that is what he is. He's more of a demon. Surely you must have felt it."

 

Jun shuddered at his last comment. Of course she had felt it. It had weakened her quickly in her battle against Kazuya. Her body was still broken from the fight and the proof was in the blood she coughed up that very evening. She was a fighter though, and took the pain without complaint. Even the cleansing of the rain wasn't enough to wash away the darkness. It even lingered on her now, in the very light that should have destroyed it. She shook her head.

 

"Kazuya did not mean to become evil. It's the thing inside him that is. He is a man that's consumed with rage and hate. Nothing more."

 

"Inside him?" he questioned. Was she speaking in riddles to him now? Why was she defending this monster?

 

Jun simply shook her head, implying she had no intention of explaining it to him. He sighed, understanding what his superiors had been telling him about. She was an enigma he'd never figure out, and would be trying in vain to obtain any information from her that she didn't want to give out. He shrugged and began to walk away from her when her tender voice stopped him.

 

"Detective Wulong! I warn you not to face Kazuya in the final stage. You cannot beat him. This evil inside of him…this demon…will not spare your life. If you value yours, you'll back down now."

 

His brows furrowed at her warning. What was that supposed to mean? Did she think just because she lost, no one could possibly win? Or was she telling the truth? Would he falter and then perish in the hands of the man he was trying to stop?

 

"He let you live," he reasoned.

 

"Yes…yes he did."

 

"So I should not fear him then."

 

Her eyes flicked up at his. He still did not understand. His job had forced him to surrender any belief in magic and miracles, and work only with what could be seen and obtained.

 

"Yes, you should. For whatever reason he let me live…don't expect the same courtesy. That demon inside of him…"

 

"Demon?! You keep saying that. Ms. Kazama, please do not bring up nonsense of demons. He is a man of horrible deeds. Do not make up some excuse to defend his crimes. He must be stopped. I'm confused at your attempt to make his wrongs right. It's absurd and cruel to those he's allowed to suffer."

 

Her face became taut as he responded. She did not like that fact that he did not believe her, nor even give her a chance. She was a normally peaceful person, yet her blood boiled as Lei talked ill against her and Kazuya.

 

"He is forced to contend with a devil, Detective Wulong. Anger and hate do that to a man. You've seen it in the criminals you've apprehended. But this is different, something you cannot even understand. I am not going to harm him simply because of his wrongdoings. Everyone is guilty of crimes to which they never answer. I am going to relinquish him of his misery, and restore his humanity back to him," Jun replied harshly.

 

She's crazy, Lei thought. He bit his bottom lip, not sure of how to respond.

 

"Ms. Kazama…"

 

She waved her hand at him and turned around, slowly walking away from him. He had angered her, and she no longer felt the need to explain herself to a man with such a closed mind. She heard him mumble something incoherent and walk off. Maybe Lei was right, and Kazuya was just an evil man. Until this was proven though, Jun would do anything she could to save him.

 

~~++~~

 

Anna walked the parameter of the tournament arena. Her job had just become increasingly difficult do to the actions of last night. In a blind moment of pure lust, she agreed to conspire against the very man she was supposed to protect. How could she deny Lee his request after he persuaded her with gifts of luxury and pleasure?

 

She was snapped back into reality as one of the Tekkenshu approached her. He handed her a clipboard, showing who the next competitors were. She scanned through the first name, not caring too much of the fate of the young lad. Upon the second page, she froze. Her blood ran cold and her fingers curled tightly around the clipboard. Her jaw became tight and her teeth locked down. A low growl echoed in the back of her throat. She read the page again, carefully.

 

So it was true. She had heard from others that an assassin would make an appearance and she'd have to keep her eyes open. Never in her wildest dreams had she pictured it being her sister Nina. She scowled at the idea and crumpled the piece of paper. The Tekkenshu behind her began to complain. Irritated, she backhanded him across his face, sending him twirling to the ground. Her eyes danced mischievously as she put her hands on her hips and cocked them to the side.

 

"Didn't ya mother ever teach ya that it's rude to treat a lass like that, boy?" she chided.

The man didn't reply. He simply held his nose, which was bleeding, and walked away.

 

Anna returned her attention to the crumpled paper in her hand. So the plot thickened. She giggled at the irony. Now she had to stop her sister from assassinating the very man she was going to help bring down. Was there anyone you could trust these days?

 

"Very well, Nina. If ya wish to come, by all means, come. I'll be looking forward to our reunion."

 

She threw the piece of the paper to the side, no longer concerning herself with it.

 

~~++~~

 

If only ya knew, me dear sister, Nina thought as she watched her sister walk away. Anna had always been caught up in herself, never caring for anything else. Even when their father was sick and in his deathbed, she always complained on how it affected her and her life. Nina gritted her teeth at the thought. Her sister and she had always fought one another since they were little girls and their father had tried so hard to get them to appreciate and love one another. Even his death was in vain as they fought at his funeral. She always regretted that, never knowing if her father understood. She sighed and pulled from her position.

 

She had walked the grounds all morning, trying to find easy targeting areas. To her dismay, the facility was very protected, and Tekkenshu were swarming all over the place. Kazuya was never in sight. She had not seen him once. The only way to ever get to him was to face him in the end of the tournament. Soon enough, she thought wickedly. She wished to get her job over with so she could confront her sister. Family and work never collided well. She wandered through the house more, looking for anything out of the ordinary that might help her; passages, cameras, and weapons or anything that she might be able to use.

 

As she slithered down the hallway, she past a large man checking his hair in the mirror. It's already too disgustingly high lad, she thought incoherently. He was dressed in a red karate gi, but he smelled of exhaust and sweat. She groaned lightly at his stench. He noticed her go by, and checked her out. He whistled a very loud and disturbing catcall, stopping her dead in his tracks.

 

"Damn, girl! You sure are looking delicious in that outfit. I'm Paul. Paul Phoenix," he said.

 

"Oh, ya an American lad are ya. How typical," she replied, sarcastically.

 

"Yeah, well…one good thing about Americans…we know what we want, and we get it when we want," he smirked, watching as his sexual connotation responded on her face.

Her eyes flashed anger at that remark. How stupid and arrogant could he be? She crossed her arms in front of her chest, and waited for him to finish talking.

 

"Take this tournament for example. I'm going to crush all my opponents, take the money and the pride, and be on my way."

 

"Ya lad, if you say so."

 

"I do. Who's good enough to stop me? No man I've fought has been able to conquer me."

 

"Right ya are, no `man,' but a woman, now that's an entirely different battle," she smiled.

 

"C'mon sweet thing, do you really think you could take me?" he laughed.

 

"Me advice to ya, don't get into an arena wit me. You'll never step outta it," she smirked and walked away from him.

 

"Oh, you think so huh? I don't remember hearing any good fighters coming from Scotland. Why don't you go home and find some clovers, lass," he laughed.

 

She turned around, her face flushed with anger. "I'm from Ireland, ya dumb shit!"

 

She took three steps toward him, and quickly kicked out her right foot. The spike of her heel connected and Paul's eyes bulged from his head as he collapsed to the floor, gripping his throbbing member. He moaned in pain, wriggling on the floor like a worm on a hook. Nina grinned, completely calm once again.

 

"Sorry me boy. I guess it's just a `bad habit,'" she laughed.

 

She walked away, leaving an embarrassed and pained Paul on the floor, shouting obscenities toward her. Some men will never grow up, she thought, shaking her head. Now energized, she began her study of her surroundings. A good assassin never misses anything.

 

~~++~~

 

Kazuya sat on the grass, still as a statue. His legs were crossed, his arms were by his side, gently flexing every once in awhile, while his back stood erect; he was meditating. The sun was setting, shadowing him in gentle red and gold. His mind searched for peace; anywhere he could find a shred of it. He prayed for someone to relieve him of his misery, even if it were only a moment. He prayed to his deceased mother, hoping she had not forsaken her only son. He always assumed that the sad realization was that not even his mother had loved him in life, and that he'd always been alone.

 

Forgiveness is peace. The release from anger is freedom. Release yourself, my son.

Kazuya's eyes flashed open from the whisper. Was he going crazy? He inhaled deeply, trying to calm down, when he caught the scent of something. Cherry blossoms? Where had he known that scent? He slowly rose from the ground, the muscles in his back twitching involuntarily. He turned around to see Jun staring back at him, sympathy and curiosity burning in her eyes. He was surprised to see her hold on his stare and not travel down to the length of his scar. He held her gaze, attempting to force her into submission, but her dark eyes never broke his gaze. She was indeed a mystery.

 

"Praying Kazuya?" she asked.

 

Why did she insist on acting as if they were friends? They were nothing. Only enemies. He felt the glowing radiate off her body, forcing the darkness within him to hide. The heat that radiated from her felt so cool and exhilarating, like water beneath ice. She seemed stronger as well. Her psyche was stronger when not incased in darkness. He felt more in control when he was near her.

 

"What are you doing here Jun? What do you want?" he inquired, stepping toward her.

 

"To help you. To…"

 

"Free me from my demons. Yes I know. We've already had this conversation. Why do you insist on trying to free me?" he asked, getting even closer.

 

"Because I know you suffer, and I don't want you to," she whispered.

 

"There are many who would disagree with you. Why am I worth the trouble?"

 

Jun was silent for a moment. "Because you are human, Kazuya."

 

"Are you trying to save me?" he asked, almost laughing. "It's a futile attempt Jun. Go home. Live your life. Forget me."

 

"Kazuya let me help you. Please?"

 

"I'm too far consumed with rage and hatred. It's too late for me. Save yourself."

 

"Save myself? From what, exactly?"

 

"From me. From what I might do to you. From what I find myself wanting to do to you," he whispered.

 

There was a new force seeping from him. One she had no power to control and found her own body dripping of the same sensation. She gulped anxiously, trying to remain under control. The closer he got to her, the stronger the feeling. His eyes seemed to soften with each step, and she knew he was feeling it too. Some mystic force had drawn the two of them together. Fate? The Heavens? But what was to come of it?

 

"Look at me Jun," he said, standing directly in front of her. "I'm a monster. I bring suffering. I have brought suffering. I will continue to bring suffering"

 

Her heart ached for him.

 

"The scar on me is all I need to show you. How can you not understand this?" he asked, tracing the scar gently.

 

Her eyes drifted down his face and the length of his throat, to stare at the ominous scar. She could feel the burning of Hell's fire beneath the healed wound. It scared her, but she did not falter. She brought her small hands to his bare chest, placing her palms on his disfigurement. She slowly rubbed her hands around it in small circles, trying to sense the pain that was locked away. She noticed Kazuya's breathing picked up, and the slow rising of his chest increased. Her touch was like ice, stopping the burning that was ever present behind his wound, giving him a sense of peace. The fire of rage and hate slowly burned out by her magic.

 

His lips parted slightly, releasing a slow breath. He watched her face slowly. Her eyes were soft, concentrating on what her hands were doing. Her lower lip trembled though, showing how nervous and scared she was. His heart fell at the sight of that. She was suddenly the first person he did not want to think he was something horrible, that he was a monster. She looked up at him suddenly, as if reading his thoughts.

 

"You are not a monster Kazuya. You are a man. A simple man," she whispered.

 

He closed his eyes at her words. Finally, someone who accepted him despite all the wrongs he had done. He found his arms encircling her waist, pulling her closer to him. She melted against him with no resistance, hands pressed firmly against his chest as she looked up at him. Hope was always locked in her eyes, and he envied her for that. Maybe he even loved her for that. His left hand found it's way into her hair, gently tangling itself within her raven tresses, while his right hand tilted her head up slightly. Jun wrapped her arms around his neck as their lips connected. He gently stroked her cheek as the first moments of affection passed. Tentatively, his mouth parted, and his tongue flicked against her soft lips, asking for acceptance. She gladly complied, accepting his tongue into her mouth. His tongue delved deep into her mouth, exploring every crevice he could. His tongue gently massaged itself against hers, creating a seductive dance of lust. She whimpered softly at the feeling of his warmth against her. He could taste the purity of her, and could almost feel every secret she had inside. Her hands tightened around his neck, as his hand once again wrapped itself around her waist, pressing her against him even more. That one kiss, that one moment, seemed to last an eternity, yet felt too short.

 

Jun pulled away from him slightly, catching her breath. Kazuya licked his lips, savoring the taste of her for as long as he could. The two just stared at one another, not sure of what was to happen next. Neither really cared though. Jun drew her hands to his forearms, gently squeezing them. Kazuya kept his hands around her waist, locking his hands at the small of her back. A sudden calm came over the two, and both stared into the dark orbs of the other.

 

~~++~~

 

Heihachi watched his son and the woman. The dark force that Heihachi had felt around his son was diminished, and that woman had something to do with it. She could be very useful to him against his son. He grinned wickedly, watching as the two held and caressed each other.

 

"Hold on to your peace for as long as you can, son. Once you let go, you'll never feel it again."