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The Quality of the Sword	By : MMishima Category: +S through Z > Tekken Views: 3069 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Tekken, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
**Chapter Eight: A Change in Temperature (Can Ruin the Sword)�**

Jin ran his fingers through his obsidian mane, the dull pain of Hwoarangs kicks still lingering on his skin, deep in the muscle tissue. What began as a simple cover up had nearly turned into that rematch the Blood Talon so desperately wanted. It was like something inside of the Korean had snapped the moment blows were exchanged and Jin, though admiring and respecting Hwoarangs skill, did not like this side of his lover.
Kazama Jin stepped off the platform at the first train stop. He was not sure where he was, not being familiar with this district..or anything, for that matter, outside of Uptown Tokyo. Jin was just as much a stranger here as the Korean youth.
Looking around from the top of the platform, he saw no sign of Hwoarang. Cautiously, Jin exited the station, coming to stand on the street outside of the leadway. Time was ticking down for them both and the change in their demeanors did not bode well for either of them. �Where the hell are you?� Jin asked aloud, scanning continually onto the street, waiting to hear the unmistakable sound of the Blood Talons Harley.
**
The Blood Talon spotted Jin as he rode up the street, barred from further motion by a red light. With a hiss, Hwoarang sped through the lined up cars, cutting off oncoming traffic only to whirl out to a dead stop before Jin. �Get on.� He said, flashing a charming smile that unnerved Jin and contradicted the coolness of Hwoarangs vibe.
�You drive like your crazy.� The Japanese shook his head, straddling the bike behind Hwoarang, hands resting comfortably at the Blood Talons waist.
�When it comes to you, I do whatever I have to.� Hwoarang nearly purred but the edge was still in his voice.
Jin said nothing else as the bike whirled out, speeding into traffic. He closed his eyes on more than one occasion, his fingers going bloodless as they gripped Hwoarang tighter, praying this was not where he was going to meet his end.
There was a coldness that crept between them and it was more than the wind through two pressed bodies. It was radiating from the Blood Talon and Jin hoped it was just the adrenaline that needed to work its way out of Hwoarangs system.
The scenery was flying fast past Jins eyes, the landscape changing from the Downtown to Uptown Tokyo. The bike was slowing and the Japanese youth could feel the blood returning to his grip again. �We don�t have much time.� He said against the wind, wanting his words to swallow in the breeze the ride created.
�I know.� Hwoarang replied with a slight tilt of his head, back toward Jins direction. �Almost there.�
Jin was familiar now with the paths they rode, Uptown Tokyo much more comfortable to him than any other place beside his home in Yakushima. Navigating wilderness and mountains were significantly easier than the urban jungle for him and at times, Jin still missed the simple life of isolation.
Hwoarang steered onto a bike trail in one of the smaller, lesser used Uptown parks. Of course, the trails were meant for bicycles, but the Blood Talon would not be thwarted. Traffic on the main roads were getting heavy, it was close to 5pm and any second now, the urban jungle would be bumper to bumper. They had some time and Hwoarang wanted to be sure they made the most of it.
Jins feet hit the ground, sliding from the back of the bike to stretch his legs. His body had gone through a good deal of trauma in the past few days, using muscles he never had known existed. He took a moment to listen to the trees, wind through the leaves, easing tensions that had risen like bile in the back of his throat. �What happened back there?�
The Blood Talon sparked a cigarette to life, leaning back on his bike, letting his muscles unclench. �What do you mean?� He was being coy and he knew it.
�You landed some pretty good kicks, they didn�t feel like you were fooling around.� Jin said, his hand rubbing beneath his rib cage without realizing it.
�Since when cant you take a few kicks? How did you fight me to a draw a year ago if a few brushes have you bitching at me now?� That edge was back in his voice again, it was thicker now and Hwoarang knew it, he just couldn�t control it.
�That has nothing to do with this, Hwoarang.� Jin said with an exasperated sigh. �That was a year ago. I know we had to cover our tracks today, I know we have to keep this�relationship..a secret..but you were getting that look in your eyes. I remember that look, very well.� It was a look of determination, destruction. You wanted a full round of it, didn�t you? You wanted to settle yourself, get your vengeance and take me like a trophy back to your bed.
The Blood Talon snorted, smoke billowing from hard pressed lips. �Relationship? What are you my boyfriend now?�
Jins eyes widened, his jaw setting itself, hardening. �Where is this coming from, Hwoarang?� He said with matching conviction. The Koreans words, the way he said them made Jin want to shiver. Is that what this is? You cant have me one way, so you will have me another?
The Blood Talon rolled his eyes. �What the fuck do you mean?� He said flippantly, rife with the arrogance he was famous for.
�Don�t play games with me.� Jin said, flatly. �Everything was fine until the moment you hit a stance. Your acting the same way now, that you did that night in the alley�the same way you did when I saw you again at the Kick off for the Tournament.�
�Maybe I have some angst about those days, some things I need to work off.� Hwoarang said, dragging off his cigarette, regarding Jin with deadly amber eyes. �You fucking fought me to a draw, Kazama�no one has ever come that close to beating me. I pride myself on it, I make a living on it. And that is something no one fucks with, not even you.�
Jin blanched, crossing his arms over his chest. �Why cant you just let it go? Why cant you just let the past be the past? You weren�t the only one at that brawl, I walked away with a draw too, my first and only.� Anger was rising in his voice, anger as the last act of emotional desperation.
�Do you know how hard I had to push myself to make money after word leaked out that I had gone soft?� Hwoarang said with a hiss, tossing the burnt out end of his cigarette to the ground. Jin responded by stepping on it, keeping the embers from smoking and potentially starting a fire. That was the Blood Talons last straw. �You go home to a fucking estate, you don�t have to think about living hand to mouth.�
�You want to have a go now, Hwoarang? Is that what this is about? You want your vindication? Come on, lets do this�one time and never again.� Jin was out of his own mind, this wasn�t what he wanted. His back was starting to quiver, above each shoulder blade, a warm, tearing sensation. It felt like something was trying to get through his skin and it hurt. He had to gain control of himself�
�Don�t tempt me, Kazama.� Hwoarang hissed, his eyes glaring.
Jin forced himself to tear his gaze away from the Blood Talon. The intensity was rising, the anger was clear and concise. Within his core, Jin felt his heart tearing. Was this all he was to Hwoarang? A conquest? Something that had to be beaten in every way, submissive in all things before the mighty Blood Talon? What happened to the Hwoa-kun he was falling�no, don�t think it. Don�t even begin to think it.
�So that�s what I am to you, after everything else? A notch on your bed post, a trophy and a rival?� Jin said calmly, chaining his anger to the anchor of his breaking heart.
Hwoarang saw that look in Jins eyes, the flash of emotion in those sable depths. He rose from the bike and strode toward the Japanese beauty, hands in his pockets. What a fucking asshole I must look like to him. The anger was still there, the taste of competition the Korean was more than willing to dive head long into. But not when Jin looked at him that way. Not when Jin felt like this.
�No, baby. That is not what you are to me�� Hwoarang said, trying to edge out the anger in his voice with a softer tone. It was hard for him to keep his emotions under control in normal circumstances, but Jin was so many things to him�and keeping those emotions under wraps was a lot harder when he was involved. ��Your not a trophy, not a notch in my belt either. I get alittle crazy sometimes. I hated you for so long, dreamed of the day we would finally head up against each other�and its changed so fast. Rivals to friends, friends to lovers. I harbored this shit for a year and its all changed in a couple of weeks.�
Jin looked to Hwoarang, seeing a flicker of light in the Korean youths eyes. The wound had been opened, the temperature changed. He did not like the way Hwoarang could make him feel this way, hot and cold with just a word, a look. �Alright.� He said softly.
Hwoarang slid his hands from his pockets, letting them taste up along Jins arms, covered by the heavy sweater. �I am your boyfriend, Jin-kun�I am whatever you want to call me, as long as it�s a part of you.� The Blood Talons fingers slid up to taste the curve of his lovers jaw. �Alright, baby?� He asked in a voice as soft as velvet, leaning closer till his lips were a breath from Jins.
Jin exhaled softly, his eyes holding Hwoarangs amber gaze, tasting the heat of the Korean youths breath against his mouth. �Alright, Hwoa-kun��
**
Jin stepped through the doorway of the Estate, his books slung in a leather strap, gripped in his hand. He was early, by mere moments and hoped to take a shower before preparing to spar against Heihachi. When voices echoed through the main sitting room, Jin paused and drew closer to the open door. It was not like Grandfather to have company.
Ling Xiaoyu and Jinrei Wang were seated on the couch, sipping tea, in pleasant conversation with Heihachi, who smiled. A rare sight to see. �Ahh, Jin, do come in. We have been awaiting you.�
Jin let the book strap slide down to the edge of the door, adjusting his sweater with a brush of his hand as he entered the traditionally decorated sitting room. Lings eyes were wide with a smile and he bowed his head softly in her direction.
�Master Wang, Ling�a pleasure to see you.� Jin said in his most respectful voice. �Grandfather?� Why where they here? Ling, of course, was a ward of the Zaibatsu, attending the highly regarded Japanese Mishima High school under the Conglomerates benevolence. And Wang, of course, was an old friend of the family from the time of Heihachis own childhood, Jinpachis best friend. Both Ling and her grandfather were also competitors in the King of Iron Fist Tournament.
Heihachi removed his glasses, setting them down on the end table beside the leather chair he rested within. �Ling is preparing for the examination process for placement as a Senior. The test is of course, next week.�
Jin furrowed his brow slightly. �But Ling is only going to be a junior next year?�
Wang smiled, his voice filled with serenity. �Yes, Jin-San, but the placement recommends she take the examination for the next grade up. She has promise and her studies are advanced.�
Jin nodded softly. He liked Ling. She was like an obnoxious kid sister, pestering him constantly when they were in school together. But at the same time, it was nice to have a friend, even if her overwhelming attentions on him were in the form of a crush. �Congratulations, Ling.� Jin smiled.
Heihachi noticed the bud of affection from Jin to Ling and instantly mistook it for romantic inclination. This was one area he could easily control in Jins life but if his grandson were to chose to date the girl, he would not object. She was the grandchild of Jinrei. Someone whom kept fondness in Heihachis cold heart from the time of his childhood. �I would like to ask you to study with her since you have already gone through that examination and your remaining time at School is merely transition till you are accepted at Polytech.�
Jin looked concerned. �With school, training and the tournament as well as the preparation for my thesis and test taking, I will have little time grandfather.� There was only a true week left of school, no real classes that Jin was in dire need to attend. His attendance was perfect but the test taking was required. And Hwoarang�lets not forget Hwoarang.
�You will make time.� Heihachi said, that familiar look in his eyes telling Jin this discussion was over and decided. Heihachi had cleverly planned the Tournament over the course of 6 weeks, giving intermittent breaks during the rounds for fighters to heal�and his forces to track Toshin. He was getting closer, or so the reports came back. The Quarterfinals would begin the day after tomorrow then to the Semi and Finals. If Toshin would not come to them, the Elder Mishima was prepared to move the King of Iron Fist to Mexico�
�Of course, grandfather.� Jin said, nodding his head. �Will we be training today?�
�We will train after dinner and then again at mornings first light. I would ask you now to take Ling with you to the study and begin preparing her.� Heihachi nodded, the conversation done.
Ling rose, setting down her tea cup, placing a soft kiss on her grandfathers cheek. Crossing the distance to Jin, Ling slid her hand in his and allowed him to lead to the study, though she could have easily found it herself.
Wang and Heihachi continued to speak as their grandchildren left the room, eagerly discussing Lings plans for the future and the honor she would bring to her family in China.
**
Jin kept hold on Lings hand, not comfortable doing so but refusing to break the hold she created until they reached the study, closing the door behind them. The Japanese youth turned, one brow arched. �What was that�.?�
Ling covered Jins lips with her own, one leg raising from the ground like an actress to an old American movie. The Japanese youths hands flew up, bracing at Xiaoyu shoulders to push the over zealous girl away. �What was that for?�
The Chinese beauty smiled, blushing as she tasted her lips. �Because, I like you. Haven�t you ever been kissed by a girl before?� Ling studied Jins face, scrutinizing his guarded expressions. Why did she get the feeling Jin hadn�t been advanced upon before? �Hey, why did you run out of the club like that the other night..and why do you taste like cigarette smoke. You don�t smoke do you?�
Jin rolled his eyes, taking a deep breath. �Don�t ever kiss me again, your like�a kid sister or something.�
�I am only 3 years younger than you are! Kid sister. Hmmph!� Ling said with a turn of her back, her pig tails swinging wildly as her dark eyes hardened. Looking over her shoulder, her lips pursed. �You still haven�t answered my questions, Jin! Unless, of course, you want me to tell Mishima-san I saw you at the club the other night.�
Black mail. Who knew someone as seemingly sweet as Ling could employ black mail? Jin walked away from the door, wiping his lips of Lings kiss, though it was not completely unpleasant. Her mouth tasted like sugary fruit and Jin realized it was from the gloss she used on her lips. �Ling, lets not make this a big deal, alright. I like you, I do�just not like..you know, that.� He said with a fluster, not wanting to hurt her feelings.
Ling followed Jin, plopping down on the couch of the study as the Japanese youth looked through the vast books, pulling out some by the binding that might apply. He had used them last year for his own testing. Meanwhile, Ling waited with a tap of her foot on the floor for the rest of Jins answers.
Kazama turned around, books resting against his slacks. He saw Lings eyes, narrowed and unyielding. What was it about Jin that drew only the feistiest of people to his side? �I had too much to drink, I felt sick so I left out of the club fast.�
�And? Do you have a girlfriend or something? I never see you with anyone at school. I never see you with anyone but that one time with Hwoarang.� Ling said in her usual jovial manner, how much energy she possessed could only be measured as boundless. The moment Ling said that name, Jins eyes shot up. He could not help it. �I�I just don�t go out much. Lets get studying okay?� The Japanese youth tried to distract himself, opening the book on his lap and scanning the index.
�Jin Kazama!� Lings eyes went wide. Why didn�t she see it before? Jin never had a girlfriend, never had much of a social life�he refused her advance and he tasted like cigarette smoke. She lowered her voice, fingers coming before her lips. �Your going out with Hwoarang!�
Jins flushed deep red, instantly, closing the book he had opened and coming to a stand, hand rushing into his hair. �I don�t know what your talking about!� He was a horrible liar. �All this because I was surprised at your kiss�I really don�t know why you would think that, I am not�gay.� He began to pace.
Ling rose. �Alright, if your not..you know..gay..then kiss me.�
Jin looked to her with a sigh. �Ling��
The Chinese beauty folded her hands behind her back, leaning in toward Jin. �What�s the matter, afraid? Just do it.�
Jin took a deep breath in, his hand coming to rest on her narrow waist. She was shorter than he and much more fragile in the body than what he was slowly becoming accustomed to. Closing his eyes, Jin leaned down, taking Lings lips in a slow almost sensual kiss. He felt nothing, no spark of excitement, no heat�nothing. She was not his Hwoarang.
Ling leaned back with a smile. �You are sooo dating Hwoarang. Oh my god!� Her voice was a giggle.
Grasping Jins hand, Ling drew him down to the ground, shielded by the fort of leather couch. On her knees, Xiaoyu continued to giggle, watching Jin try to get comfortable, his knees drawing up to his muscular chest. �So, what�s it like�come on, don�t clam up on me. You can trust me�I mean, I am disappointed because I like you�and you don�t like me that way�but I still like you�and I guess I can be like a kid sister or at least a best gal friend!� She could ramble a mile a minute. �Oh my god, Julia is going to freak! She soo has the hots for that Korean boy!� Lings words were perfectly placed. She knew what she was doing.
Jin let his head hit back against the leather couch, his eyes shutting tight. The secret was blown. �No! You cant tell Julia, you cant tell anyone!� He startled with instant alarm.
�Haha, got ya to admit it!� Ling squealed with joy. �Okay, Okay, seriously�I wasn�t going to tell anyone, not even Julia. So, come on, spill the rice! What is he like? God, if I could tell you how many nights Julia and I have stayed awake talking the most dirty talk about him!� Her giggle made Jin laugh, he could not help it. It felt good that someone knew now, it made it feel..real. And Jin knew he could trust Ling, she might have been hyperactive, but she meant well. Not a vicious bone in her body.
�He is�amazing.�
**
The Blood Talon rode around for an hour after dropping Kazama off a half mile from the estate, trying to sort his head, get himself straight before returning to his temporary den. The anger in his gullet from his altercation with Jin remained but was slowly subsiding. He was not sure what had come over him, what had sparked these old feelings and memories. Could it be, he was getting just too close to Jin�
..could it be, the Blood Talon was�.
No. Hwoarang didn�t fall into someone like that. He avoided those kind of emotional attachments. Sure, he cared about Jin, was consumed and obsessed with the Japanese beauty. Yeah, Hwoarang even felt the pang of depression when Kazama wasn�t around, wishing he could do even the most simple things with him. But no, Hwoarang just didn�t fall in love.
If the Blood Talon kept telling himself that enough, he just might believe it.
Hwoarang drew his bike to a stop, locking down the kick stand before his latest digs, a run down little bar in the middle of the East Shinjuku district. What could be better than having a beer and getting off a game of pool? The Blood Talon knew how to answer that question�with luck, his spurs digging into a lures� throat and a wad of cash in his hand.
With coppery mane sliding down along his eyes, Hwoarang grabbed a long neck bottle, throwing some cash to start a tab. With a thick swig, he drew over to the pool table, putting his money down to take the table next. It wasn�t a long wait, just long enough to get himself another beer�and scope out one rowdy, half drunken Japanese male standing with his friends.
The Blood Talon kept a wary eye over his thumb as he lined up his shot. He sank the next in succession for his game of solo 9 ball, watching the way the cue skittered close to the edge before bouncing off the side.
The young Japanese male the Blood Talon had eyed down earlier came up on the pool table, grabbing the cue ball in the middle of its rebound rotation. Could Hwoarang pick �em or what? He could smell trouble like a fly could smell out shit. This one was looking feisty.
�You mind?� Hwoarang said, straightening up, the pool cue pressing into the ground like a cane. Always good to have alittle something extra, just incase the hustle becomes a jump scenario.
�I mind Koreans hanging out here.� The Japanese spit, looking the Blood Talon up and down again, tossing the cue ball up in the air and catching it, sloppily. �Especially Korean fags.�
Hwoarang pursed his lips, eyes narrowing. This wasn�t going to be a hustle, not if this line of speech kept up. �Watch your fucking mouth.�
The Japanese blew a kiss to Hwoarang. The Blood Talon could taste the liquor from where he was standing. A quick glance to the side proved his initial thoughts to be true, two of this guys friends were coming up the side. To his right.
�Seen you around here, motoring with your boyfriend. We don�t take kindly to Korean fags.� The lead on this attack sputtered, a smile gleaming over his features.
�You already said that.� Hwoarang challenged. The rest came in slow motion.
The cue ball was set free from the hand of the lead Japanese. Hwoarang swore he could see the spin of it as he balanced into a left flamingo, the heel of his boot connecting with the whirling cue, kicking it off with an amazingly agile display of reflexes. The two who were flanking from the right had not bothered to turn around at that feat, rushing in as the Blood Talon whirled around in a Hurricane, sending one flying back into the other.
The lead came around the table then, one of the other assailants was up as well and this time Hwoarang heard the crack of beer bottles. Great, drunks and homemade weapons. Just what the Blood Talon needed.
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The Quality of the Sword