She kissed him back. When he first placed
his lips on hers he made no attempt to seek entrance, yet the second time
around, both lost all train of thought. Hwoarang began to stand, hoping to get
better contact with her. He held her tightly, refusing to let go. His arms
encircled her waist, a ring of protection around the woman he knew he would
never let go. Naya had her arms around his neck, gently massaging his throat.
She had gotten her fist kiss at thirteen, yet it was only a peck. However, the
kiss she received now was not a boy’s kiss, but a man’s.
Naya
began to shake. She thought of stopping. However, her body did not want to. She
felt safe and wanted. For the first time in her life she felt cared for and sad
to say it came from a guy who hardly knew her. That concept made her stop. When
she let go she stared into his eyes, a look of concern resting on her face.
Hwoarang
frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Why
did you kiss me?”
“Why
did you kiss me back,” he contradicted.
Naya
became silent. She knew the answer. He kissed her for the same reason why she
kissed him. Because I wanted to…
She
closed her eyes, absorbing his warmth. If only she could spend eternity in his
arms. Unbelievable as it sounded, she felt they belonged together. It’s too
soon to tell, this could only be a fling. Then again, how could she know it
was one, she never experienced a fling before.
She
responded to his embrace by clutching him harder. She rested her head on the
crook of his shoulder while he leaned his head on top of hers. He had never felt
so right. For the past two days he wondered how it would be to hold her, even
kiss her. He was afraid she would reject him, expose himself as a fool for
thinking they were right for one another. Then something occurred to him. Why
had she come to him in the first place? How come she stayed with him now? It
was pretty obvious that Fate deemed them worthy of each other.
Now
he thought of the possibility of losing her. When offered the chance she would
take him and leave him behind. Hwoarang knew he would find no other girl like
her for ages. Naya was not at all like the other girls. He would hate to let her
go. He couldn’t even bear to free himself from their embrace. Suddenly, he
gathered the courage to ask her something.
“Naya…stay
with me tonight…”
She
moved back to look at him, a question lingering in her eyes. He knew what she
meant by that look.
“I
don’t mean that we-…what I’m asking is if you will sleep by my
side. I had no intention of making love to you, at least not yet.”
She
blushed. “Too soon,” she proclaimed, responding to his remark on sex.
He
understood her. “Yeah, too soon. I’ll wait, whenever you’re ready, but
from experience, I’d rather get to know you and then we’ll see.”
She
liked his answer, which of course made her smile. On the other hand, Hwoarang
turned serious.
“Please,”
he asked. “I don’t want to sleep alone.”
His
eyes did it all. She could not refuse. Slowly, Naya nodded her head, and a small
smile spread across his face. He gently took her hand and led her up the stairs
to his room. They prepared for bed, performing their usual routine: getting
dressed, brushing teeth.
Naya
felt her heart crawl up her throat when she saw him getting into bed without a
shirt on. In that moment, Hwoarang extended a hand to her and she received it.
She slid into bed, wearing his button up shirt as a nightgown. The garment
reached to mid-thigh, showing a decent amount of skin.
When
she got in there with him he held her and then kissed her again. Hwoarang
wrestled with temptation, inhibiting the urge to just do her there. Yet, before
anything he respected her, and the last thing he wanted was to frighten her.
That
night he would not release her. Naya slept trapped in his arms, but she did not
care. She felt safe and wanted. Though, it took her a while to get over the fact
that she was cocooned in a man’s arms. Wasn’t this against the law? She was
a minor after all, but then again they weren’t doing anything. She tossed the
matter aside and closed her eyes. Revel the moment…and then she fell
asleep.
|
| |
Naya
slept like a baby, not once stirring in the night. Hwoarang was all she needed to
get a good night sleep. When she awoke she found him smiling down at her.
“This
is the first time I’ve actually wanted to wake up in the morning,” he
replied.
Naya
blushed then pecked him on the cheek, which in turn made him blush. Naya laughed
when she caught sight of his cheek discoloration. Hwoarang did not like to be
embarrassed. However, he repaid the matter by throwing the sheet over her head
and started tickling her.
Naya
laughed until tears rained out of her eyes. Her laughter filled the room, which
was sweet nectar to his ears. Hwoarang would have continued to tease her if she
did not ask for him to stop. When he did, Naya had a difficult time finding her
way out of the sheets. When she removed them from above her head, her hair
covered most of her face, making her appear like an animal. Hwoarang started
laughing when he saw her this way. Naya smirked and retaliated against him by
hitting with a pillow.
Hwoarang
fell of the bed.
“Come
here!”
“Hell
no,” but she could not stop laughing.
He
caught her by the waist and smothered her with a kiss. When he let go (which was
after a pretty long time ^_^) he went to the bathroom to get ready for work.
Naya did the same and then made the bed.
After
breakfast they departed after making an agreement to meet up for dinner at a
restaurant later on. On top of other things, Naya had a pretty good day. School
went by fast and she was relieved when the bell signaled the end of the day.
Each student left, saying good-bye to her before walking out the door.
However, one student remained behind.
“Yes,
Xiaoyu, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Are
you busy this afternoon, Miss Yamato?”
“Well…is
there anything you wanted to ask me about?”
“My
grandfather and I wanted to invite you over for dinner. I’m afraid it’s
rather urgent. You see, he is skilled in the ancient arts and has the power to
see into the past. He knows something about you that can unlock the mystery of
your past. I strongly urge you come and see him, Miss Yamato, please.”
Naya
did not know what to say. When she did not reply, Xiaoyu’s plea became more
urgent. “It is a matter of life and death.”
What
about Hwoarang? “Uh…Xiaoyu…I have plans this evening, but perhaps
tomorrow? I promise to set aside some time for your grandfather and you. Today
is just not a good day.”
Xiaoyu
smiled. “Sure, that would be good. My grandfather was hoping that it would be
today, but I’m sure he would be just as pleased to meet with you tomorrow.”
Naya
smiled. “I am excited to meet him. He sounds…extraordinary.”
“He’s
more than that…” And with that Xiaoyu departed. When she got home that
afternoon, Wang awaited her at the front stoop of their home.
“How
was your day, granddaughter?”
“Well.”
“Did
you ask your teacher?”
“I
did, but she said she had plans. However, she has promised to come by tomorrow.
Is that okay?”
Wang
frightened her when he drooped his head. “Grandfather, what’s wrong?!”
Wang
sighed, and then replied, “I was hoping that she could come today…I was praying
that she would come!”
“Well…she
said tomorrow.”
“I
guess tomorrow is better than never…yet I can’t still get over the feeling
that she might live to regret it.”
|
| |
The
old man’s predictions were right. That evening, Hwoarang and Naya enjoyed a
romantic dinner and did not get home until late. They had a difficult time
bypassing the press, yet their presence failed to ruin the evening.
Later
on that night, they shared a bottle of champagne while they gazed into the fire,
wrapped in each other’s arms. The silence was enough for them to know that for
now the world was safe…only when they were together. The best part of the
evening though was when they would engage into a conversation. One learned more
about the other, and as they began know each other better, their feelings grew.
Hwoarang was captivated by the way Naya spoke. Her words were a phonetic healing
to every pain in his life. Her smile was a pleasing sight for sore eyes, and her
laughter like honey to his heart.
He
felt empathy when he heard her speak of her childhood and felt regret for not
having found her sooner. If he were involved in her life two years ago he would
have stopped her from dancing. Still, he admired her courage.
He
spoke softly when she finished her story. “I wish I was there at that point in
your life. I would have done everything to protect you.”
She
smiled, but looked away, uncertain whether to believe him. She had a reason for
that, for her past was filled with empty promises.
He
took hold of her hands. “Look at me.”
She
did.
“I
vow to honor my word.” He pulled her in his arms, running a hand through her
hair. “I care about you,” he lovingly whispered.
He then cupped her cheeks and brought his face forward, sealing his
promise.
That night they lay together, resting peacefully. Like the night before,
Hwoarang was tempted, only this time it was stronger. He wished that she would
do him the honor of being her first because the thought of another man touching
her irked him.
Morning came and the two agreed to meet each other later on. Naya was the
first to leave his house. Hwoarang lend his car to her during the day so she
could drive to work. However, Naya left early that day and she did not tell him
why for he would forbid her from going.
Naya made the twenty-minute journey back to her old apartment. She needed
clothes and her current supply was running out. She could no longer play off any
more outfits; she even hated the fact of borrowing Hwoarang’s clothes. When
she got there she went through the back entrance, trying to avoid a scene. She
had to climb the four flights of stairs to get to her room. The staircase was
located conveniently in front of her apartment. When she got there, the room was
still taped with police markings and the door left open. She found the apartment
the same way as the day she left it. Bastards, how long is it going to take
them to investigate?
She slipped through the door and cautiously entered the ravaged
apartment. Naya quickly made her way to her bedroom and got out a backpack and
started filing it with her clothing. She got enough to last her another week.
Quickly as she came in, she went out.
Naya ran down the stairs. While in the apartment she had an unsettling
feeling. She felt like she was being followed. No matter what she did, she had
to do it quickly before whoever got to her. To her relief, she was now in the car and
ready to go to school. Naya let out a sigh of relief and sped all the way.
The school day passed as expected and by the end of the day Xiaoyu was
there to remind Naya about coming over.
“I promise,” she said, and waved Xiaoyu good-bye.
Since the students were let out an hour early, Naya decided to go to the
house and change. She planned on meeting Hwoarang not too long from now and she
wanted to look presentable.
She sped on her way home, eager to see him again. She rounded another
corner and then checked the rear view mirror to check for any police. No one,
just a black car driving at a respectable distance. Soon she entered the
driveway, but she frowned when the black car behind her passed by. As far as she
knew, Hwoarang’s house was the only one located on the back road.
It took her a couple of minutes to park the car. She then got out and
grabbed her things. Once the garage door closed, Naya entered the
house and started walking up the stairs. When she finally gazed down at the
lower level she froze. The back door was open. Hwoarang had no key for the lock,
and the only way it could be unlocked was through the inside. Shit.
She walked over to the open door, keeping a cautious eye. As she walked
to the door she felt a movement go past her. Naya turned and came face to face
with Bryan.
“Hi sweet, happy to see me again?”
She could not say another word for someone came behind her and hit her
senseless.
|
| |
He left as early as possible. His excitement increased as he drew closer
to home. In a small compartment of his bike he stored a small flower. He happen
to pass by the flower shop and at the same moment thought of Naya. He purchased
a small white rose, knowing it was her favorite.
When he entered the driveway he did not even park his bike in the garage.
Instead, he let it fall to the ground as he quickly walked over to the door. He
rang the doorbell ceaselessly, knowing she would be home by now. After a small
while the door opened. His mouth dropped.
“Anna!”
“Hello Hwoarang, it’s been a long time.”
He did not know what to say. He had not seen her for so long, he wasn’t
even sure if she actually stood there. “How-how did you get into my house,”
he choked out.
“Broke in,” she replied honestly.
“Why,” he asked, frowning.
“Because I wanted to see you…”
Hwoarang paused. She stroked a couple of strings in his heart. Did he
still love her? He did not know what to say. “Why do you want to see me,” he
questioned.
“Because I still love you.” Her reply was simple and sweet.
“…”
“I know I hurt you in the past, but I was too focused on claiming
revenge on my sister. I realized that I sacrificed the one thing I loved dearly
for something as meaningless as revenge. I am sorry for the choices I’ve
made, and your reasons for entering the tournament were more honorable then
mine. You’re everything to me and I without you I am nothing. Will you forgive
me?”
“…I have forgotten that you even loved me. It took me so long to get
over you.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and she ran to him, claiming him in her arms.
The impact of her hug made Hwoarang jerk, and the rose he held in his hand
fell, along with the intention of giving it to Naya.
Anna saw it fall from over his shoulder. A small smile spread across her
red lips. She closed her eyes and said, “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me! I
thought of you everyday. I wanted you near. My desire to touch you burned inside
of me to the point where I nearly went mad. I was selfish…but I think that
Fate has given me a second chance. Please, Hwoarang…”
She gazed up at him, tears in her eyes. Hwoarang remembered that being
his weakness. He was touched by her words and astonished by her behavior. He
peered into her eyes. Slowly a hand came to rest on her cheek.
“I forgive you,” he whispered.
She smiled and leaned forward and waited.
…..nothing. When she opened her eyes, Hwoarang was still looking at her
only this time he was filled with rage.
“What’s wrong,” she asked meekly.
“Get off of me, Bitch.”
“Wha-“
“You think you can play me? Where is Naya? What have you done with
her?”
Her face turned dark, transforming her features into something hideous.
“Why her? What has she done to you?!”
“Tell me where she is,” he gritted savagely. When Anna did not reply,
he cornered her into the house. Anna fell on the couch and landed there.
Hwoarang stood over her, waiting for an answer. When she offered none, he
started going upstairs.
“Don’t tell me you’re falling in love with that slut!” Anna
shouted. “What does she have that I couldn’t offer?”
Hwoarang turned to face her from atop the stairs. “Morality,” he
replied and continued his ascend. His heart nearly stop beating when he opened
his bedroom door. She was not in there as he hoped. The only person who would
know about her whereabouts was the same person who was responsible for her
disappearance.
“Where is she,” he growled when he came downstairs.
“What are you going to do about it, save her?”
“Yes,” he replied curtly.
“Why would you,” Anna inquired with disgust.
“Because…because…” he thought, trying to translate his want into
words, and then he replied an answer that would shatter Anna’s heart,
“Because I need her.”
Anna slapped him across the face. Hwoarang’s head flew back, his hair
splashing across his face. His mouth started bleeding.
“Why did you do that,” he yelled.
“Reality slap.”
“For what?!”
“You were stupid for falling for her. There was one thing you never
understood, Hwoarang, and that is your curse of never having true happiness.
Hell, there’s nothing you can do about it now; you’re too late. She should
be dead by now.”
|
| |
Bryan shoved her to her knees, making her kneel before a powerful, aged
man. She had heard of him and knew to fear him. Heichachi Mishima.
“This is the girl,” Bryan said proudly to his master.
Heihachi glared at her, not saying a word. He dismissed Bryan with his
hand. Bryan left, leaving both captive and captor alone.
His presence intimidated her. Naya forgot the discipline she instilled
when confronted by an extremely powerful enemy. She kept her head bent low,
avoiding his ardent stare.
His gaze pierced through her back. Naya could feel the man searching her,
cringing at her despicable presence.
“At last,” he breathed. Heichaci approached a step and lifted her
head by her hair. “I have been waiting to get my hands on you…” he gripped
her hair even harder.
Naya bit back a scream. The pain engraved on her face made Heihachi
smirk. “Those two did a good job finding you, I was about to lose my patience.
For generations my family has been plagued by an evil presence. I lost my son to
it and I had to kill him in order to dispose of the evil being. Years later, I
discover my grandson and agree to train him, hoping to reinstall the Mishima
line, but like his father, he allowed himself to be swallowed by that evil
being…the one they call the Unknown! It took me years to track her down, so
that I could finally ward off her evil control and kill her for good, but…the
evil doesn’t stop there, no it doesn’t…” he shook her head.
Naya yelped. She closed her eyes, barricading her tears.
“I have heard the Unknown has had a child, an evil spawn conceived from
her cursed flesh…a life sprung from my own seed! I should have known that
whore would use me to get you! But she will pay for tricking me into her
bed…that bitch will pay!”
Naya opened her eyes, astonished beyond belief. Was this man telling the
truth? Him…he…Heihachi Mishima is my…father!
Heihachi jerked her head. Naya could no longer sustain the pain. She
briefly cried out, her voice gone broke, forcing the tears to now cascade down
her cheeks.
“I have no compassion for you…I will kill you like I did my son! I
did it once and now I shall do it again! Some say you are naïve and vulnerable
to evil, but you must be kept alive. Bull shit! I don’t give about the
legends. You’re better off dead!”
And with that he would not spare her any words. Heihachi grabbed Naya’s
head and began to compress it. His intention was to crush her skull, and put her
out of her misery. Naya could not stand the pain. She tried to break free from
his strong grip. She screamed as the pain became intense.
Soon she would be dead.
Suddenly, the room was filled with a bright light. It came from under
hand that threatened to crush Naya’s skull. Heihachi started to
scream and released Naya’s head. He held up his arms to shield his eyes,
trying to ward off the evil light. Somehow it frightened him and being a huge man, he
now coward like a child. He backed into a corner, the ball of yellow light
following him. The light slowed its approach and soon it exploded. Heihachi
yelled then fell unconscious.
Naya froze. She didn't know what happened, but despite her confusion her
mind told her to get up and get out. She started running through the halls of
the unknown fortress. Her breathing came out in a rushed pace, her heart ready
to explode. Her fear allowed her to run faster than she ever had in her life.
When she rounded a corner a couple of guards saw her and started to make chase.
No matter how desperate the situation, Naya would not allow them to catch her.
She bolted through an open door and started running down the stairs. She ran to
the bottom floor and went through the door at the bottom of the stairs. Her
first instinct told her to go left, but from out of nowhere a voice called out
to her…beckoned to her.
Naya…Naya.
She had no time to object. She
followed the voice, praying that it would lead her to Hwoarang. If only he
were here.
She followed the voice, trailing
it through hallways and corridors. She could tell that she was in the basement
of a corporate building judging by the gas tanks and pipelines.
She heard the voice call out to her again, only this time it grew closer.
Now it was all around her…repeating her name endlessly.
Naya…Naya…
Naya
thought she would grow crazy.
She backed into a dark corner, trying to hide from the invisible
phantoms, until suddenly the phantom exposed himself. Naya bumped into him and
then turned around.
Out of the shadows a tall, built figure appeared. His hair stood up,
nearly making him look sinister. He had a red mark in between his eyes, an
inscription of evil.
“Who-who are you?”
His reply was terse. “I’ve been waiting for you, Naya Mishima.”
“How did you know my name? Who are you? Damn it, answer me!”
“I am you’re lover’s rival…Jin Kazama.”