The Path of the Dragon - T

[Lei Wulong]

Genre: Crime and Action.

Warnings: Contains a brief depiction of rape and genital mutilation.

Summary: In June 24, 1974, Detective Lei Zhao-Long was tasked with investigating the disappearances of various Mishima family members, with Heihachi Mishima suddenly gaining control of the Mishima Zaibatsu who turned their interests into weapons manufacturing.  Sensing the dark nature of this, Zhao-Long accepts the case with intent to stop Heihachi's reign of terror and to prevent a world war. A prequel to the Tekken RP.

[Lei Wulong]

Prologue

My name is Detective Lei Zhao-Long. I was born November 13, 1938 in the year of the Wood Dog. I am the son of Lei Li-Long, the sole survivor of the Lei Clan thanks to their downfall in the revolution that overthrew the emperors. With no Emperor to serve as we have for centuries, the clan was relegated to move on the outskirts of Nanjing, where we struggled to find our purpose. However, it wasn’t until when the Rape of Nanking had happened, where our entire clan was slaughtered, one by one, by those vile Wokou. My cousin was beheaded before my very eyes, and my aunt raped, while her husband watches. Once those Wokou were done with her, they would stab her in her woman-hood, violating her even more, leaving her to bleed to death. My uncle would later be beheaded, adding to their collection of Chinese people they’ve killed. To add to their casualties, the Wokou slaughtered our war horses and lion-dogs. Of course we didn’t go down without a fight. Though all the men fought their hardest, the sacred imperial swords were of no match for their rifles. My father, realizing this, quickly hid Mother and I on a boat in a pile of corpses, heading down the Yangtze River. Father soon joined us, feigning an injury from the rifles. For two days, we were packed, and crowded on the boat, with no food, water, or sleep. Eventually, we made it to war-torn Shanghai, and began our new life there. I remember it clear as day, the Japanese Emperor had overtaken the city and we had to abide by their laws. Eventually, my father joined the army, and fought for our freedom and eventually we were free. These events shaped me, made me who I am today. It was in that moment I, as a four-year-old boy, was exposed to the injustice of the world at that young age. Not only did my father fight in a World War, but he also fought in a Revolutionary War, helping Chairman Mao get into power. I knew at that point, I was fed up with all of these people dying and all these damn wars, that I joined the police academy at 18. Sadly, my Father passed on before I was officially honored as the People’s Republic of China’s police force. My brother soon followed, who was born two years after the massacre. My sister was married off at the age of 20 to a noble family, which is good for her. My brother, Shui-Long moved to Taiwan but we still keep in touch.

I was set up by the matchmaker when I was ten to marry my current wife, Minghua. She is a rabbit and as I a dog, we were destined for happiness. Once she became of age, we we’re quickly wedded. I was already established in my career at that point and we were financially stable enough for Minghua to be freely able to do her wifely duties. That following year, she bore me my first son, Fulong. He was born a tiger. We primped him and raised him to become the head of our family, only to find out that Fulong has zero interest in avenging his lost ancestors and continue my work. He didn’t feel the need to study Kung Fu or learn how to wield a sword and spear. So Minghua and I got to work trying to conceive another son. We were successful, but my son ended up as a pig instead of a dog. And I named him Wulong. To my surprise, he ended up being what I had hoped for in a son. Though he is four years of age, he has already proved himself to be quite intelligent and physically gifted, just as my ancestors were. He is also a very fast learner to boot. I had already made up my mind. Wulong will be the son who will restore the clan to its former glory. He will be my heir. Once he’s old enough, I will train him, and primp him, and he too, will continue serving justice. He will protect those who can’t protect themselves. He will protect and serve the Chinese until the day he dies, as will his sons and their sons and bring honor to us all. We will now be loyal to the people, instead of being loyal to the emperor. Minghua had said that she wanted us to have two more kids. I don’t think it would be a bad idea. Perhaps have another son and a daughter. We’ll have to see. But for right now, my main priority is to protect and serve. I also need to support my family and teach my two sons to be upstanding citizens.

Another thing about me is that I am a practitioner of my own style of Kung-Fu. I plan on possibly creating my own fighting style and teaching it to Wulong once he comes of age. I took elements of Wushu, Xin Yi Liu He Quan, Tai Chi, and Eagle Style Kung Fu. I created my own powerful fighting style, used to defend myself against criminals. I am also adept at using any weapon. I have participated in some fighting tournaments for the sheer novelty of it, as well as a way to improve my skills so I can get stronger. The journey of Kung Fu is a long and mostly lonely journey, but with my beautiful and supportive wife by my side, I can conquer anything. Of course there is always a chance that my investigations would jeopardize my family. For that reason, I usually keep my family business under wraps, and just to be safe, my wife has agreed out of love and understanding, that if I were to die because the Triads had me silenced, she was going to die as well, and my children would all be sent to an orphanage, under great protection from the orphanage, as well as the Triads not being able to track them down so easily and slaughter them. I know Wulong will be my avenger. He will kill the man who killed me. He must in order to honor me and joins us in the after life and aid his descendants. Fulong can do whatever foolish thing he intends to do. He is not worthy enough to avenge me. Plus, he cannot withstand the burden of taking a life as I can.

This is my true and honest confession. If I am to die soon, I want my sons to recover this tape and listen. They deserve to know who their father is.

Lei wasn’t sure what to say or what to think of this.

“So, this is Father? That’s his voice…” Lei muttered.

Fulong nodded.

The two brothers were both at a table, listening to a cassette tape.

“I… can barely remember…” He close his eyes, remembering his father. “He’s been dead for so long… It’s so surreal.”

“Sorry for not letting you listen to this. I wanted you to forge your own destiny. We should all have the choice to do what we wish. I should have respected your wishes.”

Lei bowed respectfully. “And I understand you were only trying to protect me.”

“Yes. Somebody had to look after you.”

“I unfortunately couldn’t kill the man who killed Father. I let Kazuya have his revenge…” Lei stated. “I’m sure the assassin is dead, too… but I’m not going to bother… Though I am the least bit curious about his life…”

Lei then looked at a picture of the four of them, taken not too long before all hell broke loose. Lei saw it, his father wrapping his arm around his mother. He was held in his mother’s lap, smiling, while Fulong sat in a chair next to their mother, smiling as well. They were a happy family. Very happy indeed. Lei stared at it, just thinking how nobody knew this family was going to be torn apart one day, when the photo was taken.

---

June 5th, 1975…

---

A Chinese man sat at his desk, staring at his family picture that had just been recently taken. He looked back at the photo-shoot and remembered how happy everyone was. His wife looked so beautiful in this photo.

“Detective Lei!”

The Chinese detective spun around in his chair to face the man who called his name.

“Yes, Officer Teng?”

“Chief wishes to see you.”

He stood up and made his way to his superior’s office. His long, brunette locks were pulled back by a long braid, though he had a few fringes framing his face. He was lean and somewhat tall, standing at around 5’11”. His stride showed that he was somewhat tired and lethargic as he struggled with his steps. He was clad in an olive garb uniform that looked very stiff, which is the standard uniform for the Chinese public officer. Today was “uniform day”. Hopefully, going to the chief’s office he can go plainclothes tomorrow. Once in the office, he immediately dropped in his chair without hesitation.

“Zhao-Long, did you get any more leads with the Red Sheep case?”

“No sir, not yet. I am still looking into it. No doubt the gang is behind this, but every time I get a lead, someone goes missing. But all things considered we don’t have evidence to support this, all we have is just conjecture. The only way to do this is if we go undercover in a wire, which is risky. Last time we did this, Officer Liu was executed, with his remains never to be found. And for all we know, he probably didn’t die.”

The chief nodded, stroking his goatee. “Yes, of course. I was thinking of a simpler approach.”

“Which is?” Zhao-Long crossed his arms, leaning a little forward, curious to see how they can shut down the Red Sheep gang.

“What if we… publicly broadcast that there is a witness of the Red Sheep Gang murders, and operations?”

“Go on…”

“So we can lure them out, and get evidence that they murdered the witnesses, and then the Red Sheep gang will be shut down.”

“I can’t be that simple. Wouldn’t they be smart enough and catch our ruse? Honestly, with all due respect, I believe that we have a mole in the precinct. How the hell else do they know about our leads?”

“True. But I think it’s best you go home to your family. I’ll look into finding a mole, you go home.”
Zhao-Long nodded, as he stood up. “Alright. I’ll sleep on it tonight. See you later.”

He gets up, leaves and makes his way back home, changing out of his uniform into something more comfortable. He had to sit on the bench with a few strangers, waiting on the bus to arrive. It was late at night, and that was when all the activities happen. There were scantily-clad women at the end of the street advertising their services, a few men just staggering about down the street, and a group of tough-looking men patrolling the streets. This was the night life of Shanghai. Zhao-Long was too tired to do anything, right now, he had to get home. He catches the bus, taking a seat alone, looking at all the passengers. He saw a homeless man seeking shelter for the night. There were a few scantily-clad women wearing coats. More than likely whores.

Such a shame… they could have found themselves husbands… Zhao-Long thought as he saw the women.

He gets off the bus at his stop and starts heading straight toward his house, which is still several blocks away. He could use the exercise. Just as he could see his house in the clearing, he thought he witnessed someone getting snatched. Without thinking, he quickly picked up a rock on the ground nearby and tossed it at the kidnapper. The kidnapper dropped his victim and the young woman ran free.

“Great. There goes my paycheck. You really shouldn’t have done that.”

“Women aren’t just creatures you can exploit for your own gain.” Zhao-Long picks up another rock, tossing it in the air, catching it as he approaches the man.

“And who the hell do you think you are?”

“Just a concerned citizen is all.”

“Well, not anymore once I’m through with you!”

The thug threw a knife at Zhao-Long, who moved to the side. He walked over to where the knife was thrown and picked it up, angering the thug.

“Is this supposed to scare me?”

“Damn right it is. Now leave, before I slice your face up so badly that your ancestors won’t even recognize you. I’m really not in the mood to show mercy to vermin like you.”

The thug laughed. “You’re bluffing.”

“Do you really want to test me?”

The thug then approached charged at Zhao-Long. The Chinese man quickly threw his rock at his opponent’s shin. He stops in agony, giving Zhao-Long an opening to charge in to kick him in the face. The thug staggered back, as Zhao-Long then twirled the knife a little before tossing it at the thug as it barely graces his face.

“You will pay for that!”

He charges once more throwing a punch, as Zhao-Long then catches it with his wrists, as he leads him to the ground and dislocates his shoulder, and breaks his wrist, rendering his opponent unable to fight.

“Go tell your boss to leave women alone…” He walks away, before the thug rises up once more, charging at Zhao-Long.
Zhao-Long hearing him approach him, let the man run toward him, as he trips him, causing the thug to hit his head on a car, knocking him out instantly.

“Finally shut up.” He said before finally finishing his walk to his house. “This is why I can’t have a daughter…”

Zhao-Long steps in, to see that everyone is asleep. It was a quaint home with 4-bedrooms and two-stories. This was the house he and his siblings all grew up in. He locks the door behind him, as he quietly makes his way up the stairs to go into his bedroom where his wife laid, asleep, under the covers. He quickly stripped of his clothes and changed into his sleeping clothes. He joined his wife under the covers, as the woman rolled over and slowly opened her eyes.

“Zhao-Long?”

“Yes, Minghua?”

“What time is it?”

“It’s 23:14…”

“Mmm… I have to get up in a few hours. Will you be here in the morning?”

“Yes… I will, but I have to go in at 15, though. Still working on that Red Sheep gang.”

“It has been tiring you out…” Minghua sat up. “Don’t work too hard.”

“I’ll try my best.” He kisses his wife quickly on the forehead.

“Maybe tomorrow… you can take Wulong out to the park while I go do some shopping and prepare some delicious meals.”

“Yes. We’ll see.  I do very much like the sound of that.  He needs plenty of fresh air if he is to grow up to be strong... and maybe... you can give me a nice massage... back is sore from sitting at the desk all day."

The woman nodded.  "I suppose it is best that I give you a massage during Wulong's naptime."

"I very much would like that... Goodnight love…” He kisses his wife again before retreating under the covers as his wife soon follows.

[Lei Wulong]

Chapter 1

July 6, 1975…

Zhao-Long was awakened by the alarm that went off at 6. His wife had to get up and cook breakfast and get Fulong ready for school. He leaned over, wrapping his arms around Minghua and he kissed the back of her neck. Minghua giggled a little at the sensation. He then lets go of her.

“I’ll be lying here sleeping in a little more…” He whispered. “So go on and take care of Fulong. Be sure to save Wulong and I some of your delicious cooking as well.”

“I’ll do that for you…” She smiled after getting up.

“Alright. I’m glad we’re all in agreement.” Zhao-Long closed his eyes as he goes back to sleep. “There’s a lot of stuff I need to do for Little Wulong.”

“And don’t forget about Fulong.”

“I won’t. I suppose I can teach the boy English whenever I am off.” Which was the least he could do, considering Fulong has really little to no interest in learning Martial Arts and basic swordplay. Zhao-Long wasn’t entirely sure what to do about Fulong. Wulong is pretty enthusiastic. Hopefully, it remains well into puberty.

Wasn’t Minghua and I supposed to be trying for another child? Well, I want another son, so I need to wait until November before we can give it a go... With that final thought, Zhao-Long went back to sleep.

He was later awoken by Wulong poking his side.

“Father! Father! Father! Wake up!” he shouts.

Zhao-Long groans as he sits up and faces his small son. He scratches his head a little as Wulong sits up on the bed, with his legs outstretched and his hands on his knees.

“Don’t sleep too much. You’re going to miss the day!” He says.

Which was true. Although he works late and gets off late, he couldn’t really spend the entire day sleeping.

“What time is it?”

“It’s 9’O Clock.”

“Oh good. That’s reasonable. Have you eaten yet?”

“No. Mother told me to wake you up.”

“Oh yeah?” Zhao-Long then slides out of the bed as he reaches over to lift Wulong in the air, spinning him around before carrying him down the rest of the way down the stairs. He then places him in a chair in front of his food as Zhao-Long takes a seat in a chair adjacent to his son and the two began eating their breakfast. Minghua had some leftover hot steam buns, and a cup of rice porridge that she had re-heated.

“Zhao-Long, I am going to the market to go and get some food for this afternoon.”

“What are going to get?” he asked.

“I am thinking about preparing some noodle dinner with some roasted ducklings on a stick.”

“That sounds delicious. Too bad I won’t be here to enjoy it.”

“Mother! Can I play with the ducks?” Wulong asked.

“It really isn’t a good idea to play with your food.” Minghua replied. “I don’t need you to get so attached to your food that you won’t eat it.”

“Yes, that is not the best idea.” Wulong said. “But ducks are silly little animals. They walk funny. They make funny sounds.”

If it were up to Zhao-Long, they’d grow all their livestock, but because they have no land, they really can’t grow anything except plans, which Minghua always makes trips to the market to buy meat daily. Fresh live meat. Minghua doesn’t like to cook from dead animals. She prefers to buy them live and butcher them and pluck the feathers and skin the animal, herself. It tastes better that way, and it is cheaper and much fresher.

Wulong then began mimicking a duck.

“Wulong! Where are your manners! You know better not to make noises at the table!” Minghua said this sternly, with her hands on her hips and her rouge lips curled down into a frown.

“Uhhh… yes… Mother!” He stammered before getting back to eating his meal.

As gentle as Minghua is, she is quite fierce when she needs to be, especially when she is butchering the food. I really don’t want to piss her off when she’s in the kitchen! And I’m sure Wulong and Fulong know better as well… Plus, she’s really good at punishing those boys!

“Very smart boy.” Zhao-Long says to Wulong.

“Well, I’m heading out.” She was back to her normal, chipper, sweet self. “I will see you two later.”

After that, Minghua had left the house, headed to the market place down the block, leaving Wulong and Zhao-Long to eat their meal together.

“What are we going to do together?” Wulong asks his dad.

“Well, I think we should go to the park. You have a lot of energy that needs to be let out. Plus, you should work on climbing and jumping. It’s the basics of martial arts training. If you don’t have full control of your body, you won’t be able to learn any of my moves. You must be agile and swift like the monkey.”

“Did you train Elder Brother Fulong like this?”

“Well, he didn’t seem interested in learning.” Which was true.

“How dumb. He’s boring.”

“I wouldn’t say he’s boring. I think he just really doesn’t have it in him. Probably inherited it from his mother. Minghua wasn’t really interested in fighting. Which is just fine. She wouldn’t make a good fighter anyway.”

“Why do you say that? I think Mother can be strong. She’s really scary when she’s mad.”

“Well, it’s something you’ll learn in the future. But women are weaker than men. They cannot hit hard nor is it in their nature to fight. And that’s why you should never hit a girl. It’s an unfair fight.”

Wulong nodded. “I see. So girls aren’t strong.”

“No. They aren’t.”

“So that’s why we have to protect them!”

“Yes, exactly.”

After the two had their breakfast, Zhao-Long and Wulong both got dressed and got ready to head out to the local park. He urged his son to go play on the playground while he sat on the bench, watching him climb on the monkey bars. Zhao-Long was impressed with how quickly he climbs from bar to bar.

“Father, watch this!”

Zhao-Long watched as Wulong climbed on the bars. Once he got to the end, he then swung around like a monkey, and flipped, and landed on top of the bars. He gracefully hops from bar to bar with his feet. Zhao-Long was scared for his son. However, he then saw the little boy wobble. Not wanting him to hurt himself from such a fall, since the playground was on top of concrete pavement, Zhao-Long quickly ran and leaped to catch his son, but realized that he didn’t fall. He was hanging on the bars by his feet.

“See? I’m agile and swift like a monkey.”

“Wulong! Get down there.”

“Sure!”

He then in one swift motion, swung onto another bar, and then managed to get himself down. All the kids clapped their hands, but Zhao-Long wasn’t sure whether or not he should be proud or if he should scold his son. Perhaps he could start his training sooner than expected. Zhao-Long crouched to be at eye-level with his son.

“Was I awesome or what?”

“Wulong… don’t scare me like that again, please…” Zhao-Long held up his index finger.

“I had it all down pat.”

“Listen, you can’t just show-off. It’s too dangerous. You could have seriously gotten hurt.”

“But I_”

“If you’re going to show-off, show-off safely next time.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Good, we're all in agreement. Now, go have some fun, okay?”. He pats his small son on the shoulder.

Wulong nodded and continued to play with the other kids, going up the slide, as well as climbing in the castle. He watched him like a watchful hawk, making sure he didn’t do anything crazy. Unfortunately, Wulong, the rambunctious energetic boy he is, decides to do some dangerous stunt. The small child decides to climb up the slide. Not by using the ladder. He isn’t climbing up from the slide itself. He’s using the pole supporting the tall slide. Zhao-Long is horrified once more, as if Wulong slips and falls, he will definitely seriously injure himself pretty badly. Like broken bones. He quickly runs over and stands under his son.

“Wulong! Stop it! You’re going to fall!”

“Father, I’ve got this! Trust me!”

He watched as the little boy scaled the pole and finally, he reaches and grabs the edge of the platform on the slide. However, his fingers slip and he almost falls from the fourteen feet slide. The kids on the slide were rooting for him.

“Wulong! Stay here!”

The parents then surrounded the slide, asking Zhao-Long what he’s going to do.

“I need you to go and grab a blanket! We can cushion his fall. I’ll stand here.”

The parents nodded, and went to go grab a blanket of sorts, however, Wulong managed to climb up on the slide and held his hands up. He then climbed up the railings.

“Wulong! You don’t have to do this!”

“Father, see, I can balance really well!” Wulong then balances on one leg, lifting the other leg up, folding his knees as he then lifted his arms up mimicking a crane. He then stood on the tip of his toes on the edge of the railing. “Art of the Crane! See! It’s all about balance!”

“Okay, Wulong, get down. Safely. And slide!”

Unfortunately, Wulong was going to switch legs, but he slipped and fell toward the ground, falling nearly 5 meters (20 feet) straight to the hard-concrete ground. He screamed as Zhao-Long reached out, and caught the boy, falling over from the impact and making a harsh landing. Zhao-Long got up, holding his son as he sets him on his two feet.

“Wulong, let’s go home.”

“But Father…”

“I told you not to do that again! You could have died!”

“Yes, Father…”

“We’re going home… Your mother would want to hear about this.”

“No, no, no, please don’t tell Mother!”

Zhao-Long then drags his son home, walking him back to their place. Upon returning home, the phone was ringing. Zhao-Long quickly answers it, as Wulong stood there, staring at him.

“Hello?”

“Lei, listen to me. I’m taking you off the Red Sheep case.”

“What? Why? But I was_”

“Only temporarily, because I have another assignment for you, this time it is something bigger.”

“Alright… what is it?”

“You’ll need to come here immediately.”

Zhao-Long looked at his son. “My wife is not at home. And I cannot leave my son here unattended.”

“Then bring the boy. I only need to see you for a moment.”

“Okay, that sounds like a plan…”

“Also…the police found a key member of the Red Sheep gang last night, unconscious with a dislocated shoulder and a broken wrist found just a few blocks from your home. Do you know anything about that?”

“Yes… but it was self-defense. He was kidnapping a woman.”

“LEI ZHAO-LONG! What have I told you about beating up people off the clock?”

“Look, it was self-defense. Okay. If I wasn’t there, that woman would have been a slave! I know what those sickos will do!” His blood was boiling. “They’re just like the Woku! They’ll take the woman, pump her up full of drugs to get her hooked. Then they force her to do sexual acts in return of drugs… and then eventually she dies of drug over dose. I did that woman a favor! Actually, the Woku were nicer! At least they kill the women and put them out of their misery once they’re through having their fun gangbanging and raping those girls!”

Thankfully, Wulong wasn’t listening as he had gone to his room to play with his toys.

“We’ll have this conversation later, but right now, I need you in my office.”

“Okay, I’ll be on my way then.”. Zhao-Long hangs up right then.

“Wulong! Son! Where are you?”

Zhao-Long then found his son playing with his dinosaurs. He watched him for a minute, just watching his son’s imagination go wild. He’s so innocent and so happy. He couldn’t believe that at his age, he witnessed his entire family be slaughtered and raped by the Woku in front of his very eyes. He hoped his son wouldn’t witness anything so vile ever in his lifetime.

“Alright Wulong, we need to go.”

“I thought we were going to wait until Mother gets back?” He gets up as he puts his toys away.

“Change of plans. The chief wants me to go see him. So you’ll be hanging out at the station for a little bit.”

“Cool!” He then grabs his little bag and puts his dinosaurs in the bag. “Will I get to ride in the cars?”

“Yes. You will, actually.”

“Yay! I’ve never rode in a car before! It will be so cool!”

Which was true, people cannot afford to have their own private car. Only the extremely wealthy or government officials could own their own private car. So the mode of transportation in an urban city such as Shanghai would be a bus, which is what Zhao-Long plans to take. And also a bicycle, which Minghua and Fulong both took.

He then picks up his son and puts him on his shoulders as he heads off to the station. Once at the station, Zhao-Long left his son in the lobby to sit as he played with his toys. He makes his way into the office.

“Alright, sir… what is it?”

The chief hands Zhao-Long a file. He looks through and sees Heihachi Mishima. A man he knows all too well.

“So… this is an international case here…”

“Yes, Interpol asked that you be on the case. Heihachi’s wife, Kazumi suddenly went missing. As well as their son, Kazuya, and Jinpachi Mishima, his father. Sources say that there is foul play involved. Considering that up until recently, the Mishima Zaibatsu was just a Martial Arts conglomerate that teaches people Karate and sponsors various tournaments. After his ascension to power, it now became a military-based power.”

“Of course, typical Woku.” Zhao-Long commented.

“So, I need you to head to Japan.”

“Right now?”

“No, but you will leave tomorrow. I think it is best that you spend the rest of the day with your family.”

“I’m gonna go take my son back home.”

“We can escort you two home.”

“Alright then!”

Once the two got home, Minghua finally arrived with a cage full of ducklings. She puts the cage in the kitchen, letting out a sigh of relief before Zhao-Long begins to massage her shoulders.

“Rough day, huh?” He asked.

“Yes… there was only so much stuff I can carry on my bike… I am lucky I managed to get the ducklings…”

Zhao-Long kisses the side of her neck. “Maybe next time you make a trip to the market, I can come along and help you.”

“That would be great.”

“I also have to tell you something. You might want to sit on the couch for this.”

“Okay.”

Minghua allowed herself to be lead to the couch, as Zhao-Long continued to massage her shoulders. She really needed that. She felt sore after carrying a cage full of live ducks. She never thought carrying a lot of baby animals would be such a strain.

“Well, first, Wulong misbehaved at the park today, so I need you to discipline him, okay?”

“Okay. So what exactly did he do?”

“Basically, after telling him not to stand on the railings and balancing, and nearly almost dying because of it, he did it anyway.” Zhao-Long moved his hands to Minghua's back. “I know he wants to learn Martial Arts. I know he wants to show me that he is ready, but he needs to be a little bit older. The boy just turned four.”

“I see. So he’s basically being reckless and trying to show-off. He gets that from you ya’ know.”

“I know. He does. Thankfully I grew out of it.”

“Reminds me of when our parents arranged our marriage and you thought that in order to prove your worth to my Father, you decided to wrestle with a hog. You could have died from that.”

“I really wanted your Father to like me.”

“I suppose I can do something creative with him. Teach him an important lesson.”

“Also, I’m going to Japan for my next case tomorrow.”

“I see. So you’re going to travel to the land of the Woku.”,

“Yes. I am. This Woku, Heihachi Mishima, is the de facto CEO and boss of the Mishima Zaibatsu. They manufacture and create weapons. We believe that he killed his entire family to control the Mishima Zaibatsu and take over the world. His father disappeared, and he became the CEO. His wife disappeared, and so did his son. Everyone says it is a tragedy, but I know… this isn’t no tragedy. We might have another Nanjing Massacre on our hands.” Zhao-Long moved to her lower-back.

“Are you sure it isn’t some unfortunate incident that forced his hand?”

“It could be the case, but no matter who is involved, I will stop them and bring them to justice… for my family…”

Minghua nodded. “Yes. For your family. Go then, travel to the land of the Woku and stop this man.”

“I should go call Shui-Long, and I will also go call Master Wang. He’s got close connections to the Mishima Zaibatsu, as well as the Mishima family, and my father…” He hung his head down.

I know he has been dead for well over 15 years… the tragedy still hurts me as though it had just happened. He passed on so suddenly, so quickly… due to the stress of fighting in four wars, and witnessing such horrific events done by the hands of the Woku… Father… I will stop this Woku… and I will do it in your name…

“I see. But whatever you find… may you put an end to it.”

Zhao-Long nodded. He pulls his wife close to him in order to set her in his lap and kisses her on the top of her head, as he holds her tightly. “Wulong is sleeping. Right now would be a good time for a massage.”

Minghua smiled as she closed her eyes. “It is a very good time for one, indeed.”

In a few hours later, Fulong returned from junior school. He walked in through the door to find his mother drowning the little ducklings she bought. Zhao-Long was on the sofa doing some reading on Heihachi Mishima and his current case.

“Good afternoon son.”. Zhao-Long says to his son.

“Hello, Father.” Fulong takes a seat on the sofa next to his dad.

“How was school today?”

“It was fine.”

“Good. How are the entrance exams going?”

“I feel pretty confident that I will get into a good school...”

“That’s good. I’m proud of you.”

“So, I see you’re working on that case about Heihachi Mishima.”. Fulong had glanced over at his father's files.

“Hm. Yes. You know what happened to his family?”

Fulong nodded. “It was very tragic indeed. Nice to see that you are investigating this.”

“Yes. That means I won’t be here in China. I have to travel again. I will be in Japan.”

“Find the guy who ruined his family.” Fulong said. “Kick his butt for me.”

“I intend to.”

“Any luck with that other big case you were on?”

“Not much. But we did arrest a key member. Hopefully he will confess and we can start making arrests.”

“That’s awesome. Hey Father… I need some advice…”

“What’s up?”

“So… there’s this girl… I like. And I don’t know what to do. Like she’s really beautiful… and I want to marry her.”

“Why not talk to her?”

“Well, I mean… I don’t want to ruin anything…”

“What’s her name?”

“Tsao Ying Xiao.”

“Hmm… I haven’t heard about the Tsao family. I’m sure they’re good people.”

“I think she’s nice…”

“Like I said, I suggest you go talk to her. Introduce yourself. How are you going to marry her if you can’t even hold a conversation with her. I mean if your mother and I never met, I don’t think we’d be as happy as we are right now.”

“Weren’t the two of you arranged to get married?”

“Yes… Our fathers both fought in the wars and were good friends. My Father and the matchmaker felt that your mother and I should wed. But we got to know each other. It wasn’t like we were getting married and never knew each other. But yes… just be yourself. Talk about what you guys watch.”

Fulong nodded. “I will try to talk to her…”

“Let me know how it goes.”

“I will. I’m going to go study for my entrance exams.”

“Okay. Don’t study too hard.”

Fulong gets up and makes his way to his bedroom in order to study for school, leaving Zhao-Long to once more read through his files. Heihachi had mentioned that Kazumi was reported to have been ill, but then eventually disappeared, with Heihachi unsure of what had happened to her. Zhao-Long couldn’t believe that the Wokou didn’t think maybe… he murdered his wife. Otherwise, he would have admitted she died. But people would find her body and be able to determine that he murdered her.

He also looked and noted that not too long after Kazumi “disappeared” so did Jinpachi. Heihachi had said that this was a family tragedy. Not only did he lose his wife, but also his father. And he claims that the company’s decision to move to weapon development is to provide protection to people, and stop those who took his family away. Again, Zhao-Long didn’t buy any of his bullshit. After all, there were a lot of people who wanted the Zaibatsu to go into weapon production, and one who opposes is Jinpachi Mishima. Who went “missing.” Zhao-Long suspects foul play.

He then looked at the last report, Kazuya Mishima. Their only child. He apparently fell off a cliff due to an accident in training. The police went searching down the ravine and couldn’t find his body. And the boy went missing just after his own grandfather. Zhao-Long again suspects foul play. He didn’t question a man murdering his own son in cold blood. He’s a Woku. They have no souls. They will kill their own child for the sake of world domination. It’s very likely that possibly Kazuya was going to tell everyone about his mother’s death, but Heihachi didn’t want to get arrested, so he silenced his son.

Without evidence of such a thing, nobody could press charges or arrest Heihachi. However, he couldn’t do this alone. And this is going to be a dangerous case. He had to go get his brother. Zhao-Long closed the files and stood up as he went to the phone, dialing his brother’s number.

“Hello?”

“Zhao-Long!”

“Listen, Shui-Long! I’ve got this big case I’m working on. I think you and I should work on it together.”

“And… how big are we talking?”

“Like really big. We’ve got a scandal on our hands. Did you hear about what happened to the Mishima family?”

“Yes. It was a very tragic thing.”

“Do you find anything suspicious about the whole thing? Like do you find it to be something much bigger?”

“I’ve never really looked into it, but now that you’ve mentioned it, yes. But I figured this was Japan’s problem. What would they want with us Chinese people?”

“I’m one of the best detectives in the world. The Woku obviously know something is up… so that’s why they’ve sent me to investigate.” Zhao-Long covered his nose a little as he could smell the guts that was being pulled out of the ducklings as Minghua had been preparing the meal. It wasn’t a pleasant smell. Plus, the only phone that the family had is on the wall in the kitchen. The phone itself was a rotary-dial, and one could only stand only a meter and a half away, as the cord was of a short range. He found that if Wulong wanted to talk on the phone, he’d have to lift the boy up in the air, as the range was too short to reach his small son.

“I will have to think about it. Call my superior. I’ll give you his number.”

“I feel like if we both put our minds to work, we can unravel this mystery.”

“Yes. And I’m sure Father would have wanted us to look into his friend’s murder.”

Which was true. Apparently, their father was friends with a Woku. Zhao-Long could never understand it, but he trusted his father’s judgement. “And I’m sure Master Wang has some more information at his disposal.”

“Yes. I think I’m just going to say. I’m in. Again call my superior… and I suppose I’ll meet you in Shanghai?”

“No, meet me in Tokyo. I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“Anyway. I will see you there.”

Zhao-Long got his brother’s number and then called up his superior requesting that his brother be put on the case. He then hangs up and attempted to call Wang, but he never picked up. He’ll try again later.

It was now dinner time for the family. Minghua had got most of the food laid out in the middle of the table, including the eggplants and the ducklings on a stick. However, she had to carry a huge pot and placed it in the middle of the table, that contained noodles. Minghua took it upon herself to prepare a plate for little Wulong, as he couldn’t quite reach that far yet. Zhao-Long and Fulong both got themselves some food.

“So, Father are you going away again?” Wulong asked.

“Yes. I am. I leave tomorrow. But I will be back.”

“Please be back!”

“Don’t worry Little Wulong. Father does this all the time. He will be back.” Fulong butted in. “I can take you to the playground after school tomorrow.”

Zhao-Long was glad his two sons have a positive relationship.

“That sounds great!”

“You should invite Ying Xiao to come with you, too.” Zhao-Long winked.

“Why would I? I am just taking my baby brother out on the playground.”

“Because I am sure that Ying Xiao would like a boy who is strong and looks after his little brother. Girls like guys who look after family.”

“Oohh…”

Minghua nodded and smiled. “Your Father is right. Her parents will like you, too.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“When her parents like her, they will push for marriage.”

“Oh I get it.”

Wulong really looked like he was offended. “Great, so now I am just being used to meet a girl! Gross!”

“SHH! Wulong, it is very important that you behave yourself in front of your brother. He may be the head of the house one day.”

Wulong crossed his arms. “No!”

“Do you really want me to tear up your behind again? Do you really want that?” Minghua asked.

Wulong shook his head. “Uhh… No ma'am.”

“Then it is best that you cooperate with your brother.”

“But why?”

“So he can get married of course!”

“But why would he get married? Girls are crazy.”

“This is something beyond your understanding. You'll understand in seven years.” Zhao-Long says to his son.

“Seven years! But that’s a long time!” Wulong shouted.

“That’s almost exactly one half of my age. Do you think I'm old? Is mother and father old to you?” Fulong shouted back.

“No…”

“Seven years isn’t too far.”

“It is if it took forever to be four!”

“Wulong, Fulong, you two, stop shouting across the table!”. Minghua finally said.

“Yes, Mother.” The two boys both say in unison.

“But I still don’t want Elder Brother Fulong to be nice to me just for a crazy and weird girl.”

“Honey, we all do things that people don’t want to do. It’s a part of life. It’s best that you cooperate or else your ancestors will curse you for eternity.”

“What kind of curse?”

“You’ll go bald before you hit 20!”

“I don’t want to go bald! I love my hair!”

“Then be a good boy and be nice to your brother.

“Yes, Mother.”

After dinner, Fulong went to do some more studying as Wulong played with his toys some more, leaving Zhao-Long to try and get in touch with Wang. Once again, the task was fruitless. Wanting to wind down a bit, he listened to one of his favorite radio shows, since television is expensive and only rich people could afford a TV, but the common man can afford a radio set. It was a mystery show about solving crime. Of course, even off the clock Zhao-Long is doing police work. Well, for a fictional radio show, rather. This was usually his routine on his off-days or early days. He’ll eat dinner and listen to the radio. After the show was over, he went to go check on Wulong, to find the small child asleep on the floor, next to his toys. He walks around him, and pulls his covers back. He carefully lifts the small child and places him in the bed. He then pulls it over his chest, watching as the small boy curled up in a ball. He takes a seat next to him on the bed.

“Wulong. I want you to be a good boy while I’m away. Listen to your mother and your brother. If I don’t make it back, understand that your mother and I love you and we will continue to look after you in the afterlife.”

He then gets up and leaves his son’s bedroom, making his way over to Fulong who had been getting ready for bed.

“Son, I’ll have you know… I might not make it out of here alive.”

“Are you serious? You said this the last four times you went to another country.”

“Yes. There’s always a risk. That’s part of the job. I want you to have a happy memory of me.”

“Yes, Father. I understand.” He smiled.

“Promise me this. Look after Wulong for me.”

“I will. I’ll take good care of him.” He nods as he bows.

“Good. I’m counting on you. Take care, ace the exam, and get into a good school. And most importantly, be good to Ying Xing. And marry that girl.”

“Yes, Father. I will.”

“Have a good night son. And remember to carry out my will.” Zhao-Long hugged his son and turned around, turning off the lights as he closed the door.

He checks on his wife, who had finished washing the dishes.

“You do know that if I don’t ever come back alive… you are to follow me, as well.”

She nodded. “Anything to protect those boys. And the clan.”