Chapter Eight-Road Trip Part 111 Talons vs Fantasy.

In the hotel room, Jin and Steve, were discussing about the fight that happened two days ago between Jin and Hwoarang. The day after the incident, the news about the fight was talked about around the league. This left a black eye on the Talons roster and even Lee, the general manager of the Talons, was so disgusted by it that he threaten to fire Kazyua if he doesn't get the team organize by the their next game. They're really going to need it when they face the best team in the league as of right now, the Final Fantasy.

Steve lied on the bed, facing the ceiling while throwing the basketball up and catching it. “Its like I told you before Jin, you need to go and talk to Hwoarang. Just go and apologize to him.”

“Why should I go and apologize to him? He started the whole fiasco,” Jin said, walking back and forth in the room.

“Yeah, but you touch him first. Well, I should say you punched him instead.”

“Whose side are you on anyways?” Jin looked at blond teammate, seeing him throwing the ball up.

“No ones, but I'm saying just go talk to him. You know if one of you don't say nothing or even start working together on the court by our next game, Lee is going to fire your father as the head coach. Kazyua is the best coach we have right now. If he goes, then who in the hell is going to coach us to the championship this year?”

“There's Paul and Marshall.”

“Have you gone mad! There is no way that I'm going to be coach by those two knuckle heads.”

Jin laughed at the reaction from Steve. “There is nothing wrong with Paul. Remember, he use to be a coach.”

“Yeah, at the college level. Then was banish from it after he beat up the opposing team mascot because he thought it was a live alien. I'm telling you Jin, something is wrong with that guy.”

Steve threw the ball up once more, but Jin caught it and set it down on the floor. “I'm not paying the hotel manager if anything gets damage in here, Steve. Shouldn't you be going to your own room now, Its past twelve in the morning and we have a game tonight against the Fantasy. I need all the rest I can get.”

“Jin, I'm a professional basketball player. I'm not going to damage anything.” Steve stood from the bed and proceeded towards the door. “Hey Jin,” Steve called, looking at him.

“Yeah, whats on your mind Steve.”

“Remember, you say that want to win us a championship this year. So, don't screw us up man.”

Opening the door, Steve left Jin's room. Jin sat on the bed thinking about what Steve had just told him.

He seem serious about it and he knew what he meant by that. Jin did promise the team a championship this year, and at the moment it doesn't seem that way with him and Hwoarang always fighting all the time.

He eyes wandered around the room, then they stop at the orange ball, sitting near his foot. Jin stared at the basketball as if it was talking to him. Maybe it was talking to him. Maybe it was telling him to do the right thing. Biting his lips, Jin picked up the ball, grabbed a blue sweat jacket and headed out the door.

At one in the morning, a sleeping Hwoarang heard knocking at the door. Groaning, Hwoarang put the pillow over his head not wanting to get up. The knocking continued. “Go away,” he moaned angrily. The knocking didn't stop and Hwoarang was fed up by this.

Hwoarang tossed the blankets off him, hurried towards the door and opened it. Seeing who the intruder was, Hwoarang glared at Jin, who was standing in the doorway wearing a blue sweat jacket and blue pants with a basketball under his arm. “What do you want?”

“Slip something on quick.”

--

Two blocks away from the hotel, Jin and Hwoarang were at a basketball court.

“Why are we here?” Hwoarang asked his teammate, cocking his eyebrow.

“Simple,” Jin spoked, taking off his jacket and putting it on the ground, leaving him only in a black tank top. “You and I are going to play one-on-one.”

“Wait, hold up, you're telling me that the only reason why you woke me up one in the morning is to just ball?”

Jin nodded, bouncing the ball and taking a shot at the basketball. “Its not just anyone one-on-one though. If I score, you must answer any question I ask you and same goes for me as well. We keep asking each other questions until we finally agree on terms to work together as a team...deal?”

“Whatever,” Hwoarang muttered. Luckily, he wore a pair of black shorts and a baggy tee-shirt.

“Check.” Jin bounced the ball to Hwoarang.

“You have to shoot for it. Thats how it is on the blacktop.”

Jin looked at Hwoarang as if he was still child. “You're a grown man, not a child. Just check the damn ball already.”

Hwoarang rolled his eyes and passed the ball back to Jin. Jin held the ball in his hands, then he faked right, catching Hwoarang off balance and going left instead getting a easy bucket.

“One to nothing. Now, why were you piss after our game against the Demons?”

“Its none of your business, now check the ball.”

Jin shook his head. “You agree, remember. Now answer the question, or we'll be out here all night.”

Hwoarang sighed. “Something happened alright. Happy now?”

Jin shrugged. “Still not satisfied, but whatever, check.” Jin passed the ball once more, and Hwoarang passed it back.

This time, Jin shot from the three point line and made it. “What happened?”

Hwoarang took a deep breath, he didn't want to tell Jin about incident with his mentor, Baek. “...An incident involving...someone...I cared about.”

By the tone of his voice, Jin could sense that this was really bothering Hwoarang. He wanted to tell Hwoarang that he doesn't want to talk about, but Jin wants to know about this person he cares about. Then maybe Hwoarang could tell him why he was really acting like that two days ago.

Jin dribbled the ball between his legs, he went to his right heading for the basket, just as he about to score, Hwoarang swipe the ball from Jin's hands and grabbed it. Hworang now had possession and quickly hit a jump shot to score himself a point.

“Now, my turn to ask you a question. Why do you hate me so much?” Hwoarang asked checking the ball to Jin, who checked it back.

“Easy, I don't like the way act, and I think you are selfish son of a bitch.”

Hwoarang widened his eyes, then smirked. “Oh, I see, judging a book by its cover. Didn't you mother ever tell you not to judge a book by its cover?”

“...Just shoot.”

“Okay, I will,” Hwoarang shot the ball and tied the game up. “Three up. Now another question, why do want to know about my business so much?”

“Because I know its been bothering you for the past couple of days now. If something is bothering you, open up to us.”

Hwoarang took another shot, but missed, and Jin rebound it. He posted up Hwoarang and shoot a fad away jumper.

“Now, I know want to know what happened that really got you fired up. That made you suddenly play like a team member. I want to know Hwoarang!” Jin shouted at the top of lungs.

“You really want to know huh!” Hwoarang walked up to Jin, standing face to face, glaring at him.

“Yeah, I really wanted know! I'm your teammate!”

“Fine! The person I truly cared about is in the hospital fighting for his LIFE!” Hwoarang shouted, slamming the basketball on the ground, and breathing heavily, teeth clenched.

Finally, Jin saw something that he never thought will see in life, a tear coming down Hwoarang's cheek.

Walking back slowly, Hwoarang sat down on the ground under the basketball hoop, weeping. “You don't understand, Jin; Baek, my mentor, the person who raised as if I were his own child, was in a terrible car accident. My sister, Susan, told me that doctor says he is in critical condition. I don't know if hes going to make it.”

Jin watched and listened as Hwoarang was talking.

“You see man, you were born wealthy, and I wasn't. I grew up in a bad neighborhood, and the only way out is if you do something with your life. I was on the path of not having a life at all, not being a basketball player, since my parents didn't raise really. They didn't even care. I did what I felt was necessary to keep me from starving, to have money, and have clothes you know. At that point, my life wasn't looking good until he showed up, Baek. From that point on, Baek raised me. He made sure I went to school, had a job and go to basketball camps just to keep me out of the streets. With out him Jin, I wouldn't be who I am now.” Hwoarang said, sniffing and wiping the tears away.

Jin sat under the basketball hoop next to Hwoarang, he put a hand on his shoulders. “Hey man, his going to make it alright. If you stay strong and keep what you are doing now, playing like a team member, sure enough Baek is going to make it. Right now, his body is laying in that hospital bed, but when sense your strong will at there on that court, he's going to be alright.”

Hwoarang smiled, looking over at Jin. “You really into the spiritual stuff huh?”

Jin nodded. “Yeah, my mom got me into that stuff. You know, I was born wealthy, but I was raised in the forest.”

“The forest?” Hwoarang started laughing. “You serious?”

“Hell yeah man, the forest of Yakashima, it was just me and my mom.”

“What about your dad, Kazyua?”

Jin shook his head a bit. “He wasn't really in my life, even though he use to be a basketball player back in the day. But even when he had time, he never really visit us that much. To be honest, I didn't really get to talk to him, until I was drafted by the Talons a few years back.”

“Oh, so your mom raised you mostly huh.”

“Yeah, and a good thing too. Believe it or not, my dad side of the family hates each other. My dad, my uncle and my grandfather all despise each other that much.”

Laughing at Jin's remark, Hwoarang stood up while checking his wrist watch. He realize it was way past their bed time. Athletes do have curfews. “I think its time for us to head back to the hotel and get some sleep, Jin. We need to rest up for the game tonight.”

“Yeah, your right Hwoarang.” Jin agreed. “But before we go back in, I need to know if we are on good terms now.”

Nodding his head, Hwoarang shook hands with his teammate, Jin. “Truce.”

“Truce. Also, I take back what I said calling you a selfish son of a bitch, you're not a bad guy after all.”

Hwoarang smiled at Jin's comments. Finally, he and Jin are on good terms and he hopes on the court tonight against the Fantasy, that they can prove to the world that they can play together as a team.

--

Final Fantasy Superstars

In the league, there are good players, great players and elite players. Among the elites, there are three players, Sephiroth, Jin Kazama and probably one of the best players in the league, as of right now, is Cloud Strife. Cloud Strife is one of those exciting players that can sellout a whole arena, whether he is at home, or on the road. Cloud is definition of an elite player. He is all about winning and last year he proved that by leading the Fantasy to the Championship, averaging 21.0ppg 9.5 apg. However, they lost in the finals against the Titans, losing the series 4 games to 2. In his young, yet veteran career, Cloud Strife wants a ring to add on his resume.

Sephiroth, another elite player in the league. This 6 foot 10 inch center for the Fantasy, has proven year after year why he is the best dominant player in the league. Along with Cloud Strife, they have proven that they are the best duo in the league. Last year, they won the most games for the Final Fantasy and had the best record in the league. This all around player average at least 26.7 ppg and 12.0 rpg. Even though Sephiroth's perfect season ended without a ring, he tends on leading them back to the promise land and finally winning his first championship.

Talons vs Final Fantasy; Fourth Quarter: Fantasy leads Talons, 84-74

“And what a surprise game it has been so far, between the Fantasy and the Talons. But the bigger surprise in this game, is seeing Jin Kazama and Hwoarang Krang finally playing together.”

“Yes, it truly is a surprise. They fought each other a couple of days ago in the locker room, and we all thought that this was it for the Talons. Then all of sudden, there right here, playing together. Five alley oops to each other.”

“Even though they are playing together, they are still down by ten, entering the fourth quarter.”

“Alright guys listen,” Kazyua said, grabbing his clipboard, drawing down plays. “We're still in this. We have to stay focus and get as many stops as we can to catch up. Come on guys, lets go.”

The Talons starters retrieve from the huddle and onto the court. They had possession to start the final quarter. Hwoarang inbound the ball to Steve, who dribbled up the court with it. Being guarded by Cloud, Steve attack the basket, then dish the ball of to King, who did a hook shot to give the Talons a score.

84-76

Cloud passed the ball to Seifer, who passed it right back to him. Cloud dribbled the ball between his legs, then he went right, driving down the paint and scoring a bucket.

86-76

Jin had the ball in his possession, he posted Tidus up in the paint, then he kicked it out to Hwoarang who was open for a three and scored.

86-79

Cloud passed the ball to Sephiroth, who was in the paint, posting up on Craig Mardurk. Mardurk had a tight defense on Sephiroth, causing him to missed the shot. Hwoarang had the rebound, and Talons were on a fastbreak. Hwoarang passed the ball to Jin, who immediately passed the ball back Hwoarang, and Hwoarang was fouled by Seifer. He hit his two foul shots, decreasing the lead to six.

With thirty seconds left in the fourth quarter, Kazyua called a timeout, after Squall Leonhart, scored a tough jump shot while the shot clock was winding down to zero.

“Listen up, we're down by just two points. This play I'm going to tell you is very simple; whoever has possession of the ball once its inbound, don't take a shot until the shot clock hits ten seconds. If you feel like you can score, take the shot. But if you can't, just passed the ball to whoever is open in your eyes alright.”

Nodding there heads, the players understood the play Kazyua had told them.

“Hey Hwoarang,” Jin called out to him.

“Whats up.”

“Let me inbound the ball to you, then when I come around for the pick, if they take the bait, quickly passed the ball to me and I'll shoot the three to end the game,” Jin whispered to Hwoarang.

Trusting his teammate, Hwoarang let Jin inbound the ball to him. When Jin inbound the ball to Hwoarang, he had Zack guarding him, who is a great defensive player. Hwoarang was being caution with the ball around him.

His glanced at the shot clock, it hit ten seconds; and as on que, Jin came around for the pick. Just as Jin expected, Zack took the bait, leaving Jin wide open for the three. By the time Zack realize the situation, it was already too late.

Talons lead 99-98 with five seconds remaining.

With the no timeouts left, Cloud quickly dribbled the ball up the court, and Jin guarded him. Jin's heart was beating rapidly as Cloud came down the court. Everything slow down in Jin's eyes, he remembered, back in his rookie season, Cloud hit a game winner over him in a overtime thriller which is now known as a remarkable moment in the history of sports. It left a hole in Jin's young career, and needed to redeem himself, and now he was given another opportunity.

He watched Cloud stopped at the three point line, set his feet, and shoot the ball to end the game. Jin made sure he contest the shot, so it will be difficult for Cloud to score the game winner. When the ball hit the rim, it slowly circle around it, and suddenly the ball fell from the rim, onto the floor. The game was finally over.

Talons win 99 to 98.

In the locker room, the team was celebrating their victory, as if they won a championship. Even though it wasn't the championship they have won yet, but they finally feel free from all the criticism they have received because of the fight that happen a couple days ago.

Settling down the team, Kazyua was ready to give a speech. “Today, we are free. Finally, the weight has been lifted off our shoulders after tonight's win. I don't have nothing to say much since you guys prove me that we can win a championship this year.”

The team clapped and nodded at Kazyua comments. “Not only have you guys shown me, but someone else showed me that he is a definite Talon.” Grabbing the basketball, Kazyua passed the ball to Hwoarang, who caught it. “You've earned it.”

Giving a standing observation from his teammates, Hwoarang nodded. “Thanks, coach. I really appreciated,” He began his speech, holding the balland when I first arrived to this team, I didn't know to expect. You guys already had a superstar and a leader, and I felt my presence wasn't going to mean that much. And I apologize for the way I acted so far, being selfish out there on the court, not being a team player. I just hope that I didn't tarnished this team chances of winning it all, because I too want to win a championship. Just like Jin promised you guys a championship, I promise to do everything out there on that court...to win...a championship.”

After his speech, the whole team clapped for Hwoarang. They now knew that Hwoarang was ready to part of this team. His teammates hugged him, showing their respect towards Hwoarang. Even Kazyua, showed his respect to his player. Now he knows he can trust him.

As everyone was done showering, changing into their regular attires, Hwoarang and Jin were the only two people left in the locker room. They were talking about their families and friends that they known for sometime. Hwoarang found out that Jin has a cousin name, Asuka Kazama, who living in Japan at moment playing basketball. He told Hwoarang that after she graduates from high school, that shes moving to the states to play ball. Jin says shes really damn good.

Just as they were about to leave, Hwoarang felt his T-Mobile sidekick vibrating in his jeans pocket. “Hey, hold on for a minute, Jin.” He checked to see that he had received a text message from his sister, Susan. After reading the message she sent him, Hwoarag smirked. “You know Jin, you were right about those spiritual stuff. He's going to be alright.”

Game Stats

Talons

Jin Kazama 27 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds

Hwoarang Krang 31 points, 4 assists, 10 rebounds

Final Fantasy

Cloud Strife 28 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds

Sephiroth 25 points 16 rebounds, 5 blocks