A/N: No reviews ... Okay! I really want to advance in this fic because I have SO much in mind. I've been brainstorming a lot of plot twist and other evil things and now I have to finish this fic. I might put my other fics on hault for a while until I finish this one, but it is doubtful. I hope you enjoy chapter two; and please don't hesitate to let me know what you think, okie? Thanks!!

RESET - Chapter 2: Growing Strength

Paul Phoenix drove down the main street that would lead to his apartment that night. It was four in the morning, but he wasn't tired--or so he thought--because his body was aching for rest. He ignored it ... since his mind was currently pre-occupied with thoughts. "Hm." Paul pulled into his garage as he stepped off his bike and clicked it off. He looked down at it and grunted; followed by a long yawn. That night he went to sleep like a baby, not struggling to get himself to sleep like it usually was.

Somewhere across the city someone hadn't gone to sleep, "He says he won the Iron Fist Tournament 4, huh?" Jewel whispered as her mouse floated over the 'address' bar in her Internet Explorer. She searched through google and found the official Iron Fist Tournament webpage. She grinned, and opened it to see many links and other things that led to informatorive sites. After surfing for a while she found the links to the member profiles of the past and current fighters who participated, "Tekken: Jun Kazama ... Michelle Change ... hmm. Paul Phoenix," Jewel began to read his stats and found out he'd lost. She searched on and then clicked the 'Tekken 2' link. "Tekken 2: Kazuya Mishima ... Kunimitsu. Paul Phoenix." Again she clicked the link and read the information. Again ... he lost the tournament due to a trafic jam where he had no other choise, but to forfeit. Jewel shook her head and grunted softly as she went over and found the Tekken 3 link. "This was two years ago." Her eyes moved along the text on the webpage as she read, "He did win, but left?" she continued to read and found out that Paul had defeated Ogre and returned home; only to later find out Ogre had mutated into a second form and the Tournament continued without him. She squinted her eyes and yawned sleepidly. It was getting late and she knew it. She turned her head to the right to look at her digital clock and saw the numbers read 4:55 AM. "Shit," she snorted, "... just one more page." She clicked the Tekken 4 link and looked up Paul's name. She read it and found out he had won the tournament and the Mishima Zaibatsu, but due to irresponsibility the Zaibatsu was sold off to another company by this blond and he kept the earnings to himself. The brunett continued to scroll down and read," ...But the Zaibatsu was rebought by Heihachi Mishima with the remaining earning he had and is currently being restored." She arched a brow," Heihachi Mishima?" Jewel clicked a red link at the very bottom at the page that said 'Click here for agenda of upcoming events.' Curiosity overtook her and she found herself reading a well organized calender for the remainder of the month and the next. "Hmm ..." Most of the squares were blank, but one. It was a three weeks from today and as she read it a grin spread over her face, "Tekken Tag Tournament 2." She clicked on the information link and read all the qualifications and specifications needed to participate. So far so good, until she saw, " ... Qualified Partner needed to participate in the Tag Tournament?" Jewel signed as she scratched the back of her neck. She seemed to ponder for a minute, "Mr. Law?" Shaking her head she came to the bottom of the page where it said, 'Register OnLine today!' Clicking the link she read what she needed and the near second option was for the tag partner; which made her grin. It wouldn't be too hard to find a partner for this; and maybe she'd finally have a nice trophy on her shelf. She finished up, shut down her computer, clicked off the desk light and hi the sack. This time ... she had trouble sleeping -- she was still brainstorming who to ask to attend the Tag Tournament.

***

His alarm clock flared insanely at exactly 7:30 AM as his eyes shot open. He was still really tired, but today was his first day of working at the dojo. Paul lazidly got up to fix himself up as he left at around 7:56 AM. The day was gloomy and cold and he found himself shivering downstairs in his garage. He grabbed his leather jacket from the coathanger in the corner as he got on his Davidson and drove off into the gloomy morning.

When Paul arrived at the dojo he found it was still closed, "Lazy ass Law." Paul growled, but stopped his reign of curses when he saw Jewel standing at the main doors. She was wrapped in a soft and warm looking trenchcoat. Her hands were stuffed in her pockets and she was shivering. When Paul arrived she looked up at him and waved slightly as he made his way over, "G'morning!" he called, smiling. "Good morning, Paul." Jewel said with a warm smile, "You look cold. I can let you borrow my jacket." He said, begining to take off his jacket, "It's okay. Law won't take long ... I hope." She injected, looking up at him. Paul hadn't listened to her. He'd already taken off his jacket and was now wrapping it around her and she didn't seem to mind. "Thanks," she smiled warmly at him; her eyes locked with his. They both seem ... hypnotized with one another, but their hypnosis was broken by the honk of a Honda Civic and the voice of a Chinese man known as Law, "Hey! You guys are here early!"

"And you're late!" Paul howled, walking over to him. Law shrugged, grinning sheepishly, "Eh. The misses came home last night and wanted me in bed today." he said with a grunt. Paul grinned at that comment as he followed his frind towards the main doors. Law took his time unlocking the super-secure place as Paul and Jewel stepped into the warmness of the dojo. "Ah. Feels good in here," Jewel sighed, removing Paul's jacket and handing it back to him. "Thanks." She smiled as he smiled back, loving the fact that those lips of her always curled up at him. "Heh, sure." Law looked at the two and yawned, "So, alright. Ready to practice, Jewel?" Law said enthusiastically. Jewel shook her head as Law arched a brow, "I need to speak to you. Actually ... it's a request, sorta. Um, well, uh. How can I ask this?" Jewel stuttered, "You can ask me anything, sweety. What's up?" Law nodded as he watched Paul stand to the side with his arms crossed. "I want to participate in the upcoming Tekken Tag Tournament and I want you to be my tag partner," with that Jewel slipped a printed peice of paper from her jacket's pocket. "Huh? Tekken Tag Tournament 2?" Jewel nodded, "My son attended the first one." Law said incoherently as Jewel watched him with pleadful eyes. Law made a gestured face and sighed, "Sorry, but I can't. After the loss of the last Iron Fist Tournament, I decided never to fight again and to dedicate my life to teaching. I'm really sorry." Law said simpathetically.

Jewel's eyes slightly watered, but she fought back tears of dissapointment. "It's okay. It isn't a big deal, anyway." Law embraced her warmly and she returned a weak hug. They stepped away as Law walked into his office and Jewel walked towards the window, sniffling softly. She really wanted to go to this tournament, but she supposed it wouldn't be possible. As Jewel leaned her forehead against the glass, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Hey ... you okay?" It was Paul. Jewel nodded, not bothering to turn around, "You know, I can be your partner." The minute Paul said this Jewel turned around wide-eyed, "What?! You will?" Her voice was exited and high, "Sure. I'm still a fighter, ya know!" Paul flexed his muscles and before he knew it, Jewel had wrapped her arms around him in an embrace, "Oh, thanks so much! You've made my day!"

Paul was hugging back when they both heard a throat clear behind them, "Looks like you've got yourself a partnet, Jewel. When do you plan to start training?" Law asked, crossing his arms, "Immediatly!" She grinned, walking over to him ... followed by Paul. He felt real good right about now.

***

Jewel and Paul would train for the next two and half weeks and then they'd travel to Japan after their registration to begin the tournament. Their arsenol was grand and with some good strategies they'd surely come in in first place. The day had been just as slow as yesterday, so Jewel and Paul took this to their advantage to practice together and just to get to know each other a little more.

As Jewel slammed her fist into the hand pad that were attached to Paul's hands, he started conversation. "So, do you have any siblings?" he asked, Jewel grunted as she kept going, but spoke at the same time, "Yeah. I have one younger brother. He lives in this city, but isn't into martial arts. He's more into video games ... he owns the Game Heaven store in Downtown." Paul nodded and grinned, "Do you have a boyfriend?" He said this almost inaudibly. He was flirting, but only hoped the punches to his hands didn't move to his face. Jewel chuckled at this and responded casually, "Actually, no. Single."

"Ah ..." Paul nodded again and grinned, "Do you want to be single or what?" he asked again, Jewel stopping to take her breath. "Actually ... I've dated, but men only seem to go out with me for my looks and not me. I have sort of a switch personality and they dump me on the first little 'shit fit' I have. You know what I mean." She said with a grin. Paul stared at her in disbelief, "A gorgeous woman like you? Man ... good thing you dumped them. They don't deserve you." Jewel smiled, "They dumped me, Paul."

"Oh ..." he grinned, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Your turn," she put on the padded gloves as Paul began to punch them, "Can I ask you something sorta personal?" Paul asked with a grunt, "Go ahead. Ask away." Paul was hesitant, but simply asked, "Did you ever sleep with any of them?" Jewel was silent for a moment, but brought herself foward with slight hesitance, "Once. We dated for two years, until he cheated on me." Paul thought about that. Man ... she's been through a lot. I could tell. No wonder she's single. Maybe I ask her out on a date. Heh, wouldn't be that bad. I mean the girl is gorgeous and she has such a personality. Damn ... look at her. She's beautiful. She's- "Paul, what the hell are you doing?"

Mr. Phoenix hadn't noticed that he'd stopped punching the pads and he was just staring at her. Gawking. Jaw dropped. "Did you go brain dead?" Jewel giggled, looking at his funny expression. Paul stood up and shook his head, "Oh, sorry!" He laughed as Law -- from his office -- watched the two get aquainted. Law didn't think that Jewel would become so friendly to his big hunk of a guy. She always shot down other guys in his dojo, but ... this was different. They seemed to connect somehow.

"You're such a dork." Jewel said playfully, walking over to the refreshment table. Paul's cheek were a flaring red as he followed. She handed him a plastic cup full of punch as she gulped down her own refreshment. "Nice workout, Paul." He nodded and patted her shoulder, "Yep!" He gulped down his own drink as Law came out of his office. "Alright guys. I'm closing early today. You'd better head out." Jewel and Paul nodded as they grabbed their jackets and walked out. She slipped on her jacket as Paul did the same. The night was cold and foggy. She'd taken a cab in the morning and tonight the streets were eeriely empty. "Hey, Jewel ... I was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner or something. After that workout we need energy, you know!" Paul suggested cheerfully, walking up next to her. She looked up at him and smiled, "Sounds good enough." She eyed him, "Do I have to pay?" Paul laughed at her comment and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as he escorted her to his bike. At the moment he was just being friendly, but if she hesitated he'd stop his actions. To his surprise she followed heed and wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked side by side to his Davidson.

***

"Is that so?" Jewel said as she leaned down to take a sip of her Clam Chowder. Paul had decided to be a little romantic and take her to a nice, elegant and seemlessly expensive restaurant. She knew for a fact this was no problem ... since he was rich with the earning from selling the Mishima Zaibatsu. Paul had been talking about his past losses in the Tekken tournaments and how he finally won the forth one. "Must've been fun." Paul looked at her and grinned, "How come you've never attended the tournaments. You seem pretty advanced, you know." He asked, as he leaned down and placed a slice of meat into his mouth. "I was scared. I heard about the first tournament, but hesitated ... since I was an amatuer. Every time it came up, I was scared." She sighed finishing her apperizer soup.

They finished their huge meal and came out with full stomachs and empty pockets. The check was insanely high and Jewel had almost thrown a fit inside because of it. Luckily Paul calmed her down and paid off the bill -- making haste to leave. "Sorry of how I acted back there." Jewel said softly as the two walked side by side to the parking lot, "It's alright," Paul wrapped his arm around her gently and grinned, "I've seen worse!" he joked and Jewel found herself laughing. They stopped at his bike and stood beside it as he turned to look at her. "Jewel, you're such a great person ... I've never met anyone like you. I know we just met, but it seems like I've known you forever. I just want to let you know that, alright?" Paul took a deep breath as she looked deep into her eyes, "I ... I couldn't hold that in anymore." Jewel looked up at him with warm light brown eyes, "Ditto." she said softly and Paul's eyes went wide. He arched a brow at her and she smiled tenderly. He was fighting back the urge of kissing her, but he didn't win the battle of the heart.

He brought his right hand under her chin, lifted it up, as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. Tilting his head, Paul gently french kissed this sexy woman. Again, he expected a smack, but she didn't pull away or hesitate. Instead she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and returned the passionate kiss. Some people never believed in love at first sight and Paul had been one of then. After this moment, though, he knew he felt something very strong for this girl -- correction: this woman. Jewel pulled back after a few hot pecked kisses on his lips as she smiled up at him, "Well that was unexpected. Aren't you the fast-approchable one..." she grinned at him and he grinned back. "A good looking one at that." He replied, seating himself on the bike. She followed suit and sat behind him with her arms wrapped around his waist. He took off, feeling better than he'd felt in the morning and the day before.

"Your place or mine?" Paul chuckled, "How about both? You go to yours and I go to mine?" she replied simply. She wasn't that easy to get and he knew that. The only reason he'd gotten that lip smacker back there was because she liked him just as much as he liked her, but knew she'd be a battle to earn.

He reached her apartment as they both hopped off and he escorted her again to her front steps. "It was a nice night. Thanks. And thanks again for being my Tag Partner. I'll register us tonight." She said, nodding at him. "No problem, Juu." Jewel chuckled and arched a brow, "Juu?" She laughed and he turned red, "Can't call you that, huh?" Paul said shyly, "No! It's okay! I just think it's weird. No ones ever called me that before."

Jewel looked taller than him, but that was because she was on the second step and he was still on he pavement. She placed her right hand on his cheek and smiled, "Good night, Paul." With that she quickly turned around and walked into her house. Paul grinned, raising his hands to touch the lips that had met his. He grinned mischeviously to himself and turned to leave when a voice called out to him, "Paul! Hey wait up!" It was Jewel. "I need your address and phone number. I have the page up already, so you can just fill it out."

Paul nodded, turning to walk towards him. He walked in and was greeted by humble warmness. The house was barely decorated, but it was warm and cozy. Whitewashed walls, and wooden flooring. "Nice pad," he commented and she nodded, "Thanks." She walked to the desk where the computer monitor sat and clicked open the registration window. "They never had this ... I had always been forced to go to some big ass place and fill out all this."

He walked over to the computer and in a few minutes filled out all necessary fields. "Thanks, again." Jewel said as Paul stepped out of her door, "Anytime." he replied, smiling down at her. "Well, good night." Paul was a sneaky one as he grabbed her and leaned down for a kiss, but she pulled away. "Ask next time," and with that she closed the door in his face -- not rudely anyway -- and he stood there, jaw dropped. "Wow. What a woman!"

He went home happy that night.