Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 21 - Finnaly A Win

It had been a full year since the incident with the Hyper Karate class and such an incident never happened again. Not only because the kids were scared of Jin, their parents hearing what happened and seeing their children, viewing him as a monster. But Hyper Karate also dissipated into thin air. Apparently being hit by an inhumanly hard punch, one that was so slow a child could have dodged it, being sent flying across a large room, was "traumatising." So Joshua closed down his dojo. An unintended consequence from Bans part that may have influenced Jin.

Changing the future and giving him ideas that he would have further down the line.

But now that Jin was 11, not much changed. His day-to-day life remained the usual and life continued. He had a normal life. Though like every normally child, Jin grew. He was now a bit taller at 5 foot 1. A bit more tone, but since Ban was taking him out nearly every two weeks, he had his hair cut, his straight golden hair much shorter, spikey and worn down.

However, not everything was the same. Ban for some reason started training with Jin. He didn't tell Jin the reason for the sudden change. But a sparing partner was nice. Especially when it gave Jin the opportunity to use his martial arts and mix this different techniques and styles he had. Using the Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock style; the Exploding Heart Release Fist style and Hyper Karate. In the combination, Jin's style was defensive, offensive and extremely agile. Moving like water or a flickering flame, with strikes that caused booms and strikes that used all the momentum and potential energy his body had.

Jin was getting much closer to Ban, but he didn't show that. He wouldn't show that smile Ban gave him.

But now he was with a different old man. On a Sunday with Aika sitting on his lap hugging close to him. Jin was playing Hex for their 3rd match of the day. Moving a piece as he looked at Hex. Expectant for his next move.

Hex: Checkmate.

Hex smiled as Jin sighed deeply. Yet again another Checkmate on another match. Not a single stalemate or full game was made between Hex and Jin. Only defeat and victory. With Aika gently patting his head.

Aika: You'll get him next time Jin. I feel it this time!

Jin: Hex is just unbeatable. Every day for 4 years I haven't beaten him. Not even once.

Hex: I think you're misunderstanding me Jin. I didn't get you in Checkmate. It was you who got me in Checkmate.

Hex said smiling widely as Jin looked confused. Looking at the board and saw that Hex hadn't taken his turn yet. He looked at every piece on the board and saw that Hex's king couldn't move anywhere. It was completely stuck. In Checkmate.

Jin: H-How?

Hex: Do you remember every one of my moves?

Jin shook his head as there was nearly nothing he had forgotten in life. Besides his birth, he remembered everything. It was perfect for learning, but a curse when thinking about the people he lost.

Hex: Do you remember every one of your moves?

Jin: Yes.

Hex: Then you know how you beat me.

Hex said as a smile was plastered on his face. It had been forever since he had felt the taste of defeat. It was a fresh taste that he enjoyed. Looking at Jin who could only hear the words "you beat me." He beat Hex. The Chessmaster Hex. For the first time in four years. On one day out of every day he played him. For an average of 8 games a day and a grand total of games over 11,000.

Jin had finally won.

Jin: I... I won. I... I beat Hex. I beat you.

Jin looked up at Hex completely shocked as he looked at Hexs smile. Causing Jin to smile widely. When Jin usually didn't express too much any more, he shouted for joy.

Jin: I WON!

Aika: You won Jin!

Aika hugged Jin hard as he fell back off the concrete seat and hugged Aika. After so many defeats he won. He actually did it. Defeated the unbeatable. He beat Hex. Chessmaster Hex!

Jin: Another game! I'll defeat you as many times as you defeated me!

Jin said pointing at Hex as he smiled. Holding Aika close with one arm as she hugged Jin and blushed red. Jin despite losing so many times, loved chess. There was something about it. Even when losing so much he enjoyed it. Yet now he tasted victory, he wanted more of it.

Hex: Let me teach you one more thing Jin. Savour the moment. You wouldn't want me to defeat you just after winning would you?

Jin looked at Hex as he sat up with Aika. Slowly standing up as she clung to him. Jin wanted to win again, but he knew the odds of him losing the next match were extremely high based on past games. He still needed to fully understand how he beat him this time.

Jin: Hmm. You're right. But I'll come back to beat you tomorrow! Aika, let's tell Ban that I finally won!

Jin said as Aika smiled and walked off. She had been to the dojo a few times and met Ban. Going to the dojo to likely enjoy snacks with Jin and watch him train.

Hex: Goodbye, Jin.

Hex smiled as he watched them walk off. Collecting his pieces and putting them in a silk pouch. Only to cover his mouth coughing hard. Looking at his hand and the blood he coughed up blood. Some liquid some solid and black.

Hex: How fickle a human body is. But... fate has been kind to me lately. I'm glad you were my last and final opponent Jin. They say defeat is bitter. But to me... it's a sweetness only you have given me. Thank you, Jin.

Hex slowly struggled to stand up as he slowly walked away.

Jin didn't notice it, but in recent days, Hex was getting weaker and weaker.