The Game of Death

A tribute to the last movie of the world's greatest fighter, Bruce Lee

Disclaimer: I do not own DOA, you know, all the jazz.

Intro: The Offer

"Fifty Billion Dollars, along with treasures from the world's past. All hidden on the top floor of a ten story pagoda. Each floor...is guarded by a fighter, all trained in their own forms of martial arts...and all masters of the styles they use. My plan is to assemble a group of fighters from around the world to climb this pagoda and collect the treasure for us." Hayate said in front of a large group of his superiors.

"Hayate...all of us know of this pagoda and the treasures inside it. But where will we find fighters willing to risk their lives? Our clan is surely no match for the legendary ten who guard the pagoda's sacred levels."

"Though I have not spoken to all of them, I've assembled a list you will find reasonable." Hayate replied, "Ryu Hayabusa, a master of Ninjitsu. Kokoro, a skilled student of the Ba Ji Quan style. Jann Lee, the only current fighter who can use Jeet Kune Do as it was meant to be used. And of course, I will join them along with my sister, Kasumi."

"If you feel that this team can handle the ten masters...then go ahead. Do not get yourself killed."

"Understood. Thank you, sirs." Hayate strolled out of the room.

---

"Remember Hitomi, stay relaxed. That is the key to victory in a fight." Jann said as he got into stance. Hitomi nodded,

"Alright." Hitomi replied, also getting into stance. Jann rushed forward and raised his foot for a kick. He could instantly tell that Hitomi panicked as she drew back and put her arms up in a defensive position.

"Relax." Jann said as he lowered his leg.

"Right...right." Hitomi nodded and got back into position. Jann instantly threw a punch, Hitomi swayed to the side, dodging the strike. Jann moved his fist in her direction, without retracting it. She ducked under it and rushed forward in an attempt to ram Jann. He performed a backhand spring and nailed her in the jaw, sending her flying upwards. As she came back down, he caught her in both arms and set her back on her feet.

"Are you alright?" Jann asked, grinning.

"Yeah..." Hitomi replied, rubbing her jaw.

"Let's take a break, you got the basics down. Your movements were clean as was your mind, exactly how it should be."

"Thanks for the compliment...I'll go and prepare dinner."

"Thank god my student is also a cook." Jann said jokingly, "Before you came here I was eating take out every night." Hitomi grinned as she walked out of the training room. Jann sighed and grabbed the bandanna from around his head. Suddenly, the door opened again and Hitomi walked back in.

"Um...Jann...you've got visitors." Hitomi said, stepping aside. A man with shoulder length brown hair stepped in. He wore a black tux with a crimson tie, his eyes were covered by black shades. The man was a complete mystery.

"Can I help you?" Jann asked, pocketing the bandanna.

"Jann Lee? I'm Hayate and if you'd be so kind, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Um...how about we discuss this at dinner?" Jann asked.

"No it's...rather urgent."

"Hm...then go right ahead."

"Have you heard of the Crimson Pagoda?" Hayate asked.

"Huh...oh, that pagoda with the treasure at the top of it? Yeah, what about it?" Jann replied.

"I'm assembling a team of fighters to climb the pagoda and I'd be glad if you'd join us."

"No thank you..." Jann said. Even though the man's eyes were hidden, Jann could feel the man's frusturation.

"Jann, I understand that you suffer from an illness that can kill you at anytime...correct?"

"Who told you that?" Jann asked, suspicious.

"I have many resources. Now...what if I could promise you a cure for that illness along with one million dollars of the fifty billion."

"There...is a cure?"

"Just about...with this money we will be able to have enough funds to complete our research. One day of fighting...one week of waiting...then your life is returned to normal." The offer was definetly tempting and Jann began to consider it seriously. But then the memories...

"Ugh...!" Jann backed up, his eyes widening.

"Jann!" Hitomi cried, rushing forward.

"I...I'm fine." Jann mumbled, motioning for her to back up.

"So?" Hayate asked again.

"There are certain things that...restrain me from helping. I apologize." Jann replied, shaking his head.

"Fine then...I will see you again in the near future." Hayate turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him.

"Jann...what happened?" Hitomi asked.

"Just...please...go make dinner." Jann said, closing his eyes.

-Midnight-

Hayate gazed down upon the dojo. He clenched his fist, still angered at the fact he had been turned down. With a flick of his thumb, his sword flew out of it's sheath. Hayate grabbed it by the hilt and leapt forward, anger was the only emotion he was feeling. He landed on the roof of the dojo. His hand moved along the roof, searching for the hidden handle the blue prints had promised. With much ease, he found it. Hayate threw it open and dropped inside. He landed completely silently on the wooden floor, his eyes moving up to find a bed. Jann's student, Hitomi, resting in it. Hayate grit his teeth and moved forward.

-Midnight-

Jann suddenly awoke to the sound of a scream. He leapt out of bed and quickly raced for Hitomi's room, his fists clenched.

"That man from before..." Jann feared it was him...he already knew the generic bad guy's idea. Jann burst into Hitomi's room to find what he had feared. The roof door opened, Hitomi gone, and a single piece of paper resting on the bed. Jann sauntered over to it, shaking his head. He picked it up and unfolded it, six simple words written on it.

"See you at the pagoda tommorrow." Jann crumpled it up and tossed it at the wall.

Authors Note

If this chapter was plain, undescrptive, and just kinda sucky...I'm sorry. It's just an Intro so expect it to get better. Please continue to Read and Review!