A/N: Time to wrap up Yao's involvement in DOA 1 since it's a pretty bare-bones entry in terms of plot. Kinda why these chapters have been on the shorter side than what you usually get from my works. Anyway, if you read Testing the Waters, vote on the poll. And if you haven't read it, vote.
No Disclaimer this time. You all know what's up.
Currently listening to Breaker 1, Breaker 2 by Def Squad (Erick Sermon, Redman, and Keith Murray)
Jann Lee couldn't sleep a wink last night due to who his next opponent was. The Nameless Quan Fa Warrior was the endgame in his eyes, the final obstacle to being cemented in history as China's fiercest warrior in the modern day. By the time he finally did get some shut-eye the peace didn't last long. He was awakened an hour later by Christie.
"Mr. Lee," Christie spoke as she shook him awake.
He jerked up and pushed the woman away. "Get your hands off of me. What do you want?"
Christie brushed it off. "The tournament bracket has been updated. Come to the ballroom so you may see who your next opponent is."
"I will. Now get out."
"Fair enough. Best of luck in your match, regardless of your opponent."
Christie bowed before leaving the Scorching Soul's room.
"Disrespectful cretin," she whispered to herself while walking in the direction of the ballroom.
On the way, she bumped into someone she was rather pleased to see.
"Oh. Good morning, Christie. I didn't mean to bump into you," Yao greeted the British woman.
"The apology is mine. I wasn't paying attention. Mr. Douglas held your battle against Gen Fu in high regard. It was his favorite of the first round, and he has high hopes for your next to deliver," Christie mentioned.
The pair walked together, just as Christie noticed the small bruise on Sage's cheek. "Did Gen Fu give that to you?"
"Despite being 65, he hits like a runaway freight train. But still, I emerged victoriously."
Yao started scanning the book he had in hand. Christie got a look at the title and chuckled. "Boxing for Idiots? You want to learn how to box despite being one of China's best Martial Artists?"
"I am the greatest Martial Artist in China, Christie. And yes, no one should be satisfied with anything they have genuine skill in. So I choose to learn new things. I was practicing my Shadowboxing this morning, but I don't think I can apply anything yet."
That was a lie. In truth, Yao finished the book in one session and scarily knew how to apply everything he learned. Though not Dudley, he was convinced he could outbox Balrog already. Then again, anyone with a working brain probably could.
"Well, I wish you the best of luck in your match. I'll be rooting for you."
Christie pecked his bruise, which caused him to wince slightly. The Brit chuckled before rubbing it. "Sorry. I didn't realize it was still fresh."
"It wasn't, but Gen Fu hits that hard. Thank you, Christie, I'll see you later," Yao said as he entered the ballroom.
Then, Christie received a phone call, which she picked up with malicious enthusiasm. "About time you called, Mr. Donovan."
"My apologies, Christie. I was taken aback by the footage of the last fight of the first round. This Yao fellow is quite the spectacle."
"I agree. Despite his reputation as the Nameless Quan Fa Warrior, he was slated as the underdog in his fight with Gen Fu and won decisively."
"He's sure to be hiding something. No one man, especially as young as him, can be this powerful. Are you sure he's a medicine store owner?"
"I have no reason to believe he's lying, but you're right that there's more to him than what meets the eye."
"Glad you agree," Victor Donovan replied in a flirtatious tone. "Do whatever you have to make sure he doesn't leave until he makes the podium."
"As you wish, Mr. Donovan."
"Do not let me down, Christie."
The phone clicked, thus ending the discussion. It should be easy enough for Christie as she's killed many that were smarter than him. As far as she knew, he was acting exactly as she wanted him to. All that's left is for Yao to keep winning and Donovan will get what he wants.
The reality was much different. Yao was aware of her actions. She tried being friendly, but he knew genuine friendliness thanks to a certain Brazilian woman. He gets the feeling that someone wants him to stay.
All the more reason for Yao to leave after beating and apprehending Lee.
He entered the ballroom to see the remaining competitors minding their business. Jann Lee was nowhere to be found, however. I guess without Lei Fang around, he has no one to essentially bully and boss around. Walking up to the updated bracket, Yao's suspicions were confirmed.
Jann Lee was his next opponent.
"Good. This whole mess is almost over," Yao muttered to himself.
Tina walked up to him. "Mornin' hon."
"Good morning, Tina. How are we doing today?" Yao greeted the woman as he wiped some crust out of his eyes.
"Good, good. I got a by in the first round, so Dad and I are going to go at it in this one. Winner gets the winner of your fight with Jann Lee."
"Then I'll see you in the semi-finals," Yao responded with confidence and a warm smile.
"Whoa, where did this confidence come from?"
"I guess I'm feeling myself from beating one of China's most renowned Martial Artists. Doesn't change the fact that I'm not wrong. Because I know you're going to beat Bass. I have faith in you, Tina. How much that means to you, I don't know."
"Well, if you say I can, then I'll do it. Only so I can beat you in the semis."
"That's the spirit," Yao responded in kind. "We'll talk later."
"Alright. See ya later."
The reason Yao decided to cut the conversation off was that he felt multiple eyes on him. Eyes that he couldn't see with his own or through his peripheral vision. He felt its pressure, and for the first time since he boarded the Freedom Survivor and became a Sennin, did he feel uncomfortable.
Instincts drove Yao to look at the upper balcony and saw Raidou staring at him with malicious and grossly enough, lustful intent. Knowing that was who made him feel this way, Yao calmed down and relaxed his tense muscles. Alas, he was starting to get sick and tired of Raidou's borderline ogling.
"Is there something you want, Gramps?" Yao asked the old man, his tone voicing his annoyance and slight anger toward the elder.
Raidou sneered as he jumped over the balcony, nearly leaving a hole on the floor before invading Yao's personal space. That steely gaze gave way to an eerie grin.
"Share with me your secrets, boy."
Yao's face burrowed slightly in anger. "I don't what you're talking about, Gramps. Maybe dementia is starting to affect you in your old age."
Raidou then somehow invaded his space even more by leaning in and whispering in his ear, his grotesque breath lining up to attack his ear canal. "I know it was you who punched me last night. You're hiding something, and I will get it before you leave."
Yao backed off and scratched his ear as all the remaining competitors had witnessed the exchange. Even the competitors who stayed after being eliminated, namely Ayane. Before Yao could say anything as his anger simmered, he was unintentionally saved by Douglas.
"Raidou! What did I tell you before about behaving!"
"Sorry, Bossman," Raidou said before purposefully bumping his shoulder against Yao's as he passed by him.
Yao seriously contemplated removing his Arm Limiters by tugging at his left ring. But by calming himself down, he let go of it. His time here is almost done. Soon as he beats Lee and turns him into Interpol, he can go back to Aberdeen.
He audibly sighed as the last of his anger left his body, just as Lee and Ayane approached him.
"Good morning to you both."
"What did you do?" Ayane ignored his greeting with her inquisition.
"Besides being fed up with Raidou's antics? I didn't do anything. What's it matter to you?"
"Raidou has never shown so much interest in a no-name Martial Artist."
"Let alone the second-best Martial Artist in China."
Yao was biting down an instinctive scowl at that comment. "But I don't see Gen Sifu anywhere. Well, if I'm a no-name Martial Artist from China, kiddo," Yao answered back with a sudden shift in his tone, causing Ayane to wince. "Then that isn't your business ain't it?"
"Wh-whatever. I'm on to you."
Ayane then vanished.
Yao rolled his eyes as he walked off, but Lee cut him off.
"Yes, Lee?"
"Today's the day of our fight."
"So it seems."
"Today's the day you'll be sent home as I'll beat you."
"Sure, Lee," Yao answered shortly, clearly having no intent on continuing the conversation.
"And then when I beat Raidou I will be the world's strongest Martial Artist!" He made his intentions clear. Yao merely shrugged.
"Do you ever shut up?" Was Yao's response. "You're not even the strongest fighter on the mainland. I know Martial Artists from Aberdeen who'd wipe the floor with you. And I'm the toughest Martial Artist to come out of the city in decades. To be frank, I'd be surprised if you land a clean hit on me during our fight let alone a hit at all."
Yao got in Lee's face. "I'm going to take your confidence and your cute little dreams and crush them under the heel of my shoe. So if I were you, I'd make my peace with them both. Move,"
The Scorched Soul was left stunned and shocked at the borderline murderous intent Yao held in his words as he left him standing.
"No! He's talking hot air! I will beat him to prove it!"
He needed a moment to himself to calm down. With that in mind, Lee left the foyer.
Yao had only a handful of conversations with Jann Lee but was already fed up with him just through word of mouth.
Kasumi appeared before him. "Hello, Yao-san."
"Good morning, Kasumi. Sleep well?"
"I've had much worse nights of sleep." She bowed. "I thank you again for saving me from Raidou last night. He would have killed me had you not intervened."
"Please, Kasumi. You're going to cause a scene."
"I think Raidou already caused one moments ago."
Yao sighed in annoyance at the mention of his name. "He has it out for me for some reason. I can't fathom what he could want from me."
He could assume Raidou had figured out that he's a Sennin. Yet Yao hadn't acted in such a way, save for the brief interaction they had last night.
"Still, you're welcome. You look like you were going to see Lord Enma if I didn't intervene."
"You're a Buddhist?"
"I follow most of their key principles but don't practice non-violence. I'm a Martial Artist and can't consider myself a true Buddhist. Plus I meat like a carnivore. But what I want to know is why Raidou wants you dead."
"He wants to rule my clan of ninjas instead of my father runs. Raidou remains bitter at that. He also put my brother in an indefinite coma and stole the clan's sacred technique that's taught to the successor in leadership."
So that's what he was talking about when he said secrets.
"Ah, so a thief and a murderer. I guess you want vengeance then?"
"Yes."
"I won't judge, but he's getting on my nerves. Alas, I'll throw the fight so you can face him if we meet in the bracket. But you must promise me, Kasumi."
Yao got in the Kunoichi's face. "That you must do what you came here to do when you encounter him."
Kasumi solemnly nodded. "I promise."
"Good." Yao then caught Ayane staring bitterly at the pair. "Your sister doesn't like you much."
"I'm a runaway shinobi. Ayane was tasked by her father to kill me if I had to guess. She's been bitter since we were younger, but I cannot fathom where it came from."
"I won't look into it much. Your business is yours."
Kasumi bowed once again as Douglas came out.
"Good Morning, competitors! Today is the second round of the DOA Tournament. We will start the battles in the opposite end as the first round."
Douglas then looked at Yao and Lee. "Meaning the first fight will be Yao versus Jann Lee! We'll dock at the nearest port to let you two be on your way."
"At last. I will put you in your place, Nameless Quan Fa Warrior! I hope you're ready to lose!"
Yao just looked at Lee in disbelief before rolling his eyes. He's sick and tired of Lee's boasting. For the first time in a while, he's going to enjoy this battle for all the wrong reasons.
"Let me know when the Survivor is docked, Douglas," Yao said as he left the ballroom, Raidou's eyes refusing to leave him as he did so.
Yao's indifference to Lee's attitude was striking the wrong chord in the Scorching Soul. How can he not treat this as a big deal? The battle to determine the strongest in China was at hand! This should be treated like a life or death situation! It makes no difference to him. Once he bests the Nameless Quan Fa Warrior, no one will stop him.
Out on the pool floor of the Freedom Survivor, Yao pulled out his earpiece and immediately dialed Chun-Li.
*RING* *RING*
"Hello?"
"Hey, Chun. It's Yao."
"Good news?"
"Not yet. I'm fighting Lee next. I'll give you a call once he's apprehended."
"Sounds good to me. Then what? Are you going to stick around?"
"No, I'm heading back to Aberdeen. There's something extremely fishy about this whole tournament. It's giving me World Warrior Tournament vibes."
"DOATEC does give off that type of energy. I don't blame you for wanting to get lost after taking Lee in. If you have to, don't be afraid to flash your badge. You have the legal authority to take out anyone who gives you lip."
"Noted. I'll chat you up later, Chun. Someone is approaching."
"Keep in touch."
Chun hung up. Yao put his earpiece away with celerity as he turned around to see his visitor.
"Mr. Armstrong."
"I heard you were talking with my daughter this morning."
"Sir, if this is going to end with another physical confrontation, then we can just skip the conversation. I'll be glad to knock you out again," Yao seamlessly threatened the father.
"No need. I'm here to apologize for my behavior the other night. I apologize." Bass aired it out before extending his hand. "No hard feelins'?"
Yao shook it. "None at all, as long as you know that you were out of line for making such bold assumptions. Best of luck against your daughter today."
"Likewise, Medicine Man," Bass said as he playfully slapped him in the back that pushed him forward.
Bass bellowed in laughter. "If you ever touchdown in America, hit my line! I'd kill to have you eat some protein! Get some meat on your bones!"
"I'll take you up on that offer, Mr. Armstrong. Who knows how long it's been since I've had red meat," Yao said as he comedically stretched the slap off.
"Call me, Bass."
"Got it, Bass. Until next time," Yao said as he walked off.
That went better than he thought it was going to. Bass seemed like a very likable guy once you get around his obsession with keeping his daughter grounded. Yao really might take up on his offer. He's grateful for his new flexibility but he's pretty skinny for his height.
As he was walking back to his room, Douglas' voice spoke through the intercoms.
"Yao, Jann Lee. The Freedom Survivor is docking in Shenzhen. We will allow you to unload and have your battle."
"About time," Yao said to himself as he walked to the docking point.
Lee was already there waiting for him. "You're late."
"Put a sock in it, Lee. Let's get this done alright?" Yao said as the Freedom Survivor finally stopped and docked.
The pair said not one word as the passersby noticed Yao and either moved out of the way or bowed in respect for him. Lee was flabbergasted by the respect these people were giving to his opponent.
They stopped at the same alley where Yao saved those children from Bo and his posse of bullies.
"This should be a good place for our fight," Yao spoke to his opponent. "I'm surprised you didn't attack me from behind on the way here."
"A cheap victory is not my style. When I beat you, I'll do it fairly."
"Well you're not going to beat me, but I appreciate the sentiment." Yao created some distance and cracked his knuckles.
"What makes you think you can beat me?" Lee asked, clearly agitated.
"I'm the one who should be asking that question. I've been practicing Martial Arts since I was three, so I know you haven't been one as long as I have. I traveled the world to hone my skills, rubbed elbows with some of the world's most powerful Martial Artists, and earned their respect and attention. Meanwhile, you most likely never left China until you received your invitation to this tournament, you probably never faced an actual challenge before me whether because you either never looked for them or everyone from your hometown doesn't practice Wushu or aren't as skilled as you. You're a big fish in a little pond, Lee."
Yao followed his scolding by making a challenging gesture before moving into the position of Pak Mei Kung Fu. "And this battle will prove and cement that claim."
Play Fearless from the Sifu OST: watch?v=1P3USmZIrpU
Lee winced slightly, enough to where Yao noticed as he got into his stance of Jeet Kune Do. Lee slowly closed the distance between the two, but Yao wasn't in the mood of battling for long. He dashed and moved for a swift palm to Lee's face that he barely blocked. Yao used his other hand for a gut punch that landed cleanly. Using the opportunity, Yao released his hand that was blocked and moved to strike Lee's nose with his knuckle. Double palming Lee in the middle of his torso pushed the Scorching Soul back. He nearly fell but caught himself.
Such a short exchange brought Lee's world crashing down. He found his breathing was harsh and quick, feeling like the world stood still after absorbing what just happened. He jerked his face at Yao who hadn't moved from where the first exchange occurred.
"Damn you, bastard." Lee seethed as he readied himself.
He closed the distance with a Flying Kick. Yao dodged to the side and caught Lee's legs before redirecting the blow to slam Lee on the floor. Lee tried to sweep his feet, but Yao quickly hopped over his attempt and a quick gut kick. Lee brushed off some dust on his shirt before rushing in. Yao, fed up with this behavior, waited until the right moment.
Lee attempted a quick jab but Yao intercepted with a quick palm to Lee's face. In one instant, he reversed their positions by pulling Lee, throwing his balance off as Yao viciously elbowed his shoulder forcing Lee to kneel. Yao then kneed Lee in the jaw that stood him up before elbowing his other cheek. The blow made Lee crash on the floor, writhing in pain from the onslaught.
"Tell me you can do better than this," Yao taunted.
"Don't insult me."
"Or what, Lee? You haven't landed a single blow since the fight began, and I've been reading you like a book."
"I will be the top dog in China. Do you hear me!?" Lee said as he moved for another attempt at a punch.
Yao grabbed his other wrist before hitting his nose with the back of his palm again. He quickly followed up with two punches to Lee's chest before clawing his face. His Cross Chop was blocked, but Yao showcased his superior strength to easily overpower him. While caught up in blocking the Cross Chop, Lee couldn't block the stiff kick as Yao struck him cleanly on the stomach, sending Lee to the floor once again. Lee spilled and rolled a couple of feet away from where the blow struck.
This is not happening. This can't be happening.
Lee's the best in China but was getting dismantled with minimal difficulty. His ambitions will dissolve if he were to lose here. Yao was a vicious Martial Artist, a far cry from his casual demeanor from when they were still on the Freedom Survivor. He hits like a runaway truck and every blow landed left him dazed and it hurt to the touch whenever he placed a hand over wherever he was struck. This was going bad for Lee. He caught a gaze at his opponent and it was like staring into the eyes of Enma.
"If you can stand, you can fight. Get up, you've wasted enough of my time."
"Don't... Don't mock me!" Jann Lee said defiantly.
He had to get one hit on him, just one!
Lee attempted one final punch but underestimating the fatigue and the damage Yao dealt to him, he didn't finish the motion as Yao deflected the blow with ease as he landed a solid punch on Lee's chest, following up with an outward claw with his other hand which landed on Lee's jaw. He then landed another claw in the same spot as the chest punch before unleashing one final punch in the same location. Lee's legs buckled as he fainted from the pain.
Jann Lee was out of the Dead or Alive Tournament. Yao sighed in disappointment, knowing the battle was going to be easier than his bout with Gen Fu. But this was ridiculous. Rolling his eyes, he pulled out his earpiece and immediately dialed Interpol's Chinese Branch.
"Interpol: China."
"Good evening, this is Agent Yao. Send a dispatch to South Shenzhen. I've apprehended Jann Lee."
"Very good, Agent Wuming! Agent Li will be happy to hear the news. Thank you for your service. We will send a team out at once."
"Thank you, have a blessed day," Yao said as he hung up.
Giving Lee one final look, Yao pushed him against the wall to lean on it.
"Better luck next time, punk," Yao said to his unconscious body before walking away.
With the job complete, all Yao had to do was return to the Freedom Survivor and tell Douglas he wants no part in the DOA tournament anymore and wants to go back to Aberdeen.
He won't have to deal with people asking him unnecessary questions, Douglas' entitled behavior, and Raidou's stalker-like antics. Getting away from Christie's friendly act is also a nice bonus.
Yao returned to the Freedom Survivor and got back on board. Speak of the devil.
"That was quick, Yao," Christie greeted as he walked to the ballroom.
"I said I would beat him fast and delivered. Though I wasn't expecting much from a loudmouth like him, I was still disappointed," Yao voiced. "Can you do me a favor and point me in the direction of Douglas' office?"
"Sure. You'll go up the steps from the ballroom, and it'll be behind the big doors in the following room."
"Thank you, Christie. We'll talk later."
Yao followed Christie's directions and maneuvered up the steps. As he reached the top, he opened the double doors and saw an unexpected sight.
A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes exited through the doors that Christie described as the entrance to Douglas' office. She was quite the beauty, but he paid her no mind as they crossed paths. Knocking on the door just to be safe, he called out for Douglas.
"Douglas, it's Yao. You have a moment?"
No response. Yao's patience was running short. Surprisingly, the blonde woman he passed by decided to assist him.
"Father, you have company."
She spoke in a thick French accent before walking up next to the Sage. "I apologize for Douglas' behavior. Despite being a father to many, he can still be quite the brat."
Douglas' apparent daughter extended a hand. "Helena Douglas."
He accepted the handshake. "Yao. Wait... I know of you. You're a famous Opera Singer in France, I happened to catch wind of one of your performances a few years ago but couldn't attend on account that I didn't meet the theater's dress code. Your voice is heavenly from what I heard."
"Thank you. From what Fame told me, you're the favorite to win this tournament and have quite the following from the people watching the footage."
"I try."
Douglas showed his face through the door. "Sorry about that, Yao. You can come in now."
"Guess we'll have to save the rest of this conversation later, Ms. Douglas. Until next time."
"Please, call me Helena," she insisted in a friendly, not lustful tone.
Something Yao found refreshing.
"Fair enough. If you ever need medicine or some aid to keep your singing voice strong, look me up in Hong Kong," Yao quickly pitched as he gave Helena his contact information before entering Douglas' office.
Helena gave it a quick look as she was poised to leave the Freedom Survivor.
"Yao, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I wish to talk about my place in the tournament."
"Of course. Speaking of which, your fight against Jann Lee was truly a spectacle. Most of, if not all, the remaining competitors were beyond joyful that you eliminated him. My associates and I are very impressed with your martial skills. Regardless of who your next opponent will be, either Tina or Bass Armstrong, the brass looks forward to seeing you battle again," Douglas praised. "But do tell. What is it that you wish to talk about?"
"I want out of the bracket," Yao said bluntly.
Confusion laced Douglas' face. "What? But you're one victory away from making the podium, Yao. Surely you would want to at least stay for the third place cash prize."
"I told you when you gave me the invitation that I never needed the money. I joined the Dead or Alive Tournament for a specific purpose. Now that I've fulfilled that purpose, I see no reason to stay here."
"I need you to help me see things from your perspective, Yao. You have all the motivation you need to stay."
"No, I don't, Douglas. Quite frankly, I have numerous reasons as to why I should leave."
"Then enlighten me, please."
"For starters, your bodyguard might be stalking me since every time we've been in the same room, he refused to lay eyes on anyone else, one. Christie is putting on a front to get me to stick around and has repeatedly invaded my personal space. To the point where Bayman warned me to be careful around her. Add in the fact that while you may not have cruel intentions with this tournament, someone you work for does, and it makes the general atmosphere of the Freedom Survivor unsettling. Need I go on?"
"I'm deeply sorry for Raidou's behavior, and while I admit that Christie has been acting too friendly with you, I still think you should stay until you make podium."
Yao sighed at Douglas' insistence. Time to start dropping some truths.
"Douglas, the only reason I joined this tournament was that Interpol asked me to bring in Jann Lee for questioning since he's the key witness in a murder in Shanghai. Interpol can't bring him in since he was still here. So they asked me to enter and eliminate him so he can testify and prove his innocence. Now that I just eliminated him, I don't see a reason to stay."
Douglas sat in shock at what he had just heard. Not only he had stock on Yao as a competitor, but he picked him to win the whole thing. There had to be an attempt to have him stay. Deciding to be defiant, Douglas stood up.
"I think you're bluffing, Yao.",
"Bluffing?"
"Yes. It is okay to be afraid of the Armstrongs, Yao. Since they are both at the peak of the wrestling world, facing such famous opponents can-"
Yao interrupted Douglas's ludicrous claims by moving his coat so that his Interpol Badge was visible which shocked Douglas to the point of the color in his face being drained.
"Still thinking that I'm bluffing, Douglas?"
Douglas sat back down in his chair defeatedly. He shook his head as Yao let go of his coat, allowing his badge to be hidden again.
"I want no more part in this tournament, Douglas. You should be grateful that I don't make a call to Interpol's Main Branch and have them investigate your company. To tell them to let you and every member of the top brass take the fall for even the smallest crime they find."
"I'll call HQ and have them send a Helicopter to take you back to Aberdeen tonight," Douglas relented.
Yao's expression lightened up slightly. "Thank you, Douglas. I'll be taking my leave now."
He then left the office. As if on cue, Douglas' phone rang as he answered it. "Fame Douglas."
"Quite the conversation between you and Yao, huh?" Donovan responded.
Douglas scanned the corners of his ceiling and noticed some cameras. "Damn it, Victor!, How long have you had these cameras installed in my office?"
"Not to worry, Fame, I had Christie install them so I can make sure you're safe. We are partners after all," he said sarcastically.
"What do you want"
"To make sure our income stream doesn't leave us. Yao's my pick to win the tournament, but we won't get paid if he ups and leaves us. Isn't that right?"
Douglas scoffed in disgust at the mere prospect of them thinking the same. "What did you have in mind?"
Yao admired the scenery as his mind was cleared finally from revealing his intentions for entering the tournament. He made sure to catch up on the bracket as the day passed. Kasumi would defeat Hayabusa and advance to the finals of the contender's bracket. Whereas Tina defeated her father and would be set to face Yao had he decided to stay. As the sun began to set, Yao made way for his room to gather his things. But as he approached his room, he noticed Douglas standing outside his door.
"Douglas."
"Yao, just the man I was looking for."
"Well, I wasn't hard to find since I was still on board until tonight. But here I am, Douglas. What is it?" Yao asked carefully.
"Your ride is here, and I've taken the liberty of having the maids gather your things. We can send you on your way when you're ready."
"I appreciate the gesture, but that wasn't necessary." He said, his suspicions growing at an alarming rate. "But if my ride is here, we can go."
"Very good. Follow me."
Douglas began walking but not in the direction of the helipad.
"Douglas," Yao called for the CEO. He turned at him. "The helipad is the other way."
"I know the layout of my yacht, Yao. I want to show you something first."
This was a trap. Yao knew it but played along, reluctantly following Douglas as he led him to an elevator. The pair entered as Douglas hit one of the buttons. Almost instantly, the elevator descended rapidly. Not one word was uttered since the short conversation when Douglas started walking, the tension growing to contentious levels.
When the elevator stopped, the doors opened to an area outside that was pitch-black.
Douglas motioned to Yao. "After you."
Yao slowly exited the elevator, with Douglas smirking all the while as the lights flicked on, allowing Yao a better view of his surroundings. The surrounding area was a closed-in, square cargo lift carrying highly explosive toxic material stored in large tubes fixed in the walls.
The Sennin smelled a fight coming on. And as he thought that, the intercom came on, and Douglas' voice was heard.
"Welcome, Yao. To the Danger Zone. Where the finals of the Dead or Alive Tournament will take place."
"Douglas, what in Naraka is going on? We agreed that you would let me go, you cheat!" Yao inquired, his patience finally running dry.
"My apologies. I had intended to honor the deal, but an associate convinced me to have you fight one more opponent. From the way, it seems like he's been wanting to battle you since you were revealed as the Nameless Quan Fa Warrior."
"Thanks to you."
"Yes, it was me who revealed you as such. It seemed only fair after how you treated me in Hong Kong. You can go home after this fight is over, win or lose. Preferably win as if you lose, you probably won't be in the condition to go anywhere. Raidou, your opponent has arrived!"
Yao immediately looked above him to see Raidou diving full speed at him. Yao Flash Stepped backward, easily avoiding the devastating blow.
"I should've seen this coming when you laid your eyes on me, Gramps. Throwing that kunai knife at me. This was the intention from the beginning, was it?"
"Perhaps. It matters not now. All that matters is that I will gain your secrets before this battle is over. Now prepare yourself," Raidou said darkly with a malicious grin.
Yao made a challenging gesture before adopting the posture of a Hung Gar practitioner.
Raidou dashed and unleashed an assault of strikes with his hands. Yao blocked most of the onslaught while trying to find an opening. Raidou halted momentarily, and Yao took the opportunity and landed a solid punch to his abdomen. His follow-up was interrupted, Raidou making contact with an abdomen punch. Yao was dazed slightly but recovered in time to duck Raidou's spinning kick and retaliated with a palm, pushing Raidou back momentarily. He recovered quickly and performed a jumping wheel kick which Yao could barely dodge, not anticipating Raidou's speed despite his old age.
Gen Fu was nowhere near this agile.
He blocked the attack but could not deflect Raidou's solid punch against his chest. Raidou picked Yao up and was poised to slam him on the chain link floor. Yao recovered in time and transitioned into a monkey flip on his end, tossing the old man a few feet behind. Raidou landed flat on his back.
Yao didn't escape unscathed with a rough landing, eyes never straying from Raidou as he got to his feet. The pair rose at roughly the same time and dashed once again. Yao wasn't expecting Raidou's blow to hit first and be laced with electricity as a shocking sensation hit his face. Raidou followed up with a stiff front kick to Yao's chest, sending him sliding on the floor a few feet.
Yao quickly got up with adrenaline as Raidou bellowed in laughter. "That's it. Keep fighting. You'll have to show me something worth stealing, boy."
"Wonderful. A thief, a murderer, and a man who's full of himself. Must be third-stage Dementia that's causing you to act this way. Unless you plan on stealing some Quan Fa techniques, I don't think you're going to gain much on that front, Gramps."
"You must think me a fool. I know your secret, boy. I'm not talking about your Quan Fa skills. I'm talking of your Senjutsu techniques," Raidou spoke of his intentions.
Still, Yao maintained his facade. "Now I know you have Dementia, Gramps. Senjutsu is a mythical Martial Art. How could I be a practitioner when I'm so young?"
"Your attempt at playing coy fails to impress. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I noticed there was something more than what was on the surface. Then when you landed that blow moments before I was able to take the brat Kasumi's life, my suspicions were confirmed. And that dash you performed when I threw that kunai at you and a few moments ago? You may think it was simple, but it was translocation. You are not a regular, Martial Artist. You are a Sennin, whether you know it or not. And I will have your secrets! Now be a good boy and share them with me."
Yao's back was against the wall, and Raidou made a myriad of solid and true points. Defeated on that front, Yao sighed while his head dropped. He eventually made eye contact with Raidou after picking it back up... seriousness was written all over it.
"Fine, you got me, Gramps. You're right, I am a Sennin. Specifically, the Sennin of Unpredictability."
Unknown to Yao, the entire Dead or Alive cast, alongside Ayane, Bass, Donovan, and Christie, was watching their battle. And they caught that Yao was a Martial Sage with vastly different reactions. The general reaction was stunned as only a few people he met during this tournament figured it out.
Hayabusa had suspicions but had no solid evidence. The Kunoichis were shocked, Kasumi awe-struck in her case. Her father had told them as well as her brother about the Sennins. Martial Artists reached the peak of their specific art and had few equals. But they were told that there were only 48 in all of history. Was Yao one of the 48, or was he the 49th? Lei Fang was watching back home in China and was just as awe-struck. But that quickly turned to admiration towards him. And he was kind and compassionate? No wonder he felt otherworldly because in the sense of Martial Arts he was. Christie and Donovan were even more adamant in making sure Yao lost the bout now that his true identity was revealed. Gaining even a minuscule amount of his DNA would yield phenomenal results. Ayane couldn't believe her ears either. That explained how he so easily tore apart China's Martial Arts world.
"By the way, Gramps. You weren't the first tone to figure it out. Gen Sifu did so after our fight on the mainland. So don't think you're special," Yao clarified how much of a battle master Gen Fu was.
"It matters not. Now," Raidou said before readying himself again. "Show me your secrets."
"Since you're so adamant, I can share a couple. But you're not going to like them," Yao answered. "First, Senjutsu is not like any other Martial Art. It cannot be simply taught. You must become a true master of your Martial Art. Then you have to find and read two of the five Senjutsu Scrolls. And from how you act, boldly stealing techniques that weren't learned naturally. Second, no two Sennins have the same techniques. Stealing them isn't as easy as you think. Otherwise, you would have stolen two techniques from me by now. The Flash Step? That's a Senjutsu technique I remembered from reading the corresponding Senjutsu Scroll."
That shocked Raidou as he didn't know how to perform The Flash Step.
"The other technique is arguably the biggest factor in my stomping of China's Martial Arts World. Reading the scrolls gave me knowledge of every form of Wushu to originate from China. All of them. Which includes their counters and weaknesses. I incorporate them into how I battle and called it 预测系统 (The Prediction System or yùcè xìtǒng). But you found a cop-out and said it's technically a theoretical power and why you can't steal it."
"Quiet, boy! That can't be all!" Raidou exclaimed. "I'll just pry the skills from your brain after I kill you since I have you on the back foot."
Yao's expression turned even more serious.
"Is that what you think? I'll tell you one more secret. Sennins must find a way to handicap themselves or accidentally kill their opponents. And I'm no different. Hmm, it's getting hot in here. Maybe I should take my coat off."
Casually, Yao discarded his coat to finally reveal his arms and ankles. Raidou and everyone else noticed the numerous scars on his arms and a few on his chest. Most notably the giant rings on his wrists and ankles.
"These Rings are limiters. They restrain my physical attributes, and I've had them during each bout. Including my bout with Gen Sifu. And I still stomped him and Lee. Since you want to see some secrets, let me show you something."
Yao breathed in deeply. As he breathed out, the ankle limiters clicked off and fell. Yao adopted the stance he used against Bass that night. "Don't blink, Old-Timer."
Instantly, Yao vanished at a speed Raidou couldn't detect.
Yao landed a fierce palm right above Raidou's heart that pushed him against the wall, the force dazing him. Yao was on him quickly and landed a punch to his stomach. Raidou tried again, and Yao added a palm to the chest for his troubles. The process repeated over and over until Yao unleashed a furious rush to Raidou's poor torso and face. The series mercifully ended with a fierce punch to the heart as Yao ended his onslaught and the match.
Raidou was defeated.
As Yao walked back to put his ankle limiters back on, Raidou spoke. "You bastard. I can't move."
"Yes, and that won't be the end of your problems. That onslaught hit a series of nerves, which explains why you can't move. And I hit your heart numerous times. I'd go to a doctor since you might have heart palpitations for the rest of your life. How short that is left anyway."
"You should've killed me, boy. I'll be back and will never stop haunting you until you expose your secrets."
"You're dense, y'know that? I explained that you couldn't steal my techniques because they aren't conventionally taught. Plus, I'm a practicing Buddhist, so I don't kill others. Even if they are deserving of it like you. No, I'll let your niece handle you instead. Your humiliation is more than enough."
Satisfied, Yao put his coat back on and approached the elevator door. It made a dinging sound and opened to reveal Christie was waiting for him inside.
"Come, Yao. I'm your ride home."
"Finally, some good news." Yao entered the elevator.
"So, a Sennin, eh? I knew I was smart for rooting for you."
"So it seems, Christie."
"Are you sure you want to go home? The others would back off knowing how strong you are."
"No. I've had enough of this."
"A shame, but I won't pry any further. I'll say this, though. I would like to see more of you. Perhaps I can make a stop by Hong Kong so you can show me around?" she proposed.
"I would love to, Christie. Under one condition."
"Name it."
"Tell me your actual profession and reason for being here. On top of why you want me to stay so bad. And don't say because you want me to win, because I know there's something fishy here."
"Nonsense, Yao."
"Really? Even though Bayman told me to be careful since you're never this friendly with anyone this fast?"
"Bayman is a paranoid lunatic, Yao."
Christie erased the distance between the two. "You can trust in me, darling."
Deciding to double down on rejecting her Yao merely kissed her forehead. "You're ignoring my request. Sorry, Christie. I've been intimate with my share of women who held secrets they'd rather not reveal. Plus, I normally don't date white women. But if you were being honest with me, I'd give you a shot anyway. But your ignoring my request tells me everything I need to know."
Christie pouted. "Your loss, sweetheart."
Deep down, Christie was fuming. How could she get outsmarted like this? How did he know she was trying to play him? Donovan won't be happy with this, especially with how Yao just irreparably crippled Raidou.
Not another word was spoken between the pair as Christie led Yao to gather his things, which he did quickly. Now that the entire ship knows who he was, he didn't need a conversation with anyone. He met Christie on the helipad, and she flew him back to Hong Kong. Not far since the Freedom Survivor was within striking distance from Aberdeen. They were docked in Aberdeen within the hour.
Yao grabbed his bag and got off. "Be seeing you, Christie."
He started walking back to his home as Christie took off. As Yao became harder to recognize, she swore to herself at messing up this badly and inadvertently allowing Raidou to be crippled. Yao was glad this was all over.
But we all know that this was just the beginning.
A/N: This took way too long. But I didn't have much motivation or free time to write nowadays. Yet I powered through and got this done. Next time, we'll see the aftermath of Yao's involvement in this Tournament and meet some more cast members from the games. Anyway, leave a PM or a Review on how you felt about the chapter. Vote on my poll, and check my editor and my stories out.
See ya later!