Previously: Melani, Kasumi, Hayate and Ayane meant Jann Lee and Ryu Hayabusa in the forest. As they began to discuss their adventure at hand, they were attacked by Shinobi assassins. Christie and Bayman were leading them into battle. It appeared that DOATEC and the Shinobi were working together. The 5 fighters were defeated and tied in chains. However, Brad Wong came to their rescue and then head off on his own adventure. As he left the forest, he encountered Leifang and told her that Jann and the others were still in the forest. Leifang, believing that they were all attending the fourth D.O.A. tournament, ran in after them.

What will happen next? Lets find out...

Chapter 4

----D...O...A----

At Andy's Deli, Tina, Bass and Zack eat some good subs.

"This is delicious!" Zack says talking with his mouth full.

"Mmm hmm," Tina responds.

"Tina? When is this friend of yours supposed to meet us here?" Bass asks.

"Hitomi? She should be here soon," Tina says.

"I am here," Hitomi walks into the deli smiling. Tina runs to Hitomi and hugs her.

"Hi Hitomi! Sorry we started eating without you! We couldn't wait any longer!" Tina smiles.

"It is great to be here in America! I can't wait to see what my part will be in your next movie!" Hitomi's expression changes to a frown when she sees Bass in the deli.

"Sorry, Tina. I opened my big mouth..."

"It is okay Hitomi! Daddy accepts my acting career! Come. Lets eat!"

----D...O...A----

Helena swims back to her boat and climbs in. She givers her black lab, Maverick, a pat on the head.

"Oh Maverick. A vacation in Italy is just what we needed," Helena smiles and throws her white coat on over her red bikini. "Lets head back to shore." Helena drives the rented boat back to the docks. Helena and Maverick leave the docks and decide to walk on the boardwalk.

"I'm so happy that Leon is letting you and me stay at his home while we're here," Helena says to Maverick. Maverick barks.

"Lets go back home," Helena says. Helena and Maverick arrive at Leon's house. Helena and her dog walk into the house calling for Leon.

"I'm in here, Helena! I just received an e-mail from Leifang," Leon says. "She sent an e-mail out to you, too."

"How do you know?" Helena asks.

"It says in the 'to address' bar. Your e-mail is listed. She e-mailed everyone that was in the last Dead or Alive tournament," Leon says.

"Dead or Alive tournament? Is there another one?"

"Yes," Leon answers.

"That can't be. I'm forced to fight every time. I would've been aware of this long before the tournament was decided," Helena says.

"Something's not right. Leifang says it is in Japan," Leon responds.

"Well. I must cut my vacation short to find out what this is all about," Helena says.

"Where are you going?"

"To the DOATEC headquarters in Japan," Helena answers.

"I'm going with you."

"No, Leon. I must do this on my own."

"Okay Helena. If you need my help, just call."

"Thank you Leon...for everything. Please watch Maverick while I'm gone."

----D...O...A---- at Bass's mansion.

The phone rings and Tina answers it.

"Hello?...Yes, this is Tina Armstrong...Hello Harry!...I have a photo shoot in Japan this week....okay. Thank you," Tina hangs up the phone.

"Who was it?" Bass asks.

"It was my agent. I have a last minute photo shoot in Japan later in the week," Tina says.

"When? It's Tuesday already!" Bass says.

"This Saturday. I have to go tomorrow. He said it was urgent," Tina says. "Any friend of mine that I want cast in my next movie has to attend, too. That includes Hitomi. And you...if you take my offer?"

"No thank you. You and Hitomi go," Bass says.

"Okay, daddy. I'll go tell her to get ready!" Tina smiles. "Hitomi! We have a photo shoot tomorrow!!"

----D...O...A----

"Lets get going," Hayate says as he throws the last Shinobi assassin in the river. "May they rest in piece."

"It's a pity that Christie and Bayman got away," Ryu Hayabusa says.

"Quiet! My telepathy is sensing an intruder!" Melani says. Everyone becomes alert. Leifang jumps from a tree and lands in the center.

"HELLO EVERYBODY!" Leifang shouts.

"Who is she?!" Melani gasps.

"Leifang? What are you doing here?!" Jann shouts.

"You don't have to lie to me, Jann! I know the 4th Dead or Alive tournament is being held here!"

"The what?" Melani asks.

"The Dead or Alive tournament, Melani," Ayane answers. "What is this about a 4th one?"

"Don't pretend with me! I know Jann didn't want me in it. But I'm here and that is all that matters!" Leifang says.

"Go home Leifang! There is no tournament. This young woman's mom was captured by DOATEC and I'm here to help," Jann says. "I'm not in another tournament!"

"But... I sent an e-mail out to everyone that was in the last one saying there was another one in Japan," Leifang says.

"Oh no," Ayane says. "You made a terrible mistake."

"Go home Leifang," Jann says.

"No! I came here and I'm not leaving until I fight! I'll help rescue her mother," Leifang says.

"Oh no you won't!" Jann says back.

"We can use all the help we can get," Kasumi points out.

"Yeah," Leifang sticks her tongue out at Jann. "So, why was her mom captured?"

Melani tells her story. After the story is completed, the 7 fighters head towards the DOATEC headquarters.

----D...O...A----

"RING! RING!"

Bass picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"Bass! Bass! It's me Zack!"

"Tina is in Japan on a photo shoot. She left yesterday," Bass says.

"Oh...but Bass, there is another Dead or Alive tournament!"

"No there isn't."

"Yes! Didn't you get the e-mail Leifang sent out?" Zack asks.

"Yes! And I also got Leon's this morning. Didn't you?" Bass says.

"No. I didn't check my e-mail again..."

"Well, Leon says Leifang made a mistake. Helena was not notified about the tournament and she always is. It was a false alarm," Bass says.

"Oh...well, good bye then," Zack says.

"Bye."

...to be continued