Elsewhere, a short distance away from the small lake, a woman slowly withdraws her rifle from its post. Silently she curses herself for failing once again. She had been following her target for days. Today was her most perfect opportunity, how could she have predicted the interference of that damned Japanese boy.

Christie quickly shrugged the thoughts off. It wouldn't do her any good to mull over missed opportunities. It was best to start thinking about her next move. She picked apart the rifle and placed it carefully and hurriedly on a suitcase.

"You'll never get her with him around."

Instinctively, she took out a small knife from her right ankle, and turned quickly around to where the voice came from. She had wanted nothing more than to have thoughtlessly thrown the sharp blade at the intruder, but she was curious to know whom he was and what he was going to say.

"I know you don't I?" She sharpened her eyes towards the silhouetted figure with his back towards the sun, which was getting much brighter as the day wore on. He had long brown hair, which was tied into a ponytail; he stood with his arms crossed. Christie pointed her knife threateningly at him.

"I am Ryu Hayabusa." He began suddenly. "I think it's in our best interest that we work together as we have a somewhat similar goal."

Christie raised an eyebrow. "I know who you are. You're the friend of that punk who just cost me my kill right now."

The figure didn't move or say anything and she continued to wave her knife at him. "Well? What do you want?"

"I already told you." He said calmly.

"I heard you, but you'll forgive me if I find your proposal a bit hard to comprehend."

"There's nothing confusing about it," he uncrossed his arms and began walking towards her, "both our enemies are obviously working together, it make sense that we combine our resources to kill them."

She lowered her knife to her side. "Did I miss something, I thought Hayate, or something, was your buddy? What happened?"

"I have my reasons." He snapped. "Look, you can't take on both of them alone, especially Hayate, you don't know him, I do."

"Oh please, I can take your pal on." Christie interrupted him to save face, but she knew he was right. Ninjas, or whatever they were, were not easy to fight.

Ryu, however, knew it would not do good to belittle her abilities and decided to take a different approach to the situation. "You are right. I did not mean to insult you, but it would be easier if you and I worked together. I'll take care of Hayate myself, that way you can concentrate on solely killing the woman." Ryu force a grin and extended his hand. "What do you say?"

Christie stared at his hand, with no intention of taking it. She then looked up at him. "Why the hell should I trust you? You have to admit, it's a bit fishy that you would try to kill your friend."

Ryu smiled. "I am a simple man, miss. If I wanted to stop you, I would do it right now. I would not do anything devious."

Leaves fell on as she thought of what her next decision would be. The man had the right thought in mind to keep quiet while she did this. She looked up at the sky - at the otherwise colorful trees rendered black against the sun, and then she turned her gaze back at him. Tentatively, she took his still held out hand and squeezed it hard then looked directly into his eyes. "I still don't trust you."