Beep!! Beep!!

Lei Fang groaned as she slowly got up and turned off the alarm clock. It took her a while to realize that she was in a hotel room instead of her own room. Now as she sat there in bed, things from the previous day came flooding back to her. And what a busy day it was.

The cab ride had taken them to Beachside Hotel, the base for this year's DOA tournament. After they got off they were taken to the cafeteria where they were offered all kinds of delicious meals, ranging from Chinese cuisine to Spanish Paella.

After they enjoyed their meals, they were taken to the conference room, where the DOA management team was there to greet them. Mr. Roberts Lionel, the main coordinator, then preceded to give them lecture after lecture about the various regulations concerning this year's DOA tournament. Lei Fang groaned at the memory. It was easily the most boring and tedious lecture she'd ever been to, and she should know, being a college student and all.

Besides, Lei Fang and the rest of the gang were already all too familiar with the rules and regulations. They've been there for the past three years after all. Plus the rules were pretty simple.

The use of weapons were prohibited, and any contestant who is down for more than 10 seconds during a fight, was declared the loser. The fights would now be held from day to day, instead of all at once like the past tournaments. This was to ensure that everyone have proper resting time so that they would be at their top strength at the beginning of each battle. How Mr. Lionel managed to stretch these basic rules into a two-hour lecture was beyond Lei Fang's comprehension.

Lei Fang's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She asked. "It's me Tina." Lei Fang went over and opened the door. Tina stood there in her red, white, and blue bikini, with a towel draped over her left shoulder. "I was just wondering if you had changed your mind about not coming down to the pool with us." Lei Fang smiled. "Sorry, my decision still stands." Noting the look of disappointment on Tina's face, she added, "Besides, swimming really isn't my thing."

"Ok." Tina said. "Suit yourself, you're really missing out. And don't push yourself too hard, kay Lei?" Lei Fang nodded and watched Tina walk away only to be joined by Ayane, Kasumi and Helena, all sporting their own swimming suits. Lei Fang waved to them before closing the door.

Unlike the last three tournaments, they were given an extra week to prepare or just to hang out at the many different attractions offered at the Beach resort before the tournament started. The rest of the gang had decided to lay back and enjoy themselves, but Lei Fang thought she would spend her time better by training.

She had been training ever since the last tournament ended, but more shouldn't hurt. She quickly browsed through her luggage and pulled out a pair of short shorts and a Nike tank top. She made a quick stop at the mirror to check herself. Perfect she thought, pulling her hair into a high ponytail. And with that she was off.

Now every other person would have gone to a gymnasium to train but not Lei Fang. She preferred doing her daily Tai Chi practices outside. She was always more of a nature girl.

The sun was beaming down at her while she made her way to the beach, located just outside of the hotel. As she got nearer, she could hear a very familiar voice.

"WATAAHHHHH!!"