Back On Track
United Nations HQ, New York City, New York, USA, August 14th…
With the surprising defeat of Master Raven, the kunoichi was taken for medical treatment at the Manji Village in Japan. However, thanks to the presence of Eliza and her special healing power, getting regular treatment was not necessary for the kunoichi. Master Raven was grateful for the help by the vampire, but she wasn't sure how long Eliza would remain in the village since her existence to the townsfolk was becoming more apparent. Not to mention, she never heard from her other subordinates. Condor, Finch, and Tweet all had missions of their own. Master Raven needed to know about their progress. She went back to the UN HQ in to make her report to the commanding officer. Once that was done Master Raven went into her office and started her log.
Master Raven's Log: "This message is for Condor, Finch, and Tweet. I am sure you have heard by now that I did not win my latest match. You will be happy to know that I am back on my feet. I was severely injured, but because of the vampire that I discovered months ago in Monaca, she was able to heal my wounds. I do not know how she did it, but I felt a lot better afterwards. I am back in my office. If you would please send me a log like this or call me directly, I want to know the progress of your investigations if you can. Master Raven out."
Not even 5 minutes go by, Condor calls Master Raven as she is checking other email messages….
Master Raven: "Master Raven here."
Condor: "Condor reporting as ordered Master."
Master Raven: "Good. What is your status?"
Condor: "I have been following a lead about a G Corporation engineer who is taking illegal chemicals and importing them into China. I also found out this woman is one of the more talented robotics specialist for that company, notably the JACK series of androids. With your permission, I will personally suspend all operations involving the chemical smuggling and apprehend the engineer."
Master Raven: "Permission granted. Will you need backup Condor?"
Condor: "Maybe. It depends on the security. Right now, it's pretty weak. So I will be fine." (After a pause.) "By the way master, how did you lose your latest fight?"
Master Raven: "That woman I lost to isn't completely human. I don't know what she is honestly."
Condor: "So she is more like Kazuya and Jin Kazama as the rumors suggest?"
Master Raven: "I believe so and Jin Kazama is my next opponent too."
Condor: "Damn. You need me to be present for your match?"
Master Raven: "Only after you finish getting the engineer."
Condor: "Understood. I'm getting close to where the engineer fled to within the mountains out here. This won't take long."
Master Raven: "Be careful Condor."
Condor: "Thanks I will master. Condor out!"
Master Raven's stomach started growling. It was time to eat. She left her office and headed for the nearby Chik Fil A restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Now in civilian clothing, Master Raven just ordered a simple chicken sandwich with diet lemonade. Then another call was heard on Master Raven's Bluetooth headset. This time it was Finch calling from India.
Master Raven: "You would call me when I am eating lunch."
Finch: "I did? I'm sorry Master Raven eh can I call you back?"
Master Raven: "No I will call you once I'm done. It's too noisy in here."
Finch: "Understood."
After lunch, Master Raven goes into a small park so she could call Finch again…
Master Raven: "Finch. Do you read?"
Finch: "Loud and clear master."
Master Raven: "I see you got my message. What is your status?"
Finch: "I've been on track of the activities going on with the Zaibatsu's military in India. Apparently there is a treasure Heihachi Mishima is trying to excavate. I forget the name, sorry…but anyway it is a talisman that will grant the wish of anyone who obtains it. That's pretty frightening if the rumors are true. I get the feeling Heihachi wants this thing to stay in power and defeat his son. No one will be able to stop him if his men find the talisman."
Master Raven: "I see. However, we need more research on this talisman. The fact that we don't know the name, or know what it looks like will prove to be troublesome Finch. You have to find out exactly which talisman the Zaibatsu is searching for and its attributes. How tight is their security?"
Finch: "It's pretty good, they brought in some of their Tekken Force guys too. I heard they were pretty tough to fight. Hope I am wrong."
Master Raven: "Are they packing heat?"
Finch: "Enough to make a firework show."
Master Raven: "Do not engage them in direct combat. That will only expose your position. When the Zaibatsu gets close to the talisman's location, whether it's legit or not. Steal it. But do not fight. Are we clear?"
Finch: "Hai master. I won't make a scene. I'll steal that thing right under their noses."
Master Raven: "And that's all you do."
Finch: "Alright, alright! Eh…Master? How is the tournament going?"
Master Raven: "I lost my last match but I hope that is the only one I lose. The competition is a little better than I anticipated."
Finch: "Really now? I always wondered how strong the guys were in those tournaments. Seems like they are legit then."
Master Raven: "Indeed."
Finch: "Oh…it looks like the Zaibatsu might have found something under the temple's tunnels."
Master Raven: "Can you see what they are doing?"
Finch: "They are still excavating, digging up rocks, but there is a staircase hidden behind it."
Master Raven: "Okay, just keep me posted Finch. I need to talk with Tweet."
Finch: "Understood. Finch out!"
Master Raven (Hangs up.): "Hmm…now I should get to back to the office and contact Tweet there."
Returning to the office, still no word from Tweet…
Master Raven (Calling Tweet): "Where are you kid?"
Tweet (Yawning.): "Master Raven?"
Master Raven: "Tweet? Where are you? Tell me your status."
Tweet: "Master? I'm still tired…."
Master Raven: "Where the heck are you? I thought you were in Egypt?"
Tweet: "Syria actually."
Master Raven: "Syria? You were supposed to keep an eye on Zafina. Remember?"
Tweet: "No…Master I haven't forgotten! She is here in Damascus! Once again her homeland is being ransacked by the Zaibatsu. I did my part by protecting the villagers, but Zafina still eludes me. It almost like she doesn't want to be bothered by us."
Master Raven: "I see. I was beginning to wonder why she did not fight in tournament. Her country is still trying to rebuild after the Azazel incident. I also wondered about her relationship with Raven. Probably still upset over the marriage with Kunimitsu. Either way, Tweet, you have been in the area for the past 3 months. I'm sure Zafnia has noticed your presence by now which is why she has been so distant. I'm still thinking about recruiting her because of her combat skills. Just don't get into a fight with her. She will not hesitate to kill you."
Tweet: "Understood Master. So I should just keep following her and hopefully she does not kill me?"
Master Raven: "Yes. After my battle with Jin Kazama, I will head over to your location and talk with Zafina myself."
Tweet: "Wait! Jin Kazama?! Master be careful! That guy actually defeated his grandmother! I heard you lost to her recently! I mean are you well? Is everything all right with you?"
Master Raven: "I am. I'll admit, the Mishimas are stronger than I had anticipated. Perhaps if Jin can be reasoned with, we might be able to avoid fighting. But if not, then I will give it my all."
Tweet: "What about your injuries? That woman (Kazumi) used her powers against you and you got hurt really bad from what I could tell on my smart phone!"
Master Raven: "Relax! Thanks to the vampire, my wounds are completely healed."
Tweet: "Really? That's awesome! I hope Eliza will be enough to over match the Mishimas!
Master Raven: "I hope so too."
Tweet: "Where is the match taking place Master? Wasn't Phoenix with you during your last one?"
Master Raven: "Yes she was there. I left her with Raven back in the Manji Village to guard Eliza."
Tweet: "Oh…in that case, I want to join you Master!"
Master Raven: "Well…alright. My match this time is in China, at the Dragon's Nest Pavilion. Can you meet me there by Friday?"
Tweet: "Yep. Sure thing Master!"
Master Raven: "Alright kid. Stay sharp and be sure your jet has enough gas to make it for China."
Tweet: "Understood Master! Is our talk over now? I need some more shut eye."
Master Raven: "Stop taking naps on the job Tweet! A ninja must not be so lazy. Keep track of Zafina!"
Tweet: "Yes Master Raven!"
Master Raven: "Master Raven out." (Hangs up.)
With all of her ninjas contacted, Master Raven continued her paperwork until nightfall. Piloting another hovercraft, Master Raven returned to her home in the countryside of New York State. It was there where she meditated as her mind drifted to her latest opponent, Jin. If he was able to thwart off his own grandmother, then this guy is definitely not one to underestimate in a fight. It might be best to prepare a talisman to nullify Jin's devil power. The question is how long would it last? Master Raven could not kill Jin during the fight or else it would mean a disqualification. An automatic loss. The kunoichi decided that in order to avoid another disastrous performance, she would wait for the right opportunity to paralyze Jin with her Fuinjutsu talisman. It would take some time to concentrate the necessary ki, but Master Raven would be able to make this talisman work against a special opponent like Jin Kazama.
