Repercussions
August 31st, Outskirts of Yekaterinburg, Russia…
Master Raven succeeded in defeating Sergei Dragunov in a preliminary match. This victory would solidify her spot in the elimination rounds of the King of Iron Fist Tournament. However, the Spetnaz General made a surprise ambush on the kunoichi, regardless of the match's outcome. Master Raven tried to get out of the base where she fought Dragunov, but his troops managed to wound her in an attempt to flee. By some divine grace of sorts, the vampire, Eliza came to Master Raven's rescue sensing her life force declining. Eliza's powers overwhelmed the gun might of Dragunov's troops as she saved Master Raven and fled the Russian base. With Master's Raven leg bleeding very badly, time was of the essence for Eliza to perform the spell to heal her caretaker back near the hovercraft. Not to mention, the stab wound just below Master Raven's stomach. Eliza needed to take action quickly.
Eliza (Taking off Master's Raven's outfit.): "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" (Takes a deep breath) "Okay focus…forgive me Miss Raven!" (Bites her neck.)
Like before, Eliza bit Master Raven's neck, taking the blood as a sample to access her vitals. Then using her hands, Eliza touched her face with both hands. With her power, Eliza connected her arteries into Master Raven's arteries as Eliza's own blood would have purities to speed up the healing process of the human body. In due time, the wounds Master Raven suffered from would soon rebuild themselves from within the body and eventually close the blood flow of the ruptured veins. From the outside looking in, this spell looked like the work of a God. After 5 minutes, Eliza finally stopped her spell and was breathing hard due to exhaustion.
Eliza (Catching her breath.): "That should do it. Now…I need to (Yawn) rest again." (Collapsing.)
The vampire dozed off once more. After two hours, the temperature begins to drop due to it being nightfall now. Master Raven woke up shivering because of this, but she noticed two things. She was naked and her injuries were completely healed. Master Raven immediately covered herself with the outfit that was stripped off of her body. She felt violated! Who could have done this? It was dark and chilly even for a summer night. Master Raven noticed the armor of her hovercraft glowing by the night's moonlight. There was a flashlight inside her cockpit. After putting on her clothes, Master Raven hopped in the plane to go get it. Turning on the light, she looked around until she spotted Eliza on the ground fast asleep. Her mouth was bloody, but Master Raven put the two and two together as to why.
Master Raven: "Eliza! Wait. She must have saved me after getting shot. I think she used up a lot of her energy to revive me. Brrrr. It's getting colder. I need to place her in the hovercraft. Those troops of Dragunov can still find us."
Master Raven attempts to pick up Eliza using both arms. Then out of nowhere, Eliza grabs Master Raven but is still asleep. Eliza puckered her lips to kiss which freaked out Master Raven.
Eliza: "Muah. Muah. Muah. Muah."
Master Raven: "Let go of me! Eliza! Knock it off!"
SMACK…
Eliza: "Owwww!" (Rubbing her left check.)
Master Raven: "Get a hold of yourself Eliza! Just what were you dreaming about?!"
Eliza: "Huh? Ohhh! You are alive!" (Pounces on Master Raven, hugging her.) "I am so glad!"
Master Raven: "Ok! Ok! That's enough!" (Forcing Eliza off of her body.) "My goodness you really are affectionate."
Eliza: "Well…" (Blushing.)
Master Raven: "I do thank you for saving my tail again, but we cannot stay here much longer. I get the feeling Dragunov's henchmen are still looking for me and possibly you too. Are you ready to go?"
Eliza: "Sure. I can leave."
Master Raven: "Alright."
Eliza (Senses something.) "Hold on a minute!"
Master Raven: "Huh? Now what?"
Eliza (Looking from the ravine ahead of them.) "I can sense a life force, but it is very faint."
Master Raven: "You can sense ki?"
Eliza: "Ki? What is ki?"
Master Raven: "Well…do not worry about the meaning. Just tell me where it is. It can't be Dragunov's guys again."
Eliza: "It feels like it is coming from that river I guess. Should I go there and find out?"
Master Raven: "No. Let them come to us. It may be better to not fly just yet. I rather not damage my plane in midair."
Suddenly…
Unknown Attackers: "Wwwwwaaaaa!"
Master Raven (Turning around.): "Nani!"
All of a sudden, four people hiding within the darkness rushed Master Raven and Eliza all at the same time. However, they threw ropes at both Eliza and Master Raven. The ropes tied their midsections, trapping their arms. Master Raven then got shocked from behind with a taser like weapon by one of the attackers. She collapsed on the ground as a result. It happened so fast! Master Raven had no idea what was going on. Suddenly she turned over to see Eliza being held by what looked like a Manji ninja clan member who appeared right after the attackers did. He picked up the vampire all on his own and taunted Master Raven who almost got up again. But not before the attackers stunned her once more with taser poles.
Ibetsu: "This turned out to be easier than I though. Eliza has been summoned by our master for custody purposes."
Master Raven: "Custody?" No! Put her down!"
Ibetsu: "Nothing personal, but I'm afraid you may not see this girl anymore."
Eliza (Fidgeting): "Help! Raven!"
Master Raven: "Eliza! Aggghhh!" (Electrocuted by the poles again.)
Ibetsu: "That's enough! Let us leave this place!"
The attackers obeyed their commander as they began to flee with Ibetsu carrying Eliza over his shoulder. Eliza pleaded with Master Raven to help, but Master Raven was still paralyzed by the shocks of the poles. After five minutes, Master Raven was finally starting to get feeling of her body again. She was fuming! That was surely an underling of Kunimitsu who kidnapped Eliza. Bending down, Master Raven reached for the knife on her right tight and started to cut off the ropes very carefully. Once the tightness of the rope felt weaker, Master Raven got out of the ropes using her arm strength.
Master Raven: "Damn you Manji! Kicking Raven out of the village was not good enough for you! Now this? Eliza was my trump card to face the Mishimas with and now she could be executed all because of a crazy and demented woman!" (Shaking her head.)
Getting inside the hovercraft to launch, Master Raven first calls the UN…
Master Raven: "This is Master Raven, CO do you copy?"
CO: "Yes?"
Master Raven: "Wait a minute. You're not Tyler. I need to speak with Tyler."
CO: "Sorry, Tyler is on sick leave today. I am his substitute, Lahki."
Master Raven: "Okay Lahki. Something unexpected happened right after my fight with Dragunov."
Lahki: "Yes I heard you defeated Dragunov, but what went wrong?"
Master Raven: "I was almost killed after his troops shot at me after the match. The vampire that I was protecting, Eliza, well she came and saved my life. We managed to lose the troops shortly after. However, the Manji Clan took advantage of my vulnerability and took both of us by surprise with a sneaky ambush. Now the clan has Eliza in their possession."
Lahki: "Oh no. I am sorry to hear that Master Raven. What will you do?"
Master Raven: "I plan to call some of my teammates to meet me in Rabaul. We don't have much time. I fear the Manji will kill Eliza for messing with Raven."
Lahki: "I remember Tyler telling me about Raven's exile from the village, but why punish Eliza for that?"
Master Raven: "Kunimitsu, that's why."
Lahki: "Is that the name of the Manji Clan's leader?"
Master Raven: "Yeah, you can read up on her when you get a chance. I'm simply calling to let HQ about what happened just now. I will give a debriefing of my plan to get Eliza back. Copy?"
Lahki: "Copy that Master Raven."
Master Raven: "Master Raven out."
September 2nd, A lone beach in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea…
Thought the plane ride took forever, Master Raven asked for Condor, Phoenix, and Raven to meet her down in the once bustling town of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. Coming back here was somewhat bittersweet for Master Raven since it was this country where her previous master met his demise. His death anniversary was getting close too, but now was not the time to go back to unpleasant memories. Master Raven was going to lose someone else unless her squad can come up with a plan to rescue Eliza. However, as Master Raven waited for her crew, Raven made an unexpected call.
Master Raven: "Master Raven here."
Raven: "It's me."
Master Raven: "Raven? Are you not on way over here to Rabaul? What is wrong now?"
Raven: "That plan to rescue Eliza. You might wanna scratch that now because Kunimitsu is here with me in Canada as we speak."
Master Raven: "Nani? She is with you!"
Raven: "Hai. She wants to make an apology. I will give her my microphone now."
Master Raven (Sighs): "Understood."
Kunimitsu (Speaks on the mic): "It's been a while."
Master Raven: "Yes. It certainly has."
Kunimitsu: "If you are worried about Eliza. Then you can rest easy because I changed my mind about punishing her."
Master Raven: "Raven convinced you didn't he?"
Kunimitsu: "Hai. I looked into his eyes as he told me that Eliza put him on a spell. He has no intent on keeping her around as some concubine. I was en route to Canada while my guys ambushed you. So I had no way to cancel the mission at that time. I am sorry for that."
Master Raven: "Ok…just…wow." (After a pause.) "Is Eliza at the Manji Village? Are you still going to keep her?"
Kunimitsu: "If you go there now, then I will have my men let her go and you can have her back again."
Master Raven: "Alright then. It's settled. I will call Phoenix and Condor and tell them to change routes to the Manji Village."
Kunimitsu: "Very well. I will give the mic back to Raven."
Master Raven: "Okay."
Raven (Now speaks): "Master."
Master Raven: "You are one lucky ninja. You know that?"
Raven (Chuckles): "I really am."
Master Raven: "After that colossal screw up you did, I thought I was gonna have to examine your mind as to why you would even consider making out with Eliza, but maybe that won't be necessary now that Kunimitsu almost committed a serious blunder herself."
Raven: "Yeah. She surprised me when she said that her men took Eliza into their custody. However, she would not take Eliza's life if I confessed that I still loved her."
Master Raven: "Well…what was your answer?"
Raven: "I told her yes."
Master Raven: "Hmmmm…you really mean that?"
Raven: "I do."
Master Raven: "Well loverboy, my advice is to keep meditating, clear your mind of all vices, and only focus on protecting those you care about. You and I do not want a repeat of what happened with you and Eliza. You understand?"
Raven: "I do. I will be more careful next time. You can count on it."
Master Raven: "Well…that's that then. I better be on my way to Japan. You guys try to get along, k?"
Raven: "Understood Master. Raven out."
September 3rd, Manji Village, Japan…
After the dust settled with Eliza's kidnapping, Master Raven returned to the Manji Village. Accompanying her were two of her subordinates Condor and Phoenix. Phoenix left Raven behind in Canada right after Kunimitsu appeared to meet them. Condor just finished a mission in Laredo, Texas, USA. As soon as he found out about Master Raven's match in Russia, Condor wanted to check up on her. He was surprised to see Master Raven heal back up in no time. She explained to him that it was all Eliza's doing with her spell ritual as the three ninjas walked to the Manji Village front gate.
Condor: "Amazing! Can I see this ritual for myself?"
Master Raven: "Are you sure? You might end up like Raven."
Phoenix (Laughing): "At least Condor is not married yet! Especially to another kunoichi and her crazy clan!"
Master Raven: "Don't be so loud Phoenix. The Manji have eyes and ears all over this area."
Phoenix: "Crap! Forgive my impudence Master!"
Master Raven: "Uh huh."
Condor: "After we get Eliza back, what is next Master? Shall I continue to assist Julia Chang and her group of freedom fighters?"
Master Raven: "That is no problem to me, but see about Finch. He's been awfully quiet for the last few days. He should be back in New York awaiting on the analysis of the Talisman he stole back in India. It's being conducted by Dr. Nimitz."
Phoenix: "So he managed to steal it from the Zaibatsu! Awesome job Finch!"
Master Raven: "Ssssshhh! Again keep it down Phoenix."
Phoenix (Speaking lower): "Sorry. And what of Tweet?"
Master Raven: "I told Tweet to help Zafina in finding the keys to unlock an ancient dagger, said it holds much power. Another trump card to have if Zafina cooperates of course."
Condor: "So Tweet isn't spying Zafina anymore? Can we trust her to cooperate with us?"
Master Raven: "I'm sure. Unless Zafina is hiding something we do not know, then Tweet will notify me immediately."
Condor: "I will cross my fingers on that one."
Phoenix: "Well…we are here." (Stops walking.)
Suddenly, The Front Gate opens up…
From the other side of the gate stood Elder Zuku along with Shinomatsu standing behind Eliza. Eliza was still blinded from the hands by a special talisman acting as cuffs. The elder spoke to Master Raven's team on behalf of Kunimitsu.
Elder Zuku: "Master Raven, on behalf on the Manji and our leader I present to you an apology and the return of Eliza."
Master Raven: "Alright then. Have her come forward."
Elder Zuku: "Shinomatsu escort her please."
Shinomatsu: "Hai!"
Shinomatsu escorts Eliza out of the gate stopping about 10 feet from Master Raven and the others as she removes the talisman off Eliza's hands. Eliza turned around to Shinomatsu and her hunger for blood could no longer wait. With a vicious look she was gonna prey on Shinomatsu for keeping her in a cell without any kind of nourishment! That is until….
Master Raven (Teleports in between Eliza and Shinomatsu): "Don't you dare do it!"
Eliza (Dancing in a fit): "I'm so hungry! I need blood!"
Phoenix: "I brought a pack of blood right here Eliza!" (Takes it out of her sidebag.)
Eliza (Runs at Phoenix): "Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!"
Eliza desperately grabs the quart bag of blood Phoenix was smart enough to bring with her. Eliza chugs it with her mouth, gulping the blood at a fast rate. Everyone looking on was either in shock or disgust. Eliza finally finished the bag and got on her knees feeling so much more relaxed. Then Master Raven questioned the Elder on why Eliza was never fed anything.
Master Raven: "Excuse me, did you even bother to feed Eliza anything while she was captive?"
Elder Zuku: "Kunimitsu gave us orders not to hand her food until further notice."
Master Raven: "I should have known." (Sighs.) "Well we will take it from here. Thanks for letting her go Elder."
Elder Zuku: "My pleasure. Forgive us for the misunderstanding. Contact us again if you need anything else."
Master Raven: "I will keep that in mind. Let's go guys."
A little later…
Master Raven's Log: "Master Raven here. It's been a wacky 4 days. After I beat Dragunov, I was ambushed by his troops, got shot twice in my right tight. Unable to move. Nearly killed by the enemy until Eliza saved my life. She healed me again with her spell, in which it is something I have never seen, but every time she does it my clothes are off. Don't know what's that about. Anyway, the story ends here right? Oh no! Right after I came to, I woke up Eliza who slept near me and next thing we know, the Manji Clan ambushed us! They took Eliza away from me! I had no idea why! So I called my team in order to get her back, and then at the meeting point, Raven calls me. He surprised me by saying Kunimitsu found him before he could take off to meet me. However, Kunimitsu apologized to me about the ambush and she renewed her relationship with Raven. They are together as we speak. They might still be in Canada, I do not know. A part of me still feels pissed off about getting ambushed, but Kunimitsu allowed us to get Eliza back. She was malnourished a bit for not eating and drinking anything for 3 days, but now she's eating all sorts of stuff besides blood. I guess vampires aren't too different from humans when it comes to insatiable hunger. Condor and Phoenix are sleeping near their planes. Tomorrow they will go their separate ways. Our work is still not done now that tournament is in the elimination rounds. We must stay sharp. Master Raven out."
