Building Tensions
September 2nd, United Nations HQ, New York City, NY, USA…
Master Raven's Log: "Master Raven here. It looks like yet again I have to return to the US. My first elimination match of the tournament is set in Miami. I do not know who they are having me face yet, but I'm sure the Tournament officials will notify me eventually. Right now, it is only me and Eliza in the hovercraft. We are making our way over to HQ. Dr. Nimitz notified me about the talisman Finch stole. Finch has been helping the doctor on studying its properties and they made a certain discovery that they will inform me once I get there. Everyone else is back on their investigations. Phoenix will track down and monitor Jin Kazama for me. She will not engage him by any means once she finds him. Condor is back to help Julia Chang and her group. And Tweet is with Zafina to help her find the keys to unlock the chamber for the Hyena's Gaze. I can explain what that is once I arrive at base. See you all soon. Master Raven out."
Master Raven along with Eliza arrived at the United Nations to speak with Dr. Nimitz as well as the commanding officer, Tyler Jefferson. Master Raven informed Eliza not to touch anything in the forensics lab as she would speak with both Finch and the doctor. The vampire nodded her head, but because of jet lag, she was still sleepy.
Entering the lab…
Master Raven: "Doctor? Dr. Nimitz? Are you here?"
Something gets knocked over…
Master Raven: "Doctor?"
Finch (Coming out the closet): "Ugh. Hi Master! Sorry for the noise. I was looking for some more plastic tubes. I got them now, but I accidently knocked over a ladder. Thankfully nothing was broken."
Master Raven: "I see. Well should I wait for Dr. Nimitz to come back or can I see the talisman you stole already?"
Finch: "Oh the doctor is on a lunch break, but he should be here at any minute. The talisman is at Guinea Pig room, but don't worry there are no guniea pigs. Hehe."
Master Raven actually smirked over her subordinate's witty humor. Once they entered the Guinea Pig room, the talisman was showcased over bulletproof glass as it shined brightly from its neon like lighting. It appeared to look like the hilt of a sword and yet there was a lavender liquid glowing from the center of the artifact. Finch went on to explain the talisman's attributes.
Finch: "This is it Master. Durga's Dhanyaka, or a blood purifier."
Master Raven: "A blood purifier."
Eliza: "That thing has blood in it?"
Finch: "Ehh…no. Uhh have we met?"
Master Raven: "For someone so smart, you are really slow in your surroundings Finch. Remember the vampire I was telling you about a while back. This is her."
Finch: "What? Really?! Like for reals!?"
Eliza: "What's your problem?"
Finch (Blushing): "Nothing! Nothing! I…I mean I never met one before. Sorry, let me pull myself together!" (Slaps his face a bunch of times.)
Eliza (Thinks): "Strange kid, but I bet he tastes good."
Finch (Calming down): "Anyway. The artifact contains a nectar that is said to have healing properties as well as youth regeneration. We tested it out of some old hamsters in another room, and it turns out the liquid does work! The hamster's fur turned from a light gray into a sandy brownish color in less than 30 seconds! I mean it was incredible guys!"
Master Raven: "So it does work."
Eliza: "I dunno what is so special about this thing, just looks like a magic wand or something." (Looking deep in the glass.)
Master Raven: "Remember what I said Eliza. No touching."
Finch: "So…Master. What do you plan to do with the talisman now that we have it?"
Master Raven (Thinking): "I think…"
Finch: "Yeah?"
Master Raven: "We need to hide it. This talisman is from an ancient technology that was lost long before us. If the Zaibatsu finds out the UN has it under their possession, then we are gonna be in for some serious trouble."
Finch: "Bummer. And to think we might have the cure for aging."
Dr. Nimitz (Coming in.): "Master Raven. I had no idea you were back!"
Master Raven: "Good to see you doctor."
Dr. Nimitz: "What do you think of the talisman? Incredible isn't it?"
Master Raven: "We cannot let the Zaibatsu have this. If anything, it must remain hidden. Obviously, we can't take it back to India knowing their heavy presence there. I gotta think of someplace no one can go to."
Dr. Nimitz (Looks at Eliza): "Hold on. Is that Eliza I see behind you?"
Master Raven: "Yes that is her."
Eliza: "Hi."
Dr. Nimitz: "Hehe. It is good to meet you face to face again. Perhaps when all of this is over, I would like to run some more tests to fully gauge your capabilities."
Eliza: "Huh? Have we met or something?"
Master Raven: "You were asleep when the doctor was analyzing you the first time. So don't get all worked up about it. Anyway, I need to talk with the CO now. Hopefully, when I come back here, I can narrow down the spot I want to hide this talisman. Finch watch Eliza for me. I'll be right back."
The CO's office was several floors above the lab. Master Raven eventually made it to the office to speak with Tyler. He was around the same age as Master Raven, but he was her commanding officer for only 7 years. The previous officer that retired was Kari Grady who mentored Master Raven on her missions even after the death of Crow, the teacher of Master Raven. Since retirement, Kari had moved out of Staten Island and is now living at a modest home in Tennessee. Master Raven had a good relationship with , but she always missed having Kari around.
The talk Tyler had with Master Raven lasted for about 20 minutes. They went over all the developments going on within the tournament and also the assignments Master Raven's teammates were doing at the moment. The main priority of the conversation, however, involved Eliza who was not present with Master Raven. Tyler wondered how Raven could have succumb to the vampire's advances despite never displaying any type of lecherous behavior in the past. Master Raven assured her CO that Raven would never let that happen to him again. Yet Eliza still needed to be utilized once there was an opportunity to take out the Mishimas.
Master Raven: "I should go back and see what that girl is up to."
Tyler the CO: "Alright. Say when is your next match?"
Master Raven: "Its tomorrow. But I got a feeling that I may not have to fight. We will see."
Tyler: "Interesting. Well I will talk with you later. Till next time officer." (Salute.)
Master Raven (Salutes): "Likewise."
Now back in the lab…
Finch: "Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap!"
Finch panicked after seeing Eliza collapse face down after trying out some rare blood samples from animals that were being used for experiments. He thought it was a bad idea from the beginning, but the vampire kept egging him on. If he did not go through with it, then Eliza would take his instead. Of course, Finch did not want that to happen so he gave her some samplings of blood to taste. When he had her try some chameleon blood, she immediately collapsed on the ground. By the time Master Raven returned to the lab, see did not see Dr. Nimitz. She only found Eliza face down on the ground with a dropped vile of blood. Finch was running around in a frenzy.
Master Raven: "Finch! What's going on here?"
Finch: "Oh no! Master! Look! Eliza is…she just fell down! I dunno if she is alive!"
Master Raven (Rolls eyes): "Finch! At ease! This happens a lot with her."
Finch (Stops moving.): "Huh?"
Master Raven: "Eliza is something of a narcoleptic if that makes sense." (Picking her up.) "She randomly falls asleep. So she passes out quite often. At least three times a day."
Finch: "Really? Then it wasn't the chameleon blood I gave her?"
Master Raven: "No. I still don't quite understand why she does this. But it's something the doctor will have to figure out. Where is he anyway?"
Finch: "He stepped out again. Had to take a phone call."
Master Raven: "I see. Then tell him to keep the talisman in this lab for the time being. After I face Lili Rochefort, I will return for it. Continue to aid him in his experiments. I will need your help in fighting the Zaibatsu and G Corp real soon. So keep up with your training and be sure to clean up this blood before he comes back."
Finch (Bows): "I will Master. Good luck!"
Master Raven: "Later."
Next day, September 3rd, Miami, Florida…
Master Raven's Log: "I just made it into Miami. Despite the war this place looks as lively as it ever has been. It's as if no one is really bothered by the war with all of them going to work, shopping, and hanging out at the beach. I prefer my beaches quiet, that's just me. Anyway, I'm sure Eliza will be elated to know that Lili Rochefort is also in town. Question is, do I tell her about Lili now or just wait until the fight happens? Might be better to wait. I do not want to go looking for Eliza if she already knows Lili is in the city. Better to just wait until we reach the nightclub. Perhaps I can have Lili not fight me, but will she take the bait? At this point in the tournament, I probably cannot count on that. Well will see how this goes. Master Raven out."
Later that night, Blue Wave Nightclub…
Eliza: "Master Raven is she here?"
Master Raven and Eliza were standing above the roof of a building across the street from the club.
Master Raven: "Yes, she should be here any minute in her limousine."
Eliza: "What's a limousine?"
Master Raven: "It's a vehicle, like a car."
Eliza: "Oh. Then I hope Lili remembers who I am."
Master Raven: "I'm sure she does. In fact, I would rather not fight her because it will make you sad."
Eliza: "Yeah! We do not have to fight! The Mishimas are the enemy! Not Lili!"
Master Raven (Smirked): "I'm actually glad you remember that." (Sees a long vehicle ahead.) "Ok I think that is her!"
Eliza (Sees the limo): "Uuuu. That thing is big! That's her limo thing?"
Master Raven: "Yes, but please stay quiet."
Indeed as the limousine stopped at the front of the valet lane, out came Sebastian as he opened the door for the Monaco rich girl. Lili donned her usual frilly outfit, but it was in black as she struck some poses at her fans cheering. Eliza from above did not scream, but she copied the crowd as she clapped her hands. Lili then cat walked inside the club as she was met by bouncers to scan thru her clothes for any weapons. Master Raven, looking on, told Eliza to follow her. They had about 30 minutes before the match, so Master Raven needed to find a way inside Lili's guest room backstage.
Master Raven: "Stay close to me and do not leave my side. Understand."
Eliza: "Are we gonna meet her?"
Master Raven: "Yes now follow me."
Inside one of the backstage rooms…
Lili (Singing while combing her hair): "If you can be mine, I know you will have me all the time ."
As Lili was singing one of her lyrics on her music album, right under the ventilation ductwork above the ceiling were Master Raven and Eliza all squished up. Master Raven asked Eliza to back up so she could have some room to knock down the register vent. Lili kept right on singing, not even hearing the noises above her. Once Master Raven undid the vent using a powerful magnet hidden in her utility belt, she finally opened the vent and hopped down from the ceiling. Master Raven made a rare mishap on herself. She couldn't maintain her landing and she stumbled on the floor butt first. The loud thud made Lili turn around in fright! She had no idea who this lady was that came down from the ceiling.
Lili (Gasps): "Are you okay? What's going on? Who are you?"
Master Raven (Rubbing her rear end.): "Damn. I must be getting old or something." (Sees Eliza from the ceiling.) "Get down here already!"
Eliza jumps down from the ceiling…
Lili (Sees Eliza): "What? It's you!"
Eliza: "Lili!"
Eliza flies right over to Lili and hugged her very hard…
Eliza: "I missed you sooo much!"
Lili: "Wha? Just how did you find me? Owww…that hurts!"
Eliza (Let's go.): "Oh. I'm sorry! I did not mean to!"
Master Raven (Back on her feet.): "Control yourself Eliza!" (To Lili.) "Sorry to barge in like this, but Eliza really wanted to see you."
Lili: "Umm…that's fine and all but who are you?"
Master Raven: "I am Raven, Master Raven. Tonight, I am supposed to fight you in an elimination match for this tournament."
Lili: "Is that so? Awfully bold of you to come and talk to me like this. And how do you know Eliza?"
Eliza: "Yes, I am supposed to fight you, but we do not have to. I revived Eliza from her coffin buried in France not too far from your home. One of the first things she mentioned was you, but I suspect your family were the ones who placed Eliza in that coffin and moved it. Am I wrong?"
Lili: "I…I was forced to put her to sleep again. My father requested so. It was not my decision! You must believe me Eliza!"
Eliza: "Wha…? You put me back to sleep?"
Lili: "I did not want to but, my father did not want to be responsible if you were discovered by other people somehow. It was sad that I had to make you sleep, but it was necessary for all of us."
Eliza: "Well…I'm back now! And I don't wanna fall asleep for years again! Hmph!" (Crossing her arms.)
Lili (Sighs): "Which leads me to my next question. You! Why did you bring her back in the first place?" (To Master Raven.)
Master Raven: "Its simple. We need her power."
Lili: "Her power?"
Master Raven: "That's right. Eliza has a demonic aura that is similar to the Mishimas. So much so, that my organization feels that she can take both on Kazuya and Jin toe to toe in a fight. I do not know if she if powerful enough to stop either of them, but having her revived may be the answer to ending this global war for good."
Lili: "In other words. You only need her as a weapon! Do you realize that Eliza has feelings? Why would she do what you say?"
Master Raven: "Seriously? Of course I know she has feelings! If it wasn't for me, Eliza would still be asleep! When were you going to revive her?"
Lili: "I don't know how to! Even if I did, I would disrespect my father and he would punish me severely for doing so!"
Master Raven: "That's your reasoning? Always obeying your father? To be honest Lili, I would not have listened to him when it came to Eliza. Why you ask? Because I would never trick my friends."
Lili (Gasps): "How dare you say I would trick her! I was protecting her!"
Master Raven: "Is that so? Then why keep fighting in these tournaments? Does your father want that too?"
Lili (Ticked): "Why you?! You are a b*tch! I will not take your questions anymore! I challenge you for possession of Eliza! Whoever wins will keep her! Now leave my sight! Before I really get angry!"
Master Raven (Shaking her head.): "This is not what I had in mind, but…I will accept your challenge Lili. Eliza let's go!"
Eliza at first followed Master Raven, but then stopped and looked back at Lili who was really angry with tears in her face…
Master Raven: "Eliza. I said let's go!"
Eliza: "Bye Lili." (Walking with her head down to Master Raven as the door closes.)
Master Raven (Thinking): "Sh*t! Me and my big mouth! I didn't think the girl would be so feisty. All I wanted from Lili was to at least acknowledge and renew her friendship with Eliza. But then she had to ask me about why I revived Eliza. Now I need to try and stop her before things get too crazy. I'm surprised Eliza isn't trying to attack me because of her."
Eliza: "Master Raven!"
Master Raven: "Huh?"
Eliza: "Do not kill her! You can't!"
Master Raven (Sighs): "I won't. You can trust me Eliza. I meant what I said. I had no intention to fight her, but the girl has a lot of pride. I can't be shocked if she still wants a fight."
Eliza (Wiping her face from crying): "Ok. I trust you."
Master Raven: "Good. Better yet, go to her butler Sebastian. Do you remember him from earlier outside?"
Eliza: "I think so. The old man?"
Master Raven: "Find him and stick with him. Tell him who you are and that you know both of us. This way I know the Zaibatsu won't try and kidnap you. Can you do that?"
Eliza: "I will try."
Master Raven: "Alright. I need to tell the sponsor I am present for the match. Whatever you do, do not get caught." (Runs off.)
Eliza was left alone in the hallway. The loud music from the dance floor was permeating the walls making it harder to think. What was going to happen after this match? Eliza wanted to find Lili and hang out with her again, but she could not remember how she fell asleep beforehand. Did Lili really put her to sleep? If so, then perhaps Lili never actually wanted to have her around. Like Master Raven stated, Lili could have kept Eliza free by not using the spell to force Eliza back to sleep. Even Eliza's coffin was moved out of the Rochefort Mansion. Master Raven liberated her, not Lili. The more Eliza though about her circumstance, the more she felt conflicted. Maybe how and why she came back did not matter. All she wanted was freedom and friends. Not being used or lied to. And not for another eternal slumber.
