Work Never Stops
September 13th, United Nations Headquarters, New York City, NY, USA…
With the mission of the Mishima Zaibatsu investigation being near complete, Master Raven ordered all of the ninja officers to meet with her back at the United Nations HQ in Manhattan. Eliza came as well despite not being able to see Lili in Tokyo. All of the ninjas met with the United Nations Secretary General of Peacekeeping inside his office. Raven, Condor, Finch, Phoenix, Tweet, and Eliza all stood shoulder to shoulder as they faced the general. Master Raven did all of the talking while standing on the left side of the office facing both her teammates and the minister himself, Mr. Raja Ishmail.
Master Raven: "Sir!" (Salutes.) "We are all gathered here as requested."
Mr. Ishmail: "Master Raven. Before we begin, I would like to thank you and your team for a job well done with your assignments. It was not easy but now the world can rebuild and be at peace once more."
Master Raven: "It was our duty to protect the interests and well-being of the planet."
Mr. Ishmail (Nodding.): "Now, to start off, what where the finals results for the study of the Durga's Dhanyaka? Does it truly offer one immortal life? Or prolonged youth?"
Master Raven: "Finch. Care to explain?"
Finch: "Yes Master! Thanks to the assistance of Doctor Nimitz, we concluded that the Durga's Dhanyaka does not offer one eternal life. What it can do is expand the lifespan of a human being for an extended life range of 50 to 100 years max. As well as enhancing the stamina and vitality of the individual regardless of sex."
Mr. Ishmail: "Fascinating. And yet, we cannot allow any individual to use the talisman for selfish purposes. Therefore, I propose we destroy it once this meeting is adjourned. We would be hypocrites if we kept such an artificial for our monetary gains. Any objections?"
Master Raven (Looks at her team.): "No sir."
Mr. Ishmail: "Good. Moving on, I want to know more about what Lars Alexandersson wants to do now that the Zaibatsu is no longer a functioning conglomerate. Will he maintain military posture because of G Corporation? Or will he disband his forces and become a mercenary for hire? Any thoughts Master Raven?"
Master Raven: "I have some questions now that you bring up Lars. First, are you planning to recruit Lars into the United Nations? And second, are you concerned that he might turn rogue and cause a disturbance somewhere else in the future?"
Mr. Ishmail: "I will consider these future outcomes given that he has been very helpful with your investigation. At the same time, he is a Mishima by blood. We don't know if he has ambitions of his own to take over territory or continue building up his forces who many were once loyal to the Mishima family."
Master Raven: "I have to say, I don't believe Lars would go rogue and cause a disturbance. Especially given the fact that Kazuya Mishima is not confirmed to be dead. Jin Kazama is missing, but his status remains unknown too. For those reasons alone, I do not believe Lars will go unhinged and try to inflict harm on innocence for personal glory. If that is what you mean sir."
Mr. Ishmail: "Yes. That is my hope that he will continue to be a fighter of peace and not pride. Now that you mention him that does bring me to Kazuya and G Corporation. One of you will need to continue monitoring their activities. They will have to answer for certain atrocities they have committed themselves once the United Nations finds the very people responsible for such acts. Kazuya's health should be monitored thoroughly. It is on short notice, but who will act as a spy to infiltrate G Corporation?"
Condor: "I can sir."
Mr. Ishmail: "Is that alright with you Master Raven?"
Master Raven: "I am but Condor do take some time to relax first."
Condor: "But for how long? I am not the resting type, Master."
Master Raven: "Only for a week."
Condor: "Understood."
Mr. Ishmail: "Oh and Raven. I personally have to thank you for your efforts with the Manji Clan as well as fighting Zafina after her struggle against that spirit possessing her mind and body. You are still healing well, yes?"
Raven: "I am sir."
Mr. Ishmail: "I shall place you on medical leave after this meeting. That way you can stay with your family until Master Raven feels that you are able to work again."
Raven: "Yes sir. Understood."
Mr. Ishmail: "And also Tweet. You were there too, weren't you?"
Tweet: "Uh…yes sir."
Mr. Ishmail: "You must be shaken as well by that event."
Tweet: "I'm ok sir. I even went to Tokyo to help Master and Phoenix fight a giant cyborg! I feel like there is nothing we can't stop after all of that!"
Mr. Ishmail (Smirks): "Such valor and youth. At any rate you should take some time to relax as well. And perhaps Finch can accompany you. He has been working very hard in the labs for us."
Finch: "Yes!"
Tweet: "We can do our own vacations. Finch doesn't have to watch me!"
Master Raven: "Tweet. No objections. Stay with Finch until you are summoned back to me. Is that understood?"
Tweet (Sighs.): "Understood master."
Mr. Ishmail: "Finally, what should we do about her?" (Points at Eliza who feel asleep standing up.)
Master Raven: "Eliza? Well…now that the tournament is over. I guess we can take her back to Monaco."
Mr. Ishmail: "What is in Monaco?"
Master Raven: "Her friend lives there."
Mr. Ishmail: "Oh…wait. Why is she asleep like that?"
Phoenix: "Master…permission to wake up Eliza?"
Master Raven: "You may proceed."
Phoenix (Pulls her cheek real hard.): "Eliza? Eliza! Open your eyes!"
Eliza (Shakes off Phoenix's hand holding her skin.): "Ow ow ow! Let' go!" (Rubbing the cheek) "Hey! That's not nice!"
Phoenix: "You feel asleep yet again." (Sighs.)
Eliza: "What is going on?"
Master Raven: "We decided to let you visit Lili Rochefort in Monaco. She should be back home by now."
Eliza: "What? You mean it? I can see her?"
Master Raven (Nodding.): "As long as you don't cause a ruckus anywhere in Monaco. Yes, we can take you to her."
Eliza: "Woohoo!" (Jumping around.)
Phoenix: "Take it easy you!"
Mr. Ishmail: "She is quite the character."
Master Raven: "That she is. Phoenix, I want you to escort her to Monaco. Make sure she doesn't cause trouble. Understood."
Phoenix: "Yes master. I will not her out of my sight."
Master Raven: "Good."
Mr. Ishmail: "Well now, I believe that takes care of all the main points of this meeting. Finally, Master Raven what are you plans going forward?"
Master Raven: "I suppose can tidy things up at our base in Canada and check on some other people during my journey. Once those things are taken care of, I can report back to you or the commanding officer for any new assignments."
Mr. Ishmail: "Very well. You are all dismissed. This meeting is adjourned. Take care of yourselves, everyone!"
Everyone salutes excepts Eliza…
Master Raven: "Let's go guys!"
After the meeting was over, Master Raven caught up with Raven and said that she wanted to know about Zafina's condition. Zafina was still in recovery at the Engano Resort in the Philippines. So, Master Raven would make several trips as she bid farewell to Raven who would return to see his family back at the Manji Village in Japan. First, she needed to tidy up the hideout back in the British Columbia province of Canada. From there, she could personally speak with Zafina about her plans. And finally revisit the site of her master's demise in Papua New Guinea.
Master Raven's Log: "Master Raven here. I took the liberty to clean up our secret hideout cabin. The place was alright except for a few dead insects scattering the floors. Besides that, everything is so peaceful here. I can reflect on everything that has transpired after all of these months. The world can be safe again, but the question remains for how long? Will it be 5 years? 10 years? Maybe 100 years' worth of peace before something else happens? Perhaps I'm getting too optimistic. Anyway, I will spend the remainder of the day here by myself. Then I will refuel my hovercraft and talk with Zafina. See if she is still there. I have a feeling we may need her help in the future. Just a hunch. Master Raven out."
September 15th, Camp Engano Resort, Palaui Island, Philippines…
When Master Raven arrived at Camp Engano, the Rebel Forces were still occupying the resort. The receptionist at the resort said the soldiers here would eventually begin to disembark by the end of the week. From there a soldier escorted Master Raven over to the medical section of the resort where a few soldiers with more severe injuries were being treated from the battle in Tokyo last week. Zafina was being monitored at a special shack house near the beach by a few soldiers guarding it. After showing her status through her badge, Master Raven was allowed inside to see Zafina who the latter was feeling much better from her ordeal of being possessed by Azazel. Zafina predicted that Master Raven would come, so she was very pleasant in her greeting of the kunoichi coming inside the shack.
Zafina: "Master Raven, it's good to see you once again. How may I help you?"
Master Raven: "Well…straight to the point. It's good to know you are doing much better since I last talked with you. How are you feeling first off?"
Zafina: "I feel well. Thank you. I have been meditating very much these past several days. Just preparing myself for the future ahead."
Master Raven: "What kind of future?"
Zafina: "I have foreseen several futures. Some are more dismal than others. Is that why you are here? To know what is ahead?"
Master Raven: "I actually came simply to make sure you were in a right state of mind. At least that part I don't have to worry as much. After all, you are back to fortune telling."
Zafina: "My readings are not for show, you should understand this by now Master Raven."
Master Raven: "Of course they are not for show. You take your work very seriously. No offense. But now that you mention futures, tell me some things that could happen in time."
Zafina: "Very well."
From what Zafina explained to Master Raven, the few examples she presented to Master Raven were all based on the tarot cards Zafina displayed out into the table. Out of 6 futures, only 2 proved to be more positive than not. They both involved Kazuya Mishima dying. There was a future where Jin Kazama could come back into the world, but once again his demon gene would reappear, turning him into a monster unlike the world as ever seen before. The rest of the outcomes involved newer faces in which not even Zafina could decipher. All in all, the peace on Earth would only last for a short amount of time.
Master Raven: "Wow. This is a lot of process Zafina."
Zafina: "They are possible outcomes nothing more. None of the things I have explained may occur, but they are simply guides to recognize and react accordingly."
Master Raven: "After hearing all of this. I just know the work never stops. No matter what." (Rising up.) "One last thing Zafina. What will you do once you leave this camp?"
Zafina: "I shall return home. Help with the rebuilding of my house and temple. And…maybe return back to my astrology job. I do appreciate that you checked up on me."
Master Raven: "It was nothing. Here." (Places her business card.) "My real name is not on there, but with that number you can reach out to me at any time. Though I will warn you that I may not answer right away."
Zafina (Picks up the card.) "Yes. I will keep that in mind, thank you." (Thinks about Raven next.) "Oh, and where is Raven? Is he not with you?"
Master Raven: "No. He went back to Japan. His injuries are not healed yet."
Zafina (Looking down): "I see." (Sighs.)
Master Raven: "Now if you will excuse me. I must go. Take care Zafina."
Zafina: "I will." (Nodding.) "Until we meet again." (Extends her hand in gratitude.)
They both shake hands…
Later into the day…
Master Raven's Log: "Master Raven here. I just left the resort at Camp Engano after visiting in Zafina. She was in good spirits from my point of view. So much so, she even was doing tarot readings while I was talking with her. Zafina was describing various scenarios where she foresaw possible futures after the had assault ended. Some future outcomes were more negative than others. Either way, I know I must get my team prepared for any type of conflict that may arise. We can never stay too relaxed, you know. But right now, I am going to a place that I have not seen in many years. A place I dread, a place that I avoided for over 20 years, and a place where you know who died. I'm going there to finally pay my respects. It has been time. Then I will report back to the UN and figure out my next objective. Master Raven out."
Within the jungles outside of Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea…
Master Raven landed her hovercraft near the shores just outside of the city of Rabaul. Though this city is very small, the place has seen much history throughout its existence. It is most notable for being the former headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army until they were driven out by American forces in the times of World War 2. It was also a place where the nearby volcano erupted sometime back in the 1990s.
Even as the city was being rebuilt due to the volcanic eruption, some mercenaries took advantage of the situation and used the area as a secret lair for drugs and narcotics. It was here where Master Raven's kage, or sensei, went to hunt down the criminal who was responsible for the murdering of Master Raven's real family. Master Raven herself was not allowed to go with him because she was supervising another mission with her teammates at the time. When she first got wind of his death, it was so heartbreaking for Master Raven to fully comprehend. The Shika clan ventured to Rabaul and found their Kage's body inside the enemy's lair underground. They decided to bury their leader here over a small hill overlooking the jungle and sea, instead of hauling the body back to Japan. It had been many years since then, but Master Raven finally took the courage to go see her master once more.
Master Raven: "I never thought I would come back to this place. But here I am."
Master Raven carefully ventured inside the lair of parent's killer. Coming out of the underground chambers she eventually could see the path leading out going up the hill which was getting overground with vines. She used her electric sword to cut down the vines. It took a lot of work, but eventually she found the small hill where her master laid resting still with stones painted in black marking the grave site location. Master Raven kneeled down to see the grave up close and then she could see all of the jungle and sea from her point of view. The orange sky of the sun set with the water glowing from the sunlight was a wonderful scene. Then Master Raven could remember all of the times she and her kage had. If only Master Raven was present to see her kage confront her family's killer. Then she remembered the audio tape message of her master's confession of her to lead the Shika clan. That plea was never severed. With a deep breath, Master Raven spoke.
Master Raven: "Master? I am so glad to finally see you again. It has been…a very long time. I am glad that we chose this spot to bury you. You can see many sunsets here. I am…a little jealous." (Laughing a bit.) "You might be wondering why come back now? I bet Omani is wondering the same thing back home, but I just want to let you know that we saved the world yet again. Well not just our clan, but our dear friends who helped along the way. They are brave and unselfish people Crow. It was an honor to help them battle the forces of the Zaibatsu and G Corporation. Although, I was told earlier today that this peace we have now may not last long. If that is so, this is why we continue to fight as spies. At my age, you wonder why I have yet to choose a successor. Well, I could ask Raven, but he may decline if he decides to stay with the Manji over us. You remember them right Crow? They seem to be doing better than we are, but that's another story. Anyways, here."
Master Raven has a rare picture of the Shika Clan together some 22 years ago before Omani's death…
Master Raven: "I thought you might want to see this again." (She places the tiny picture covered in glass, in between the black painted rocks.) "Its our clan photo before Omani died. This is the original photo, but I have copies of it in our other camp. I knew how close you guys were so, I felt that you needed it back. Master…I am happy to visit you again. It's almost night, but with you watching over me I am not afraid of anything. I must return to my duties. The work never stops. I will come back again soon…farewell."
Master Raven stands up and begins walking back into the darkness as the sky blackens into nightfall…
