Musical selection:

Soul Calibur 3: The Hollow Delusion

Tekken 5 DR: Hiten

AC Revelations - On The Attack

Final Fight Sega CD - Metro Slums

Gorillaz - Empire Ants

Chapter 3 – Missing Dagger

March 13th, 2014, Buryatia Oblast, Russia…

Deep with the forests of Siberia lied Sergei Dragunov's military camp. This camp was built off funds from the Kremlin which came from various sponsors of the King of Iron Fist Tournament. The place was originally built to begin experimentation on the Devil form of Jin Kazama. However, Dragunov was never successful in apprehending this being. So as of last year, the Kremlin gave Dragunov a new assignment. This assignment involved searching for the box which imprisoned the infamous vampire countess, Stella.

Two months prior, Dragunov's troops launched a campaign within the Wallachian Mountains to infiltrate the ruins of Stella's castle. It didn't take long to find the box in which the vampire was said to have been trapped inside. Several attempts to break open the seal by physical force proved useless. However, after reading some historical documents about the box and its contents, the only way to unlock the seal was collecting a rare blood sample. This sample would be strong enough for the vampire to absorb and break the seal by herself. The reason why people never tried it before was out of fear of being killed by the vampire. So this task was easier said than done, for very few people in the world even possessed that blood type.

In an effort to collect the blood samples, Dragunov first ordered the entire Buryatia Oblast's citizens to be screened for the rare blood sample, B negative. The B negative samples from adults did not work when it bathed the chest. However, a young baby girl's B negative sample did have a positive reaction once it absorbed the chest. Doctors confirmed that the box reacted to the blood of a B negative child under the age of 2. So the Spetnaz changed their policies to only keep children under that age in their hospital. Anyone who opposed this rule would be imprisoned or killed.

Dragunov was aware about the criticism from Russians or Buryats who opposed his mandates for giving blood, so he hired some special mercenaries to help collect more children with B negative blood, the Manji Clan. With the Manji Clan's assistance, the Spetnaz army was able to collect more blood samples of B negative blood to help the vampire absorb more strength to break the magical seal unlocking her. The chest remained guarded at the bunker of the warehouse labs, until it was time for more blood fusions. As far as the babies were concerned, about 50 babies were being kept under watch by nurses and Jack models together at the Spetnaz military hospital. They were being taken care of because the legend says that Stella could gain more power when devouring the babies alive rather than remain lifeless. So for now, Kunimitsu's son is safe.

Meanwhile, near the Mongolian/Russian border…

Kunimitsu covered much ground chasing the Spentaz army through the Yellow Sea. She also avoided Chinese security, even traveling around the Great Wall of China. Then the kunoichi sneaked into Mongolia traveling by way of a horse she stole from a nomadic tribe. After four grueling days of travel, Kunimitsu was getting quite tired and restless from the ordeal. Now just 7 miles from the Russian border, Kunimitsu wanted to set up camp and try to sleep and stay warm from the harsh climate Mongolia had to offer. However, she felt a strong chi from the west side of the mountain range where she was venturing. The ground was even shaking. What could it be? She needed to investigate.

After about 10 minutes of traveling over the valley, Kunimitsu could see a muscular Chinese man shirtless. Even in freezing temperatures, he was training his body into the ultimate weapon. Using just his left palm he cracks a rock that was at least 3000lbs. He breaths slowly to relax after his latest attack. Then the man turns around to see the person spying on him. Feeling tense, the man turns around to get in fighting stance.

Kunimtisu (approaching.): "I'm not here to fight. I come peacefully."

The man: "Who are you?"

Kunimitsu: "My code name is Kunimitsu. I'm simply a traveler nothing more."

The man (drops his guard): "Oh. I thought you were going to do something sneaky like killing me."

Kunimitsu: "No I wouldn't do that." (sarcastic.) "I heard the ground shake nearby, and was just curious to see what was going on."

The man: "I'm training. To think no one would be out here this time of day. I'm about finished anyway. You better find somewhere warm to sleep in woman. The temperature's is dropping fast."

Kunimitsu: "This warm blanket around me is pretty warm, but you need something don't you? You're naked up top."

The man: "I'm fine."

Kunimitsu: "What is your name stranger?"

Man: "Feng Wei."

Kunimitsu: "You're not from around here are you?"

Feng Wei: "No. I traveled to this country to be alone and train. But tomorrow I need to make my way back into the capital and fly to Hong Kong."

Kunimitsu: "Really. I'm going to Siberia, and…visit some old friends."

Feng Wei: "Are you a circus performer?" (looks at Kunimitsu's mask.)

Kunimitisu (lying.): "Yea. I am. I can spit flames, and my friends wanted me to meet them in Siberia, but I don't have a passport, so I'm sneaking my way in."

Feng Wei: "Pretty reckless of you woman." (Stomach growls.)

Kunimitsu: "You hungry?"

Feng Wei: "…."

Kunimitsu: "A tough guy until the end huh? Well I have some rice balls back at my camp. Wanna eat there?"

Feng Wei: "I…guess so. Well meet me back at my cave. I would rather eat there."

Kunimitsu (kinda pissed, but remain composed.): "Ok. Just give me some time to return alright?"

Around the same time in Bucharest, Romania…

Within the streets of Romania's capital is the prestigious National Art Museum of Romania. The fabled dagger, Ashrune, was located within the weapons chamber at the 3rd floor of the museum. Zafina waited until midnight to break in the museum. She visited the museum as a civilian in order to locate the dagger. The dagger shined a bright sky blue, standing out amongst the other blades at the weapon room. It was being guarded by invisible lasers though. Tonight, Zafina carried two smoke bombs and a tight wire rope, while wearing all black spandex gear with a ski mask over her head.

Zafina used the rope to climb up the roof of the museum. She eventually finds the skylight window looking down underneath the Ashrune exhibit. Cutting the window in a circle and removing the glass, Zafina tosses the smoke bombs around the exhibit. The bombs go off, exposing the lasers surrounding it. There was enough room for Zafina to land without touching the lasers. With the tightrope steady, she ascends down from the skylight. It took only 20 seconds to cut an opening thru the glass to grab the blade. The smoke covered the entire room, eventually turning on the water sprinklers. This caused the alarm to go off. However, Zafina's mission was complete. She understood the consequences of her actions, but the fate of the world depended on this.

Back in Mongolia…

A new day arose within the mountainous valley where Feng Wei and Kunimitsu made camp. Feng Wei decided to assist Kunimitsu in crossing the border to Russia. Once they traveled over the mountains, looking at the border, they could see outposts covering a 3 miles radius all the way around. The Russians were certainly strict even off the roads. Luckily there was some vegetation which covered the ground area, so Kunimitsu could use that to her advantage. The duo hid under the trees as they descended down the mountain range. Feng Wei needed to gather enough strength to perform his enhanced version of the Death Palm. He took almost 15 minutes to gather enough ki in his body to make the attack. Kunimitsu was getting a little impatient with him.

Kunimtisu: "How much longer are you going to take?"

Feng Wei: "I'm almost there."

Without warning, Feng Wei takes a large step and strikes the ground fiercely with his right palm. A Shock wave of dirt moves forward destroying trees and everything else it touched. The attack was going straight to one of the outposts. The targeted outpost rattled from the attack, and the forces made it crumble to the ground. Kunimitsu's jaw dropped at the sight. Such tremendous power she thought. Feng Wei spoke to her as if to wake up from being in a dream.

Feng Wei: "I believe it's time for you to go."

Kunimitsu: "Wow! Thank you so much for your help, Feng Wei. Hope you have a fair trial." (Runs off.)

Feng Wei didn't even smirk at Kunimitsu's comment. He simply turned around the other direction and walked off, not really showing any emotion afterwards. Regardless, Kunimitsu made haste across the border in order to save her child.

Flying over the Sea of Japan, March 16th, 2014…

The Paladins were given a super aircraft, called the Preventer, a gift from Violet Systems. It is one the biggest planes in the world covering 110 meters in wingspan. The Preventer took off from Kagoshima's airport, making its way into Russia. The Preventer had a unique ability to turn invisible during stealth missions. This would be perfect to being invading the Spetnaz camp. Inside the main cockpit, Lars was overseeing the weather conditions as his crewmates flew the plane. Raven entered the cockpit having finished his maintenance work on his hovercraft. His mind was still in a frenzy over the revelations Lars gave him and his moments with Kunimitsu.

flashback…

Raven: "What will you do next?"

Kunimitsu: "I don't know. My home is destroyed. Yoshimitsu's sword is completely useless. I'm sure the crests are gone too. (Shakes her head)."

Raven: "I'm heading back to headquarters. But I must say, you've been a great teammate for me throughout this whole investigation."

Kunimitsu: "Thank you Raven. But…can I come with you? I…don't know anywhere else to go."

Raven: "I can't send non members to the agency. You would have to be referred to by my boss directly."

Kunimitsu: "I don't care about that. I'd never work for some secret operations anyway. It's just…."

Raven: "What?"

Kunimitsu (walks closer): "Where ever I go, I want you with me. You give me much joy, and you always say the right things to make a woman feel special." (Hugs Raven.) "I love you so much! I want to be the mother of your children!"

Raven (feeling awkward): "Kunimitsu…I had no clue you felt that way about me." (Returns the hug, then backs out to see her.) "But my line of work, won't allow me to be a father. I don't know about your clan, but most ninja clans raise orphans like myself. It's not common for ninjas to mate each other."

Kunimitsu (In tears.): "I know, but don't leave me with no place to go!"

Flashback end…

Raven had that nagging though about Kunimitsu in mind even while confronting Lars. Lars turns his head to the left to see Raven approaching from behind.

Raven: "Anything new about the Spetnaz?"

Lars: "Nah. Nothing new for today. Our hackers say Dragunov plans to have the Manji Clan invited over to their base two days from now. But we want be there and watch what goes on up close. This way we can catch two birds with one stone."

Raven: "Do think she will be there?"

Lars: "Who?"

Raven: "You know good and well who."

Lars: "Oh. Kunimitsu? Damn, she must still be searching for her baby. Poor thing."

Raven: "Lars, I got a bad feeling that she will get after me. That is if I see her."

Lars: "Why?"

Raven: "For telling her goodbye. Kunimitsu's is a ninja, but she's an emotional woman. I got the feeling that she was beginning to see me more than just a partner during the last tournament."

Lars: "Whao? You guys were dating?"

Raven: "Hell no. Using her was a business move, nothing more. In time, however I considered her a close ally since she stayed true to her convictions and protecting the Upachio crest. As a reward for her loyalty, I gave her another place to live in Japan. My old childhood home."

Lars: "Wow. The same place that got ambushed last week correct?"

Raven: "That's right."

Lars: "Well, I have no doubt Kunimitsu will be there. Even if she's not asking for it Raven. Help her get her baby back. If you do that, I'm sure she will feel grateful."

The intercom sounded off. Alisa was playing kitchen duty at the plane's cafeteria. She announced to everyone that dinner was ready.

Alisa: "Dinner's ready everyone! I really love making house specialty pizzas! Hope you all enjoy it!"

Some of the crew members cheered hearing there was pizza to eat. Raven raised his eyebrows like the Rock, thinking this was going to be a major letdown. Lars smiled, wanting some of Alisa's precise food meals.

Lars: "C'mon Raven. Alisa's a great cook. She's so good, she can handle kitchen duty all by herself."

Raven: "I don't know. I mean she's still an adolescent in mind."

Lars: "You won't be disappointed. I promise."

Raven (shrugs.): "Fine. I'll go."

The men left out the door to travel deep within the center of the ship where the cafeteria room was located. Eventually the pizza was being served pie by pie. Raven tried Alisa's house pizza and had to admit. It was insatiable.

Notes: Next chapter, the Manji Clan arrives into Dragunov's camp to witness the unlocking of Stella's imprisonment. Will Kunimitsu, Zafina, and the Paladins make it on time to prevent this major event? Don't go away!