An invitation was in Yao's hand the next afternoon. The letter had the insignia of a Douglas, Helena Douglas. The headline he read last night stuck with him longer than it should have. Fame Douglas was murdered on his yacht. It had to be an assassination. Yao read that article in detail. Not once did it mention suicide as the cause of death or natural causes. This was beginning to unsettle him. He had bought a mini radio at the local thrift store to play the mixtape Jian and Xiayu sent him and a tape player whenever he was not there. Some Black Moon was playing at a low volume, but it was the censored version. You never know when kids are going to be around, after all.
Play I Got Cha Opin by Black Moon: watch?v=A3H2N5nUqsk
As Yao continued looking over Helena's invitation, his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Yao. It's good to hear you," Chun said on the other side.
"Chun? Hey. You went silent after I brought Lee to you."
"I felt like words didn't need to be said. But thanks, you made my job a lot easier. You hear about Douglas' death?"
"How can't I? It was the main headline of yesterday's paper."
"No one here at Interpol could guess that would happen. First Douglas' death, and then the winner of DOA gets abducted."
That's news to him.
"Abducted? Kasumi went missing?"
"I guess you didn't know since you crippled Raidou and left. Raidou fought the tournament winner, and despite a sudden resurgence, he still lost. Some say he was killed as his body is nowhere to be found. In that case, I'm happy you got out when you did. Otherwise, you might've been the one who vanished."
"Glad to know you still care, Chun. But now what?"
"Douglas' daughter Helena is planning on inheriting DOATEC since she's the oldest heir."
"What about her mother?"
An uncomfortable silence crept on the call.
"No way," Yao said in disbelief.
"Yes. Last night, Helena's mother Maria was assassinated. Witnesses said she dove in front of Helena to save her. Helena Douglas is now an orphan and has no choice but to inherit the company."
"I assume you want me to go to the coronation?"
"You know me so well. We even have an invitation for you."
"No need. She sent me one already. She was the one who handed me my check for beating Raidou."
"Did you open the letter?"
"No."
"You might as well. The invitation is inside."
"Alright."
Yao put Chun-Li on speakerphone before opening the letter to find the invitation. "Wait a sec..."
"What is it?"
"There's something else in here."
Yao pulled up a folded-up piece of paper. "It's a letter from Helena."
"What does it say?"
"Yao, I hope your day has been going better than mine. I assume you heard. If not, my Father was killed last night. I was the last one he spoke to before his assassination. And with Mother dead as well, I will be inheriting DOATEC. I smell foul play. From what Douglas told me, you seem friendly, and I know you work with Interpol. You are one of the few people I can trust. I'm inviting you to my coronation at the Freedom Survivor. Bring a +1, preferably another Interpol Agent, to discuss a course of action.
À bientôt (See you soon), Helena."
"This makes my job easier. Ms. Douglas wants to get to the bottom of this as much as we do," Chun remarked.
"A plus one? The only other agent I know is you, Chun. And aren't you still busy with S.I.N. right now?"
"I am. But that's a perfect segue."
"How so?"
"There's another volunteer agent that wants to be your partner."
"Another volunteer?"
"Her name is Monako Saewa. She's originally from Thailand but currently lives in Japan. If you want, I can give her the invitation and have her meet you there."
"Sounds like a plan. The coronation is tomorrow, so I'll tell Helena I'll be there."
"I'll call Monako and tell her what's going on. Talk to you later," Chun said before hanging up.
Yao rang up Helena's number. *RING* *RING* *RING*
"Bonjour?"
"Helena, it's Yao."
"Oh, Yao. What can I do for you?"
"I'll be quick, you probably have a lot on your plate right now."
"Not at the moment, though I respect the urgency."
Yao chuckled. "I'm calling to let you know I received and read your letter. You can expect me and my partner at the Freedom Survivor tomorrow."
Helena's tone brightened somewhat at the news. "At last, some good news. What is your partner's name?"
"Monako Saewa."
"Okay, I'll put you both in the RSVP. We'll talk more tomorrow."
"See you then."
"Au revoir," Helena said goodbye before hanging up.
Yao put the phone away before closing up shop for the night.
The next day, Yao waited at the same spot where Christie picked him up for DOA. This time, without Guai. His Interpol badge was now hanging around his neck with his jacket on.
"Yao," Chun called for him. "You're early, good."
With her was another woman, though not Asian like them. Instead, she was a black woman with green eyes covered by her glasses. Her hair was styled into a short curly afro. She was also tall, standing several inches shorter than Yao. She wore a white buttoned-up shirt with a black tie and suspenders holding her black baggy slacks. On her feet were Savate shoes, and she wore a black duster. Yao noticed her hands were bruised and had scars.
"You must be Monako," Yao guessed.
She laughed lightly before offering a handshake. "Yup. And you must be my new boss."
Yao shook it. "So it seems."
"Yao's tough, Saewa. You won't have to worry about babysitting him," Chun reassured her.
"I know. I did my research last night. I'm lookin' forward to working with ya."
Monako Saewa, The Fashion Thai Warrior
Nationality: Thai
Occupation: College Student (Fashion Designer in Training)
Birthday: December 21st, Age 19
Height/Weight: 6'0/135 lbs
Body Measurements: "Hittin' a little close to home now, aren't we?"
Blood Type: B
Martial Art: Mixture of Muay Thai, Dutch Kickboxing, Eskrima, Sanda, Savate, and Tae Kwon Do
Theme: Feet Don't Fail Me by Queens of the Stone Age
"Alright, Saewa. Here's your invitation. Report to me once you're done with the Freedom Survivor. Otherwise, you'll answer to Yao. Understood?"
"Yes'm," Monako complied.
"Wonderful. Be careful, you two. You'll get along well. I know it. I'll be on my way."
Chun then walked away.
"So, Boss," Monako called for Yao.
"Yeah, Saewa?"
"Ms. Li gave me the 411 last night and this morning. What are we gonna do exactly?"
"I know Helena personally. We're heading to her coronation. After the festivities, she'll most likely call us to discuss a plan of action." Yao examined her stature. "You're quite tall."
Monako chuckled. "I get that a lot. I'm 6 feet flat, Boss. But not as tall as you."
"I'm 6'2."
"Sheesh, I thought I was a freak of nature."
Their designated helicopter began to descend.
"Our ride is here!"
"Let's go, Saewa!"
"I'm followin'!"
Yao and Monako got on the helicopter and put on the headsets.
"Boss, I need to ask you a question," Monako caught Yao's attention.
"What is it?"
"Who made your outfit? It's a nice look."
"I did. Sewed it when I was living in Brazil. Why you ask?"
"You made it? I wasn't expectin' that answer. I'm in school to be a fashion designer and take commissions. Just wanted to give the maker a tip of the hat. The gold is a nice accent color for the black coat and shirt. Blue is always a nice color for pants, and your shoes match your shirt. White socks are a nice color as well. Though I have questions about why you made the sleeves so big."
Yao's answer to the million-dollar question was to roll one of the sleeves up to reveal his Wrist Limiter Ring. "I wear Rings on my wrists and ankles to handicap myself. I made the sleeves big so they don't bulge against them. They allow me the free movement of my hands."
"Oh, that makes a lot of sense. Especially since most forms of Wu Shu prefer the hands instead of the legs and feet for strikes, right?"
"Correct. You're knowledgeable about Wu Shu, Monako. Do you practice it?"
Monako shook her head. "Nah. I'm from Bangkok and use Muay Thai. But when I wanted to be a Fashion Designer, I decided to travel to the world's fashion capitals and learn their respective Martial Arts. In tandem with being a tourist."
"What other Martial Arts do you know?"
"Including Muay Thai, I know Savate, Sanda, Dutch Kickboxing, Eskrima, and Tae Kwon Do. I have at least a Brown Belt in each. Most is an honorary Tenth Degree Black Belt in Dutch Kickboxing. I once beat my initial Master."
"Who taught you?"
"Sagat."
Yao did a double-take. "Sagat is your master?"
Monako's pride was as blatant as her black duster. "Yup! My family isn't the best off, so I picked fights to help them when I was nine. I was tall even then and was smart enough to use that to my advantage. Sagat saw one of those fights and asked permission from my parents to teach me Muay Thai. They said yes, and I learned from him for five years."
"He isn't doing the best mentally nowadays."
Monako comically lowered her head. "I know, it isn't a good look for him. Hopefully, Ms. Li will change that."
"If you're training to be a Fashion Designer, did you make your suit?"
"Sharp eye on you, Boss! It's custom-made for my body and is specifically made to fight in. Hence why the slacks are baggy. I do a vast amount of kicks, so if they were fitted, they'd rip. Even though everything I wear is laced with elastic material, save my glasses, I can do all that. And it's also why I carry these," Monako explains as she pulls out Boxing Tape. "I call this line of clothing the Battledress. And what I'm wearing is the first complete outfit from it. The next step is finding a way to get blood to not stain anything in the line. I'm in a rut on that end. But I'll solve that problem eventually."
"With ambition and drive like that, it's only a matter of time."
Monako cheekily smiled, showing her pearly whites. "Thanks, Boss."
The helicopter started approaching the Freedom Survivor, and Monako had the same reaction Yao did when he first saw the cruise liner.
"The Freedom Survivor's a yacht?"
"That's what I said when I first saw it. There's a landing port here, thankfully."
"If that were the case, why not just pick us up in Kowloon or Aberdeen? They're both port cities, aren't they?"
"My thoughts exactly."
After the helicopter landed, Yao and Monako got off before flashing their invitations to the guards. They were allowed into the foyer. As they walked to the center, Monako came up with an idea.
"Hey, Boss."
"Yes, Monako?"
"How about I make you an outfit? Not to discount your work, but I know I can outdo it and give it more use to boot."
"I wouldn't mind, but I can't give you a commission right now."
That was a lie since Yao had a check for $500,000. Monako doesn't know that, as if it mattered.
"Nonsense, Boss. All I need are your measurements, and I'll have it done within an hour when I get back to my studio in Japan."
"If you insist, Saewa," Yao complied as a waitress with martinis passed by.
"C̄hạn mị̀ rạngkeīyc t̄ĥā c̄hạn thả (Don't mind if I do)," Monako said as she took one.
Through his peripheral vision, Yao noticed everyone in DOA 1 except for Lei Fang and Kasumi for obvious reasons. There were also a couple of faces he didn't recognize.
"Boss, a suit is staring at you at 9 o'clock," Monako pointed out.
"Must be a member of DOATEC's brass. With how sketchy everything is with them, be ready for a fight."
"Sabai dee. (Fine) Should've taped up when we were on the helicopter in that case."
"You can't fight without it?"
"I can if I have to but hate bruising my knuckles."
"You practice Muay Thai. Didn't Sagat run you through a hellish amount of physical conditioning?"
"He did. I'm at the peak of my physical capabilities. But I hit hard and sometimes go too far."
Yao made a mental note of that. Must be a result of Sagat's harsh training. Before responding, he heard a familiar booming voice. One he wasn't necessarily fond of.
"Yao!"
Yao and Monako each looked in the direction of the voice and saw Jann Lee marching up to them.
"Buddha, here we go," Yao said, already fed up with his antics. "Lee."
"A Sennin? Are you fucking kidding me!?"
"Yup. And I was handicapped during DOA 1, including our fight. This is my co-worker, Monako," Yao introduced the Thai woman to him.
Characteristically, Lee brushed her off. It annoyed Saewa, but she bit her tongue.
"You better hope we don't fight again."
"Of course. I wouldn't want to waste my time beating you again. Now go away. You're scaring the waitresses."
Jann Lee scowled before moving back to where he was.
"He's a piece of work, eh Boss?"
"You don't even know, Saewa."
"I'll leave it alone. I can tell he's the product of a sour memory or two."
Monako wasn't wrong about that. Shortly afterward, Helena finally came out. All conversations going on immediately ceased.
"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for taking time out of your respective schedules to come today. I'm sure you all know what happened to my father, Fame Douglas."
Helena noticed Yao and Monako and silently nodded at them.
"It was truly unfortunate he was taken from us. But with his death, I am here to announce that I, Helena Douglas, will be taking over DOATEC in his place."
A small uproar came from the other visitors, save for the two Interpol Agents and the man in the suit.
"Now for why most of you are here. As the new head of DOATEC, I am announcing the second DOA Tournament. The same payout is up for grabs if Raidou has been bested. But since he's dead, the doubling of the reward will be applied to all Podium Positions and a payout for fourth place."
Sounds of general approval from the crowd.
"Also, I want to announce that I will enter the tournament. If I were to win or place, I'll give away the earnings to a fundraiser of the choice of those who place better than me or the other podium winners."
As a waitress came outside and was beckoned by Helena as she whispered something in her ear before downstairs.
"The tournament will begin one week from now. If you received an invitation to come here, you also have your invitation to enter. For now, mingle amongst yourselves. Let one of the waitresses know if you're ready to depart, and I will arrange for your exit. Au revoir, and good luck!" Helena finished as she went inside her office.
"Why do I feel I'm going to be entering this tournament off of orders from Chun?" Yao jokingly asked.
"One of us is gonna have to," Monako added.
Yao then felt a finger touch his shoulder twice. He looked to his right and saw a welcoming sight.
"Yao. It's good to see you again," Lei Fang greeted him.
She no longer wore her tomboyish vest and pants. Instead, a Red-and-gold qípáo with green lining and a phoenix printed on the front, matching wristbands, and high-heeled sandals. She looked absolutely stunning. Yao was left speechless by the sight before him. Whatever he had to say left his thoughts, and his stare made Lei Fang blush.
"Boss?" Monako's voice snapped him out of his gaze. "Everythin' okay?"
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry about that," Yao answered sheepishly. "It's good to see you too, Lei Fang. You look... magnificent. What's the occasion?"
"Y-You like it?" It was obvious Lei Fang was shy. "I wanted to try something new."
She modeled for him and Monako by spinning around. In truth, she wore it to match the event's vibe and on the chance of running into Yao (which she did) to impress him. Safe to say it worked like a charm.
"You look wonderful," Yao complimented her with his normal voice, which deepened Lei Fang's blush.
"Fang, this is Monako. My co-worker at Interpol."
"Interpol? I thought you run a Medicine Store?"
"I do. But that can get boring at times."
"It's nice to meet you. Is your qipao made of silk? It's shining!" Monako complimented her dress.
"It is. You noticed?"
"I have an eye for fashion. It's what I go to University for."
"You happen to do commissions?" Lei Fang asked the Thai woman.
Yao swore he saw stars in Monako's eyes. "I do. We'll exchange contact information before we get out of here."
The waitress Helena whispered to had approached the group. "Monsieur Yao, Madameoiselle Saewa. Ms. Helena would like a word with you."
They looked where the suit stood, but he wasn't there anymore.
"Go ahead, Monako. I'll be behind you shortly."
"Sabai dee. It was nice meeting you, Lei Fang," Saewa said before whispering in Yao's ear. "Startin' to think that suit isn't with DOATEC at all, Boss. Be careful."
"I won't be long."
Saewa nodded before shaking Lei Fang's hand and following the waitress.
"Are you here on orders from Interpol?"
"Yeah. Something tells me my next order will be entering DOA 2. That's gonna stink."
"Uhm... Are you and Saewa seeing each other?"
"Huh? Where did that come from?"
Lei Fang averted eye contact. "No particular reason."
"No, we're not. We met each other a few hours ago."
"What? You two seemed close."
"Our C.O. did say we'd get along. I guess you can say she's right. Hey, Fang. We'll talk later, okay? I think someone else wants to have a conversation with me too."
Yao then bowed at the Tai Chi Chuan Genius. In response, she hugged him. It threw the Sennin off, but he returned the hug before she broke away.
"I'll see you soon then," Fang said as she mingled with the other participants.
"Your perception is sharper than I thought."
The man in the suit appeared as Yao turned around.
"What's with the cloak and dagger? Obviously, you're not with DOATEC, and you know I'm not."
"You can never be too sure, Sennin. But it seems you and your partner both mean well."
The man extended his hand. "Ryu Hayabusa."
Yao shook his hand. "Ah, I wasn't expecting to see you with your mask off. Why the suit?"
"Do you know what happened to Kasumi?"
"Not in detail, but I know of the result of her fight with Raidou that led to her kidnapping. Is that why you're here?"
"Yes. Though I don't have anything right now. Can I count on you to help me if the need arises?"
"So long as it's not too on the spot and radical since I'm here on official business myself."
"I understand. I'll do some more snooping to see what I can find. I'll keep in touch," Hayabusa stated as he walked away.
With the conversation over, Yao quickly went to Helena's office.
When he got inside, Monako was outside the office doors.
When Yao got inside, Monako was outside the office doors. "What did the suit want?"
"He's a friend here to snoop for information on the whereabouts of the last tournament's winner."
"Okay. So, Boss. Fang is sure cute, isn't she?"
"What are you on about?"
"Oh, come on. We both know that little twirl of hers in that qipao was to impress you. Sure as shit wasn't to impress me."
"If Fang has feelings for me, she should be upfront instead of wasting both of our time, Saewa."
"We all don't think that bluntly, Boss. Especially women our age."
"Do you?"
"No. But I've lived with a grown man and his manchild for five years," Monako answered.
The pair reached the double doors to Douglas' now Helena's office. Yao knocked on the door. "Helena? It's Yao and Monako."
"Come in."
They entered as permission was granted. The pair found Helena looking over a picture of her and her mother, tears staining her face.
"Helena?" Yao called her name.
She looked up and wiped her face. "Désolée. You two shouldn't have seen me like this."
"Nonsense. While I can't relate completely, I know what losing a parent is like."
"You have?"
"My father was killed before I was born. By my grandfather, no less," Yao revealed.
"I cannot imagine! Your relationship with your grandfather must be tarnished."
"It has improved gradually. Even more so for my mother."
"Do you want a hug, Ms. Helena?" Monako offered.
"I... I would like that, actually."
"C'mon, Boss," Monako verbally strongarmed as she embraced the heiress.
Yao was behind her as he hugged Helena from the other side.
"You think your afternoon was gonna go like this, Boss?"
"Monako, stop talking."
"Yes, sir."
The three remained like that for a few moments before separating. Monako and Yao wiped the final tears from her eyes.
"We feel for you, Helena. But you're a boss now. You gotta be strong," Yao comforted her verbally.
"Yes. Merci, both of you."
"Of course. Do you have a plan to lure out your mother's killer?"
"DOA 2 is my plan, Yao. Hence why I personally entered it."
"I suppose that's the best you can do until we have a better idea of the motive besides inheriting DOATEC. Any guesses on who might've orchestrated the assassination attempts?"
"Do you?"
"Yes. Personally, I think it was Donovan. But it's an assumption based on what he tried to do to me."
"He's my guess as well," Helena confirmed.
"Bring me up to speed. What did this Donovan character try to do, Boss?"
"When I fulfilled my initial obligations to Interpol by apprehending Jann Lee, I was ready to forfeit my match and leave. Donovan convinced Douglas to sick Raidou on me like some Police Dog. Raidou lost and was crippled before I left. It was Helena herself who told me the idea was Donovan's. If anything, he probably had something to do with Kasumi's disappearance. But we're getting off topic."
"It was rather vile of him. But even if we are correct, we don't have a proper motive," Helena admitted.
"I think we're overthinking a potential motive here," Monako said.
"How so, Saewa?"
"Think about it. Ms. Li said Douglas was the only one who funded DOA, right?"
"Right."
"Which means other members of DOATEC's cabinet didn't support or help fund it."
"Correct. What's the point of telling us this?" Helena inquired.
"If DOA was a success, which it was, all the praise, benefits, and money would go solely to your father. That's for starters."
"For starters?" Yao repeated.
"Yup. Donovan and Douglas were partners, right? Donovan probably suggested Raidou being a bonus fight for the winner."
"Which he did," Helena confirmed.
"Right. Those two had built up the proper image for him so people would pay attention. So they built the image of Raidou. Unstoppable and Unbeatable."
"Uh-huh. So where did things go wrong, Monako?"
"Funny you should ask, Boss. Things went wrong when you threatened to leave. With you dominating the tournament and even taking out two potential winners with minimal difficulty, Douglas and Donovan planned to make you the next Raidou. They had to find a way to make you stay, including the possible bonus cash they'd get if you win. Douglas wanted to keep things clean, and why he agreed to let you go. But Donovan and the other cabin members weren't thinking the same. So Donovan convinced Douglas to use Raidou. He was unbeatable, and thanks to whatever the hell DOATEC did to him, unstoppable too."
"Then he lost," Yao chimed in.
"Exactly. Not only were their potential future plans gone with you leaving, but the image of Raidou was completely shattered after you crippled him before he died. With a streak of catastrophic failures, heads had to roll. It was a matter of who was getting decapitated, so to speak," Monako masterfully explained.
Yao was flabbergasted. "Monako, are you saying Douglas' assassination can be chalked up as a business decision?"
"People have done worse for less."
"Then why was I targeted?"
"If Monako is right, that'd make you next in line for inheriting DOATEC since you're his oldest child after his death. If you die, Donovan would take over DOATEC since he was his partner in the company. That failed since we're having this conversation. At the unfortunate cost of your mother, Buddha bless her soul."
Helena had to sit down from nausea. "After all that, we still don't have a single clue as to who committed these murders. Though your explanation is enough to convince me that Donovan was the one who orchestrated them."
"With all that being said, what's the plan now?"
"If you don't mind, I'd like one of you to enter DOA 2 with me. I'll gather information and report to whoever isn't in the tournament."
"You should enter, Boss. You're much stronger than I am. Besides, I live to make the other Interpol agents, except Ms. Li, uncomfortable when I call anything in."
"Alright, but watch over Helena. Obviously, she can defend herself. However, you can't be too sure. If we make a mistake and she gets killed, it's both of our heads."
"If she doesn't mind."
"I don't. Welcome aboard, Monako."
"Unless there's another matter worth discussing, we should report this," Yao said.
"I'm positive that covers everything. If not, I have your contact information," Helena said before hugging the Interpol agents again. "Thank you both once again."
"We'll get to the bottom of this, Helena. You can count on us," Monako reassured her.
"C'mon, Saewa. Let's leave Helena to her devices."
Yao bowed in respect to the heiress. Monako did the same before they left Helena's office.
"You want me to call it in, Boss? I get the feeling that Suit wants your help on something that I'm not really involved in."
"If you insist, Monako."
They walked down the stairs to the foyer.
"I'll hit up Ms. Li right now," Monako said as she pulled out her phone.
"S̄wạs̄dī (Hello), this is Agent Saewa. Can you please put me on the line with Agent Li?"
A momentary pause before Monako's expression soured. "เย็ดแม่ (Motherfucker), tell her it's important!"
That caused Yao to laugh heartily, glad to know he wasn't the only one who had problems with Interpol's dispatch. Especially when he was on parole.
"This is gonna take a while, Boss. We'll split up here. I'll keep in touch if I don't see ya later today."
"Alright, Monako. Try not to blow a gasket over this."
Yao rubbed her shoulder before she walked outside the ballroom.
Hayabusa apparently wasn't done snooping yet, which left him with little to do since Monako was talking to Interpol's Dispatch.
"Yao!" Fang called for him.
"Hey. What's going on?"
"I should be asking you that. With how you exited DOA last time, I would've thought you'd never come back."
"My job with Interpol, though it's a voluntary position, tends to overlap my personal sense of judgment. I have to respect the ladder. I, as well as Saewa, can say no if we wanted. But it's for the greater good. We have the ability to help, so we will. Even if it means I have to enter this tournament again."
"But if you do, you'll most likely fight to win it."
"You're sharp. That's going to be the intent regardless of my orders. I can't let my fans down because they call me 'The True Winner of DOA'. Plus, I'm still an underdog despite what I accomplished in the last tournament. I look forward to silencing the critics. But what about you, Fang? Are you going to enter DOA 2?"
"Yes. I've been training since I lost. If anything, I want to see where I stack up now."
"If it's anything like last time, you won't last long," Lee said, inserting himself into the conversation. "As for you, Sennin, don't expect to beat me again so easily."
"I won't. But I am expecting to beat you again regardless. And don't mock my title, brat. Beating me as you are now is impossible unless I give you the win or throw the fight. Don't get your hopes up."
Yao then stomped the floor. "Remember. Under the heel of my shoe."
The comment unsurprisingly angered Lee.
"Go away, Lee. Can't you see I'm talking with a friend of mine?"
"Whatever. She doesn't deserve to be here with true warriors."
"Neither do you with that attitude. But we tolerate you anyway because that's how nice we are. Right, Fang?"
"Y-Yeah!" Lei Fang stuttered slightly.
Lee sneered before walking outside.
"Before we were rudely interrupted," Yao shifted back to his normal voice. "If you're entering to see how much you've improved..." He clasped his hands over hers as if he was praying. "Then I'll be rooting for you."
Fang blushed heavily as she was left a little awe-struck. "T-Thanks! I will show you and Lee how much stronger I got."
"That's the way! Hopefully, I get to experience it first hand."
Yao's phone then rang. "Hold that thought." He answered the phone call. "Ni hao?"
"It's Hayabusa. I got what I needed. Will you help me?"
"Sure, where are we headed?"
"Germany."
"Germany?" Yao almost blurted.
"That's where Kasumi is being held. DOATEC's HQ in Germany."
"Hayabusa, how in Buddha are we getting to Germany before the sun sets?"
"I have a CIA contact that'll fly us there. Are you in or not? I understand if you're reluctant. Germany is quite a ways away."
"I'll help. Give me a moment to say some goodbyes."
"Got it. Our ride will be on the loading dock. Don't take too long," Hayabusa said before hanging up.
"100 miles an hour, that guy," Yao said before turning back to Fang and returned the hug she gave him earlier. "I'll see you later, Fang."
They briefly melded their hands together before Yao ran off. "Oh, one more thing."
Instantly, Yao Flash Stepped back into her sight with a chuckle. "Your hair. It looks wonderful down, but if you plan on wearing similar qipaos, maybe consider braids to nail the regal look you're going for. Regardless, you look magnificent."
"O-Okay," Lei Fang managed to get out before Yao disappeared again.
Braids, huh? Maybe she'll take him up on that advice. With a breath of determination, a competitive smirk formed on her face. Lei Fang looked forward to showing him and whoever else she ran into what she could do.
Yao made his way outside. In the distance, he saw Monako still on the phone. But from her relaxed expression, she most likely reached Chun and was explaining everything that happened.
"Monako!" He called for his partner.
She looked up at him. "I'm gone! I'll catch up with you later!"
"Okay, Boss! I'll keep in touch!" Monako said goodbye as she went back to her call.
Yao then ran up to the loading dock where Hayabusa and his contact were waiting.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Let's get the hell out of here," Yao answered as he got on board.
"Noted. Take us up!" Hayabusa responded.
"And that's everything, Ms. Li." Monako finished reporting to Chun.
"That's heavy stuff, Monako. But it isn't so farfetched, especially your deduction of everything. So Helena is planning on entering the tournament to help us find information on her parents' killers. Are you or Yao going to enter too?"
"Boss is already convinced he's going to get the order. He won't be happy when he gets word that his intuition is correct."
"He'll pull through. He always does. What about you, Monako?"
"We suggested that I hang around Helena during her run to ensure she doesn't get capped herself. She doesn't mind it."
"Sounds like a plan. If you can, give Helena my contact information so you don't have to keep reporting to me."
"Fine with me. Interpol Dispatch continues to piss me off whenever I call anything in."
"I'm sorry about that. They gave Yao attitude too when he was on parole. Best of luck to you both."
"'Till next time, Ms. Li," Monako said goodbye before hanging up the call.
Her job was complete, and with Yao already leaving, all that was left for Monako to do is let Helena know she was ready to hi-tail it.
"Wait, I didn't give Lei Fang my information yet. Lemme do that first."
Monako started for the ballroom but was intercepted with an attempted kick to her face. She blocked it in time and immediately dashed backward. It was Jann Lee.
"This how you greet people you never met before?" She sarcastically asked him.
He flicked his nose before getting ready to attack her again. "Not really. But since you work with the Sennin, beating you will make him take me more seriously.
Oh, so he wants Yao's attention? Monako then smirked before getting into a stance for Muay Thai. "So you wanna fight, huh? Come on, shortstack."
Lee tried for the same kick, but Monako telegraphed it. Deflecting his leg, she retaliated with her own kick against his leg. After a clean hit, Lee visibly writhed in pain. Before he could process the force of her kick, she kicked him in the face with her other leg with so much speed, he didn't have time to retaliate. Lee crashed on the floor as Monako relaxed her muscles.
"You're a real piece o'work, y'know that?" Monako mentioned. "How are you gonna talk all that shit then be knocked down in two kicks? I didn't even put much force in either one."
Lee struggled to get back on his feet. Not much force his ass. If she kicked any harder, Lee's leg might've gone numb.
"You're lucky I'm not entering DOA 2, or else you probably never would've made it to Boss because I'd beat you first. Now you think on that while I go chat up your girlfriend. S̄wạs̄dī," Monako said as she made her way back to the ballroom.
"She's not my girlfriend! She's beneath me!" Lee exclaimed after finally getting on his feet.
"Whatever, bully boy!"
Monako made it back to the ballroom and made a beeline for the Chinese woman. "Ms. Fang!"
"Hi, Monako. Are you going to enter DOA 2 like Yao?"
Monako shook her head. "Nah, Boss has that covered. But I'll be around, though."
"Why?"
"Helena insisted I be her bodyguard during her tournament run. Maybe I'll get some inspiration for making new clothes from the experience. But I was going to head out before I could do that."
Monako flashed her card and handed it to Lei Fang. "My card. If you want me to commission you a dress or somethin' before the tournament begins, hit my line."
"I will do just that. It was nice meeting you, Monako."
"Likewise," Monako responded before tapping the shoulder of a waitress. "Let Helena know I'm ready to go back to Japan."
"Yes, Madameoiselle Saewa. I will let Lady Helena know immediately."
"Khorb Khun Ka. (Thank You) And watch Jann Lee while you're still here. He tried to attack me to get closer to Boss. So if you and Boss get closer," Monako said while teasingly elbowing her shoulder. "He'll make you a target next."
Fang blushed at Monako's insinuation. "I-I-It's not like that."
"Sure it ain't," Monako said as the same waitress walked up to her.
"Your ride is ready, Mademoiselle Saewa."
"That was quick. Keep in touch, Lei Fang. S̄wạs̄dī," Monako said as she followed the waitress to the helicopter.
"Yao, this is Irene. My CIA contact," Hayabusa introduced her, already redressed in his signature black outfit.
"It's nice to meet the 'True Winner of DOA.' I wasn't expecting you to help us with this," Irene greeted.
"You'll most likely hear from Interpol about this unofficial cooperation," Yao said as he put the headphones on. "Besides the whereabouts of Kasumi, what else did you get from your snooping?"
"The purpose behind Kasumi's kidnapping was to experiment on her through a series of tests named Project Alpha. Its purpose is to breed the perfect soldier. DOATEC took her because she's the winner of DOA. Had you won and overexerted yourself in the fight against Raidou, we'd be having a different conversation."
"Most likely the subject being how screwed we are," Yao imagined. "An army of supersoldiers with the skills of a Sennin. I shudder at the thought."
"That makes two of us, Yao. While you two are down there, we'll leave finding Kasumi to you." Irene handed Yao the layout of the building. "Here's the map of the place. Have you done a rescue mission in your time with Interpol?"
"Of a sort. It's how I met my twin sisters. It was an op in Columbia with my superior."
"For a volunteer agent, you're awfully experienced," Hayabusa commented.
"My superior is well regarded in Interpol. Whenever she got a job to work, it was always difficult. Luckily, I'm adaptable."
"All the more beneficial for us."
"Hayabusa, what will you do while I look for Kasumi?"
"Try and find more information on Project Alpha. Keep your earpiece in while we're inside. I can contact you through it if I have to."
"How did you get this information?"
"One of the waitresses at Helena's coronation. Called herself La Mariposa. Turns out, she's a scientist assigned to DOATEC Germany," Hayabusa answered before giving Yao her ID Card.
"Lisa Hamilton. She's cute. Are we almost there?"
"Yup. I see the building in the distance," Irene answered as the three of them looked outside and saw DOATEC Germany.
"Irene."
"Yea?"
"Do you know what division of DOATEC Victor Donovan runs?"
"Sources say the Development Department. Why do you ask?"
"You didn't hear this from me, but my partner and I think Donovan orchestrated the death of Douglas and Helena's mother. We have nothing concrete, but my partner gave a solid explanation as to a potential motive."
"That may be worth looking into. I'll spread the word around the water cooler when I return to HQ. I'll share what I find with your S.O. What's their name?"
"My partner and I don't have bosses per se. Though we do have a heavy amount of respect and trust for Agent Chun-Li."
"I didn't know the self-coined 'Strongest Woman in the World' is an acquaintance of yours."
"She was my probation officer, so I know her well."
"Got it. I'll tell her what I find out, and she can relay it to you and your partner..."
"Monako Saewa."
"Got it."
"We're getting ready to land. I'll contact you."
"Likewise, Hayabusa."
"Best of luck to each of you. Here's hoping we make it out alive."
The helicopter landed, and the two of them hopped off before the chopper flew some distance away.
"Mind clearing our way in?" Hayabusa requested.
"Fine."
Yao took off a Wrist Limiter and fired an Air Palm at the double doors, creating an enterable space.
"Good luck."
"Same to you."
The duo then entered the building.
A/N: Don't want to make the chapter too long. Next chapter will tell the tale of the super duo inside DOATEC Germany. Will Yao find Kasumi before it's too late? What information will Hayabusa find? Find out next time on Sennin Wanted: Dead or Alive!