Disclaimer: I do not own Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden, they belong to Tecmo and Team Ninja.

Hitomi's Family Dojo

Germany

7:30pm

"This concludes the lesson for today, please continue to work hard!" shouted Hitomi to her students as she bowed to them.

"YES SENSEI!" shouted the class as they bowed as well.

"Dismissed!" Said Hitomi, the class bowed once more before retrieving their things and leaving.

She watched them leave one by one, sweat dripping down her face. After the last tournament, she decided to stop traveling and come home. Her father was in no condition to train the students any longer, which made it her duty to pick up where he left off.

She focused on training more than anything else, it sometimes felt like she had no life outside of the dojo, but she enjoyed her work and that was the important thing.

The last student left and the Dojo was quite. She stood up and loosened her belt on her gi.

"Time for a shower and some R and R," she said cheerfully.

"Then I suppose I should come back later,"

Hitomi spun around and saw Hayate. He wore a white t-shirt and blue jeans with black boots, he lightly smiled at her.

"Its been a long time Hitomi, how are you?" said Hayate as he approached her.

Hitomi was still shocked but managed to answer, "I'm well Ei- I mean Hayate."

He laughed lightly, "that's good to hear."

"What brings you here?" she asked curiously.

"Two years ago, you asked me to help you run this dojo. I want to repay you for taking care of me, so I will remain here for a bit and help out," said Hayate.

"Oh you don't have to do that, I was happy to help you," she said honestly.

"I know I don't have to, but I want to," said Hayate calmly, "After all, what are friends for."

"Well, in that case, its good to have you here!" she said happily.

Hayate gave her a large smile, something he did very rarely. He really did want to come back to Germany and help Hitomi with things. He always felt indebted to her and her family for their kindness.

With the destruction of the MIST facility, things have been quiet for the last few months.

"Well then, what needs to be done?" asked Hayate.

"That was the last class, tonight lets just catch up, its been a while since we have talked."

"That sounds nice,"

Hitomi and Hayate walked out of the Dojo, it would be the first time in a while she actually spent time doing something other than training or teaching, and this made her happy.

LAX Airport,

Los Angles, CA

2:00pm

LAX was extremely busy as usual, Archer already went through the metal detectors and was in line to speak to the flight receptionist. He already was annoyed and hoped whatever Eliot wanted to speak to him about was worth it.

"Next in line," said the attendant, Archer walked over to the counter.

"Evening, I'm looking for an unregistered flight which should of came in by now, it was a helicopter," said Archer slightly confused on what to say.

"It's ok sugar, your name?" said the flight attendant sweetly, possibly recognizing his confusion.

"John Archer, and thanks, its been a while since I have been on a flight," said Archer calmly.

"No problem, and your helicopter is already here, go through those doors and the pilot should meet with you," said the flight attendant as she pointed to the doors behind her.

"Thanks,"

"No problem sugar,"

With that, Archer walked to the doors and entered. Inside, he saw several people who were just standing around.

"You John Archer?" said a man behind him, the man was dark skinned and wore a white stripped suit with a blue undershirt and black pants. He wore sunglasses and a small hat.

"That be me," said Archer as he held out his hand, the other man shook his hand.

"Name is Zack, I'm your ride," said Zack.

Archer nodded and followed him. Zack attire was fascinating to him, what pilot wore a suit and tie?

They went through another set of doors and ended up on the runways, ahead was the helicopter.

"Get on in and make yourself comfortable, grab the headphones when ya get seated," said Zack.

Archer got into the passenger seat and put on the large red headphones. Zack jumped into the driver seat and they were off.

"So where we headed?" asked Archer.

"To the Freedom Survivor! Its a massive cruise liner owned by the lovely Helena Douglas," said Zack excitedly.

"So how does my friend Eliot fit into this?"

"No idea, I just run the outside activities of the business, Helena handles all the other stuff. She'll know everything else."

So he runs some of the business, yet he is the one sent to come and get me.

"I see, whats the name of the business?"

"You must of heard of it, Its DOATEC,"

"The same DOATEC that was destroyed in Vegas a few years ago?"

"That's the one, Its turned a new leaf though and is flourishing."

Flourishing huh, Archer didn't know too much about DOATEC, but he did know that it had its own private military guarding it and anyone who needs a private military to keep it safe must be involved in some big things, whether it be legal or illegal.

"I will say though, you are better company than what I had in here. Everyone else was so quiet," said Zack with a smile.

"Don't you hate that? Awkward silence kills me," Said Archer matching the smile.

"I know right!" said Zack with a laugh.

Zack was alright in Archers book, but whoever this Helena Douglas was, she was keeping him out the loop for a reason. All questions he needed answering by her he supposed. Him and Zack talked about various different things for the remainder of the trip, it would be a while before they reached the Freedom Survivor.

Hayabusa's Curio Shop

Japan

9:32pm

All was quiet in the small room, Kasumi's eyes popped open and she rose. She immediately recognized her surroundings as Hayabusa's room.

She saw a second room with the door cracked at the corner of the room, a small light could be seen under the door. She tied the robe she had on and headed to the door.

Inside, she saw Hayabusa reading a book, "finally awake Kasumi?"

Kasumi entered the room, "thank you for everything Ryu, I would of died if you did not help me."

"What happened to you?"

"I was attacked by someone, although I do not know who. The speed that he showed was beyond anything I have ever seen,"

"Hayate has never fully lifted your death sentence off your head, could it have been someone from the Mugen Ten?"

"I would've recognized the fighting style, no this was different."

"Well whatever it was, your safe now. Lets check your wounds and make sure they healed."

Kasumi nodded, still deep in thought. Hayabusa was too, but did not want to talk about it now. She was almost killed after all, and that angered him more than it should. He led her back to the bed and had her lay down.

"Ok Kasumi, I just need to see your stomach and th-" he was cut off when Kasumi undid the robe and opened it, revealing her body to him. Rarely has Hayabusa been stunned before and while he did his damnedest to not let it be seen on his face, it was becoming difficult.

"Go ahead Ryu, check my wounds," said Kasumi regularly, it was as if she had no idea how her action affected Ryu.

"Ok," said Hayabusa as normally as he could before focusing on her wounds. He tried to avoid looking at her privates as much as possible, but it was very difficult.

"They appear to be healing well," said Hayabusa as he turned away and stood up.

"That's good, I need to try and leave here before nightfall," said Kasumi as she tied the robe back up.

"What do you mean? Your wounds will not heal before then, stay until you are fully healed," said Hayabusa.

"I have already put you in more danger than I intended by coming here in the first place. I will take my chances and leave here," said Kasumi firmly.

"Kasumi just-" he was interrupted by a window breaking downstairs in his shop.

Kasumi's eyes widened while Ryu's narrowed. Ryu moved to the small chest at the corner of the room and opened it, revealing his ninja attire and gear. He grabbed the Dragon Sword and unsheathed it.

"Kasumi, go and hide in the back room and lock the door," said Hayabusa in a low tone.

"But Ryu-"

"Their is no time Kasumi! You are injured and will not last in another battle! Do as I say!" Shouted Ryu to Kasumi.

Kasumi nodded and ran to the back room, sliding the lock on the door. Ryu moved towards the stairs slowly, listening for anymore movement, everything remained silent. Ryu looked down the stairs and saw the door at the bottom.

He jumped the length of the stairs and landed in front of the door, slowly pushing it open. When it fully opened, he saw a black silhouette standing in the middle of the shop.

"Who are you," said Ryu as he fully stepped into the room.

"This has nothing to do with you Ryu Hayabusa, I just want the girl," said a male voice.

Ryu remained silent and continued to watch the unknown man.

"I'll take your silence as your refusal to cooperate," said the man as he stepped forward, his face becoming visible.

Ryu's eyes narrowed, instantly recognizing the man, "you should be dead."

The man wore a white tank top and blue pants, his large arms had several tattoos and his hair was cut short.

"I could say the same about you."

Mugen Tenshin Clan Base

Japan

10:51pm

The dojo was dark as a single person trained with a small kunai. Her moves were precise and on point, showing years of training and discipline.

The small sliding doors in the far left of the room opened, a small man walked in and kneeled on one knee. The woman stopped moving, her purple hair covered her face.

"Lady Ayane, we have confirmed that Hayate has made it to Germany safely," said the ninja, eyes never leaving the ground.

Ayane turned to the man, "Good, keep me informed of any changes."

"Yes ma'am," said the man as he rose and left.

Ayane sheathed the weapon and moved towards the corner of the room, grabbing the small towel and wiping her face. Ever since the MIST facility was destroyed three months ago, she has been in training. She knew that it was far from over and that Donovan was going to return.

Hayate decided to put her in charge of the Mugen Tenshin Clan while he left to Germany to "repay an old debt" as he put it. She thought it foolish considering that Donovan could attack at any moment. She believed that they should be prepared, but she was unable to convince Hayate who decided to still go. Ayane secretly had a team follow Hayate and protect him in case he was attacked.

Now she just waited for the inevitable to happen, Donovan would reappear somewhere.

"Ma'am!" shouted someone in the hall, the doors busted open and revealed a male in full ninja gear, "we have just received word that Ryu Hayabusa has been attacked at his Curio shop in the city!"

"When!" shouted Ayane as she rushed out the dojo into the hall, the man walked behind her.

"Just now, it has not been confirmed who his attacker is," said the ninja.

"Watch the village and get me a team, we are going to that shop!" Shouted Ayane as she disappeared into a room. The ninja left her and continued down the hall, he had his orders and intended on keeping them.

Freedom Survivor

Middle of ocean

3:45pm

The helicopter landed on the helipad of the large ship.

"We are finally here!" shouted Zack. Archer looked around and saw a familiar face running towards them. He jumped out of the helicopter and awaited him.

"John! Your finally here!" said Eliot as he stood in front of Archer, hand extended.

"Good to see ya Eliot," said Archer as he took and shook Eliot's hand.

"Well if you don't mind," said Archer as he pulled out a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it.

"Aw cmon John, you still smoke? When are you going to quit that nasty habit?" said Eliot with a frown.

"Hmmm, when I'm dead sounds like a good time to stop," said Archer sarcastically.

"You keep smoking and you'll end up there faster then you think," said Zack with a smirk.

Archer inhaled a large amount of smoke and exhaled before dropping it and stomping it out.

"Yaa, yaa, yaa," said Archer as he waved at Zack and walked forward. Eliot stood close to his side.

"Thanks for coming out John," said Eliot

"Ya no problem, why did we have to meet here?" asked Archer curiously.

"Privacy, also Ms. Douglas does not leave the ship to much, she handles most of her business out at sea," said Eliot as they approached the large metal doors near the bridge of the ship.

"And that don't strike you as a bit odd?" Said Archer cocking his eye at his long time friend.

"What do you mean?" asked Eliot innocently.

"Cmon Eliot, why does she spend so much time out at sea? Is she hiding from someone?" said Archer slightly annoyed by his friends naivety.

"I don't think so, she not an evil woman John, she is trying to do the right thing," said Eliot as he opened the doors, motioning for john to enter.

"Everyone perception of the right thing is different, I just hope hers is as pure as you think it is," said Archer as he walked inside.

"Still a worry wort aye Archer?"

"Saved my ass more than I'd like to remember."

They walked down the hall towards the elevator, a small camera was at the top of it. As they reached the elevator doors, they opened on their own.

"The guard buzzed us in," said Eliot, recognizing Archers nervousness. Archer nodded with a grim look and entered the Elevator with Eliot.

"You got to relax John, no ones going to hurt you," said Eliot with a smirk as the elevator ascended.

"I got a loaded gun, I'mas very relaxed," Rebutted Archer with a smile.

The elevator stopped moving and the doors opened, both men walked in briskly. Archer's eyes caught sight of Helena immediately, any hot blooded man would of caught sight of her immediately, she was beautiful after all.

"Helena, this is John Archer," said Eliot as Helena walked and stood in front of Archer.

"Pleased to meet you, I am Helena Douglas. Eliot has spoken highly of you," Said Helena as she held out her hand.

"Nice to meet you too," said Archer as he took and shook her hand, "so why am I here?"

"To the point I see," said Helena in an amused voice.

"Not very fond of the sea and I'm craving another smoke," said Archer honestly.

Helena scoffed at Archer, "smoking is such a nasty habit."

"So I been told," sighed Archer as he looked at a smirking Eliot.

"Then let me be blunt, I have been told you are the man to speak to if you need to locate someone in California, is this true?" asked Helena bluntly.

"Maybe, depends on why you are looking for this person," said Archer as he crossed his arms.

"I am sure you are a little familiar with some of the issues revolving around DOATEC are you not?" Said Helena as she sat at the edge of her desk.

"I know that the facility in Vegas was destroyed by someone within the facility, it was never said who was," said Archer as his eyes narrowed.

Helena's smiled, "Eliot, can you please leave me and Mr. Archer alone to speak?"

"Yes ma'am," said Eliot with a bow before leaving the room. Archer's face hardened slightly, he felt a little uncomfortable in the woman's presence by himself.

"Its obvious that you think that I'm using Eliot," said Helena plainly.

"Eliot's kind hearted nature is easy to take advantage of, I just hope his apparent trust in you is not misplaced." Archer shot back.

"I mean him no harm, he came to me after all," said Helena.

"What do you mean?" asked Archer, his curiosity peaked.

"Eliot's father is in possible danger, he is involved with the person I need you to find."

"And this person is?"

"Victor Donovan."

Archer pondered the name but could not say he knew him, "so what makes him so dangerous?"

"He used to work for DOATEC, in fact he was running it for a while, he seeks to create the perfect weapon," said Helena.

"What kind of weapons?" asked Archer.

"Genetically modified clones, he is attempting to make the perfect clone with super natural abilities. How he seeks to use this weapon is still unforeseen."

"You can't be serious, this guy is able to make clones with super powers?"

"It may sound a little out there, but its true. Donovan must be stopped and I intend to be the one that does it."

"So this Donovan and Eliot's father know each other?"

"Eliot's father worked for Donovan, he is trying to overthrow Donovan as well."

Archer walked past Helena towards the large balcony, looking out towards the sea.

"Eliot came to you for help?" asked Archer deep in thought.

"Basically," Helena responded.

Archer knew this was not going to end well, Donovan sounded like a powerful man. Eliot would get hurt in the end, not to mention how illegal this was too. Archer was a Detective and was not allowed to do private investigation's. He could lose his job and freedom during the course of the events which would take place.

"Tell me about this Donovan, and tell me how you know Eliot." said Archer turning fully to Helena.

"Very well," said Helena as she sat down at her small sofa, "it all started with my father and the first Dead or Alive tournament."

Author notes: Second chapter out, I wanted to thank everyone again for the reviews and support. Hopefully this chapter is still interesting enough to keep ya coming back. :D