Disclaimer: I do not own Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden, they belong to Tecmo and Team Ninja.
Hayabusa's Curio Shop
Japan
10:03 pm
"You should be dead," said Hayabusa, his weapon raised ahead of him.
"I could say the same about you," said the man to Hayabusa, "but like me, you ninja are resourceful."
"Who are you?" asked Hayabusa darkly.
"You can call me Rig, everyone else does," said Rig as he crossed his arms.
"Leave my shop now Rig," said Hayabusa as he took a step towards Rig.
Rig laughed loud, "you don't scare me ninja, your nothing without your sword!"
Hayabusa knew when he was being baited to do something, but unfortunately, his honor would let him fall into the trap. Rig was after all weaponless and it would be dishonorable to cut down a weaponless man in anger. He looked down at his right arm, remembering what his anger caused. Hayabusa placed the blade on the counter top.
"Now we are even, I do not need a weapon overcome you," said Hayabusa as he raised his hands.
"Maybe you're not a coward after all," said Rig as he got into his stance.
Hayabusa made the first move, flipping into Rig and dropping his foot down on his head. Rig took the blow, but quickly recovered kicking Hayabusa in his side and head hard. Hayabusa flew into the display on his left, destroying the various pottery designs. Hayabusa got to his feet and blocked the volley of kicks unleashed by Rig, he grabbed Rig by the neck and flipped over him, using the force of his landing to throw Rig. Rig flew through the window, shattering the glass and landing outside on the concrete. Before he could get up, Hayabusa jumped through the window and kicked him hard in the face, lifting rig into the air and causing him to land on his back.
"You see, I can and will overcome you," said Hayabusa darkly.
"Oh I don't doubt it, I never stood a chance against you," said Rig as he got to his feet, "I just needed to keep you distracted while we searched your place for the girl."
Hayabusa's eyes widened as he looked back at the shop.
"KASUMI!" shouted Hayabusa as he ran back into the shop, sweeping up the Dragon Sword and running upstairs. Upon entering the upstairs room, he saw that the door to the room Kasumi was hiding in was kicked in and Kasumi was gone. In her place was an electronic device, presumably a bomb, the digital time displayed 0:03 seconds counting down.
"Damn it," was the last thing the dragon ninja said before the time ran out. The blast was next and it was large, destroying Hayabusa's shop instantly.
Rig still stood outside looking at the burning shop, he pulled from his pocket a small radio.
"Do you have the girl?" said Rig into the radio.
"Yes sir," said a female voice through the radio.
"Good, meet me at the facility, make sure you are not followed."said Rig as he placed the radio back into his pocket and began walking away from the building. He casually whistled as he walked, thinking about his next step.
Everything is going according to plan.
10 minutes later
"Ayane, we searched as thoroughly as we could before the fire department arrived, but we could not find Hayabusa," said the masked ninja who stood next to Ayane on top of the building across from Hayabusa's curio shop.
Ayane stood silent watching the fire department extinguishing the flames of the crumbled shop. Ryu was not dead, he couldn't be. He was not easily bested, and what ever caused the shop to explode would have been detected by him easily.
"ma'am?" said the masked ninja yet again pulling Ayane from he thoughts.
"Searching for Hayabusa is foolish, we'd never find him," said Ayane firmly.
"But ma'am, what if he was killed in this explosion?" asked the masked ninja.
"A simple explosion would not take the life of the dragon ninja. he is alive, we just have to wait for him to make contact with us. In the meantime, have Master Hayate informed immediately," said Ayane as she walked away and disappeared in a swirl of purple flower petals.
The masked ninja disappeared as well, leaving the destroyed curio shop to the firemen to extinguish.
Hitomi's Apartment
Germany
8:17pm
"Why do you live outside the dojo? Didn't you have a room there?" asked Hayate as he watch Hitomi fumble with her house keys.
"Well ya, but I kinda liked the feeling of being on my own. I mean I help father, but I want my own space as well," said Hitomi with a smile as she finally got the door opened, "come on in and make yourself at home."
They both walked in, Hitomi hit the light switch turning on the lights, Hayate took a look around.
The apartment was small, donning a living room, kitchen, and restroom which was off to the side in its own room. She had all the basics, a couch with several cook books on the ground in front of it, television set, a small rack with many DVD's and CD's on it. The kitchen was clean and loaded with all kinds of different cooking appliances and tools. On the walls were various pictures of her and other people, he recognized some from the tournament but others he did not. One picture caught his eye, it showed hitomi and another man hugging and smiling.
"This is a nice place," said Hayate, eye's still on picture.
"Thanks, I'm sorry about the mess, I've just been so busy," she said as she began picking up the cook books. She noticed Hayate looking at the picture, "that's my friend Sylvester, we went to school together."
Hayate nodded and turned to her, "you guys seem close."
"We are, he used to be a student of my dads, now he is in the states pursuing his art degree," said Hitomi happily.
"I see," said Hayate, his face masking his real feelings.
"Would you like some coffee or tea?" asked Hitomi as she placed the cook books on the counter in her kitchen.
"Tea would be fine," said Hayate as he walked to the counter and watched her.
Hitomi nodded and began preparing the tea, Hayate continued watching her, deep in thought. Hayate came out here to not only fulfill a debt, but also for another reason which he hid even from Ayane.
The events which took place at the M.I.S.T. Facility made him reflect on his life. When he was captured in the facility, he thought that he would be killed or turned into a pawn of Donovan's. While the white beams impaled his body, he thought of everyone in his life, especially Hitomi.
He always loved Hitomi, but never wanted her to be involved in his life as a ninja. He believed this kept her safe, but then as he was on the verge of death, he realized just how alone he was. Sure he had Ayane and Ryu, but he now wanted a companion. He wanted to settle down and raise a family, and the only woman he ever wanted this with was Hitomi.
He decided to tell Hitomi his feelings and see what she said. If she denied him, then at least he tried. Of course now it was about finding the right time and words.
"So what have you been up to?" asked Hitomi, breaking the silence between them.
"Nothing much, just raising plants now," said Hayate.
"Plants? Never thought you'd get into that," laughed Hitomi.
"Its peaceful, so much violence has taken place over the years. I guess I just want to take it easy now and avoid the violence for once," said Hayate honestly.
"That may be hard considering your line of work, aren't ninja absorbed in violence?" Asked Hitomi as she placed the silver tea kettle on the stove.
"Yes, the path of a ninja is a harsh path. But I do believe a ninja can live in peace...with a family," said Hayate building up to his main point.
Hitomi turned around and leaned on the counter, "you want a family?"
"Well...yes. I want to raise a family." said Hayate confidently, "I guess I just-"
He was cut off with the sound of the window opening. He turned towards the window and saw a small device being thrown in. He immediately recognized it and grabbed Hitomi, ducking the both behind the counter.
"What are you-" She was cut off by the explosion which erupted in her living room. Hitomi screamed as Hayate looked over the counter. The living room was in flames, most items in it were destroyed.
Hayate thought of escape, windows would normally be a good option, but whoever tossed in the grenade was still outside. The door to the apartment was another option, but who was waiting on the other side. He was not worried about himself, but Hitomi.
"Hitomi, wait here and watch the front door, I'm gonna check the windows," said Hayate as he rose. Hitomi nodded, still in shock.
Hayate pulled out a kunai and walked to the window, he took a look outside from the side. He saw several jeeps out front of her apartment, none of them were marked with any identifying marks.
"HAYATE THE DOOR!" shouted Hitomi from the counter, Hayate turned to see a large burly man in full combat suit bust through the door, he rushed to Hayate swinging towards his face. Hayate ducked under the punch and brought the kunai up through his jaw, blood splattered all over Hayate's hand and face. A second man entered with a shotgun, aiming at Hayate and firing. Hayate held the dead man in front of him, using him as a shield again the shotgun blast. Hayate brandished another kunai and flung it at the man with the shotgun, sending it into his neck. The man dropped the shotgun and fell to his knees, hand on the kunai as he fell face first in his blood.
"Hitomi! Move to the door!" shouted Hayate as he ran to the door. Another man appeared at the door, but was halted when Hayate jumped into him sending him into the hallway and through the wall of another apartment. Hayate slammed his head into the ground, making sure he stopped moving.
Hitomi stood there watching him in horror, Hayate stood and climbed through the wall back into the hall way.
"Hitomi, we have to leave here," said Hayate as he reached for her hand, she instinctively pulled away. Hayate held in his breath, deeply hurt by her reaction, he looked back at the bodies of people he just killed.
"Look Hitomi, I don't expect you to understand, but please know I'm just trying to protect you," said Hayate desperately.
Hitomi nodded and put her head down, snatching his hand up. Hayate looked at their hands and back at her.
"I know Hayate, it's just a bit shocking to see so much blood. I'm not used to this violence as you are," she said, eyes slightly watered.
Hayate nodded and pulled her down the hall, running towards the stairs. He stopped when he heard several people on the lower floor.
"Wait, follow me, there is an elevator over-" she was cut off by a loud bang.
Hayate turned around and saw her eyes open wide and close as her body fell limp to the ground.
"HITOMI!" Shouted Hayate as he fell with her and cradled her into his arm. Her eyes opened weakly as she looked up at Hayate.
"Hayate..." she said weakly.
"No, don't say anything, conserve your strength," whispered Hayate as his eyes began to tear.
"I..I love you, I...I always ha...have," said Hitomi as her eyes fell closed again.
The man who shot her held Hayate at gun point and stood over him. Two more came in from the stair case and walked behind standing over them as well.
"I love you as well, I always loved you too. I will not let you die, I swear to the heavens," whispered Hayate as his tears fell freely on her face.
He hugged her tightly before raising his head towards her shooter.
The man held a pistol at Hayate's head, his face looked plain, no sign of remorse, "put her down and place your hands behind your head."
Hayate lightly put her on the ground, he felt her heart beat getting weaker. He then quickly jumped up stabbing both men behind him with his hidden kunai's. They fell backwards, firing off false rounds into the walls and floors. The other man's face showed horror as Hayate slowly walked over to him.
"FREEZE!" he said as he walked back slowly.
Hayate closed the distance between them fast and snatch the gun from his hand. The man fell on his bottom and pushed himself back, Hayate continued to close the distance between them.
"You will suffer," said Hayate as he raised the pistol, "YOU WILL SUFFER!"
Hayate began beating them man with his pistol, the man screamed in pain as Hayate frivolously beat the man to death. Hayate kept striking him until he no longer made a sound.
He dropped the pistol as he rose, blood all over him. He walked over to Hitomi and picked her up bridal style, jumping through the window and into the night of the city.
He could still feel her faint heart beating.
Mugen Tenshin Base
Japan
12:15am
Ayane sat in her chambers deep in thought over the events which took place. She wondered where Ryu exactly had gone and who attacked him. The only current enemy of Ryu's was Donovan and his people, did this mean that Donovan resurfaced?
"Ma'am I have an urgent message," said a voice outside her door.
"Enter," she said as she twisted herself towards the door.
A single ninja entered and got down on one knee, "Ma'am, Hayate has been attacked."
"What!?" shouted Ayane as she stood.
"An unknown military group attacked Hayate and his acquaintance at her apartment. Currently, their position is unknown."
"What of the ninja watching them?"
"All but one have been found dead, the one who survived is in critical condition."
"Damn it!" shouted Ayane as she rushed past the ninja. The ninja instinctively followed her.
"This is the work of Donovan, I need to see Helena." said Ayane.
"What will you have me do milady?" said the ninja.
"Yinaro, you are no longer a common ninja of this clan. While I am away, you are the overseer of the Mugen Tenshin until either me or Hayate returns," said Ayane as she turned to face him.
"It is an honor milady," said Yinaro as he fell to one knee.
Ayane nodded and departed, she knew she would not return for a while, if at all. Her first stop would be Helena on the Freedom Survivor.
I just hope Hayate is ok
Freedom Survivor
Middle of Sea
5:01pm
"Wow," said Archer as he inhaled on his cigarette.
Helena sat on the sofa while he stood next to the window to enjoy his "much-needed habit".
"Now you know everything," she said casually.
"And these ninja, where are they now?" asked Archer as he moved to her desk and crushed the cigarette in the half full ashtray.
"Unsure, they are deep in the forest of Japan, but why would It matter?" said Helena as she stood and moved to her desk.
"Well, why ask me? They seem like better scouts and could probably find him faster."
"That may be so, but they do not trust me and will not report to me. You however have no past bias with me."
"Right," said Archer as he stared back out the window.
"Of course you will be properly compensated for your service," said Helena.
"This is a favor to a friend, not a job. I will not stand by and allow Eliot's family to be harmed," said Archer offended, "besides, this is not for you. No offense, but I'm not honestly sold on your intentions yet."
"Fair enough, please keep me inform of everything. Let me at least prove to you my intentions,"said Helena with a smile, she thought it admirable of Archer. Many would take the money that she offered. She could tell that Archer was as close to Eliot as Eliot was to him.
"You and Eliot are close," said Helena as she walked around her desk and sat.
"We are," said Archer simply.
"Why is that? Seems to me you both are mostly separate on other sides of the world," said Helena arching her eyebrow.
"He used to study in the states for a while before leaving, we kept in touch with each other ever since he left. You don't have to see someone everyday to remain good friends."
"I suppose so," said Helena, satisfied with the answer.
"Well I will keep you posted, I must get going," said Archer as he walked towards the elevator.
"Good luck Archer," said Helena, Archer turned and gave her a wink, he then disappeared into the elevator out of sight.
Helena stared back down at he empty desk, deep in thought. She felt a bit bad getting Archer involved in this, but she knew she needed all the help she could get in the days to come.
"Ms. Douglas, you have a call from a female who refuses to give her name, she says its urgent." said her small loud speaker on her desk.
"Put her through," said Helena curiously.
The loud speaker beeped before switching the call.
"Who is this?" said Helena.
"Its Ayane," said Ayane in a monotone voice.
"Ayane? Why do you call?" Asked Helena curiously, the ninja's never contacted her.
"We have come across a problem that I need to discuss with you in person, Is there a way for us to meet?"
"I'll have a helicopter pick you up, can you tell me what this is about."
"Donovan, who else would it be?"
"The pilot will meet you at the docks, it might take him a while to get their."
"Keep me informed." with that Ayane hung up. Helena stood up and walked to her window.
Donovan, what have you done now?
Unknown Alleyway
Japan
12:00am
A lone man walked briskly through the alley, his clothes were burned and he had cuts on his face and arms, light blood stains were on his collar. In his left hand was a sword placed in its scabbard.
His green eyes were neutral, but few would be able to recognize Ryu Hayabusa's rage. His shop was destroyed and the woman he was supposed to protect was kidnapped by Donovan's men. All he now had was the burnt clothes on his back, his Dragon sword, and a name.
He remembered how he told Hayate that he must never act on emotion, and he fully believed that statement. He also knew that now, all his emotions were fueling his rage. He told himself that it was because he did not like being bested by no man, but he knew the real reason.
"I'll find you Rig, I will find you and I will kill you." whispered the Dragon Ninja to himself.
Author's notes: This one is a bit of a follow-up to the last chapter, I felt like the stories of the other characters in the last chapter were short. I feel this chapter is more centered around the other main characters of this story. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter, till next time! R R