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

Mugen Tenshin Clan Base

Front gates

2:45am

"I have come bearing news from Hayate," said Momji as she stood at the front gates of the Mugen Tenshin Clan Base, two armored men stood in front of the gates, ready to fight if needed.

"Please it is urgent, I am from the Haybusa Clan," said Momji calmly.

"Let us see the clan seal," said one of the armored men.

Momji pulled from her arm guards a piece of cloth which bore the clan seal, upon seeing it both men nodded and let her inside. Momji ran through the village to the main building, she entered saw several men sitting around a table.

"Excuse me, who is in charge?" Asked Momji as she bowed deeply.

"I am, what brings you here Momji?" asked the man sitting in the center.

Momji's head lifted curiously and she looked at the man in charge instantly recognizing him. The man was young, but he was wise and kind. His hair was in a pony tail and his brown eyes were mellow showing his wisdom.

"Yinaro, its been so long," said Momji happily.

"Indeed it has, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit," asked Yinaro

"I have news from Hayate, he is going to see Helena Douglas. I have also been instructed to bring a female here for treatment."

"Then bring her here immediately, what wounds has she suffered?"

"Its a gunshot wound in the stomach. She is stable but unconscious. She is at the Hayabusa Clan Base."

Yinaro looked at the man next to him and nodded, the man bowed and left obviously heading to the Hayabusa Clan Base.

"Sit Momji, we have much to discuss," said Yinaro as he motioned her to the empty spot.

"Indeed we do," said Momji as she fill the empty seat.

Indeed we do

Downtown LA

Los Angeles precinct

7:22am

"Vacation time? You? Never thought I'd hear ya request time off." said a large man in a white collard shirt and Grey tie. He had dark skin and short back hair as well as completely shaven. He sat in an office which had a desk and several pictures and plaques on the walls. On the desk was a name card, Captain Wesley L. Grant it read.

"What? Guy can't take a vacation?" said Archer as he put his arms in the air.

"No that's fine, take all the time you need, but why do I get the feeling this has something to do with the attack at your apartment?" said Grant.

"Sir they obviously got my apartment mixed up with some other asshole," said Archer.

"So why did they stay and fight?"

"Well it wasn't like they were going to just say sorry and creep out like nothing happened."

"Cute Archer, look you can have your vacation, but no investigating shit while your on it. Go have a cocktail and kick your feet up." said Grant as he lit a cigarette.

"Cocktail and feet up, got it. I'm gonna go do that right now." said Archer as he jumped up and walked towards the door.

"I mean it Archer, I find out you're doing anything other than that, then you are going to be on a long ass vacation."

"I know capt, I know."

With that, Archer left the office. He looked around and saw several desks with various detectives doing their investigations and questioning suspects. Archer walked through trying to leave before anyone noticed.

"Hey Archer, when you ever gonna check in, I forgot that you were a cop!" said a large man with a goatee and a balding.

"I walk a beat Lewis and looking at your gut it looks like that would do you some good as well," shot Archer back.

"Kiss my ass," shouted Lewis as Archer left.

Archer headed downstairs and out the building. He needed to have more time on the investigation without worrying about his job.

At the front of the precinct, his cell phone began ringing. He picked up the phone and placed it against his ear.

"Archer," he said simply.

"John, its Eliot."

"Whats up Eliot?"

"Remember that advice you gave me before you left the ship?"

"Yaa?"

"Well I have decided to take your advice and do something about it, which leads me to what I was going to ask you."

"Ok what?"

"I want to come with you and help find Donovan,"

"You wanna what!?"

"You heard me John, please let me come with you."

"I thought they needed you on the ship?" said Archer attempting to find an excuse.

"I'm not doing anything here that requires me to stay, I'm just hanging around when I can be doing something. I know that would show Ayane that I am independent!" said Eliot confidently.

"Eliot I don't think..."

"Please John, don't make me beg,"

Archer would never let a friend beg him for anything like this, he knew his friend was dead serious about this. Who was he to stand in his way.

"This ain't a game Eliot, real guns, real bullets. We may both die at the end of this."

"I'm willing to take that risk."

"Then I will see you at the docks. Call me when you leave there."

"Thank you John, I will see you soon."

Archer hung up the phone and huffed. He hated company when he worked, especially inexperienced company. Eliot was a good fighter, trained by one of the best fighters he knew, Gen Fu.

Archer met Gen Fu around the same time Eliot did. Gen Fu came to the states when him and Eliot were still in school, he then said that Eliot would be his apprentice and that he was to leave with him in a months time.

During that month, Gen Fu stayed in the states. Eliot and Archer learned much from him, but Eliot learned more. Gen Fu offered to also train Archer, but Archer was already set on joining the military instead. That's when he and Eliot separated, talking on two different lives.

Archer often wondered how is life would have changed if he ended up going with Eliot and Gen Fu, but he knew that it was at the time not going to happen.

So Archer and Elliot were separated, living two different lives, one of war the other of peace. Something that Eliot never learned was how the world was. He was naive of the ways of the world, only focused on his fighting and studies.

Gen Fu was not only a master of fighting, but also a master of life. He knew what deception and dishonor was, having witnessed it in his youth. These things he knew could not be taught, but instead must be experienced.

Archer experienced the same things and knew what they felt like, maybe he needed to show his friend the world so that he could better understand it.

Archer closed his eyes and thought on his past, his friendship with Eliot, the joining of the military, the murder of his...

Archer eyes opened again as he shook the thoughts from his head. No need to open old wounds he thought. His stomach lightly gurgled, signaling a new urge.

A hot dog sure sounds good about now...

Freedom Survivor

Helena's Office

8:12am

Helena opened the file and examined the contents, inside was a military record and a police record. The military record was mostly blacked out, bits and pieces remained of the small file. Something that caught her eye was another name which she knew, Bayman. It appeared him and Archer worked together. No further information was seen.

She next examined his police record, several arrest and cases solved. Turned down a promotion to join the FBI's Intelligence branch. More information about his job which was impressive, but not interesting.

The file had nothing of interest, but Bayman might know more. But Bayman would be hard to find and he usually only came to her when something goes wrong.

'Wonder why he is not here.' she thought as she placed all the files back into the folder and into her desk.

"Ma'am, you have another visitor." said her loud-speaker.

"Send them in," she said as she looked at the elevator hoping it was Bayman. Instead, the elevator doors opened and revealed Hayate.

"Hayate, I believe you are here for Donovan as well?" said Helena cutting to the chase, these long drawn out conversations began to bore her.

"Yes I am, and I need you to lead me to him," said Hayate.

"Currently I have no information, but I remain hopeful," said Helena curtly.

"Hayabusa tells me that Rig is Donovan's son, do we have any idea where he is?"

"No, else I would send someone to him,"

"keep me informed," with that, Hayate began to leave.

"Has he done something to you as well?" said Helena stopping him in his tracks. He took in a deep breath and turned to her.

"He has harmed the woman who I love, for that he will die."

Hayate continued towards the elevator and left, Helena looked down into her desk and began to think.

Every ninja that she saw had a reason to want Donovan dead and would do anything to achieve their goal. She had every soldier she would ever need to kill Donovan, but she wondered if it would be enough.

Time will tell she supposed, but for now she needed to talk to Bayman and enlist for his help.

Her loud-speaker on her desk buzzed, "ma'am, Eliot is here to see you."

"Send him in," she said as the elevators opened and revealed Eliot.

"Eliot, what can I do for you?"

"I need a helicopter to take me to the docks in California,"

"Why?" said Helena slightly shocked.

"I have decided to make myself useful and help in locating Donovan, I'm joining John in California."

"And you have spoken to him about this?" said Helena worried.

"I have, I will keep in contact with you as I find information," said Eliot with a smile.

"I appreciate that and wish you luck," said Helena with a light smile, "one more thing, how goes it with Ayane?"

Eliot's smile turned to a frown, "not good, she does not want anything to do with me. She is more interested in stopping Donovan."

"Well Eliot, you picked an interesting person to fall in love with. I'm sure in time she will reciprocate your feelings, just give her time," said Helena sincerely.

"Thank you Helena, I hope so," said Eliot happily.

"I will call Zack to take you to the docks, be careful," said Helena.

"I will," Eliot said as he left her office.

Helena walked to her window and looked towards the sea. She really hoped that Eliot would be ok, he was not exactly like the others. He was pure and she hoped nothing would change that.

Take care of him Archer, you be sure to take care of him.

Eliot walked on the deck of the ship and saw Zack smiling near the helipad, he smiled back and began to walk towards him.

"Where are you going?"

Eliot turned towards the voice and saw Ayane standing next to Hayate.

"I'm going to California, I'm going to find Donovan." said Eliot simply.

"That's insane! This is not a game Eliot!" shouted Ayane as she walked over and stood in front of Eliot.

"Please Eliot, reconsider what you are thinking of doing." said Hayate Calmly from behind Ayane.

"I know it may seem crazy, but I am not just going to stay here and not do anything. Death is not something I fear, becoming useless is!" said Eliot confidently. Ayane's face lightly softened while Hayate smiled.

"Farewell to you both, I hope to see you again." Eliot bowed and began walking to the helicopter leaving Ayane and Hayate.

"He is going to get himself killed, does he have any idea what he is dealing with?" said Ayane annoyed.

"He shows courage and confidence, something that every man should aspire to have. Fear of death is foolishness. Maybe he has come to understand that now." said Hayate as he turned and walked away.

Ayane stood quiet, still angry about what he was going to do. She didn't understand why it angered her so, but it did.

Why do I care, its his decision...his decision to die!

Red Dragon's Club

China

8:34pm

The bar was full of activity, crowds of people from various background mingled and danced. Among the happy crowd stood one who monitored them, face of stone.

Most women found him physical attractive, often passing him winks and seductive smiles, but if anyone knew Jann Lee, they knew that he was not interested. His only interest was winning and becoming the greatest fighter ever known.

For now he stood against the wall and watched the crowds of people. His employer paid him well to keep fights outside the bar, and he intended to keep it that way.

"Hey Jann! Lin wants to see you in back," said the bartender which was in the large gold trimmed bar next to Jann Lee. Jann nodded and began to walk to the back.

Behind the bar was a gold door which was for authorized personnel only or whoever Lin decided was authorized. Jann opened the door and headed in, analyzing the long hall. Their were several doors leading to various places, Lin's was upstairs.

Jann walked through keeping his head straight, he knew this is where the private parties were also held. Jann could hear the obvious sounds of sex and laughter from several of the rooms he passed. A night of fun in this bar usually involved heavily intoxicated girls and tabletop drugs. Usually only after hours business men or mobsters could afford such a pleasure and only the prettiest girls were allowed to enjoy it as well.

All in all, Jann did not complain, partly because it was none of his business, but mostly because they were the reason he had a job.

Jann climbed the large flight of stairs and saw a single door being guarded by another bouncer. He nodded at Jann and moved aside, Jann entered and faced his boss.

Lin was in his late 40s, but lived like he was in his 20s. He had a love for young beautiful women and various drugs. His club generated a high revenue and it continued to fund his hobbies.

Lin had three girls in the room with him, in the center was a table full of his second "hobby". The girls looked at Jann Lee and smiled, finding him more attractive than the man who payed for their services.

"Jann good of you to come!" said Lin as he threw up both of his arms and motioned for him to sit.

"I'll stand," said Jann as he crossed his arms.

Lin laughed and put his arm around the female on his left, she was a young dark haired female. Extremely attractive, but yet all the women in Lin's company were.

"Jann, I need you to escort a client of mine to me, he will be here in an hour."

"Who is the client?" asked Jann.

"Oh I forget his name now, just wait outside in about an hour. I'm sure he will come to you," said Lin as he smelled the female next to him, she tried to look happy, but Jann knew she was disgusted.

Jann nodded in response.

"Now get going, I got three women who I need to teach a few things."said Lin as he kissed the girl on her cheek, his tongue grazing her perfect skin. Her eyes twitch slightly as she tried to enjoy his attention.

Jann nodded and walked out of the room closing the door behind him. He gave a nod to the other bouncer and descended down the stairs back into the crowd.

Jann continued to walk around the club, watching everyone and minding the time. After about an hour he headed outside and waited.

He saw various people come and go, none were of interest until the long limousine parked in the front of the club. The driver who wore a standard suit and tie quickly moved to the rear of the vehicle and opened the door. A smooth white leg in a black stiletto hit the curb, the driver held out his hand and a perfectly manicured hand grabbed it, he pulled her up and it revealed a familiar face to Jann.

'Christie' Jann thought as he continued to watch.

Christie moved to the side and another person got out of the limo. This man had a strong stature to him, but his face was covered with a silver mask, he wore a black suit. The female next to him wore a black dress which had a long slit on its side. Her thigh peaked out as she walked, which made most men drool, they walked over to Jann Lee.

"If it isn't Jann Lee, the winner of the 5th DOA tournament," said Christie seductively, "your quite a big and strong man."

"You here to see Lin?" said Jann in a monotone voice.

"He is," said Christie as she got extremely close to Jann, "but I am not."

"Christie, we have an appointment," said the masked man annoyed.

Christie gave Jann a wink, "business before pleasure love."

Jann turned and walked inside, "follow me."

Jann walked them through the club and towards the back door and upstairs to Lin's office. The bouncer which continued to guard his door gave Jann a look as he noticed both Christie and the masked man. Jann gave him a reassuring nod causing the bouncer to stand aside.

Jann entered first and saw that the three women he had with him earlier were sleeping on his couch naked. Lin himself was wearing only underwear and smoking a cigarette.

"What do you want!" shouted Lin angrily, Jann was used to these mood swings his boss always went through. One moment he was happy, the next he was a completely different person. Hopefully he was happy when the girls awoken, it was never a good thing otherwise.

"Your visitors are here," said Jann simply.

"Well send them in!" shouted Lin again as he threw his cigarette on the floor.

Jann opened the door and the Christie along with masked man entered.

"What do you want!" shouted Lin.

"Have you forgotten are meeting?" said the masked man calmly, "or do you make it a habit to greet your guest in your undergarments?"

"What!? Who are you!?" shouted Lin angrily.

"My name is Victor Donovan," said the masked man calmly yet again. Lin's face went from angry to shocked, Jann recognized the change immediately, he was back to being happy. Jann still wondered what was going on and why Christie was here. One thing was definitely for certain.

Why does this Victor Donovan sound familiar?

Mugen Tenshin Clan Base

Japan

9:45pm

Momji stood over Hitomi wiping her forehead with a warm cloth. Momji redid Hitomi's bandages and bathed her. She was dead set on keeping Hitomi well, Hitomi regained consciousness about a few hours before and was in a slight panic, she was now resting.

"How is she ?" said a voice behind her. She turned and saw Hayate in the door.

"She has regained consciousness, she asked for you in her wake." said Momji.

Hayate lightly smiled and moved to Hitomi's side. Momji smiled lightly at the scene, "I will give you two some privacy."

Momji walked out the room, leaving Hayate and a sleeping Hitomi to themselves. He stroked her hair taking in the feel of its softness. She stirred lightly, but did not wake.

Hayate thought about everything that happened, he knew that Hitomi would be in danger as long as he stayed with her. Before he wanted to walk away, but now he needed to find a way to protect her. He refused to leave her side ever again.

He stood and left the room, deciding to let her sleep. He walked outside and stared at the moon, deep in thought.

"She's gonna get hurt Hayate," said a voice which Hayate instantly recognized. Hayabusa walked from the shadows and stood next to Hayate looking at the moon as well.

"I will protect her, I'm not going to leave her side again," said Hayate determined. Hayabusa knew the tone, nothing would change Hayate's mind.

"It's difficult for people like us to have relationships with others, are work usually has us cutting down people rather than loving them. For what its worth Hayate, I hope you can keep her safe and love her."

"Thank you Ryu, I hope so too."

They stood silently for a moment, taking in the stars. A new thought inhabited Hayate's mind.

"What do you think about everything that is happening?" asked Hayate.

"I can't say anything yet, we need Helena's resources to find Donovan and Rig. That unfortunately means we have to work with her." said Hayabusa.

"What do you think has become of Kasumi?"

Hayabusa felt his anger flare up briefly, the situation with Kasumi still angered him. He didn't have an answer for Hayate, other than his anger on the situation.

His silence answered Hayate's question, "they captured her for a reason, we just need to know why."

"She was injured when I first saw her, she said the person was extremely fast. Next Rig appears, but it couldn't have been him."

"Lets go back to your shop and search the area around their, we might come up with something."

Hayabusa nodded and they were off, thoughts of Kasumi continued to flash through Hayabusa's mind.

We will find you Kasumi, I swear.

Authors note: Schools getting pretty hard, but I still want to finish this story. Thanks for the feedback on the last chapter and hope you like this one. Please read and review, gotta know if this is going in a good direction or if I got to reroute the course.