Disclaimer: I do not own Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden, they are owned by Team Ninja and Tecmo.

Archer's Apartment

Downtown, California

3:27pm

"I realize that you are risking more than just your ass here Shepherd, but I need those files!" Shouted Archer into the phone.

Elliot sat on the sofa and watched Archer, keeping quiet. They were there for the last 2 hours as Archer spoke to his military contacts. The wait bored Eliot to no end, he wondered how long this was going to take.

"Thanks Shepherd, I'll see ya in a half," said Archer as he hung up the phone, "well, finally was able to get the information we need."

"And that is?" said Eliot.

"Well my friend was able to find two business transactions which took place from Vegas and Japan around the time the Tritowers fell. They were large transactions and had something to do with weapons." said Archer, "he'll be here in a half hour with the file."

"Cool, can't wait to do something more fun," said Eliot.

"You think detective work is all about action? Jumping out of windows and getting into massive firefights?"

"Well it has to be more exciting than this,"

"Nah, this is the real work. Phone calls, report writing, looking over crime scenes, and pots of coffee. All that Hollywood shit is just that, shit."

"That can't be all true, you have been in a few gunfights,"

"once or twice, but for the most part, I spend a lot more time working my pen than using my gun."

Eliot sighed and looked out the window, "what about the military, did you spend a lot of time using the pen there?"

"Wish I did," said Archer as he went into the kitchen.

"You don't mean that, you loved the Marine Core. You spoke about all the time when we talked," said Eliot as he followed Archer to the kitchen.

"I loved what the Marine Core stood for, but every action I did was another story. Take it from me Eliot, pushing a pen is a lot easier than pulling the trigger. The pen wont be as much of a life changer as is gunning down someone." said Archer as he lit a cigarette.

Eliot nodded and leaned on the counter, "guess that's true."

"You guess?" said Archer in laid back tone.

"I don't know, I just never have been in extremely violent situations like you have. Everything in my life was so controlled and safe," said Eliot.

"Didn't you fight in that tournament? Seems to me you already have seen a lot of action," said Archer.

"Yes, but there was really no apparent danger. We fought till one of us was knocked out, my life was never in any real danger," said Elliot.

"Who the hell wants to be in a life threatening situation?"

"I just want to feel the rush and excitement of being in actual danger, I want to know what it feels like to defend myself against such a threat. Your side of the world is just so interesting to me."

"Well, curiosity killed the cat Eliot, play to much on that side and you might regret it," said Archer as he inhaled the cigarette.

Eliot nodded and looked down, he still wanted to know what it was like.

The knock at the door caught both Eliot and Archers attention.

"He's early," said Eliot amused.

"Ya, very early," said Archer disturbed, "That's a 20 minute drive at the most."

The knock began to get louder as Archer walked over to the door, "who is it!"

The knocking stopped and everything was silent, Archer motioned Eliot to move to the living room as he pulled out his silver colt. He backed up in the living room with Eliot.

"I said who is..." Archer was cut off by several gunshots zooming through his front door. Both Eliot and Archer dropped down on the side of the couch.

"Damn it, not again!" shouted Archer as he flipped the safety off on his colt.

The shots stopped and the door was kicked open, several armed men who wore regular street clothes and balaclava entered the room. Two entered the kitchen and the other three entered the living room. Archer jumped up out of cover and fired at one of the men as he ran towards the other two. The first man flew backwards into the wall as Archer slammed his fist in the second mans head, sending him to his knee, Archer then picked him up by the neck and threw him into his flat screen TV. The third man aimed at Archer, but was stopped by Eliot who did a low kick to his stomach and a double fist to his chest sending him down.

The other men came from the kitchen and saw Eliot, they began firing at him. Eliot rolled into the hallway avoiding the shots. Archer moved to the side and fired at one of the men, killing him instantly. The other moved to the kitchen and continued firing from doorway. Archer waited for his moment and it came, he heard the firing stop.

Out of bullets asshole?

Archer jumped from cover and ran into the kitchen, the man was still pushing in the next magazine when Archer punched him in the face. The man took the punch and recovered quickly, swinging his weapon at Archer furiously. Archer caught the weapon in his hand and ripped it from the mans hands. Archer punched the man next in the stomach sending him to his knees and then used the butt of the weapon to knock him out cold.

"You owe me a front door," said Archer as he dropped the weapon and went back to the living room. He went to the hall and saw Eliot.

"You alright?" said Archer as he looked at Eliot. Eliot sat on the ground in utter shock, Archer knelt in front of him.

"Eliot!" Archer slapped him hard snapping Eliot back into reality. Eliot blinked rapidly before nodding.

"Your alright, it's just a bit of shock, it will wear off," said Archer as he stood and moved to the front door. Eliot followed behind, shaking his head rapidly and tried to stay focused.

Archer leveled the gun ahead of him and looked into the hallway, both sides were empty.

Well thank god for that

He turned around back into the apartment and his stomach dropped. A large helicopter hovered in front of his windows, he could hear the guns spinning up.

"Holy shit!" Shouted Archer as he pulled Eliot into the hall, the helicopter began firing into the apartment, destroying anything in its way. Archer and Eliot ran down the hallway, avoiding the shots which ripped through the apartments flimsy wall and into the hall way.

They reached the stairs and began going down.

"Whats happening John!" Yelled Eliot as they ran down the stairs.

"What the fuck does it look like Eliot! They're trying to kill us!" shouted Archer.

They ran to the first floor and into the hall, the receptionist desk was around the corner. Archer ran to the corner and looked around. He could see four more men fully armed and two large trucks blocking the front doors.

"Son of a..." said John angered.

"What are we gonna do?" whispered Eliot.

Archer began to think but could not come up with anything.

"We are going to have to go through them," said Archer as he began reloading his gun.

"Through them! Are you serious?!" said Eliot shocked.

"Keep your voice down, we have the element of surprise on are side. If we ambush them correctly, this will be a piece of cake," said Archer as he readied his gun. He reached down to his ankle and pulled a small 38 revolver, "you know how to use this?"

Eliot stared at the weapon then back at Archer.

"I have played some arcade games with them," said Eliot honestly.

"Any good at those?" said Archer hopeful.

Eliot looked at him and shook his head no.

"Well shit then, now or never I guess. Look this is a 6 round revolver and is ready to fire. Don't point it at anything you do not intend to kill. Pretend this is a game except you can't suck at it, otherwise your dead," said Archer as he handed Eliot the gun.

Eliot looked at it over and over again, completely marveled by its design and look. Archer smacked him on the back of the head and he gave him a look.

"Focus Eliot!" said Archer as he got ready, Eliot readied himself as well, trying to match Archer's form,"ok on three. One , two..."

Archer was stopped when heard a bunch of screaming, he looked around the corner and saw that all the men were dead.

"What the..." said Archer as he walked over to the men's lifeless bodies. He saw that they were all killed with a knife, ones throat was slit open and the others were stabbed.

"What happened?" Eliot said shocked.

Archer looked around the room but saw no one. He had a weird feeling about what just happened and it went with his earlier thoughts he had throughout the day. He felt he was being followed by someone, always saw a weird shadow from the corner of his eye. He shook the thought constantly, thinking his paranoia was setting in, but now he knew.

And he even thought he knew who it was.

"Lets move Eliot, can't start counting are blessing yet," said Archer as he ran through the front doors, Eliot close behind him. It would not be long before the police showed up and had questions that needed answering.

This is going to be a long night

Ayane rose from the shadows and walked over to the doors, she watched Eliot and Archer run down the street. She knew that she just blew her cover, maybe Eliot did not know but his friend did.

"No choice now, just got to keep following them," said Ayane to herself as she disappeared after them.

The lobby fell silent and all that was left was the sound of sirens.

Freedom Survivor

Middle of ocean

7:23pm

Helena stood by herself in her room looking towards the sea, she always marveled at its beauty. She continuously thought about everything that had transpired so far, she felt like Donovan was getting farther and farther away.

Worse, no one had made contact with her in a while. The ninja's left abruptly, leaving no messages and it had been a full day since she spoke to Eliot or Archer. Maybe she was overreacting, she hated the idea of being dramatic in such a short time, but she still wanted to be kept in the loop.

"Your deep in thought,"

Helena turned around fast and saw Bayman standing in the center of the room. He wore a black shirt with blue pants and black boots. His face showed no emotion, just the hardened look of a soldier.

"How did you get in here?!" shouted Helena.

"You thought it hard to get passed you security? You are mistaken," said Bayman calmly.

Helena opened her mouth then closed it. She cleared her throat and sat down at her desk.

"What can I do for you Bayman?" she said casually.

"I understand you are out to end Donovan, our goals are common," said Bayman simply.

"Do you have any information regarding to his whereabouts?" asked Helena.

"I hear his son is in the US, specifically California," said Bayman.

"Correct, unfortunately that is all I know," said Helena.

"Hmm, then if you will excuse me," Bayman said as he began leaving.

"Wait, why don't we join forces, it would be faster that way." said Helena

"I work alone, besides you would just slow me down." said Bayman.

"I showed you my resolve before at the Tritowers, you know I am not slow," Said Helena angered.

Bayman stopped walking and gave out a laugh, "is that right?"

"That is right!" said Helena defiantly.

Bayman looked her over carefully, taking in her defiance.

"I will keep you informed of anything I find, but I still work alone." said Bayman.

"Thank you," said Helena calmly.

Bayman began walking again, it was then that she remembered.

"Bayman wait," said Helena.

Bayman turned and stared at her.

"Do you know someone named John Archer? He was a former Marine."

Bayman's eyes narrowed, "how do you know that name?"

"He is a detective that I am working with to find Donovan,"

Bayman moved closer to Helena and leaned on the wall.

"If it is the same man, I knew him in the military," said Bayman

"What did he do there?"

Bayman gave a laugh and shook his head.

"Lets just say he handled sensitive matters for the government?" said Bayman.

"Like what?" asked Helena.

"Can't really say, ask him," said Bayman.

"How did you meet?" asked Helena.

"We met several times on and off the battlefield," said Bayman.

"I see," said Helena as she thought about another question to ask.

"He is trustworthy, if that is what you are worried about. Understand something about him though, in the core he was considered brutally efficient and always about the mission" said Bayman as he looked at his watch, "The mission always came first and nothing got in his way of that mission"

"So he is a killer?" asked Helena.

"Was a killer. What I can tell you is that he has done many questionable things for the sake of the mission. Towards the end of his service, he changed quite a bit. Always remember something, even though he has changed, he will always retain some of his past traits in a fight, never forget that Helena," said Bayman in a very serious tone.

"I see," said Helena as she looked down deep in thought, "so this is why his file is all blacked out?"

"As I said before, he handled missions for the government, those dirty secrets will always be secrets, no matter how much money you offer them." said Bayman.

"Thank you for your time Bayman, I look forward to hearing from you," said Helena.

Bayman nodded and left the room, leaving Helena to her thoughts. Archer was many things, but a killer was not one she would have ever thought of. The more answers she got, the more questions she had.

She did not understand why, but she wanted to know more. She knew more about the ninja than this man and that bugged her. She needed to know her allies.

Even if he disagrees

Mugen Tenshin Clan

Japan

12:22am

Hitomi sat silently on the doorway looking at the stars, she was deep in thought over everything in her life, especially Hayate.

She remembered telling him she loved him and he repeating it, she remembered the tears and sadness in his face before she lost consciousness.

She wiped her eyes of the tears which began to form, she absolutely hated seeing him like that. It deeply hurt her to think how much she might have caused him pain.

Out of everything, she remembered the words he said,

'I love you as well, you will not die, I swear it'

And here she was, alive. A light smile hit her face as the tears now freely came down. He said he loved her, he actually loved her as much as she loved him. This made her happy to no end and she just wanted to see and hold him.

The sliding door behind her slid open revealing Momji with a tray of tea and a rag.

"You should really continue to get some sleep," said Momji in a slightly worried tone.

Hitomi quickly wiped her eyes, "can't sleep."

Momji took in a breath and walked over to Hitomi sitting right next to her, she set the tray next to her.

"Whats wrong?" asked Momji worried.

"Nothing is wrong, I'm just..." the words just slowly faded from Hitomi.

"Worried about Hayate?" finished Momji.

"Is it that obvious?" asked Hitomi with a smile.

"You have said his name for a while now, except you used his other name Ein,"said Momji as she picked up the rag and began wiping Hitomi's face.

"You know about that?"

"Hayabusa often spoke about Hayate and how he lost his memory. It was you that nursed him back to health,"

"I didn't do anything, he pretty much recovered all on his own," said Hitomi with a smile.

"Regardless of how you feel, I am sure he is indebted to you," said Momji as she dried out the rag.

"I just wish he was here, I want to hold him and tell him how much I love him," said Hitomi.

"Due time I'm sure," said Momji as she sipped on some tea, "Whats it like?"

"Whats what like?"

"Being in love," asked Momji.

Hitomi lightly blushed and laid on her back, "its hard to say, I feel all fluttery and happy. It's unbelievable that he actually cares for me, I thought he saw me like a sister, not a lover."

Momji smiled and looked down, "I used to think I was in love, I too remember feeling fluttery inside. I hope you two will be happy, I wish you the best," said Momji.

"Thank you, but what ever happened to your love?" asked Hitomi curiously.

"He became my mentor, after that I began to see him more as a brother and less as a love interest," said Momji simply.

Hitomi nodded and looked back at the stars, "hopefully you find your true love, it is truly amazing."

Momji nodded and looked into the stars with her.

Maybe one day...

Streets of China

China

11:02pm

Jahn Lee grunted in pain with every step he took, he wore a brown long coat, which was Lin's, to hide his ripped clothes which he used to bandage his wounds. He would not go to the hospital, his pride would not allow it. Instead, he headed for his home which was just two blocks away from where he was.

He grunted loud and leaned on the brick wall next to him, he stared ahead of him and looked around.

The streets had minimal activity, most were at home doing something or at a club. Anyone who was out was probably up to no good and looking for unsuspecting folk to pass them. The problem was that if someone did attack him, they would win because he was so badly injured.

He pushed himself off the wall and kept moving, trying to act as normal as possible without looking injured, a task which was almost impossible. He was not far now, almost home free.

As he turned the last corner of the block, he saw his apartment in view. A large brown building which was four stories high, he sadly also lived on the fourth floor. He went through the dirty glass doors and into the lobby looking around.

Several mailboxes were lined up against the right wall, on the left was a hall leading to the first set of apartments as well as an elevator and staircase. Normally, Lee would always take the stairs, never missing out on an opportunity to get in a little exercise. Now in his current situation, that looked highly impossible.

He hobbled over to the elevator and called it, the doors creaked open and revealed one female which Lee knew all to well. The female looked shocked at Lee and turned he head, cheeks slightly red.

"Jahn Lee, wh...what are you doing here?" said the woman nervously.

"I live here, why are you here Lei Fang," asked Jahn Lee annoyed, trying to remain calm and normal.

"I...I...I have a friend who stays here, I was just..."

"Whatever, just go," said Lee as he interrupted her and entered the elevator. Lei Fang's face turned from shock to anger.

"You can't tell me what to do!" she shouted as she looked him into the eyes.

Jahn nodded with a completely straight face, he had no time for this. Lei fang's face softened as she looked down at his coat and back to his face.

"Are you ok?" she asked, concern all in her voice.

"I'm fine, look are you going to go? I need to get to my apartment." said Lee slightly annoyed.

"You definitely do not look good, what happened?"

"Nothing,"

"You are lying! Tell me!"

"Nothing!"

Lei Fang's face went back to being angry, she grabbed his coat and ripped it open revealing the damage. She gasped and backed away.

"Oh my god Jahn, what happened?" she said completely shocked.

"Look its none of your concern, I will take care of it," said Lee as he pulled back the coat and covered the wound back up.

"You can barely stand, you cant do this alone and you wont!" shouted Lei Fang as she turned to the elevator buttons and hit the 4 button.

"You can't get involved in this!" shouted Lee as much as he could.

"I just did, and there is nothing you can do to stop me!" shouted Lei Fang.

Lee huffed in a breath, he knew talking was futile, Lei Fang was a strong and independent woman and like him, she was stubborn. The elevator arrived at level 4, Lei fang moved near Lee and he leaned on her shoulder as they walked to his room.

Lei fang's cheeks were red as she could feel his heart beat on her arm. They got to his door and he opened it.

She moved to his sofa and sat him down. She then looked around, Lee's home was very standard. No pictures, just a sofa and lots of workout equipment around the room. The kitchen was part of the living room and from what she could see, there was not much in the way of food lying around.

"I have a first aid kit under the sink in the bathroom," said Jahn as he slowly peeled off the coat.

Lei Fang nodded and went to the small hall near the kitchen. In the hall were two doors, at the end of the hall she assumed it was a bedroom on the side was the bathroom. She entered the bathroom and saw that it was maintained well, on the mirror were a few pictures. One of them stood out, it was her. She looked at it briefly before going back into the living room.

She looked at Lee and saw him removing the clothes from his wounds, he had a lot of trouble removing the clothes.

She moved to his side, "let me."

"I got it," he said weakly.

"No you don't, let me help you Jahn," asked Lei Fang softly.

Lee took a deep breath and let his arms fall, Lei Fang began to remove the clothes from his body slowly. She stared at his chest and stomach slightly blushing.

"It's on my back," whispered Lee. Lei Fang nodded and sat down next to him, looking at his back.

"Oh my," she said shocked, the wound went deep and was slightly discolored from bruising.

"Lay on your stomach, I will patch up your wound," she said softly as she stood. Lee stood up and laid on his stomach, he grunted in pain and she winced.

She opened the first aid and grabbed the alcohol, gauze rap, and a rag. She poured the alcohol on the rag and stared at the wound.

"This may hurt," she said as she placed her hand on his back, the touch made her blush even redder.

"I can take it," whispered Lee. She nodded and began cleaning the wound. As soon at the rag touched he grunted in pain.

"Are you ok?" she asked concerned.

He nodded as he closed his eyes tight. Lei Fang lightly continued, every rub was as delicate as the first.

After cleaning the wound, she stood back up, "ok, now I need you to sit back up, I'm going to bandage it."

Lee sat back up with her help, she began bandaging the wound, making sure to wrap it tight so it could heal.

"All done, you need to rest," she said softly.

"Help me to my room," said Lee as he got to his feet. Lei Fang blushed as she looked at his naked chest. She nodded and let him lean again on her shoulder. They walked to the back room and she opened the door.

In the room was a bed, a small dresser with a television with a dvd player built-in it. Yet again, there were no pictures. They moved to the bed and he fell to it on his back. Lei Fang looked at him and around, unsure of what to do next.

"Thanks," whispered Lee, Lei Fang smiled.

"No problem," she said happily. The next few moments, she heard snoring.

She twirled her hands and looked around and then back at Lee. His arms were sprawled open in a sort of welcoming way. She bit her lip, but built up the courage to do what she wanted. She placed a knee on his bed and moved to his side, she rested her head on his chest and placed her arm over him, careful not to wake him.

She blushed fire-red as she listened to his heartbeat. She enjoyed the warmth of his body and felt completely comfortable.

She always wanted this, to be accepted by him. Not just as an opponent, but more than that. She wanted him to love her as much as she loved him. Ever since she was saved by him, she came to love him. Never has a man protected her like he had, and their would never be another man who ever will. Jahn Lee held a special place in her heart and she will always try to gain his love.

She felt sleep take over her as well, she did not know what the morning would bring, but she did no one thing. Nothing would separate them tonight

Even if it is just this one night

Red Dragon Club

China

12:22 am

Hayabusa and Hayate arrived at the club. The club boasted lots of activity even at what many considered a "late" hour.

Both Hayabusa and Hayate changed clothes to fit the atmosphere. Hayabusa wore a black silk shirt with blue pants and black dress shoes, while Hayate wore a white long sleeve shirt with black leather pants and shoes.

They both received many looks from the girls entering the establishment as they made their way inside. Inside was more activity and loud noise, both which ninja couldn't stand. They pushed through the crowd towards the bar, flagging down the bartender.

"What would you like?" Ask the bartender.

"We are here to see Lin," said Hayate.

"Everybody wants to see Lin," said the bartender.

Hayabusa wasted no time, he grabbed the bartenders hand and squeezed a pressure point, the bartender yelped in pain as he used the other hand to hold himself up.

"We have no time for this, where is Lin!" shouted Hayabusa angrily.

"H...He is in the back, through the gold..d doors at the end of the hall," said the Bartender in pain.

Both Hayate and Hayabusa looked at the door, Hayabusa released the bartenders hand and began moving to the door.

"Whats gotten into you Ryu?" said Hayate quietly.

"Nothing, lets just get this over with," said Hayabusa irritated.

They entered the door and moved down the hallway, at the end of the hall they saw a dead bouncer.

"Damn it," Hayate shouted as he moved over to the body.

Hayabusa kicked open the door and looked around, he saw a man who he presumed was Lin dead on a couch as well as trails of blood.

Hayate entered behind and looked at Lin, "this is not good."

"He slipped away from us again," said Hayabusa in a dangerous tone. Hayate looked at his friend, he knew that his patience wearing out. If they did not find something soon, then Hayabusa would become something even more dangerous than anyone could ever realize.

"He has to be near by," said Hayate trying to keep Hayabusa calm, "Blood is probably and hour or two old."

"Then there is no time to waste, you go to the airport and make sure he does not leave by plane, I will look for him in the city." said Hayabusa as he looked next to the door, "their was someone else here."

Hayate looked at the ground and saw a large pool of blood and foot steps leaving the room.

"A guard?" asked Hayate.

"It matters not, we need to move," said Hayabusa as he left the room.

Hayate looked at the door close behind him. He knew this was not going to end well, but he also knew that it was a long time coming. Hayate disappeared into several leaves leaving Lin on his couch. As he headed to the airport, Hayate hoped for one thing not to happen.

Do not lose control Hayabusa

Hayabusa moved back to the other end of the hall angry. He cursed to himself looking around for any clue as to how to proceed. Suddenly the doors opened revealing three men.

"This him?" said one of the men.

"That's one of them," said the other man who was the bartender, still holding his hand.

"You shouldn't be back here!" shouted the third man.

Hayabusa looked at the men, realizing that two of them were about to attack. He mentally cursed, this was a waste of time for him.

"Step aside, I mean you no harm," said Hayabusa as calmly as he could muster.

"You should have thought about that before you walked back here," said the one man as he began walking over to Hayabusa, "now you are coming..."

The man stopped talking when he realized that he had just been hit, he stumbled backwards and fell to his knees. His nose was broken as blood flowed freely out onto the ground, both the bartender and the other man stared in shock.

The other man rushed Hayabusa, but was stopped yet again by a fast punch to the stomach. He fell to his knees with one hand on the ground, trying to catch his breath.

Hayabusa moved through the hall next to the bartender who fell backwards. Hayabusa gave him a look before passing him by and going through the doors. Back in the club, the party was still going. Many women saw him shirtless and attempted to get his attention, but he paid them no attention. He needed to get out of the club and find Donovan, he couldn't have gotten far.

Through the crowd, he finally reached the entrance immediately exiting the club and back out to the streets. He walked over to an alley on the side of the club and moved to a small regular cardboard box next to the dumpster, within the box held Hayabusa's weapon and ninja garb. He quickly changed and set off to search for Donovan.

He jumped from building to building, thinking about where he would go. Hayabusa knew he was not thinking as straight as he should be, but time was not on his side. Deep down, he knew Kasumi may not be able to be saved. This angered him to no end and it was all Rig's fault.

He promised himself that he would find Rig and make him suffer for what he did, he swore he would. He would know the wrath of a ninja and it will be the last thing he ever sees.

Hayabusa stopped at the top of large building and looked around, the city was huge. How you could find one man would be beyond anyone's understanding.

But then again they were no Ryu Hayabusa

Authors notes: It is hot as hell out here where I live, up to 114 degrees! Hope you guys liked this chapter, till next time. R R