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

Los Angeles Precinct

Downtown LA

7:10pm

"So you then thought it was a good idea to leave the apartment?" said the large man leaning on the small table. Archer sat at the other side of the table in the small room with one mirrored window.

"Ya, the large helicopter that was shooting at me was a pretty damn good sign to get the hell out of there," said Archer in a sarcastic tone.

The large man slammed his hands on the table, Archer cocked his eye at the gesture.

" Listen to me Archer! You are in some serious trouble so quit being a smart ass and answer me straight!"

"Lewis, did you forget that I am a cop as well? That bad cop bullshit doesn't work,"

"From where I am sitting, I don't see a cop," said Lewis.

"You can't see your dick either Lewis, your gut hangs right over it!" shouted Archer. Lewis jumped up and struck Archer in the face, sending Archer out of his chair and to the ground. Archer wiped the blood forming up at his lip and looked up at Lewis. In any other situation, Lewis would have never got a hit in, but this was an interrogation and his own badge was on the line.

The doors to the interrogation room flung open and Captain Grant entered the room. Lewis's eyes went wide in fear, he knew he screwed up.

"Detective your dismissed," said Grant in a calm voice, Lewis nodded and left the room. Grant looked at Archer with a smirk. Archer gave a smirk back as he stood up and sat back in the chair.

"Would you like to press charges against Mr. Lewis," asked Grant as he sat down.

"Had it coming," said Archer calmly.

"That you did," said Grant as he pulled out a pack of smokes and handed Archer one, "but enough about that, whats going on Archer?"

"No idea, every time I turn around, my front door is getting destroyed," said Archer.

"What are you involved in?" said Grant in a serious tone.

"We on that again? I'm just taking it easy and suddenly I get attacked by what looks like a bunch of call of duty rejects and their big fucking helicopter," said Archer as he attempted to dodge the questions.

"I know you Archer, and things don't happen to you for no reason, especially not twice." said Grant as he lit his cigarette.

Archer lit up his cigarette as well and stared at Grant. He did not know what else to say, anyone else he could easily lie to, but Grant was different. He trusted Grant and owed him some sort of explanation.

"Who am I speaking to, the Captain or my friend," asked Archer bluntly, he was taking a risk with this.

"The camera went off as soon as Lewis hit you," said Grant with a light smirk. Archer took a light breath.

"My friend Eliot's father has gotten involved with some bad people, one of those people is somewhere out here in California. I was asked to try to find this man," said Archer as he inhaled his cigarette.

"And this man is trying to now kill you?" asked Grant calmly.

"Yes,"

"Well goddamn it Archer, this better be a damn good friend in order for you to risk so damn much,"

"He is,"

Grant took a deep breath, "this department cannot be involved in private investigations, that badge you carry is not for you to work your own cases."

"Look I under..."

"Shut up John!" snapped Grant, Archer closed his mouth and continued listening.

"You're a good cop John, but your reckless. Don't you remember anything I taught you? If you have to do something that could jeopardize everything, then you leave everything behind to handle it. That means your job, your family, and your fucking apartment," said Grant. Archer looked down and smiled, Grant was right he should have never went back to his apartment if he knew what he was dealing with.

"As your Captain, I will warn you that if you are found to be investigating a private case, you will lose your badge. As your friend, watch your ass John and don't be stupid," said Grant.

Archer nodded and smiled, understanding fully. Grant rolled his eyes.

"Wipe that smirk off your face Detective and get the hell out of here. This room is for criminals or have you already forgotten?"

Archer stood up and walked out the room. Grant pulled out another smoke and lit it, thinking about everything that he was told. He did not like the situation Archer was heading into, but he trusted Archer's judgment. He still could not shake one thought from his mind,

He went back to his apartment, what a dumb ass!

Diner

Downtown, LA

7:45pm

Eliot sat alone in a booth, in front of him was a plate of a half eaten hamburger and some fries which were both getting cold. He could not stop thinking about tonight's events, he finally felt a little of the danger he sought and did not know how to explain the feeling he got.

He was scared but he was also very excited, each feeling was so intense, far more than he had ever experienced. He even got to hold a gun and almost use it, it was a feeling which he liked and wanted to experience again. He was not in a controlled environment, he was now in the real world.

"How do you eat that slop?" said a voice behind him, Eliot turned and saw Ayane to his surprise. She wore a white tank top with blue jeans and blue sneakers. She sat down across from Eliot.

"A..Ayane what are you doing here?" asked Eliot.

"You think you and your friend are the only people looking for Donovan? I happened to see you from the window and decided to see what you were up to," said Ayane gracefully.

"I see," said Eliot with a nervous smile.

"So have you had enough of being a hero yet?" asked Ayane sarcastically.

"W..What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. Your friend is going to get you killed,"

"No he wont, John is a good man."

"He might be a good man, but that does not mean that he is not putting you in a dangerous situation."

"He is not putting me anywhere, I chose to follow him. Believe me, he does not like it. He worries about my safety as well."

"Then why worry him? All you are going to do is get killed!"

"I will not allow Donovan to kill someone I care about. If I've got to die to see that bastard burn for everything he's done, then I will gladly pay that toll and see him in hell!" shouted Eliot to his shock, he felt Archer's attitude slowly rubbing off on him. Ayane looked at him shocked, never has she seen Eliot so angry before till now. He showed passion and while she fully still believed he was not ready for what was to come, she knew that she could not change his mind.

They continued to stare at each other, unable to find the right words. Eliot took a breath and finally blinked.

"Ayane, I am sorry for..."

"Do not apologize, its annoying," said Ayane with a small smile. Eliot closed his mouth and gave her a smile back.

"Well isn't this cute," said a voice from behind Ayane, they both looked in that direction and saw Archer standing their with a smirk. He wore a Grey short sleeve collar shirt which he left unbuttoned with a white tank top underneath as well as blue jeans and black boots. His dog tags loosely hung around his neck.

"How long were you..."

"Standing here?" said Archer finishing Eliot's sentence, "long enough, good job Eliot. Used the words 'hell' and 'bastard', here I thought you did not have it in ya. Even caught the longing stare"

Eliot's cheeks went complete red as Archer sat down next to Eliot. He pulled the plate of food over to him and took a bite of the burger, giving a slightly disgusted face.

"Jesus Eliot, when did you order this shit? Yesterday? Shit's colder than a witches tit!" said Archer.

"What are you wearing?" said Ayane as she stared at Archer's attire.

"I'm on vacation! Might as well look the part," said Archer as he looked back at a blushing Eliot, "whats wrong with you Eliot, your cheeks are redder than the devils ass."

Eliot gave Archer and annoyed look and Ayane smiled.

"But enough with the jokes, why are you following us?" asked Archer to Ayane, Eliot gave a shocked look.

"Who says I'm following you?" said Ayane dodging the question.

"Cmon lady, cut me some slack, I'm a Detective. I can tell," said Archer calmly.

"As I told Eliot, you think you are the only one looking for Donovan?" said Ayane.

"Oh, so you were looking for him at my apartment building too? Thanks for the back up by the way, we were really in a heap of shit."

"What makes you think I took out those men?"

"I don't know, the cut throats, the disappearing act, or maybe because I never told you about any men. Cmon, spill it."

Ayane took a deep breath, thinking of what to say. Eliot looked at her, still wondering what was going on.

"Thing is, you have more contacts in this city than I do," said Ayane simply.

"Didn't think ninja relied on anyone but themselves," shot back Archer.

"Normally we don't, but I don't think I have to tell you that Donovan is winning this fight," said Ayane.

"How is that? Just because we have not found him, does not mean he is winning," said Eliot.

"He has already nearly killed Hitomi and has captured my sister, he is winning," said Ayane semi annoyed.

Eliot eyes widened, he remembered Hitomi from the tournament as well as Ayane's sister.

"Who are these people? How were they captured or nearly killed?" asked Archer with a cocked eye.

"It's a long story," said Ayane.

Archer gave out a laugh

I got time, I'm on vacation after all

Docks

China

1:47am

Hayabusa stood atop a large building overlooking the large dock. He spent a lot of time scouring the city, but to no avail. He then began to think that there are many ways out of the city, and one was by boat.

So here he was, staring at the docking areas. He could see a large ship docked as well as several men loading crates. Hayabusa thought it strange that they were working at this time. Was the ship about to leave?

Hayabusa continued to look over the small operation.

This is a waste of time

Hayabusa stood up and prepared to leave, but then he saw someone. Someone who he knew very well.

Christie

Christie stood on top of the ship's deck, she shouted something to the men who were loading the crates and reentered the ship. If she was there, then Donovan was close behind.

He thought about alerting Hayate, but it was too risky. If he left, then he could lose them and he would not lose them. He felt the rage build up in his mind as he set out towards the ship. He landed in front of the workers, they looked at him confused.

"Who are you?" said one of the men as he dropped the crate and approached Hayabusa. Hayabusa unsheathed his sword.

"Stand aside," he said simply as he began walking. The men began pulling out pistols and aimed at Hayabusa.

"This is a private area, scram!" shouted the man as he aimed his pistol straight at Hayabusa's head. In a flash, the mans arm was cut clean off, the man fell to his knees and screamed in pain. The others began firing at Hayabusa in complete fear.

Hayabusa easily dispatched the men one by one, dodging the shots. He let his rage take over as he cut down each man, no mercy in any of his actions. He made them suffer and he slightly enjoyed the action.

The last man looked at Hayabusa in complete fear, shaking uncontrollably as he tried to keep his pistol aimed at Hayabusa. Hayabusa slowly began walking over to the man.

"STAY BACK!" shouted the man as he fired a shot, missing Hayabusa completely. He fired another with his shaky hands, but Hayabusa deflected the shot sending it straight through the mans head, killing him instantly.

Hayabusa looked around briefly, making sure they were dead. He then jumped to the deck of the ship and walked over to the ship door which led to the interior of the ship. He pushed the door open and walked into the dark room. He found it very difficult to see as he walked in deeper.

Suddenly, the door behind him slammed shut and the room lit up. He looked around frantically and saw Christie standing across from him. He lifted his sword and ran at her, but realized she was behind a glass wall.

"Oh, were you looking for me? Well I was looking for you too love," said Christie as she kissed the glass and began frantically laughing. The room began to fill with an orange gas, Hayabusa looked for a way out but could not find one.

He held is breath as he fell to one knee, he looked at Christie with complete rage. She continued laughing as his vision went blurry. He fell on his back as the inevitable happened, he slowly lost consciousness as Christie's laughs began to fade.

All that remained in his last thoughts was one person, the woman who he failed to protect.

Kasumi, I have failed you

Unknown Area

6:15pm

"I win!" shouted Atsuko as she clapped.

"Your cheating!" shouted Kiyoko as she threw down her cards.

They were all in the living room playing board games, Hayabusa sat on the floor against the couch as Kasumi sat between his legs and laid across his stomach and chest. Large smiles were both on their faces.

"Alright its time for bed," said Kasumi as she stood up, "make sure you brush your..."

Suddenly Kasumi felt a sharp pain in her head, she fell to her knees.

Kasumi, I have failed you.

She heard it several times before the pain disappeared and she opened her eyes.

"Mama! Are you ok!?" said Kiyoko who was beside her. Hayabusa was also beside her, she looked at them both and smiled.

"I'm fine, had a bit of a headache," she said as she stood up, "excuse me."

She walked to the restroom and turned on the faucet. She began washing her face and looking at herself in the mirror.

She knew that voice, it was Hayabusa, the real Hayabusa. Had something happened to him? She tried to shake the thoughts from her mind, but was unable to.

She heard a knock at the door.

"Kasumi? Are you ok?" said Hayabusa. Kasumi opened the door and smiled at Hayabusa.

"I'm fine," she said as she hugged Hayabusa.

"You really scared me," said Hayabusa as he held her tight.

Kasumi loved feeling him on her, but deep down buried within, she knew this was just a dream. She knew it was a dream she could stay in so as long as she cooperated with Rig. So cooperate she did and allowed him into her mind, but she wondered what he was doing with the information.

Deep down she knew something was wrong, but she just could not help herself.

I love this dream

Diner

Downtown, LA

8:30pm

"That's horrible," said Eliot.

"That's the reality of this threat," said Ayane, "we have to stop him."

"Seems to me he is targeting you ninja for some reason, ever wonder about that?" asked Archer.

"I wouldn't know, I have never met the man," said Ayane honestly. Archer took a deep breath and laid a 10 dollar bill on the table.

"Well I do not know about you guys, but I need a smoke," said Archer as he stood and began walking out. Eliot stood and followed him as well as Ayane. Once outside, Archer began to light up his cigarette.

"So what will you do now?" asked Ayane.

"Dunno, only got one lead so I guess I'll start there," said Archer.

"Here you are,"

Archer, Ayane, and Eliot all turned in unison and saw Helena getting out of a Limo, "you are a difficult man to find."

"I go out my way to be," said Archer calmly, "what are you doing out here?"

"I haven't heard from you in a while and was checking in," said Helena as she fully stepped out the vehicle. She wore a white summer dress with matching sandals, her bust in full view.

"Your attire is different," said Helena as she looked him up and down.

"Everyone needs a change," said Archer as inhaled on the cigarette.

"Indeed, can I speak with you in private?" she asked.

"Eliot, why don't you and Ayane look around town for a while, I'll give you a jingle when we gotta go," said Archer.

"Who said I wanted to go with him!?" shouted Ayane.

"Its ok, I'll just go. Nice seeing you Helena," said Eliot as he began walking up the sidewalk.

"Hey!" shouted Ayane as she hurried after Eliot. Leaving Helena and Archer alone.

"Like coffee?" asked Archer as he flicked the cigarette.

"I more of a tea person," said Helena simply.

"Tea? What the hell? How about food? You like food?" asked Archer.

"I'd love some," said Helena.

"Great, walk with me, I know a great hotdog place," said Archer as he began walking, Helena followed beside him.

They walked in silence for a bit, Helena was strangely nervous while Archer thought on what Ayane said.

"So whats new?" said Helena breaking the silence.

"Nothing much, got one lead and that's what I am gonna have to go with. I'm sure he is somewhere around here," said Archer simply. Helena nodded and looked at his hanging dog tags.

"So you served in the military," said Helena playing dumb.

"Yep," said Archer.

"What were you?"

"Marine,"

"You don't elaborate much do you?"

"Its boring, we should focus more on Donovan. That way I can start being a cop again and wearing my ties."

"Who said you could not wear a tie?"

"Rather look like a man on vacation then a cop, besides ties aren't really "in","

"I thought it looked rather good on you," said Helena as she blushed, it was more forward than she intended.

"Yaa thanks, I like them too," said Archer nonchalantly.

Helena smiled and looked down, she searched for something else to talk about and then it clicked.

"You and Eliot are close," said Helena trying to keep the conversation going.

"Yaa, we go back a ways," said Archer.

"You both are very different from each other," Said Helena, Archer gave out a laugh.

"Yaa I guess, he was raised in a very controlled environment while I was more of a risk taker. I used to wonder what it would be like if we completely switched places. How would we end up?"

"You would have probably fought in the DOA tournament,"

"Yaa maybe, I think Eliot would have been a career marine. He dedicates himself to most things,"

"What about you, why did you leave?"

Archer smiled lightly, "lets just say I did not like the man I was becoming, probably the reason I like Eliot so much. He is the complete opposite of what I used to be,"

"What do you mean?"

"Eliot is innocent and pure, constantly interested in the other side. I was... Lets just say I was far from him."

Helena nodded, she wanted to pry but thought it inappropriate. She would give it sometime and ask again, she wanted to gain his trust.

"There it is," said Archer as he pointed at the lone hotdog stand on the corner. Him and Helena walked over to the stand.

"Whats going on Henry?" said Archer to the man behind the stand.

"How ya doing John," said Henry as he looked over to Helena, "you got a girlfriend now?"

Archer laughed as Helena blushed hard, "cmon Henry, you think I can score women like this with my ugly mug, your crazy. Why don't you fire us two of your king dogs."

"Coming up, you ugly mug," said Henry with a laugh. Helena lightly giggled which shocked her, she was actually having fun, something she had not done in a long time. She watched Henry and Archer talk and saw something she never saw before, ordinary people doing regular things.

She was so used to being near rich or powerful people, she seldom found herself in an ordinary situation. When her mother died, she became absorbed in revenge, hardly taking the time to live life. She liked this and wanted to experience more of it.

I could get used to this

Unknown Location

12:10am

Hayabusa awoken in a cold sweat and looked around, he was in a small room laying on a tatami mat. He heard the light sound of crickets in the night. He looked down at his attire and saw he was wearing a black robe. In the corner of the room he saw his sword.

He stood up fast and grabbed the sword, unsheathing the blade. He looked pulled open the sliding door which led outside and looked around. He was in his village, although he did not know how he got there.

"Ryu what are you doing?"

Hayabusa turned and saw his father.

"Fa...Father! But how?!" said Hayabusa as he lowered his sword.

"Whats wrong with you?" said Joe Hayabusa.

"Your dead, how are you alive?"

"Are you feeling ok?" said Joe with a cocked eye.

"He's fine father, just having a bit of a nightmare," said a feminine voice behind Ryu. Ryu turned towards the voice instantly recognizing it. He saw Kasumi in a blue robe standing at the door.

"What...wh..." Ryu was at a lost for words.

"Come back to bed Ryu, you were just having a bad dream. Its ok now, everything is ok," said Kasumi with a smile.

Ryu looked at Kasumi and back at his father.

What the hell is going on?

Author's notes: Little less action in this chapter, but I feel it was needed. Hope you all enjoyed it, till next time. R R

Extra Note: Also, I am confused with Hayabusa's father, I played the original ninja gaiden and thought he died yet he is in all the new ones. I heard (and I do not know this for sure) that these new games are prequels to the original series. Whether that is true or not, he is deceased in this story. I apologize in advance if that is not correct.