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

Eliot...Eliot...

You were supposed to protect us.

You have failed us.

There is no hope...

Eliot's eyes shot open, his body covered in sweat.

"It...It was just a dream," said Eliot to himself as he looked around the small room collecting his thoughts. He stared the barred window and saw a small stream of light entering the mostly dark room.

"Early morning," muttered Eliot to himself as he lifted himself out of the small bed and moved to the sink and mirror in the other corner of the room. Eliot washed his face before staring at himself in the mirror.

He was not the curious boy he used to be nor was he the broken man they found atop a building clutching his dead father in his arms. Now Eliot was a survivor of a tragedy awaiting his vengeance.

6 months was a long time to anyone in prison, and it would be a lot longer on a life sentence. He kept himself in shape and read to keep his mind alert and ready. When the chance to leave his cell came, he would not lose it.

Eliot forced himself to smile in the mirror, a crooked fake smile, but a smile none the less. He would not lose hope, he would have his revenge.

Only a matter of time

Unknown Location

7:30am

Alister quietly tapped his fingers together as he watched Rig stare daggers at him from across his desk. To the side sitting on another chair was Donovan as he quietly read through lab reports.

"Its been 6 months since the kid was locked up, why are you keeping him alive?" asked Rig impatiently.

"I need him," said Alister simply.

"We can't risk him saying anything about what he knows to the police! It's a wonder why he has not said anything yet!" yelled Rig.

"He smart, without proof who would believe him," said Alister patiently.

"Your doing this so that you can get to Archer! He's probably dead by now!" shouted Rig. Alister stopped with his hands and stared hard at Rig. Rig returned the gaze, never losing eye contact.

"Archer wont go down easy, he is obviously injured and recovering, I will find him soon enough," said Alister as he stood up and walked over to the display on the left wall, the display showed Eliot in his cell.

"Enough of these games! I want the boy dead!" shouted Rig.

"Understand Rig, Archer is my payment for all I have done for your organization, and quite frankly, my contract is not with you," said Alister calmly, never removing his gaze from the display.

"He is right Rig, he does not have to help us. Don't mess up a good thing Rig." said Donovan as he flipped a page on the reports.

Rig cursed before sitting back on his chair.

"Then whats you plan?" asked Rig.

Alister was a lone wolf, he hated people knowing what he was thinking and would not change it. Archer would make his appearance soon and Eliot was the bait, if he watched him long enough, the bait would pay off.

Where oh where are you Archer

Docks

Los Angeles California

7:32am

"You sure about this Archer?" said Zack worried as he sat in his helicopter.

"Why wouldn't I be sure?" said Archer as he straightened his black tie.

"You just woke up a week ago!" shouted Zack.

"I'll be fine, been laying down to damn long," said Archer with a wave as he began walking away. Due to his injuries, Archer's resting period became a coma which he was under for 6 months. When he finally awoken, he was given the bad news of what had transpired.

Eliot in jail? His father dead? And on top of everything else, Ayane was missing as well as the rest of the ninja's. It was a nightmare which he couldn't believe. Helena did not know all the facts so Archer did not know either, but the one fact was that Eliot was in San Quentin on a life sentence, He would start there.

As he walked, he heard a loud ringing coming from his coat pocket to his surprise. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Grey flip phone, the display read Helena. Archer flipped open the phone and pressed it to his ear.

"You couldn't spend the extra bucks to get me an up to date phone? I'm hurt." said Archer casually.

"You would've probably broke it anyway, classic phones for classic people," said Helena.

"What do you want?" said Archer.

"You do understand that you are a wanted man do you?"

"I know,"

"I just want you to be careful is all," said Helena slightly affectionately.

"Don't worry about me, I wont make any stupid decisions," said Archer, not catching on to her affection. He hung up the phone and continued walking out of the docks.

Archer could not believe just how bad things were, but that's the way they were. His first priority was Eliot and to see him, he needed a favor.

Time to see an old friend

Freedom Survivor

Middle of Ocean

9:21am

Helena placed the phone on her desk and stared out the window to the sea. She was in deep thought over the events which transpired and wondered how far they fell behind Donovan. With no contact from the ninjas and Archer just finally coming out of his coma, information was very little. She would work her end the best she could, utilizing her contacts in Japan, but that would more than likely turn up little.

"You look disturbed," said a voice. Helena turned quickly only to see Bayman standing against a post, his arms crossed.

"Bayman!" said Helena as she stood.

"Things must be going bad for you to look so disturbed," said Bayman simply.

"Things have been better," said Helena with a sigh. Bayman walked to her desk and placed a Japanese newspaper on her desk.

"Whats this?" said Helena as she looked at the paper, the front page story read "Tokyo Tower Massacre"

"It's where two of your ninja friends were found," said Bayman as he walked back over to the post.

"What!?" said Helena shocked.

"Yes, many people were killed at this tower, only two survived. One was a young female who initially made the call to the police, the other was a Special Assault Team Sqaud Leader. Both described a man in a black ninja like outfit with green eyes, sound familiar?" said Bayman.

"Hayabusa," said Helena as she sunk back into her chair.

"Correct, apparently he has been on a killing spree in the last 6 months in Japan. The Sqaud Leader also described a female which came in and took Hayabusa away, he described her as a beautiful women with red hair, more than likely Kasumi."

"They found Kasumi?"

"Apparently so, I have learned that both Hayate and Hayabusa were seen at a club and then a dock 6 months ago in China. After doing some further investigating, I have found that Donovan had a ship docked there. A week after that, the ship shows up at a dock in Japan. Apparently, all the people on the ship were killed, no survivors. Coincidently, both Hayate and Hayabusa were seen near that ship in China, its connected."

"That accounts for all but one ninja, Ayane," said Helena.

"She was not in China or Japan from what I can tell, so she could still be here," said Bayman.

"What could of happened to them?"

"I'm am unsure. The ninja I'm sure will contact you when they are ready to talk," said Bayman.

Helena nodded lightly, she didn't like where things were going or where they have been. A distorted picture of the events which took place 6 months ago started to show a connection.

Every threat of Donovan's was dealt with in one blow

Downtown Precint

Downtown Los Angeles

10:32am

Archer opened the doors to the station and walked in casually, stepping past the main desk where a shocked officer stared at him. Archer felt slight anxiety but suppressed it, this was his only play.

He stepped through the detectives division en route to the captain's office, everyone stared at him quietly as he walked. Eventually he reached Captain Wesley Grants office and pulled open the door.

Grant was looking through paperwork when he saw Archer, his face turned grim.

"Hey Cap," said Archer.

"What the hell are you doing here!" said Grant angrily as he stood up.

"I'm still a cop"

"Your wanted for a possible murder charge, Why come back!?" shouted Grant.

"Look, whatever you think his going on is not true. You have the wrong man in prison," said Archer.

"What are you saying Archer? I got Internal Affairs tearing through this department trying to find you!"said Grant.

"There is a larger force at work here than just me or Eliot. We have stumbled onto something big and have been defending ourselves ever since,"

"So now your saying this was all in self-defense!? Their have been a slew of murders since you went on your "vacation" and your telling me it was in self-defense!?"

"I don't have time to argue Wesley, I'm asking you to trust me. Look I know internal affairs wants me bad and I wont run, but I need a favor," said Archer.

"What could I possibly do for you?" said Grant, Archer reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded letter. Archer handed Grant the letter which he immediately read.

"John, do you understand what you are asking?" said Grant perturbed.

"This is the only way and I need your discretion, this should prove what I have told you," said Archer.

"I hope you know what you are doing,"

"Always do," said Archer with a grin. Grant nodded and picked up the phone on his desk.

"Lewis, get in here," said Grant as he hung up. Lewis entered looking at Archer.

"Take the detective into custody," said Grant as he crossed his arms.

"Sir?" said Lewis shocked.

"You heard me. John Archer, I am placing you under arrest, pending an investigation into your claims, you know your Miranda rights," said Grant. Lewis hesitated briefly before finally pulling his cuffs and arresting Archer.

"I'm sorry about this Archer," said Lewis.

"Not a problem Lewis, just the way the cookie crumbles," said Archer as he was walked out of Grant's office. Grant looked back at the letter and picked up the phone again.

"Tommy, its Wesley. I need a favor" said Grant.

Unknown Location

11:00am

Rig stood looking over a large tube filled with green liquid. Inside the tube was Ayane as she floated peacefully within the tube. Since kidnapping Ayane, this is where she has been, unused. Rig could not wait to test the new Harpus machines once the drug was produced and the machines were rebuilt. The data he accumulated from Kasumi was astronomical, he could only wonder what he could gather from Ayane.

Rig thoughts were interrupted when his cell phone began to ring. Rig pulled out the phone and pressed it to his ear.

"Ya?" said Rig calmly.

"We have found Archer, he has just given himself to the local authorities," said the voice on the other end.

"Keep me informed," said Rig as he hung up and immediately began leaving the room. He crossed through the facility into another where Alister sat watching television.

"We found Archer," said Rig.

"Where," said Alister simply, never looking at Rig.

"He turned himself in to the police,"said Rig.

"Ok," said Alister.

"Thats it?!" said Rig annoyed.

"Thats it," repeated Alister. Rig cursed before slamming the door, leaving Alister to his thoughts. A small smile formed on his face.

Bad move Archer

San Quentin

California

9:00am

Eliot picked his breakfast which consisted of slimy oatmeal, some Graham crackers, and an apple. Prison food was not glamorous, but it was what he had to eat. He stared around the large cafeteria and saw several inmates eating quietly as a patrolling guard walked the isles. Eliot let out a long sigh as he dropped his spoon on the tray.

"Not liking the gourmet cooking huh?" said a voice from behind him. Eliot turned around and saw Archer standing with a tray in hand. Eliot's eyes widened in surprise.

"John!" shouted Eliot as he stood up, but Archer pushed him back down to the table taking a seat next to him.

"Keep your voice down, I have put people in here. Got to play under the radar," said Archer as he set his tray down.

"Where have you been?" whispered Eliot.

"In a coma for 6 months, woke up about a week ago," said Archer as he spooned up some of the oatmeal and ate, but immediately spit it out, "I'd rather eat cat shit."

"Look, many things have happened when you were out," said Eliot.

"Yes I know, and I am sorry about your father," said Archer sincerely. Eliot closed his mouth as the memory of his father entered his mind, his blood all over his hands as he heard the cackling of Alister.

"Never mind that, we need to get out of here and find Alister," said Eliot.

"Don't worry about Alister, he will show up now that I have made an appearance, just a matter of time," said Archer. Eliot nodded as he looked back at his food.

"They took Ayane," said Eliot simply.

"Why would they take her?" asked Archer confused.

"I don't know, but I need to find her,"

"Ya well we need to first get out of here,"

"How? I have been in here for 6 months John, thinking of every way out of this hell. It's a fortress," said Eliot somberly.

"Word of my arrest likely reached Alister, I'm sure he will come to kill me and you," said Archer as he opened the graham crackers and took a bite before immediately spitting them out, "how do you fuck up graham crackers?"

Eliot smiled as he looked down, he was happy to see Archer was ok and still himself amidst the chaos.

"Listen Eliot, Alister will likely come here and tear this facility apart to find me and you. We have to be ready for anything,"

"I have been ready for 6 months John, waiting for the day that I could see him again," said Eliot in a slightly violent tone. Archer nodded, catching the anger he knew all to well. It was at that point he knew that every drop of naïvety he once had was gone and was replaced with something more violent.

"I know nothing I say will change your mind about what you are going to attempt to do..."

"Not attempt John!" spat Eliot angrily, Archer looked at Eliot hard, "I will kill Alister, even if it means I must die in the process."

Archer nodded again and decided to not press it further, he did after all understand. Eliot had been through much, from killing another human to watching a human die, Eliot has experienced more than anyone should ever experience. It would break most people and maybe it broke him slightly inside, but the rage would be his fuel to carry on.

Suddenly, the doors at the end of the room flung open revealing the police officers as well as Captain Grant. They walked over to where Archer and Eliot sat.

"You two need to come with us," said Grant calmly. Archer and Eliot stood up, confused by what was happening.

"Whats going on?" said Archer.

"I've just received orders to have you both transferred to another facility," said Grant as he motioned for the officers to arrest both Archer and Eliot.

"Why?" said Eliot as the guard put his hands behind his back.

"We don't know, no reason was given," said Grant. Archer felt his stomach drop, for he knew who gave the order.

"Listen Grant, this is a mistake!" shouted Archer as the officer cuffed his hands.

"There is nothing we can do, my hands are tied," said Grant as the officer began leading Archer and Eliot out of the room.

The walk was not long as they moved through the facility and to a large armored truck which was in the prison garage. Grant walked over to Archer and handed grabbed his hand. Archer looked at him confused before feeling the small key being given to him.

"I don't like this either, when you get your chance to escape, take it," whispered Grant as he walked on by Archer, "alright lets load em up,"

As soon as the truck doors were opened, the lights in the garage went out. The officers and Grant instinctively pulled there firearms looking around the room. Suddenly the large metal doors which led outside began to open. Grant and the other officers pointed at the doors instinctively, waiting for what was to come. When the door fully opened, a lone man stood with arms to the side.

"Alister," said Eliot angrily as he began to feel his blood boil. Alister's face turned into a grin as his eyes locked with Archers.

"Johnathan Wells Archer, I have finally found you," said Alister calmly.

"Who the hell are you?!" shouted Grant as he leveled his pistol at Alister's head.

"Close your mouth Captain, this is between me and Archer," said Alister, never breaking eye contact.

"You close yours and put your hands above your head! Your outnumbered!" shouted Grant.

"Am I?" said Alister as he snapped his finger's, suddenly three men in tactical gear surrounded them, guns drawn. Grant and the other officers began to panic as the men closed in.

"You see Captain, I am in charge here. Put your weapons down on the ground," said Alister. Grant and the officers dropped their weapons.

"That's better, you must be Archer's mentor when he left the service. I have read loads about you," said Alister as he drew a pistol.

"What do you want?" said Grant.

"Only one thing," said Alister as he walked up to Grant and shot him in the stomach. He then shot the three officers, killing them.

"NO!" shouted Archer as the bodies fell to the ground, Grant clutched his bleeding stomach.

"I want Archer to suffer," said Alister as he pointed at Eliot, "Bring him to me and remove his cuffs."

One of the men stood next to Archer as another grabbed Eliot and removed his cuffs, he then pushed Eliot in front of Alister. Eliot's hands began to slightly shake in anger as he locked eyes with Alister.

"Remember me Eliot?" said Alister with a grin.

"How could I forget?" said Eliot angrily. Alister laughed loudly as he handed Eliot is pistol.

"Go on, take it," said Alister, Eliot snatched the pistol and pointed it right at Alister's head.

"Right to business eh, well if you shoot me the guards will shoot Archer. Go ahead boy, take your revenge! Show me your resolve!" said Alister as he put his hands up and placed his forehead against the barrel of the pistol. Eliot began to sweat as he felt his finger itch for the trigger. His mind at war with itself.

He began to remember his father, the blood, the anger. His rage fueled as his finger steadied on the trigger.

"Do it!" shouted Alister. Eliot gently began to squeeze until the image of Ayane appeared in his head, he remembered 6 months ago when they stood on the roof top.

I swear on everything I have that I will find you

Her beautiful face and confident smile filled his mind as she uttered the words,

And I will wait for you

Eliot let go of the trigger and lowered the weapon, he glared hard at Alister as he snatched the gun away from Eliot.

"Pitiful, I knew you didn't have it in you, your still just a boy." spat Alister as he lifted the gun and placed it to Eliot's head, "you see Archer? I control everything you see around you. I change the balance of the world to my will, even now I knew Eliot would not dare risk harm coming to you."

"Your day will come I swear to god!" said Eliot shakily.

"I am god, boy," said Alister as he began to squeeze the trigger.

"You always were so dramatic," said Archer, which stopped Alister.

"Dramatic?" said Alister annoyed.

"Ya, a fucking drama queen who thinks he is slick, your just another FUCKING CRIMINAL!" shouted Archer as he threw off the cuffs and punched the man near him in the stomach hard, snatching his SMG from his hands and immediately firing at one of the men, killing him instantly.

The other men turned their attention to Alister as Eliot quickly kicked the weapon out of Alister's hands and threw him to the ground.

Archer jumped behind the prison truck, avoiding the bullets fired by the armored men. He blindly began firing around the truck at the men, hitting one in the stomach and head killing him. The SMG clicked as Archer dropped the empty gun and to the ground and waited for the man to stop shooting

Eliot raised his fist high, about to attack Alister, but was roughly grabbed from behind by one of the men and pulled off. Eliot violently jerked out of the man's grip before spinning around and placing both fist into the man's chest with such force that he broke the mans ribcage instantly.

Archer heard the man stop firing before launching out of cover and running over to the man as he tried to reload. Archer punched the man hard in the face, sending him to his knee. Archer then raised his foot and slammed it down on the man's wrist instantly breaking it. The man screamed in pain as Archer punched him once more, knocking him out cold.

Alister got back to his feet and began to run out the facility.

"He's getting away Eliot, go after him! I'll take care of Grant," said Archer as he moved to Grant. Eliot nodded as he picked up one of the pistols on the ground and began his pursuit.

Alister ran out onto the main road and headed to the vehicle parked in front of the facility. He fumbled through his pockets, trying to find his keys.

"Don't move!" shouted Eliot gun raised as he ran over to Alister. Alister sighed as he lifted his hands in defeat.

"I guess you..." Alister was cut off when he felt punch him in the jaw, sending down to the ground. Alister wiped the blood forming on his lip as he stared up at the barrel of the gun Eliot held.

Eliot picked up one of the pistols lying on the floor and stood above Alister. Archer wanted to intervene, but knew not too. This was Eliot's choice and he would support it.

"I told you your day would come you bastard," said Eliot violently as he centered the pistol sights on Alister's head.

"That may be, but not today," said Alister in a laugh.

"Your wrong if you think I'm not going to shoot this time, you killed my father!" shouted Eliot as he began to squeeze the trigger.

"And I will have your pretty ninja killed to!" shouted Alister as Eliot slightly winced.

"What?" said Eliot.

"You think that after you kill me she wont be harmed?! Rig will shoot her dead and you will be the reason!" shouted Alister. Eliot tightened his grip around the pistol in anger, their was nothing he could do.

Alister got to his feet and laughed as he dusted himself off, he pulled out a white handkerchief and dabbed his lip.

"Well its been interesting, we will see each other again soon. Oh and don't worry about the girl Eliot, I will personally see to it that she is well taken care of," said Alister with a sadistic smile. Eliot's rage reached the boiling point as he roughly grabbed Alister's shirt and jammed the gun into his neck.

"If you so much as touch her...I'll...I'll...,"

"Kill me? Oh Eliot," Alister slapped Eliot's hands away and straighten his collar, "do try to be a little original with your threats."

With that, Alister began to whistle as he casually got into his vehicle and drove away, the prison gate opening for him. The man who killed his father, kidnapped Ayane, and destroyed his life would disappear again and both Eliot and Archer would be back at square one. Eliot fell to his knees in defeat as he bawled up his fist.

"DAMN IT!" shouted Eliot as he slammed his fist to the ground repeatedly. Archer ran out to the main road and saw Eliot on his knees, he automatically felt disturbed and saddened by the sight. Archer walked over to his friend and knelt.

"I had him John, I was inches away from finally having my revenge and I let him go," said Eliot.

"Understand something Eliot, this is not over. Not by a long shot, were going to get this rat fuck as soon as possible and put an end to MIST," said Archer as he clenched his fist.

I swear it

Authors's Notes: Were getting closer to the end of this tale, we've come a long way from where we start and its been a joy to write this story. Yet again, I just want to say that I appreciate all the support and hope you will all continue to R R. Till next time :D