Disclaimer: I do not own Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden, they are owned by Team Ninja and Tecmo.
Los Angeles
Motel 6
9:32am
Helena looked around the room in disgust as she sat in the corner of the room on a small armchair. The room consisted of two beds, a small dresser with an old style television, two nightstands and a telephone. The stucco white plastered walls and the slightly stained tan carpet only added to the unrefined atmosphere.
Archer sat at the edge of the bed looking through a phone book while Eliot was in the small restroom.
Archer smirked as he stopped looking through the phone book and stared at Helena.
"Not what you were expecting?" asked Archer.
"This room is filthy!" said Helena disgusted.
Archer gave the room a good look before returning his gaze to Helena, "Filthy?"
"Look around!" said Helena annoyed.
"Well what did you expect? Five star service? This room cost 39.99, we weren't getting a Hampton suite for that price," said Archer equally sarcastic.
"I could of gotten us a nice room in some place with more class," said Helena as she shifted in her seat.
"Me and Eliot are fugitives, how much class do we need?"
Helena rolled her eyes as she stared out the window which overlooked the small parking lot. They arrived earlier and came straight to this motel, Archer thought it a good idea to stay off the streets during the day time.
Within the bathroom stood Eliot as he washed his face and stared at the mirror, he felt exhausted after the long helicopter ride to California. He wiped the excess water from his face and exited the restroom. Outside, he gave both Helena and Archer a nod as he sat on the second bed.
Archer continued looking through the phone book until he heard his stomach growl. He promptly closed the book and set it on the nearby nightstand.
"Well I'm famished, I'll go and pick up some food for us," said Archer as he stood up.
"I'll go with you, the less time I have to spend in this room, the better," said Helena as she stood up and looked at Eliot, "how about you Eliot?"
"I think I'm just going to lay down for a bit," said Eliot with a forced smile, "you guys go ahead."
"Alright then, get some good sleep, we start at sun down," said Archer as he and Helena left the room.
Eliot lied on the bed and closed his eyes, he quickly dozed off.
Eliot...Eliot...
You were supposed to protect us.
You have failed us.
You have failed me.
From the darkness of his mind, he saw Ayane. Her face and body were bruised as blood oozed from her head.
Look what they done to me Eliot...Look what they have done...
Ring...Ring...Ring
Eliot's eyes shot open as he sat up in bed, he wiped the sweat from his brow as he told himself it was just a dream. The ringing noise continued next to him, he stared down at the nightstand and saw a cellphone ringing.
Eliot's blood froze, it was Christie's phone. Eliot picked it up and stared at the display, the caller was displayed as unknown. Eliot noticed the Archer and Helena had still not returned. He flipped open the phone and put it to his ear.
"Yes?" said Eliot darkly.
"Is this Eliot or John?" said the low voice on the other end.
"Does it matter?" asked Eliot.
"This must be Eliot, the angry one,"
"And you must be Donovan," shot back Eliot.
"Astute, I will make this quick Eliot, but first listen," said Donovan.
"Eliot?" said A female voice, Eliot stood up straight, instantly recognizing it.
"Ayane?!" shouted Eliot, "Are you ok!?"
"Eliot...I..." before she could finish, she was stopped by Donovan.
"Yes Eliot, I have Ayane and if you want to see her alive, you will come alone," said Donovan.
"Where?"
"You know it well," said Donovan as the phone went dead.
Eliot hung up the phone and dropped it back on the nightstand. He quickly slipped on his coat and reached into his pocket, pulling out the revolver. He checked it to make sure it was loaded and slipped it back into his pocket. He quickly wrote a note and left it on the nightstand before leaving the room.
He didn't know what to expect as he ran to the bus stop and entered the stopped bus. But he felt a surge of confidence and relief, she was alive and he could save her.
I wont lose her too
Archer and Helena walked together quietly as they carried their food back to the room. Helena felt uncomfortable in the silence, she had to say something.
"I...I wonder if this food is any good," she said simply, hoping he would talk.
"For that wait we had to suffer through, it better be," said Archer as he pulled out a cigarette.
"Another one?" asked Helena slightly annoyed. Archer rolled his eyes as he lit the cigarette.
"That a problem princess?" said Archer sarcastically.
"No problem, just wonder why you allow such poison in your body," said Helena. Archer did not respond, instead he inhaled the smoke and exhaled, leaving a smoke cloud in the area, Helena scoffed at him.
"Homme têtu," said Helena in French.
"Say something princess?" asked Archer.
"Yes, you are stubborn," said Helena.
"Very stubborn," added Archer, Helena scoffed again. Archer stopped walking and turned to her.
"Look, I smoke when I am thinking and you will be surprised how often that is," said Archer.
"Well your habit is killing you," rebutted Helena.
"Why does that matter to you?" asked Archer with a cocked brow.
"Because..." Helena caught herself, almost blurting something awkward out. She looked into Archer's eyes, "because I need you healthy to be able to find Donovan."
Archer gave out a laugh as he continued walking.
"Don't worry princess, you and my business will be long concluded before I bite bullet," said Archer as he took another hit of his cigarette, "you wont have to see me fall from this."
Helena frowned as she closely followed him, regretting what she said. She didn't mean it as it came out, but she couldn't quite admit what she really thought. Over the time she spent with Archer, whether it be the small talks they had or when she watched over him for the 6 months he lied in a coma, she felt a sort of strange bond with him. Helena had very little time to make bonds with anyone, but when she did, she took it seriously
Helena looked at the back of Archer's head as they walked, while she couldn't admit it aloud, their was no crime in admitting it in her thoughts...
It matters because I care about you...
Archer's Old Apartment Building
Downtown Los Angeles
1:29pm
"That'll be 17.50 kid," said the burly man in the driver seat of the yellow cab.
"Keep the change," said Eliot as he payed his fair and looked up at the building. It had been a while since he was last here, his father kept appearing in his mind as he entered the building and walked to the elevator.
Inside the elevator, Eliot rode it to the top floor. He mentally prepared himself for what was next and what he may have to do. At the top floor, Eliot left the elevator and headed for the stairs, the final stretch. Eliot stood in front of the door leading to the roof, he reached in his pocket and began to pull out the revolver, but decided against it. They did not know or probably expect him to have one, that would be to his advantage. He took a deep breath before grabbing the knob and pushing open the door.
Outside, Eliot could see many places to take cover, he looked at neighboring buildings and their rooftops, seeing no sign of anyone...for now, Eliot knew how quickly a situation could change.
His eyes then locked in on the spot where he held his father, the very spot where his life fully changed. He thought he knew what pain was due to everything that he had done which led him here the first time. After that moment, that pain became something more agonizing. Eliot shook the thoughts from his head and tried to remain focus.
"You came," said a voice behind Eliot, Eliot turned and saw Donovan along with several armed men. Ayane stood at the side, two red dots aimed at her chest. She looked at Eliot with a seemingly emotionless face, but Eliot understood that she was a ninja and taught to never show her emotions. Eliot smiled at her as he looked at the neighboring buildings again and took note of the two snipers on both sides. They had the roof well covered, minus the large set of water heaters beside him only one sniper could see that side. Eliot would have to use that to his advantage.
"Well, I'm here. What do you want?" said Eliot simply as he continued to think of an escape.
"What do you think?" said Donovan as he nodded at the armed man holding Ayane. The man nodded back and removed Ayane's handcuffs, he then pushed her towards Eliot. Ayane gave the man a dirty look before slowly moving to Eliot.
"Are you ok?" asked Eliot with a smile as she finally stood in front of him. Ayane's eyes showed slight anger as she slapped Eliot hard. Eliot's smile never disappeared as Ayane slapped him again.
"You should of never come! Cant you see this was a trap!?" Shouted Ayane as her eyes slightly watered.
"Sure I did, but it was worth it if just to see you again, I've missed you so much," said Eliot.
"You...You were...You were supposed to be safe! You found your father, isn't that why you got involved!?" shouted Ayane as she felt a tear roll down her cheek. Ayane raised her hand again attempting to slap Eliot again, but Eliot simply caught her arm and pulled her into him.
"I swore to you that I would find you, I meant every word," said Eliot as he held her tightly, Ayane stood quietly as the tears slowly fell.
"Touching," said Donovan as he pulled out a silenced pistol. Ayane broke the embrace and took a defensive stance in front of Eliot, but Eliot pulled on her shoulder gently and moved her behind him to her shock.
"What are you doing?" asked Ayane as she looked at one of the snipers aiming at her, both snipers aimed at her which they deemed the threat, she had to use that to her advantage to save Eliot.
"I'll distract them and you..."
Ayane was interrupted when she heard a loud gunshot followed by another, two men in front of Donovan fell as the remaining men fired back. Eliot pulled Ayane behind the large water heater as several bullets hit nearby. Eliot quickly aimed at one of the snipers on the building near him and fired, hitting the sniper in the chest.
Ayane stared at Eliot shocked as Eliot began returning fire to the armed men around Donovan, hitting another one in the chest and sending him down. Two more in front of Donovan and one sniper, Eliot mentally noted.
"Listen Ayane, I need you to get out of here," asked Eliot as he looked at Ayane.
"I'm not abandoning you!" Shouted Ayane.
"Ayane! Remember your mission!" Shouted Eliot to Ayane's shock. Eliot took a quick look back at the armed men firing, "only one person gets out of this, and I will be DAMNED if its not you."
Ayane stared at Eliot unsure of what to do, Eliot grabbed her hand and looked at her.
"You finish this and make sure he never can hurt anyone again," said Eliot never breaking eye contact. Ayane reluctantly nodded, Eliot smiled and let go of her hand. Ayane gave Eliot one last look before disappearing, purple petals fell as Eliot ignored the sound of gunshots and watched the petal settle to the ground.
Eliot pulled the revolver close, he finally was able to rescue Ayane and now it can all end. It was all or nothing in Eliot's mind, but he knew he was going to to die regardless of how the next moment panned out, he would go down fighting.
Eliot waited for the bullets to stop before letting out a roar and swinging out of cover. He took aim firing at one man and hitting him in the stomach. The man fell forward as the other desperately tried to reload the assault rifle. Donovan stood behind the man as Eliot aimed at the second gunman and shot him dead in the chest, sending him back into Donovan.
Donovan quickly pushed the man off of him and lifted his silenced pistol at Eliot while Eliot took aim at Donovan. Their weapons erupted in unison as the two men walked towards each other.
Donovan's hand was hit by Eliot's bullet, sending the man to his knee as he screamed in agony. Donovan's bullet struck Eliot on the shoulder, Whipping Eliot to the side as he fell to his back, clutching his bleeding shoulder.
Eliot noticed the second sniper taking aim at him, the red beam lining up at his head.
'This is it'
Suddenly Ayane appeared behind the sniper, punching him hard in the head before throwing him off the building, the sniper screamed as he fell to the street. Ayane looked at Eliot in shock, but the sudden appearance of a helicopter alerted everyone. The helicopter leveled itself before it began firing at Ayane. Ayane ran back, dodging the shots at the helicopter continued firing.
Eliot locked onto Donovan who stood up and limped towards the helicopter which hovered above, Eliot quickly looked around and saw his revolver lying next to him. He picked it up with his bloody hand and took aim at Donovan.
Click...
Eliot silently cursed as he tossed the gun at Donovan missing him completely. Donovan paid no attention as he continued to wave for the helicopter to come down. Eliot then noticed Donovan's silent pistol underneath a water heater nearby. Eliot's saw his chance, he stood up as fast as he could, still clutching his bleeding arm.
The helicopter was almost completely down as Eliot quickly moved to the weapon, Eliot sat next to the water heater and reached underneath it as the helicopter fully landed. Eliot grabbed the pistol and pulled it up immediately taking aim at Donovan as he boarded the helicopter. Eliot fired, hitting the helicopter door, he fired again and struck Donovan in his thigh. Donovan fell forward in agony as he screamed in pain. Eliot fired again striking him this time in the calf, it was then that the pilot pulled Donovan into the helicopter as Eliot continued firing, hitting the side of the helicopter. The pilot quickly started the helicopter and took off, Eliot fired once more and the slide on the pistol locked in place. Eliot dropped the pistol and continued clutching his arm, he could hear the feint sound of police sirens coming.
Off to jail again
Eliot thought it ironic that he would be caught in the same place as before. He took comfort in knowing that at least he caused Donovan much pain. His jacket was soaked in blood from his bleeding shoulder, Eliot leaned back against the water heater and awaited the police.
"Eliot?" said a female voice. Eliot's eyes opened as he saw Ayane rushing over to his side.
"What happened!?" shouted Ayane as she looked at his shoulder.
"You came back," said Eliot with a smile.
"Of course I came back you idiot, what were you thinking!?" shouted Ayane in anger.
"I was thinking about you," said Eliot, Ayane's cheeks reddened.
"Eliot..." said Ayane calmly.
"POLICE! ANYONE UP HERE!" shouted the police from the stairs. Ayane looked at the staircase and back at Eliot. She needed to get him out of here.
"Can you walk Eliot?" asked Ayane, Eliot nodded and stood up.
"I should be able to get us off this building, but I need you to hold on tight to me, can you do that?"
Eliot nodded. Ayane nodded back as she looked around the area, she needed to get him to a safe place. Eliot wrapped his arm around Ayane and they were off.
So many questions filled Ayane's head as she landed on the neighboring building, she had no idea how long it had been since she last saw Eliot, but something clearly had happened to the once innocent boy she knew.
But what could it be?
Motel 6
Los Angeles
2:43pm
Archer sat quietly on the edge of the bed staring at the note and Christie's cell phone. Helena sat in the chair looking at Archer and back at the phone and note.
"Maybe he really just went out for a walk," said Helena trying to remain positive.
"Not likely, something is wrong," said Archer as he crossed his arms deep in thought.
"What about the note?" asked Helena. Archer stared at the note closely, the note said 'Taking a walk, be back soon', it was written hastily,which meant Eliot was in a rush to leave. Then their was the call on Christie's cell phone which seemed to last for about a minute.
"Donovan has Ayane, the one thing that Eliot would protect over his own life. Donovan may have used her as bait," said Archer.
"But why would he go without us?" asked Helena curiously.
"We weren't here, its possible Donovan used the old 'come alone or else' trick. If that's true then Eliot's in danger," said Archer as he jumped up and removed his tie and collared shirt, revealing his large toned arms and a white tank top. Helena's cheeks turned crimson as she looked away.
"Wha...What are you doing?" she asked nervously.
"I look too much like a cop, I need to look less like me," said Archer simply as he opened his bag. Helena stared at Archer's exposed arms, several scars and old wounds were visible along with several tattoos, the one that stood out was the roman numeral of a two on his back shoulder, it seemed ominous compared to the rest of his tattoos.
Eventually Archer put on a dark Grey collard shirt and black leather coat, his shoulder holster and silver colt 1911 tucked away inside his coat. he turned to Helena and gave her a smile.
"I need you to stay here," said Archer.
"No way, you were already injured once going on these rampages," said Helena as she stood up.
"I can't do what I have to do with you there, I need you to understand that," said Archer honestly. Helena clenched her fist, she felt conflicted on what to do. Archer walked closer to her and stared at her deep.
"I'll be careful ok?" said Archer, Helena nodded and moved to the side. Archer walked out the motel room, leaving Helena alone. Regardless of what Archer said, she had to do her part as well. She grabbed a coat out of her bag and ran out the motel room.
I will not let you come to harm
Office Building
Downtown Los Angeles
3:35pm.
Ayane walked slowly ahead keeping watch as Eliot followed. Eliot felt weak as he continuously lost blood, his jacket sleeve was covered in blood along with both his hands. Eliot stopped and fell to his knees. Ayane turned and ran to him.
"Eliot?" said Ayane quietly.
"Get out of here Ayane, I'm finished," said Eliot as he held his arm.
"Don't talk like that!" shouted Ayane as she looked around.
"You can still get out of here and finish this, I'm just slowing you down,"
"Stop it! I will not leave you," said Ayane as she took another look around, "Their does not appear to be anyone else here, they might have a first aid kit somewhere. Wait here and I will go find one."
With that, Ayane left leaving Eliot by himself. Eliot looked around the room, it seemed like a sort of art gallery. Several paintings were seen hanging along with buckets of paint and blank canvases.
After a short while, Ayane reappeared with a first aid kit and some rubbing alcohol. Ayane next removed Eliot's coat, revealing his blood soaked shirt.
"I need to remove your shirt, I found a clean one in the back that you can wear after I finish," said Ayane. Eliot nodded as he slowly removed his shirt, revealing his body to Ayane. Ayane found her self staring at his toned muscles, he looked a bit larger than she remembered. She eventually locked in on his arm and began working.
"Why did you come back?" asked Eliot as he watched Ayane.
"Why did you?" Ayane shot back, dodging his question.
"Because I said I would," said Eliot, Ayane dabbed on some of the rubbing alcohol as she cleaned the wound, Eliot winced at the stinging pain.
"Why did you come alone?" said Ayane as she grabbed the gauze wrap.
"Its what Donovan asked, I couldn't risk him hurting you," said Eliot, Ayane began wrapping his arm tightly with the gauze wrap.
"Still doesn't explain why you didn't come with back up, Donovan wouldn't have known," said Ayane, slightly scolding him. Eliot said nothing as he closed his eyes and tried to stay calm. Ayane finished the bandage and placed the clean black t shirt on his lap.
"Why come back to all this Eliot? You have your father and your life, why is that not enough?" asked Ayane in a sincere tone.
"I'm in this till Donovan and everyone associated with him falls," said Eliot simply.
"Why!?" shouted Ayane as she stood up, balling her fist, Eliot's eyes remained close. Ayane felt her anger rise, "why are you so stubborn!? Do you think it makes you look cool!? Do you still think this is a game!?"
"No," said Eliot.
"Then why!?" shouted Ayane.
"Because he took everything from me!" shouted Eliot as he stood, his fist clenched. Ayane felt his rage and found it unsettling.
"What are you talking about?" asked Ayane confused.
"He never released my father Ayane, he shot him," said Eliot as he felt his eyes begin to tear, Ayane's eyes widened in shock.
"I can still feel the drops of blood over my face, I can still see his lifeless eyes as I shook him," said Eliot as a single tear fell down his face, he wiped his face of the tears before staring back at Ayane who was at a loss for words.
"You were gone for 6 months and so was I, rotting away in a prison, framed for killing my own father. Every day...Every hour I plotted how I would kill Alister for what he did, I constantly wondered what became of you," said Eliot, Ayane felt her eyes water as Eliot put on the shirt and looked back at her.
"You asked me why many times before as well, and in the beginning I truly thought my reasons were admirable,but in the end I forgot the purpose of what I was doing, I found myself chasing thrills and craving more excitement. Eventually I bit off more than I could chew and ever since then I was introduced to the harsh realities of this world. Why stay? Before it was to save my father, now its to avenge him," said Eliot.
Ayane stared at him silent as all the pieces began to fall into place. The rage she felt from him, finally explained. Revenge was not something she was unfamiliar with, she often remembered her father Raidou and how he crippled Hayate. She did not have the same strength as her sister to abandon the clan and pursue him, but she often wished she did.
"I'm sorry Eliot, I didn't know," said Ayane sincerely, it was not often she apologized for anything, but she felt a pang of guilt.
"Its not your fault Ayane, thanks for the patch up," said Eliot as he walked out the room. Ayane felt a slight rage and pain in her heart as she watched him walk away. The once innocent boy she sought to keep safe was broken by Donovan and his men, she could see the agony he was in as they spoke.
What she hated even more was that their was nothing she could do to comfort him, she felt helpless and angry. She remembered the kiss they shared when she was about to be taken away, even when she was most vulnerable, he calmed and consoled her.
Ayane cursed as her anger continued to rise...
Donovan, I will stop you!
Unknown Location
3:45pm
Alister sat quietly in his armchair, the TV was on CNN as a politician spoke on different things. Alister eyes was closed as he patiently waited for what was inevitable.
The door to his room opened, revealing a man in a bloodstained lab coat.
"Sir! Donovan is asking to see you," said the man as he bowed then left the room. Alister's eyes opened and a light smile appeared on his face.
So the moth is done flying into flames...
Authors notes: Another chapter out the way, I hope everyone had a good holiday! I back in school and so far the workload is not taxing (thank goodness). I hope you enjoy this chapter, till next time! R R