Code Grim Eagle
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dead or Alive series, the only thing I own is my OC.
Unnecessary Escalations!
"For the love of...stay the hell away from me!"
"What in the world?! I nearly killed you there!"
"Seriously?! When did you get this obsessive?!"
"Grrrr…Now you're being ridiculous!"
Ever since his decisive victory over Tina, Grim Eagle found himself plagued by a persistent migraine due to a series of unsettling events that unfolded for five days after the fight. The first of these was Tina's flirtatious behavior towards him, which he found both alarming and irritating, considering she had just lost to him. Her actions perplexed Grim, adding to his growing discomfort.
To compound matters, Dunnan, a previously reserved friend, and psychologist, began to show an uncharacteristic openness towards Grim. She even went as far as attempting to flirt with him, crossing boundaries by sneaking into his hotel room one night with intentions that nearly resulted in a tragic outcome. This unexpected and dangerous encounter left Grim on edge.
Meanwhile, Kasumi's increased interest with Grim escalated to an extreme level. Her newly persistent stalking becoming increasingly intense, causing Grim to take precautions to evade her and ensure he left no trace for her to follow. The unnerving pursuit from Kasumi added to the mounting stress that Grim was already dealing with.
Adding to the tumultuous mix, Hitomi, too, exhibited unusually forward behavior towards Grim. She displayed a strong desire to delve deeper into his personal life, seeking to know more about him and actively involving herself in his activities. Her assertiveness further contributed to Grim's sense of unease and intrusion.
Yet, all of these unsettling encounters paled in comparison to the forthcoming escalations that would not only infuriate Grim but also bring significant consequences. The mounting tension and encroachment on his personal space left him feeling increasingly agitated and wary of what was to come.
…
Ron entered the hotel bar where Grim had asked him to meet, only to be greeted by a sight he never expected to see. Grim Eagle, usually composed and in control, was desperately attempting to get drunk but failing in a hilariously clumsy manner. It was clear that Grim was on the edge, ready to bolt or resort to drastic actions. Ron couldn't help but find it amusing, if not for the fact that provoking Grim could lead to dire consequences.
"Hey, Grim," Ron began cautiously as Grim's bloodshot gaze locked onto him before the super soldier managed to regain his composure. "Alright, you look like you're ready to go nuclear. What the heck's going on, and why does Dunnan look like she just witnessed her life flash before her eyes and is all apologetic?"
Grim let out a heavy sigh, downing another glass of whisky before meeting Ron's gaze head-on. "Ron, I swear, ever since that fight with Tina Armstrong, my life has become a never-ending migraine. I can't catch a break!"
Ron was torn between concern and amusement as he replied, "Whoa, what happened, man? You seemed pretty pumped about your victory."
"Yeah, the victory was great, but it came with a whole bunch of complications. For starters, Tina's been acting all flirty around me, as if she didn't just lose to me. It's annoying as hell!"
"Really? That's unexpected." Ron paused, then realized the implications. "Oh, and let me guess, Bass is pissed and giving you hell for it."
Grim's expression turned deadpan. "Pissed doesn't even begin to describe it. Bass is livid, man. He's been on the warpath, searching for me. Luckily, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, and I've managed to lose him. But seriously, I just won a fight, I didn't sign up for this stupid drama!" Ron shook his head in exasperation.
"That's intense, dude. Speaking of which, what the heck happened between you and Dunnan to have her in such a state?!"
"Yeah, but now she's gone off the deep end. She's suddenly trying to be all open with me, even attempting to flirt. It's like she lost her mind. She even sneaked into my hotel room one night, and let me tell you, it nearly ended in disaster!"
Ron sweat dropped, realizing the potentially disastrous outcome. "I think I have an idea how that went down. Anyways, she wants to apologize anyway."
Grim let out a heavy sigh. "I'll let you know when I've cooled off enough to hear her apology."
"You don't look finished yet, though."
"How about the fact that the former Mugen Tenshin kunoichi Kasumi has suddenly become obsessed with me? I've had to go to great lengths to shake her off and leave no trail for her to follow. It's exhausting, Ron."
"The runaway ninja?! Damn, that's creepy. But wait, there's more?"
"Screw you! Unfortunately, yes. Hitomi has become even more forward with me. She's constantly prying into my personal life, bombarding me with questions, and showing up wherever I go. It's like she's on a mission to unravel my entire existence."
Ron couldn't help but think, 'Seriously, I envy you! Being chased by pretty chicks like them!'
Grim sighed heavily, finishing the last of the whisky bottle. "I don't even want to think about it, Ron. Something's brewing, and I have a feeling it's going to bite me in the ass big time. I'm already pissed off, and I have a sinking feeling that things are about to get a whole lot worse. I'm ready to go nuclear on everyone and everything. This is why I don't like being social and all that!"
"Whoa! Whoa! No need to go that far, Grim!" Ron exclaimed with a panicked expression. The last thing anyone wanted was Grim going nuclear. They all remembered the havoc it caused the last time. "Hang in there, buddy. We'll figure this out together. You're not alone in this."
"Thanks, Ron. I appreciate it. But right now, I just need a break from all this chaos. It's driving me insane."
"That would be best. Since the other matches in the tournament are still ongoing, you can cool off for a while. Just try to stay out of trouble, though."
"I hope so, but judging by my track record, trouble tends to find me no matter what I do."
…
"Congratulations, boy! You're dense as a rock!" Samara exclaimed with a mix of frustration and amusement.
"Excuse me?! What are you giving me flack for?!"Grim responded, caught off guard by Samara's remark.
As Grim's body moved on autopilot down a street, he engaged in an internal dialogue with Samara, the entity residing within him.
"Do I SERIOUSLY have to explain to you why?" Samara sighed, exasperated.
"As a matter of fact, YES, I need a freaking explanation!" Grim retorted, his frustration mounting.
Samara facepalmed and groaned. "I can't believe I have to give you The Talk. Why couldn't Mako or even Boss Red do that instead?!"
"What Talk?" Grim inquired, puzzled by Samara's statement.
The entity groaned once again, realizing that she had to address the matter at hand and help Grim navigate his emotions and relationships in a healthy and balanced way. She understood the weight of his frustration and knew that this conversation was necessary.
Within the mindscape, Samara approached the visibly agitated and restless Grim. "Grim," she began gently, her voice filled with understanding, "we need to talk about the recent developments with the girls and your feelings of frustration."
Grim furrowed his eyebrows and let out a heavy sigh, acknowledging the importance of this conversation. He nodded, indicating his willingness to listen and discuss the matter. "Yes, I'd like to know more about this. It's all foreign territory for me."
Proceeding cautiously, Samara spoke with empathy in her voice. "I understand that the girls' increased obsession with you has been overwhelming and frustrating. It can be challenging to handle such attention and navigate the dynamics of these relationships."
"Like it wasn't already obvious," Grim deadpanned, his frustration still evident.
"Now's not the time for wisecracks or sass! This is for your own good!" Samara chastised, her tone firm.
Grim's expression softened, realizing that Samara grasped the gravity of his emotions. He appreciated her acknowledgement of his struggle.
"It is important to remember that their actions stem from their own feelings and motivations," Samara continued, her tone calm and reassuring. "While their behavior may be misguided or excessive, it is crucial to approach this situation with empathy and open communication."
Grim nodded, his frustration tempered by Samara's reminder to consider the girls' perspectives.
"Expressing your boundaries and expectations is essential," Samara advised, her voice firm yet gentle. "Communicate openly with them about your feelings and the impact their actions have on you. Clear and honest communication can help establish healthier and more balanced relationships."
Taking a deep breath, Grim realized the significance of setting boundaries and engaging in open dialogue. He understood the importance of expressing his feelings and concerns in a respectful manner. "You have experience with this, right?"
"Yes, I do," Samara answered with a sigh. "I had a lover once who was also my fiercest rival. Our relationship was difficult to navigate through, but we somehow managed to make it work for a long time... before it finally broke down."
"Okay," Grim acknowledged, appreciating Samara's insight.
"Remember that you are not responsible for managing their emotions or actions," Samara emphasized, her voice filled with reassurance. "You have the right to prioritize your own well-being and establish relationships based on mutual respect and understanding."
Grim nodded, a sense of relief washing over him as he internalized Samara's guidance. He understood that he had the power to assert himself and shape the dynamics of his relationships. "Yes, I'll need to do something about these relationships popping up."
Samara concluded, her voice filled with support. "Listen, Grim. Navigating complicated emotions and relationships can be challenging, but with open communication and empathy, you can find a healthier balance. Trust yourself and your instincts as you navigate through this situation."
Grim looked at Samara, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Samara. Your guidance and understanding mean a lot to me. I will take your advice to heart and work towards establishing healthier boundaries and open communication."
Samara smiled, her presence radiating support and encouragement. She knew that Grim had the strength and resilience to address his frustrations and forge stronger connections with the girls based on understanding and mutual respect. "You're welcome, boy! Just don't expect this from me too much. I can't have you going crazy on me," she snarked.
"Obviously," Grim snarked back, a hint of humor in his voice.
Samara smirked, but then her expression suddenly grew serious. Grim recognized this shift and knew something was up. "Incoming trouble!" she yelled before abruptly kicking him out of the mindscape, leaving Grim to face whatever was about to unfold in the real world.
…
Regaining control of his body, Grim's danger senses went into full gear as he instinctively ducked under a lariat aimed at his neck. As he looked at the attacker, both Grim and Samara groaned at the sight of a livid Bass looking back at him like a rabid dog. To make matters worse, a crowd of people had started to form, drawn by the escalating situation.
Bass smirked and taunted, "Finally found ya, punk! Time to pay the piper!"
"Remember what you said about your track record for trouble finding you? Well, congratulations! You jinxed yourself!" Samara snarked, finding the situation amusing and bursting into laughter. Unfortunately, her laughter only served to worsen Grim's already sour mood.
Grim's anger boiled over, and he responded with heated words, "The only thing that'll be happening here is you paying the asshole tax, Bass!"
"What?!" Bass exclaimed, taken aback by Grim's outburst.
"I've been having a shitty week and trying to cool my head," Grim explained, his voice turning colder as he cracked both of his knuckles. "And lucky me, you volunteered to be my punching bag! Congratulations, you played yourself, Baka Armstrong!"
Before Bass could formulate a retort a vicious haymaker landed on his jaw that sent Bass flying across the street and crashing into a wall. Despite the impact, Bass managed to extricate himself from the imprint he made on the wall, only to find himself shocked once again as he saw an enraged Grim closing in on him with another punch aimed at his face. The gasps from the onlooking crowd filled the air. Bass narrowly dodged the punch, but his shock deepened as he witnessed Grim demolishing the wall with the force behind his strike. Regaining his composure, Bass braced himself as Grim glared at him, ready for the confrontation to continue.
…
Hayate, dressed casually, strolled through the town lost in his own thoughts. One particular concern weighing on his mind was the fact that he would have to confront Hitomi, who still saw him as his former alias Ein during his amnesia period before his best friend Ryu helped him regain his memories. He had noticed that Hitomi was grappling with her feelings, not just for him, but also for Grim Eagle.
Next on his mind was his sister Kasumi, who had fled their village due to her actions before the first Dead or Alive tournament and during the second one. Hayate knew that she had encountered Grim and indirectly received his assistance when she was being pursued by Mugen Tenshin hunter ninjas. According to Ayane, Kasumi had shown a keen interest in Grim Eagle, though the reason remained unknown.
And then there was Grim Eagle himself, whose presence in the tournament had become the talk of the event. Hayate had gathered some information about Grim, thanks to Ayane's intel. It was evident that Grim was a skilled ninja or wielder of ninjutsu techniques, a formidable fighter with combat readiness and limited social skills. Hayate also suspected that Grim might have been a child soldier, given his demeanor. Additionally, there was the lingering question of whether Grim was possessed by a fiend or perhaps a greater fiend himself. Hayate, Ryu, Ayane, and likely Kasumi had all sensed the dark and foul aura surrounding Grim, reminiscent of a greater fiend, but no signs of possession had been detected so far. Nevertheless, this was a matter of concern that needed to be addressed.
As Hayate was lost in his thoughts, the cheers of a crowd and the sounds of panic caught his attention. Curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the commotion, eventually reaching a vantage point from which he could observe the scene. His eyes widened as he witnessed an enraged Grim demolishing a wall with a single punch, narrowly missing Bass Armstrong, who barely managed to evade the attack. Gasps and cries of panic from the onlookers filled the air, heightening Hayate's intrigue and prompting him to delve deeper into the situation.
…
With astonishing speed, Grim launched another blitz towards Bass, leaving the crowd and onlookers in awe. In a split second, Bass attempted to retaliate with a haymaker, only to find himself swinging at thin air as Grim evaded the attack effortlessly. Before he knew it, Bass was subjected to a brutal German suplex, causing gasps of surprise to ripple through the audience. Then without wasting a moment, Grim swiftly propelled himself back to his feet with a handspring, displaying his agility and athleticism and he delivered a forceful soccer kick to Bass, who rolled across the ground from the impact. Despite the blow, Bass managed to rise to his feet, immediately guarding his face as Grim closed in once again.
In a flurry of movements, Grim unleashed a barrage of body hooks and uppercuts, culminating in a powerful leg kick that caused Bass to stumble momentarily and drop his guard. Seizing the opening, Grim swiftly followed up with a one-two combination aimed at Bass's exposed face, then adding a lead hook to further disorient him. Bass instinctively covered up, only to be met with a series of devastating shovel hooks targeting his body. The combination reached its crescendo as Grim concluded with another punishing leg kick, swiftly followed by a powerful roundhouse kick aimed at Bass's head that crushed his guard. The impact sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving them in awe of Grim's skill and power.
Annoyed at the way the fight was going, Bass unleashed his own offense, throwing powerful punches and kicks, Grim effortlessly evaded each strike with fluid movements, wasting no energy in his defense. Seizing an opening, Grim countered with a swift hook followed by a punishing shovel hook to Bass's body, causing him to instinctively protect his vulnerable midsection. Taking advantage of the opening, Grim unleashed a rapid and relentless five-strike combination, battering Bass's head and leaving him staggered and in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Grim swiftly leaped at the disoriented Bass, grabbing him by the shoulders with impressive strength and slamming him forcefully onto the ground. Despite the impact, Bass managed to rise to his feet once again, but Grim watched him with a calculating gaze, demonstrating his momentum-based and strategic approach to the fight. Hayate couldn't help but observe and wonder how much worse the situation would become for Bass.
The answer soon came as Grim calmly walked towards the furious Bass, who was desperate to regain control of the fight. Bass rushed at Grim, but all he swung at were wisps of flame before being struck by three rapid and powerful blows, too fast for most onlookers to follow. Overwhelmed, Bass dropped to his knees, while Grim appeared behind him, his back turned to his stunned opponent.
"SIT YOUR STUPID ASS DOWN!" Grim delivered a powerful kick to the side of Bass's head, sending him flying and leaving an imprint on the wall of another building. Bass lay unconscious and defeated.
After ensuring that Bass Armstrong was silenced for good, Grim took a few moments to catch his breath and regain his composure. As he walked away, the crowd instinctively parted, fearing they might become the targets of a similar or even worse beatdown. Some among them called for an ambulance to attend to the unconscious and badly injured Bass. Fortunately, Grim had no intention of inflicting further harm, and he disappeared from the scene using his signature dark flame shunshin technique.
Unfortunately, Tina arrived at the aftermath of the confrontation, witnessing the aftermath of Grim's handiwork while the ambulance was arriving on the scene. Seeing her unconscious father put on a stretcher and taken into the ambulance made her panic and rush to follow him in the ambulance to the hospital.
Hayate stood there, silently observing the aftermath of the intense confrontation between Grim Eagle and Bass Armstrong. The sight before him was staggering—a demolished wall, an unconscious and battered Bass, and a crowd left in awe and shock. As he took in the scene, Hayate couldn't help but analyze the events that had just unfolded.
In his mind, Hayate summarized the beatdown Grim had delivered with precision and force. Grim's swift evasions, his devastating strikes that seemed to flow seamlessly, and his calculated approach to dismantling Bass's defenses—all of it painted a picture of a highly skilled and formidable fighter. The brutal sequence of hooks, uppercuts, kicks, and slams displayed Grim's mastery of combat and the raw power he possessed. It was a beatdown that left no doubt about Grim's abilities.
But what concerned Hayate the most was the dark and ominous aura that surrounded Grim throughout the fight. The lingering presence of that foul energy, reminiscent of a greater fiend, troubled Hayate deeply. And now, witnessing the devastating display of power and the overwhelming defeat of Bass, Hayate couldn't help but connect the dots. The aura, the ferocity, and the seemingly unstoppable force—all of it pointed towards Grim potentially being a fiend or, perhaps, even a greater fiend himself.
As Hayate pondered these thoughts, he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. The evidence was stacking up, and he knew he had to confront Grim about this unsettling possibility. The incident with Bass only added weight to his suspicions, pushing him further towards the belief that there was something dark and otherworldly lurking within Grim.
Taking a deep breath, Hayate made a decision. He would approach Grim and address his concerns head-on. The truth had to be uncovered, and Hayate was determined to find out if Grim's powers and the aura surrounding him were indeed the signs of a fiend. The path ahead was uncertain, but Hayate knew he had to confront the darkness that loomed, for the sake of his sister, the safety of those around them, and the greater good.
…
As Grim Eagle made his way through the streets on his way back to the hotel, his senses heightened by the recent events, he then noticed a trail of blood leading to a secluded alleyway. With a mix of concern and urgency, he followed the crimson trail prepared for whatever he'll come across.
To his dismay, he discovered Ron, his fellow operative and friend, lying injured on the ground. Grim's eyes narrowed with determination as he knelt down beside Ron, quickly assessing the extent of his injuries. Fortunately they weren't fatal, and he wasted no time taking out his mini first aid kit and covered up the wounds. Anger flared within him, fueling his resolve to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
"Ron, what happened? Who did this to you?" Grim asked, his voice filled with concern and an undercurrent of barely contained rage.
Ron winced in pain but managed to speak. "Mugen Tenshin ninja took Dunnan...they want you to meet them alone if you want her back unharmed..." He gave Grim a scroll that the ninjas told him to give to his friend.
Grim's blood ran cold at the mention of Dunnan being in the hands of vengeful Mugen Tenshin ninja. He took the scroll from Ron and wasted no time reading it. He then burnt the scroll, his mind racing with thoughts of the danger Dunnan was facing and the urgency to rescue her.
"I've managed to deal with your wounds. Can you stand?" He asked.
Ron managed to get to his feet, though with slight difficulty. "Yeah I can still move. Just need to not overdo it."
"Glad to hear. Get to the hospital and also contact HQ about this development. I'll get Dunnan back and make those fools pay for their stupidity." Grim stated with relief before his focus shifted from concern for Ron to a determination to confront the ones responsible.
Without wasting another moment, Grim rose to his feet, his posture shifting as his instincts took over. The normally composed and disciplined operative unleashed a wave of darkness within him, transforming into the dangerously efficient counter-terrorism operative feared by many. His eyes glinted with a steely resolve as he prepared to unleash his full power.
The Mugen Tenshin ninja had no idea what awaited them. They had unleashed the wrath of a man who would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of those he cared about. Grim Eagle would face them head-on, his skills honed by years of training and his resolve unyielding.
"Yeah, those ninjas are in for a world of pain," Ron murmured, a mix of concern and anticipation in his voice. "They have no idea what they've unleashed. And honestly, I don't feel sorry for them one bit."
…
Ayane moved swiftly and silently through the shadows, her mind raced with a mix of frustration and concern. She couldn't believe the reckless actions of the Mugen Tenshin ninja she was tailing. Their attack on Grim Eagle's friends and the kidnapping of Dunnan Vela was not only dangerous but could potentially lead to dire consequences for everyone involved.
"These stupid fools!" Ayane muttered under her breath, her voice filled with exasperation. "Are they trying to doom us all?"
The weight of the situation pressed upon her as she considered the displays of force witnessed by Kasumi and Hayate. The intensity of Grim's kills against Kasumi's pursuers and the brutal beatdown Grim delivered to Bass Armstrong along with Hayate's concerns about Grim's potential connection to being a fiend, made it clear to Ayane that this escalation was a very bad idea by those moronic ninjas in their bid for payback against Grim.
Ayane knew that intervention was necessary to prevent further escalation and a potential annihilation of the Mugen Tenshin. She couldn't stand by and let their actions bring about disaster.
Unknown to both groups someone was stalking them and doing a great job of keeping hidden from them. They had no idea of the predator closing in to pounce on them. The predator in question said nothing as they continued their stalking of the groups ahead of them.
An hour later…
The air was tense as Ayane reached the stronghold, her every step calculated and silent. The moon cast an eerie glow on the scene, illuminating the Mugen Tenshin ninjas who were preparing for Grim Eagle's arrival. Among them sat Dunnan Vela, a captive in their clutches, her expression a mix of fear and determination. Ayane's heart clenched at the sight, fueling her determination to rescue her friend from this perilous situation.
Unbeknownst to the Mugen Tenshin, Grim Eagle was already there, concealed in the shadows like a predatory specter. His piercing gaze surveyed the battlefield, analyzing the layout, the positions of his opponents, and the potential avenues of attack. His mind was a whirlwind of fury, strategies and calculations, every move meticulously planned to maximize efficiency and minimize risk.
As the first Mugen Tenshin ninja patrolling the perimeter came into view, Grim struck. His movement was a blur. A swift, brutal strike to the ninja's throat left him gasping for air, and before he could react, Grim's elbow crashed into his temple, sending him crumpling to the ground.
Simultaneously, Ayane's lithe form slipped through the shadows towards the makeshift prison where Dunnan was held. Her fingers expertly worked the locks, and the door swung open with a barely audible creak. Dunnan's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief as Ayane motioned for her to follow.
"We better get moving before we get caught up in your friend's rampage."
Dunnan reluctantly nodded and followed after the kunoichi.
Grim's assault was relentless, a symphony of calculated brutality. He moved like a phantom, striking from the darkness and vanishing before his opponents could comprehend what had hit them. Bone-crushing blows and lightning-fast strikes incapacitated his foes one after another, their cries of pain and confusion drowned out by the chaos. Amidst the carnage, Ayane and Dunnan navigated the treacherous terrain, avoiding the ongoing battle while making their way towards the stronghold's exit.
Grim's movements were methodical, his ruthless efficiency a testament to his years of training and combat experience. He anticipated his opponents' every move, countering with a lethal combination of strikes, grapples, and throws. The ground was littered with fallen foes, each one a testament to Grim's unwavering resolve.
'Like shooting fish in a barrel.' Grim thought.
As Ayane and Dunnan emerged from the stronghold, the scene outside was no less chaotic. The battle raged on, but Ayane's determination burned brighter. She led Dunnan through the chaos, their steps sure and steady as they weaved between combatants.
With a final, bone-shattering strike, Grim incapacitated the last of the Mugen Tenshin ninjas in the vicinity. His chest heaved as he surveyed the aftermath of his onslaught, the foolish group of ninjas now reduced to defeated and groaning bodies. His gaze shifted to where Ayane and Dunnan emerged from the stronghold before he then lit the place ablaze with his black flames and the trio left the scene.
…
Grim's mood was a tempest of conflicting emotions as he stood with Ayane and Dunnan. His relief at Dunnan's safety was tainted by the seething anger that coursed through his veins. The audacity of the Mugen Tenshin to harm and abduct his friends was an affront he couldn't ignore.
Turning to Ayane, his voice held a cold edge as he spoke, "Thanks for your help in getting Dunnan out of there. But don't mistake my gratitude for forgiveness, Ayane. Those ninja from your clan have just made the grave mistake of pissing me off."
Ayane met his gaze, her own resolve unwavering. She understood the storm of emotions that raged within Grim, the need for retribution burning bright. "Glad to see you can be at least grateful. But I only helped because I didn't want things to get any worse for everyone involved."
Grim's eyes bore into Ayane's, his words dripping with controlled fury. "Well then, tell Hayate that since he can't keep his subordinates under control, his ass is on the chopping block and it's on sight with any Mugen Tenshin ninja I see. Now get out of my sight before I start with you."
Ayane's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious about that?!" A gunshot barely scratching her cheek came after, Grim pointing his Glock 17 at her coldly got the message across to her, also startling Dunnan too.
Ayane nodded solemnly, fully aware of how serious Grim was. "Fine. I'll make sure he knows." She then made herself scarce immediately.
Grim then turned to Dunnan with a tired expression. "Let's go Dunnan. When we're somewhere safer we need to talk."
"Y-Yes. Sure." Dunnan acknowledged, though with apprehension considering what she'd witnessed earlier and his talk with Ayane.
As they walked in silence, Grim's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The anger he felt towards the Mugen Tenshin for their reckless actions and the safety of his friends battled with his concern for Dunnan's well-being. He knew that he needed to address the situation with the Mugen Tenshin, but he also needed to make sure Dunnan was alright.
Eventually, they found a secluded spot away from prying eyes, a small clearing surrounded by trees. Grim's eyes bore into Dunnan's, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Dunnan, are you alright? Did they hurt you?"
Dunnan's gaze met his, her face pale and her eyes still wide with shock. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before she answered, her voice slightly shaky. "I'm... I'm fine, Grim. They were rough, but I managed to hold up."
Grim's tension eased a bit at her response, though his concern was far from quelled. He reached out, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. This shouldn't have happened."
Dunnan offered a small smile, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you for coming to help me, Grim. I... I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there."
A mixture of emotions played across Grim's features. "You're important to me, Dunnan. I won't let anything happen to you."
Dunnan's cheeks reddened slightly at his words, the gravity of their relationship sinking in. "Grim, I... I appreciate that. And I'm sorry for what happened at your hotel room. I didn't mean for things to escalate that way."
Grim's expression softened as he looked at her. "Yeah…It's not your fault. Things got out of hand, but we're both okay. That's what matters."
Dunnan nodded, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Um…are you sure about Hayate. About... about holding him responsible."
Grim's jaw tightened at the memory of his conversation with Ayane. "Yeah, that's right. Hayate should have kept his subordinates on a tighter leash after I warned him much earlier. Actions have consequences and I won't stand by while those idiots put my friends in danger."
Dunnan looked up at him, concern in her eyes. "Grim, I understand your anger, but please, be careful. Confronting the Mugen Tenshin like this... it could escalate things further."
Grim's eyes locked onto hers, his resolve unyielding. "It's too late as it's more or less escalated, Dunnan."
Chapter 9 End.
Well that indeed escalated…
From dealing with woman increased interest in Grim to straight up declaring war on the Mugen Tenshin, Grim has reached his tolerance limit and things are about to get even crazier.
