"We've lost contact with Raven. Local reports indicate a helicopter crash several miles away from a local market place. Raven was transporting an important cargo – a man known as Jin Kazama. Kazama has a unique ability known as the 'Devil' gene. We are still waiting on intel from the Italian group known as the Archers of Sirius, who have expert knowledge of this supposed 'Devil Gene.' In the meantime, our recovery team should be arriving at the crash site soon which will give us a more accurate report. We are trusting you to oversee the operation upon your arrival."
Master Raven simply nodded. Having worked for the United Nation's secret intelligence service for sometime now, she was used to dealing with ever changing and dangerous situations. She was curious as to the whereabouts of her subordinate, Raven. It was highly unlikely one of her best trainees would perish in a helicopter crash. Despite this, his vanishing off the radar wasn't a good sign.
She observed the desert below out of the helicopter's window. According to Raven's intel, a local clan resided in the area and guarded an entrance to an ancient temple, containing a malignant and ancient evil. Apparently, Jin Kazama initiating global war was all part of a plan to bring out the ancient evil in order to defeat it. It appears he was successful, but was seemingly recovered by Raven in a wounded state.
Master Raven pondered how Jin could not only have escaped her subordinate, but also been in a good enough shape to flee the crash site.
She would find out soon enough.
The 7th tournament was about to begin, and Hwoarang cursed himself for being late for his match. The Zaibatsu had flown him out to Saudi Arabia, with his match taking place at a local market. He had overslept and had only a few minutes to reach the area.
"Excuse me! Move!" He shoved his way through the crowd. Why the hell was it so busy?
He finally reached the market place, where a crowd of people seemed to have formed a circle around something. There were murmurs of concern.
"Coming through!" hollered Hwoarang, causing the crowd to disperse and reveal a familiar face.
Jin Kazama.
Momentarily stunned, Hwoarang let out a laugh of disbelief. What were the chances?
"Well look who it is! The big and mighty CEO of the Zaibatsu! Although I heard you'd gone missing! I figured you might be hanging around here somewhere!" Hwoarang was elated to have the chance to fight his rival again.
Jin simply looked at him. He wore a weird-looking coat that resembled a strait-jacket. The guy honestly looked like he was on his last legs.
"Hey Kazama, are you up for this? Or would you prefer a nap?" Hwoarang mocked. Jin fell to his knees, groaning in agony. The crowd around the pair started to walk away in fear, giving Hwoarang and Jin some space. Jin arched his back and screamed.
Suddenly, his body rippled with dark energy, horns started to protrude from his skull, causing Jin to howl in pain. Hwoarang was dumbstruck. Jin lurched forward as two large black wings erupted from his back. The screaming finally stopped, and Hwoarang stared at Jin in his new form.
"Ah shit! Not this again!" Hwoarang had encountered this side of Jin before, back in the 5th tournament. He had kicked Jin's ass only for him to pull out this Satanic bullshit.
Jin stood up and stretched his wings. The former wreck of a man was now standing tall and actually grinning at Hwoarang with a sinister smile. Hwoarang sneered.
"Alright then. Let's do this!"
Shaheen heard a commotion coming from the marketplace. He was due to fight his first opponent in the 7th Iron fist tournament. He hoped he could win and then head to the next stage in Japan.
He was formerly a security operative working for a private firm. A colleague and friend of his had recently died in suspicious circumstances, with their family telling him that G-Corp was likely responsible. From what he had read, G-Corp was run by Kazuya Mishima, rumoured to possess the power of the Devil. Shaheen was not sure if that was exactly true, but he believed that Kazuya had been involved with his friend's death. It was up to him to learn the truth.
Before he could do that though, he had to get to his fight.
The crowd was so vast that it was taking him ages to wade through. What was going on?
"What a wreck." said Master Raven, looking over the crash site. She shielded her eyes as sand blew across the destroyed remains of the helicopter. She had seen a lot in her day, but she couldn't even imagine what could have caused this level of destruction. It looked like a giant had crushed and torn the helicopter to pieces.
Unfortunately, there had been little of worth to recover. The whereabouts of Jin and Raven remained a mystery, and Master Raven could see little value in sticking around. Kazama could be anywhere by now.
"Ma'am." a nearby soldier brought Master Raven out of her thoughts.
"What is it?"
"There are reports of a local disturbance at the market place not far from here. They indicate some sort of fight happening, involving someone of a similar description to Kazama. I've already directed a nearby team to intercept." Master Raven smiled and nodded. Finally, a lead.
"I'll head there myself. Continue to oversee the operation here and salvage anything of worth if you can. I'll contact you if anything interesting happens." The soldier simply nodded. Master Raven approached a nearby vehicle and ordered the soldier to get a move on.
She really hoped that their only lead was worth while.
It was clear that Jin was totally off his head. Hwoarang was able to evade his animalistic attacks. Jin was shrieking and growling like a wild beast as he attacked. Hwoarang interrupted Jin's roundhouse kick with a boot to his gut. He then followed up with and launching kick, knocking Jin over. Jin rolled back and deflected Hwoarang's overhead kick. He responded by grabbing Hwoarang's throat and lifting him up. Hwoarang gasped for breath and was surprised at Jin's strength. He started to struggle and Jin grinned in an evil manner.
Hwoarang couldn't let it end this way. He managed to lift his legs up and shot both of them into Jin's chest, sending him flying back and dropping Hwoarang. Hwoarang coughed as he landed on the floor, but was quick to get up and keep an eye on Jin, who howled in rage. His wings started to flap and he flew into the air like a bird of prey.
"Ah shit here we go!" Hwoarang rolled to the side to avoid Jin's diving attack. Jin flew round and attempted another strike but Hwoarang was ready for him. At the precise moment, Hwoarang leapt to the side and launched a high kick, sending his heel straight into Jin's gut. Jin gasped in pain and crashed to the floor in a crumpled heap. Hwoarang breathed a sigh of relief when Jin seemed to stay floored. What was with this devil-power anyway? Regardless, Hwoarang was sick of this supernatural crap.
"What's the point of beating up a monster like you?" Jin's body rippled with the dark energy again and his horns and wings retracted, returning him back to his human self. He collapsed to the floor.
Hwoarang took a deep breath. Jin's demonic form put up a good fight, but Hwoarang smiled at being able to finally beat his rival. Jin remained motionless on the ground, with the surrounding crowd murmuring in concern.
Before Hwoarang could react, a swarm of soldiers suddenly scurried out of the crowd like ants. They formed a blockade in front of the crowd and aimed their guns at Hwoarang and Jin.
"What the?"
"It's Kazama, permission to use lethal force is granted. Subdue him!" One soldier threw something small and grey into the air. Hwoarang's stomach fell into his feet. He had been part of the army once and knew exactly what was coming. As much as he loathed Jin, the guy didn't deserve to be blown to smithereens! In one swift motion, Hwoarang grabbed Jin round the waist and swung him as far as he could, sending his rival's limb body rolling away like a rag doll. Hwoarang attempted to run too but as he looked back he saw a blinding flash of light that knocked him sideways. He was thrown with a violent force and landed on the hard ground with a mighty thud. His body screamed out in pain and his vision blurred. He could see the soldiers approach Kazama, but suddenly his vision was blinded by red. He managed to hold his hand up to his face, only to feel a warm liquid covering his right eye. The last thing he saw was a military vehicle of some kind speed into the soldiers, with a mysterious figure emerging and helping Kazama to stand. Was that Lars? He could just make out Lars' blonde spiky hair, but was overcome with nausea and dizziness.
"Damn..." everything went black.
When Shaheen heard the explosion, his instincts kicked in. He rushed to a nearby doorway as the crowd started to flee in terror. He had heard a commotion earlier coming from the Souq, but was unable to see what was going on. He peered from his vantage point through the fleeing crowd. He saw soldiers of some kind fighting a man with blonde spiky hair. Gunshots echoed over the market place, only to be drowned out by more screaming of innocent civilians.
"What are they playing at?" The crowd finally dispersed, and Shaheen rushed towards the Souq, in time to see a large military vehicle speed away, leaving some soldiers behind.
Shaheen then noticed a red-headed young man unconscious on the floor. He ran up to him.
"Hey... Hey can you hear me?" the redhead simply groaned, and Shaheen observed a gruesome wound. The man appeared Korean in origin. Was this man supposed to be Shaheen's opponent in the tournament?
"It's alright, I'll get you some help." Shaheen barely got the chance to stand when a machine gun was aimed at him.
"Who are you?" said the soldier, keeping his gun aimed at Shaheen's face.
"Why? Do you want to harm me too? Look as this guy, he got caught up in your little gunfight back there!" The soldier pushed the gun closer to Shaheen.
"Identify yourself! Why are you here?!" The soldier was clearly agitated and on edge, giving Shaheen the chance he needed.
Shaheen swiftly knocked the gun out of the soldier's hands with a swift chop, following up with a spinning backhand that smashed into the soldier's chin. The soldier howled and fell backwards. Shaheen rolled skilfully and grabbed the soldier's dropped gun. He pointed it at the soldier and smirked at his opponent.
"Now it's your turn, what the hell are you doing here?" said Shaheen confidently. The soldier looked furious, and several others now turned their attention to Shaheen, aiming at him with their own guns. It was then that Shaheen noticed their uniforms, realizing who they worked for.
"UN soldiers huh? I seriously doubt whoever is holding your leash would be pleased with the chaos you have caused here today! You put many innocent lives at risk!" The soldiers started to advance, boxing Shaheen in.
"Stop."
Shaheen then noticed a woman approaching, dressed in an unusual manner, akin to a ninja. She wore an armoured face plate that framed her scarred face, decorated by her dreadlocks. On her body was a blue bodysuit adorned with armoured shoulders. She also carried a short sword on her back. Whoever she was, she meant business. The soldiers stood down and she approached Shaheen, who kept his gun up.
"Yes, the UN will be unhappy about this little fiasco. I must apologize for my subordinates behaviour, but we are dealing with something very dangerous, as you can see." The woman nodded at the red-haired man. Shaheen dropped the gun and knelt down to check him.
"Your men are responsible for this! Since you're in charge, it's your responsibility too!" The woman's expression didn't change. Shaheen felt a cold sensation, clearly she didn't care.
"Trooper! Take this man to the nearest hospital, and watch over him. When he wakes, interrogate him." A nearby soldier complied and approached Hwoarang.
"Hold up, I'm not letting you near this man! You're the ones who hurt him!" The woman frowned.
"Yes, and this is me taking responsibility." Shaheen hesitated, but ultimately let the soldier recover the fallen man and take him to a car. Shaheen watched as the car sped off. He hoped that guy would be alright, he didn't even know his name.
The ninja woman sighed.
"You can call me Master Raven. I've come here in search of this man, have you seen him?" She held up a photo of a young Japanese man with spiky black hair. Shaheen recognized him.
"That's Jin Kazama right? The leader of the Mishima Zaibatsu? What would he be doing here?" Master Raven sighed again and put the picture away.
"So you don't know where he is now?" Shaheen shook his head.
"Great. What were you doing here anyway? You don't strike me as a vigilante."
"This was where I was supposed to fight my first opponent in the King of Iron Fist Tournament. I'm guessing that Korean was supposed to be the one, but got caught between you and that Blonde man's gunfight." Master Raven smirked.
"Well, I'm guessing that since your opponent was taken out of the running, you'll ascend to the next round." It was then that Shaheen felt a buzz in his pocket. He checked his phone, with an official message from the Tournament saying that he had won by default. His next match would be in Japan, at the G-Corp tower in a week's time.
"Yeah, I guess you are right." He said to Master Raven. She shrugged, turned and began giving orders to her soldiers.
"Hey! I hope your gonna clean up after this mess! Your men have caused a lot of damage." Master Raven turned back and glared at Shaheen, unnerving him slightly.
"I'm taking control of this situation. I suggest you leave for your next fight." Shaheen went to protest but Master Raven had already turned away, ordering her men about. Shaheen exhaled. There was little he could do here anyway. Maybe he should check on that Korean guy before he headed to Japan? He could at least find out what happened.
The power had gone.
Zafina paused in her tireless trek across the desert. She had been tracking the demonic force for a while now. Earlier there had been a surge in the force, which had threatened to overwhelm her.
She was so ashamed.
She had failed to prevented Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima's warring, which had brought forth Azazel. Despite this, Kazama had seemingly destroyed Azazel. When Zafina found the remains of the beast, she was overjoyed that the world had been saved. However, it's malignant presence still existed, with it's spirit escaping it's physical remains. Zafina had no choice. Using an ancient ritual passed down through her Clan for generations, she sealed the spirt of the Demon inside her own body, keeping it contained. Despite it's defeat by Kazama, Azazel's spirit was still strong, and it's power had affected Zafina. She looked down at her left hand – Azazel's power had changed it from flesh to crystal. It pulsed with a pinkish-purple light that at times almost overpowered Zafina with intense rage, as if Azazel's spirit demanded to be freed. It took an immense effort, but using her Clan's training, she was able to keep the beast subdued, for now at least.
That's why she had been tracking Kazama. If she could get to him, she could eject the devil power's that had infected her body into him, hopefully destroying Azazel and the Devil gene for good.
Unfortunately, his trail had gone cold. Deeply troubled, Zafina continued her trek across the desert, spotting a market place on the horizon. Perhaps she could find some leads there?
Master Raven had finished ordering her men around. She had ordered a chopper to follow the car that Kazama had escaped in. Locals in the area had informed her that a man with blonde spiky hair had recovered Jin and fought off her soldiers. She couldn't be sure, but the man sounded like Lars Alexsanderson. Raven's report detailed his collaboration with Alexsanderson during the 6th tournament.
"What should we do now ma'am? Would you like us to get statements from the civilians?" Master Raven scoffed.
"No, the police can do that. There is nothing left for us to do here. All UN soldiers will be on the hunt for Kazama, which leaves only one more target of interest – the King of Iron Fist tournament. Considering Kazama's connections to the Mishima's and the Zaibatsu, I think I'll take the initiative and enter the tournament myself." The soldier simply nodded.
"Call in a chopper. I'll rendezvous with HQ about the tournament. I think it's our best approach. Furthermore, contact the Sirius Organization and ask them what's taking so long with their report on the supposed 'devil gene'. It may help fill in some of the blanks where Kazama's power is concerned." The soldier nodded again and went off to contact HQ.
Master Raven still wondered where Raven was. He could have been injured in the crash after all, but there would have been some evidence if he had perished. Master Raven pondered putting out a search party since they were in the area.
Master Raven was suddenly pulled out of her thoughts when she noticed something strange. A woman was walking towards her. Master Raven recognised her, but couldn't quite place the face. As the woman got nearer, the ninja noticed the woman's left arm glowed with a purplish aura. What was that?
"Who are you?" Master Raven asked. The woman stopped and considered Master Raven for a moment.
"Ah, one of the UN's finest I assume? I just bumped into your friend Raven not to long ago." Master Raven was alarmed by the woman's statement, and then realized who she was.
"Zafina?" Master Raven observed Zafina. She was dressed in a stylish blue dress with a blue sash and dark leggings. She was adorned in jewellery, giving her an exotic appearance. But truly, the most exotic thing about Zafina was her left arm. Master Raven studied it, noting that it looked like it was made of crystal... but how was that possible? She looked over Zafina again with a curious cautiousness.
Master Raven had never met Zafina personally, but she had seen her before interacting with Raven. He had told her of Zafina's abilities, and that she belonged to the Clan that guarded Azazel's temple. Since the Clan was local she wasn't surprised to see Zafina.
"What happened to Raven?" Master Raven asked.
Zafina seemed agitated, looking around as if she had lost something.
"There was a crash. My Clan found him wounded in the desert. They are taking care of him." Master Raven was relieved.
"Thank you for your cooperation. Where does your Clan reside?" Master Raven asked. Zafina was still aloof, looking about the place.
"Have you seen a young Japanese man around here? His name is Jin Kazama. I need to find him immediately. I can sense he was here..." Zafina gasped and grabbed her left arm that seemed to pulse with that purple light.
"Kazama was here, but he escaped with that Lars. I have a team tracking him." Master Raven observed Zafina's arm with curiosity.
"What do you need Kazama for? Is it because of that strange arm of yours? I have to admit, it's odd that Raven failed to mention you had such a distinctive feature." Zafina suddenly glared at her.
"I need to find Jin NOW! I can feel the power taking over!" Zafina gasped again and fell to her knees, holding her glowing arm like it was possessed. Master Raven backed off in alarm.
"What's happening to you?" She got her reply when Zafina lunged at her, her purple arm swiping at Master Raven with the swiftness of a cat. Master Raven dodged with a backflip and readied herself.
"What are you playing at?! You need to calm down!" Master Raven's reasoning fell on deaf ears as Zafina attacked again, this time, her clawed hand seemed to be on fire as she attempted to punch Master Raven. The Ninja dodged again, but this time retaliated with her own punch, hitting Zafina in the gut. Zafina gasped but quickly swept her leg under Master Raven's, tripping her over. The Ninja quickly righted herself before Zafina brought her clawed hand down, puncturing the concrete ground like it was foam. The Ninja decided enough was enough and withdrew her sword to block Zafina's claw from grabbing her. The claw screeched on impact and Master Raven kicked Zafina back. Zafina cried out and held her arm. It was as if she was battling for control over her own body. Master Raven didn't hesitate. She ran at Zafina and tackled her to the ground, placing her sword at Zafina's throat. Nearby soldiers approached and aimed their guns at Zafina.
"You have 10 seconds to tell me what the hell is going on." Zafina took a deep breath to calm herself as Master Raven's blade hovered at her neck.
"I...I'm sorry. I need to find Kazama in order to expel this demonic force!" She raised her left arm to show Master Raven. The Ninja eased her grip on Zafina and stood up, indicating to the aiming soldiers to stand down. Master Raven offered her hand to Zafina.
"Thank you" She said, taking the Ninja's hand to help her stand up.
"So I take it this power is a recent feature. Care to explain?" Zafina held her left arm and took another deep breath, trying to quell the demon within.
"How do I know I can trust you? I knew Raven followed your orders but how do I know you won't just take me out?" Master Raven smirked and sheathed her sword with expert skill.
"Firstly, if I wanted you taken out we wouldn't be having this conversation. Secondly, Raven always spoke highly of your skills. I am aware your Clan guarded the temple that housed Azazel. Raven's report told me all about it. I'm guessing your condition has something to do with it?"
Zafina simply nodded.
Master Raven listened as Zafina told her all about Azazel and it's defeat by Kazama. Zafina had taken the spirit of Azazel into her body to stop it from being given physical form again.
"The warring between the Mishima Zaibatsu and G-Corp caused Azazel to awaken. Despite it's physical body having been destroyed by Kazama, it's spirit would have reformed eventually if the world continues on it's dark path. I had no choice but to seal it within myself to stop it's reign of destruction." Zafina said. She seemed much calmer now.
Master Raven was impressed at this woman's bravery. Not many people would be willing to bind an ancient hell demon to their body.
"Well, you've helped make the world a safer place. You should be proud." Zafina shook her head.
"As long as Kazama and the Mishima's warring continues, I can only contain Azazel for so long before it is unleashed again. If you can take me to Kazama, I can expel the demon and destroy them both."
"Ma'am?" A soldier approached the two women.
"What is it?"
"That update on the Archers of Sirius, they have sent the report to HQ." Zafina gasped.
"The Archers of Sirius? I've heard of them." Master Raven nodded.
"Yes they are rumoured to be some of the most powerful exorcists in the world, with specialist knowledge of the supernatural." Master Raven had a thought.
"Perhaps they might be able to help you with your little... problem." Zafina looked at the ninja with shock.
"Why would they help me?" Master Raven smiled at her.
"The UN has been working with them in order to ascertain information on Kazama's supposed "Devil Gene." It's clear that they are experts on the matter, and therefore, might be able to help you." Before Zafina could reply, the nearby soldier handed Master Raven a phone.
Zafina pondered her options. If Lars had escaped with Jin, he could be anywhere. Perhaps the Archers of Sirius could help her control Azazel, giving her more time to find a way to destroy it once and for all. Zafina listened as Master Raven spoke on the phone, mentioning something about Zafina herself. She hung up the call and turned to Zafina smiling.
"You're in luck. HQ has authorized me to offer you a job." Zafina looked at the Ninja dumbfounded.
"What? Why?"
"Well, they are always looking for people with knowledge, and given your past interactions with my subordinate they were impressed with your skill set. We are also interested in your unique abilities." Zafina exhaled in grief.
"Abilities? I'm a danger to you and anyone around me! Why would I want to work for you?"
"Because we are in a unique position to help. HQ has told me that they need a liaison between us and the Archers of Sirius. Given their powers in exorcism and knowledge of the supernatural, they would be the best candidates to help you with your problem. Their leader, Claudio is expecting a visit from us within a week. I don't see why we can't kill two birds with one stone do you?" Master Raven smiled warmly at Zafina.
"From what Raven told me, it seems unlike you to be so charitable." Master Raven actually let out a laugh.
"Well, that's true. But you saved him, and we could obviously use your skills and expertise in dealing with the Devil Gene. Tell me where Raven is, and I'll put you on a plane directly to Italy, as an official liaison between us and the Archers of Sirius." Zafina was humbled. She had been so terrified of failing to contain Azazel that she couldn't see a way out. She felt herself calm completely at Master Raven's offer.
"Ok. I'll do it. Thank you." Master Raven nodded.
"You're welcome. Come, you can tell me Raven's whereabouts as we get ready to fly you to Italy." Zafina nodded and accompanied Master Raven to a car with a soldier waiting to drive them to the chopper.
"What will you do now?" Zafina asked Master Raven as they sat down and the soldier began to drive them away from the marketplace.
"My team is tracking Kazama, so my only other lead it the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Given the Kazama's and Mishima's close history, I think it's likely I will uncover some useful information from participating." Zafina nodded again.
"There is a dark history to that family. If you want answers about their demonic powers, the tournament is the best place to start. You must be careful though, there are still things about them that not even I understand." Master Raven smirked at Zafina's comment.
"Not to worry. I'm sure I'll be able to find out their darkest secrets." The Ninja sat back and sighed with content, despite missing Kazama she had a new lead and knew where to find Raven. She would complete her mission and uncover intel about the Mishima's, no matter how difficult.
Zafina looked over the desert and followed the moon beams that danced on the sparkling sand. For the first time in a while, she felt hope. Her clan had been aware of the Archers of Sirius for generations. Given their longevity and knowledge, she prayed that they could help her.