Code Grim Eagle
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dead or Alive series. Only the OC(s) belong to me.
Enough Time for Small Talk
Grim's POV
"Congrats on your victory Grim Eagle." My superior 'Boss Red' said on the comm speaker.
I just shrugged. "Thanks. Though I'd expected more from someone who's a veteran in this tournament."
"With the way the fool was bragging in his interview on TV it was clear he didn't take you seriously." Said an annoying female voice that followed.
"I thought you didn't care much for fighting Dr. Yashiro."
"Well I care for your well-being just like your superior here does."
"You mean my mental well-being."
"Mental, physical, both are part of your health which I have every right to be concerned about."
"You're not my superior so you shouldn't even be talking."
Boss Red cut in, "While that is true she's still responsible for your health after all. Never know when something can randomly go wrong with your body."
"Tch…Whatever."
"Anyways. I hope you haven't garnered any unnecessary attention."
I sighed as I remember Orangey and Lavender Kunoichi. "Unfortunately, I've gotten the attention of a few ninjas who are in the tournament."
Dr. Yashiro cut in. "Ninjas in this time and age?! How ridiculous!"
"Don't care what you think. I know who I saw, and I have photos of them to prove it, which I sent by the way."
"I've seen the photos and only two of the people in it we have an idea of." Boss Red said, "The first is Hayate, the current leader of the Mugen Tenshin ninja clan and the second being the Super Ninja Ryu Hayabusa."
That got my attention. "You mean THE Ryu Hayabusa. Well I'll be damned. He's definitely someone I'll want to fight, and I have a good feeling that we'll fight at some point in this tournament."
"The man is called The Super Ninja for a reason, Grim Eagle."
"Just like I'm called Grim Eagle for a reason, Boss Red. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, I'll never back down, I won't surrender, and I won't stop until they're defeated/eliminated."
Boss Red sighed, "I was afraid you'd say that. After all I drilled that into your head."
"Damn right. Besides I intend to win this tournament so don't try to stop me."
"Since you're already in it then I won't stop you. However, watch your back and also I have something you need to know about…in private."
"Business huh? Okay I'll leave." I hear footsteps and then a door closing which meant that Yashiro was gone.
"What're my objectives?" I asked already knowing what's coming.
"Keep an eye on DOATEC CEO Victor Donovan. Rumors have been going around about him involved in arms trade and some other illegal shit." Boss Red ordered, "Not to mention he might have an interest in you considering what you are. There's also a rumor that he has the assassin Christie under his payroll."
"Which is why you warned me to watch my back. Got it." I confirmed, "Besides I've already met the woman herself much earlier after that co-op mission. She thought she was subtle and slick, but I'd already caught on to her. Won't be shocked if Donovan sends her after me and if he does I'll put her down permanently."
"That's fine, but if the chance presents itself, try to bring her in alive for interrogation."
"I'll make no promises there. Grim Eagle out."
…
With that conversation done with I began another one within my mindscape with another person I trusted just like I did Boss Red.
The place took form of a huge martial arts dojo or more like a temple with weapon racks, mats and other equipment for sparring and a circle arena for also sparring and fighting.
"Congratulations child." Greeted a majestic female voice I'd always enjoyed hearing. Standing just beside me was a woman who stood at 7 feet in height with tanned skin, long black hair with red highlights, red eyes and red lips wearing a black and red kimono with flame designs allover that helped her Amazonian figure show, red gauntlets and greaves. She radiated overwhelming power that I had been used to for years. My other teacher and surrogate mother Samara Rook. "While it was short I did enjoy your demolition of that fool in the first round."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't intend to disappoint you or Boss Red." I replied respectfully.
"Ease up boy. I told you I prefer casual talk." Samara chastised, "Sheesh. That Red guy has made you too much of a soldier."
"Isn't it because I am more or less that?" I said.
"You're a warrior. That's what you are." Samara stated, "While I appreciate what Red has taught you in the art of war and way of combat, I still felt that I needed to fill in the rest."
"I know and I'm grateful for that." I replied, "So what do you think of the competition apart from the one I demolished?"
Samara grew serious as she stared at me. "There are some formidable ones like those four ninjas who are interested in you especially that Ryu Hayabusa who makes my blood hot in anticipation, that Jann Lee fellow is another one too, a man who takes his craft seriously, that bubbly girl Hitomi is also someone with potential and finally there's that Helena Douglas woman, a strong woman with a chip on her shoulder. Everyone else is meh." She shrugged. "Doesn't mean you underestimate them though." She added.
"I know that. I take that saying you drilled into my head to heart: 'Treat every fight like it's your last.'" I responded. "Though I'm surprised that you consider that assassin Christie as meh."
"She's a lapdog. Nothing more." Samara said, "However, that same lapdog has a bite to match her bark, but still shouldn't be much of an issue but like I said don't take them all lightly."
"Do not worry about that Samara. I intend to take them all seriously." I replied.
"Good to know boy. Now go get some rest, even if you don't really need much of it." Samara said before giving me the boot.
…
In my penthouse apartment I'd rented Downtown Tokyo I sat down in front of the TV as I watched the replay of my quick demolition of Zack in the first round of the tournament.
So satisfying knocking that fool out. Next time he'll take any opponent he fights seriously.
I didn't stay for the post fight interview as I had no intention of doing that. I already got enough attention to last me a lifetime. Still didn't stop them from talking about my fight.
"Yesterday the 3rd Dead or Alive Tournament kicked off with its first fight and it got the fans talking but the real buzz was about the winner of that fight who goes by the name Grim Eagle, the Freestyle fighter who thoroughly routed veteran fighter Zack in 99 seconds with an emphatic finish, and if that's not enough, his exit from the stage after his victory added more to the buzz as it showed he was another ninja too."
I turned off the TV and face palmed. "Definitely shouldn't have done that." I muttered. Then I shrugged after. "Oh well. What's done is done. No point being bothered about it."
…
Third Person POV
Apparently, there was another party going on at a crash club and DOA fighters had been invited meaning Grim was also invited. It didn't take long for him to arrive at the club. He was wearing a black leather jacket with a red polo shirt, jeans and combat boots.
What Grim didn't expect though was Jann Lee at the entrance working at the entrance. 'But hey, even fighters need a job apart from fighting.' He thought as he continued towards the entrance. When he got there Jann Lee looked at him and then focused even more, making Grim angst.
"Is there a problem here?" Grim asked cautiously.
"No, it's nothing. You may enter. Just don't cause any trouble or I'll throw you out."
Grim rolled his eyes as he entered the club. "Whatever you say pal."
"Hey." Jann Lee called out to Grim who looked over his shoulder at the bouncer.
"Yes? What is it this time?" Grim asked again.
"That was quite the statement you made. Even though you only showed a small sample." Jann Lee said.
"Oh? What makes you think that?" Grim asked with a cheeky grin.
"Considering what Zack had said earlier I could tell that you wanted to humble the party animal and at the same time send a statement to the rest of the contestants." Jann Lee replied before smirking, "And I'd say message sent."
"Good to know." Grim said, "And like I told you earlier you'll get your piece." With that he walked back inside the club.
Inside there were a lot of people on the dance floor, and some people at the bar while the music was loud as expected in a club.
'Why did I even come here again? Oh yeah I got invited and I wanted to cool off a bit after another round of training.'
Grim made his way to the bar where he sat on a stool and the bartender approached him. "What would you like?"
"Something that'll give me a buzz." Grim replied vaguely.
The bartender gave him a deadpanned expression. "I've got a lot of things that can do that."
Grim put a stack of yen notes on the bar. "The strongest one ya got then."
The bartender took the money with a mischievous grin. "Coming right up."
While the bartender went to get the drink, Grim took the time to look around the club. He saw some of the other fighters there whom he'd gotten intel on through UWOP's Intelligence Division.
Zack whom he'd demolished was at the turntable mixing things up with the music showing his skills as a DJ.
The male and female that had been arguing Grim had found them out to be Bass and Tina Armstrong. Bass, a former pro wrestler with legendary status and overprotective father and Tina, his ambitious daughter who'd followed in daddy's footsteps and made a name for herself in the ring and now she's set her sights on modeling which Daddy Bass has an issue with. Whatever.
There were Hitomi, the karateka who'd been friendly and slightly annoying around him and Lei Fang, the Tai Chi Quan genius who'd been even more annoying and seems to have it out for him. He'll be glad to shut her up.
Sitting in far sides of the club were Bayman and Leon. Both Sambo practitioners with interesting jobs: Bayman being an assassin and Leon being a mercenary.
The ninjas Ryu and Hayate weren't visibly present but Grim knew they were somewhere in the club in disguise. Ayane or Lavender kunoichi (The nickname suits her!) was there wearing a purple dress with matching stockings and high heels. Her eyes widened when she spotted him, and he waved at her cheekily, causing her to get mad and look away haughtily. Wow. Bitch much? Orangey kunoichi or Kasumi was there too in a much better outfit: a pink sleeveless sweater and denim skirt with white high heel boots and a scarf around her neck. An improvement indeed, over the clichéd school girl outfit.
The only one missing was an old man named Genfu, a martial artist in it for his own personal reason.
"Sir. Your drink." The bartender returned placing a glass cup down on the counter.
Smirking Grim turned around and grabbed the glass which he saw contained a rainbow-colored liquid which was fizzing and bubbling. From the corner of his eye he spotted the bartender and a few hostesses looking at him in anticipation. With the smirk still on his face Grim downed the contents in one go, much to the awe and surprise of the staff and other patrons at the bar. When he was done he placed the glass cup on the counter and looked at it with a slightly raised eyebrow while the staff and other patrons waited for the reaction.
They were disappointed as he just sighed and got off his stool.
'I expected something that'll give me a buzz but instead I got nothing. Disappointing.' Grim thought.
"Don't be disappointed. With what you are and me inside it'll take more than that rainbow-colored water to give you any buzz." Samara said.
'I know but even a light buzz would have been satisfactory. But oh well…beggars can't be choosers.'
Grim idly walked past Christie, not bothering to give her the time of the day. At least according to the guys that saw this and looked at him as if he was insane for ignoring a pretty woman like her. Grim knew it was Victor Donovan's assassin he'd walked past and had noticed she'd subtly placed a bug on him and he responded just as subtly doing the same to her and removing the one placed on him before crushing and disposing it.
"Hey! Grim!" Grim managed to hear a familiar voice calling out to him. He sighed as he turned to Hitomi waving to him and Lei Fang glaring at him.
"What's with the sigh? She just wants to get along with you."
'I didn't enter this tournament to make friends Samara. I'm here to win it all.'
"So what if she'll be a potential opponent? Now's the time to relax and cool off. There's a time and place for everything."
'Yes, I know that.'
"If you do then just go there and mingle for the time being, while staying on your toes."
'No need to tell me twice.'
Grim walked up to the table the two ladies were and sat opposite them.
"Nice of you to join us. How are you?" Hitomi greeted.
"Doing as well as anyone in this party." Grim replied.
Lei Fang rolled her eyes at his response, "Seriously. Could you be any more bland?"
"And could you be any more annoying?" Grim responded.
"Hey! No fighting here! We're here to have fun you two." Hitomi interrupted.
"I highly doubt he knows the meaning of the word fun." Lei Fang said.
"Would you kindly go fuck yourself then?" Grim fired back.
"Guys enough!" Hitomi exclaimed, "Anyways Grim, do you have someone you like?"
Grim raised an eyebrow in surprise and confusion. 'Where did that come from?' He thought. "Unfortunately I don't have the kind of person you're asking about." He answered.
"That's unfortunate." Hitomi said sadly.
'Indeed.' Lei Fang thought deviously.
"What about you two?" Grim turned the question on the two young women, getting a blush from Hitomi and a flustered Lei Fang.
"W-Why are you asking?!" Lei Fang asked.
Grim replied with a deadpanned expression, "You asked me first, so I decided to throw the same question at you."
Hitomi sighed saying, "There is someone I like but I don't think it will happen."
"Oh, don't be so negative Hitomi. Give it shot first before you give up that easily." Lei Fang said.
"I'm with your friend on this one Hitomi. If you like this guy, then get him before someone else does." Grim stated surprising Lei Fang.
"Thanks Grim, Lei Fang." Hitomi said smiling.
Grim waved her off saying, "Yeah, whatever."
"Never expected a brute like you to give sensible advice." Lei Fang said.
"Just like I never expected a self-proclaimed genius like you to say something so stupid either." Grim responded.
Lei Fang was about to retort before she spotted Jann Lee walking nearby.
"Excuse me but I have to go see you later Hitomi."
Both Hitomi and Grim see Lei Fang go towards Jann Lee.
"I so envy you Lei Fang." Hitomi said.
"And I feel sorry for Jann Lee." Grim added causing Hitomi to sweat drop.
…
'Not the worst time of my life and neither was it a highlight for me.' Grim thought as he exited the club. He didn't enjoy himself nor did he feel that it was a waste of time.
Hitomi made his time at the club bearable as the bright girl managed to make some small talk with him, which is a first for him as he rarely made small talk with strangers or random people, not to mention a potential foe. Most of the time he ignored them or tried to end the conversation too quickly. The music too was decent with Grim giving props to Zack for helping him get into the mood. Apart from that everything else was either just dry and boring for him with him watching people dance and women trying to flirt with him with little success or annoying like the ninjas' attention on him even if it was his fault that he gained such attention.
'What do you know? They're still watching me?' Grim rolled his eyes as he sensed the two kunoichi staying a good distance away from him and each other. As long as they don't come for his life he won't be too bothered about them. Besides he had his match in the next round, a man named Leon was his next opponent and the Grim Eagle had every intention of winning that fight.
Ayane and Kasumi kept watching the unknown ninja, both trying to find out something about him. So far, the most they could get was that he's a very skilled fighter, is not really a social person, has amazing perception of the area around him considering they realized that he'd long since sensed them but wrote them off as threats for now, and has no qualms being a snarky, sarcastic asshole.
Kasumi however sensed something much more…sinister in the man. A malevolent flame waiting to become a raging inferno at any second. All it needs is just the slightest spark to set it off and she had a bad feeling that something in this tournament will trigger it, which made her even more terrified of him.
Chapter 3 End.
Not much happening here with a few moments of smack talk between Grim Eagle and Lei Fang and small talk between him and Hitomi too.
