Code Grim Eagle
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dead or Alive series, the only thing I own is my OC.
Taking that Step In
With the new matchups announced every remaining fighter in the tournament left to prepare for said matches. Grim however had other plans of his own.
As night fell, Grim Eagle, having spent the day honing his skills through rigorous training, embarked on his covert mission to infiltrate the DOATEC HK headquarters. Adhering to Boss Red's directive to investigate Victor Donovan, Grim donned his specialized infiltration gear, a shadow in the making. The moon cast an eerie glow on the cityscape as he moved with purpose, navigating through the shadows toward the heart of the DOATEC facility.
Grim stealthily maneuvered through the ventilation system, after utilizing his various skills to bypass guards and surveillance.
'Tight security; I must be in the right place.' Grim whispered to himself.
"Or there's something important here." Samara added.
'That too.'
Remaining concealed, Grim overheard a conversation between Christie, the deadly assassin, and his target, Victor Donovan. He shadowed them until they reached Donovan's office.
Staying still and silent, Grim listened intently as the clandestine dialogue unfolded below.
"Helena Douglas doesn't seem too invested in DOATEC, but she's progressing in the tournament. Although there's a good chance she'll face Grim Eagle in the later rounds."
"Let her face Grim if it comes to that. If anything, he'll be doing me a favor dealing with her. Continue keeping an eye on her. Oh, and no engagement with Grim in any shape or form. He's crucial for me and my partner's plans, especially the Alpha Project. Such a perfect specimen they're giving to me on a silver platter."
"You're that confident that you'll get your hands on him? Looks more like he'll rip you to pieces before you'd get the chance to."
"Those ninjas would help with weakening or even dealing with him. Heck, he'd most likely take them down for me in the process. And even if he gets out unscathed somehow, I have one more trump card to help me secure the prize."
"You're a sly dog, Mr. Donovan."
"I know I am."
Grim, concealed above, absorbed the information, realizing the gravity of Donovan's involvement and the danger he himself was about to face. Not to mention Donovan's secret partner, intending to deliver him to DOATEC's boss.
'Boss Red needs to know about this. And I've got Donovan and his partner on my tail.' Grim thought.
"Looks like there's a traitor planning to sell you out."Samara concurred,"Better nip that in the bud too."
He then saw Christie being dismissed by Donovan, leaving the office before Donovan began to work on his laptop.
'Let's see what else he's hiding,' Grim thought with a grin. He phased past the vents, landed behind the seated Donovan, and immediately knocked him out, making Samara deadpan.
"Is that part of the objectives or your own initiative?"
'Both.'
Grim took out a memory stick, plugged it into the laptop, and began going through the files, searching for any secret or vital information. He was able to uncover what he wanted in a few minutes.
The failed Project Epsilon, aiming to create the ultimate fighter through cloning and modifying the DNA of Mugen Tenshin ninja Hayate, led to the development of Project Alpha. This time, Kasumi, the Mugen Tenshin kunoichi, became the subject. Captured after her victory in the 1st DOA Tournament, her DNA was used to create clones, with the intention of producing a stronger, superior fighter.
During the 2nd DOA Tournament, Kasumi faced one of her clones in battle: Kasumi α. The clone, an almost perfect copy of Kasumi, was easily defeated by the real Kasumi. Project Alpha had now entered Phase 2, involving the modification of the genes of Kasumi α to transform them into a super-human weapon.
Now, a phase 3 has emerged, with the primary objective of utilizing UNWOP's covert lone wolf operative, Grim Eagle, as a pivotal element in advancing the Alpha Project. The super soldier's genetic makeup has been identified as the ideal match to further augment the capabilities of the modified clones, forging a formidable force for Donovan, his enigmatic partner, and DOATEC's ambitious schemes.
Grim wasted no time meticulously copying the crucial files onto the memory stick. Seizing the moment, he casually incapacitated Donovan, who was on the verge of regaining consciousness. With the file transfer completed, Grim retrieved the memory stick and nonchalantly strolled toward the balcony behind them, disappearing with a flicker of flame in a shunshin maneuver.
Next Day…
Grim found himself in his room, accompanied by Dunnan and Ron, while they collectively observed the laptop displaying a video call with Boss Red and Dr. Mako. The intel Grim had sent to his commanding officer had not elicited a positive response.
"It's clear that Donovan plans to create weapons to sell to the highest bidder." Boss Red stated.
"Like they haven't already screwed with Kasumi and Hayate for their damned project." Ron added with palpable anger. "The greedy bastard wants to start another arms race and world war."
Dunnan grimaced, "Worse, he plans on using Grim here for his twisted schemes."
"And you didn't kill him at the time?!" Mako yelled.
"I haven't been ordered to." Grim deadpanned. "Though frankly, I wish Boss Red gave me complete operational freedom."
"I gave you the secondary objective of gathering intel, not tearing the place apart like usual." Boss Red emphasized.
Mako sighed, "Well then, Project Alpha is about to enter its 3rd phase, which is to enhance their clones with Grim's DNA. All that needs to be done is deny Donovan his component, and he'll be out of luck. One way would be by—"
"Finish that statement, and I'll turn you to ashes." Grim said, a suffocating aura enveloping him, nearly causing Ron and Dunnan to faint.
"Stand down, Grim!" Boss Red ordered, "No one is pulling you out of the tournament!"
Fortunately for everyone, Grim calmed himself, and the aura vanished, leaving Ron and Dunnan relieved.
Mako shrugged, "It was just a—"
"Suggestion denied!" Boss Red cut off, "Besides, I doubt the warrior here would let anyone stop him from winning the tournament."
"Damned right about that." Grim replied.
"But isn't that playing into Donovan's hands?" Dunnan pointed out.
"We'll just use that against him." Boss Red said. "In fact, rescuing Helena Douglas, who's the heiress to DOATEC, is a new objective for you, Grim, apart from foiling Donovan's plan for phase 3 of his Project Alpha. Put down that assassin, Christie, if you have to."
"Roger that," Grim acknowledged.
"I don't like this," Dunnan said.
"Neither do I, but I see the merits of the gamble, no matter how risky it is." Ron stated.
"While I'm confident that Grim would beat those ninjas, there's the issue of Ryu Hayabusa himself and whatever trump card Donovan has in his back pocket," Mako added.
"I don't care if I have to face all the ninjas and whatever trump card Donovan has. I will win and crush everyone in the way," Grim declared.
"I'll take his word for it," Boss Red said. "You're all dismissed." With that, the video call ended.
"While I'm confident that you can handle yourself I'll still have a few people keep an eye on you out there. Can't be too cautious" Ron stated seriously.
Grim shrugged and said, "Do whatever you want."
"Please Grim. Be on guard and careful." Dunnan pleaded.
"I always am Dunnan, Ron." Grim said.
An Hour Later…
Ron and Dunnan had gone back to their rooms to rest. Then Grim heard his earpiece vibrate and knew it was his commanding officer again but on a more secure channel.
"Grim here."
"There's something else you wanted to tell me but couldn't in front of the others."
"Not surprising you could tell, but yes, there's more."
"I'm all ears."
"Donovan's secret partner is a traitor within UNWOP. They're planning to deliver me to him and DOATEC."
"…A traitor? Any leads on their identity?"
"Not yet, but they have to be high up and have knowledge about me and my status which narrows down our suspects. I'll dig deeper, find out who it is. We can't afford to have someone sabotaging us from within."
"Indeed. Find out who the traitor is and deal with them. I'll do the same on my own end in case they are at HQ. We need to deal with this immediately."
"I'll get to the bottom of it, Boss. No one betrays us and gets away with it."
…
Hitomi had just completed a rigorous training session at the gym. Knowing she was gearing up to face Grim, who had been relentlessly dominating his opponents, she understood the importance of bringing her A-game to avoid becoming another highlight on his winning streak.
As she took a sip from her water bottle, a commotion in another part of the gym caught her attention. Curiosity getting the better of her, she went to investigate. To her surprise, Grim was walking away from an exhausted Ron, who was desperately trying to catch his breath. It wasn't anticipated that her opponent would be training in the same gym, concluding his own intense session.
An audacious idea surfaced in her mind, and she decided to act on it—to stake her claim on Grim before others could.
Hitomi approached Grim, a determined look in her eyes as she wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Hey, Grim." she called out, trying to catch his attention.
Grim turned to face her, his expression neutral. "Hitomi." he acknowledged, sizing her up with a glance.
She took a deep breath, mustering her confidence. "I've been watching your matches. Impressive stuff. But I hope you're not underestimating me."
Grim raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. "Underestimating you? I don't underestimate anyone. But you better bring everything you've got when we face off."
A sly grin played on Hitomi's lips. "Oh, I plan to. And, just so you know, I don't intend to end up as a highlight reel for you. This fight is going to be memorable for both of us."
Grim's stoic expression softened into a faint smirk. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Looking forward to our match, Hitomi."
As Grim was preparing to leave, Hitomi caught his attention by grabbing his hand, a hint of nervousness in her demeanor.
"Hey, I know we're supposed to be fighting in a few days, but, well..." Hitomi hesitated.
"Well, what?" Grim inquired cautiously.
"...Well, can we... go out? Just the two of us?" Hitomi finished, her face turning a shade of red.
Grim stood there, momentarily taken aback by her unexpected request. 'Is this girl serious?'
Samara howled in laughter, adding her commentary, "Oh, this is so good. Boy, agree to her request! I like her audacity!"
'Seriously? She wants to go out with me... on a date, for crying out loud?!'
"And what's wrong with that? She's down bad for you."
'I'm still getting used to this affectionate stuff, you know. I don't want to get her hopes too high or give her the wrong message. Not to mention we're supposed to be fighting in a few days!'
"Look, boy, I get it. This whole thing is a bit out of your comfort zone. But here's the deal: Hitomi seems to be genuinely interested in you. If you're not against the idea, why not give it a shot? You've got nothing to lose, and who knows, you might even enjoy yourself. Just be honest with her, start as friends, and take it one step at a time. It doesn't have to be a big deal, but it could be a chance to see another side of life outside of your usual missions. Plus, I'm sure Boss Red won't mind if you take a little break from all the intense stuff for a while. What do you say?"
'What about the others? You know they'll not take it well?'
"As for them, well, they'll have to understand that life isn't a scripted match. Emotions are unpredictable. Just focus on being true to yourself and handling things with respect. Whatever happens, happens. And who knows, it might turn out better than you think."
"Grim? Grim!"
"Yes, Hitomi?" Grim replied, turning his attention back to the girl in front of him.
"So, what do you say? To us going out?" Hitomi asked nervously.
Grim hesitated for a moment, considering his response carefully. "Alright, let's go out and see how things go," he finally answered, noticing the excitement light up Hitomi's face.
"Really? Yaay!" Hitomi exclaimed with joy.
"Yeah, yippie for you." Grim responded with a small smile.
Ron grinned mischievously as he watched the exchange between the two. 'Oh, this is going to be good!' he thought to himself, anticipating the outcome of their upcoming outing.
…
Grim and Hitomi found themselves in the unique and captivating environment of Aqua Palace for their casual outing. The undersea aquarium provided a stunning backdrop for their time together.
Grim, in his typical fashion, was clad in a black hooded jacket that added an air of mystery to his presence. The red t-shirt underneath provided a subtle pop of color, contrasting with the overall dark ensemble. His black jeans and red sneakers completed the look, emphasizing practicality and functionality.
Hitomi, on the other hand, sported a more vibrant and casual ensemble. Her blue-and-white jacket with a hood exuded a sporty vibe, perfectly complementing her active and energetic personality. The red shirt underneath harmonized with Grim's choice of color, creating a subtle connection between their outfits. The plaid miniskirt and black tights added a touch of playfulness, while the high-heeled boots hinted at a combination of style and readiness for action. The pouch on her belt suggested a practical approach, ready to face any challenges that might come their way.
"Nice jacket. Blue suits you." Grim complimented.
"Thanks! I like the whole mysterious vibe you've got going on with the black and red. Very edgy." Hitomi replied.
An eyebrow was raised on Grim's face, "Edgy? Maybe, maybe not. Practical is more my style."
Hitomi grins, "Practical can be stylish too, you know. But hey, it works for you."
"And your outfit screams energy and action." Grim deadpanned, "Ready for a workout?"
Hitomi spun around with Grim looking on with intrigue.
"Always! Gotta be prepared, you know? Plus, I love a bit of flair."
"Flair, huh? I'll rather stick to function."
Hitomi teased, "Nothing wrong with a bit of color, Grim. It suits you."
Grim shrugged, "Color or not, we're here for a reason. Let's enjoy the outing."
"Call it what you want, Grim. Let's just have fun!" Hitomi said with a smirk.
As they walked through the glass-walled corridors, the vibrant colors of tropical fish swimming in tanks on either side caught their attention. The glass walls offered glimpses into the vast expanse of the sea beyond, where larger sea creatures gracefully glided by. Dolphins, sharks, turtles, and even a majestic whale painted a mesmerizing picture of marine life just beyond the confines of the Aqua Palace.
As Grim and Hitomi continued their stroll, the ambient light of the aquarium cast a gentle glow, creating an ethereal ambiance. The fighters found themselves surrounded by the mysteries of the ocean, sharing moments of tranquility in the midst of their rigorous training and the impending challenges of the tournament.
In this surreal undersea haven, Grim, though still maintaining his usual stoic demeanor, found himself appreciating the unique beauty of their surroundings. The playful antics of the aquatic life mirrored the lighthearted atmosphere of their time together, offering a welcome respite from the intensity of their upcoming match in the competition.
Unknown to the duo, Helena Douglas, dressed in a black-and-blue catsuit with a white-and-black jacket, matching sleeves, and a pair of leather boots with her hair tied in a blue bow, was also in the aquarium having managed to get a moment of freedom to cool off. She walked past and then couldn't help but notice Grim and Hitomi together as she walked past them. The surprise on her face was evident, given the stark contrast between Grim's usual serious demeanor and Hitomi's lively personality. Observing them getting along seemingly well, Helena couldn't shake off the astonishment, considering what she knew and had seen of Grim so far. It was an unexpected pairing that intrigued and puzzled her simultaneously. She followed them, keeping a respectable distance so as to not draw attention.
Soon Hitomi excused herself for a bathroom break, which left Grim alone, and Helena Douglas seized the opportunity to approach him.
"So you're the one named Grim Eagle?" Helena began.
"Yes, do you have business with me? Can you save it for another time? I'm with someone today." Grim dismissed her as he had something on his mind.
"Grim Eagle, you think you can just ignore me?" Helena said, "I demand your attention!"
Grim glanced at her casually, "Attention? I didn't realize you were the demanding type."
Helena Douglas was not in the mood for sarcasm, "Cut the sarcasm. I've been watching you, and there are questions that need answers."
Grim Eagle deadpans, "Questions? I'm just a participant in the tournament, like everyone else."
"Don't play dumb. I know there's more to you than meets the eye. Who are you, really?" Helena demanded.
Grim Eagle deadpans again, "Just a guy with his own reasons. Nothing special."
Helena Douglas grew frustrated at the vagueness, "I won't let you brush me off with vague answers. You're hiding something, and I intend to find out."
Grim Eagle shrugged, "Good luck with that. I don't share my story with just anyone."
Helena Douglas took her fighting stance and said, "If you won't talk willingly, I'll make you talk. Prepare yourself!"
Grim Eagle took his own in response and said, "Bring it on. Try to not bore me while you're at it."
He takes a defensive stance, eyes focused and analytical. Helena Douglas, employing her Pigua Quan style, charged forward with a barrage of quick and unpredictable strikes, attempting to overwhelm Grim from the start. Grim, not familiar with Pigua Quan, opted to analyze Helena's movements, dodging with head movement and evasive footwork, and blocking with calculated precision.
Helena's attacks were fast and flowing, utilizing the distinctive characteristics of Pigua Quan – deceptive hand movements, sudden changes in direction, and a combination of both long and short-range strikes. Grim, maintaining his defensive posture, aimed to decipher the patterns in her technique and find openings to counter.
The area echoed with the clash of these two fighters which got the attention of some onlookers who recognized them and began to watch the battle. Hitomi returning from her bathroom break came across this and was surprised to see Grim fighting Helena.
"Huh?! Why's Grim fighting Helena?"
Grim being done with defense attempted to unleash his Grim Blitz combinations, hoping to change the momentum of the fight. However, Helena proved to be a formidable opponent, countering his every opening attack, and denying him the opportunity to build any sustained momentum.
In the midst of another exchange, Grim Eagle recognized the need to adjust his strategy. As Helena Douglas closed in with her relentless assault, Grim initiated a leg kick, intending to slow down her movements. However, Helena swiftly caught Grim's leg mid-kick and executed a flawless throw, flipping him over with surprising ease.
Undeterred, Grim regained his footing almost instantly. He lunged back into the fray, attempting a body blow aimed at Helena. Yet, she proved quick on her feet, deftly parrying the attack and countering with a rapid succession of strikes. The final kick connected solidly, snapping Grim's head back and forcing him to stagger a few steps backward.
Grim, maintaining his focus and resilience, quickly recovered from the barrage. Evaluating the situation, he decided to alter his approach, realizing that straightforward aggression wouldn't suffice against Helena's Pigua Quan. With a mental adjustment, Grim prepared himself for a more strategic engagement.
"Alright, no naked attacks then. Need to set them up better," Grim muttered to himself, adapting to the evolving dynamics of the fight. The crowd, engrossed in the intense confrontation, eagerly anticipated the next phase of this captivating battle.
"The sooner you talk, the sooner this will end," Helena stated, her tone carrying a hint of frustration as she sought to provide Grim with an opportunity to yield.
"Yeah...NO. The fight isn't over yet," Grim responded, his determination clear, though his words seemed to irk Helena.
"Fine then. Your funeral," Helena declared with a touch of exasperation, the exchange reflecting the intensity and resolve of their confrontation. The air crackled with anticipation as the two fighters prepared for the next chapter of their battle, neither willing to concede ground easily.
Grim began employing tactical feints to disrupt Helena's defenses, and it proved effective. Feinting a jab, he caught Helena off guard, delivering a straight to the body. Capitalizing on her reaction, Grim feigned another straight, prompting Helena to bite on the fake and leaving her vulnerable to a swift combination of a lead hook to the body followed by a rear leg kick. With this adjustment, Grim continued to use feints to deceive and attack, putting Helena on the defensive.
The tables quickly turned in the fight as yet another of Grim's leg kicks found its mark, leaving Helena struggling to maintain her balance. The relentless assault on her body had taken a toll, making it difficult for her to catch her breath. Frustration and worry crept into Helena's thoughts as she grappled with the sudden shift in momentum.
'How did this turn around?! One moment I was giving him trouble, and now I'm unable to answer whatever he throws at me!' Helena thought, her mind clouded with frustration and worry. She couldn't comprehend how she went from giving Grim trouble to being unable to effectively counter his attacks.
Even Hitomi was surprised by the change in momentum, amazed at how Grim adapted to Helena's fighting style and took control of the fight.
'Looks like I'm in for a tough fight.' She thought, realizing that she was about to face the very same man she had been enjoying an outing with.
Grim advanced, and this time Helena believed she was ready for him. 'Not this time. I see your feint coming!' she thought as she attempted to counter. However, her anticipation proved futile as she got struck by a ducking roundhouse kick that sent her sprawling to the ground, much to her shock.
'W-W-What w-was t-t-that?!' Helena thought with confusion, which quickly turned to panic as she saw Grim pouncing on her. 'Crap! NOT GOOD!'
Grim wasted no time, launching into a ferocious ground-and-pound assault. Helena struggled to defend herself and recover her wits, but Grim's relentless onslaught gave him the opening to secure a painfully tight arm triangle submission. Helena, with no other option, tapped out under her muffled scream.
Grim released the hold, rising to his feet, while Helena attempted to regain her breath and composure, feeling as if she had been ensnared by a python during that submission.
"Well then, Miss Douglas, I hope you'll respect my privacy and not make demands like that ever again." Grim said with a grin. Helena could only nod in response, Grim's smile widening.
"Thank you. Hey, Hitomi, ready to go?" Grim turned to the awed girl in the crowd.
"Oh, sure." Hitomi dumbly replied. The duo left the aquarium, the crowd parting to make way for them, with murmurs circulating about the fight, leaving Helena feeling humiliated by her loss.
As they left the aquarium, Grim turned to Hitomi and asked, "Still want to fight me in the tournament?" Hitomi met his gaze with determination. "Absolutely. That was just a taste of what's to come." Grim nodded approvingly. "Good. I wouldn't have it any other way. Best of luck to you."
Chapter 11 End.