Iron Fist Arena; Third Floor [Room #315] - Friday; 7:32 P.M.:
Raven narrowed his eyes, the time appearing in the right lens of his shades. "Hmm, the tournament would've started by now. Something is amiss."
Beep.
Master Raven tapped a holographic button that hovered over the thick metal armor on her right arm. A paused video screen of Nina Williams appeared above her wrist, taken directly from the Iron Fist Tournament's website. She couldn't help but snicker at the blonde's disfigured nose covered by a wrap, standing with her hands behind her back as the Tekken Force soldiers stood at attention.
"Spectators and Fighters of the King Of Iron Fist Tournament," Nina began. "I regret to inform everyone that the long-awaited finals are canceled tonight. Heihachi has an important business matter to address. The tournament will continue as scheduled upon his return. Until then, stay tuned and stay strong fighters."
The video ended - no black screen, logos, or showing the selection of merchandise that always played once the announcement was over.
"That doesn't look like the Zaibatsu Headquarters..." Raven stated while focusing on the background behind the soldiers.
Master Raven's skepticism was apparent when the holographic screen and buttons faded from sight. "It was a carrier helicopter. Perhaps he sent Nina out to take over another nearby territory."
"If so, why would he cancel the tournament if he's sending out...? Unless he's going with her."
The metal door suddenly opened, and the match coordinator, accompanied by a few soldiers, stood in view. The guy raked a hand into his hair, emitting a disappointed sigh. "Unfortunately, the stadium is under lockdown until Heihachi returns from his trip. All fighters must vacate the stadium until further notice. Immediately."
Glancing at each other, Raven grabbed the duffle bag on the floor as the duo vacated the room without another word. They eyed the soldiers lined up along the walls suspiciously, watching through the glowing visors of their helmets. A select few scurried around the arena.
Beep.
"Agents," Victor's voice said from their communication devices.
They continued walking as Master Raven gestured for Raven to go ahead while trailing him. "Victor. What's going on?"
"Don't know yet, but I've sent a vehicle for you two. We'll debrief once you arrive."
"Understood."
Beep.
They soon found Lars, Alisa, Lee, Anna, and several other fighters waiting outside. Some were visibly confused or annoyed, their bags and luggage in hand as they went their separate ways. Lars leaned against the metal railing on the steps, arms crossed as he listened to Lee rant about his disappointment in the canceled tournament.
Seeing the agents approaching, Lars straightened his posture. "You were are the last ones out. Don't know if it's just me, but Heihachi canceling the tournament abruptly doesn't seem like something he would do without a cause. Let alone lockdown the arena."
"Our thoughts exactly," Master Raven replied. "Figured we report back to HQ and figure out what's happening."
Lee smirked, his eyes looking over the woman's figure. "Ah, Lady Raven. Since you need a ride, I thought my comfortable limousine would suffice."
He gestured to the purple limousine waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
The woman rolled her eyes. "We have a ride of our own, Chaolan."
No sooner had she spoken, an armored black Hummer pulled up beside the limousine. A UN soldier stepped out the passenger side, guarding the vehicle until the agents entered.
The silver-haired tycoon rubbed the back of his neck. "Right... Maybe next time, we can have a party to celebrate your match against Heihachi at another time. I'm sure the opportunity will arise sooner or later."
"You're hoping it will," Raven grumbled, walking away.
Master Raven held in her laugh as they approached the armored truck. 'That was mean.'
Raven shrugged. 'Couldn't resist.'
UN Headquarters - First Floor:
Victor coupled his hands behind his back. "This doesn't make sense. Why would Heihachi leave the tournament so abruptly? Since he wants to kill Kazuya, nobody would question it during the tournament."
"Despite everything we know," a voice belonging to Lars spoke behind the two agents as he and a few of his soldiers approached. "That leaves us with more questions than answers. Since you all are figuring out your next move, I thought I'd stop by to see if I could help."
Victor nodded. "Glad to see you onboard, Alexandersson."
"Wherever Heihachi could be going... Maybe he doesn't want anyone to take over the Mishima Zaibatsu? I scouted the place before coming here. It's on complete lockdown."
"Or," Master Raven interjected. "Maybe he doesn't think he'll be coming back?"
Before anyone else could speak, Lars's phone rang loudly in his pocket as he grabbed it and looked at the caller ID - Lee C.
He put the call on speaker. "Glad you actually pick up this time, dear brother."
The rebellion leader scoffed. "What is it, Lee?"
"I spotted a group of Mishima Zaibatsu helicopters approaching Kobe. Nina and Heihachi are inside the center-most aircraft. I'm guessing you would like to follow them?"
"Where are you now?"
"Preparing for takeoff in my new stealth jet. I have room for two other people if you want to bring any friends. They'll be out of Japan's airspace soon, so I suggest you hurry."
"Got it. Thanks, brother."
"You can thank me by getting to ground level. I'll arrive at your location shortly."
Beep.
Suddenly, gunfire and explosions broke out. Behind them, Tekken Force, Rebellion, and UN soldiers engaged in a shootout. Alisa even joined to keep the Tekken Force soldiers from entering the building. The fighters rushed outside toward the chaos. Master Raven narrowed her eyes, a hand landing on the braced hilt of her chukutō blade. Raven followed behind her with a few shadow clones and his dual daggers in hand. Victor gripped his pistol, his eyes veering left as a Tekken Force Soldier skipped forward with an armored fist drawn back. The silver-haired fighter smirked, gripping the hilt of his katana.
The soldier swung a punch at the older man. "Hah!"
Victor turned on his heel ever so slightly, the soles of his dress shoes sliding against the dark pavement. He ducked under the punch and slid his katana out to slice the soldier in half before aiming his gun. Victor weaved back, landing a low kick to another soldier's knee, another at his gut. He spun the blade in hand and slit another's throat. Sheathing his katana, the Frenchman blocked a kick and weaved back from two missed punches. His quick eyes caught the sight of a soldier aiming his machine gun. He holstered his pistol and sprinted toward the soldier. With a sharp inhale, Victor unsheathed his katana as bullets ricocheted off the blade.
"Ayyahh!" Victor grunted.
Gripping the blade with both hands, he cleaved the soldier in half. Raven backflipped toward a soldier and sent him flying airborne. Master Raven slid her weapon from its scabbard, slicing him in half. Landing on the ground, the younger agents easily ducked, dodged, and cleaved through soldiers. They kept in sync without a single misstep as Master Raven kicked away a soldier while Raven landed 'Sudden Strike' on his head. She blocked a punch, leaning away from a heavy fist, before executing a no-hands cartwheel over Raven as he rolled back. Her feet connected with the back of a soldier's head before slicing it from his shoulders. Raven executed 'Quicksand,' a clone landing a flying kick to the soldier's body. Just as a soldier neared him, his throat was punctured.
"Tah!" Lars grunted, landing 'Electric Jolt' to a soldier's stomach.
Sliding forward into an uppercut, Lars ducked under a kick and sent the soldier reeling back with 'Power Slug.' Taking two quick steps back, his two quick jabs connected with another's jaw before finishing him off with 'Outpost Blitz.' Two bullets nearly missed him, instead burying themselves in the skulls of the soldiers behind him. Victor smirked at him, quickly reloading his gun and pulling back the slide. Master Raven's palm strike to the chin sent a soldier to the floor. She jumped back, a fist nearly colliding with her nose. She blocked a soldier's double neck chop before smashing her head into his mouth. She inhaled sharply and leaned away as a pair of rocket hands nearly caught her jaw. Instead, they shot toward the crowd of soldiers.
BOOM!
The fighters regrouped, standing back to back.
Master Raven gripped the hilt of her sheathed blade. "There's too many of them! We need backup."
Victor gripped his karambit knives. "More reinforcements should be here soon."
"Hopefully Lee will get here before they outnumber us," Lars remarked. "Anyone have an escape plan?"
"Not unless you can teleport," Raven answered.
Lars rolled his eyes. "Right..."
The sounds of a jet's engine caught Victor's attention. His high-tech shades outline a vehicle in the distance. One coming closer to their location. A dark purple stealth jet with silver lines.
"Master Raven, go with Lars," Victor ordered. "Raven and I will hold them off until reinforcements arrive."
She nodded. "Understood."
Raven and Master Raven executed the nine Kuji-In hand signs as soldiers approached again. Two clones of each agent shot forward as the fighters clashed with the enemy soldiers again. Lee turned the yoke steering wheel, the jet banking around the building. Turning on its side as it neared the chaos. The tycoon flipped a silver switch as the landing hatch in the second-level cabin slowly lowered. He clenched his jaw, lowering the jet ever so slightly.
"Lars!" Master Raven called, watching the incoming jet after sliding her weapon back into its scabbard.
He nodded. "Alisa! Stay with Victor until I get back!"
The pink-haired android nodded, mashing a soldier to the ground with a single punch. Master Raven landed a foot on the wall, jumping off before her knee connected with a soldier's head. The master kunoichi sprinted forward, jumping into the air and curling into a ball.
Poof.
Clink!
Lowering into a crouch on the hatch, Master Raven waited.
"Lars!"
Looking in the Frenchman's direction, Lars spotted Raven and Victor holding a riot shield over their heads. He ran straight for them before leaping. Raven and Victor lifted the shield. Lars's momentum carried him towards the jet, reaching out a hand to the master kunoichi. Gripping his hand, she pulled him onto the hatch just as it began to close. The gunfire and explosions were soon muffled and faded into the distance as the hatch quickly closed.
Both stood from their crouch, Lars dusting off his outfit. "Thanks."
"Welcome aboard the Silent Violet luxury jet," Lee's voice spoke from the PA system. "Please enjoy the spacious cabin, and feel free to visit your lovely pilot in the cockpit."
"Charming as usual."
Lars and Master Raven headed toward the staircase leading to the cockpit. They found Lee observing the radar while steering his prized jet there.
Beep.
Beep.
"Lars," the silver-haired tycoon began. "Please tell me you brought a friend. I understand you're focused on your army, but I'd be bored if I just had to sit with you for the next few hours."
The Rebellion leader crossed his arms. "A friend is a bit of an overstatement."
Lee's eyebrows furrowed as he stood from his seat. "Well, who did bring with—" A lustful smirk formed on his face, his dark eyes roaming the woman's figure in her mission suit.
She stared back unimpressed, her tone icily sharp. "If you're done staring, show me how to fly this jet."
"I assure you, Ms. Raven. That won't be necessary. I made sure to have this stealth jet with a fully functioning auto-pilot. Figured it was the best precaution for random trips that could take a few days like this one."
"Still wouldn't hurt to know should something happen."
"Of course. By the time I'm done teaching you, you'll be a master at flying any air vehicle, new and old."
"Wonderful..."
12:09 A.M.:
Master Raven sat alone in the cockpit, Lee left a few hours ago to get some rest until they arrived or the sun finally rose. He'd spent time explaining and flirting with her in the jet's cockpit. She couldn't wait for him to leave her alone despite learning much in a few hours. Now, she was finally left to her thoughts... and worries. Neither Victor nor Raven had called to update her on the situation back in Kobe. She knew they could handle themselves, but there were still too many soldiers even after they managed to take down scores of them as a group.
She sighed before looking at the radar. Five dots sat inches in front of them, indicating four armored tactical helicopters surrounding an armored carrier helicopter—no slight changes in formation.
"HQ to Master Raven. Do you read me?"
"Loud and clear, Victor," Master Raven replied, letting out a relieved sigh.
"What's your status?"
"Still tailing Heihachi to an unknown location. They haven't discovered us or altered their flight formation. They seem to be going straight to wherever they're heading."
"Understood. Remember to get your rest but stay vigilant. Wherever Heihachi is going must be something we cannot afford to miss."
"Will do. What's the situation in HQ?"
"The Tekken Force retreated soon after reinforcements arrived. We suffered casualties and property damage, but nothing we can't recover from. Raven has minor injuries and a mild concussion, but he's okay."
Though not the news she wanted to hear, Master Raven was grateful that was the extent of her boyfriend's ailments. "Alright."
Knock.
Knock.
"I've got company. I'll contact you once we've arrived at the unknown location. Master Raven out."
Beep.
"Something you want to discuss, Alexandersson?"
Lars sat in the co-piolet seat beside her, crossing his arms. "That sparring match we had. What was that really about?"
The woman kept her focus on steering the jet. "A simple spar, as my subordinate stated. But also an analysis assessment for my match with Heihachi."
"Why were you holding back?"
With a simple button press, Master Raven put the stealth jet on autopilot and swiveled her chair to face him. "I'm disappointed it took you so long to figure that out."
"Answer the question."
"You would have suffered a concussion if I didn't. Your close block was the only thing stopping me from accidentally fracturing your skull."
Lars's jaw clenched as he failed to keep the conversation going. Her answers didn't give him any inklings to edge her own for more than just a cold response.
"Raven knew?"
"Naturally."
"So, you were just using me for combat analysis?"
Master Raven crossed her arms. "Affirmative."
He growled. "Ninjas... Always secretive for no reason."
"Like a soldier..." the woman retorted. "...every kind of militant force has its purpose. Ninjas would be nothing but memories of old Edo if they told everyone their secrets. Don't let it get to you, Alexandersson. It's nothing personal, just business. Raven and I were doing what we deemed necessary to complete our mission. If that gets us closer to our goal, we proceed as planned."
"Of course," Lars breathed before standing up. "I hope you know I won't be holding back the next time we fight."
Master Raven turned back to the controls. "I'm counting on it."
With that, Lars departed from the cockpit.
"Soldiers..."
Left in silence, Master Raven's breathing slowed her breathing to allow her an easy passage into meditation to save her energy for the possible fight to come when they landed.
Ireland; Fagradalsfjall Volcano - 6:05 A.M.:
Lee and Lars ran into the cockpit, their steps shaky due to the severe turbulence the jet suddenly entered.
"What's going on!?" Lee exclaimed in a panic.
"We're flying through volcanic territory!" Master Raven shouted. "Radar has failed, and I'm having difficulty keeping track of Heihachi's helicopter!"
Boom!
The jet shook again, the lights blinking in obvious chaos. Lee and Lars stumbled before rushing to fasten themselves into a seat. Within moments, the sky darkened as it entered a nearly pitch-black curtain; ash falling like a hard snowfall. The squadron of helicopters accompanying Heihachi seemed to vanish amid the smoke billow.
Master Raven's jaw clenched as she spoke through gritted teeth. "Great..."
Silence filled the air, signifying an eerie calm.
'Too calm,' Master Raven thought.
The radar suddenly turned back on with the five dots disappearing, nothing ahead or behind. Rumbles emerged from the atmosphere around them with nothing but a dark fog as far as the eye could see. Nobody dared to speak... before the jet shook slightly. Master Raven gripped the yoke and pulled it left as a round of bullets sounded from behind. The jet dove through the smoke, spiraling into a downward corkscrew as the haze thickened. A volcanic thunder rumbled around them as the hail of bullets split the air behind them, nearly landing on the jet. The smoke blinked into a white void in a split second, and sounds of crackling electricity filled the smoke.
CRACK!
A bolt struck the stealth jet.
The stealth Jet went dark as the power suddenly went out, sending the vehicle into a free fall.
Lee gripped the arms of the co-pilot seat, "Give it a few seconds! The backup power should come on soon."
Master Raven tensed as gravity rapidly pulled the aircraft down.
Beep.
The radar flickered back to life as the engine suddenly roared to life. Master Raven pulled up the steering yoke, and the jet suddenly sped above the dark ground and exited the thick smoke. It soared inches above a sea of molten lava before ascending again, banking left at an angle. The three fighters looked on in awe at the sight below them - a cliff above the fiery chaos below. Nothing but a dark sky and a magma ocean below them with mountains of fire below them. G Corporation and Mishima Zaibatsu helicopters sat several yards away, watching in anticipation as Heihachi and Kazuya stood in the center of the cliff.
Lee's eyes widened. "They're ending it here?"
Master Raven turned the yoke to level the jet before finding an area to land away from the enemy forces on a small cliff. Before exiting, Lee activated one of his camera-equipped drones.
Kobe, Japan; UN HQ [Underground Soldier Base] - 6:05 A.M.:
"Raven," one of the Rebellion soldiers said.
Raven focused on the various soldiers scrambling around the base. Numerous medics tended to the injured soldiers while others quickly suited up to guard the area surrounding the building. Victor conversed with Lars' second-in-command Genshi over the next course of action for their newly allied forces.
"What is it?"
"We're getting a live transmission from one of Lee's drones."
"Put it on screen."
With a simple swipe on the soldier's phone, the live camera footage filled the giant screen and several linked TVs throughout the underground base, catching every soldier's attention.
"Agent," Victor spoke into his commlink. "What's your status?"
"We've landed. Sending you my current location."
Data appeared at the top left corner of the giant screen, causing Raven's eyebrows to furrow. "Ireland?"
Victor smirked. "Once known as the 'Precipice of Fate,' where Heihachi first threw Kazuya as a child. Now it's known as 'Devil's Pit,' an ironic place to end their feud. Stay out of sight, Agent."
"Understood."
Yddgrasil:
Soldiers crowded around multiple hologram screens in their main base.
"You think they'll kill each other before either can win?"
"I hope they do," another replied. "Maybe then I'll be able to live outside this soldier work."
All three onlookers watched with bated breath as Heihachi and Kazuya stood at a standstill, glaring contemptuously. The molten fire around them matched their mutual apathy.
Heihachi sported a hard frown as a singular tear running down his face. "Let's settle this."
"It's time for you to meet your end," Kazuya seethed.
Each Mishimas began channeling their Ki, a blue aura surrounding Heihachi as electricity danced and sparked around his body. Kazuya's right eye glowed bright with hatred, his purple aura fading into visibility around him. Without warning, father and son sprinted, each reeling back a fist until they swung.
Thud!
Their fists collided, neither passing the other in a small sign of their similar skill level in hand-to-hand combat. The impact sent Heihachi and Kazuya recoiling a few feet before the older Mishima recovered and charged toward his son. He slammed a shoulder into Kazuya and sent him careening into a rock. Heihachi pressed on his advantage to execute a 'Spinning Demon Uppercut.' Kazuya quickly got up to block his father's punch before landing a kick of his own. Heihachi scrambled to his feet to counter with 'Demon Shout.'
"You deluded fool!"
Heihachi aimed another uppercut at his son's jaw. Kazuya grimaced after the blow but landed a low kick to his father's leg, causing him to stumble back. Ducking under his son's fist, Heihachi leaned away from a high roundhouse kick, smirking as his 'Shingetsusen' kick sent his son sprawling. Kazuya rolled back to parry Heihachi's 'Demon Breath.' Stumbling, he was hit with a spinning high kick. Using the momentum of his kick, Heihachi swung around his other leg before sending Kazuya airborne with a 'Dragon Uppercut.' Groggily, Kazuya stood on one knee with ragged breath. He then charged Heihachi and launched a flurry of fists as the older man stood uninterrupted before doubling over as a fist lodged in his stomach. A devastating uppercut sent him sliding backward.
"Is that it?"
Kazuya retaliated with a kick that sent his father flailing, his third eye opening as he waited.
"Not yet!" Heihachi stated while slowly standing vertically.
"Why won't you just die? That does it..."
Crossing his fisted hands over his face, Kazuya roared in anger as the purple aura from earlier reappeared and engulfed his entire body.
"AAAaaaaah!"
The aura exploded into wild flames, revealing an evolved creature from the smoke.
"The devil finally awakens," Lars remarked.
No longer was Kazuya human, but the living reincarnation of a devil. Standing several inches taller with purple dragon-like skin and small spikes protruding from his body. Two wings with bright red webbing stood from his back, each with four eyes. Several glowing lines of red were engraved into his body in a frightening display of how hot his rage for his father burned. A scaled tail with a pointed end waved slowly behind him.
Heihachi looked upon his son with eager eyes. "This is what I was waiting for."
Channeling his Ki, a bright blue aura emerged around the older Mishima. Shreds of his clothes waved in the air as he stood his ground. Both glaring at the other, waiting to attack.
"Hmph!"
Heihachi grunted before running toward Devil Kazuya as he flew. With spin, the older Mishima executed 'Demon Wings.' Devil Kazuya was hurled into a nearby wall. Heihachi rushed forward just as his son fired a laser from his chest. The elder Mishima rolled away and executed a heavy combo. 'Demon Backhand Spin, Chrome Dome, Spinning Demon, and finished with Dragon Uppercut.' Devil Kazuya recovered quickly and leaned back far enough from his father's fist to catch it, smirking as he smashed his head into Heihachi's. Another punch landed in his stomach, jaw, and chest. Heihachi grunted and ducked under a high kick before landing 'Demon Breath.'
"Gagh!"
Devil Kazuya inhaled sharply and shot another laser that seared Heihachi's flesh upon impact, leaving an ugly slash wound. The older Mishima slowly rose and stepped back from his son's clawed hands, only to be grabbed by the neck.
"Hah!"
Launching Heihachi into the air, Devil Kazuya's wings flapped to pursue him while he smashed a fist into his stomach. He gripped Heihachi's neck again and flew back towards the ground, which cracked from the impact of the old man's body—a noticeable dent left in the earth. Giving him no time to recover, Devil Kazuya powered up his laser forming in the eye over his chest glowing.
"It's over!" Kazuya yelled, "Now die!"
The eyes on his chest and wings fired off several lasers in Heihachi's direction.
BOOM!
The world exploded into blinding white light, blinding Master Raven, Lars, Lee, and the watching soldiers as they shielded their eyes. Blinking, their eyes adjusted as the blinding white light slowly faded, their attention back to the Mishimas amid the carnage of destruction. Heihachi's seemingly lifeless body lay on the ground. Kazuya looked on with a demented smirk, but his victory was short-lived when the older Mishima's hand clenched as he slowly rose.
"You can't be serious!" Devil Kazuya growled.
Heihachi reached a vertical base in clear pain, both hands on his knees as each tired breath exerted much effort. Finally, he channeled his ki again, electricity dancing across his form.
"Kazuya!" Heihachi howled.
"Be quiet, you pathetic fool!" Devil Kazuya shot back.
"Hmph!"
Heihachi sprinted for Devil Kazuya as the latter fired off his laser. Heihachi rolled underneath the beam, continuing forward with 'Spinning Demon.' It turned into 'Demon Backhand Spin,' 'Eishomon' and his 'Shingetsusen kick.'
Devil Kazuya stumbled back, narrowly avoiding his father's palm strike before landing 'Tsunami Kick' and 'Hell Lancer.'
"Pathetic!" Devil Kazuya stated.
He blocked his father's fist and grabbed his arm to swing him around. Heihachi stood from his knee, back aching from the impact of the boulder behind him before rolling left, just as Devil Kazuya's fists shattered part of a boulder where his father stood. Seeing his chance, Heihaci rushed forward with his channeled ki and waited. Devil Kazuya flew toward the older man, reeling back a fist to finish this fight. Heihachi parried his son's fist, landing one of his own on the back of his head. He stepped forward to punch Devil Kazuya's chest, taking another step to smash his skull into his son's, bouncing the devil off the ground.
Heihachi stood tall from his widened stance. "You're delusions of grandeur end here!"
With those words, Heihachi finished Devil Kazuya with a powerful 'Demon Breath.'
"Gagh!"
Devil Kazuya was sent back to a rocky wall, disappearing behind a dark ash veil from the impact of his body to the rocky side of a ragged stone pillar. Heihachi fell to one knee, dropping to one knee to keep him steady as he breathed heavily. His eyes narrowed awaiting to see if Kazuya would reappear from the rubble. Soon enough, he did but no longer in his devil form.
Heihachi chuckled half-heartedly. "Still alive?"
"Damn you, Heihachi..." Kazuya cursed, his body slouched over as he trudged toward his father.
Father and son suffered damage beyond words, battered and worn out from trying to overpower the other in their previous battle. They stood mere inches away, looking on with an equal vision of hatred. Until both Mishima's buried a heavy fist in each other's jaw. Stumbling back, the younger Mishima grunted before retaliating again with another fist colliding against Heihachi's jaw. The force pushed Heihachi back even as Kazuya stumbled to keep his balance. In his slow recovery, Heihachi landed a sluggish but hard fist on his son's face. Kazuya turned around, landing a quick punch to his chest. Heihachi grunted in pain and landed another punch to his son's face.
For several minutes this continued until finally, one hard head bash from Heihachi sent Kazuya stumbling back. He paused, gazing at his father as he stood tall and strong. Just like how he did when Kazuya was a child. He blinked; Heihachi no longer the old geyser. He was young again with a full head of spiked black hair, a horned mustache, and dark eyebrows. Those same, familiar dark eyes stared him down with disdain.
The younger Heihachi kicked his child away with a simple attack. The young Kazuya quickly lifted himself from the ground, looking up at his towering father, who showed the same apathy hardened with vivid disappointment at the child's weakness.
Kazuya slowly stood, his eyes blinking.
"You think you're tougher than me?"
"I'll snap you like a twig."
"Your delusions of grandeur end here!"
"I'm going to get everything back!"
Incensed, Kazuya bellowed an impassioned yell, running toward Heihachi and striking him squarely in the chest.
The impact sent out a purple shockwave from the older man's back that dispersed just as quickly as it appeared. Kazuya looked up, watching his father freeze until he tipped over and landed unmoving on the heated stone ground. A wave of cheers from the UN soldiers at the sight of Heihachi's dead body.
Victor's jaw clenched, his light eyes narrowing. "Calm yourselves! The turmoil of this Mishima Feud isn't over yet."
Master Raven crossed her arms. "Heihachi Mishima has been terminated."
The three fighters glanced at the Tekken Force soldiers stationed on-site, who began to scatter around their armored vehicles. Master Raven focused her senses until she could make out what the soldiers were saying beyond the sounds of the raging fire.
"Back to base! Move it!" Nina ordered.
"Faster!" An armored commander barked.
Within a few short minutes, the soldiers piled into their helicopters and vehicles before vanishing behind the veil of the blood-colored sky.
Lars looked over at Master Raven. "You're not going after them?"
"Not my current objective. Nina will show when it suits her."
He nodded as his attention turned back to Kazuya, who looked down at Heihachi's dead body - an expression of relief mixed with tempered anger. Almost as if he couldn't believe he'd finally killed the man that tormented him all these years. Picking up his father's carcass, Kazuya walked over to the cliff's edge. He took a deep breath before tossing the body over the edge, blinking as he watched Heihachi descend into the ocean of lava.
Kazuya clenched his hands into tight, shaky fists. "A fight is about who is left standing. Nothing else."
Heihachi's body hit the molten ocean below, cindering and melting before sinking below the surface - never to rise from death again. Walking away from the cliff, a smirk quickly formed across Kazuya's face that turned into a devilish grin. The purple aura emerged from his body again as he laughed manically - a low sound of triumph turning loud with insanity. An eruption of purple energy occurred as Kazuya activated his devil form, his wings flapping while ascending.
"Finally..."
Continuing to laugh, Kazuya flew over the three fighters. He didn't bother to look at them despite knowing they were there. He did glance back at his adopted and half-brothers, revealing his sharpened teeth as if to say: You'll be next.
As Kazuya flew away, the G-Corporation soldiers retreated into their helicopters and disappeared their leader. Once he was gone, Master Raven walked toward the jet with Lars and Lee trailing her.
"I can't believe it... Heihachi's finally dead."
Lee clapping his hands. "How about a party? I'd say the old man's demise is something to celebrate! He's lived a long life, and we must live ours now that he's gone."
Master Raven paused but bit her tongue for what she really wanted to say. "Kazuya's still out there; we cannot gauge our next move without a location. This isn't the time for a celebration. We should be on high alert when Kazuya finally shows himself again sooner or later."
Lee couldn't help but groan inwardly, rubbing a gloved hand over his chin. "I suppose you're right. But..." His mischievous smirk returned. "May I at least take you out for a nice dinner by the Kobe coast? I know a wonderful place that serves the best seafood hibachi."
The woman didn't answer and instead entered the jet and immediately headed for the cockpit.
Lars gave a small laugh. "Tough crowd."
The silver-haired tycoon scowled. "Shut it, Lars."
Master Raven and Lars sat in the cockpit, the latter skimming over the recent headlines and new reports. The master kunoichi focused on flying the stealth jet back to Kobe.
Lars sighed as he sat back in his chair. "Nothing new. Most of it still covers the aftermath of the satellite crash and Heihachi suddenly canceling the tournament. I highly doubt this will—"
"Wait..." Master Raven suddenly said.
Her sharp ears caught the sounds of the female reporter's voice. Although the volume was low, she could hear her clear as day.
"Amid the cancellation of the tournament, we've just received word that the G-Corporation military is pulling back and retreating."
"Turn it up," Master Raven said.
With a quick twist of a nob, the volume of the wide glass screen in the middle control panel rose to an audible level. Lars' eyes widened slightly, watching the image change to live footage from Tokyo.
"All over the world, the G-Corp military is suddenly ceasing fire and leaving the areas. We have no reason why they suddenly retreated from fighting the Tekken Force and several military forces globally."
Beep.
"Agent," Victor's voice sounded from the left side of her faceplate.
"Responding," she replied.
"Did you catch the news?"
"Affirmative. Watching it as we speak."
"Good. Although Heihachi's demise solves one problem, we still have Nina to deal with. We know she'll do something with her newfound command over the Mishima Zaibatsu added with Kazuya disappearing. Things are becoming more complicated."
"Is there a plan?"
"No, unfortunately. The best we can do is keep our soldiers on high alert and aid in the fight against the rogue Tekken Force soldiers."
"Of course. I should be arriving back to base in approximately twelve hours."
"Understood. Victor out."
Beep.
"What was that about?" Lars asked.
Master Raven shrugged. "Nothing much. With Nina taking over the Tekken Force, Kazuya's disappearance, and G-Corporation's military..."
"We have no idea why they are retreating, but it does alleviate the stress of fighting off two warring militaries. Even so, the G-Corporation military is continuing the war by taking over several parts of the world."
"We're still blindsided."
Lars' eyebrows creased. "You're not worried about Nina?"
"Not as much as you might be, Alexandersson." Master Raven put the jet on autopilot before leaning back in the pilot's chair with crossed arms. "Although Nina knows how to command a large military force, she works best as a secondhand or alone. Either way, she most likely won't reappear with the Tekken Force behind her. She'll leave them to their demise against the G-Corp military. I expect her to play it smart and join Kazuya when he returns."
"Noted. We should rest before entering Japan. I'm sure you're tired from staying awake on the way here."
Master Raven rose from her seat. "Agreed. Let me know when we've arrived."
Lars nodded as she left through the doorway. Entering, Master Raven sighed in annoyance at seeing Lee Chaolan in the room, wearing only a unicorn speedo atop his bed built into the wall across from hers. He looked over a Playboy magazine, spotting a picture of Anna's previous feature for the 2023 calendar.
He closed the magazine, looking in her direction to his usual lust-filled smirk. "Finally up for conversation, Ms. Raven?"
She hid her disgust. "Not at all. I need to rest without interruption, Chaolan."
He chuckled. "You think I'd be so rude as to interrupt a woman and her beauty rest?"
"You tell me since you habitually do other things."
She pressed an orange button, as a duo of compartments slid out from the wall. One with a mannequin head on it for helmets and the other a wide drawer for removable armor.
"What other things?" Lee teased.
Master Raven ignored him as she reached up to remove her faceplate, placing it onto the mannequin's head. "Fill in the blank."
He closed his magazine. "Of course."
Master Raven pulled back the locks on her left gauntlet, the armored gauntlet loosening and slipping off her arm as she placed it into the compartment.
The silver-haired tycoon sat up, sitting on the edge of his bed with a sly smirk. "So... you and Raven—"
"Is none of your business," Master Raven sharply cut him off, placing her second gauntlet in the compartment.
"So there is something between you two. How long have you..." Lee trailed off, getting up and taking a few steps toward her. "Nevermind. I want to know this..."
"I will not answer any of your perverse questions, Chaolan." Master Raven replied coldly. "But..." Her empty hands clenched into fists.
As long as you don't kill him.
"I do require your assistance in removing my armor."
Lee almost grinned, licking his lips as he took several more steps toward her again. She could feel his body centimeters behind her. "Any slick move you try to pull won't be tolerated."
He chuckled again, not bothering to hide his lustful tone. "I'd be a fool to turn down an opportunity like this, but I'm no scoundrel, Ms. Raven. I'll only do what you feel comfortable with. I'm no stranger to taking it slow. What shall I do first?"
"Exo Spine, second vertebrae," Master Raven announced. "Lift it and press the red button underneath."
Lee's eyes couldn't help viewing the well-built piece of armored technology sticking out from her back. The Exo-Spine's quiet hum sounded as it glowed with a blue light between the small crevices.
'Interesting.'
Despite wanting to ask the master kunoichi about her Exo spine, Lee did as he was told. The light pulsed thrice before a loud Cli-Clunk sounded from the neck region. Master Raven inhaled sharply, a fist clenching tighter as the sudden pain shot through her right side.
Lee's head shot up, instantly noticing her discomfort. "What—"
"Lift the armor but be careful," Master Raven instructed. "It's heavier than it looks."
The silver-haired tycoon chuckled, placing his hands on each pauldron's underside. "Come now. How heavy could they—" Lee grunted at lifting the moderately sized weight in his hands. "Jeez, how much does this weigh?"
Stepping back, he watched the Exo-Spine slide from under the small opening at the suit's back - one he noticed had another thick layer of metal down her back.
"Four pounds of reinforced metal able to deflect bullets like the armor I wear on my hands and feet," Master Raven explained. "The Exo-Spine has compression abilities to keep the armor in place and numb pain from combat until it's removed."
His eyebrows raised in shock. "Hmmm, it seems like quite the build beyond its look. I thought this was all for show."
Master Raven rolled her eyes.
"You seemed more like an agent who took style over functionality," Lee elaborated. "But does this have any biotech capabilities? Is there any more like it? Who built it?"
She finally relaxed enough to chuckle. Despite disliking the silver-haired tycoon's wolfish advances, they shared one thing in common—a knowledge of the technological side of gadgets and tools.
"No, but I should ask Victor to add that." Master Raven turned to face Lee. "Fortunately, it's one of a kind, which I designed and built. Victor assisted, but it's mostly my idea."
Lee's mouth fell agape slightly. "Y-You? As much as I'd love to take you out to shine in the moonlight, I'd love to study such an intricate piece of tech. Can I study it while you rest?"
Master Raven smirked, taking hold of linked pauldrons with one hand, which she hefted easily. "No offense, Chaolan, but the Unit doesn't want one of its best technological advances in the hands of a robotic mastermind. And especially not in the view of the public."
He sighed, his shoulders slouching forward. "A valid point. But can you at least tell me how you devised this and how it works with your suit?"
The master kunoichi placed the pauldrons and the Exo-Spine into their respective compartments before taping the wall button. The mannequin head and compartment soundlessly slid into the wall, locking themselves inside until the button was pressed again.
"That..." Master Raven crossed her arms, giving him a sharp deadpan expression before pointing to her head. "...stays up here."
He smirked, craning his head at a slight angle. "Hmph. Clever one you are, Ms. Raven. Well, do you need your injury tended to?"
"Just a few fractured ribs. Nothing I haven't handled before," Master Raven dismissed his charity.
"Cracked bones don't heal that fast."
"Ki isn't just for teleporting."
He nodded. "I stand corrected. I'll leave you to your beauty rest. It was amusing as always, Ms. Raven. I hope we can converse again. Perhaps on shared ideas of robotics and cybernetic advances. I'm sure you've heard of the Theory—"
"Of a Cyborg by Dr. Cole Abel or Wires of the Human Mind by Tsuma Mitsubishi?" the master kunoichi finished with a small but noticeable smirk on her face.
Lee laughed and clapped his hands. "Maybe both. You and I could learn from one another and even help each other out."
"Maybe."
He finally began leaving the room. "Sleep well, Ms. Raven."
Itabashi, Japan 11:17 A.M.:
Master Raven sat with her legs crossed in the center of the cabin floor, breathing slowly and steadily with closed eyes as she channeled her Ki. Her hands were at an equal level near her chest, posed into the Tora [Tiger] hand sign. She blocked out the world around her without much effort.
Tap.
Tap.
Lee leaned on the door frame with a wry smirk as Lars stood behind him. "See what I mean. She's mesmerizing even while meditating."
The slightly taller Mishima raised an eyebrow. "I highly doubt Master Raven would want us watching her while she's resting. Besides, we should watch the radar if a Zaibatsu helicopter gives us a hard time."
"Nonsense, bother. There's no harm in watching so long as we don't disturb her."
"I don't think—"
"I hope you know I can hear you despite your whispering."
Lars laughed nervously, rubbing his neck. "Uh, sorry. I was just leaving." He shot his brother a dirty look. "Put on a shirt, idiot!"
With that, the rebellion leader quickly left for the cockpit.
Lee grumbled. "Coward."
Master Raven opened her eyes, resting each hand on her armored knees. She ignored that Lee only wore his dress shoes, suit pants, and belt. It seemed he hoped showing off his chiseled physique would help sway her thoughts on him.
It did nothing but the exact opposite.
"Do you always talk about your guests in earshot of them, or am I just unlucky?"
"My apologies Ms. Raven," Lee replied with a bow. "I couldn't help but show off your ethereal beauty during your mediation. You seemed to glow under the light, and I couldn't help but watch."
She unfolded her legs and stood from the polished white floor. "Flattery won't do you any good, Chaolan. If you're going to be rude, at least have the decency to do it in another room instead of three feet away."
His head tilted slightly. "Is it talking behind your back if I'm complimenting you?"
She said nothing, walking over to the button near her bed. The mannequin's head and the compartment holding her armored vambraces and armor slid from the wall.
Lee nodded, taking in the woman's silence as a cold answer. "Of course. I was foolish for doing such a thing in your presence."
The two clasps to the left gauntlet automatically locked around Master Raven's right arm as she glanced at Lee.
"Will you need help with your armor again, Ms. Raven?"
"Affirmative."
UN HQ [Underground Soldier Base] 12:01 P.M.:
Victor turned around as Master Raven, Lars, and Lee entered the room. Raven hid his grimace of annoyance at Lee's arrogant smirk.
"Agent. Lars. Lee," Victor greeted.
Lee nodded. "Nice to see you again, Victor."
The Frenchman rolled his eyes under his shades. "Glad to have you back, agent."
"Couldn't get back soon enough. What's the situation between G-Corporation's military and the Tekken Force?"
"The Tekken Force numbers are dwindling greatly, and the G-Corporation military is still drawing back," Raven briefed.
"Any trace of Nina?"
Victor coupled his hands behind him. "None. The most we could gather was word from a soldier near the Zaibatsu building. He pulled over to the commotion while responding to a rescue call. Nina yelled at soldiers before they turned their guns on her. She fled into the building as an explosion occurred and a rogue helicopter escaped into the night."
"So she got away then..." Master Raven began, the spite in her tone audible and colder than usual with no intention of disguising it.
"I wouldn't say that," Lee reminded while fixing his tie. "Where Nina goes, Anna follows. My beautifully thorned rose will find her within a week or two."
"Right. Because you can't bother to do the simple work yourself. Your success is making you lazy."
Raven used all his willpower to keep himself from laughing. For once, Lee shot Master Raven a noticeable glare, which she promptly ignored.
"Anyway, what's next, Victor?"
Her superior sighed. "You and Raven will be on call until I get orders from the higher-ups. For now, we wait."
"Understood. In the meantime, we'll update our group on the new developments. Notify us if anything else transpires," Master Raven said.
Victor nodded. "Will do. Dismissed."
With that, Master Raven and Raven turned on their heels to gather their unit for an impromptu meeting, not even bothering to acknowledge Lee as he, Victor, and Lars had things of their own to discuss. Their trek down the hall was quiet, without anyone in sight to eavesdrop.
'I trust Chaolan was back to his old tricks again?' Raven inquired via telepathy to keep their conversation private.
Master Raven failed to hold back a huff. 'Don't remind me. It wasn't the most pleasant of flights, with him goading me to indulge in his wishes. A training session in the woods would've been welcomed more than that. How's your concussion?'
'Not as bad as first indicated. The doctors have already cleared me to return to duty. You?'
'May need to get my ribs checked out. Chaolan offered to treat them, but we both knew how that would've turned out. So I saved myself the trouble and from tossing him off the jet.'
'Now who's the mean one?'
Laughing, Master Raven eyed him. 'Guess that's me for now. But I've been thinking about something...'
'I'm listening.'
'I think we should tell the group... about us.'
Raven stopped, making her do so as well. 'You sure?'
She nodded. 'It's better now than later.'
Each understood the gravity of their position, walking briskly down the corridor as their footsteps echoed off the metal walls. They reached the meeting room where Mia, Carlos, and Sarah were already waiting. Mia, with her short-cropped blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, looked up from the holographic map she was studying. Carlos, tall and muscular with a calm demeanor, leaned against the wall, arms crossed. With her dark curls and analytical mind, Sarah typed furiously on her laptop but stopped when the duo entered.
"Ma'am, Sir," Mia greeted.
Raven stepped forward before clearing his throat. "At ease, everyone. We have updates on the G-Corporation and Tekken Force situation. The Tekken Force is significantly weakened, and G-Corporation is pulling back its military presence. However, there's no news on Nina—who escaped during a commotion near the Zaibatsu building."
Carlos furrowed his brows. "Her on the loose is never good news."
"Indeed," Master Raven interjected, her tone sharper than usual. "But that's not the only reason we called this meeting. There's something else we need to discuss."
Sarah closed her laptop, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What is it?"
Raven glanced at Master Raven, who gave a slight nod. "There's no easy way to say this, so we'll be straightforward. Master Raven and I are... seeing each other."
A stunned silence filled the room. Mia blinked, processing the information. Carlos raised an eyebrow, but his expression remained neutral. Sarah's mouth opened slightly, then closed as she searched for words.
Mia finally broke the silence. "That explains a few things. Your coordination in the field, the way you two understand each other without speaking. It all makes sense. But why tell us this now?"
"Having this linger over everyone's heads, particularly ours, wasn't good for the team's sake," Raven stated. "We both understand this is coming out of nowhere, but at least you all are aware."
Carlos pushed off the wall, his expression thoughtful. "Understood. We're a team, and trust is what matters most."
Sarah nodded slowly. "Agreed. Does anyone else know?"
Master Raven crossed her arms, her expression resolute. "Only Victor, and we plan on keeping it that way for the conceivable future. Dwight is the last person who needs to know for obvious reasons. We wanted to be transparent because we value this team's trust and cohesion. This won't pose as a complication."
"We believe honesty is crucial, especially with our current challenges," Raven added.
Mia smiled slightly. "We appreciate the honesty. Helps keep all of us on the same page."
"That it will, you have our word. Until Victor notifies us of our next objective, I've decided to have everyone take the next few days off to recharge," Master Raven relayed.
"Wait, days off?" Carlos asked, surprise evident in his voice. "Are you sure that's wise with Nina on the loose and the current situation so unstable?"
Master Raven nodded firmly. "It's necessary, even for us. We've been running on fumes too long, and exhaustion leads to mistakes. A few days off will retain our focus. We'll remain on alert, but take this time to rest and regroup."
Sarah leaned back in her chair, her eyes thoughtful. "Any specific instructions for the downtime?"
Raven shook his head. "Nothing beyond staying reachable and ready to mobilize if needed. Use the time to unwind, but stay vigilant."
"Sounds like a plan." Mia stretched her arms. "I could use some downtime to recharge."
Carlos gave a small smile. "I suppose I won't argue with some rest. But I'll be ready if anything comes up."
"Same here," Sarah agreed, closing her laptop with a decisive click. "I'll use this time to look over some intel and strategize. Just in case."
Master Raven's gaze softened as she looked around the room. "Thank you for your understanding. Let's make sure we use this to our advantage."
The meeting ended as the team began to disperse, each member reflecting on the unexpected revelation and the upcoming break. Mia and Carlos headed towards the door, discussing potential training routines to maintain their edge. Sarah lingered for a moment, her mind already sifting through recent intel.
"Ma'am," she called out before leaving. "If something does come up with Nina or the G-Corporation, promise you'll call immediately."
Master Raven gave her a reassuring nod. "Of course."
One hour later:
Raven and Master Raven walked in comfortable silence as they retreated to her room in headquarters, the city lights casting a gentle glow on their path. The tension of the meeting slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief and anticipation. They reached Master Raven's room, which remained unchanged, save for an exchange of new bedsheets.
"Make yourself at home," Master Raven said, her voice softening as she closed the door behind them.
They settled on the couch, the day's weight lifting off their shoulders. Though the war had toned down, a battle was still waiting to be fought and won. Master Raven leaned back, closing her eyes momentarily. Raven watched her in silent admiration.
"Thank you for supporting my decision to tell them," she spoke, her eyes closed.
Raven reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "We needed to be honest. It's better for the team... and for us."
She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with a small smile before leaning closer. "No argument from me."
His fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Not always. Just most of the time."
Master Raven's smile widened before she closed the remaining distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a tender, lingering kiss filled with gratitude. When they finally pulled away, she rested her forehead against his.
"I'm glad we did this."
"Same," Raven replied, his voice a low murmur.
She nodded, a sense of peace settling over her. "Let's get some rest. We've earned it."
They stood up, their hands still entwined, and headed to the bedroom. After changing into longue clothes, they slipped into bed, and the familiar comfort of the space enveloped them. Rashad wrapped his arms around Tatyana to bring her close. She sighed contentedly while resting on his chest, his heartbeat soothing and lulling her into a sense of security.
"Goodnight," Tatyana whispered, her eyes growing heavy with exhaustion.
"Night," Raven replied, kissing her forehead gently. "Sleep well."