Tokyo, Japan: United Nations Headquarters (First Floor Courtyard)
In the dimly lit lounge on the first floor, Master Raven was deeply engrossed in the cluster of files dispatched from the New York hub. One of these documents contained information that piqued her interest – a potential connection to the enigmatic silver-haired man named Lee Chaolan, the mastermind and CEO of Violet Systems. Despite the public alliance between Violet Systems and the formidable Mishima Zaibatsu, there lingered an air of mystery around Lee that transcended his affiliation with the Zaibatsu. It was an enigma further stirred by a cryptic statement he released via a daring journalist who had secured an exclusive interview with the man. The journalist's words echoed in the recesses of Master Raven's mind as she pondered the implications of this revelation.
"After uncovering the dark truth about Kazuya and the Devil Gene, I was banished from the Mishima family. Yet, I quickly realized that Heihachi Mishima was an insignificant obstacle on my path. The Mishima Zaibatsu is but a stepping stone, and I'm determined to capitalize on its every misstep."
Master Raven considered the potential outcomes of Lee's ambitions within the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and supernatural forces gripping the world. She knew this revelation could disrupt the already volatile equilibrium of power, and the battle lines were bound to be redrawn.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Master Raven swiftly sealed the folder, her keen senses alerting her to the presence of several individuals approaching from behind. Her dark, inscrutable eyes landed upon her group of agents who had just returned from their demanding mission in the unforgiving Siberian Wilderness.
"Glad you all made it safely and accomplished the objective," she acknowledged, her voice carrying an air of authority.
"Wasn't easy," Sarah chimed in. "Raven here saved our butts from being detained with his quick thinking."
Master Raven's countenance remained stern and focused, unmoved by the commendation while nodding again. "Everyone, take some time to recover. You've earned it."
"Thank you, Master," Mia expressed their gratitude.
With those words, the trio began to make their way toward the exit. Yet Mia couldn't help but notice Raven wasn't following them. "You're not coming?"
Raven glanced over his shoulder, his expression neutral. "Negative. I'll catch up with you all at the hotel."
"Alright. See you!"
As the agents left, a heavy silence lingered between Master Raven and Raven. Her look seemed to convey a mix of relief and irritation, while her subordinate's emotions couldn't be detected through outward appearances alone.
"Raven."
"Master."
They walked towards the building's glass doors without uttering a word, with her leading the way.
"Glad you made it in a timely fashion."
Raven's response carried a hint of resignation. "Not like I had a choice in the matter."
She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You had something better to do?"
"None. You requested me, so here I am."
"Fair enough. We can discuss this in private. Follow me," Master Raven agreed, their unspoken tension lingering as they departed.
Kobe, Japan: Ichitani Hotel, Private Penthouse Suite
Master Raven walked past Raven to the penthouse's living room. She could sense the tension between them even as her hands worked to undo the dark tie around her neck. Several thoughts went through her head before she finally decided to break the silence.
"How's your shoulder?"
Raven made note of her choosing not to start the conversation on the heavier subject. One that he thought it was about time they had, especially if they would be together. Whatever that meant.
"Still sore, but nothing I can't deal with."
She nodded. "I'm pleased your mission was successful despite the trouble during and after. The information brought back will prove fruitful in the coming days, marking Spetnaz's days numbered."
Turning back around, Master Raven eyed him. "I suggest you go over another stealth exercise with your team."
He crossed his arms. "The mission was a success."
"Yet you were still spotted," Master Raven countered. "Had it not been for your quick thinking, you probably would've had a reunion with Dragunov again."
Raven rolled his eyes. "Right… but I've been thinking. Since we're in this relationship now-"
"Who said it was a relationship?"
She removed her dark tie from her neck and draped it over a nearby chair.
"Tatyana," Raven remarked, taking a step toward her. "I'm not saying we tell everyone right now. Even I know that needs to have some measure of timing. But if we're going to do this, we need to be transparent with each other rather than talk about missions every time in close quarters."
Master Raven placed a hand on her hip. "Don't you think it's too soon for your suggestion? It's only been a few days."
Raven's jaw clenched at her irritating habit of persistent stubbornness, especially concerning private conversations with her childhood friend since their early days in the clan. It was an old and tried tendency to avoid the topic of discussion. Master Raven remained persistent in keeping a more familiar, practically nonexistent pace. After all, neither ninja was familiar with love and dating, but she seemed more hesitant than he was. Raven was surprised but could tell there was something more profound than that.
"Do you even hear yourself right now? I get it; this is new for you. But you can't hide behind your cold attitude to avoid what you don't find comfortable."
Master Raven's expression shifted into a glare, sharp and cold like her blade. Despite how much he hated getting that look from her, Raven didn't back down.
"You know I'm right."
"I don't have time for this," Master Raven muttered, walking down the hall toward her room.
Surprisingly, Raven took off his shades and tossed them to the couch. In a blink, Master Raven was forced against the near wall as Raven's hand gripped her unoccupied wrist.
"What the hell are you so afraid of?" Raven growled, shoulders visibly shaking as he glared at the slightly shorter woman.
Master Raven's silky voice was sharp and laced with venom. "Move, Raven."
"Either you talk, or you move me yourself."
Her golden brown eyes burned with anger - an intent to attack. "Don't call me that."
"Make me."
The hand he held clenched into a tight fist, deep wrinkles appearing in her suit again. Master Raven withdrew her other hand, ready to strike without hesitation. Instead, she held back in acknowledgment after realizing fighting him wouldn't do any good since he wouldn't win anyway. Raven didn't possess the skill to beat his clan master but was surprisingly undeterred - yet another quality they shared, reciprocated or not.
Master Raven sighed before closing her eyes, the wrinkles in her suit easing. "There are a thousand realities a human could face, but it only takes one to break even the strongest soul."
The quote originated from their late master when he taught them how to use their fear to their advantage during their intermediate training. Facing your greatest fear could occur anywhere, particularly on a mission when cornered by familiar enemies and the turmoil of war. Those words were something Raven hadn't heard in a long time, amazed to listen to them as his grip on her wrist lightened.
"There are several things I can handle as a clan mate. What I can't fathom is..."
Master Raven paused, unsure of what else to say before opening her eyes devoid of anger. Appearing in its place was uncertainty, an emotion she hadn't felt since she was a teenager.
"...the thought of losing you, Raven. If we finally go through with this and you don't return, I..."
Raven held her chin with the hand he pinned her wrist with. "No mission or person can keep me from coming back. I'm not invincible, but nothing will stop me, Tatyana. I mean that more than you'll ever know. I'm not just your subordinate anymore, but you need me to let me in."
"It's not something I can just say."
"Then show me if needed. Actions are always better than words."
She pulled him closer until her soft, warm lips met his; a first kiss told of the woman's true feelings for her subordinate. No, something more than that. Raven obliged with equal passion, his hands cautiously on her waist as her palms found his shoulders. Their heartbeats harmonized as the space between their bodies diminished. Neither wanted to leave this soft dance, the current entanglement telling more than even the most heartfelt words could convey.
Master Raven pulled away; her eyes glazed with ecstasy as that kiss alone ignited a spark in her mind. "I know it's not the apology you deserve, but-"
"Don't," Raven purposefully cut her off. "You told me all I need to know."
She bit her lip. "Where... do you suppose we go from here?"
"We could visit the Cherry Blossom, just you and I. See where the night takes us," Raven suggested.
For the first time in months, Master Raven showed a small yet genuine smile. "I'd like that."
An hour later:
With the weight of their unspoken emotions lifted, the pair changed into comfortable civilian clothes to pose as tourists and avoid suspicion. They exited the penthouse suite and into the bustling Kobe streets.
The Cherry Blossom was a cozy upscale restaurant nestled in the city's epicenter. Its warm ambiance, dimmed lights, and soft music in the background created an intimate atmosphere. Seated by a window offered the agents a beautiful view of the city lights. Master Raven appreciated the choice to acknowledge the shift in their dynamic as their conversation flowed, a transition from the intensity of their earlier confrontation. They discussed clan matters and shared memories of training under their late master in a welcomed change.
They shared stories and modest laughter between bites of exquisite Japanese cuisine and sips of sake. It reminded them of the deep connection as comrades and something more significant. The night was an opportunity to get to know each other personally.
Soft music filled the background as Master Raven took another sip of sake, glancing out the window to admire the city lights. "Kobe's beautiful at night, isn't it?"
Raven nodded in agreement after savoring a piece of sushi. "Quite the change from our usual missions. I can see why people enjoy being tourists."
Master Raven smirked, her eyes revealing a hint of amusement. "Who would have thought we'd be undercover tourists for the night?"
Their laughter filled the air, and the tension that had once hung heavy between them now seemed like a distant memory.
Raven raised his sake glass. "To new beginnings."
"To new beginnings," she echoed.
They clinked glasses and sipped their sake. As the evening wore on and the restaurant began to empty, Raven reached across the table and took Master Raven's hand. Their eyes locked as they momentarily forgot about the world outside in a silent acknowledgment.
"You know," he began, "I never imagined we'd end up like this."
She met his gaze, her hand giving a gentle squeeze. "Sometimes life has its plans, and we adapt. But I'm grateful for this moment."
"Remember that mission in Kyoto? The one where we had to infiltrate the ninja clan's stronghold?"
Master Raven nodded. "How could I forget? You and I worked well together even then."
With a shared smile, they decided to conclude the evening with a stroll through the nearby park. The cherry blossom trees held a quiet beauty, though not in bloom this time of year. They walked beneath the starlit sky with entwined hands, their footsteps matching the rhythm of their hearts. Master Raven leaned closer to lean her head against Raven's shoulder, a small yet significant gesture that illustrated the physical manifestation of their growing closeness. In the quiet of the night, they reveled in the simple joy of being in each other's company.
Unbeknownst to the ninja duo, hidden surveillance cameras placed by the Mishima Zaibatsu and G Corporation were scattered throughout the vicinity. Both organizations were keenly interested in the activities of the UN's best agents and monitored their every move. In a dimly lit room at a Mishima Zaibatsu facility, an array of screens displayed real-time footage from the restaurant and the park. Analysts clad in sleek suits observed every interaction.
"Subject A and Subject B are proceeding as expected. I'll send the finished report to Heihachi-san immediately," noted one analyst, his fingers expertly typing notes into a classified report.
A similar scene unfolded across the city within a secure room at a G Corporation surveillance hub. High-tech monitors displayed live feeds of Master Raven and Raven strolling through the park. The G Corporation operatives remained silent, their focus unwavering.