Tokyo: UN HQ - 1st 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 document contained information that piqued her interest – a potential connection to the enigmatic silver-haired man named Lee Chaolan, mastermind and CEO of Violet Systems. Despite the public alliance between Violet Systems and the Mishima Zaibatsu, an air of mystery lingered around Lee that transcended this affiliation. 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 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. She swiftly sealed the folder, her keen senses alerting the presence of several individuals approaching. Her dark, inscrutable eyes landed upon the group of agents who had just returned from their mission in the unforgiving Siberian Wilderness.
"Glad you all accomplished the objective and made it back safely," Master Raven acknowledged.
"Wasn't easy," Sarah chimed in. "Raven here saved our butts with his quick thinking."
Master Raven's countenance remained stern and focused, unmoved by the commendation while nodding. "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."
As the agents left, a heavy silence lingered between Master Raven and Raven. Her expression conveyed relief, while her subordinate's emotions couldn't be deciphered through outward appearances alone.
"Raven."
"Master."
They walked towards the building's glass doors, with Master Raven leading. "Glad you made it in a timely fashion."
"HQ gave me the message that you wanted to see me."
"That I did. We'll discuss this in private."
Kobe, Japan: Ichitani Hotel - Private Penthouse Suite
Master Raven led Raven to the penthouse's living room. She worked to undo the dark tie around her neck as several thoughts sifted through her head.
"How's your shoulder?"
Raven made a mental note of her choosing not to start the conversation about the poignant subject he thought they needed to have. "Still sore, but nothing I can't deal with."
"I'm pleased the 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 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."
"Noted. 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.
Raven took toward her. "I'm not saying we tell everyone right now. I even know that some measure of timing is needed. 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. It was an old and tried tendency to avoid the topic of discussion. Master Raven remained steadfast in keeping a practically nonexistent pace. After all, neither ninja was familiar with relationships, but she seemed more hesitant than he was. Yet it was something more profound than that alone.
"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 before forcing Master Raven against the near wall, his hand gripping 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. "Let me go, Raven."
"Either you talk, or you move me yourself."
Golden brown eyes burned with anger - an intent to attack. The hand Raven gripped was clenched into a tight fist, and deep wrinkles appeared 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 help matters. 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. "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 to use fear to their advantage during intermediate training. Facing your greatest fear could occur anywhere, particularly on a mission when cornered by 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 slackened.
"There are several things I can handle as a clan mate. What I can't fathom is..."
Master Raven paused, unsure of what to say, before opening her eyes, now devoid of anger and replaced with 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 released her wrist. "I'm not invincible, but no mission or person will keep me from returning. I mean that more than you'll ever know, Tatyana. I'm not just your subordinate anymore, but you need me to let me in."
"It's not something I can just say."
"Show me if need be. Actions are always better than words."
Taking his advice, Tatyana pulled him closer until her soft, warm lips met his, a first kiss expressing the woman's true feelings for her subordinate. Raven obliged with equal passion, his hands cautiously settling on her waist as her palms found his shoulders. 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 reveal.
Master Raven pulled away, her eyes glazed with ecstasy. "I know it's not the apology you deserve, but-"
"You told me all I need to know." Raven purposefully cut her off.
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."
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 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 in the city's epicenter. Its warm ambiance and soft background music created an intimate atmosphere. Seated by a window offered the agents a serene view of the city lights. Master Raven appreciated the choice to acknowledge the shift in their dynamic as their conversation flowed, a transition from their earlier confrontation. They discussed clan matters and shared memories of training under their late master in a welcomed change. Modest laughter and shared stories were traded between bites of exquisite Japanese cuisine and sips of sake.
Soft music filled the background as Master Raven glanced out the window to admire the city lights. "Kobe is beautiful at night."
"Quite the change from our usual missions." Raven savored a piece of sushi. "I can see why people enjoy being tourists."
Master Raven smirked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Who would have thought we'd be undercover tourists for the night?"
Their laughter filled the air, and the contention 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. As the evening wore on and the restaurant emptied, Raven reached across the table to grasp Master Raven's hand. Their eyes locked as they momentarily abandoned the world outside in a silent acknowledgment.
"I never imagined we'd end up like this," Raven admitted.
Master Raven 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?"
She 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, footsteps matching the rhythm of their hearts. Master Raven leaned her head against Raven's shoulder, a significant gesture that illustrated their growing closeness 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.