RAVEN STEALTH - 12:41 A.M.:
In the opulent confines of the private jet's main cabin, Victor sat across from his two agents on their return to Neo City after a triumphant series of successful missions.
"After the conclusion of the seventh tournament, I suspect Heihachi will seize the opportunity to eliminate Kazuya once and for all."
Master Raven raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Seems likely. But in full view of the entire world?"
"Very likely," Victor affirmed, his eyes revealing a hint of revelation. "However, I did uncover something."
Click.
A discreet button on the compact circular table conjured a holographic keyboard. Victor swiftly entered several commands, bringing forth an image of Master Raven resheathing her blade. In the background, Heihachi loomed with his back to the camera, overseeing a group of soldiers loading a substantial piece of machinery onto a truck.
Raven observed closely. "Looks like a-"
"Satellite," Master Raven finished.
Victor nodded. "You thwarted one of their most perilous transactions to date."
"Heihachi intended to assist Dragunov with a satellite..." Raven mused. "What became of it?"
"This," Victor responded, his fingers dancing across the holographic keyboard.
Moments later, a series of images materialized on the screen. Various images showcased Lee proudly displaying his newly acquired satellite during a tour of the Violet Systems headquarters. One image even featured a newspaper headline detailing the agreement.
VIOLET SYSTEMS CEO BUYS MISHIMA ZAIBATSU - SATELLITE
Despite strains between Violet Systems and the Mishima Zaibatsu, Lee Chaolan had secured a high-powered satellite from the conglomerate giant. Master Raven tapped the satellite's image on its pedestal, revealing some key features.
* High-powered laser
* Exact location hovering
* Cloaked Device tracking
* Security camera tracking
* Invisible to Radars Ghost Data Tracking
Raven's gaze narrowed. "Quite the technology. We were fortunate to intercept that deal."
Composing herself, Master Raven pinched the bridge of her nose. She blocked out Victor and Raven's voices to delve into her memory bank and retrace a crucial conversation involving herself, the UN director, and Victor.
Master Raven peered over the Director's shoulders in observation as he briskly scanned his computer's glass monitor. Unfolded before them was a world map adorned with crimson dots signifying the locations of Raven agents. A concise box of information accompanied each dot, detailing the mission name and the agents' current status.
"You can still keep tabs on them?" Master Raven inquired, skepticism etched across her face. "Isn't that a vulnerability to potential unwanted intrusions?"
"Not at all. Victor and I took measures to cloak the other agents' data, making it nearly untraceable to external entities," Dwight assured. "We call it Ghost Data."
"Intel, agent aliases, identities, and any personal information related to the Raven Unit are concealed from both the public and the standard UN network," Victor added, hands clasped behind his back. "Our paramount concern is safeguarding this information within our circle and among select higher-ups."
Master Raven arched an eyebrow. "Have you devised a contingency plan in case someone attempts to trace it?"
Victor paused momentarily. "Not yet, but you've raised a valid concern."
"Luck alone won't be enough to safeguard-"
"Wait," the master kunoichi finally spoke. "Vic, have you formulated a plan for Code 39R?"
The name designated for an emergency operation addressing the compromise and public release of all Raven agents' information hung in the air, laden with urgency.
Victor acknowledged with a nod. "Certainly. But even that requires further refinement and raises some concerns."
"I recall a news report on the Mishima Zaibatsu deploying their satellite several years ago. So far, the public knows only of a second model," Raven interjected. "Our focus should shift to uncovering how many more they possess and their respective locations."
"If the Mishima Zaibatsu possesses multiple cloaked satellites capable of detecting Ghost Data, what's preventing Heihachi from pinpointing our unit and neutralizing them?" Master Raven speculated.
"Too intricate..." Raven declared. "You start at the root of a problem to eliminate it. He'd target the UN's HQ in Neo City and execute the same strategy against any military force or government opposing him."
Victor powered down the computer. "We'll need comprehensive intel to dismantle those satellites promptly."
Master Raven groaned with frustration, failing to conceal her disdain for the impending reality. "Which means engaging in another conversation with Chaolan."
"We'll assess what information we can extract from him once we're back at HQ," Victor concluded.
Neo City; UN HQ, Underground Conference Room - 2:47 A.M.:
Master Raven crossed her arms with sheer disgust. "Tell me you're kidding, and this is not some sick joke."
Victor sighed, recognizing the tension in her stance. "I know you don't want to interact with Chaolan, Tatyana. But we have a new objective to complete."
"Playing along wasn't part of the plan, Chevalier."
The older man released a frustrated breath, aware that her use of his actual name only occurred when infuriated. Victor sensed the subtle suppression of her ki, a precursor to an imminent blaze that could spiral out of control.
"Can you at least play nice? We need this to work."
"I'll keep my mouth shut if it means playing nice. But no promises once I start speaking."
"Fair enough."
Victor and Master Raven returned to the front of the room, rejoining Raven and a group of analysts stationed at the console control system.
"Calling Lee Chaolan in... Three," the analyst in the middle initiated. "Two."
Raven exchanged glances with his girlfriend, telepathically inquiring, 'How are you feeling?'
Master Raven remained fixated on the screen. 'Like I could slice a tank in half right now.'
'It's only for a few minutes, Tatyana.'
'Too long for my liking. Lee will probably drag this out during this alliance.'
'Hoping for the worst?'
'It's a game of chess. With the right moves, you can get what you want out of almost every situation.'
"One."
Beep.
Beep.
The screen transitioned to an image of Lee Chaolan lounging in burgundy satin sheets, accompanied by a bare Anna Williams resting on his chest. The sheets were their only modesty while reclined in bed. Master Raven fought the instinct to cut the feed with abject disgust. Despite Victor and Raven in view, Lee's dark eyes zeroed in on the dark-skinned beauty in the suit.
"Ah..." His lustful grin returned. "The Mistress of the hour. Nice to see you again after you left so quickly from my grasp. I presume you called to have an official date? I'd love to take you on a yacht under the stars."
Master Raven opened her mouth to speak, but Raven quickly intervened by gripping her fisted hand. Lee only smirked at the gesture but chose to remain silent.
Victor clasped his hands behind his back. "Lee Chaolan. Our sources indicate you own a Mishima Zaibatsu satellite."
"Yes, and what of it?"
"We believe you have valuable information."
"Hmm, ask away."
"Does the Mishima Zaibatsu have any other hidden satellites?" Raven inquired.
Lee nodded. "They currently have eight total orbiting the Earth as we speak. I've been tracking them in case Heihachi decides to act on his final plans of eliminating Kazuya and Jin."
"You have the exact locations of where they're hovering?" Master Raven questioned.
"I can even send you my current findings."
Beep.
The screen split between Lee, a world map, and small Mishima Zaibatsu logos pinned at different locations - each with a pair of exact longitude and latitude coordinates. Master Raven's stoic, dark gaze quickly transformed into one of raised eyebrows and widened brown eyes.
UN Neo City HQ.
Millennium Tower G-Corporation's HQ.
Violet Systems HQ in Hokkaido.
Presidential Palace in Poland.
Unknown location: Yggdrasil.
Unknown location: RAVENS-2R Underground.
And... Chevalier Palace [Seine River, France]
"Shit..." the kunoichi muttered.
"Putain!" Victor cursed silently. (F word in French)
"Exactly," Lee continued as Anna adjusted her position. "Each one is equipped with a high-powered laser that can level anything it hits. Only the infamous Devil Gene users can survive such a blast since Heihachi doesn't have the gall to kill Kazuya instead of playing this game. It's swift and deadly, only giving anyone a total of seven seconds to escape before they are vaporized instantly. Considering that most people cannot teleport, they are souls on borrowed time."
"We need to disable them before Heihachi decides to make his next move. Is there a way?" Raven stated.
Lee smirked. "Yes, only I know the codes to shut down the network of seven. The one over Millenium Tower is out of my control."
"So," Victor began. "Tell us-"
The silver-haired man chortled. "You think I'd just give that up so easily?"
"This isn't a game, Chaolan," Raven growled. "People's lives are at-"
"Ah, but it is a game. You can spend your days wondering how long you have before Heihachi sends you all into a panic or play along. I don't need to worry since most of my workers here are androids, and I always have a backup base. I presume your clan does not."
"Fine," Master Raven gritted. "What do you want?"
'Checkmate,' Lee thought. "We'll discuss my terms when you arrive. I look forward to seeing you again, Mistress."
Beep.
The call ended, leaving an apprehensive silence within the expansive room. A noticeable frown formed on Victor's face at their current predicament: a no-win scenario for everyone involved.
"Both of you take your leave," Victor addressed his agents. "We depart for Hokkaido later today."
With that, both agents quickly and quietly left the room.
Tatyana's Apartment - Two Hours Later:
The Raven duo lay side by side in bed following the aftermath of their conversation with Lee weighing on their minds, hindering the solace sleep usually brought. Raven sported only a pair of dark blue shorts, while his girlfriend opted for a black bra and underwear.
"Glad I'm not the only one having trouble sleeping," Raven broke the silence.
Tatyana sat up as the dark red velvet sheets rippled from slipping out of Raven's grasp around her waist, her untied dreads concealing her back and shoulders. "It's not the mission I'm concerned about."
"Huh?"
"It's you..."
Raven took a small breath before reclining back, hands under his head with a gaze fixed on the ceiling. "I get it. But I promise to control myself."
"Lee is persistent and knows which buttons to press, meaning he's done this before," Master Raven added before pausing. "Thank you... for earlier."
Raven raised an eyebrow before quickly realizing what she was referring to. "We couldn't let the conversation go south. Should Lee continue his antics, I trust you'll do the same?"
"Without hesitation."
"Good, 'cause we need a day off after this is over. Another date would be nice."
A small smile graced Tatyana's face. "It may be sooner after all this."
Raven looked over at her. "Need something to look forward to, after all."
Tatyana laid back down next to him and pecked his cheek. "The quicker we get this done, the better."
"Agreed."
Hokkaido, Japan - 2:20 P.M.:
The trio of agents emerged from the UN Stealth Jet, finding themselves at the entrance of Violet Systems Headquarters. Victor held his briefcase, Raven sported a backpack, and Master Raven gripped a duffle bag. Awaiting them at the polished glass doors was Lee's assistant, Aki. She wore her usual black heels, a black mini-skirt, and a neatly tucked-in dress shirt. Glasses adorned her face, and her brown hair was fashioned into a neat bun with several loose strands.
Aki bowed slightly to acknowledge the agents. "Welcome to Violet Systems. My name is Aki. Mr. Lee is waiting in the underground lab. Please, follow me."
Descending on a wide metal platform, the group entered an underground laboratory bustling with Combots and scientists perfecting their prototypes. Aki led the UN agents through a metal sliding door to two wooden doors at the end of the hall. Standing at attention, the Combots opened the doors to reveal a room contrasting the underground's sleek metal design. Wooden walls, a thick wood floor with a fireplace, and awards for technological advancements adorned the space. In the center, a red leather couch and a table with wine and glasses awaited. Anna sat on the sofa twirling a throwing knife, her gaze narrowing as Master Raven entered.
Lee stood with an expectant smirk. "Glad you all made it safely. Especially you, Mistress. I hope you and I can come to be closer than just allies. I want to ensure this relationship is pleasurable to the newest jewel in my life, especially with this newfound alliance."
Unimpressed, Master Raven cut to the chase. "What are your terms, Chaolan? And I have a name."
"Where are my manners? Speaking of business so soon, Master Raven? I would like you and I to get to know each other over a glass of wine before visiting the Zaibatsu building.
"This is nothing more than business."
Lee smirked before winking at her. "For now, anyway."
He turned to her allies, noting Raven's trembling shoulders with amusement. "In return for my aid in this little problem, Mistress and I will go into the Zaibatsu Building and disable the satellites from the inside while you two, alongside Anna-"
"I'm not working with-" Anna injected.
"Wait on standby should we need backup," Lee explained. "But if you're uncomfortable with that, I will communicate the codes by an earpiece but only to my Mistress."
Raven stepped forward. "You-"
"I presume you're not willing to compromise?" Victor interjected.
Lee laughed. "Of course not, but I'm a sensible man. I'll give you the option to choose. However, I suggest you decide hopefully before eight tonight. Heihachi will oversee the first half of the tournament's semi-finals, giving us a few hours to take down their toys and escape without much trouble since Nina will be joining him."
The agents shared mirrored annoyance, particularly Master Raven. "Neither of those choices is worth wasting time."
Victor nodded. "Unfortunately, but we have a mission to complete."
Raven's jaw clenched. 'When do I get to wipe that smirk off his face? Before or after we throw him behind bars for collusion?'
Master Raven glanced at her boyfriend. 'Impossible without evidence Lee has assisted in their war crimes. Besides, we still need him... reluctantly.'
Her attention turned back to the mogul. "Fine, you can tag along. But if your tomfoolery interferes with this objective, I'm calling Raven to assist."
"What!?" Both Victor and Raven shouted in unison.
'We didn't even decide-'
"Are we clear?" Master Raven blocked out her boyfriend's telepathic objection.
Lee inhaled sharply. "Clever... Alright, we have a deal. I'll be on my best behavior."
"Good. One more thing." Master Raven eyed Anna. "If your friend with 'expired' benefits attempts to sabotage this mission or threaten my teammates, I will not hesitate to conduct an immediate disposal."
Anna fumed. "Now listen here, you-"
"Surely there won't be any reason to do so, Mistress," Lee tried to reason.
Master Raven shrugged. "Then simply don't give me one. We'll decompress until the designated time if we're done here."
Unable to persuade her, Lee relented. "Excellent. Aki, please show them to their rooms. And make sure Mistress has the best suite in the building."
The brown-haired secretary nodded. "Follow me, you three."
Walking past the double doors, the Raven agents said not one word. Yet, Master Raven could tell her presence was felt with the demands she laid in place. She wasn't even surprised by Lee's antics, knowing it was his way to wedge between her and Raven. This, however, gave her something to work with in case he stepped out of line.
Unknown to everyone, Master Raven spoke telepathically to Anna, who was startled enough to mishandle her blade and nick her fingers. 'Careful with those butter knives, scarlet. You might have more than an accident. And keep your womanizer on his leash.'
Lavender Suite:
"This is unjust," Victor commented.
He and his agents stepped into Tatyana's room for their stay. The expansive room had a spacious hot tub, a king-size bed, a balcony, a flatscreen TV mounted on the wall, and a full walk-in closet with an attached bathroom. A punching bag and a powered-down Combot occupied one corner for practice.
Master Raven sighed. "Victor..."
"Why do you get the one with a balcony?"
"Victor," Raven scolded.
"Are you up for sharing rooms? I'll sleep on the floor, but I can't promise I won't hog the hot tub. I do-"
"Victor!" Both agents interrupted.
The older man cleared his throat. "To the matter at hand." His gaze hardened as he and Raven stood with eyes on Master Raven. "Explain yourself, agent."
Master Raven anticipated this. Unsurprisingly, Victor disliked having decisions being made without his input. Master Raven was particularly cautious, given her stubborn nature, despite never outgrowing this habit. One of the reasons she achieved the rank of master in the unit was due to the cost of her impulsive nature. It paid off most times, but the risk sometimes outweighed the reward.
"Don't jump ahead before you know where you're landing."
"Do you always speak in poetic statements about things like this?" Tatyana questioned.
Victor didn't respond; his dark eyebrows furrowed.
She sighed. "Alright. What's the verdict?"
"Underwater meditation for the next two hours."
"But-"
"Now."
Tatyana flinched but kept her composure. "We have a better chance of getting things done when Lee is present since we can't keep him on track when he isn't. He'll talk constantly if you let him try to drag this out as long as possible. Now, he'll be forced to stay focused with the prospect of Raven hindering his plans. With that in mind, Lee's antics will be minimal when I could call for backup anytime. We risk compromising the mission, or we play along."
"A game of chess," Victor repeated, understanding why she had acted hastily. "Consider yourself fortunate. Start preparing for the upcoming objective."
Both agents nodded silently before Victor swiftly left the room.
Master Raven exhaled. "That was close."
"Perhaps too close." Raven crossed his arms. "What were you thinking, Tatyana?"
"I wasn't trying to decide without either of your inputs. I want this whole thing done just as quickly as you do."
He sighed. "I suppose. This is almost like old times. You still tense up when Victor gives you that look."
"Don't remind me. I still have flashbacks from the last punishment."
"You never did tell me what that was."
"Sparring while keeping my haze up. I hated that since it gave me the worst headache ever."
"Even now?"
"Nothing gets easier in master rank."
"Noted. Mind if I use the hot tub?"
"Not a word to Victor, Raven."
"Wouldn't think of it."
Raven breathed a sigh of relief before relaxing into the hot tub. Usually, a chuckle would've emitted from his girlfriend. No sound occurred - only a slim detectable sense of her ki, stronger than earlier. Master Raven always subconsciously lessened it without much effort, even when fighting or around her clan mates.
Craning his neck, Raven eyed her as Tatyana stood on the open balcony. He watched as she took a few deep breaths before perching onto the metal guardrail in one seamless motion. She exhaled slowly, lifting her body with both arms until she stood perfectly straight in a handstand.
"Weirdo."
"It's majestic," Raven defended himself. "Like watching a panther stalk its prey from the shadows."
A confused expression painted Master Raven's face. "Two different things you're talking about here. Meditation to an animal stalking prey. That hot tub is numbing your brain."
You should join me. Feels too spacious right now."
"Tempting, but I don't wanna get distracted and risk Victor barging in. It's bad enough I have to tolerate Lee's buffoonery."
"How about we go out instead? Have some ramen, sushi, or see the wisteria tree."
"Please don't think you can act like you're not annoyed by this situation as much as me."
He shook his head. "It was worth a try. I hate how bold Lee thinks he can be without consequence. Is asking for a chance to break his nose too much?"
She snorted. "Not at all, but don't expect that to be easy. Lee Chaolan knows how to handle himself in such situations very well."
"Figures. For once, I can't wait to get back to Neo City."
"No argument from me."
Violet Systems Entrance Courtyard - 7:24 P.M.:
Lee rose from the armored vehicle, raising an eyebrow as the three agents approached, two clad in their mission suits. His gaze lingered on the woman in her upgraded attire, a cropped armored upper body revealing more skin with golden details.
He bowed. "Mistress, you look simply alluring in that suit."
Victor cleared his throat. "What's the truck for?"
"For my distraction, of course," Lee replied. "I'll explain once we reach our vantage point. For now, I welcome you to my state-of-the-art armored carrier. Hop in, and we'll be on our way."
They entered the vehicle and found the cabin surprisingly spacious. Another Combot operated the car. No one spoke during the journey, including Lee. However, that didn't stop him from winking or grinning at Master Raven, who sat across from him with a bored expression. Raven sat on her left side, looking out the window while resisting the urge to hold a blade to the tycoon's neck. Anna twirled a throwing knife, glaring at the kunoichi while secretly plotting her demise for their previous encounters. The armored carrier eventually came to a stop.
"We have arrived," Aki announced.
Lee nodded and looked upward as everyone except Aki filtered out of the vehicle. "Up there is where I scout the Zaibatsu building. I usually take the elevator, but I thought you could show me how your teleportation works, Mistress." He placed a hand over his chin, admiring her physique. "After all, it is faster, and-"
Master Raven rolled her eyes before Victor touched Lee's shoulder.
Poof.
Lee fell to his knees, his head ringing from a sudden headache. He inhaled sharply as Victor gave both agents sharp looks, and they held in their snickers with small grins.
'Not a word out of either of you.'
"Ah... that's what teleporting feels like? Feels like I've been ripped apart to a molecular level and suddenly forced back into one piece."
"Technically, you're not wrong. The intricacies of teleportation are deeper than that," Victor explained. "On your feet. You still need to elaborate on this plan of yours."
Lee chuckled nervously, gradually getting to his feet. "I'm sure the headache will eventually fade. A warning would be much appreciated."
He blinked hard as his vision regained focus before turning toward the building and pointing at the entrance. "In the back of the carrier are several Combots that will distract the Tekken Force guarding the entrance while we make our way inside to the fiftieth floor, where the central office is. The console in the center of the room is the only way to shut down the other satellites - four guards at the door and two inside. Nina shouldn't be a problem as she's with Heihachi setting up the arena for the tournament finals."
"You don't have a plan to deal with Nina if she appears?" Victor questioned.
"Mistress and I will ensure she won't interfere."
"Don't underestimate Nina's lethality," Master Raven warned. "She can and will kill you if you're not careful."
He laughed haughtily. "I've fought Nina before and highly doubt she could land a hit on me. If I suddenly died, the partnership wouldn't look good for the Mishima Zaibatsu."
"Do you have a point of entry?" Raven questioned.
"Isn't that your job?" Lee replied with an arrogant grin.
Raven fought the urge to retort as Victor eyed him before tapping a button on the left side of his cybernetic sunglasses. The thermal mode activated and quickly lined the patrolling soldiers in color. Armed guards patrolled every level, some wielding miniguns and missile launchers with security cameras in every hall. Victor grimaced in slight frustration. Infiltration from the roof or sides would compromise them. Teleporting inside could be caught on surveillance. The only safe entry to the fiftieth floor was using the elevator, but not in a way the kunoichi would find pleasurable.
"Entering from the roof or sides would compromise us," Victor explained. "But we could cloak your entrance through the front door with smoke bombs and an explosion."
"Seems prudent," Master Raven remarked.
"Afterward, you'll need to use the elevator from the underside. Only one of you has shoes with auto-magnetic soles."
Lee grinned while the kunoichi's jaw clenched with a hand on her hip. "Please tell me there is another way to do this?"
"Afraid of getting close and personal, Mistress?" The tycoon knowingly questioned. "I promise not to speak too much. That would ruin the moment, and I doubt we would want that."
Raven glared daggers at the shorter man.
"That's your only entry point unless you have a better idea. As for the cameras, we could use a short-range EMP for temporary interference," Victor added.
"Genius. With the ones I have on me, we could get in there without being seen. However, we'd only have six minutes before the cameras reset."
"While going in blind," Raven finally spoke, his eyes landing on Master Raven behind his shades before switching to the tycoon. "There can be no mistakes infiltrating the building."
Lee clasped his hands behind him. "Understood. Let's give the Tekken Force a show to remember, shall we? And don't worry about Anna. She'll keep watch at her spot."
"So long as we're all in contact after you're inside," Raven replied.
"Of course," Lee added, "So, do I take a deep breath before you start tele-"
Master Raven gripped his arm in a vice grip. "Brace yourself..."
Poof.
Raven chuckled while Victor shook his head. "You two will be the death of me."
Lee inhaled sharply, leaning against the armored vehicle. The ringing in his ears subsided faster than it did the first time. His vision was still slowly sharpening even while staring at the concrete below him.
"That wasn't what I meant when I said warning," Lee remarked sharply.
"On your mark, Chaolan," Master Raven stated, paying no mind to his words.
With a deep inhale, Lee stood from the vehicle and retreated to its rear. Opening the double doors and backing away, fifteen Combots exited the car and stood at attention for their following command. Some were even equipped with extra armor and weapons. Lee tossed an object toward Master Raven that landed in her palm; she held a silver rose with a red button at the center and a timer on the left side.
"That is the EMP," Lee explained. "Feel free to set it off while we infiltrate the building." He activated the device in his ear. "Everyone has their timers set?"
"Affirmative," Raven answered from their communication devices.
"On Standby," Victor replied.
"Blah blah blah. Let's get to the fun part before the night's end." Anna remarked.
Lee chuckled. "Alright, Numbers One, Two, and Three."
Beep.
Beep.
The first three Combots' eyes turned blue.
"Attack."
Beep.
The three robots ran towards the Tekken Force soldiers. Lee then tapped his hand on the vehicle, and a small cannon appeared from the vehicle's top. Several gunshots rang out as the smoke bombs flew overhead, one landing near the entrance while the other detonated inside the building.
"Number Four, shoot your RPG at the entrance in five seconds, but only after we start running."
Beep.
It nodded, holding its missile launcher tightly.
"Combots, attack!"
Without another word, the others ran toward the smoke and bullets.
"Good luck."
"Thank you, Raven," Lee replied.
"Wasn't talking to you, Chaolan."
He looked over at Master Raven, who only shrugged. "Pay him no mind."
"Easy for you to say," Lee mumbled.
"Follow my lead."
Without another word, the kunoichi ran for the entrance.
Five.
Fast footsteps tapped the ground as she raced through the smoke, her feet almost seemingly levitating.
Four.
Lee followed closely behind, looking straight ahead for any upcoming danger.
Three.
A soldier stood ahead, aiming his gun into the smoke.
Two.
Master Raven jumped while crouching into a ball and flew overhead while Lee slid under him.
Thud.
One.
The master kunoichi landed and recovered without a single stumble.
She inhaled sharply, both rolling to the ground as a missile shot over them. The ground shook.
"Now!"
She pressed the button at the rose's center. Victor narrowed his eyes, the timer counting down in the left upper corner of his sunglasses right lense counting down.
5:56
5:55
"Now, we wait," Raven remarked.
Fire shot out from the elevator doors, one they could see already heading for the upper floors. Master Raven inhaled deeply, squatting to the ground as she raced ahead of Lee. Her foot caught onto the guardrail as the elevator rose above her head. She grunted and leaned back before jumping. The glowing circles in her boots' soles pulsed.
Ting.
She slid before landing on the elevator's underside, leaning her weight on her left leg and coming to a stop. Master Raven looked back to see Lee racing toward her.
"Come on," Master Raven ordered while entering a lowered crouch with a hand held out.
"Tuh!" Lee grunted, jumping off the guardrail as well.
Lee inhaled sharply, feeling his muscles slightly strain as he held onto her. "Excellent catch!"
He gave a thumbs up with his free hand before looking down, the deepening black void below sending a chill down his spine as he swallowed hard. "Not to be a pushover... but do you mind helping me up?"
"I'm not carrying you, Chaolan. Now, hope I don't drop you a thousand feet," Master Raven snapped.
He nodded and was able to hold himself with her assistance. Neither spoke a word while the elevator began to climb its metal scaffolding to the top of the building.
"Level forty-nine is just ahead. The hall to your right leads to Heihachi's main office," Lee stated. "Think you can swing me over?"
"Glad we're on the same page for once."
The woman swung her arm, allowing Lee to use his momentum in a joint effort.
"I won't save you if you fall."
"Wha-"
She let go, and Lee soared towards the hallway with flailing arms as he sailed over the patrolling soldiers. He landed with a slight grunt from the impact against the metal ground. Fortunately, no one heard. Master Raven launched into the air and quickly covered the distance to the rising elevator. She landed gracefully and rolled into the hallway before hiding behind the corner of another intersecting hallway. Her eyes narrowed on a soldier pacing at the guardrail who tapped the side of his helmet. His moments grew frantic as the other soldiers began shouting commands to head down to ground level. Her ears picked up the sound of impending footsteps coming closer, seemingly heading this way.
Lee was too busy dusting himself off just as Master Raven pulled him to cover by the tie of his suit. He opened his mouth to speak but froze as several Tekken Force soldiers ran past them without spotting them. They waited several long minutes before Lee placed his hand on the wall beside the kunoichi's head. Her eyebrows sunk in annoyance, blinking in surprise when she turned to face him.
"Finally..." Lee's velvet tone caught her ear. "It's quiet enough for us to talk."
She shoved him back. "Back off, Chaolan."
He chuckled while stepping back. "As you wish, Mistress."
Tatyana rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time. "Where to?"
"This way."
Lee sprinted down the hall, Master Raven hot on his tail.
Iron Fist Area - Main Office:
"Commander!"
Nina turned to face a Tekken Force soldier. "We're being attacked! Our communications with the others is down!"
"How?"
"We don't know. Possible EMP or some other device. All we know is that a team of Combots is attacking us!"
"Is that so?" Nina headed for the rising elevator. "We have a few unwanted visitors."
Lee and Master Raven peaked over the corner, four soldiers standing on guard outside the door.
"The two inside are probably busy getting the coms and cameras back up," Lee explained. "How much time do we have?"
"Two minutes and thirty-eight seconds," Master Raven answered. "Don't get shot once we're inside."
"Are you worried about me, Mistress?" A smirk followed his question. "I assure you, I—"
"Hardly, Chaolan. You can't teleport."
"Right... Still, it will take more than bullets to take me out."
Master Raven huffed, now holding four kunai in hand. "Maybe, but it only takes one well-placed shot."
"Do you want me dea—"
"Shut up and focus!"
Master Raven's tone was sharp as the bladed kunai she tossed at the four unsuspecting soldiers, each landing in their skulls as blood pooled around the now-dead bodies.
"Let's go."
She sprinted toward the entryway; Lee followed closely behind before he sped ahead of her. Master Raven reached for the hilt of her sword in a secure grip. The automatic metal doors slid open as a group of soldiers inside looked up from the console.
"Wah!" Lee grunted, his flying kick sending the first one toward the far wall.
Poof.
Master Raven slid her blade from its sheath, swinging it downward.
Shing!
The soldier paused before a clean slit soon appeared through his right shoulder down to his left side, falling lifeless to the ground. With a quick twist of the blade, Master Raven viewed the blood on the silver edge dripping on the floor before sliding it back into its sheath.
"Get to work, Chaolan."
"A guy can't stare in wonder at the deadly jewel in his presence?" Lee inquired, winking at the woman.
Her eyes eyebrow only sunk lower. "Now."
He laughed. "As you wish."
With that, the quirky mogul went to work on the console. Master Raven waited by the door in case any other soldiers raided the room, her hand hovering over the hilt of her sword.
"You think it's going well in there?" Raven asked, glancing over at his mentor.
Victor kept his cold stare on the building. "Should be. I doubt Tatyana would let Lee fully distract her."
"Hmmm..."
"What the hell is taking them so long?" Anna voiced her impatience.
"Disabling a satellite isn't a simple push of a button," Victor replied.
"That wasn't a question, old man."
Raven chuckled as Victor sighed in annoyance.
Lee tapped away at the screen. "Satellite Z-01 is down; Z-02 is taken care of." The silver-haired man crossed his arms. "Y'know, I would work faster if I had some motivation. Perhaps a little small talk would help?"
"Lee!"
"Okay, okay," he conceded, returning to work on the console. "I suppose we can talk about my reward once this annoying bit of work ends."
"That isn't what we agreed to."
A small laugh sounded from the silver-haired man, and Master Raven's jaw tightened at his horrible attempt to humor her.
"Just focus on your current task at hand."
Lee's voice was still thick with laughter. "Right away, Mistress. Z-03 is down. Hmmm... Z-04 is down."
"Fifty seconds left," Master Raven declared.
"Noted. Alright, four down, three to go! Ok, Z-05 is permanently offline."
"Be prepared to jump in," Victor announced. "We could face heavy resistance."
Raven nodded.
"Aki."
"The vehicle is ready for immediate departure, sir."
"Good."
"We might have this done in record time. We work well as a team, maybe even better than you and your subordinate."
Master Raven quelled any inclinations to decapitate him on the spot. "Thirty seconds."
"Luckily, I prefer a game of hard-to-get. Sometimes, the chase is more thrilling than the easy catches. The harder the chase, the more satisfying it will be to claim the prize. Ok, Z-06 is-"
Pow!
Master Raven narrowly pulled off a backhand spring... just as a bullet landed where she had been.
"Not so fast."
That familiar voice sent a chill to alter the already tense environment, a slender woman standing at the door aiming her dual Fort 12 pistols at the duo.
"Nina Williams..."
Master Raven's tone was full of tempered but audible anger. The other half of the Williams siblings harbored the same ill feelings since their first encounter in New York and the failed assassination in Kobe. Neither had to ponder how long before another meeting would commence with the current stakes higher than ever.
Nina's smirk was unmistakable - small but menacing. "Master Raven."
Lee was appalled. "You two have met each other?"
"An understatement," Master Raven answered.
"But this will be the last time you interfere." Nina aimed her pistols. "Hold still, and I'll make this painless."
"Agent," Victor spoke into Master Raven's commlink. "What's your current status?"
Beep.
Heihachi reached into his suit pants pocket to retrieve his phone - a new notification causing his thick eyebrows to crease. He tapped it, and the screen showed live footage of Lee, Master Raven, and Nina in a standoff. Heihachi glared at his phone with disdain.
"Nina," Anna seethed.
"Now isn't the time to jump in, Williams," Victor stated. "You could compromise the mission-"
"Shut up, old man."
Click.
The brunette's line cut off as the silver-haired fighter shook his head before glancing over at Raven, who let out a small chuckle. "Probably should've seen that coming."
"Right..."
"Too late as always," Master Raven remarked.
Nina strode forward, not taking her eyes off her targets. "Famous last words. Now then..."
The kunoichi's eyes landed on the door, ears picking up heels pounding the floor and closing in on their location.
"Prepare to d-"
Nina weaved back from a throwing knife's sharp edge before blocking her new attacker's kick - her hated sister.
"How the hell did you get in here!?"
Anna flashed a vengeful grin. "I don't see why you're so surprised, dear sister. Where you go, I follow." Her expression soon turned dark. "And I won't stop until you're begging for mercy."
Master Raven couldn't resist another barb. "Dumb and dumbest at it again."
"HEY!" Both sisters shrieked.
While the siblings fought, Master Raven and Lee bolted for the door.
The silver-haired tycoon laughed. "What I tell you? Nina didn't have the brains to take us out."
"You're not the one she wants dead. Doesn't take a genius to figure that out."
"But why didn't you tell me you and Nina knew each other?" Lee questioned. "If I'd known, I would've invited her to my favorite club to celebrate this alliance. Speaking of, I think—"
"Would you please, for once, shu-"
"Agent!" Victor's voice bellowed from the left side of her faceplate. "Calm yourself. What's your status?"
"Currently making our way back to ground level," Master Raven answered with obvious irritation. "Prepare to leave once we're outside."
"What of Anna?"
"Don't worry about her," Lee interjected. "She'll find her way back after having fun."
"Understood," Raven added. "We're waiting outside."
Soon, they made it to the elevator. Lee slid to a stop and touched the guardrail. "You don't happen to have a parachute, do you?"
"Try to keep up," the woman said.
"No, wait. I—"
Poof.
"Gagh!"
Lee clenched his jaw due to the throbbing pain, forcing himself from his knees as he ran behind the kunoichi through the smoke and fire. Victor and Raven stood atop the armored vehicle; the remaining three Combots began to back away towards them. Lee inhaled sharply, eyes blinking as his blurry vision worsened. Master Raven deflected wayward bullets with her blade, creating a safe path toward the armored vehicle.
In a final effort, Lee raced ahead. "Tuh!"
His hand caught the handle of the passenger side door just as the vehicle began to speed off. The door closed as the last Combot slipped into the back-end carrier.
"Uh!" Master Raven grunted, jumping towards the vehicle.
Victor and Raven grabbed a hand to pull her onto the metal roof, allowing Master Raven to recline on her back between them as they kneeled on the truck's top.
"I hate him..." Master Raven breathed. "...so much."
Raven chuckled. "A game of chess, huh?"
"Shut up, Raven."
Both men laughed before Lee interrupted their conversation. "Anyone up for a few drinks? My favorite spot is open for dancing to celebrate our new alliance and successful mission."
"No." The three agents replied in unison.
"Suit yourselves, but I don't intend to let you all leave without a goodbye. Especially not you, Ms. Raven."
Violet Systems HQ:
At Lee's establishment, he, Anna, Aki, and the three agents stood at the courtyard entrance. A few Combots had already taken their bags to the UN stealth jet behind them, one of Lee's small gestures for their assistance.
Lee stepped forward and took Master Raven's hand. "Are you sure you can't stay another day longer?"
She didn't have time to react before he spun her around, his hands intertwining with hers while the other looped around her waist, leaning slightly at an angle. "I'd love to take you dancing under the stars and bask in your radiance under the moonlight."
Victor cleared his throat. Lee's grin quickly changed to blatant annoyance as his dark eyes dimmed.
Standing back up, Master Raven stepped back with a sharp glare. "I suggest you keep your hands to yourself from now on, Chaolan."
He peeked over at Raven, who stood silent. Yet his muscles were apparent by his clenched hanging at his sides.
Lee looked back at the woman. "No promises. I can't help what I do when you continue to hypnotize me, Ms. Raven."
"Be careful of your next move in your alliance with the Mishima Zaibatsu, Lee," Victor added.
He nodded. "Scout's honor."
"We'll keep in touch," Victor stated before he and his agents began walking toward the UN stealth jet.
"Sir, a call for you," Aki notified Lee of a video call.
It was one the silver-haired devil was expecting after today's events.
Beep.
Heihachi's face filled the screen of Lee's phone, and the silver-haired tycoon smirked. "Looking lively today, old man."
"Save your formalities, boy." Heihachi's glare hardened. "I suggest you keep your inventions away from my building and any company you keep. Who was the woman who assisted you in invading my privacy?"
Lee chuckled. "No promises, and I don't take kindly to your toys aiming at my business. As for my partner, that's between me and her. Until next time, father."
"You little-"
Lee abruptly ended the call. "Excellent."
UN Japan HQ - 11:03 PM:
"Despite the minor hiccups today," Victor began. "The mission went well. But I need you two to control yourselves when certain actions are taken."
Master Raven chuckled. "What? It was funny. I knew how he would react to teleportation. Admit, Vic. He looked like he was going to pass out."
Their superior held his stone-cold look, not grinning in the slightest. "You shouldn't be laughing; I fondly remember the trouble of your first few teleports, Tatyana. You ended up-"
"Okay, okay. Jeez. I was sixteen, to be fair."
His eyebrows creased under his dark shades. "I expect better from you two the next time we deal with Chaolan or anyone outside the higher-ups."
"His actions today were blatant, and you know that, Victor," Raven finally said. "Had that been anyone else, none of us would've hesitated to alleviate the problem before it escalated."
"Noted. This will be addressed should we find ourselves requesting Lee's aid. At the very least, keep the laughter silent. See you two in the morning?"
"Bright and early," Raven replied.
"Good."
Victor strolled back into the building, leaving the two agents to enter Master Raven's sleek black BMW M2. The vehicle, adorned with chrome trimming, rims, grille, and Xenon lights, was a formidable machine designed for urban navigation and swift escapes. With bulletproof tires, a nitrous kit, and a fully armored body, it was a ride prepared for any situation. Tatyana glanced at her boyfriend, who sat without uttering a word. She started the car and pulled away from the curb. Merging onto the freeway, the sparse traffic provided a welcome relief after their encounter with Lee Chaolan. The only sound was the serene purr of the vehicle.
Cruising at sixty miles per hour, Tatyana sighed before reducing the car's speed to fifty-three. "Raven, we can't wait until we're at my place for this conversation."
"Why not?"
"It's better to get it out than wait until things explode in a moment of anger."
"Agree to disagree, Tatyana."
She raised an eyebrow. "You afraid someone will hear you yelling?"
"That's not-" Raven huffed. "Look, I'm not discussing this until we return to your place."
Unease grew between them. Master Raven gripped the steering wheel, merging into the farthest lane and stopping at a red light.
She looked at him. "Look me in my eyes and tell me you don't want this conversation right now."
He looked at her, his frown deepening as their stares held even.
"With your glasses off."
He removed his shades, meeting her brown eyes with his dark ones. They burned a bright gold to match her anger, yet he remained silent. The stoplight turned green.
"Fine," Tatyana muttered lowly, returning her attention to the road.
Raven placed his shades back on and gazed back out of the window. A light rain began, mirroring the mood of the bickering couple. Master Raven pressed the gas again and reached sixty-three mph. She turned into a shady section of buildings before parking in an abandoned body shop's lot underneath a highway. The light rain turned heavy, with strands of lightning occasionally flashing. Raven exited the car once it stopped, slamming the door behind him.
Tatyana got out, leaving her car door open to follow him. "Raven-"
"This couldn't wait, could it?"
"Not with the way you're acting."
"What did you expect? To sit still with all that's been happening? Be okay with some other man boasting in front of me?"
Master Raven crossed her arms. "Now it's my turn to ask. What are you so afraid of?"
He glanced over his shoulder at her. "I- nothing."
Despite standing only a few feet away, Raven's silence and refusal to speak made it seem like they were worlds apart.
"Raven..." Tatyana's voice grew softer with concern. "What is it? I'm not here to judge you but to understand what's happening. You already did that for me."
"It's stupid," he mumbled. "Can we go now?"
She waited, unwilling to let this slide on a sour note.
"Why does it matter? We don't have to deal with him anymore, so it's pointless even to discuss this."
"We'll have to one day or another. I want to settle this now."
"But what if I don't?" Raven questioned, his tone cold and biting.
Silence again.
Raven sighed, walking over to the car trunk. "Look, I... Lee will get his sooner or later. But you can't blame me for feeling... envious."
The woman's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"
"You heard what I said..."
"Envious? Wha- why? I'd never—"
"I can't help but think it's not enough to say anything. Yes, I probably sound stupid, but it's infuriating to see that stooge get away with harassment. And I can do nothing without repercussions from yourself, Victor, or Dwight, God forbid. Look at me and Lee - two completely different people. He could control the entire globe with money, power, and influence if he wanted to. What exactly am I compared to that? Nothing but an errand boy."
Master Raven closed the distance between them.
"It just seems like we can't even have one moment of normalcy before some-"
Tatyana silenced her boyfriend with a single finger against his mouth; Raven was mute. Gone from her were irritated and exasperated eyes. In their place instead was something rarely seen by coworkers, Victor, or even Raven himself - compassionate empathy.
"Listen to me. Why measure yourself against a self-absorbed billionaire when he pales in comparison to you?" Slowly, Tatyana withdrew her finger. "We're a team, and I have no reason to involve myself with a man whore who will never settle down who's at least twice my age. His preference is proof of that."
Raven's expression remained guarded. "It's hard to ignore."
She stepped closer. "I understand, but your strength lies in different qualities. Lee may have his resources, but you have the skills and loyalty that can't be bought. Besides, I'd sooner commit suicide before I allow a grandpa to rob my cradle. The only reason Lee so-called 'desires' me is from a perceived fetish."
"You don't mean..."
Tatyana nodded. "It's painfully obvious. Lee craves a forbidden fruit. I'm certain he's seen women like me in his travels, yet I'm the one he covets as another conquest. Anna can only do so much for his taste."
Raven absorbed her words before his shoulders slumped. "It just feels like I'm... not enough."
Gently tilting his chin upward, Tatyana met his gaze with a sincere smile as her thumb brushed against his cheek. "You're more than enough. Our missions succeed because of you, not who has the most influence or wealth. You're invaluable to this team, Raven. To hell with what Lee says or thinks about us. More importantly..."
She inched closer, their lips mere inches away. "You're invaluable to me."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Raven's lips. Tatyana took the initiative and gradually closed the distance in a kiss that rendered all strife and hostility from today meaningless. Raven reciprocated her affections by wrapping his powerful arms around her shapely frame to pull into his torso. Emboldened, Tatyana's palms found their way onto his shoulders before caressing them. The rain persisted amidst their intimate moment, but it felt less oppressive.
They didn't separate for quite some time, content sighs leaving each other before Tatyana spoke again. "No one said this would be easy, but I got you like you got me." She reluctantly removed herself from his embrace. "Come on."
Tatyana's Apartment - Half an hour later:
Warning: Lime alert, read at your own risk
Soft jazz melodies played within Tatyana's space as a trail of wet clothing led to the place's lone bathroom. The drive back for the duo was under pleasant circumstances following their heart-to-heart. Raven and Tatyana knew a fresh shower was needed and therapeutic before morning arrived.
The world vanished as the pair savored the warm, cascading droplets and each other's presence. Raven was behind Tatyana, lathering her body with the available soap. He took his time reaching every crevice; his lady's back nestled against him. Tatyana felt herself drowning in his touches and wished it had never stopped. She internally questioned why they hadn't done this earlier. Moments later, Tatyana shifted behind Raven to soap down his broad back, fighting the temptation to...
She bit her lip sensuously at the thought.
Nothing else occurred afterward, as the shower ended after twenty minutes. Tiredly, Raven and Tatyana retreated to bed together, not bothering to wear any clothes in evident fatigue as the latter rested against his chest. It wasn't long before she became lost in his heartbeat, Raven's arms securing her waist in a gentle grip.