Dead Or Alive: Legends

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 1: Beginnings=

In the not so distant future, corruption reigns in human society. Fear, terror and an ever present sense of danger lurk in the shadows. It is said that in time like these, heroes are made to combat the darkness in our hearts and minds. Ordinary people become heroes, and heroes become Legends.
(Japan)

High in the mountains, a stream cut a lonely path through a majestic forest. At the bank of the stream sat a young man who, if people first saw him would believe he was American. But even though his blonde hair and green eyes were American, his features were Japanese.

His name is Hiten Kota.

After years of training in the martial art of Pai Chan Silat, his body has become a skilled weapon. But Hiten has wondered about the world beyond his home and Master Gensai.

CRRRRAAAASSSSSHHHHH!

Suddenly Hiten whipped around to see the source of the noise. He saw a woman with brown hair, and wearing a blue garment crash through several branches and slam hard into the ground. When Hiten went to go check on the young woman, several ninja landed in the clearing.

“Keep away from her. She is a traitor and a runaway, and needs to be destroyed.” The first ninja said.

Tracker Ninja. Figures. And there’s three of them. “Sorry. But I can’t just sit around and watch as you murder a helpless woman.” Hiten said.

“Fool. One of you against three of us? You don’t stand a chance in hell of survival.” The second ninja said.

Apparently they have no idea who they’re messing with. Hiten thought to himself as he began focusing his energy.

Each person on earth was aligned with a Chi element: Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire. Many were aware of their element and could harness it in something called a ‘Chi Spell’, also known as a ‘Ninpo’, ‘bending’ or similar phrases in different cultures. Fewer still were people who could harness two elements. Even the legendary ‘Masters’ could only harness three elements. Hiten was truly one of a kind. He could harness all four elements. The only problem was that each spell wasn’t as effective as one cast by someone who only specialized in one element, but made up for it in his variety. Now Hiten was trying to figure out which element was best for this situation.

Fire? No. he had never learned to control it properly, and could accidentally set the forest on fire. Earth? No. He had no idea how severe the woman’s injuries were, and could actually make them worse. Water? No. That element was primarily used for healing, and it was unwise to try to heal the woman with three ninja in front of him. It would have to be Wind.

Hiten decided to generate a light breeze at first, just to see if the ninja were as competent as they thought they were. When the ninja didn’t react to the sudden breeze on what had been a calm day, their bluff failed.

Genin, possibly Chunin rank. But no higher. The ball’s in my court now. Hiten thought to himself. If the ninja had been Jonin rank, he might have had a problem. If they were Sannin, challenging them would only get him killed.

Hiten decided that playtime was over. He strengthened the wind and channeled it into a whirlwind (a spell appropriately named ‘Whirlwind’), sweeping the first ninja into the air. When the ninja fell to the ground, Hiten kicked him in the neck, snapping it. The ninja hit the ground, twitched once and was still.

As the second ninja stood and watched his teammate get killed, he drew his kunai. Throwing it at Hiten, the ninja thought he caught Hiten off guard. Even as Hiten looked at the kunai heading for him, the ninja believed that was the last thing he’d see, and was shocked as Hiten snatched the kunai out of the air, and threw it back at its source. The ninja was stunned as the kunai sank into his forehead, and the ninja collapsed to the ground.

The third ninja was smarter, having neither spoke or moved as Hiten fought the first two ninja. He then advanced on Hiten’s position, forcing Hiten to involuntarily take a step back, and his foot hit something. It was the sheath of his sword.

Hiten took a moment to look away from his opponent and grabbed his sword. When he looked back up, he saw the last ninja bearing down on him. Without pausing, Hiten drew his sword and met his opponent’s attack. Hiten slashed at his opponent, forcing him back. When the ninja landed, he threw a fireball at the woman still prone on the ground, forcing Hiten to deflect it back at the ninja. Before the ninja could react, Hiten drove his sword through the ninja’s heart, killing him.

As Hiten collected the woman to take home and tend to her injuries, he had no idea he was being watched. A woman with purple hair and wearing a purple dress saw the whole thing.

“I warned Shiden that sending inexperienced tracker ninja after Kasumi would be a bad idea. I guess proving myself right cost us three ninja, and with Raidou still out there, we cannot afford such mistakes. I will have to take care of this myself.” Ayane said as she collected the bodies and teleported away from the scene of the battle.

=CHAPTER 1 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 2: The Journey Begins=

Kasumi awoke to find herself in a bed with bandages wrapped around her head, right arm and waist.

What happened? I was on my way to see Master Gensai, when I was attacked… By all rights, I should be dead now. Kasumi thought to herself, when the door to her room opened.

“Are you alright young lady?” an elderly voice said.

“Are you Master Gensai?” Kasumi asked back.

“Indeed I am, child. I take it your wounds have healed?” Gensai said as he entered the room.

The oldest of the Three Masters, Gensai was by far no slouch when it came to fighting. Dressed in simple green garments and using a walking stick, he bore an image that was used to fool the unwary into thinking he was a soft target. Little did any potential attackers think that would be the last mistake they would make. An expert in the Earth, Water, and Wind Chi energies, and a master of martial arts, Gensai could truss any attacker up like a thanksgiving turkey with both hands tied behind his back.

“How did I get here?” Kasumi asked.

“He brought you.” Gensai answered, pointing out the window. Kasumi looked out the window and saw Hiten practicing his Silat on a practice dummy.

“He defeated three Mugen Tenshin tracker ninja, and brought you to see me for healing.” Gensai finished as Kasumi turned from the window.

“Three trackers? By himself? That’s impossible.” Kasumi said.

“Indeed. It seems young Hiten has grown stronger than I imagined. He certainly takes after his father.” Gensai said.

“By the way, how is Master Shiden?” Gensai asked.

“How did you know that I knew Master Shiden?” Kasumi asked.

“I never forget a face. I still remember seeing you when you were no taller than my knee. In fact, that was the last time all three Masters met in the same place. It was a shame about what happened to Harai.” Gensai answered.

“You know Master Harai? The youngest to become a Master?” Kasumi asked, amazed.

“Indeed. That’s his son out there.” Gensai said, pointing towards Hiten.

Kasumi was about to say something when a bell sounded from the kitchen.

“That will be the rice. Hiten, dinner.” Gensai called.

As the three of them ate, Kasumi couldn’t get her mind off what had happened so far.

“You needn’t worry, Kasumi. This property cannot be detected by any ninja of Jonin rank or lower. This is as close to the safest place around here you can find, even for a runaway.” Gensai said.

“How did you know I was a runaway?” Kasumi asked.

“Master Shiden told me to keep an eye out for you. Your father is angry about what you did, abandoning your position like that.” Gensai said.

“Position?” Hiten asked.

“Kasumi was supposed to be the 18th leader of the Mugen Tenshin ninja clan. Instead, she chose to abandon the village.” Gensai said.

“You must understand, I had no other alternative. Raidou…” Kasumi argued, but was interrupted by a brief flash of fire from Hiten’s side of the table.

“Hiten, your chopsticks.” Gensai said, and indeed, when Kasumi looked over at Hiten, she saw his chopsticks burning in his hand.

“Raidou… So, he still lives, even after all this time.” Hiten muttered.

“It seems so. After what happened to Hayate… he was paralyzed by Raidou and Raidou stole the ‘Torn Sky Blast’ from him. I couldn’t stand by and watch more people suffer. I decided to leave my village and see about stopping him myself.” Kasumi said.

“You two have no idea, do you? Stopping Raidou, the ‘Hunter of Martial Artists’ is indeed necessary, but doing so in revenge will only get you killed. Revenge clouds your mind, leaving you vulnerable.” Gensai said, but was interrupted by Hiten.

“So? We just sit by and do nothing while more and more people are maimed or killed by this psychotic bastard? Just because we might have a clouded mind when we actually face him? Are me and Kasumi the only ones who care about what this sick freak does? Don’t you care about what happened to my parents?!” Hiten shouted at Gensai, then stopped realizing what he said.

“I’m sorry. Please excuse me.” Hiten muttered and left the room.

“Poor Hiten.” Kasumi said.

“Hiten’s parents were among the first victims of Raidou after he left your village. He was after the technique Harai had, the ‘Fist of Fate’, but upon realizing that he could not steal it, he killed Harai and Jessica, Hiten’s mother. Hiten was brought to me as per Harai’s will. I’ve been training him ever since.” Gensai explained.

Kasumi left the room and found Hiten in the backyard, beating away on a practice dummy.

“Nothing you do can bring them back. But I can understand why you want revenge. Hayate was paralyzed only a month ago, and the desire to kill Raidou still burns. I can only imagine what it must feel like for you. But the least I can do is make sure that no one else suffers the same fate.” Kasumi said, and when Hiten didn’t answer, she went on.

“I’ve decided to leave tomorrow. I’m thankful for all you two have done for me, but by being here, I’ve placed you both in danger.” Kasumi said and turned to leave, when Hiten spoke.

“I’m going with you. You’ll need some backup for when more ninja find you, not to mention the fact that I’d like to kick Raidou’s ass to the moon and back for what he’s done.” Hiten said.

“I would appreciate the help, but the ninja I may face in the future will be stronger than those you fought, and I do not want anymore people to get hurt.” Kasumi reasoned.

“Then it’s time Hiten got something to even the odds.” Gensai said walking out into the backyard, carrying a long, thin package.

“This is the other thing his father left him.” Gensai said, handing Hiten the package. Hiten unwrapped it, revealing a sword. Unsheathing it, Hiten saw many silvery symbols etched into the blade that seemed to glow in the moonlight.

“That is the legendary Moonlight Blade katana, one of the Blades of the Trinity, forged by the gods themselves. This sword has the power to cut through any barrier, and protects the bearer from ambushes.” Gensai said as Hiten began swinging the sword to get a feel for the weight and handling.

“Then it’s decided. You can stay the night in my room while I sleep on the couch, and in the morning, we start hunting the Hunter.” Hiten said as he went inside.

Kasumi began walking around Hiten’s room, when she saw a covered easel. When she removed the coverings, she saw a sketchpad with several drawings.

“Do you like it?” Hiten asked, startling Kasumi.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have looked.” Kasumi said.

“It’s okay. It’s just basic human curiosity that’s all.” Hiten said.

“These are amazing. Did you do these?” Kasumi asked.

“Yeah. Art’s been a little hobby of mine for several years.” Hiten said as he left the room.

“Get some sleep. Big day tomorrow.” Hiten said when he closed the door and Kasumi went to bed.

The next day, Gensai saw them off.

“Be careful, you two. Once you leave the safety of this property, you’ll be traceable by enemy ninja, so be on your guard. Keep out of as much trouble as possible until you find Raidou. Be careful, as he can steal any technique used against him. Good luck, and I wish you the best.” Gensai said as Hiten and Kasumi left the house and began to travel over the mountains.

=CHAPTER 2 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 3: DOA=

After a week, Hiten and Kasumi managed to make it over the mountains without encountering any enemy ninja. After clearing the mountains, they entered a city, where Hiten suggested that Kasumi get a different set of clothes, as her Kunoichi garments were beginning to draw curious looks. After going into a clothing store, Hiten and Kasumi both came out wearing dark blue sets of school clothes.

“How can people bear to wear these? My ninjitsu will be hampered. Plus it’s itchy.” Kasumi complained.

“It’s better than attracting the attention of every ninja within a five mile radius. Besides, your Chi spells should be enough if we get in a fight.” Hiten reasoned.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind me either throwing fire or whipping up an ice storm.” Kasumi said.

“We’ll only wear these until we get out of the city, okay?” Hiten asked.

“Okay. What’s that?” Kasumi asked, pointing to a poster.

When they reached the poster, Hiten read it aloud.

“Attention martial artists! Do you wish to prove yourself the strongest fighter in the world? Then register with the Dead or Alive Tournament Executive Committee (DOATEC), and join the Dead or Alive tournament, and win a large cash reward.” The poster said.

“This is great! Raidou won’t miss a chance to prove how good the techniques he’s ‘learned’ are, and he’ll come right to this thing.” Hiten said.

After registering with DOATEC, Hiten and Kasumi were given a map to the first location for the tournament.

“Can you believe these rules? A minefield outside the boundaries? Are they trying to get a body count?” Kasumi said.

“Stun mines, Kasumi. They want to avoid any lawsuits. Besides, the mines will alert the judges to a ring out.” Hiten said, pointing it out in the rulebook.

“Oh, right. Anyway, the first location is near here.” Kasumi said, looking at the map.

Upon arriving at the location, Hiten and Kasumi saw that the matches would take place inside a arena.

“This place is huge!” Kasumi said when they entered the arena.

“Yeah. Come on, the sign-in desk is over there.” Hiten said.

After signing in, Hiten took a moment to look around the arena. The area where the participants would do battle was marked by a flat tiled area, level with the ground. Between the ring edge and the stands was what Hiten figured was the ‘minefield’.

“Nice, isn’t it?” A female voice asked, causing Hiten to spin around.

When Hiten saw the source of the voice, he saw a beautiful American woman with brown hair and blue eyes. With her was another girl, this one Chinese, with black hair and eyes.

“Sorry if I scared you. Name’s Tina Armstrong. And this is Lei-Fang.” Tina said, extending her hand. Hiten shook hands with them. After a few minutes of talking, Kasumi came up to them, already changed back into her Kunoichi outfit.

“Hiten, they’re about to announce the first match. You’d better get changed.” Kasumi said and Hiten ran to the locker room to get changed. Hiten emerged from the locker room dressed in his familiar white gi.

“Attention please, attention! This first match in the tournament is Hiten Kota versus Bass Armstrong. Participants have five minutes to reach the main battle arena.” The loudspeakers blared.

“Damn. I didn’t think he’d participate.” Tina said.

“Who?” Kasumi asked.

“My dad, Bass Armstrong.” Tina said.

“The pro wrestler?” Hiten said.

“Yeah. Be careful. He has a few tricks up his sleeve.” Tina advised as Hiten went to the main arena.

Hiten entered the arena, and began stretching his legs, when he heard the audience begin to cheer. Looking up, he saw a huge American man enter the arena. At six foot five, maybe even six foot six, and weighing almost three hundred fifty pounds, Bass Armstrong was easily the largest person Hiten had ever seen in person.

“Huh. They give me a puny weakling in my first match?” Bass growled.

“Weakling? You judge strength solely on body mass? Why don’t you try me before you judge.” Hiten taunted.

“Alright, then. Get ready! Earthquake!” Bass shouted, punching the ground with what Hiten realized was a Chi spell. Before the realization could do Hiten any good, Hiten was thrown to the ground by the force of the shockwave produced by the spell.

Crap! I guess he’s an Earth elemental. Hiten thought as he got up, only to see that Bass was rushing at him, forcing Hiten to block the incoming punch. Even with Hiten blocking, the punch had enough force to send Hiten to the ring’s edge.

“Get ready to lose!” Bass shouted as he prepared to punch Hiten again. This time, Hiten jumped into the air to avoid the blow, but Bass grabbed Hiten’s leg and threw him back into the center of the arena.

Damn. I can’t avoid him, and I sure can’t match his strength. What do I do? Hiten thought to himself as Bass rushed at him again.

That’s it! I just use his strength against him! Just like Master Gensai said. Hiten thought and braced himself for impact.

“Giving up? Good. There’s no way you can resist my power!” Bass said as he closed in on Hiten. When Bass was close enough to Hiten, Hiten grabbed Bass’s arm and used his momentum to throw Bass across the arena. When Bass got up, he was met by a kick to the head by Hiten, followed up by a barrage of machinegun-like punches to the gut, forcing Bass to the edge of the arena. Hiten finished the match with a palm thrust to Bass’s chin, sending Bass out of the arena, and the match.

“The winner is Hiten Kota!” The announcer declared as the audience cheered.

“Wow. I’ve never seen anyone throw Dad like that.” Tina said.

“Hiten’s got a few tricks of his own.” Kasumi said.

“I guess when you’re trained by a Master, you learn a few things.” Lei-Fang said (Kasumi had told them about Hiten’s training.).

After the first round, Hiten and the surviving participants were given maps to the second location of the tournament, which Hiten was close to Master Gensai’s house.

“I guess we could look in on Master Gensai after the match.” Hiten said as he and Kasumi prepared to head for the next tournament location.

=CHAPTER 3 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 4: History=

After a few days’ traveling, Hiten and Kasumi managed to make it to the next tournament location.

“You know, if there wasn’t going to be several fights going on here soon, I’d say this place was pretty peaceful.” Kasumi said.

“Yeah. Peaceful.” Hiten said, looking at where they had already set up the ring.

“You both need to be more alert. If I were a Mugen Tenshin ninja, I could have slit both your throats.” Someone said behind them.

Hiten and Kasumi whipped themselves around to face the new arrival, Hiten’s sword drawn in mid-movement.

“Ryu… You are Ryu Hayabusa, right?” Kasumi asked.

“Yes, I am. It must have been difficult to recognize me.” Ryu said.

“How did you find us? Once we know that, we’ll know how to cover our tracks better.” Hiten asked, lowering his sword.

“It won’t matter now. It seems that Master Shiden has ordered the Haijin Mon sect to track you two down and kill you.” Ryu said.

“Haijin Mon?” Hiten asked.

“The Mugen Tenshin is broken down into two sects, Tenjin Mon and Haijin Mon. The Tenjin Mon is out ‘public’ face, used for missions not deemed vital to the village. The Haijin Mon, however, are only used in matters of extreme importance to the village. They are our most cunning and powerful ninja. If they’ve been sent to track us down, we’re in trouble.” Kasumi said.

“And they don’t give a damn why Kasumi left, just that she left?” Hiten asked.

“It is the code of the ninja. Ultimate fealty to the village, and its leaders. When Kasumi abandoned her post, they saw it as an act of treason. And they are unforgiving to traitors.” Ryu answered.

“Figures.” Hiten said, as the announcer took his place in the center of the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen. We now begin the next round with the next match, Hiten Kota versus Ryu Hayabusa!” He shouted as Hiten and Ryu took their places in the ring.

“And… Begin!” the announcer shouted.

Ryu blurred into movement, making it hard for Hiten to track his movements. Suddenly, Hiten was forced to dodge as several fireballs hurtled towards him. Hiten responded by sending a cyclone of wind at the direction the fireballs came from, but it missed. Ryu responded by striking Hiten to the ground from behind, and tried to follow up with a stomp to Hiten’s midsection, but Hiten rolled out of the way.

Hiten jumped to his feet and swung his right knee at Ryu, missing when Ryu jumped into the air. Hiten managed to dodge the incoming aerial attack, but failed to dodge the follow up strike to the knee, forcing him back.

Okay, playtime’s over. Hiten thought as he saw Ryu running at him. Hiten punched the ground in a similar manner as what Bass used against him, sending a shockwave through the ground, forcing Ryu to stumble. Before Ryu could react, Hiten sent a stream of fire at him, forcing him to jump into the air.

Hiten was watching for an incoming attack, when suddenly an explosion drew his attention.

“Oh, no. Master Gensai!” Hiten shouted as Ryu landed.

“We’d better check it out.” Ryu said.

=CHAPTER 4 END=

[NetSaver.exe]

I love DOA and I like the story. You may just need to make the chapters a little bit longer.
*Goes to cousin's house to play some more DOA 4*

[Ryo Hazaki]

Well, right now I'm currently bringing the SI topic up to date with the Tenkoku Tenshi (DOA Forum) topic. I will be trying to make the chapters longer in the future.

=Chapter 5: Gensai’s Fate=

Hiten ran off towards the explosion, with Ryu and Kasumi about a second behind. When they got to Master Gensai’s place, they saw what was left of the house burning.

“No…” Hiten whispered.

They could see a figure moving through the flames. A human, dragging something. The fact that the person was broader across the shoulders and wasn’t carrying a walking stick caused Hiten to involuntarily reach for where his sword would normally hang, but it wasn’t there.

Damn. Hiten thought as he began to generate a cyclone in his fists.

Suddenly, the thing the figure was dragging was thrown at Hiten and the others.

It was Master Gensai’s body.

The flames lowered enough for them to see Master Gensai’s attacker. A man, heavily muscled, and with short, silver hair, and a silver moustache that connected both of his sideburns.

“Raidou…” Kasumi whispered.

Raidou sneered at them, and when the flames leapt higher, he took that opportunity to vanish.

“Hi… Hiten.” Gensai choked.

“Master!” Hiten said.

“Be careful. He… he no longer seeks only the strongest techniques in the world. He also seeks the Moonlight sword.” Gensai said.

“Don’t talk, Master. You need to save your strength.” Hiten said.

“These wounds are fatal. There is no helping me now. Hiten, I understand now that you were right in leaving. If he had come here before you left, he would have killed you, and a Blade of the Trinity would now be in his evil hands, and he would become truly unstoppable.” Gensai said.

“But how do I stop him?” Hiten asked.

“Reflect on your training, and upon the friends you have made along the way. I have taught you everything I know. You are the master now, Hiten…” Gensai said as the life left his body.

Hiten just sat there, unmoving as tears steamed down his face. Kasumi approached him, and placed her hand on his shoulder. As the tears fell harder, the reassuring hand turned into Kasumi holding him, and allowing Hiten to let it all out.

After Hiten felt that he had cried enough, they returned to the arena, only to find out that since He and Ryu had left the arena before the match was completed, they had both been disqualified.

“Good. This means that when I face Raidou, there will be no rules holding me back.” Hiten said without emotion, and collected his sword and began to practice while Kasumi had her match against Zack, crushing him with little effort.

Soon, the remaining participants were given the maps to the last tournament location, and Ryu decided to leave.

“I cannot be seen as an ally of yours yet. But our paths will cross again. The fates will allow that.” He explained.

“I guess he values his friendship with Hayate highly.” Kasumi said.

“Yeah, but we can worry about that after Raidou’s dead.” Hiten responded.

As they left for the final tournament location, the same woman with the purple hair who watched Hiten’s first battle with the tracker ninja watched them.

“This is Ayane. I’ve found them.” Ayane said into the microphone hidden by her ear.

“Now, sister, you have made your final mistake. And your friend will die as well.” Ayane said as she began to follow them.

=CHAPTER 5 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 6: Kunoichi With A Murderous Intent=

Hiten and Kasumi traveled through the forest heading for the mountains, and the valley that would be the site for the DOA tournament’s final match.

“Hiten, what’s wrong? You haven’t said a word for two days now.” Kasumi asked.

“Sorry. I’ve just been thinking of what might happen after we destroy Raidou.” Hiten answered.

“I’d like to go home. To the village.” Kasumi said.

“Not possible. They would kill you on sight, even if you were Master Shiden’s daughter.” Hiten said as something flashed in the corner of his eye.

“What?” Kasumi asked, noticing that Hiten had just drawn his sword.

“I just saw something. Something purple.” Hiten said.

“So? We’re in a forest. There must be like some purple flowers or something you just saw.” Kasumi said.

“Not likely. Duck!” Hiten shouted as he saw two shuriken heading their way, forcing them to scatter.

When they regained their footing, they heard a person laughing, and then saw a woman step into their view.

“Ayane.” Kasumi said.

“So, the little princess remembers me. Shame your boyfriend was too sharp for me to stage a successful ambush. I do so hate to get blood on my hands.” Ayane said.

“Why are you after us? Can’t you see that we are out to avenge Hayate and all the other lives ruined by Raidou?” Kasumi shouted.

“Really? All I see are a cowardly runaway ninja and the son of a Master whose skills have been overrated.” Ayane said.

“Really? Then I wonder what you would have to say about Raidou.” Hiten said.

“We ninja will take care of him. Just stay out of our way.” Ayane said.

“Sorry, I hope you can understand why we won’t just stand here and let you kill us.” Hiten said, edging himself between Kasumi and Ayane.

“You should know better Kasumi. Ninja never attack one-on-one.” Ayane said as she snapped her fingers, and four ninja stepped out of the shadows, forcing Hiten and Kasumi into a back-to-back position.

“Haijin Mon trackers. Far superior to the ones you’ve fought so far. It was a valiant effort, but all in vain. You should know better than to try to outrun us. We always get our-” Ayane said, but was cut off by a fireball thrown by Hiten.

Kasumi looked behind her, and saw that Hiten was already focusing his chi for another attack on the trackers, and decided to do the same. Kasumi began by generating a cloud of ice crystals that she sent at the two trackers in front of her, blinding one of them when she struck him in the eyes. Hiten meanwhile, had unleashed a stream of fire at his two, forcing them into the air, where he caught one of them with a Whirlwind spell, sending the ninja into a tree and breaking his back.

However, that left two trackers and Ayane to contend with, and Hiten wasn’t so sure that they could pull the same trick twice. As the trackers pulled out their kunai and prepared to throw them, Hiten turned his head to look at Kasumi.

“On the count of three, move.” Hiten whispered, Kasumi nodding in agreement.

“One… Two… Three!” Hiten said as he and Kasumi blurred into motion as the trackers threw their kunai.

As the kunai flew through the air, Hiten caught one of them and threw it at the tracker Kasumi had blinded earlier, killing him. Kasumi performed a front flip and landed on the shoulders of a tracker before drawing her sword and thrusting it through the top of the tracker’s head. Hiten deflected another kunai thrown at him with his sword. Hiten closed the distance between him and the tracker, and sliced off the tracker’s right hand. The tracker didn’t have long to contemplate the wound before Hiten stabbed the tracker’s head through the tracker’s chin.

After all four trackers lay on the ground, Hiten and Kasumi turned to face Ayane.

“Any more surprises?” Hiten asked, pointing his sword at her.

“Damn. You two got lucky this time. It won’t happen again.” Ayane said as she threw down a smoke bomb and vanished.

After Ayane vanished, Kasumi slumped down onto the ground.

“This is what I now have to look forward to for the rest of my life?” She asked, breathing heavily.

“At least you won’t face it alone.” Hiten said kneeling down next to her.

“Come on. We can worry about the ninja after we kill Raidou.” Hiten said, helping Kasumi back to her feet, and continuing on their way.

=CHAPTER 6 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 7: The Hunter Of Martial Artists=

After another few days of traveling, Hiten and Kasumi finally made it to the site of the final match of the DOA tournament.

“So… this is where the tournament ends.” Kasumi said.

“Indeed. I wonder where everyone is.” Hiten said.

“Maybe we’re early.” Kasumi said.

“I guess so. Are you ready? Jann Lee won’t be an easy opponent.” Hiten said.

“If it helps me fight Raidou, I’m ready.” Kasumi said as she began to stretch and warm up.

As the eliminated participants and the tournament staff appeared, it seemed to Hiten like Jann Lee wasn’t going to show.

“What’s going on? I thought Jann Lee wanted to win this thing?” Hiten asked Lei-Fang.

“I don’t know. Something must have happened to him.” Lei-Fang said.

“Not a good sign.” Ryu said.

“Especially with Raidou still out there.” Hiten agreed.

“Well, since Jann Lee has failed to show, I guess Kasumi is the winner by default.” Tina observed.

“We’ll have to wait for the officials to make that decision.” Hiten said.

When the announcer began to declare Kasumi the winner due to Jann Lee’s failed appearance someone spoke up against it.

“I will not allow this travesty to take place. I, Raidou, the Hunter of Martial Artists, challenge Kasumi for the right to be called champion.” Raidou declared.

“Well, do you accept?” The announcer asked Kasumi.

“Yes.” Kasumi answered.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Hiten said.

“As long as I fight him here, I should be fine. The rules should stop anything bad from happening to me.” Kasumi said.

“It’s not the fight itself I’m worried about. It’s what might happen after the match ends that concerns me.” Hiten said.

“I am confident in your abilities should something happen.” Kasumi said as the announcer started the match.

Kasumi rushed at Raidou and began to use her agility to keep herself out of harm’s way as she began striking him with knife-like thrusts. Raidou shrugged off her attacks and knocked her away with his right forearm, sending her to the middle of the ring.

“You annoy me. Soon you will be out of my way, and my real objective will be clear.” Raidou sneered.

I hope Kasumi knows what she’s doing. Hiten thought to himself as Kasumi got back to her feet.

=CHAPTER 7 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 8: Kasumi’s Challenge=

Raidou stepped towards Kasumi, while Kasumi took a nervous step backwards.

He’s too powerful. I can’t fight him head on. Kasumi thought to herself when she looked over at Hiten.

I guess I can’t beat him. Maybe it was foolish for me to try. Wait, that’s it! She realized when a memory of Hiten’s fight against Bass popped into her head.

Raidou rushed at Kasumi, who managed to dodge, trying to keep herself out of Raidou’s reach. When Raidou rushed at her again, Kasumi grabbed onto his arm and swung herself around him, their combined momentum allowing Kasumi to throw Raidou with little effort. When Raidou got up, Kasumi charged at him, aiming a kick at his head. Raidou grabbed Kasumi’s leg, and slammed her into the ring.

“That had to hurt.” Tina said.

“Come on, Kasumi!” Hiten shouted as Kasumi got to her feet, slightly wobbly from the impact.

“She might not be able to last much longer. Hiten, you might have to step in soon.” Ryu observed.

“Kasumi can beat him. He’s stronger than you think.” Hiten said.

Raidou charged at Kasumi, using the same thrusts Kasumi used earlier in the fight to force her to the edge of the ring. When Raidou went for the final blow, Kasumi jumped onto Raidou’s shoulders, and flipped herself over, sending Raidou over as well, with his head being driven into the ring.

“Impressive. She took to her training better than I thought.” Ryu said.

“There you go, Kasumi! That’s our girl!” Hiten cheered.

Raidou managed to pull himself to his feet, causing Kasumi to drop back into her battle stance.

“What does it take to beat this guy?” Tina asked.

“Kasumi, remember a saying where I come from: Speed Kills!” Lei-Fang shouted.

Right. But how do I use my speed to my advantage? Guess I’ll have to learn fast. Kasumi asked herself, running at Raidou before he could recover.

When Raidou raised his head, Kasumi was on him in an instant, striking him as fast as she could, dodging every strike that Raidou threw at her. Kasumi ducked low to avoid a kick, when she dug her feet as deep into Raidou’s chin as she could, sending him to the ground. When Raidou failed to get back to his feet, the crowd erupted into cheering.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the first Dead or Alive tournament is Kasumi!” The announcer shouted amidst heavy cheering as Hiten ran towards Kasumi.

Suddenly, Hiten saw something that forced Hiten to run towards Kasumi even faster.

“Kasumi, look out!” Hiten shouted as Raidou rose up behind Kasumi.

“You will make excellent bait.” Raidou said to Kasumi as he grabbed her from behind.

“If you desire her safe return, you will find me, boy.” Raidou taunted as he teleported himself and Kasumi in a cloud of dust.

“No, Kasumi! Raidou, get back here you bastard!!” Hiten shouted.

=CHAPTER 8 END=

[Zombiechao]

Big problem. In your writingyou never said what the final match are looks like.

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 9: Hiten’s Promise=

“If you desire her safe return, you will find me, boy.” Raidou taunted as he teleported himself and Kasumi in a cloud of dust.

“No, Kasumi! Raidou, get back here you bastard!!” Hiten shouted.

“This isn’t good. Raidou’s made it so that Hiten will seek him out and attack him in anger.” Ryu observed.

“And this is what Master Shiden was worried would happen if Kasumi left. Raidou has Kasumi, and Hiten isn’t strong enough to win. I say Hiten should just leave things to me.” Ayane said, appearing in their midst.

Hiten didn’t know what caused it, whether it was her snide tone, or the thought that he should leave Kasumi to a person who would kill her the first chance she got, but he grabbed Ayane by the throat and slammed her into a tree.

“You have no idea, do you?” Hiten said.

Ayane couldn’t speak an answer, because Hiten’s hand was tightening around her neck.

“If you ninja were as strong as everyone thinks, Raidou would have been dead long before any of this happened.” Hiten continued, getting angrier.

“P… Please…” Ayane choked, feeling Hiten’s hand warm against her neck as he prepared to unleash a fire spell.

“Hiten you’ve made your point. Let Ayane down.” Ryu said reassuringly as Ayane started to turn blue.

Hiten let Ayane drop to the ground, where she sat, catching her breath, looking at him with hatred burning in her eyes. Hiten turned away from her, when he heard something that chilled his blood.

“Hiten!” Kasumi screamed, but it sounded like it came from far away.

“Did anyone hear that?” Hiten asked, whirling around to locate the source of the scream.

“Heard what?” Tina asked.

“It’s possible Hiten sensed it, using a power taught only by a Master.” Ryu said.

“What power?” Lei-Fang asked.

“They say the Masters knew how to sense a person’s energy levels, even across great distances. Hiten must have that power as well.” Ryu explained.

“So, if I focus, I should be able to detect Raidou and Kasumi?” Hiten asked.

“In theory, yes.” Ryu said as Hiten closed his eyes and began to focus.

Hiten soon sensed something powerful.

“I’ve got something. They’re in a cave about a kilometer from here.” Hiten said, and left in that direction.

Kasumi, I’ve failed you once already. I won’t do so again. The day we started our journey together, I made a promise. That I would protect you as long as there is a breath in my body. Raidou is getting what he wants, and a hell of a lot more. Hiten thought to himself as he began to climb the mountain that held the cave where Raidou and Kasumi were.

Inside the cave, Kasumi struggled against the ropes that bound her to a rocky pillar.

“You won’t get away with this.” Kasumi said.

“Oh, I do believe I will. I’ve been getting away with this for sixteen years. Do you ever wonder why I was expelled from the village? Or didn’t your mother ever tell you?” Raidou sneered.

“What do you mean?” Kasumi asked.

“I raped your mother. I am Ayane’s father. And I admit, you look just like your mother.” Raidou said as he stepped towards Kasumi, when he was blasted from behind by a fireball.

“Don’t even think about it.” Hiten said.

=CHAPTER 9 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Chapter 10: Raidou Falls=

“So, the child of Kota has decided to fight after all.” Raidou sneered.

“Yeah, I’m here. Now let Kasumi go.” Hiten said.

“And keep her from witnessing your demise? Not happening.” Raidou said.

“It was more to spare her the sight of your demise, but I guess that now you’re just going to have to die quietly.” Hiten said, drawing his sword and charging at Raidou, aiming at his neck.

When the Moonlight came into contact with Raidou’s neck, it failed to cut, surprising Hiten long enough for Raidou to punch him in the stomach, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“Like it? It’s my “Iron Skin” technique. It renders me invulnerable to any sword by producing an energy barrier that makes my skin as strong as iron.” Raidou taunted.

“Damn… Well, try this!” Hiten shouted as he sent a cyclone of wind at Raidou, who deflected it.

Raidou approached Hiten, but when Raidou took a step, just before his foot touched the ground, Hiten froze the ground underneath, causing Raidou to stumble slightly, allowing Hiten to close the distance and deliver a succession of rapid kicks and punches, forcing Raidou back. Raidou responded by kicking Hiten in the stomach, forcing him back to try to catch his breath when Raidou slammed his fist into Hiten’s chest, stunning him.

“Now, die!” Raidou shouted as he aimed a killing strike at Hiten’s head.

Hiten dodged the punch and struck at Raidou’s head with the flat side of his sword, knocking Raidou off balance. Hiten took advantage of this and kicked Raidou in his knee forcing him to the ground. Raidou grabbed Hiten’s ankle and slammed him into the ground.

Hiten got to his feet just in time to see Raidou charging energy in his hands.

“Now I’ll show you a technique that dear Kasumi should recognize.” Raidou sneered as he adopted a familiar stance.

“Hiten, run! It’s…” Kasumi screamed.

“The “Torn Sky Blast”!” Raidou finished as he unleashed the attack at Hiten, forcing him to dodge.

Hiten then charged at Raidou and cut into Raidou’s left arm with his sword, drawing blood. Raidou then swatted Hiten away with his injured arm. Hiten flipped in the air, and landing on his feet, rushed at Raidou again, swinging at Raidou wherever his sword could reach, but Raidou had reactivated his Iron Skin, making the slashes useless, but the slashes’ momentum had the effect of keeping Raidou off balance to prevent him from using another Torn Sky Blast. Raidou then forced Hiten back with another of his stolen techniques, buying him time to prepare another Torn Sky Blast.

“Now, Kota. Now you die and your sword is MINE!” Raidou shouted as he unleashed the attack.

Hiten watched calmly as the attack headed for him, and just before it made contact, Hiten jumped over it while knocking the blast towards a wall with his sword. As he landed, Hiten unleashed his own Torn Sky Blast, catching both Kasumi and Raidou by surprise as well as catching Raidou in the torso, blowing a hole the size of a dinner plate in his stomach. Raidou looked down at the wound, then looked up just in time to see Hiten rushing at him, a brief flash of light as Hiten swung his sword, and finally his vision seemed to divide, then nothing.

Hiten looked down at Raidou’s lifeless corpse, then went to untie Kasumi.

“Are you alright?” Hiten asked.

“I just twisted my ankle, but other than that, I’m fine. Is he dead?” Kasumi asked.

“Kind of hard to live with only half of your head.” Hiten answered.

“That’s true.” Kasumi said as Hiten picked her up in his arms.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Hiten said as they left the cave.

=CHAPTER 10 END=

[Ryo Hazaki]

=Epilogue=

As they returned to the site of the final tournament battle, they drew the attention of those that were still there.

“How is she?” Ryu asked.

“She’s fine. Raidou, however…” Hiten answered.

“Where is he?” Ayane demanded.

“There’s a mountain cave about a kilometer from here. He’s inside, dead.” Hiten said.

“How did he die?” Ryu asked.

“Hiten used the Torn Sky Blast, then cut Raidou’s head in half.” Kasumi answered.

“How was he able to use the attack? You need to train for years to even attempt such a move.”Ayane said in amazement.

“I have no idea. I just felt I could do it, so I did.” Hiten said.

“Regardless, I still have to kill you.” Ayane said, reaching for her kunai when Ryu stopped her.

“Would you really risk tempting fate by attacking him now? There is always another opportunity, but you need to be alive to exploit it.” Ryu said.

“Then they had better watch their back. I need to confirm Raidou’s fate and then return to the village to file my report.” Ayane said as she teleported for the cave.

“I bought you about a day’s head start. You might need to leave now. But remember, if the fates allow it, we will meet again.” Ryu said, extending his hand.

“We’ll be careful.” Hiten said, shaking Ryu’s hand and then leaving with Kasumi still in his arms.

A few days later, a tracker ninja spotted them in a city.

“Primary targets confirmed.” He said.

“Prepare to strike.” Ayane ordered.

As the ninja prepared to attack, a bus drove between the ninja and Hiten and Kasumi, obscuring the ninja’s vision for a few seconds. When the bus passed, they were nowhere to be found.

“Contact lost.” The ninja reported.

=EPILOGUE END=

=DEAD OR ALIVE: LEGENDS 1 END=