Chapter Text
Iron Fist Arena, Third Floor [Room 315] - 11:49 P.M.:
Raven groaned, slowly sitting up while cradling his sore side. Master Raven prepared to speak as he winced in discomfort.
"There's still one left. Behind the corner."
She glanced at the wide bookshelf between the beds in front of the expansive window - on its top shelf lay several destroyed cameras. Turning around, Master Raven caught sight of a camera mounted in the room's left corner, rotating to focus on her. She swiftly drew a kunai and threw it at the camera. With a pained grunt, Raven slumped onto his bed as his head began to throb, vision blurring amidst ringing ears.
His girlfriend rushed over to steady him before activating her commlink. "Vic, what are his vitals?"
"Four cracked ribs and a heavy concussion. There should be a device to call a medic somewhere in your room," Victor replied.
Raven hissed through clenched teeth. "By... the door."
A panel of three buttons sat on the left side of the door. One had a black flame icon, the second a red cross, and the third a lock symbol. Master Raven slammed her fist onto the red cross button. After a tense wait, two medics rushed inside. The master kunoichi sat on the bed across from him, observing as the medics tended to her subordinate.
Raven inhaled sharply, his voice hoarse with pain. "That conversation between you and Heihachi..."
Master Raven's jaw tightened. "That's what you're thinking about right now?"
"I need to stay awake. Tell me..."
She sighed, her head lowering. "It was business as usual, except now he and I have a match tomorrow night. If I don't show up, Nina will visit you. Given your condition, I have no choice but to fight him."
"Noted..." Raven groaned. "I can give you a few tips on what you'll be facing."
She shook her head. "Not right now. Heihachi seemed more defensive when I mentioned his wife's disappearance. We need the information that the journalist has."
"Asking Lars will put him on edge, possibly leading him to think we want to assassinate him."
Master Raven crossed her arms. "That's why you should ask him."
The medics finally finished tending to Raven's wounds, one speaking on their behalf. "Keep him awake for three hours and only moderate physical activity until further notice."
With a nod, Master Raven waited until the medics left before speaking through her commlink again. "What's our next move, Vic?"
The French man observed his prized agents from afar. "Rest for tonight. We'll continue this tomorrow."
"Understood."
Beep.
Raven sat up slowly, still hunched but looking less likely to pass out. "What was that conversation with Heihachi really about?"
She shrugged. "Apart from some remarks about Chaolan and us taking down his satellites and the unit's stronghold, nothing else was discussed. But he did take a swing at me."
"So soon?"
"It seems he wanted to test if I was worth his time, even daring me to terminate him then and there."
Raven's eyebrows furrowed under his red glasses. "This could be either bad or good."
The master kunoichi tilted her head. "Can you elaborate?"
"I mean, you should hold back."
"What?"
Raven recognized that tone; Tatyana never liked restraining herself since Victor intensified her training during her teenage years. It felt less like a real fight, and having openings but not exploiting them because it would be too easy was frustrating.
"I don't get what you're suggesting."
"You and Victor are stronger than Heihachi, but he doesn't need to know that. He could send Nina and his forces after us. We don't need to be preoccupied with the Tekken Force. If you win, it could make Heihachi feel threatened. Making him wary could give us leverage when we find and neutralize that journalist."
"I see," Master Raven mused.
Her boyfriend lay back down. "If I'm not too sore from tonight, I'll give you some pointers in the underground gym. Maybe you'll meet Lars."
"Making friends..." She scoffed. "Looking forward to that."
Raven chuckled. "Not everyone outside the unit is an enemy, Tatyana."
"But not everyone's a trustworthy ally either."
"Says the skeptical agent."
A small smile crept onto Tatyana's face. "Shut up."
Next Day - 12:33 P.M.:
Raven slowly rose from his bed, groaning with each movement. His boots thudded on the dark carpet, a reminder of the soreness that permeated his body. Yet, compared to last night, the pain was more bearable, lacking the sharp sting in his back. Raven glanced at the vacant bed across from him, surprised by its emptiness.
"Where—"
The metal door slid open, and Master Raven entered, dressed casually in black shorts, a cropped hoodie, and red mid-rise Converse shoes. She carried two bento boxes in one hand while her other held a duffel bag.
"You're awake," she said with a relieved sigh. "I swung by Vic's place to grab some decent food instead of the stuff from the arena's food court."
"What's in the bag?"
"Extra clothes. I refuse to wear anything made by the Mishima Zaibatsu."
Raven rolled his eyes. "We should hit the gym for practice after this."
She nodded, handing him a bento box. "Hopefully, you won't strain any muscles."
"I could say the same for you, considering how much you train."
She chuckled. "Sometimes pushing the limits in training pays off when it matters."
Underground Gym - 45 minutes later:
Inside the dimly lit gym, the air buzzed with the sounds of fighters pushing their limits: the thud of fists against punching bags, the weights clinking with each lift. Amidst this, a hush fell over the room as all eyes turned towards the entrance - a mix of suspicion and shock as Master Raven strode in accompanied by Raven.
Lee's voice sounded with admiration and playful banter. "Ah, the lady graces us with her presence."
Anna, standing beside Lee, shot him a sharp glare. "Shut it, Lee!"
Meanwhile, Law's smirk hinted at curiosity as his gaze lingered on the newcomer's figure. "Who's the new girl?"
Paul, ever pragmatic, cautioned against making assumptions. "Don't know, but don't get any ideas. She must be skilled if Heihachi allowed her in at this hour."
"How much you wanna bet I can get her on a date?"
"I wouldn't. Judging by the same tattoo, she looks cold and focused like Raven."
Amidst these interactions, Lars focused on his training, landing the second hit of 'Outpost Blitz' to the speedball on the far left side of the gym. He paused before eyeing the duo that entered.
Alisa tilted her head at Lars's interest. "Do you know her?"
Lars shook his head. "No, but we're about to find out."
Master Raven could feel a presence approaching her and Raven during their meditation. Her eyes spotted Lars and Alisa walking over as she stood.
Her expression remained expectantly neutral. "Lars Alexandersson and the Bosconovitch android."
Lars, recognizing the connection from a previous encounter, nodded in acknowledgment. "You know us?"
"She's my superior," Raven interjected while sitting Indian-style on the floor mat. "I reported my findings to her during our brief acquaintance in the sixth tournament. To say she knows about you would be an understatement."
"Makes sense. So, Raven and... Raven?"
"Master Raven," the kunoichi corrected.
"Got it. You both entered the tournament late. Do either of you have a match tonight?"
"Our usual recognizance. As for the upcoming match, I'm preparing to fight Heihachi."
"What!? How-"
"Classified information."
Lars clenched his jaw. "I see."
"Actually..." Raven spoke. "I'm certain my master wants to test your mettle beforehand."
Raven-
Trust me. It'll come in handy later tonight.
Lars rolled his shoulders. "Any rules?"
"First one to three hits wins. If one pins the other to the mat with a grab, it's an instant win," Raven explained.
Seems easy enough," Lars remarked. "I won't hold back."
Master Raven smiled. "Neither will I."
They separated several feet apart on a sizeable sparring mat. Alisa and Xiaoyou, who had entered late, cheered on Lars's side while Raven and the ever-arrogant Chaolan sided on Master Raven's. The other fighters observed on the sidelines, curious about this newcomer's skill and whether she was similar to her subordinate skill-wise.
"I bet you she's is going to get swept," Hwoarang remarked.
"Shut up, will you?" Asuka retorted.
Lars's eyebrows furrowed as the woman's eyes morphed into a golden glow amid each taking their stance.'Ninjas are strange.'
The anticipation grew palpable.
With agility and precision, the sparring match unfolded to showcase Master Raven's skill and Lars's adaptability. He skipped and slid forward, his footing arranged to execute 'Electric Jolt.' Lars inhaled sharply as Master Raven pulled off a sideway corkscrew flip over his kick and landed before aiming a reverse heel kick toward his head. Lars blocked, though with widened eyes, as the rubber sole of her sneaker was centimeters away from his temple. Any second later, he would've been open to her next attack. Each fighter stood still, unmoving from their current stalemate.
"Woah..." Hworang breathed. "He almost got his head knocked off."
He grimaced and held his side as Asuka elbowed him there. "Shut up!"
"Huh," Lars said with a chuckle. "Nice move."
"Thanks. Follow your instincts, not your eyes, Alexandersson," Master Raven remarked.
"Right. First to three hits."
Lars rushed forward, hesitating as the woman skipped back. He ducked under her high kick.
"Tah!"
He swiped her leg with his hand before slamming a shoulder into her chest. She grunted and blinked before catching his fist and landing an elbow against his jaw. Lars stumbled back before recovering with 'Spinning Cutter.' Master Raven leaned into a backflip towards him.
"Agh!"
The Mishima groaned as her foot connected with his chin.
"Woah, they're even!" Paul exclaimed.
"Who do you think is gonna win?" Law inquired.
Yoshimitsu rubbed a hand over his chin, keenly interested in this match but particularly with the woman.'She's repressing her true strength.'
Lars recovered to execute 'X-Ray,' forcing Master Raven to roll back. She catapulted herself back onto her feet before jumping airborne for a simple high-spin kick. He backed away to avoid it and stepped forward, but Master Raven took a running step as he tried 'Spinning Cutter' again. She jumped, leaned back, and landed on her feet unscathed.
'She missed on purpose!'Lars realized.
He slid his foot around for a 'Shadow Cutter.' Master Raven easily front-flipped over his foot before Lars swung a messy roundhouse punch just as she disappeared under his fist. A solid uppercut landed against his chin, sending him flying. The audience winced at the sound. Landing on the sparring mat, Lars's jaw and back stung from her barrage.
Law cleared his throat. "On second thought, maybe I should focus on the tournament instead. I don't want her angry at me after a breakup."
"Lady's got skill," Hwoarang said. "Maybe I should ask for a match sometime."
Asuka laughed. "You'd get your ass kicked. No offense."
"Hmph. None taken because I'll show you who's boss when we get matched up."
Lars inhaled sharply before sitting up, and Master Raven stood over him with her hand held out. He took it and got off the floor.
"Nice moves, but I thought you'd hit harder than that."
Master Raven chuckled. "My intention wasn't to injure you during a friendly spar. How's your jaw?"
'It's more than that,'Lars thought but replied, "Only stings. How's your... uh—"
She smiled. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."
A small smile formed on the brunette's face. "So—"
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
"Quite the match, you two!"
An unwanted, arrogant voice sounded behind the two fighters. Lee walked over, and Raven followed the silver-haired tycoon but not too closely behind. Master Raven fought the inclination to groan, as she knew it was another ploy of his to worm his way into the conversation.
"Once again, Ms. Raven proves her lethality. Maybe you could take a few pointers, dear brother."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Anyway, Alexandersson. You held your own. I'm impressed."
"Likewise."
"So, Ms. Raven. You and I should..." Lee's mischievous smirk appeared as he approached the master kunoichi. "Exchange pointers since we have time."
Raven stepped between them. "My superior and I will discuss our plansprivately."
The tycoon's smirk widened into a grin. "That so? A pity. We'll chat in due time."
Going silent, Raven walked away with Master Raven following after him as they made their way over to the small sparring room on the left side of the gym. The thick glass doors slid closed.
She gripped his shoulder. "Thanks. You saved me the trouble of caving his nose in."
"No problem. Learned from last time to not lose control again," Raven replied before crossing his arms. "What's our next course of action?"
"Once the sun sets around 7:45, I want you to question Alexandersson on the journalist Nathan Bryant. I'll listen in on the conversation and detain him for questioning."
Raven's eyebrows creased. "You think you can do that before your match? Won't Lars get suspicious?"
"He's of no concern to us. So long as he and his rebellion don't interfere with our objective."
"Understood."
"What was the point of having me spar with Alexandersson?"
"Mishimas hit hard and fast; Lars is no exception. If they can't break your block, they'll go for a low and use a hard attack to hammer the upper body's vital areas: the head, chest, and stomach. The only difference between Lars and Heihachi is the older Mishima will go for the chest. Then there's the repetition, like so..."
Raven rushed forward and launched a high kick. Master Raven leaned back, catching her footing. He fell into a pattern: Low kick as she skipped back, low kick, mid kick. She blocked, able to seize his foot. Raven spun around in the other way for another high kick. She ducked, and Raven smirked while aiming his uppercut.
"Gotcha."
Master Raven looked down, sighing in annoyance as his fist sat a few centimeters under her chin.
Raven chuckled, letting his hands fall to his sides. "The Mishima's thrive on lows that force you to duck or dodge. Don't move forward when evading. It'll leave you open to take an uppercut."
She relaxed. "Noted."
"If they can't break your block with speed or repetition of lows, they'll resort to brute force. Heihachi will use his strength to do so using headbutts or parry holds. Another tactic he uses is shoving you back to the wall or floor."
"Anything else I should worry about?"
"Be careful showing off."
Master Raven failed to hide a smirk at the notion.
"I saw your footing. You were going to show off against Lars and finish him with a flashier move but toned it down at the last minute."
"Come on, Raven."
He looked knowingly at her. "Save it for a less critical fight."
She huffed. "Fine, but I can't promise I won't sneak something in."
"Expect Heihachi to respond with pure malice. Showing off will make him feel like you're taunting him. Just fight and play it even."
The woman nodded.
"But, uh... Want to continue working out? Or-"
"Care to join me at the pull-up bars?"
"Sure."
From afar, Yoshimitsu observed the master kunoichi hanging on the long steel bar by her legs while crunching upward at a practiced speed, making it look easy. Raven was beside her doing pull-ups, keeping up with her speed in near synchronization.
'Quiet the woman indeed,'the space ninja deduced.
Later:
Master Raven's earpiece emitted a brief beep, signaling an incoming communication as she tapped the left side of her faceplate. "Victor."
"Yes, Agent."
"I'll be moving to apprehend the journalist shortly. Prepare for transport back to HQ once we have him in custody."
"Understood. I'll ensure a vehicle is ready for extraction."
Acknowledging her subordinate, Master Raven settled on the open window sill to survey the surroundings. She glanced over at Raven, who rose from his resting place and went to the door. Outside, Nina stood by the guardrail with several Tekken Force soldiers, her gaze shifting as she turned to address Raven.
"Off to the gym?"
"Just a conversation with an old acquaintance."
"Trying to cozy up to Lars?"
Raven's response was curt. "I'm not here to make friends."
He proceeded to the elevator without further exchange, reflecting his no-nonsense attitude.
Observing Raven's departure, Nina directed the vigilant soldiers to hold their position. She then quietly descended the nearby stairwell before reaching the first hall where the fighters trained. Positioning herself strategically behind a corner, Nina watched the agent enter Lars's room. She slipped her phone out to tap a security camera icon.
"You wanted to talk?"Lars inquired with a hint of wariness.
Raven wasted no time getting to the point."Correct. I need information regarding the journalist you were associated with: Nathan Bryant."
Lars's defensive posture was evident."What does the UN want with him? Are you planning to eliminate him and cover it up?"
"We require crucial intel Heihachi entrusted to him. Where is he currently?"
Master Raven observed the exchange from outside and couldn't help but note how smoothly the conversation unfolded.
"He's being transported back to America under heavy surveillance with the kill-on-sight order from Heihachi. My operatives have a jet prepared at Suno Harbor west of the arena for immediate departure."
Raven acknowledged with a nod."A kill-on-sight order. I hadn't expected Heihachi to resort to such underhanded tactics."
"It's the classic Mishima approach,"Lars remarked.
"And where do your actions fit into this?"
"You're assisting my soldiers in his transportation?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"How so?"
"Thanks for the info."
Nina's eyebrows furrowed. "If Raven's not going..."
As Raven headed to the elevator, Lars drummed his fingers on his chin.'Why would he inquire about the journalist? He didn't even teleport away afterward, as he always does. Unless—'
He swiftly reached for his phone on the nightstand by his bed, dialing Commander K. Genshi's number from speed dial. "Commander, brace yourself! We're—"
"Sir, we're under assault by an unknown intruder! Send re—ARGH!"
"Genshi? Genshi!"
The sounds of gunfire drowned out the rest of the call.
This revelation prompted Nina to act swiftly. Realizing Raven wasn't pursuing the journalist directly, she mobilized a squad of soldiers, assassins, and armored vehicles.
"I need immediate transport to Suno Harbor!" Nina commanded.
Master Raven dashed and leaped across the rooftops, her movements fluid as she navigated the bustling cityscape toward Suno Harbor.
"Victor, have you secured a vehicle?"
"What do you think of a Mazda Shinari?"Victor's voice crackled through the comms.
"Of all the choices, you went with that one," Master Raven replied with amusem*nt.
"It's the quickest option available that doesn't look like a tank."
"Speed won't matter much if we come under fire."
"Fair point, but my driving skills, coupled with your sharp eyes, make us a formidable force against any opposition."
"Agreed."
Arriving at the scene, Master Raven effortlessly deflected bullets from the trio of soldiers with her chokutō blade and swiftly closed the distance. As one soldier swung the butt of his gun, she blocked and countered with a lightning-fast strike to his jaw, followed by a precise kick to the soldier behind her. Meanwhile, the third soldier drew a machete, aiming a wide swing at her midsection. Master Raven dodged the attack with fluid agility and retaliated with an upward palm strike that sent him staggering.
Without looking at Nathan, she threw a shuriken in the reporter's direction.
Shing!
The KP-01 Sig Sauer pistol in his hand dropped to the ground. Nathan backed away, visibly shaken as the chaos unfolded, his features a testament to his fear. He had messy brown hair, a full beard, and dark silver eyes reddened from lack of sleep. He wore a gray trench coat, black dress shirt with an unbuttoned collar, jeans, and black oxfords. Glasses were gone from his face, a red military watch around his right hand, a black backpack over his shoulders, and a briefcase in his possession.
"W- who are you? Did H-Heihachi send y-you?"
Master Raven sheathed her blade. "I'm from the United Nations, here to help you."
"You killed those men. The UN doesn't hire assassins."
"There's a lot of things the public doesn't know."
"W-what?"
The unmistakable thump of helicopter rotor blades slicing through the air drew Master Raven's attention. Her gaze snapped skyward, locking onto a Mishima Zaibatsu helicopter with its tactical design apparent from a distance. The piercing beam of its searchlight narrowed down on their location. A sniper's silhouette glinted against the night through the chopper's open doors.
"We're running out of time, Bryant," Master Raven's voice cut through the tension, urgency lacing every word. "You can either face that Zaibatsu helicopter and meet your end, or you can trust me and live."
Nathan's hesitation was palpable, fear mirrored in his wide eyes and trembling voice. "Okay..."
Assisting her hostage, Master Raven guided Nathan as they hurried towards their getaway car. Victor's composed demeanor contrasted with Nathan's panic.
"Who are you?" Nathan questioned.
"We'll explain later. Get in and fasten your seatbelt."
Nathan hesitated and looked up to see the pursuant helicopter descending. He immediately entered the backseat as Victor occupied the driver's side while Master Raven opted to hop onto the roof; the circles in her boots' soles pulsed with magnetic energy.
Victor slammed on the gas with the steering wheel turned before switching to the brakes. A thick ring of tire smoke emerged from the rear as the car swung in a half circle before zooming back into the main streets.
Nina watched a silver vehicle shoot past her convoy and pressed the communication device in her ear. "Vehicle A12, give chase."
The scene shifted into a high-octane pursuit throughout the Toyko streets. Victor expertly narrated through the chaos of screeching tires and flashing lights. His skillful maneuvering and Master Raven's perceptive observations kept the tension taut as they evaded their pursuers. The latter looked behind as the bright lights of an armored Tekken Force Hummer pursued them with a soldier wielding a minigun sticking from its top.
"Vic-"
The car suddenly weaved to its right.
"Not much traffic, but the trucks are everywhere!" Victor shouted from below.
"We need to lose them!" Master Raven responded.
Victor began weaving in and out of lanes to avoid the Hummer. Master Raven's vision caught sight of a newly constructed dead end with more armored vehicles and soldiers blocking the street, the leading general wielding an RPG.
"Turn left!" Master Raven ordered.
Gripping the steering wheel, Victor switched to the brakes as the car drifted into a wide corner and used one hand to cut the wheel before stepping on the accelerator to turn down the adjacent street.
Nathan let a strangled breath loose. "Are we safe now?"
Master Raven's eyes narrowed at the lack of cars on this street. "Wait... It's a tr-"
Reactively, her entire body lowered to the car's hood as a missile sailed overhead that missed by mere centimeters before detonating in the street several feet ahead of them. The impact shook the ground enough for Victor to slam his foot on the brakes. The car drifted in an erratic circle before coming to a complete stop. Surrounding the Madza were several Tekken Force soldiers and a lethal assassin.
Victor grabbed his scabbard from the backseat and eyed Nathan. "Stay in the car."
Nathan tightened his grip on the briefcase, feeling the weight of the situation as the Frenchman shut the car door. Victor and Master Raven stood coolly side by side, unruffled by the armed soldiers encircling them. The former fastened his scabbard to his belt, determination visible behind his tinted shades. The third assassin, positioned between his allies, carried a slender cleaver sword sheathed at his back.
"Shall we deal with him now or later, Maven?" Victor inquired, twirling his karambit knife deftly between his fingers with a smug grin.
Master Raven rolled her eyes. "Victor, please refrain from calling me that. As for your question, save him for last."
"Agreed, then. Our final dance."
Meanwhile, Nina perched on the armored truck's hood, her fingers resting lightly on the TrackingPoint Model XS1 sniper rifle readily loaded. "Nathan stays unharmed and alive."
The swarm of soldiers converged on their position. Gripping the hilt of her chokutō blade, Master Raven pulled it out of its sheath. Victor's thumb hovered over a button near the tsuba. She threw her sword, aiming hilt first at the soldier behind Victor, whose katana shot from its scabbard toward the soldier behind his subordinate. They landed against their marks, colliding with each soldier's head. Time slowed as the two glanced at each other, already knowing their next move. Each spun in opposite directions, gripping the other's weapon and slicing through the soldiers.
Victor raised an eyebrow at his subordinate's blade. "Is it me, or is this lighter than I remember?"
"Probably you."
"Hmm..."
Master Raven gripped the weapon and waited as Victor stepped forward, leaning away from a sword slash before attacking with his own. The soldier fell dead to the ground. He blocked a kick and stepped into a forward swipe, slicing the soldier's head half. He kicked another away as Master Raven ducked a blade swing before countering with a quick stab to the eye. She backflipped away from a forward slash. Victor slid under and swept a soldier's leg and slipped his gun from its leg holster to fire four shots, each hitting a soldier as they crumpled lifeless around them.
More rushed forward, but Master Raven easily dodged their attacks and blocked with the long katana. One soldier reached for his gun, only for her to roll forward and slice through his upper body. A hail of bullets met the slim katana and ricocheted away harmlessly as sparks flew. An incoming fist met the soldier's jaw, making him stumble backward. Victor ducked a messy right hook and countered with a quick kick variation to the soldier's knee and stomach. He stepped back and shoved the end of the chukutō into the soldier's skull. Master Raven sprinted toward a trio and simultaneously deflected their gunshots. She jumped and continued averting their gunfire using her armor before disappearing in a haze. She landed into a low crouch behind them, blood dripping from the sword as the soldiers behind her collapsed.
"Hah!" The last assassin swung his cleaver sword.
Rolling back in time, Master Raven parried the blade with eyes on Victor, who toyed with two soldiers while three more converged. Without thinking, she tossed his weapon blade first in his direction. The katana buried itself in the head of one behind Victor. Master Raven inhaled sharply before blocking the cleaver with her arm and slamming a fist against the assassin's face. Victor smirked and teleported before a surprised soldier, who grunted after a powerful knee to his gut that sent him sprawling. After pulling his sword from a dead body, Victor focused on the remaining four. Spinning, he sliced through one's throat. Teleporting behind the two executing 'Durandai,' he cleaved the one on the left in two. Landing a kick to the one right, Victor sprinted for the one farthest from him and slid to a stop, an armored fist missing his nose by inches. He sliced the soldier's throat and didn't bother looking behind him while shoving the end of his katana through his stomach. Pulling the blade out, he tossed the chokutō blade in his subordinate's direction. Master Raven pulled off a backward handspring and caught her blade before blocking the assassin's cleaver just in time. Sparks flew as each blade slid across the other. The assassin stumbled but quickly recovered, brandishing his blade as the two agents approached him.
Master Raven sheathed her sword with a swift, practiced motion - the metallic whisper of steel sliding into its scabbard. "Maybe you should go start the car?"
Victor, standing nearby, responded with a confident smirk. "And miss out on this? I think not. I'll hit him with a low, and we'll finish him swiftly."
"Sure," Master Raven replied casually, though her eyes betrayed a subtle concern.
The assassin gripped his blade, running for the woman. Master Raven rolled back just as his blade missed her. Victor hazed through him, aiming his sword. The assassin blocked, leaning away from the woman's fist. Victor kicked in his leg. He fell to his knees. Master Raven landed a punch to his side, stomach, and collarbone. She landed a left-right combo on his jaw before and didn't give him a chance to recover before spinning into a high kick. He was sent flying but recovered midair and landed on the asphalt as the agents sprinted toward him. The assassin gripped his cleaver and swung, only to see with wide eyes that Master Raven pulled off a corkscrew flip over his blade, slicing his neck while Victor landed a forward kick to his chest. The decapitated head flew backward and hit the truck Nina sat on, to which she grimaced as the agents smirked. Retreating to their getaway, Victor slid his sheathed blade from the hold at his side before slipping into the car. The vehicle sped away, its engine roar echoing into the empty streets.
Agitated, Nina grabbed her phone. "After them!"
Nathan's voice trembled with urgency. "I-is that it? Did we lose them?"
Master Raven glanced behind them. "They're not tailing us anymore, but don't assume we're out of danger just yet."
She remained vigilant despite the Kobe UN building looming in clear view. The unsettling silence, juxtaposed with the smooth maneuvering of their vehicle through light traffic, heightened her senses. Abruptly, the car swerved left, Master Raven barely maintaining her balance as three sharp gunshots echoed. She instinctively shifted lower, gripping the sleek surface for dear life.
"Helicopters!" Victor's voice carried urgency.
His eyes darted to the backseat, where his sword lay sheathed and out of reach for himself or his subordinate in this desperate situation.
"My sword."
Nathan's brows furrowed in confusion. "What about it?"
"It's in the back—"
The car jolted as bullets hit the passenger side, evoking a gasp from Nathan as the vehicle maneuvered around a taxi.
Master Raven clenched her jaw, the strain evident. "Are you trying to throw me off the car!?"
Determined, Victor pressed harder on the gas pedal. "Toss it out the window to her!"
"What!?"
"Now!"
Nathan did as told, grabbing the armored scabbard and tossing it upward. Master Raven caught it and clipped it to her back over her blade before jumping off the hood toward a building. Quickly executing a few hand signs, a clone appeared and followed her lead. She landed on the side of the building, running along its surface while gripping the katana's hilt as the scabbard's dim glow brightened. The clone jumped off the building; Master Raven did as well. Her clone leaned back in position ever so slightly. She landed on its crossed forearms before pushing off towards the first helicopter. The soldier armed his machine gun at the incoming kunoichi. She smirked and slid the blade back into the sheath before flipping into a swan dive towards the other chopper descending to ground level. The pilot saw her coming and pulled the cyclic stick left. Master Raven maneuvered ever so slightly to fall through the small cabin's open space. The soldier slipped his pistol from the holster and aimed with a shaky hand while holding on to the aircraft's wall. She blinked before pulling one of the pins of his grenades as a bullet ricocheted off her armored knee. Master Raven turned around and dove out toward the moving car, breathing heavily as the grenades detonated inside the helicopter and crashed against the other. The scene resembled a fiery inferno.
Victor exhaled a small sigh of relief. "Finally..."
The vehicle slid into the UN building's underground tunnel, greeted by the vigilant presence of armed UN soldiers armed with heavy weaponry. They meticulously surveyed the entrance until the secret panel concealing the tunnel snapped shut. Victor switched off the ignition, pocketing the keys while Master Raven gracefully leaped off the hood and sheathed her katana. Nathan's eyes widened in surprise inside the car as he observed the flurry of activity: soldiers patrolling, securing hallways and doors, tending to armored vehicles, and replenishing ammunition.
"Let's go," Victor commanded after opening the car door.
Nathan hesitated, his gaze darting to the soldiers nearby, two of whom were conversing with the armored woman outside.
He shook his head before stepping out. "So... Thanks for saving my life back there and all. But you guys will help me get out of Japan, right?"
Victor and Master Raven exchanged glances before the latter replied. "Unfortunately, any movement would jeopardize your safety. You're under our protection now."
Nathan's complexion paled. "What!? I can't stay here! They'll kill me! I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Although true, Heihachi won't let you leave alive if given the chance. Your best chance of survival is to remain in this facility until further notice. I'm sure you have questions, Nathan. We certainly do."
"W-what?"
Stepping forward, Master Raven was about to speak, but Victor intervened with his arm out. He knew his agent's direct approach could be unsettling. While she excelled in interrogating hardened criminals, dealing with civilians required a gentler touch to elicit cooperation.
"The suitcase," Victor interjected. "I assume you have the journal that contains the truth about Heihachi's past before the Devil Gene's influence."
Nathan nodded hesitantly.
"In that case, we need to discuss."
Victor glanced at the two soldiers. "Ensure our guest has a good meal, new clothes, and a comfortable resting place. Your cooperation will expedite matters. Try not to cause too much trouble."
Nathan paused, feeling Master Raven's intense gaze send a shiver down his spine. He couldn't shake off his unease despite her role in saving him from the Tekken Force. Perhaps his unease was fueled by her piercing stare or the prominent kanji tattooed on her shoulder.
死. Shi. Death.
Such tattoos were typically associated with the yakuza, criminals, or ominous figures bearing misfortune.
'Good people don't have tattoos like that,'Nathan thought, clearing his throat. "Uh... sure."
Victor nodded. "Good."
The soldiers escorted Nathan into the heavily guarded facility, leaving Victor to check the time displayed on his glasses:9:07 P.M.
"You should head to your match. Things could escalate if Heihachi and Nina act rashly," Victor advised. "As for Bryant, I'll handle him until your return for a proper interrogation. Some of my men and I will monitor the match."
"Understood. I'll give him a fight to remember."
Poof.
With that, Master Raven disappeared as Victor turned and left to file his report on tonight's events.
Iron Fist Arena - Room 315:
Poof.
Raven closed the book titled—Technological Advances of the Mishima Zaibatsu—earning a raised eyebrow from Master Raven as she materialized inside the room.
"Seriously? That's your pre-match read?"
He shrugged before tossing the book. "It was that orHistory of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Figured this had more gadgets."
A wry smile played at the corners of Master Raven's lips.
"They're summoning you soon, but I guess you still have time for meditation. Your balcony leap should make a memorable entrance against the old man."
Master Raven chuckled and settled into a cross-legged position before closing her eyes. With a deep breath, she channeled her Ki to bolster her strength for the impending battle. In a match against Heihachi, evasion wasn't an option—she needed every ounce of energy to withstand his imposing might. As she focused, Raven couldn't help but sense the surge emanating from her. A stronger, more tangible aura would mark her presence unmistakably, even to the most seasoned fighters or cunning ninjas lurking miles away.
Mishima Zaibatsu - Private Dojo:
Heihachi raised his head, his eyes snapping open after a solitary meditation session in the intimate dojo hidden behind his office.
A wicked smirk curled his lips as he contemplated the impending spectacle. "She's arrived... Nina."
"Sir."
"Proceed with the announcement. I'll be entering the arena shortly."
Exiting the dojo's serene ambiance, Nina approached the balcony overlooking the raucous arena. The crowd's fervent cheers reverberated, mingling with the upbeat music that signaled the commencement of the night's final match—a showcase featuring Heihachi against a mysterious adversary unveiled live on television. This bout marked the culmination of the semifinals, a tradition that always promised a riveting display.
The Match Coordinator received the cue from Nina. "We're going live in three... two... one."
Beep.
"As customary in the Iron Fist Tournament, the climax of the semifinals brings forth a showcase match! Tonight is no different!" proclaimed the female announcer, her earpiece doubling as a microphone for special occasions. "In this evening's spectacle, the head of Zaibatsu will clash with our newest contender! Nothing tangible hangs in the balance except nothing short of a captivating exhibition! Without further ado, let the showdown begin! Representing the Mishima Zaibatsu, renowned for his bone-shattering strikes, the King of Iron Fist... HEIHACHIII MISHIMAAA!"
The elderly combatant leaped from the balcony with formidable might, his landing creating visible craters inside the arena. "May my opponent prove worthy of my fists."
Raven glanced back at his superior, who remained deep in meditation. "Good luck, Tatyana."
Wordlessly, Raven exited their shared room and made his way to the elevator, seeking a secluded spot away from the bustling crowd and the prying eyes of fellow fighters. Just as he located the participants' exclusive seating area, Lars approached him, his face displaying visible anger.
"I don't appreciate your superior attacking my men earlier," Lars reprimanded.
Maintaining his relaxed demeanor, Raven replied, "It wasn't personal. I was executing my mission. Your men knew the risks when they committed to being soldiers—the frontline casualties of any conflict."
"So, you were manipulating me while she listened in?"
"It's not manipulation, Alexandersson. I was following orders to achieve my objective, nothing more. As I mentioned earlier, we might be adversaries with each passing day. If you'll excuse me, I have a match to observe."
With a dismissive gesture, Raven walked away, leaving Lars standing with crossed arms and a look of disdain. He quickly found an unoccupied section near the far right of the reserved seating, settling into a surprisingly comfortable seat, relishing the calm until an unwelcome voice disrupted his peace.
"Ah, Raven. I was hoping to catch you here," Lee Chaolan said as he sat beside him with Anna by his side, watching with a vested interest for vulnerabilities to exploit later.
"Wasn't there a VIP section where you could lounge, Lee?" Raven inquired, slightly annoyed by the interruption.
Lee chuckled. "Of course, but I couldn't resist witnessing Ms. Raven's skills up close. While she may not be on Heihachi's level, her martial prowess is undeniable."
'That's not the only thing you're drawn to, opportunist.'
"Emerging from the shadows, the Elusive Kunoichi..."
Heihachi's gaze sharpened, his glare intensifying.
"MASTER RAVEN!"
With a poof, Master Raven teleported into the arena with measured steps. "Target acquired."
"Are you ready?" The announcer echoed through the arena, prompting Heihachi and Master Raven to assume their fighting stances.
And then...
"FIGHT!"
Master Raven channeled her ki, a silent focus enveloping her.
Poof.
Heihachi stepped back and leaned away from a high kick before blocking a punch, rearing his head back to execute 'Chrome Dome.' Master Raven hazed under the attack and countered with a fist aimed at his chest. Heihachi matched her attack with a palm strike. The blow elicited a small grunt through Master Raven's teeth as she rolled back. Heihaci slid with a slight grimace. The woman held her focus with brown eyes glowing brighter.
Heihachi slowly clenched his hands into fists. "Hmmm."
With a simple hand gesture, he beckoned her to come closer. Master Raven knew better than to be goaded into attacking, a typical move of a novice fighter. Heihachi was arrogant, though it was odd he'd do it against her.
She sprinted towards Heihachi, who stood his ground. Getting close enough, Master Raven shifted her stance with both hands planted on the ground. Heihachi weaved back amid her double corkscrew kick, missing him by mere inches as he ducked. Skipping back from a low, Master Raven backflipped toward him. Heihachi stumbled back but retaliated with a 'Demon Uppercut.' The kunoichi flew, allowing Heihachi to rush forward as she tumbled but recovered quickly, curling into a ball just as his 'Wind Caller' kick sailed overhead.
Landing on the ground in a kip-up, Master Raven held her stance and relaxed her spine. Heihachi's first 'Monzenbarai' kick missed. She launched herself onto her feet to block the Mishima's fists.
Lee shot up from his seat. "Did you see that!?"
Heihachi backed up before parrying her low kick and lodged his fist into her stomach before connecting with an elbow against her jaw.
"Hah!" He grunted with a smirk, blocking her kick.
Master Raven grimaced and spat out a wad of blood but didn't register Heihachi had hooked his hands around her leg. He swung her around twice before releasing as she landed in a heap - a slight but sharp sting erupting in her back. Her fist clenched slowly, and Raven shot up from his seat with keen eyes after catching the first sign of irritation. He knew she hated holding back but having to restrain herself for the objective's sake.
"Just a few more seconds," Raven breathed.
Twisting her body, Master Raven stood tall to see Heihachi's cruel smirk. "Quitting so soon?"
Master Raven fully sprinted toward the older man. He waited and spun into a back fist. She rolled forward and countered his high knee with an 'Elbow Strike,' shoving it back while drawing her blade. Heihachi stumbled back, astonished as the silver edge nearly gouged his eye. She gave him no time to recover with a swift kick to the knee before another landed against his stomach, and one final kick met his jaw.
Heihachi breathed through his teeth in pain before skipping back. Master Raven's chokutō blade spun as the older man's eyes flicked to it, though she seemed to give it no attention. She ducked under his 'Lightning Strike Fist' before gripping the sword by its blade. The braced hilt landed forcefully against his jaw before Heihachi caught her hand and landed a devastated 'Chrome Dome.' She stumbled backward, not having enough time to dodge or counter his 'Spinning Demon Kick.' Master Raven scrambled to her feet and blinked as Heihachi eliminated any space with a forward palm strike. Thinking quickly, she aimed a mid-kick to his side.
Raven and Lee winced as the crowd sounded a defining 'OOH!' in shock.
Heihachi and Master Raven each slid back from the impact, the latter gripping her arm as his latest attack popped her right arm out of its socket. A single trail of blood slid down the right side of her face as she glowered at her opponent. Heihachi kept the woman's gaze with a hand over his left side after she managed to break three of his ribs. Blood also dripped from the corner of his mouth, which he wiped off his mouth with his forearm before crossing them.
"It seems our match has ended in a shocking tiebreaker!" the female announcer boomed. "Quite the fight indeed! Maybe a rematch is to determine a true victor in this spectacle! This concludes the semifinals of the King Of Iron Fist Tournament! Tune in next Friday for the beginning of the finals, where eight fighters go head to head for a chance to face Heihachi Mishima and claim their champion title! GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!"
Master Raven gritted her teeth in discomfort while gripping her arm.Crick.She rolled her shoulder and felt a sting from shoving it back into place.
Heihachi walked over. "You fought well."
The woman raised an eyebrow, surprised he even complimented her.
He cackled, which unnerved her. "I was wrong to underestimate you. But don't think you bested me because of a measly draw.I look forward to crumbling your spine."
Master Raven placed a hand on her hip. "Then you know I'll ensure the opportunity doesn't arise."
Heihachi's laugh echoed throughout the arena. "I look forward to seeing you try!"
Raven's voice sounded from her earpiece. "I'll be waiting outside. Victor sent a vehicle for transportation."
"Understood," Master Raven replied.
Poof.
Lee shot up from his seat. "That was quite the match! I've never seen Heihachi in a draw before. Can you believe it, Rav—"
The agent had already vacated his seat, not bothering to stay for extra conversation.
"Huh..." Lee shrugged. "I guess he wasn't up for conversation. Quite the match, right Anna?"
Her brown eyes narrowed while gripping the handle of throwing her throwing knife. "Indeed."
Ding.
Nina straightened from the guardrail as she and the soldiers turned toward Master Raven, who confidently entered the hall from the elevator. "Quite an interesting fight you put out there. I'm sure Heihachi wore you down from that last hit."
"Mistaken as usual, Williams," Master Raven replied coolly, her tone betraying no hint of exertion. "I wasn'ttryingto win."
"Really?" Nina's voice carried a hint of skepticism as she handed her shades to a nearby soldier. "Prove it then."
Master Raven calmly turned, a flicker of a challenge in her eyes. "You'll regret attempting to piss me off."
"That's if you can hit me."
Without hesitation, Nina instinctively surged forward with her hand on the pistol holster on her left leg. Master Raven deftly leaned back, bullets from the pistol ricocheting harmlessly off her armor before she landed a precise low kick to the assassin's knee. Nina staggered but swiftly recovered, narrowly evading the ninja's subsequent high kick while deftly flipping her pistol. Master Raven, undeterred, ducked beneath the missed pistol whip and countered with a lightning-fast three-punch combination aimed at Nina's midsection, collarbone, and jaw. Nina managed to catch the final punch, swiftly spinning her pistol in response.
Meanwhile, Master Raven simultaneously pressed the magazine release button. As the blonde kicked at the ninja's stomach, the magazine landed in Master Raven's waiting hand. For a while, they stood locked in a tense stalemate, Nina's pistol aimed at Master Raven's temple while the latter held the tip of her chokutō blade at the blonde's neck.
The tension broke as Nina pulled the trigger.
Click.
Master Raven's smirk was unmistakable as she held up the magazine. "Missing something?"
Annoyance flickered across Nina's features. "Lucky move. But your luck won't hold forever."
"Don't count on it," Master Raven replied calmly, tossing the magazine.
The ensuing clash was swift and intense. Nina ducked beneath a sword swipe, executing 'Stiletto Heel' precisely. Master Raven effortlessly evaded the attack, her movements fluid and calculated. However, her lapse in judgment allowed Nina to capitalize, landing a punishing blow with her heel against Master Raven's jaw. In a split-second decision, Nina seized one of her long dreads to leverage a swift sweep that brought the agent down. Gasping for breath, Nina retrieved her second pistol from its holster.
"The long hair was a poor choice," Nina quipped.
Master Raven's response was wordless, her golden eyes filled with fury as she launched forward with renewed vigor. Nina deftly pulled back the slide of her pistol as her opponent closed the distance. With a nimble step back, she avoided a sweeping kick, only to feel the impact of a low strike to her calf, followed by a sharp palm strike to her chest.
CRACK!
The impact reverberated and caused the guards to wince, signaling Master Raven's strike against Nina's nose. Blood trickled between her gloved hands as she instinctively clutched her now broken nasal bone, the pain searing. Despite the agony, her gaze of hatred remained fixed on her adversary. Master Raven resheathed her blade with practiced ease, her demeanor returning to its stoic calm despite a simmering contempt.
"Clean yourself off. You're a disgrace."
Poof.
Outside the Iron Fist Arena:
Raven couldn't ignore the intensity in his girlfriend's expression when she burst through the door—a sharp glare that seemed to melt anything. It was a look he'd only seen once before, which left an indelible mark on his memory.
"What happened up there?" Raven's voice carried genuine concern.
"Just drive," Master Raven snapped, her tone devoid of warmth.
She didn't bother to meet his gaze. Raven glanced down and noticed how tightly her hands balled into fists, knuckles whitening against her skin. He remained silent, understanding that now wasn't the time for questions. With a subtle nod, Raven eased the car off the curb and smoothly merged into the sparse traffic that filled Tokyo's streets. The silver Mazda hummed as it accelerated to its destination.
UN Headquarters - An hour later:
Tatyana gazed at the showerhead, lost in thought as the warm water cascaded over her nude physique. She hadn't spoken much to Raven on their way back and had retreated quickly upon their return. The day's events weighed heavily on her, more so than usual. The shower offered partial relief, but she knew she couldn't stay there forever.
Turning off the water, Tatyana dried herself off and wrapped a towel around her braided hair.'Deja vu. I shouldn't have lashed out like that. He probably thinks I just brushed him off.'
Those words carried a heavy truth.
Raven didn't deserve her anger; he wasn't at fault for what had transpired. After all, he had witnessed her capabilities firsthand during their childhood. Tatyana still carried a guilty burden from those days, even if her current frustration wasn't directed at him. Nina had provoked her, and pulling her braid had been a provocation that demanded a response. Drying her braids didn't take long, though Tatyana couldn't help but wince as she subconsciously rolled her sore shoulder from Heihachi's blow during their fight. Such a hit would have incapacitated most people for months, but Tatyana was no ordinary woman. A checkup in the infirmary had revealed no severe damage, but that was the least of her concerns as she put on comfortable dark navy undergarments and a robe to lounge in.
Sitting on her bed, Tatyana pondered the day's events. Her outburst against her boyfriend was unwarranted, and she knew she needed to mend things. Their relationship had a rocky start but had grown into something meaningful. She was used to having Raven around, which made her more approachable, unlike her usual isolation from the rest of the team. In return, Raven had begun mellowing out to some extent to reveal more of his thoughts.
Tatyana almost missed the knock on her door amid her musing. She sighed and secured her robe sash before opening the door to find Raven in sweatpants and a simple T-shirt, much to her surprise.
"Hey..."
"Didn't expect to see you. Everything alright?"
"Yeah, I just... wanted to check on you." Raven spun on his heels. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Tatyana touched his shoulder and turned him back toward her with a sincere smile. "Stay here tonight. We need to talk about earlier."
Inviting Raven inside, Tatyana closed the door behind him. The UN spared no expense for their agents' living quarters, and Japan's branch was no exception in providing comfort and luxury. Tatyana sat on the bed, Raven nearby but with respectable space between them. They sat in a comfortable silence.
Finally, Tatyana exhaled. "My outburst earlier wasn't because of you. Everything was fine until I ran into Nina on my way out. She was keen on challenging me, thinking I was exhausted from taking on Heihachi after he injured my shoulder, so I indulged her."
Raven nodded in understanding. "I had a feeling something was off. Did she...?"
"Yes, and she received a broken nose for her troubles."
Her revelation spoke volumes, confirming Raven's suspicions about what had transpired between Tatyana and Nina.
"That doesn't excuse how I acted. The time we've spent together these last few weeks has been some of the most fun I've had. Sometimes, I forget what it's like to be a woman." Tatyana eyed her boyfriend. "But our conversation near the body shop, our intimacy later on, and our date the next night—these instances have shown me how similar we are and how enjoyable it's been to share that with you."
Reaching with his hand, Raven placed it atop hers. "I apologize that happened to you. I learned that lesson the hard way."
Tatyana shook her head. "You didn't deserve that either, even if we were kids."
His hand gave a soft squeeze. "It's okay, Tatyana. I never held that against you."
Each lost themselves in their gazes, words unnecessary. Tatyana reached up to deftly remove Raven's sunglasses. She studied his complexion marred by the 'X' scar on his otherwise handsome face and found beauty in his imperfections, much like he did with her facial scars.
Warning: Lemon alert, read at your own risk
Song Inspiration: 'FlowerChiild' by Willie Hyn feat. Musiq Soulchild
Tatyana drew closer to seize the moment. Raven's actions mirrored hers as they shared a kiss filled with affection and a hint of desire. Her free hand slid behind his back, pulling herself nearer to deepen the connection as he tentatively massaged her waist. Tatyana shifted to straddle Raven as they reclined on her bed. There was no resistance, only mutual approval as he reciprocated her kisses. Separating briefly, they gazed into each other's eyes. What began with uncertainty had now transformed into something undeniable.
It was Raven's turn to ignite the passion as he leaned up to claim Tatyana's lips again. She tugged at the hem of his shirt before pulling it overhead as her robe came undone. Tossing the fabric aside, Tatyana memorized the contours of Raven's defined chest as she traced all over with pleased hums. Raven didn't remain idle and combed his fingers through her damp hair, mindful not to tug - a risky move, though no protest was offered. The two agents prolonged their intimacy with each kiss and caress, no longer caring about the blurred line between subordinate and superior. Each knew it was only a matter of time before most of their contemporaries learned of their relationship. But that didn't matter; only the shared knowledge of their feelings did.
"Rashad..."
Raven blinked, unsure if he had heard her whisper correctly. He couldn't remember the last time anyone spoke his real name, yet there it was, said by the person he had come to trust more than as his superior. It wasn't in public, a war-torn wasteland, or during a fierce battle. No, it occurred within the sanctuary of her room for only him to listen. The notion put him at ease. His eyes widened slightly as Tatyana slipped out of her robe and tossed it in a pile with his shirt. She reached for her bra but stopped after he placed a hand over hers.
"Wait... Are you sure?" Rashad asked for confirmation.
Tatyana paused in thoughtfulness. "I am... because I want to."
"I only ask due to your shoulder. And that I'm not making you uncomfortable."
She leaned closer. "Nothing antibiotics can't fix. I've dealt with worse. Besides, it lets us pick up where we left off the other night."
"What about the interrogation?"
"It can wait until tomorrow. I'll explain it to Victor as he'll want an explanation, knowing him."
Rashad nodded. "Well, allow me."
Sitting up, his hands moved toward Tatyana's back to unclip her bra. A soft snap occurred, followed by the garment's discard as Rashad delicately kissed each of her shoulders. Tatyana felt herself shiver, not out of fear but excitement. She remained patient, her eyes not leaving him before covering her bosom. Rashad kissed her, acknowledging this was the point of no return for them.
"You're beautiful..."
Tatyana was caught off guard by the remark but accepted his encouragement, both arms gradually lowering to expose her chest. Rashad was mesmerized by the graceful slope of her breasts even after seeing them before. Carefully, he took one in each hand and began massaging before trailing kisses along her neck and teasing where her collarbone and shoulder met. Small moans left Tatyana that grew louder as his lips surrounded her left teat while Rashad continued kneading its twin. His tongue lashed away, further stimulating his lady's innate urges while alternating between each breast. Fervently, Tatyana brought Rashad's mouth back to her own. She exhaled audibly as his thumbs hooked inside her panties to slide them off her legs. The favor was returned for his sweatpants and boxers, leaving each agent bare of clothing.
Reversing positions, Rashad loomed over Tatyana during a passionate kiss but left enough room for her to caress his chest. Soon, a hand trailed his abdomen toward his waist until finding its intended target. She was impressed at the feel and length of his size and began stroking, reveling in her lover's groans.
Before things escalated, Tatyana removed her hand. "Hang on."
She reluctantly moved away to retrieve something in the nightstand's drawer - a condom. Rashad raised an eyebrow, contemplating if his superior had this planned. He wouldn't put it past her, knowing how calculated and methodical she could be when focused on an objective.
"Don't take it personally. Just don't want to take any chances," Tatyana admitted.
Rashad shook his head. "Wouldn't think of it. First time, too?"
Tatyana nodded before joining him on the bed. Rashad took the wrapper and opened it before stretching the protection over himself. He watched as she reclined again, bringing him with her as another delightful kiss ensued.
"I feel stupid for asking, but are you sure this is what you want?" Rashad asked again.
Tatyana's response was a simple kiss before separating. "I'm all yours."
With her assistance, Rashad inserted himself and broke past her barrier. Tatyana fought the urge to scream, not wanting to draw unwanted attention. The last thing either needed was to answer invasive questions the morning after.
"Oh, damn... Rashad," Tatyana rasped, taking short breaths as the initial sting faded into something pleasurable, bordering carnal.
Intermixed groans grew aloud as the sheer intensity coursed through them amid their union. Tatyana had underestimated how this experience would unfold but didn't complain about the results.
Rashad began thrusting at a tender pace to judge her reaction, hisses of discomfort and satisfaction emitting with each movement. He kept a smooth tempo and bent down to kiss her again while supporting his weight with both arms. Tatyana let her hands wander his broad, chiseled torso to distract from the immense pleasure Rashad was giving her.
"Ahn!"
Tatyana cried out after a precise thrust hit her spot, causing her to gyrate her hips as her bosom swayed. Nails jutted out and clawed Raven's back, leaving numerous scratches on his skin. It propelled him to double his efforts as their rut continued. Rashad felt her tighten around him, signaling a climax that left Tatyana breathless as she used his shoulder to stifle her howl of pure bliss.
Panting, Rashad slowed his movements to allow for a brief respite. Yet it was for naught as Tatyana's hands pulled at his waist into her.
"Please, don't stop..."
Suddenly, Tatyana rolled their bodies to end up on top, her palms shoving Rashad down. She adjusted before gasping loudly at being filled again. Rashad groaned louder than intended, enamored by his girlfriend's chest swaying with her erotic bouncing. He removed his hands from steadying her waist to toy with her sizable bust, the pleasure doubling for each. Tatyana's head hung back with moans reaching a zenith as her willpower eroded with each passing second. Every time Rashad withdrew, he filled her with a forceful push that rocked her to the core.
Tatyana felt her folds pulse and grabbed Rashad by the shoulders before pulling him upward for a chaste kiss that involved a sloppy tongue duel. Their bodies remained upright as they held each other without losing rhythm. An unfamiliar sensation welled inside Rashad, the feeling of eruption.
*Groan* "Tatyana... I can't..."
She effectively silenced him with another heated kiss while holding his face. No other protest was offered as all semblance of control was lost. Loins collided nonstop in perfect sync with flesh slapping against one another. After giving into their desires...
...bliss had been achieved.
Rashad succumbed first, gritting his teeth before releasing his essence. Tatyana wasn't far behind him and again used his shoulder to stifle a shriek of ecstasy. The pair collapsed in bed after a rousing evening together, unable to sit upright any longer. Tatyana felt him slip out of her, leaving an empty void. She didn't have a lot of expectations for how this would go, and whatever she did have, Rashad surpassed them.
"You okay?" Rashad asked with his hands settled just above her waist.
Smiling, Tatyana kissed his pectoral. "Better than okay. They say you always remember your first time. It's safe to assume I will after tonight."
"I feel the same." Rashad kissed her hair.
Settling alongside each other, Tatyana and Rashad eased into their respective pillow before drifting into a peaceful slumber.
Nathan's interrogation could wait until tomorrow morning.
