Chapter 1: The Sleeping Giant

"Pump number seven replacements, I've got the names Daniels, Ramirez, Jackson and...Rig." Our now ex-prospective recruiter dashed the rest of our hopes with a long sigh. "Sorry guys, I've got no more openings. Thanks for coming out."

"Yo, John!" While every other lucky bastard who found work today raced to the boat like the foreman would fire them if they were any slower, the last lucky hopeful went the opposite direction and chased me down the exit ramp. "Sorry I brought you all the way out here for nothing, man. They had more than enough openings for both of us. I bet the Foreman's cousin called last second to beg him for a job, the nepotist bastard."

"You deserved that last slot." There was no hiding the disappointment in my voice, but I meant what I said. DOATEC, the vast multinational company that went from selling weapons to publicizing itself by hosting martial arts tournaments, was expanding rapidly as one of their competitors went out of business every week. But even with the conglomerate opening new plants and commissioning new oil platforms like crazy, there were STILL too few jobs to go around. "I heard you saved a lot of people at the last plant you supervised. You're a damn hero!"

Rig tugged at the strap of his yellow safety helmet, secure around his neck. "It wasn't just me," he said modestly. "And they should treat you better. You're a veteran."

Yet he cut his hair shorter than I did. I might have been the vet, but my first impression when I met him during my last days attending NYU, I felt like he looked the part more than I did. At least I had one excuse. "It's hard to get a job with anybody that isn't with DOATEC these days. I just picked the wrong time to get a degree."

Rig just casually tossed his arm around my shoulder. He was so chill about everything, something I wasn't known for in my circles. Assuming I still had any. "Hey, I was in your shoes not that long ago - "

"RIG!" The Foreman yelled to him from the ship below, set to take all of the workers to the pristine new oil rig off in the distance. "Your boyfriend doesn't get your job just because you won't move your ass! NOW HURRY UP!"

Rig grumbled "ass" under his breath...or something close just as likely to get himself fired if word got back to the Foreman. "I'll keep an eye open in case another spot opens up. I've got a feeling something else is about to keep yours busy..."

Rig smirked while he passed me by, and it wasn't long before I found out what he meant. Two women who weren't decked out in attire appropriate for oil drilling were camped just across from us, as if they'd taken an interest in our meaningless banter. They both looked like they had more interesting places to be: the younger woman looked like she fell straight out of an anime after someone watching had decided to tip over the TV. Her short teal hair matched the color of her glasses, and she wore a white overcoat over her unusual choice of blue tank top and shorts. The other woman was oriental in appearance and she kept her short black hair braided. She wore a full business suit with dress pants, with her gray top buttoned only in the middle. I had a feeling Rig had been referring mostly to her...

"I apologize, we couldn't help but overhear." The older woman bowed, giving more of a hint to where she was from originally, though she spoke perfect English. I hoped that she hadn't noticed where I'd been looking before she spoke to me, but the blue-haired girl's half-hearted attempt to contain a groan of disgust gave away the fact somebody did. "We represent another one of DOATEC's subsidiary companies, MIST. I am Miyako, and this is my associate NiCO, one of our lead researchers."

"Hi, I'm...John." First names only, I guess? Impromptu interviews were never my strong suit. Or, any kind of interviews, really. "I applied to a couple positions, but to be honest, this is my first time hearing about your company."

"That's quite all right." Miyako reached behind herself and held a vanilla folder that she had kept behind our back. "We specialize in cutting-edge research and development that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. We've avoided publicizing our work in the past though our CEO, Mr. Donovan, is looking to change that. I can see why we might not have been your first choice even if you knew about us, but your friend Rig thinks you have potential. He forwarded us your resume...and I think we can find a position for you, if you'll consider our proposal.

Rig never said anything about passing along my resume, though he was pretty keen on trying to get me something with DOATEC since he'd worked for them in the past. Mrs. Miyako was right; science definitely wasn't my best subject. I didn't know what a company like MIST had in mind for someone with a business degree...

Miyako passed along her - my - folder to NiCO, who started combing through it herself. "Let's see...US Army Reservist, a degree in business administration from NYU. Rig even made a note that you took some martial arts classes. Modern Army Combatives, Kenpo, Krav Maga...yet here you are, hoping to work on an oil platform. Are you a professional underachiever, or do you just really like manual labor?"

The teal-haired girl sounded a good bit more anti-social compared to her boss, though I didn't exactly have lots of other prospects lined up. Maybe I really was a bit of an underachiever, but I knew calling myself one in a job interview wasn't the smartest thing. I was just going to have to wing it... "I guess I...could have gone back to the military, if that was what I really wanted. But I never felt like I belonged anywhere. I wondered what else might be out there for me. I know that I owe my parents a lot, and they're getting older."

"I understand. You care less about what your resume says, and more about people. I think MIST could use someone like you." Miyako, somewhat inelegantly, swiped the folder out of NiCO's hand. "I used to live with my daughter, in Kyoto. Then we had to move to Tokyo to continue my work...and then I had to leave her under the care of her sister in France. I won't lie to you and say working for MIST comes without sacrifices. But I think you already understand that we need to make sacrifices for the ones we love so they can have a better world. My daughter's birthday is coming soon. If you could bring her a present from me, I would be more than happy to waive the formal interview and application process and begin your employment straight away."

"Sure, I could...deliver something..." I knew some people would think I was crazy for turning down this kind of an offer, but I'd be stupid for not asking... "I hope you don't mind me asking though, why not mail it to her?"

"Do you remember the oil platform explosion two years ago, the one your friend Rig was involved in?" Miyako asked. "There are whispers it might have been an act of corporate sabotage. DOATEC and all its subsidiary companies, especially are own, have erred on the side of paranoia ever since then. Given the nature of our work, it's not unusual for Mr. Donovan to impose draconian restrictions on sending mail or electronic messages in the middle of particularly sensitive projects."

"Let me warn you that Miss Kokoro doesn't take kindly to strangers," NiCO grumbled. "Though she might take a second to look before she introduces your face to her elbow."

"You simply caught my daughter in a foul mood. She's usually very well-mannered," Miyako snapped at her before reaching forward to touch my arm. "I won't forget this, John. You'll find your place with us, John. MIST takes care of families. You'll see..."

I was terrified passing through airport security with Miyako's mystery box. The travel-papers she stamped with her credentials looked official enough sure, but who knew what kind of contraband she sacked me with?! The only thing I was more afraid of was what she and NiCO might do to me if I opened it myself. I was half-ready to sprint away for all the good fleeing airport security would do for my appearance, but the otherwise normal-appearing wrapped birthday present went through without a hitch, and at least it wasn't ticking. If Rig had been here, he'd probably laugh his ass off knowing how much I sweated over this. I still wasn't sure whether to thank him or punch him in the face for getting me this job.

At least Miyako wasn't so secretive that she left me to wander Paris without so much as an idea of how to find her daughter. She left me with a dated portrait and a slightly more up-to-date address of a place where I could start looking. Though the way the economy was, I'd be lucky if the "Cafe Douglas" hadn't been shuttered months ago. Or if Kokoro still looked anything like the teenager posing in her traditional Japanese dress. She was beautiful like her mother for sure, though with some key differences: the most striking one being her grayish-blue eyes looking affectionately into the camera. Her skin was fairer as well, and her longer black hair flowed down to her waist like waves of an ocean. Though who knew? Maybe she took the picture just before her rebellious phase and shaved her head or got a couple dozen tattoos -

Wait...she was there. I couldn't believe my luck; the cafe was still there and Kokoro was sitting right there. She looked a little different: of course she was older, wearing a beret along with a Western-style jacket, and maybe a little shorter compared to what I was expecting. The only thing the photo hadn't prepared me for was the look of misery etched across her face. She stared into her cup of coffee as if it was a black hole sucking her face into it.

She was still a kid, albeit a twenty-year-old kid...so what did I have to be so nervous about? I just had to walk up to her, tell her that her mom says Happy Birthday, then hand over her present and call Miyako - OH CRAP! SHE NEVER GAVE ME A PHONE NUMBER TO CALL! OR ANY CONTACT INFO OF ANY SORT! OR A RETURN TICKET! What was I supposed to do?! Walk up to DOATEC Headquarters, introduce myself as a new hire, then tell them I didn't think to ask about how I was supposed to get back home? Oh well, at least I almost made it a week before getting fired -

"Hello?! Anybody home?!" Yeah, grown-up Kokoro was just a tiny bit shorter than I expected. I knew that now because she was waving her hand right in front of my face. She definitely knew I was there now, or at least physically standing in front of her. "I asked if you were lost in three languages! At least, I did in English and Japanese. I think I asked if you butter your tuna in French."

"I don't butter my - I mean, hi! You're Miss Kokoro, right?" For a split second, Kokoro looked at me confused. When she looked down and saw the gift-wrapped present in my hand, I could have sworn she morphed into airport security. Her eyes narrowed, focused on me like a laser, and then she took a wide step back.

"You're going to say my mother asked you to give me that?" NiCO's meeting with Kokoro must have gone even worse than I imagined for her to be so hostile to me now. "Do you even know her?"

"I - yeah, I met her." Maybe NiCO's warning, combined with her interviewing me, should have left me better prepared. "A couple days ago, in the States."

"Then I'm sorry you came all this way," Kokoro turned her back on me and started walking away. "But if she wants me to have it, she can come herself."

"I'm sorry you're upset. She just told me she had to leave you with your sister - " I stopped dead in my tracks when Kokoro swiveled in place and glared at me.

"LOOK, MISTER." Kokoro's arms were also more muscular than they were in the photo. I noticed because Kokoro looked like she wanted to hit me if I came any closer. "Maybe you actually know my mother, and maybe you aren't just pretending to be a nice person. But I don't know you, and you're not the first stranger to just show up and act - "

"Kokoro?! Kokoro, is that your voice?" The sound of Miyako's voice - coming from SOMEWHERE - put an abrupt end to Kokoro's glare. Both of our eyes went darting around for the source before it finally dawned on me: it was coming from Kokoro's gift. I'd barely torn the wrapping off before Kokoro ripped the side of the box open and yanked a tablet out. Better late than never Miyako, but you could have mentioned what was in there from the start and saved me a change of underwear!

"MOTHER?!" If Miyako had left me with a return ticket, I would have taken the opportunity to scoot. "Where are you?! Are you OK?!"

"Of course, honey." Good, at least it wasn't prerecorded or I wouldn't be out of the woods yet. "Is John still there with you? I can't believe I got so absorbed in my work that I forgot to tell him to open it first. If I hadn't also forgotten to turn it off..."

Well, at least Miyako couldn't judge me too harshly for bumbling my way through my interview.

"Mom, how could you talk like you just left yesterday? Don't you realize how long it's been?!" Kokoro wasn't holding back with her questions or her tears. Maybe I should have given them their privacy anyway... "Why won't Helena let me see you? How could you just leave me?! And was telling me that Fame Douglas was my father by PHOTOGRAPH your idea?!"

OK. I understand why Kokoro reacted so harshly to NiCO's visit. "Do, um, you two, want a moment alone?"

"I should have told you myself, a long time ago..." Even having just known Miyako for a couple minutes, it was so unsettling to hear her voice tremor. "Everything spiraled out of control so fast. Helena wanted me to abandon what I was working on...we always had our disagreements, but I knew she would take care of you. Everything my colleagues worked so hard for, years of blood, sweat and tears...I couldn't be the one who threw away so many sacrifices. But it was only meant to be for a couple of days. I never meant for you to lose so much too, to put your training and your whole life on hold waiting for me. Part of the reason I sent John to deliver your present was that I wanted to be sure you wouldn't be alone for your birthday. I thought maybe you could use a friend..."

Well, at least now I knew why she didn't include a return ticket. We definitely didn't discuss this beforehand though...

"So, you won't be home in time." Kokoro sounded as unhappy as she looked staring at her mother's face on the screen. I wished there was something more I could do, but all Kokoro seemed to want up to now was for me to get out of her face.

"Not yet, dear...but we're so close to changing the world, and then I won't even look at my phone for a month after. We can move back to Kyoto and continue your training from where you left off." Miyako sounded hopeful at least. "At least now, we can talk securely using this tablet. Just...don't show it off just yet, sweetheart. It's not supposed to be marketed to the public for several weeks now, so...don't get your mother in trouble."

"Thank you, mom." Finally, Kokoro looked more like the girl in the photograph with her smile. "It's the best present you've ever gotten me. The only better one you can give me will be coming back home."

"Soon, dear. Brush up on what you've learned and be ready to pick up where you left off. John, if you're listening...thank you. I know this is more than what you've signed up for, but I won't forget my promise. I love you, Kokoro. Goodbye for now."

"Bye, mom." Kokoro looked up as if she just remembered I existed - that seemed to be a habit for both of them - and bowed her head. "Thank you, and I'm really sorry. I was awful to you. I can go...if you want."

"I can't kick you out, it's your sister's last name on the place." I tried to get her to at least smile, but she kept averting her eyes and looking downward like a guilty puppy. "Besides, after everything it's totally understandable - "

Kokoro shook her head. "That still wasn't any way to talk to someone I just met. Let alone for a maiko to speak to any visitor...though I suppose we're both visitors here." Finally, she looked up and smiled a bit. "I should probably start by explaining what a maiko is, shouldn't I?"

"Your mom did say we should stick together." Besides, her birthday was coming soon - I wouldn't want to be the jerk who left her alone on her birthday, even if my boss wasn't her mom. "And it sounds like I have an open schedule, maybe we can do some tourist-y stuff!"

"Yes! And I'm looking forward to learning more about you too!" Kokoro looked down at her watch. "Hmm, around this time I'd normally be practicing my Ba Ji Quan, but why don't you come practice with me? I haven't had anyone to spar with since the last tournament!"

"Spar? Wait - did you just say "tournament?"" As in, the Dead or Alive tournament that Rig was always going on about? I told him I was a reservist, not an ex-Navy SEAL! "Um, that sounds fun and all, really, but, I uh, don't have a whole lot of experience - "

"You're not scared you'll hurt me?" Oh, I'm not so much scared of that as I am of the opposite. Why couldn't Miyako have just gotten her a punching bag for her birthday? "You wanted to see tourist-y stuff, right? There's plenty of sights on the way! And like you said, we both don't want to disappoint my mother..."

To Be Continued

A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you for reading the first chapter of what's shaping up to be a fun little side project for me! I got my start writing fanfiction years ago with Dead or Alive, as one of the writers for an interactive on another site. Since then, I've written quite a few other stories for other videogames and TV shows, here and on other sites - including Sailor Moon, Digimon and Command & Conquer (as my avatar probably already gave away if you haven't read my work before!). But Dead or Alive will always have a special place as one of my first, and DOA 6 finally coming out rekindled my interest in revisiting this world. The overall storytelling has always left something to be desired; I definitely had my issues with DOA 6's story. But I always loved the characters - you can probably guess who my favorite is XD - but I've been a fan since the third game: Hitomi's a close second, and some of my other favorites include Kasumi, Leifang, Hayabusa (of course!), Eliot, Zack and Rig! And knowing there's other fans out there who want to give these interesting characters more of a story, I decided that instead of confining my little work to written notes, I'd share it and see what everybody thinks!

I hope I've introduced John as an interesting character - "John" was the name of the character in the interactive I took part in, so I kept the name as a tribute to the original :) and I also hope I made the best use. I've always liked first-person narratives, and the idea of dropping a new character into a universe we all know and love - and one where we often take for granted being able to see from the outside. If you do know a bit about the overall DOA story and MIST in general, then you know John's definitely being played and I hope I made showing his recruitment into Donovan's shady little group believable. I also wanted "John" to have a realistic backstory, but I didn't want to make him another assassin or special forces...part of what I love about Dead or Alive's cast is how seamlessly they mix assassins and ninjas with people who could be living down the street from us for all we know.

I'm definitely excited to know what you think, whether you like it so far or you think it's just silly - I've wondered the latter myself! - or where there might be room to prove. I don't pretend to know every single nook and cranny of the series lore, I was just a little disappointed in the story presented in the game itself (especially for Kokoro to just disappear after getting one of the more interesting storylines) and if I don't want to wait another 7 years to find out what happens next, I'm guessing you don't either XD. I have the next chapter half-written already, and I'll be eagerly looking forward to hearing what you think so far in the meantime! Until next time!