Chapter Text
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!” an African-American man named Zack announced excitedly through his microphone, “We would like to welcome all for the new and upcoming 7th Dead or Alive Tournament, which will begin in a few weeks! Fighters, be sure to sign yourselves up for the upcoming tournament if you wanna participate, because spots will be taken really quickly! And of course, we will have some preliminary rounds in order to decide the matches for the first round, so be sure to train well! You don't wanna miss out on…!”
As the announcement for the upcoming Dead or Alive Tournament was being broadcast for the whole world to see, especially on live television in electronic stores, in Seattle, Washington, a criminal man was running for his life to get away from the authorities, following behind him was a young man in his late teens to early young adulthood who was a detective that was chasing after him.
The young male detective was a young man at the age of eighteen who had medium-length and unkempt silver hair and blue eyes. He wore a blue suit, which was a blue blazer and blue pants, a white collared shirt with a blue necktie, a gray sweater, black shoes, and a gray coat with the left pocket having a detective badge and a name tag that says, “Joshua McCoy”.
“Erik Steve Johnson, stop! Stop, damn you!” the young man named Joshua shouted to the criminal who was running away from him as he was chasing after him, “You’re under arrest!”
But the criminal, Erik Steve Johnson, was not listening, so Joshua tried to get his attention.
"Hey, Johnson! I said, stop right there!" Joshua shouted again.
"No, you're not getting me, copper!" Johnson shouted back to Joshua, "You'll never take me alive!"
"If I have to, I'll do what I have to, Johnson!" Joshua shouted back to him.
Joshua and Johnson went around the streets of the city as the former was chasing after the latter, and the latter was running away from the former.
Eventually, they reached a dead end that was around the alleyway as Erik stopped, seeing that he was cornered before he turned around as the young detective brought out his gun and shouted, "Freeze! Drop that detonator in your hand! You’re done!"
Seeing the gun pointed at him, Johnson raised the detonator and said, threatening, "Uh-uh, I don’t think so, detective! You take one more step, and I’m gonna blow up the containers at the harbor sky high! C’mon, think of the women I’m holding hostage there! Do you want THEIR blood on YOUR hands?! Huh?!"
Joshua, however, remained unfazed by the threat the criminal in front of him was making before the young man calmly said, stating the crimes he made, "Erik Steve Johnson, you’re wanted for the crimes of murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, money laundering, rape--" Joshua stopped to scoff before he said with an incredulous smile, "I mean, just...literally way too many crimes for even the police department to list! There's no way I'm letting you get away with this!"
"Then why not kill me?!" Johnson demanded, "What's stopping you?!"
"Because I don't need the hassle of being fired by the Chief and being arrested myself for shooting an unarmed civilian, criminal or not!" Joshua shouted at him, "So you are gonna hand over that detonator, and then you're gonna turn yourself in, and maybe you'll see the light of day by the time you're, what, sixty-four?"
“Like hell, I will!” Johnson shouted, raising the detonator higher, "I’ll do it! I’ll literally blow up the containers that have the explosives in them, and the women inside those containers will go sky high! Then, when the dust settles, you and everyone else in this city will be DEAD! Just like you and the rest of the pigs! So just back off and let me go, unless you wanna see a bunch of blood being splattered everywhere and the screams of the innocent filling your ears before you join them, copper! What's it gonna be, huh? What's it gonna be?"
Joshua sighed heavily in frustration, realizing he was at a standstill with the criminal, seeing no other way. Or, rather, that was what he wanted the criminal to think, as he heard in his earpiece, "Detective, we’ve deactivated the bombs. Feel free to shoot him, but don’t kill him. We need to turn him in."
"What’s it gonna be, detective?!" Johnson shouted impatiently.
"I have no idea," Joshua answered him before he pulled the trigger and shot Johnson in the chest, causing him to fall and drop the detonator on the ground.
Joshua approached him and checked him. He wasn’t dead, but he was still alive, though only barely, which was fine since he didn't kill him.
"You...bastard," Johnson said, glaring up at Joshua.
"Yeah, tell that to the judge," Joshua replied with a smirk before the police showed up.
Johnson smirked before he pressed the button of the detonator, but to his surprise, nothing happened as he didn’t hear anything blowing up.
"I-It should've worked!" Johnson shouted in disbelief, "Why isn't it working?! It was supposed to work!"
"Yeah, about that, we just disabled the detonators and the bombs in the containers," one of the police officers explained to him.
Johnson stared at the officer in disbelief and shock before he asked, "H-How?! How did you know about them?!"
Joshua smiled before he said, "Simple. The police have already found the containers that have the women you captured and found a way to shut them off before they explode. I just had to distract you long enough for the Chief and his men to get the hostages out of there, and it looks like the plan was a success. Now, I'm just gonna have to bring you to the nearest police station, and maybe get a good night's sleep, since I'm pretty sure the Chief and the rest of the police force will handle everything else, including the hostages, while the FBI will handle the rest."
"Damnit! You think you've won, copper, but you haven't seen the last of me!" Johnson shouted as the police took him away.
After they loaded him onto a police car to turn him in, one police officer placed a hand on the young detective and said, "Great work today, Detective McCoy. And don't worry about the hostages. They're all safe, thanks to you."
"That's good," Joshua smiled, "At least nobody got hurt." He then handed over the detonator that Johnson had dropped to the police and said, "And this...might be good use for one of the pieces of evidence to further prove his guilt."
"Will do, detective," the police officer nodded as he took the detonator before the rest of the police drove off to the station, taking the criminal with them.
Once the coast was clear, Joshua pulled out his cellphone and called a number. Once it dialed, the voice of the Chief came in, "Detective McCoy, you did good today. We have the hostages at the hospital, and they're being treated right now."
"Thank you, Chief," said Joshua, "I'm glad I was of great help to you and the police department."
"Me, too, kid, me, too," the Chief chuckled, "Your father would be very proud of you if he were still here."
Joshua was silent at first, as his mind wandered to the memory of his deceased father, before he said, "Yeah, well, that's life, huh? Sometimes, you have to lose something in order to get it back again, or not get it back at all. I mean, look at what happened to the city after the Black Dragon Gang's attack."
"True, but at least, we managed to get the city rebuilt," the Chief reminded him, "Just be thankful that not everyone died."
"Yeah," Joshua nodded.
"Anyway, you should go home and get some rest, because you've got school tomorrow," said the Chief before he joked, "And you don't wanna be late for school because you were oversleeping again because of work."
"Hey, c'mon, I wasn't that late," Joshua said.
"Oh, really? That's not what the principal and your teachers say," the Chief stated.
"I was on time, Chief," Joshua defended himself, "I was just...a little late, is all. That's no excuse to be kept out of school."
"True," the Chief admitted, "Still, it's not a good thing, especially for a student. You can't let the law distract you from schoolwork, or else you'll be failing a grade. Or worse, repeating your senior year in high school again and not being able to go to college."
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna let the law get in the way," Joshua assured him, "Trust me, Chief, I can handle this."
"Good," said the Chief, "Remember, you have a future, too. You're not just a police detective. You're also a teenager who has a future ahead of him, and we can't have that future ruined. Besides, the only time you can become a police detective is when you're an adult."
"But I'm already a young adult, though," Joshua pointed out.
"Yes, but not legally, yet," the Chief said, "Besides, your stepmother will kill me if you end up in a coffin."
"Good point," Joshua agreed, "Anyway, I'll see you later, Chief. Tell the other officers, I said, 'hi'."
"Will do," the Chief said, "Over and out."
"Over and out," Joshua replied before he hung up and looked around, realizing how dark it was. He decided to walk back home.
At the police department, the Chief of the Police of Seattle Police Department, Chief Andrew Harris Garrison, heard a knock on the door as a police officer said, "Chief, there's someone who wishes to speak with you immediately."
"Well, whoever it is, tell them I'll be there momentarily, or hell, even tomorrow," said the Chief as he brought out his cigar, "I'm pretty busy right now and I need to start interrogating that criminal our young detective just caught for us."
"Well, we would, but...it's Ms. Helena Douglas, the head of DOATEC," said the police officer, "She wants to speak with you, saying that it's urgent."
That was when the Chief looked at the police officer with a shocked expression, as the name 'Helena Douglas' was not a name he expected to hear, and the fact that she wanted to see him was not something he was expecting, either.
"I take it that's a 'yes'?" the police officer asked.
The Chief put his cigar down before he said with a serious expression, "Let her in."
The police officer nodded before he called, "Ms. Douglas, you can come in."
"Oui, merci," the woman named Helena Douglas said as she walked in. She was a beautiful woman in her early-to-mid-twenties with blonde hair styled in a ponytail and blue eyes, wearing a business suit consisting of a black jacket, white blouse, and black skirt, as well as black leggings and black high-heels.
"Ms. Helena Douglas, a pleasure," the Chief greeted her.
"Mr. Chief Garrison," Helena replied.
"Please, just 'Chief' is fine," the Chief told her, "So, what exactly is the head of DOATEC doing all the way here in Seattle just to see me? What can I help you with? Shouldn't you be busy working on the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament that's about to come up in a few weeks?"
"I am," Helena nodded, "But you see, I...have an urgent matter that concerns me, you could say. It regards my family member. Are you aware that my father, Fame Douglas, has had many former mistresses and has had many illegitimate children, with me being one of them?"
"Ah, yes, I heard," said the Chief, "Fame Douglas, a good man he is, though, his past was not a good one, if you get my meaning. Still, as mixed as his morals may be, at least he’s not the kind of man who would do human experiments, and at least he’s a responsible man willing to take responsibility, even looking after his children, if him raising you is any indication. But, what does it have to do with this urgent matter of yours?"
"Well, it regards one of his illegitimate children who is my younger half-sister, Kokoro, daughter of one of his mistresses, Miyako," said Helena, "Recently, about nearly six months ago, my…associates came across a group of thugs known as the Jieqiao Triad smuggling crates of drugs capable of mind-controlling anyone, especially those who are going to be upcoming participants of the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament, all to have them turn against me and DOATEC, on behalf of a...secret evil organization, you could say, who're going against me to destroy my family's legacy. While my associates were able to dispose of the majority of the drugs that were shipped by the Jieqiao Triad before they would be given to the ones who hired them, we believe that there were still a few that managed to slip away right under our noses without any of us knowing. So..."
"You believe there's a chance that they could target one of the participants to have them either attack and assassinate you, or attack and endanger your family member, or even worse, use the mind-controlling drug on that younger half-sister of yours to have her attack and kill you and possibly destroying DOATEC," the Chief guessed, which Helena nodded.
"The idea of one or two, or possibly even five, being drugged by the mind-controlling drug to destroy everything during the DOA Tournament, risking the safety of other people, including other fighters, is concerning," said Helena, "And I admit, I'd be lying if I said that losing everything that my father had worked so hard to build, even if it started as an international weapons research and development company before changing it to an entertainment company currently, wouldn't be too troubling for me. But the idea of my sister being attacked by the brainwashed fighters or used against me, risking and endangering her safety, is a whole new level of trouble that I don't think anyone wants, especially myself, so I thought that it would be best to ask you for help in making sure that such a thing doesn't happen."
"Understandable, considering it's your own family member, and the fact that DOATEC is also part of the reason why this city is still standing, especially after the attack from the Black Dragon Gang years ago," said the Chief, "Alright. I'll talk with my men and see if they can send in a few detectives and a few policemen to help. Hell, maybe sending a whole good squad will do."
"Oh, no, no, no need for all of your men," said Helena, "In fact, I only need ONE of your agents. Just one person. I'd rather not draw too much attention to Kokoro. Besides, I'm sure your policemen here are needed in Seattle more than the DOA Tournament."
"Just one, ma'am?" the Chief asked, raising an eyebrow.
"One person, one who is the best among you," said Helena, "Just someone who's more than capable of handling himself in a fight and keeping my sister safe."
"But with all due respect, ma'am--" the Chief began, only to get cut off.
"Oh, please, spare me the nonsense about the police force and their jobs, Chief Garrison," said Helena, "I know about how your job works, and while it's admirable, I think you understand that I'm not interested in hearing about the dangers and the risks. So, just one agent is all I ask."
The Chief stared at her for a moment before he sighed and said, "Very well. I'll see if there's someone who can fit the bill."
"Then, would you mind letting me see the pictures of your police officers?" Helena asked.
"Of course," said the Chief as he got up, "There's a board on the wall that has pictures of all of my men. Here, I'll show you."
He led her over to the board, and when he showed her, Helena took a good look at each and every one of them.
"Hm, no, no, not him, not him, no, no, no, no, no," said Helena, crossing out the names of the policemen, one by one, as she was finding herself unsatisfied with each and every one.
"I must say, your standards are very...high," the Chief noted.
Then, Helena stopped as she saw the picture of the young late-teen to early young adulthood, likely around Kokoro's age or younger, with silver hair and blue eyes, before she took the picture off the wall and asked, "Who's this?"
"Oh, that's Joshua McCoy," said the Chief, "He's a young detective who works for us. Well, not exactly officially, since he's still in high school and about to graduate. He helps us out on cases during weekends whenever we need him from time to time. Oh, and he's a pretty good detective, too! Learned a lot of things about being a good detective from his late father, and he knows martial arts from his stepmother. Not sure if he's a good fit, though, because, like I said, he isn't officially an agent of our police department, and he still has school, even though he's kinda failing since he misses out on a lot of classes because of him working for us, and--"
"...I'll take him," said Helena, as she finally decided.
"What?" the Chief asked, a bit confused, "Are you serious, ma'am? I mean, are you absolutely certain you want to take Joshua with you? There are plenty of others who would gladly join you, and--"
"I'm absolutely certain," Helena told him, "In fact, he sounds like the perfect one for the job."
"But he's still in high school here in Seattle," said the Chief, "I mean, granted, like I said, he's failing because of him working for us as a detective, but--"
"Then I'll have him sign up for an internship with DOATEC," Helena suggested.
"But--" the Chief tried to protest.
"Look, if I have him intern with us, he can be able to help you and your police department, as well as helping us during the Dead or Alive Tournament, and also, if you're so worried about his education, he can attend classes, as well," said Helena, "This would also be beneficial for him."
"Ma'am, this is a terrible idea," the Chief insisted, "Joshua's just a kid. He's 18 years old."
"It's fine," said Helena, "You said he's a good detective, yes? How many cases has he helped you complete?"
"Well, right now, we just finished a hostage situation with his help," said the Chief as he opened up a book that had a list of cases that Joshua had helped with, "Which I suppose makes it...uh...oh, wow! Has it already been 100 cases?" He then asked one of his men, "Hey, is this right? Joshua had completed 100 cases for us?"
"Yes, sir," one of the police officers confirmed, "The kid's done 100 cases, which makes him a veteran detective for us, even though he's not a part of the police force."
"Huh, would ya look at that?" the Chief said, amazed, "Joshua's only been a detective for about four years when he started high school, and he's already done 100 cases, all before his graduation! Damn, if he wasn't so busy with his schoolwork, or his stepmother, or the people in the city, he could have made it to the 1000 mark in less than a year, maybe even a month! Or, hell, maybe a week! Who knows? This kid's a natural at this!"
"You see, Chief, he's quite capable," said Helena, "Trust me. With a boy like him, he's the best agent I can find. Now, are you going to let me have him, or do I have to go and take him myself?"
"Alright, alright, fine, you can take him, just as long as you can keep him safe," the Chief conceded, "Just...let me see what I can do. The kid has school tomorrow, so I gotta do something that won't upset the principal at his school."
Meanwhile, Joshua had just returned home from working for the police department, and was greeted by his stepmother charging and raising a karate chop at him before Joshua quickly blocked it out of reflex, then he quickly went and deflected her kicks with his own and blocked some punches at him before they stood in a standstill.
His stepmother smiled and said, "You're late, Joshua. You just missed dinner tonight!"
"Sorry about that," Joshua apologized, "I was a bit held up with work, and you know, had to make sure a certain criminal doesn't cause too much trouble. So, what did I miss?"
"Oh, not much," said his stepmother, "So, let me guess, the Seattle Police Department called because they needed you?"
"Yeah," Joshua smiled, "This time it was a hostage situation. A guy named Erik Steve Johnson was threatening to blow up the containers holding his 'sex slaves' as hostages, and I had to chase after him while the police went to find the containers that I helped them locate to disable the bombs before the asshole would set them off with his detonator. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, and that guy with too many crimes to list was brought to prison."
"That's good," his stepmother smiled, "You're becoming a lot like your father. I wish he and your birth mother were still around to see how far you've come." She then joked, "At least, if not for the fact that you're failing school because of work."
"Hey, c'mon," Joshua complained, "It's not like I'm not trying. Besides, it's not a big deal, since I'm still a senior in high school, and it's not like I'll be kicked out. And besides, the principal probably doesn't even care that I'm not doing good in school. Hell, maybe she doesn't care if any student isn't doing good, and even encourages the students to fail, or even not go to college and start a career right away. The teachers are just mad because of how lazy the other students are."
"Don't judge a book by its cover, kiddo," his stepmother smiled, patting his back, "You teens may not see it, but adults are actually caring, especially when it comes to the welfare and safety of the youth. It's how they can keep them from doing stupid stuff. Anyway, the important thing is that nobody got hurt, and I hope you had fun."
"Oh, definitely," Joshua nodded, "Although I do wish I could have a little more free time, though. You know, like, be able to have a little 'fun' for myself, instead of either focusing on school or going to work."
"Oh, trust me, kid, once you're outta high school, you're gonna have a lot of fun," his stepmother assured him, "That is, if you don't drop out because of your job as a detective. Speaking of which, when are you gonna get yourself a girlfriend, already? You haven't been hanging out with your old friends or even making new ones since you started working as an unofficial agent of the Seattle Police Department when you entered high school. It's kinda worrying."
It was true. Since he first began working as a detective for the police department when he first entered high school four years ago, he seldom ever had time for fun, and instead, spent all his free time working on cases or doing homework, or hell, even trying to catch up on his homework. Not to mention the fact that the only times he did get to see his old friends were either if he had free time, or when he was invited to a party or a reunion, and he didn't have any free time.
"You're the second person today to tell me that, and honestly, I'm not really sure," Joshua answered, "Maybe...when the time is right."
"Let me guess, Chief was the first to tell you before you started the case?" his stepmother asked.
"Good guess," Joshua smiled a bit, "And yeah, I haven't been making any new friends, much less seeing my old ones, in ages. I wonder...did Dad ever have time to meet up and talk with his friends when he was my age?"
"Not that I'd know of," his stepmother shrugged, "Your mother and I first met your father when we were your age, and other than his partner, a fellow detective like him, the rest of the Seattle Police Department, and a couple of the criminals, we were the only ones he hung out with. In fact, it was only after your mother and father got married and had you that we started hanging out with a few more people. Your father was not one for socializing."
"So, is that how you met Dad, while you and Mom were hanging out in the police department?" Joshua guessed.
"Well, yes, but also no," his stepmother shook her head, "We met him and his partner when they came and caught us for nearly shoplifting, although it was all good when your mother explained that our family was broke and we didn't have any money to spend, and she was the one who admitted that it was all my idea and that she told me it was a terrible idea. At first, your father considered placing me and your mother in jail for the crime, but your father's partner told him that the only reason they were here was because they were trying to buy groceries, and he and your father decided to let us go, as well as giving us the money we needed for the food we needed. Your mother and I thanked him, and the next day, when we had a chance, we went and visited him, and it was there that your father and mother began their romance."
"Wow, you really have it bad for Dad," Joshua chuckled.
"Well, your mother and I were sisters," his stepmother laughed, "I was the oldest and she was the youngest, and we both ended up falling for the same man. But, of course, your father ended up favoring your mother over me. For a while, I was jealous of my sister, your mother, for getting your father first, and your father for taking my sister. But eventually, I grew to accept them being lovers, especially when your mother brought out a softer side of your father." Her smile then faltered, and she said, "Although it wouldn't be long before your mother got sick with cancer, long after you were born. I'm sure you remembered what I told you about how your mother died when you were five years old?"
Joshua nodded as, while he didn't remember much when he was five, he could at least remember some things, including the fact that his birth mother, his stepmother's sister, had passed away due to cancer, and how his father, as well as his stepmother, took care of him afterwards.
"Of course," Joshua nodded.
"Your father was a very nice man, and he did everything to take care of your mother, and even after her death, he still cared for her memory, as did I," his stepmother said, "In fact, you and your father have a lot in common, aside from your similar appearances."
"You think so?" Joshua asked.
"I know so," his stepmother smiled, "You got the love of being a detective like your father, and, in a lot of ways, you're following in his footsteps, as well as the other police officers. Although it seems like you've become quite the ladies' man, just like your father. Just like him, you also seem to attract a lot of girls."
"You're not serious, are you?" Joshua asked.
"What do you think, kiddo?" his stepmother asked.
"But, c'mon, Auntie," Joshua complained, "I'm a detective, not some kind of playboy or player. Besides, I'm too busy with school and work for girls."
His stepmother/aunt laughed at her stepson's/nephew's comment, saying, "Don't worry. Once you're a little older, you'll find a nice girl who's perfect for you."
"I dunno, Auntie," said Joshua, "I mean, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that some of the girls are pretty cute, but most of the girls I've seen in my classes don't seem to like me. They say I'm too quiet and distant. Some even said that I'm too...serious or focused on doing one thing."
"Well, you can't be too sure about that," said his stepmother, "As a woman myself, I can tell you that the hearts of the maidens are very strange creatures. You could be the handsomest or the coolest guy around, but some girls won't give you the time of day unless they can see the side of you that they find the cutest. As for the girls who are afraid of you because you're 'too quiet', they're probably afraid of getting into trouble. You're a good kid, but a lot of people are scared of cops and detectives."
"You think so?" Joshua asked.
"It's just the way of life, kiddo," his stepmother nodded.
"I guess," Joshua shrugged.
"Anyway, I left you mabo curry at the table for you to eat for dinner," said his stepmother, "You can heat it up in the microwave and eat if you want. Just remember to go to bed and get some rest for school tomorrow. And don't oversleep tonight, okay~?"
"C'mon, Auntie," Joshua rolled his eyes with a smile, "I'm not gonna oversleep tonight."
Later that morning:
"WHY DID I OVERSLEEP LAST NIGHT?!!!" Joshua screamed as he began running down the streets in his uniform, hoping that he could make it to his school in time.
He had forgotten to set his alarm clock last night since he was tired from overworking himself for the police department, and it wasn't until his stepmother/aunt woke him up that he realized he was late. As a result, Joshua quickly got ready, put on his clothes, and ran down the street, all the while apologizing to his stepmother/aunt for his stupidity, as well as asking her why she didn't wake him up earlier.
"Eh, because I didn't feel like it," he remembered his stepmother's/aunt's reply.
"I AM SO GONNA GET MY ASS KICKED, I JUST KNOW IT!" Joshua yelled, "I HOPE TO GOD THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DOESN'T SUSPEND ME!!!"
He quickly kept running, even running past a yellow light before it turned red, as well as apologizing to any passerby or driver that he had accidentally bumped into or caused to almost hit him.
"SORRY!!!" he yelled, "HAVE A NICE DAY!!! I'M LATE FOR SCHOOL!!! WOULD YOU MIND HOLDING THE DOOR FOR ME, PLEASE?! THANK YOU, VERY MUCH!!!"
He made it to his school just in time, and thankfully, the bell hadn’t ring just yet, so he could make it to class and sit in his seat before the bell rang. Or at least, that was what he thought as, while he stopped to try and catch his breath, he heard footsteps behind him, which made him yelp in fear before he slowly turned to see it was the principal of his school, and she was not happy.
He smiled nervously and waved his hand, nervously greeting, "Uh...hi, P-Principal Randall. Uh...h-how are you doing?"
"Good, Mr. McCoy," Principal Randall greeted, "Now, care to explain why you're late for the zillionth time this week?"
"Uh, well, you see, Principal Randall," said Joshua, trying to think up an excuse, "I-It's, uh, the dog, sir. The dog ate my homework. Yes, the dog, the dog ate my homework! And I also had to use the bathroom, because the dog also--"
"Drop it, you don't even have a dog!" said Principal Randall, "Let me guess, you overslept again, for the zillionth time, because of your work as a detective at the police department, for the zillionth time!"
Joshua smiled and laughed nervously before he sighed in defeat and said, "Y-Yes, ma'am, you're right. I overslept."
"Look, Joshua," Principal Randall sighed in frustration, "I've told you this several times: You have to start making sure that you have enough time to do your schoolwork and homework, as well as make sure you get enough sleep, so you don't end up being late. Your grades are slipping, and it's affecting your performance. You've missed three to four periods of classes every day, and today, this afternoon, at 12:30 p.m., you missed FIVE!"
"I-I know, and I'm sorry, but, you see, ma'am," Joshua said, "It's just that, well, the Chief keeps calling me, telling me there's a new crime case for me to work on, and then I end up getting caught up in the middle of the action, and, well, before I know it, the next thing I know, it's already the next day and I'm late for school. I-It's just...well, I mean, if there's anything I can do to make up for this, I would gladly--"
"To my office!" she said sternly, "NOW!"
"O-Oh, boy..." said Joshua nervously, "Am I...getting suspended?"
"Oh...worse...!" said Principal Randall, which made him gulp.
At Principal Randall's office, a computer showing Joshua's school profile was shown before a large x-mark was placed onto the digital file of Joshua's school profile, with the words on the x saying 'expelled', much to Joshua's shock that he was expelled from high school.
"Expelled?! You can't expel me from high school!" said Joshua, "I'm a senior, and I'm just one semester away from graduating, and--!"
"Sorry, Joshua," Principal Randall said, "But your constant absences, and lack of doing your homework and studying, as well as being late for classes, has led to the school board deciding that you're not fit to be a part of our school, and have decided to expel you. You're a very good student, but your focus on your job as a detective has really caused you to miss a lot of days in school, and that, coupled with the fact that you've been doing poorly, or failing, in many of your classes, as well as constantly showing up late, have led to the school board and the teachers and principals discussing that they wanted you out."
"B-But, Principal Randall," said Joshua, shocked by this, "How can they expel me just because I'm busy working as a detective for the Seattle Police Department? That's not fair."
"They don't care about the reason," said Principal Randall, "All they care about is that, according to them, you've missed a lot of school and haven't done much, and have failed many of your classes, and the fact that you haven't made an effort to try and improve your grades and attendance is enough reason for them to expel you. I tried explaining to them that you've been busy helping the police, but they weren't having it."
"B-But, that's not true," said Joshua, "I-I'm not trying to make an excuse, but I've been busy trying to help the police stop a lot of the criminals from terrorizing--"
"Enough!" said Principal Randall sternly, "I'm done hearing enough about your work as a detective! I had already warned you a zillion times that focusing more on work instead of school is not good for a teenager about to become a young adult your age. It is irresponsible! And I WARNED you, one last time, that if you showed up late to the classes one more time, and not even bother doing your homework, then you'll be expelled! But did you listen? NO!"
"But, Principal Randall, please," said Joshua, "If you could just give me one more chance, I promise I'll do better."
"You've had enough chances, Joshua McCoy, and the school board is tired of waiting," Principal Randall stated, "Your expulsion is final. Your belongings have been packed up, and your stepmother is coming to pick you up."
"Oh, man..." said Joshua, looking down in shame.
"Although," said Principal Randall, making him look up at her, "There is someone who would like to speak with you in person and would like to take you off our school's hands."
"Really? Who?" Joshua asked, "Am I...gonna get transferred to another school? Do I have to move out of Seattle, or...?"
"Oh, no, nothing like that of a sort," Joshua heard another voice, which came from the principal's office chair, before the office chair turned around and revealed it was Helena Douglas, who had a welcoming smile on her face.
Joshua gasped as he recognized Helena Douglas, the head of DOATEC, before he stammered, "O-O-O-Oh, my God! M-Ms. Douglas?! THE Helena Douglas?! W-What're you doing here, m-ma'am?! I-I-I-I am--"
"Joshua McCoy, yes, I know who you are from the Chief of the Seattle Police Department," Helena nodded as she got up from the chair and walked over to him, "And, yes, I'm the real deal. So, how are you doing, young man? It's nice to meet you. The Chief has told me a lot about you."
"U-Uh, t-t-the same, m-ma'am, the same," Joshua said nervously, "I-It's an honor, i-i-i-it really is. S-So, uh...w-what brings you here?"
"I came here to personally invite you to join the Dead or Alive Tournament," Helena offered, "For not only to be a participant, but also I have a job for you that requires your...detective skills."
"M-Me?" Joshua asked, pointing at himself, "You want me to join the Dead or Alive Tournament as a fighter and be a detective for the tournament?"
"Yes, that is correct," Helena nodded, "After your little stunt yesterday, I have been keeping an eye on you, and I was quite impressed by the way you handled yourself in that hostage situation, and the way you handled the other crimes, which made me decide that it would be the perfect opportunity to see how well you would perform during the Dead or Alive Tournament, and the way the Chief has been talking greatly about you, and despite your young age, your detective skills are very impressive. I was impressed, and, as a result, I want you to join the tournament."
"B-But, w-what if I refuse, ma'am?" Joshua asked.
"I'm sure there will be a way that we can convince you otherwise," said Helena, "Although, I highly doubt it, since the prize money is ten million dollars, and I'm sure your family would appreciate the extra income. And not only that, but if you are a successful fighter in the tournament, then you can go back to high school or go to any college or university you want. Why don't you consider it an internship?"
"Oh, no, I could never, Ms. Douglas," Joshua shook his head, "Besides, I can't do much, and--"
"Don't worry, I'll pay your stepmother and her family the prize money if you win the tournament," Helena smiled, "You just worry about being the best fighter and detective you can be."
"O-Oh, well, when you put it that way, ma'am," said Joshua, rubbing the back of his neck, "I...uh...how do I know it isn't a scam?"
Helena smiled before she turned to the door and called, "Zack?!"
Then suddenly, the door burst open before the African-American DJ man appeared energetically and stepped in with a huge smile on his face.
"HEY THERE, EVERYBODY!!!" the DJ said excitedly, "ZACK IS IN THE HOUSE!!! WHO'S READY TO GET THIS PARTY STARTED, HUH?! HUH?!!"
"Whoa!" Joshua yelped, surprised.
"Hey, Zack," Principal Randall said, greeting the excited DJ.
"Hey, there, Miss R!" the DJ known as Zack said, "I saw the expulsion file of the kid here on the computer screen and knew that I had to get him outta here before his stepmom comes and gives him an earful."
"Wait, you're the DJ, Zack, right?" Joshua asked.
"That's right, bro," Zack said, holding his hand out, "The one and only. Nice to meet ya!"
"Y-Yeah, same here," Joshua nodded, shaking his hand.
"Zack," Helena said to remind him, "The gift for our new friend?"
"Oh, yeah," Zack said, snapping his fingers as he remembered. He then reached into his jacket and took out a business card and handed it to Joshua, who looked at it and saw it was the business card for the Dead or Alive Tournament, and it was signed.
"'Good luck, buddy!'" Joshua read, "'I'll see you on the beach! Let's get it started! Your friend, Zack.' Wow, thanks, man."
"Oh, and can't forget about this!" said Zack as he gave him the contract that guaranteed Joshua's spot in the tournament, as well as the prize that Joshua wanted if he won the tournament, including going back to high school or going to a university that he wanted, getting an internship from DOATEC, as well as all the prize money going to him and his only family member, which was his stepmom/aunt.
Joshua read the contract carefully just to make sure, and after reading it a few times to confirm, Helena asked, "So, what do you say?"
"To be honest, it's very...tempting," said Joshua, "I know it's...probably just a way to lure me in..." He then took out a pen and said, "And it's DEFINITELY working, and you know what, fuck it! I've been wanting a break from school, anyway. I'm sick of being a student. So, I guess...what the hell. Why not? I'm in!"
Joshua signed the contract, officially making him a participant in the Dead or Alive Tournament, and now, he's also working for DOATEC, too.
"Well, well, congratulations, Joshua," said Helena, shaking his hand, "You're now officially a part of the Dead or Alive Tournament, and working for the world-renowned DOATEC. And don't worry, I've already let Chief Garrison and the Seattle Police Department know beforehand that you'll be leaving Seattle for a long while to work for me and participate in the tournament. So, no need to worry about missing your shift or getting in trouble. You're in good hands."
"Wow, um...thanks, Ms. Douglas," said Joshua.
"You can just call me 'Helena', sweetheart," said Helena.
"Oh, okay, uh, thanks, Ms. D--I-I mean, Helena," said Joshua.
"Don't mention it," Helena smiled, "And if you need anything, let us know, and we'll be glad to help you."
"Of course," Joshua nodded.
Helena nodded before she informed, "The 7th Dead or Alive Tournament will be taking place in Hawaii, and our flight there will be at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Be sure to pack everything you need by then, as we'll be leaving on my private jet before dawn." She then turned to Principal Randall and said, "And with that, I believe I've taken your former student off your hands."
"I'll say," said Principal Randall, "I wish you the best of luck, Joshua, and hope to see you in the news someday."
"You got it, Principal Randall," said Joshua as he left the room with Helena, Zack, and the DOATEC agents that accompanied her.
As soon as they were out of the building, Joshua couldn't help but feel worried, since this was his first time participating in something like the Dead or Alive Tournament.
"I should probably tell my stepmom the news..." Joshua thought, "I just hope Auntie doesn't get too mad when I tell her I'm expelled..."
Later at home during dinner:
"WHAT?!" his stepmother/aunt shouted in disbelief, "YOU'RE EXPELLED FROM HIGH SCHOOL?!!!"
Joshua laughed nervously while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly and said, "Y-Yeah, after a zillionth time of being late to school and missing a lot of classes, the school board finally decided that they've had enough of me and, well...yeah. So, now I'm no longer a high school student, and I have no choice but to drop out."
"Oh, great..." his stepmother sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose, "I knew I should've had you stop working as a detective AFTER you completed the case regarding the Black Dragon Gang Incident in your sophomore year so that you could focus more on your studies...that was bad parenting on my end…”
“No, it’s okay, it’s not your fault,” Joshua reassured, “If anything, me being late to school all the time because of me being at work as a detective for the police department is all on me, so they were right to expel me.” He then took out a business card for the Dead or Alive Tournament and said, “But on the bright side, at least I’ll be getting an internship, and not only that, but they even gave me a ticket to Hawaii, where the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament is being held. The organizers told me to bring the business card, and I can ask for a free ticket there, and since they saw my performance during the hostage situation, and the way I handled the Black Dragon Gang incident, as well as the other cases I solved, they were impressed, and have decided to let me participate in the tournament.”
“Wait, you were invited to participate in the DOA Tournament?!” his stepmother asked in shock, her jaw dropping.
Joshua nodded his head and said, “Yep, and I also get the ten million dollars, too, if I win the tournament, and they said that if I do win the tournament, I can also go back to school, or I can choose whichever university I want. They told me to use the money to help the family, as well as buy myself anything I need, or, if I wanted to, I could donate some of the money to charity, and it could go towards anything.”
“So, you’re going to participate?” his stepmother asked.
"Yup, and I’ll also be working for Ms. Helena Douglas, as she says she needs me for my detective skills," said Joshua, "Apparently, there’s a big case that she has that she needs my help with. She hasn’t given me any details just yet, but it might be something important if she only needs me for my detective skills. Anyway, the DOATEC representatives will be here to pick me up before dawn, so I'm going to Hawaii, and it'll take me a long while."
"I see," said his stepmother, smiling a bit, "Well, at least something good came out of you getting expelled. Granted, I'm still not happy about it, but at least now, you can finally get an internship, since DOATEC isn't connected with your old school, and if you win the tournament, you'll get the money, and maybe, who knows, you might even become a famous celebrity or something, so that could be fun."
"Yeah, and hey, maybe I could buy you a nice house, or even a vacation home so that we could get away from all the craziness in the city for a long while," said Joshua, "I don't know, though. It depends. And hey, a new house might be nice for us if we have the prize money for it. Hell, you can even make a dojo where you can teach kids your martial arts skills like you always wanted. Plus, we won't have to worry about living in this run-of-the-mill home anymore."
His stepmother/aunt looked at her stepson/nephew for a moment before she set her bowl of rice down and asked, "Joshua, you...don't like living in our home full of memories anymore? Don't you treasure every moment you had with me and your father living in this home of ours since growing up?"
"Well, I mean, of course I do," Joshua admitted, "Even when I go to work as a detective since my early high school year after Dad died, the home you and Dad had built for us and made together is still a part of me, and, yeah, it'll always be home, and I'll treasure those memories for the rest of my life, but..."
"But what?" she asked.
"Well, it's just that, the whole home is...too quiet, and the silence is too much, and...it feels empty, and it's not the same without Dad," Joshua explained, "You're the only family I have left, and, if I'm honest, the house we're living in is also starting to get too old for us to keep living in. It probably won't be long until the house eventually falls apart. Hell, I highly doubt that renovating will be enough to keep it from falling apart, and it would cost a fortune."
His stepmother/aunt didn't say anything, but instead, she closed her eyes and nodded her head in understanding before opening her eyes and looking at him again.
"You're right, the house is getting old, and, truthfully, I have also been feeling the same way, and, yes, it has been rather...empty, and lonely, since your father's passing," she agreed, "It is no longer the same without him, and, yeah, it feels empty, and, well...I think we should try something new. A new and better home might be good for us."
"Yeah," said Joshua.
His stepmother then asked, "When you win the tournament and earn the prize money, ten million dollars, how much are you going to save for the new house?"
"Probably at least three million for the new home, and I'll keep the rest, probably use some of the remaining seven million or maybe less for college," said Joshua, "Then, you could use the remaining one million to build a new dojo. I'll even help pay the costs for the land. You've always wanted to build a dojo for yourself, which was your dream during your youth. So, maybe with the prize money I win in the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament, you could finally have a place to call your own. I'll help you pay for the land and help design it."
"That's very kind of you, Joshua, thank you," his stepmother/aunt thanked him, "But...it’ll be your first time entering a tournament like the DOA Tournament, right? So what if you don't win the tournament?"
"I’ll be fine," Joshua smiled, "Besides, you know me. I'm a good fighter thanks to you training me in martial arts. And a smart detective, thanks to my dad and my former partner teaching me how to be a good detective. If I could solve lots of criminal cases or handle a group of criminals like the Black Dragon Gang on my own in my late sophomore year, then a fighting tournament should be easy for me. Sure, I heard there are various strong fighters here and there, like Jann Lee, or Tina Armstrong, or Brad Wong, or even Eliot for example, or even a ninja like Kasumi or Ayane, but if I’m careful enough and pull off a good fighting strategy, then hopefully, I should be able to beat them and win the tournament."
His stepmother/aunt didn't respond; however, she could only sigh.
"I hope you're right," she said.
"Trust me, I'll be fine," said Joshua, "Besides, I'll be working for Helena Douglas, so there's a possibility I could meet some strong fighters there, and maybe I can spar with them."
"Well, okay, if you’re sure," his stepmother nodded before she warned out of concern for her stepson, "If you're going to participate, then I won't stop you. Just be careful and make sure you don't lose focus on who you face off against, okay? Whether you win or lose doesn’t matter to me. The last thing I need is for you to get killed or injured. If anything, just don't be reckless and remember that the most important thing is that you get back home safe and sound, and that's all I care about. If not, then there'll be hell to pay."
"Don't worry, I'll try my hardest," Joshua nodded, "And if not, then I'll make sure I won't lose and that I'll stay focused. And if anything, the DOATEC will also take care of me if something happens to me."
“Well, alright, I'll trust DOATEC on that...and, since you're going to go to the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament," his stepmother smiled, "How about, after we finish our dinner, we have some sparring matches on our rooftop to make sure you're in tip-top shape and well prepared? After all, we can't be too sure."
Joshua smiled back and nodded, "Yeah, I'll like that. Thanks, Auntie."
Later on the rooftop:
As soon as the sun sets and nighttime rolls around, Joshua and his stepmother/aunt began a quick sparring session to prepare Joshua for the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament, which will start in less than a few weeks, and as they did, Joshua couldn't help but reminisce about the past, specifically how his father and his stepmother raised him, and how she trained him in martial arts while his dad taught him to be a detective like him.
Since he was eight years old, Joshua had always loved to be a detective since the day his father took him to work one day on taking-your-child-to-work-day, and seeing how much his father and the other police officers worked hard to solve crimes and put criminals in their place inspired him to be a detective himself when he was older.
However, his father had died during a shooting that happened during a case revolving around the Black Dragon Gang, a week after his 14th birthday, after he graduated from middle school and entered his first year of high school.
It was a terrible day for him when the police who worked with him, including Chief Garrison, gave him and his stepmother the bad news and their condolence, and he was heartbroken and sad, but his stepmother did her best to comfort him and help him through the pain. She had lost her husband, and she was just as saddened as her stepson, and hadn't been since her sister, who was her husband's wife before her, died of cancer when Joshua was five years old, but she was strong for him and did everything she could to comfort her stepson, including teaching him martial arts to one day defend himself and make his late father proud.
She told him, "Even when death comes for a loved one, the best way to honor the deceased is by doing their favorite things, so they can be remembered, and live on within our memories."
Joshua listened to her words and took them to heart, and so, ever since the day his father died, he decided that the best way to honor his late father's memory was to be a detective, just like his dad.
And so, with his stepmother's guidance, Joshua trained and learned martial arts and became a detective at a police department at a very young age. There, during his time working for the police as the youngest detective despite still being in high school at the time, Joshua also had a partner, Marisa Maybelline Allison, who was like a second mentor to him after his father, and was the one who taught him how to use firearms and how to shoot down a criminal in a non-vital spot, or shoot them dead if necessary.
During his time working as a detective and solving crimes, and arresting criminals, Joshua and Marisa had worked together to solve several cases, including the case that involved the Black Dragon Gang Incident. During that incident, Joshua was shot by one of the Black Dragon Gang members, and, if not for his partner, Marisa, who rushed to his aid, he would've died.
But luckily, the doctors were able to save him, and once he recovered, Joshua continued his job as a detective and kept on solving various cases, working hard to make Seattle a better place.
However, at the end of his freshman year and the beginning of his sophomore year in high school, his partnership with Marisa would end during the Black Dragon Gang Incident, when the Seattle Police Department was outnumbered and outpowered against the Black Dragon Gang including its gang leader, that Marisa would willingly choose to sacrifice herself by buying time so that Joshua and the police could escape. Joshua was reluctant at first, as he didn't want to leave his partner and mentor behind, though she reassured him that Joshua's fight would come and that he had to stay alive for the day the Black Dragon Gang was brought to an end and be put to justice, and at the moment, the fight was hers. It was at that moment that she made him promise that, even if she were gone from the world, killed at the hands of the criminals, Joshua would never allow revenge to consume him and that he would do the right thing and put an end to the Black Dragon Gang once and for all, as well as never stop being a detective, no matter what. A promise that Joshua would eventually fulfill at the end of his sophomore year and the beginning of his junior year of high school. Though his partner died, sacrificing herself so that Joshua could live to complete the case, which resulted in him no longer wanting to have a partner and instead working alone, at least he accomplished what he had promised to his late partner: putting an end to the Black Dragon Gang, arresting them all, and making Seattle a safer place.
Joshua would of course continue working as a detective for the police department even after the Black Dragon Gang Incident was resolved, as being a detective was what he loved and what kept him close to his late father, though as a result, he would often be late to school, missing every classes, falling asleep in class due to lack of sleep doing detective work, and seldom had time to hang out let alone make friends with his classmates. And of course, as of what had happened today, Joshua would eventually get expelled from high school.
But, at least something good came out of getting expelled: being invited to join the Dead or Alive Tournament and getting an internship, as well as the $10 million cash prize if he manages to win the tournament. Even if Joshua was an expelled student, since DOA isn't connected with his old high school, at least now, he can get the internship and the money, and can get to any college or university that he wants.
Though his stepmom wasn't exactly happy about him getting expelled, at least something good had come out of it.
After they finished sparring and Joshua was exhausted, his stepmom helped her stepson off the ground, and the two went back inside.
"You did well, Joshua, just like when you were young," his stepmom smiled as she helped him walk, "You've grown up strong."
"Thanks, Auntie," Joshua smiled at his stepmom, "I had you to thank for taking care of me and making me the man I am today."
His stepmother shook her head and said, "It's not me you should be thanking, but rather, it's your late father. He raised you before he died, and it was he who taught you the basics of being a detective, and even helped you make some detective skills of your own."
"I know, but...you did your best to raise me, too," said Joshua, "You're the one who trained me in martial arts, so, really, you're part of the reason why I'm a great detective. I'm lucky to still have you as a living parent, even if you aren't really my mom, but my aunt."
His stepmother/aunt smiled at her stepson/nephew before she placed a hand on his shoulder, then she went and hugged him.
"Oh, I'll miss you, Joshua," his stepmother cried, "You were like a son to me, and, truthfully, the only family I have left, other than your late father, of course, since you were young. It'll be lonely without you, so please, promise me that you'll come back home, safe and sound, and alive, alright? Promise me?"
"I will, I promise," Joshua nodded his head.
"Good," his stepmother smiled at her stepson, "Now, go to your room and start preparing your belongings. You have a dawn appointment to meet with Helena Douglas tomorrow."
"Right," Joshua nodded before he went off to his room.
Once in his room, Joshua grabbed his suitcase and started packing, and once he packed all the stuff he needed, he looked at the photograph of his father and him on the dresser.
"Dad..." he thought, "I...promised that I'll make you proud, and...I hope that by participating in this tournament, you'd be proud of me, and see that I'm becoming the great detective that you were. Just watch, I'll make you and Mom and Auntie proud, and maybe...even you, too, Marisa."
After saying goodnight to his stepmother and finishing his packing, Joshua went to sleep.
The next morning, before dawn, around 3:30 AM, a van arrived and pulled over in front of Joshua's home.
The driver got out of the car and rang the doorbell, which woke up Joshua and his stepmom/aunt.
"Huh? What's going on?" Joshua muttered groggily before he checked the clock.
"I think your ride to meet Helena at her private jet just came," his stepmom yawned.
"Yeah," Joshua nodded his head, "I'll get ready, then."
Joshua got out of bed and grabbed his suitcase and other belongings, and headed downstairs.
When the two arrived at the front door, his stepmom/aunt opened the door and asked, "Yes? Who are you?"
"I'm here to pick up a kid named Joshua McCoy for a DOATEC-sponsored flight to Hawaii," the driver said, "He's the one who has a ticket and a business card for the DOA Tournament. If you're his mother, then I need a parent's consent signature on this piece of paper so that we can take him to the airport."
"Yes, I am," his stepmom lied, as she and Joshua were related by marriage and not blood, "Just give me the paper, and I'll sign."
"Here," the driver handed her a paper.
As soon as the paper was in her hands, his stepmom took a pen and signed her name before handing the paper back to the driver, "There, that should be good."
"Thank you," the driver nodded, "Now then, Mr. McCoy, are you ready?"
"All set," Joshua nodded before he turned to his stepmother and said, "Well, I'm off. Goodbye, Mom."
"Be careful and take care," his stepmom/aunt bid farewell to her stepson/nephew.
"Don't worry, I will," Joshua reassured her.
With that, the young detective stepped out of the house and went into the van, where the driver had placed his suitcase and other belongings. The two waved each other goodbye and drove off.
As she watched the van disappear, she couldn't help but feel a bit sad.
"Oh, Joshua," she sighed, "I hope that nothing happens to you."
Sometime later, after he got on a private jet that soon took off for their destination to Hawaii, where the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament would take place, Joshua was brought to the suite room where Helena was sitting on a couch waiting for him as she was ready to debrief him on the case he would be dealing with while participating in the tournament.
Standing next to Helena was her servant, a short and petite young woman with light blonde hair tied into twin tails and dark blue eyes named Marie Rose. She was wearing a gothic modified strapless maid dress with arm sleeves, a collar that had a gold cross-like necklace attached to it, a large ribbon on her chest, and a garter on her left leg, along with a pair of long gloves. She also wears a pair of white socks that were thigh-high on her legs, a pair of Mary Jane shoes, and a black headband in her hair.
“Joshua,” Helena nodded upon seeing him entering the lobby, “Now that you’re here, we can begin discussing your mission and what your case will be. But first, I’d like to show you some documents related to the mission. Marie Rose?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Marie nodded before she ran off, then returned a minute later with a tray in her hands, and on the tray were some papers and a folder containing documents.
Marie set the tray on the coffee table, and Helena picked up the folder with the documented papers, and then handed them to the young detective.
Joshua opened the documents and began reading as Helena explained, "About six months ago, a group of thugs known as the Jieqiao Triad were smuggling crates of drugs capable of mind-controlling anyone, even those of the strongest minds such as those who are going to be upcoming participants of the 7th Dead or Alive Tournament, on behalf of a secret evil organization who're going against me to destroy my family's legacy, all to have them turn against me and DOATEC."
"And that evil organization that is the thugs' client is...?" Joshua asked.
"They're called M.I.S.T., a weapon research and development organization formed and headed by Victor Donovan, that existed without a formal name within DOATEC while Donovan was still a member and leader of DOATEC," Helena answered.
"Victor Donovan...I've heard about him," said Joshua, "Wasn't he an anti-Douglas guy and a traitor who was fired from his position in DOATEC for trying to destroy it, or something like that?"
"That is correct, and after he left, he had created his own organization known as M.I.S.T. and has been working hard to take down my family's legacy and destroy DOATEC, all so that he could take its place and become the most powerful man in the world, as well as to use its resources to fund his M.I.S.T. organization, and to create his very own illegal fighting tournament," Helena replied, "In fact, I'm not surprised if he's the one who had hired and sent the Jieqiao Triad thugs to steal the drug formula."
"So, what is this drug formula you're talking about, and what is it used for?" Joshua asked.
"The drug is a dangerous mind-control drug, which is capable of controlling the minds of anyone who consumes, inhales, or gets injected by it," Helena answered, "In other words, it's basically a super-soldier serum, but being controlled and manipulated. The name is not known as of yet, but the mind-controlling drug is said to be dangerous, not only because it allows the ones who give the people the drug to gain full control of their minds and wills, but it also changes the victims and makes them more...erratic, you could say. Not only do they become obedient to the masters who mind-control them, but they also become more dangerously violent, vicious, aggressive, insane, and bloodthirsty. It's like they have no conscience, no soul, and no feelings. It's like, they become mindless animals who can only follow orders, and obey the one who had given them the drug, and only the one who gave them the drug can control and command them, as if the victim was nothing more than a mindless drone who can only do what his or her master or commander wants him or her to do. In short, they become slaves or puppets, being controlled by the one who has complete power and influence over them."
"I see," said Joshua.
"Thankfully, my...associates who work with me, you could say, put a stop to the thugs and the agent sent by Donovan before they could make a deal and dispose of the majority of the mind-controlling drugs before the Jieqiao Triad would give the drugs to M.I.S.T. for the money that the organization offered them at the time," said Helena, "However, unfortunately--"
"Let me guess," Joshua stopped her with a hand raised before he finished for her, "Some of the few drugs that were left somehow got slipped under your associates' noses and fell into the hands of a M.I.S.T. agent."
"Precisely," Helena nodded, "And now, we suspect that M.I.S.T. is planning to use whatever few mind-controlling drugs they have left on one of, if not two or three or perhaps even six, of the participants of the DOA Tournament to have them either attack innocent people, including the other fighters who're not drugged, or attack and assassinate me, all to destroy me, my family's legacy, and DOATEC entirely."
"And that's where I come in," said Joshua, "You want me to not only participate in the tournament, but also to act as an undercover agent on your behalf to find anyone or anything unusual and take them out quickly before it happens, or otherwise, put down the drugged participants before they hurt anybody without killing them."
"Since you are one of, if not the new face, of the Dead or Alive Tournament, having the potential of being an upcoming fighter, you're perfect for the job, since nobody would suspect a thing, and since you're a detective, your skills and training would be an advantage, especially when it comes to handling and putting down criminals," said Helena before she nodded to her servant, "Marie Rose? The list of the names of the participants?"
"Right here," Marie nodded before she pulled a piece of paper from her sleeve and gave it to her mistress, who then handed it over to the young detective.
Joshua opened the piece of paper and saw a list of the participants in the Dead or Alive Tournament: Kasumi, Hayate (as Ein), Ryu Hayabusa, Brad Wong, Leifang, Jann Lee, Rig, Bayman, Helena's servant Marie Rose, Honoka, Tina Armstrong, Bass Armstrong, Mila, Kokoro, Lisa Hamilton (as La Mariposa), Momiji, Rachel, Diego, and Tamaki.
Next to them were some new names of the participants in the Dead or Alive Tournament, but at the moment were not important yet.
Then there was the list of those who would not be participating in the Dead or Alive Tournament and would watch as spectators: Ayane, Eliot, Hitomi, Zack, who would be acting as a host for the tournament, and, of course, Helena Douglas herself, who would be watching in her VIP Room as a spectator.
"So these are the people who will be in the Tournament, old and new," said Joshua, "And there are few who will be watching instead."
"You can feel free the list those who will be from least to most threatening in the tournament and those who would be from least to most likely be targeted by M.I.S.T. to be subjected to the mind-control drugs later, after you meet them in person," said Helena, "You will be getting to know these fighters and learn everything about them, including their fighting styles, so you can later determine who would most likely become a threat and most likely to be used by M.I.S.T. and be given the drugs."
"Noted," Joshua nodded his head.
"And before I forget, there is also one more thing I need you to do," Helena added before she brought out a photo of Kokoro and said, "It concerns this girl here in the picture."
Joshua took the picture and looked at the girl in the photo. She was a young Japanese woman, about a year younger than him, who had black, waist-length hair worn loose with a small segment tied in a decoration up front on the left-hand side of her face, and also gray eyes, full lips, rosy cheeks, pale skin, and soft, slim, and oval-shaped facial features. She wore her trademark outfit, which was a pink kimono with a brightly colored floral pattern.
"This is Kokoro, one of the participants of the Dead or Alive Tournament on the list," said Helena, "Are you familiar with my father, Fame Douglas?"
"Yeah, who hasn't?" said Joshua, "He was the guy who founded and led DOATEC before you, which was, at the time, a large and successful international weapons company. He was the guy who ran a company that created weaponry and firearms, and was known to have about six mistresses who had illegitimate children, with you being one of them."
"Correct," said Helena, "And, well, believe it or not, Kokoro here is also one of my father's children. In short, she's my younger half-sister."
"Oh, really?" said Joshua, a bit surprised, "I'm surprised she's related to you."
"Until recently, she didn't know about her heritage as her mother, Miyako, never told her anything," said Helena, "But after some run-in with someone named NiCO, who gave her a photo of me and Kokoro when we were children with our father, that was when she learned the truth. As for why I'm showing you the picture of her and telling you this..."
"...You want me to look after her on your behalf, for her safety, in case either any of the fighters attack her or anyone from M.I.S.T. tries to come after her and/or use her with the mind-controlling drug," said Joshua, "You believe there's a chance that they could target one of the participants to have them not just either attack and assassinate you, but also attack and endanger your family member, or even worse, use the mind-controlling drug on your younger half-sister to have her attack and kill you and possibly destroying DOATEC."
Helena nodded and said, "The idea of one or two, or possibly even five or six fighters, being drugged by the mind-controlling drug to destroy everything during the DOA Tournament, risking the safety of other people, including other fighters, is concerning. And I admit, I'd be lying if I said that losing everything that my father had worked so hard to build, even if it started as an international weapons research and development company before changing it to an entertainment company currently, wouldn't be too troubling for me. But the idea of my sister being attacked by the brainwashed fighters or used against me, risking and endangering her safety, is a whole new level of trouble that I don't think anyone wants, especially myself. Which is why I thought that it would be best to ask you for help to look after her while being undercover, in making sure that such a thing doesn't happen."
"I see," said Joshua before he nodded, "Got it. I'll take the job, Helena. I'll keep an eye on anyone or anything suspicious and take them down before anything bad happens, or in the worst case, take out the brainwashed fighters before they do anything bad without causing too much harm or killing them, while also looking after your sister to make sure she's safe. If any of the fighters try to attack or endanger her, I'll handle them. If M.I.S.T. try anything, then I'll stop them."
"Excellent," Helena smiled, "You have no idea how much this means to me. You are doing the world a favor, and not just me and my family. As a bonus, once the mission is completed and you are successful, I'll give you a reward, whether it's a bonus in cash or something else."
"Does that mean my internship with DOATEC begins?" Joshua joked with a smile, which made Helena giggle.
"You've already started your internship now, Detective McCoy!" Helena smiled.
Preparing himself to be dropped off, putting on his blue suit and tie, then putting on his brown coat, Joshua was ready to begin his mission.
He picked up his gun before Marie Rose shouted, "Hey! No, no, no! No weapons allowed in tournaments, especially guns!"
"Oh, sorry," said Joshua, "Forgot about that."
Joshua went back and placed his gun in one of his luggage that would be dropped at a hotel in Hawaii he would be staying for the majority of his time in the Dead or Alive Tournament before coming back and saying, "All set."
"Alright, then, let's go," Marie nodded, "I'll lead the way. And don't worry about your luggage, it’ll be dropped off at the hotel you'll be staying in."
"Good to know," Joshua nodded.
"We're gonna drop you off. Are you good with parachutes?" Marie asked as she brought out a parachute.
"I am," Joshua nodded as Marie gave it to him, "But why? Wouldn't it be better if we just dropped off at the airport instead?"
"We could," said Helena, "But then where would the fun be in that? Besides, don't you think it's more exciting for participants such as you to make an entrance like this? It's much more exciting, and the crowds would be cheering for you."
"I'm a detective, not an entertainer," Joshua said.
"Well, if you can't, you can just jump and dive into the water below," Marie suggested, "It's fine."
"Oh, okay, then," Joshua nodded, "I can handle that."
With a nod, Marie and Joshua both got to the end of the plane, and the young detective put the parachute on his back and got ready to jump.
"Just remember what I warned you about the mind-controlling drugs," said Helena, "Any participants who become victims of the mind-controlling drugs will not only become controlled and obedient to the ones who drugged them, but the affected will become more dangerously violent, vicious, aggressive, insane, and bloodthirsty, having no conscience, no soul, and no feelings, becoming mindless animals who can only follow orders, and obey the one who had given them the drug, and only the one who gave them the drug can control and command them, as if the victim was nothing more than a mindless drone who can only do what his or her master or commander wants him or her to do, including killing people."
"Right," said Joshua, "So if anyone's drugged, take the affected one down, do it quickly, and don't do too much harm nor kill anyone."
"And no matter what," Helena smiled, "Don't die!"
"Right! Thanks!" Joshua smiled back as the door in front of him opened and the wind came in.
After a quick wave to Marie, telling her he'll see her in the tournament, Joshua jumped out of the plane and began his descent.
"Alright, Marie Rose, you're next," Helena shouted, "And good luck!"
"Thank you, Madam Helena," Marie bowed her head.
After putting the parachute on her back, the young servant jumped off and began descending towards the ocean below.
As she watched Marie jumping, Helena hoped that Joshua would succeed, and prayed that the worst wouldn't happen, especially with Kokoro.
She had faith in him, though, and believed he could do it.
"Good luck, Joshua, and may God be with you," she muttered, "You'll need it."
With that, she began closing the door and then returned to her seat.