A/N: It's important to read through these author notes. I feel that they will help clarify some things up for some people.

Hello everyone, I'm so glad many of you took an interest to this story. For this chapter, I decided to focus more on The Warriors rather than The Avengers. Next chapter will be directed more towards The Avengers. While analyzing what I wanted the scene to look like, I realized that I think it would be best to have the setting in Sky's house. While trying to write Sky's character, I identify with him having a lot of money, wealth, and come from a very hierarchy background- I'm trying to stick a little to the actual character's in the show. And of course I had to include Diaspro. It isn't a good story with Sky without her.

As for Riven, I'm trying to keep his brute, straightforward personality. He and Sky are rather good friends as you will see throughout the story. I know they are very competitive- which you will also see that illustrated throughout the story as well.

For some, you might hate the MusaXBrandon fluffy scenes. Don't worry, that doesn't last forever either...

Also, I used Codatora as my own type of OC. I know he isn't Sky's brother, but for the story's purpose, he is.

Anyway, thank you to my awesome reviewers: Winxtorious, Guest, MM-5, lovebrooks200246m, Smilez04, SplendidForever, Delightness, musariven fan, Pickles333, guest, xsunsparklestellax, and guest. Y'all are fantastic and I hope you really enjoy this next chapter.

This can't be the real world now

I don't believe it, when I can't see the truth

Welcome to the real world now

The old are carried in now just to poison youth

-All American Rejects

"I missed that," Brandon looked Musa into the eyes. They had spent the last hour catching up on the festivities that they had missed while Musa had been away for the summer. Before climbing off of Musa, he leaned down and captured one more kiss. She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and deepened the kiss. Groaning, he pulled away. "Musa Pennington, you do things to me that I didn't even know where possible."

He had forgotten how beautiful she was up close and how her eyes sparkled, even in the dark. He eventually climbed off of her and laid next to her, rubbing his hands across her bare back and shoulders.

The night had ended just the way he had wanted it too. He was able to get some quality, intimate alone time with Musa before they started their Avenger meetings, sports, after school clubs and activities, college applications, and of course school. He had been counting the days down while she was gone for the summer. Even though he missed her like crazy, he spent majority of his summer strengthening his body, bettering his combative fighting skills, and planning for the upcoming school year. With the help of his trusted friend Helia, he was able to create a new log of rules for the Avengers and update their book of secrets and profiles on the opposing gangs. He was more than ready for this upcoming year.

Silence hung in the air between Brandon and Musa. A comfortable silence- words didn't need to speak for what they were thinking. Even after being separated for an extended time period, neither needed to say a word. Musa laid in bed next to Brandon. She stared into the darkness and curled her fingers into the soft fabrics of the duvet. Her body was wrapped in the sheets along with Brandon's. After minutes, she gave a contended sigh and closed her eyes to head to sleep.

The moments of silence only lasted for another few seconds before Brandon shuffled in the sheets. He rolled over to face Musa and a small smile formed in the corner of lips. He loved watching her, both awake and asleep.

"Musa, are you still awake?" Brandon's voice was rather raspy. After a night of social drinks and partying, his voice was going in and out. He lost his voice every time he and his friends were out for the night. Unlike Musa, he was not blessed with strong vocals.

"Yeah," She whispered. It was so quiet, she felt if she talked any louder, she would be screaming. There was something about Brandon's room- you could hear everything, even your own thoughts.

"What was Riven doing outside with you?" He questioned in a worried tone. As much as he hated Riven, he hated his own insecurities and worries even more. Deep down there was a voice in his head questioning Riven's intentions. And what in the hell did he mean, "I'll be seeing you."

Hearing the tone of his voice, Musa perked up. Very rarely did Brandon let his voice of worry, voice of discomfort, voice of discontent, show. Reacting rather quickly, she rolled over onto her stomach and and propped herself up on her elbows. She stared into Brandon's eyes for a few seconds before answering. "You can't tell me you're actually worried about this can you?"

Brandon hung his head low and responded with silence.

Exhaling a sigh, Musa placed her hand on Brandon's forearm to comfort him. "Look, I was outside getting some air as I said and Riven came outside looking for Stella. He thought from a distance he saw Stella, but it was another girl stumbling drunk outside with blonde hair. Honestly, it was nothing. He exchanged a few words with me and that was it."

"Okay," Brandon slowly said.

"Brandon, Riven said those things to get in your head. You cannot honestly be surprised by this can you?" Musa asked in a serious tone.

"I'm sorry. I just hate him you know? He's a man with a few words and every word he says just nags at me. I mean if he fucking talked more, it would be easy to shrug off what he says, but it's, he never says anything. I'm going to sound crazy and I don't want to come off that way, it's just, I don't want him to get near you. You're the most important thing I have going for me and I don't want him to get in the way. And when he said, "I'll be seeing you" I wanted to beat his face in the ground right then and there. He's such an asshole, god," Brandon vented. Once he was finished speaking he exhaled a deep breath.

"You're jealous, it's cute," Musa smirked.

"Musa," Brandon growled.

"Okay, okay. I"m being serious Brandon. He has nothing on you- and he's a jerk. Now forget it and go to sleep. It's three in the morning and we have a meeting at ten with all of the new Avengers. You don't want to be a hungover asshole already do you?"

Sighing, he stretched his arms and placed them behind his head. "You're right. I love you, you know that?"

"I know," Musa paused. "Now get some sleep before I suffocate you in this pillow to get you to shut up," Musa teased. She rolled over and leaned into his chest.

Musa stared at the ceiling for awhile. She kept reviewing her conversation with Riven outside.

"You don't know me."

"I used too."

...

"I'll be seeing you."

And what the hell did that even mean? In what way was that directed towards her? While she was thinking of her previous conversation, she wanted to kick herself for not telling Brandon about her encounter with Mandragora and Riven interfering. If she told him tomorrow, then he would be even more paranoid and frustrated that she didn't mention it the night before. Was it possible she was feeling guilty over this... It wasn't that important right? There was no need to bring it up when it really was nothing right? Since when did she keep secrets from Brandon?

Sunday mornings were the time of the week where Gardenia was nearly deserted. There was almost never any traffic nor cars on the road. Rarely anyone attended church service nor were many businesses open. Sundays were typically known as personal days. Everyone caught up on their own lives and ignored the outside world. Ironically, Sundays were Riven's favorite day to drive around Gardenia. He could run whatever red light he wanted too, he never had to wait on anyone, and it was he and his sports car to himself. Making a left at the light, Riven passed the downtown businesses and headed towards the outskirts of town towards the suburbs.

The suburbs in Gardenia drastically differed from the city. Within the city, houses were tightly placed in conjunction next to one another. As Riven drove away from the city towards the Eracklyon Estate, the houses great farther and farther apart from one another. Houses became far and few in-between. In contrast to the casual white picket and wooden fences houses in the city had, these houses were divided between extensive iron gates, trees, and long lanes. The neighborhood Sky lived in belonged to the elite and the rich of Gardenia, an area in which Riven did not belong in. As Sky's parents easily say, "He's a city rat."

Several miles later, Riven came across the private lane where the Eracklyon Estate resides. Sky's parents were diplomats of Gardenia and held a high stature in the political figure in the local division. Other words, Sky's parents had a lot of control over legislation and the city's people. His parents were rarely in the public eye, only when it was election time and large campaigning.

Riven approach the entrance to enter Sky's house. He turned left into the lane and arrived in front of two large white pillars framed by a large wrought iron gate. Here at the gate, security had to approve his presence. "Good morning Mr. Harrington," The security guard spoke over the intercom and welcomed Riven to enter the premise. Like usual, Riven waited while the iron gates unlocked and separated from one another. Once there was clearance, Riven gave a head nod towards the security personnel and drove down the narrow lane decorated with firs, customized trimmed shrubs, and pines.

Every time he entered the property, Riven felt like he had been transported into another realm. A realm very much different from his own.

Eventually, he approached a circular gravel path surrounding a large patch of circular green grass. Riven curved around the path and parked his car in the porte cochere. As Riven stepped out of his car, one of the Eracklyon servants were ready to take his keys and drive his car to the garage behind the house. Riven handed over his keys and walked along the gravel path towards the front entrance to the house.

"Hey I was starting to worried you got lost," Sky teased as a jaded Riven approached his porch. "Late night last night?" Sky asked.

"It's hard to miss the huge piece of stone that has your last name chiseled into it from the side of the road" Riven eyed his friend. He looked tired, even more so than usual. "And not near as late as you, I take it."

"Diaspro called me at seven this morning," Sky complained. He rubbed his now red eyes. "Apparently my father and her father are going golfing next weekend and she wants to meet at the country club."

"What for?" Riven demanded clarification. A few months ago, Sky had began strongly urged to date Diaspro- a blonde haired teenager the same age as him who was an incredibly impulsive, emotional, vindictive person. She was always very difficult and her eyes were so piercing, you swore she would see through your soul. Some people compared her to Stella, but Stella was very tolerable compared to the witch.

"Because she's fucking psycho. I don't know why," Sky answered too quickly.

Riven stiffened a laugh and Sky continued. "She is coming to visit next weekend, unfortunately. Riven can't we do something? I need to hire a hit-man and get her away from me or something."

"Well let's see... She's not an Avenger nor a member of the Black Circle- which I wouldn't be surprised if she was- but since we have no proof, we can't eliminate her." Riven shrugged his shoulders and let out a stiff yawn. He would feel bad, however, Sky did whatever his parents asked him to do. He never disobeyed their rules- he was the heir to his parents fortunes. Compared to his older brother, he was the saint.

"I did it for my parents. They see Diaspro as a future for me. I see her as the end to my future," Sky complained, kicking gravel in his driveway. "I don't know why they can't pick someone," Sky paused and let the silence settle, "I don't know... more normal? Not a crazy, vindictive bitch." He searched for the right words to say. Diaspro was many things but she also wasn't a lot of things too. She possesses many of the qualities in a woman one does not want to date.

"Sky, you cannot be this dumb. You know exactly what your parents are doing. They are investors and they want to invest in both their futures and yours. See, Diaspro is one of the only women in the area suitable for a man like you. She has the acceptable wealth, lineage, and old money background. Its a trifecta and you out of all people should know this. Besides if your family joins with her family, you are safely bringing together two family fortunes."

"I seriously cannot deal with anymore Diaspro drama this year. Do you know what it was like with her and her family this summer? I swore to God I was going to jump overboard on their yacht into the Marina trench." It was rare when Sky showed a side of his agitation to his friend, but when he did, Riven let him rant it out. He could never understand what it was like to have such controlling, vile parents. As much as they claimed their love for Sky, they were more interested in how to make their reputations and fortunes bigger and better. Their interest was not in their son, it was in their wallets.

"Look, you could always take the route of Codatora" Riven casually suggested. Bringing up Sky's older brother was always a tough situation to handle and address. For years, Sky's parents were ashamed of his brother's actions and did everything they could to bury their brother's secrets and scandal.

"And move away to France and get married to a man and cause a scandal here for my parents and for the local press? He threw away their fortunes, resigned from the family, and changed his last night. I think I will pass this time. Besides, I am in the business to inherit a lot of fortunes someday. My good graces will eventually pay off. At least I hope," Sky sighed. After releasing his inner frustrations, he felt better. Not many understood what it was like to have completely insane parents who were could care less about his overall emotional and mental well being. Riven could relate as his parents were also complete letdowns. In comparison, Sky knew he had it a lot better and he felt bad for complaining.

"Then I don't want to hear you complain," Riven immediately replied. "You have a lot to look forward too then, including Diaspro," Riven smirked. He could sometimes be an asshole. But Sky was one of those friends that you had to be straight up with rather than beat around the bush. So many people were not honest with him because of his lineage and parents. Riven was one of the few people who were brutally honest with his friend.

"You're an asshole," Sky grunted. He turned around and walked towards the wrap around stone porch supported by tall stone pillars.

Riven followed Sky into the entrance of his mansion. As usual, he took off his tennis shoes and placed them on the brass-coated, imported Italian shoe rack. "Whose all here?" Riven questioned.

"Everyone; we were actually waiting on you," Sky answered. In response Riven nodded his head and followed his friend towards their secret room in the basement of the house. Since Sky told his parents he was apart of the gang, his parents were more than delighted to set up a secret meeting place for the Warriors. Both of Sky's parents used to be members of the Warriors, that was how they had met and grew together. Unlike Cordatora, Sky was their child who was going to fall into their footsteps and they were more than willing to spend whatever money they needed to in order to ensure their son's success and happiness.

Riven followed Sky through a series rooms and down a flight of stairs to a landing pad with a very large metal door. Sky entered the password into the security keypad next the door. Once the password was entered, the door beeped and it made a louder noise opening. The door slid into the wall allowing for Riven and Sky to enter. This room was Riven's favorite out of Sky's house. Inside the house was a table- but not just any table. Positioned in the middle of the room was a large round table, similar to that of King Arthur's. Sky's parents insisted that they had a table fit for a king when the room was designed.

"Good morning Riven," random Warriors stood up in respect to the elder Warriors. They formally spoke to Riven as he walked through the room to his official seat at the head of the table

"Morning," Riven and Sky said in passing to random members. Riven glanced around the room as he passed through. The room was rather dark with low-dim lighting. All of the wood in the room was stained a dark color with black distressing. Placed in the middle of the room was a tray of breakfast snacks-pastries, donuts, fresh fruit and homemade juices-homemade from the complementary Eracklyon cooking staff. Every meeting on every Sunday they made food for the group to snack on while discussing important matters.

"Good morning men," Stella greeted the two with a flip of her hair when the two men approached her location.

"Stella, glad to see you made it to this meeting," Riven raised his eyebrows in the direction towards the girl. The last he had saw her she was leaving a party with another guy.

"Well why wouldn't I be here? The sun is shining and I even brought you two coffee," Stella said excitedly as she took her seat next to Riven's seat. She eagerly placed a cup of coffee in front of both Sky and Riven's seating places.

"I even had the Starbuck's woman write her number on your cups, just in case you are looking for a good date," She clasped her hands together and eyed the two guys. "So no need to thank me."

Riven rolled his eyes and brought the cup towards his face. He eyed the number while shaking his head in a nonsense manner. He brought the cup to his lips and sipped on the hot caffeinated beverage. While placing his cup back on the table, he nodded his head in Flora, Timmy, and Nabu's direction who were sitting on his left side next to Sky.

"Thank you Stella," Sky answered for both him and Riven.

"Alright, because I don't like long meetings, we are going to keep this straightforward and to the point," Riven placed his agenda for the meeting on the table in front of him. He was standing behind his chair, looking around the room filled with Warrior members.

"What Riven really means is lets welcome the newest freshman members to the group," Sky interrupted.

"Yeah that," Riven shot Sky with a look of annoyance.

"If we could, lets have the newest members stand up. Everyone become familiar with these faces. These are the future faces of our group so we want them to be as welcome as possible," Sky said in a strong voice.

"Anyway," Riven talked over Sky. "I was getting there before Sky rudely interrupted."

The newest members stood around the room nervously. Some of them swayed back and forth while others gripped the hems off their shirts and shorts.

"Freshman, this is what not to do. Don't let your right-hand man have more power than he needs," Riven retorted with contempt.

"Everyone, these are your new members of the group. You may sit," Riven ushered along the meeting.

"Let me begin by stating, this is a new year and a new year for a lot of possibilities. Anything can happen and as a group, we need to be ready for whatever gets thrown our way. Last year we were a bit rusty so this year I am mandating every Sunday evening everyone attend for combat classes. We need to be prepared to disarm ourselves. These lessons will take place here at Sky's family's gym. I have arranged for a qualified, well-skilled teacher to come every Sunday to help everyone with their training. Everyone, including myself can be better."

Stella rolled her eyes and twirled her cup around on the table. She was not really interested in what Riven had to say this early in the year. She was hungover and the last thing she wanted to be doing was dealing with bylaws. Her lack of interest did not go unnoticed by the alpha leader.

"It has also been brought to my attention at the party that there was a lot of fraternizing with The Avengers. I am more than thrilled you were able to get along last night, maybe we can personally invite them to our meetings too" Riven sarcastically snapped. As a leader, he had to put the interest of the group first. "Starting today, they are your enemies. You do not associate with them unless you absolutely have too. Class is the only time it is allowed and even then, don't press the issue of being friends. I'm not afraid to intervene."

"Stella, any comments? I know you always have something to say," Riven drawled.

Before answering, she shot him a hasty glare. Riven was in a foul mood today and you would have to be deaf or blind to not pick up on his vibes.

"Sure Riven, I'll take the next bylaw," Stella stood up, sharply looking around the room at everyone. "We don't fraternize with them. And when I say them, I mean everyone who is not a Warrior. You don't talk to The Warriors, you don't talk to anyone who identifies with neither and you sure in the hell don't talk to anyone from The Black Circle. Some of you have already asked 'what if we used to be friends?' Well guess what, we don't care if they used to be your friends. We are your friends now and not them. Freshman if you need guidance to get over those past friendships, you consult us, not the old friend. You have pledged your life to The Warriors and that is what you are doing. This is not some past-time club. This is your first priority. Got it?"

"Happy Riven?" Stella turned her head and looked at the brutish man before sitting back in her seat.

"Thank you Stella. Also, you do not hook up with an Avenger. It is your responsibility to know who is an Avenger and who is not," Riven continued saying.

Timmy stood up and nodded in Riven's direction. "Hey everyone," He meekly began. "I am Timmy. I deal with everything from security and to the tech stuff. If there is a security breech, I will be the first to know. Keep our secrets away from cell phones, computers, and media. I don't want to have to get you out of a mess that could have been easily avoided. And welcome to the group," Timmy raised his orange juice in the air to welcome everyone to the group. Unlike Riven, Timmy was quite a casual and go-with-the-flow type man. Very rarely did he ever get angry.

"My name is Nabu and I am also a senior along with everyone at the head of this table. I did most of the recruiting last year and many of you already know me. What I am about to say is very important so listen up. You are not alone- we are your family and friends now. However, you must earn our trust and respect. That is something that is not granted, it is earned. We have all been in your places before and we have all had to break our backs doing so. Therefore, we expect the same out of you."

"If you get into a fight, we will have your back. That is what we are here for you. You do not have to go through anything alone. However, if you can hold your own, than that is great," Sky chimed in.

"Thank you," Riven nodded his head in the direction to his friends. "Also, it absolutely forbidden to discuss what goes on these meetings with anyone. If you break these rules, especially the last one, you will result in suspension, even termination with the group. You don't want two gangs despising you. Got it?" Riven snapped.

"Any questions?" He asked out loud. No one raised their hand to ask Riven a question. Either no one had a question or they were extremely intimidated by Riven's presence. He wasn't exactly the cheeriest or most friendliest.

"Sky has eagerly arranged for a further meeting. I will let Sky take this part over," Riven stepped out of Sky's way and sat down in the wooden chair. He turned his chair slightly so he could see his friend take over the meeting.

"Alright, each of you have a mentor. On this board, I have written down the names of who is mentoring who. Your mentor is going to be your greatest friend and asset to the group. Learn from them because everyone of them has something to teach you" Sky turned around the chalk board so it was facing the group.

"Every Sunday after this meeting you are to spend some time with your mentor. You are to learn about what we stand for, who we are, our history, and more rules and tips. At one time we were you and we are trying to make the transition as effective as possible. So when Riven adjourns this meeting, you are required to find your mentor," Sky walked away from the

"This meeting is adjourned, and Sky I need to talk to you, so stay put," Riven stood up, pushing his chair away from the table.

"Why did you pair me with someone?" Riven whispered in a harsh manner towards his friend. He was trying not to make a scene while everyone was gathering together across the room.

Running his hand through his hair, Sky let out a laugh. "Riven you are a leader and I think you mentoring someone will be good for you," Sky suggested. "Besides she-" Sky was interrupted by Riven.

"It's a girl?" Riven was seconds away from pummeling his friend into his hard wood flooring.

"Yes, she's a girl. She isn't an it. She's actually new to the school and she's a transfer from a nearby school. She's a junior, a year younger than us, and I figured you could show her around. Besides, what else do you have to do?"

"Ahh excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting anything," A higher-pitched voice spoke. Riven turned to his left and standing in between him was a female with a taller built frame with long light brown hair that drooped down to her waist. The female was dressed in a purple suit and her body hugged her in all of the right places.

"Hi, Riven. Sky told me this morning we were going to be paired together and I think he made a great combination. I'm Darcy," She smiled wryly and said in a cool manner, matching Riven's own manner.

"Riven," He smirked.

"So, are you going to stand there all day and yell at your friend for pairing you with me or are you actually going to tell me something useful," She raised her eyebrows in his direction.

"Hmm, I now see why Sky paired me with you," Riven eyed the girl carefully. When he looked at her, he was placed with the feeling of rapture and discordance. It was almost as if he had seen her before.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I tried to go into as much detail as possible.

As the story progresses, you will eventually learn the history of both gangs and the dark circle.

If you have any suggestions for this story, please input it in a private message or the reviews. I take all of your thoughts and ideas seriously. I will see if I can work them into this.

Anyway, thanks for reading and please review, it means a lot to me :)