Thanks to az23bv for reviewing last chapter. The plot continues to thicken in Chapter 3. Enjoy!


It was evening in Hong Kong, but Team Wang Hu Zhong was still missing one of their members.

"Okay, where is Chao Xin? We specifically agreed to meet up here before rendezvousing with Aguma and Bao at our house." Dashan was more than a little annoyed. They had agreed waiting at Mei-Mei's workplace would be the best plan, as she got out the latest of all of them. Dashan decided it was best if the entirety of their group showed up at the same time to confront the members of the Beylin Fist.

"Probably off flirting," Chi-yun said with a frown.

Before the gossip could begin in earnest, Chao Xin himself appeared. "What's up? Did I miss anything?"

"Not yet, but you're late," Mei-Mei reprimanded him.

Chao Xin waved her and the others off. "It's because I had to go multiple blocks out of my way-"

"Because your latest favored fan-girl lives down that road?" interjected Chi-yun.

"Would you let me finish?" Now even Chao Xin was annoyed. "I was saying it's because they have the entire street with the crevice Aguma made last night cordoned off with crime scene tape. It seems that Pluto himself is investigating the matter. We'll have to take the back entrance to our home."

Upon arriving at their house via the back alley, they nearly jumped back out the door when they found Aguma and Bao were sitting on their sofa drinking tea. Bao raised an eyebrow at their expressions. "I'd say you're late, but we're actually early."

"And we brought our own tea, so don't look so stressed, Dashan," Aguma spoke gruffly.

The leader of Wang Hu Zhong narrowed his eyes at the former bladers of the Beylin Fist, but didn't press the issue of their unexpected entrance any further. There was an awkward silence before anyone spoke.

"It's too risky for all of you to fight the shades around here. Not with Pluto and his men camped out on your front steps," Bao reasoned. "Therefore we will take you to the outskirts of Hong Kong. Since I figure most of the shades will be congregated here to set a trap for me that will be the safer option, especially because your powers have not yet awoken."

Yet there was one simple problem with this solution. "Hang on a minute," Chi-yun spoke up. "If Pluto and his cronies are waiting here for you, Bao, won't they get the slightest bit suspicious if the entire area is silent tonight?"

Chao Xin warmed to the theory of the former Lacerta blader. "And once they hear reports of a 'Crimson Flash' over on the outskirts by us, won't they come on over to capture or kill you and anyone in cahoots with you?"

"And what about Aguma?" asked Mei-Mei. "Don't they know about him too?"

Aguma held up one hand to stem their tirade of questions. Bao then began to answer them in chronological order. "Yes, yes, and no. However, I will not be with you all when you attempt to awaken your powers. My power and identity as 'The Crimson Flash' is common knowledge to Pluto. Normally I would consider this a problem, but for once my infamy to Nemesis' side actually works to our advantage. For example, Pluto currently believes 'The Crimson Flash' is the sole disturber in the area. It's all thanks to the fact that everything Aguma and I do is under the cover of darkness, so they never suspect there is anyone in the shadows. Only I with my red light stand out."

"As long as 'The Crimson Flash' is present at my earthquakes, their theory is as good as proved," Aguma finished.

Dashan's mouth quirked into a slight smile. "A wise plan. Bao will be in the area, able to come to our aid if Aguma is forced to use his own powers."

Bao set down his now-empty tea cup and crossed one leg over the other, his arms also crossed. He closed his eyes in a smug demeanor. "I can only hope that will not happen." His eyes snapped open and his posture changed; he leaned forward to eye up Team Wang Hu Zhong. "If word ever reaches Pluto that there are more people with powers, our problems will multiply. For now, we have our hands full enough dealing with the shades here in Hong Kong. If any more are sent before we can get your powers unlocked, we may very well be killed before we can make a difference in this world."

Dashan thought that over. "Make a difference in this world. What are we waiting for?"

With that, the four Beylin Temple bladers followed their Beylin Fist counterparts out into the rapidly darkening city of Hong Kong.

After a few minutes, Bao waved them off, and Aguma led the others the rest of the way. "A stakeout place has already been prepared," he mentioned as he led them into an abandoned building. He, Dashan, Chi-yun, Chao Xin and Mei-Mei rested on the threadbare blankets provided until it was completely dark out.

"Come. Now is the time." Aguma peeked out the door; the coast was clear. "Take up back to back defensive positions."

The four shuffled into order.

"Now we watch." Aguma backed into the darkest shadows, appearing to vanish completely.

The four team members were surprisingly calm, even as a lone shade approached. Then it made a dash for Chi-yun.

"Aaaaah!" the young former blader shrieked, his earlier confidence vanishing in the face of danger.

What is Aguma doing? Dashan thought, panicking. He stepped in front of the smaller blader and took up the stance of the solid iron wall. A faint rumbling in the earth was heard. Was Aguma finally making his move?

The crust split in two, but instead of swallowing the shade whole it gushed lava from itself, which flowed toward the shade and burned it to a crisp, disrupting its form and forcing it to return to the black sun from whence it had originated.

Dashan held his now trembling hands before his face in shock. "I did this?"

Chao Xin slapped his leader on the back. "That's right Dashan. Man, that was amazing!"

"It was all for Chi-yun," Dashan said as he turned to face the youngest member of his team. "Wait. Where did he go?"

There was only an empty space where the former Lacerta blader once stood. By now, Aguma had un-melded himself from the shadows and made his way over.

"Quiet everyone!" Mei-Mei announced. Silence fell. "Do you hear that?" she asked.

A small high-pitched noise could be heard. Then Chi-yun miraculously appeared in front of them. "Geez Mei-Mei, you almost stepped on me!"

Aguma gave a short laugh. "Well what do you know, both of you unlocked your powers in one night. And you were never in any real danger either."

Dashan lifted his hands before his own amazed eyes once again. "I can turn rock to lava and swallow up shades."

"And I can change my size," Chi-yun added.

Chao Xin frowned. "Dashan, you had Rock Zurafa, and your Crushing Blast used flames, correct?"

Dashan nodded.

"Well that makes sense. But what about Chi-yun's size changing power? That can't be based off his bey."

Mei-Mei suddenly giggled. "Size. It's because Lacerta is a giant lizard and Chi-yun here is so short!" She broke off laughing. Chi-yun yelled at her all the while.

Aguma added in his own comments, more for the sake of Dashan and Chao Xin, as the other two were having their own argument. "Perhaps Bao and I thought this through too quickly. Maybe there is another factor to consider along with our powers. Our beys may only be one piece of the puzzle, albeit a big one."

Dashan thought for a brief moment before reaching out one hand to Aguma. "Today was a great success. I am certain that if we keep up the good work, we will find the missing pieces and complete this puzzle. With the help of you and Bao of course. And one day, we will end this dark reign of Nemesis."

Aguma gave a real smile then and grasped the hand Dashan offered in his large grip. "Together."

xXxXx

The applause heard up and down the 'parade' route up to the Empire State Building was clearly unenthusiastic. All the citizens of New York had done as Herschel had commanded and lined the streets as Cycnus and Keyser entered with their entourages. Present at the front row of the crowed, but far from the route's end, were Masamune, Toby and Zeo, clapping with great lackluster as first Keyser and his cronies from Philadelphia drove past.

Toby more than the others paid attention to the vehicles that drove by. Keyser was acting like this was a regular good old-fashioned parade, smiling and waving at the half-hearted clapping of the crowds from his seat at the back of a red convertible. The hooded and cloaked figure in the passenger seat, however, seemed strict and grim in comparison.

Toby frowned slightly, wondering what was up with this guy. Clearly all the other henchmen from Philadelphia were in the less-extravagant cars following behind the convertible; none of them were hiding their faces. Before he could form any coherent ideas about this, though, Cycnus of Boston was coming along the route. The person in the passenger seat of his vehicle did not have his features veiled by any cloak or hood. As he carefully watched the following cars, a flash of color caught his eye, and a teenaged face could clearly be seen looking out the window of the car. A very familiar teenager: Damian Hart.

At that moment, Toby's clapping involuntarily stopped. What in the world was going on here?

xXx

Damian had on his usual bored expression as he glanced out the window. That was, until he saw the former Faust alongside his former teammate and one of the Gan Gan Galaxy guys. The annoying one. As Damian turned away, a smirk took its place on his formerly blank face. Perhaps this social visit would not be quite as boring as he had expected.

As his car pulled up to the Empire State Building and stopped so he and the others could get out and unload, Damian always kept an eye on Cycnus. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but something about this whole situation was simply off. As the day gave way to the evening, all the higher-ups gathered for a grandiose banquet supplied by Herschel, taking place on the lowest level of the Empire State Building. Damian sat near Herschel, Cycnus and Keyser in order to keep an eye on them in case of some problem requiring his particular skill set.

His mind was certainly being tested this day. All his senses were on high alert; one eye on the three leaders of the great cities and the other on the still-veiled figure across from him. Why is he the only one hiding his face? Damian thought to himself, watching all the other men – and even a few women – in the room who were talking and beginning to get rowdy as the free flowing alcohol took over their systems. Damian stared for a few seconds into his own untouched glass. Though rules about drinking age had gone out the door thanks to the arrival of Nemesis, the former Kerbecs blader chose not to muddle his senses, preferring to stay alert and sentinel. He noted the veiled figure across from him appeared to have the same idea.

As wine and other liquor flowed, the noise level rose. By now it was dark outside. Damian himself had eaten his fill hours ago, but his coworkers and the other emissaries had unleashed their inner party animals. Honestly, the whole 'buddy buddy friendship' thing was making him want to puke. If he hadn't the need to pay attention to the general going-ons in the hall, he would have sat back, crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and shaken his head in disgust.

The revelries carried on into the early hours of the morning, and still there was no suspicious activity from anyone in the room. The three leaders had sobered up and were discussing trade agreements at the head of the table while their subordinates carried on. Until… there! Herschel had subtly raised one hand in the air, on the pretext of gesturing about something, no doubt.

Suddenly, the catwalks surrounding the main room were crawling with darkly outfitted people wielding high powered weapons. "Hands up everyone," Herschel barked at Cycnus, Keyser and their assembled followers.

"But why did you do this Herschel?" asked Keyser.

"You already have all of New York City. What more do you want?" Cycnus added.

"I want all of America," Herschel said, clenching his hands into fists.

"Even though the west is completely desolate?" Keyser asked incredulously.

Herschel frowned. "Why aren't you groveling at my feet begging not to be killed instead of asking such stupid questions?"

"Look Herschel, if you and your people stand down, we'll consider not reporting your infractions and attempted coup to Master Rago. We all know what would happen if the mouthpiece of Nemesis told our dark lord what exactly you planned to do," Cycnus said.

Herschel absolutely shook with rage. "Attempted coup? I've already won!" He turned to face his men on the catwalks above their heads, stepping back from his two fellow American city heads. "Fine then. I will let them die in their foolish insolence."

The first gunshots rang out in the silent room, but the bullets never reached their intended targets. A large three-headed dog had appeared in front of Cycnus, absorbing the bullets intended for him, while the veiled man had jumped in front of Keyser. Somehow, the bullets simply pinged right off his skin, though they tore easily through his cloak. As the shreds of cloak fell from the person, his hood slipped off as well. Damian noted that his skin gleamed with a metallic sheen.

"Ha ha ha ha ha! That was fun! Now what do you say Keyser? Can I carve them all up into beautiful works of art?" The guy's arms looked as if the skin on the back of his hand toward his wrist extended and then hardened into solid-looking knives over the back his hand. Damian was reminded of a blade that could be hidden on the arm and then pulled out at will; but this was a part of the person. And if those words were not enough, Damian could now see the person's face clearly – his other former teammate, Jack.

xXxXx

Crossing another desolate landscape in the midst of the savannah, Demure recognized a giant pit that still stood out, even with the ravaging this place had taken from the black sun. "Yes, this is definitely the place," Demure said, more to himself than his companion. After a few more minutes of walking, he and Benkei came upon a city. Or rather, what was left of it. Most of the buildings had fallen to rubble thanks to the black sun, and its streets were completely deserted of people. Where did they all go? Away? Or were they killed by shades? Demure thought.

He then spoke out loud to Benkei, "We should be able to find some food around here somewhere. Let's check the few buildings standing at least."

Benkei nodded. "What is this place, Demure? I thought I saw a bey stadium still standing in this town."

"This is the place it all started, Rock City, in the country of Savannah, where Team Wild Fang was born," Demure replied reverently. "The pit you saw a while back was the place I earned my spot on the team thanks to Kyoya and Nile. They used my eyes to find this guy named Marcus who had cheated them out of their bracelets in an unfair situation. After I pointed him out and they defeated him and his two friends in battle, Kyoya told me if I held onto the bracelet, I was worthy of being on the team with him and Nile."

Benkei had listened to the whole story with rapt attention. Of course he would, seeing as Kyoya was in it. "B-b-b-bull! Let's set up camp here for the week!"

Impulsive as ever. But it made sense to hole up for a bit. Rock City was in the middle of nowhere, so there was no reason for shades to be skulking around during the dark hours. Or light hours either for that matter.

Demure shrugged. "Fine with me. Let's look for a good place." He set off in one direction while Benkei took another. As he walked the deserted streets of Rock City, he noted a few markets that still appeared to have relatively fresh food. "Huh," the former Scorpio blader muttered. "If this city has been deserted since Nemesis' original destruction, there's no way this much good food would be in the market all these weeks later."

Demure tossed a slightly shriveled vegetable in his hand. For in truth, over a month had now passed since the appearance of the black sun. If anything, wandering the earth was even easier now than in the beginning. The plant life had begun to finally grow back, sparsely in the most devastated areas, but in earnest on the soil untouched by the toxin of the black sun. This produce in the market – only a few days old at most – proved that someone had been here in Rock City, and recently at that. Now, to figure out if that someone was still in the immediate vicinity.

He scoured the area but found no one except Benkei, who was busy hoarding food. The former Bull blader claimed it was for both of them, but Demure knew better than to believe Benkei when it came to food. "I guess the area is clear," Demure said.

"Clear? Why ever not?" asked Benkei. He, sadly, had spent much of his time ogling the remains of the bey stadium before hunger overtook his body and he discovered some food.

Demure sighed and explained his theory about the fresh food.

"Hmm… You're right buddy. We should search the area again. We'll be completely thorough this time. Let's meet up here in two hours to exchange information."

Demure nodded. About half the time into searching, he saw something on the ground move out of the corner of his eye. Turning fully to face it, however, he saw nothing. Except… Yes, there was a manhole cover slightly ajar. Walking over to investigate, he pushed it and noticed it led to a sort of tunnel system which led to an underground shelter of sorts; and it was stockpiled to the brim with nonperishable food items!

Demure laughed out loud. He and Benkei could live in here for months! But as he rushed to tell his friend, a hand clamped around his arm and dragged him back.

"Now what have we here?" a jeering voice asked.


So what did you think? Any guesses on what will happen to Herschel? How about who Demure ran into? Let me know.