Chapter 9 Introduction; Find your own style!

A/N: Hello everyone, I'm finally home again! It feels like I've been away for years. The place I lived in was like the Balcolv Abby, No Joke! We are talking stonewalls, security-cameras, Entrance doors with passwords and regular inspections of the rooms. It was hell because it also lacked of hot Russians.

But I will not go further into that…

Anyway to get to the point; this story is finally starting to roll the way I want it and it feels good so far. I love the reviews from my loyal readers but I sometimes still missing a comment with deep thoughts that can help the story going even further. On another subject I also like to announce that I will add some scenes where Rei is not in the picture. I know that this is his story we are following but if we only see him, then we missing out some important leads. So here is the deal; Rei will not know the info in the added scenes, they will only be for the readers. With that done, I like to say:

On with the story!

Later that afternoon, Spencer found the shaken up Chinese sitting on the same wooden pallet as before. He didn't look like much, just looking out in space until Spencer leaned on the wood. The police officer waited for the raven to start speaking with him. He knew it wasn't easy to comprehend with all this new information so he didn't want to push anything. So Spencer decided to wait him out instead since he wasn't comfortable with leaving him like this. After about five minutes he could hear small words from the other. "What is going to happen to me?" The raven said and closed his eyes in frustration, probably because he heard how weak his voice sounded.

The officer sighed; he didn't think Rei should be ashamed of his feelings. At least he had some. He knew he had to win the other's trust if this was going to work out. It was never easy to tell someone that his life was over. "It's up to you really. But I understand your shock."

Rei shook his head in denial. "How can you really understand? You still live your regular life. You are telling me that mine is over." Their eyes met for the first time and Spencer saw that the golden eyes of the other was red from crying. He had not seen tears in this area in years. It made him remember how ruined Phoenix and the others was today in comparison to Rei.

The raven noticed Spencer's observing and turned his head away again, it was obviously now that he didn't want to seem weak.

"It's an expression we use. But you are very much alive if you see the opportunities…" He started. He decided to make the best of the situation because this was not going very well…

"Ok, here is the thing is Rei" He said and got the other's attention again. "During this short time I've starting to like you and I want to give you a chance. As I see it, here is your situation; Brooklyn and Claude wants your head on a silver plate and has sent out the underworld after you. The New York Police is after you as their John Doe, since Brooklyn and Claude has stolen your identity. You can't go back home because you don't have your name anymore, and because some other guy is already in China under your name. And like that's not enough, you can't go anywhere here in the US because you have a warrant on you. Therefore I asked Phoenix to keep you in this gang and become like them. It's your best option if you want to stay out of jail and, most importantly, to stay alive. They can help you Rei. If you just let them."

The raven broke their stare and he looked into his lap. "I know all this Spencer. Believe me, I have been thinking about this for hours now…." He hissed but then bit his lip. He had either way admitted that Spencer was right. He had been given a second chance despite all trouble he had been through these last days. Maybe someone higher up wanted him to live on a little while longer after all…

"I'm sorry, it's not like I don't appreciate your help…" He said with a softer tone after thinking it over some more. "I-...I don't know how I will become like them…they seem so…different."

Spencer had to smile. "Yeah, you could say that. But don't be intimidated by them. Not Falcon either no matter how he behave. This is new to them too but don't be afraid to get to know them just because of that. To be honest, I think your presence will be good for them."

He laughed when Rei gave him a skeptical look. "No, I mean it! Remember this Rei; you can give them as much as they can give you. Wolf will appreciate it and I have asked him to train you alone this first time. It will certainly make things easier for you."

"Um…ok. I guess."

"Is there anything you want to know? I will tell you almost anything to make you feel better about this. It's the least I can do."

"Then tell me everything." Rei said and finally felt himself to calm down. He was tired, tired of feeling like a victim. If Spencer was really honest in giving him another chance at life: then he would fight for it. He had to make the best of the situation he had. At least he was somehow safe right now. It was a good sign. "Tell me everything about this gang..and you."

The blonde jumped up on the pallet and thought about what he was going to tell him. He wasn't ready for that kind of answer.

"I tell you what I can about the guys. The rest must come from them." He admitted. "This story takes us back quite a few years. My family was friends with Phoenix's parents when we were younger. After a tragic incident Phoenix was left an orphan. My parents tried to look after him after that but he was moving from orphanage to orphanage and it made it hard to keep in touch. My mother would have adopted him but our family seemed…unfit to do so."

Rei listened carefully. It seemed like he had been right, Phoenix had been through a bunch of things in this city. If he found out more then maybe he could figure out how he became this angry and violent. For some reason it was nice to listen about other's problems for a while instead of his own.

"Anyway, as he grew up, Phoenix felt like the authorities had failed him in many ways and in the end he faked his own death and became who he is today. I found him years later, or more correctly he found me. He had remembered our little friendship and he searched me out. He had even found out that I was just done with my police education and he came to my apartment one night like a shadow scaring the shit out of me." He laughed at Rei's expression. "After I calmed down, he made me an offer." He continued.

"About?" The raven pushed, as he was really in the story.

"He wanted me to help him get some kind of a life. Damn, I had thought he was dead for real and I felt very protective of him at the time. Like a little brother. That night he could have told me anything and I would have done it. He shared the story about his parents with me and that he had his goal. In return he offered information that could help in difficult cases.

My reaction was very uncertain which made him back down almost instantly. I admit that I was afraid to let him go by himself and in the end I managed to convince him that I would dedicate my life to help him. I had to; he wouldn't have trusted me otherwise. Today, to be honest; I don't think I know how much I promised back then."

"So you started at the academy because you wanted to become a man of the law, I'm guessing" Rei said and made gestures with his hands while talking. "And then you just threw that away for Phoenix and became part time criminal. What a sign of loyalty. I'm impressed."

"I felt like I had to. My family had moved and Phoenix didn't have anyone else. We didn't plan on becoming criminals and shadows…At least I didn't." He murmured.

"But Phoenix had planned it? What was this goal of his?"

Spencer thought about it for a moment but decided to tell him. "Revenge of his parents."

"Did he think the authorities had failed his parents too?"

"No, He simple wanted to get revenge on the man who killed them."

"They were murdered?" Rei asked with disbelief.

"You can say that's an understatement. Tortured and murdered in front of Phoenix's eyes."

A silence fell upon them as Rei was trying to take the information in. Spencer decided to continue before the Chinese came up with more personal questions about Phoenix's past.

"About fourteen months later we found Falcon, He had been fighting with some gang member for some well needed food leftovers. If I remember correctly he had been using a garbage lid… " Rei's eyes went big again as the blonde moved on;

"He didn't talk much about his past, not with me at least but I guess he talked to Phoenix about it. He joined us and I arranged for his death. During this time, I was starting to become a good police officer so I tried to take a little distance from Phoenix since he had Falcon to look after him. I guess I wanted to believe I could put my incidents behind me and continue as a full committed cop, but it didn't take long before I got a phone call one night and was forced to meet Phoenix and Falcon down the habour. They had saved a new damaged soul."

"Three guesses who." Rei put in with a careful smile. It was hard enough to see any light in this story.

"Wolf was in such a bad state. Some gang had beaten him to an inch from death and was going to drown him when Phoenix and Falcon had chosen to interfere. Phoenix asked me to fake his death as well. Something Wolf would have preferred not to."

"Why?"

"I don't want to give out too much information. Let Wolf tell you himself." He said and moved on again. "I have been helping them ever since and now it has been years. They are still together, going after Phoenix's goal and you are the new recruit."

"I don't really feel like I fit in…" He said but Spencer shook his head.

"Claude is the one Phoenix is after, Rei. You both have been on the bad side of him and you have that in common."

"But I'm not sure that I want him dead like Phoenix." Rei objected.

"No, but you don't want him to kill you either right? Phoenix can help you with that. Falcon and Wolf as well."

"It's all so much, you know. I have never heard of stuff like this. Gangs who are trying to killing each other while being chased by the police force. Among all these innocent people… how many has been caught in the cross fire?"

"Too many…" Spencer said and suddenly his eyes became dark. Rei studied him for a while as the blonde suddenly zooned out and Rei put his hand on the cop's shoulder, bringing him back to reality. "Are you ok?" the raven asked.

"Yeah I'm fine." Spencer said and waved it off like it was nothing but Rei didn't buy it. It had been a very strong reaction. "Phoenix doesn't want that to happen. But he is too focused on Claude to do anything about it." The cop finished and stretched his arms. Rei choose to let it go for now but he was going to remember it for later.

"I hate to sound like a wimp, but it's scary. I doubt I can be to any help." He said instead and jumped down from the pallet.

"I think you will. More than you think. Give it a chance Rei. Is your best option right now."

The athlete couldn't do anything else than agree. With a forced smile he turned to the blonde.

"What am I supposed to do in the team?"

"Right now? Get some rest and talk to Wolf tomorrow. Good luck."


'What am I suppose to do in the team?'

Spencer smiled to himself when he got out of his car on the parking lot by the police station. He was sure that the raven would be fine. At least he told himself that that would be the case, he couldn't do anything about it even if he wouldn't.

He thanked the other police officer who held up the door for him as he entered the buildning to his job. As usual he met many people both with uniforms but also those without. Paperwork was the most common activity in the main building and this evning was no different.

The blonde officer took the stairs to his level and entered his office, giving a quick waive to his partner who was sitting by his desk reading. Spencer's own paperwork from the night before was waiting for him and he sat down in his wooden chair with a sigh. He took a minute to just look around. His wall that separated his office to the hallway was made of glass, which gave him a good look at people who passed his room. On his door, upper part glass and lower part wood, there was a sign. Right under his partner's name, he looked at the golden letters that spelled; Spencer Petrov.

He had worked really hard to get to this point. He was a good cop in NewYork City and his boss had been pleased with him from the start. No complaint that he could think of.

If they only knew his other side…

Some days, not every day, but some days…the bad ones, he couldn't help but wonder how far he would have been if Phoenix hadn't visit him that night. He knew that Rei must have picked up something earlier. Sometimes he couldn't hide the fact that he had lost things too.

Falcon and Wolf had noticed that his and Phoenix friendship had been a little strained lately but if even Rei had noticed, then it seemed like it was starting to get pretty bad.

He leaned back in his seat. He would not regret this; Phoenix would have to take care of things on his own right now. He couldn't help them much more…

"Hey, Petrov!"

Not with these nosy people around him. Too much was at stake.

He looked up to see the person who was on top of the list of nosy people, his colleague and rival, "Good evening to you too Jurgen." He said with a calm voice. Playing a mental game with this European required full attention. Especially these last couple of days. It seemed like the other cop had put much notice in his absence lately.

"You are in late tonight. Been busy?" The man said and leaned on the door frame. He was wearing the usual police uniform.

"Nah, just having a nice dinner that I didn't want to end." The blonde answered simply and smiled politetly. He knew that the other was trying to annoy him, and it wouldn't work this time either.

"Really? What did you eat?" Robert smirked back with as he stretched in a proud posture.

"Why, did you want to join me?" Spencer said and then laughed out loud to end the little game. "But really, did you want anything particular? Unlike you I have work to do."

"I'm curious; do you know anything about the fire last night two blocks from here?" Robert said before he was starting to get a little annoyed.

"Only what I read in the paper today." Spencer answered. He knew the other was looking for a question back like "why would I?" or "what are you implying?" Just something, a reaction to the question that implied that he had something to hide. It was a classic interrogation tecnique. And the only thing that was annoying about it was that he really thought that Spencer would fall for it. Robert should have given him more credit than that.

"Of course. But anyway I thought I would fill you in. It doesn't seem to be an accident."

"Why would you say that?" Spencer asked and managed to look surprised. "In the newspaper I read that there were many students living in the building. Isn't that a common place where a fire would start?"

"There wasn't anything that could start a big fire like that so suddenly and witnesses state that they heard fighting and an explosion. We're still waiting for the full report though."

"Well, we should take a look at it then… when it's ready I mean." Spencer took three files from his desk. "If you don't have anything else to do until then, help me out with these cases. We have a missing girl, who is probably visiting her farther without telling her mother, we have a report about an assault in a pub from last Friday. And we have vandalism at a school. So we have something from each field if you are interested." He said and smirked at the annoyed face from the other. Robert wouldn't catch him with the hand in the cookie jar today, and they both knew it.

"Don't look so confident, one day I might take you up on the offer and join you on a case. Then we will see how much you will enjoy it."

"I'm sure we would have a thrill."

"I had a feeling I would find you here." Was heard from behind him and Robert stepped aside while rolling his eyes. In came another face that Spencer was very familiar with. But this wasn't as bad as Robert's.

"Hi Johnny." Spencer greeted the younger cop, glad that the previously conversation had ended. "I see you just arrived from the undercover mission."

The wine red haired cop smirked confidently and looked down on himself. "Yeah I have actually. But to be honest…it's not a bad look on me. But I'm sure you knew that already."

He was wearing torn blue jeans with chains hanging from his pockets, a dirty grey T-shirt and a black torn sleeveless jacket over it. His wine red hair was standing up with tons of products and he also wore a black bandana over his forehead.

"I must admit that you are carrying the look well." Spencer agreed with a nod. "But even if you didn't, I'm sure you are tough enough to fit in with the little drug sellers."

"Of course, all you need is a little attitude!" He said with a grin. "And many curses…" he added.

"Well if that was all, me and Petrov here were having a conversation." Roberts said and glared at the undercover agent.

"Well, I'm just handing in the report from last week." He said and waved with a white file in his hand and turned to Spencer again, totally ignoring Robert's hint to go away. "You would think the undercover job is all about adventure but last week was very dull. But I shouldn't complain I guess. I get to sleep late every morning. Drug teens don't start working until late afternoon."

"Why do you think the boss put you on that job? You are not dependible on a real job." Robert commented.

The red head turned to him with sudden flaming anger. "What the hell is that suppose to mean?"

Robert didn't like the voice level so he just backed a little. "For god sake, act a little more you age."

"You wouldn't last one day in my job you self-righteous ba…."

Spencer clapped his hands together to get them to calm down. His partner across the desk gave him a nod as thank you. He was still reading a report. "Alright let's not fight about it. We are all policemen here after all and there is enough job for all of us."

Robert said nothing making Johnny look between them. "What's going on?" He asked as the tension became heavier. The European just snorted before leaving the room, making the younger one to call out after him. "Go out and spread some car-tickets so you turn that frown upside-down!

"Well, he is obviously having one of those days." Johnny said as they didn't receive any reply and turned to Spencer. "Don't worry about it. I think he is a bit overworked."

"I won't, thanks Johnny."

"McGregor, I can't find your report on my desk!" They heard from down the hall.

The cop rolled his eyes and mimed a bad comment about his boss making Spencer to hold back a snicker. "I'm so glad I'm out on the field." He whispered.

"McGregor!"

"I'm coming!" He yelled back and nodded his farwell to his colleague. Spencer waved back and then leaned on his desk. He loved his job. He really liked his partners no matter how much they fought sometimes. They had all taken the same oath. To stand on the right side of the law, serve and protect. And yet… he was walking behind their backs helping out Phoenix with his revenge life.

He just didn't know how he felt about it anymore.


Rei's golden eyes slowly opened and a new wave of hopelessness came over him. Yesterday he had thought that the night before would be his last. And now… it was not. Far from it actually. He sat up in the sofa and looked around in the space. The dirty little kitchen section in the corner was empty. There was no food, no glasses, plates or nothing. Like nobody lived there. He really felt like a shadow already.

He knew that the others had other rooms, but he didn't know which ones. He didn't feel comfortable in knocking on their doors, since it's only day one…of many to come.

He decided to get up. His now dirty shirt was lying on the floor where he had left it the night before. "Lovely…" He muttered. He didn't know where his bag was…

The thought hit him as he sat down on the sofa again.

He cursed when he remembered that Spencer had grabbed him outside the airport and trown him into the car. He had dropped his bag then. It was gone.

"I guess I have to spend every other day in the washroom. If this place even has one." Right on cue, his eyes fell on a plastic bag by the door. It had not been there the night before. His curiousity took the best of him and he quietly walked over to it. There was a note on the top with his name on it.

Rei, this is yours.

I'm sorry that I had to take your bag, I will probably need it to put out a false trail, nothing you should worry about. Here are all your belongings that were inside. It will surley come in handy.

Spencer.

Ps. Burn this note.

"If there is a god, then bless you Spencer." He said and dug out a T-shirt and some black baggy pants. After a quick change of clothes he tied up his black waves of hair in a simple low ponytail and stretches his body.

"Ok, next task. Find Wolf." He said and opened the door to take a quick look out in the little hallway. He wanted to find the redhead without bother Phoenix. It's was his new tactic. Avoid the leader as much as he could. Phoenix needed time to process this new development as much as he did. And it was best if they both did that apart, so nobody got hurt. In this case Rei.

The hallway was empty and he was starting to run out of ideas. One last remain, look out in the yard. He walked over to the window. And what he found was not what he had hoped for. It wasn't Phoenix. It was Falcon. The madman was outside by himself and was the only one to ask since Spencer had left them. "Oboy, this will be good." He said and walked to the door.

Falcon was putting on the last piece of tape on his weapon. He was currently turned away from the door to the building but he smirked as he heard the newcomer long way before he came through the door.

"Excuse me, Falcon?" The raven said carefully.

He turned around quickly and threw out his arm and the extendable shaft of the scythe went for the Chinese. Rei saw the blade come at him and screamed as he closed his eyes and threw his arms up to his chest. He was expected to be pierced any moment but a click sound was heard and then he felt nothing. After what felt like a lifetime he dared to open his eyes and was met with Falcon's amusing expression. He then looked down.

The blade of the scythe was an inch from his chest. The handle had reached its end.

"Nice scream." The Russian said and laughed but the sound was almost empty; like it was learned. With a yank the scythe was withdrawn and he swinged it in a circle behind his back before putting it away. He got down on one knee to tie his shoelace.

Rei was still too shocked to move. If that handle had been any longer then he would have been… he didn't even want to think about it.

"Were you going to say something?" The Russian asked and looked up at him.

"I..I-don't remember…" He stuttered. He took a deep breath and chose his next words carefully. "Did I do something wrong, or did you just want to scare me?" He asked while trying to hide his frustration. He wasn't fond of the maniac's games.

"Well, I haven't heard the word excuse me in years, so it was kind of entertaining, but yeah it was quite fun to scare you. You were lucky. It's good to have some luck in our profession."

"Luck? Did you want to stab me?" He asked in disbelief. Spencer had told him to trust his new teammates but this guy made it incredibly difficult.

"Don't worry, I was pretty sure that the distance was correct to avoid serious damage." That didn't answer the question. But Rei chose to leave it; he wouldn't win a confrontation anyway.

"Where is Wolf?"

The silver haired guy looked at him suspiciously at first but answered. "Go through that door and down the stairs. It's the first door around the corner."

Rei nodded and quickly made his way over to the door without looking back. Normally he would have said thank you but decided that it was best to not bother.

He walked down the steps in silence. He was still not sure what kind of training Wolf had in mind for him. Right now, he felt so useless that no matter what kind of training they had in mind, it wouldn't help. What reason did he have to become a shadow anyway? What did he need to find to keep going in life with nothing but bad memories and the task to mess with people's lives?

He stopped for a second to listen if his new comrade was making his presence known, but there was nothing. He continued around the corner and found an old door. Carefully he pulled the handle and looked inside. What he saw was not what he was expected.

The room was pitched black, except of a circle of fire.

Wolf was standing in the circle surronded by small candles, his eyes were closed and he looked really focused. His one sleeved leather jacket lay on the floor and his arms were covered in his black arm warmers. His green T-shirt was quite torn, probably very old.

Rei closed the door behind him silently and waited to be acknowledged.

A good five minutes passed by before the russian opened his iceblue eyes and his arm started to move, his whip went from right to left with both force and speed. The moment his arm went still two candles went out with a swift sound, if Rei had not seen the redhead's movements, he wouldn't have been able to tell which candle was put out first.

The other movement was even faster, Wolf's arm went forward, then over his head to the back, and ended with him turning around a lap and the candles was killed one by one. Smoke filled the air and the room went darker and darker.

The last candle that was left before the shadow gave him a dark silouette. He was standing before it, almost like he was staring it down. Like a duel, were the two participant hated each other. A moment more went by, before Wolf simply and undramaticly twisted his vrist and the last candle was put out.

Rei felt for the door behind him as the room went completely dark. If he hadn't actually seen Wolf just a moment before he would have guessed the room was empty. Not a sound was being made except for his own breathing. He wanted to call out to the other put decided against it. If Wolf wanted to meditate after his training, then he wouldn't be in the way.

Suddenly the light came on and he put his hand over his eyes of the sudden change. Did this room have a movement light sensor? His eyes came open after a second and he looked at the center were the red head was. Except for, he wasn't.

"Yo."

He jumped and held back a yell when Wolf was almost whispered in his ear. The guy was standing close, really close when Rei jumped back. He hadn't felt his presence at all. When did he move? He was just standing there, with the hand on a button next to the door. He seemed quite amused by Rei's reaction.

"I was going to ask you to turn the light on, but I guessed you wouldn't be able to find the button so…" the redhead said.

Rei was staring at him like he was crazy. He just shook his head and felt for his pulse. "How did you move so silently?"

Wolf then quickly rolled his eyes. "Hint; think shadow." He said and walked over to the candles again. Rei followed.

"That trick with the whip was impressive. Were you a lion tamer back in the days?"

"I have never had a job Rei. I died when I was 13."

"Oh…"

"But enough of that right now…after all, you're gonna stay a while." He said with a smirk almost like he was teasing him. Not enjoying the comment too much the raven dropped the subject.

"Listen, I…don't really know what you want me to do…."

"It's quite easy really; Falcon want you to go to hell, Phoenix want you not to be in in the way, and I want you to learn to take care of yourself, It's too much work to do my job AND to take care of you."

"And what is your job exactly? I know what Spencer told me, but if you just could be a little more specific."

"Our team works as much as any gang does in the underground market. We have clients who we, in exchange for payment, carry out assignments for. Believe it or not, we are not completely hidden from sight and our reputation comes not from killing people but from other things; we break into buildings were other people can't, we sell and deliver weapons and drugs. If we can we try to stay out from other people's business, it's the money we need to get by. We have our own goal that is the top priority."

"And where do I fit in in all this?" Rei asked.

"To be honest, I don't really know what I'm supposed to do with you. I am not a teacher of any kind. The only reason Spencer asked me, was because the other two would kill you within an hour." The redhead looked at the raven who already felt even more hopeless and he sighed in frustration. "I guess I can start by testing your abilities or something. You need to fit into our team and to do that we need to know what you can do."

Wolf approached Rei and the raven felt quite awkward when the red head walked around him and looked at him up and down. "What kind of person are you?" He said more to himself than to Rei.

The Chinese looked at him suspiciously. "The friendly and calm type."

Wolf didn't show any sign that he had heard him at first. But then, "Yeah, but we can fix that." He said and walked over to another door in the corner. "It's quite easy to see what your thing is, even if I hadn't known from before; you're an athletic which is good for us."

"What do you mean?"

Rei's eyes went to the ceiling and he spotted some rings hanging there. The same kind of rings that were being used in his last school. After the first sign more things started to make sense. This room was an old gymnastic hall. Even though it was a very old, dirty and torn hall it was really strange that he hadn't spotted it before.

Some of his thoughts was being confirmed about this building. This could have been an old school.

"As you can see; this room is not being used very often. Phoenix and Falcon is almost never here. But I'm sure almost all of the equipment could still work for you."

"You want me to start training in gymnastic again? Sorry; but I'm not really into that stuff anymore."

Tala put his hand on his hip and gave him a sour look. "Does it look like I care? Yes, you are going to work out with gymnastic again, and you are going to be as good as you were in that school. After that, we are going to make you even better. Face it Rei, you won't be any good with something else. This is your field."

Rei was not convinced about him still having a future in gymnastics. But he kept quiet about it as he helped Wolf to sweep the floor so they could work. It was showing improvement already. Wolf stopped when they had cleared the floor surface under the rings and that stripe of clean floor went from wall to wall now.

After some more complaining and useless discussion, Rei agreed to test the rings. But not before he had lowered them down to check if the lines were intact. After all, this was not the school he was used to and he didn't have any trampoline under him this time either. That sort of thing could really mess with someone's head.

Rei was actually surprised that the wolf waited patiently as he was testing the weight on the white circles he was holding in his hands and it took a while before he backed up to one of the walls and ran across the room before lifting from the floor. He wasted no time in swinging up his legs and held his feet up on the lines. His arms tensed by his weight but he was steady while he swung back. He looked down the floor and on Wolf.

"They seem ok."

"You seem ok, too."

Rei flipped over and landed on the floor without problem. "It's a little hard, without something soft under." He hinted.

"I maybe can fix something but until then, the floor will have to do."

"Thanks."

Wolf walked over and raised the rings even more. Rei could barely reach them now. "Do the same again, but run, jump and grab. I'll be back soon. Don't stop." He instructed and left the room.


The red head knew that his leader was in the room before he even entered the kitchen area in the main house. Because he felt a dark energy coming from the Phoenix's awful mood and he was right. Phoenix was talking on the phone when he entered. The crimson eyed shadow didn't acknowledge him at all as the red head walked over to the tap to drink a little water while ignoring the harsh words the leader was using in the phone in the Russian language.

He was going to go back when the leader grunted and reached out the phone to him. "Spencer wants to talk with you."

"I have nothing to report." He said at first but the leader gave him a glare. He glared back just as fiercly but yanked the phone out of his grip. "What? Yes… Yes…Yes, I am training him!

The wolf turned his back at the leader when he saw that Phoenix glanced at him. The leader had no say in this anyway.

"I told you that I would give him a fair chance and I am…but….no..I-… But what do you want me to promise you? That he is going to be that wall climbing hero Bug-man when he is done…what? Spiderman? Are you really arguring with me about names…stop laughing, screw you!" He said and clicked the phone and threw the cell back to the leader and left the room without a word.


Rei was hissing as he almost lost his grip but he managed to swing down before it happened. He quickly clapped his hands and tried to jump up again. With only strength this time he heaved himself up and rested his feet against the line. His arms were shaking after all attempts but he didn't want to stop before Wolf came back.

"You need more swing, you not even in motion right now." The readhead said as he came in.

"Alright, alright…" The raven said and jumped down to start over.

He ran up to the rings and jumped, this time he got a good grip on them both and he swinged quickly and threw up his legs when he was highest.

"Better! Now, keep that position until you stop." Wolf said and sat down on the floor. Rei succeeded with the first task.

"Next challenge. Get the line around your feet and let go with your hands."

"Huh?" Rei said as he didn't think he got it right.

"Is your upside down position affecting your hearing? Just do it. It will come a time where you going to need to work with you hands."

Thinking the redhead just wanted to see him struggle he made an attempt anyway. It took a while because the line was so tense by his weight, and he tried different ways before he succeded with one foot. He was going to do the same with the other but he slipped and his leg dropped down until he was hanging in one foot.

"Damnit! A little help please!" He yelled and held on with one hand besides his foot.

"Fix it." Wolf said simply.

Rei growled and tried to swing his leg up again and that caused his other foot to come loose. With a last curse he fell and slammed down on the floor with his back first. The air got blown out of his lungs and he felt like his back was broken. As he slowly began to regain his breathing he sat up and glared angrily at the wolf.

"You are dead." The other said.

"Thank you, I know that! That's why I'm here!"

"No, you just fell thirteen levels from the building down town. You are dead. Luckily this was not the real thing. Try again."

"You are joking!"

"What kind of humour do you have?"

"You could have helped me! Didn't you say that we are a team?"

"When you are in this situation, nobody will be there to help you. You don't like to fall to the floor? Then figure out a way to not fall to the floor. And if you do, figure out a way to fall to your advantage. This is your challenge Rei. You are the one who know this kind of stuff. All I can help you with is to think outside the box of the training you've done before. But all work has to come from you. This training is going to help you to take care of yourself, and therefore, you will have to learn how to think and move for yourself. Get to know youself on a whole new level."

Rei listened and took in what he said. It felt impossible at first but then he thought; Wolf must have done it and look how good he was right now. He was going to give it a real shot.

Some time later he did succeed with his assigned task in the rings and he kicked free his feet and landed gracefully on the floor. "I think I'm getting a hang of it."

"Fine, let see what more you can do."

And test him, Wolf did. That Rei had almost gotten the scholarship in gymnastics was not a coincidence. His fatigue and stamina was at elite level. He maybe wasn't the strongest fellow in the neighborhood, but he had speed, agility and a gracefulness to his movements making him quite unpredictable if he could learn how to use them to his advantage. All in all, wolf really appreciated the raw talent the raven had.

As the day turned into afternoon, Rei moved across the room freely to show his acrobatic motions. The raven added another backflip over the floor in his series of movements, making it into nine in total. He landed on his feet again and looked over at the Russian as he fixed his headband. "Did you want more turns?" He asked with a grin, slightly out of breath.

"It's enough. We continue after dinner."

"Ok, how do you get food anyway if you don't move around people?" He asked as they walked up to the other levels again before crossing the yard to the main building.

"We can move around people. But we don't go where there's a risk that we have to show identification. You don't have a social security number anymore so you always have to pay cash. It's okay to go and buy food, just avoid the cameras." Wolf said as he let Rei inside to the stairs and they started the first steps up to the kitchen area.

Rei shook his head. "There is so much to learn…"

"You have time to learn. If you feel insecure, then don't go out the first year."

"The first year? Tala… that's really depressing…"

It all happened so fast, Rei screamed out in shock as he was gripped in the neck and literally was slammed down on the steps. The red head was over him in a second.

"What the hell!" The raven yelled and gripped the hand who was clutching his throat.

"How do you know my name!" The shadow growled with intensity, he really looked like a mad wolf that would bite his head off.

"What do you mean, what did I do!" Rei hissed and tried to twist his body free but was pushed down firmly. "Stop squirming and answer the damn question, you said my name: How the hell did you know!"

Rei stopped his movement and thought about it. He wasn't aware that he had used Tala's name. Or how he did find out in the first place. But he did know it so… it was hard to think clearly in a situation like this.

"Spit it out!"

Rei hissed in pain as his back was pushed against the step under him and he called out; "Falcon said it!"

The angry stare of Tala turned to a confused one. "What?"

It wasn't like it was possible in his opinion. He couldn't take it in at first.

"First time we met, Falcon was asking me questions and he said you name! I guess I just remembered it from then." Rei said and managed to pull himself free since Tala had frozen on his spot.

Normally he would have taken that opportunity to go and hide but he stayed before him. "I can call you Wolf if you want, just forget that I said anything." He tried making the other to pull out from his thoughts.

"Answer the question next time and then I won't have to beat it out of you. C'mon, you must be hungry." The redhead suddenly said and started to walk.

The Chinese blinked in confusion. Next time? Hungry? The fight was over? Just like that…heck the guy really was like a wolf.

"Wolf you really have talent in cheering people up, you know." He muttered and followed him the last steps up.

"You think so?"

"No! I was being ironi…"

"So was I." Wolf finished and opened the door to the apartment kitchen. Falcon and Phoenix were already there. Rei couldn't help but to laugh at Wolf's comment but it disappeared when he saw Phoenix's eyes. Feeling very small he settled with just making his way quietly to the table and sat down. The fight must been heard from this room.

"So, I didn't know what you wanted, being so new and all. But I guessed a sallad. You seem like the type with that slim figure." Falcon said making Rei smile a little. "Sallad is fine. Thank you."

The Russian snorted. "Even though the kid has spent hours with you Red, he still talks like a polite person. I would have expected him to flip me off already."

"He will when he get to know you better. At this stage he still thinks you are scary." Wolf said and took a seat on top at the table with his sallad. Falcon sat down in the window and looked at him. "Is something wrong with you?" He asked with suspicion.

Phoenix was busy by the computer and ignored them.

"Not at all, by the way Rei." Wolf said and got the Chinese attention. "Meet Bryan Kuznetsov, 23 years old, originally from Russia and…"

"Red, what the hell!" the Falcon screamed out and got up from his seat very fast, making Rei's eyes widened as he felt a familiar pulse start again.

"You are hell, you told him my name!" Tala yelled back and pointed at the raven who froze on the spot. The falcon turned to him with a deathglare. "I did not tell you shit!" He said and looked like he was going to cross the table.

"No I didn't mean it like that. You didn't tell me, you said it out loud!" He said quickly and got to his feet, ready to run if necessary.

"Typical you to not keep your mouth shut!" Tala growled and shoved the other who did the same back. "I can shut you up!" Bryan yelled and then they were separated in seconds.

Rei watched how the leader suddenly was standing between them with both his swords at each of their throats, not in a threatening way just warningly. The raven hadn't even seen him move. He was so fast.

"Take it easy you two…" He said in a calm but yet emotionless tone. "Now… let's get this over with." He said and they all turned to Rei. "This is Tala Ivanov, Bryan Kuznetsov…I'm Kai Hiwatari." He said. "These names are not to be used outside our territory, so if you can't keep them to yourself, then don't use them."

"I understand." Rei said finally feeling that things might work out here. It had taken this long time to get their names, for how long would he have to wait before he would know about their pasts? For now, he knew he could be happy that Kai didn't show any open hostility towards him… not yet anyway.

Kai got the hint that he understood the situation and moved away from the position between his teammates.

"Spencer called a little while ago. Apparently the cops are not buying the story that the fire was an accident."

"Who cares what they think? We weren't seen, it's not our concern." Bryan said as he sat down by the table with his food.

"That may be true, but Spencer is probably going to have a hard time about it. We should try and give him some information to help him." Kai said. Rei eyed the leader and felt a slight relief that things between Spencer and Kai seemed to be fine again. Last time he saw them together they weren't exactly on best terms.

"But how can we help him without getting into the spotlight of the investigation? We don't know what they used to start the fire either." Tala said as he leaned on the edge of the table where Bryan sat.

"Think about it Tala, you should be able to figure it out. What were the clues before the fire?" The leader asked and looked at the red heads serious expression.

"There was no obvious odor from any gas. And nobody was holding a detonator what I could see. Since we weren't in the same room or even on the same floor it's difficult to say. It was a bigger effect than from a simple grenade." He said as he crossed his arms while he thought about the options left. "I don't think they had very much time to hide a big object, because they couldn't know beforehand that we would come through the window instead of Rei coming home alone. So they used the bomb as a last resort in hoping to finish him off."

Rei glared at the floor, the information was getting on his nerves. That they would kill innocent people, in this case the students that were living in the building just to kill him. What more were they cable of? How many were going to get hurt next time if they tried again?

"Except from the nice bang, I don't remember anything." Bryan said and pointed at his temple, referring to his concussion. Kai turned to Tala again. "There must be something else…"

"I'm telling you, I don't know, I don't even have enough info the draw a vague guess." Tala growled at the sight of Kai's frustration over his inability to conjure something up. "Why don't you try, oh fearless leader? What do you remember?"

"Yeah, did you see something from the outside?" Bryan said, also a little put off by Kai's attitude.

The Phoenix went silent and glared at the others. If he had any important facts to add he would have added them already. But then he thought of the fourth participant. "Fine, I'll try then." He snarled in a calmed impatience before grabbed a nearby chair and shoved it across the floor to the center of the room. On his way to it he quickly grabbed a hold of an unprepared Rei's neck and pulled him along to press him ungracefully down in the furniture.

"Hey-! Wha-?" Rei protested and defiantly met Kai's eyes when he fell down in the chair but he couldn't read the look. "You where there with me. I don't know more than you-"

"Stop your useless jabbering and listen carefully, I'm only gonna say this once." Kai threatened as he put a hand on top of Rei's head and roughly forced him to look forward.

"Close your eyes."

Reluctantly Rei did what he was told and crossed his arms to show his quiet disagreement to the idea. Unconsciously his foot also started to tap in his stress for the unknown task ahead. He just knew that this was a waste of time. They were way better at this than him so he wouldn't be able to help add anything.

"This is what we'll do, I present to you the picture and you fill in the gaps with your memory. Rei shivered slightly at feeling Kai's breath brush against his ear. It took him back to the moment when Kai had cornered him between his arms while interrogating him at the last hideout place. The close contact made him very uneasy, but yet the strong tune made him relax somehow. It was really strange. "Think back to that night Rei. Back to when we were to climb in to your room using the alley as an entry-point." Kai spoke to him and Rei could only nod, feeling almost hypnotized by Kai's presence and his smooth voice. "The group climbed the ladder to enter your apartment through the window." Again Rei nodded when the voice came to a halt. The picture became steadier and he could almost feel the stench of the alley creep up his nose once more. Everything else around him didn't matter any longer, just the image the Kai was presenting to him and his words that lead him further down the rabbit hole of the night before.

"We entered into the living room, I got that." Rei said with a low voice when he noticed that Kai wasn't going to continue.

Kai placed his hands on Rei's shoulders and noted that the raven had stopped tapping with his foot. Kai grinned in success. He had Rei were he wanted him. "It is empty and it is dark.-"

"No." Rei cut in. "Something is wrong. It's not empty. There are too many there. People shifting outside the door and then I see movements in my bedroom." He could feel the panic he felt at the time ghost up on him and he tensed profoundly, eyes shot open. "There!"

Kai continued the story. "A gunshot is heard and we are all surrounded, weapons are drawn. A big battle takes place inside your apartment."

Rei started to shake his head. "There are so many people…" His arms unfolded and he gripped a strong hold of his knees. " …I don't want to fight…"

"What do you do?"

"I hide behind the first best cover I can find, the kitchen counter." Rei's eyes flew across the room as his panic arose. It was getting harder to breathe. Suddenly he feels Kai's hand run over his eyes, closing them, and he unconsciously leaned back against the other for some kind of support.

"Don't use your eyes." Kai commanded. "The fight is progressing around you. Did you notice anything in particular?"

"Voices are everywhere… People are yelling at each other... My neighbors are running for their lives."

"Do you hear any orders being called out?"

"Just people screaming… I'm so scared." Rei's breath grew heavier and he bared his teeth. "A guy sees me."

"Does he tell you anything?"

"No, I immobilize him before he gets the chance. And a gunshot! He shot at me!"

"But I save you and pull you towards the window. Is anything out of the ordinary?"

".. So many people."

"Focus! Remember, is there anything that wasn't there before?"

"No."

"Do you hear something? Talk to me Rei! Describe the situation."

"I don't know. It's completely chaos!"

"Details. I need details." Kai got surprised when Rei's hand flew up to grab his arm holding Rei's eyes shut. But if it was to shove the hand away or to press it in place Kai was uncertain. It seemed like he needed some kind of support.

Rei still bared his fangs, showing of his white canine teeth and breathing heavily. "Stop… make it stop."

"Bryan and Tala gets left behind. What do you notice?"

"No… don't!"

"Come on Rei, Give me something!"

"STOP!" Rei screamed out and ripped Kai's hand away. He leaned his head back in exhaustion and clenched his eyes shut. "I don't know!"

Kai tensed as he felt the back of Rei's head on his shoulder. And what startled him the most was the fact that he didn't rip his shoulder away immediately. Sighing in defeat he walked away to the other guys. Guess Spencer would have to manage without their help.

When Kai stepped away from the raven Rei's head tipped back but he caught it and leaned forward instead, supporting his head in his hands. Involuntarily a shiver ran along his spine when Kai's presence and warmth left his side. As reality came back uselessness showered him once more and he turned impetuously around in the chair to face the trio. "What do you want me to say? All I remember was people fighting and the huge stench of blood. You were there with me! I don't know more than you do!"

Kai halted in his step. His gaze met Tala's and he realized that they were thinking the same thing. "What kind of blood?"

The question stopped Rei's thoughts. Is there more than one type? Taking a few moments to get back on track Rei answered. "You didn't feel it? It was this thick metallic stench in the air. You can't have missed it. It was overwhelming!"

Bryan hit his head with his palm but cringed as the pain from the concussion made itself known. "That Bastard!"

"It would explain a lot." Tala put in and Kai nodded in affirmation.

"I don't understand." Rei said and looked at the three for an explanation.

"Damn it! That's fucking unfair. I want one!" Bryan growled, completely ignoring Rei. The other two sat down by the table to continue to eat and Rei's jaw dropped. That was it?

"Well…?" Rei urged the others on but an irritation grew inside him. He was not being ignored again! "What was it?"

"It was a Fertilizer Bomb." The red head stated simply as if it was the most obvious thing in the world and took a bite of his food. He could feel Rei's intensive stare in his side. "It's a-"

"No. Don't tell him." Bryan cut in with a big sadistic grin. "Let him figure it out on his own."

Rei joined them then at the table having brought the chair with him. Tala hit the back of Bryan's head. "Ignore his selfishness." The red head said and turned to Rei. Bryan groaned loudly and still holding his head with one hand he used the other to quickly grab the fork. The wolf just as fast moved his hand away and Rei's eyes widened as Bryan hit the fork hard down at the table where Tala's hand had been only a moment before. And as if not noticing Tala continued to speak. "A Fertilizer Bomb made of a mixture of a fertilizer containing Ammonium Nitrate and ordinary fuel oil, the bi product is Iron ions that get released out into the air. That's the 'metallic blood' scent you smelled."

"Oh…" Was all Rei could say and things seemed to calm down from there as they all ate the rest of their food. They ate in silence for a while until the raven grew tired of it. He decided to trust Spencer's words despite the 'special' comradeship in the team and not be afraid to get in contact with them.

"So… are you three always this friendly with eachother?" He said with a hint at attempted humor. While Kai ignored his question, both Bryan and Tala looked at him like he was stupid, making him sweatdrop in anime style. He had been right; this was not going to be easy.

"Ok, um… Tala. How are we going to train now?" He tried again to at least not get stuck in an awkward silence.

"The gymnastic field is something you have to work on by yourself, the thing you have to learn now is to fit in the team and we have to create your style. That includes; the routines, our different tactics, your choise of weapon, and close combat."

At the last one Bryan snorted making the red head to react and glance at him with suspicion. "Problem asshole?"

Rei looked up with big eyes, thinking wolf had talked to him. He hadn't even noticed Bryan's sound. But he quickly caught the message as the two of them were glaring at each other...again.

"You teach him close combat? That I have to see…"

Rei cut in. "I thought all of you knew close combat?"

The falcon stretched in his seat and smirked at Wolf who looked pissed off. "Bryan and Kai are very good in that particilar area. You could even say Bryan is in the lead. He is being an asshole right know, because I have never beating him in that field…not yet anyway."

"That's right." The silver haried demon concluded.

"The thing is Bryan; our plan here is to teach him how to fight, without killing him. And that is why putting you as a teacher is out of the question." Tala informed the falcon in a tone that sounded patronizing.

Rei froze in his seat again. What kind of training did they do exactly?

"Only if he not worthy. If he is weak then we won't have use for him anyway. We are offering him protection and a place in the team only if he can be useful, and if he's not. Well…"

"He has lived among people his entire life. He lacks years of training, he can never beat you with the skills he possesses now. You are not giving him a fair chance."

"Life is not fair." Bryan said.

"But then again, this is not really life." Rei put in again. Falcon leaned back and smiled at him knowingly. "Wow Tala's depression has affected you already."

"I have my own thoughts and opinions, you know." The raven objected. The attitude the Falcon had was really nasty.

"Enough already. Train him on all the necessary areas. I will train him in close combat," Phoenix said finally. All of them looked at him.

The leader didn't even look up from his food as he continued. "I've been thinking about it too. Falcon is right. If you can't do some good around here part from taking care of your own ass, then you are not good enough for us. But Wolf is also right, you need more time since you have, up until now, been untrained."

Rei nodded even though Kai couldn't see him.

"I will not push forward the mission too much for a new comrade. But I will give you about 30 days, to prove your worth."

"A month?" Rei exclaimed a little too loud. Phoenix looked at him and the raven felt lost in those ruby eyes.

"You got a problem with that?"

Rei didn't really know what to answer. The task seemed impossible, but what choice did he have? "No…" He finally forced out.

"Good." Kai nodded at the weak answer. It seemed like the leader didn't care very much for the outcome. It wasn't he who had anything to lose at the end except time, Rei thought. He was clear on one thing though; Even if the chance of him passing this challenge was low, he would use the time Kai had given him to do nothing but his best. And he would definitely not go down without a fight.

TBC.

End of Chapter 9

Coming next, Chapter 10; "A Breakthrough"