"HE WHAT?!"

Nick scowled as Storm relayed the information to him. Returning from the old dance rave it had been less then a week and now he was being told Red Flare was taking the club over. Shenlong was pulling the rug right out from under them.

Hawk folded her arms. "Looks like Shenlong wants to play a little hardball."

Nick nodded. "If he gets away with this, that's it we're out of here."

Hawk smiled slightly. "Probably thinks he can get away with it, with my brother and Inferno out."

Dean folded her arms, looking at Nick. "What are you gonna do?"

Nick stood up. "We should go over there. Pay him a visit."
He then walked out the door and down the street, a large group of Black Falcon gathering beind them as they made their way over to the Dance Rave. Nick reached the door, forcing it open. "Shenlong."

The red haired man and half the members of Red Flare turned their heads as Black Falcon entered the club. Shenlong approached Nick, assesing the situation. "Hello Black Falcon."

Legolas scowled, pushing himself ahead and presenting a fist to the new Red Flare leader. "Don't give us hello ya cheat! Tryin to throw us on our asses outta the territory!"

Dean grabbed Legolas, pulling him back before he caused anymore trouble, the boy's protests being made known publicly as he continued to shout obscenities and objections. Shenlong nodded briefly, his attention focused on Nick. "How do you want to settle this?"

"I've never had much intrest in DC to settle arguments."

Shenlong lips moved into a half smile. "An honorable proposal."

He gestured for Red Flare to clear a space as Nick instructed the same to his group. The two men stood in the center of a forming circle, both taking a fighting stance. Nick parted his legs, putting himself in perfect balance, a defensive position.

Shenlong stood relaxed, watching his opponent. Finally Shenlong took a fighting stance, putting his hands up as he judged the other man. For awile the two just stood there, watching eachother, neither wanting to make the first move. They circled, both patient until Shenlong made his move, trying for a blow at Nick's shoulder. Nick blocked and then tried his move.

Shenlong avoided the attack with lightning fast reflexes and then attacked again, the match getting serious. Both opponents moved quickly, avoiding and blocking attacks, moving faster then many could tell. Nick's disciplined and calculating moves helped him hold his own, often getting a few hits in. However, it was Shenlong's skill and movements that clearly had the advantage. His fluid movements helped him avoid the majority of blows and allowing him to get a few on Nick. Shenlong punched Nick in the jaw, forcing the man back. Nick took a step back to regain balance before attacking again.

Shenlong stood erect. "Do you concede?"

Nick wiped his mouth, standing fully to meet Shenlong. "You're playing with me."

Shenlong nodded slowly. "Yes, I suppose I am."

Nick retook a fighting stance. "Don't hold back."

Shenlong stared at Nick, remaining silent. Finally he nodded. "Very well. Have it your way."
His face grew serious and in a movement too quick to see, punched Nick again in the jaw, throwing him back. Nick stared at Shenlong, not wasting anytime as he attacked, the fight growing serious. Nick jumped, roundhouse kicking Shenlong in the head while at the same time Shenlong hit Nick in the shin as he jumped, throwing him off balance. Nick recovered, using his hands to land first and coming after Shenlong again. The fight continued on for another half hour until Shenlong roundhouse kicked Nick in the ribs. Unrelenting he continued his attack by punching Nick in the chest, face and finally gut, sending Nick reeling and down to the floor. Nick coughed, trying to get up but too exausted to continue the fight. Shenlong stood and approached Nick, stopping before him and offering his hand.

"A territory is no good without rivals."

Nick glanced at the hand, then to Shenlong, breathing heavily. "What Do you offer."

"Something that would benefit us both."

Nick continued to studdy Shenlong, then finally nodded, grasping the man's hand and allowing himself to be helped up.
******************************

Konemi looked down, standing at the doorstep. Talon looked at the girl, not yet knowing what to say. Finally she spoke. "This is where you live?"

"I don't know what to tell her."

Talon placed his hand on Konemi's shoulder to offer his support. Konemi looked up, turning her head to the boy. Through all this he was constantly by her side and she didn't know how to thank him. The door opened, taking both by surprise. Talon stared at the woman who stood in the doorway. Taller then Konemi by 6 inches, brown eyes and ebony black hair with straight hair that was shoulder length. Looking at the woman longer he could tell that this was Konemi's mother.

The woman stared down at Konemi, shivering like she was about to break down any minute, overwhelmed at seeing her daughter standing in front of her after so long. "Jen."

Konemi couldn't take it anymore, embracing her mother. "Mom!"

Konemi sat on the couch, drinking a soda, not willing to look at her mother just yet. Talon felt a little uncomfortable being there. He felt out of place, so he sat quietly, keeping quiet while Konemi and her mother sorted things out.

Anara Patriarch looked at her daughter. "I didn't think you'd ever come back. I was worried Jen. First your father, then you."

Konemi nodded. "I'm sorry mother." She paused for a moment before speaking again. "You're not the only reason I came back, there's something I need to do."

Anara shook her head. "No."

"You havn't even heard what I was going to say."

"You're thinking of something dangerous."

"Mom. Dad was murdered. Do you really think the police are going to find the killer on their own? The DC Board? Mom I want to compete."

"So you can die? No, I won't allow you."

"Mom, if you won't let me, I'll do this on my own, whether you like it or not. I'm asking you because I care."

Anara shook her head. "Konemi, if you want to be a DC fighter I will support you. But if you enter this event, you will never be forgiven."

Konemi sighed and bowed her head. She thought this would happen, she just never prepared herself for it. "I'm sorry mother."

She then set down her drink and stood up, walking toward the door. Talon looked unsure of himself for a moment but then followed, both exiting the home together. Anara Patriarch satthere, watching her daughter leave. When the door closed behind them she still watched it, hoping against hope that Jen would return. After awile she sighed sadly, already missing her daughter.