Author's Note: From this point on, the story will have plot, for those that like to read with plot-but the story will mostly center on Chaud and Lan's interactions a bit more. Most of the general plot was placed in the prologue.

Disclaimer: Refer back to the prologue.

Warnings: A little violence, angst, and possibly minor fluff.

Fic Note: Little more ooc characters here on out. I don't think the T.V. series expanded well on their personalities besides the basics…so at some points, I'll just be developing what I think each character's personality would have molded into based on their basic personality and then considering the changes each had to endure, what the final products will be.

I hope you enjoy this!

Rewind: A Moment Back in Time

Chaud knocked on the door. "Yes, please come in…" came back the muffled reply.

Chaud opened the door, and stepped inside the laboratory. "Dr. Hikari?"

The scientist in the center of the room turned and greeted Chaud with a tired smile. "How are you?"

"Fine."

Dr. Hikari nodded absently for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Ah! Yes…Chaud…there is something I would like you to examine with me."

Chaud was at full attention. "Yes, sir. What is it?" he moved over to where the scientist was.

Dr. Hikari and Chaud walked over to the large supercomputer that Dr. Hikari had been using to examine some data. On the big screen, flashed the map of one of the captured viruses. Chaud looked up at the huge screen carefully. Dr. Hikari zoomed into one area of the image. "Notice…" Chaud jumped slightly, startled a moment at Dr. Hikari's voice and stared intently at the image.

"Notice that this is a very complicated virus." Chaud nodded in agreement. "Yes, though we've captured the original kingpin and most of the Net Trojan team, there is apparently a special sector we didn't know about and…failed to capture…and their viruses seem to have gotten a lot stronger."

Dr. Hikari nodded in agreement. "Yes, and I found that very strange. I didn't see why all of a sudden they would plug out their strongest viruses when a good chunk of their team is gone…unless it was a blatant mutiny. This I highly doubt."

Chaud grunted. Dr. Hikari sighed, and zoomed into a corner of the large picture again. "Now look at this. Each virus…has a signature, like with the old viruses. It holds the signature of its creator, you see?"

Chaud nodded. "Yes, each virus has its unique signature because every member of the syndicate would make their own viruses."

Dr. Hikari half-smiled. "And because there had been so many, systems were flooded with all sorts of different viruses. Some weaker than the others, depending on the creators experience." He zoomed the picture again, now the large screen was showing only a large symbol spinning around on the otherwise black screen.

"But these latest viruses…are all from the same creator. Same signature."

Chaud looked up at the screen in observation. Dr. Hikari looked at him and sighed. "Don't you see it? Doesn't it strike a chord in you?"

Chaud crinkled his nose and frowned. "What do you mean, sir?"

"Look closely at it. What does that symbol remind you of?"

"…"

"Any thoughts?"

"!" Chaud's eyes widened slightly in disbelief, "Yes…I do remember that symbol! Are you honestly saying that…"

Dr. Hikari clapped Chaud's shoulder and flashed him a grim expression. "Well, Chaud. Looks like I've found you Blaze SRT's final target."

"There they are! SRT Troops, find them and capture them so we can take them back to base! Move, move, move!" Chaud shouted.

The enemy was armed. Unlike the rest of the currently captured team, this sector may not have had many numbers, but what they didn't have in numbers, they made up for in firepower. Bullets sprayed about like rain, killing several Blaze SRT officers.

"Damnit!" Chaud shot a couple of the enemy dead, but for the most part was saving his bullets. "Call reinforcements!"

Normally, he would have made sure these people were taken alive, but they weren't leaving him or his team much choice. A gunshot pegged a nearby officer through the stomach. The man fell down, writhing in pain. "Oh! O-God!" The specialized emergency sector of SRT went around collecting the wounded.

This was ridiculous. It was no wonder the other Trojans had been caught so easily. Most of them were older males past their thirties, but these boys were either in their early twenties or merely teenagers. It took all the self-control Chaud had not to throw up, seeing young lives being taken-their blank eyes staring up into the sky, mouths agape in a silent plea.

Reinforcements came. The numbers of the opposing side seemed to be diminishing, and several were already being captured. In a moment of panic, blood, and chaos-Chaud spotted him. The only hooded figure, observing the whole scene casually from a wall. Though he couldn't see the figure's face, he knew their eyes had connected, somehow. Chaud blinked once, and the figure disappeared. He ran in frantic search. "Men! Stand your ground! I've found the kingpin! Keep at your original orders until every last one is under our custody! I'm going after their leader!"

Chaud spotted a dark figure flowing around a corner of a building. The chase began.

The young brunette, dressed in his street-style garb, only looks at Chaud with disinterest. Chaud shakes his head as he climbs up the crates and comes face to face with his target.

"Lan…why?"

TO BE CONTINUED…

Now…do all of you want this to go in a happy direction? Sad direction? A bit of both? You guys want more plot or more pairing? Leave a review with your opinions if you wish. I will take all suggestions into consideration in the making of this story. I want to see what's popular amongst you all. Let me know what you want to see.

-Saikenyuu