The Unchained Dragon

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(Teams/Posting Order -once the two teams start fighting one another I'll redo the posting order so it will go Hero's 1 post, then bad guys 1 post. For now however, we'll stick to this format until both teams get into contact with one another.)

The Black Angel--
Dustin Waugh
Mykel Thames
Red 53

Dragon Head--
Frogger
Anu
Slyblade

(Present Day)



Chicago Harbor, Near North Side, Chicago: The Black Angel stood atop the roof of one of a countless number of warehouses along Chicago's waterfront, as she continued her war against the Triad, who'd surprisingly been picking up strength since she'd begun her work against them some time ago. Drug shipments were up, as well as weapons shipments, and a steady stream of girls to fill the Triad's brothels all around the city. If this wasn't frustrating enough to the Black Angel, it seemed the Triad was replacing the leadership she'd killed, with new leadership arriving from China. Perhaps most disturbing to the Black Angel was the fact the Triad were even sending over a number of Dragon Head's precious Meta-Human enforcers, who tended to never leave China, the Black Angel having to dispatch a shape shifting water elemental near these same docks. Worse yet, she'd heard rumors the Triad had dispatched Jades to Chicago, most likely because of her offensive against the gang. The Triad weren't going to give up Chicago without fierce resistance, that much was now clear to the somber Black Angel.

Whatever the case, she took heart in the fact she'd most certainly gotten Dragon Heads attention, because it wasn't everyday his soldiers were getting killed with the same heartless brutality as they killed with. One "White Paper Fan" -Triad title for a cities Triad administrator- assassinated along with his crew was bound to send ripples back to China, three consecutive "White Paper Fan's", a tortured and killed "Straw Sandal" -Liaison Officer-, a daring raid on the Triad owned First Chinese Bank of Chicago, and the decimation of their local ranks surely sent shock waves, as well as the fact the Triad were forced to do nearly all their business at night for fear of what they called "屠龙者".... Dragon Slayer.... Ultimately her time in Chicago had been well spent, she'd decapitated the Triad's local leadership, forced the Triad to divert large amounts of resources to Chicago, and even gained a pretty penny in her raid on the First Chinese Bank of Chicago, not to mention the insight into their financial workings this raid gave her from captured documents.

Standing atop the high warehouse, the Black Angel felt as she did on all her missions in Chicago so far.... Like there was a large ghost standing over her, a faceless wraith, an enigma.... Dragon Head loomed large from the shadows, a man few had ever seen, yet was seemingly everywhere. The Black Angels raid on the First Chinese Bank of China netted a hefty sum true enough, but within the stolen files from the Triad bank, the Black Angel kept reading references to "The New World Order", whatever that meant, when it came from a Triad bank, it could only be bad.

The Black Angel didn't have much time to ponder what, or why she kept hearing Triad leadership referring to the "New World Order", or even what it meant. She had more immediate problems, as she learned through her contacts at the docks that the Triad were shipping in a cache of weapons from Triad, "Weapons of the highest priority" was what the dock supervisor told the Black Angel in exchange for a healthy bribe. She knew she'd have to play this one extremely safe, as her killing of the Triad water elemental proved they were moving their meta foot soldiers into the fray, not to mention the rumors of at least one Jade roaming the streets of Chicago in search of the "Dragon Slayer", a moniker which surely prompted Dragon Head's dispatch of the Jades. There was always work to be done on the ground level, on the cold, mean streets of Chicago, which took priority over hunches or theories the former Jade had. It was stacking up to be a long night however, as the Triad's were late, and they were never late.... It either meant the the supervisor had lied to her, had double crossed her, or the Triad were even more scared then she thought.

The Black Angel trained her Dragunov sniper rifle across the docks, as several black Land Rovers sped down the small, dank alleyway..... "The Triad had come after all...." she thought to herself, as she saw the panicky driver vehicles come to abrupt stops at the dock she overlooked. Several Triad foot soldiers dressed in swanky suits excited the SUV's, as well as what looked like another meta foot soldier, as they wore a nontraditional blue, white, and green costume, and then the unmistakable swaggering Jade, wearing a black catsuit, not unlike one she owned. She knew if she was to dispatch this group of Triad's she'd have to be swift, if she wasn't.... She might be overpowered.

Silently the Black Angel took aim, focusing on the lone Jade, as the pretty, delicate looking woman was no doubt the greatest threat arrayed before her. Her right hand index finger rested on the trigger of the sniper rifle and began to apply pressure, just as she expected a round to be squeezed off, her phone went off, startling the Black Angel. "Fuck...." she thought to herself, hoping the Triad hadn't heard the ring. Reaching for her phone she thought "Fuck it.... This mission has gone to shit anyway...", and decided to abort the mission. Grabbing her phone and quickly answering, the Black Angel said softly "Hello???", to which there was a cold, monotone reply "Kimberly.... This is Harrison Reynolds with the United States State Department.... I'm afraid we're going to need you to come in and have a word with us.". A million thoughts ran through the Black Angels head with that simple sentence, how did they find her? How did they know she was alive? And perhaps most importantly.... What did they want?

Trying to throw Mr.Reynolds off, the Black Angel said "I don't know who you're talking about.....", to which Mr.Reynolds replied "Has it been that long since you've gone by Kimberly??? Soldier of Fortune.... Or should I say the Black Angel....". The Black Angel was silent, contemplating her next move, as Mr.Reynolds continued by saying "Listen.... We just want to talk, okay? We want to know what you do.... Why do the Triad keep mentioning this New World Order, and above all.... What the fuck does it mean?". The inquisitive side of the Black Angel kicked in now, and she slowly said "Where do I meet you?". Mr.Reynolds calmly replied "We have a van parked next to your SUV, knock of the door, and get inside.....", with that the phone line went dead. The Black Angel sighed, then said "Fuck it....", and began to pack up her things, as the Triad's unloaded their cargo below.

It was only a short walk to her car, by which she saw an over sized black utility van, which had to be the one this mysterious Mr.Reynolds spoke of during his call. The Black Angel cautiously walked up to the van, hand on the side of her brown leather jacket, ready to quick draw her holstered Glock 9mm. Knocking on the door, the Black Angel stepped back, half expecting an attack as the door was opened by an agent in a black suit, who said "Kimberly.... Come in...".. The Black Angel carefully looked the man over, then silently stepped into the van, which was occupied by two more similar looking agents.

Once inside the Black Angel said "Well how did you find me?", to which the man from the phone, Mr.Reynolds spoke up, saying "Special Agent Harrison Reynolds..... United States State Department.... This is agent Barnes and Taylor...". The Black Angel leaned against a small desk in the surprisingly spacious van, which was outfitted with an array of spy equipment, and said again "Spare the formalities... How'd you find me?". Special Agent Reynolds picked up a file and handed it to the putstretched hand of the Black Angel, saying "Wasn't hard.... Triads start piling up dead, you're missing from an abandoned New York hospital, the killings are "Very Triad" in nature.... It didn't take much effort, and with our extensive capabilities... It was only a matter of time before the infamous "Soldier of Fortune" turned up. The Black Angel sighed, saying "Black Angel now.... Anyway you here to thank me?". Special Agent Reynolds shook his head, saying "Offer you a job actually..... You've heard about this Triad New World order... And you're not doubt left wondering what it means?", the Black Angel chuckled and said "An agent and a psychic?", Agent Reynolds smiled and said "Not quite.....Anyway..... We're wondering this same question..... And with your.... Unique knowledge of the Triad, we'd like to recruit you to lead a small band of meta-human's to.... More further investigate the Triad.... Perhaps even dispose of there leader.... Dragon Head????".

The name brought back thoughts of the man who'd killed her mother, the man who destroyed most of her life. She thought for a moment, getting involved with the State Department wasn't exactly why she'd been put back on this earth, but a chance at striking the very heart of the Triad, with the backing of the United States.... Would certainly make her purpose of destroying the Triad perhaps become a reality.... "Who do you want on the team?", the Black Angel inquired. Agent Reynolds then said "That would be up to you, as we don't want to use anyone affiliated with the State Department, or any other agency for that matter.... This is for obvious reasons of culpable deniability.... You're not working for us, and we're not working for you.... We can't afford to have any of our agents caught on this, or seem as if we're associated with killing of Chinese nationals....". The Black Angel nodded and said "We get caught you throw away the key, I'm used to that.... But my team.... They won't work for free, not everyone will fight Dragon Head for bad memories sake....".

Agent Reynolds nodded, saying "10 million for your team... (We can pretend that's the XP gain) And the thanks of a grateful nation for information that is useful for us, and stopping whatever the Triad and Dragon Head are up to.....". The Black Angel nodded, saying "I'll need to make some calls, but..... I'm in....". Agent Reynolds smiled and outstretched his hand, shaking the Black Angels, saying 'Welcome aboard then! Our station chief in South Korea has picked up considerable amounts of Triad activity which mentions this "New World Order" in their communications in Seoul. Pack your things, brush up on your Korean, you're heading to Seoul.". The Black Angel slowly nodded, and said "Well I've got to make some calls....", Agent Reynolds smiled and said "Good... We'll be in touch with all the details....".

(An hour later)

The Black Angels Apartment, Chicago: The Black Angel once back at her dingy little South Side apartment set to work, carefully thinking over who she'd include in this "Elite Team" she was supposed to lead on behalf of the United States State Department. She'd been in Chicago a short while, but she'd managed to meet a handful of powerful meta's, however there were only three she really trusted with this sort of thing..... Of course Katsumi, then Dustin Waugh, and Mykel Thame. Ten minutes later she'd finished her phone calls, and the three perspective members of her team were enroute to her apartment, the Black Angel not daring to give them much of a hint as to what she'd be asking over an open phone line.

Her calls done, the Black Angel headed to her room, and got dressed into a blue and white track jacket, a black t shirt, and black leather pants, she wanted to look as "Touristy" as possible for when they were to travel to Korea, she then began the long task of packing her tactical gear, weaponry, several lap tops, and a few pairs of clothes, hoping she wouldn't be the only one traveling to Seoul, where she might just face the great destroyer of her former life.....

As commotion had been going on inside his base he went to scoop it out. He looked over at Dustin and wondered what was he doing so high in the air. What are you doing. If your trying to reach something you could use your ability to fly or your energies to grab what ever it is. You don't need to be knocking things apart. Mykel sighed as he turned and went to his computer and started surfing the web. There was no signs of miscellaneous activity so they were not needed. Mykel went to his studies and started to read up on a few magic books. Nope, nope, nope, here's one I can use. He was busy trying to make gadgets that will further his advances in making it easier to trap people without the need of violence. He was also busy trying to make Dustin learn how to control himself when fighting people.

It was not all about kill this bad man and kill those bad people over there or that's how Mykel seen it. He needed to take his power more seriously when he was doing things. He could hurt the wrong person. As Mykel set the book down he passed the kitchen and seen Dustin had just went for some cookies. Why it was so hard to get he did not know. He went out side and looked around. Yep quiet just like we need it.

Mykel looked around and seen snow and trees like usual, but he heard an unusual sound coming from inside the house. He walked inside and answered the phone since it was going off. Hello, Mykel Thames speaking. He introduced himself seeing what the random caller wanted. Oh hello it you, so what is needed? He knew that she would not call unless she truly needed help and since he was running a small hero group he could provide some major or minor support. He walked outside as he was barely briefed to go to where he was needed. He hung up the phone and ran to his room. Looking to his right Dustin had also received the same phone call and was walking to his room. Mykel knew he was coming but he still take Mykel's warning that the powers he possess were unbelievably strong.

Mykel gathered clothing for 4 days encase they were dirtied or torn while fighting. He packed another suitcase with his potions and a few more gadgets he would be needing. He called the airport and requested two tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago. And being in luck if they would leave now they would be able to rest for 15 minutes and then leave on the plane.

He had everything packed and he called a Taxi to come pic him and Dustin up. Since his base looked as a normal house it was no need to call the Taxi farther down the road. Both of them walked out to the car and loaded up preparing for the small mission they had to do. Mykel locked the house down preventing people's entry into his house.

(Hours Later)

They were seated on the plane and things went bad. Both of them forgot to eat. He looked at Dustin and chuckled. Well at least you got some type of food in you so you should not be that hungry. He smiled as they were now soon to land in Chicago.

As both of them reached Chicago they had already decided to stop and get a snack before continuing on. They found their way to a Sonic and ordered some food which they brought with them. As they finished their food they were only blocks away from the woman's house. As they found the apartment they grabbed their bags and trash and headed up to the door Mykel held the trash in his hands as it lit on fire and turned to ash and simply danced off in the air. He turned back and looked at the numbers. Well we're here so lets introduce ourselves. Mykel reached out and knocked on the door waiting for the lovely mistress to come rushing to greet them.

As Dustin woke that morning he had to leave early from Patrick's apartment and go to work. He was always traveling some days and today would be no different. He had to pack up and leave as quick as possible since Mykel said he would be needing him around the base. Probably just a little work or some business in the nearby city. Maybe it was training and more practice trying to control his power to a point so it would not kill and normal person. He had his bags packed and he left the apartment. He set his things down and left a note under the door and walked out and locked up behind him. It was just to inform Patrick he would be out for 2-4 days on a business trip and since he had a job with Microsoft it was more than believable.

He called a taxi and and the airport and had his travel waiting him. As he arrived on scene of the airport he seen a plane coming in. Hmm? well like every day it wont kill me. He registered everything and they loaded it onto the plane. He ran by the cafe and ordered a hot coffee for the early morning. He hurried in his finish and waited for them to finish when he noticed a woman having problems with one of the vending machines. He went over and helped her and seen her bag on the edge but stuck. He used his ability like a push but it was so tiny to the eye that she would not see. The bag fell and he bent down and picked it up. Here you go next time I might be there again if this happens. Finished with his comment he left as he went through the airport security using there fancy detectors.

He boarded a plane and in under no time he had reached Los Angeles. And had another Taxi ride up to the base. It did not look like a base it was more of a temporary gathering place and truthfully it was better than the apartment he was currently in but he did not want to say anything but he was going to help him move into a better house. His car rolled to a halt and he looked out the door. Well this is my stop. He said as he stepped out the door. He pulled out his wallet and paid the guy and he screeched off in a hurry. He knocked on the door but no answer so he used his key and let himself in. He looked in Mykels room and he was passed out. He walked into the kitchen and he seen some cookies and decided to go for them. He started climbing on the chair and as he did Mykel walked by. He seemed pretty tired. He kept walking and Dustin finally got to the box. Well now your mine. he ignored Mykel's comment earlier, but he heard the door open and shut twice. He was puzzled in what he was doing. He walked passed Dustin and he shook his head. Dustin simply chuckled as he continued to eat.

Soon the phone went off. Now my phone too. The base phone just went off. Hello he answered. It was an old friend and she was needing help and need him and Mykel down there as soon as possible. Mykel told him to hurry and pack, but he knew Mykel would take forever since he had all of that stuff. Dustin simply grabbed his bag and walked out side with a sad face. All the moving and traveling was killing his mood. He sat down outside and Mykel locked the door behind him and rushed to the approaching Taxi. We need to the airport as soon as you can get us there. Dustin looked at Mykel as he said this and after throwing his stuff in the back they were on their way.

They arrived in the airport and Dustin just repeated his process like last time. Stuff check, ticket check, and other stuff along with coffee that Mykel paid for and many other things.

They arrived in Chicago and they grabbed a car and was on their way to a restaurant since neither one of them had anything or much to eat. They headed to the ladies apartment and finally stopped. Mykel grabbed the food and singed it to ashes and the wind carried it off. Show off. Thought Dustin as Mykel walked up to the door and then knocked on it. Well lets see what she truly needs?

Red 53 had just finished his work in Rome. He had broken off from the two Legionnaires, planning on meeting up with them another time. Just as he entered his safehouse, his cell phone went off. That in itself wouldn't have been any momentous occasion, except that it was his personal number that was ringing. Only two people had that number, and one of them had been dead for a long time. Red 53 quickly pulled out his never used phone and answered the call. He had a quick exchange with Angel. He didn't wish to hang up, but the longer he was on the phone, the longer it took him to get to her. After the call ended, Red 53 pulled out his business cell and dialed the Roman airport and setup the quickest route to Chicago. Angel had said she needed him, and Red 53 couldn't help but want to be there with her as soon as possible.

-------------------------------

The blood red motorcycle roared through the streets, the red clad ninja going well over 100 mph. He had called ahead to make sure he would have a ride available when he got into town. Red 53 didn't want to be slowed down by anything. Soon enough, he arrived at the apartment building. Red 53 parked the bike, but noticed a vehicle didn't belong. Red 53 was suspicious, but knew that it was probably just visitors for someone. Also the cautious one though, he decided to go in the back way.

Red 53 jumped up the fire escape, climbing it quickly. He found the right window and looked in. He was just about to slide the window open, when he heard a knock at the door. A flash of green passed over Red 53's vision, but quickly subsided. This was nothing like that, he was sure. Sliding the window open, he approached the door quickly. Opening it, he said to the two visitors, "How can I help you?"

(OOC: Moved frogger up in the order since his skills are really important to the story line, once he posts then we'll go to Anu.)

The man known as Dragon Head, the elusive, half legend, half living horror, proclaimed "Mountain Master" of the Triad Underground Society sat lounged across the "Throne of the Mountain Master", inside the Triad's underground headquarters. His massively muscled legs dangling of the side, his back arched with the curvature of the side of the throne, a decadent addition to the headquarters of his own design, which clearly visualized the massive mans supremacy over the gang, and all those who entered the headquarters of the worlds most powerful criminal organization.

A young man, still in his early twenties was brought before the reclining despot by one of Dragon Heads numerous "Vanguards", essentially the Triads Operation Officers. The young man looked uncomfortable as he stood before the high gilded steps, each step emblazoned with traditional Chinese carvings of ancient dragons, each taking the visitor closer to the very seat of the Triad's power, which Dragon Head made sure was firmly within his strong grasp. The cavernous room was dark, lit only by candles, giving it an eerie glow, as no natural light could reach the far underground room, making it seem fit for a dragon of legend.

A whispering voice was all that could be heard, echoing through the room off of the high ceilings, and sounding like a strained hiss that had come from a snake. The cold, hollow voice, sounding distant, as if from a far off place, repeated the stanza's of a classic poem, saying

"Between the desire
And the spasm
Between the potency
And the existence
Between the essence
And the descent
Falls the Shadow

For Thine is the Kingdom

For Thine is
Life is
For Thine is the

This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper."

As the last words left Dragon Head's mouth, his eyes which had been starring at the murals on the ceiling slowly shut, as if he'd reached some sort of inner peace from the words spoken. After several seconds, which were no doubt awkward for the young man still standing before the "Mountain Master", Dragon Head slowly sat up, the full range of his massive frame now coming into focus. Dragon Head slowly opened his eyes, which starred at the young man for several seconds, before saying in his far off, strained voice "My scruples tell me you're adept at killing.... I need men like that, the fact you're a meta.... Well that only makes things better. Not to mention the fact that you can tell anything about an object just by touching it....", the last sentence spoken as if it peaked Dragon Head's interest.

He paused for a moment, lost in some far off thought, of which only Dragon Head truly knew, before standing up from his throne, his stature imposing over the tall, but lean meta which had been brought before him. Moving down the stairs as a massive titan of a man, Dragon Head was silent, his bald head looking down at the steps fit for a King, which Dragon certainly was in a sense.

Reaching the man who he'd heard so much about, the man who could know everything about an object just by touching it, Dragon Head softly said "There is a war coming.... I've known it for years.... When I was just a young boy, no older then 10 or 11, I saw a Tibetan goat herder kill a platoon of Chinese soldiers before I even blinked an eye. He was a meta of course, and It was in that moment I knew that it was they who were going to win the inevitable clash.... As early man killed the neanderthal, it's just a matter of time.... And I thought then what I know now, that if someone could unit these "Meta's" as the media likes to call us, well you'd only need a thousand..... And our war with the humans would be over very, very quickly....

There are more of them then us true, but people like you..... Or I..... We are the future, and it's time we take it in our own hands.". Dragon Head outstretched his hand to guide the young man out of his throne room, and as he was doing so, he said "My considerable wealth has put me in a position to see to it that it is us who comes out on top of this great coming war.... As well as several of the most powerful weapons humanity can build.... And I need you to make them work.... Now the question is, who will you stand with?".

Dragon Head stood silently leaning on a railing with Assault, looking over a pair of partially finished nuclear weapons, which were being converted into dirty bombs.

Assault, like anyone worth a damn in the underworld, knew OF Dragon Head. Meeting the man himself, was another story. As he made his way into the throne room, Assault observed his surroundings, taking in the sights before arriving in front of Dragon Head himself.

"What does this guy eat?" He'd ask the Vanguards jokingly, trying to put himself at ease in this situation. He was sorely tempted to blurt out that Dragon Head was massive as #}%k but thankfully held his tongue as he approached the underworld legend . Then, Dragon Head recited a poem? And afterwards Assault planned to ask him about that but then the man closed his eyes and rose up.

Assault felt like he really was faced with a dragon. Dude was built, powerfully so, and had the presence of a mythical beast. Jesus, never even heard about him doing this in the rumors Assault would think, remembering how he was met by Dragon Head's Vanguards at the airport and escorted. He felt like a first class villain now, and here he was going to be working with one!

The way he said that last sentence, about my powers makes me think about where this is going. I mean he's probably hired me for a hit or something? I mean I obviously must be big time now if he's heard of me and my talents. Now he's talking about war? I can definitely get paid for this but in sure he wants more than just a soldier

Assault smiled at Dragon Head, patting him on the back like they were old friends

"Who I'll stand with? That's all you want to ask me? I'm down with the plan Dragon Head, but before you sign me up, can I get paid? You don't have to worry about if ill make them work or not, but a meta has to eat yknow?" He'd ask the imposing figure of a man, his cocksure nature on display. It would be clear to anyone watching that Assault knew he could do this, and wanted to see if he'd be rewarded for his efforts.

Sly was lying in the captain cabin of the Charybde, thinking. It wasn't meditation... but sure as hell was close from is point of view. Not about emptying your mind side thought: idea raced in his brain, no... it was the inner peace that made him compare thinking so deeply and meditating. But of course, like all good things you have to stop eventually. He had carefully counted every seconds, he knew the time had come. And he was getting up precisely has the Charybde AI voice said:

We are arriving near Binhai harbor.

He sighed. He was reluctant on several points about this new action. But it was his best shot to strike the order currently choking humanity. He had to try to get the best out of it... after all if he didn't others were going to anyway. Might as well be part of the big thing.

He ordered to his submarine to briefly get out of the water, allowing him to embark on a dinghy to get to the shore, and then hide itself in the depths, he really couldn't bring something looking like a very big nuclear submarine this close to China, even without any warhead he could still freak out the officials... thought it seemed to be Dragon Head plan.
Fortunately it was night and the submarine wasn't emitting light of any short. So unless someone had been running a sonar when they arrived they would be safe. He took the ream and oared the small boat to the harbor. Again for safety and stealth reason the submarine had released them quite a long way from the shore.

I should be doing that master.

Slyblade shrugged. Reijou Tekkou, or Reiji like he liked to call her, was his last creation, designated to be his full time bodyguard and thus follow him everywhere, that's why he had tried to make her as human as possible. His attempt to give her emotions and a personality had limited success thought... but enough to make her act on her own, and sometimes in unpredictables ways, even if she wasn't in direct danger like the others. And she was really driven about her duties as a bodyguard.

I already told you that there was no need to call me master... also you are wrong. If you were oaring, who would be protecting me? And if where attacked we would be stuck here during the time you would be defending us. No no... it is more logical for me to do it.

She remained silent for the rest of the trip. Even with her ounce of personality she remained very cold most of the time. It didn't surprised him. He was still more preoccupied by Dragon Head big plan. He had been looking for support for his own project and apparently the triad boss had heard of it, in any case Dragon Head had made him an offer... the possibility to help him in the coming war, and be part of his new world order. Slyblade wanted a new order for the world yes... but not one in which the weak would be even more abused. Still he had replied positively, even just for the sake of messing with the world order currently in place. He only hoped that he wouldn't get swallowed in something to big for him. He wanted to be able to get out if the situation turned sour.

At least they reached the harbor. Slyblade just left the boat for anyone to find and steal, he would just buy another one if he had to. Just like he bought a small car to get to Beijing. Then the instruction about how exatly reach Dragon head were vague, but he knew enough to be close to what seemed to be the entrance of their secret lair... He couldn't pinpoint it of course: it wouldn't be secret if even someone as cunning as him could discover it easily. He would just have to wait for them to guide him into the lair.

(Meanwhile Back at the Black Angels Apartment)

The Black Angel was entertaining Dustin and Mykel as best she could in the cramped confines of her small apartment, cracking open a few beers, and offering the bottles to the two young hero's. She'd first met Dustin and Mykel on her long journey from New York City to Chicago several months back. The two hero's truly being the only people who made an impression on her during her trek, which showed her a good amount of the interior of the United States. It was a long journey, which took some time, as the Black Angel mostly had to hitchhike to get closer to Chicago. Dustin and Mykel had been kind enough to offer her a ride, and as with her meeting with Katsumi, she knew that her running into Dustin and Mykel was no accident. The fact the State Department came to her about Dragon Head and forming a team of Hero's to challenge him was no mere coincidence as well. Fate it seemed was playing a strong hand in the life and times of the Black Angel, but this should have come as no surprise, especially given the nature of her rebirth into the Black Angel.

She'd waited on telling Dustin and Mykel the true reason she'd called them to Chicago, knowing phone lines were certainly tapped by the State Department, and who knows what other branch of the government was listening in. The Black Angel always thought it was best to have as little people know what she was doing as possible, as there was no true way of knowing who would sell her out, or better yet was in the Triads pocket. This was the reason she'd only selected three additional people to travel with her to South Korea, it was the reason she lived alone, and it was the reason she slept with a handgun under her pillow. She'd never trusted people, and the fact Dragon Head tried to assassinate her in New York City only proved her caution and mistrust of people to be justified.

The Black Angel took a long sip of her Rolling Rock, then after lowering the bottle, she exhaled deeply, wondering if she should drag Dustin, Mykel, and Katsumi for that matter into this. Ultimately she decided she'd leave it up to all of them to decide for themselves, because this mission held the chance to make someone very rich, or becoming seafood in the South China Sea. Facing Dustin and Mykel while leaning against her counter, the Black Angel said "The reason I called both of you here is....", the far door to the Black Angels apartment swung open, and stepping inside was Katsumi, who seemed suspicious if the two other visitors. Once Katsumi spoke, the Black Angel said "Katsumi.... These are my friends Dustin and Mykel, who've also traveled here.".

Walking over to Katsumi the Black Angel felt a rush of emotions, she wanted to run over to him and kiss him, tell him to take her away from this nightmare that had found her once again. However the Black Angel masked these feelings, giving Katsumi a friendly hug, and then began her briefing again, saying "Where was I.... Well let me just say thank you for coming.... I was approached a few days ago by an Agent Reynolds of the United States State Department.... He tasked me with putting together a small team of Meta's, who would travel to South Korea to find out what is with the increased Triad activity across the world, and to find out the meaning of this "New World Order" Triad leadership keeps spewing about. We'll start our operation in Seoul, where the CIA station there has picked up massive amounts of activity between cells in that country, and the gangs Hong Kong Headquarters. From there, we're supposed to gather intel, and if necessary, fight the war against the Triad the United States won't. We're being offered 10 million dollars by the State Department, that's 2.5 million each.... It's a big payday.... But I don't want any of you to think this is going to be anything other then the most dangerous situation any of us have ever been faced with. Dragon Head has an army of genetically modified assassin's called "Jades", as well as freelance meta's working for him as mercenaries, and of course an army of foot soldiers.... And we'll be operating in his territory. If we're successful though, we'll all be much richer then we were when we stepped foot in this apartment, and we'll be ridding the world of the most evil criminal empire the world has ever known".

The Black Angel finished with her briefing, stepped back to allow the three other hero's if they wanted to join her or not, truth be told she wouldn't hold it against them if they ran for the hills. Dragon Head was a name that conjured up sheer terror in the criminal underworld, and Meta's trusted the United States Government about as much much as they could throw them, making this more then just a simple choice. Many people thought a genocide against Meta's was in the works by elements of the United States Government, which made a "New World Order" seem welcome to some. Whatever the case, in the immediate future the Black Angel knew Dragon Head was certainly more dangerous then the United States to her and her friends, not to mention the fact she had an old score to settle.

She walked over to her stove and put a kettle on the burner to begin making some warm green tea for her friends, who were now deciding what their next course of action would be. Whatever her friends decided, the Black Angel was going to Seoul, and god willing would kill Dragon Head and the whole of the Triad Underground Society, or die trying. Dragon Head would pay for what he'd done to her, the reckoning over twenty years in coming was now at hand, and she'd make sure that no matter what happened to her, Dragon Head would die.

Mykel was greeted at the door and had walked in taking a seat in the common vision of Angel so she did not trouble herself with moving her neck to talk unless she wanted to. Mykel was being to thoughtful but thats how he was. he looked at her when Dustin threw himself on the floor. Come on Dustin show so respect. He did not think this was a time to play but he might have missed out on what he did and jump to conclusions. He looked around seeing how she was living. It seemed like he had decent living standards. Everything was well taken care of, but it might have been because she knew they were coming.

Suddenly the back door flung open and in walked an unknown man. But she apparently knew him when she ran up and hugged him. It was easily seen that she had something more than friendship together, but it was not in his line to imposes. Before she ran over she tried saying something, but what was it. It was really quick. She was a little happier looking and it seemed she came back over to keep up where she was cut off. She explained about the New World Order and he knew he has heard it plenty of time back around Los Angeles. It must have been something big, but he did not know how big. Now its an entire Triad with the help of a country plus the deal with the U.S. government hiring meta. The people they want gone for good.

Mykel stood up and thrown out his hand. He was putting it out so she could shake on it. Count me and Dustin in. We will do anything for the greater good wont we Dustin? So this should be fun anyways and try keeping kills to a minimum unless you have to then its understandable.

It was a nice day, but it was time to go in and right on time when she came to the door greeting with a wide smile. It put him in a happy mood. he sort of had a thing for her but he was not going to say it out loud. She would most definitely kick his butt. She started going on about why they were there but at the same time someone come busting through the door and in his instinctive mood he quickly brought up two orbs. One of energy and one of darkness ready to blow the guy away. It stunned him when she called his name and ran over and gave him a hug. the energy resided back into him and he sat back down. But then he slipped and fell.

Mykel said it was no point for games and this was not a game. he was not even watching him when he did the whole thing. He sighed in ignorance and looked out the window. It seemed no matter how bad his life was or the life of a meta. It was always sunshine and birds outside. He looked back at the girl as she finished her conversation with them and then Mykel got up and placed his hand out. Mykel already knew Dustin would go so it did not matter if he talked for them. He threw Dustin's name out and he smiled while sitting behind Mykel.

He was now wondering who the other guy was. He stood up and walked to him and held out his hand. So you and her must be really good friends; well my name is Dustin and that is Mykel. Please to meet you. He did not want to be mute the entire time so this was a good way to converse with someone. Dustin was good to keep up a fake smile so he always looked happy even when in pain.

Red 53 had come through the door and had found himself in an immediate hug. A hug which he returned quite securely. She seemed a bit more shy about him in front of her friends, so Red 53 let things go for the moment. When Angel had finished introducing the pair, Red 53 took off his mask and nodded his head respectfully. As Angel stepped back to say what he had interrupted, Red 53 could tell something was bothering her, that she was keeping something back that she wanted to say. Katsumi respectfully took a seat though and listened.

Katsumi nodded throughout Angel's briefing, showing he was listening and understanding what she was saying. He wasn't at all surprised that the United States Government had it's hand in the cookie jar of international intel, and he would be even less surprised if they were asking this to be a black op. The government had always used someone else to do their dirty work, and it helped them to find someone of international origin. That way they could claim it was actually someone else's spy that had been staying in the United States for the wrong reasons. The two and a half million dollars though was definitely incentive to go through with this anyways. Not to mention all the time with Angel.

As soon as Angel asked for his decision, Katsumi said, "I would follow you to Hell and back. Anything you need I'll be there to help." He couldn't help but feel it was true. He didn't want to admit it to himself, but he was falling in love with this beautiful angel before him.

Just as his daydreams were kicking into high gear though, a sound intruded upon the quiet of his thoughts. One of the two friends she had mentioned had introduced himself more personally. "Hi Dustin. My name is Katsumi, and a friend of Angel's is definitely better than some stranger off the street. Good friends though might be a good terminology for me and Angel..." Looking up at the new comrade, Katsumi replied, though his tone at the ending definitely left the impression that good friends wouldn't be the word Katsumi would like to use. Katsumi looked over the pair of heroes and asked, "So what powers do you two have? I myself am a kinetically infused ninja. My telekinesis allows for super human physical attributes and movement of objects."

Dragon Head stood leaning over the railing which overlooked the two massive bombs, starring off silently, his right eye twitching ever so slightly as they scanned the two weapons. When Assault said he was going to join with him, albeit for a price, Dragon Head listened, but was elsewhere, in a land of shadows, nightmares. aS Assault said "Who I'll stand with? That's all you want to ask me? I'm down with the plan Dragon Head, but before you sign me up, can I get paid? You don't have to worry about if ill make them work or not, but a meta has to eat yknow?", Dragon Head seemed lost in a daydream. Once Assault finished speaking however, Dragon Head simply nodded his head, saying "Mmhmmm".

To Dragon Head, money meant nothing, and was as worthless as the paper it was printed on. It's true he'd helmed the Triad on there becoming a financial empire in there own right, however this was simply a means to an end. Dragon Head often berated his financial advisers, one time saying "I hate businessmen.... They lack the ambition necessary for grande things, and waste there times with the pursuit of the meaningless, the hollow, the empty. A man can be a king, but a bullet in his head and he's just another corpse.". Dragon Head also regularly referred to money as a "Necessary Evil", and described his time growing the Triad's financial wealth as "Painful as a thousand lonely suicides.". To him, money was a constraint of the current rulers of the world, a hurdle set by the "Old Guard" which "Meta's" made irrelevant with there powers.

Dragon Head turned to Assault, patted him on the back once more, and softly said "You stick with me boy, and you'll never need money again. We'll be at our rightful place, and the humans? They'll be ants.... Serving there overlord....". Dragon Head sighed, then showed Assault out the door, saying "In the meantime.... I think a million dollars in whatever bank account you desire should suffice?".

Once they were outside in Dragon Head's throne room, the "Vanguard" who showed Assault into the room was back, and was clearly there to usher Assault out. As Assault walked towards the "Vanguard", Dragon Head slowly lumbered up the gilded steps, turning around half way, and calling to Assault, softly saying "They say you're the man who knows everything.... Don't disappoint me.... I hate disappointments...". With that, Dragon Head continued up the stairs, until at the end of them, he crashed back onto his throne.

Looking up at the muraled ceiling, Dragon Head slowly lifted his hand into the air, observing it slowly, as if it had some great importance. As he studied it, he softly began reciting poetry again, saying

"Between the conception
And the creation
Between the emotion
And the response
Falls the Shadow


Between the desire
And the spasm
Between the potency
And the existence
Between the essence
And the descent
Falls the Shadow"

The words echoing through the masterfully built throne room, until the door Assault and the "Vanguard" walked through closed, and Dragon Head was alone once again, and he said as faint as a whisper "For Thine is the Kingdom".

(Meanwhile outside!)

Slyblade and his female companion were spotted by a small local girl, who was no more then 9 or 10 years old, and was sitting eating noodles at a small stand across from where the two stood. She was pretty, but clearly downtrodden by her appearance, and the way she ate the noodles as if she hadn't eaten in a day. So when she saw the two, she quickly shoveled every last tasty bit into her mouth, before she dropped her chopsticks, and quickly pulled enough money to cover her bill from a tattered pouch. She dropped the money on the beat up table, and thanked the cook who was busy at work behind a sizzling grill. The greasy looking cook nodded to the girl, who clearly was a regular at his small stand, one of thousands which dotted nearly every corner of this major metropolis.

The young girl, wearing worn clothing then fought her way through the masses of pedestrian's who were all moving in a hurry to reach some place in the city or another. Some were peasants not unlike herself, some were middle class workers who were now filling China's streets more and more, and some were elite businessmen, hustling from one skyscrapper to the next. She then quickly scampered across the crowded four lane rode, which was being driven on by the usual compact cars of a typical Chinese city, mass transit buses which were colorful and filled with advertisements, as well as a slew of small trucks hauling everything from used goods to produce. Once on the other side of the busy street, and through another crowd of busy masses, the girl finally reached Slyblade and his companion.

Tugging Slyblade's arm, the girl said in accented English "You're Slyblade.... You want to meet big scary man Dragon Head? You follow me now okay???". Once it seemed Slyblade accepted her offer, the girl began to guide them through the busy streets of one of China's biggest cities, at a fevered pace, past open air fish markets, cutting edge electronics stores, and of course military checkpoints, manned by the ever watchful Red Army. She weaved in between moving bodies so quickly she almost lost the pair, though she didn't turn to see if they were following, almost having a sixth sense that they were. The streets were illuminated by hundreds of colorful lanterns, which hung from storefronts and apartment buildings, giving the city a true oriental flare, which was as foreign to a traveler from the west as could possibly be found on Earth.

Once they had traveled down enough bustling commercial streets, side streets, and residential sprawls, and were deep enough in the city that there was no possible way Slyblade or his companion could know where they were, or how they got there, the girl suddenly turned down a dark, rather smelly alleyway, and brought them to what looked like an ordinary steel door. She looked around to see if anyone had followed them for a few moments, checking for any signs of the crowd just off the busy ally that would show they'd been followed. She seemed rather frightened when she turned to say "Okay... I go no further... You knock on door six times, no more, no less, they let you in okay?". Then just like that she disappeared back down the alley, quickly disappearing into the bustling traffic that walked the crowded streets every hour of the day.

Leaving Slyblade and his companion alone, they now were alone in the alleyway, the steel door being all that separated them from the headquarters of the infamous Triad Underground Society.

A million dollars in whatever account? Easiest cash I've made. Rumors were right, money is definitely not a problem for Dragon Head. As excited as Assault was over the deal he just made, the superhuman assassin did his best to play it cool. "Yea, a cool mill will do Dragon Head, it'll do man" he's reply before being ushered out by the "Vanguard". It was at this time Dragob Head deigned to speak to him again, making it clear failure was not an option. Assault smirked a bit, which caused a look from the "Vanguards" to which he shrugged.

"Yo, I'm just a confident kinda guy, is there anything wrong with that?" He'd ask, ony to gain no reply, which made him mutter "tough crowd, tough crowd" while walking out the way he came. In hisind he thought about the warheads he saw. All he needed was to touch them and Dragon Head would know what's up . The question was, who'd be ballsy enough-no scratch that, CRAZY enough to try and take down DH. He's walk down the street, clearing his throat before looking at the locals
(Yo, anyone know a good top flight restaurant? Im hungry) he'd say in the dialect, patting his stomach