Our protagonists stand still on the train station, still baffled by their situation. Kael was no longer with them anymore and questions emerged.
Leona: What shall we do now?
Michael: We must move on.
All: ???
Michael: We've come this far. There's no turning back—not for me. You guys with me?
Leona: But… without a leader—
Diego: He would've wanted us to board a yacht and sail to Z City. I don't know why, but… I've got a feeling he'll come back for us. I'm with you, Michael.
Charlie: Good grief, guess we're doing this then. I'm in if Diego is.
All: Leona?
Leona:(Sigh) Guess I'm outnumbered. I'm down for it.
???: Are you guys Nexus-5?
They turned back and saw two men, their watches marking them unmistakably as heroes. One was as large as a mountain, while the other was shorter—about the same height as Leona.
Diego: Yes, we are. Can we help you?
Christopher: I'm Christopher, codename BeeGees, S Class, Rank 12. And this is my partner, Aiden, codename Riftwalker, S Class, Rank 8.
Aiden: We're here to arrest your leader, Kael—also known as Oblivion—due to mass murder, which violates the 5th rule of the association. Would you kindly hand him over?
Leona: That's our issue too. He left abruptly.
Christopher: Has anyone seen where he went?
They shook their heads. Christopher contacted their HQ about the situation, and they relayed something back to him.
Christopher: We got orders from the chief, and unfortunately, Aiden and I have to look after your team to avoid any conspiracy.
Charlie: What?! We—
Michael: We will comply.
Michael and Charlie looked at each other. Michael nodded, and Charlie understood what he meant.
Aiden: Good. Where are you heading, then?
Michael stared at Leona.
Leona: What?… Ffffine, I know a guy.
Michael: Then we're set.
By afternoon, they reached a harbour named 'Sea-side Harbour.' There, many yachts were parked, and one of the yachtsmen noticed Leona.
Yachtsman: Dame Evelyne! Thought you were dead.
Leona: Haha, very funny, Vassago. Stop horsing around. You still ride with the tide?
Vassago: You damn know I still do.
Leona: Good. My friends and I need to get to Z City. Can you drop us at the bay?
Vassago: Depends. But you know that—all things come with costs, right?
Leona:(Sigh) How much?
Vassago:(Snapshisfingers) That's the spirit. But you see, money is not always the answer. I want… an estate.
Leona: Hehe, you and I both know very well that's not possible.
Vassago: True. But not for the daughter of the richest man in this city, right?
Charlie suddenly punched Vassago in the face and grabbed his collar.
Charlie: Listen here, you little shit! We don't have much time. So don't try to waste it. Either you take us there, or I send you straight to hell.
Vassago: Your threats mean nothing to me, child. See those yachtsmen there? They will fight for me if necessary—and turn you into pieces.
Aiden walks up and captures Vassago's face with his watch.
Vassago: What are you doing?
Aiden: Sending your ugly face to WHA so they can cancel your licence. You earn money by yachting, don't you? Let's see if you can survive without it.
Vassago: You can't do this to me—she attacked me first!
Aiden: According to rule no. 9 of WHA policy, any hero can commence low-lethal attacks on civilians if they are not being cooperative. On top of that, you tried to take advantage of my fellow hero's position, which violates policy no. 16, which states that no civilian must bribe an on-duty hero. Which means, you will be sent to jail for a minimum of six months. So what's it gonna be, Mr. Vassago?
Vassago:(Frustrated) Okay, okay. I will get you there… for 10 dollars each person.
Aiden: No, make it free of charge, and we will cancel the cancellation of your licence.
Vassago: F-fuck! Fine, 7 p.m. Don't be late, 'cause I won't wait for you.
Vassago walks away angrily.
Now, it is 6:50 p.m., and everyone except Vassago had gathered around the yacht. Diego bought a bunch of food—mainly chips, beverages, and pastries.
Charlie: Is that really necessary?
Diego: Come on, we're gonna spend almost the whole night on a yacht. It's gonna be a long, crappy night.
Charlie: Ugh, whatever.
Diego: What?!
Michael approached Aiden, who was leaning on a bar.
Michael: On behalf of our team, I wanna thank you for… this afternoon. None of us were smart enough to intimidate someone that way.
Aiden: Nah, I only spewed out bullshit. There's no rule no. 9 and 16.
Michael: That's genius.
Aiden: Hmm, now where is our yachtsman?
Vassago came on time and started warming up his yacht's engine.
Vassago: Alright, you hooligans. Let's get this show on the road—I mean, to the sea!
Michael and Aiden thought Vassago's demeanour was somewhat off, considering how he had left angrily that afternoon. They wondered, Shouldn't he be upset about this? Instead of being energized? and decided to stay vigilant.
An hour had passed, and Vassago still acted strangely, raising their suspicions. Michael and Aiden spoke discreetly.
Michael: There is something off about him lately.
Aiden: What do you think? Some hideous plan or—?
Michael: Unlikely. More like a trap—and we've already stepped into it. Most of them are sleepy. I think it's best to take turns.
By midnight, the yacht came to a complete stop so that Vassago could rest and continue the next morning.
Now, it was Michael's turn to stay awake.
Suddenly, time stopped—and Diego stabbed at Michael's throat before time resumed. Michael's blood spurted from his neck, and he quickly pressed his hand against it to stop the bleeding. He turned back in confusion, unable to understand why Diego had suddenly attacked him. Then he looked at the others—and was shocked to see Diego sleeping.
Michael:(Thought) That is—if Diego—the real Diego—is sleeping there, then this Diego… is the enemy. Now that I think about it, I didn't see Vassago anymore, which means this bastard is a Dark Knight. I have to warn the others.
Michael used CordBreaker to shatter the window and create noise. But just before his fist could touch the glass, another CordBreaker was launched, deflecting his arm. Michael was shocked to see the fake Diego transform into a copy of himself.
Michael:(Thought) Now, I get it. His ability is to shapeshift into someone and copy their ability. Guess I have no choice but to fight him.
Michael threw two straight punches, but the fake Michael dodged them. The fake Michael followed with an uppercut, and while Michael dodged it, he delivered a back kick.
Michael[Fake] : I'm quite peeved. But it seems like you understand how my ability works. You can't talk with that injury, right? It makes it more fun for me.
Michael stitched his open wound and managed to speak in a faint voice.
Michael: What makes you think I can't? You do have my face and ability, yes. But you're not so sharp, aren't you?
Michael[Fake]:(Smirks) We'll see about that.
Fake Michael came in hot, unleashing punches, jabs, hooks, and kicks. Michael did his best to counter them, waiting for the right opportunity.
Michael deflected an incoming right hook and spotted an opening. Without wasting it, he unleashed a flurry of punches and successfully landed them. As fake Michael was knocked back, Michael immediately used CordBreaker toward the window.
Michael[Fake]: You idiot. Do you think that will work on my watch?
He also used CordBreaker to deflect Michael's arm—but what he failed to notice was that Michael had already launched his other arm, targeting fake Michael's extended arm, and successfully shattered the window.
Michael: Bullseye. You thought I wouldn't predict that? Too bad—I'm one step ahead of you.
The sound of the broken window woke the others. Fake Michael grew furious and charged, locking into close combat with Michael. Michael used CordBerserkers to deliver a double punch—but fake Michael—also used CordBerserkers and caught them. Seizing the opportunity, fake Michael performed a high knee—but Michael saw through it, widened his arms, pulled him in suddenly, and delivered a hard headbutt.
Both of them were knocked back and staggered.
They quickly got up and tried to tackle each other, but before they could, an arrow struck the floor.
Diego: Stop right there and don't move an inch, or I will shoot.
The rest of the team were fully awake and saw the situation.
Michael[Fake]: Good thing you're awake. This guy is an impo—
Diego: I said don't fucking move.
Charlie: Can you tell the difference?
Christopher: I haven't the slightest idea.
Aiden: You know him well, aren't you? Then ask them questions.
Charlie: Good idea. Diego, keep an eye on them. Alright, you (fake Michael), who is in crazy love with you?
Michael[Fake] : Diana, codename Mariana Trench. She is a ship captain.
Michael:(Thought) They know about it.
Charlie: You (Michael), where did we first meet?
Michael: On an aeroplane, heading to G City—and it crashed.
Charlie:(Sigh) This is getting tricky.
Leona: How about a question only the real Michael would know?
Charlie: That... could work. All yours.
Leona: During our whole journey, you mentioned them just once to us. Who are your sisters?
Both of them paused, seemingly waiting for each other to respond. Finally, the real Michael spoke.
Michael: Maggie and Maria. Maggie is our eldest, who works as a baker in our city, and Maria is a high schooler.
Michael[Fake]: I would've answered the same—
Diego shot an arrow near the fake Michael's foot.
Diego: End of the line, pal.
The fake Michael laughed and shapeshifted back into his true self; a man in his early 30s, brunette, and with a small scar just above his lips.
Samson: You people are smart, and I like that. The name's Samson, codename BlackGryphone. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Then he jumped into the sea—and disappeared.
Leona quickly began healing Michael's wound while the others discussed.
Charlie: The hell was with that guy?
Aiden: We're nearing Z City—that's why.
Diego: What about our approach?
Christopher: We stick together as a team. Dawn is breaking, and we need to move.
Charlie: Anyone know how to drive a yacht?
Aiden: On it.
Christopher: The hardest part is going to be finding where the leader of the Dark Knight is.
Leona: Uh… guys? You seeing this?
They all looked ahead, and to their shock, Z City was neither ruined nor abandoned.
Instead, it was filled with people and bright, colorful lights.
Christopher: I—I don't understand. I thought it was a ruined city that could not be fixed.
Michael: Something's… bizarre about this city.
Charlie: Are we sure we didn't make a U-turn or something?
Aiden: That's not possible. We kept an eye on that bastard and didn't make any full turns. Though it's hard to believe, this really is Z City—without a doubt.
Aiden docked the yacht, and they all got off.
Christopher: Be ready for anything. We don't know what to expect.
Diego: Look! (pointing to the top of a building) Someone's—no, it's HIM.
And it was indeed Zerathos, watching them from the top of a distant building. He smiled and leapt toward them. Out of nowhere, Susan (with her mask) and Gilbert appeared beside Zerathos as he landed. Michael and the others stood ready to fight, whatever happened.
Zerathos: Welcome to my humble city. I was told to expect you.
Christopher: Then you know why we came, right? Reuben.
Zerathos: Now, now. I don't really want to use violence. Instead, I want to offer a truce. How does 'peace' strike in your heart? Hmm? Join my empire… and I will give you anything you want. That includes your family, who are affected by the Black Breath. I will take it away, release them—and free you of your burdens.
Charlie: You wanted to divide and conquer. You did it to Kael, not us.
Zerathos:(Sigh) Your daughter here is being a fool, Lady Marmalade. Convince her for me, please.
Susan stepped forward and removed her mask, leaving Charlie in shock and confusion.
Susan:(Softvoice) Charlie.
Charlie:(Whispering) M-mom?
Susan: I know this is sudden, but—
Charlie: You lied to me.
Susan: What?
Charlie: You lied to me! You said you'd never leave me.
Susan: No, no, Charlie. You don't understand. I—
Charlie: I do understand. I understand that I was never enough for you. You don't love Dad, you don't love me—you love… him. (pointing at Zerathos) And you think I wouldn't notice? I can tell by the way you look at him.
Susan: Charlie, please. I tried, i really did tried. I wanted to come back to you, be there for you, but—
Charlie: But WHAT?! You you still don't, didn't you? I-I...(Sniffle) You did all that and you still want me to join you? THEM?!
Susan: Charlie, I know this might be hard for you. But I'm always ready to start over again, with you.
Charlie keep looking down, not answering her back for a time being. And then, she looks up with few tears forming in her eyes.
Charlie: I can't. You lied to me once, and you'll do it again. I can't side with you—not like this.
Susan was heartbroken—not because she had failed as a mother, but because of Charlie's rejection, even though she loved her with her whole heart. Charlie turned around, not wanting to show her teary face in front of anyone and quietly wipe her falling tears. Diego get close to her so she doesn't have to feel alone, even lending his shoulder for her to lean on for a short moment.
Michael: You heard her. We're not gonna comply.
Zerathos:(sigh) Then I suppose disposing of you is an option. But... where's the fun in that? You will be subjected to find out if you are suitable for surviving in my new world, starting today. I hope you survive, and I wish you all the best.
And then, darts came from nowhere and all of them were tranquilized before they could ready themselves. The remaining Dark Knights arrived shortly after.
Zerathos: Gather their bodies and organize them. Also, make sure that WHA knows their precious underlings are here when the time is right. I want to face the strongest myself. Let's make this entertaining.
All: Yes, Boss.
Zerathos comforted Susan, pulling her into an embrace and wiping her tears.
Zerathos: I understand. She's still just a kid. But I can tell—she's as strong as you. And one day, she will find every reason to join you and me. And when that time comes, we'll welcome her with open arms.
Susan: I... trust you.
Zerathos kiss Susan's forehead before leaving while the other Dark Knights organise our heroes and carry them away.