Following the events of their biggest adventure, The Gang decided to part ways, and to resume their training. Only Asahi knows why, since Steven Cooke does not want to be a tool for chaos, again. The others had no clue, since Asahi trusts him. Of course, the others were stunned about everything that happened, while they were away…

The headline in the newspaper, one week later, was revealed:
"The Authority's Base of Dictatorship Burned Down! Hired Assassins to Blame!
After the alleged arrest of Scarlet Riley, Interpol Agent (recently reinstated), The Authority's capital, Imperial Lobby, was burned into a fiery wasteland, after former-NR9 Agent Najenda forced the Buster Call on the island. In rage, the now-deceased leader of NR9 foolishly pressed the button, as a way of vengeance and anger, against the people in the island. However, no bodies were found, except for a charred head of an unknown assailant.
NR9 valiantly fought to protect the island, only to realize that they were responsible for the destruction of the island, fully. Akame, sole survivor of the now-disbanded NR9, was sent to Prison Island for 30 days, for her debacle, and proclaims that newly-wanted criminal, "Broken" Matt Hardy, used her to attempt to bring her partner, Tatsumi, from the old Night Raid faction, back from the dead. Akame willfully accepts surrender, and promises to explain everything about Hardy. She is currently incarcerated, until her parole hearing takes place. As for the rest of NR9, most of their cadavers were recovered and taken to the nearest morgue. Former agents Chelsea & Lubbock's corpses were nowhere to be found, however.
In related news, the whereabouts of "Broken" Matt Hardy remained uncertain, as the Broken Brilliance of Hardy disappeared from the Moji Mikisa. Hardy is responsible for the death of one-half of The Authority, Stephanie McMahon, whose body was found in her estate in Greenwich.
Triple H, her husband, refused to comment."

Apparently, The Gang wasn't mentioned, at all. This was Kanaka's favor that she kept, for a long time. Since The Gang left AAW, to train, they left their badges behind. Kanaka then said, as she held up their respective badges, "I never actually relieved you of duty. I knew this kind of thing would happen… apparently."

She was with The Gang, in her office, as Kanaka praised them for a job well done. But scolded and yelled at them, for burning the flag of The Authority, which is why Kanaka triggered her favor from the UN. She then proclaimed, "DON'T YOU EVER TRY ANYTHING RECKLESS AND STUPID LIKE THAT, EVER AGAIN! YOU FUCKING MORONS!"

The Gang, as a whole, pouted and bowed, "Yes, ma'am…"

Still the same superheroes; newfound powers, and stronger hearts, but remained reckless idiots, despite that their mission ended, successfully.

Act XXVI: The Final Farewell!
The Gang returns to Training!

Moments after the meeting, Farra groaned, "Jesus… What is with Kanaka? We said we were sorry."

Heather, in crutches, said, "Well, to be honest, Steven did ordered me to burn the flag. I think we went too far."

Steven said, "But that's well and all… but Triple H will never forgive us for causing such casualties…"

Asahi replied, "Exactly. Imagine… We thought we were dead. This was our biggest adventure, yet."

Steven asked, "Which one? Next to Elder Gods or Aliens from Hell?"

Peter sighed, as he waited by the window. Mizuki said, as she looked at Peter, "Well, for what it's worth… We won, but it's far from over. We have a brand new enemy. Makie Sasaki is dead, and I guess fate gave us Broken Matt Hardy."

Steven said, "Good. One more for the Hit List."

Farra nodded, "Yeah. I can't believe Stephanie's gone… Hardy's a murderer… My grudge is with BOTH Triple H & Matt Hardy… but for now, I need to condone my anger, again, to become stronger."

Asahi said, "I agree!"

She walked away and said, "Excuse me…"

Steven was worried, as he said, "Poor Asahi… I heard about Minami… I'm sorry that I didn't know."

Heather said, "It was tough. A burden she could not hold, forever. Maki was our friend… and Asahi rescued her, in Hane City. But it seems that she failed her… either way."

"No. She didn't." Steven said.

He asked the others, "So? Where do we go from here?"

Peter was gloomy, as Mizuki went to him. Farra replied, "Well, I have to go back and train."

Heather said, "Me, too… But I can't dare go back to the icy mountains, again. But that yeti… I have a score to settle with him, right after I have feeling in my legs, again."

"Your legs aren't broken." Farra said, "Their just badly sore."

Heather argued, "BADLY ISN'T AN EXCUSE! TRY CONSTANT PAIN!"

"Whatever, Snow Storm Queen…" Farra snuffed, as she and Steven went to Asahi. Heather was unhappy, as she pouted, "Jerks. No appreciation…"

Scarlet called to Heather, "Agent Dunn, come here, for a moment?"

Heather went to her, and Scarlet said, giving her an ice blue envelope, "Here. This is for you… from a mysterious woman. She said something about your ice and speed abilities… I think?"

"Oh…" Heather said, "From Aya…"

She opened the letter and said, "OH! A new area to train?"

Scarlet said, "Two years of this, huh? AAW wouldn't be the same, without you six idiots."

"I know… But I wanna know… How did The BattleVan show up, all of a sudden?"

Scarlet said, "Well, while you were away, I did some recruiting, and we did meet, eye-to-eye… until he asked me for my panties… Yeesh! Anyway, I hired Agent Hadigan, on the spot, since we're losing members, including you. Luckily, the guy's an excellent driver, and he agreed to bring the BattleVan to Imperial Lobby, when the time comes. Who knew that activating the Buster Call was the right moment?"

Heather said, "Where's the van now? I need it."

"Sorry. But Mundy's gonna leave it in East Townsend, until you guys return. He doesn't look it, but he knows how to give some torque on the engine, and give you brand-new jets to fly in."

"WOW! That's amazing!" Heather cheered, "In 21 months' time, The Gang is back in action!"

She winced, as she held her waist, moaning in pain. She then asked, "Is it alright if I leave, now? I think I can use my own mode of transport…"

Heather hobbled off. Scarlet grumbled, "Who the hell would take her for a ride?"

XXXXX

Peter & Mizuki talked, as Mizuki was worried. She whispered, "Peter, don't ever leave me…"

Mizuki was sad, as Peter felt unhappy, "I'm sorry… But two years of training… and we have to separate."

"You mean?"

He gave her his wedding band and said, "Until we survive our training together, me with the Countess, and you with Dr. Ryuken, we're breaking up."

Mizuki sniffled, "No… You can't be serious… I love you…"

He wept, "I know… But I have to train and condone my dark tendencies… I killed three people at Imperial Lobby. And I loved every minute of it! But I'm worried that I would hurt you, knowing who or what I am. So, Mizuki… If we can, wait for me… in East Townsend…"

He kissed her on the lips, as she whispered, "I'll miss you."

He said, "And I do, too. Farewell, my cyborg love…"

He and Luzer departed, as Mizuki sobbed, "Goodbye… my Dark Prince…"

She held her right hand on her chest, clutching Peter's wedding band, and had tears rolling down her cheek. Her body sparked a bit, and shut down. Her cybernetics were deactivated, as she was rigid and immobile, from heartbreak. But she still remembered the promise… that her lover will return, after training.

Luzer asked Peter, "Master, was that wise?"

"I know it hurts. But we have to maintain focus. The Gang, for the next two years, disappears into training."

"Master, you can't be serious! After everything we did, back there, you're going to leave her? She loves you, and-!"

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" He shouted. He then responded, "Mizuki has to understand. I almost lost her, and I was almost-killed by Chelsea! How would I feel, if I let her down, again? I can't let her down, again… If we return, my goal is to protect my love. Mizuki is the one I love, and I refuse to have her die, again… Luzer, you must believe me. Everything about me is who I am! What happens if Steven died, or Asahi, or Heather, or even Farra? What now? I can't lose anyone, ever!"

He sniffled, as Luzer said, "You're absolutely right. After your battle with Seryu, you only cared about those you cared for, other than yourself. When I first met you, you had spirit. But that has evolved… and you became the Big Master that I am proud to call my partner and friend."

Luzer smiled and perched on his right shoulder. Peter laughed, "Dude… You just don't get me, sometimes."

His eyes watered, and he wiped his tears. He said to Luzer, "Come on. The countess awaits us."

He and Luzer departed to Castle Darkveil, returning to their training.

Meanwhile, three men in black appeared and carried Mizuki away. She broke down and wanted to repair her cybernetics, before she could go back to Targus City.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, up on the roof, Asahi was crying, as she was still hurt over Maki's death, and that she almost died in battle. Steven said, as he was worried, "It is a heavy burden. Losing someone you loved… over something so trivial, like a virus."

Farra replied, "Scarlet said that her body was recovered, before we reunited. She's under AAW Watch, but for now, it's inconclusive. We can only pray now… Asahi thinks Maki died… but… She doesn't know the truth."

He said, "We can cheer her up. She cheered me up, after I was gloomy."

He held her hand and said, "Farra… She can pull through. Asahi has got to have her spirits high, or else she'll lose everything."

Farra blushed, ignoring Steven's remarks. She thought, in a flushed look, "He's holding my hand… He's actually holding my hand…"

Her crush reemerges, as Steven let go. He approached Asahi and said, "Asahi…"

He hugged her and whispered, "She'll be alright. When you leave to train, do it for her."

Asahi whimpered, "How can I? You just lost your sister…"

"I know. But I can't let emotions get to me, again. After Kanade used me, and before she died… all my emotions were gone. I could never love again, and I could never be happy, until everything is gone…"

"Why? Why are you upset? You're not sad?"

"Deep down, I am… But I can't let this get to me, at all, since everyone I loved was killed or used. My battle with Akame taught me everything… and that's to be as strong as I can, and not give in to evil, setting aside my personal issues. Asahi, you have to set aside Maki's death, and honor her spirit. Do so, and I'll do the same."

He turned to Farra, "And so will she! Right, Farra?"

Farra nodded, as she blushed, "Uh… Right! I'll honor Maki and Cecelia's memory, too!"

She thought, "As much as I hate this, he's right. Two years of this, and we have to honor the memories of our loved ones."

She asked, "Wait! What about Black Dynamite? He was Mr. Nevins' mentor, before he died in the Great War."

He nodded, as Asahi replied, "Mr. Nevins is our friend. We can honor those who stood for justice, no matter what the cause."

She smiled and said, "Steven, Farra… Thank you. You're right. Maki's dead, and that's all that matters. Because, I'm going to continue my training and duties… and honor her memory."

Farra hugged her and said, "And I hope you become stronger… and make her happy."

They shared a hug, as Steven thought, "Mr. Nevins… This will be for you… for Black Dynamite. And yes, I'll become stronger for you… Sis."

XXXXX

Meanwhile, from out of town, Heather was riding along on Kimbo, her Mountain Lion steed, as she was searching for the address to a small dojo to train in.

"Dear Heather,
Congratulations. Your good deed will not go unnoticed. As I promised, I have sent you away to train to a distant place, far from The Gang. Don't worry. You can thank me, later.
Go to this address, and HE will train you.
Yours in Ice,
Aya Hoshino"

She arrived at a small wooden dojo, with the sign that says "Nevins' Dojo" on top. She whispered, "Nevins' Dojo?"

The door opened, as a man in a black Gi, slick brown hair, and a goatee, appeared. He asked, "Heather?"

Heather was in tears, as she whispered, "Steven? Oh, god… It's you?"

Steven N said, "A woman named Aya told me everything. You didn't have to leave your friends, to grow stronger. Perhaps I can train you."

She blushed, "I… I don't know…"

"MOM!"
"MOMMY!"

Two girls ran to Heather, as one was about 5'2", with long blonde hair and a red blouse, and the other is small, with short auburn hair and a purple shirt and red shorts.

"JUNIOR! BETH! Long time, no see~!"

She hugged her daughters, as she was reunited with her family for the next two years, to train under Steven Nevins' wing. Heather told everything about Imperial Lobby, as Steven N laughed, saying that it was tough, but his wife needs to learn that not everything is pizazz and snow displays. Heather giggled, as she hugged him. This would begin Heather's training, for the remainder of the planned two years.

Back at Castle Darkveil, Peter & Luzer returned, as Kendra's menagerie of creatures and demons cheered on, throwing red and purple confetti, black streamers, and decaying body parts to their saviors and heroes.

Peter gagged, as he was disgusted, "Is this how you guys celebrate?"

Luzer said, "Meh… Eternal night… and evil forces. To be honest, I get that, a lot."

"I have to go meet with the Countess, right now."

"You do that. I have to go home and prepare dinner." He flew off.

Peter laughed, "If you're ever giving, see if I can try some of Roast Chelsea~! AH, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Luzer snorted, as he left to his perch, "That's not funny… Besides, I eat my damned souls raw…"

Peter returned to the castle, and was praised and exhilarated by his countess for his role in Imperial Lobby. Kendra then learned about Broken Matt Hardy and said that the next 21 months with her will be brutal. But she will make sure that he becomes stronger with the Yoru Tsumiken.

"I will do as you please, Countess."

Kendra said, "Very good. Now… Kiss me…"

He stepped back, as he was scared, "Uh, no, thanks…"

Kendra blushed, "You know you want to… I'm very voluptuous."

"Sorry, I don't do drag queens!"

"I'm transgender."

"Who cares?!"

"Aw, you're no fun." Kendra pouted.

He blushed and said, "Alright. Fine. But if you change to Rotciv, then NO MORE loving, for you, forever!"

She giggled, "Come on… You know I'm not that sort of person. Now, why would I do that?"

"You promise?"

"I change, whenever someone eyes me. I'm not gay or anything… Plus, I heard that you and the red-headed robot broke up."

"That was a promise to reunite."

"I understand."

She wrapped her arms around him and said, "Well… then… Let us…"

They started to kiss passionately, as Peter was enjoying it. He still remembers Mizuki, but will be in big trouble, if Mizuki ever know about him and Kendra, just now.

"Luzer's right… I am screwed, either way." He thought, in complete worry.

Meanwhile, in Luzer's perch, a huge wooden birdhouse, he dragged away the bodies of Lubbock and Chelsea into the living room. He brushed his wings and said, "And they say I cannot carry my food on takeout. No, it's still a Darkveil secret, and I wouldn't resort to blab. Besides, those two, Lubbock and Chelsea, look delicious. Mortal food doesn't get me going. It tastes good, but upsets my stomach on ethnic foods. Yech. Shame what happened to her head, though."

He grinned evilly, "But still, imagine my surprise that the first two NR9 agents I met are the main course for me!"

Ding-Dong!
He thought, as he looked at his door, "Huh? Who could that be? It better not be Wolfy. He owes me for devouring that corrupt politician, last month!"

He opened the door, as a four-foot crow appeared, and spoke a la Fred Flintstone, "Hiya, neighbor. Pike's the name. I heard about the hero, Luzer, right? Thought I drop by for dinner. Eh-heh-heh…"

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaa?" Luzer gasped.

Pike saw Lubbock and Chelsea's corpses and said, "Oh! Well, look at that! You got some food, already?"

"Just munched on one of Chelsea's fingers, Pike." Luzer said, "I didn't get the head, in time, but you know how it is."

"Ah, so sweet… It's so tasty, huh?" Pike explained, "Well, what say we dig in on some parts."

"You said it. I'll refrigerate them, when we get full. I have plans for them."

"You're so right, neighbor. I like to know my victims… and even the prey that my neighbors harbored. Really digs inside them. Figure out what makes them tick. Eh-heh-heh…"

"Well, I'll prepare a plate for you, Pike." Luzer fluttered onto Chelsea's right breast, "Make your choice: Chelsea or Lubbock?"

"Hmm… Give me the headless broad. You know my meat… Raw! Love to trickle the blood down into my mouth. Eh-heh-heh…"

We'll get back to them, later…

Back at New York, Mizuki waited by the window, as Scarlet said, "Leaving?"

Mizuki sniffled, "He didn't have to leave me. I am going to go back to Targus City, when this is over."

Scarlet nodded and said, "Well, he'll come back… someday."

She said, "I wanna thank you, for rescuing me."

Mizuki said, "Did you know then that was gonna happen?"

"I don't know," Scarlet said, "You hope for the best, and make due for what you get. You make a great team… The Seven of you, and I'm counting the bird."

Mizuki said, "Nothing lasts forever."

"Trouble, Agent Takase! No matter who wins or loses, trouble still comes around, again."

She left, as Mizuki smiled. She nodded and said, "Enos… Wait for me. I'll be coming home…"

She beeped, "MZK-91 Mission: SUCCESSFUL! Returning to base for repairs…"

She groaned, "I'm still not going to get used to it."

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Steven, Farra, & Asahi left AAW HQ, as they were chatting.

"So, the rules have changed," Steven asked.

"Something new has been added," Farra replied.

"But I mean, someone who plays the game, can deal with the trouble."

"Right! But that's different."

"I mean, you use the bracelet, or the fire, or the rage, and you still act strong. But you're still human."

"Exactly!"

Asahi said, "You can hold the bracelet, you can wield the power. Matt Hardy cannot have that. Only I know it, since it's safe with me. But safe isn't a short amount of supply."

Steven sniffed, "So, it only works, if you're chosen…"

"At least you have to have a pure heart." Farra joked.

Asahi smiled, as she stepped in the middle of the courtyard, "I'm gonna miss these long talks and arguments."

"Not if you don't leave." Farra said.

Asahi explained, "Not really. The Authority, Night Raid, and Matt Hardy are key elements in Tohru Honda's revival, since the battle with Bog Nougat and the Elder God, Junior. It's not a coincidence. Someone else has played an intricate game among us, and is using ALL of us as pawns. Once we find out, when all the pieces are together…"

Farra asked, "Triple Yahtzee?"

Steven C asked, "Think you can find out what's going on?"

Asahi said, "Maybe. But for now, I'll keep my eye out. Aside from the Precious Stones of Control… there's nothing that can be explained."

She transformed into Mech-Asahi and flew away. She called out, "Farewell!"

She disappeared into the blue sky, as Farra smirked, "That girl… has no sense of fashion, since she transforms into the same attire, as her pop idol days…"

She and Steven walked together, as Farra continued, "I'm gonna miss her. And you will miss me, and I will miss you… and there's going to be a lot of tears."

"I will miss you, Farra." He said.

She replied, "Yeah? I have to go and hone my chi, in the Avian Village. You know, I should take a page out of Heather's book… Dress as a superhero, wear a cape, and find a fiery mask… Big Guy hates the Snowman mask… but hey, makes me look like a Zen Devil or a Burning Phoenix. What about you?"

"I don't know. Family life… Stability… Guy wanted to be well-recognized and famous, after over 30 years of his life… I think I know someone else like that."

She held his shoulder and said, "You alright?"

He smiled, as he looked at the AAW Building, "I'm home."

Farra smiled, as she grew wings and flew away. Steven smiled and said, "Farewell, my friend. See you in two years."

Mundy said, as he went to him, "Hey, Cooke. You want to join us for a moment?"

Steven nodded and said, "Sure."

He joined his new ally, as Mundy explained to him that Scarlet appointed him as Special Agent in AAW. His rank is unranked, but he is helpful to The Gang, during missions. Steven said, "A-Squad uses weapons… but I don't need it."

Mundy said, "Yeah… Sorry to hear about your sister. She'll rest in peace, once we nip this in the bud. Scarlet wishes you her condolences."

"Yeah… But now, we have some unfinished business." Steven said, "You want to fight me, to prove yourself?"

"Nah, who needs it? Besides, I have to return to East Townsend, and give the BattleVan some much needed repairs." Mundy replied, "Swell tank you got there. But you're going to have it dismantled into something much cooler. Don't worry. I know a mate that can make a SUV look like a Howitzer Tank."

"Don't scuff up the paint."

"I won't." Mundy said.

Scarlet was waiting for them, as she said, "There you guys are. Before you go, Kanaka assigned you to working with AAW-New York, for one month. AAW-Los Angeles suffered a blow, after Veronica Deane shot Agent Archer."

Mundy asked, "The movie star?"

Scarlet said, "Says that he suffered a huge gun wound, loss of blood, and is under intensive care. Kanaka states that he drowned in the pool, after Krieger's K-Bot clone malfunctioned. So, since he's under ICU, you will have to fill-in for Archer, until Agent Hartwell returns from an important case. How do we look?"

She showed the clipboard to Steven, as he said, "Well, not like the 1997 Indians, but we have a shot. Couple of veterans here, too."

"We got some hitters." Scarlet smiled.

Mundy said, "Bah… They're not a team, but it'll start."

Steven smiled, "Steven Cooke will beat them into shape."

They arrived at the gym, as four people appeared. Two were female, and two were male. The two women were wearing Goth-Loli uniforms, and one has long black hair, and the other has long blonde hair. They were April & January Marciano. They were assigned to join AAW-New York. Two other people were Rook, who was holding his place, on his cane, and the other was a man in black hair and dark skin, wearing a Kevlar Vest and black pants. Steven viewed the recruits, as he said, "You know… One month of this… and I can train as much as I like."

He smirked, "Master Kenshiro… I'll see you soon. I have to take care of things here, first."

Steven Cooke and the rest of The Gang went their separate ways, until the time was right. Returning from their biggest adventure to date, they disbanded, in hopes to return, stronger and faster than ever. This battle for The Gang, against the forces of evil, was far from over.

He stood in attention, as he bellowed out, "GANG…"

The Gang vs. NR9 – The End

Meanwhile, in Darkveil, Pike was lying on the floor, stuffed, with his belly huge. He moaned, "Boy, you sure know how to cook! They sure taste great!"

He belched, as Luzer was stuffed, as well. The demon crows only ate most of Chelsea and Lubbock, as Luzer said, "Aw, man… Who knew these Night Raid assassins taste spicy?"

He burped, as he and Luzer got up, "I don't know about you, but I'm going to leave you some in a Tupperware!"

Pike laughed, "Boy, you are sure great!"

He gave pieces of Chelsea in a small plastic container, and wrapped Lubbock's lower arm in foil, for an Eat-to-Go package. Pike smiled, "Welp, gotta go. Places to see, people to eat! Eh-heh-heh… See ya later!"

He flew away, as Luzer waved goodbye. Luzer smiled, "Such a nice crow. OH! That reminds me! I better prepare my Night Raid Casserole, for the potluck party, tonight."

He shut the door to his ménage, as he prepared to make his demonic feast for later.

Meanwhile, in a very dark place, a figure in brown hair kneeled to a figure that is in the shadows.

"Broken Matt Hardy's plans… have been foiled… Master…" She whispered, bowing her head down, "The Gang… We didn't expect them… to be that strong…"

The female figure brushed her very long black hair and said, "That is okay, my slave. This time… I will handle things, myself…"

She held up a blue gem and opened her chest panel, with four different slots inside. A red one was already connected, as she placed her blue gem inside. She then said, as she showed her fangs, "Mmm… You know… The Gang is worthy rivals… But perhaps… I have a surprise for them, once they return."

She grinned evilly, as the woman in brown hair revealed herself to be Kagura Sohma, Tohru Honda's ex-minion, now slave to the evil gynoid in black attire. She stood in place, as the evil woman remained in her throne. Her irises glowed in a red light, and her last words were, "Useless… Useless… Useless… The Gang will be useless…"

What sort of demonic plan does this woman have planned for The Gang, once they return? And moreover, who is she? The Moji Mikisa continues to run its course, as its chain of events continued onward, in hopes of finding peace and harmony, or chaos and despair.

Only time will tell.

To be continued…

Thanks for Reading!