"Six more people dead in gang war."
"The gangs are out in public, going at each other."
"Civilians injured from the crowd that followed the shootout."
"Military issued in the high regions."
"The country is locked down until further notice."
"Experts say it could go on for the rest of the week."
Daniel's eyes stayed fixed on the old article in front of him, on the worn paper with words that someone had circled — no, carved — with red ink. He read every marked line, trying to trace the weight that came with it.
The car hummed low and fast through the road, its windows tinted enough to hide the silence inside.
Dane spoke, eyes on the road. His voice didn't lift or drop.
"The lockdown lasted two months. A total of 79 dead. Three of them civilians. That was one of the darkest times this country ever faced."
A brief pause.
"That's why guns were banned. Not politics. Not morals. Just that war."
Daniel leaned back, letting the words settle. Then he replied, almost dismissively,
"Haam. I think everyone knows that story — the gang war, the lockdown, the ban. So what's new about it?"
As he spoke, Daniel glanced at James. Strangely, James was nodding faintly, eyes still on the road. For a second, Daniel felt like he had taken the conversation. He wasn't being ignored — not by James, not by Dane. That small recognition made him feel... involved.
Dane didn't miss a beat.
"Hey, Daniel. Ever heard of Gideon Cross?"
Daniel froze for a second. Of course he had heard the name — whispered by others, casually thrown at him like a comparison.
"Yeah. Not much, though. Some guys said my moves reminded them of Gideon Cross."
Dane let out a loud laugh, almost out of character for him. It wasn't mocking — not entirely — but it carried weight.
He regained control.
"Fighting like Gideon Cross? Seriously, Daniel?"
He shook his head, letting out a breath through a short laugh.
"Do you even know who he was? You're putting weight on the words of some clueless spectators. Don't be that naive."
Then James, silent until now, cut in — cold.
"Have you seen Gideon Cross fight with your own eyes to say otherwise?"
That silenced Dane for a moment. He looked at James through the rear-view mirror, then back to the road. His expression didn't change, but something in the air shifted. He overtook two cars in a single breath of silence.
Then he spoke again.
"You think Gideon Cross is an urban legend? Just another name that gets passed around when someone enters the crew life?"
He scoffed.
"He started the war that shut down the country. The reason we lived under martial law. The reason people were shot on sight."
James stayed quiet. Daniel, too stunned to speak, just listened.
Dane went on.
"He wasn't an urban legend, James. He was real. And if you're wondering if this has anything to do with Gideon Cross—"
A pause. Long enough to hold a breath.
"It's not unrelated."
Daniel felt the shift now. Something about the way Dane said it. This wasn't just storytime.
"Where do I even begin," Dane muttered.
Then:
"Let's just say… our country is heading toward another war. Worse than the one before. And this time… because of our boss."
James met his eyes through the rear-view mirror. Dane held the stare as he drove.
Daniel asked, hesitant,
"Who is your boss? Is he stronger than you guys?"
James sighed and looked away.
Dane, still watching James through the mirror, asked,
"Should I tell him, James?"
James didn't meet his eyes this time. His voice was low.
"If he doesn't have anything to do with this, why are you dragging him into it? Just come to the point."
Dane paused.
"Haam. Then it's okay."
But he continued anyway.
"Daniel…" he said, his tone softer.
"Let's say he's the guy who stopped the flow of drugs into our country."
He waited.
"What do you think?"
Daniel didn't reply. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say.
Dane pointed loosely behind him while steering, motioning at Daniel.
"Did James ever tell you about the boss he used to work for? What did he say?"
Daniel glanced at James.
"He said… he was a devil."
Dane chuckled.
"Yeah, Daniel. He really was."
His voice now steady, clear.
"He stopped the drugs coming in, yeah. But he's the biggest drug exporter to other countries."
A beat.
"And you know what he says? 'As long as it's not affecting the people in this country, they don't have a reason to come after me. He's the devil — just in disguise."
James leaned forward slightly.
"What does this have to do with the war? And with Brookhaven? Why is he after me?"
Dane replied, calm.
"You remember I said Gideon Cross was the reason for the gang war 17 years ago?"
He paused.
"I was what — six, seven at the time?"
A quiet sigh.
"Sorry. Got off track."
James's face didn't react, but something tensed in him.
Dane looked at both of them through the mirror.
"Gideon Cross was murdered. That's what triggered the chaos."
Both Daniel and James froze.
"You see, Gideon Cross… he wasn't just some gang leader. He was never crew-level. He was something else. Bigger. He beat crews across regions. Alone. Then vanished."
He paused again — not for drama, but to remember.
"People thought he disappeared just because. But no… he was trying to get noticed."
Dane opened the glove box and handed something backward. Daniel passed it to James.
A photo. Black and white. Faded. A group of men in front of a building. No title. No explanation.
Dane took a sharp turn. Both James and Daniel leaned from the momentum.
"That's a crime syndicate from the early 1900s. They ran the economy before we had an actual government. Later, they evolved into something worse — a secret organization."
His voice hardened.
"Outside, the country looked peaceful. Inside, these guys defined its power structure. Multiple heads. Equal power. No one higher than the other. Every illegal business was assigned — one per head. No overlap. No ego wars."
"That was how they built an empire."
A beat.
"And Gideon Cross? He broke the pattern."
Dane's grip tightened on the wheel.
"He saw what no one else did. And by fighting, by causing chaos — he was trying to make them see him. And they did."
"They bid for him. One of them won — the Head of Velmont Region."
Another silence.
"Then… years later… Gideon Cross was murdered."
Dane's voice turned bitter.
"They say he wasn't someone you could replace with money."
"He meant more to the man who brought him in. Maybe more than anyone else ever did."
"And that's what started the war."
"The crews, the syndicate heads — everyone went at each other. In daylight. In cities."
"The government lost control. Military hit the streets. Shoot on sight. People starved. Civilians were shot by mistake."
"That… was the dark age."
Daniel's throat tightened. James clenched his jaw.
James asked quietly,
"What did you mean by… bringing back those dark days?"
Dane replied instantly.
"Because he's Gideon Cross's nephew."
That stopped everything.
"And he wants revenge."
A long breath.
"From the beginning, he never wanted to rule the Velmont region. He built everything for one goal — war. A war to burn the ones who killed his uncle."
He added,
"But there was one variable."
Daniel felt it — the silence around it. He looked at James. James asked,
"What variable?"
Dane grinned softly.
"To start a war like that without tipping the world off… he needed a smokescreen. A mask. A distraction that could hide a gang war under something smaller."
He turned to look at Daniel.
"Do you know what that variable was, Daniel?"
Daniel couldn't answer. His heart beat loud in his chest.
"That variable," Dane said, "was the reason I came to find you."
"The devil was searching for a high schooler. Someone who could draw attention — but not the wrong kind. A school-level fighter. A spark."
"But he wasn't just looking for any student. He was looking for Gideon Cross's son."
Daniel's breath caught.
"Yeah," Dane said quietly.
"Gideon's wife was pregnant when he died. And now, the devil found his cousin. He's building everything around him. Starting with Brookhaven."
"But since today's plan failed… he'll find another way."
James finally said, voice dry,
"Who are you even talking to? If Brookhaven's safe, that's enough. We're not superheroes. We can't stop someone like him."
Dane's voice was calm but sharp.
"You think safety is enough? When the next war comes, no one will be safe. I've seen that world, James. I lived in it."
"And if we don't stop him… we're all going back to that hell."
He turned back to the road.
"Just join me. I have a plan."
There was no response from James. For a while, even Dane fell silent. Only their thoughts lingered — heavy and unspoken — as the car sped down the quiet road. Minutes passed like that, the only sound coming from the low hum of the engine.
Then James finally broke the silence.
"Why did you involve Daniel in this now?"
Daniel turned toward him, then shifted his gaze to Dane. He could feel something building in the air.
Dane's voice came steady from the front. "Didn't I already tell you? I've been close to our boss from the beginning. When I found out he was looking for a teenager — someone around high school age — I got curious. And that was around the same time Daniel's name came to me. So I checked him out. At first, that was all."
He paused for a breath before continuing.
"But then I started learning everything — his connection to Gideon Cross, the truth behind who the boss was really looking for… Gideon's son. I didn't even know about the organization or Gideon's past until all of this."
Before he could go on, James cut in — voice even but sharp.
"Dane."
He didn't raise his voice, but the weight behind it made the whole car feel colder.
"I'm not talking about then. I'm asking why you made Daniel assist me now. Don't tell me this was just an excuse to lure me here."
He paused, eyes locked on Dane through the rear-view.
"You could've brought me here a hundred different ways. But instead, you pulled someone like him — someone who clearly wants nothing to do with any of this — into a place he should've never been part of."
Daniel caught the shift in James's tone. That quiet protectiveness — the same one he'd seen in moments before — resurfaced. Yeah. James was acting like an older brother again. And today's meeting? It wasn't just about plans or politics.
It was James trying to settle things around Daniel. To keep him out of this mess.
From the front, Dane looked at James through the mirror and said quietly, "I was about to explain that."
"I want Daniel to lead Shadow Legion and look after Brookhaven while you're away," Dane said.
Daniel was stunned.
James didn't even pause. "That's not happening, Dane. You want me to let a high school kid lead a gang? Are you out of your mind? He doesn't even want to be involved in this world."
Dane replied, "Why do you always decide for others? Let him choose if it's something he should or shouldn't do." He added, "And really? Are you bringing up age right now? What's your take, Daniel?"
Daniel looked down, taking his time. Then slowly, he spoke.
"I got dragged into all this because I didn't want my friends and I to get pulled into another fight... But even that's not it. After everything today... I don't think I'm someone who belongs at that level. I feel like I'm not in a place I should be."
He paused, then continued, "What I don't get is — why me? Why do you want an entire territory to be led by someone like me?"
Dane replied, "Because, if I'm being real, you're the only candidate actually suited to lead a territory. Not James. Not me. Not those two guys from earlier either. You've got something we really need in a leader."
He added, "Just before, James didn't say you're unworthy. He only gave reasons to keep you out of this world. The truth is — he knows. If anyone's fit to lead, it's you. You know why?"
Daniel swallowed. His gaze shifted to James, who, to his surprise, looked like he agreed with Dane.
Dane said, "You don't want to fight."
He continued, "And that's what we need in a leader. I've never met a fighter who's that good — and still chooses not to fight. You're that person. Most of the guys enjoy it. Even when they fight for the right reasons, they enjoy the fight itself."
"The best leader is someone who can fight but chooses not to. You can fight better than almost anyone your age or older, and yet... you always back away. That's what makes you different."
Daniel kept looking at him. Dane went on.
"And one more thing — don't think you're not strong enough either. Are you judging yourself based on the duels earlier? That was a different kind of fight. You literally parried with James, didn't you? If you can go toe-to-toe with him, you're more than good in a fight."
"Brookhaven's its own thing. If they failed today to take your base and crews, they'll probably shift their plans entirely. Brookhaven will be off the map."
He paused, then added, "Your job would be to coordinate the crews under Shadow Legion — make sure they don't go rogue when James isn't around."
Then, after a breath, Dane chuckled, "God, I just went off. Anyway, it's your territory, James. You should be telling him."
James replied, "I'm also hearing all this now. What do you expect me to say? I'm still trying to process it."
Dane snorted. "Ha... you're too slow. See, Daniel? That's how he is. This guy should be the last option to lead a territory like Brookhaven."
James replied, "I still haven't decided whether I'll let Daniel lead Shadow Legion."
Dane shrugged. "It's your call, James. You can just disband an entire gang of crews and watch them tear apart the city later. We don't need a fighter. We need someone we can trust to lead."
James replied, "Even if I do join you for that bigger war you mentioned, I've got other people who can lead the gang. I don't need a high school kid running it."
Dane shot back, "What the heck are you saying? We'll need every one of us. Even just to stop them from going against the heads. We'll need our full force."
He added, "And why are you afraid? Your crews are all Daniel's age anyway. So who better than him to lead Shadow Legion?"
James replied, "I get your point. But I still don't think Daniel wants any part of this."
Dane leaned forward. "That's the thing. We don't need someone who wants to be a gang leader. We need someone who hates it. Someone who'll never bring fights into this place — but can step in when needed."
He looked at Daniel. "Let's hear it from you. I don't see a better guy than you to lead Brookhaven."
James didn't look at Daniel. He just rested his head against the seat, silent.
Dane watched Daniel through the rearview mirror.
Daniel slowly formed the words. "I still don't think I'm the right person. But... after thinking through everything... maybe I should do my part. If you're really trying to stop something big before it turns worse... then yeah. I'll take it."
"I've already built connections with some of the crew leaders. I know they're good guys. So I don't think Shadow Legion is a bad place for me. Maybe... maybe I was already part of it long before, through those meetings."
Dane's eyes softened into a smile.
James slowly raised his head and said, "It's not just Shadow Legion. Without me around, a lot of older gangs will come for us. These aren't your average crews. It'll be chaos. Brookhaven will turn into a battleground. Leading Shadow Legion means dealing with all of that."
Dane kept his eyes on the road, silent.
Daniel responded, "Yeah. I get it. That means I have to grow stronger. If I want our place to stay at peace... I have to work for it. I'll do it."
James didn't say anything after that. But somehow, it felt like he had accepted it — that Daniel would lead Shadow Legion now.
The car moved faster. Dane accelerated. The drive turned quiet again. They had left the others far behind.
Then, as if he suddenly remembered, Dane said,
"Daniel, I was about to tell you this... but I got carried away."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Do you know why James lost to Gideon back there?"
Daniel didn't respond. A part of him was still holding onto everything that had happened. It felt like every time he was in this car, his worth was being questioned — or redefined.
Dane glanced at him through the rearview.
"You're the head of Brookhaven now. Acting like you're still just some kid caught in the middle... it doesn't fit anymore."
Then, a grin crept in.
"I still remember how you talked back to me the first time we met. What happened to that guy? You scared now?"
Daniel gave a half-shrug. "No. Just… thought you'd say it anyway. I was listening."
Dane nodded, then went on.
"Alright. Let's get to it. Why James lost."
He pointed ahead, like the road itself held the answer.
"Was it because Gideon Graves was stronger? Not really. Honestly… if James had gone up against Kieran instead, it might've been even worse."
Daniel frowned slightly.
Dane caught it and clarified,
"No — Kieran's not stronger than Graves. But strength wasn't the deciding factor. It rarely is. The real question is: who had the advantage?"
Daniel leaned in, listening more closely now.
"In a real fight," Dane said, "the edge usually goes to the one defending."
A pause.
"The one who attacks first — even if he's stronger — opens himself up. More risk. More room to slip. That's what happened to James."
He let the silence stretch just long enough to be felt.
"He rushed in. Not because that's his usual style — James is the calmest among us. That's why he's the strongest. But this time… he didn't have the luxury to be."
Dane glanced at James, still leaning with his head against the seat.
"Graves and Kieran? They could wait. James couldn't."
Daniel kept watching the road ahead.
"You ever wonder why people enjoy fighting?" Dane asked. "It's the rhythm. The moment you read someone — time slows. Like catching the perfect pass in soccer before it's even kicked. That anticipation… it's addictive."
He paused.
"And the ones who defend — who don't chase that feeling — they tend to see more. They last longer. That's the gift defense gives you. Patience. Clarity."
He tapped the wheel gently — once.
"But," Dane added, voice shifting slightly, "that's only one side of the truth."
Another pause, heavier this time.
"Because if the person coming at you is far stronger — and he's not just fighting, but hunting — then no defense is enough. You're not reading him anymore. You're surviving."
His eyes flicked to Daniel.
"In those fights? All that matters is whether you're still standing after the first three moves."
The car rolled on, smooth and fast.
Daniel didn't say anything. But the shift — from truth to its shadow — had landed. And it stayed with him.
The base was close now. The air outside thickened — loud voices, fists pounding skin, bodies clashing behind closed doors.
It was chaos. Pure and restless.
Dane slowed the car and brought it to a stop.
He turned back one last time.
"When we step in, you don't have to make a speech or act like you're someone else," he said. "You just need to be steady. They've seen enough fighters. What they need is someone who can hold ground when it really matters."
James spoke then, his voice calm but certain.
"I'm not handing you Brookhaven like it's nothing," he said. "Show us. Me, Dane, everyone inside. Show them why they should follow you."
He paused. "Whether they do or not — that's on you now."
Daniel just smiled, like he already knew what came next.
James opened his door and stepped out, saying nothing more.
Dane followed, leaving Daniel to gather his breath for a second longer.
Brookhaven had just handed its future to someone who never asked for it.
And the real weight of leadership?
It was waiting inside.