Light Inside: The Knight of Light

Solar Dojo, Luminata City - November 16, 2035

🎵: Saffari - Pacific

"Sol! Sol, come on, wake up!!"

Sol bursts awake thinking that another attack on the dojo is happening. He falls out of his bed to a sight even more frightening, Asia was the one waking him. She blushes and looks away embarrassed. It takes a moment, but he forgot that he had slept fully nude.

"It's uh- three in the afternoon." She thinks to herself, "Since when was he built like that?"

"W-w-what are you doing here?", Sol asked, frantically going to put on his pants.

"You and Rain were missing from school yesterday and now today. Brought you the homework."

"You came all this way for homework?"

"Okay, I was worried and wanted to check up on you guys. Listen, it's not easy to maintain the popular girl persona when you care about nerds."

Sol chuckles, "You flatter me, Miss Beatrix... Welcome to the Solar Dojo."

Asia looks out his window and is enamored with the place. She couldn't have imagined that Sol, Rain, and even Luna, lived in a place like this. She then looks around Sol's room while the host finishes getting dressed. Now this, she could've seen from a mile away.

"Nice Sydney Sweeney poster." She taps her nails across his shoulder, "So while I'm here, can you give me the tour?"

Sol takes her around the dojo gladly, showing her all of the best spots and introducing her to the other residents. Rain is speechless at the sight of their surprise guest and even falls back when she greets him warmly. Some of the other boys were shocked seeing the Sol they'd known for a long time flanked by such a pretty girl... besides Luna, but she lived at the dojo.

The two pass by one of the less-occupied areas on the last stop of the tour. The door is guarded by Master Forge, as usual with a spear in hand. He looks no worse for wear despite also fighting the mafia through the night. The Montenegros were probably smaller time. No other mentions of crazy animal mechs, so that might just confirm it.

Asia is intrigued by the fact that this place is guarded and yet, the vault isn't. Sol explains that here are the dojo archives where any tangible information is stored, but there's something even cooler stored inside.

"Ahh, Sol. I see you're finally up... and with a girlfriend? You continue to be proficient in everything except weaponry.", Forge said with intrigue.

Embarrassed as Asia laughs, Sol responds, "Yeah, uh, gotta love those weapons. Sooooo, you mind letting me through?"

"Sorry, kiddo. Solar's orders. He said not to let anyone near the prisoner. That includes you."

"But I was the one that defeated him."

Asia shakes her head in confusion, "I'm sorry. Defeated? Prisoner?"

"Why are you bringing your guest here anyway?"

"Welllll..." Sol quickly puts his hand on Asia's shoulder and teleports them both inside.

"Ah, right. You can do that too...", Forge said to himself, defeated.

Suddenly inside the archives, Asia nearly falls to the floor. Sol holds her up, satisfied that he managed to blow her mind.

"Did-did we just teleport?"

"Yup... If there was a way to reveal myself, that surely was it. I have light powers, Asia. Isn't that amazing?"

"Light powers... All this time knowing you and yet, I never really did know you."

"Oh, it gets even better. Trust me."

Hand in hand, Sol takes her past the shelves stacked with files and other archived materials... past the table with completely dismantled gauntlets. Their path leads them to a newly repurposed cell near the back of the archives.

"Ah, come to say hello?" asked Steel Fist from the inside. "How's the new dent in your chest?

"What's up, Tin Fist?" Feeling like a million bucks, especially knowing I'm gonna take all your people down after tonight. By the way, how are you enjoying our hospitality?"

SF laughs sinisterly, "You talk big talk just because you managed to scrape by yours truly. You only doomed everyone at this dojo, whatever ya call it. His laugh turns to an unsettling chuckle, "They're gonna come here and get me back, you know. And when they do, the Emperor is gonna break all your bones and twist you up like a pretzel." He looks at Asia, "Then, he's gonna make you watch as he slowly kills yours like your lady friend over here."

"Oi, bruv. You got me bloody pissing in me trousers." Sol responded in a mocking accent. "This Emperor guy sounds like less of a threat and more like a circus performer. Come up with better threats. Maybe you can do it together when you're sharing a prison cell."

"Hehe, you've killed yourself, you little shite. You just don't know it yet."

Sol explains his powers and victory over SF to Asia, including the dismantled gauntlets as they had a starring role in that endeavor. Her first impression of the Noiratan Captain was that his grating voice must've been worse to deal with than those things. Still, she couldn't get over the fact that he wasn't in color like they were. Not to mention, the red eyes.

Before they can discuss further, Master Solar enters the room, placing the fear in Sol's heart that SF wishes he could've done. He doesn't have any semblance of anger, but rather urgency.

"I see you wanted to pay our valuable guest a visit... with a guest of your own." He bows to Asia, "Sake Orouku, young lady. Welcome to the Solar Dojo. Excuse my son's reckless nature."

His words barely faze Asia as she's more focused on how an ugly skank like Luna may be the daughter of such a gorgeous man. It all made sense now why Sol was built the way he was. Maybe Rain is the same way. All she can do is smile and give Sol a look that translates to "I'm going to be your stepmother."

"Let's go. We have much to prepare for.", Solar urged Sol.

"Prepare for what?" asked Asia.

"THE CASINO ROYALE?!" she shockingly asked, now sitting and eating with Rain.

"True story. All of Sol's efforts through the night have led there.", Rain answered.

"Of course. Fighting the mafia... it shouldn't be surprising that a rich mogul like Moises Hitch has affiliations with them."

"You know him?"

"Duh, dummy! I'm going to be a hospitality major in college, so I've been studying places like the most affluent hotel in the city and its owner." Asia sips her tea and weeps, "The hourglass building was so genius!"

"Have you been there?"

"No, but if you guys let me, I can accompany Sol... PLEASE!!"

"I'm sorry, but it might be way too dangerous. Sol is strong, but even then, he could be walking into a trap set for him."

"But that's why he's going in that disguise he's been getting into, right? You want to sell that facade? He walks in with a beautiful girl in his arm."

"There's that Asia Beatrix charm. I was wondering where that went.", Rain remarked before sipping his tea.

"How do I look?"

Sol walked into the dining room, looking like a new man. That was the idea after all. His hair is no longer spiked up and to the side, but slicked back. His face has a notable age to it rather than a prime youthful appearance. The time spent in makeup was for facial prosthetics, added stubble, and a contact to hide his blue eye and match his pink one. This wasn't a kid anymore... This was a man of at least thirty years.

"Wow, you look... mature.", Asia said, taken by this new Sol. "So, these people won't recognize you like this?"

"We can only hope.", responded Master Solar, walking in behind him. He turns to Sol, "As long as plays the part correctly."

He hands the mature hero a fake ID card, much to his and the others' surprise. It looks very legitimate, the type of quality that a high schooler could only dream of... This identification is not even of Luminatan origin, but instead from another country:

REINO DE TEMPERAÑA (KINGDOM OF TEMPERES)

DOCUMENTO NACIONAL DE IDENTIDAD (NATIONAL IDENTITY DOCUMENT)

DNI 22543686S

APPELIDOS (SURNAMES)

INFANTE

NOMBRE (NAME)

LEÓN

SEXO (SEX) 

M

NACIONALIDAD (NATIONALITY)

TEM

NACIMENTO (DOB)

06-05-2003

"So-"

"If you try using this fake ID for anything other than what's going on tonight, I will personally teleport to you and torch it.", Solar interrupted.

"Yes, sir."

"You can teleport too?" Asia asked. Solar gives her no response.

Solar urges Sol, "Remember, tonight you are León Infante; a young, fresh hotelier from Temperes. Anyone asks, if you are looking to discuss a partnership with Mr. Hitch. Regardless, your goal is to get eyes on that meeting some way... somehow. We'll try to help you however we can, but it's up to you to play the part and figure things out."

"You want to play the part? I have the right idea."

Solar and Sol both look at Asia who is just inches away from them now. The elder knows exactly what she's implying, "Absolutely not, Miss Beatrix. It's far too dangerous."

Rain interjects, "Told ya!"

"I know, sir, but hear me out. No way in hell does a powerful guy like this, especially from a fancy, schmancy country across the ocean, walk in without a pretty girl or two in his arm(s)."

"Charming."

Rain interjects again, "Said that too."

Sol chimes in, "She has a point, Master. Plus, she's a hospitality major. She knows a thing or two about this hotel."

"Exactly, and don't worry, I won't be too much in his way and can also be an extra set of eyes and ears! Besides, I'm already eighteen. You can't just tell me where I can or can't go."

Master Solar places his fingers on his forehead in frustration. He relents, making sure that Sol understands her safety is now part of his responsibility. With the party rapidly approaching, he knows of an outfit she should fit in nicely. The race begins as the two have to be ready by five to head out.

Five fifteen in the afternoon comes quickly and both are finally ready to go. Asia does, in fact, fit the referenced outfit, a purple backless halter dress. Her typically braided hair is tied up like a crown, adding to her elegance. Sol becomes León Infante with his white jacket tuxedo, strengthening his shoulders. His bow tie matches with the blue carnation in his chest pocket. This getup is less colorful than he's used to, but it, at least, has that small touch.

Solar groans, "Fantastic, you're both late. Now enough of just looking pretty. We have a job to do."

Rain places an earpiece in Asia's ear, "Here, so we can be in contact."

"Is this the part where we go over some sweet new gadgets for the mission?" Sol asked eagerly.

Rain looks perplexed, "N-no... We did that yesterday."

Solar speaks to the disappointed hero, "So, Señor Infante... Along with your lady friend here, you'll need to move with some style." He holds up a fancy-looking key fob, "Ride with style, more like."

"No!! No freaking way, you're letting me drive the Estan?!?"

"ESTAN... MARION?!" Asia asked in shock. "You have one?"

"Correct, no freaking way are you driving my car."

Casino Royale Hotel & Resort, Luminata City

🎵: FEARCITY - Taboo & Lingerie

A bummer ride in the passenger seat later, Sol exits the silver classic to face the resort. The large, towering buildings that make up the main hotel are an overwhelming sight as the cars pull around the rotund clock fountain. Still, they pale in comparison to the hourglass building, the crown jewel of Luminata City. Moises Hitch wanted his hotel to be even greater than the Azure Falcon and he surely made it so. The dynamically decorated structure is a marvel for all in the city near or far, especially across the street.

"Looking good, handsome! You need a lady in the other arm?"

Sol, now León Infante, walks arm-in-arm with Asia into the Casino Royale. Both catch glances from many of the patrons they pass. A few flashes even startle the latter, looking like the paparazzi is out here in full force. It wasn't a goal of Sol's to be a celebrity, rather, he wanted to be well known for his heroism. At least, León could enjoy this. It might help him get the job done.

León and Asia enter the resort's main building to find the sight instantly overwhelming. The concierge's desk is immediately to their right, but bizarrely, the entrance to a nightclub is directly opposite to it.

"Must be new. Maybe if we have the time, right León?"

Rain interrupts, "Stick to the plan, you two."

The path further into the resort is something akin to a mall. A line of luxurious stores and restaurants grace the patrons as they pass through. It's like they passed through a portal into the Stardust City Centre.

"Man, I wonder if one of these sells manga- I mean, cigars and champagne.", León said, the last words in his fake Temperish accent. "The conference room will likely be heavily guarded. We need to find a way in."

"Or a way to watch."

"I prefer my way, but watching is not terrible. Any ideas, mamacita?"

"Hmm, Mr. Hitch being the rich man that he is, should have an assistant, right?" Asia looks off as she secretly wishes it could be her. She then calls on Rain, "Could you find the identity of the assistant, Rainy?"

"Uhhh, y-yeah. Let me look through some files."

León acknowledges, "Perfecto, let's get to the fiesta! It should probably be on the casino floor."

Asia dreamily sighs, "You go ahead. I want to give myself a full tour of this place. I'll give you a shout if I see anything."

León chuckles in his charming demeanor, "Okay, but I might leave with another chica!"

Asia walks off with a smile while León continues through to the rotunda. There, the last bit of tourists hang out surrounded by some waterfalls. The room leads to various areas of the resort, but the one he needs is easy to spot thanks to the elegant partygoers. He picks up the pace, feeling for his false ID.

"I'm heading into the party no- UGH!!"

León nearly stumbles to the ground. It felt like he ran straight into a brick wall, but he merely bumped into someone.

"Mi culpa, amigo. Are you oka-"

The man he had bumped into certainly was fine... and certainly had a presence. Clad in a dark gray pinstripe suit, a fedora covering silvery gray hair, and pitch black sunglasses, he had the look down of a true gangster. He isn't alone either, four men in suits surround him like bodyguards. Is he... Another mob boss?

In his mind, Sol is intimidated, but he isn't sure why. The air became ice cold, and a dark sense of dread oozed from behind his pale white skin. If this guy is another mob boss, he's not one that he was ready for. The young hero might have a new foe to look out for... but for now, he had to play it cool like Mr. Infante would.

"Heading to the party? Why don't I get you a drink to make amends?" Leon elegantly offered.

The man smiled eerily, "I'm afraid not, friend. Urgent matters to attend. Have one or ten on me." His stone-cold, but calming voice left an impact on Sol.

A black $100 poker chip landed in the latter's hand, courtesy of the mysterious man. One of the bodyguards proceeds to shove León out of the way, allowing the group to continue on its way. The man maintains his off-putting smile until he's out of view.

Rain gets back, "You good, León? What was that?"

"Don't know. Some guy to probably look out for. Whatcha' got?"

"So, Hitch does have an assistant and she's hosting the party in his place. Her name is Misty Valentine."

León sarcastically remarks, "Hmm, I wonder why he wouldn't be hosting."

"Yeah, right? You might be able to use her to get into the meeting."

"'Use' is such a harsh word, Rainy.", Asia interjected, much to the two's annoyance. "S- León, try wooing her with your er- charm."

"Thanks, Asia."

Through the colorfully lit hall, passing numerous partygoers glued to their slot machines, León enters the main area of the party, the high-stakes table room. There is no shortage of games being played– poker, blackjack, craps, and even roulette. The jazz band on the stage fills the place with gorgeous music while the drunkards get drunk at the bar.

León strolls over to the bartender, thinking that they usually have to know a thing or two. The bartender is an older gentleman who looks like he certainly knows a thing or two.

"Buenas noches, amigo. Let me have uh- a MARTINI... stirred!"

"As opposed to what? Shaken?" He takes León's ID and then prepares his drink, "Will you be opening a tab this evening?"

"Si, but also, I'm looking for someone. A chica by the name of Misty Valentine. You know where I might find her."

"It's your lucky day. Turn around, she's getting on stage right now."

León looks towards the stage to see a sight most incredible. A beautiful blonde-haired woman walks to center stage as the band takes a step back, allowing her to speak.

"Good evening, everyone! I hope you lot have been having a grand time and... hopefully, a lot of winnings tonight." Misty laughs, prompting the whole crowd to follow. "Mr. Hitch expresses his deepest regrets as he is preoccupied with much more urgent matters. On his behalf, I will be here as your fabulous host." She follows up with a stylish pose like she's posing for the cameras. Then, she charmingly points towards the bar. "I'll take my bevvie now, mates."

The crowd applauds their host as she seductively walks offstage. The band continues to play and the players... well, play as well. The party unanimously returns to the status quo, all except for León who's completely fixated on the woman in the red dress. Sol had never come across a woman he found more beautiful than Asia... or Luna... or Sydney. He couldn't have foreseen this.

The old bartender greets Misty at the bar and makes her signature drink. León stares awkwardly from across the bar, unsure of what to do next. His eyes meet that of the confused bartender, who starts gesturing him over. Rain and Asia chime in to hype him up with the latter touting his feeble attempts on her in the past as deterrents.

"You can always snap a photo, it'll last longer." Misty smoothly remarked.

Sol hides and León arrives, "Perdon, mamita. I was just, what the Luminatans say, blinded by your beauty."

Misty laughs, "Strewth, you seem to have a good grasp on the language, handsome. I'm guessing, Temperes?"

León chuckles, "Si, Gasol City. By the sound of your accent, I'm assuming you're frommm... Auzzmania." Sol screams internally, "SHE CALLED ME HANDSOME!! SHE TOTALLY DIGS ME!"

"Back at ya!" She looks him up and down, "So is it safe to assume that a suave, cleaned-up bloke such as yourself isn't just here to flirt with me? You're looking for Mr. Hitch, aren't you?"

Rain interjects, "S- LEÓN, don't give away your inten-"

"Of course, I'd like to see him... but you're here, so I wouldn't mind kicking back and having a little bit of fun."

Misty slows down for a moment and, almost with a stern look on her face, takes a large swig of her drink. León picks up on this and scrambles for something else to talk about. He might've found it.

"So, I was curious, that drink... you called it your 'bevvie'?"

Misty's smile returns, "Ah yes, my signature. They call it, the Viva Valentine. Not sure what that 'Viva' means, but it's so yummy."

"Long live. It means 'long live', but that makes sense. Looks like one could 'live it up' with one of these." He's offered a sip of the drink to which he does, "Oooh, strawberry andddd... cranberry?"

"Maybe, I'm not telling you the recipe. That you'll have to earn."

"Hmmm, so you'll give me the... opportunity to do so?"

"Yeh... think you can win in a game of poker?

León reaches into his pocket and grabs the black chip he got from his earlier encounter, "You're on, Mamacita!"

León and Misty finish their drinks before migrating over to a table. The former follows the latter, watching as she uses her power to open a new table. It's only him versus her on this one. Master Solar who made it back home by this time tunes in to watch his protege... gambling.

"You have an admirable amount of power here, Miss...?"

"Valentine, Misty Valentine. But you knew that already. You have an admirable strategy, Mister...?"

"Infante, León Infante. Let's play."

The bets are placed. The cards are shuffled and dealt expertly by the dealer. Misty is confident enough to raise, pushing León to call. The flop is revealed, raising the former's confidence like her bet. The latter is not in the best spot from the look of his cards, but he can't quit here so he calls. The turn card is flipped for another bad round. Misty raises once more, but the hotelier doesn't stop until the end. He calls... and out comes the river.

"Are you feeling lucky, Mr. Infante?", Misty taunted.

León looks back and forth between his cards and the table. Misty might just be the toughest villain Sol has faced yet. He can't get himself out of this one.

"Congratulations, Senorita Valentine. I fold."

Misty laughs, "I guess you won't be getting my Bev recipe after all." She flips her cards, "Straight Flush."

León flips his cards to reveal only an Ace High.

Rain is in disbelief, "H O L Y S H I T."

Asia adds while laughing, "GET FREAKING DESTROYED!!"

Solar comments, "I'm going to have a talk with the masters about this."

"If you must know, giving up isn't really my thing.", León responded. "Double or Nothing!"

Misty chuckles, admiring his tenacity, "You have nothing left, love. I cleaned you out." She motions the dealer to clean up and close the table. She, then, moves closer to León with the eyes of a siren. "You're cute, so at least, you won't end up empty-handed."

Solar, Rain, and Asia all collectively quiet down, only able to say, "Oh Shit."

"OH SHIT!!" Sol internally screamed. "So, you'd like to have a rematch then?", León smoothly asked.

"A rematch of sorts." Misty slides a card over on the table, "Presidential Suite. Meet me in twenty minutes?"

He takes the Presidential Keycard from her and softly whispers, "I can't wait."

Misty gets up and walks away, running her painted nails across the length of his arm as she goes. León smiles excitedly as though an imaginary camera is facing him.

"Wow, S- León! I'm impressed.", Asia commented.

"She seems a little too eager to be alone with you. Remember to think with the head on your shoulders, León. It could be a trap.", Solar added.

"He's right. We have some time. Let's meet by the cabanas and strategize."

Out of the party and into the paradise side of the resort, León strolls across the massive pool area. This place certainly has the pool at the Azure Falcon beat and then some. He passes by the main one and its poolside bar, going up some small steps to the cabana pool. The cabanas are laid out on floating platforms like a typical suburban neighborhood. They're all connected by fixed wooden walkways, allowing León to pass along without dipping his nice shoes in the water.

Just past the cabana pool is a lagoon where resort guests are able to take part in water sports... And just across a wooden bridge is the hourglass in all of its glory. León is still enamored with it as Sol had always been. He feels some sharp nails clutch onto his arm and pull him to the side. Asia takes him into a nearby cabana to speak privately.

"Looks like you're not the only chica wanting some alone time with me."

Asia chuckles, "Sure, with a 50% less chance I'll try to kill you... and since we're alone, you can drop that silly accent."

Sol chuckles back, "Right..." He walks near the back of the cabana only to be met by a familiar statue sitting in the water. "Whaaaat were you thinking about doing?"

Asia points up to the penthouse of the main building, "The Presidential Suite. She probably picked that one because she actually wants you (without Hitch's interference) or to trap you since it's in range of the conference room.

"Then, I win either way."

"ARE YOU- ugh! Why do you say that?"

"I can get in the conference room either way... only difference would be I get some 'lovin'... or some 'hatin'."

"He has a point.", Rain commented.

"It might prove painful for you, Sol.", Solar added.

"Yeah, well, that's the nature of the job for León Infante."

Asia points out the clock is ticking and it's likely that Misty could be using the twenty minutes to prepare the trap. All three recommended that Sol, or rather, León, should get the drop on her first and not walk through the front door. He agrees, but there's also something else that Sol can take care of in the meantime.

Much to Asia's confusion, Sol removes his dress shoes & socks. He walks over to the statue standing half submerged in the chlorinated water and activates it with the Specterract he had hidden in his blazer. At the former's feet, the floor of the cabana descends to form a stairway into a portal.

"What the hell? This day just keeps getting crazier and crazier.", she remarked.

Sol pats her shoulder, "I'll explain later. Keep anyone out of this cabana. I'll be back innn... less than twenty." He leaves the stunned Asia and walks into the Negative Zone.

————————————— Continued in Negative Chapter 11 ————————————

Casino Royale Hotel & Resort, Luminata City - November 16, 2035

"Ugh, finally! I don't care about whatever that Scooby Doo hidden passage was.", Asia urged before shoving him forward. "GET UP THERE!!"

"Right, and you?"

"Remember 'a way to watch'? I'll go find the surveillance room and see what I can uncover there."

"Perfecto! Con cuidado, mi amor!", he moved on, switching back to León.

Misty sits inside the extravagant Presidential Suite with a somber look on her face. She looks over at the mini hourglass clock and sighs. She walks over to a cart carrying a chilled Champagne bottle and two glasses. She quickly downs two glasses before she's spooked by sudden piano music.

"Bloody crikey, you scared the shit out of me!", she yelled, breathing rather heavily.

"My apologies, Senorita.", León said softly as he played a simple melody on the suite's grand piano. "I was attending to... urgent matters."

Misty calms herself along with the music, "Urgent matters, you say? You wound me, Mr. Infante... but it's a welcome surprise that you can play the piano so well."

"Oh, I'm full of surprises."

The young woman returns to pouring the champagne into the two glasses as the music stops. León startles her as he walks up behind her and rubs her shoulders. Her breathing becomes more apparent, causing the hotelier to stop immediately. He steps away and sits down quietly on the bed. Sol had always done the wrong thing with girls.

"S-so, how did you get in the suite?", Misty asked nervously.

"Through the window.", he joked, although he actually did it.

Misty grows quiet again for a moment before ultimately asking if he'd like a drink. León, reflecting his support's suspicion of a trap, declines the offer. The former downs her drink yet again and returns to the latter. He looks up to meet her thirsting gaze. He didn't know what to expect at this point. Is this really happening?

She playfully giggles before kissing him passionately. Sol had never been kissed like that since... never mind. She, then, removes her expensive heels and climbs onto his lap. The two fall back completely uninterrupted. Bedding a woman like Misty is something that a teenage boy like himself had always wanted, but none of this felt right. It felt... forced.

Misty sits up, placing her partner's hands on her breasts, "What's wrong, Mr. Infante? You're giving me all the control?"

Sol remembers to be León here and moves his hands along her body. "I was just letting you have your fun, Miss Valentine.", he smoothly remarked.

He sits up, holding her close, and sensually kisses down to her neck and shoulders. Effortlessly, he turns her over, continuing the foreplay. What a rush! He knew he had to be doing this right.

Solar interjected, "Son, I'm very proud of you, but remember, you have a mission."

Sol's eyes flash open. He might've been enjoying this too much, but he still has a job to do. It might just be time for León to say "Adios!"

He whispers in Misty's ear, "I told you I'm full of surprises and I have just one more to show you."

"Mmmm, please do."

León gives her one more passionate kiss before meeting her face to face, "Tengo diez y siete años."

Misty chuckles, "You're sexy when you use your native tongue. What exactly does that mean?"

Sol drops the accent, "I'm seventeen years old."

"WHAT?!?" Both quickly get to their feet. "Mr. Infante, I'm not sure what sort of jests you tell in Temperes, but that certainly isn't something that the rest of the world finds funny.", Misty asserted.

"Not a joke, I'm afraid. León Infante wasn't real. SURPRISE!"

"Your voice. Who are you?!?"

"The name is Calientos, Sol Calientos. A pleasure to formally meet you, Miss Valentine."

"Pleasure is all yours, I'm sure. What do you want?"

"You were right about one thing earlier. I am here to see Mr. Hitch. You see, he's involved with some bad people and I know that you're hosting this party to give him some cover to meet them."

What? What on Earth are y-"

"No more games, Misty. You're taking me to the conference room, now!"

Misty begrudgingly walks Sol over to the conference room located halfway to the top floor of the main building. The fifteenth floor is a quiet one, only containing offices and conference rooms. Each of the rooms is lined with translucent glass, barely hiding anything within. All have this design except for one, the grand conference room which is exactly the place Moises Hitch would hold his sinister meeting. Strangely, there are no guards outside.

"No guards, huh? You and your boss thought since it's your hotel, nothing would go wrong?" Sol mocked.

"For the last time, I haven't a bloody clue what's going on! Stop accusing me, ya bastard.", Misty clapped back.

"You're too close to Hitch for me to believe th-"

Sol burst through the locked door with his strength. Instead of a room full of mafiosos and evil businessmen to beat up, the two are welcomed by a truly horrific scene. Solar and Rain, who aren't even present to see it first hand are also too stunned to speak. Everyone in the room is dead.

Misty, with her shaking hand over her mouth, begins to hyperventilate. Sol is unable to focus on her beyond the splattered blood and cold bodies everywhere he looks. Solar is the first to snap out of it and he calls for Sol to get her out of there. It takes a moment for the hardened mentor to get through to the hero. The girl falls to her knees, gasping for air, finally breaking Sol out of his trance.

"Hey, hey! Shhh... look at me, it's okay." He picks up her shaking body, "Let's get you out of here." He carries her back into the hall and sits her in a chair away from the view. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never should've accused you."

"Rain, take a moment." Solar speaks directly to Sol, "She couldn't have been involved."

"I know. She's really shaken up, so am I. Is Rain okay?"

"Nothing prepares you for things like this. He's going to be fine. We need to analyze the crime scene. Don't worry, I'm here with you."

"Thanks, Master." Sol caresses Misty's arm in a calming manner, "I'll be... in there for a moment. Try to relax... slow breaths... call my name if you need me."

She looks at him in acknowledgment, allowing him to return to the horror show. Still uneasy, he investigates around the long conference table. Three dead mob bosses... about ten dead underlings... and three empty chairs.

Amongst the deceased, Sol finds some familiar faces. It seems that Toni and Marty Canelli were bailed out from police custody, but it was to their own detriment and their uncle's. Laid out across the opposite side of the room are the four men in suits who escorted the mysterious man.

"Master, I think I have an idea who might be involved. There was a man I bumped into on the ground floor. There was... something off about him."

"Okay, how can you tell?

"His men are lying here dead yet he's not."

"Hmm, neither is Hitch. There might be something more sinister at play here." Solar speaks to Asia, "Any news on the surveillance room?"

Asia responds, sounding spooked, "M-more than you think. You guys should see this."

"On my way!", Sol exclaimed. He returns to Misty, who has calmed down enough in the last few minutes. He takes her hand, "I'm going to find out what happened here, but I don't want to leave you vulnerable. You want to go back to the suite?"

"N-no, Hitch did this, I just know it." Misty stands up with some resolve, "I'm going with you. We will take 'im down."

Sol chuckles, "I like your style, girl. Let's catch him in the act. Stay close."

Down to the second floor, Sol and Misty burst out of the elevator and into the security center. The former stops at the two unconscious guards near the entrance. Asia greets them near the computer. A security baton lies on the ground at her feet.

"NICE!! They better be just knocked out though, not dead.", Sol lightly teased.

"After what we've seen, they're the lucky ones.", Asia remarked. "Speaking of which, are you guys ready for this?

"As ready as we'll ever be.", Misty assured her.

Casino Royale Conference Room - 2035-11-16 06:30:18 PM

The conference room appears far cleaner on-screen. Four out of the six chairs are now occupied. The three mob bosses are alive as are their bodyguards. They have two each. Moises Hitch sits unmistakable at the other side of the table as a bored businessman in his early fifties. They all sit quietly until one loudmouth decides to break the silence.

"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN' ME? WHEN IS THIS GUY GETTIN' HERE?!" shouted Toni Canelli.

Marty called him out, "SHUT UP, YOU IDIOT!"

"Both of ya's, keep your pipes shut. You're lucky to be here and not in the can. I do the talkin' here. REMEMBER THAT!" Don Canelli interrupted them both. He turns to Hitch, "My apologies for my idiot nephews, Moises."

"Not to worry, Donny. We've been here waiting, but luckily, I've been told his excellency is in the building. He should be here soon."

The conference room doors spring open as the ground-floor bodyguards hold them open for the mysterious man. His presence prompts all in the room to stand in tribute.

"You may sit, my friends. I've rudely kept you waiting far too long."

"Thank you for meeting us here, Your Excellency.", Hitch said as he left the head of the table for another seat.

"Mr. Hitch, you flatter me with the kind words, but I don't expect to be addressed by such archaic titles. You may call me by my given title... the Noir Emperor.

🎵: Perturbator - I Am The Night

The bosses all take their seats, ready for their audience with the Emperor. His bodyguards all make eye contact with Canelli, each nodding. He removes his fedora and sunglasses, revealing his blood-red eyes and a charming, but eerie smile.

"Before we begin, just two things... my commander will sadly no longer be joining us. And I would also like to thank Mr. Donatello Canelli for sparing a few of his good fellas to escort me here." The Emperor raised a glass of wine.

Don Canelli raises his glass as well, "At your service, Noir Emperor."

"Now, you've all had a pretty eventful twenty-four hours, haven't we?"

"Yes, sir. We've had a lot of successes on the business front. Everything is going according to plan."

Doña Montenegro adds, "You will have your supply of weapons as requested, señor."

General Samedi follows, "Our successful drug operation will provide you another front for funding and just as well... my soldiers are your soldiers."

"That's not what I heard, friends.", the Emperor responded as he took a sip of his wine. "Misye. Stephane Samedi, a large portion of your drug supply was seized at your marina. From what I hear, two men did the job. I guess if your soldiers weren't enough for that, I wouldn't really want to call them my soldiers."

Samedi looks at his skull mask in anger.

"Miss. Elektra Montenegro, your weapons caches were all hit by one man alone. I know that your people aren't as experienced in combat as the Samedi..." The Emperor chuckles, "BUT YOU HAVE GUNS!!"

Montenegro stays quiet and sips her wine.

"Donny Canelli, that's what they call you, right? You say everything is going according to plan, but not one or two... but three of your ops were squashed by one person as well. All in entirely separate parts of the city." The Emperor gives him a moment to take that one in. "But, what's even more impressive is that this person... is just a kid."

"Sol Calientos.", Don Canelli said.

"Seventeen-year-old, Sol Calientos.", The Emperor added. "The three others are associates of his. All from the Solar Dojo, another lost stronghold. It looks like, we have some opposition."

Canelli slams his hand on the table, "YOUR CAPTAIN ENGAGED CALIENTOS AND GOT HIS ASS HANDED TO 'IM! If you want to judge us, take a look within first."

A group of servers suddenly enter the room delivering meals to all seated. Hitch waves them all to move quickly as they're still conducting business.

"My friends, please. Don't be upset. I'm only providing some constructive criticism." The Emperor begins eating, prompting all to follow. "We still have 'Operation: Shadowland' to look forward to. We may be lacking in a few strongholds, weapons, and..." He looks at Samedi in embarrassment, "soldiers... But we will not fail."

The three mafia heads all nod in agreement and raise their glasses, "We will not fail!"

"Ah, yes, how silly of me." The Noir Emperor raises his glass, "To Shadowland... and to the Noirata Empire!!"

Hitch follows suit, "To Shadowland... and to the Noirata Empire!!"

The heads also follow suit, "To Shadowland... and to-" All three almost simultaneously stop and drop their glass. They each begin to cough... and it gets rougher by the minute.

"Uncle! UNCLE!!" The two Canelli bros yell out in concern as the other bodyguards all check on their bosses.

The Noir Emperor, completely unfazed, sips his wine and speaks carefully, "So that we may not fail, we will cut out the weak links. You were bested by a child and you brought that child to my doorstep. Your services to the Noirata Empire are no longer required."

"You son of a-" Don Canelli, his eyes and mouth bleeding, raises his gun and tries to retaliate, but he hits one of his men instead.

One of the Emperor's escorts snaps out of the shock and attempts to attack him. His aim is knocked off with a quick elbow. The Emperor manifests a blade made out of shadows and plunges it into the attacker's abdomen. He, then, takes his gun arm and uses it to take out both of Montenegro's guards as well as Toni Canelli.

The other two escorts try to double-team, but the Emperor dispatches one with a shadow blade to the throat and then the other by slamming his face through his wine glass.

Hitch sits back through the bloodshed, "Dinner and a show."

"Make 'im pay!!" yelled Marty Canelli out of grief.

The doors burst open, revealing Shadow Hood directly behind the shaken mafiosos. They also manifest a shadow blade, pinning one of Samedi's guards to the nearby wall. The other is dispatched just as quickly, but Samedi is not done yet. He attempts to get a shot off, but Shadow Hood easily slams his head through his skull mask. Marty is grabbed and thrown to the center of the table.

"Nice of you to join us." The Emperor said to his hooded follower. He looks down, "So you were the one that told Sol Calientos, huh?"

"I'm s-sorry!"

"When he finds you, he'll know exactly what he's getting into."

Both the Emperor and Shadow Hood finish him with blades through the chest.

Casino Royale Security Center - 7:00 PM

Sol, Misty, and Asia all sit there, speechless. There's a lot for even Master Solar to unpack there. The former's exploits have not gone unnoticed and it just led to a bloodbath. Sol is no stranger to the man's name, but he was never privy to how powerful he was.

Master Solar has not told a lie. This man is the one who took the Noirata Kingdom practically overnight. This man is not one to be messed with. This is the Noir Emperor.