Chapter 184: The Underground (1/2)
The last fist was thrown as one fell. The crowd roared with excitement as a victor was called. Among the group, Marco yelled outstanding over the people with a frenzied look. ”Winner! Ladies and gentlemen, we have our new champion. Give it up for the Iron Knight!” The crowd continued to roar with the drunken atmosphere. Looking around, Marco noticed Crypto turning up sitting in the VIP section. The stage was ready as Marco began chuckling. ”It's almost time. The moment you've all been waiting for is almost here. Open the gates. Allow the Streamers in. For the real fun is just about to begin.”
****
Zinnia and Gale stood at the address given. There was nothing there, or so they thought. Just a rundown play park and a tent. Looking around again, Zinnia scratched her head. ”I don't understand. Did we take a wrong turn?”
Gale now fully ready for an ambush began scouting around. ”Be ready for a trap. They could strike at any moment.”
”Don't be so stiff Gale they're just waiting for us.” Jinx scoffed flicking his ear.
Zinnia stared uneasily at Jinx and Diego who had just arrived. ”What are you two doing here?”
”Why the same reason you are here,” Diego commented, flashing his invitation. ”We're invited.”
Rubbing his ear, Gale looked confused. ”Why the hell would Villain's Wrath invite you for?”
”They saw my potential. Or I made them see it.”
Slightly lost seeing Jinx alongside Diego Zinnia pressed them further. ”You two recruited by V.I.R.A.L?”
Diego interrupted Jinx nodding. ”Why of course, it's the reason they haven't swooped in and served that can of whoop arse yet. We're going in to get a full understanding of what we stand up against.”
”Well, don't get in my way. Villain's Wrath is mine and mine alone.”
”Oh, little Zinnia. I wouldn't dream of taking that justice away from you.”
Jinx smirked elbowing Diego. ”You heard the no life. They're all yours.”
Diego began rubbing his shoulder mumbling. ”Have I ever told you how much I dislike you, Holly?” The ground started to shake as Diego turned, acting surprised. ”Oh, guess they're ready for us?”
Zinnia and Gale stepped back as the play park fell apart and the ground opened up to reveal a long stairway. Serval well-suited butlers all emerged standing in two lines bowing. ”Welcome challengers.”
”Holy crap,” Gale muttered. ”I wasn't expecting this.”
Diego tutted, folding his arms. ”Wouldn't want to keep our guests waiting now.” The four streamers descended the staircase finding the last thing expected—an exotic plaza of shops and restaurants among other illegal activities. People were spread out going about their daily activities. In the middle of the plaza was a giant lake with an eco-system and wildlife. Roars of excitement came from the plaza's back as a massive stadium with flashing lights was on full display. ”Welcome to the Underground. A city built under Rhinefield. V.I.R.A.L gave the construction the clear about seven years ago now. After the fear of Rhinefield meeting the same fate as Sunset Peak. However, the plans were scrapped a few years back the city was left abandoned and unfinished. Until now, of course.”
”To think something so crazy would be hiding under our noses…” Gale whispered. ”Who could afford all of this.”
”Apparently Crypto of Villain's Wrath himself funded the construction. They've been planning the death of your leader for a few years now.” Jinx thought over confirming her inside knowledge. ”That's not all though. Turns out this city was only brought online a mere two weeks ago.”
”That's when Alton took his holiday break.”
Diego gave a strange look humming. ”Perhaps Alton knew more about his enemy than we first thought. A shame it didn't do him enough. We can window shop later I suppose, let's come for what we were invited for.”
Gale turned to Zinnia, giving her a concerned look. ”You alright?”
She gave a brief nod, still looking around walking with the rest. ”Just a little overwhelmed. Suppose we had taken note of this city beforehand. In that case, we might have picked up on the movement of Villain's Wrath before…” Pulling herself together Zinnia spoke up to Diego. ”I take it this isn't the only hideaway the city's criminals have either.”
”Criminal is a bit much. Technically nobody is breaking laws here. This is just a place where the rich and wealthy can keep away from Victoria's seeing eyes and live the high life. There are plenty of places like this scattered all across the country. I even heard Sunset Peak still has one in operation for the brave few who choose to venture out there.”
”Just remember our mission here Zinnia. Let's not do anything stupid, we've underestimated just how powerful this Villain's Wrath can be.”
”I couldn't agree more. Striking this place would be suicidal. Better wait for the moment your enemy appears.” Jinx admitted. The four stood in front of the stadium as Jinx shook her head in disgust. ”Far too loud…”
”I thought this place would be right up your ally Jinx,” Gale questioned.
This got a chuckle from her and a stern look. ”Hardly. I'm not the sort of girl to just go out looking for a fight. Nor am I someone to make a career out of it. I'd rather be anywhere else.”