The Flames of the Courtroom

A deafening explosion shook the ground beneath us, echoing across the entire city, powerful enough to nearly knock us off our feet!

But there was no time to hesitate.

"Run!!"

We were thrown into the armored police vehicles—Rio and Louie in one, Max, Phantom, and Michael in another, while Leo and I sat in a separate van. Around us, flashing cameras captured every moment, broadcasting our downfall to the world.

Leo turned to me, his voice laced with defeat.

"Shadow… it's over. We're going to die. We're sorry… we failed our mission."

I simply smirked, my gaze locked onto the floor. Leo frowned but said nothing.

By nightfall, we arrived at the grand courthouse. Bright lights flooded our faces as cameras and reporters swarmed around us. The police yanked us from the vehicles, our hands shackled in iron cuffs.

Inside, the courtroom was packed—officials, witnesses, journalists, and countless spectators waiting to see us fall. We were placed behind steel bars, unable to escape, as the judge's voice boomed through the chamber.

"And now, the long-awaited trial begins. Do you have any last words, Shadow, leader of the infamous Mafia?"

I remained silent, my smirk never wavering.

"No words? Very well. Prepare the gallows!"

A row of wooden platforms was set up, each with a noose hanging from above. We were forced up the steps, our eyes covered with black cloth.

Millions watched, the entire world witnessing our demise. The ropes tightened around our necks.

Then, in unison, my crew shouted, their voices shaking the very walls:

"Bound by fate, but never too late—our wrath will resonate!"

Their shouts grew louder, an unrelenting battle cry that sent chills through the courtroom. Unease spread through the crowd.

Then—blackness.

The courthouse plunged into darkness. A heavy silence filled the air. The faint scent of smoke began to creep in.

And then—

BOOOOM!!

A massive explosion tore through the courtroom, flames consuming everything in their path. The walls crumbled as a sleek black car crashed through the rubble!

From within, two familiar figures emerged.

"Arrived just in time, my friends!"

Matthew and Williams.

The fire from the explosion burned through our ropes, setting us free!

"Now's our chance!!"

Chaos erupted. Screams filled the air as people ran for their lives, some engulfed in flames. The Mafia had returned.

With our hands freed, we struck back.

Leo launched himself at a nearby officer, kicking him mid-air before snatching his weapon. I grabbed a gun and unleashed hell.

A cop aimed his gun at Williams, pulling the trigger—

—but Matthew yanked him backward, plunging a dagger into his throat.

From above the judge's platform, Phantom and Ray fired round after round. Two officers attempted to ambush them with knives, but before they could strike—

Max and Louie lunged at them, blades flashing in the firelight.

Blood spilled.

Ray groaned, clutching his wounded leg, but Max and Phantom helped him up.

I raised my voice over the roaring flames.

"There's a hidden underground passage—follow me!"

We descended the long, carpeted staircase into a dimly lit basement. Our breaths were heavy, the sound of burning wood creaking above us.

Then—the door swung open violently!

Lord Cromer.

His cold glare burned with fury as he growled, "This isn't over, scum!"

Behind him stood Stefano.

He smirked, eyes gleaming with malice. "I remember you all well, you pathetic Mafia fools."

Suddenly, footsteps thundered down the stairs—dozens of officers, guns drawn.

I clenched my fists, eyes locked on Cromer.

"You think you can stop us with these outdated tricks?"

He attacked first. His fist crashed into my ribs, sending me staggering. At the same moment, Stefano launched himself at Ray, kicking him viciously.

A brutal battle erupted—Mafia vs. Police.

Cromer grabbed my throat, squeezing tightly. My vision blurred, my strength fading.

Then—the torch slipped from my grasp.

It hit the red carpet.

The fire spread instantly.

Cromer's eyes widened in horror. "Oh, hell no!"

Flames engulfed the staircase, cutting off the officers' escape. Some tried to flee—others screamed as the fire swallowed them whole.

Distracted, Cromer turned—just in time for me to drive my blade into his gut.

He gasped, stumbling backward.

Without hesitation, I kicked him into the flames.

"Goodbye, Cromer."

The rest of the police were trapped behind the door—I slammed it shut, sealing their fate.

Breathing heavily, we ran. Bloodied, exhausted, but victorious.

But then—

A shadow emerged from the flames.

The last person we ever expected to see.