The Darkness Rises
Deep within the confines of a cave, several individuals stood around a fiery pit, each of these individuals holding significant power.
The Shade, dressed as a Victorian Gentleman, all in black and his skin pale as a ghost.
Black Mask, Roman Sionas, one of the top crime lords of Gotham wearing his black skull, mask and white suit.
Count Vertigo, the foreign noble, wearing his royal robes of yellow and green.
The Queen of Fables, her fiery red hair displayed with a golden crown and her pale face. Her Fairy Tale book cradled in her hands.
Blackfire, sister to Starfire, dressed far more conservatively than her sister yet her darker nature obvious to all.
All five stood with strong postures, the fire creating shadows over them, making each one resemble demons. Only one of them became impatient.
"How much fucking longer we gotta wait!?" Black Mask asked, "I was promised power beyond imagination! Well, seems even my imagination is bigger than this fuck! He promised me wealth beyond anyone else's fortune!"
"Would you please compose yourself," Vertigo requested, "the master isn't one to insult. His promises, such as me finally taking my rightful place on the throne of my country."
"I could care less what you humans desire," Blackfire states, "I was promised the throne of all of Tameran."
They all turned when they heard Queen of Fables laugh.
"All of you have such limited goals," she states, earning their anger, "I have lived many lives and have been in each of your positions: royalty, organized crime, serial killer, genocidal conquerer! All said and done, and only one thing I want, is to finally rewrite this world into my own fairy tale....."
"Enough....." Shade orders, "the master arrives......"
Just as he says, the flames the five stand around starts dancing......practically alive. Soon, four massive flames escape the pit and formed what looked like eyes.
Four of the five individuals bowed in respect......Black Mask simply had his arms crossed.
"Lord Trigon......." Shade says, "You honor us with your presence....."
"Silence whelp!" Trigon demands as the flames became more intense from his rage, "Do you truly believe you can make up for your failures!? You have lost a loyal follower of mine and two other potential followers! How do you expect me to forgive such an insult!?"
"I have no excuses, my lord," Shade confesses, "but only the promise that I will fail you no longer-"
"Can we hurry this shit up!" Black Mask interrupted, "I didn't join this freakshow to hear old timey talk to fucking Sa-"
"You dare compare me to such a weakling!!" Trigon's rage caused Black Mask to step back in fear, "Shade! You dare bring such a cowering fool before me!?"
"Despite his less than charming demeanor," Shade explains, "this fool has connections that will aid us in locating the key to your release....but he could learn to show proper respect....."
"Respect!? You fucks think you can talk to me like this!?" Roman started ranting, letting his temper get the better of him, "I run all of Gotham's drugs, prostitution, weapons dealing, and even contacts in politics! You need me!"
"Fortunately......while his connections are useful," Shade explains, "We don't really need him exactly."
"The fuck does tha-"
BANG!
A massive hole suddenly appeared in the middle of Roman's eyes, his body instantly going limp. Everyone, not surprised that Black Mask just got killed, turned their gazes towards where the bullet came from.......a man they all knew well, a master criminal who kept himself off the radar, only being known in the criminal underworld.
He dressed in a fashion similar to a military noble and wore a white face mask with a letter D where his face would be.
"The Designer....." Shade states, "I was almost worried you cut ties with us."
The Designer hostlered his gun and bowed to Trigon's disembodied eyes.
"Perish the thought, Shade," Designer says, "I do apologize for my tardiness, was not my intent to insult our master."
"None the less," Shade responds, "you killing Black Mask gives you complete control of his operations since he has no next of kin and all his lieutenants are fools. I hope it benefits your organization."
"Not as greatly as the fool would believe," Designer confesses, "I'll merely contact one of my top members I have stationed in Gotham and let him run Sionas's operations. I am insulted you allowed my MetaBrawl operations be destroyed."
"There was little I could do when I arrived," Shade confesses, "I just hope the rest of your operations are still useful?"
"Of course, MetaBrawl was more of a type of entertainment. Shame Brother Night can't join us any longer."
"Night was a fool," Queen of Fables states, "he believed he could use his great power with his inexperience."
"No truer statement ever said, my lady," Designer says politely, "I just hope Vertigo can fill Night's shoes."
"Very much so," Vertigo responds, "unlike Black Mask, I only use crime when necessary, and not wear it like a medal."
"Either way," Shade says, "As long as we fulfill the master's grand plan, the better."
"Do not contact me again until you have located the key," Trigon threatens, making most of those present nervous, but they kept their composure, "If you contact me only to tell me you failed again, I will send your souls back into the abyss I found you all!"
The flames died, presenting that Trigon has cut their conversation. All present agreed that finding the key was the upmost priority.
-This is not the end of the Commandos story, stay tuned for the sequel fanfiction, Agents of S.H.A.D.E.-