Black and Velvet were walking through the town. Black was holding a bag while Velvet carried a cloak.

"Oh looky here. Two Firenax people. Of course there are more! It's the dragon and the female Riddle!"

The duo turned around and saw a girl smiling evilly at them.

"Lady Crystal!" Velvet glanced at Black as he spoke. Fire roared to life in his eyes. The girl smiled.

"What's with the hatred?"

"It makes sense now..." Something appeared in his hand.

"Oh! That's how the dragon wants to play, huh?" He snarled.

"FIRE DRAGON... BLASTER!"

The attack slammed into Crystal point on. The sword vanished as he grabbed Velvet's arm and pulled her away from the scene.

"You're going to get us killed!"

"We were far enough away that she can't track the others. They're safe. We are not. Let's go!"

She studied him as they ran. His eyes were misty and bloodshot. They arrived at the kingdom gates. Black stopped to catch his breath while Velvet stretched. He snarled at her, muttering something about stupid Riddles. They went over, but were stopped by the guards. Black put up his hand and a symbol appeared on it.

The guards immediately took a step back and bowed, letting them in.

"Classy." He shrugged as they went to the market. They looked around and were able to find some fabric.

"Hopefully Sapphire kept the dress she was given in good shape." Velvet mumbled, making Black chuckle.

"Black?" The duo turned to see Blake and Cream there. Velvet glanced at him. His mind proceeded what was going on before he smiled.

"Hey! You guys were from the woods yesterday, right?" Blake nodded.

"We never got a proper introduction because you were pretty faded." Black rubbed his head sheepishly as Velvet chuckled. "Where are the other two that were with you?"

"At our home. We don't usually send the same people out twice."

"Unless it's you." Velvet mumbled softly. Black glared at her.

"Where's your group? I remember at least 6 others."

"They're getting ready for the ball. We're picking out our outfits." Blake smirked. "Blake. This is Cream. We're part of the Synxeagogues of this kingdom." Velvet blinked.

"Synxeagogues? The strongest people in the world?"

"You've heard of us?"

"Velvet. I'm a Riddle of the Kingdom of Firenax. I don't usually get to talk about something that is like me."

"And your indestructible self." Black mumbled before grabbing his arm.

"Hush." She sighed.

"Well... since you're going to be at the ball, we'll see you there."

The four split up. Black and Velvet purchased what they needed while Blake and Cream got their outfits. It was only a matter of time. Blake overheard the duo as they were leaving.

"We're going to run into Crystal again." He slipped near the door. They had paused. "How are we going to pull it off?"

"Same way. Only I'll form after I hit her so that you can bolt off with no problems."

"Why'd you hit her in the first place?"

"One of the attackers was speaking in a dragon tongue near my window the day before Firenax fell. His exact words were 'I have to hurry up if I want to impress Lady Crystal.' He was scouting the kingdom's weaknesses to put in front of her. I later identified him as one of the attackers that attacked the kingdom." Velvet huffed.

"Then let's go. No more mercy from me."

As the duo walked away, Blake turned to Cream and smiled.

"I know who attacked Firenax."