The Reign of Heinlein.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of a New Era.

Rock Howard had joined Kain, his uncle. Just for the sake of his mother. He had cut off all the ties from his friends and family. He never saw Terry even once after he had joined Kain. It had been a whole week since he had joined his uncle. Rock lived alone now. He lived in an apartment, given to him by Kain. Rock often wondered how Terry would be doing. How other people he once knew would be doing? His friends and family all were away from him just from accepting Kain's offer. Rock had still no idea why Kain wanted his help?

Kain was ruling over Second Southtown, what else could he need? But surprisingly, Kain did not try to instill fear in people. It had been a month since Kain came into power yet he still didn't do anything suspicious.

Rock was standing in front of Kain's desk, looking directly into the eyes of his uncle. Kain's lips were forming a smile. What could he possibly have in store for his nephew? Rock didn't hesitate to ask his uncle, he had agreed to join him. "So, what do you need?" There was a little hint on anger in his voice. Rock hated it. He was doing something his mother was against.

Kain had realized one thing about Rock. He was too soft. He needed to break him. 'Emotions get in the way, after all'. Kain thought to himself. Kain decided to explain to his nephew about his first job. "I need you to gather information on the other gangs that are currently in Second Southtown. And once that's done, get rid of them. Use any means necessary. You have three days." Kain said coldly, no hint of emotion in his voice.

Rock decided to test the waters. He had to know how much Kain was willing to give or take. "And what if I don't do it in time?" He made sure to add the sound of mockery in his voice.

A smile found its way to Kain's lips. It was time to show him how serious it was. "Well then, you can say goodbye to your mother." Kain replied, his smile widening a bit. Rock gritted his teeth in frustration. Kain was playing dirty. He could make him whatever he wanted. "So, three days it is. And I want all of them. Not a single one left behind." Kain ordered. "It would be good if you start now." Kain said, telling Rock to leave.

Rock exited the office. He was frustrated. There was nothing he could do against Kain. He just hated him. The next person to meet him was probably gonna end up getting punched in the face. Rock went to his motorcycle and raced off into the night. He knew where he had to start. The secrets of Second Southtown were buried in its parks and lurked in its alleys. And who knew most about them? Bartenders, waiters, restaurant owners and managers. If he was lucky he could find someone from another gang and get him to spit out all the information.

Rock stopped in front of a bar. He had just turned 18 but he wasn't the one who enjoyed drinking. He looked at the sign above. The Illusion. It's owner was King, one of the good guys. She also knew that Rock had left Terry's wing and joined Kain. Since she hated crime lords, Rock was in her bad books. So, going through the front door was out of option. He would have to enter through the back. And who knew, Ryo Sakazaki could be there and Rock certainly knew that he was one of the few who Terry considered as his rival. So, fighting him could be troublesome.

Rock went behind the building and saw the backdoor. He would have to be sneaky. Knowing that, there would be few people at the bar at 11:45 pm in the night. Rock knew from experience, he had worked there and he remembered the routine. So, one of the waitresses would be taking a break. The newcomers would probably be working overtime just to be in good books of King.

Rock knocked on the door and hid next to it. The door opened. "Who's there?" A female voice said. It wasn't King. It was one of the waitresses, senior waitresses. Rock had hit the jackpot. He quickly appeared in front of the person standing in the door, grabbed her wrist and pulled her out and pinned her against the wall. He shut the door and put a hand over her mouth to make sure she wouldn't start screaming. It was Sally. Rock put over a finger on his lips and told her to be silent. "Shhh... don't make a sound." He whispered.