Hearing what Sin was currently offering, all of the members couldn’t help but excitedly talk amongst themselves about it. They couldn’t believe that a King was actually offering something so valuable to them. However, the look on Brandon’s face didn’t look to be nearly as pleased as that of his gang members. He looked at the strange syringe and the liquid moving inside.
‘I’ve never heard of someone becoming an Altered just through a simple injection. Is this something that the Kings have developed? He must be planning to use us as lab rats, but I can’t exactly decline either’
“Thank you! With this great gift we will definitely give you the answers you are looking for!” Brandon promised, as he grabbed the box with both hands, accepting it. With that, Sin left, but his short stay would forever be burnt into each one of their heads.
All of them could now attest that the Kings were dangerous and weren’t beings one could mess with.
“What are you all waiting for? The meeting is dismissed!” Brandon shouted. He waited for the other members to leave. Some headed out back into the night, while others stayed in the warehouse, as they had been sleeping there, though they wouldn’t disturb whatever it was Brandon wanted to do next.
As for the two colour gang leaders, they were patiently waiting for their next order. They had been hoping for a promotion, but with everything that had happened, it seemed like they might be lucky to not get demoted now.
Brandon, was crouched down and looked at Yovan’s body that was on the floor. He took a closer look, but there wasn’t much to look at. He no longer looked like his friend who he had started the Grey Elephants with.
“I’m sorry, my dear friend, but I won’t even be able to get revenge for you. The least I can do is make sure you will receive a proper burial.” Brandon said to the corpse.
“Who would have ever thought that the leader of the Phoenix gang himself would come all the way to a Tier-3 town, just for a job like this? I mean if he’s here anyway and the Underdog gang has what he wants, why doesn’t he just do it himself?” Raven complained. Now that Sin was gone, he could finally get all his frustrations out.
“It’s probably because of the other Kings.” Brandon answered. “You heard him say that he came here without the others noticing. Whatever he was doing, he clearly wants it to remain a secret from the others.
“That’s the entire reason he came to us. I imagine if news spread that a King came down to a Tier-3 town. The others would most likely come to investigate what he was doing here and that seems to be bad news for him.”
Raven scowled at this comment, because he knew it was true.
“Which means they’re basically just using us in their little game of chess. I hate it! And what do you think of that syringe? I’ve never heard of Altered DNA being injected into someone before.”
“Me neither.” Brandon shrugged as he looked at the box. “However, who knows how much things have advanced in those Tier-1 cities. Still, I can’t help but think that it doesn’t make sense. If the stuff inside can really make us into Altered, then we could just sell it off for millions, which is far more than what he was going to pay us.
“He should know that as well, so I think it might be some new prototype. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be their guinea pig.”
“But an Altered would help us on our side, and we can’t just give it to someone who isn’t loyal to the gang.” Raven said.
It was then that Brandon walked up to Raven, and handed him the box.
“You keep it for now, I’m not telling you to use it, but maybe you will find the right person that can. Perhaps that useless brother of yours might be a good shot as well. As for you two…” Brandon turned around.
“The colour gangs lost a lot of people tonight. I know one of you was looking to get promoted, and as you can see a very high position has just been opened. We have a lack of members, and I’m sure as usual this beating that they received will be a wake up call to a lot of them and they’ll decide to quit.
“Tomorrow, there’s meant to be an underground fight happening. Both of you head there and look for some recruits, Raven will tag along with you.”
“Thank you boss!” The two of them said in sync, and quickly got up to leave the place. Remembering this day for the rest of their lives.
——
The next morning a certain teenage boy was stretching as he woke up far earlier than usual. Ever since he had gotten the system, Gary’s nights had been very restless, yet now that the full moon had passed, he was finding it far easier to sleep… even despite everything that had happened just hours ago.
Too many things had happened, but only when he looked at his sister in the bed next to him, did he realise how much would change now. The teenager quickly got out of bed, planning to make her breakfast. Due to her injuries, as well as their area having suffered from the gang war, the school would surely understand the need for them taking a few days off.
‘The fridge is empty… and there are bills to be paid. However, it’s just me and Amy until Mum wakes up. I will have to look after everything now…’ Gary realised as he opened the fridge, only to find two measly pieces of bread.
There wasn’t really much he could make with it, so the high schooler decided to just leave them to his sister, so Amy could enjoy it with some jam. Gary could always go out and find some food that could replenish his Energy. Reaching into his pockets he pulled out a wallet that wasn’t his, and it just reminded him of the events that had happened at the Karaoke place.
He pulled out a 20 note, and his hands hesitated. It just felt so wrong, using the money of the dead, like he was committing a crime stealing from them. They deserved to die, Gary could put up with that but this just felt criminal to him.
‘Why am I being stupid, amy is the most important right now, and she dosne’t even have food.’ Gary thought, placing it on the table.
Just as he was about to leave a note, he heard his sleepy sister wake up and head for the toilet.
“What are you doing up, so early?” Amy asked as she let out a yawn.
“Oh, I planned to make you some breakfast, but there’s only bread and jam left.” Gary answered, before he headed towards the door. “Don’t worry, I left you some money to order some food and I’ll bring back some food tonight for us to eat, oh and I’ll be back quite late tonight so don’t stay up waiting for me.”
“Huh, what are you doing?” Amy asked, now she was a bit more awake. She still hadn’t really worked through what had happened yesterday, and the last thing she wanted was to be alone in the empty apartment.
“Remember that money from the job I told you about? Mum won’t be here for a while but don’t worry Amy, I got things covered. Just rest for today alright.” Gary said, leaving through the door and closing it behind him.
He stopped for a few seconds as he could suddenly hear Amy’s crying from behind the door.
‘I’m sorry, Amy. I will look after us. I promise I’ll make lots of money today so I won’t have to leave you on your own. I hope that you can forgive me for lying to you.’ Gary thought.
Today was the big day, the day of his fight with Innu, and the debut of the Howlers.