974 King Slayers
Still sitting at the coffee shop in Centerfield, listening to the peaceful Jazz music that played, both Austin and Kai were waiting for Gary to decide what to do. They watched carefully, noting every detail of his body language, ready for his response. A few times Gary looked like he was going to open his mouth and Austin twitched expecting a response but their was nothing. Then Gary finally decided to speak.
“I don’t think we should get involved,” Gary said.
“Yeah, that’s it!” Austin cheered, pumping his fist. “I’m ready to fight whenever you ask, going up against one of the kings. We did it before, and we can do it again. Then we can become the King slayers… wait, what did you say?” Austin asked, realizing the words that had come out of Gary’s mouth.
“Look, I’m not saying we won’t definitely help, and especially if Jayden asked me directly for help, I would jump in a heartbeat. But we have to analyze and get a bigger picture of the whole situation.”
“When I think about this more, I have to consider it from Jayden’s point of view. There has to be a reason why he didn’t ask anyone and is going at this alone.”
“Not just that, I can’t imagine how much he must have already gone through to reach the position he’s in. Everything he’s done has been through his own effort, and he’s had no help along the way.”
“Finally, he’s reached one of his targets, and they’re going to fight it out in the AFC. It doesn’t seem like it’s my place to join in, and if I were him, I wouldn’t want anyone else to either.”
After Gary had explained himself, the others realized they might have been the hot-headed ones in this situation, too keen to fight and solve things with their fists rather than waiting and seeing how the tide goes.
“You are a much more sensible leader than I thought. It’s no wonder the Howlers have been able to grow so quickly,” Kanu stated. “I can see you have a good heart, Gary, and I am glad you and your gang are currently one of the Kings.”
Kanu then stood up from his seat and placed a card on the table, shifting it carefully across until it was in the centre.
“This is my direct contact number. There may be a time when I need your help, if it comes to matters in your town or help with NIRV itself. I have your details from Elijah.”
“Of course, you don’t have to help, but you would be doing me a favor as I did you when you were in prison. It will be good to have someone like me on the inside of the White Rose,” Kanu said as he straightened his jacket, getting ready to leave.
He turned to look at Gary once more.
“I’m a pessimistic person rather than an optimistic one. I’ve called you now to tell you the story because I want us all to have a plan if something happens.”
With those words, Kanu had left the group, and they couldn’t agree more. Kai especially felt like if they were going to do this, they needed to plan so a surprise like what happened against the Phoenix Gang didn’t happen again.
‘I don’t want to lose someone again, like Tyler,’ Kai thought.
There was a lot on Gary’s mind after hearing Jayden’s story, and when this happened, he enjoyed going for a walk. So the group decided to take a stroll in a large park.
It was a nice open area with lots of grass, a running and cycling track that went around the place, and even segmented areas for one to take their pets.
“What are you thinking about, how to break this news to Xin, or whether to even tell her or not?” Kai asked.
“I’m thinking of the similarities of our situation. The good thing is, Xin is an Altered and always wanted to be strong enough to protect herself.”
“Now that she’s in the Howlers, there’s a good chance she might get attacked.”
“There’s a good chance any of us will get attacked,” Austin said with his hands behind his head. “Gary, we’re not stupid. Most of the people in the Howlers have joined you knowing the consequences.”
“For a lot of people, you’re giving them a better life than they ever would have had. Remember, Xin is her own person. Don’t go trying to control her life, telling her she can or can’t do what.”
Kai smiled.
“Smart words coming from you. Did you get knocked too many times in the head? Are you sure the hospital did a full check-up on you?” Kai asked.
To which Austin swung his fist, but Kai easily avoided it as he leaned back, allowing it to just make a whooshing sound through the air.
Pulling out his phone, Gary decided it was best for him to tell Xin everything that he found out. She deserved to know more than him.
If she then wanted to help her brother out, he would do so, but try to explain and rationalize to her how he thinks Jayden would feel.
[There’s something I need to tell you, do you mind if we meet up?] Gary sent.
To his surprise, it wasn’t long until he got a text back, almost as if Xin was on her phone already.
[I already know you like me, you don’t need to pour your heart out again]
[And sure, that’s not a problem. Where do you want to meet? Also, I need to ask you something.]
[Can you do me a favor? Can you get me tickets to Jayden’s next fight? They’re sold out.]
****
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