Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 37 - World Gone Mad

 – Are you serious, Boss?

– Of course, of course! Go ahead, have some fun!

– ...Thank you, Boss.

Dusk's crew was astounded; this was one of the very rare times he would actually let them fight by themselves, rather than snapping everyone dead himself in less than a second. He had been renowned to do everything by himself, from scaring to beating, to the point some of his men left to work under others Lieutenants, since they were getting bored. Today, they had to get rid of a group of strays running a riot in the northern part of the district, and for once, Dusk was in the back. He was sitting on the roof of a yellow, brand-new sport car, joyfully whistling while observing his men dealing with the unruly mob. He reminded of what Venom told him this morning with a blush on his cheeks; if you come back with a new bruise tonight, I'm not kissing you ever again. Of course, he wouldn't risk it, and would obediently stay away from the fight, as long as his work party wouldn't be in direct trouble. He smiled from time to time, under the baffled look of the bald man next to him.

– ... Boss, are you on drugs?

His question made the Lieutenant hesitate at first, but then, he began to laugh wholeheartedly, slapping his guy's shoulder in amusement.

– Not even, Doug, not even!

– Then did you get a new lover?

– M'yep, quite right, my dude.

The named Doug nervously grinned; yes, his boss was acting really, really strange today. Despite his cheerful expression, he almost looked more mature than usual, as if he had no more reasons to put himself in the firing line like he used to do. Doug couldn't hide that this abrupt change reassured him, anyways; finally, his leader was beginning to look more like one.

– Is she cute?

– M'nah, I see where you're going. Too muscular for you, Doug.

He giggled at his own words, and jumped down of the car, as his crew was coming back to him. Some were injured and bleeding, but most were fine, and he sighed of relief, astounding them even more.

– Glad to see you're all doing okay, dudes! Is the street clean?

– Yes Boss!

– Perfect, then. Those who need to get healed shall head to the hospital, I'll pay for your fees myself, just use my badge. The others, come with me, there's something else that must be done in preparation for tonight.

– Yes Boss!

Somehow, their exclamation were more convinced than before, and they all got in the cars, pumped up by their leader's actions. Dusk joined the back of the SUV which was first on the line, rejoined by Doug, who sat in the front along another man.

– Where are we going, Boss?

– We'll pay a visit to the Night Shift. They'll want to get revenge of Morphine too, for what happened to Rune, and they always had been loyal allies until now. We'll need them, tonight.

__________

Maybe it was because the red lights were off, but the nightclub appeared utterly different from last time she had been there. Dove looked around; without the crimson neon, it was more like a club than Amnesia's meeting place. Members from all parts of the gang's territory were rushing here and there, in a tensed atmosphere; everyone was anticipating tonight's fight. Held close by Sphinx, the young woman and him followed Venom, who led them upstairs, to a private lounge. He entered without knocking, the two others behind him. Three red sofas were facing a glass coffee table, and most of the seats were already taken; Blaze, Claw, Phase and Veil were already present. The idol and the orange-haired woman were apparently in a dispute.

– We need everyone, complained Blaze.

– But Madam Sadaaki can't ruin her cover, and so can't I.

– Are you telling me no one from your team will be present?

– No. Sorry, we can't risk it.

After a sigh, the one with brown hair swung around, only to fall face to face with Dove. He showed her a wide smile, to which Sphinx frowned, tightening his grip on her waist.

– Miss Hyo-Jin, he exclaimed, that's a pleasure to see you!

– Same here, Mister Veil, she answered.

– I wish I'd have more time, but let's meet up at Ether ENT's sometimes, alright?

– Sure.

He left the room on a wave, while Venom approached Blaze.

– Team Three is out? He questioned her.

– Yeah. Totally out. These fuckers should stay left, if they won't even tag along.

– Anyways, we don't need them!

Another voice resonated, this time much more cheery; Dusk arrived, followed by a tall, black-haired, dark skinned woman, who immediately went to hug Blaze, whispering something to her.

– Night Shift is with us, explained the blue-haired man. The whole crew is in.

– Good, one less problem, acquiesced Venom.

Dusk tapped the new woman's shoulder, pointing at Dove with a smile.

– Thorn, this is Dove, he said. Venom's future Lieutenant. Dove, here's Thorn, leader of the Night Shift.

– Nice to meet ye, greeted the named Thorn, shaking the girl's hand.

– Nice to meet you too!

Sphinx had left her side to discuss with Phase when the blonde man dragged her to the middle of the lodge, raising his voice to get them all to listen.

– Okay, he started. Tonight, we're going to war against Morphine. We'll proceed by raiding their headquarters all at once. Each Lieutenants will be taking their attributed crew, and since we'll need to split, every of their right-hand men will direct a crew of fifteen people. We're planning everyone's target here and now, so don't forget to assign some to the Night Shift as well. Sphinx, we've secretly talked of this, but let's tell you now... If you manage this mission, you're promoted to Lieutenant.

The news surprised him, but a firmly determined expression quickly came on his face as he nodded.

– Won't deceive you, he affirmed.

– Good. Dove, I know this is quite rushed, but for tonight, you'll have the rank of right-hand woman and will be leading a crew too. And same, if you nail it, you're official becoming it.

She acquiesced with a bright smile; they were trusting her, and it meant a lot to her. She would do her very best to show that she was worthy of their trust, and of the rank she could access to.

– Understood.

– Perfect. Now... Let's get to work, everyone. We have a war to win.