Star in the Streets

Chapter 9

His fierce tone prompts them to pay their bets then, he shifts his attention back to his adversary, who lays on the floor.

'Not so tough now, are you?' says Kylon.

'You Bastard, you just wait, me and the boys will­­–' says the Area Boy.

'You'll do nothing. where's the money you stole, you prick?' asks Kylon.

'Fuck You' says the Area Boy. Kylon grabs the area boy by the collar.

'You really love running that mouth of yours' says Kylon. Kylon punches him once more, this time knocking him unconscious. Dolus approaches him from behind.

'Guess that's over' says Dolus.

'It was nice smacking the idiot, but don't think we'll be getting out money back' says Kylon.

'Who cares we just got ninety coppers from your little show a minute ago, and you'll be up thirty bronzes by the nights' end' says Dolus.

'The show doors are open!' says an Arena Worker.

suddenly the doors to the fighting area open. Many begin flooding in through into the area. Kylon and Dolus join the stampede, hoping to have a front role view. all are eager to see this gladiator fight. Kylon and Dolus shuffle through the crowd, aiming for the premiere spots, the location by the fighters' cage, however, they're not the only ones. Others have made it their mission to claim the best view for the fight as their own, but after Kylon's brutish display many in the crowd subtlety give way for him and Dolus follows close behind until they reach their spots. A man grabs Kylon's shoulder.

Lord Argon awaits your presence' says The Stranger. The man looks far detached from life's difficulties and carries himself as someone who is above those of Low Street.

'Who're you?' asks Kylon.

'A servant of Lord Argon, like you' says The Stranger. Kylon looks back at Dolus who shows a gesture edging him to go with the stranger.

'Where are we going then?' asks Kylon.

'Up there' says the stranger. His hand points to the balcony which overlooks the entire cage from a high point. A large terrace is lined with seats in corresponding rows and columns. an area reserved for the elites. Kylon's eyes survey those seated in the area and spots Lord Titus Argon, who also has his eyes fixed on Kylon down in the crowd.

'Lead the way' says Kylon. Kylon and the stranger leave the crowded area back into the Arena's lobby. The area is now empty due to the mass exodus of people into the fighting area, they move through the area, entering a stairwell. They journey up the stairs, reaching the entrance to the area reserved for elites, and guarded by armed personnel similar to those at the checkpoints to cross into Low Street.

'No entry without identification' says a Guard.

Kylon's escort reaches into his pocket and pulls out a High Street passport, the same used to go through the checkpoint crossings. The guards briefly inspect the identification, then return it to Kylon's escort.

'You can go through' says a Guard.

Kylon's escort goes past the guards and Kylon tries to do the same but is stopped.

'Identification' says a Guard.

'He's with me' says Kylon's escort.

The guards give way, allowing Kylon to proceed. 

Kylon enters the private viewing area, follows his escort he is led to Lord Titus Argon is seated.

'Take a seat Kid' says Lord Titus. Kylon sits in the open seat by Titus.

'I'm here as you ask lord, but I'd be wanting my payment now before I begin my tasks' says Kylon.

'Eager for the coin aren't you. First, take this' says Lord Titus as he subtly presents a handgun to Kylon who is made restless by the sight of the weapon.

'I said you know how to use it kid' says Lord Titus. Kylon takes the weapon.

'I told you I ain't shooting anyone for ya' says Kylon.

'And I said you wouldn't have to' says Lord Titus.

'Why do I need a gun then, I'm no fool lord, I'll play no part in bloodshed' says Kylon.

'The gun is for protection kid, and I chose you because nobody is gonna suspect you as the danger you are, and didn't you put down some thug with one strike on your way here, that is not the way someone acts if their avoiding bloodshed' says Titus.

'Why am I here lord?' asks Kylon.

'I told you I need someone who can keep a low profile' Titus looks to his aide. 'It looks like it's time to leave, come on let's go.' says Titus.

'I want the money, now' says Kylon.

'Don't worry I'm true to my word kid, you'll get half now and half once the job is complete' says Titus as he leaves his seat, and Kylon uneasily follows. 

'Where are we going now' asks Kylon.

'To meet the lords of Low Street' says Titus.

'There aren't any lords down here' says Kylon.

'Yes, there are. You commoners just use a different title, Top Boys you call them' says Titus. His words bring a slight chill down Kylon's spine, making him anxious.

'Top Boys? You mean the top area boys?' asks Kylon.

'Yes, you sound eager to meet them' says Titus.

'I...It's just I heard a lot of stories about them is all' says Kylon. His mind is consumed with the folklore from the streets, each telling a different tale but the one stands at the front of his mind, the tale of Marcus Voise.

'Just us, no guards are coming with us?' asks Kylon

'A bunch of guards, walking around would attract attention don't you think?' asks Titus.

'Where almost there my lord' says The Aide.

'Bet you're happy to have that gun on you now aren't you' says Titus.

'I don't know what you think about me lord, but you might have chosen the wrong man for the job, those boys are ruthless, they'll kill a man no questions asked, and I don't think I'm the sort of man you'll need by your side' says Kylon

'Wrong again kid, you're exactly the type of man I need' says Titus.

Kylon, Titus and the Aide enter a private room and find the Tops Boys inside, each with an entourage comprised of other Area Boys. Four groups stand distanced from each other, each representing a territory.

'Wat took ya so long?' asks A Top Boy.

'Does it matter I'm here now' says Titus. Kylon and the Aide stays close to Titus as he moves closer to a cross section between the four groups.

'They supposed to be your protection or something?' asks A Top Boy, which causes all the groups to laugh.

'I thought you all where here for business, not jokes.' The room goes quiet. 'Let's start then, who wants to present their item first' says Titus. His words conjure up a thought in Kylon's mind. Titus being a frequent customer at the gun shop, always purchasing the antique items, and now it seems the area boys were all about to present items to him.

'An Auction' says Kylon.

'Quite' says the Aide.

(In Progress)