There he was lying in the hospital bed, most of the bruises healed though they left dark blue and green spots all over his body. Black, who was standing right in front of the bed, wondered if he went too hard on him. I mean, he deserved it, but it's been over three months now.
When his brother told him that Todd used to visit him regularly when he was in coma, he couldn't believe it at first. But I get it now, seeing you lying here without being able to talk or fight back no matter what I say to you really is pleasing.
It's almost impossible to imagine that there was a time when we used to be on the same team.
***
''BLACK! TURN AROUND!'' Todd screamed when he saw the boy coming back with a bat in his hands. Black quickly turned around and grabbed the bat, pulling it out from the boy's hands, causing him to trip and fall. He hurried towards Todd, who was being held on to by two boys, while being beaten up by the head of the group.
''Hands off my friend.'' Black demanded, before he swung the bat right into the back of the leader's head.
''SHI- WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU! GET HERE!'' screamed one of the guys who was keeping hold of Todd let go of him and made his way over to Black. With only one boy left to grip onto him, Todd swiveled around to free himself, kicking the guy in the stomach and running off towards his friend.
''Let's go.'' Black said, as he grabbed Todd by the wrist and pulled him along.
''But th-''
''I got it.''
***
I still remember White being all upset and asking me if I started a fight again, though I was just getting his wallet back. Black had to smile a bit thinking of that memory.
The way Todd's face looked right now, totally relaxed, reminded Black of the Todd who used to be by his side. A way more laid back version, who valued being there for his friends more than gaining power.
From a distance, Black could hear footsteps approaching. She is a bit earlier than usual.
He silently made his way out of the room.
***
''You're already back?'' Black turns around to see Gumpa, crouched on the floor, working on his motorcycle.
''Mhm, I am...
Is group A already in place for tonight? Also, did you call Dan to put up the sign? And did you check if the-''
''Yeah, the sign is up and group A is in place. They already built up the sound system and the podium. Also, Nuch called; there are cameras, press and reporters everywhere, our plan will work... so stop worrying already'
Black looked away and let out a sigh. It is very hard for him to rely on other people, especially because this matter involved helping his brother. The plan he was working on for the last few months will be executed today - a plan to free White and the rest of the guys from the charges that are held against them. Since the boys turned themselves in, they've been under house arrest able to live in their homes but only under strict surveillance. Today, the court will decide what will happen with the boys. The day that all of them were dreading, yet longed for.
***
''TAWI, GET OUT! TAWI, GET OUT! TAWI, GET OUT! TAWI, GET OUT!''
''See, I told you everything is working according to plan.'' Gumpa turned to Black, looking at his worried face.
''WE WILL READ THE FIRST CASE NOW:
MY BROTHER WAS PUT INTO JAIL BECAUSE OF TAWI. HE WAS ONE OF HIS WORKERS. HE ALWAYS KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THAT WORKPLACE, BUT HE DIDN'T WANTED TO SAY ANYTHING. HE WAS EARNING MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF US. HE WAS CHARGED FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS WHEN HE WASN'T EVEN THERE! WE HAD EVIDENCE, BUT THEY TOLD US IT WAS INVALID. THEY ONLY USED HIM AS A SCAPEGOAT!...''
***
Three months earlier.
''We need to pressure the judge to save the boys from jail.'' Black said when they announced that the case will be brought to court.
''Black, you cannot do something illegal. You know White will not approve it. We have to convince the Judge in a legal way.''
''...What if we used ROL and the media to force the judge to let them free, and maybe even arrest Tawi. We could gather all the cases where Tawi blackmailed or used other people as scapegoats for his crimes and let everyone know about them.''
''Not a bad idea, that could actually work..'' said Gumpa with an encouraging tone in his voice. ''What if we let the Media know that we have information about Tawi which they will want to get their hands on first.''
For months, Black, Gumpa and the rest of the ROL Group searched for victims who were wronged by Tawi and his people. A lot of them were too scared to talk about it, silenced by money that most of them needed desperately. In the end, they found over 50 people who were willing to tell their story.
***
Their plan was working well, several reporters from the press were broadcasting about all the cases that were being read out loud, one after another.
''TAWI, GET OUT! TAWI, GET OUT!..''
