Pannel & Hook

Chapter 14: P

 

     "The only way to guarantee peace is to make the prospect of war seem hopeless" -Thomas Shelby (Fictional), Peaky Blinders ™.

    For some weird reason, when Nate came home, he gave Kimi and me a weird look along with a Lost Boys jacket and then told us to get in the car.

     We arrived 20 minutes later in what looked to be a house in Marooners' Rock, which was where we picked up Manny, then to an abandoned warehouse.

     When we got inside there were at the very least 30 people inside, all wearing the same jacket but all of the same age rang as me.

     "As of a minute ago, today's date is October 31st, 2022, Halloween. There's only one rule, no weapons, other than that anything is allowed. Most of you have fought before, some will be your first time but remember you have brothers who are fighting with you and that this is very real. Don't get boxed in by yourself, take who you know you can handle, and DO NOT back down."

     The crowd grew excited with some mixed reactions by the looks on the faces of the younger members.

     "The rumble will happen at noon inside of Mermaids' Park, and lastly, As Vice Commander and first squad Captain, I name Pete and Kimi, Captain and Vice-Captain of Squad 2, until further notice. From now on you'll be known as The soldier and The Siren. Get some rest and good luck...We're done here".

     Nate had us both standing at parade rest during the briefing behind him as he gave his speech but as he finished everyone cheered for us and drew designs on our jackets.

     When he started to walk away a shapely girl wearing a panda hat and a dark birthmark around their eye stopped him and started to talk under the shouting and hollering of The Lost Boys.

     "Alright". Nate turned to the crowd and spoke but even I could barely hear him. Others took notice and could see the impatience written on his face like someone was about to get shot. Darling and Man-Man snapped their fingers and each squad shut each other up, I saw one guy knock another out so that they could shut up.

     "As a favor to a friend, I'd like to introduce a new member, Ace". She smiled an ear-to-ear childlike gin and wrapped her arms around Nate, squeezing tightly knowing he didn't have the heart to tear her off of him.

     "Hi guys, I'm Dante's sister, my name's Tootles but you can call me Ace". She was taller than me, maybe Kimi's height but had the excitement of a five-year-old on Christmas.

     After the last announcement, we all peeled out of the warehouse and drove off with us being the last ones to leave.

     "Congratulations Captain!". As I turned around, I was instantly hit with an attack hug. "I'll be the new member of your squad, and you have a really cute smile by the way".

     "Uhh...Thank you but I'm not the captain". I laughed nervously, not being good at taking compliments but began shitting bricks as a monstrous presence came from behind Ace.

     "Leave or die". Said in the sweetest voice possible, Kimi was smiling at first but dropped completely.

     "I'm Tootles". She said holding her hand out with a cute smile. "He's mine". Kimi replied with a very kind smile but with ice in her words.

"Yes, Captain". Ace sounded like she wanted to cry given the death grip she received during the handshake and the realization that she is now immediately on top of Kimi's shitlist.

     "WHAT PART OF 'DON'T FORGET THAT YOU'RE MINE' DID YOU FOR-". She began to shout but saw what I had in my hand. "Is that a brownie?".

"Yes". I handed it to her. "Okay, you're forgiven.