How Things Are

thirty

It was so awkward in the car ride. I thought we were heading to one of Lucas' buildings that Derek seems to be acquainted with but he left his men to clear things up as we drove to the main gate. This meant he was to deal with the main problem itself. Derek. I was antsy. Trying not to bounce up and down in my seat. It's been years since I've seen Derek. The only reason Lucas is probably taking me is for my knowledge of the area. The thing about him is that Derek has never really acknowledged the greater-than/less-than system set in place by gangs throughout the world. In his territory, he is the best, so he believes.  And he pushes it with others all the time. That's why his city was so crappie. Even why its name changed to Savage when he took over. Nothing he does is civil. His enemies are killed if entering, and the alliances he does have, only become that way through force or admiration.
The only reason me and my brother lived there so long is because my father wouldn't enter Savage City, and there are plenty of poor street rats there so we blend in just fine. Whatever Lucas has planned better be good. Sure, I know my way around, but he'll know we're coming. As the gate opens I can see two cars following. Lucas saw my eyes roll in the window.
"Problem?"
"If you think eight people are going to stop Derek you're wrong."
He takes my chin. "I don't plan on stopping him. I plan on killing him."
"How?" I'm surprised he could hear my question
"You'll be helping with that." He lets go of my chin and goes through a file sitting on his lap.

I suppose that means the conversation is over. My cheeks feel warm. Why? He notices me touching them and smirks. I sit straight and look out of the window trying to clear my head of what just happened. It'll be some time before we get there. Even in this car, there are other cities we need to pass before we arrive. If Lucas wants to go unnoticed he'll ditch the car but I doubt he will. There's too much pride in the Mafia leader.
My head was so filled with thoughts of "how, when, and why" that I didn't notice us pulling to a stop between the border of Cript and Boozers. I was in the trunk the last time I left however this road I can recognize. Getting out before anyone could tell me otherwise I realized how different the weather was from when me and Winwrey walked it. More chilly. She wouldn't have minded her fur pimp coat now. The others got out. Some were prepared for the weather. Lucas was of course. When I finally noticed Teedo he nodded his head to me. On the job with the Big Boss must make him more serious than he already is.
I take it we're stopping here out of caution. Lucas stopped buying from Boozers so something could be waiting for us. Cript City respects him, but it wouldn't stop Dereck from leaving spies around. Cript City isn't as cautious, people go in and out. As long as you pay your worthy dues you're welcome to stay for the time that gift is worth. Some have paid a hefty sum just to hide away.

Out here, we could spot anybody watching. The road had a few other marks from wheels and walkers, but that's to be expected so nobody bothers looking into it. A few guys pee right on the side of the road. 'Sure. Just whip it out like I'm not even here.' The last person I expect to see is Drake. I wasn't paying attention to all the men but typical Drake stood closest to me, trying to target my shoes to draw my attention. I jumped back as he was tucking it back in and smiling
"Miss me?" Disgusting.
"Why are you here?" Uh
"What? You don't like what you see?" "You could say that."The look on my face gave it away.
He sighs "I have more information about gangs around here than they do."
Hah "I bet you begged to come."
He growls. I was right.
"Needy Drake feeling left out?" I whisper
He pushes me "Shut up!" He's drawing attention "I'm more needed than you are!"
I just tilted my head "I'm sure you are. Derek is excellent when it comes to shallow tricks and backstabbing deals."
"You think you're better than me!" His voice gets louder.
I took a deep breath, "You didn't do your job on purpose Drake, then you interfered when someone else was doing it better for you." This shouldn't get out of hand. "Accept what happened. I almost did the same."
He smiles "That's right. You didn't finish your job. The slave's probably dead now because of you."
The others were waiting for a response "You're right." I turned to walk away.
"So you admit I'm better! You're still a slavewoman." He pushed
"This is your shady side. It's why you were removed." I hated this attention but he loved it
"We're in the Mafia Slave. Sometimes you have to be shady."
I turn back around "You carry a sword. That means having honor."
He looks at my Katana. "It's disgusting you even have one. Let me show you how to use a sword if you think you know better."
He wants attention. He wants to prove himself. But most of all he wants to embarrass me. I look at Lucas and then Teedo who do nothing. So I draw my Katana.
"That's right. You need permission from your master first don't you?" Another one of his games. Trying to make me angry.
The air is vibrating. I can feel my blood run through every vein as my heart beats. I'm in that moment. It's truly fascinating. When my body feels everything. I'm not nearly as good as Teedo. He still takes it easy on me but as he steps away along with everybody else I can feel his faith in me. It lightens the blade in my hand.
"What are the terms?"
Drake wasn't expecting my confidence "I plan on teaching you who's better."
Hmm, I nod "And how do you plan on doing that?"
He smirks. "By taking your sword."
I raise my head "so it's not to the death then?"
"I don't need to kill you to do that."
"I suppose you'll be using your tricks?" I add
"There's no need for games with you." He gives a sly smile.
I nod my head again.
Before we begin Teedo does what every swordsman duel usually does. He comes in between and states the terms. Which now made Drake understand why I asked. Honor. If he doesn't follow his own rules then he'll show everyone here what kind of man, Mafia or otherwise, he really is. As soon as Teedo leaves the fight begins.
When I first was captured and brought to Lucas, Drake looked so powerful and fearsome. His sword scared me because of the dragon emblem and he himself for being around his belt. Standing besides Teedo at the time, I thought he must have been as strong as him. Now, as I fight him, I wonder why Lucas has taken him away from his old gang.
We fight, and I think this is what Teedo must feel like when he takes it easy on me to make me stronger. He has made me stronger and Drake didn't realize that. I carry this on for another few minutes to push him. See if he is pretending. I don't want to try to take his sword only for him to be beaten. When he starts breathing heavy I take that as my time to go in, using the move Teedo taught me and take his sword. It was easy. I was just faster. He knew the move as well so I can't take pride in it. The look on his face along with a few others is surprise but I'm a bit ashamed. I never fight someone to show I'm strangers.  Or to put on a show.
Scratching the back of my head I look at Teedo and he shrugs his shoulders. I sheath my sword then go to sheath his. He is still sitting there while the others began with their own conversations. 'I have no idea what I'm going to do with this sword.' I think while staring at it. Hearing the wind whistle ever so slightly from behind me I step to the side as a knife skims my hip and hits the cars window. When I turn to see who through it, it's no surprise to see Drake with rage on his face.
"Honor, Drake." Teedo states. "She gave you a chance to prove you were honorable."
Everyone turns to see Teedo pull the knife out of the window "She's just a slave! The bosses whore!"
Lucas walks slowly to him "You disrespect me. You disrespect my Mafia, and you disrespect my soldiers."
"Boss. She's the one disrespecting you!"
"Did she not fight the terms you set?" Lucas nodded as if to agree. Playing his game.
"Yes, but she cheated." He accused
"Oh? How so?" The way he boss speaks has us all cower.
"She-I'm not sure. She had to"
Lucas takes the sword I won "So this." He waves to him "should be yours?"
"Yes. I never cheated." He smirks
"So you're saying Teedo" Boss pointed to Teedo "is a bad trainer?"
Drake steps back "NO! No I'm just-"
Lucas calmly nodded "You're saying you know better then me?"
"Boss!No!"
"That you can do better." His voice became cold. Lucas snapped the emblem off the sword with his bare hands.
Drake gulped
He drew the sword and Drake started running. It was too late, Drake wasn't fast enough. I haven't seen anyone that fast. One minute Lucas was behind him then the next he was in front with the sword piercing Drakes heart.
He left it there and walked back. Everyone began unpacking things in the trunk. Tents and such. I suppose we'll be camping here for the night.