Business bay

Chapter 9: A Growing Threat

The sun rose lazily over Business Bay, casting long shadows over the well-trodden paths and towering structures. The Bay was bustling with activity, as usual—Luke was putting the finishing touches on Purpled's high-tech house, and Bitzel was tinkering with traps around the perimeter, muttering something about "security upgrades." Punz had already settled in, quickly adapting to the chaotic flow of Business Bay life.

Tommy stood by the central square, hands on his hips, surveying the scene. Things were going well—too well. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing, like the calm before the storm.

Deo approached him, his sunglasses firmly in place despite the early morning sun. "You look like you've got something on your mind, Sunshine."

Tommy shrugged, grinning, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Just thinking. We're getting stronger every day, and I can't help but wonder when someone's going to try and knock us down."

Deo smirked. "Let them try. They don't know what they're messing with."

Tommy laughed, but before he could respond, a loud crack echoed through the Bay. He whipped around to see Bitzel tripping over one of his own traps, a bucket of water spilling over his head as he tried to reset the perimeter alarms.

"Oi, Bitzel!" Tommy called, laughing. "You alright there?"

Bitzel, soaked and glaring, muttered something under his breath as he yanked the bucket off his head. "Fine. Just... testing the system."

Deo chuckled, crossing his arms. "You mean testing yourself?"

"Shut it," Bitzel grumbled, shaking the water from his hair. "You'll thank me when this place is locked down tighter than a fortress."

Tommy grinned. "Well, make sure you don't drown yourself in the process."

By mid-morning, the group gathered around the campfire, taking a break from their various projects. Luke had finished most of the work on Purpled's house, and the others were eager to see how it had turned out.

"Alright, Purpled," Luke said, clapping his hands together. "Your new place is ready. Time to check it out."

Purpled stood, his usual calm demeanor masking any excitement he might have felt. The group followed him toward the newly finished structure, curiosity buzzing in the air.

The house stood tall and sleek, with metallic accents and glowing lights that gave it a futuristic, almost otherworldly feel. It was exactly what you'd expect for someone with alien origins. The doors slid open with a quiet hum, revealing a minimalist interior outfitted with hidden compartments, security systems, and Redstone tech for communication.

"Not bad, eh?" Luke said, clearly proud of his work.

Purpled nodded in approval. "It's perfect."

Bitzel grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "You didn't find the traps yet, though."

Purpled raised an eyebrow. "Traps?"

Luke shot Bitzel a warning look, but Bitzel just smirked. "Don't worry. They're not lethal. Just... surprises."

Tommy laughed, clapping Purpled on the back. "Welcome to Business Bay, mate. Can't wait to see what you get up to in here."

Later that day, the group gathered for a light sparring session. Axel and Deo had already started their usual "friendly" bout—swords clashing in a rhythmic dance of brute force and calculated strikes. Punz joined in this time, and Tommy watched from the sidelines, feeling a growing sense of pride. The Bay was strong. They were a unit, unstoppable.

But something still gnawed at him. As Punz dodged one of Axel's strikes, Tommy's communicator buzzed softly in his pocket. He frowned, pulling it out.

"Unknown whispers to TommyInnit: I see you."

Tommy's heart skipped a beat. His eyes darted around the Bay, but there was no sign of anything out of place. He swallowed, typing out a quick response.

"Who are you?"

There was a long pause, and then:

"Watch your back."

Tommy's blood ran cold, but he kept his expression neutral. He slipped the communicator back into his pocket, his mind racing. Whoever it was, they were watching Business Bay. And they knew he was here.

He glanced at Deo, who was in the middle of blocking one of Punz's attacks, and made a mental note to keep this to himself for now. There was no need to cause panic. Not yet, anyway.

As the sparring session wound down, the group gathered around the campfire once again, this time with Wisp handing out healing potions and bandages for the minor injuries sustained in the bout. Tommy kept up his usual banter, laughing and joking with the others, but his mind was still on the mysterious message.

Purpled, who had noticed Tommy's uncharacteristic quiet, leaned over. "Something bothering you?"

Tommy glanced at him, forcing a grin. "Nah, mate. Just thinking about the future."

Purpled raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. He leaned back, his gaze on the flames, but Tommy knew he wasn't fooled. Purpled was sharp, always observing, always calculating. If anyone was going to pick up on the tension, it was him.

As night fell, the Bay grew quiet. The usual sounds of construction and sparring faded into the background as the group settled into their routines. But Tommy couldn't sleep. He stood at the edge of the Bay, staring out into the dark forest that surrounded their territory. His fingers brushed the communicator in his pocket, the cryptic message replaying in his mind.

Someone was out there, watching. Someone who knew about him, knew about Business Bay. And if they were bold enough to reach out, they might be bold enough to act.

Tommy's eyes narrowed as he turned back toward the Bay. Whatever was coming, he would be ready. Business Bay would be ready.