Beware The Water

Invisible Hand

The meeting room in the back of Chang Dai was heavy with history. Not everyone was allowed in there except for the closest brothers to the King of Chinatown. Shorter was the head of the table. The Boss. He had worked so hard for this position and to gain the trust of his men. He prided himself on being the big brother that some of the guys needed. He protected Chinatown the best he could and made many allies and friends along the way. Now it was time to move on.

Sing stood at the center of the room, tense and uncertain, surrounded by his brothers who once called him "brat" "tag along" and even "rat" just a year ago.

"You all know why we're here." Shorter began, his voice carried over the room softly but also heavy. He bore the weight of leadership on his shoulders and now he was finding the strength to relieve himself of it all. "Things are changing. I'm changing... And I think it's time for someone new to hold the crown." He turned his gaze over to Sing. "I'm naming Sing Soo Ling as the new King of Chinatown and leader of the Chinese Mafia."

The room stirred- not with resistance but with low murmurs of acceptance. The guys nodded and exchanged glances. They knew the time was coming for Shorter to step down even if he didn't formally announce it to anyone. They accepted his decision and agreed with who his replacement should be.

Sing blinked, almost in awe that this was actually happening. "Are you sure? Me?"

Viper clapped a hand over Sings shoulder and shook the smaller boy to get him excited. "You heard him, kid. It's yours. My bad." Viper rubbed his mouth, "Boss." He corrected himself.

Smiley grinned, sucker lodged between his teeth and cheek. "Leveled up faster than I would have betted on."

Hook let out a chuckle, "Who would have thought? The brat we used to babysit is gonna be running the whole damn thing now."

"Not a brat anymore." Sunshine added with a proud and accepting smile. "You earned it, Mr. Shot Caller."

Sing swallowed hard, looking around at all of his brothers. They were all his to lead now. It was his job to protect and fight for them even when things get tough. He had to stay strong and lead with iron fists just like how he watched Shorter do, but this time he wouldn't be making the same mistakes that the former King had made. Sing had learned from that and seen first hand what nonsensical violence could turn someone into, and how it'll bleed out onto the ones you love. Sing promised himself that he'd be better and Shorter knew he would. His gang was in safe hands.

"I won't let you down." Sing bowed his head, "Any of you. I promise."

"I know." Shorter smiled, "Listen to me. You're smarter than I ever was. You're level headed and you think before doing crazy shit. You're honest with everyone and hate secrets. If anyone's going to take my place I'm glad that it's you."

"What if... what if the rest don't follow me like how they follow you? What do I do?"

"They already follow you, Sing. All the guys, even the ones who aren't in this room respect you. I've given you groups of guys to lead these past few months and every single one say the same thing. You're a great leader and they trust you. This is all yours now."

Sing gave a nod and accepted this new responsibility and the weight of the crown that came with being King.  He'd do right by everyone. He had to.

The guys erupted in cheers and surrounded Sing, as they all looked forward to this new chapter. Shorter watched on and smiled. Sing, his kid brother in all but blood, stepping into the role he once held dear to his heart. For a moment, Shorter felt it. The weight coming up from his shoulders but also the emptiness it left behind. Chinatown had been his world for so long. Being King was his identity. And now he was letting it go all at once for a future with Lux.