The Gang

The Final Battle Begins

Tessa's POV
It was a miracle to say the least. The bidders and I were trying to figure out a plan for escape when we heard explosions and gunfire outside. It was the perfect distraction to escape, but we didn't know who was attacking and whether it would be a friend or foe.

It didn't take long for us to find out. While we were trying to escape, we heard quick footsteps. At first, we thought it was the Vipers coming to get us, but imagine my surprise when Joe and other members of my disbanded gang came through the door.

"Joe!" I yelled out so they could find us faster.

"Leader! Are you okay?" he asked running up to our cell.

"For the most part."

"Good. We're getting you out of here. Jade, the keys if you will."

"You got it. We'll get you out of here in no time, leader," said Jade, using the keys to free them.

"Thanks fo the rescue, but what are you doing here? I thought I disbanded the gang."

"You really thought we'd let you go into battle without us?" Joe asked.

"But-"

"You're such an idiot sometimes. We know you disbanded the gang to protect us, but you should've consulted all of us about how we felt."

"You're right. I'm sorry, but I didn't want you wrapped up in all this mess."

"You know, this is touching and all, but we should get moving," said Baba.

"Right. If you guys can hold them off a little bit longer, I can get to Rico's office."

"Yes, ma'am," all the band members in the vicinity responded.

"Don't call me ma'am. It makes me feel old and I'm younger than most of you." Before anyone could respond, Eisuke interrupted.

"There's no time for this. We need to get a move on." The gang members gave Eisuke a death glare. Seems like they still despise rich people.

"You're right. Let's go," I quickly said before a fight could ensue between the bidders and the gang.

We all rushed out of the dungeon and got stopped by dozens of mafia members.

"Go, leader. We go this," Joe said as he got ready to fight with the rest of the gang.

"Thank you." With them paving a path for us, the bidders and I were able to easily get through the mafia members.

"We're lucky your gang members came when they did," said Ota.

"Yeah, but how did they know when and where we were going?" Baba asked.

"They were trained by me. It's no surprise they were able to gather information on our plan," said Tessa. None of the bidders could deny their skills in information gathering. They were able to gather information that even they couldn't, despite all their money and resources.

After running in silence for awhile, we were stopped by some of the older members of the Vipers, ones that knew Tessa personally.

"Sorry, Tessa, but we can't let you through," said Blake.

"I know. You're just doing your job. There's nothing wrong with being loyal; however, that doesn't mean I'll let you keep us from passing."

"Tessa, we'll handle this," said Soryu.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You go ahead and finish this," said Baba.

"Thank you," I said passing through her old and new friends.

"Good luck," I heard one of the Viper members say as he passed me a gun when I passed them. I understand now. They also want to get their old leader back. Well, I definitely won't disappoint them with so many people counting on me.

I arrived at Rico's office and barged through the double doors. He was just sitting in his chair, smoking a cigarette like nothing is happening. We both quickly raised a gun to each other.

"Congratulations for getting this far," he said after minutes of silence.

"It seems like you expected something like this to happen," I responded.

"Did you forget who I am? I taught you everything you know, Tessa, so naturally I knew how this would all go down."

"Well, I'm sure the conclusion will be different."

"I highly doubt it. We both know that I'm your better in every way. It is an undeniable fact that my fighting capabilities and my intelligence far outweighs your own."

"Perhaps that was true when you were still sane, but not now. You have no motive, no conviction. Unlike me, there's no reason you're fighting this battle. That's why I won't lose."

"Is that so? I'd live to see you try, sweetheart."

And so, the final battle begins.