Enough, Make Your Move

All the manifestations moved simultaneously. Normally this would be a sign that the time had passed and they all made their next "move". Yet these next manifestations held confusion among their faces. Something was about to happen.

The sound of metal ringing entered Track's ears. He closed his eye and the manifestations vanished, but instead was shocked with what he saw now. Whoever it was that was hitting him now lay on the floor, knocked out cold. He felt the grip on his arms loosen and immediately took action. Wrenching an arm free he threw himself to the side, tackling the one who still held his arm to the ground. This move allowed him to free his other arm and he pushed himself up. Swiftly punching the guy beneath him he rolled to the side to avoid a kick headed for his back.

Returning to his feet he threw a punch forward. This was blocked and a counter blow followed after. Ducking underneath this fist Track rotated his body and delivered a heavy punch to the exposed side of his target. They stumbled to the side and winced, their arms lowering. Track drew his fist back and delivered a solid blow to the jaw of his target. Now falling to the ground Track faced the final target.

It seemed he didn't need to do anything. A pan appeared behind them and slammed against their head. Track winced, "That might cause some serious damage."

"Don't give a damn. Shouldn't have been in a gang."

Track sighed and massaged his sore nose, "Glad to see you. Here I thought you actually planned on giving up on this opportunity."

"Do you have any idea how many ears are listening on me? If I agreed so easily we would've been jumped three yards from my door."

"I suppose so. The outskirts are crazy."

"The outskirts are cheap.", they corrected.

The assisting person was Rye. Clearly tempted by Track's previous offer she arrived to see the boy previously mentioned. Much to her surprise she found Track being beat senseless, with a few people on the floor. Gaining a small grasp of the situation Rye immediately tossed a nearby loose pipe into the assailant. Her throw was surprisingly accurate. The form was similar to the throw Track himself performed with his baton. After knocking out the assailant she rushed to assist with a pan, but Track was quicker to act.

"Help me out with these guys real quick. I'll have to send a message to Top Dog about this situation, so you can meet the boy yourself."

"Sure, let him trust some stranger who walks in. Should I bring some candy?"

". . . I'll introduce you before I go. I have to grab my jacket anyway."

Dragging the Royal Dominion members to some alleyway the two returned to the gym. To be specific it used to be a gym, an old sign hung out front advertising it as such. In reality it hasn't seen any new members for a long time, and was used for personal reasons. Track had turned it into a living space.

Entering the room with all the equipment Rye raised an eyebrow, "You maintained this well."

"Of course I have. You know how much this means."

"Mm."

Rye looked about at the place, but was startled to see a young boy lying on the floor. With an incredulous gaze she asked, "This is him?"

"That's him."

"I've certainly. . . seen better."

"Stick around, you'll see what I mean."

"So you say. . .", Rye was beginning to regret coming all this way.

"You two can get acquainted. I have to run over to Top Dog.", Track was in a bit of a rush.

Sliding his jacket on he didn't bade any farewells before leaving. Rye watched the door shut and sighed, "So, what's your story kid?"

The young boy blinked.

". . ."

They stared at each other in silence. Rye felt as if maybe she wasn't heard, "You got one? Like. . . why are you here?"

The young boy continued to stare. At this moment Rye felt like she might have to choke Track when he got back. He failed to mention she was dealing with a mute! Not sure how to communicate she awkwardly walked towards the stairs, "I'm just. . . going to see what he's done with the place."

Track's breath grew heavy. Steadying his racing heart he waltzed into the Motel, "Top Dog!"

"What is it now?", a voice responded.

"It's Royal Dominion! They're making a move!"

Top Dog's figure stepped through a group, "Stella?"

"Some lackeys. They tried to say they now owned one of our Streets."

"Fucking hell, seems Violet Wave and Royal Dominion are teaming up against me! What happened to those bastards?"

"They're out for the count."

"Good shit! Troy's currently blocking Violet Wave's moves forward. As for Royal Dominion. . .", Top Dog looked upwards and a mocking grin spread across his face, "Seems I ought to return a favor!"

Top Dog walked forward while waving, "You lot follow me, anyone who can protect themselves that is. We're visiting Royal Dominion!"

Track looked in amazement, "Like that?"

"Ya think I'm gonna stand idly by while my territory is being poached? Ha! Since clearly my actions aren't enough to prove to these Bastards that my Street Dogs aren't to be messed with, I'm gonna give them a lesson!"

Placing his hands into his pockets he walked towards the Streets. Many of the Street Dogs grew excited at the sudden movement. If this move was successful, then their Gangs Rep would be solidified and feared. After all Royal Dominion was a long standing District.

Several gang members began to follow behind Top Dog. They subconsciously got in order as well. The Enforcers tailed behind Top Dog, Betas behind them, with the Street Dogs near the back. Few of the Wild Dogs followed, they lacked experience in this matter, however those that did were eager to prove themselves. Soon enough a large group was traveling down the Street. Footsteps sounding like an unorganized march, but it was enough to wake those sleeping. Several windows opened and heads peaked out to see a large group walking with purpose.

Worried looks and murmurs flowed about. When a gang moved like this in large number, it's not a good sign. Usually it meant a war was about to start. To the average citizen, this was bad news.

They weren't wrong either. Top Dog hadn't originally wanted to start any beef with the neighboring Districts. Rather once he was done cementing his position in Barberry, he figured he'd lie low. Yet it seemed that wasn't going to happen. So he would take things to the extreme.

On their way to the Annatto District they passed another Street Royal Dominion was attempting to claim. The small group in charge of it rapidly turned passive upon seeing the sheer amount of numbers the Street Dogs held.

Top Dog walked up to one, causing them to stumble back and fall. Looking down at the gang member he rose an eyebrow mockingly, "So? Whatcha doing in my territory?"

"U-Uh. . . we're just-"

"Yeah, figured as much. Get lost."

Nodding with a lot of energy the group rapidly sprinted away. Before the Street Dogs could continue walking, a large group walked from the intersection ahead. Dressed in black and purple windbreakers the lead laughed, "If it isn't Top Dog!"

"Tsunami. Ya damn bastard, how the hell did ya manage to beat me here?"

"A bit of foresight on Stella's part. Given your reputation."

"So ya meant to stop me?"

"Stop you?", Tsunami looked with an arrogant and pitying look, "Please. I'm here to end you."

Tension skyrocketed as both ends quieted down at the line. Top Dog's expression was shadowed by the neon lighting. His body quivering, many thought he was shaking with fury. Then suddenly Top Dog began howling with laughter, "You?!"

Moving his hands from his pockets Top Dog struck Tsunami where it hurt, "Someone who's in charge of an outskirt District?"

Tsunami's face fell into fury, "Tough fucking speak coming from some new skin!"

"Yeah yeah, we all know the only good thing about your District is that club you run. Come on then, I don't mind burying ya before Stella."

"I should be saying that! Bury these fuckers!"

Two waves of people crashed against each other. Both Top Dog and Tsunami remained still, glaring at each other through the fighting. In large scale battles the only people who will stand on top are those with an exceptional ability. If your ability was mediocre, then you could consider yourself lucky if you got out of the fight alive. Such a move was risky and foolish. But it was either this or continuing a drawn out battle on two ends. The latter would eventually lead to the Street Dogs downfall.

High risk, high reward! If they succeeded here then all future troubles would resolve themself!

To prove this another group appeared from the other end. A badge insignia on their chests as they walked forward in order. Top Dog glanced back and smirked, "Go fuckin' figure. If it ain't Stella! I wanted to appear at your front doorstep, but to think ya came here yourself."

Stella tossed aside a pony tail, "Your existence is just a step for my rise. So let's not talk out of place."

"Ya wait there patiently, I'll handle ya after Tsunami."

"I'd like to see you try!", Tsunami answered, surprisingly he had managed to close the distance.

Neon lighting moved from the signs and flowed as streams across the Street. Weaving through the horde of people they gathered on Tsunami's arms. Punching forward he made contact with Top Dog's chest. With his current stance Top Dog couldn't tank the blow and ended up rolling back from it. Recovering he looked up, "Surprise shot? Didn't think you'd stoop so low!"

"Shut the fuck up. You're ass is dying tonight.". Tsunami responded while emphasizing 'tonight'.

Stella waved a hand and Royal Dominion joined the brawl, suddenly making the Street Dogs surrounded on all sides. Stella approached casually, her steps oozed with authority. Her hair waved mysteriously as her ability warmed up.

Top Dog sneered, "Fine then, both of ya at the same time."

His muscles seemed to ripple as he flexed. Voice turning inhuman he roared, "Bring it!"