Chapter Fourteen

Vito once again found himself at the Milky Way casino. Business was booming as it was just past midnight, when the district was truly awake. Vito's tag-alongs this time were Hades - as usual, but a surprising addition in Kaida.

She had asked to accompany him.

"I understand that the rest of the District 31 residents you've met have been a bit ethnocentric, but I don't share in that belief," she had said. "Except for the smell, it's truly overbearing. Other than that, I want to learn how things are done in another district. I haven't been to any other district since birth and I always wished I could."

"Are you asking for permission to travel around the district freely?" Vito had asked.

Kaida shook her head. "The others wouldn't want to join me and I've seen the look in the eyes of these residents...I don't think it's wise for me to travel alone. Armed or not."

Vito had looked pointedly at her hat and characteristically bright attire then. "Agreed."

Thus, he had allowed her to join him on his task, where she could observe a large portion of the nightlife the district had to offer. Of course, he wasn't operating out of the goodness of his heart; not when so much work had to be done. He had made it clear she was to identify any shapeshifters.

Now, Kaida looked around like a fish out of water. If not for Vito's attendance, he was sure she would've already been swindled out of a pretty penny. His trained eyes were able to detect exactly that happening around him. People posing as tour guides ushered starry-eyed tourists to a predetermined table that probably hosted their buddies.

While most of the tourists who came were street-savvy persons familiar with the workings of the underground, some were those taking a vacation from family to scratch their more vile itches, and these were the unlucky prey of the lucky predators.

Natural order, as his father used to call it.

"Why does everyone wear gloves here?" Kaida asked.

"In the past, diseases ran rampant on the district. It became vital to wear masks and gloves to prevent the spread of germs. That look stayed, though masks eventually went out of style. Now, most people just wear gloves to avoid the dirt and soot that resides within the district."

"I've noticed this dust," Kaida said. "Though I think gloves will make me look a bit weird."

Vito looked at her neon green jumpsuit but said nothing. Atleast he had convinced her to lose the hat.

Kaida went back to taking in the sights of people losing and winning money with great interest. "Do they not have casinos in your district, Kaida?" Hades asked curiously.

Kaida stopped her staring to let loose a chuckle. "Lafon would never allow such a thing. The chance for someone to win big and become wealthy overnight? It's not easy for him to micromanage that. Wouldn't be as big a turnout as this anyway," she added, gesturing to the dense crowd. "They're too timid to leave so much up to luck."

It was a full house and then some. If not for Vito's presence commanding a wide berth, they would be people breathing down their necks as they waited for their turn at the desired station. The music was loud enough to harm eardrums, but Vito was accustomed to it.

"Are you too timid, too?" Vito asked.

She scoffed in response. "I travelled miles and miles through multiple rogue lands with a small team with nothing but a prayer that the boss of the district would hear my plea and join me against a supported tyrant. I've been riding Lady Luck hard now." She paused, gauging Vito's expression with sudden intrigue. "Are you suggesting there's time to play a round?" she asked in a challenging tone.

Vito exchanged a glance with Hades. "When this is all over, I'll show you what an experienced player looks like."

"How do you do that?"

Vito raised an eyebrow. "Do what?"

"Envision the end...an end in which you win, with such certitude."

"If you're going to imagine the future, you may as well envision what you want it to look like," Vito said with a shrug. "Anything else is a disservice to your self-image."

Kaida sighed. "I guess with how long we've been fighting against Lafon, it's hard to imagine any end."

Vito grunted.

"I think what Vito is trying to say," Hades started with a glance in his direction, "is that you have the help of the Crimson Tides now."

But Vito had already tuned out the two. He had arrived early from the meeting time he had designated so that Kaida could scratch her sightseeing itch, but now he had seen one of his persons of interest enter the casino.

"It's time," he said, interrupting their side conversation. He made his way through the crowd, which was eager to part for him.

A watchful attendant appeared in front of the side door before Vito could reach it. "Could I interest you in any beverages or food?" he asked.

Vito raised a questioning eyebrow at Kaida, and she got the hint, giving him a subtle shake of the head. He wasn't a shapeshifter. "I could go for some food," Kaida said before Vito could refuse.

"Did you not eat right before we left?" Vito asked with slight annoyance.

"And I worked back up an appetite," Kaida shot back.

"Find us after we are finished," Vito said dismissively. He then spared a moment to address Kaida. "Earn that meal."

Kaida had a drink on entry and it seemed she was having trouble switching back to business mode. "What am I, your shapeshifter-detecting slave?" she asked

"You're my partner in this battle. Act like it," he growled, before pushing the door open and entering the room.

The room was set up for public games. It was an unspectacular, small room that was well overdue for airing out, consisting of one worn wooden table with five small, uncomfortable metal chairs around its circumference.

Vito glanced around the room; he liked to arrive early so he could scope out his surroundings and avoid any nasty surprises. Satisfied, he sat down and gestured for Kaida to do the same to his left.

"I have a certain order for doing things. Back at the manor, family dinner is a privilege earned after a day's work. Even while eating, we discuss business and plans for the future. I didn't mean for it to be insulting, but we were raised only to have dinner after the day's jobs are completed."

Vito's words left Kaida with a thoughtful expression, and more importantly, a sober one. "I guess that makes sense," she said after a moment's pause. Then, with a sudden taunting look, she added, "I accept your apology."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Vito swallowed his 'that wasn't meant as an apology' reply. Best to keep her content and cooperative even if it meant letting her have that. "These men you will meet are leaders of the most influential gangs in the district. Though there are several gangs within our territory, the minor gangs answer to major ones to do business on their various turfs," he explained instead.

"Sounds messy," Kaida commented.

"It would be if the Crimson Tides weren't here to govern their dealings."

"And you trust such characters not to betray us in battle?" Kaida asked.

"A wise question," Hades commented from his spot behind them. He had opted to stand, as he usually did.

Vito sideeyed Hades before responding. "Trust is a strong word. If this were some small-scale battle, then no, this would not be a reliable option in the least. However, these guys are territorial predators. The whole district is under threat, which means their territory isn't exempt."

"Fighting alongside them is still a huge risk," Hades commented.

"Then it's a good thing I have you watching my back, Hades."

Hades grunted and said no more. He wasn't one to fall victim to praise, so Vito knew he just chose not to push the subject further at the moment.

"Regardless," Vito said, turning his attention back to Kaida. "If a shapeshifter were to get the resources that the identities of these men provided, it could be disastrous. Now, that I plan to bring them on board with our efforts, even more so."

"I get it, I get it. Shut up and do my job."

Vito studied her as she looked to the door with a slight pout. She was unlike any leader Vito had seen growing up. He realized that it was because she acted her age. They were signs that she had to grow up fast, but the more time he spent with her, the more he saw some moments of immaturity poking through. Not to mention, her leadership style. She gave her men a lot of free reign and at times, one couldn't tell who the leader really was between Laze and her. Still, for whatever reason, it was clear the men listened to her when she spoke.

Vito was intrigued to figure out why.

The door suddenly swung open with force and the smell hard liquor drifted in to mix with the musk even before the barabric figure of Borak lumbered inside. His usually sourly expression dissipated when his eyes met Vito's steely gaze. He was likely reminiscing on their last unpleasant experience in one of these rooms.

"I've heard of no other inn killings, Boss," he blurted out.

"Neither have I, Borak. Now, if you sit down and wait a bit, you'll learn what i've called you for." Vito noted his uneasy, slouched demeanor. "Unless you have someplace more important to be?"

" 'course not, Boss." He sat as far away from Vito as the table allowed, casting a curious look at Kaida but making sure his eyes didn't linger.

Vito casted his own glance at Kaida though much more purposeful and she shook her head. Not a shapeshifter.

The room was cast into a complete silence for the next two minutes, until the door swung open again, this time much calmer. In stepped quite a character. She had a cleanly shaven head and wore a simple black t-shirt with exposed arms that appeared more black than her fair complexion, thanks to her immoderate assortment of tattoos. It was easy to mistake her for a man thanks to her lack of hair and slim build, as much as the way she carried herself.

"Nice to see you, Riza," Vito said blandly, citing her name for Kaida's benefit.

Riza looked at him through cold pools of black. "Likewise...Boss." She looked at Borak with open distaste. "I thought this was going to be a one-on-one meeting."

"You thought wrong."

"I don't conduct business in the presence of pigs," she spat out. Borak tensed and turned slightly so he wouldn't fall victim to a sneak attack.

"That's good, because I see none here. Now, have a seat." There was a warning in Vito's voice and Riza only took a moment to shoot another glare at Borak before sitting as far from him as the table allowed, which put her on Vito's direct right.

She leaned over to Vito so that the others in the room couldn't hear as she whispered. "That girl next to you has potential."

Vito wasn't amused. Riza ran the many brothels in the district. Vito would've liked that business to be concluded for good, but the reality was whoring allowed less privileged women to make their own revenue. The Crimson Tides warned Riza against employing women against their will and ensured they gave them profitable contracts, but that didn't make it right in Vito's eyes.

Kaida sensed the other woman's eyes on her and shot her a dangerous look. Riza seemed surprised, then even more intrigued. "Much potential indeed," she said louder.

Mercifully, the door swung open once more then. In walked someone who looked almost as out of place as Kaida. He wore a brown sobero which didn't go with his black suit and dress pants. On either side of him was a sheathed sword. He let loose a huge grin which he leveraged on everybody in turn. "My, my. You didn't tell me it was a party, Vito - I would've brought gifts!"

His voice was annoyingly energetic as always. "Long time no see, Draven."

"No kidding, pal. Oh, it's boss now, isn't it? Quite the title, pal. Apologies for not attending the old man's funeral, I had a train to bomb. Priorities, yeah?"

Vito repressed a sigh. "It was for friends only, so that's fine."

"Yeah, I was wondering where my invite was. Must've been lost in mailing, you know? I think we're much too old fashioned with the mailing thing. Why, the other districts use technology much more than us."

Vito gestured at the last seat impatiently. This man would ramble until your ear dropped off if you let him. He was responsible for the mercenary business the district provided. Though his personality and origins were questionable, his skill was proven despite being the youngest in the room at seventeen.

"Word on the street is you've picked up swordsmanship, pa-boss." He peeked over at Vito's side before sitting. "That's fantastic. My uncle was a samurai, you know. Taught me everything I know, he did. We should have a friendly spar sometime."

Vito took a second to comb through the gibberish and actually felt interest. "Maybe we should. Sometime. As for now, there is business to be discussed."

"Right-o."

"A pig and a clown in a business meeting. The mind boggles," Riza muttered.

"I think it was my aunt who was a clown," Draven commented while tapping his chin.

"More woman than you, I bet. Though that doesn't seem a difficult task."

"No more side comments, "Vito growled. "You'll have plenty of time to catch up afterwards. I come not with a simple business proposition, but a matter that directly concerns everyone here. Puts the whole district in danger, really." He paused, then, ensuring that his audience was attentive. Even the garrulous Draven had perked up. "A district is threatening our very own livelihood. Her district," he jabbed a finger in Kaida's direction, "to be exact."

"So is she here to be made an example of?" Riza asked with obvious interest.

"She is the person who warned me. The person who has set his sights on the district is a bit of a tyrant, and she has been leading a rebellion against him."

"And you have verified she isn't taking you for a trip around the rosie, as the young people say?" Draven asked.

"Vito is no amateur," Hades said so that Vito wouldn't have to.

Draven's eyes lit up as he looked over Hades. "Old man Hades! Why, I haven't seen you since-"

"No side conversations," Vito interrupted. "Now," he looked at each gang leader in turn, "I know none of you are fond of the Crimson Tides, and frankly, you have no reason to be. We have governed you harshly and don't allow you to give in fully to your...urges."

"Me and your gang have no beef, pal," Draven said with an incredibly white smile.

"Boss," Hades corrected.

"Boss!" Draven corrected himself eagerly.

Vito ignored him. "Thus, I ask you to participate not for the glory of the Crimson Tides, but for your own. You want to protect your turf? It's never been more at risk than it is now."

"I figure there's no monetary compensation for helping?" Borak asked tentatively.

Vito forced a scowl on his face. "I assumed not having our livelihood destroyed was compensation enough."

"You assumed wrong, boss," Riza said with a sly expression. "What's stopping us from simply migrating away now that we have a warning? Staying here to fight isn't the only option...unless you're saying it is?"

"The choice is yours."

"Then, give me that lady on your hip and you'll have my full participation."

Kaida bristled and looked like she was mere seconds away from pulling out the pistol he knew was in her right pocket. Vito patted her on the shoulder habitually, before he had realized what he had done. It was a gesture he had used to calm Jekio in the past growing up.

"That's funny, Riza, I thought migration through the rogue lands would be too risky with an infant in tow." Riza immediately shot him a dark look laced with a warning to shut up. Not that it scared Vito. "That son of yours - adopted of course - would want his mother to protect his birthplace. I would think so anyway."

The chair made an infuriating grating sound against the hard floor as Riza stood suddenly, but Hades was much faster. He put a hand on her shoulder before she had reached her full height. "Sit," he commanded with a voice devoid of emotion.

Riza's entire body tensed as she paused and weighed her options. Ultimately, she sat back down with a furious look on her face.

Vito touched his rapier, drawing power from its base to propel his body forward faster than humanly possible. He let the blade rest on her neck. "The next time you attempt such a threatening action, Riza, you will not be able to kiss your boy goodnight any longer."

He slowly removed his rapier from her neck and noted how she didn't dare meet his eye. "Now, any other complaints?"

"I'm in, boss," Draven said in his usual joyful voice, unaffected by the show. "Let's kick some lame district butt."

Borak was looking at Riza with a shit-eating grin but he took time out of his gloating to shoot a nod in Vito's direction. "Count me in."

A few seconds passed with all eyes on Riza before she looked up with those vengeful eyes. "I'm in."