Jay was left aghast at the whole situation. As the Ghoul left the room he slumped in the chair. Gripping at the semblance of reality he steadied his chaotic thoughts. With the original thought of being a scapegoat for the situation this subversion of expectation was startling.
The door swung open as Hearth and Cole swarmed in. Cole's amazement couldn't be contained, "Holy shit Jay! We're becoming a District?! You're becoming an Enforcer?!"
The two lifted Jay to his feet. Hearth spoke with a hint of awe, "You're really going to rise in the ranks without us."
R-R entered the room and assisted the other two in carrying Jay, "Calm yourselves, you're about to tear him apart! I already sent for Hemsworth for that shoulder, so you can relax for now."
Cole shook his head, "He can't relax just yet! Word is about to spread quicker than a fuel leak. There's gotta be a party for this, especially since Jay is being promoted!"
"The last thing he needs is a party. He'll pass out on the spot!"
Jay finally spoke, "I'll be fine R-R, as long as I'm sitting."
An exasperated sigh made them flinch. R-R's piercing gaze reached them, "Fine. But if at any point you start feeling unwell I'll drag you out myself."
"Deal."
Troy also entered the room, "The Ghoul left, Top Dog is currently figuring out everything that needs to be done. But that can wait! We're becoming a District! This calls for drinks!"
R-R tossed a warning glance towards Troy. As if understanding Troy nodded solemnly, "Except you Jay. Sorry."
Jay's hand wobbled to wave off the concern, "Can y'all leave me with my friends for a moment?"
"Of course! You rest up, we have preparation to do. We're partying 'till sunrise!"
R-R and Troy left. Jay sighed heavily and posture slumped, "Alright shit, I need to lie down for a second."
Concern spread on the other two's faces. They swiftly supported him and let him lie down on the nearby bed. Hearth gingerly touched his forehead and a frown formed, "You're starting to heat up too? Bad time for a fever Jay."
"You're telling me. How's my Comrade in Death doin'?"
"He's following R-R around. Despite being in worse shape than you he's still on his feet."
"A real strong kid.", Cole added.
Jay chuckled, but it quickly turned to a series of coughs, "We're gonna need strong people. I hope he doesn't mind joinin' the Street Dogs. Could totally put in word for him now that I'm gonna be an Enforcer."
"Why you trying to vouch for this random kid?"
"Kid's been suffering for a lot longer than I. Despite that which of us is bedridden?"
"R-R mentioned that, but how do you know?", Hearth felt an inconsistency.
"While I was comin' to terms with my death at the trash heap. Kid was murmuring stuff I could hardly hear. Words that only come from those who suffer.", Jay's expression darkened, "And some other stuff that's not my position to say."
"Damn, kid hasn't said a peep. Guess we can't assume.", Cole made an effort to reflect.
Jay's eyes struggled to keep open, "I'm dead tired. Wake me when the party starts okay? Gonna. . ."
Hearth and Cole exchanged a glance. The two silently left the room, leaving Jay to rest.
All the stress, the fatigue, and the mental weight crashed down on Jay at this moment. Having gone through a situation extremely few could even dream about, he could no longer stand on his own feet. This rest was well deserved, something needed.
The Street Dogs scrambled about to prepare for the sudden party. News reached every member's ear. Eventually it spread to the other Districts. It's not often a gang is promoted like this. Many others braced themselves for a competitor, or potential ally.
So many things to think about. Many preparations needed to be made. It was going to be an exhausting change. One that will change the course of the Street Dogs forever. This was for the future however. What mattered the most was right now. That was none other than the party.
As the Street Dogs are preparing for this party, I shall take this as an opportunity to explain Districts. Atra is divided by different districts of various sizes. Upon taking control of a district the street gang is promptly known as a "District". It's an adjective, or a title of sorts. If a gang controls a District, they're usually a force to be reckoned with. If they took down several street gangs, then they're the top of that area.
There are a few strange words that are used among the streets. As people grow up among constant gang fighting it becomes hard for proper grammar and language to be taught. I'll try to explain as many as I possibly can, but forgive me if I lack in that department.
Bottles of various drinks were gathered. Excitement plastered on the faces of the Street Dogs. It's not often a gang is promoted like this. The Districts have been solid for the past three years. To think they're gang would be apart of it now.
Watching from the highest floor of the motel the Top Dog formed a smile. Standing next to him was Troy. Examining Top Dog's pleased expression he couldn't help but tease a bit, "You're glowing Boss."
"Can you believe it? This gang I started is moving up. Two long years of slowly increasing my Rep. It's finally paying off."
"All thanks to Jay."
"That kid is ridiculous. I'm glad he's on our side."
"It's a good thing you promoted him."
"Obvious thing to do."
Looking upwards at the blank sky Top Dog sighed a little, "It's gonna be a long road."
"We'll be here for ya boss."
This caused Top Dog to chuckle a little. Shaking his head abashed he changed the subject, "Such mellow talk ain't for me. Let's get this party rolling."
Troy placed his hands into his pockets, "I'll get Jay, can't have our star be missing out."
Nodding to give his permission Top Dog turned for the stairs. Wind howled and caused his leather jacket to flap slightly. This leather jacket was the heart of the Street Dogs. For on the back of the leather jacket was the head of a growling German Shepherd. The symbol of the Street Dogs.
Stepping onto the asphalt he garnered attention. Raising an eyebrow he asked, "The hell you all staring for? We're partying tonight!"
Cheers formed as bottles popped open. Barrels were dragged onto the parking space of the motel and fires were lit within. The stench of alcohol and smoke wafted through the air. Yet a pleasant atmosphere wrapped around them like a blanket. Laughter formed as they played small games and told stories. Jokes and small friendly brawls proved to be entertainment.
In the corner of the parking lot, near the reception building two figures were standing out of the way. R-R rolled her eyes, "I'm going to have to deal with so many complaints about hangovers."
The young boy kept his head down. A reflex from the smell of alcohol. Despite this his eyes kept darting upwards, looking towards the joyful people. It was perplexing, does this drink bring more than anger? Why did they all laugh?
Ruffling the young boy's hair R-R comforted, "They're just having some fun, they pose no danger. I highly doubt anyone would act rashly with the Top Dog watching."
As if summoned the Top Dog began to click together empty glass bottles. Their ring gathered the attention of the buzzing crowd. Speaking up he declared, "As you all have probably heard, there's some changes happening to the Street Dogs. I figured I'd take the time to officially announce it. The Street Dogs are moving up! We're becoming a District!"
Several raised their bottles and gave a hearty cheer. Top Dog allowed it to die down naturally before finishing, "But naturally this is the result of one man's actions! The main star of this party, and our new Enforcer: Jay!"
As if on a cue the crowd starting chanting Jay's name. Responding to the call he walked onto the balcony of the top floor. Upon his appearance the crowd let out another cheer. Jay sheepishly scratched the back of his head. Top Dog was amused by the reaction, "Come on down! Don't leave us basking in your glory!"
Jay made his way down, his body having healed somewhat thanks to R-R's ability. His steps weren't limping nearly as much, and his back held more pride. As soon as he stepped onto the asphalt he was being dragged about as the Street Dogs began to have him tell the story. R-R watched with a raised eyebrow, "They better not hurt him."
Searching the crowd R-R found Hearth and waved her over. Nearly stumbling over Hearth asked, "You called?"
"Have you been drinking. . . ?"
"Just a little sip here and there. . ."
A heavy sigh escaped R-R's lips, "Whatever, just don't go overboard okay? Keep an eye on Jay for me, that kid is about to be ripped apart."
Hearth's gaze lingered towards Jay. With an indistinct nod she made her way towards him. Upon making it halfway she paused, turned around, and returned, "Actually let me borrow this kid real quick."
Before R-R could object Hearth grabbed the young boy's hand and dragged him into the party. Keeping his head down to not be noticed the young boy was pulled through the tipsy gang members. Jay, who was sitting on a chair pointed towards one of the barrels, spotted the commotion and waved her over, "Hearth! This is one of the people who found me."
A joyful Street Dog called out, "The savior!"
Attention was being drawn to Hearth, and eventually their gazes landed on the boy trying so desperately to not be noticed. Jay also noticed and spoke with a bit of surprise, "My comrade in death!"
Waving about Jay asked, "Get a chair for me will ya?"
The crowd shuffled for a bit and a chair was placed next to Jay. The crowd circled around it and the barrel of fire in front of him. Beckoning towards the young boy he enthusiastically instructed, "Come! Sit!"
Doing as he was told the young boy sat. The crowd watched silently, expectantly. Jay ignored them however and spoke, "You're already looking much healthier. Seems R-R's stuff really works out."
The young boy nodded as confirmation, but nothing more.
A drunken member excitedly asked, "You were there when Jay popped up all injured right? Tell me, just how close to the grave was he?"
Another spoke before the young boy got a chance to speak, "I bet he was half buried! I mean look at him now!"
Laughing another joked, "He's half made of bandages!"
Powered by the influence of alcohol they grew joyous and joked about. Such a pleasant feeling, even if ruined by the powerful stench of booze. How long had it been? Could the young boy even remember a pleasant atmosphere like this? With happy faces and laughing voices. It was warm, but not because of the fires.
He wanted to stay in this atmosphere for a while longer.
Jay noticed a slightly brighter expression. Feeling a bit pleased he asked, "Not bad right? We're all family here."
His expression turned serious, "Listen, I don't know your circumstances, nor your past. None of that matters right now. Living alone in these streets is a horrible idea. Which is why I must offer you join us. Become a Street Dog."
"Hey! Maybe the kid will be among the few to leave this city!", someone shouted.
"Plus he's young! A bit much to ask someone who's life is still ahead of him!", another chided.
"Ay! What's all the ruckus about? Who's trying to join the Street Dogs without my acceptance?", Top Dog demanded to know as he pushed through.
Breaking past the crowd he arrived behind the young boy, "Ah, it's the kid."
Jay was quick to explain, "My comrade in death here doesn't seem to have a place to go."
"That so?", Top Dog asked, but more towards the young boy.
The young boy did not respond.
"Hmm, I want people with guts you know? Not willing to take some rando kid off the street, 'specially not one who can't answer a question."
Jay opened his mouth to defend the young boy, but the Top Dog rose a finger to shush him. Unable to stand against the leader of the Street Dogs Jay could only watch the young boy's expression.
Such a friendly atmosphere. Was this what a family was like? How long has it been since he experienced something like this? Perhaps it was out of haste, or an immature thought process, but the young boy was unwilling to let such a feeling go so soon.
So, for the first time in a long time, the boy opened his mouth:
"I want to stay."