Stella smirked, "I figured as much, you're just a bunch of stragglers who came together. You call this a gang?"
"Bold words coming from someone as tall as my knee. A kid who runs on daddy's money."
"You sure about that? Shouldn't a dog know when to heel?"
Top Dog's crimson eyes bore through Stella. If looks were deadly then Stella wouldn't remain standing. Every second stretched to several minutes. Each side was on edge, one wrong move and they would leap towards the other's throat. Truly this was a fragile dance of authority.
"Careful with your words princess, might become another gang that's eaten."
"And you should sit, dog. Else I might take this District right after you obtained it."
"The hell you here for?"
Tension was rising to dangerous levels. Both the leaders were well aware of this, yet neither could afford to back down. Thus Top Dog provided an opportunity to lower the tension. If Stella refuses to take the offer, a fight would sprout then and there.
Thankfully she wasn't trying to fight, "Came to greet the new District. I wanted to see the one who took down a whole gang alone."
"Scared are we?"
"As if, just came to see if I can steal him from under your nose."
"Ghost Hand already tried. You think you can offer anything?"
Stella's unwavering confidence faltered at the mention of Ghost Hand. Still she failed to give in, "They didn't try hard enough, that's for sure."
"I can't deny that. But you should still watch your step. You think you can make a mess of my place, and then demand to meet one of my Enforcers?"
"Your place was already a mess. I hardly did a thing."
"Don't fuck with me."
Stella examined the Street Dogs. Their state wasn't the best for a majority of them were hungover from last night's party. Their disheveled appearance was lacking, and it gave Stella confidence. With a sly smile she put a show of shrugging, "Alright you win. Seems the Street Dogs took over the Barberry District well and clean. I'll take my leave."
Clapping once her men followed behind in an orderly fashion. Top Dog sneered, "Like a buncha robots."
Royal Dominion made their exit swiftly. A Street Dog sighed, "Damn! I thought we were gonna have to brawl a District already!"
"Nearly did. Seems we're being looked down upon. Y'all gather those who can move well enough. Seems we're going to need to start spreading our influence. Someone get me a map and the Enforcers."
"On it Top Dog!"
The young boy watched from a distance away. The sounds had awakened him, but he was unsure what to do. After watching the vocal battle he felt perplexed. There was no fighting, so what could have possibly been the issue now? Why was everyone still tense and serious?
Walking out into parking lot he was spotted by a few of the Street Dogs. One ran up to him, "Yo Wild Dog! You seen Jay?"
The young boy shook his head.
"Damn. Okay, there's nothing you can do right now. Especially not in your current state. . . Just stick around for now okay?"
The young boy lowered his head in acknowledgement and walked towards the Motel. The Street Dog scratched his head while watching the thin frame walk away, "Poor kid."
Unable to do much else the Street Dog continued to search about for the other Enforcers. Slowly word was spread and the available Street Dogs gathered at the Motel. Various Betas organized their squads and the Enforcers made their way into Top Dog's office.
Several rooms of the Motel were remodeled for various purposes. Although some of the rooms remained untouched, very few actually slept and lived in it. One of such rooms, the one labeled 202, was used for meetings between Enforcers and the Top Dog.
Jay was the last to arrive in this room. Opening the door he asked, "You called Top Dog?"
Only glancing in his direction Top Dog directed him to the wall without speaking. Jay found the other Enforcers lined up against the wall awaiting instruction. Joining them he waited patiently.
Troy, who was standing next to him, mentioned, "Seems R-R's stuff works wonders. You're looking much better."
"Shoulder was dislocated instead of broken thankfully. Still sore and needs rest, but I'm healthy enough to move."
"Good to hear, today is gonna be busy."
The room was simple. It held a few chairs against the right wall from the entrance, a desk lay alone on the left. This desk was placed more towards the center of the room, with it pointing towards the chairs. Besides that there was a bookshelf which held a few gadgets, but most were broken. Top Dog was analyzing a small map, one that focused on the Barberry District specifically.
Nodding to himself Top Dog suddenly spoke, "Royal Dominion decided to make a visit this morning. Seems they've been looking down at us. So I decided to take this opportunity to make sure the whole District knows the Street Dogs are in charge."
Tapping the map he instructed, "You're all to take the Betas under your command and go to these streets. Any stray gang is to submit and be put under the Street Dogs, send their leaders my way. All businesses are to know they are now report to us. Anyone who resists is to be subdued then and there. No excuses."
Looking towards Jay he mentioned, "Since you're a fresh Enforcer you don't have any Betas under your command just yet. Instead take whoever is willing to come with you. I doubt you'll face any resistance anyway."
Jay nodded, "I'll make sure it's done."
"Good. You're to handle the Elmsign Street specifically. I heard rumors someone was starting up a gang over there anyway, check it out. Jay you can get moving, the rest of you come to this map."
It was a given. Although Jay was now an Enforcer, he still lacked people under him. It would take several months as new Betas and Street Dogs come forth, and they will undoubtedly be put under his command. Thus he will learn as much as possible before then, so he would not fail as an Enforcer.
This was his first task as one. He had to make sure it was complete.
The first issue was who to bring. Hearth was currently resting from the party last night. Cole was likely to come. But facing against gangs with just two people was a bad idea. Even if he was among the few to wipe one solo.
A bandage slipped off his body causing him to be temporarily distracted. With his state being far better, the way Jay looked became clearer. A blonde, fit, and blue eyed individual. His body lacked scars, a show of his immaturity in battle. His posture was one of someone eager to prove themself, yet held pride in his stride. Someone who was humble enough to know their limits, but was confident in their ability.
The young boy entered his field of vision. Pausing for a moment Jay quickly processed a choice. Walking up to the young boy he asked, "You willing to come with me for something?"
The young boy looked up towards him, unblinking.
Jay explained, "We have to make sure some gangs understand we're in charge now. If you're going to be a Street Dog you're going to have to get used to this kinda thing. So I thought it would be best for you to get some experience now. . ."
The young boy blinked.
"So you'll come along?"
Nodding the young boy placed himself behind Jay to follow. Although a little uncertain of this choice Jay decided it wouldn't be too bad. He'll have to put in some extra effort to protect the young boy if conflict arises.
This put the squad at three people. If they were all Enforcer level it wouldn't be an issue. However Cole is still of the Street Dog position, and Jay had zero idea on the young boy's ability. Upon pondering the problem for a bit Jay came to a conclusion.
He'll ask his senior Enforcers to spare some hands. In the meantime he'll hunt down Cole!
Jay and the young boy asked about for Cole's location. It took around ten minutes before he gained a lead. A Street Dog replied, "Oh Cole? I saw him down at the corner store around Redwine Drive."
After giving his thanks Jay quickly made his way towards Cole. The young boy followed behind silently. His presence thinned to almost nothing.
"Cole! What are you doing man?", Jay greeted.
Startled by the voice Cole dropped what he was holding, "Ah dammit. Hey Jay."
"Sorry man. . . what were you doing?"
Cole picked up a plastic bag off the floor. Raising it for Jay to see he answered, "Noodles. My sister was hungry."
"How she doing?"
"Better, just glad she's eating."
"Glad to hear it man. Listen, Top Dog is determined to cement our status as District. I've been tasked with Elmsign Street. Need some hands to back me up."
"Your first task as an Enforcer!"
"Which is why I can't afford to fuck this up."
"I getcha man. Okay, let me drop this off and I'm right behind you."
"Meet me at the Motel in fifteen. I gotta see what I can do about more hands."
"I'll be there."
Jay nodded and turned back. Eyeing the young boy he spoke aloud, "Now time to see if anyone is willing to come along. Else I might have to solo another gang."
The young boy did not make a comment.