Jay and the young boy were currently at the Motel. Ten minutes had passed and Jay hadn't found anyone else to assist him. He was a bit anxious about this, but held himself sturdy. Compared to Heavy Thorn the rest of the gangs in the Barberry District were stragglers. It was highly unlikely that they would be on the same level.
Such thoughts only served to soothe him. After all anyone's ability was unknown, and their personality was even more so. Perhaps someone only wanted to make a small time gang, but had an incredibly powerful ability sought after by everyone. Although Jay's ability was well suited for combat, it still made him far from those who were superhuman.
"Jay!", someone called out.
"Yeah?", Jay responded without fully realizing who it was.
A person with blue hair approached. They were well built and confident from their posture. The sides of their head was shaved, leaving a majority of their hair growing directly on top. It's length was pulled back into a ponytail on the back of his head.
Followed behind this person was a small group. Pointing at this group the man spoke, "Troy wanted to make sure you had enough hands for this. So he sent us."
Jay recognized who it was now. A Beta who's name was Track. Before Jay's sudden rise into the Enforcer position he was most likely going to be placed under Track's command. Although the distribution of the newly promoted Street Dogs wasn't until next week.
This was incredibly comforting. Track was an incredible ally to have. Despite being a Beta his team was often small. This was because he only took on those who were talented or an Elite of sorts. Those with abilities suited for combat or had a knack for fighting. It was Track who recommended Jay's early rise to the Street Dog position.
The two gripped each other's hand in a rough handshake. Jay grinned, "He sent you of all people? Talk about premium!"
"Quality over quantity wouldn't you say?"
"Hell yeah."
One of the Street Dogs following Track was quick to ask, "You're Jay? The one who took down the Heavy Thorns alone?"
Jay turned his attention towards him, "That's me."
"Well shit! No wonder you're an Enforcer now. I'm happy to follow someone of your Cred."
"Don't expect anything large though. We're just handling a small time gang for now."
"Nothing wrong with easy work!"
Track placed his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, "When we dispatching?"
"Less than ten minutes, Cole is on his way here."
"You're bringing Cole? What about Hearth?"
Shaking his head Jay had to explain, "Hearth is still resting, she got a little overzealous from the excitement. Booze has her bedridden."
Track made a face of acknowledgement, "Alright, we'll wait for your command."
Jay nodded and walked off in search for Cole. The young boy tossed a glance in the group's direction, one of pure curiosity, before walking behind Jay. Track watched the two leave and his eyes narrowed.
Not everyone was entirely pleased with Jay's rapid ascension. Although his Cred was now something to fear, it was also hard to completely believe. More importantly it was a blow to their pride. Some random member rose through the ranks faster than they could imagine. Jealousy was just as prominent as pride. The two go hand in hand, an inseparable duo in these streets.
In a place where strength is respected, it's also envied.
As if to further prove this point a Street Dog asked, "Are we really going to be following that kid's orders?"
Track tossed aside the concerns, "Doesn't matter. He will either prove himself eventually, or be another consumed by this city."
Turning around he gestured for the others to follow with a head movement. The rest of group exchanged unknowing looks before following behind. Although many were unsure, they wouldn't be an obstacle. On the chance Jay proves to be an important figure, getting on his good side wasn't a bad idea.
A lot of the Street Dogs were moving. Enough time for preparation had passed and everyone, who was able to, was working to fulfill the Top Dog's command. Several groups left together in various directions. As they prowled the streets word quickly spread that the Street Dogs were beginning to act. Several gangs were caught unaware, but swiftly submitted to the new District. Others weren't so keen on the idea of being someone else's underling. As a result several brawls began to spread about in the Barberry District.
Jay had finally met up with Cole and gathered Track's group to handle Elmsign Street. The majority of them branded the leather jacket of the Street Dogs, save for the Wild Dogs who have yet to officially join. Jay's hands were the jacket's pockets. Taking the lead the rest of the group followed behind in a triangular formation.
"Elmsign is an interesting street to be assigned." Cole spoke aloud.
Track tossed a glance his way, "You know something?"
"A rising gang took over an old office building there. Heard rumors about them clashing with a neighbor gang for control over the street. I think they originally were trying to place themselves under Heavy Thorns."
"If that's the case this whole situation should be easy to handle, if they were already willing to be someone else's underling.", Jay spoke up with his opinion.
Track wasn't convinced however, "We cannot say for sure. Perhaps they respected Heavy Thorns alone, and because of it have a hatred for the Street Dogs."
Jay pursed his lips in thought. His hand moved towards his still healing shoulder. Although he was confident in fighting, having one of his arms injured would be a strong weakness. One wrong move and he would be finished.
"We got your back Jay, in case anything happens.", as if noticing Jay's concerns one of the Street Dogs spoke up in support.
With a faint smile Jay nodded in their direction. Regaining confidence he corrected his posture and moved with purpose. As the sun reached its peak the city moved with a different form of activity. Although this city was deemed lawless, the Quadrants kept the gangs in check, usually by charging a small protection fee. Violence usually only affected other gangs, meaning this place was much safer than assumed. In some ironic fashion at least.
So the city was decently populated by civilians. Many who moved here did so as a last resort, after all lawless cities were usually far cheaper. The protection fee, which was considered a bargain, kept them safe from the tyranny of other gangs. Add that to their living expenses and it still was significantly cheaper than living in cities protected by top class Heroes.
For their own safety, and sometimes just out of interest, the civilians kept themselves informed of the gang hierarchy. Thus when rumor was that the Heavy Thorns managed to wipe the Barberry District owner, and then were promptly wiped single-handedly by the Street Dogs, many were interested and concerned. As they moved about many glances moved towards the leather jacket.
"That's the Street Dogs?"
"It seems they're moving. I hope they don't rise protection fees."
"If they can handle a whole District with one person I won't mind paying higher fees. That's some serious protection!"
"Looks like the rumors were true, the Street Dogs now own the Barberry District."
The group was filled with pride upon hearing the murmurs. Finally they were moving up. Being apart of a large and prominent gang was the only way to stand at the top of this city. Now the Street Dogs have made a large leap upwards.
Much of the group's pride was also directed towards Jay. Several of those who doubted him still couldn't help but feel grateful. Silently they all vowed to make sure they didn't make a fool of themselves.
As for the young boy, he silently listened to the murmurs despite not fully understanding their significance. His clothes, something one of the Street Dogs lent him prior to their dispatch, were still a bit ragged. None of the pride the Street Dogs held was shown in his posture. His gaze remained lowered as he obediently followed.
This world was still significantly new to him. After all he wasn't allowed to leave the house. His knowledge of street gangs was still pathetic. With experience akin to the saying of 'wet behind the ears' he was nothing but a small speck.
He did not mind.
Jay slid to a stop, the wind blowing slightly which made his leather jacket flutter a bit. His hair waved about before coming to a stop. His gaze turned towards the right, an old office building becoming the center of his attention. Tilting his head slightly towards Cole he asked, "This looks like the place. Thoughts?"
"Fits the description. We're on Elmsign, might as well start going door to door."
Jay laughed slightly, "Yeah no, that would take all day. Elmsign is a long road."
The group looked down the road to properly envision it. Unable to see the end they all agreed silently.
At this moment the entrance to the old office swung open and a group of people walked out laughing amongst each other. The two groups locked eyes causing the tension to spike.
It seems they didn't need to go knocking after all.