Shaggy and the others stared blank faced at Slink. Waiting for the young player to explain. But no explanation was forthcoming. Slink was busying himself with both the table and the written reports all around him. Soon Shaggy and the others burst out with multiple questions, filling the room with raised voices. Levy raised a purple fist and set off a burst of energy that scorched the ceiling. The room fell silent save for Slink, still frantically typing away. Levy gave them all a sharp look before she turned to the boy.

“Slink! Talk and work!”

“Huh?! Oh, I’m combining the most recent reports trying to find discrepancies. We know the Quinica were in their hideouts along the main road before the raid. But now, they are nowhere to be seen.”

“Could the scouts be wrong? Did they miss something?” Vlad asked.

Slink shook his head. “They are untrained and new to their jobs. But they know when a building is empty. I’ve got two reports from some of Ephemara’s people that made it into Quinica buildings. They found nothing. Some of my own people have reported collapsed buildings and stripped down storefronts.”

Ren rubbed his leathery chin. “They took their shit and ran? Really?”

“Hell no.” Shaggy said. “No way. They just dump their leadership on us and take off? What about the Elder of Elders or whatever they are?”

“The Ancient One.” Dave supplied, still watching the shifting Holo-table.

“Yeah, that guy?”

“Probably a myth the Elders were throwing around to keep the ramble in line as they lost turf.”

“Unsure. We’re were trying to confirm reports about the Quinica’s leadership structure. But this is looking to be true. We are going to have to confirm some of this. But according to everything I have, the Quinica have abandoned their turf.”

“FUCK!” Vlad shouted.

“Wait, isn’t that a good thing? That means we won, right?”

Ren shook his head as he cross his massive arms. “No. The terms of the Gang War were the complete destruction of either side’s leadership. We’ve killed a lot of the Elders, but if we had gotten all of them, we’d have gotten a notification saying we won.”

Shaggy growled. “So they saw we were winning and went into hiding. Smart, honestly. Can’t kill their leadership if we don’t know where they are.”

“It also buys them time to regroup and call in more reinforcements.”

“We’re more fucked than that.” Vlad added. “The terms of the parley with the Big Four were absolute. We have to keep this dispute to the designated areas. Quinica Turf and our own small slice of Under-Town.”

“So that’s good then. They broke the terms of engagement. Can we take that to the Four?” Levy spoke up.

Vlad snorted. “Hardly. That’s a club that looks after their own, surprisingly. Negotiations were like pulling teeth. Getting them to recognize us as an actual gang was already a pain in the dick. The only reason they met with me is because they wanted to demand that we disperse. When I told them off, they threatened to come down on us. The Raks and The Phreaks hate our damn guts, but thankfully the Governor stepped in. They have an almost debilitating sense of honor.”

“And the Raks just obeyed?” Shaggy asked, unconvinced.

“Again, not really. The Governor got all the heads to agree to let the Quinica deal with us. Probably thought it would be a cakewalk. When we started taking turf, the Space-Vamps panicked and threw their Elders at us.”

“Well, that’s suspicious.” Levy said. “Why throw their leadership at you right off the bat? I mean, I understand striking with your heaviest hand. But what are they holding back if they let the Elders loose so easily?”

Vlad rubbed his face and stayed silent. Everyone around the table was silent, contemplating the Quinica’s actions. Shaggy was sure either the Phreaks or Raks had offered the parasites a hole to hide in. But if they marched into either of their turfs, they would be in for a shitstorm. It was a dicey situation. One which had Dave grinning as Shaggy looked at him.

“Dudes. Stop freaking about it. We won.”

Ren sighed. “No. Dave, we didn’t win. We have to kill their leaders. Which we can’t do if we can’t find them.”

“Like, I get that. But we can’t find them without marching into someone else area, right? So let’s just NOT do that?”

“You suggesting we do nothing?” Shaggy asked, bewildered.

“Naw, dude. We keep looking for the Vamp-dudes, but meanwhile we take their turf and turtle up. I mean, between us and the Brutes we have enough to guard our borders. Our biggest problem was the power discrepancy between the Vamps and us, right? So we take this time and power up.”

Dave smiled widely as he looked around the table and continued.

“We get the chair kid to build us some weapons, set up shops on the main road, and train our crew, right? Meanwhile, Vlad, you go to that cool place and ask your new friends to look for the vamps for us. They went part of the Par-thingy, so they are fair game, right?”

Vlad’s eyes were wide with understanding and Shaggy thought the vampire was about to facepalm. He wanted to know what place Dave was talking about and by the looks on Slink and Ren’s faces; they did too. Had Vlad and Dave been hanging out recently in-game? That was an odd pairing. When Vlad wasn’t quickly forthcoming with more information and Dave was happily gazing at the Holo-table again, Shaggy asked.

“New friends? People we need to know about, Vlad?”

Vlad snapped out of his thoughts and turned back to the rest of the table. When he saw Shaggy, his smile grew wider, and a shiver chased itself up Shaggy’s back. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure he wanted to meet Vlad’s new friends. Not with the vampire grinning like that.

“I will not ruin the surprise, Shaggy. But suffice it to say, I think you are going to love them. I need to see to my Thralls first, though. Slink, anything need doing around here?”

“Plenty. But I have a few Lackeys on things. If no one minds, I’m going to start Dave’s plan. We can see if anyone in the neighborhood wants a shop on main street.”

“We’ll need to clear out those back alleys.” Ren cracked his knuckles. “I’ll do it. I need something to punch, and I’m sure my boys could use a break from moving shipments.”

“I’ll assign some of the...new people to guard duty, then.” Slink said, carefully watching Ren’s face.

A hard look came over the Rhino-man’s alien face but he quickly stomped it out. With no other word, the big player turned out of the room and walked out. He gave Dave’s shoulder a brief pat on the way. Shaggy nodded. Dave had really come through. While the rest of them were overthinking about the Quinica, Dave was thinking about building their empire.

“Nice one, Dave.” Shaggy said, moving toward the door himself.

Levy followed closely behind and Slink called after them. “What will y’all be up to?”

Shaggy shrugged. “I’m going to check in with my pack. Maybe look around to see what can be done. If you have anything, let me know?”

Slink nodded and turned to Levy. The tall drow woman smiled. “I’m going to take a few of the mages and return to our other base. We need to strengthen the defenses there as well as solidify the portal.”

Slink swore. “Shit. Forgot about that. We need people over there?”

Shaggy shook his head. “Just a small defensive force. Maybe a few runners to tell us if there is trouble and some scouts to go topside.”

“Levy... do… do you mind?” Slink asked hesitantly.

“Not at all. I’ll oversee things there and try to figure out if we can join up that terminal with this War Table.”

Slink sighed. “That would be a big help. Thanks.”

Levy smiled as she and Shaggy made for the door again. But Vlad’s voice slowed Shaggy. “Stay close, Shags. I really want you to meet my friends.”

“You know, when you say creepy shit like that, you scare everyone.”

“I am a vampire.”

“You’re not going to tell me anything about these friends, are you?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“Not a damn thing.”

“Should I bring my pack?”

“No. I won’t be bringing my Thralls if that makes you feel better.”

“It really doesn’t.”

Shaggy left the room with Levy by his side. He tried not to think about what his vampire friend had in store for him. He knew there was no way Vlad would put him in danger. But he was also sure the bastard was going to do something annoying. He heard Levy giggling next to him as they made the short walk back to the common room.

“Oh, I sense mischief is a-coming.” She smiled. “Please take pictures for me or a video.”

“Absolutely not. If you want to see what Vlad has planned, you must never leave my side!” Shaggy joked, adopting a faux accent.

Levy took up the accent. “Alas! I am afraid I must away. To a dark and damp cave where our wooden hovel resides. But call upon me and I shall rush to your side anon.”

“Anon?” Shaggy asked, dropping the accent.

Levy shrugged. “I do not know. It sounded good, though. But really, I want to get things set up over there. Also, there’s a forum thread about Cog that’s gaining traction.”

Shaggy ears perked up, but Levy didn’t elaborate. He glanced up at her, to see if she was being purposefully coy. But she was deep in thought, idly stroking her pet Pixie. The damn thing had slept throughout the fight and the meeting. Although, Shaggy remembered that the little thing had helped with the portals. It was likely extremely drained.

“Anything interesting?”

“Apparently, my dark mistress is searching for him. She’s calling for all magic users to help with a scrying spell.”

“Can’t be that much of a call if you haven’t heard it. Right?”

Levy bit her lip and said nothing.

“Have you been hearing the Mad Witch Korrigan in your head?” Shaggy asked, both amazed and a little affronted.

“NO! Not like that. But I’ve been feeling a pull. Something asking me to return to Korrigan’s pocket dimension.”

“So? Why haven’t you gone?”

Levy slapped Shaggy shoulder, and he was sure he heard a pop come from his wife’s hand. She glared daggers at him as a purple glow formed around her hand. But with the look she was giving him, Shaggy thought it best not to mention it. Instead, he just stared at her, confused.

“I just got back and you already want me to leave? We haven’t played that much together.”

“You’re already going to back to our other base! Besides, once we find Cog, you and I will send out the word and march on the bastard with as many players as we can muster.”

“I know. I just missed you.”

Shaggy gave Levy's cheek a small peck. “I missed you too. But we’ll be playing this game for a long time. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the world together. What if, after Cog, we run away together? Just the two of us?”

Levy grinned. “What about the Legion?”

“They can handle themselves. Shit, we were above ground for over a week and they barely needed us. They can give us a few more just so we can find trouble for ourselves.”

“What about your harem?” Levy’s eyes twinkled as she asked.

Shaggy groaned and raised a hand. His fingers flexed, ready to deliver a flick to his wife’s forehead or ear. But she dodged away, cackling madly. They drew the attention of several lackeys as Shaggy chased her a short distance. Eventually, she spun and raised a hand.

“Stop! Your liable to do actual damage with your strength. I’m just a squishy mage.”

Shaggy growled playfully and shook his head. He gave her another quick kiss before he looked around. They were standing in a short hall on the other side of the common room. Levy was pointed toward a wooden door. Probably where she and her mage friends had put the portal. She was on her way out and Shaggy need to check in with his own crew. He sighed.

“Haaaaaaaa. Try not to cause too much trouble.” Shaggy joked.

Levy pinched his cheek. “You’re the one staying here, love. Amongst this den of criminals and women. I expect your cadre of battle maidens will runneth over by my return.”

“Please. I’m hanging out with Vlad. That ham only attracts flies.”

Levy snorted but said nothing more. She gave him a quick kiss and rushed through the wooden door. Shaggy glimpsed the large pink portal to their cave before the door swung shut. He let out another sigh before moving through the common area and back up to the main bar floor.

Things on the first floor were coming back together. Tables were being replaced, chairs were righted and customers were trickling in. Under-Town. Where it could be an all-out fight one minute and the next people were giving you money for a hamburger. Shaggy shook his head and used his pack link to find his pack.

Rita was outside, while Vick and Sybil were on the second floor. Ephemara was out of range, surprisingly, and Tom seemed to be scouting nearby. Although Shaggy guessed the lithe werewolf was looting bodies or buildings. Finally, it felt like Cekrass and Stanley were also out front but away from Rita for some reason. Shaggy left Vick and Sybil to whatever they were doing upstairs and went in search of Rita. If he guessed right, she wouldn’t be far from the teens.

He quickly crossed the bar floor, giving several servers and Petra a nod of acknowledgment before he pushed out the front door. Outside, the scene was more chaotic, but also coming together. Bodies were piled up, debris was being moved toward the bar, and people were scattered about having conversation. Shaggy spotted Rita immediately and smiled as he made out Dragan, Branka, and a few others. But raised voices near Cekrass and Stanley spun his head around.

A crowd had formed around the two and briefly Shaggy was worried. But then when he got closer, Shaggy noticed that the two strong-men of his pack were wrestling Lackeys. Cekrass and Stanley were surrounded by a large circle of leather-clad NPCs. All of whom were cheering and shouting as both men threw their poor sparring partners around. Shaggy pushed his way through, sending Rita a quick ‘need to talk’ pull on his link.

“Fucking throw the kid, damn it! He can’t weigh more than a hundred and eighty pounds.” Someone shouted.

Shaggy watched as Stanley stood his ground as two Lackeys launched themselves at him. Stanley gripped one by the waist as the other tackled him from the side. But the boy stayed upright as he casually tossed the held lackey away. Meanwhile, his friend was trying to take Stanley to the dirt. Of course, with the kid’s enhanced strength, he barely budged. Stanley swiped a forearm into the other man’s stomach and watched him collapse as all the air was pushed out of him. Stanley circled on the spot, raising his arms in triumph as people catcalled and booed. Shaggy saw money exchanging hands as people turned their attention to Cekrass.

The big lizard-man was ducking and weaving around a Perinadon and an alligator-looking alien. Careful not to use his sharp claws, Cekrass casually slapped the alligator man across their long snout. They went spinning into the dirt before rolling away. The Perinadon was more straightforward. Lumbering in a charge that had their head down and horn poised to stab into Cekrass. But Shaggy’s Lizard-Were was more than ready. He spun around the charge, getting his own massive arms around the Perinadon’s waist. Shaggy winced as he knew what was about to happen. Cekrass gave a loud grunt as he lifted the large rhino-alien into the air and bent backwards. The crowd gave an audible gasp as Cekrass suplexed the Perinadon into the dirt. Their body went limp and Cekrass rolled away before springing to his feet, ready for the alligator to attack again. But the alien was done. He waved a hand at Cekrass and walked away. An annoyed cry went up from the crowd as people shouted and pushed. Trying to get to the alligator.

Shaggy shook his head as new contenders started for his two pack mates. A voice at his side brought him around to see Rita.

“You’d think they’d be tired. They just fought off a load of Quinica. But, no. These idiots still want to punch things.”

“Lackeys will be Lackeys.” Shaggy shrugged.

Rita quirked an eyebrow. “I meant our two idiots.”

“Meh. Stanley could use the experience and I’m willing to bet Cekrass ain’t even trying. Besides, our home crew could use some combat training.”

“Seems kind of wasteful to have a bunch of unpowered get trounced by a couple of werewolves. But whatever you say, boss. What did you need?”

Shaggy started walking away from the small mass of people. “I just wanted an update on both the pack and the kids. How’s everything going?”

“Well Ephemara ran off. Wanting to scout the Quinica turf. Tom said something about securing assets. Sybil and Vick wanted to see if their old rooms were still available. You’ve already seen the two dinguses and then the kids are a mixed bag.”

“Mixed bag?”

“Yeah. You’ve dropped a gang of street kids into a large criminal organization. There’s going to be some growing pains. Most of them have circled up and are keeping to themselves.”

“Do they want to go back? The portal is ready and waiting. Also, Levy is going to be overseeing things over there. So they’ll have someone they know.”

Rita nodded. “That might be good for some of them. But others, like Branka, are ready to help out. Though I want to take them out in groups to get the lay of the land. I hear there are still Cog bots to the east. They're not the easiest of targets, but…”

Shaggy grinned as she trailed off. “It’s how you lot got started.”

Rita slugged his shoulder, but didn’t disagree. “What’s going on in the world of the head honchos?”

“Our prey ran away and we don’t know where. I wanted to put Ephemara on it. But I’d bet she already is. Otherwise, we are in a holding pattern. Get some missions from Slink and upgrade your equipment. I hear Roald is getting a shop on our turf. Remind him I how much we helped him before and see if you’ll get a discount.”

“So we just wait?” Rita grimaced.

Shaggy laughed. “HAHA! There’s always something to do, Rita. But for now, I’m going with Vlad to secure some outside help. I want the pack helping the Legion wherever possible.”

“And the kids?”

Shaggy could hear the edge in Rita’s voice and he smiled. “They are part of the Legion now. So you have to help them out. Like I said.”

“Hmph! I’ll be put in charge of that, will I?”

“Well, I could get Tom to do it.” Shaggy joked.

Rita punched his shoulder again. “Don’t you fucking dare, boss. I’ll take the kids. Under-Town is nothing like they’ve known. But I’ll get them up to snuff.”

Shaggy nodded. “I know you will.” A raucous cheer went up from the crowd around Stanley and Cekrass and Shaggy thought of something. “Make sure Stanley stays…”

He didn’t finish, but Rita nodded. Getting his point. No sense letting the Lackeys know until the kid had ingratiated himself more with the entire group. Shaggy sighed then as he had finished what he had wanted to talk about. Rita seemed to notice he was done and walked away, back toward the kids. Shaggy gave her a wave and tried to think of something to do before Vlad was ready to go. But said Vampire’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.

“Ready to go, wolf?”

Shaggy turned to see Vlad had changed clothes. He was now in a different black suit, complete with a top hat and a red and black half-cape thing. Shaggy looked down to see Vlad’s slim black dress shoes covered with dirt, and he raised an eyebrow. The vampire shrugged.

“Concessions must be made even when it comes to fashion.”

“I hope you’re not expecting me to dress up too, vampire.”

“I wouldn’t think of it, Shaggy. Getting you into proper attire would be tantamount to wrestling an alligator into a wet-suit.”

Shaggy smiled at the image before he continued their banter. “So where are we going and why does Dave know about it?”

Vlad grinned, showing off his fangs. “The establishment I wish to visit is one that caters to a certain clientele.”

“Players?” Shaggy asked.

Vlad’s grin grew ever more wide and Shaggy felt another shiver go up his spine. He didn’t know what was about to happen. But he was sure he was going to hate it.