Chapter four

The light buzzing from the broken hall-light fixture was quite eerie as the bulb blinked on and off.

Dre watched as Juke ran off, feeling immense guilt and confusion; lost and confliction. It wasn't his first time watching Juke spiral, but this time it felt more intense. That boy's inner demons were pure terror, but whenever Juke allowed them to fester up, he himself became something almost terrifying. Releasing a breath he hadn't realize he was holding, he blinked his eyes to return to reality.

Dre's chest fluttered as his wolf stirred restless. He tried; he really did try to live up to his totem. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a wooden carving of a wolf with a string attached to it. It shimmered under the broken light flickering in the hallway.

He was young when he bonded with the spirit becoming a valkaura, being only three years old. Albeit, he was raised with the instinct of a wolf and taught to follow the traits of the spirit to become fully awakened. He's not really sure what fully awakened really implied, however he tried to live by the traits. The Wolf stood for courage and leadership, but mostly he felt as if he was failing. Most of his youth was spent living like Juke. Abandoned and emotional, his anger drove him to act out, even getting him arrested a few times. However, with the years, he's learning to balance his emotions and actions.

But sometimes Juke's issues were too much for even him to handle. How can I be a leader if I can't control my pack? Dre gritted his teeth. He normally would run after Juke, but then he remembered the look on that boy's face. Juke's eyes were so hollow as he was lost to the haze in his mind. How they roamed around looking at nothing as he spoke to the air in a panic. He was too far gone.

Juke's gonna have to handle this one on his own, he thought. All of Dre's anger washed from his body as weariness weighed heavy on his shoulders.

His ears twitched as he heard the ruckus still going on inside of the classroom.

With Juke gone, I could ditch school myself or return inside and face the drama, he debated over his options. Though, his rebellious nature was yelling at him to run for it, his mature side figured the latter was the responsible thing to do. With a roll of his eyes, he pushed the door open and reentered into the classroom.

Swazzy and Jade's wide concerned eyes greeted him first. Giving them a slight shoulder shrug he carried on.

Ms. Lily and Haethena had Calcilum surrounded as he sat in a desk, holding a rag to his bleeding nose.

Dre couldn't help the internal chuckle he did, marveling at the sight. He really did deserve it, he thought.

Ms. Lily eyes met Dre's as he entered, her face stern and professional. "Where is Juke?"

Dre let out a huff as he scratched the back of his neck, "He bailed."

Calcilum released a wet snort, keeping the rag pressed tight against his face. "Somebody needs to get the patrol to capture that thug."

Dre took a step to the boy with a glare, "You really wanna keep talking?"

Calcilum visibly froze before Ms. Lily intervened.

"Hey, we need no further violence. Calcilum, you are to say nothing else, and Dre... You know I cannot overlook this." Ms. Lily said, authority heavy in a voice yet there was a tinge of regret. She turned to Haethena. "Take your brother to the healer and send someone for your parents."

Haethena nodded, then helped Calcilum to his feet. The two headed for the door, but Calcilum slowed as they reached Dre.

"I'm really sorry about your face." Dre apologized, which in turned made the boy frown.

"You'd better get your boy in check before both of you wind up in a box." Calcilum gritted out.

A growl vibrated from Dre as his blue eyes grew intense. "Just be glad it was just your nose."

Calcilum's eyes shook as he coiled back and Haethena pulled him out the door. When the door closed behind them the room let out a sigh of relief. The clogging tension was finally starting to settle down.

Ms. Lily straightened her blouse as she stood tall, yet if you paid close attention, you could see her body quivering. She was shaken up. The sound of her heart racing was loud to Dre's enhanced hearing as he read the nervousness behind her leader persona.

"Um, okay class. I am going to let you all leave early today. It seems I will spend my evening writing up paperwork." Ms. Lily spoke up as she made way to her desk. She grabbed a slip and quickly wrote on it. When done, she rolled it up and tucked it into a scroll. "Dre, give this to your guardian and make sure she reads it. Everyone is dismissed for the day."

Dre stepped up and grabbed the scroll from her. For a brief second, his eyes and hers lingered. "Ms. Lily, I'm so-"

"No, Dre." Ms. Lily cut him off, shaking her head. "You cannot keep apologizing for his actions. Juke has to learn to hold himself accountable or he will end up in deep trouble."

Dre's eyes soften in understanding. "He's really trying."

Ms. Lily's eyes snapped on him, "He is not okay, Dre. He is in pain, and your only option is to stay along for the ride or to let him go."

Dre's face frowned at that, then he turned and joined everyone leaving the room. Swazzy and Jade flanked Dre's side. There was a slight stillness as the students took in the damage of the hallway. Debris from the broken lights were scattered on the ground. There also was a trail of blood stains from Calcilum's dripping nose.

The three stepped over the mess.

"What happened out here?" Swazzy asked the older boy with concern.

Dre just shook his head, "Ya'll don't wanna know." He mumbled out.

Swazzy's mouth opened as if to say something else but must have decided against it as her lips tightened. Dre inwardly sighed in relief.

When they made their way outside, they bashed in the open air. Way better than that stuffy classroom. The day was still early, and they had a couple of hours before the younger kids were released, so they had some time to kill.

For a little while, the three teens hung around the school yard as they figured out the next move. Jade spun around in circles letting his dress flow in the wind as Swazzy and Dre lazed on the stoop.

"So, what are we getting into?" Jade asked, getting dizzy from the twirling.

Swazzy shrugged, "I'm not sure. We can chill around the market for a while before they kick us out." She said with a smirk.

Dre let out a hum, "Ya'll do that. I have something I need to do." He stated as he stood to his feet.

Swazzy gave him an inquiring look. "Chasing after Juke?"

"Nah, I got some things I need to figure out." Dre answered, reaching into his satchel to pull out the scroll. He held it out, "Give this to granny just in case I'm late getting back."

Swazzy's visage turned to irritation as she growled at him. "You and Juke make me so sick. Always running off by yourself like ya'll the only ones who have shitty lives."

Dre frowned at Swazzy, "That's not true."

Swazzy scowled with a huff, "Whatever, just don't get in trouble. I'm not coming to bail you out." She got up and dusted off her pants, making sure to keep her eyes glued on Dre's.

Jade's eyes bounced between them both anxiously.

"I won't," Dre said with a definite tone.

She snatched the scroll from his hand. "Come on, Jade." Swazzy called, and the two started for the plaza.

Dre gritted his teeth as he watched them walk off. Regardless of what happens, the juvies will come back together again. Right now, he had important things to worry about.

Dre made his way through the streets with a heavy mind. Despite everything that's happened, something else was bothering him more. Ever since we found those tubes, my wolf has been acting weird. He is more anxious than normal. That stuff in that bag really messed with him. I need to see if anyone might know what that stuff is, he thought as he made his way to Everly.

As the building came into view, he paused once he spotted the sulking figure of Juke sitting on the rooftop, feet dangling off the side. The boys made slight eye contact. Though it was short, it spoke so many words between the two, before Juke looked away, then got up and walked out of sight.

Dre made his way around the building and grabbed the bag from under the bushes. He placed that bag inside of his satchel then stood. Can't have anyone spotting me carrying that bag.

He started on his journey alone like the lone wolf. If anybody had information it would be Madam Prissy. She owned a brothel in Torenville, a bustling city a few miles out from Ezico Village. In order for him to get there, he would have to walk or catch the trolly. I really don't feel like walking, so the trolly it is, he decided.

He made his way to the trolly stop, where a few people were loading into a vehicle. Dre dug in his pockets looking for some money to pay but only pulled out pocket lint. Oh, man. I wonder do they take charity?

"Last call!" The trolly driver spoke out, calling for any remainders.

Dre looked around searching for fallen change or anything to use with urgency. I really don't wanna walk.

As trolly doors closed, Dre looked to the roof of the car then got an idea. Looking around to make sure nobody was paying attention, he stepped around the car. Focusing his kana on his feet, he leapt onto the roof making sure to lighten his land. Getting comfy, he enjoyed his VIP ride into the city.

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Similar to Ezico, Torenville has some traditional aspects mingled within the booming metropolis. The city was bigger and more crowded than the village. Torenville was almost known as the place of dreams. The city was overpopulated with people who'd thought it would give them a better life.

The bus rode through the wilderness before the city grew into view. Approaching the stop, Dre slid off the roof and landed on his feet. Tucking his bag tight, he walked through the streets of Torenville.

These streets where still familiar as he cut corners and alleyway shortcuts with ease. Making a few more turns, the sound of sultry laughter and the heavy smell of bad choices let Dre know he'd reached his destination. Pulling his hood over his head to not attract attention, he stepped from the alleyway and onto the crowded plaza of the red light district, where anything sinful happened. And he does mean anything.

The colorful lights reflected on Dre's iris as he made his way through the crowded street. This crowd was normally like this, no matter the time of day, with folks parading through the business and partying in the streets. Local stands selling merchandise and food lured in buyers. Walking by one of them, Dre sneakily snagged a bottle of hooch and made his way on until he reached an establishment.

The Good girl playhouse was a nice place, ran by Madam Prissy and it was quite big. Chugging the bottle, he tossed it then entered. The smell of floral fragrances and incense beat Dre in the face.

The brothel was something out of a fairytale. The inside was spacious with dim lighting, casting a golden glow on the furnishing. The aroma of oils and expensive cologne mingled through the air with soft, alluring music playing in the background. Some of the booths were filled with customers enjoying the company of the workers. On stage, a black girl with red hair, dressed in Lolita fashion sung softly. All of the workers were dressed in the same fashion. In the back was a grand staircase that led up to the rooms where the buyers became acquainted with the bodies, a floor they called wonderland.

This place, though way fancier now, was his first little home after he and his brother escaped the tribe. He was 12 when his brother found this place and the madam agreed to let the boys stay. For a year, he called the brothel home, and it taught him a lot about the gritty parts to life.

"Well, well if it isn't my young, fine wolf." A sultry voice catcalled from a woman sitting along a gray sectional booth with her legs crossed so elegantly and a pipe in her hand.

Madam Prissy's presence commanded dominance. Her red dress hugged onto her hulking, curvaceous figure, pushing her cleavage to pop higher to her chin. Her brown skin was slick and shining with body glitter and her bald head, adorned with tattoo markings, added to her striking appearance. Her face was dolled up in makeup that complimented her face, highlighting her sharp features. A gold choker pendant lined her neck.

A smile graced Dre's face as he watched the one and only, Madam Prissy. "Hello, madam." He greeted as he approached her.

Madam Prissy let out a hum as she lifted her hand for him to grab. He did, then lent to give it a light kiss.

"It's been too long, fine wolf." She motioned for him to seat as she batted her lashes.

Dre sat beside her. "It's only been a month." He cleared up. Yes, Juke and I sneak off to visit this place from time, mostly just to hang out.

Madam Prissy grabbed a glass off the table and took a small sip. A graceful grin stretched her face, her gentle wrist swirling the liquid around as she gave Dre a look. "What brings you here during school hours, or are you coming to give madam some quality time?"

Dre let out a huff as he shook his head. Despite her flirtatious nature, the madam never seriously tried to get in his pants. Maybe because I'm underage, Dre thought then reached for his satchel.

"The other day, Juke and I ran into some thugs carrying some weird stuff with them." Dre said, placing his bag on the table.

Madam Prissy took a pull on her pipe and blew out a cloud of smoke with a hum. "How is Juke anyway these days?"

Dre stilled at that, and with avoiding eyes he mumbled out, "He is... okay."

Madam Prissy tilted her head, her eyes never straying from his being. "Then where is he, because if you're not in school, I know he isn't either. And if he's not glued to your side..."

"What's with the questions?" Dre asked, trying to change the subject back to the bag.

Madam Prissy blew out another round of smoke, this time in Dre's face. The boy fanned the smoke away, letting out a cough.

"You two had a fight." Madam Prissy spoke up with a stern face.

Dre's muffled silence gave him away.

"I see." Madam Prissy uncrossed her legs as she sat up in her seat to ash her pipe into the ashtray, then placed it on the table. She turned to Dre with a stern look. "You two have been fighting a lot lately."

"We haven't been fighting. More like butting heads from time." Dre said. "Sometimes Juke can be very stubborn."

"Listen baby, because I'm about to say something that you won't like to hear. I know that Juke is a good kid, but that boy is gaining a reputation and from everyone, and it's not all pretty. There's even talk of the pound."

"They can't do that! They just don't understand him." Dre jumped to his feet as he defended the boy.

"And they never will with how he acts out in these streets. People are becoming anxious, and the streets are starting to talk. I care deeply for Juke as well. He has a good head on his shoulders... it's just messed up." She said sincerely. "Maybe you two should focus on yourselves for a while."

Dre shook his head very dismissive with a huff, "I'm not letting Juke go."

Madam Prissy took a sip, then licked her painted lips. "I'm not telling you to, but let's be honest, Dre. This co-dependency that you and Juke have with each other is toxic and unhealthy. It's doing neither of you any good, just weighing you both down. That baby's baggage is too heavy to bare for anyone. And you hold on too strong. In order for you to start to heal others, you must heal yourself first."

"Who... me? I'm good." Dre stated, trying to give a suave impression as he returned to sit.

Madam's expression was deep. "Your attachment issues deeply stem from Bakari leaving you. You've never recovered from it... Which is why you hold on so tight, afraid of being abandoned or left behind."

Dre growled at the mention of his brother's name, "Don't say his name. And I don't think about him anymore, so I don't know what you're talking about. What are you, a shrink?"

"Someone who cares. What's in the bag?" She asked, changing the topic.

Dre jerked, almost forgetting why he'd initially come. He opened his satchel and pulled out the gang bag. He opened the bag and handed it to Madam Prissy.

"These was on those men. I'm not sure what it is, but there are weapons in there. My wolf is screaming danger, and I just need to know what this all means."

Madam Prissy studied the bags content with a grieve face. "I'm not sure myself, but I've heard talk of something that's supposed to make a person stronger. This could have something to do with that. As for these weapons, I've never seen anything like them, but whatever it is, you don't need to get yourself involved. There's a new gang roaming the streets now."

Dre frowned, "What do you know about the new gang?"

Madam Prissy shook her head lightly in dejection. "Not a lot. The new gang aren't like the regular ones running around. They move like they mean business, but they don't go around messing with folks and their business. I'll keep this bag here and listen around for any information on it. You just keep yourself out of it." She advised sternly.

The girl who was singing on stage trotted over to them with a sweet smile on her face. Her red hair was styled in a mullet which curled ever so perfectly over her shoulders. Her chocolate orbs were deep and enchanting. The dress she wore was a soft purple. She looked truly gorgeous.

"Hey Dre." She greeted.

Dre felt his body grow warm as he returned a smile, "Hey Cherrie."

Cherrie was 18 and had started working at the brothel 2 years ago. She was amongst the youngest of the Good girls, so Dre of course was interested, but what started off as silly flings became something closer.

Her demeanor went shy as she gave Dre a bashful look. "Um, you want to hang out for a minute?"

"Oh... um..." He rubbed his sweaty palms along his pants and looked to Madam Prissy, his eyes asking for her permission.

Madam Prissy gave the young pair a knowing look then nodded her head. "Your on the house specials are wearing thin, fine wolf."

Dre smiled big as he stood to his feet and stepped to Cherrie. "Yeah yeah. I'm good for it."

"Yes you are." Madam Prissy flirted as she watched him saunter by.

Cherrie grabbed Dre's hands and pulled him up the grand stairs. When they stepped to her door, she opened it and yanked the teen inside.

40 minutes later, Dre exited the room, flustered and giddy as he fixed his disheveled appearance and returned downstairs.

Madam Prissy was still in her same spot, drinking from her glass as she enjoyed the relaxing setting. Dre approached the table to grab his satchel.

"I will give you this warning, fine wolf," Madam Prissy started. "When it comes to this new gang, keep your nose clean. The streets are changing everyday bringing more unknown dangers. You and Juke be careful out there and take care of yourselves."

He nodded. "Are you going to celebrate the festival of lights? The Onijio's tonight."

Madam Prissy let out a light laugh as she answered, "I'm going to celebrate how I always do fine wolf. Partying in these streets amongst my people."

"I'll see you madam." He said, reaching for her hand and kissed it goodbye.

"You too, young fine wolf."

Dre stepped out of the brothel with a satisfied smile on his face. His eyes roamed the streets, taking in the number of gang members guarding the area. Madam Prissy's warning rang though his head and Dre thought to listen. He hooded his head and walked off, heading in the same direction that he'd come.

The walk back was different as Dre's ears twitched while the unnerving feeling of being stalked overwhelmed him.

"Danger, young pup." A smooth voice growled from within Dre's mental. The voice belonged to Dre's wolf, Wakkun.

Dre frowned. "Where have you been? You haven't said anything for weeks," he growled to himself as he ran.

"No time. Right turn." Wakkun ordered, and Dre took the first turn and ran through a short maze. He came out to a fence. Climbing over the fence, he landed down, however he didn't see the dog whose tail he landed on.

The animal barked and snarled at Dre causing him to stumble back in shock. "Whoa doggie," he cried at the animal then ran in the first direction he saw.

Dre ran into wider alleyway before he stopped short. Blocking his path were a few of the gang. They were dressed pretty casually, like someone from good money casual, for some thugs. Purple and red bandanas fell from their pockets as white skull masks adorned their faces. Dre looked around at the other exit and watched as more members stepped in blocking off his routes. His ears twitched as he sensed men follow behind him and stop so that he couldn't turn around.

"Danger... danger." Wakkun continued to shout, and Dre could feel the wolf's anxiety and fight mode rising. It was amping his own emotions.

Calm down, he growled to the wolf, then eyed the gang. Who are these guys? Maybe I can talk my way out, he thought as he raised his hands in surrender. "I think I'm at the wrong party."

The gang just stared at him. One stood forward with a spike green mohawk and tatted skin.

"We know who you are. We hear you Kano and another took something from our brothers. Our boss wasn't pleased." He spoke up picking at his nail with a knife.

"Like I said, you have the wrong guy. So, whatever you're looking for... I don't have it," Dre tried again. Why do folks like to fight all the of time?

The man glared at Dre, pointing the weapon at Dre's jacket. "You wear the Kano flag, so we have the right guy."

Dre gritted his teeth. Curse his pride. "Another Kano?" he shrugged.

Suddenly, the man threw the knife at Dre. Dre homed in on the knife as it neared him nearly in slow motion. He grabbed it and keeping up the momentum flung it back at the man, striking him in the shoulder.

The other members started for the teen with deadly intent.

The mohawk man let out a pained roar. "You think you can take us on wolf boy? You really don't want to mess with us, the Hidden Prophets." He yelled.

Swirling his arms around, Dre stomped his foot, causing a wall of stone to rise up behind him blocking the members behind him from the fight. His focused on harnessing the spirit of the wolf causing his kana to cover his body. An energy tail and ears sprouted from him making himself resemble a wolf. His canines grew longer as did his nails.

One member punched out sending out a fireball while another threw knives at him. Forming his fingers in circles, Dre crossed his arms over his chest and thrust them down, gathering wind to gather around his hands. Spinning around, he gathered wind to spiral around him blocking the attacks. The knives spun with the wind and Dre shot the air out to knock the gang off their feet.

Placing his hands together, he hummed. "Wolf art: Twin wolf." He spoke, followed by a deep howl, then two giant spirit wolves formed from him at his sides.

The spirits growled as they ran out to attack. Dre crouched on all fours and dashed out clawing down as many as he could. With graceful and agile moves, Dre pounced between the members with precise strikes.

One of the gang members pulled out a weapon and fired it, hitting Dre in his arm. He let out a pained howled, then brought fierce glowing eyes on the trigger hand.

Pow Pow

They fired again. This time Dre spun in a circle creating an air spiral around him. The pellets landed into the barrier and spun with the wind giving Dre a good glimpse of the shells. More shots rang out and more trapped into the winds.

"Enough of this!" Wakkun shouted.

Dre pushed out and the wind along with the shells shot out hitting anything and one in its path. Dre gritted his teeth as he grasped his bleeding arm. While the gang was down, Dre took this chance and ran out. Making it out into the streets of Torenville, he took a quick breather.

His arm burned as blood dripped from his hand. I have to get out of here, flew through his mind. Crouching low, Dre pounced off and made his way back to the village.