Chapter 4: Happy Face

Chapter 4: Happy Face

The next two days were hell. Even if I didnt have broken ribs or a single bruise left on my skin, everything ached, leaving me with a constant thrum of exhaustion. Whatever that kid's Soul Ability had been, Kayson undersold the exhaustive properties of quick healing. Still, there was only one person to blame. Tristan. That fucker didnt even message me.

Worse, because of the physical exhaustion and my miraculous recovery stopping me from showing my faceI couldnt avoid Ma. She only took an interest if I wasnt headed off during the day, meaning she wouldnt put up with me laid out in my bed all day.

She forced me to go to school, each morning. Horrible.

Not a single day without shoving me out of the house with my little brother Alex. To drop him off at his middle school before I went to mine. As far as I was aware, nobody from my squad attended the same school. So, I was safe from snitches to Tristan.

Two days later, I'd had enough of going to Ridna High. Get your shit together, Alex. Cmon. I ran a comb through my hair. I took a special bit of time each morning to pull my looks together. Some might wonder why a no-good punk would even bother with their appearance, but if you didnt, what did that make you? Even a delinquent had to have self-respect. Might not have many friends, might get my face kicked in from a psycho lieutenant from time to time, but by the immortals, Id be damned if I wasnt at least presentable.

I shoved the comb away, not knowing if Id need it later. My hand stayed in the pockets of my baggy school uniform. Where was the little runt? Finally, Alex sprinted out of his room, backpack half-unzipped and his hair a complete immortals-damned wreck. Got it! Lets go! he tried to run past me.

He frozeyanked back as I grabbed him by the collar. Naw, hold on a minute. I shook my head, little dumbass should have more common sense. I checked my phone. 7:12 am. Yeah, enough time. I swapped the phone for my combafter Id just put it away tooa dab of the gel also stashed in my pocket. Alexs eyes went wide as he struggled, but there was no escape. Even a quick and nimble runt like him stood no chance when I got serious.

But he got tricky, scrambling out of his school jacket, then he dashed towards the backdoor. Nope, that wasnt happening. I slammed a palm on my arm, grinning. A streak of blue lightning burst forth from the point of contactnumbness flooded the skin. One of Alexs books fell from his half-open bag as I chased. My foot accidentally kicked it.

The hardback book tumbled through the air, soaring into Alexs back knee. He yelped, the unexpected pressure throwing off his stride and causing him to sprawl across the ground. I dashed forward, grabbing him by the arm, and hefting him to his feet.

Then I dragged him to the sink. We dont have time! Its fine!

Naw, naw, aint no little bro of mine showing up looking like a mess, I chided. Flipping the tap on and wetting the black plastic comb. It took a few tries, a lotta gel, and some elbow grease, I fixed that rat nest of his hair into a semi-decent shape.

What did I say about fighting?! Ma asked, arms crossed in the entryway to the kitchen. Her messy black hair spilled across her face, and she wore her Ill beat you with a wooden spoon expression. Her typical go-to for me.

Usually, I deserved it, but thats neither here nor there. This time though, I was fixingAlexs stupid decision. I let him go, shoving his book back into his backpack.

Wasnt like that! This little idiot decided to run off to school looking like some mange-ridden spirit beast! What would they think about our family!?

She tilted her head back and sighed. Whatever you say. Luca, you two are going to run late. Youve been good the last two daysbut Im still checking with your homeroom teacher. If I find out you did skip she let the threat hang in the air. Man, I hated seeing her angry.

Normally, I got away with delinquency. Id hand over some spirit chips to help out, using a fictional job as an excuse, and shed look away.

There are things families dont ask about. Open secrets we all ignored, Ma never asked what I did for a job after I said working at a store, not what kind of store, where it was, nothing like that. She knew, and I knew she knew it was a lie. But for the sake of family peace, it sat untouched.

I need you to make sure youre home tonight. No running off with friends. Your Uncle Romeo is stopping over, and I want a proper family dinner. Its been far too long. she asked.New novel chapters are published on

Two years, almost Alex coughed out, one of his grungy hands already darting to ruin the hair Id fixed. I grabbed the offending wrist, stopping the little dumbass from a grave mistake.

Tristan sat on the steps to a red-lacquered shrine. The small jade statue of the Stalwart Immortal graced its raised dais, there was a splash of orange and yellow marigolds surrounding it. Tristan gave a small wave, before checking his watch. Not late this time, consider me shocked.

I frowned at him. Fuck him, its not like I had a bike unlike most of our gang. Meaning, I relied on the bus. Saw your text, was on a bus this way already. Lucky, I guess. I stepped a bit closer to the shrine, scanning to see if any of our squad was nearby. Just us. I winced as his eyes ran over me, the feeling of his pointed boot smashing into my side haunting my mind.

He pushed his sunglasses up. Ah, I see. Convenient than. Come, sit.

I took a couple of drawn-out steps to the spot he gestured to, then remained standing. Crossing my arms and looked down at him.

If you ever want to see another spirit chip, and not receive another lesson, youll obey.

Asshole. Despite the lance of hate, I parked myself at the spot. Couldnt afford otherwise. I took in the scenery and pointedly chose not to look in his direction. Wanna make a bet for those chips you stole?

Youre trying to gamble with me? No. I dont bet, Luca. Thats your problem. Instead of taking measurable steps towards a goal, to draw you forward, you instead like to hop around and fall on your face. I wanted to punch his face. But I restrained myself. Well be moving on Crimson Eagle territory tomorrow night. You will be coming. Do well, and Ill toss ten spirit chips your way.

This fucker stole

If you impress me, then youll be paid. Im aware street rats like you throw their life on the line over such things. He pulled out his phone.

The fuck do ya mean? Aint we in the same gang? Why the fuck do ya think youre better than me?!

Im going places. Unlike you, I think about the future. Ive even had a meeting with the Viceroywho is quite impressed with my work ethic. Compared to you? A waste of time and space? A compulsive gambler with no plan ahead? Doesnt that spell out the reason Im better? He didnt even have the gall to look me in the eye while belittling me. Instead, spending the whole time scrolling on his phone.

The part that stung the most was his smug satisfaction. Praise from the Viceroy even for a captain was distinguishing. Normally, a lieutenant dealt only with their subordinates.

Dont suppose you have a bike, yet? Tristan finally tucked away that phone.

No, I dont. Where the hell would I have got the chips for a motorcycle? Id wanted one for ages, but this bastard knew how much I earned. Id never had the chips for one.

Suppose no one is willing to pick you up, either?

I grit my teeth. No.

Fine. Ill arrange for someone to get you. Text me where youll be tomorrow. No later than noon.

I he didnt wait, clambering to his feet and walking off without a word. Leaving me alone.

I turned and grabbed a handful of the marigolds decorating the shrine, shredding them, then balling them up, throwing them at the ground. Being in a gang didnt mean youd earn money. But this was the last in a long line of situations that Id come close to earning a nice payday, where Tristan took it from me. I stared hard at the jade statue, knowing better than to deface it.

You never should risk offense to an Immortalin the heavens, or on earth. I pulled out my comb, fixing my hair while stalking off and kicking at the dirt. No clue how Id spend the rest of the day, maybe Id go and bust a fucking window or something.