Chapter 38: CORALINE

Chapter 38: CORALINE

Bruno took us through the city on a long winding road close to the shore. Other than the smuggling den known as the Rust DocksSeaside formed the long strip of southern New Valentine coast. It ran all the way down the city, stuffed with luxury housing and dockyards with yachts. Even with it adjacent to Southside, it was like stepping into a whole new world. One filled with picturesque beaches and ever-present tourists and patrolling sects.

Normally being this close to a place with actual law enforcement would make me nervous since we tended to gather looks in spots like this. But since neither Bruno nor I were wearing Brass Kings Colors, I chose to let that instinct go. The gangs were New Valentine's dirty little secret, and if we kept to our corner, the Sects didn't care much. I let myself enjoy the time in the sun and the feel of the bike running over damn near the smoothest roads in the city.

Soon the wealthy tourist hot spot morphed into commercial docks and shippingbefore giving ground to the familiar run-down sight of the Rust Docks. Dilapidated buildings and skeevy businesses felt like fresh air from the stuffy rich people district. It might be strange to say that the smell of burnt coal and grease was comforting, but it was.

Bruno stopped the bike next to a series of storage units. He got off his ride and led me to an alternating series of orange and gray sliding doors. The big guy counted off the numbers until we reached one with '76' on it, completed with a half-faded white script. As soon as he was sure we were at the right one, he turned and gave me a goofy grin. I looked left and right, wondering what this was all about.

Uh? So what? Are yais this a joke? Mean this to be my new house or something? Listen, things with me and my family are pretty fucked, sure, but it aint bad enough to live out of a storage unit yet

That smile sank from his face completely, turning to horror. No, Luca! If things were that badId rather you live with me. I didnt mean to

Hajust messing with ya, big guy. Take it down a notch.

OhNo, no. Its not like that. Haha. As if Id suggest my glorious best friend were to live out of such a horrible place! Why there's not even a bathroom Best friend? I gave him a funny look, but he plowed ahead. Go, open it! Here. He pressed the key into my hand, and I walked over to the padlock. I glanced at him, feeling a bit of worry in my chest. If I were Bruno, and I wanted to celebrate my friend getting stronger...

Am I about to be jumped by some Crimson Eagles so ya can test out what I can do?

I would never do that! As if Id rely on anyone else to provoke you! No! Id just punch you until you showed me!

Right, right. And this aint the lead up to that, then, right?

I assure you, I have no plans for that right now. He began to hop foot to foot. I gave him one more suspicious glance and then grimaced.

I wasnt like Eve. Hadnt I resolved to change my life around? Work more with my friends? I needed to chill. The big guy just said we were best friends. I didnt know how to feel about that yet, but this wasnt some kind of elaborate trap. Even if I didnt know what it was. I shook my head and shoved the key into the padlock.

With a shove, I forced the orange steel door to roll open.

Still think we shouldve gotten his dumbass a scooter. Eve gave me an evil smirk.

S-suits you, Luca Suzaki added.

Im blown away Really, yall are outta your minds. When I first joined this division, I thought it was a punishment. I was wrong. More wrong than Id ever been. I wanna apologize right now and say that ya guys mean more to me than the world. Im sorry Ive been difficult, and I aint gonna be all the way better by tomorroweven a month, for now, I'm sure I'll still have my flaws. But I promise to do right by ya. Thanks, seriously, from the very bottom of my heart.

Quit the mushy shit! Eve shook her head. Watch our back, and we watch yours. Its simple.

Now! Bruno yelled out, nearly throwing me off the bike with surprise at the sudden tone shift. Luca broke through to the next stage! We need a proper trial to test him out! Does any here know of a worthy challenger? A glorious and bloody duel for him to display his new powers? Bruno clapped his hands together, and Kayson gave him a weary look.

Or, he could tell us. Manifest it right here. Kayson said.

There is no honor in such a method! The only way to showcase newfound might is on a battlefield.

Itd been a long two weeks, and Id be lying if I didnt wanna test myself a bit. What could I do now that Id broken through?

Brunos got a point. Point us to someone that needs some hitting, and Ill take a few swings. Let me show ya what I got. Bruno barked out a laugh, clapping me on the back.

Eve shrugged, and Suzaki fidgeted nervously. Go figure the healer didnt like the idea of people getting hurt.

N-no Lantern District. Suzaki said.

But the young masters are the best opponents to face! Their pompous airthe lack of restraint, make them an ideal target to Bruno began to say.

We will not be causing more trouble with sects. If you two want to fight that bad, there are plenty of other targets. Were still in a war. And Eves been doing some scouting for me and said that shed got something. I intended to wait a couple more days for Luca to get back on his feet. You three may not be aware, but its a rather traumatic experience when you have a breakthrough. Which only gets more difficult the higher you get. If hes ready then Kayson sighed and shook his head. Luca, are you really up for this?

Ya fucking bet, I said. I wanted to know what I could do. Was there a point in power if you couldnt let loose and go wild once in a while?

Fine, fine. Listen closely.