Oliver.
~
The 9th ward had some pretty legendary ways to party and some that were just straight up stupid.
Like the bare knuckle boxing challenge for designated leader candidates.
Like my friend.
Asin made short work of the challengers but suffered from a hundred small bruises when it came to the last guy.
Stopping him from injuring himself further?
That would bring shame on him in front of our people. It was nice to see how easy GOD mixed with the 9th.
We weren't always accepted here. Asin arrived here as a stranger.. and alone.
He was losing his mind back then.
Anna broke up with him, his time at the hospital, his overbearing family, who suddenly couldn't sleep without knowing where he was at all times.
He was full of resentment towards them for sending him away, for abandoning him, for his sickness.. he blamed them for losing Anna because of it..
If he only..
So one day he left. No money, security, identification, or even a damn phone.
He just left.
For a month, we didn't know where he went. Occasionally, I got a call from unknown numbers and kept his parents from unleashing hell on the city.
His grandfather was threatening to kill anyone who harms him.. his grandson was just 15 years old. Survived a death sentence but came back different.
They listen to me after showing proof of his calls, listening to his voice.. hearing him laugh. It calmed their souls, and since I helped them before .. they let me find and bring him home.
It was Desiree who actually got something solid on his whereabouts.
She had distant relatives here, living in the 9th Slamis region.
.. I remember the shock and how I laughed at her, knowing little about the place other than it was the bottom of the barrel even for the city's criminals.
I remembered the fear when I found him how he was already in the process of changing into someone else. How alien it felt to see the way he carried himself, talked, and acted.
But then I met the people who gave him that new direction..
I fell in love with them. The kindness, generosity, their strong sense of family. Even the danger of the lives they lived.
I followed him, and we evolved together.
This land, these people we hoped to unite them with the city that was taken from them and eventually..
( BANG, CRACK! )
Asin just landed a devastating blow on one of Tolmen's boys' chin, who laid flat for a while after the landing.
Asin went down as well, head first into the mud as the few hundred who witnessed this piece of history erupted around me in celebration.
It was finally over.
He defeated 9 challengers.
Theoretically, it was just a tradition, but those chosen by Uncle Ivan didn't hold anything back.
Wanted to test the billionaire boy one last time.
I saw immediately how the crowd was looking at him with more respect, even the elders who .. well, generally disappointed in following some outsiders, but Uncle Ivan word was law around these lands.
I guess it wasn't for nothing.
" You okay? " I asked.
He was pulling his left leg a little, and the knuckles and face didn't look good. Not to mention, he was covered in mud and bleeding from a few places.
" Brand new .. hear them now? And you said it's a silly tradition. " He leaned on me.
" You thought that too otherwise wouldn't do that during the ladies' tea ceremony. "
I looked towards the house they were in.
I hoped Ayshe kept it easy with the 9th own magic tea. They brewed all sorts of plants growing here and nowhere else .. The funny thing?
Men weren't allowed to take even a sip. Why? .. some old wife's tale about cursing all the woman who drunk before?
That was silly.
Plus, it made me want to taste it for years.
Uncle Ivan came over with a bunch of elders behind him as he put back his shirt.
I took a bottle of water from Ovuz and handed it over.
" Well fought. " He smiled at us.
" Indeed. " Asin used some of the water to clean his face. " .. those boys' hands were iron. "
I saw the elders sharing some prideful looks amongst themselves.
" Yet the best emerged. " Uncle Ivan tapped his face. " I talk to the council about the ..
" Hush, old man. " He stopped him. " You not done yet. And I want Maya here as well. "
Uncle nodded with a little smile as his full retirement was postponed once again.
" We wait then .. she will hopefully arrive before your birthday. "
" God willing. " he smiled.
We walked towards the house as the others dispersed, and the music continued.
Inside some of the ladies were already dancing. Effects from the tea, no doubt.
I spotted Ayshe among them, twirling and twisting, learning some of the native moves from the ladies of the 9th.
She looked breathtaking.
Marie and Aunt Krista stayed at the table with some others and were lightly clapping to the catchy rhythm.
Until she noticed Asin.
" W-what did you do!? " She got up cheking his face. " .. Is that why told me to stay inside!? "
Despite her worries, she landed her own little punch.
Aunt Krista and some of the others smiled at her realisation. Marie's face was well red, and her pupils were the size of a coin.
I slipped past all that drama and a very drunk looking Henny and Lilly dancing as well, to finally arrive.
I took her hand and used my knowledge of the steps taught us by Aunt Krista when we were kids.
" You good at this! " She laughed.
" I had to be .. My aunt doesn't teach half-hearted. "
We soon were surrounded by others who took a lady's hand, they fancied, and the house became the epicentre for the rest of the night.
" What did you guys do outside? " She tilted her head.
" Building the future. Hopefully, it's smooth sailing from now as far as the succession concerned. "
She understood very little of what I said, but it's fine.
We had time.
You just need to take care of some ghosts from our past first.
——
Asin.
~
" ..Marie, please. "
" Stop wincing! It didn't hurt getting beaten up!? "
I stopped her hand, for I had something important to say.
" You do understand it was against 9 people. That's why I look like this, right? I feel like you don't hear me on purpose. "
We were in the kitchen as the others fanned out in the house to dance and drink.
She insisted on taking care of my wounds .. did it in the most brutal way with rubbing alcohol and without mercy.
" Yeah, I heard .. is this your new way of being annoying without a race and police? " She furrowed her eyebrows.
Her worries felt good. Why deny it?
" It was an important step. I was just as surprised when the old man sprung this on me before the pyre. " I explained.
" .. I understand. "
My eyes widened, hearing such understanding coming from her.
" What? I can't understand your responsibility or the need to protect me from seeing you get hurt? " She asked.
" N-no .. I just ..
Her hands started patting me in very dangerous places.
I looked at the large pot beside her ..
" How much of that tea my aunt made you drink? "
She smiled and kissed me instead of an answer.
Good.. she was high.
Maya once tried to make me drink it against my will, but Aunt Krista beat her like she stole something.
All the same, I won't turn her down.
~
It quickly stopped being fun and felt more like a crime.
After having to stop her from getting naked there and then I left her in the care of her sister and friends.
" Keep her away from me for a while before .. just go.. go now .. "
Ayshe gave me a knowing smile and pulled that overcharged wife of mine to dance instead.
I wiped my head off thinking, I have .. THE worst luck when it comes to having sex with my wife.
Oliver came over with a bottle of brown, took a swig, and handed it to me.
" Come .. you feel less stupid finishing this. "
I couldn't help but laugh and even forget about my aching body.
We went outside, where 3 tables were pushed together, making the letter U filled with all the food the ladies worked so hard on, and most seats were already filled.
The old man is sitting in the middle as he meant to.
I sat beside him and Oliver next to me.
" Brother Asin? You look .. better. "
" Thanks, Kol .. I appreciate a good joke every now and then. " I rubbed my tender eyebrow.
" Go on, son .. eat! Gain some of that strength back. "
I took the old man's offer, and we spent the next half an hour just devouring the tasty dishes as the music and dancing spilt out of the house and onto the streets.
Then .. I saw Oliver checking texts.
He smiled confidently and tried to slip away.
" Where to? " I grabbed his arm.
" Umm .. taking a leak, brother. Where else? " He played innocent.
" Did Ayshe text you? "
He kept his right to remain silent and hopped away.. subtle.
" Asin listen. "
I turned to face the old man.
" I'm here, go on. "
" The one called the Unknown.. Will try and set up another meeting with you. Soon, I feel .. be vary my boy, not even the council knows much about the man. "
Oliver had such fears since nothing came back when he tried to poke at the identity. No amount of money or influence was able to pave the way.
I didn't care who he was. He treated us and the crew well. He was a criminal, but so was I .. most of us here tonight were involved one way or another.
" Uncle Ivan, don't you worry, we keep an eye on him. " Kol overheard.
The old man gave me a look as .. who is he?
I laughed a little and tapped his arm.
" He is right.. I'm in good if somewhat inexperienced hands. Besides, you once told me that business partners are like toilet paper, useful in many ways, but ultimately, we flush them. "
He shook his head.
" I say a lot of things drunk! Be aware and don't accept anything without thinking, understand!? "
" Okay .. okay. I wouldn't ..
" Won't. " Kol injected correcting my grammar.
We both stared at him until he went back to eating.
At some point, the plates were cleared, and bottles of everything we could buy appeared to fuel the man.
Marie and the girls were visible from here, surrounded by experienced ladies of the 9th, and laughed out loud every few seconds.
I saw Ayshe and Oliver appearing from inside a house and part ways after a quick kiss.
She joined her sister and my friend came back smiling ear to ear.
" Hmm, good experience? " I asked.
" W-what? "
" The toilet. " I explained.
" Same .. it's.. yeah, it's the same. " He shrugged.
The party was going splendid, but I kept an eye on my own alcohol intake. Didn't wanna make a fool out of myself.
At one point, there was a large fight breaking out but ended with hugs. Then, the people started making a circle enclosing our tables.
" Look at the kids .. they want your approval most of all. " Old Ivan pointed at the circle forming..
Younger kids, mostly our age, took their shirts off and drawn lots.
" They about to fight? " asked Kol.
" It's for a chance to show off to the young leader in the hopes they be chosen one day to work with the organisation. " Oliver explained.
Two young guys bowed towards the table and took position.
Over the years, me and Oli came and later the entire crew .. were working hard to be accepted by the hardliners of the 9th. The old men and women built their lives and survived with people close to them.
We were the outsiders for so long. Worse..
Rich.
Today felt different.
I hoped most of our crew felt what I felt.
Accepted.
——
Ayshe.
~
The 9th ward knew how to have a good time.
The food, the drink, the people .. they were all unique and wonderful.
They danced, kissed, and conducted themselves with a kind of passion I hadn't seen outside of movies.
I met a lovely aunt who couldn't stop giving me life lessons. Cooking, work, husband, bedroom ..
Good ones, too.
She also warned me about the tea. Stay away from the 3rd cup, she said.
Marie and the girls received no such advice.
The term high as kite was fitting.
They were dancing and singing with the other ladies without care, and one couldn't tell them from locals.
The tea was delicious and it delivered the atmosphere.
That not to say it didn't affect me.. at one point, I lost my self-control and called Oliver.
It's shameful to use other people's homes for such things, but Oliver walked in and out like it was ours.
By the time I arrived back, they were gossiping about the man until the fighting started in the middle of the square.
The girls in the crowd picked their favourites and cheered on loudly as their voice allowed it.
" Where were you? " Marie asked.
Her pupils still dilated, and her mood was still dangerous.
" There was a .. line .. at the toilet. What's this? " I tried to change the subject.
" Apparently, they are showing off to the tables. " Henny answered.
She was clearly enjoying the show in front of us.
The trio of tables was filled with those who had influence in the 3 Districts. Middle table where Asin and Oliver were supporting the fighters.
The fight was in itself brutal and unforgiving, which would explain why Asin still looked like he got beaten all night.
In most fights, the one with the most strength wins. It was just the way of fighting.
But this here wasn't normal.
The word honour was forgotten and gave way to animal instincts and dirty exploits to win at all cost.
I saw them throw mud, use their belts for defence, biting, hair pulling, and everything else excluded from a fight with rules.
Eventually, the emerging winner was celebrated as some sort of hero. The looser was carried away to be splashed some water on.
It was very .. primal.
Yet when you consider their surroundings and treatment from the world, maybe it was the only way forward.
Asin stood up, clapping the winner. Apparently, he had the bet with Oliver who looked disappointed, and 2 minutes later, the next eager pair young guys stood and got ready.
" .. Asin took out 9 a row. "
I heard Marie bragging to the ladies around us who fawned over her all night and praised her luck endlessly. Lilly and Henny used her status to some of that splash as well.
" Ayshe, right? "
I turned around and saw a girl I hadn't seen but tonight I saw a lot of people.
" Yes .. umm, I'm sorry you are? "
" Call me Mon. Here .. wanna share? "
She offered a cup of wine, and it would be rude to refuse. I took the cup and nursed it.
" How's the night of rebirth? Enjoy it? " She asked.
" Immensely. I wish to understand more what's happening, but yes, it's great. " I laughed.
" Is your sister married to the future leader? " she nodded towards Asin.
" That's her .. " I looked as well.
" Lucky. " She smiled, looking at the table.
" What about you and the guy on his left? Boyfriend or .. ? "
" Boyfriend.. early stages. " I added. " But going well, hopefully we keep building on it. "
" God willing... anyway, nice talking to you,
I see you around. "
She turned and left me feeling a little strange.. was something wrong with her smile just now?
She had a glint in her eye as well as looking at the table.
~
After the fights ended and the 5 winners were duly celebrated, Asin waved them over and said something we didn't hear but made the winners extremely grateful.
Probably future members?
Marie shared some of the strange concoction for the after effects with us and gradually we got better, more ourselves, the ladies told us the tea supposed been drunk throughout the night if you want the good stuff to last.
" I can't believe I almost forced myself on my husband. " She shook her head.
" Calm down.. if not the place, I bet he would've.. anyway. " I ended awkwardly. " .. you better stay under two cups of that tea. "
" I'm staying away, alright .. it didn't affect you guys? " She turned to the girls.
" I just felt .. euphoria. As in, I wouldn't mind getting the recipe. " Lilly smiled.
" I would've jumped on someone .. but without a boyfriend.. I had to be content with the gladiator fight."
She gave me a knowing smile, and I turned away quickly to hide my own.
" Did Aunt Krista see me? " Marie asked, looking around.
" She disappeared a while ago with some of the elders. They probably have their own way celebration nights like that. " I theorised.
She calmed down a bit.
" .. those girls know how to dance. I don't know.. they look more .. experienced and mature than us, but most are younger, I bet. "
Henny was waiving the girls over at the main house, most still in the sort of happy daze they were a little while ago.
" Did you meet a girl named Mon? " I asked.
" We met a lot of people.. and I was out of it for a while. Sorry. " Marie shook her head.
The girls didn't remember her either.
I don't know why she came to mind like that.
Asin and Oliver got away from the table and came towards us.
" ARE YOU O.K.A.Y? "
Asin teased his wife.
" Don't do this. I'm already embarrassed enough. " She walked into his arms.
" Calm down, champion. This is the first of many, many embarrassing blunders we have to look forward to. " He calmed her the wrong way.
Oliver came over.
" You guys are like the medieval Lords over there. They even had live entertainment made for you. " I joked with him.
" It's more brutal than you expected, huh? "
He saw through me with ease.
" Don't get me wrong. It was a bit of shock. Maybe some heads up would've been nice..
" I thought you liked surprises. " He injected.
" .. but. I also understood why people become like that. Is there anything else waiting for us tonight? "
" We actually done, you have work tomorrow.. and unfortunately, so do I. " He made a sour expression.
" Really? Don't you work like twice a week? "
" You don't get it.. " He shook his head.
~
We said our goodbyes and left with a bit of fanfare. I think the locals looked at us differently, a little less distrust in their eyes.
Asin and Marie were treated like royalty .. it's like .. well, I guess they were treated more or less the same here as well.
I bet the locals continue the party until they drop.
On the road, Marie was being pampered by her husband, and girls were sleeping almost as soon as we hit the road.
" Is our life like this now? "
I was resting on Oliver's shoulder and watched the screen on the side of the door, showing us the navigation.
" As in .. a little insane? Sure.. never boring, at least. " He answered.
That's for sure.. since we met these two, I felt like years have passed, and our lives took such a turn that we were still just adjusting to it all.
Money, status, love, danger, a job ..
Yet I felt at peace.
My old self was still alive and well but more hopefully and less judgemental .. in love.
——
Marie.
~
What annoyed me is not what happened.. but how it happened.
I promised myself that next time .. I won't be drunk or a nervous wreck.. or get accidentally high.
Asin was bruised all over yet still helped me as he usually did, I felt better, but that red tea was like a slapp.
It hit hard and left a mark when the immediate pain was gone.
Inside the bed, we watched the ceiling, which had thousands of tiny lights in various shapes and sizes illustrating the night sky.
" I think Aunt Krista and I are on a better path now. Felt she accepted me a little. "
I rested on his chest as he played with my back.
" She has too.." He snorted.
I smiled to myself it made me happy hearing him say things like that, knowing how important they were to him.
" Your sister .. Maya. What does she like? "
" .. she is strong. Smart too, but also has her own life nothing to with the business .. moved abroad to study. Disappeared 4 months ago.. I think she found someone. " He finished.
" A boyfriend? " I asked.
" Nope.. no boyfriend. Her father wouldn't allow it.. husband, for sure. She's old enough, I guess. I just don't understand the need for hiding it. "
" Hmm.. "
I could think of one .. What if ..she got pregnant? I doubt that her family or my husband would take that well.
For now, let just hope my intuition is dead wrong.