R. A. T. H

Fifty-Three

A jade dagger twirled, battered and cracked, it spun atop a pale hand as Samuel stared at his 'boss.'

"Did he take the bait?" Walker asked through a screen at an attentive Chase.

"I think so. The girl followed the info broker," The boy at the other end scratched his cheek, replying with a bit of doubt.

"Then he did," The slum lord said, sighing and relaxing into his chair, "Follow after the two, report to me their conversation, and tail the info broker once they split up. By the end, I want to know where she lives, I want to know what makes her tick, and I want to know just how much she knows. You have my permission to do anything to achieve that goal, do you understand?"

The city definitely had their hands in this conflict, even he hadn't expected Brian to get his hands on drones, that much had shocked him. However, Walker still had no idea just how much Alos had invested into extending its reach into the slums.

"I understand, father."

The plan had worked splendidly, Samuel thought.

'As much as I dislike him, he still is competent.'

They hadn't simply retreated from the outskirts of the Red District due to the shield surrounding it as many had assumed. They may not have the support of a city backing them up, but if it was only breaking through a shield, that much was possible with enough bombardment of fire power. Yet, Walker did not want that.

He had them retreat.

And when Brian Chaz saw them weak, he attacked, creating a chaotic situation and giving a chance for him to contact Rose.

By anyone's thinking, only a brain dead buffoon would not recognize when they were outmatched by multiple Gear wielders. It was only a matter of time before Brian would try and poach one of them. And, easily, Walker gave him that chance at no cost to any of those loyal to him. Well, save for some soldiers.

'Some pawns.'

He roped in Rose, had her show off her might, and would easily give her away to advance if needed. It was a situation where he had given Brian the perfect person to reach out and 'poach'.

"You may go now, I've already sent Lilias to handle defending the base."

Samuel flicked a finger, the dagger spinning as Paul Walker finally rolled his chair around to look at him. There was a smile upon that lord's face.

"It's almost time. You have a day to get rid of the two. I'll tell you where she went after."

The dagger stopped. The blade pointed at Walker.

"Mhmm," The sword master replied, taking the thing back into a small sheath on his thigh.

He turned around, three swords strapped to his hip as he walked.

It was not yet time.

— — —

A crunch resounded as teeth ripped through beef jerky.

"Ah, man, that was exhausting," A boy mouthed between crunches as he stared at a screen.

He sat, legs crossed, black hair wafting behind him, and golden eyes looking at the one media he enjoyed: A competition between Rankers.

Today was a match that involved his favorite, a recently up and coming star. A girl with tanned skin and a cheery expression who wore bike shorts and looked quite tomboyish with her ponytail, especially when added with that white shirt and jacket that seemed to levitate behind her.