CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE 'You're willing...'

It was worse because the man wasn't ordinary, he was a member of the strongest gang in their town. 

“Excuse me?” A man with a scar on his forehead said, a group of people standing behind him, hard looks on their faces.

Emily stopped hurting the man. Boredly, Violet said, “Continue hitting him.

Emily sighed and continued jumping on the man with her hard shoes while the man cried in pain, “Boss boss,” he managed to say, “Pleaee save me!”

“Little girl,” Violet tssked, “You're slacking. Is that how you beat up a pervert, huh?”

Emily sighed and increased her pace, “He's way too bulky, jumping on him is uncomfortable.” 

“Then pick a pose that's comfortable for you to beat him up.” 

Emily sighed and made the man sit up on the floor but he was slouching which made it difficult for Emily to hit him in the desirable parts. 

“I got you, little girl.” Violet said and made the man lay on his stomach. Then she lifted his head and back, keeping him locked in the painful position. 

“Contine.” Violet said and stood back, letting Emily continue beating the man.

Seeing that the women in front of them didn't run away in fear despite their presence, the boss of their gang said, “Ladies, what have my man done to warrant your punishment?” The one with a heart shaped scar on his forehead asked.

His head was bald and he was dressed in old dirty clothes.

“Little girl, who's this guy?” Violet asked Emily.

“Tousen San, the gang leader of white Axe, one of the notorious gangs in Lagsu.”

Violet scoffed, “Why does his clothes look so dirty though?”

Emily stifled a laugher.

“How dare you talk to our boss like that?” One of the gang members replied, attempting to attack Violet but Tousen San prevented him. 

“Your man attempted to assault me in daylight, if I wasn't skilled enough, I'm afraid I would have already been taken away.”

“Is that so? Then I apologise for my man's intrusive behavior, I'll take him back and teach him a lesson.”

“Don't bother, Tousen San” Said Violet, “I'm already teaching him a lesson. By the why, why did you set up a gang? What's it for?”

“Revenge.” He replied.

“Boss, why are you answering to these women. Let me take them down right now!”

Tousen San sighed, “Are you stupid? Isn't Douglas our best fighter? If the ladies were any less skilled, he wouldn't be in this position, would he?”

“Douglas might have got himself drunk!” The bigger one in the group said and came out, aiming at Emily but before he could reach her, Violet kicked him and he flew backwards, his back painfully hitting the ground. He gasped as he leaned up and the weapon he kept on his back, fell on to the ground. 

Although the kick looked weak, it had touched many things in his leg, making him unable to stand up.

Surprised, the man yelled out, “I can't move my right leg, I can't feel it either.”

Tousen San sighed deeply, “Didn't I tell you to calm down?”

“Tousen San, what revenge were you talking about?”

“Just some old blood situation,” Tousen San said, “My wife was kidnapped and rapped by her insane ex so I gathered some reliable men and they helped me burn his house down.”

“Your wife is probably no longer here, is she?”

“You have extraordinary foresight, Miss. Indeed, my wife is not here. Xhd committed suicide due to social pressure.”

“Nah it's not that deep. I just thought if your wife were still here she wouldn't let you walk around in dirty clothes.”

“Well, you are kind of right. She was a neat woman.” Tousen San cracked a smile.

“Little girl, I think he's had enough.” Violet told Emily who immediately got off him and wiped the sweat forming on her forehead. “That's was tiring but pretty amazing, I was able to vent.”

Violet patted Emily on the shoulder and looked at Tousen San, “Have you all have your revenge yet?”

“Yes, how else could we gain such a notorious reputation?”

“What about a retirement task?”

The men looked amongst themselves, murmuring.

“What do you mean, young lady?”

“You all look old and haggard, what about you do something to save the world for your peace of mind and retire looking fresh and rich?”

“Do we mean we save people?”

“Yes. I want you to beat up every man that tries to assault a woman a woman in the streets. The justice bureau association doesn't work for now so we shall enforce it.”

“No no no, I don't want to get in trouble!”

“There's nothing to lose. I shall pay you all weekly for the good job, supply you food every month and my partner here will sew all of your clothes. What do you think, Tousen San?”

Tousen San blinked many times before saying, “I'd like to chat with my people real quick.”

Violet nodded, “Go ahead.”

“Guys,” Tousen San whispered to his men. “Are you tired of the streets?”

“Sometimes. We can barely get money to fend for ourselves not to think of helping our suicidal men and women in the camp.”

“But don't you think it's easy money? Why would anyone pay just to beat up every guy that harasses a girl. If she has that much money, she can hire bodyguards and will be safe untill she gets married.”

“I don't think a lady that is a good fighter needs any guard to protect her or get married.”

“We beat some guys up for free anyways, there's no harm in accepting the deal.”

“But if she can offer that, isn't possible that she wants to boss us around?”

“Yes,” Tousen San said, “But let's find out what her real intentions are. If we don't like it later, we can quit.”

“Right.”

“Yes.”

“It is settled then.”

Tousen San turned back to face Violet, “Fine we agree but what's your catch?”

“Emily will be your boss from now on.” Violet said.

“Huh?” Emily was shocked and ecstatic.

“Why do you choose me?”

“Because you're a good fighter, you beat that guy really well.”

“But still..”

“We'll talk later,” Violet said.

“Fine.” Emily said.

“We agree!” Tousen San said, “But I'll still be in charge of fifty percent of the gang activities.”

“Sure, let's go to your base now, shall we?”

Tousen San nodded, “Fine.”

A huge building with leaked roof and creaked tiling and floors was the base. There were more men and women in the base.

It was then Violet and Emily discovered what the gang was really about, saving people who society couldn't save. It made Violet happy because there was now hope.

Freedom was certain and only this people could choose this option.

Tousen San wrote the contract that Emily would take over as the boss of the White Axe gang and take care of the gang neccesities, Emily would also control half of the gang activities.

This contract was sealed with both of their bloods.

Then the gang swore Emily as their leader and pledged loyalty. It was quite a sight.

Emily sponsored their food and drinks to celebrate the wonderful occasion. After the ceremony, Violet said they come back the next day with a surprise for the gang.

Emily was still in surprise over everything that just happened. She was officially the leader of the most notorious gang in Lagsu, how could she explain that to her mother.

Violet had made so many promises and she didn't think she could fulfill one. 

She didn't understand.. She was confused. One.. Zoe could fight.

Second.. She was the leader of a gang.

All these things was thrilling yet appalling. But then, she finally understood what Zoe meant.

She wanted a state where women wouldn't be scared to be themselves out of being raped. She wanted security in the state and that was her dream too, but it didn't have to be a dream anymore. With Zoe by her side, she felt confident that the dream would become reality.

“You're not leaving tommorow, are you Zoe?” Emily asked to be sure.

“No,” Violet said, “There's much to be done.”

“Yayyyy!” Emily said and emvtassed Violet tight, “You have a sharp mouth and you can hit well Emily but you have to learn basic fight skills.”

Emily sighed, “I know but it's hard, how will I get a good teacher..” She trailed off when she saw Violet wink at her. “No way, you're going to teach me?!”

“Yes but only the basic knowledge I have, I'm not exactly a pro.”

“That's good enough. If i could hurt someone untill they're unable to move their feet and their body, that enough for me.”

“You did hurt that guy that tried to assault me.”

Emily rolled her eyes, “Your punch weakened him beforehand. You're not heartless to let a sixteen year old deal with a grown ass man.”

Violet sighed, “Fine, you got me. Do you know how to knitt or apply needle on clothes to make a design?”

“Yes but I'm quite sloppy so I haven't used a needle in like four months.”

“Get back to it.”

Emily groaned as they arrived in front of Seven nails grandle shop.

“Don't worry about anything, Emily. I'll talk to your mother, you just go to your room and pretend to be asleep, I'll go to your room and fill you in later.” 

“Okay.” Emily said. 

They entered the almost empty shop only to see Olivia, still sewing diligently.

The workers had already left, only Olivia remained.

“Aren't you going to leave? It's getting late, the streets aren't safe, you know that.”

“Madam Calista gave me a room.”

Emily frowned, “WHAT?!”

“I asked her to give me a room instead of paying my salary, I'd rather be close to work all the time. At least, it's better than giving a room to someone you barely know.” Olivia scoffed, shaking her head.

“Madam Calista is asleep, do not disturb her whinning. Also, lock the doors and blow out the lantern before going to your room.” With that, Olivia went to the door by the corner and disappeared behind it.

“Just listen to what she says, we have more important things to worry about.”

Emily scoffed but locked the shop, then she went to grab the lantern before they headed for the door leading to the yard. They closed it when they were done and Emily followed Violet to her room where they started their plan for the gang.

72 gang members, Twelve of them were women, and ten of them were children.

Each of them required at least two pair of clothes 

It would take at least fourteen days to complete it.. if she were to go solo but what if she asked the workers in her shop? It would take at most, five days to complete. 

The gang base needed it's roof, fixed and it's tiles fixed as well. They also needed new windows and doors. Their food was also really little with little nutrition.

“Zoe, where do we get the money to provide for the gang? I already exhausted my stipends, I can't ask my mom for more.”

“Don't worry about it, Emily. Actually, when I was traveling around the world I stumbled upon a pretty valuable gem, if we sell it I'm sure we'll be make a lot of money.”

“Really? Where is it?”

“In my bag.” Before leaving the inn, she had made a few precious stones appear in her hand, then she randomly put it in her bag.

“Which one?”

Violet pointed to the small bag where she kept her undergarments. Emily went them quickly and opened the bag, gasping at the huge beautiful crystals.

One was sparkling white, the other was a bright shining red and the last one in the bag looked like raw gold?!

That was a lot!

“Zoe you're really lucky to come across this!” Emily yelled, “These can buy at least eight huge restaurants and three houses.”

“Right now, we have to focus on improving the gang current living standard only then can they really trust you. Then, we'll be able to save as many people as we want. Lagsu will be safer for women.”

Emily sighed and sat next to Violet on the bed before resting her head on Violet's shoulder. “I never thought I'd get an alternative in my entire life. I thought I'd be stuck In my mom's shop but I can finally do something so great, something that feels like a dream.”

“All dreams are meant to be achieved, Emily. Even though it seems farfetched, we're supposed to bring it into our reality.”

Emily nodded, “I'm so glad you came here. Of course, it's not only because I discovered that you're rich.”

Violet laughed at the little girl witiness, “Of course, Emily.”

“You should go to your room now and get some sleep, we have a lot to do tommorow.”

“What about the basic fighting skills you promised to teach me?”

“You have to learn how to use needle on fabrics first, only then will I teach you.”

Emily groaned in distaste, “Fineee”

She headed towards the door and opened it before looking back at Violet, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Emily.”

The door closed and Emily was out of sight, only her retreating footsteps remained.

Violet sighed and went to sleep.

*** The next day

“You're staying?” Madam Calista asked in front of the orange tree.

“For now.”

“That's good, your presence here has somehow done something to Emily. The girl hasn't picked a needle in days but today, she woke up early and started to sew. Although she's still bad at it, I don't expect her to be a pro all of a sudden.”

Violet smiled, “She's quite determined, you know. By the way, Madam Calista, please let Emily do what she wants from now on?”

“What do you mean?”

“Yesterday, we met some gang members who wanted to do good but because of lack of funds and support, they have to steal from the common people. Emily took pity on them and gave her all of her people, then they swore her in as their leader.”

“WHAT?!” Madam Calista was preplexed. 

“Those gang members have saved some women that were victims. The reason Emily suddenly wants to learn how to sew clothes is because of those women who were dressed in dirty clothes, she wants to try and give them a better life. Being their leader, she'll make sure they don't steal anymore or do anything bad.”

Madam Calista sighed, “She has a sharp mouth, I suppose she can lead them to the right path but leading them.. I don't know. What's the name of the gang by the way?” Calista grudgingly asked.

“White Axe.”

Madam Calista eyes widened, “And they took her in as their leader, have they lost their minds?!”

Violet pursed her lips, “Well..”

“I DISAGREE! My daughter will not lead a disgusting gang, she's too young. If her reputation is tarnished, no one will want to marry her in future!”

“What do you expect her to do in the present then? Waste her life away? Emily is finally finding something she's passionate about, which is helping people and you're against it because you're worried about her marriage? How will she find a good husband if she's not giving back to society as a good human being. You also owe Xenia one. Helping other people in need will make Xenia happy.”

Madam Calista sighed, Violet was right.

“I'll think about it,” She simply said and turned away.

Violet sighed, was she too honest?

She went to the shop only to see Emily diligently sewing on the delicate fabric alone by the corner. She smiled and walked over. Emily was so concentrated that she didn't see her.

“Look who's so busy today.” Violet teased.

Emily looked up and sighed, “Good morning, Zoe, I didn't see you there. Did you sleep well?”

“I did. Your mother told me you woke up early.”

Emily sighed, “I still suck at sewing.”

Violet grabbed the fabric from Emily's hand and glanced at the sewing. Rough but precise in a straight line. It was good enough. By looking at the sewing she was able to determine the skills to teach Emily.

“This is good enough. Let's go.”

“Huh? This is obviously really bad compared to everyone else's sewing.”

“You'll understand later, come with me.” Violet lifted Emily from the chair and placed the clothes and needle down.

As they were about to leave, a certain blonde stepped out and said. “Emily is not allowed to go out, Miss Zoe. Madam Calista said so herself.”

“Well, I need her assistance, she has to go with me.” Violet responded, not giving Olivia a glance.

“I can render my assistance to you on behalf of her.”

Emily pulled on her hair, frustrated. “Can't you just mind your business, I'm sure my mom wouldn't say such a thing. I'm going out with Zoe so it'll be fine.”

“Emily, come here.” A voice said from the corner. It was madam Calista.

“Emily won't need to go out with you. Take Olivia with you instead.”

It seems Madam Calista had made up her mind so Violet didn't find it appropriate to argue.

“Fine.” Violet said.

“Zoe!” Emily shook her head, “Mom, please, let me go out with Zoe.”

“I've made up my mind.” Madam Calista said, looking at Violet straight forwardly.

“Emily, don't worry about okay? Just do as your mom says.”

Emily frowned, “But..”

“It's okay,” Violet smiled and walked out the shop with Olivia following behind her.

“So, where do you want to go?” Olivia asked as they stepped out of the shop.

“I'm looking for a place where I can exchange a precious gem for cash.”

“Are you sure it's a precious gem?” Olivia rolled her eyes.

Violet ran her fingers inside her pocket and showed Olivia the shinning red gem. Olivia eyes widened. “That's a ruby! How did you get that?!”

“None of your business,” Violet replied, “Why don't you tell me where I can exchange this ruby for cash.”

“Fine, I'll take you there.”

“Don't be so pained over this, blonde, I'm not a selfish person, I'll give you some of the money when we change it to change successfully.”

Olivia rolled her eyes and scoffed, “Who cares about your money?”

“Don't be so petty. Let's go.”

Olivia shrugged and removed the veil around her face before handling it to Violet, “Put it on.”

“Why? If I take it then you'll be left with nothing.”

“It doesn't matter, I am unattractive, no man will be interested in me. You, however, is a different case.”

“Hey.. Who says you're unattractive?”

“This is no time to play good girl, just take the mask.”

“You have blonde hair which is unique and different from others, it doesn't make you ugly.”

“You have no idea what it feels like to be different, Zoe and I don't expect you to. Just take the veil and put it on. Since childhood, I've always been deemed ugly so it kinda stuck to me and I cannot change that. Without looking at myself as ugly, I would have no idea how to look at myself.”

Violet and collected the veil from Olivia and put it on, the girl sure was pitiful.

They entered a shop where some guys were betting their money on games. Olivia took them last the excited gamers and to another shop by the corner.

Olivia pointed to a man that was looking at a precious stone in his hand.

He must be the person in charge.

“Hello there sir,” Olivia said, entering the office fully. The man looked up and slightly grunted, “What do you want? If you're not here for business, leave.”

Violet grabbed the ruby from her pocket and placed it in front of the gruffy old man. “How much for this ruby?”

The man eyes widened and he grabbed a small glass which he used to inspect the stones and placed it on his right eye. Both of his eyes widened as he was engulfed by the beauty of the stone. “T-this is real! Where did you get this?!”

“I am willing to exchange this for cash, how much is it worth, sir?” Violet changed the topic.

“One hundred and fifty thousand coins!”

Olivia jaw dropped. That was a lot of money!

Violet was not convinced, “Two hundred thousand coins!”

The man sighed deeply, “I did not try to cheat you, really. That's the exact amount the ruby cost.”

“I'm not convinced. Add an extra ten thousand coins.”

The man looked at Violet then at the Ruby.

“Fine fine, but I only have one hundred and fifty thousand coins right now. What about I send the other ten thousand coins to you tommorow.”

“Okay.” Violet agreed.

Olivia walked over and whispered in Violet's ear, “What if he doesn't fulfill his promise? There are many false people here, be careful.”

“He will have to fulfill his promise.” Violet simply said unconcernedly. 

“I definitely will fulfill my promise, I am not a liar and a thief.”

“See? He just said he's not a liar and a thief, we should believe him.”

Olivia sighed but didn't say anything else.

“Alright, where's the money old man?” Violet asked, watching as the man's hand glided over the ruby. She however snatched it from his hand first and said, “I'll hand the ruby over when I see the money.”

“Fair enough.” The old man said before heading to the door, “I'll be right back,” he said before yelling out, “JACKSON! JACKSON!”

“Coming boss!” A lighter voice replied from the distance along with fast approaching footsteps. 

Violet smirked as the door creaked as the younger boy pushed the door open.

“What can I do for you, boss?”

“Go to the storage room and bring all the coins here.”

“Roger that, boss.”

The man chuckled and sat back on his chair, “My employee will be back with the money, you may sit down.” 

Violet heard whisperings from the distance and footsteps approaching. The door opened and three bulky men walked in, one of them holding a box in his hands. He dropped it in front of Violet and the dealer chuckled, taking advantage of Violet distraction and snatching the gem from her hand.

“Inside it is worth a hundred thousand coins, now take it and leave with your friend. If not, the sight won't be pretty.” 

Olivia whispered to Violet, “I'm sorry, I didn't know h-he was..”

“A fraud?” Violet completed.

Olivia sighed and bowed her head, “I'm sorry. I'll find a way to get the remaining coins and pay you back. For now, let's go.”

“You're willing to pay the balance for this thugs?” Violet scoffed, visibly disgusted by the weak girl.

“You two better leave now before I change my mind.” The dealer said but his words were short-lived when a knife was imprinted right next to the dealer's head.

“And you better pay off what you owe or lose your life.” A soft yet dangerous voice echoed in the room. Violet was stunned as she turned around to find the most elegant man she'd ever seen.

“Alaric?” She whispered.

How did he find her?