Ch. 18 - Chivalry
Marlene and Anna were coughing and tearing. From being nearby the gas that came into the vent nearby, so they began to move more and more until they were at a vent outside. Both were able to catch their breath and clean their eyes for a moment.
A police helicopter was above the factory and caught them both, because of how they stood out, the man in the chopper, radioed what he saw and even gave his assistance pointing a spotlight at them.
The police came around and helped them up, keeping them covered, as they were taken to a police cruiser where Tristan, Marlene's father was close by, he received the Intel and made his way to see them. "How are you girls? And is there anyone else?" He asked. Still trying to keep a level head of the situation. But part of him deeply fears his daughter and her friend.
Marlene hugged him and cried softly nodding. "We're fine… Drake kept us safe… but… there were so many, and drake." She couldn't hold on anymore and cried.
Anna spoke up for her. "Were… okay, they didn't do anything to us… but the last we saw of Drake and heard were lots of guns going off and all rushing him" she was shaking scared also but did her best to remain calm to support Marlene.
"I see…" he was relaxed, they were unharmed. He went to grab a cloak for them both. To cover them more. "Stay in this car. We'll take you home now okay" he then ordered a few to take them away to safety. "Dammit kid… where are you?"
The police subdued the men in tears and those that were left in groans taking them away, but when some kept resisting they had opened fire on the few.
Alex, Akane and Rose were with Sarah, back at Marlene's house, and there was no trouble. In fact no one ever came after them.
In some cars, there are dead thugs. Just blocks away, in alleys distant away, more dead thugs. The people of both Queen and the King had stepped into action as they were told, to not let harm come to Drake's people anymore. So, all of Jack, and that company under him were personally killed except for those who submitted willingly.
The streets began to roam with calls of the dead being discovered and the police were set into a state panic. The kidnapping, shootings and now calls left and right, Tristan began to get overwhelmed. "What the hell is going on?" He didn't want to abandon Drake, but he couldn't keep his people here any longer when streets seemed to be in chaos in organized attacks. "I'm sorry…" he hated leaving Drake, but he made the choice, the people over one person. "All units aid the others, we got everyone here, take them to the station and we'll come back to check the scene!" He was lucky his daughter was taken before she heard that, but it was something he was going to have to tell them either way.
Drake was now alone with John. They stared at one another and listened as the police left, his old gang was still valuing the agreement while Drake was now doing his own thing.
They stood still, not a motion between them. John asked. "You look like absolute shit… your shot across your limbs, barely able to hold that gun from the looks of its, and frankly, all my men against you really made you leak blood… how the hell are you not dead or at least about to black out from loss of blood? I'm going to die either way, if I kill you the empire won't let me live, if you kill me that's that… so answer me this, why did you leave? Why did you seek out a life like some commoner? You have too much blood on yours hand like the rest of us, do you really think you deserve this sort of life? That we or you can fit in?"
In the brief moment of life and death between them they shared a moment of rationality between them, when all the chips were down and cards were played. They were able to finally be reasonable and talk.
"Why are you sounding caring? And now poetic? You absolutely despise me, don't you? You went so far as to go after not just my women but also my little sister, I want to tear off your limbs and gut you… but you're right. I'm pushing it… as it is now, and so are you with that shot to your gut" Drake and John both lowered their guns. Drake is barely conscious now but remained on his feet because he wanted answers. "I left because I wanted to still try… I wanted to be normal, I wanted a future for my little sister, to be with her, and the women I would spend my life with, so they would never be in danger… because of where I come from" Drake told him.
"You know that's just wishful thinking. Your enemies of the past will just come back around… you know that though don't you" John explained to him. "I have nothing to lose… but I also don't feel like dying so easily and honorably… let's end this"
"No… I'm not killing you yet, answer me this… did you send people four days ago? To kidnap anna?" He wanted to know his motive. "There was an agreement, and that attempt seemed to amuture."
"I don't have a clue what you're talking about… I never sent anyone to collect her, that day when you broke your leg right. I didn't send or do anything, I was collecting people for this big scheme to destroy you, but it all went to shit" John said telling the truth.
"So someone else is after her huh… then I really can't die now, or show mercy to those who directly harm my family. Never." Drake told him. And glared at him. "You have nothing to lose now… and it looks like you accepted dying… no matter the outcome. So let me give you a third option" he began to scheme and plot again.
"Oh? And what would that be?" John was curious. "I don't have any options left, amuse me."
"Call off your hunt for my sister… and you will be spared, I will let you go, this is my ultimate form of mercy to you" Drake told him.
"Why should I care?" John wondered why this was his third option.
"You're thinking too much about it, I'm giving you a second chance at your life, I will go with you to the empire, and forgive you in person with the Ace, Queen and King. Your position may be removed, but at least you won't be killed." Drake explained, he wanted to kill, but he was fighting that urge.
"You're willing to go that far? Why? Because you still want to change? For your sister?" John asked not sure what to do now. "You're not the type to lie, or at least go back on your word… so what do you want from me?"
"To find the garbage that went after Anna that day of the accident… you find and tell me where they are or who they are. That's all you need to do, and yes. I also want to live a normal life too. I killed your people, and I know that it is arrogant to say such a thing after doing that, but… I'm fighting the urge, you're marked for death by me, Joker, yet I'm sparing you, as myself Drake. I cannot go back, if I kill you, I killed them to survive and protect my girls, but…. You, I made my personal target… Do you understand?" Drake explained his thoughts, plans and expressed his values.
John couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I see.." he thought. 'No wonder they were so careful around him. And why he and they respect one another. He is truly dangerous' John smiled and relaxed. "Looks like I have no choice…" he held out his hand.
"Good choice" Drake grabbed his hand. "Do work well for me, and keep this to yourself our agreement for this, I'll also explain to the queen and king." Drake explained to him, his bloodlust faded.
"The cops are gone. Why don't we get going then, I don't feel like dying yet…. and you shot me bad in the gut." John told him.
"Yeah yeah" Drake put his arm on his shoulders and took his arm onto his own shoulders. Both held one another up, and they met Mickie holding a gun outside.
Mickie draws his gun. And towards John. "Sir…"
"Mickie, put that down" Drake told him.
"I don't follow your orders Joker. Only the kings. You know that" Mickie explained, not showing emotion as he kept a poker face expression.
"When did I give you an order?" Drake asked him. Forcing Mickie to lay his arm down. "Take us to the king and have the queen meet us… we're in for a long talk, and I'm sure Ace will be listening and cooperative."
"Things only get interesting with you…" Mickie sighed and helped them, taking them to a car. The men Mickie trusted helped aid them both to not die and bleed too much on his car. "Have you thought about what this means for you Drake? If what you request is severe enough…"
"I know what it means… I'll have to take my position back…" Drake said, knowing just what will be demanded of him in return.
They were now at the high rise, and walked behind Mickie. "You're a fool, not just in title Drake."
"You show concern?" Both Drake and John asked. They looked at one another and chuckled as they walked.
They reached the top floor, and saw both the king and Queen standing together. "This is a fucking turn of events." The King pointed out. "I gave a kill order, yet he's hear, among the living"
"I have to agree… just what is going on?" the queen glared at John, since he caused Drake lots of trouble.
"I gave him an ultimatum, so wait on how you two will act…" Drake spoke up, with Mickie leaving it. The three most powerful people in the underworld of the city were gathered once again.
"Alright, what happened to have made you come here?" King asked, walking down and took his seat around a square table.
The queen remained above watching them and listened to their talk.
"I know you want to kill him, for crossing the line, however I made a deal with him, so now, I'm here to ask, you both spare his life, since I did make the deal myself" Drake began to go into detail.
"And since you did, we're supposed to care?" The queen asked. Speaking to him in business. "You're not one of us… so why should we? We only agreed to uphold our deal with you left. The protection of those you care, Sarah, and now those other women you made wives, nothing beyond, in return you kept this life secret, not to ever say our names and never expose our exploits. That's a lot of trust I hope you know, so what do we get this time in return for this new deal?"
"This is news to me…" king said, lighting a cigarette. "So go on…"
"And since I did, you can now demand of me something, I will spare one of the Cards upholding the empire, and this won't affect our previous agreement, because I need something of him, I didn't spare his life for nothing, you think I'm so generous?" Drake finished.
"Hm… how interesting, alright but just how severe of a demand was this deal? We should know, don't you think?" King asked, smoking.
"He asked me to find the culprit who got him into the hospital, the incident a few days ago with his leg and the woman that was kidnapped, it wasn't me… he asked me to look and hunt for them." John said. "And I agreed."
The King and Queen were silent. They looked at Drake. He changed, he really did. In just nine months he didn't kill out of personal motive. "I see…" the king puffed smoke and thought. "This is a big deal then… are you asking us to join this hunt?"
"If it wasn't him, or a small enemy that knows of drake… then, this is a new enemy to our empire, they targeted a girl that isn't just close to him, but looks like his sister, how interesting things have become" the queen now grabbed a drink after coming down and sat in a seat of her own. "Drake… you know what we're gonna ask don't you?"
"I do…" Drake was prepared.
"Then take a seat, boy. Both of you are gonna talk about how to deal with keeping our empire safe." King told him.
John and Drake took a seat. The table dividing the powers. "So it all just comes full circle then…" Drake said, as he sat down. His arm on the leg of the chair and catches his cheek along the palm of his hand. He crossed his legs and sat like he owned it.
"I hope you see now, why we respect the boy John" the queen said, knowing how he was.
"I do…" he admitted defeat. "I also understand that my position is being replaced. Or removed"
"No… he didn't die, and you didn't harm his girls, and frankly, Drake on his own solved our problems… and yours kid." the king told him.
"Wait, you knew they were gonna be safe?" John asked him. "They really weren't harmed?"
"dont sound too thrilled" he stared at john. "Who do you think runs the empire john? a reliable King and queen" Drake asked him and told him.
the king spoke. "an one violent and very observant Kid thats to damn smart for his own good, enough with the praises now."
John wasn't just humbled, but was astonished by his foresight. and saw the trust he had between them. "I see… I was a fool to challenge you, but also… I'm glad they didn't get hurt, since I have this second chance because of you."
"Let's talk business then Drake… but let us first welcome you back, to us" the queen said, licking her lips as she held a glass with her legs crossed in such elegance. She slowly got up, and walked to him, taking her seat on his lap and leaned onto him tightly, her body pressed on his. "I'm gonna enjoy your return my boy…" she whispered into his ear.
"Can you not be such a slut for five minutes with him around?" the king said, burning out his cigarette, and lit another.
"It's fine…" he grabbed onto the queen's ass with one hand and sat like a ruler in a seat with her. "Let's talk… about my request, and how I can be of use to you."
The meeting of powers began, and lasted the entire night.
On the other side of the city, Tristan was in his office. Marlene and Anna sat together. Across his desk. "Girls… I'm sorry, but I left Drake there…" he told them.
Marlene couldn't help but feel so lost. She got up and yelled at him. "WHY!! HE COULD BE DEAD NOW!! how could you…"
Anna got up and held her. "Let's hear him out, why did you sir?" She wasn't any happier.
"Thank you… we got overwhelmed with calls and bodies were found just a few blocks away from my home. And not just there but also other areas of the city all at once. They seemed organized so I had to act for the people… I couldn't save one man, and risk this issue getting out of hand when other people's lives were in danger too…"
"But… you… know…" Marlene was in tears, and sat with Anna. "I did this to him… we both agree to let him fight for us…"
"What happened?" Tristan asked.
Anna then comforted her and spoke up. "Drake saved us, from the worst, but the last we saw of him, was the same time men stormed the part of the factory we were in, we heard screaming, guns being shot at him… we heard threats of Sarah and her house" Anna was about to cry, and so did Marlene. "We… left him to die… when he saved us…"
Tristan felt awful, his daughter in tears, the other woman again he met for the second time saw her worried for drake so much. "I'm truly sorry… but, if it helps… no body has been found… so… we'll keep searching, if nothing comes up in three days… then"
"You better!" Marlene yelled at him. "Please…" She was weak and couldn't handle it anymore.
"I'll take them home…" Jess came in. "Don't worry dear…"
"Thank you" Tristan helped them get into the car with Jess and they went home shortly after. "I don't know what to do… just when I was catching onto them, being on top of it all, a third party got involved, was it coordinated? All for him?" He was in thought. "My god… how do I tell Trey?" He truly felt awful as a father in law, but he had to make the choice he now had to deal with, he believed he let his daughter's first love die even though he did his best to look out for them in secret.
"How are we gonna tell Sarah?" Marlene was in thought, while being held by Anna.
"We… let's wait…" Anna said. She couldn't lie to her, not to Sarah. "Let's see… if our Drake can keep his word, he promised us, remember… until then, let's watch Sarah for him"
"Okay…" Marlene closed her eyes and fell asleep in Anna's hands.
It was dark now, when all things in the events in the city had calmed down. Drake hadn't gone home and in the end. He was held up by the queen that night. While Anna explained what happened to the other three, Alex, Akane and Rose. They learned what happened and everyone remained hopeful, but they were wondering what they'd do for Sarah. To their belief, he was dead and alive and didn't know what to tell her. Every single night he has come back to her, but for the first time. Sarah was alone. She didn't have Drake in the other room, or the same house to know she was safe or he was safe. Sarah didn't understand, but trusted the others he was just gonna come late. She went to bed and was accompanied by the girls all to comfort her. It was a sleepover in the living for everyone, but Akane who was forced to stay upstairs in Marlene's bed alone for obvious reasons.
By the time morning came around, marking the new day, and the last day of the school week, the girl's only felt lonely without Drake, and didn't attend school that day either. Akane began to wonder what he could do for them, and wondered how he could even help. He knew he couldn't be like him, but maybe he could lift the mood another way. He then left the house excusing himself and promising to come back. It took some time, but after two hours he came back to their house, with games. It was his way of trying to take their mind off things and swiftly pass the time. He set the few he had up for them and even brought Manga to read. He was trying for them to help them the best he could.
Because of Akane's efforts and seeing how he was genuinely caring the best he could, it did lift the mood. Alex and Rose were in a much better state of mind already, so they helped Anna and Marlene. Even if they knew him, they did worry, he did always come home to Sarah, and this night was a first. Sarah was distracted by the games and played with everyone who was trying to keep her mind off it. But, she couldn't help but ask the question. "Where is Drake? He's been out too long..."
The girls didn't know how to answer her cute innocent face. In the moment, just as Alex was gonna speak up. The door was heard ringing.
Jess went to answer and the girls waited, not wanting to get their hopes up. However Sarah was the only one who stood up and went to follow Jess at the door.
When Jess opened, it was Drake, in fresh bandages, and lots more than before. He smiled at them. "Sorry I'm late…" he told them.
Jess smiled. And hugged him, tightly pressing her body against his, Sarah went and hugged his leg and grabbed onto his shirt. "Welcome home son" Jess spoke and then he heard his sister. "You look terrible…! I missed you!" She smiled up at him. "Welcome home big brother!"
He held onto Jess's waist and gently patted Sarah's head. "I'm home…" When they let go, Sarah held his hand and pulled him.
"Okay… I'm coming" he entered the house behind her and Jess closed the door behind them. Entering he was then brought up to the girls in the other room. He looked at them and looked away.
Marlene got up, and rushed him, tightly grabbing onto his chest when she tackled him. She cried terribly again. Anna went over as well, giving him a lap pillow as she looked down at him.
Sarah wasn't sure what was going on, but Jess took her away. To give them space.
"I'm so very sorry!... I shouldn't have… let you go…" Marlene whimpered against his chest.
"You saved me twice now… you damn idiot" Anna soft cried down onto him. "How… can I ever… repay you!"
"Don't… leave again! Please…" Marlene squeezed his clothes and looked at him in tears. "We thought… you died… I thought, i sent you to your death…" she looked so hurt and damaged. As if it was her fault.
Anna felt the same.
"You two…" he grabbed Marlene, and looked at Anna, both of them, with sympathy and sorrow. "I'm sorry, that I took so long… but don't blame yourself, I was the one who asked to be let go, after all, I had to protect you two with my life. I knew the danger, and I'm so happy, not one of you was even scratched." He hugged Marlene tightly and raised his hand to hold onto Anna's cheek. "I love you both… so please… do not feel responsible. And no more tears"
"But look at you… you're wrapped in bandages… your hand is seriously injured… on top of the leg injuries… you look so worn and torn… how can we be happy?" Anna said and Marlene agreed. "We were so scared!"
Marlene spoke after. "You went so far to keep us safe, to protect us… but you're not taking care of yourself. What would happen if you lost an arm, leg or an eye because of us?"
"Then I'd still be happy, to come home to you all, safe and sound. Girls, do not feel like this is either of your fault please. None of you, I did what I know best because I had to keep you all safe. I would do it all again. Even if it would cost me more than just scars and wounds. I love you all, I couldn't stand it if I lost even one of you" he told them. "So please, stop crying… and welcome me home okay" Drake gently brushed away Marlene's tears, and then did the same for Anna.
It was enough that he came home. So they didn't want to keep feeling bad about it. His words also did provide comfort to a degree. And wanted to listen to his words because it's what he wants.
Slowly Marlene got up and helped him with Anna. But held his hand taking him to sit down, and did not leave his side.
"What did I miss?" He asked them.
Alex answered. "Not much, Akane brought his games and Manga for us to kill time. I'll let him know your back"
Rose then did something daring, she walked up to him, and got down to her knees in front of his lap. She didn't say a word, and just began to undo his pants.
"HOLD UP!!" He grabbed her hands. "Just what are you doing?!"
Rose looked up at him, sweet eyes and everything. The girls also looked blushing and with curiosity. "Because you never did it with me yet… and if my husband is going to die soon, I want your child"
"What the fuck…" he said to her. "You're already killing me off?!"
The mood in the house shifted entirely. Anna then also reached touching his thigh. "I… would like to join…"
He looked at her. "I'm in bandages!" He didn't say no.
"Is that a no?" Marlene asked, leaning her hand also to his other inner thigh closer to his crotch.
"You girls… need to stop…!" He told them, and they didn't know it. But he was already drained. He was tired out and began to think of the night he was forced to spend with the queen just last night. "I… really can't… girls"
Rose then continued and his underwear was noticeable.
"Big brother!!" Sarah yelled coming to the living room and the girls all acted normal quickly hiding what was going to be done. "What do you want for lunch? And dinner? Momma wants to know!" She then walked up to him around the couch. And saw how red everyone was. "Is everyone sick?"
Alex came over to pick her up, red herself. "I'll tell you, come on let's go…"
'I owe you, my dear little sister, and you're calling Jess momma?' Drake thought and smiled a bit. He then spoke and looked at the three of them. "Girls… not when my sister is in the other room okay… or, when others are around… I'll gladly take care of all of your needs, but let me rest okay…" he asked. "Please? I may say I'm fine or seem like it, but these bandages are very real hiding wounds."
The three nodded. "Fine…" Rose settled with a kiss, stealing one from him. Then both Anna and Marlene partake themselves into one also.
He couldn't help it, he was laid down with Anna and Marlene on top of him, close to his side and still kissing him and he spoiled them in return for worrying them, and as long as it wasn't the tool in his pants being abused and worked till empty, he was fine with this a lot more.
Anna and Marlene were asleep, cuddled up to him tightly. He was stuck staring at the ceiling. "My hands are going numb…" he smiled and looked more relaxed and felt just the same "Hehe… it's fine…" he gently comforted them, touching both their hair and waist as he cuddled them. "Thank god… you two were unharmed…" It cost him a lot, but it was worth it in his eyes. But he knew he'd likely have to suffer more in the future, still for the time being, and for the future it was going to be far more calm a while.
Last night after the meeting, the king spoke with John. "This deal, it's a damn strange one… and I guess I'll thank you, you allowed the Joker to come back to us, however you should also be warned, at the end of this deal, you will be killed. By him or me. It seems likely at least, since you are but a tool for now"
John stood and nodded. "I know that, no way am I just gonna let off the hook, and I can tell you won't let me get away if I tried, I really became a plaything for the man to use however he sees fit…" John shrugged it off.
"Why do you not care?" The king looked at him. "And why did you accept this in the first place?"
"I haven't got the foggiest clue, it could be I didn't want to die, but I was more than ready too, I wanted to live yeah, but I wouldn't define that as my reason, if I had to conclude a reason… It'd be because I actually now met Joker, if I went about this differently, and if I knew and seen first hand how he was like, then I likely never would have done all this… but, that wasn't the case, so, you can see, I made up my mind, to respect him. I've seen his tenacity and ruthlessness myself, but also how he has the foresight in a fight or at least in situations that push him hard enough." John went on in detail and almost admiration for Drake, as he explained to the king.
"So, now that you've seen, and know what he can be like, you are willing to fall back into line, but also do as he says out of your own free will, even if at the end of it all, he plans to kill you? Or even I would?" King asked.
"See, that's another thing, he spared me, on his own, do you picture him going back on his word?"
"No"
"Then I have no one to fear, but you, my fate is in your hands after we're done" John was thinking calmly.
"You're acting like someone worthy of your position now… how interesting, you're growing fast… with him back, I wonder, who and what else will fall back into line" the king looked out to the city at night. "That's all I wanted to say, and you should know, if you don't want to die, make it up to Drake by stopping those who would harm him, not the girls or anyone, but him alone. Alright, you weren't in the deal before, but those he cares for are ours, mine and the queen's responsibility to protect. So as my order to you, protect Drake. And if all goes well, you can have your life and freedom if you so choose. That's all, go and rest" the king ordered and made him a deal.
The world in the dark was slowly being shifted again, and rumors in the streets began to flow like water, from small thugs, to kingpins of other districts and even influential people with grim tastes that have done business in the black market all heard the same rumors. Joker of the Empire's Cards, has returned, and was on the hunt.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone