Rival Gangs

"I'm back."

I let my voice ring out into the cafe as I entered, making my presence known to Kelly.

"Great. Get back here and help me cook."

"Yes mam."

Doing as I was told, I went back into the kitchen. Kelly was currently seasoning some beef while a soup was cooking over the fire.

"Tell me what to do."

* * * * *

It's been a month since Kelly decided to let me stay. I've gotten the hang of cooking the dishes and I learned what each customer usually preferred to order. I was currently unloading today's supplies from the delivery man as he and Kelly talked.

"Have you heard about the beef from your old gang and the one to the east of it? Apparently people are expecting a full blown war between the two. It could get messy, so I advise keeping your eyes open."

"Okay, thanks for the heads-up. Any idea when the fighting is supposed to start?"

"From the things I've heard, I'd guess soon, and really soon at that."

The delivery man usually told us about what was happening in our general area everyday. He'd tell us about the small scuffles, the big brawls, and the shady people. He always says that he tells us because we're his best customers, but I've seen the way he looks at Kelly. The way he blushes slightly as their eyes meet, or how he stands awkwardly when they talk. To be honest, I'm surprised she hasn't noticed.

I finished bringing in all of the ingredients as the wrapped up their conversation. After that, it was the same as usual. Same usual customers, same usual dishes, and same usual quietness. While it was more or less the same everyday, it was nice and quiet. Occasionally there would be a fight between customers, but when Kelly comes out from the kitchen, it immediately comes to an end.

It was during our quiet hours that my quietness was interrupted. It sounded like the usual fight, until it wasn't.

"Hey, what the hell is some Reaper doing here in this cafe?"

"I could say the same about you Skellies. What business do you have on our turf?"

"Your turf? Get out of here with that! This has been our turf for years! Ain't no way you guys own it."

Things were beginning to get heated, so Kelly came out of the kitchen and intervened.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!?"

I watched from the kitchen as the events played out. The first group, who were the Skellies, turned immediately towards Kelly as a hint of fear crossed their faces. The Reapers, however, completely ignored her.

Without looking at her once, keeping their eyes on the group of Skellies, they replied to Kelly.

"These here Skellies are on our turf, and we can't have that."

"This is the Reapers turf? First I've heard of it. I don't care though. If you gotta fight, take it outside."

This caused the Reapers to look at Kelly, anger etched onto their features.

"Did you just try and tell is what to do? I don't know what hole you came from, but on our turf, we call the shots, not you!"

Kelly's angry face turned dark as the words left their mouth, a dark aura enveloping the room. The customers that we're in the store left when they sensed the imminent danger. Even the Skellies fidgeted under her presence, yet the Reapers seems undisturbed.

"You want me to beat you fools up?"

"Beat us up? How will some dumb girl like you beat us up?"

"Like this."

In an instant, one of the Reapers was on the ground, unconscious. His buddies quickly realized they were no match, and without uttering a word, picked their friend up and began to take him outside before stopping just by the door.

"You will regret this."

Those were the words they parted with, leaving only Kelly, the Skellies, and I left in the cafe. Kelly quickly pulled her aura back and the Skellies instantly fell on their butts from relief.

Without looking at me, Kelly spoke.

"Estelle, I need you to pay attention. You remember where Daniel is? I need you to go and tell him what just happened. See if you can't get him to spare a few guys for protection. Take these coins as payment for him."

"Yes mam."

Kelly handed me a pouch full of coins and sent me on my way. The way she spoke to me sent me on high alert. I could tell trouble was lurking nearby from the serious tone she used as she spoke. I ran at an acceptable speed all the way there, only stopping when I arrived. I recognized the group of boys I encountered the first time I had come here and went up to them.

"I need to see Daniel, now."

"Who the hell do you think you ar- HOLY CRAP IT'S YOU!"

At first, they spoke with a tone of superiority, but as soon as I was recognized, it was replaced with fear.

"Daniel. Where is he?"

"L-let me take you to him."

With that, the boy led me into the large building that was their base. It was as rundown on the inside as it appeared on the outside. I was led up three flights of stairs before we stopped outside a door. The boy knocked on the door three times before a voice came from the other side telling us to enter.

I did as the voice said and went inside. There, I saw Daniel sitting behind a desk in a rather clean and well kept room, though that didn't matter.

"Ah, Kelly's girl. How can I help you."

I quickly explained the situation, being sure not to leave out any important details. As I explained, Daniel made sure to pay attention to everything. After I finished, Daniel crossed his arms and appeared to go into thought. It wasn't long before he came to a conclusion.

"You said it was Reapers that caused the problem? That isn't good. Our group has been having a major, let's just say disagreement over certain things. If they find out that Kelly used to be an important figure in our group, they most certainly will send a lot of men. I will allow you to take some of my men. I think five should do. If you need more, you're going to have to find them yourself. I wish you luck."

With that, I was escorted outside where five men eventually met me, including the guy whose shoulder I had dislocated when I first came here. It was clearly awkward for him, though that doesn't matter. I should get back to the cafe with the reinforcements.