Truth & Deceptions

The labyrinthine corridors of the Red Vultures' headquarters stretched on, alive with subdued energy. The faint hum of generators mixed with muffled conversations, and the occasional clang of machinery echoed through the halls. The sprawling underground facility was a testament to the gang's reach and power, with rooms dedicated to everything from weapon storage to training areas. Elian, Lena, and Vin navigated these halls with purpose, the unlocked device a heavy weight in Vin's hands.

Their destination was Halda's chamber, a strategic nerve center tucked deep within the facility. The entrance was flanked by two imposing guards, their red-wing tattoos visible behind their ears. They exchanged a wary glance as the trio approached but ultimately allowed them entry, swinging open the heavy steel door.

Halda's room was both utilitarian and commanding. The centerpiece was a round steel table surrounded by mismatched chairs, each bearing the scars of years of use. Halda herself sat at the head of the table, her sharp eyes narrowing as the trio entered.

Standing around her were her trusted enforcers who's authority was second to hers: Soren, whose calculated demeanor was as sharp as his green eyes; Jarek, a hulking brute whose tremendous size made the room feel smaller; and Alina, an attractive woman whose scarred face and piercing gaze hinted at countless battles fought and won. They were all dressed in black pant suits with black ties and black dress shoes. 

Halda leaned forward gazing over her sunglasses. "You've got to have something for me, or else you wouldn't be here disturbing me." The three of them felt the underlying threat in her words.

Vin stepped forward, placing the device on the table. "We cracked it. It's a map of Ironhold's criminal underworld. Details on every gang, every operation. There's also a folder labeled 'Anomalies.'"

Halda's brow furrowed as she activated the device, the screen's glow illuminating her face. 

"It's more than that too," Vin added. "The device also has information on supply routes and movements. Whoever had this was planning something big."

Halda scrolled through the data, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she looked up. "Good job. But I get the sense that your trip here wasn't just to confirm with me about this information. Am I right...Elian?"

Elian stepped forward, his voice steady. "I need answers now. I have done your errands and have even killed for you, it's time you tell me the truth."

"The people who killed my parents—they had vulture tattoos: Red wings on their hands with a bird skull. Why did your people murder my parents." As Elian stood there speaking, he clenched his hands trembling.

Tiny vines unnoticeable to the human eye started to seep up through the cracks in the floor.

The room fell silent. . Halda's sharp gaze pinned on Elian. "The tattoo was on their hands?"

"Yes," Elian confirmed. His tone more serious and intimidating than its ever been.

Halda's lips curled into a tight line. "That's too bad. My people don't mark their hands. The tattoo goes behind the ear—always. It's been tradition and is a mark of loyalty."

Elian blinked, his mind racing. Months of anger and suspicion unraveled in an instant. "So… they were imposters?"

"Most likely," Soren interjected. "Using our name to move unnoticed; has happened before. It's bold, but it's also sloppy."

At the sudden realization, Elian's body started acting on it's own before his brain could register what was happening. As tears ran down his face his hand unclenched and the whole ground started to tremble.

For years, I had let my anger burn at the wrong target. But now, the truth felt colder than my rage—like a void swallowing everything. Who were they, these people who killed his -my parents?

"Elian calm down!"

Lena ran over to Elian and shook him violently. "Elian!" She yelled at the top of her lungs while holding a strong grip on his shoulders. With that, he snapped back to reality.

Halda gave an approving nod at Lena before turning to face Elian. "We don't hide, kid. That's one of our rules - if we kill somebody we own it. Whoever they were, they weren't us."

Elian's fists clenched again, but not in anger—this time, it was sadness. His parents' killers were still out there, and now he had even more questions.

Even though those weren't his parents, their memory had been etched onto his very soul now. It's as if he was the one raised by them - not the original owner of the body.

"Then they're still out there," He finally resigned.

"And they made a mistake," The one named Alina said, her voice laced with quiet menace. "Using our name comes with consequences."

Halda leaned back, her expression softening slightly as she looked at Elian. "I'm sorry for your loss, but your fight isn't with us. You were chasing the vultures, but at least now you know it is not us you're looking for."

Before the conversation could continue, Vin cleared his throat. "There's something else. That 'Anomalies' folder—it lists people with unusual abilities -like Elian. Most of them are marked 'terminated,' but a few are still active. It's only one part of an even bigger list though. "

Halda's expression darkened as she digested the information. "So the monarchy is keeping tabs on more than just gangs. They're covertly hunting all people who they deem threats to the empire. Smart."

Lena shot a worried glance at Elian. "They're soon going to come for him, aren't they?"

"Possibly," Halda admitted. "But the empire doesn't act unless they feel threatened. If they're monitoring these 'anomalies,' it's because they're scared."

Elian's jaw tightened. "Then I need to act before they do."

Halda studied him for a long moment before nodding. "You're right. But this isn't something you can just rush into.You need to be smart about this." She turned to her enforcers. "Soren, Jarek, Alina—start strategizing. I want eyes on every gang listed here and ears to the ground for anything unusual in the city. And I think it's about time we expand our little gang into an operating criminal organization."

"Since somebody's targeting one vulture, they're coming after us all."

The enforcers nodded, their demeanor professional. Soren's mind was already racing, Jarek's fists tightened in anticipation, and Alina's sly smile hinted at plans forming.

Halda turned back to the trio. "You've done good work, but this is just the beginning. Elian, Lena, Vin—rest up. We'll call on you when the time comes, and be prepared for this evening." 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lena questioned putting herself back on guard. But she was just left with silence as her only response.

Later that evening, the trio stood in a brightly lit room on the third floor of the sprawling headquarters. The room was clean but spartan, with graffiti-covered walls and a faint smell of disinfectant. Halda and a group of tattoo artists stood ready.

"It's time to make it official," Halda said, gesturing to the artists. "You've earned this. From now on, you're Vultures."

Elian stepped forward first. As the tattoo artist worked, he clenched his fists, the needle's sting a minor discomfort compared to the weight of his resolve. Lena was up next.

"You don't have to baby me like you did with him. Just do it"

This proved to be true because when it was her turn, she just smiled through the process, her confidence unshaken. Vin, however, hesitated.

"You'll be fine," Lena said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We're all here."

"Thanks Le-" before he could finish his sentence, Lena cut him off with a fake smile saying condescendingly "But you are the grown man here, it would be better if you acted like it."

Vin replied with a audible gulp and was quiet throughout the whole needling process.

As the final tattoo was finished, Halda inspected their marks. "Welcome to the Red Vultures. Keep doing great work, that's your only expectation."

The three of them exchanged glances, the weight of their new allegiance sinking in. They were no longer outsiders—they were part of something larger. 

Elian dropped a slight smile, excited for the things that the future had in store for himself.