Author’s note: This is a continuation of last week’s article, which was the fourth installment of this story. Any comments are welcome. This is an episodic story, which means you the audience have an opportunity to influence some things. If there are any events you want to happen or prefer to avoid, do say so. This tale may just go in that direction. Now, back to the story.

The two walked out of the alleyway and into a mostly-empty courtyard. Vise, the small squishy one that insisted it was male, led the way. Kyumi himself could not stop staring at the bizarre image spray-painted onto the back of the hoodie. The most intriguing aspect was the runic writing which was in a language Kyumi had yet to encounter. After some time, he realized Vise had finally stopped talking and decided to speak up.

“To recap,” Kyumi said, “NAUTILUS government gang-controlled; gangs territory and districts hold; suicide to fight; resources distribute; questions dislike. I anything missed?”

“Yes and no. You have a grasp on how our absolutely shitty politics work, but you have no idea how the people work. In layman’s terms: the guy with biggest boom-boom stick gets to sit on the big chair.”

“Boom-boom stick, what is? Where acquire?”

Vise stopped walking, and turned his head to stare up at Kyumi. “Gun. Weapon. Giant-ass stick. I think you are missing the point.” He turned to face his newfound associate. “Here’s how it works. The biggest, meanest looking guy, the one who looks like he can take a man’s head and shove it through two walls simultaneously, is in charge. Now, taking exhibit A,” he gestured to the armor, “you fit that criterium. This means you are either the worst person to mess with or the best person to mess with. Because while you certainly look pretty hardcore, you don’t have the reputation to back it. So anyone who tries to beat your ass, and wins, is instantly at the top of the list. But you start at the bottom. Get it now?”

Kyumi remained silent, processing all he was just told. “Second exhibit, what is?”

“For the love of—! Fine. Exhibit B,” Vise pointed over at a crowd of people. “Look over there and tell me what you see.”

“I several denizens see. In discussion engaged?”

“They are sizing you up. Want to know if you are worth confronting. And that is an ordinary pastime out here. You might be able to hold your own against them, since you claim to be such a tough guy, but they don’t know that. They want recognition, power, food, water, alcohol, who knows what else! And the way to get that is to climb your way through the ranks of the gangs.” Vise holds up a finger as if just realizing something he missed. “With a few exceptions…. But those are very special cases and I’m not sure you qualify.”

“Understood,” Kyumi said as upper torso bowed slightly in thanks. “Where going?”

“To meet one of the exceptions.”

Author’s end note: Part five is now completed. Thanks to Charlotte Tapp for sticking around despite her personal circumstances. She is hoping all of you are enjoying her art, and is working hard behind the scenes. Again, criticism and comments are encouraged. Next week will be part six, stay tuned!