Bizarre Fate: An Urban Crime Xianxia

Chapter 50: Let's Go (CORRECT VERSION)

I couldnt exactly scramble back into the bushes to meet up with everyone after I helped Fukui drop off the kid at their gate. So, I made a big show of walking down the road, right up until I was out of view and could safely tuck myself in the undergrowth. I reached the bikes. The whole crew was there.

The first to react was Suzakiwho ran up and slammed a halo on my head. After an unexpected and intense bout of envythe halo broke.

Everything in me felt beat, but my head was on straight. At this point, my body was feeling wobbly. I was unsure how Id hold up if we were to confront Tristan. I hated to admit it, but I was running on fumes. Suzakis healing might have patched me up, but the penalty was high. Id have to stop by a store and buy a can of Pure Heavenly Energy for some much-needed caffeine on the way back to keep going.

But wed gotten the big guy. Bruno had a dumb grin on his face and some thick iron manacles on his wrists. He threw his arms over me anyway, pulling me into a bear hug I couldnt escape. Luca! I was worried about you!

Yea, glad youre fine too, big guy. I winced, and eventually, he freed me. Which let me back away and break out my comb to fix my hair; that fight had left it a fucking mess.

Well! Now that I see youre safe with my own eyeswish me luck with this duel? Hahaha! I cant wait to bash his face again; this time, I get him all to myself! I will thrive as a champion in this battle and spill his blood all over the Getsu Sect

What the fuck are ya going on about? I needed to cut this shit off; that big grin on his face told me that his dumb ass would be walking down the road right to their gate again in two minutes.

Why, tomorrow is my thrilling duel. Ive been challenged to test my might against a worthy enemy, my tale will be told through the ages!

Bruno, ya aint fighting that psycho fuck again. I tried, only to receive a slow shake of his head. Based on the rest of the groups expressions, this conversation had gone around in circles a couple of times already. Fuck, Id worried about this.

We need your help, Kayson said with a sigh.

Nonsense! Youll all get by! Each of you is a capable warrior in your own right, and while I appreciate my friends going to such lengths to show me their love and affection, there are some things a man of honor must do. Bruno flexed his bicep and gave us a wink like there was a camera filming us, and he was starring in a goddamn Cultivation movie.

Eve covered her face. Hes been going on like this since the moment we found him locked in one of their rooms. We only talked him into coming out by saying wed found you, and that you wanted a word.

I always come when my friends call for me! Hahaha! But like I said, this is a manly matter. I will not back down to a duel. I will force him to submit before my might once more. Word of my victory will flood the Brass Kings and beyondmy legend will grow from here and perhaps will lead to even stronger enemies approaching me! Would that not be glorious!?

I stared at the overly animated man. My day so far left me tired, mentally exhausted, and still haunted by phantom pain. But here Bruno was, practically bouncing up and down with excitement like a puppy. This was a major problem; something was seriously wrong in that thick skull of his. Id try reason, just once more. Bruno, he aint gonna fight ya on fair terms, and if ya lose, hell ruin ya.

There is no need to fear loss. A giant does not consider losing to the ant they crush underfoot. So too, does his killing intent mean next to nothing to me, but there is much to gain by testing my mettle against his. This is a man Ive deemed a worthy opponent! Bruno gave a vigorous nod, ignoring our various expressions of disbelief. I will return to the Sect, and then in a couple of days, I will return victorious! He even completed the statement with an arm pump.

D-dont do this. My healing o-only fixes physical injuries hell target your Soul. Suzaki tugged at his sleeve.

The big guy set a hand on his chest, frowning at us. Youve wounded my heart! I am aware of his intent, and I have heard your cries of concern. But you, out of everyone, doubting my abilities? Suzaki! I cannot lose! They will write poems in their Sect of my magnificent victory against

I forbid this. Theres nothing to gain by interacting with Sects. They only bring pain, Bruno. Kayson winced, and I couldve sworn something was lingering there for a moment.

Youve always told me that we are free to do as we will. You swore that you would never stand in our paths to power, you swore that your only goal was to help us and provide guidance. I see clearly, Kayson; This is my path. I feel it in my chest. Bruno pounded a fist against where his Soul Seed sat. Luca broke through by following his instincts. Mine points here, and I must follow it to get stronger.

Idiot, Eve said while jumping on her motorcycle. If hes going to be stubborn, theres nothing we can do. None of us can force him to come if he doesnt want to.

Kayson gave the big guy a long stare before sighing and walking to his bike. This is dumb, but youre right. I did promise you. Bruno, this is a mistake. But Im not about to force you out of your own choices; my hands are tied. You better win. Luca, I promise Ill figure something else out.

I couldnt believe what I was seeing? Did they just actually give up? What in the fuck?

Suzaki didnt budge. Glaring up at the big guy, but even against his gaze, Bruno stood his ground with crossed arms. This wasnt a game, the motherfucker would get himself busted up enough that even Suzaki worried about patching him up.

Bruno, the fuck do ya think youre doing?

My friend, sometimes we must make difficult decisions in the name of our path. You know my Soul; my heart beats like a war drumit demands conflict, my road is bordered by flame, and I must walk it regardless of the pain it may bring. Were kindred spirits since we both share this fate. Our strength grows by strife.

I fought off the reluctant appreciation of the insane dedication. It hit me differently seeing someone else I cared about throwing risk to the wind and approaching the world the same way I used to. Bruno

I will hear no more! Leave me with your friendship and respect; trust in me, and Ill pay it back.

Brunofuck, just know this man. Ya can make your own fate, the soul in you dont predefine your path, alright? I shook my head. Fuck it. He asked me to let him do this as a friend, and I wouldnt pull him from what he saw as an essential part of his cultivation to help me with the issues Id caused walking mine. I wasnt the person that got to tell him not to be selfish. Kick his fucking face in, alright? Bruno grinned, and I hopped on my bike.

As our bikes kicked to life, I ran a hand through my hair. Worry knit tightly in my chest, both for my situation and Brunos near future. All I could do was try my best and hope to twist things in our favor, and if I managed to live, maybe I could show up and support Brunos fight too.

Suzaki still hadnt moved. When I looked back, his eyes were locked on Brunodriving the man to the point of uncomfort. Bruno kicked at his feet, looking anywhere but at Suzaki.

T-this isnt right, Bruno.

This is how it must be! If Im to grow and become the strongest, I must not shy from facing those stronger!

W-we need you. Thats how you find real strengthlending your p-power to those that need it. Not this. Youre wrong, Bruno, and part of you knows it. Thats why you refuse to meet my eyes. D-do you know why we went this far?

Because I am glorious, and you wished to witness me in all my might before I claim another victory!

N-no stop with that, Suzaki straightened his back, and I felt unease with the unnatural situation. I could not reconcile my image of a weak kid with the fire I saw in Suzaki now; Id caught a glimpse of it before in the lantern districtbut this shocked me. W-we came because we cared, and were worried about you. Now that we know youre safe, we need you and your power to fight. D-dont waste your life on a pointless duel when your friends are relying on you. Theres no g-glory in that.

Its not like that! This is a matter of honor, Suzaki, someone like you wouldnt understand! I cannot back down from an issued challenge!

Y-youre right. I dont understand. Im not like you, and Im not like Luca, I dont throw myself around and get into problems at every chance I can. I-I look after the rest of you, my needs come second. Do you know why? B-because it breaks my heart to see any of you hurt. Im here to keep you all standing because youre my friends.

Bruno worked his jaw, folding his arms over his chest and still staring at his feet. Suzaki got in his face, forcing the big guy to look down at him.

T-Tristan took Lucas brother. W-we need you to get him back. Call it prideful, call it dumb, but hes not g-gonna admit that to you. Im neither of those things. Your help would go a long way. Do you know why Eve left? She stormed off so quickly because she cares and cant stand to watch you hurt yourself, and neither can I. I cant stand by and watch a friend do that. A tear ran down Suzakis face, he began to shake.

Bruno softened; a long held breath escaped him as he deflated. I concede.

W-what? Suzaki asked, desperately trying to wipe away the tear.

I shall accompany you all on your mission. Let us be off. He set a big palm on Suzakis shoulder, giving him a thumbs up and a smile. Because, of course, I am glorious and needed by my friends! What kind of man ignores such a plea!