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This chapter contains sensitive topics such as rape and murder.
Read it at your own discretion.
Chapter 17 – Upside down Saints.
February 1996 - Johnny's room - Saints Row.
- He's retarded," said Jack very seriously.
- No, of course not! Johnny formalised.
Shaking in his basket, Tupac looked at the two faces leaning over him judging him. In terror, he let out a few loud farts.
- He ate his own poop, seriously Johnny, he's a total jerk. I know it's not easy for you to accept, but honestly, look at him, he's a pain.
- Maybe he was hungry!
- He eats all the time! That said, he's still stunted.
- That's because he's a teenager, we're always a little out of shape during a thankless time in our lives.
- No, not me, Jack assured.
- Don't worry, it can still happen.
The two boys continued to look at Tupac with pity. It must be said that the animal was not very brave, with his divergent squint and his tongue that he had difficulty containing in his mouth. Moreover, its permanent tremors made it puny and fragile while giving it a sickly air.
- Well, that's not all, but I have a date with Aisha!
- Do you want me to let you have the room for the night?
- No, don't worry.
- I can go home, you know. I'll understand.
- But no, man, stay. It's too cold and you don't have the money to pay the utilities on your apartment right now. You're not bothering me.
- Are you sure?
- I'm sure.
This suited Jack well, it had to be said. Since his fight with his stepfather, he hadn't had any news from his mother and therefore, no more money coming in. And it was not what he had earned with the Saints that allowed him to repair the damage that had been done to his house. But above all, living with Johnny and Jang-Mi offered him a more settled and secure environment where his friend's mother took care of him as if he were her own son. The situation couldn't last forever, but for now, Jack was happy and comfortable with it. He could never have endured the loneliness that had been eating away at him for so many years.
Much later in the day, the Saints had gathered as usual in the Third Street Church where Julius briefed them on the day's tasks and the state of control of the city. The leader of the Saints was concerned. Benjamin had disappeared completely, leaving no trace, and even though it bothered him to admit it, he missed his friend. He would have liked to have had a last sign from him and why not, a small mark of recognition for having saved his ass...
But Julius was not so naive as to believe that Benjamin would stoop to that.
But he was still worried. Apparently, there were still a few die-hard Vice Kings who wanted to fight to the end. They would not give up, even though there were only a handful of them left.
The brainwashing of Benjamin's youngest and all those who needed a purpose in life had taken its toll, and would only be resolved by violence...
- Are there still many of them? Jack asked, taking the threat seriously.
- No son, but they are desperate. That's why they are dangerous.
- And that doesn't mean they won't swell their ranks," Troy added, blowing smoke from his cigarette. It's often seen that when the leader drops his flag, some members don't accept it and continue on their own, electing a new leader.
- They will inevitably try to attack the Saints. So for the moment, I don't regret any incident, but you must remain vigilant, Julius warned them.
- Should we go after them? Kendrick asked.
- Not yet, not until they attack or we learn that they can be a real threat. A lot of times, the guys will drop the case on their own. I'm telling you again, boys, the city isn't completely conquered yet, so you have to stay vigilant.
- We will," Jack assured.
- Well, I won't bother you any more for today... Shit, what's that smell? Julius asked, plugging his nose.
- I didn't want to say anything, but hell yeah, it's been stinking for a while," AceBone said.
All eyes turned to Johnny, whose smell was emanating. Feeling trapped, he opened his jacket in which Tupac was stashed, still shaking, letting out little farts of stress.
- What is this horror ? Julius was horrified. Is it a bat?
- No, it's my drug-sniffing dog," Johnny defended himself.
- That's a dog? Troy scoffed, looking at the beast.
- Yeah, the best, don't worry.
- Is that a Chihuahua? Those aren't drug-sniffing dogs. They're the dogs of fancy hookers or old whores.
- Come on, you don't know anything! To cover my tracks, I took a small one on purpose. You'll see, he's formidable!
With his tongue hanging out of his mouth and his squinting, poor Tupac still looked sad and the Saints had a hard time not laughing at Johnny, not really knowing if this whole story was serious or not.
- Can you believe that story about the Vice Kings? Johnny asked, lighting a cigarette.
The two boys were walking down the street toward Johnny's house.
- Julius looked like it was serious.
- Yeah, but Jul, he's just tagging along for nothing sometimes. Besides, this is our home. This is our hood, what are we risking?
- I don't know, but he ...
Jack didn't have time to finish his sentence when a bang was heard in the distance, along with the screams of women.
- In fact... Even if the streets are ours, we'll never really be at peace in Stilwater... Jack concluded in disappointment.
- It's probably two bums.
- Yeah, probably. But I don't know, we need to be firmer. Get some order on the streets. You know, getting rid of the gangs is good, but that's not the only problem here by far. There's too much social misery, they should bulldoze the whole damn Saints Row area like they did with Sunnyvale back in the day. There's still crack on every corner, you're never safe from being fucked over by a stoned asshole. I don't know... I don't feel like we've changed anything.
- There's still two other big gangs in the city, it would solve a lot of problems to have them gone.
- Yeah... But Julius should look beyond that.
- What do you mean, beyond that?
- If the cops can't protect us on our own streets, maybe it's up to the Saints to deal with that.
- I don't see how we can do that," Johnny admitted.
- I do. I think that in the long run, we should make our own rules here, and that we Saints should become a kind of militia that would regulate all that. We can't ban drugs, but maybe we can sell them differently. You know, ban it from kids already, or pregnant women. If we have a monopoly on that, we can choose who to sell to.
- Whaaa, I think you're idealizing it a little too much, it's not that simple.
- I didn't say it was. But Julius wants the city but never really explains what he wants to do with it and I think that's a shame. If it's just for showing off, there's no point. We need to use our power to make it bigger and stronger.
- He wants to make the streets safer, he keeps saying that.
- Yeah but how Johnny?
- Well I don't know.
- And that's the problem, he never says how he's going to do it. Shit... I really shouldn't care, but I do care about the people of Saints Row...
- You don't care man, in six months you won't even be here. Is that really your problem then?
- I'm attached to this hood though. I feel like I can make a difference.
As they approached Johnny's house, a group of very ordinary kids called out to them.
- So you two fags are taking your rat out for a date? one of the kids laughed, referring to Tupac, who was following Johnny, shaking.
- Shut the fuck up, you asshole! Johnny told him.
- Forget it, there's only two of us, they're going to beat the shit out of us," Jack said.
- Shit, I'm tired of keeping my mouth shut every time! You're damn right, the Saints should be doing more than that. The truth is, we're not worth much right now.
- That's what I'm saying. Julius doesn't have enough ambition or he's not telling us all his plans.
- I think he doesn't realize that without guys like you to guide him, he'll never do great things. Troy moderates him too much, Dex doesn't have the balls, Lin doesn't give a damn and I don't know anything about it. Really Jack, you could have been the leader of the Saints. You've got so many more ideas than all the brass put together.
This sentence resounded loudly inside the teenager. Leading a street gang... It was never in his ambitions, but the idea of Johnny suddenly came to him and for a moment he saw himself perfectly.
Jack Saint, leader of the Third Street Saints.
- Thank you Johnny, I appreciate what you're saying. But my destiny is calling me elsewhere.
- I know, brother. And you deserve it. Besides, do you feel ready for it? I see you poring over your books every day to the point where you don't even sleep.
- I never slept much, you know.
- Yeah, well, I go to bed, you study, I get up, you study some more.
- Yeah, that's true," Jack admitted, laughing. But in three days, I have my exam. I can't screw up, you can imagine the pressure I'm under. It's going to change my life, it's pretty crazy.
- Yeah, well... You're lucky in a way. I envy you. I wish I was smarter to have this kind of destiny and to be able to get my mom away from all this shit.
- Johnny. If I make it out of this, I promise you and your mom will enjoy it.
- That's cool man, but don't worry, I know how things work. You say stuff, and then eventually, you kind of forget about it. I wouldn't even blame you.
- Don't say that, now you're offending me!
- You'll really think about your old buddy Johnny, stuck for eternity in this rotten ghetto while you go to the planet Venus?
- With its 450 degrees and sulfuric acid rain, Venus still seems more hostile than Stilwater.
- Oh yeah, it's not great...
- But anyway, yeah, even on Venus or elsewhere, I'll never forget that you were there for me.
- Damn Bro, you're gonna make me cry. Life won't be the same without you.
Jack smiled at his friend. He didn't think less of it, but he knew the sacrifice was necessary. He wasn't sure if the friendship could withstand such a distance and such a different life, but whatever happened, Jack promised himself and his friend that he would never forget.
D-Day came all too quickly and it was with some trepidation that Jack got up that morning. He couldn't miss it. He couldn't, he had worked too hard. And then the idea of going to Harvard made him anxious for all reasons and none in particular.
- Everything is going to be fine, Adeunim," Jang-Mi told him gently, helping him to fasten the knot in his tie.
- I'm going through every possible emotion right now... Shit, what if the level is too high?
- You'll do your best and everything will be fine.
- What am I going to do if I screw up?
Jang-Mi put her hands on Jack's shoulders maternally before gently stroking his face.
- Then you'll come back here and try again later. Or maybe you'll do something else at another equally prestigious university. Nothing is set in stone in life, my boy. You're brilliant, you'll do great things with your life, and as much as you need, this is your home.
Jack felt overwhelmed and almost at peace, and for the first time he allowed himself to go into the arms of this surrogate mother.
- Thank you.
- Ji-Hoon told me you were going to the church before you left?
- Yes, Julius asked me to stop by. He offered to drive me to Sunnyvale and my Director will take me to Detroit where I will get a plane to Cambridge.
- How lucky you are, you're going to fly! Is this your first time?
- No, I came to America by plane. But that was a long time ago, I don't really remember... I can't believe that the exam only starts this afternoon and continues tomorrow and the day after. It's stressing me out!
- It's normal, but you'll do your best and everything will be fine, ok?
- Yeah... It has to be.
A little reassured, Jack took his bag for his few days in Cambridge. He had quite a few hours of driving before he got there, but he felt really stressed, like everyone was counting on him. Jack was sure that this was finally his moment to shine and that he couldn't screw it up.
He had worked too hard for this.
He was going to make it.
It was still dark when Jack, along with Johnny and Tupac, headed for the church, each as excited as the other.
- Luckily, you're going to spend three days in Cambridge," Johnny said jealously.
- Yeah, three days where I'm going to shit my pants!
- But stop it, it's the university of the elite. You're going to meet so many hot students there. I hear they're hot in Massachusetts.
- You just made that up.
- Yeah," Johnny admitted with a laugh. But you're going to live on the college campus there. You're bound to be hooking up with chicks with lots of money!
- It seems to me that your girl is not bad for money either.
- Yeah, right," said Johnny, not a little proud. Are you going to join a fraternity there?
- Probably, I don't know yet. To get laid, that's pretty good I guess. We'll put you in touch with the sororities.
- You're gonna be a rich man one day.
- I'm counting on that.
- I would have liked to go to college though.
- Well, what's stopping you?
- I'm so stupid, I didn't even go to high school. Besides, it's too expensive, how can I afford it?
- Yeah, that's a lot of obstacles. Don't worry, I'll share my sex diary with you where I'll detail my exploits with every little student I get.
- You fucking better!
As they joked and pushed each other like two kids, Jack and Johnny were not worried about having two cars following them a little too closely... It wasn't until one of them cut them off that they realized they had run into a problem.
- Shit... Jack realized.
A black man of about twenty-five got out of the car and stared at them. As Johnny made a sudden move, the man immediately drew his gun and pointed it at the two boys.
- Whoa... Let's calm down... Johnny paused, holding up his arms.
- I have some money," said Jack, taking the lead in an attempt to appease him.
- Are you Saints? the man asked.
Jack and Johnny looked at each other. There was nothing to betray their affiliation. Jack wore his gray high school uniform and Johnny wore his usual faded jeans with a big purple down jacket. He might as well have been a private citizen.
- No," said Jack, sensing that it would be a problem if he told the truth.
Another man got out of the car and the two boys recognized him immediately.
- Danny? Jack said in awe.
- Are they Saints? Asked the man again to his sidekick.
- Yeah, he's one of Julius' lieutenants and the other one is his handyman," Danny explained.
- Damn it, Danny! Jack exploded. What the hell are you doing to us?
- I'm sorry, man. But the Kings are my family. I'm in it for better or for worse.
- Julius will hunt you down and kill you for this betrayal," Johnny said calmly.
- But he still has to catch me. Sorry guys, it's not personal.
- Which one of you was involved in the drive-by that led my brother into the cop's ambush? the man asked.
Danny-Boy pointed at Jack, who frowned. There was no way he and Johnny could have escaped, since a dozen Kings were now surrounding them.
- I lost my brother because of you. He got shot by the cops while you were walking that coward Benjamin King.
Jack didn't answer, no matter what he said, he couldn't give a good answer.
The King came up to him and punched him directly in the stomach, knocking him in half. The other Kings ordered Johnny to stay put.
- Not so proud when you're one on one, are you?
- What are you talking about? I was alone with Benjamin against all your guys. I don't take on people unfairly.
This did not please the young King who threw Jack to the ground before beating him, imitated by his acolytes.
- That's enough, guys! We beat you to the fair! intervened Johnny.
- We're still standing," said a King.
- No, you are finished, you do not have any more leader, it is finished for you. Moreover, you're in our territory!
- Oh yeah, and where are your friends?
It's true that in the still dark streets of Stilwater, there wasn't a cat and the church was too far away for the Saints to be alerted.
- Come on, let's take them both in too," the leader decreed, waving to his colleagues.
The Kings picked Jack up from the ground, his mouth bleeding, and Johnny refused to submit.
- Come on Tupac! ATTACK! he ordered his dog.
But the brave Tupac remained motionless, only shaking, which caused the Kings to laugh.
- What's wrong with your rat?
- Come on Tupac! Johnny shouted.
In a burst of bravery, Tupac started to bite his master, without understanding anything.
- But no, he is stupid," said Johnny under the laughter of the Kings.
Frightened, the little dog ended up running away while his master and his friend were put by force in the trunk of one of the cars that started towards an unknown destination.
- Jack? Jack, are you okay? Johnny asked, shaking his friend.
- My head...
- This is fucking bullshit... Where are we going?
- I don't know. Damn it... We have to get out of here. Can you feel anything on your side to help us?
Johnny groped around in the dark, looking for something that might help them.
- I can't find anything," he panicked.
- Shit, I can't find anything on my side either.
- How do we get out of here?
- I don't know, I never asked myself that question... Jack admitted. Maybe by smashing the trunk and banging on it...
The two boys positioned themselves on their backs, and using their legs, tried to push and bang on the top of the trunk. Apart from making noise, they didn't get much of a result.
- They're going to kill us Johnny, damn it, we've got to find a way," Jack worried when he saw that nothing was going according to plan.
No matter how hard they tried, Jack and Johnny couldn't free themselves and the car stopped. The doors slammed shut and several voices were heard. They had probably reached their destination. Jack and Johnny agreed to jump at their opponents' throats as soon as the trunk opened, but they were stopped in their tracks immediately when the Kings greeted them with handguns. Forced to do so, the two Saints followed their tormentors into what appeared to be a basement parking lot. It was dark and damp and probably no more than a few degrees.
Johnny and Jack were thrown into a room where they were surprised to find other Saints.
- Skylar, Diego, Eazy-E, Jayceon, Calvin, Fetty, Future?! Johnny said as he recognized his own people.
- Johnny? Playa? Have you come to free us? Diego asked hopefully.
- Not really, guys... We were picked up in the street...
Painfully, Jack went to sit between Diego and Future, who shifted to give him a seat.
- Aren't you at Harvard? asked Skylar.
- I seem to have missed my plane," answered Jack, who still didn't quite realize it.
- Are you hurt?
- No, my ribs just hurt. Those cowardly sons of bitches beat me up. But it's okay, don't worry. Do you know what they want from us?
- Yeah... To beat up some Saints. They want revenge," Fetty explained.
- Have you tried negotiating?
- They don't want to know. We're stuck here... Did Jul or any of the guys see you?
- No... We were too far from the church and there was no one on the streets.
- That sucks... Diego worried.
Not reassured, the boys huddled together to keep warm until they could find a solution. They thought about it, but the place didn't give them a chance. There was nothing to defend themselves with, no window to consider escaping through, and the door was metal. Without a gun, they were no match, that was obvious. The hours passed and the cold made the Saints shiver with terror as much as with the temperature. Their only hope was that Julius had been alerted. But by whom... ?
- I'm cold... Skylar whimpered, freezing.
- Fuck, so am I, man," Eazy-E snorted in response.
- Shit, guys, we've been here for hours. It's okay now, I say we go kick down the door and then their faces, Calvin heated up.
- And how do we do that, smart-ass? They have guns, not us," Johnny retorted.
- We're nine! Are you going to tell me that nine people can't handle them?
- Even if there was only one with a gun, it's not very balanced.
- Look guys, this is shit and I don't want to die here like a dog. So yeah, we might not all survive, but if we don't do something, we're all gonna die!
- Calvin, calm down, we're not taking the risk of getting killed unnecessarily, Jack said.
- None of you have any balls, it's fucking amazing!
In this group of Saints, no one was older than twenty years old and indeed, they were boys who were cold and frightened and totally lost.
Calvin got an adrenaline rush and tried to kick the door. He yelled every obscenity he knew and banged on it like crazy before a King opened the door, threatening him with a gun.
- Go sit down you son of a bitch, he pointed at him.
- Let me out of here.
Calvin was mad with rage and with some courage he charged at the King and threw him off balance. Totally doped up by fear, he smashed the King and managed to take his gun.
- Guys, let's get out of here! He said still shaking.
The Saints couldn't believe it and got up totally stunned. But as soon as they stood up, a shot rang out and Calvin fell to the ground, splattering most of his colleagues with his blood. Several Kings entered the room and Calvin's body was found with two more bullets in his torso.
- Sit down, put your hands on your head," a King yelled as he pointed at the Saints.
- Calvin, what the hell? Skylar said, his eyes filling with tears.
On the ground, Calvin didn't move.
- You killed him... Jack realized.
- Sit still, faggots. Keep the fuck still.
The Kings were probably the same age as the Saints, and they too trembled as they forced their enemies to obey. The Saints were terrified and many of them had tears in their eyes.
- Calvin..." Future said, distraught.
- You killed our friend... Said Diego.
- You did kill our people. My brother was in King's loft when you raided, and he was killed," said King. He was sixteen years old, damn it!
- If you Saints hadn't started acting up, we wouldn't be in this mess," added another.
- Your reign was too long," Johnny replied. We got leniency for the survivors, you just had to get out of here.
- There's no mercy, only revenge.
Jack looked up at Danny-Boy who was carefully avoiding his gaze.
- What about you, Danny? I offered you a chance to ride for the Saints, how could you betray us like that?
- I'm a Vice King. I really think you're a good guy Jack, but family first. We're brothers and I can't betray them.
- Fuck you Playa, you got a King into the Saints! Are you completely stupid or what? said Eazy-E.
- Why shouldn't we have the right to a second chance... ?
- Because you see where it leads us! Bangers only have one family, if they turn their backs, that makes them unreliable guys!
The King, who was acting as a leader, entered the room, obviously very upset to see the pseudo rebellion of the Saints. He didn't even pay attention to Calvin's still warm body on the floor.
- What's going on here? he shouted.
- It's the Saints, they're not being quiet.
- Oh yeah? Well, let's train them then, huh, the little whores? You don't get so smart when you don't have the cops on your ass, do you? So, Third Street assholes, who's the ranking officer among you?
- That's me," Johnny bravely pointed to himself.
- Okay, come here.
The leader motioned for his colleagues to lift Johnny up and bring him over.
- What's your name?
- Fuck you.
- His name is Johnny Gat," said Danny.
- Johnny, huh? I'm NVK, the new king of the Kings. Today is your lucky day. I'll let you choose one of your homies.
- What for?
- Ah, that's a surprise.
On his knees and with his hands behind his head, Johnny looked at his friends.
Skylar, barely 17 years old who was shaking and trying to hold back tears, Eazy-E, unflappable but still a bit of a handful, Jayceon, the always calm guy who now looked like a beaten dog, Fetty, the quiet guy who had only joined the Saints because his brother was there too, Future, the cool guy everyone liked, Diego, the car expert who was always nice and ready to share his plans, and Jack, his best friend, almost his brother. The seven Saints were silent, knowing full well that a word or a gesture would be enough for NVK to sign their death warrant.
- You pick one, hurry up," NVK told him again.
- Not like that, no.
- You choose, or I'll kill one until you choose.
- You can't ask me to do that, I volunteer.
- Nah, nah, it doesn't work like that. Hurry up.
- Don't say anything Johnny! Skylar said between sobs.
Johnny was very uncomfortable, surrounded by all those armed Vice Kings between his friends on the ground and Calvin's still warm corpse. He couldn't condemn one of his friends to death.
- Fine, we'll choose for you," laughed NVK.
- Don't do that, guys...
Johnny was forced to his knees and NVK motioned for Skylar to be brought to him. The young boy was crying and shaking until a gun was placed in his hands.
- Well, what's your name?
- Sky... Skylar...
- Don't cry, you faggot, I'll give you a game! Russian roulette, do you know it?
Skylar felt his legs collapse and the Kings forced him to his feet.
- One in six! That's still an 80% chance of survival.
- 83.33%, actually," said Jack, not sure why.
- But are you in a hurry? Your turn will come, don't worry. Come on, Skylar, do the honors.
The revolver in the hands, Skylar burst into tears. He wasn't a bad guy and he stayed relatively far from any violence in the gang. He had joined the Saints because the fight Julius described seemed right to him. He just wanted peace one day...
He shook like a leaf and put the gun to his head.
- Please... he begged.
- Hurry up, or I'll tell my guys to shoot.
He had no choice. But even if it meant dying for nothing, Skylar suddenly pulled the gun from his head and aimed at NVK, shooting him. He was unsuccessful, but by the time he pulled the trigger again, the Kings had already overpowered him.
- Oh yeah, you want to play it that way... You won't go unpunished, you faggot. Come on, next! exclaimed NVK.
Eazy-E was next and the click that sounded near his ears reached him like a melody. He was safe. Diego, Jay, Fetty and Future managed to escape too.
- Come on, last player.
Jack stood up and NVK spun the barrel of the gun before handing it to him.
- Ah, the drive-by driver, huh? I have a personal dispute with you, so I'm going to change the game a bit. I hope you don't mind.
NVK placed a second bullet in the barrel before spinning it again.
- So, how many chances of survival do you have?
- 66,67... Jack replied, taking the gun.
- You still have a chance then.
The young Saint took the gun and put it to his head, trying not to shake too much. He glanced at Johnny who looked panicked. Jack took a deep breath and thought that at this hour he would probably be taking his Harvard oral exams if only things hadn't gotten so out of hand.
What a mess.
What a fucking mess.
Jack closed his eyes and pulled the trigger.
After an unbearable silence, he opened his eyes again, alive and well.
- Damn, you guys are lucky! So let's go for round 2, with two bullets this time. Come on Skylar, it's your turn again!
Jack was pushed to the ground and Skylar still in tears was lifted up. He put the gun to his head for the second time and fired.
Another round won.
- Go next!
Eazy-E got up and grabbed the gun. But like Skylar before him, in a fit of rage and desperation, he tried to shoot the Kings, who quickly overpowered him.
- We don't play fair, Saints! laughed NVK. Come on, next!
Diego stood up and walked in slow motion toward the weapon.
- Please... My father and older brother are in jail and my mother is alone with my little brother... They need me.
- So, play nice, man," NVK quipped.
Diego sighed and picked up the gun. He prayed in Spanish and fired it without the bullet leaving the barrel. Relieved, he handed the gun back to NVK.
- Next!
It was Jayceon's turn, and with tears in his eyes he took the gun and put it to his head. He too made a quick prayer and pulled the trigger. The shot blew his brains out and splattered everyone around.
- Ah, finally a winner! I couldn't believe it!
- Jay! cried Skylar, in tears.
- You guys are fucking nuts! Said Jack, just as upset.
- Well, we'll play again tomorrow, Saints! In the meantime, it seems to me that there are two of you who tried to fuck us.
Skylar and Eazy-E were taken aside.
- And I don't get fucked, understand? So you're going to be my little whores.
Under the hallucinated eyes of the Kings and Saints, NVK pulled down his pants and took out his sex.
- Come on, suck me, you fuckers.
- It's not going to work on your head, you freak! cried Eazy-E.
- If you don't suck me, I'll do a lot worse to you, believe me.
- You fucking faggot!
Skylar burst into tears. He was terrified and hearing that he would be done even worse plunged him into deep despair. So without thinking, he performed oral sex on NVK, who enjoyed it.
- There you go, a beautiful slut. Keep going baby, you look like you've been doing it all your life.
The Saints remained silent for fear of suffering the same fate but all were deeply shocked. Skylar did what he could, almost choking on his snot and tears.
- Take a good look at your buddy, you fuckers. Look up or I'll smoke you! NVK ordered, pointing at the Saints.
Without a word, they all watched in rage and disgust as their friend was sexually abused before their eyes. They could hardly believe it and yet, this was only the beginning.
- But you seem to love it, you faggot. But wait, you have to leave some for your buddy too.
- I won't suck you, I'd rather die than be your whore," said Eazy-E, standing straight.
- Blow me or I'll kill all your friends.
- You're gonna kill us all anyway. Sorry guys, but this guy has no words.
None of the Saints found fault, in his situation, they had no idea what they would have done...
- Okay, okay fine. Guys," called NVK.
Three Kings advanced toward their leader.
- Hold him tight and you Third Shit Saints, you watch.
Under the screams of Eazy-E and the look of hatred and tears of his homies, he was raped in front of everyone by NVK who took sadistic pleasure in humiliating him.
The calm returned in the cold room where the Saints were locked up and nobody dared to say a word. The sound of silence was interrupted only by the sniffles of some boys and the chattering of the teeth of others. Huddled together, they were freezing to death and couldn't sleep. Just a couple of feet away, the bodies of Calvin and Jayceon lay on the ground, blood drying all around them. Diego began to sneeze.
- Bless you... Future said.
- Thank you.
- We're going to freeze to death...
- We're going to die anyway," said Fetty.
- We're not going to let this happen, you guys can't just give up," Johnny tried to motivate them.
- We're not going to let this happen? Eazy-E repeated with tears in her eyes. You guys didn't do much before.
- Man... I'm sorry but...
- Just shut up Johnny! Just shut up! You're not gonna do anything, because you're all fucking cowards!
- We'd all be killed.
- Big deal, I'll never forgive you.
- We didn't do anything to you, Eazy-E," Jack reminded her.
- No, you didn't do anything.
- What's going to happen to us... ? Skylar worried.
- Julius is bound to be worried about us," Johnny tried.
- Julius doesn't care about us," Eazy-E said calmly. We're just cannon fodder for him. If we die tomorrow, he'll just pick up more of us off the street and replace us. Look at the way Benjamin King ran off with his boys, do you really think for a moment that Julius gives a shit about us? Did you see yourself? Johnny, you're a loser, you'll end up in jail sooner or later. Skylar, you were a victim, you'll always be a victim, you were hired because you don't talk too much, so you're perfect for suicide missions. Fetty, you just followed your brother, that was two for one. Diego, you're a fucking delinquent, you'll end up in jail like your whole fucking family. Future, you're a nice guy, but you're too stupid to see that you're being manipulated. And you Playa, you're just a neurotic attention seeker, you'll end up in a mental institution. We're all fucking failures, that's why Julius recruited us, don't kid yourself. It's never the elite that end up in a street gang.
- You're talking shit Eazy-E," Johnny replied, gritting his teeth.
- No, and you know it. Nobody gives a shit about us... Nobody, we're no better than dogs...
Eazy-E was the kind of solid, upright guy who would normally impress, but in the back of that frozen room, he was totally broken and seemed desperate, to the point that he transmitted his anxiety to his homies. Those words resonated with them. He was not wrong, they were all well aware of it...
- The sickening taaaste... Homophobic jokes... Images of fascist votes... Skylar sang, softly, his voice almost cracking.
- Beam me up, cause I can't breathe... Jack added, slowly almost freezing.
- Spaaaacemaaan... I always wanted you to goooo... Into space, man...
The dreams of Harvard and NASA suddenly seemed far away to Jack...
The cold night, the boredom, the fear and the hunger obsessed the boys. They had few bearings since there were no lights or anything to tell them how long they were there.
- I'm so cold... Skylar complained, freezing.
- I know, Sky. Me too," Jack said, clutching him.
- If I don't make it... You won't tell my sister what really happened, will you? Swear to me...
- We'll get through this.
- And how, Smart-ass? sighed Eazy-E.
Jack stood up, gently pushing his fellow students to his side, and walked over to the bodies of Jay and Calvin.
- What are you doing? Johnny asked.
- We're cold, they have jackets on.
- But... Don't take their stuff! We can't do that! Fetty shouted.
But Jack was already undressing Calvin to take his jacket and sweater, still stained with blood.
- They're dead. We're not. I don't want to join them.
Although embarrassed, the Saints let their friend do it, and he took care of this thankless task alone. It was not much, but this new layer of clothing made them gain a few degrees, for lack of a solution...
The hours passed and the stomachs grew deeper and deeper. No one had any idea what time it was when the Kings reappeared with a huge stainless steel dog bowl that they put on the ground.
- Are you assholes hungry? NVK asked sadistically.
Skylar and Fetty were the first to jump on the bowl before NVK pushed it back with his foot.
- Oh no, no, no. If you want to eat, it's going to be like the dogs, without your fucking hands.
No closer to humiliation, Skylar complied while the others hesitated. Finally, Future capitulated, too torn by hunger.
- Our mutts are beautiful," laughed NVK. Aren't you guys hungry?
They were hungry, but not yet hungry enough to accept such a humiliation, and they remained unmoved by this distressing spectacle.
- Well, let's play a little game like yesterday! exclaimed NVK. But first, I want to empty my balls a little. Who wants to join in?
Skylar and Eazy-E trembled, still traumatized from the day before, and the others prayed inwardly not to be chosen.
- So, so... Said NVK as he passed the shriveled Saints. Come on, not a black man, today it's going to be between you whites.
So there was only Diego, Skylar, Johnny and Jack left.
- Where do you come from? asked NVK to Diego.
- Puerto Rican...
- And you? he added, pointing to Johnny.
- Korean.
- All fucking bastards. Where are you from?
- From here...I'm Dutch but I was born in America," Skylar answered shakily.
- And you?
- I'm American, I'm from here," Jack lied - a little.
- The worst kind of Americans from Michigan. Potential racists.
- Yeah, the fucking racist that I am is being held with his best buddies of all colors and backgrounds. Don't come up with your bullshit theories because you have a complex about it.
Jack's argument destabilized NVK for a moment, and he found himself quite stupid.
- So you're not a racist? So you don't give a shit about banging a black guy, right?
NVK's new victim was designated, and he signaled to his men to bring Jack to him. He struggled but once a gun was pressed against his skull, he complied. They put him on his knees in front of NVK, who was already enjoying the humiliation.
- I leave you the choice, you suck me or I fuck you.
- He's a kid... Let it go, man. Danny tried to intervene.
- Shut up, you. What's wrong with you? Are you his bitch?
- No, I'm just saying he's too young for that.
- I'm sure he's been fucked before. Look at his face, you can tell he's gay. So Saint, what's it going to be?
- There's no way I'm going to blow you," Jack decided, without much conviction.
- So turn around, you faggot, and drop your pants.
Jack pursed his lips and with a serious look, turned around and slowly opened the buttons of his pants.
- Jack... Johnny blushed. Damn it guys, you can't do that!
- You want to take his place? offered NVK.
- Don't worry Johnny. Jack reassured him. I already know that it's better to take one in the ass than to take a bullet in the head. At least you don't die from it.
- Well, the faggot isn't disturbed. He must have taken a few then," laughed NVK, sobering up.
- The only faggot here is you. Who is it that forces the others to suffer his poor cock against their will? Only you and your repressed urges. You can fuck us as many times as you want under duress, only you will look like a fucking homo who doesn't take responsibility.
Needless to say, everyone in the room quietly approved, including NVK's colleagues who didn't quite understand why he would do such disturbing things to his enemies.
Mad with rage, NVK slapped Jack in the face, causing his nose to bleed.
- TURN AROUND," shouted the King.
Jack obeyed and pulled down his pants and shorts before leaning against the wall to avoid the gaze of his homies. He felt NVK's hand holding his neck and accepted his fate by clearing his head.
It was only a bad moment to pass, it was necessary just that he separates his spirit from his body. He knew he could do it, his body could be broken, he just had to keep his mind intact. Jack gritted his teeth as he waited for the inevitable, NVK dropping his pants right behind him.
Gunshots disrupted the King's plan and he looked to his allies for an explanation, the shots seeming very close.
- What the hell is going on now? he asked.
- I don't know," answered a King.
- Well, go and see, you fucking idiot!
Without flinching, the King went out to glean some information and the perverse ravings of NVK did not tell him much any more. He pulled up his pants and waited for the news.
- Put your clothes back on, you filthy faggot, he ordered Jack who happily complied before being pushed towards his comrades.
- NVK! Says a breathless King while returning in the room. These are the Saints who are attacking us!
- No... ?
- Yes! They are at least thirty!
At the mention of the name of their gang, the boys immediately regained hope.
- Don't move! NVK shouted, calming the Saints' enthusiasm by threatening them with a gun.
- What do we do? Danny panicked.
- We're going to get the hell out of here.
- And what about the Saints we have?
- They'll make a good bargaining chip if we get into trouble. Bring me some yellow jackets, hurry up !
- What for ?
- Hurry up I said !
Panicked, Danny did not try to understand and obeyed his boss. He came back with several yellow jackets that the Saints were obliged to wear, to create confusion with their gang who would probably not recognize them under this color.
- We've already used this technique, it won't last long," said Johnny.
- Shut up, and get in the trunk. You four! Get in there," ordered NVK, threatening Diego, Skylar, Jack and Johnny.
Since they had no choice, the boys squeezed into the trunk and heard only muffled voices ordering Fetty, Future and Eazy-E to get into the trunk of another car. The cars sped off and as they were tossed around in the trunk, the Saints soon realized that the Vice Kings were trying to escape.
They didn't know where they were headed, but they couldn't escape, the Kings probably wouldn't give them a second chance...
- Diego, do you know how to get out of this crate? Jack asked.
- I've got an idea, but we'll have to push you a little.
As best they could, the boys tried to squeeze together while Diego looked for a tool of some kind and lifted the floor of the box. He triumphantly pulled out a car jack and soon installed it against the opening.
- Oh well done, I hadn't thought of that at all! Johnny said hopefully.
- It's hot, guys, if I can break through the trunk, we won't be able to jump in, we'll get killed at speed.
- But we'll get killed anyway! Panicked Skylar, who was already hyperventilating.
- Don't do it Diego," said Jack. It's too dangerous right now.
The four Saints were feverish and felt their hearts pounding in their chests. The Kings' car began to zigzag, sending the boys in all directions. They heard gunfire, but never imagined that some of the bullets went through the body of the car. Diego was shot in the arm and screamed.
- The Saints are shooting at us, they don't know we're locked up... Jack realized.
- We have to get out of here, they're going to kill us without meaning to... Johnny repeated.
- Damn it... We're gonna get torn apart if we open the safe now.
- You have a better idea?
- No, I don't have a better idea!
- Then let's do it.
Johnny grabbed the car jack, covered in Diego's blood, and placed it in such a way that he could break the trunk, and to his surprise, he succeeded without much trouble. It was dark outside, and the headlights of the car which pursued them dazzled him, he believed however, to recognize a purple body and made him sign. Alas, the Saints behind them saw only four men dressed in yellow - admittedly in a trunk - but considered them enemies by default and fired at them. Disappointed, Johnny reflexively closed the chest to protect himself from the impact of the bullets but was shaken.
- What the hell are they doing... ?
- It's dark, they didn't recognize us! Jack worried.
- Damn, it's those shitty yellow jackets! Take them off!
Skylar and Jack helped Diego get rid of his jacket, gently slipping his arm over it while he was still writhing in pain. Johnny was still quietly watching through the hood opening for cars chasing them and how he could warn them of their presence. Suddenly, the blast of an explosion rocked their car.
- What's going on? Skylar worried.
- They blew up the car next door," Johnny said calmly.
- The car with Fetty, Future and Eazy-E?! Jack realized.
- Holly shit... I think so...
- They're going to kill us! They're going to kill us! Skylar repeated in panic.
In a desperate attempt, Skylar opened the hood to jump out while the car was still going too fast.
- Stop Sky! Johnny stopped him.
- Get off me, I don't want to die without trying!
Skylar and Johnny grabbed each other and Jack tried to get out of the way before the car swerved and he lost his balance. The young Saint fell with his arms outstretched and hit the ground hard. He managed to avoid being hit by the cars behind him by rolling on the ground to get out of the way, but Johnny wasn't sure if he was completely unharmed.
- Shit! JACK! He's fucking dead too! Skylar panicked.
- This is your fault," Johnny blamed him.
- My fault?! You should have let me do it and ...
The bullet that hit the tire cut short the argument between the boys who, like their friend, were thrown heavily to the ground. The car ended up in a tree and it was only then that Johnny realized they were in a forest. The purple car pulled up next to them, and several armed Saints got out. One of them shot Diego without warning as he ran towards his gang, convinced that he was out of trouble, and fell to the ground under the horrified look of his two friends.
- Shit, guys! What the hell are you doing? shouted Johnny.
- Shut up, Kings! Or we'll smoke you! shouted Kendrick who didn't recognize his friends in the darkness.
- But that's us! shouted Skylar.
- Johnny... ? Believed to recognize him as a Saint. Wait a minute guys! I think it's Johnny! I recognize his tattoo.
- Don't shoot! Johnny confirmed. I'm with Diego and Skylar.
- Shit, but you guys are dressed in yellow! defended another.
- Don't shoot... Skylar repeated in tears.
Illuminated by the headlights of the cars, Julius appeared almost like a deity and the captive Saints felt relieved.
- Oh my boys," Julius said and approached them.
Immediately Skylar and Johnny threw themselves into his arms. The nightmare was over for them. But probably not for the other five, especially Diego, who was unconscious on the ground.
- Quick, we have to take him to the hospital urgently. Kendrick, you take care of it, Julius ordered.
- I'll do it.
With the help of other Saints, they managed to carry Diego who was still losing a lot of blood.
- Jul, we need to help Jack, Fetty, Future and Eazy-E," Johnny said under his breath.
- We haven't located them yet. But we'll look for them, don't worry.
- The car...
- What?
- The car you blew up. They were in it!
Julius turned in horror to his men, who looked just as upset, and quickly the Saints turned back, not really believing in a happy outcome for their companions. The light of the fire that was burning the wreckage indicated the position of the Saints who did not take long to find their way back. In front of the blaze were two young men on the ground, dressed in yellow. One was holding the other - presumably unconscious - in his arms, and looked downcast.
- Stop," Julius ordered his men. Hey you! Who are you?
The seated man turned back to the group of Saints and Julius immediately recognized the fleur-de-lis on his protégé's neck. Jack was holding Eazy-E, whom he gently placed on the ground before standing up to face his people. However, it seemed to Jul that the young man had the face flooded of tears and noticed at once that his arm had indeed tripled in volume.
- Jul...
- Jack, are you hurt boy?
He didn't answer and burst into tears, and Jul ran to him to hold him close.
- It's okay, son, the nightmare's over.
- Fetty... And Future, they... they...
Jack couldn't speak a word and buried his face in Julius' jacket. Julius looked up at the wreckage of the car and saw with horror that two bodies were burning in the trunk.
Fetty and Future, both nineteen years old, had been burned.